What standard is Castrol SP?
4 Answers
Castrol SP is the SP standard. The API (American Petroleum Institute) specifies that oils starting with 'S' represent gasoline engine oils. The grades of gasoline engine oils, from low to high, are: SF, SG, SJ, SL, SM, SN. Grade classification: Engine oils range from 'SA' to 'SN'. With each increasing letter, the performance of the oil improves over the previous one, containing more additives to protect the engine. The further back the letter, the higher the quality grade. Most international brands have oil grades above SF. Gasoline classification: Automotive engine oils are specifically classified into 4 types for summer, 6 types for winter, and 16 types for all-season use.
I've been driving for 15 years and always used Castrol motor oil. This upgrade to the SP standard impressed me deeply. SP is the latest gasoline engine oil specification by API (American Petroleum Institute), designed for modern vehicles with turbocharging or direct injection technology. It effectively reduces low-speed pre-ignition issues—my SUV used to occasionally shake before, but now runs much smoother after switching to SP oil. Compared to the older SN standard, SP also enhances chain protection and reduces wear. I've noticed significantly less engine noise and slightly improved fuel efficiency after using it. I recommend looking for the SP icon when choosing motor oil—it extends engine life, especially recommended for newer car models. During maintenance, always check the oil product label—don't skimp on this investment.
I'm a car enthusiast and often do maintenance myself. Castrol SP is actually an oil standard issued by API, specifically designed for gasoline engines. SP represents its improved protection against low-speed pre-ignition, which is crucial for many vehicles with GDI technology. Compared to SN, SP enhances anti-wear and cleaning capabilities, reducing sludge and carbon deposits. After switching to SP oil in my own car, the acceleration became smoother. When choosing, you need to look for API certification - SP is suitable for most cars manufactured after 2020. Personally, I don't think it's necessary to use older specifications, as SP has better compatibility and can also extend the oil change interval. Many friends in maintenance forums recommend it.
I've been using Castrol engine oil for many years, and the current SP standard is quite practical. SP is the top-tier specification for API gasoline engine oils, offering better protection for engine components, such as reducing chain wear and controlling deposits. After switching to SP oil for my old sedan, it starts faster with no strange noises. It's recommended to choose oil according to the manual requirements, as SP optimizes emission system protection.
