Which is better, SN or SL engine oil?
2 Answers
In terms of performance, SN-grade engine oil is better. Here is a detailed introduction to SN and SL engine oils: 1. Differences: SN-grade engine oil mainly improves in terms of high-temperature detergency. In comparison, SL-grade engine oil does not have very high high-temperature detergency, and the SL grade does not have strict requirements on phosphorus content, only requiring it to be no more than 0.1%. Turbocharged engines have very high requirements for engine oil, so SN-grade engine oil is very suitable. 2. Cost-effectiveness: Currently, SN is the highest grade of engine oil. If performance is the priority, SN-grade engine oil has the best quality. However, in terms of price, the higher the grade, the more expensive the engine oil will be. SN is definitely more expensive than SL. If budget is not a concern, car owners can choose to use SN engine oil.
As someone who drives frequently, I have a good understanding of engine oil. Both SL and SN are oil specifications, with SN being the newer and better standard—just like upgrading a phone, it offers more protection. I used SL before and felt the engine was noisier, but after switching to SN, the car runs smoother and fuel consumption has slightly decreased. Nowadays, most new cars recommend SN oil because it helps prevent engine carbon buildup and extends engine life. If you care about your car's long-term performance, I suggest going straight for SN—it's worth the extra cost. For regular maintenance, I always check the oil grade to ensure optimal performance and safe driving.
