Which is better, SP or SN engine oil?
2 Answers
SP engine oil is slightly better than SN. The SP grade is a newly introduced classification, and there are not many SP-certified engine oils available yet. Currently, SN engine oil still dominates most of the market. The API quality classification divides engine oils into the S series and C series. The S series is specifically for gasoline vehicles, while the C series is for diesel vehicles. When labeled with both S and C, it indicates that the oil is suitable for both gasoline and diesel vehicles. There are currently 13 types in the S series: SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM, SN, and SP. According to the alphabetical order, each subsequent letter represents an oil that is superior to the one before it. In other words, the further the letter is in the alphabet, the better the performance and other aspects of the engine oil.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I often encounter the issue of engine oil selection. The SP is a newly introduced API standard, which was launched in 2020 and is more advanced than SN, primarily because it contains special additives that effectively reduce engine wear, especially addressing issues like low-speed pre-ignition. If you drive a turbocharged car or frequently go on long trips, SP oil can provide stronger protection, such as preventing carbon buildup and reducing the risk of knocking. SN isn't bad either—it's the older standard, suitable for older or economy vehicles, and offers decent protection. But in my experience, SP is generally better because of its high compatibility; it works well even in older cars and can extend engine life while reducing maintenance. The key is to check the vehicle manual's recommendations and change the oil on time—don't skimp on small expenses only to incur bigger losses.
