The American Petroleum Institute , API, is a U.S.A trade association for the oil and natural gas industry. ... The higher the letter, the more recent the technology of the oil.
What does API and SAE mean?
SAE is the Society Of Automotive Engineers (USA). The SAE rating of an oil is a measure of its viscosity (eg 20W50). API is the American Petroleum Institute. ... The ACEA rating of an engine oil of covers the performance rating of the oil (e.g. A3/B3, C3).
What does the API symbol on oil mean?
The API “ Donut” is a symbol licensed by the American Petroleum Institute to help ensure consumers purchase motor oil that meets API's engine oil standards and that the product is subject to the API's aftermarket monitoring and enforcement program that ensures licensees adhere to program requirements.
What is API standard for oil?
The service rating of passenger car and commercial automotive motor oils is classified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The program certifies that an oil meets certain Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality and performance standards.
What is API certified oil?
API is an acronym for the American Petroleum Institute. The institute's Starburst stamp of approval—“American Petroleum Institute Certified”—was created to help consumers identify engine oils that meet minimum performance standards set by vehicle and engine manufacturers .
Is API SN higher than SJ?
As explained earlier, the higher the letter , the more recent and a higher specification would supersede the lower ones. API SN to SJ are for the most recent cars, API SH to SA for the older cars. ... In this case, you need API SL, so an API SJ, lower, cannot be good. SM and SN supersedes SL so both oils can be used.
What would be an example of an API rating?
The service rating is shown in the API “Service Symbol Donut ” on the product label. ... Whereas the labeling on the bottle of engine oil may suggest the product is a 10W-30, note, if there is no “W” between the 10 and the 30 it may not be a 10W-30. As an example, a SAE 10-30 is not the same as an SAE 10W30.
What is API SL?
2001 Gasoline Engine Service . Category SL was adopted to describe engine oils for use in 2001. It is for use in service typical of gasoline engines in present and earlier passenger cars, sports utility vehicles, vans and light trucks operating under vehicle manufacturers recommended maintenance procedures.
What is API SN?
What is “API SN PLUS”? API SN PLUS is a new motor oil specification developed for turbocharged engines that is being developed in response to automakers request for motor oils that protect against Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI).
What is SAE grade?
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) developed a scale for both engine (motor oil grades) and transmission oils. ... This number represents the oil's resistance to thinning at high temperatures . For example, 10W-30 oil will thin out at higher temperatures faster than 10W-40 will.
What is API standard for?
API is the worldwide leading standards setting body for the oil and natural gas industry . These include standards, guidelines, and recommended practices regarding safety, equipment, operations, effective water management, spill prevention and environmental protection. ...
How many API standards are there?
In its first 100 years, API has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational safety, environmental protection and sustainability across the industry, especially through these standards being adopted globally.
What is the difference between API and ASME standards?
Another way to perceive this difference is that the ASME standards are the ones to achieve or design towards while the API standards are the recommended practices but that these practices are not legally binding whereas once the pressure system has been ASME certified the ASME certification is legally binding.
Is higher API oil better?
API gravity of crude oil grades
Higher API indicates a lighter (lower density) crude . Lower API indicates a heavier (more dense) crude. Generally, lighter (high API) crudes are more valuable because they yield more high-value light products when run through a refinery.
Can I mix synthetic and regular oil?
The short answer is... yes . If you don't have a choice, adding synthetic oil to regular oil can help you out in a pinch. ... Since motor oils are generally made from the same ingredients (base oil and additives), they are typically compatible when mixed.
What does API SM mean?
The codes are as follows: • SN: For vehicles manufactured after 2010. • SM: Vehicles manufactured between 2002-2009 . • SJ: Vehicles manufactured before 2001.
