API classes for petrol engines
From SA to SM: a description of every “S” class.
- API SM Class API SM oils (approved on 30 November 2004): better protection against oxidation and wear than SL, the link with ILSAC and which cars the class suits today.
- API SL Class API SL oils for post-2000 cars with multi-valve and turbocharged engines: a replacement for SJ, and why modern turbo engines need at least SP.
- API SJ Class API SJ oils for petrol engines from 1996: the same minimum standards as SH plus deposit and cold-weather requirements, and which cars the class suits today.
- API SH Class API SH oils (adopted in 1992) for petrol engines from 1994: tougher requirements than SG, tests to CMA rules and a replacement for SG and earlier classes.
- API SG Class API SG oils for petrol engines from 1989: better protection against deposits, oxidation and wear, diesel CC compliance and replacing SF, SE, SF/CC and SE/CC.
- API SF Class Engine oils for petrol engines built from 1980 onward (obsolete class) .
- API SE Class: Petrol Engines from 1972 API SE is an obsolete class for petrol engines of 1972–1979 model years: extra protection compared with SC and SD, which these oils can replace.
- API SD Class API SD is an obsolete class for petrol engines built in 1968–1970: better protection than SC, to be used only where the engine manufacturer recommends it.
- API SC Class API SC is an obsolete class for petrol engines of passenger cars and some trucks built in 1964–1967, protecting against deposits, wear and corrosion.
- API SB Class API SB is an obsolete class: engine oils of the 1930s for low-power petrol engines, with light protection against wear, oxidation and bearing corrosion.
- API SA Class: Petrol and Diesel Engines API SA is an obsolete class for old petrol and diesel engines that need no additive protection, to be used only where the manufacturer recommends it.