Label and counterfeits
What's actually printed on the can, how to read the markings, and how to avoid buying a counterfeit.
- What's written on an engine oil label? How to read an engine oil label: advertising claims versus facts, SAE viscosity, ACEA and API classes, carmaker approvals, ILSAC marks and the security QR code.
- Decoding the label An introduction to decoding an engine oil label: what manufacturers usually print on the can, and why most owners choose their oil by exactly that text.
- The Ins and Outs of Engine Oil Labelling How to decode old oil labelling such as “M-10G2k”: groups A to E by boost level, indexes 1 and 2, the letters “D” and “E”, and what to read on a label today.
- Protection against counterfeit oils Checking every seal and sticker, the integrity of the cap, and the accompanying documents — that's about the only way a buyer can be reasonably sure of getting genuine engine oil, and not a fake.
- How not to buy counterfeit oil: the QR code, the seller and the receipt Underground bottling of “branded” oils has not gone anywhere. Where to buy, how to check the security code and the approvals on the can, and what to do if the oil looks doubtful.
- Picking the Right Engine Oil Tips for Audi and Volkswagen owners: where not to buy counterfeit oil, what to do in an urgent top-up, how to read SAE and API labels, and the new 0W-16 and SQ.