Equipment manufacturers and the oil industry have been developing various ways of classifying and describing lubricants, with the aim of meeting the evolution of equipment, operating conditions, quality and types of fuels used and environmental legislation, especially regarding emissions.

In the automotive area, the classifications are divided into:

• Engine cycle type: Otto (gasoline, alcohol, natural gas) and diesel;
• Vehicle type: light (cars, pick-ups and SUVs) and heavy (trucks, buses and heavy equipment)
• Operating revolutions: 2-stroke and 4-stroke
• Geographic area: American, European and Asian

American Classifications

The API Engine Oil Certification and Licensing System is developed to define, certify and monitor the performance of engine oils that vehicle and engine manufacturers and the oil and additives industries deem necessary for the equipment to have a period of satisfactory life and performance. Performance requirements, test methods and limits are established cooperatively by vehicle and / or engine manufacturers and technical societies.

API classification for gasoline engine oils

Engine oils developed for automobiles, vans and light trucks with gasoline engines fall into API “S” categories - of service (Figure 1) and are composed of two letters. The first letter is "S" and the second letter is assigned alphabetically in the order of development. The most current API classification is SP and all classifications prior to SJ have become obsolete.

ILSAC classification for gasoline engine oils

AThe ILSAC (International Lubricant Standarditzation and Approval Committee) performance classifications have a direct correlation with API classification oils, but they meet the most severe performance tests, including fuel economy. ILSAC's current rating is GF-6A, launched in May 2020 and thus all previous ones are considered obsolete. The GF-6B classification is only for oils with SAE 0W16 viscosity.

API classification for diesel engines oil

Os óleos de motor desenvolvidos para caminhões pesados com motores a diesel se enquadram nas categorias “C” – de comercial – da API (Figura 2). e é composta por duas letras. A segunda letra é atribuída alfabeticamente na ordem de desenvolvimento. No caso da classificação “C”, o número “4” posto à frente das letras significa que atende as especificações para motores diesel 4 tempos.

European Classification

ACEA classification for gasoline and light diesel engine oils

In 2004, ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association - European Automobile Manufacturers Association) unified the two different classifications. The ACEA A ”X” rating for gasoline engines and the ACEA B ”X” rating for diesel engines for light vehicles because in Europe virtually all vehicles are available in both engines.

Also in 2004, a specific classification was created for vehicles equipped with special catalysts to reduce pollutants. These ACEA C ”X” oils have the performance level equivalent to an ACEA A ”X” / B ”X”, but with more restrictive chemical limits (they contain less sulfur, phosphorus and sulfated ash). The current ratings are A5 / B5 and C5.

ACEA classification for heavy diesel engine oils

The ACEA classification for heavy diesel engine oils receives the letter "E" followed by a number, which represents the evolution of the classification. In 2004 a specific classification was created for vehicles equipped with special catalysts to reduce pollutants. These ACEA E6 oils have an equivalent performance level to ACEA E7, but more restrictive chemical limits. The current rating is E-9.

Classification of automotive manufacturers

In addition to the classifications already mentioned, there are classifications developed by car manufacturers. These classifications follow those already developed by API and ACEA and improving some parameters to meet the specific needs of your vehicles and engines.

API Service Token (Donut)

Indicates quality engine oils for gasoline and diesel powered vehicles. Oils bearing these marks meet performance requirements set by the United States and international vehicle and engine manufacturers and the lubricants industry. Hundreds of companies around the world participate in this voluntary program, which is supported by a sampling and market testing program.