API Oil Rating - Engine Oils

Introduced in May 2020, designed to provide protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), timing chain wear protection, improved high temperature deposit protection for pistons and turbochargers, and more stringent sludge and varnish control. API SP with Resource Conserving matches ILSAC GF-6A.

For 2020 and older automotive engines

For 2010 and older automotive engines

For 2004 and older automotive engines

For 2001 and older automotive engines

Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1996.

Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1993.

Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1988.

Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1988.

Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1967.

Non adatto per la maggior parte dei motori benzina costruiti dopo il 1967

Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1951.

Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1930.

API Service Category CK-4 describes oils for use in high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model year on-highway and Tier 4 non-road exhaust emission standards as well as for previous model year diesel engines. These oils are formulated for use in all applications with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 500 ppm (0.05% by weight). However, the use of these oils with greater than 15 ppm (0.0015% by weight) sulfur fuel may impact exhaust after treatment system durability and/or oil drain interval. API CK-4 oils exceed the performance criteria of API CJ-4, CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 and can effectively lubricate engines calling for those API Service Categories. When using CK-4 oil with higher than 15 ppm sulfur fuel, consult the engine manufacturer for service interval recommendations.

For high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2010 model year on-highway and Tier 4 non-road exhaust emission standards as well as for previous model year diesel engines. These oils are formulated for use in all applications with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 500 ppm (0.05% by weight). API CJ-4 oils exceed the performance criteria of API CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, CH-4, CG-4 and CF-4.

Introduced in 2002. For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet 2004 exhaust emission standards implemented in 2002. CI-4 oils are formulated to sustain engine durability where exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is used and are intended for use with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 0.5% weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, CG-4, and CH-4 oils. Some CI-4 oils may also qualify for the CI-4 PLUS designation.

Introduced in 1998. For high-speed, four-stroke engines designed to meet 1998 exhaust emission standards. CH-4 oils are specifically compounded for use with diesel fuels ranging in sulfur content up to 0.5% weight. Can be used in place of CD, CE, CF-4, and CG-4 oils.

Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered automotive engines built after 2009.

Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered automotive engines built after 2009.

Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered automotive engines built after 2009. When "CR" is stated usually later oil specs are preferred but it is still used for old equipments or two-stroke cycle engines, especially for those requiring monograde oils.

Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered automotive engines built after 1994.

Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered automotive engines built after 1990.

Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered automotive engines built after 1961.

Not suitable for use in most diesel-powered automotive engines built after 1959.

API Service Category FA-4 describes certain XW-30 oils specifically formulated for use in select high-speed four-stroke cycle diesel engines designed to meet 2017 model year on-highway greenhouse gas (GHG) emission standards. These oils are formulated for use in on-highway applications with diesel fuel sulfur content up to 15 ppm (0.0015% by weight). Refer to individual engine manufacturer recommendations regarding compatibility with API FA-4 oils. These oils are blended to a high temperature high shear (HTHS) viscosity range of 2.9cP–3.2cP to assist in reducing GHG emissions. API FA-4 oils are not interchangeable or backward compatible with API CK-4, CJ-4, CI-4 with CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, and CH-4 oils. Refer to engine manufacturer recommendations to determine if API FA-4 oils are suitable for use.