API Gasoline Engine Oil Specification

Having previously discussed the terminologies of lubricant certification institutions, and having known that API classification is one of the most widely accepted institutions, let's take a look at the various service charts of Gasoline engine oil since the inception of API in 1919.

There are a million and one Lubricant products out there that can pose so much threat to engine performance. These are obsolete engine oils formulated for use in cars built prior to the 1930s! Know how to read the labels on the front and back of the bottles of oil you buy or you may be using product that can cause unsatisfactory performance or harm to your engine.

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. The service rating is shown in the API "Service Symbol Donut" on the product label.
Check the Product Label and compare the status below.

Source:API

Find below a table explaining the different API grades of gasoline engine oils starting with the most recent.

S	Status	Service Gasoline Engines
SN	Introduced in October 2010	Introduced in October 2010 for 2011 and older vehicles, designed to provide improved high temperature deposit protection for pistons, more stringent sludge control, and seal compatibility. API SN with Resource Conserving matches ILSAC GF-5 by combining API SN performance with improved fuel economy, turbocharger protection, emission control system compatibility, and protection of engines operating on ethanol-containing fuels up to E85
SM	Introduced on 30 November 2004	Category SM oils are designed to provide improved oxidation resistance, improved deposit protection, better wear protection, and better low-temperature performance over the life of the oil. Some SM oils may also meet the latest ILSAC specification and/or qualify as Energy Conserving. They may be used where API Service Category SJ and SL earlier categories are recommended.
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. Oils meeting API SL requirements have been tested according to the American Chemistry Council (ACC) Product Approval Code of Practice and may utilize the API Base Oil Interchange and Viscosity Grade Engine Testing Guidelines. They may be used where API Service Category SJ and earlier categories are recommended.
SJ	1997 Gasoline Engine Service	Category SJ was adopted in 1996 to describe engine oil first mandated in 1997. It is for use in service typical of gasoline engines in present and earlier passenger cars, vans, and light trucks operating under manufacturers recommended maintenance procedures. Oils meeting API SH requirements have been tested according to the American Chemistry Council (ACC) Product Approval Code of Practice and may utilize the API Base Oil Interchange and Viscosity Grade Engine Testing Guidelines. They may be used where API Service Category SH and earlier categories are recommended.
SH	Obsolete	For model year 1996 and older engines.
SG	Obsolete	For model year 1993 and older engines.
SF	Obsolete	For model year 1988 and older engines.
SE	Obsolete	For model year 1979 and older engines.
SD	Obsolete	For model year 1971 and older engines.
SC	Obsolete	For model year 1967 and older engines.
SB	Obsolete	For older engines. Use only when specifically recommended by the manufacturer.
SA	Obsolete	For older engines; no performance requirement. Use only when specifically recommended by the manufacturer.