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What Are Oil Specifications and How to Read Them

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Engine oil

Video tutorial

In this video, you will learn how to read engine oil specifications. These are divided into three classes: API (American Petroleum Institute); ACEA, which is the same for the European market; and then we have manufacturer specifications.

Let's look at the characteristics of API, where the first letter identifies the type of engine: S = petrol; C = diesel; G = transmission. The same applies to ACEA: A = petrol, B = diesel, C = with exhaust after-treatment.

After these letters, both API and ACEA indicate specifications they refer to, with API using additional letters and ACEA using numbers. So where do we find the price difference if all adhere to these specifications? Lower-priced oils may meet the required specifications for only a short time, while more expensive ones meet the declared specifications for longer periods.


Updated on 6 October 2026 by ScegliAuto


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by ScegliAuto

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