Does Your Lubricant Meet API Standards? How to Verify API Standards for Engine Oil

Lubricating oil is a critical component in protecting and lubricating vehicle engines. Selecting a high-quality, reliable lubricant that meets international standards is essential to ensure engine performance and longevity.

Among the common lubricant standards, the API (American Petroleum Institute) standard is one of the most important standards widely used worldwide. However, how do you verify that your lubricating oil meets the API standard? Let us explore how to check in the article below.

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Checking whether your lubricant meets the API standard is important

1. What is the API standard?

API lubricant, also known as lubricant grade, is a quality standard established by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and is widely used worldwide.

This is considered a new standard issued after 10 years compared to previous standards. This standard was introduced with the capability to optimize modern engine types. Before this standard was issued, there were 7 tests for this standard in protecting chains and the LSPI phenomenon (low-speed pre-ignition). In addition to announcing the API SP standard, the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) also introduced two new engine oil standards: ILSAC GF-6A and ILSAC GF-6B to comply with new engine requirements.

Explanation of the API standard concept

2. Why does lubricating oil need to meet the API standard?

The higher the API index of lubricating oil, the lower the viscosity variation with temperature and the better the ability to neutralize sludge. Therefore, using high API lubricants will help your vehicle be effectively lubricated and protected.

Some common API grades of lubricants currently on the market include: SG, SJ, SM, SN… The highest API grade currently available is API SP.

Nowadays, most vehicles are equipped with new start-stop engines. This is an engine type that automatically shuts off when the vehicle stops and restarts when the throttle is engaged. Although this engine type is convenient, it is very prone to engine wear and varnish deposits. The outstanding advantage of API SP lub