API SL CF: decryption. Classification of motor oils. Recommended Engine Oil

The main function of automotive engine oils is to ensure the proper operation of the internal combustion engine (ICE). Moreover, their key feature is the formation of a protective film on the metal rubbing surfaces of the parts of the power unit in order to reduce friction. It is important to consider the viscosity of the lubricant, as this is one of the main factors in the choice of oil. And for this, you should understand the decryption of API, SL, CF.

The absence of a lubricating layer between the rubbing metal surfaces leads to an increase in the friction force and, as a consequence, the temperature, which can reach the peak of melting of the metal (there is even such a welding process based on this, but this is not included in the topic of this article).

Ultimately, this ends with the fact that all the nodes are wedged and the piston group is already losing its working capacity. Also, other damages caused by overheating and jamming of parts cannot be ruled out.

API standard. What are you talking about?

The American Petroleum Institute or American Petroleum Institute in 1969 developed the engine oil classification system - API. It is worth noting that those materials that are designed for automatic gearboxes and transmissions do not fall into this typology. This is assigned directly to the vehicle manufacturers themselves.

But actually, what does CF and SL mean by API? Lubricants that meet this classification provide increased durability of the power unit of vehicles. But in addition to this, they also reduce the risks of its failure during operation. In addition, the use of high-quality oil can reduce fuel consumption, improve driving performance, as well as eliminate extraneous sounds in the engine.

One of the main advantages of high-quality lubrication is the stability of the power unit at negative ambient temperatures. Another equally important quality is to reduce emissions.

The need for labeling

And why are all these oils actually labeled? Well, firstly, a certain type of engine or transmission unit needs its own “lubricant”. Secondly, one should take into account the operating conditions of the material and other factors (in decoding API, SL, CF all this is taken into account), which we will not focus on yet.

In the set of letters and numbers that are incomprehensible at first glance, which are applied to the container with the composition, the whole point lies precisely. That is, this determines the possibility of using one or another oil for the engine or transmission. And since viscosity is an important indicator of any oil, labeling allows you to determine its class and degree of this parameter, depending on the properties.

At first glance, it seems that it is still more confusing, however, if you understand what exactly all these letters and numbers mean, then the general picture is already looming.

Explanation of marking symbols

Currently, motor lubricants from a wide variety of manufacturers are on the market. Among them, there are those who have a worldwide reputation and corresponding quality, while others are less well-known, but they can offer not the worst option. Unfortunately, “homemade” can also be found, and it has not only low cost, but also quality at the same level. Therefore, do not chase the cheapness, as a result, costs can only increase.

Before buying this or that lubricant it is necessary to carefully study the label with the marking of motor oils. As a rule, it contains all the necessary information of the following nature:

• title;
• manufacturer;
• used base - organics, synthetics or semi-synthetics;
• oil quality and purpose according to API standard;
• viscosity indexes according to SAE classification;
• production date;
• batch number.

The choice of the manufacturer and the name of the engine oil should usually not be difficult - advertising and expert advice will be a decisive factor. The batch number and date of manufacture indicate the suitability of the composition.

Although grease does not apply to perishable products, you should nevertheless refrain from further use of expired goods.

API motor oil classification

The typology takes into account such parameters as the type of power unit, including its operating mode, as well as the year of manufacture, application conditions and operational properties. As a standard, all oils are divided into two main groups with the corresponding designation:

1. Category “S” (or Service) includes oils that are intended for use with gas engines.
2. Another category - “C” (in another way Commercial) corresponds to lubricants that are relevant in relation to diesel power units, including road-building equipment and agricultural machines.

In addition, each class of marking by the API system consists of two letters of the Latin alphabet. The first just indicates belonging to a particular engine, depending on its "power" - gasoline or diesel fuel.

As for the second letter in the designation of API SL and CF classes, it indicates the level of quality of operational indicators. And what is characteristic, the further it is located, the better the properties of the oil.

Consumables for transmission units are indicated by the letter "G".

Performance S

There are a total of 12 classes in this category according to the letters of the Latin alphabet from A to N (with the exception of I and K):

1. A - this type of oil differs from others in that it is allowed to use them not only in gasoline engines, but also in diesel power units. Only this group is so outdated that today it practically does not find application. In the past, additives did not require high-quality protection of parts; therefore, SA API oils were widely used in their time.
2. B - grease for low power engines. But since it did not provide adequate protection for bearings against wear, oxidation and corrosion, it is contraindicated in modern motors. Unless it is stated in the manual itself.
3. C - this brand of oil was popular among light and freight vehicles from 1964-1967. Consumables can be used on older used cars.
4. D - this type of lubricant was relevant for gasoline engines until 1968 in passenger cars and trucks. Also considered an obsolete category.
5. E - the brand is suitable for all power units that were released after 1972.
6. F - according to the specification of motor oils by API, this class is also considered obsolete. Such grease can be poured into engines after the 1980 "birth".
7. G - these oils are applicable to cars not earlier than 1989 of release. Already there are additives that provide protection against corrosion and rust.
8. H is the best option for engines manufactured since 1994 and later. This oil is resistant to corrosion, carbon deposits, oxidation and wear. It is relevant not only for cars, vans, but also for trucks. Only manufacturers' approvals must be observed (they are indicated in the instruction manual).
9. J - these oils are mainly intended for engines manufactured after 1996 in relation to passenger cars, sports cars, vans, small trucks. Oil perfectly retains its properties in the winter, however, when used, a little carbon deposits are formed.
10. L - SL engine oil is one of the best options for most vehicles manufactured in the new millennium. This material is environmentally friendly and energy saving. It is applicable to multi-valve, turbocharged lean-running power units.
11. M - this class was approved on November 30, 2004 and is designed for gasoline engines that are currently being manufactured. This option is better than API SL. The oil provides protection against oxidation and early wear. In addition, it retains its properties at low temperatures.
12. N - date of approval 01.10.2010. This lubricant contains a limited amount of phosphorus. It is fully compatible with many modern systems that can neutralize exhaust emissions. Oil refers to an energy-saving type.

This classification is widespread among all countries of the world.

Obsolete categories that are almost never used (with rare exceptions) include oils with Latin letters from A to H.

Class C - Options for Diesel Engines

This category includes lubricants that already have a different marking - C:

1. A. CA grease was used exclusively in light duty diesel engines. This is also a relevant option for old used cars.
2. B. The CB class was also adopted a very long time ago - in 1949, and was an improved version of the CA API.
3. C. Date of emergence of the category CC - 1961. It includes those petroleum products that are permissible to fill in medium-loaded power units.
4. D. The CD class has been commissioned since 1955. Such oil is widely used in relation to agricultural machinery - tractors, combines.
5. E. CE class oils are applicable to diesel engines not earlier than 1983 of release. This is an actual option for use in very powerful turbocharged engines, where the operating pressure is significantly increased.
6. F-4. The CF-4 category includes lubricants that can be used in four-stroke power units of diesel cars of 1994 and later. Such oil can also be poured into gasoline engines, if the instructions for the car are not opposite.
7. F-2. API CF 2 class oil is designed for two-stroke, highly loaded ICE engines operating on a diesel engine in difficult operating conditions.
8. G-4. According to the already familiar API standard, the CG-4 category was introduced 22 years ago. Such oil can be filled with highly loaded motors, where fuel with a sulfur content of not more than 0.05% is used. At the same time, the material is relevant in cases where there are no special requirements for fuel quality (sulfur concentration can reach up to 0.5%). In any case, this grease avoids severe wear on engine parts, as well as soot.
9. H-4. Category CH-4 introduced to the masses 12/01/1998. Oil is the best option for use in engines operating in high speed mode, as it meets the requirements for the content of toxic substances in the exhaust. The composition of the consumable contains special additives that do not allow the formation of soot and provide adequate protection against wear.
10. I-4. The operational class of CI-4 engine oils was introduced 15 years ago. This lubricant is used in modern engines, regardless of the type of fuel injection, including the type of boost. And all thanks to the content of dispersant-detergent additives. As a result, the oil is resistant to thermal oxidation and also has excellent dispersing properties. During operation, the amount of smoke decreases. The oil begins to evaporate when it reaches 370 ° C. With regard to fluidity, the grease is suitable for use in extreme cold.
11. I-4 PLUS. CI-4 PLUS grease is characterized by slightly improved performance - soot is formed very little, evaporates slightly and is practically not subject to oxidation under the influence of high temperature. In addition, the lubricant passes up to 17 tests during production.
12. J-4. This is the recommended engine oil for most engines, since the CJ-4 class can be literally called a modern consumable, although it was introduced about 13 years ago - October 1, 2006. The grease meets the requirements according to which the engines were manufactured in 2007. There are certain restrictions: ash should not exceed 1%, sulfur concentration - not more than 0.4%, phosphorus content - less than 0.12%. These oils can be poured into many modern power units, since they fully comply with the introduced environmental standards.

Here, in the marking of motor oils, numbers are indicated (usually 2 or 4).

This indicates that these oils are applicable to 2- or 4-stroke engines, respectively.

Universal type

There is a separate classification of motor oils by API, which is suitable not only for gasoline engines, but also for diesel-powered power units. In this case, two types are assigned to these lubricants at once and in the marking they are separated by a slash "/" (forward slash). A vivid example of this:

• API SJ / CF-4.
• API SL / CF.
• API SM / CF.

In this case, in the first place is an indication of a more preferred application from the point of view of the manufacturer. From the above examples, we can conclude that the main use of motor oils relates mainly to gasoline power units. At the same time, there are no contraindications in relation to diesel engines.

Let’s take an example of an API SL / CF type oil. The first letter (S) indicates belonging to gasoline engines, the second (L) refers to the optimal quality class for vehicles. Released since 2001.

Now we turn to the second part of the decryption API SL CF after the slash ("/"). Here, the manufacturer allows the option of using oil in diesel engines. What is indicated by the letter C. Next is the indicator F, which indicates the use of SUVs produced since 1994.

Fuel economy

Many compatriots were surrounded by advertising that introduces consumers to energy-saving oils. In addition, most car manufacturers recommend these lubricants for mass use. Moreover, according to the assurances of the manufacturers of these engine oils themselves, their products can save fuel, while increasing the life of the power unit.

Such oils are characterized by low viscosity, and not important in what condition - cold or hot. At least, advertising statements can certainly be trusted: the tests carried out in reality show that the reduced viscosity remains over the entire temperature range. That is, this is actually the recommended engine oil that can be poured into many modern engines.

As for fuel economy, there is no doubt about this, since the liquid consistency does not require much effort on the part of the engine and the oil pump. Also thanks to this quality, costs are reduced regarding the shift of the oil film in the main and connecting rod bearings, including camshaft bearings. Such a composition is more quickly discarded from the cylinders by oil scraper rings.

The difference between oils for gasoline and diesel engines

On the one hand, it seems that there is no difference what to pour into a diesel engine - API CJ-4 or API SN. Many drivers do so. But in fact, it is not in vain that there are such markings of API engine oils - SL and CF. Which applies individually to these types of power units (with the exception of mixed versions). In other words, by virtue of the API specification, oils marked C should only be used in diesel engines, and the letter S indicates that they are gasoline engines.

This is mainly due to the fact that modern engines are very different working conditions depending on the type of fuel. Of course, there are universal oil options on sale that are relevant for both types of engines (API SM / CF, etc.). It should only be taken into account that such lubricants are inferior in quality to specialized analogues.

Useful Tips

How to choose engine oil for a car? Before you get puzzled by this issue, you need to know the technical characteristics of your vehicle well. What to pay attention to? First of all, you should remember that you should not judge the quality of motor oil, based only on its consistency.

Hue can even change depending on additives. In addition, the presence of these additives in a certain way affects the properties of the final oil product. Yes, some properties can significantly improve, but again at the expense of other qualities.

If the lubricant darkens, then this indicates its excellent detergent qualities. But it keeps products perfectly as a result of incomplete combustion of fuel.

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Those who are interested in decoding API, SL, CF, should know that the standard has some features that do not affect the condition of old engines in the best way. The fact is that in modern oils the alkaline number is reduced, in particular this applies to lubricants with a low degree of viscosity.

Motors with an increased volume of crankcase gases during operation using medium-quality fuels just need highly alkaline oils.

Without a doubt, modern lubricant in the most favorable way affects the operation of power units. But again, this applies only to new designs and certainly is not oil for old cars. Choosing this option for engines that have already worked out most of the resource on long-standing material is clearly not worth it.

It’s not possible to extend the service life, and that’s a fact! In addition, the cost of operation will increase significantly.