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Oil Changes
Conventional Or Synthetic Engine Oil? How To Choose The Right Motor Oil
In recent years, the variety of different motor oils that are now available to consumers has multiplied exponentially. To keep up with the lubrication requirements of all the different vehicle manufacturers, oil companies have had to expand their product lines to include new ultra-low, multi-viscosity, fuel-saving oils, as well as products with special additive packages for specific engine applications. Consequently, it’s more important than ever before to make sure you choose the correct motor oil for your customers’ vehicles. Why? Because using the wrong oil type may cause problems, as well as void the OEM powertrain warranty.
Many late-model vehicles with extended oil drain intervals (those that recommend oil changes of 7,500 miles or higher) and high-output, turbocharged engines often require a full synthetic motor oil with an additive package that meets specific OEM performance requirements. Synthetic oils are usually superior to conventional oils or synthetic blends in terms of high- and low-temperature performance, as well as durability. But, if the additive package isn’t right for the application, it’s not the right kind of oil to use.
European automakers are very particular about the type of oil that goes into their engines. Oils that meet current American Petroleum Institute (API) “SN” standards or ILSAC GF-5 standards for Asian vehicles may not always meet the specifications required for European applications. Specially formulated “Euro” oils typically have higher temperature and durability requirements than many of their domestic counterparts. Oil specifications can also vary from one European automaker to another, and by the year, make, model and engine. That’s why choosing the right types of engine oil takes a little more homework these days.
Choosing the right engine oil involves checking the vehicle owner’s manual to find out what type of oil is required. This includes not only a recommended viscosity rating, but also a performance specification. Oil requirements also may be marked on the engine oil filler cap or dipstick.
“Euro” oils typically have higher temperature and durability requirements than many of their domestic counterparts. Oil specifications can also vary from one European automaker to another, and by the year, make, model and engine in the vehicle. That’s why choosing the right motor oil takes a little more homework these days.
Many late-model engines are factory-filled with multi-viscosity 0W-20, 5W-20 or 5W-30 motor oil, while some European cars may specify a 0W-40. With diesel applications, most pickup trucks still call for a traditional 15W-40, but some are now specifying 5W-40. For European diesel passenger car engines, 5W-40 is commonly specified.
It’s important to follow the viscosity recommendations because many of these engines have tighter bearing clearances that require a lower-viscosity oil for proper lubrication. Thinner oils also improve fuel economy.
In some applications, such as the Toyota Prius, using the wrong viscosity oil (too heavy) may set a fault code. On others, an oil that is too heavy may interfere with the normal operation of the variable valve timing system, causing additional fault codes to set.
For high-mileage vehicles with more than 75,000 miles on the odometer, you can always use a “high-mileage” motor oil. These kind of engine oils typically contain extra additives to counter the effects of leaks, deposits, sludge and friction. Seal conditioners are increased to help keep crank seals soft and pliable so they don’t leak. Extra detergents and dispersants help keep the engine clean and fight sludge.
In 2005, “SM”-rated motor oils were introduced that drastically reduced the amount of Zinc Dialkyl Dithio Phosphate (ZDDP) anti-wear additive. (ZDDP is an anti-wear, extreme-pressure additive that protects cam lobes and lifters.) Further reductions of ZDDP were made again when the current “SN” and GF-5” motor oils were introduced. The problem is that the phosphorus and zinc in ZDDP can shorten the life of the catalytic converter. So, for an older flat-tappet, pushrod engine, you should use a motor oil that is fortified with extra ZDDP anti-wear additive.
Use of proper engine oil is also particularly important on Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines because of the formation of intake valve deposits. Deposit buildup has become a problem on some of these engines because the intake valves run dry. The fuel injector sprays fuel directly into the combustion chamber or cylinder rather than the intake port, so there is no fuel wash to clean and cool the intake valves. Consequently, if oil is getting past the valve guide seals, it can form heavy carbon deposits on the intake valves that hurt performance and emissions.
In these cases, a motor oil with a low-volatility rating (its “NOACK” number, which is based on the ASTM D5800 lab test) is better because it reduces oil consumption and helps keep the PCV system and intake valves clean (especially in GDI engines). The most recent European specifications call for a low NOACK rating (less than 15%).
The full article can be read at:
Also available through Import Car.
European Motor Oils and SAPS Content
Expanding Market
European vehicle market share has grown steadily over the last decade, with roughly 10 percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. today bearing a European badge.
What is SAPS?
SAPS stands for sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur. They comprise a significant portion of a motor oil’s additive content. Sulfated ash is not added to oil; it is the result of additives in the oil burning and creating ash. The additives that can produce ash are most commonly used for total base number (TBN), but also help in other areas, like antioxidancy, anti-wear, cleanliness and soot handling. Phosphorus provides anti-wear properties and further antioxidancy, while sulfur contributes antioxidancy, anti-wear properties and engine cleanliness.
SAPS Levels
Given the beneficial properties these additives impart, it’s easy to assume a higher concentration equals a better oil. But higher SAPS levels can be a detriment to expensive exhaust devices, such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and catalysts. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) realized the importance of using motor oil formulated with precise SAPS levels, and lower limits were established in 2010.
The three different SAPS levels of European motor oils can be confusing, especially when considering the same viscosity motor oil (5W-40) is available in mid- and full-SAPS AMSOIL European Car Formula options.
Finding the Correct Oil
Using an oil with the correct SAPS level is vital to maximizing the longevity and performance of European vehicles.
To determine the correct motor oil recommendation, consult the vehicle owner’s manual for the recommended OEM specification and viscosity, and match the corresponding AMSOIL product. You can also consult the Online Product Guide at amsoil.com to determine the correct oil.
AMSOIL formulates low-, mid- and full-SAPS European synthetic motor oils to satisfy the needs of all European cars and light trucks. They are formulated to meet the unique demands of sophisticated European vehicles, delivering excellent all-season performance, maximum fuel economy and enhanced turbocharger protection.
AMSOIL European Car Formula 5W-30 Low-SAPS Synthetic Motor Oil (AEL) is recommended for European gasoline or diesel vehicles requiring any of the following performance specifications: • VW 504.00/507.00 • Mercedes-Benz 229.51 • BMW LL-04 • Porsche C30
AMSOIL European Car Formula 5W-40 Mid-SAPS Synthetic Motor Oil (AFL) is recommended for European gasoline or diesel vehicles requiring any of the following performance specifications:
Manufacturer Approvals
- BMW Longlife-04
- MB-Approval 229.51
- Porsche A40
Recommended for:
- API CF/SN/SM...
- ACEA C3
- Ford WSS-M2C917-A
- GM dexos2™ (supersedes LL-A-025 and LL-B-025)
- Chrysler MS-10850 (supersedes MS-10896)
- Renault RN0700/RN0710
- Volkswagen 502.00/505.01
[For the original article, please go to:
www.amsoil.com/newsstand/auto-and-light-truck/articles/european-motor-oils-and-saps-content/]
FAQ
Question: Why are different SAPS levels necessary?
Answer:
Some emissions systems and after treatment devices, such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and catalysts, are sensitive to the SAPS content of oil and require lower SAPS formulations, such as AFL or AEL. Many vehicles, however, are not equipped with emissions systems that are sensitive to higher SAPS levels; they are best protected by full-SAPS oils, such as EFM.
Question: What is the difference between AMSOIL EFM, AFL and AEL?
Answer:
EFM, AFL and AEL are designed for full, mid and low SAPS European motor oil requirements, respectively. AMSOIL European Car Formula Motor Oils are recommended for use in vehicles calling for the following specifications:
- AMSOIL EFM 5W-40 Full SAPS
- ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4
- API SN/SM…
- BMW LL-01
- Mercedes Benz 229.5/229.3
- Porsche A40
- Renault 0710/0700
- VW 502.00/505.00
- AMSOIL AFL 5W-40 Mid SAPS
- ACEA C3
- API SN/SM…
- BMW LL-04
- GM dexos2
- Mercedes Benz 229.51/229.31
- Porsche A40
- VW 502.00/505.01
- AMSOIL AEL 5W-30 Low SAPS
- BMW LL-04
- Mercedes Benz 229.51
- Porsche C30
- VW 504.00/507.00
Question: How does a vehicle owner know which oil to use?
Answer:
AMSOIL recommends checking the owner’s manual for the recommended original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications and matching the corresponding AMSOIL product. For convenience, AMSOIL provides a comprehensive online look-up guide listing European vehicle applications.
Question: What are the benefits of using AMSOIL EFM?
Answer:
AMSOIL EFM is a full-SAPS product that provides excellent engine wear protection, superior engine cleanliness and outstanding all season performance. It is designed for European gasoline and diesel engines including those with turbo charged engines.
[For the complete original article, please go to: www.syntheticoils.us/Files/One%20Voice/OneVoice_EFM.pdf]
About Us
At Benchmark Autoworks, we stock and use AMSOIL European Car Formula 5W-40 Full-SAPS Synthetic Motor Oil (EFM) for European gasoline or diesel vehicles, or Chrysler products, requiring any of the following performance specifications:
- ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4
- BMW LL-01
- GM/Opel LL-B-025
- Mercedes-Benz 229.3, 229.5
- Porsche A40
- Renault 0710, 0700
- Volkswagen 502.00, 505.00
For cars requiring other specialty formulations, as indicated by the market-leading industry guide at Mitchel-1, we will source and install the appropriate oil for your car. We also offer high mileage formulations if you desire.
