Not all internal combustion engines are the same. Each vehicle manufacturer recommends the use of precisely determined oil formulas that provide the engine with optimal lubrication and protection.
That is exactly why European lubricant manufacturers need to abide by the engine oil standards set by ACEA (the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association).
In this article, we explain what ACEA specifications are and why it is essential to choose an ACEA-approved engine oil.
ABOUT ACEA
Association des Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles (The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association), or ACEA, was founded in 1991.
The founders of ACEA were the 15 most significant European car manufacturers – BMW, DAF, Daimler-Benz, FIAT, Ford, General Motors Europe, MAN, Porsche, Renault, Rolls Royce, Rover, Saab-Scania, Volkswagen, Volvo Car, and AB Volvo.
In recent years, the organization has welcomed a wide range of non-European motor vehicle manufacturers with production facilities and research centers in the European Union.
ACEA is involved in a wide range of activities, and defining European oil standards is one of them.
Association des Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles (The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association), or ACEA, was founded in 1991.
The founders of ACEA were the 15 most significant European car manufacturers – BMW, DAF, Daimler-Benz, FIAT, Ford, General Motors Europe, MAN, Porsche, Renault, Rolls Royce, Rover, Saab-Scania, Volkswagen, Volvo Car, and AB Volvo.
In recent years, the organization has welcomed a wide range of non-European motor vehicle manufacturers with production facilities and research centers in the European Union.
ACEA is involved in a wide range of activities, and defining European oil standards is one of them.
WHAT ARE ACEA OIL SEQUENCES?
The ACEA engine oil standards are time-sensitive. The ACEA Oil Sequences are updated every few years to be in line with the novel technologies and developments in the engine and lubrication industry.
Namely, the organization issues new oil specifications every time new emissions regulations are introduced by the EU or new engine oil technologies are created. The ACEA engine oil standards are time-sensitive. The ACEA Oil Sequences are updated every few years to be in line with the novel technologies and developments in the engine and lubrication industry.
Namely, the organization issues new oil specifications every time new emissions regulations are introduced by the EU or new engine oil technologies are created.
Even though ACEA sets standards for European oils to meet, it does not approve them.
The first ACEA Oil Sequences were published in 1996 when they replaced the previous CCMC specifications. New ACEA oil standards were issued in 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2016, 2021, 2022.
Earlier this year, ACEA issued a new edition of its oil sequences for heavy-duty engines that have replaced the 2016 version. On its website, the organization explains that the 2022 oil standards were driven by changing regulatory and performance requirements.
The ACEA engine oil standards are time-sensitive. The ACEA Oil Sequences are updated every few years to be in line with the novel technologies and developments in the engine and lubrication industry.
Namely, the organization issues new oil specifications every time new emissions regulations are introduced by the EU or new engine oil technologies are created. The ACEA engine oil standards are time-sensitive. The ACEA Oil Sequences are updated every few years to be in line with the novel technologies and developments in the engine and lubrication industry.
Namely, the organization issues new oil specifications every time new emissions regulations are introduced by the EU or new engine oil technologies are created.
Even though ACEA sets standards for European oils to meet, it does not approve them.
The first ACEA Oil Sequences were published in 1996 when they replaced the previous CCMC specifications. New ACEA oil standards were issued in 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2016, 2021, 2022.
Earlier this year, ACEA issued a new edition of its oil sequences for heavy-duty engines that have replaced the 2016 version. On its website, the organization explains that the 2022 oil standards were driven by changing regulatory and performance requirements.
A BRIEF GLOSSARY OF ENGINE OIL-RELATED TERMS
Before we dive deeper into explaining ACEA engine oil specifications, here are a few terms you should be familiar with. Knowing them, it will be easier for you to understand the differences between ACEA engine oil categories and choose the right oil type for your vehicle.
So, let’s get started:
Total Base Number (TBN) represents the quantity of acid in a lubricant. This test is essential to internal combustion engines (ICEs). When the petrol or diesel fuel is burned, acidic byproducts are created. Their levels decrease when the oil is in service. Once the oil degrades and can no longer protect the engine against wear and corrosion, it needs to be replaced.
High Temperature/High Shear (HT/HS) represents the viscosity of engine oil at high temperatures and under continuous shear. It relates to the fuel economy. Namely, oils with HT/HS tend to increase fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, high HT/HS provides stronger protection against wear and tear.
SAPS stands for sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur. Based on the percentage of these substances, engine oil can be low-SAPS (with lower levels of SAPS), mid-SAPS (reduced levels of SAPS, more efficient than traditional oils), or full-SAPS (do not have any chemical limits when it comes to the use of sulfur and phosphorus).
Before we dive deeper into explaining ACEA engine oil specifications, here are a few terms you should be familiar with. Knowing them, it will be easier for you to understand the differences between ACEA engine oil categories and choose the right oil type for your vehicle.
So, let’s get started:
Total Base Number (TBN) represents the quantity of acid in a lubricant. This test is essential to internal combustion engines (ICEs). When the petrol or diesel fuel is burned, acidic byproducts are created. Their levels decrease when the oil is in service. Once the oil degrades and can no longer protect the engine against wear and corrosion, it needs to be replaced.
High Temperature/High Shear (HT/HS) represents the viscosity of engine oil at high temperatures and under continuous shear. It relates to the fuel economy. Namely, oils with HT/HS tend to increase fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, high HT/HS provides stronger protection against wear and tear.
SAPS stands for sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur. Based on the percentage of these substances, engine oil can be low-SAPS (with lower levels of SAPS), mid-SAPS (reduced levels of SAPS, more efficient than traditional oils), or full-SAPS (do not have any chemical limits when it comes to the use of sulfur and phosphorus).
ACEA OIL CLASSIFICATIONS
When you look at ACEA oil specifications, you may notice that they consist of a letter and a number, as in C3 or E9.
The letter indicates the oil type or class, while the number illustrates its category.
That means that oils in the same class are further divided into separate categories based on their features and applications.
ACEA divides oils into three groups:
ACEA A/B for petrol (A) and light-duty diesel (B) engines
ACEA C for light-duty oils compatible with three-way catalysts (TWC) and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF). They are divided into low-SAPS and mid-SAPS oils.
ACEA E is for heavy-duty diesel engines.
As we have already mentioned above, each oil category has several sub-groups based on oil properties. Here is what you should know about each.
The letter indicates the oil type or class, while the number illustrates its category.
That means that oils in the same class are further divided into separate categories based on their features and applications.
ACEA divides oils into three groups:
ACEA A/B for petrol (A) and light-duty diesel (B) engines
ACEA C for light-duty oils compatible with three-way catalysts (TWC) and Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF). They are divided into low-SAPS and mid-SAPS oils.
ACEA E is for heavy-duty diesel engines.
As we have already mentioned above, each oil category has several sub-groups based on oil properties. Here is what you should know about each.
ACEA A/B OILS: GASOLINE AND LIGHT-DUTY DIESEL ENGINES
All A/B oils are stable, stay-in-grade lubricants, used by gasoline engines and light-duty diesel engines. All products belonging to this category are utilized in high-performance petrol engines and light-duty diesel engines.
A1/B1 oils are low-friction, low-viscosity oils with a high temperature/high shear rate viscosity.
A3/B3 oils are used for extended drain intervals and severe operating conditions.
A3/B4 oils are used in high-performance and direct-injection diesel engines. They can also be used instead of A3/B3-grade oils.
A5/B5 oils are low-friction, low-viscosity oils with a high temperature/high shear rate viscosity.
A7/B7 oils have an HT/HS viscosity of 2.9 to 3.5 mPas. They offer low-speed pre-ignition and anti-wear protection for turbocharged gasoline DI engines and turbocharger compressor deposit protection for modern DI diesel engines.
All A/B oils are stable, stay-in-grade lubricants, used by gasoline engines and light-duty diesel engines. All products belonging to this category are utilized in high-performance petrol engines and light-duty diesel engines.
A1/B1 oils are low-friction, low-viscosity oils with a high temperature/high shear rate viscosity.
A3/B3 oils are used for extended drain intervals and severe operating conditions.
A3/B4 oils are used in high-performance and direct-injection diesel engines. They can also be used instead of A3/B3-grade oils.
A5/B5 oils are low-friction, low-viscosity oils with a high temperature/high shear rate viscosity.
A7/B7 oils have an HT/HS viscosity of 2.9 to 3.5 mPas. They offer low-speed pre-ignition and anti-wear protection for turbocharged gasoline DI engines and turbocharger compressor deposit protection for modern DI diesel engines.
ACEA C-GRADE OILS: LOW-SAPS AND MID-SAPS
In the lubrication industry, phosphorus and sulfur are used as core additives. They add strong anti-wear, antioxidant, and anti-friction characteristics to engine oils. Despite their strong properties, a high concentration of these substances can poison and damage the vehicle’s diesel particulate filter and two-way catalytic converter. That is why ACEA sets strict recommendations on how much phosphorus and sulfur should be applied to engine oil.
Engine oils with a lower amount of phosphorus and sulfur are called low-SAPS oils, also low-ash oils. These oils belong to the C category in ACEA’s oil classification, where “c” stands for catalyst-compatible.
According to ACEA, C-grade oils are stable, low-friction, and low-viscosity oils. They are used in vehicles equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and three-way catalytic converters (TWCs). C-grade oils are also used in high-performance diesel and petrol engines that require the use of oils with low levels of SAPS content.
Based on the amount of the SAPS content, C-grade oils can be low-SAPS and mid-SAPS. C1 and C4 are low-SAPS oils, while C2, C3, C5, and C6 are mid-SAPS oils.
Low-SAPS oils have a lower level of ash content than mid-SAPS oils and are designed to meet the needs of sensitive after-treatment devices. Since low-ash oils cannot be used interchangeably, it is essential to select the product suitable for your car’s engine type.
In the lubrication industry, phosphorus and sulfur are used as core additives. They add strong anti-wear, antioxidant, and anti-friction characteristics to engine oils. Despite their strong properties, a high concentration of these substances can poison and damage the vehicle’s diesel particulate filter and two-way catalytic converter. That is why ACEA sets strict recommendations on how much phosphorus and sulfur should be applied to engine oil.
Engine oils with a lower amount of phosphorus and sulfur are called low-SAPS oils, also low-ash oils. These oils belong to the C category in ACEA’s oil classification, where “c” stands for catalyst-compatible.
According to ACEA, C-grade oils are stable, low-friction, and low-viscosity oils. They are used in vehicles equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPFs) and three-way catalytic converters (TWCs). C-grade oils are also used in high-performance diesel and petrol engines that require the use of oils with low levels of SAPS content.
Based on the amount of the SAPS content, C-grade oils can be low-SAPS and mid-SAPS. C1 and C4 are low-SAPS oils, while C2, C3, C5, and C6 are mid-SAPS oils.
Low-SAPS oils have a lower level of ash content than mid-SAPS oils and are designed to meet the needs of sensitive after-treatment devices. Since low-ash oils cannot be used interchangeably, it is essential to select the product suitable for your car’s engine type.
ACEA E-GRADE OILS: HEAVY-DUTY OILS
Engine oils in this category are heavy-duty oils. Based on their properties, they are further classified into:
E2 are general-purpose engine oils. They were used in naturally aspirated and turbocharged diesel engines, as well as in medium to heavy-duty applications. This oil type was discontinued in 2010.
E4 engine oils are stable, stay-in–grade lubricants. They are used for extended oil drain intervals in synthetic vehicles. They are specifically designed to meet Euro 3, Euro 4, and Euro 5 engine emission requirements.
E6 oils are in line with Euro 4, Euro 5, and Euro 6 engine emission requirements. The chemical limits for these engine oils allow them to be used with particulate filters and SCR NOx reduction systems.
E7 oils are suitable for Euro 3, Euro 4, and Euro 5 emission diesel engines in severe heavy-duty applications and extended drain intervals.
E9 engine oils are designed for Euro 4, Euro 5, and Euro 6 emission diesel engines. It is suitable both for engines with and without the diesel particulate filter.
E11 oils replace E9 oils. Those are super-high-performance mid-SAPS diesel oils (SHPD). With the HT/HS lower than 3.5 mPas, they are suitable for diesel engines with diesel particulate filters.
CONSULT ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER GUIDELINES
European vehicle manufacturers have strict guidelines concerning oil requirements for each engine type. Each car brand, including Fiat, Renault, Volkswagen, Audi, Ford, and BMW has detailed oil specifications for different types of their engines.
Let’s take the example of Volkswagen which has issued more than ten OEM specifications. For example, the VW 502 00 specification is for multigrade oils for gasoline engines with the normal change interval and high engine performance. On the other hand, its VW 509 00 is for eco-friendly, modern diesel cars. It is not compatible with previous specifications. Newer oil specifications have replaced a few outdated, obsolete ones.
In other words, vehicle owners need to choose lubricant manufacturers that are in line with the abovementioned ACEA oil standards and specifications.
Only that way can you ensure you are using the right engine oil for your vehicle. On the other hand, using non-approved engine oils or other lubricants for your car may result in engine failure and, worse yet, endanger the car’s warranty.
Engine oils in this category are heavy-duty oils. Based on their properties, they are further classified into:
E2 are general-purpose engine oils. They were used in naturally aspirated and turbocharged diesel engines, as well as in medium to heavy-duty applications. This oil type was discontinued in 2010.
E4 engine oils are stable, stay-in–grade lubricants. They are used for extended oil drain intervals in synthetic vehicles. They are specifically designed to meet Euro 3, Euro 4, and Euro 5 engine emission requirements.
E6 oils are in line with Euro 4, Euro 5, and Euro 6 engine emission requirements. The chemical limits for these engine oils allow them to be used with particulate filters and SCR NOx reduction systems.
E7 oils are suitable for Euro 3, Euro 4, and Euro 5 emission diesel engines in severe heavy-duty applications and extended drain intervals.
E9 engine oils are designed for Euro 4, Euro 5, and Euro 6 emission diesel engines. It is suitable both for engines with and without the diesel particulate filter.
E11 oils replace E9 oils. Those are super-high-performance mid-SAPS diesel oils (SHPD). With the HT/HS lower than 3.5 mPas, they are suitable for diesel engines with diesel particulate filters.
CONSULT ORIGINAL MANUFACTURER GUIDELINES
European vehicle manufacturers have strict guidelines concerning oil requirements for each engine type. Each car brand, including Fiat, Renault, Volkswagen, Audi, Ford, and BMW has detailed oil specifications for different types of their engines.
Let’s take the example of Volkswagen which has issued more than ten OEM specifications. For example, the VW 502 00 specification is for multigrade oils for gasoline engines with the normal change interval and high engine performance. On the other hand, its VW 509 00 is for eco-friendly, modern diesel cars. It is not compatible with previous specifications. Newer oil specifications have replaced a few outdated, obsolete ones.
In other words, vehicle owners need to choose lubricant manufacturers that are in line with the abovementioned ACEA oil standards and specifications.
Only that way can you ensure you are using the right engine oil for your vehicle. On the other hand, using non-approved engine oils or other lubricants for your car may result in engine failure and, worse yet, endanger the car’s warranty.
WRAPPING UP
ACEA specifications are vital to both engine lubrication manufacturers and vehicle owners. By staying on top of the latest ACEA specifications, manufacturers can create lubricants that meet the latest industry, sustainability, and safety standards and gain industry credibility.
On the other hand, by investing in ACEA-approved engine oil that is compatible with their engine, a customer can rest assured that their vehicle’s engine is safe.
We hope that this detailed guide to ACEA oil specifications will help you!
ACEA specifications are vital to both engine lubrication manufacturers and vehicle owners. By staying on top of the latest ACEA specifications, manufacturers can create lubricants that meet the latest industry, sustainability, and safety standards and gain industry credibility.
On the other hand, by investing in ACEA-approved engine oil that is compatible with their engine, a customer can rest assured that their vehicle’s engine is safe.
We hope that this detailed guide to ACEA oil specifications will help you!