AMERICAN PETROLEUM INSTITUTE (API)

  • Whether an oil is suitable for gasoline or diesel engines

    API Service Level Category

    Since 1924, the American Petroleum Institute has been a cornerstone in establishing and maintaining standards for the worldwide oil and natural gas industry. This defines whether an oil is suitable for gasoline or diesel engines.

    Gasoline engines: The service level category contains two letters. The first letter, S, indicates the oil is for gasoline engines. The codes are as follows:

    • SN: For vehicles manufactured after 2010
    • SM: Vehicles manufactured between 2002-2009
    • SJ: Vehicles manufactured before 2001
    • Bio-based oils

    Diesel engines: The first letter, C, indicates the oil is for a diesel engine. The codes are:

    • CJ-4: Four stroke high speed diesels manufactured from 2010
    • CI-4: For vehicles built between 2002 and 2010
    • CH-4: Vehicles built between 1998 and 2002