One vehicle model doesn’t always mean one engine oil

Choosing the right oil for a vehicle has become an increasingly complex task. The ACEA* oil specifications, first introduced in 1996, are agreed to by all major vehicle manufacturers as the basis for an engine oil. In addition to ACEA specifications, it’s common for vehicle manufacturers to set their own performance standards that are unique to their engineering, emissions control and fuel economy technologies. To protect an engine, it is essential to use an oil that meets the specification stated by the manufacturer.

Oil selection is now more important today than it has ever been. Using the wrong oil can:

• Block your Diesel Particulate Filter
• Poison your 3 way Catalytic Converter
• Damage your Turbo Charger

OEM Specifications

Almost every vehicle manufacturer has its own set of specifications for engine oil which may complement or supersede both ACEA and API specifications. In recent years the number of unique manufacturer specifications has greatly increased resulting in a shift towards manufacturer specific oils.
Increasingly demanding environmental regulations have led to much more complex and variable engine configurations which in turn can lead to quite different requirements for engine oil. This leads to different sets of specifications, even within the same make and model.