Standards and specifications for engine oils: A comprehensive guide
September 2, 2024
Technical articles
The ROXOR Oil Finder is a handy tool for finding the right ROXOR lubricants for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, construction machinery and agricultural machinery. But how does the selection of suitable lubricants actually work? And how do standards and specifications govern this process?
Standards and specifications
The selection of a lubricant is based on several criteria, including international standards, viscosity and manufacturer specifications. These standards ensure that the lubricants meet the required specifications and are suitable for the respective application. As an example, let us consider the evaluation of a suitable engine oil in detail.
International standards
International standards set out the minimum requirements for engine oils. The most important standardisation organisations in this field are:
- ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association)
- API (American Petroleum Institute)
- ILSAC (International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee)
Viscosity
The viscosity of engine oils is categorised into SAE grades. This classification specifies, irrespective of the oil’s performance, the temperatures and conditions under which the engine oil must meet the defined viscosity requirements (thick or thin consistency).
- SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers)
Manufacturer’s specifications (OEM specification)
In addition to international standards and viscosity, vehicle and engine manufacturers specify specific requirements. These specifications may include additional fleet tests and stricter limits, for example regarding neutralisation capacity, chemical composition and compatibility with seals. These specifications go beyond the requirements of ACEA, API and ILSAC to ensure that the lubricant performs optimally with the respective engines and systems.
ROXOR Oil Finder
The ROXOR Oil Finder meets all these requirements. The LTC LAEMMLE Tec Centre draws on its extensive expertise to match suitable ROXOR engine oils to international standards, manufacturer specifications and SAE grades, thereby providing reliable recommendations for use in a wide range of vehicles and machinery.
LTC Service + Support
If you cannot find what you are looking for in the ROXOR Oil Finder, LTC Service + Support is here to help. Our experts have extensive experience and can assist you in finding a suitable ROXOR alternative. With over 75 years’ experience in the field of lubricants, we are happy to offer you advice and support.
Author: Martin Ruch, Head of Technical Support
Figure 1: Close-up of the laemmle-chemicals ROXOR drum