What does API SP mean on engine oil?

API SP is a petrol engine oil category introduced in 2020. It protects against low-speed pre-ignition, timing chain wear and deposits in modern engines.

Can I use API SP oil if my manual says API SN?

Yes. API S categories are generally backward compatible, so a newer SP oil can be used where SN or older is specified.

What does API SN/CJ-4 mean?

The oil meets both the API SN petrol engine category and the API CJ-4 diesel engine category, so it can be used in suitable petrol and diesel engines.

Where can I buy EVShield engine oil in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor or Johor?

Order directly from A4 Petroleum in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. We supply EVShield 5W-30, 10W-30 and 10W-40 to workshops, fleets, car dealers and resellers in KL, Selangor, Johor and across Malaysia, with carton and bulk orders available.

API SP, SN and CK-4: what the codes on engine oil mean

What do API SP, SN, CK-4 and ILSAC GF-6 mean on an engine oil bottle? A simple guide to choosing the right oil specification for your vehicle.

Besides the viscosity grade, such as 5W-30, every engine oil bottle shows one or more performance codes, for example API SP, API SN, API CK-4 or ILSAC GF-6. These tell you what level of protection the oil has been tested to deliver. Here is how to read them.

What is API?

API stands for the American Petroleum Institute. Its Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System sets performance categories that oils must pass in laboratory and engine tests. Many vehicle manufacturers in Malaysia, including Japanese, Korean and local brands, list an API category in the owner’s manual.

Petrol engine oils: the “S” categories

Categories for petrol (gasoline) engines start with S. The second letter moves up the alphabet as newer, tougher standards are introduced.

API SN was introduced in 2010 and improved deposit control and seal compatibility.
API SP was introduced in 2020. It adds protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) in small turbocharged direct-injection engines, plus better timing chain wear protection and deposit control.
API SQ was introduced in 2025 as the latest category, alongside ILSAC GF-7.

Newer S categories are generally backward compatible. An API SP oil can be used where the manual asks for SN or older, but not the other way round.

Diesel engine oils: the “C” categories

Categories for diesel engines start with C.

API CJ-4 was introduced in 2006 for engines with diesel particulate filters.
API CK-4 was introduced in 2016, with better resistance to oxidation, shear and aeration. It is backward compatible with CJ-4 and earlier categories.
API FA-4 is a special low-viscosity diesel category for certain newer highway engines and is not backward compatible.

Some oils carry both a petrol and a diesel category, such as API SN/CJ-4. This means the oil meets both standards, which is useful for mixed fleets.

What is ILSAC?

ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee) standards are set with Japanese and American carmakers. ILSAC GF-6 matches API SP, with added fuel economy requirements. It comes in GF-6A for common grades such as 5W-30 and GF-6B for very thin 0W-16 oils.

What about ACEA?

European carmakers often refer to ACEA categories, such as A3/B4 or C3. If you drive a European car, check your manual for the ACEA category or the carmaker’s own approval code.

How to choose

Check your owner’s manual for both the viscosity grade and the required specification.
Match or exceed the specification. An oil with a newer category in the same series is usually fine.
Do not mix up petrol and diesel codes. A diesel-only oil may not protect a modern turbo petrol engine against LSPI.
Ask if unsure. Your workshop or lubricant supplier can confirm the right oil.

For help choosing the viscosity, read our guide on 5W-30, 10W-30 or 10W-40. EVShield engine oils are available in API SP and API SN/CJ-4 grades. Contact us for supply to workshops, fleets and retailers.

Serving Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor

A4 Petroleum supplies EVShield 5W-30, 10W-30 and 10W-40 engine oil to workshops, fleets, car dealers and resellers in Kuala Lumpur (KL), Selangor, Johor and across Malaysia. WhatsApp +60 12-886 6025 for a price.