API Oil Specification
API specifications are American engine oil quality categories, shown in the API “donut” and starburst symbols on the bottle.
What is API Oil Specification?
Petrol categories start with S and diesel categories with C. Each new letter replaces older categories as tests become stricter. European cars usually rely more on ACEA and manufacturer approvals. The ILSAC starburst symbol shows that a petrol oil also meets fuel-economy requirements.
How it works
The American Petroleum Institute licenses oils that pass defined engine tests.
Why it matters for your car
An API category alone may not meet a European manufacturer’s requirements. Check the manual for the exact category required.
Other terms
- Ball Joint Splitter
- Clutch Release Bearing
- Cornering Light
- Deceleration Fuel Cut-off (Overrun Fuel Cut)
- Digital Rear-View Mirror
- Electrical Resistance (Ohms)
- Green Card (International Motor Insurance)
- Interior Fragrance System
- Litres Per 100 Km (l/100 Km)
- Misfire Counter
- Range Estimate (Guess-o-Meter)
- Rear Diffuser
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
- Repair Estimate (Quote)
- Service Interval
- Throttle Body
- Top Dead Centre (TDC)
- Torque Vectoring
- Vinyl Wrap (Car Wrapping)
- Wheel Stud And Wheel Bolt