öljyluokituksia

Öljyluokitukset, known in English as oil classifications or oil specifications, are systems used to categorize and grade lubricating oils based on their properties and performance. These classifications help consumers and professionals select the appropriate oil for specific applications, ensuring optimal engine protection, efficiency, and longevity.

Various organizations and industries have developed their own standards. In the automotive sector, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) is well-known for its viscosity grading system. SAE grades, such as 5W-30 or 10W-40, describe the oil's thickness at different temperatures. The "W" stands for winter, indicating its performance in cold conditions.

Beyond viscosity, performance characteristics are often defined by other bodies. The American Petroleum Institute (API) classifies engine oils for gasoline and diesel engines with categories like API SN for modern gasoline engines or API CK-4 for heavy-duty diesel engines. These API classifications indicate the oil's ability to protect against wear, deposit formation, and oxidation, among other factors.

European manufacturers also have their own specific standards, often referred to as OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) approvals. These approvals, such as ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers' Association) specifications or manufacturer-specific standards like Mercedes-Benz 229.5 or BMW LL-01, are typically more stringent and tailored to the unique requirements of particular engine designs and technologies. Choosing an oil that meets the recommended SAE viscosity grade and the appropriate API or ACEA performance specification, as well as any required OEM approvals, is crucial for maintaining the health of an engine.