Car oils also have different grades that determine the age of the engine they can be used properly. According to the United States Department of Energy, this is also called the API (American Petroleum Institute) Service Classification. “SA” is the oldest group. It has been designed for car engines since 1930. “SB” is used for car engines from 1951 and earlier. “SC” refers to engine oils for vehicles prior to 1967. “SD” and “SE” are for engines earlier than 1971 and 1979, respectively. “SF,” “SG,” and “SH” cover motors older than 1988, 1993, and 1996 respectively. The US Department of Energy makes these grades obsolete, and it is unlikely that you will see all the grades of oil sold in your local grocery store.
Categories “SJ” covers the engine is older than 2001, “SL” is the engine older than 2004, “SM” and “SN” is the engine older than 2010, and the SN is in the category of oil that uses more detergents. Finally, the “SP” will be the one you will see in most stores as it was made in 2020 and is compatible with older engines, meaning it is generally the best to use, no matter how old your car is. However, there are always exceptions to this rule when restoring luxury cars with solid electronics.
Above all, remember to change your oil regularly, and if you’re not sure what type of oil to use, refer to your owner’s manual or ask a certified mechanic.