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ACEA Car Engine Oil Specification Explained

An ACEA Spec is a very common sight... in fact you'll find one on almost all engine oil. But what does it all mean?

ACEA (the European Automobile Manufacturers Association) have a system of rating oils, which you will find on the container of almost every oil on the market.

ACEA engine oil specifications are designed to ensure that the oil can provide the necessary performance to meet the demands of modern engines.

The specifications cover a range of properties such as viscosity, shear stability (its ability to maintain its viscosity and lubricating properties when two layers of fluid move relative to each other at different speeds), and wear protection.

Different ACEA specifications have different properties; some are designed more for fuel economy, others for long life, others to work with exhaust emission reductions systems (or a combination).

The ACEA engine oil specifications are divided into different categories based on the type of engine and the performance requirements. The most commonly used categories are:

  • ACEA A: petrol (gasoline) engines
  • ACEA B: diesel engines with low levels of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR)
  • ACEA C: engines with after-treatment devices, such as diesel particulate filters (DPFs) or three-way catalysts (TWCs).
  • ACEA E: heavy-duty diesel engines

ACEA engine oil specifications are regularly updated to keep pace with advancements in engine technology.

When selecting an engine oil, it's important to use one that meets the ACEA specification recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Using an ACEA-approved engine oil that meets the requirements of your vehicle's engine can help ensure optimal performance, fuel economy, and engine protection. Check with your owner's handbook, use our engine oil recommendation or get in touch with us for a personalised oil recommendation if you are in any doubt.

ACEA's Mission Statement is defined as:

  • Define and advocate the common interests, policies and positions of the European automobile industry;
  • Engage in dialogue with the European institutions and other stakeholders in order to advance understanding of industry-related issues, and to contribute to effective policy and legislation at both European and global levels;
  • Act as a portal for expert knowledge on vehicle-related regulation;
  • Communicate the role and importance of the industry, using reliable data and information;
  • Monitor activities that affect the automobile industry, cooperating with the other stakeholders involved; and Undertake strategic reflection on the increasingly global challenges of mobility, sustainability and competitiveness.

ACEA Specifications - Standard Petrol and Diesel Engines

The information that follows is technical; for most people it's enough to know that if the vehicle manufacturer has specified a particular ACEA oil spec for your car, it will have been done for good reason, and that you should use an oil that meets that specification.

ACEA A1/B1

ACEA A1/B1 engine oils are low-viscosity, low friction oils for use at extended drain intervals in petrol engines and car & light van diesel engines. They are designed for fuel economy, with especially low High Temperature High Shear viscosity. HTHS of 2.6 to 3.5 mPas applies to XW-20, 2.9 to 3.5 mPa.s for all others. Corresponds to the old A1 and B1 specifications with some new engine tests

Shop for ACEA A1/B1 Spec Car Engine Oil

ACEA A2/B2

OBSOLETE - Basic requirements. Will be replaced by the GLOBAL DLD-1 specification.

ACEA A3/B3

Category for high-performance and Fuel Economy engine oils. Exceeds ACEA A1/B1 with regard to Noack (evaporation losses), piston cleanliness and oxidation stability. Extended oil change intervals possible.

Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use in high performance petrol engines and car & light van diesel engines and/or for extended drain intervals where specified by the engine manufacturer, and/or for year-round use of low viscosity oils, and/or for severe operating conditions as defined by the engine manufacturer

Shop for ACEA A3/B3 Spec Car Engine Oil

ACEA A3/B4

Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use in high performance petrol and direct injection diesel engines, but also suitable for applications described under A3/B3

Shop for ACEA A3/B4 Spec Car Engine Oil

ACEA A5/B5

Category for high-performance engine oils. For TDI engines with Fuel Economy Performance. In addition with lowered HTHS (2.9 to 3.5 mPas). Extended oil change intervals possible.

Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use at extended drain intervals in high performance petrol engines and car & light van diesel engines designed to be capable of using low friction low viscosity oils with a High temperature / High shear rate (HTHS) viscosity of 2.9 to 3.5 mPas.

Shop For ACEA A5/B5 Spec Car Engine Oil

ACEA A5/B6 and A6/B6

... are not adopted ACEA standards.

ACEA A7/B7

ACEA A7/B7 engine oil offers increased protection against timing chain wear, turbocharger compressor deposits, and LSPI (Low Speed Pre-Ignition) issues. These are critical factors that can lead to engine damage if not addressed properly. By using A7/B7 oil, you can provide your engine with enhanced protection, ensuring optimal performance and longevity. For the technically minded, ACEA A7/B7 oils have an HTHS viscosity of 2.9 to 3.5 mPas - the same as ACEA A5/B5.

Shop For ACEA A7/B7 Car Engine Oil

Low SAPS Diesel Engines

An additional category appears in these specifications in which sulphate ash, phosphorous and sulphur content (SAPS) are limited.

Warning: these oils have the lowest SAPS limits and are unsuitable for use in some engines. Consult owner manual or handbook if in doubt

ACEA C1 - OBSOLETE - Withdrawn by ACEA

Largely based on the ACEA A5/B5. Strict limitation of SAPS content. Low HTHS viscosity of >2.9 mPas.

Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance car and light van diesel and petrol engines requiring low friction, low viscosity, low SAPS oils with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 2.9 mPas. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life and maintain the vehicles fuel economy.

Shop For ACEA C1 Spec Car Engine Oil

ACEA C2

Same as C1 but with somewhat higher SAPS content permissible (as with C3).

Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance car and light van diesel and petrol engines designed to be capable of using low friction, low viscosity oils with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 2.9mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life and maintain the vehicles fuel economy.

Shop For ACEA C2 Spec Car Engine Oil

ACEA C3

Same as C2 except for HTHS > 3.5 and without Fuel Economy performance.

Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance car and light van diesel and petrol engines, with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 3.5mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life.

Shop For ACEA C3 Spec Car Engine Oil

ACEA C4

Same SAPS content as C3, HTHS viscosity as C1.

Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use as catalyst compatible oil in vehicles with DPF and TWC in high performance car and light van diesel and petrol engines requiring low SAPS oil with a minimum HTHS viscosity of 3.5 mPa.s. These oils will increase the DPF and TWC life

Shop For ACEA C4 Car Engine Oil

ACEA C5

ACEA C5 oils are high performance, lower SAPS lubricants.
The primary goal of ACEA C5 oils is increased fuel economy in high performance petrol and diesel engines in passenger cars where advanced after-treatment systems such as Diesel Particulate Filters and Three Way Catalysts are used. HTHS viscosity must be in the range 2.6 to 2.9mPa.s (i.e. low) - typically SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20 and made with Group III base oils.

Shop For ACEA C5 Car Engine Oil

ACEA C6

ACEA C6 adds eight tests, which build on the performance levels set by ACEA C5, whilst introducing new fuel economy testing. The added tests focus on Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI), Turbo Charger Wear and Turbo Charger Compression Deposit (TCCD) protection.

ACEA C6 ensures compatibility with certain emission control systems, by demanding particular mid-SAPS properties. Intended for use where advanced aftertreatment systems such as DPFs and TWC are used, in high performance petrol and light duty diesel engines with extended service intervals. ACEA C6 oils feature a low minimum HTHS viscosity of 2.6mPa.s.

Shop For ACEA C6 Car Engine Oil


Key:

  • DPF: Diesel Particulate Filter.
  • HTHS: High temperature / High shear rate viscosity.
  • mPas: millipascal-second, a unit of measurement used to express dynamic viscosity.
  • SAPS: Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, Sulphur.
  • TWC: Three way catalyst.
  • Viscosity: a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow; it plays a crucial role in engine lubrication.