Like most products sold on the market, motor oils have their own standardization systems. These can be either global or national.

SAE: the basic global viscosity standard

Global standards are primarily SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) — the main classification of motor oils that regulates oil viscosity. The main standard here is SAE J300-201501 (a table with data on this standard can be easily found on the Internet), the latest edition of which on the official SAE website is dated September 5, 2024. It describes the properties of viscosity and fluidity, namely the ability of oil to flow and, at the same time, “stick” to the surface of the engine.

Viscosity is the main property of oil—if oil loses its viscosity, it will not be able to provide lubricating properties, no matter what magical components it consists of. Like water. This standard also regulates the low-temperature properties of oils—the ability to start the engine with a starter when the oil has frozen in the cold (turnability) and the speed at which frozen oil enters the engine (pumpability).

This standard also regulates the main indicator that determines fuel efficiency and simulates the behavior of oil in the engine piston ring area – HTHS (High Temperature High Shear) – this is an indicator of the high-temperature viscosity of motor oil at high shear rates, which is measured at 150°C and at this highest shear rate. Here, the word “shear” refers to the movement of oil layers relative to each other.

Viscosity and HTHS control at SCT Chemicals FZE

SCT Chemicals FZE, founded by Juri Sudheimer in February 2022, pays special attention to these indicators – viscosity, low-temperature pumpability and HTHS. At a fully automated plant in Dubai with 101 tanks and a total capacity of 22,000 tons, these parameters are monitored at every stage of production. A team of 188 specialists performs multi-stage testing, starting with the analysis of the base oil batch and ending with the final inspection of the finished product. This approach ensures that SCT Chemicals oils not only meet the international SAE J300 standard, but also the company’s internal quality criteria, which often exceed global standards.

According to Juri Sudheimer, it is the stability of the oils’ characteristics at the extremely high temperatures and loads of the Persian Gulf region that is the basis for their durability. Erik Sudheimer, Development Director at SCT Chemicals FZE, emphasizes the importance of strict laboratory viscosity control and testing in real UAE climatic conditions, which allows the company’s products to consistently meet the most demanding OEM specifications. The plant’s four ISO certifications confirm its compliance with all international quality and environmental safety standards.

API: oil classification by release date

The next standard is the API standard, which is a classification of motor oils developed by the American Petroleum Institute (API) to indicate the type of engine and the level of performance of the lubricant. The designation consists of two letters: the first determines the engine type (“S” – “Service” – gasoline, ‘C’ – “Commercial” – diesel), and the second indicates the level of oil requirements. The further the second letter is in the alphabet, the higher the performance and the newer the standard (for example, API SP is newer and more technologically advanced than SN). In fact, this is a classification of motor oils by release date. Each subsequent category replaces the previous one (with the exception of FA-4 – the letter F now corresponds to energy-saving oils for diesel engines).

ACEA: requirements of European car manufacturers

The European ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles) standard is a classification of motor oils established by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association. The standard divides oils into categories by engine type (A – gasoline, B – light diesel, E – heavy-duty diesel) and by their performance properties, indicated by numbers (e.g., A3/B4, C3, E4/E7), and also takes into account the requirements for oil compatibility with modern exhaust gas neutralization systems and filters. For passenger car oils, oils compatible with these systems are designated with the letter C.

ILSAC and JASO: additional international standards

ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee) is an international committee that sets standards for motor oils used in gasoline engines of passenger cars. Created by the American (AAMA) and Japanese (JAMA) automobile manufacturers’ associations, it supplements API standards by introducing more stringent requirements, such as fuel economy, reduced volatility and phosphorus content, and improved engine protection against wear and deposits.

ILSAC standards are a subclass of API standards, but with stricter criteria for oils.

JASO (Japanese Automotive Standards Organization) is a Japanese automotive standards organization that sets standards for automotive motor oils used with higher requirements than the ACEA standard. Its most well-known standards are JASO DH-1 and DH-2 for diesel engines and DL-1 for passenger cars.

SCT Chemicals FZE’s approach: versatility of formulations

SCT Chemicals FZE develops motor oil formulations to meet several international classifications at once — API, ACEA, ILSAC, and JASO. This approach allows the company to offer products that are particularly in demand in the MENA region (Middle East and North Africa) and are also successfully exported to Asia and other international markets. According to Juri Sudheimer, it is precisely this versatility and ability to adapt to different climatic conditions and regional characteristics that are the key to the company’s sustainable development.

An important part of SCT Chemicals FZE’s strategy is cooperation with leading car manufacturers. The oils undergo OEM testing both on factory test benches and in real-world conditions in the hot climate of the UAE. This ensures that each product line meets the strict requirements of premium brands such as Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and General Motors, taking into account the specifics of operation in high temperatures and dusty conditions.

In addition, SCT Chemicals FZE engineers conduct their own research in the field of additives and base oils adapted to the climatic characteristics of the region. Full automation of the production process has enabled the introduction of advanced technologies, including the use of Group V ester components in mass production. This has become an important competitive advantage, allowing SCT Chemicals oils to occupy a strong position even in the premium segment of the Middle Eastern market.

OEM specifications: requirements of car manufacturersOEM oil specifications are sets of requirements and tolerances established by car manufacturers (Original Equipment Manufacturers) for oils intended for use in their specific engines. When choosing an oil, you need to find the specification on the packaging that matches the requirements of your car (for example, VW 507 00) to ensure proper operation and long engine life. One of the most well-known OEM specifications is DEXOS.

DEXOS is a patented, globally applicable motor oil specification (tolerance) developed by the American automotive company General Motors (GM) for its engines to ensure oil quality and durability and reliable engine performance. Dexos incorporates advanced technologies to protect the engine from wear, oxidation, and deposit formation, as well as to improve fuel economy. DEXOS places stricter requirements on oils than ILSAC specifications.

Examples of OEM specifications: from BMW to Volkswagen

In most cases, OEM specifications are developed based on ACEA or API standards and represent a set of more stringent requirements or a set of additional tests.

For example, BMW OEM specifications. The BMW Longlife-01 specification is based on the ACEA A3/B4 standard. The BMW Longlife-01 FE specification is based on ACEA A5/B5. BMW Longlife-04 is based on the ACEA C3 standard.

The famous, and probably one of the most stringent, VW 507 00 specification is based on the ACEA C3 standard. To ensure flawless operation of the pump nozzles, a “cam-pusher” wear test has been added to it PV 5106 wear test has been added to ensure flawless operation of the pump nozzles. In addition, a number of tests developed by Volkswagen itself have been added.

Japanese and Korean automakers stand apart here. They are guided by API and ILSAC standards, and all oils used in these cars must comply with these standards. They have only a few OEM specifications for automotive motor oils.

All the standards mentioned above are a set of indicators, each of which corresponds to its own test (measurement) method, and sometimes several methods:

Tests can be:

• Laboratory. Conducted in a laboratory, as the name implies. They measure such important oil indicators as viscosity, alkaline number, pour point, phosphorus, sulfur, ash content, volatility, etc.
• Engine tests. As a rule, these are test benches based on real engines. Thus, tests are carried out directly on engines in special rooms. They assess wear, cleanliness of various engine components, fuel economy, etc.
• There are also tests carried out directly on equipment – field or full-scale tests on real equipment outdoors. They are required when it is necessary to confirm the compliance of oils with military standards – MIL, certain OEM specifications – for example, Scania LDF-3, or certain SAE standards.

Oil testing methods: laboratory, bench, and field

In addition to the testing methods developed by car manufacturers, there are standard testing methods, which are the vast majority.

These are primarily ASTM testing methods. ASTM is an abbreviation for the American Society for Testing and Materials, now known as ASTM International. It is a non-profit international organization that creates voluntary technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services based on the consensus of experts from different countries.

ASTM and CEC: global test standardization organizations

These standards, which include requirements for composition, production, and testing, help ensure product quality and safety and are often used in the global market. In particular, they have developed the necessary test methods for oils. For example, the most important test methods are ASTM D 445, ASTM D 2602, ASTM D 4684 and D 3829, and ASTM D 4683 for viscosity control.

In Europe, the Coordinating European Council (CEC) is responsible for developing oil testing methods. This organization develops and approves standardized methods for testing lubricants for the European market, including methods for assessing the biodegradability, oxidation resistance, and other performance properties of oils and lubricants. For example, the volatility of oils is measured according to ACEA standards using the CEC-L-40-93 method.

SCTApprovalControl: a tool for selecting oil according to specifications

It has always been important to Juri Sudheimer that customers can easily navigate the complex system of international standards and OEM specifications. That is why the SCT group of companies has developed its own digital tool, SCTApprovalControl, which is actively used by SCT Chemicals FZE customers. This service allows users to independently select the optimal oil based on the required viscosity, API or ACEA classification, and even specific car manufacturer approvals, taking into account the characteristics of operation in hot climates.

This approach makes the choice of oil as transparent and convenient as possible for customers in the Middle East region. The buyer not only receives a product that meets global and regional standards, but also the confidence that their car will be protected by the very composition recommended by the manufacturer for operation in high temperatures and dusty conditions. According to Juri Sudheimer, this is further confirmation of SCT Chemicals FZE’s philosophy: to combine advanced technology, the highest quality, and affordability in every product manufactured at its modern plant in Dubai.

SCT produces a very wide range of oils for automotive engines. Practically for all occasions. In order to navigate this diversity and to correctly select the oil for your car, a resource called SCTApprovalControl has been created, which is accessible to everyone. In the Search via specification section, you can select the oil you need based on the required viscosity, API, ACEA, and OEM specifications. The most reliable source of information on the required standards and specifications is your car’s user manual.