Choosing the right engine oil can be a tough task. The right engine oil can prevent corrosion and overheating to keep your vehicle running at its best for years to come. But the wrong engine oil could have your car or motorcycle breaking down faster than it needs to, requiring more frequent repairs.

Thankfully organizations exist to monitor the engine oil industry and set standards for engine oil specifications. These standards can help drivers learn how to choose an engine oil and let auto makers approve which oils are best for their engines.

Let’s take a look at some of the most important engine oil specifications and who sets them. We’ll also get into how they can help you keep your vehicle running smoothly.

 

Who Sets Engine Oil Specs?

Today’s engines are packed with features specially equipped to improve efficiency and power, with new advancements every year. But you still need an engine oil that’s designed to maximize performance while prolonging your engine life. It also helps you get the most out of features like direct injection and modern turbocharging systems.

When shopping for engine oil, you might see confusing abbreviations like API, ILSAC, JASO, or ACEA written on product labels. These aren’t industry jargon put there to confuse you. Organizations use them to monitor the engine oil industry and set standards for engine oil specifications. The specifications let drivers and vehicle manufacturers know the performance and quality of an engine oil.

First, here are a few of the top organizations setting engine oil specs globally.

 

ΑΡΙ

American Petroleum Institute

The API is one of the key agencies monitoring engine oil specs in the North American market. API oil specifications are set according to the performance, fuel economy and protection against wear that an oil offers your vehicle. They use letters to set engine oil specs, with S (Service) covering petrol engines in passenger vehicles, and C (Commercial) showcasing requirements for diesel engines in commercial vehicles.

ILSAC

International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee

ILSAC was founded by members of American and Japanese vehicle manufacturers’ associations to set standards for petrol engine oil specifications. ILSAC is largely based on API service categories, but in addition to API’s standards, ILSAC brings in additional performance like improved fuel economy and durability tests that may demand higher performance levels.

JASO

Japanese Automotive Standards Organization

Motorcycles are unique because they don’t use a separate oil for their gearbox. This can cause clutches to slip due to friction modifiers, requiring a totally different set of standards for motorcycle engine oil.

Long trusted by motorcycle riders who want the best for their bikes, JASO approved engine oils can help you find the optimum amount of clutch slippage prevention while limiting exhaust smoke. JASO sets standards for two-stroke and four-stroke engine oils, organizing its engine oil standards under the letter M for 4-stroke engines and F for 2-stroke, with special requirements for engines with integrated transmissions.

ACEA

Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles (Association of European Engine Manufacturers)

And finally, monitoring engine oils in the European market is the ACEA, which uses the strictest European testing procedures to determine an oil’s quality and performance. They divide their specifications into sequences A, B, C and E, with A covering requirements for passenger car gasoline engines, and B covering passenger diesel engines. Sequence C is reserved for more specialty engines with exhaust aftertreatment systems, while E covers trucks with diesel engines.

 

When shopping for engine oils, you’ll likely see some of these letters as you shop for the right product. But since the auto industry is always evolving, these agencies are evolving their requirements as well.

 

The Latest Engine Oil Specs to Look for

To keep up with the fast-evolving auto industry, these committees regularly update their standards. The updates reflect the most cutting-edge advancements in engine output, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction. Here are a few of the newest standards to watch for from each agency, and why they matter for your vehicle. (as of 2025)

 

API SQ

API SQ is the American Petroleum Institute’s latest gasoline engine oil standard. It builds on API SP, bringing enhanced protection and efficiency for today’s advanced engines. Introduced in 2025, it reflects the growing demand for oils that are suited to the latest engine technologies. This is especially true for turbocharged and direct injection systems.

API SQ introduces stricter performance requirements across several key areas. It strengthens protection against LSPI (low-speed pre-ignition) and improves cleanliness under high temperatures. It also provides better wear control for components like timing chains. Plus, the standard improves fuel economy by supporting ultra-low viscosity grades such as SAE 0W-8 and 0W-12. And it even helps the longevity of gasoline particulate filters through reduced sulfated ash content.

API SQ remains fully backward compatible, covering all previous API standards. It pushes engine oil development to achieve greater protection, efficiency, and environmental performance.

 

 

ILSAC GF-7

Stricter emissions regulations and the rise of hybrid vehicles have created the need for updated standards. As such, the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee introduced GF-7, which is built for high-efficiency engines.

To meet the growing demand for ultra-low viscosity oils and cleaner engine performance, GF-7 raises the bar in key areas. It improves LSPI protection and timing chain wear resistance, and enhances piston cleanliness under high temperatures. The new standard also supports hybrid engine needs. And it brings added requirements for corrosion protection, low-temperature wear, and oil stability.

ILSAC GF-7 includes two subcategories: GF-7A for standard viscosity grades and GF-7B for SAE 0W-16 oils. It also introduces compatibility with ultra-low viscosities like SAE 0W-8 and 0W-12, further boosting fuel economy across modern vehicles.

 

JASO T903 and M345

The Japanese Automotive Standards Organization’s T903 standard has guaranteed the quality of motorcycle engine oil for four-stroke engines since 1998. It has also developed a M345 standard for two-stroke engines, which was introduced in 1994 and updated in 2024.

The T903 is further divided into two performance categories. There is JASO MA for motorcycles with a wet clutch, and JASO MB for scooters that use an automatic transmission. For two-stroke engine oils, JASO’s M345 standard defines four performance levels: FA, FB, FC, and FD. FC represents a high-quality standard, while FD offers similar benefits with an even higher detergency requirement. The 2024 revision to M345 focused on updating test procedures due to aging equipment. This was done to ensure the standard remains reliable and relevant. Both standards continue to ensure optimal engine protection and clutch performance for all types of motorcycles.

 

ACEA 2024

In 2024, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles) updated their European engine oil sequences. This was chiefly done to address the latest advances in engine technology and environmental regulations. Similar to the updates of the API and ILSAC standards, the new ACEA requirements emphasize improved LSPI prevention and enhanced wear protection. They continue to provide specifications for both high and low SAPS (Sulfated Ash, Phosphorous, and Sulfur) oils. This allows manufacturers to choose the optimal SAPS level for their vehicles.

One of the key new categories introduced is High SAPS A7/B7-24, designed to protect turbocharged gasoline engines against LSPI and wear. It also offers turbocharger compressor deposit (TCCD) protection for modern diesel engines.

Another important addition is the low SAPS C6-24 category, focused on 0W-20 oils that deliver similar LSPI and TCCD protection. This helps to support fuel efficiency and emission control system longevity.

The ACEA’s 2024 update also includes five rigorous new tests for today’s engine oils, retiring two older tests to better align with current engine demands and stricter emissions requirements. These changes reflect the ACEA’s commitment to pushing engine oil performance toward higher levels of protection, efficiency, and environmental compatibility.

 

These are a few of the core standards to look for when shopping for an engine oil, though there are other standards such as SAE and various other OEM approvals. A basic understanding of these labels and specs could make all the difference as you shop for the right engine oil and choose what’s best for your vehicle.

Stay tuned to Tips & Info from Kixx Newsroom for more smart tips on how to care for your vehicle.