UNDERSTANDING THE DESCRIPTION ON AN

OIL CAN

Q What do the letters and symbols mean on the bottle, such as API, SJ, CF,

CG-4? Or SAE 5W30?

A API stands for the American Petroleum Institute, which provides the

standards that high quality oils must meet.

SL means it’s for all automotive engines currently in production. SL oils are
designed to provide better “high-temperature deposit control” and lower oil
consumption.

SJ means it’s for 2001 and older automotive engines.

SM oils are designed to provide improved oxidation resistance, improved
deposit protection, better wear protection, and better low-temperature
performance over the life of the oil.

CF was adopted in 1994 for use in indirect injected off-road diesel engines
that use a broad range of fuels, including those with high sulfur content. It
offers effective control of piston deposits, wear, and corrosion of the copper-
coated bearings used in this type of engine.

CF-2 is formulated for use in two-stroke diesel engines requiring highly
effective control over cylinder and ring-face scuffing and deposits.

CF-4 covers oils for use in high-speed, four-stroke diesel engines. They are
designed for use in on-highway heavy-duty truck applications.

CG-4 describes oils for use in high-speed, four-stroke diesel engines, and is
suitable for both highway and off-road applications. They provide effective
control of high-temperature piston deposits, wear, corrosion, foaming, and
oxidation stability and soot accumulation. These oils are especially effective