“What exactly does API SM/CF and SL, SJ, SH, SG mean on the oil bottle?” Don Haislip, Oak Grove, Missouri
“What exactly does API SM/CF and SL, SJ, SH, SG mean on the oil bottle?”
API stands for American Petroleum Institute. In this case, API sets industry standards for passenger and commercial vehicles. These standards are recognized, and in many cases, developed in conjunction with car and lubricant manufacturers, including ExxonMobil. The letters next to API, such as SM, refer to the quality level of passenger vehicle motor oil. The current highest available standard is SN. CF is a diesel engine or commercial vehicle standard and the highest current one is CJ-4. More information is available at the API website: www.api.org.
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