So a5 b5. Deciphering the classification of oil according to ACEA

The choice of oil for your car has always been important for car enthusiasts and iron horse owners who are not indifferent to their car.
In particular, many spears have been broken about the interchangeability of ILSAC and ACEA oils, the applicability of low-viscosity oils in modern engines and engines of previous generations, the dangers of using such oils under severe operating conditions and forced driving modes. All this can be found and read on the Internet.
In turn, we want to bring to the attention of car enthusiasts several low-viscosity full-ash motor oils from the EUROL line of fully synthetic motor oils of the ACEA A5 / B5 standard.

A few words about the ACEA A5/B5 standard:
This standard was created Association des Constracteuis Europeen des Automobiles (ACEA), the Association of European Automotive Engineers - the largest organization in Europe, consisting of the largest and most reputable car manufacturers in Europe. This association's oil performance requirements are more stringent than other ILSAC and API standards.

Oils of category A5 / B5 are full-ash, with a sulfated ash content of up to 1.6% by weight, with an volatility of up to 13% by weight, with an unregulated content of sulfur and phosphorus. Categories Ax/Bx were created for use in internal combustion engines with external injection (manifold injection) on fuels with a high sulfur content (over 350mg/kg). These oils should have high base numbers of 9-12.
Categories A1 / B1 and A5 / B5 are low-viscosity and are designed to improve the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines and, as a result, reduce emissions of toxic components and CO2, provide extended drain intervals and emission standards for EURO - 4 and above. These oils are designed for European high-speed and high-load / forced gasoline and light-load diesel internal combustion engines with extended drain intervals.

Such important parameter, how HTHS (High Temperature High Shear) this is the so-called high-temperature viscosity, which indicates the ability of the oil film on friction surfaces to resist rupture under mechanical action and at high temperatures: for oils of the A5 / B5 standard, it lies in the range of 2.9 - 3.5 mPa * s. It should be noted that engine wear begins when the value of this parameter is below 2.6 MPa*s.

The EUROL product line, offered by the official distributor of the brand in Russia, contains three brands of oil corresponding to the ACEA A5 / B5 category: Eurol Fluence FE 5W-30, Eurol Ultrance VA 0W-30, Eurol Fortence 5W-30.

Eurol Fluence FE 5W-30 - midSAPS low ash (0.8), hydrocracked VHVI, base number 7.7, meets API SN, Renault RN 0700, Peugeot/Citroen PSA B71 2290 approvals.

Eurol Ultrance VA 0W-30 is a full ash (1.1), low viscosity, hydrocracked VHVI, base number 9, API SL/CF, Volvo VCC approval 95200377.

Eurol Fortence 5W-30 - Full Ash (1.13), Low Viscosity, Hydrocracked VHVI, BN 9.93, API SL/CF, WSS-M2C-913D (Approved), Ford WSS-M2C-913 A/B/C & 912A, Renault RN 0700.

These oils are suitable for European FORD cars, Volvo, Renault, Peugeot, Citroen, etc. as with modern engines, and with engines of previous generations requiring ACEA A5 / B5, A1 / B1 oils.

If we compare ACEA A5 / B5 and ILSAC GF-5 oils, we can note that these oils are largely similar in terms of parameters. But there are differences, such as ash content. ILSAC GF-5 imposes higher requirements for ash content - no more than 1. Moreover, engines of Asian manufacturers can also use full-ash oils. So why not pour into your Toyota or KIA oil A5/B5? Can! And many pour and are quite satisfied with the results. But it is important to understand that this oil contains more sulfur and phosphorus in the form of additives and is more likely to deposit deposits in the engine and spoil converters. You should not “run across” on this oil for more than 10,000 km. and shorten the change interval if you like to "crush the sneaker" or are forced to make short trips in winter with long warm-ups.

One more important point regarding low-viscosity oils: there is an opinion that the lower the viscosity, the easier it is for the motor to spin. Dangerous delusion! It is today that engines are specially developed for low-viscosity oils, which provide fuel economy and protect the environment. In your Ford or Renault, such oils may simply not be suitable. The low HTHS of today's low viscosity oils, especially with aggressive driving, can cause rapid engine wear.

Bottom line, if you want to save some fuel and extend your oil change intervals, these oils are for you. But before making a purchase decision, be sure to look at the instructions for the manufacturer's approval of the use of ACEA category A5 / B5 oil.

The ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) standard represents the certification of engine oil for application and performance, and takes into account the requirements of 15 car manufacturers (BMW, DAF, Daimler-Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, GM-Europe, Jaguar Land Rover, MAN, Porshe, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault, SAAB-Scania, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo).

In December 2008, ACEA introduced an updated and latest to date classification of motor oils "ACEA 2008 European Oil Sequences for Service-Fill Oils", in which new classes C4 and E9 have appeared, as well as adjustments have been made to the requirements for oils of antioxidant stability and elemental composition of oils in connection with energy saving and environmental policy.

The new classification divides oils into three engine classes: A (petrol), B (light diesel) and E (heavy duty diesel).

Each class is categorized into different performance levels:

• Four for petrol and light diesel engines (A1/B1, A3/B3, A3/B4, A5/B5);
• Four specifically for gasoline and light diesel engines equipped with catalytic aftertreatment systems (C1, C2, C3, C4);
• Four for heavy duty diesel engines (E4, E6, E7, E9).

A more detailed representation of the ACEA classification

А/В - engine oils for gasoline engines and diesel engines of cars, vans, minibuses

A1/B1- Resistant to temperature extremes and difficult conditions of oil application. At high temperatures and a large shear gradient, they save fuel consumption and do not lose stable lubricating properties. Helps extend drain intervals for gasoline and diesel engines passenger cars, as well as for light trucks Vehicle. Designed for the use of oils with the lowest degree of fluidity.

A3/B3- All-weather oils with high operational properties. Designed for petrol and diesel engines cars and light trucks with average drain intervals.

A3/B4- for use in high-performance gasoline engines and diesel engines with direct fuel injection. Can be used in place of A3/B3 class oils. High performance helps to reduce fuel consumption.

A5/B5- Resistant to mechanical degradation oils designed for use with extended oil change intervals in highly accelerated gasoline and diesel engines of light vehicles, in which the use of low-viscosity friction-reducing oils with dynamic viscosity at high temperature and high shear rate (HTHS) from 2 .9 to 3.5 MPa s.

C - engine oils for gasoline and diesel engines with exhaust gas recovery catalysts

C1- Resistant to mechanical degradation oils, compatible with exhaust gas aftertreatment units, designed for use in highly accelerated gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles equipped with particulate filters and three-way catalysts. They are suitable for engines where friction reducing oils that are oily at high temperature and high shear rate (2.9 mPa s) can be used. These oils have the lowest sulphated ash content and the lowest phosphorus and sulfur content and may not be suitable for lubricating some engines.

Oils resistant to mechanical degradation, compatible with exhaust gas aftertreatment units, designed for use in highly accelerated gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles equipped with particulate filters and three-way catalysts. They are suitable for engines where friction reducing oils that are oily at high temperature and high shear rate (2.9 mPa s) can be used. These oils increase the life of diesel particulate filters and catalysts and provide fuel economy.

Oils resistant to mechanical degradation, compatible with exhaust gas aftertreatment units, designed for use in highly accelerated gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles equipped with particulate filters and three-way catalysts, increase the service life of the latter.

Car oils for diesel and gasoline engines that meet the latest stringent requirements for the ecology of exhaust gases Euro-4 (as amended in 2005). Oils resistant to mechanical degradation, compatible with exhaust gas aftertreatment units, designed for use in highly accelerated gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles requiring SAPS (reduced sulphated ash, phosphorus, sulfur) and a minimum viscosity of HTHS (3.5mPa.s), equipped with particulate filters DPF and three-way catalysts TWC, increase the service life of the latter.

E - engine oils for powerful diesel trucks

Engine oils that provide high piston cleanliness, wear protection, high resistance to soot contamination and stable properties throughout the entire period of operation. Recommended for modern diesel engines that meet the requirements of Euro 1, Euro 2, Euro 3, Euro 4 and Euro 5 and operate in very severe conditions with significantly extended drain intervals (if recommended by the manufacturer). They can only be used in engines without a diesel particulate filter, and in some engines with exhaust gas recirculation and nitrogen oxide emission reduction systems.

Engine oils that provide high piston cleanliness, wear protection, high resistance to soot contamination and stable properties throughout the entire period of operation. Recommended for modern diesel engines that meet the requirements of Euro 1, Euro 2, Euro 3, Euro 4 and Euro 5 and operate in very severe conditions with significantly extended drain intervals (if recommended by the manufacturer). Can be used in engines with an exhaust gas recirculation system, with or without a diesel particulate filter, and for engines with nitrogen oxide emission reduction systems. Oils of this class are highly recommended for engines equipped with diesel particulate filters and designed to operate on fuels with a low sulfur content.

Engine oils that effectively keep pistons clean and protect against varnish deposits. They provide excellent wear protection, high resistance to soot contamination and stable properties throughout the entire period of operation. Recommended for modern diesel engines that meet the requirements of Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4 and Euro-5 and operate in severe conditions with extended drain intervals (if recommended by the manufacturer). Recommended for use in engines without diesel particulate filters and for most engines equipped with exhaust gas recirculation and nitrogen oxide emission reduction systems.

Engine oils that effectively keep pistons clean and protect against varnish deposits. They provide excellent wear protection, high resistance to soot contamination and stable properties throughout the entire period of operation. Recommended for modern diesel engines that meet the requirements of Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4 and Euro-5 and operate in severe conditions with extended drain intervals (if recommended by the manufacturer). Can be used in engines with or without diesel particulate filters and in most engines equipped with exhaust gas recirculation and nitrogen oxide reduction systems. Oils of this class are strongly recommended for engines equipped with particulate filters and designed to operate on fuels with a low sulfur content.

ACEA- an association created by the largest European manufacturers (Alfa Romeo, BMW, Citroen, Peugeot, Fiat, Renault, Volkswagen, Daimler Benz, British Leyland, Daf).
It was founded as a result of the merger of CCMC with ATIEL. The CCMC specifications, now superseded by ACEA, classify products as G for gasoline, PD for light and D for heavy duty diesel engines.
ACEA specifications have been developed to improve quality, performance and respect for the environment.
Acceptance of ACEA specifications implies:

• Commissioning of new innovative materials, in comparison with those currently used
• Analysis and certification of the quality levels of each formula used
• Manufacturers' commitment not to change approved formulas
• Certification of plants ISO 9001/2
• Manufacturers' agreement with the standards of ATIEL, the organization that, together with the CCMC, defined the methods and parameters of the ACEA certification framework

The tests required by the ACEA specifications are added to the formulated CCMCs and make them more stringent.

The following letters classify engine types:
[A] - gasoline engines
[B] - light diesel engines
[C] - engines with devices to reduce the amount of exhaust
[E] - heavy diesel engines
Numeric categories indicate various ways applications associated with a certain class of engines indicated by letters. The last update of the ACEA specifications took place in February 2002.
Choice Responsibility desired category ACEA lies with the engine manufacturer.
Oils belonging to a certain category may also meet the requirements of another, but specific engines must be filled with oil of a certain category and class.
The reference to the year is only for industrial purposes, giving information on the level and quality of the materials used. More recent revisions of the specifications mean that new tests have been carried out or new requirements have been introduced into the category. At the same time, editions remain backward compatible, new ones will always fully maintain the level of old ones, except when a new category is introduced.

Gasoline engines

A1 Oil for gasoline engines, with low viscosity, friction and high temperature. These oils are not suitable for use in some engines. For more information, see the car's service book. Oils that increase fuel economy are described.

A2 Canceled

A3 Stable oil for use in high performance engines with extended oil change intervals where manufacturers also recommend oils with low viscosity and a wide temperature range

A4 Not used

A5 Stable oil with constant viscosity, for engines with extended oil change intervals that require oil with low viscosity and high application temperature. May not be suitable for some types of engines, for more information, see the car's service book.

Light diesel engines

B1 Oil for diesel engines of light vehicles that require oil of low viscosity and friction and high operating temperatures. This oil may not be suitable for some types of engines, for more information, see the car's service book.

B2 Canceled

B3 Stable oil for use in high performance diesel engines for light vehicles with extended oil change intervals, where manufacturers also recommend oils with low viscosity and a wide temperature range

B4 Follows B3 specifications but for direct injection engines

B5 Stable oil with constant viscosity, for diesel engines of light vehicles with extended lubrication intervals, which require oil with low viscosity and high application temperature. May not be suitable for some types of engines, for more information, see the car's service book.

Diesel engines with devices to reduce emissions

C1 A stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with particulate filters that also require low viscosity, low ash content and HTHS above 2.9. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and support fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the lowest reduced ash requirements and may not be suitable for all engines, please refer to the vehicle service book for more information.

C2 A stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with particulate filters that also require a low ash oil with an HTHS greater than 2.9. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and support fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the lowest reduced ash requirements and may not be suitable for all engines, please refer to the vehicle service book for more information.

C3 Stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with exhaust particulate filters. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and support fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the lowest reduced ash requirements and may not be suitable for all engines, please refer to the vehicle service book for more information.

C4 A stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with particulate filters that also require a low ash oil with an HTHS greater than 3.5. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and support fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the lowest reduced ash requirements and may not be suitable for all engines, please refer to the vehicle service book for more information.

Heavy diesel engines

E1 Outdated.

E2 Oil for general use in diesel engines, including supercharged, designed to operate in normal and extreme conditions, with normal oil change intervals.

E3 This category of lubricants provides effective care for cleaning pistons, reducing friction and deposits, as well as increasing lubricant stability. This category is also recommended for engines that meet EURO-I or EURO-II emission requirements under severe operating conditions. Also suitable for extended oil change intervals.

E4 Stable oils that provide effective care for cleaning pistons, reducing friction and deposits, as well as increasing lubrication stability. This category is also recommended for high performance engines meeting EURO-I, EURO-II and EURO-III emission requirements under severe operating conditions such as greatly extended oil change intervals.

E5 Stable oils that provide effective care for piston cleaning. It also provides control of friction and the amount of deposits on the supercharger. The level of carbon control and lubricant stability meets E3 specifications. Recommended for high power motors

E6 Stable oil providing excellent piston cleaning, carbon control and lubrication stability. Recommended for the highest performance EURO I-IV emission engines operating under the most severe conditions such as significantly extended oil change intervals as recommended by the manufacturer. Suitable for engines with exhaust gas recirculation system with or without particle filters, as well as for engines equipped with exhaust gas aftertreatment catalysts. E6 specifications are especially recommended for engines equipped with particulate filters and are designed for use in combination with diesel fuel with low sulfur content. Recommendations may vary depending on the engine, so if in doubt, refer to the service book.

E7 Stable oil providing excellent cleaning of pistons and polishing of cylinders. Provides wear reduction, carbon control and lubricant stability. Recommended for the highest performance EURO I-IV emission engines operating under the most severe conditions such as significantly extended oil change intervals as recommended by the manufacturer. Suitable for engines with exhaust gas recirculation system with or without particle filters, as well as for engines equipped with exhaust gas aftertreatment catalysts. Recommendations may vary depending on the engine, so if in doubt, refer to the service book.

Motor oils, by definition, cannot meet a single standard. Various engines and types of gearboxes, operating conditions - all these factors make it necessary to produce technical fluids with different settings.

So that consumers (car factories and car owners) do not get confused about the compatibility of consumables with units, it was decided to create a system of quality standards.

Initially, oils were classified only by viscosity (SAE). Then a system was created API quality(American Petroleum Institute), which was used in North America.

Immediately after its introduction, the Association of European Engineers developed a similar ACEA oil classification for the European market. Both standards exist in parallel without conflicting with each other.

What does the standard say?

The ACEA engine oil classification was developed to lobby the interests of European automakers. In addition, the "support group" included several US concerns with branches in Europe.

Here is an incomplete list of the founders of the standard: BMW, Volkswagen AG, Porshe, Daimler, Land Rover, Jaguar, Fiat, PSA, Renault, Ford-Europe, GM-Europe, Crysler-Europe, Toyota, MAN, Volvo, SAAB-Scania, DAF. How is it decrypted (more precisely, what information does the standard contain)?

What to look for when buying engine oil - video consultation

If the SAE abbreviation speaks only of viscosity, then ACEA contains data on compatibility with specific engines. Moreover, the lists of compatible units are consistent with automobile concerns- participants of the certification program.

The ACEA classification contains minimum basic requirements for the quality of oils. That is, their observance (as opposed to selection according to SAE) guarantees trouble-free operation of the engine or gearbox. In addition, this classification provides information on the following parameters and properties:

• base base;
• a set of additional additives;
• chemical composition;
• physical properties;
• purpose (type of fuel, engine load, operating conditions of the unit).

Markings and their meanings

The ACEA engine oil classification can be printed on the packaging along with other standards such as API, ILSAC and GOST.

Important! From the point of view of the consumer, it is this certificate that guarantees high quality. The conditions for testing oils to obtain the ACEA specification are significantly higher compared to other standards. European requirements are tougher than North American, Asian and Russian ones.

Despite the compactness of the classifier (for example, ACEA A1 / B1), the abbreviation contains quite a lot of information. During the existence of the standard (since 1996), the layout of symbols has changed several times.

The first certification options involved separate marking for gasoline and diesel engines (ACEA A or ACEA B). Since 2004, all oils submitted for approval are simultaneously tested for all types of fuel.

It makes no sense to memorize abbreviations with a mono tolerance, such consumables are no longer produced.

Modern oils, certified immediately for all types of fuel, are labeled with an indication of the class through a fraction: for example, ACEA A1 / B1.

The main classification of oils according to the ACEA standard (including obsolete)

1. Class A - Compatibility with gasoline-only power plants is certified. The content of sulfur and sulphated ash is higher than modern Euro environmental safety standards.
2. Class B - approval is suitable for heavy fuel engines. Diesel load class power unit: "Light Duty", that is, light and medium. The percentage of sulphated ash is reduced to modern standards, the sulfur content is quite high.
3. Class C - the standard is designed for a fairly large range of motors. Works with gasoline engines equipped with catalytic converter, as well as with diesel engines equipped particulate filter. Characterized by medium and low content of sulphated ash and sulfur, the oil meets high environmental safety requirements.
4. Class E - A fairly narrow standard designed for powerful diesel engines operating in harsh "Heavy Duty" conditions.

Detailed ACEA classification

After 2012, ACEA introduced many additional subclasses:

• For cars equipped with diesel and gasoline engines. It means small and average load. 4 ACEA engine oil categories: A3/B4, A1/B1, A3/B3, A5/B5;
• For commercial diesel vehicles and heavy trucks in categories C1 to C4, the engine must comply with Euro 4 environmental standards;
• For engines running on any fuel, if there are exhaust gas purification systems (catalyst, DPF) in the design, there are 4 more categories: E4, E6, E7, E9.

The last digit indicates a consistent increase in the quality and compatibility class. If in power plant If it is prescribed to use ACEA A3/B3 oil, it can be filled with ACEA A5/B5. There is no backward compatibility.

Details about ACEA classes - video

The most popular categories with decoding:

• A1/B1 - Resistant to oil stratification, designed for extended drain intervals. Little friction loss. The main application is gasoline and diesel engines operating at low loads. The classifier is not universal - you should study the tolerances of the car manufacturer.
• A3 / B3 - Designed for gasoline engines with a high degree of forcing, including turbocharged ones. When operating with diesel fuel, on the contrary, they are used on lightly loaded internal combustion engines. Universal weather operation, extended drain intervals.
• A3 / B4 - Development of the previous specification: it is allowed to work on turbocharged diesel engines with high forcing. They are backwards compatible with A3/B3.
• A5/B5 is a relatively new standard that incorporates the advantages (more precisely, the requirements) of the previous classifications. In addition to environmental tolerances, the oil belongs to the category of highly economical. In addition, the lubricant is practically not consumed "for waste". It is backwards compatible with previous classes. The only exception is the lack of compatibility with specific engines (indicated in the maintenance instructions).

Important! If present on the packaging with engine oil several quality standards, it is better to focus on ACEA.