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 The CCMC specifications, which have now been superseded by ACEA, classify products as G for gasoline, PD for light and D for heavy diesel engines.
ACEA specifications have been developed to improve quality, productivity, and better respect for the environment.
Acceptance of ACEA specifications implies:

• Commissioning of new innovative materials, in comparison with currently used
• Analysis and certification of quality levels of each formula used
• Manufacturers' commitment not to change approved formulas
• Factory certification ISO 9001/2
• Compliance of manufacturers with ATIEL standards, the organization, together with CCMC, defined the methods and parameters for the basis of ACEA certificates

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

The following letters classify the engine types:
[A] - gasoline engines
[B] - light diesel engines
[C] - engines with devices for reducing the amount of exhaust
[E] - heavy diesel engines
The numerical categories indicate the different applications associated with a particular class of motor indicated by the letters. Last update ACEA specifications occurred in February 2002.
Responsibility for choice the 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 year reference serves only for industrial purposes, giving information about the level and quality of the materials used. More recent revisions of the specifications mean that new tests have been performed or new requirements have been introduced into a category. At the same time, the editions retain backward compatibility, the new ones will always fully support the level of the old ones, except for the cases when a new category is introduced.

Petrol engines

A1 Gasoline engine oil with low viscosity, friction and high temperature. These oils are not suitable for use in some engines. For more information, see service book car. Describes fuel economy oils.

A2 Canceled

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

A4 Not used

A5 Stable oil with constant viscosity, for engines with extended oil drain intervals requiring oil with low viscosity and high operating temperatures. May not be suitable for some types of engines, for more information see the car's service book.

Light diesel engines

B1 Oil for light vehicle diesel engines that require low viscosity and friction oils 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 duty vehicles with extended oil change intervals, where manufacturers also recommend oils with a low viscosity and a wide temperature range

B4 Same as B3 spec but for direct injection engines

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

Diesel Engines with Emissions Reduction Devices

C1 Stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with particulate filters, which also require a low viscosity, low ash and HTHS over 2.9 oil. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and maintain fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the lowest requirements for reduced ash content and may not be suitable for all engines, for more information see the car's service book

C2 Stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with particulate filters, which also require an oil with a low ash content and HTHS above 2.9. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and maintain fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the lowest requirements for reduced ash content and may not be suitable for all engines, for more information see the car's service book

C3 Stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with particulate filters. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and maintain fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the lowest requirements for reduced ash content and may not be suitable for all engines, for more information see the car's service book

C4 Stable oil formulated for use in diesel engines equipped with particulate filters, which also require a low ash oil and HTHS above 3.5. These oils extend the life of the particulate filter and maintain fuel economy. Attention. These oils support the lowest requirements for reduced ash content and may not be suitable for all engines, for more information see the car's service book

Heavy diesel engines

E1 Deprecated.

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

E3 This category of lubricants provides effective care for cleaning pores, reducing friction and carbon deposits, and increasing lubricant stability. This category is also recommended for engines meeting the EURO-I or EURO-II emission requirements. difficult conditions work. Also suitable for extended oil drain intervals.

E4 Stable oils that provide effective care for cleaning pores, reducing friction and carbon deposits, and increasing lubricant stability. This category is also recommended for high performance engines meeting the emission requirements of EURO-I, EURO-II and EURO-III in severe operating conditions, such as strongly extended oil change intervals.

E5 Stable oils for effective cleaning of pores. It also provides control of friction and the amount of deposits on the blower. Carbon deposit control and lubricant stability meet E3 specifications. Recommended for high power motors

E6 Stable oil for excellent piston cleaning, sludge control and lubrication stability. Recommended for the most highly efficient engines meeting EURO I-IV emission requirements and 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 with or without particle filters, as well as engines equipped with catalytic converters. E6 specifications are especially recommended for engines equipped with particle filters and are designed for use in combination with diesel fuel low in sulfur. Recommendations may vary depending on the engine, so if in doubt, refer to the service book.

E7 Stable oil providing excellent piston cleaning and cylinder polishing. Provides reduced wear, sludge control and lubricant stability. Recommended for the most highly efficient engines meeting EURO I-IV emission requirements and 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 with or without particle filters, as well as engines equipped with catalytic converters. Recommendations may vary depending on the engine, therefore, if in doubt, refer to the service book.

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

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

The new classification divides oils into three classes by engine type: A (gasoline), B (light diesel) and E (heavily loaded diesel engines).

Each class is subdivided into categories for different levels of performance:

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

A more detailed view of the ACEA classification

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

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

A3 / B3 - Multigrade oils with high performance properties. Designed for gasoline and diesel engines of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles with average replacement intervals.

A3 / B4 - for use in high-performance gasoline engines and diesel engines with direct fuel injection. Can be used instead of A3 / B3 oils. High performance helps 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 it is possible to use low-viscosity oils that reduce friction, with a dynamic viscosity at high temperature and high speed shear (HTHS) 2.9 to 3.5 mPa s.

C - motor oils for gasoline and diesel engines with catalytic converters of exhaust gases

C1 - Oils resistant to mechanical degradation, compatible with exhaust gas neutralization units, intended 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 in which it is possible to use oils that reduce friction, oil viscous at high temperature and high shear rate (2.9 mPa · s). These oils have the lowest sulfated ash and the lowest phosphorus and sulfur content and may not be suitable for lubrication of some engines.

Oils resistant to mechanical degradation, compatible with exhaust gas aftertreatment units, intended for use in high-performance gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles equipped with particulate filters and three-way catalysts. They are suitable for engines that can handle friction-reducing oils that are viscous at high temperatures and high shear rates (2.9 mPa · s). These oils extend the life of the particulate filters and catalysts and provide fuel savings.

Oils resistant to mechanical degradation, compatible with exhaust gas neutralization units, intended 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 stricter environmental requirements exhaust gases Euro-4 (revised 2005). Resistant to mechanical degradation oils, compatible with exhaust gas aftertreatment units, intended for use in high-performance gasoline engines and diesel engines of light vehicles requiring SAPS (reduced content of sulfated ash, phosphorus, sulfur) and minimum HTHS viscosity (3.5mPa.s), equipped with DPF particulate filters and TWC three-way catalysts increase the service life of the latter.

E - engine oils for powerful diesel engines of 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 difficult conditions with significantly extended drain intervals (with the manufacturer's recommendations). They can only be used in engines without a 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 difficult conditions with significantly extended drain intervals (with the manufacturer's recommendations). They can be used in engines with an exhaust gas recirculation system, with or without a 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 provide piston cleanliness and paint protection. Provides excellent wear protection, high resistance to soot contamination and stable properties throughout the entire service life. Recommended for modern diesel engines that meet the requirements of Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4 and Euro-5 standards and operate in severe conditions with extended drain intervals (with the manufacturer's recommendations). 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 provide piston cleanliness and paint protection. Provides excellent wear protection, high resistance to soot contamination and stable properties throughout the entire service life. Recommended for modern diesel engines that meet the requirements of Euro-1, Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4 and Euro-5 standards and operate in severe conditions with extended drain intervals (with the manufacturer's recommendations). They can be used in engines with or without particulate filters and in most engines equipped with exhaust gas recirculation and 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.

Gasoline engine service classifications

Diesel engine maintenance classification

ACEA - specifications of engine oils for gasoline (A), diesel (B) engines passenger cars, as well as engines equipped with an exhaust gas neutralization system (C).

- A1 / B1: engine oils for gasoline and diesel engines with a lower coefficient of friction and low viscosity. HTHS ( stability viscosity characteristics oils in extreme conditions, at very high temperatures) with a viscosity of 2.6 to 3.5 mPa.
- A3 / B3: low viscosity engine oils for gasoline and diesel engines with extended drain intervals for year round use. HTHS viscosity ≥ 3.5 MPa. Outperforms A1 / B1 and A2 / B2 in piston cleanliness and oxidation resistance.
- A3 / B4: engine oils for gasoline and diesel engines with direct injection. Higher requirements for direct injection diesel engines (designated B4). HTHS viscosity ≥ 3.5 MPa.
- A5 / B5: Engine oils for high performance gasoline and diesel engines with oil change intervals. Designed for low friction and low viscosity oils. HTHS ≥ 2.9.

- C1 : High performance engine oils for use in gasoline and diesel vehicles equipped with particulate filter... Low friction, low viscosity, Low SAPS (sulphated ash, phosphorus, sulfur) and HTHS 2.9 mPa.

- C2: High performance engine oils for use in gasoline and diesel vehicles equipped with a particulate filter. With low friction, low viscosity and HTHS 2.9 mPa. These oils help extend catalyst and filter life.

- C3: High performance engine oils for use in gasoline and diesel vehicles equipped with a particulate filter. These oils help extend catalyst and filter life.

Specification for Diesel Truck Engines

E4 Recommended for diesel engines that meet Euro I - IV emissions. Working under very severe conditions, or very long oil change intervals. Suitable for engines without particulate filters.
- E6: High performance engine oils with excellent cleaning properties to prevent wear, soot formation. Recommended for diesel engines that meet Euro I - IV emissions. Working under very harsh conditions, and highly extended oil change intervals. They are suitable for engines with and without exhaust systems. Recommended for engines with diesel particulate filter and low sulfur fuel (<50).
- E7 : High performance oils with excellent piston cleanliness control. In addition, they must meet the requirements for a high degree of protection against wear, turbocharger deposits and soot formation. Recommended for diesel engines complying with Euro I - IV, operating under very severe conditions or with very long oil change intervals. E7 oils are recommended for engines without particulate filters, for most EGR engines and most engines with SCR NOx systems.
- E9 : Engine oils for engines with / without particulate filter, most EGR engines and most SCR NOx engines. Sulphated ash content max. one%.

This is the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association. This organization was created to lobby the interests of car manufacturers. One of the activities of ACEA was the issuance of requirements for the use of motor oils in engines of companies belonging to this organization.
Today its membership is very impressive: BMW, DAF, Daimler-Crysler, Fiat, Ford, GM-Europe, Jaguar Land Rover, MAN, Porshe, PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault, SAAB-Scania, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo.

The latest revision of the classification of motor aCEA oils adopted in 2004. From this year on, motor oils for diesel and gasoline engines of passenger cars have been combined by ACEA into one category. But, due to the fact that not all the newest motor oils, which are classified according to the new edition of ACEA, can be used in engines of earlier years of production, manufacturers of motor oils still often write on the packages of engine oil the previously assigned quality classes according to the previous edition of 2002 ...

Please note that any car oil manufacturer that uses ACEA standards in their advertisements and on packaging must carry out the necessary tests in accordance with the requirements of the organization responsible for the quality of motor oils to ACEA standards.

What do the numbers and letters mean in ACEA classes?

In the latest edition of ACEA (2004), motor oils are divided into three categories:

A / B - motor oils for gasoline and diesel engines. This category includes all previously developed classes A and B (until 2004, A - motor oils for gasoline engines, B - for diesel engines). Today there are four classes in this category: A1 / B1-04, A3 / B3-04, A3 / B4-04, A5 / B5-04.

FROM - a new class - motor oils for diesel and gasoline engines that meet the latest toughened Euro-4 emission standards (as amended in 2005). These engine oils are compatible with catalysts and particulate filters. Actually, it was precisely the innovations in the European environmental requirements that became the reason for the reconstruction of the ACEA classification. Today there are three classes in this new category: C1-04, C2-04, C3-04.

E - motor oils for heavy duty diesel engines loaded. This category has existed since the very introduction of the classification (since 1995). In 2004, cosmetic changes were made, 2 new classes E6 and E7 were added, and two other, obsolete classes were excluded.

Description of classes and categories

ACEA (English European Automobile Manufacturers Association) is an association of European car manufacturers. This abbreviation stands for the European automotive community. It includes fifteen companies that produce motor oil in large volumes. Nine years ago, the community created a special standard that allows car oils to be divided into subgroups, reminiscent of GOST. SpecificationACEA classifies all oily fluids according to their properties and parameters.

ACEA oils are classified in three categories:

1. The first one includes oils designed for cars, vans, minibuses.
2. The second category includes lubricants that include an exhaust gas recovery catalyst.
3. Oils from the third category are used in highly loaded diesel engines.

Class 1

Any class included in the ACEA specification includes four groups of oils. Their markings consist of letters and numbers. Class 1 includes greases A1 / B1, A3 / B3, A3 / B4, A5 / B5. These oils can be used for gasoline engines, lightly loaded diesel engines, minibuses.

A1 / B1 have a long service life. Such consumables are low-viscosity, fluid. It is possible to get acquainted with their characteristics in detail by looking in the operating manual attached to the car.

A3 / B3 are designed to be loaded into high-powered engines. These motor oils can be used all year round. Automakers argue that they don't need to be changed frequently.

ACEA A3 / B4 are suitable for filling in highly accelerated internal combustion engines, incorporating a direct fuel injection system.

The A5 / B5 can be used in high performance engines for extended drain intervals. Such lubricants are fluid enough that they cannot be poured into certain engines.

Class 2

For high performance engines that include an exhaust gas recovery catalyst, there is a special category in the ACEA engine oil classification. The oils that are included in it are used in internal combustion engines on gasoline / diesel. Lubricants prolong the service life of soot filters and triple catalysts.

C1 contain the minimum amount of sulfur and phosphorus compounds, and have a small ash content in sulfates. Low-viscosity oils are designed to reduce fuel consumption.

ACEA C3 is similar in its characteristics to C2, but more viscous.

C4 are similar to C1, but more viscous. The content of sulfur, phosphorus elements, ash content of sulfates are minimal.

It should be remembered that the ACEA quality tolerances describe fairly specialized lubricants that are intended for use in specific motors. However, this does not mean that one should ignore the recommendations of the automaker. A manufacturer knows best what kind of petroleum product needs to be injected into his machine.

Class 3

Automobile oils belonging to this class are marked with the letter E and are poured into highly loaded diesel engines. They cannot be used in petrol / gas engines. In addition to providing lubrication of parts, these consumables clean the piston assemblies. Usually they are poured into internal combustion engines certified according to Euro-1/2/3/4/5. Also, these greases extend drain intervals.

E4 offer the ability to reduce wear on motor parts. The additives they contain reduce the formation of soot deposits. In view of this, the motor oil can be used in power units that are not equipped with a soot filter, but are equipped with EGR, SCR. In this case, the lubrication will reduce the concentration of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust gases.

The E6 is similar to the E4, but is intended for use in powertrains that include soot filters.

E7 polishes parts for internal combustion engines. They keep the piston cylinders smooth. Lubricants are poured into engines not equipped with soot filters. The presence / absence of ERG / SCR does not matter.

E8 is used in powertrains equipped with soot filters. In terms of their characteristics, these oils are close to E7.

Selection of car oil

When choosing a fresh consumable for a car, you must first of all take into account the recommendations of the car manufacturer. Before filling the car with a car oil other than the recommended one, be sure to consult with an employee of the service center. Remember that by pouring an unsuitable oil product into the engine, you give the automaker the right to refuse you warranty repairs.

In order not to be mistaken with the choice, you need to understand how oil markings are deciphered. It is not enough to be able to decipher the markings, it is necessary to understand what the characteristics of this or that oil product are. You can get acquainted with the parameters of lubricants by looking at special tables.

The ACEA specification can only be considered as a source of additional information about the type and characteristics of the motor oil. This standard is intended to make it easier for drivers to select lubricating fluids. For example, if a lubricant recommended by your car manufacturer is not available in stores, you can choose another one that belongs to the same ACEA class.