Motor Oil Info

Established in 1970, the API Engine Service Classification System (ESCS) was designed to classify oils according to their performance characteristics and type of service. In 1993, the API Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS) was launched, a voluntary program which allows marketers who meet the minimum performance requirements to mark their oil containers with the API certification marks. API service categories for gasoline engines are comprised of two letters. The first letter is “S” for “service,” and the second letter is assigned alphabetically according to order of development. Thus, the first service category of “SA” is the earliest, while the latest is “SM.”

Because each new service category exceeds the performance requirements of the previous category, oils meeting the current API specification are suitable for use in all vehicles calling for an older specification. The introduction of AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oil in 1972 set all-new standards for motor oil quality and performance, becoming the first 100 percent synthetic based motor oil to pass American Petroleum Institute (API) service requirements. AMSOIL continues to lead the way in the synthetic market, offering motorists the ultimate in wear protection, all-temperature performance, maximum fuel efficiency and extended drain intervals.