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IT'S MORE THAN JUST OIL. IT'S LIQUID ENGINEERING.

  1. Home
  2. CAR ENGINE OIL & FLUIDS
  3. NEW API SN PLUS SPECIFICATIONS

NEW API SN PLUS SPECIFICATIONS

Today’s modern engines are designed to deliver higher levels of performance, improved fuel economy and emissions benefits than ever before. Gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines are one of the more prevalent engine technologies that unlock the higher demands on today’s engines. GDI engines are sometimes susceptible to a condition called low speed pre-ignition (LSPI). A full range of Castrol’s products have been specially formulated to protect against LSPI and help you get the best from your vehicle.

 

1.       What is SN PLUS?

 

API SN PLUS is the interim spec within the lubricants industry that supplements the API SN category for gasoline engine oil performance. It helps bridge the gap between current ILSAC GF-5 and future ILSAC GF-6 specifications. It was developed in response to auto manufacturers request to ensure gasoline direct engines have guaranteed protection against low speed pre-ignition (LSPI) events. LSPI is caused by high pressure build up in the cylinder of the engine which can damage your car’s engine.

 

2.       How do I know I need an SN PLUS oil?

 

As of May 2018, no OEMS are recommending an API SN PLUS oil but check your owner’s manual to see if you have a gasoline direct engine that might benefit from an API SN PLUS oil. GDI engines are named differently by manufacturer (eg. GDI, FSI, SIDI, Eco Boost), consult your owner’s manual to understand what specific engine your car has. API SN PLUS is expected to be recommended by OEMs in 2019. A host of Castrol products are already API SN PLUS licensed and are ready to meet the API SN PLUS category needs when OEMs begin to require this product.

 

3.       Does Castrol have products that meet API SN PLUS?

 

The core of Castrol products have been licensed by the American Petroleum Institute as meeting or exceeding the requirements of the API SN PLUS category. These products are

  • Castrol EDGE (Advanced Full Synthetic): 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30
  • Castrol EDGE Professional: OE 0W-20,
  • Castrol EDGE Professional 5W-20, 5W-30
  • Castrol EDGE High Mileage: 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30
  • Castrol EDGE Extended Performance: 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, 10W-30
  • Castrol EDGE Bio-Synthetic: 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30
  • Castrol GTX MAGNATEC (Full Synthetic): 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30
  • Castrol GTX High Mileage: 5W-30, 5W-20
  • Castrol GTX Ultraclean: 5W-20 and 5W-30

Unlike some other competitors, all fluids- conventional, conventional high mileage and synthetics have migrated to the new API SN PLUS formulation. Products that were dexos1™ Gen 2 licensed have always protected your car from LSPI events. All Castrol products that are API SN PLUS exceed API SN standards

 

4.       When do we expect Castrol API SN PLUS products to be on shelf?

 

As of May 1, 2018, Castrol products meeting the API SN PLUS specification on the packaging has rolled out into the network. While it may take some time for the individual store/ retailer to receive and begin stocking bottles with the updated packaging, the changes are flowing through the network. dexos1™ Gen 2 licensed products are API SN PLUS compliant and are on the shelf already.

 

5.       Are there change to Castrol packaging due to API SN PLUS licensed?

 

Updates on the label will clearly indicate Castrol oils which are API SN PLUS licensed.

New front label call out across the range

New back label copy:

 

Exceeds API SN Plus

 

Provides superior protection in gasoline direct injection engines (including but not limited to GDI, FSI, SIDI, Eco Boost – check your owner’s manual for details). 

 

In addition, the text around the donut has been updated to reflect the changes to API SN PLUS.

6.       What should I know about LSPI?

 

API SN PLUS provides a key benefit against low speed pre-ignition (LSPI), a catastrophic engine failure event that is caused by high pressure build up in the cylinder. It is particularly prevalent in GDI engines that are equipped with a turbocharger.

 

GDI engines place higher stress on the oil due to higher operating temperatures. At low speeds and high loads, the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder ignites early, resulting in a higher pressure than expected in the cylinder. This causes engine knock, reduced engine performance and, in severe cases, may lead to engine damage such as broken spark plugs and cracked pistons.