Technical articles
Knowledge that protects engines

Practical, independent explanations of oil specifications, viscosity, lubrication, engine protection, and automotive fluids.

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Automotive lubricant testing in a modern laboratory

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Modern four-cylinder engine bay prepared for an engine-oil service with unbranded tools and container.
Specifications Explained

Volvo VCC C6SP and RBS0-2AE Engine-Oil Specifications Explained

Volvo’s VCC C6SP and VCC RBS0-2AE labels are engine-oil requirements, not merely alternative names for 0W-20. Learn what the codes mean, how ACEA C6 and API SP fit into the picture, and why the current manual for the exact vehicle remains the deciding document.

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Specifications Explained Unbranded engine-oil bottles and a clean engine component illustrating Porsche oil approval selection.

Porsche A40, C20, C30, C40 and C40 GT Engine-Oil Approvals Explained

Porsche oil codes identify manufacturer approvals, not just oil thickness. This guide explains the practical meaning of A40, C20, C30, C40 and C40 GT, why two 0W-40 oils may still be unsuitable substitutes, and how to verify the correct approved product for a Porsche engine.

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Specifications Explained Unbranded engine oil containers beside an engine oil filler cap in a clean workshop.

Ford WSS Engine-Oil Specifications Explained: 945-B1, 961-A1, 962-A1 and 971-A1

Ford’s WSS-M2C engine-oil codes are vehicle material specifications, not interchangeable shorthand for viscosity. This guide explains how to read common 5W-20, 0W-20 and 5W-30 Ford WSS requirements, why API or ILSAC marks still matter, and how to choose oil without assuming that a newer-looking code fits every Ford or Lincoln engine.

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Specifications Explained Unbranded engine-oil containers beside a modern passenger-car engine bay for an article about Mercedes-Benz oil approvals.

Mercedes-Benz MB 229 Oil Approvals Explained: 229.5, 229.51, 229.52, 229.71 and 229.72

Mercedes-Benz oil requirements are defined by approval numbers, not viscosity alone. This guide explains the practical differences between MB 229.5, 229.51, 229.52, 229.71 and 229.72, what “Low SPAsh” means, and how to verify the correct oil for a specific Mercedes-Benz passenger car or van.

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Specifications Explained Generic unbranded engine-oil containers beside an open vehicle manual on a clean workshop bench.

ACEA Engine-Oil Claims Explained: Why a Sequence Is Not a Vehicle Approval

An ACEA sequence such as C3-23 or A7/B7-23 describes a defined engine-oil performance category, but it does not automatically authorize that oil for every vehicle that appears broadly compatible. Learn how to read ACEA claims, what the suffix means, and why the manufacturer requirement remains decisive.

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Specifications Explained Close technical view of unbranded automotive differential gears and manual transmission components on a clean workshop bench.

API GL-4 and GL-5 Explained: Why a Gear-Oil Label Is Not a Universal Approval

API GL-4 and GL-5 are often treated as a simple ladder of gear-oil performance. They are not. Learn what the designations were designed to cover, why GL-5 remains the only API gear-lubricant designation in current use, and why the exact vehicle requirement still comes first.

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Specifications Explained Unbranded motor-oil containers beside clean engine components in a technical workshop setting.

API SQ and ILSAC GF-7 Explained: What the New Gasoline Oil Standards Mean

API SQ and ILSAC GF-7 became available in March 2025. This guide explains the relationship between SQ, GF-7A and GF-7B, the API Donut, Starburst and Shield marks, and why the newest general standard does not replace a vehicle maker’s specific oil requirement.

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Specifications Explained A technician adds engine oil to a premium European heavy-duty truck.

New Mercedes Heavy Duty Specifications

Introduction The previous MB commercial vehicle guidelines are being updated and replaced. New Requirements by Daimler Truck Daimler Truck has introduced a new, independent set of requirements for engine oils and other lubricants used in...

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Specifications Explained Golden motor oil protects a turbocharged engine, timing chain, and pistons.

API SP Engine Oil Category

On May 1, 2020 the American petroleum Institute (API) announced that service category SP has been accepted and available for licensing. The goal of this category was to make sure that motor oils meeting the...

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Specifications Explained A scientist evaluates low-viscosity motor oil beside a turbocharged engine test rig.

The most recent GM motor oil specification: Dexos 1 Gen 3

Motor oil development is primarily driven by environmental considerations, the reduction of CO2 emissions and increase in fuel economy, through impacting the development of engine technologies. The increasingly strict emission regulations force engine manufacturers to...

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