QUOTE(BravoZeroTwo @ Jan 9 2019, 10:40 AM)
Hi Zeng,
Which is a better EO to use for my ride ? Is SL higher than SN ? My EO I got it from the workshop and it is locally made. Thanks in advance.
BZT,
Firstly, I would speculate your 1999 Wira manual calls for API SJ or SH/SG and these are difficult to get in the market today.
In itself , SL spec is inferior than SN which supercedes SM and SL etc.
However, an API SL with ACEA say, A3B4 specification is stronger or better than a sole rated API SL specification in respect of :
a) Better base oil quality is required to pass the more stringent A3B4 spcifications, and
b) Better or higher quality additive package is required to pass the more stringent A3B4 specs, among others.
Is API SL with A3B4 specification exceeds or surpass an API SN specification in (a) and (b) above ?
This answer is not straight forward in general terms as there are different test sequences for each of them above.
Having said this an API SN with A3B4 specification is stronger than sole rated API SN specification in (a) and/or (b) above.
But please bear in mind that when it comes to specific or individual products , I wouldn't say for certainty every single SN/A3B4 product in our market is surpassing or superior than ALL SN products, if you understand what I mean.
As oil companies are withholding 'proprietary' performance parameters from consumers,IMHO it's prudent and proper to make purchase decisions base on API/ACEA specifications and standards, whilst allowing for unknowns in individual variations between products.
In gist , my oil selection methodology follows a certain sequence like;
1) First, look for OEM approvals in VW, MB , BMW, Porsche etc then, >>>>>>
2) ACEA specifications like C3,C2, A3B4, A5B5 etc then lastly , >>>>>>
3) API SN/SM/SL etc , whilst taking note of price/ value for money and whether it's fully synthetic or semi synthetics or minerals.
Note:In practice, I ignored totally API SN/SM/SL ratings for its irrelevance in my oil selection.
In other words, I would pick a mineral SM/A3B4 over another semi synthetic SN for its technical specifications.
This post has been edited by zeng: Jan 9 2019, 10:54 PM