When API SN was the current specification for gasoline engines, many auto manufacturers were experiencing low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) (see article https://mag1.com/news/mag-1-api-sn-plus/ ), thus the creation of SN Plus as a stop-gap solution until a permanent category replacement could be developed. That development is complete. As of May 1, 2020 oil blenders can start producing the next evolution in PCMO’s known as API SP and ILSAC GF-6. This will be the first time ILSAC will be split into 2 distinct categories: GF-6A and GF-6B.

So what are the changes, and how will these affect MAG 1 products?

Euro Oils: No change. API and ILSAC categories do not correspond to ACEA or OEM specification which drive Euro oils. For all MAG 1 Euro oils, the ACEA and API SN specifications will continue to be the most current claims, along with specific OEM specifications listed on the label.

0W-16: This will display API SP and ILSAC GF-6B. Unlike prior ILSAC categories which were backwards compatible, GF-6A and GF-6B will not be interchangeable. Due to this, the 0W-16 will also display a ‘shield’ graphic to help consumers differentiate between the ILSAC categories.

0W-20 to 10W-30: These will display API SP and ILSAC GF-6A. The 0W-20 and 5W-30 viscosities will continue to carry the dexos1™ Gen2 mark until May 2021. At that time, dexos1™ Gen3 specification will be released.

10W-40 and 20W-50: These will display API SP, but do not qualify for any ILSAC category. Any viscosity heavier than 20W-50 will not see any change in API beyond the current SN.

Heavy Duty (Diesel) Engine Oils:

In the past, the use of a “multi-fleet fluid” meant select Diesel Engine Oils could also claim the most recent Gasoline specification. But due to diverging needs of these engines, this will no longer take place. No gasoline spec past SN will be displayed on HDEO products due to different chemistries in the additive packages, and some fluids like our 10W-30 Premium Conventional Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Oil can no longer claim the outgoing API SN.