The performance levels of motor oils are determined by two main organizations: the Association des Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles (ACEA) and the American Petroleum Institute (API). These organizations set standards and certifications to ensure that motor oils meet all the requirements for gasoline and diesel engines.

• ACEA Performance Levels:
  The ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Européens d'Automobiles) is the association of European automobile manufacturers that sets various performance levels for motor oils. The ACEA classes are outlined in the ACEA classification and describe the specific requirements a motor oil must meet to be suitable for certain types of engines. The ACEA specifications can be divided into three main categories:
  • A/B: For gasoline and light diesel engines. For example: ACEA A3/B4, ACEA A3/B3, and ACEA A5/B5.
  • C: Low-ash oils for vehicles with modern exhaust after-treatment systems. For example: C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, and C7.
  • E: For diesel engines of heavy-duty vehicles and buses. For example: E7.
    
    
• API Performance Levels:
  The API (American Petroleum Institute) is another important standard often used to evaluate motor oils. The API classification uses two-letter codes, where the first letter indicates the engine type (S = Service for gasoline engines, C = Commercial for diesel engines), and the second letter describes the oil's performance level:
  • API SP: For the latest modern gasoline engines, with excellent oxidation stability and wear protection, as well as LSPI (Low-Speed Pre-Ignition) prevention. Introduced in 2020.
  • API SN: For gasoline engines manufactured before 2020.
  • API CK-4: For modern diesel engines, with low SAPS (Sulphated Ash, Phosphorus, and Sulfur) content and excellent wear protection.
    
    
• ILSAC Performance Levels:
  The ILSAC performance levels (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee) were jointly established by American and Japanese automakers. The ILSAC performance levels are harmonized with the API performance levels. The current API SP performance level corresponds to ILSAC GF-6 (GF-6A and GF-6B).
  
  

Manufacturer Approvals
European vehicle manufacturers have their own motor oil approvals for different engines to ensure the best performance and protection for the engines they produce. These approvals set specific requirements that often go beyond the general performance levels like ACEA and API. The rigorous tests and certifications conducted by the manufacturers ensure that the oil meets the individual needs of the engine, such as lubrication of various engine components, temperature regulation, and wear protection.

• Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, SEAT, Škoda): The Volkswagen group uses strict oil specifications such as VW 502.00, VW 505.00, VW 504.00/507.00, and the latest VW 508.00/509.00.
  
  
• Mercedes-Benz: The motor oil specifications from Mercedes-Benz, such as MB 229.5, MB 229.51, MB 209.6, MB 229.61, MB 229.71, or MB 229.72, impose strict requirements on motor oils to ensure excellent performance and protection, particularly in modern, low-emission engines.
  
  
• BMW: BMW’s own oil specifications, such as BMW Longlife-01, Longlife-04, Longlife-17FE+, or Longlife-19 FE, guarantee that the oils function properly in BMW engines and ensure a long engine life and optimal performance.
  
  
• Renault: The Renault approvals RN0700 and RN0710, RN0720, RN17, or RN17FE set specific requirements for Renault engines, particularly regarding wear protection and engine cleanliness.
  
  
• PSA Group (Peugeot, Citroën): The motor oil specifications of the PSA Group, such as PSA B71 2290, PSA B71 2297, or PSA B71 2312, ensure that the oils are compatible with PSA engines, with particular attention to fuel savings and engine protection.

Adhering to manufacturer approvals is crucial to ensure the long life and optimal performance of the engine. Using unsuitable oils can not only cause increased engine wear and premature failure but also void the manufacturer's warranty. Therefore, it is essential that vehicle owners and maintenance personnel always use motor oils that have the required manufacturer approvals.

Interpretation of the Information on the Motor Oil Container
The motor oil manufacturer strives to include all the necessary information on the product label that is required for selecting the right motor oil. Additionally, there should also be supplementary information indicating the quality and performance of the product. On motor oil labels, each manufacturer tries to provide as much information as possible, including basic data such as viscosity, performance level, and manufacturer approvals, as well as various marketing messages.

The names and brand names of motor oils generally reflect the quality level set by the lubricant manufacturer: At Castrol, Edge represents the highest quality level, alongside Magnatec and GTX. At Shell, HX8 is positioned below the Ultra series but above the HX3, HX5, HX6, and HX7 series. At Motul, the 8100 series is positioned below Motul 300V and Motul Specific, but on the same level as the 400, 4100, and 6100 series. However, the introduction of Motul's new NGEN4, NGEN6, and NGEN Hybrid series has made the selection process more complicated, as these new lines complicate the choice of the right product.

In summary, when selecting the right motor oil, it is always important to ensure that the oil meets the performance level or manufacturer approvals specified by the vehicle manufacturer. This ensures that the oil fulfills the engine's lubrication, cooling, and protection functions correctly and extends the engine's lifespan. Adhering to manufacturer specifications is not only essential for the optimal operation of the engine but also helps to maintain the validity of the warranty. Therefore, vehicle owners should always carefully read the information on the motor oil label and choose the motor oil according to the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer.