New API ratings are out.

[MasterCylinder]

March of 2025 the API approved of the new Rating of "SQ" so your going to start seeing it in the Doughnut symbol on oil jugs soon if not already. It's backwards compatible per the norm so don't be alarmed if you need an oil for SP, SN, SN plus etc...
I just bought some Motorcraft oil and it already had it.
How I tell people on the rating system is this, follow the alphabet. Say you need a SN for something. SN was made obsolete back in the late 90's so if you find a SP your covered now the SQ will cover it. Use the second letter, further up or down the alphabet, depending on how you look at it, your usually good to go

Old Obsolete

Most common today

Newest approved in March 2025

Sponsored

 

[ChronciallyChronic]

For the stupid among us, like me, what does the alphabet soup of letter mean?

 

[superj]

they are just like the a, b, c, d or whatever letter at the end of a part number when you buy a replacement part. it means there has been a change and that is an addendum showing its the newest, or latest and greatest revision out at this time

 

[MasterCylinder]

For the stupid among us, like me, what does the alphabet soup of letter mean?

Just follow the alphabet, SC oil is newer than SB, SE is newer than SC, SP oil is newer then SN etc... use the second letter for the latest greatest type of thing scenario. The letter A being the oldest from back in the 30's to SQ being the latest in 2025! Oils are manufactured to be backwards compatible unless stated otherwise, usually on the bottle. Just follow oil weight recommendations from manufacturer. Hope that helps clarify!

 

[ChronciallyChronic]

Just follow the alphabet, SC oil is newer than SB, SE is newer than SC, SP oil is newer then SN etc... use the second letter for the latest greatest type of thing scenario. The letter A being the oldest from back in the 30's to SQ being the latest in 2025! Oils are manufactured to be backwards compatible unless stated otherwise, usually on the bottle. Just follow oil weight recommendations from manufacturer. Hope that helps clarify!

Thanks!

 

[MasterCylinder]

Thanks!

I posted some photos (should have to start with) as pictures speak thousands of words. Had to look through the shop and find and old SN oil though. Lol

Sponsored