European cars need specialized oils to keep them running properly. So, what is the best oil for European cars? In this blog post, we’ll go over the various factors that make AMSOIL Synthetic European Motor Oils the best European motor oil on the market.
Most new European cars are equipped with sophisticated pollution control systems that require specialized oil characteristics for reliable operation. In addition to having longer suggested drain intervals, European automobiles have stringent lubrication requirements which necessitate the use of more complex motor oil technology that is almost entirely synthetic.
The Meaning of “SAPS”
When dealing with European motor oil specifications, SAPS is a commonly encountered acronym that stands for “Sulfated Ash, Phosphorous, and Sulfur.” A percentage of a European motor oil’s additive composition is comprised of SAPS, which provide improved emissions and performance features including higher detergency and defense against oxidation and wear. The desired percentage of SAPS fluctuates depending on the specific engine in question.
When the additives within oil burn and create ash, the result is sulfated ash. There are many benefits of sulfated ash, including antioxidancy, Total Base Number (TBN) improvement, cleanliness, anti-wear, and the proper handling of soot buildup.
SAPS Levels are Specified by Manufacturers
Just like the American Petroleum Institute (API) establishes the standards for lubricants in the US, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) does the same thing in Europe. ACEA acknowledges that European engines are different from US engines in both operating conditions and design. Vehicle manufacturers in Europe often have their own supplementary motor oil performance criteria.
Lubricant Specifications
Due to their high sensitivity, the systems used in current European automobiles necessitate the use of specialized lubricants. Although SAPS content helps in distinguishing among lubricants in the AMSOIL Synthetic European Motor Oil family, AMSOIL labeling places more emphasis on specifications since few car owners are aware of SAPS or its importance for European automobiles. The owner’s manual specifications are the most crucial factor to consider when choosing the proper oil for your European car.
The Significance of AMSOIL’s Formulation
Many European automobiles sold in North America are powered by gas, diesel, or hybrid motors. These powertrains are equipped with emissions systems that are hypersensitive to the presence of SAPS, as well as turbochargers that significantly elevate engine heat and cause oil to oxidize.
AMSOIL Synthetic European Motor Oil (AFE, EFO, EZT, AFL, AEL, EFM) offers exceptional protection in high-temperature environments by combining shear-stable synthetic base stock oils with premium anti-wear additives. Its thermally stable oil composition prevents deposit development and keeps turbochargers cool, offering reliable performance for the prolonged drain intervals that European manufacturers prescribe.
By preventing varnish and sludge buildup and decreasing oil use, excellent detergency capabilities keep engines clean, enhancing performance and extending engine life.
To suit the demands of highly specialized European engines, the AMSOIL Synthetic European Motor Oil product range offers full-SAPS, mid-SAPS, and low-SAPS (FS, MS, LS) choices. They are designed to suit the requirements of European automakers and provide great all-season performance, optimal fuel efficiency, improved turbocharger safeguards, and better motor cleanliness.
Given the advantageous effects SAPS additives have, it’s natural to believe that a larger concentration means a better oil, but higher SAPS concentrations may harm costly exhaust systems like catalytic converters and diesel particulate filters (DPFs.)
The fact that European motor oils may come in low-, mid-, and full-SAPS varieties of the same viscosity might cause confusion. The best option may not be known by motorists or technicians.
Check first in the owner’s manual where the car manufacturer recommends the oil specifications. The AMSOIL Vehicle Lookup Tool is another fast and simple method to find the appropriate AMSOIL products for a specific vehicle. Click here to access the tool.
We hope you found this blog post on the best oil for European cars useful. If there are any other automotive topics you would like to see covered on this blog, leave a comment below.