API SN PLUS Background
Today’s modern engines are designed to deliver higher performance, better fuel economy, and lower emissions than ever before. Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) engines are one of the most popular engine technologies today, capable of meeting the higher performance demands of modern engines. GDI engines are sometimes prone to Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI). Castrol’s full range of products are specially formulated to effectively prevent LSPI, helping you maximize your vehicle’s performance.
What is SN PLUS?
API SN PLUS is a temporary specification in the lubricant industry, supplementing the performance of API SN category gasoline engine oils. It helps bridge the gap between the current ILSAC GF-5 and future ILSAC GF-6 specifications. This specification was developed in response to automakers’ requests to ensure that gasoline direct injection engines can effectively prevent low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) events. LSPI is caused by high pressure buildup inside the engine cylinder, which can damage your vehicle’s engine.
How do I know if I need SN PLUS oil?
Please consult your owner’s manual to determine if your gasoline direct injection engine is compatible with API SN PLUS oil. Different manufacturers use different names for gasoline direct injection engines (e.g., GDI, FSI, SIDI, Eco Boost). Please refer to your owner’s manual to identify the specific engine type in your vehicle. API SN PLUS was recommended by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in 2019. The TERZO series products meet API SN PLUS certification and are ready to meet the requirements of the API SN PLUS category when OEMs begin requiring such products.
Does TERZO have products that meet API SN PLUS standards?
TERZO’s core products have been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and meet or exceed the requirements of the API SN PLUS grade. These products include:
TERZO SynthGen: 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40
TERZO MULTIPURE: 5W-30
TERZO SuperSynth: NF 0W-20
API Service Exceeds SN Plus/SN/SM/SL/SJ
Unlike some competitors, all TERZO synthetic fluids have been upgraded to the new API SN PLUS formulation. Products certified to dexos1™ Gen 2 standards consistently provide effective protection against LSPI incidents. All TERZO products certified to API SN PLUS exceed the API SN standard.
What should I know about LSPI?
One of the key advantages of API SN PLUS is its ability to effectively prevent Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI), a catastrophic engine failure event caused by the buildup of high pressure inside the cylinder. This failure is particularly common in turbocharged GDI engines.
Due to higher operating temperatures, GDI engines place greater demands on engine oil. Under low-speed, high-load conditions, the oil-air mixture in the cylinder may ignite prematurely, causing cylinder pressure to exceed expected levels. This can lead to engine knocking, reduced engine performance, and in severe cases, engine damage such as spark plug failure and piston rupture.
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