ENGINEOIL.AE · UAE BUYING GUIDE
Engine oil specifications: viscosity, API, ACEA and approvals
Read the full oil requirement before comparing brands or prices.
Grade and formulation are separate checks
Keep A5 B5 and A3 B4 in the complete product name. Verify the required manufacturer approval separately.
What to copy from your owner’s manual
Record the car make, model, model year, exact engine and market specification. Copy the permitted SAE viscosity, performance category and any manufacturer specification or approval code. Keep those as separate checks: a 5W-30 label alone does not establish that a product is suitable.
SAE viscosity, API, ACEA and approvals: different checks
| Requirement | What to compare |
|---|---|
| SAE viscosity | The grade permitted by the handbook, such as 0W-20 or 5W-30. |
| API category | The required performance category and applicable engine type; use the official API guide to understand its quality marks. |
| ACEA sequence | The exact category required. Categories describe different performance requirements; do not treat a different letter or number as an automatic upgrade. |
| Manufacturer specification | The complete code and the exact approval or performance wording in the current product data. |
ACEA categories are manufacturer self-certification claims under its oil sequences, rather than ACEA-issued product approval certificates. Manufacturer requirements can be more specific than the general performance category.
GCC and imported cars: check the exact vehicle
Do not choose oil solely because a car is described as GCC specification. Vehicles sharing a model name can have different engines, emissions equipment or regional requirements. Use the manual for your exact version; if the engine or market is unclear, ask the vehicle manufacturer or authorised service support to confirm the requirement.
The car oil finder helps organise your selection. Its guidance should be checked against the vehicle handbook and current product data before purchase. Hot weather alone is not a reason to replace the prescribed oil specification.
Check the full product name and approval wording
Keep all suffixes in the product name. Read the supplied pack and current manufacturer data, distinguishing formal approvals from statements such as recommended for or meets requirements. This guide does not award approvals to any catalogue listing.
Once the specification is confirmed, compare oil brands and available grades and AED prices. If you need help, send the handbook requirement and exact product link to our team.
Official references: API Motor Oil Guide, ACEA light-duty oil sequences, and Mobil UAE specification and approval wording.
