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GET THE ANSWERS TO ALL THE QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE TWO NEW OIL CATEGORIES.

 CK-4 & FA-4 engine oils are due to hit the market as early as December, 1st, 2016 (official licensing date).

API stands for the American Petroleum Institute; it is a non-profit trade association representing the oil and natural gas industry. The API is also responsible for developing and maintaining global engine oil performance standards.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) promoted Phase II greenhouse gas (GHG) emission rules. The GHG strongly encourages Fuel Economy improvements and as a result, pushed for the creation of CK-4 and FA-4.

Only CK-4 oils are backwards compatibility. FA-4 oils are formulated at lower viscosity grades and are specifically designed for next-generation diesel engines. Because some older engines are not designed to operate with lower viscosity grades, FA-4 oils have limited backwards compatibility.

Certain OEMs might extend the recommended oil drain intervals thanks to improved oxidation resistance. However this is uncertain at this moment. OEMs recommendations will be updated at a later time.

The American Petroleum Institute does not require a specific type of base oil. Therefore depending on the oil specification requirement, CK-4 and FA-4 oils can be mineral, semi-synthetic or fully synthetic.

CK-4 oils can be used in both current and older vehicles, at the same viscosity grades. FA-4 oils are designed at newer lower viscosity grades, therefore limited in backward compatibility. Please check with your vehicle manufacturer for recommendation.

FA-4 oils have limited compatibly. However, we are currently working closely with OEMs and with our partners in order to understand the possible impact of using FA-4 oils in older vehicles.

FA-4 oils have a lower High Temperature High Shear (HTHS) viscosity. Reducing HTHS from 3.5 to 3.0 cP allows for an extra 0.5% Fuel Economy compared to conventional FE oils, according to the consensus reached by most OEMs.

It is up to the OEMs to decide how they intend to leverage on the performance improvements of these new oils with regards to the recommendations.

API CK-4 oils are commonly available in the following viscosity:

SAE 5W-30

SAE 10W-30

SAE 5W-40

SAE 10W-40

SAE 15W-40

 

And API FA-4 oils are commonly available in the following viscosity:

SAE 5W-30

SAE 10W-30

Lower viscosity does not mean less protection. The protective property of the oil is not affected by changing to a lower viscosity. Please always follow your OEM’s recommendation.

When changing from CJ-4 to CK-4 oils, mixing the oils is not a problem since more antioxidants are being added. When changing to FA-4 oils, we recommend draining and refilling the oil.