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Choosing the right engine oil is no longer limited to reading the viscosity grade on the front of the package. Modern engines require products that are precisely tailored to their design, which is why more and more technical information is appearing on labels. The most important of these today is the car manufacturer's approval, which clearly confirms the oil's compatibility with a given engine. TotalEnergies presents a practical overview of the markings most commonly found on lubricant packaging.
Traditionally, the largest and most visible marking on motor oil packaging is its viscosity grade, e.g., 5W-40. However, it is important to remember that when selecting oil for a modern engine, it is best to follow the manufacturers' approval, also known as certification. Every modern oil usually has one, and often even several, such approvals. They are usually found on the back of the packaging, at the bottom of the label.
Manufacturer approvals – the most important information on the label
Manufacturer approvals are precise markings introduced by car manufacturers. They clearly indicate the suitability of a given oil for a specific type of engine. At the same time, they confirm that the oil has successfully passed tests carried out by the car manufacturer on a given engine.
Renowned manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, General Motors, Ford, and Renault develop their own specialized tests and requirements for engine oils, known as factory standards. These oils are tested by car manufacturers in their laboratories and on their engines in test benches.
It should be emphasized that only official approval by the vehicle manufacturer confirms that the oil is fully compatible with a specific engine and guarantees its proper protection and durability.
Oil viscosity
The most noticeable marking on the packaging of any oil is its viscosity classification. It was developed by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) and divides oils based on the viscosity values achieved at specific temperatures.
Currently, the most popular are so-called multigrade oils, marked by two classes: winter and summer, e.g., 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-40, 10W-40, or 15W-40. In the latest engines, it is recommended to use 0W-20 oils, while in some diesel engines, 0W-30 viscosity remains mandatory.
The lower the number before the letter “W”, the more fluid the oil is at low temperatures (facilitating engine start-up). 0W oil lubricates the engine much faster at low temperatures and reduces fuel consumption compared to 15W. Examples of temperature limits for winter viscosity grades according to SAE are:
- 0W – down to -35°C,
- 5W – down to -30°C,
- 10W – down to -25°C,
- 15W – down to -20°C.
The higher the number after the letter “W”, the more viscous the oil is at high temperatures. This means that the oil film is thicker and has greater strength, but the resistance to movement is higher. In addition, the engine is cooled less efficiently. In this case, follow the vehicle manufacturer's instructions and use the appropriate viscosity.
Important: oils may not be suitable for use in certain types of engines. If in doubt, always check this information in the manufacturer's recommendations.
Examples of product qualities and associated viscosities in the TotalEnergies range
Advanced synthetic technology: 0W-20
Examples: Quartz Ineo Xtra range, Quartz 9000 Xtra range
Synthetic technology: 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30, 5W-40, 0W-40
Examples: Quartz Ineo range, Quartz 9000 range
Semi-synthetic: 10W-40
Example: Quartz 7000 range
Mineral: 15W-40
Example: Quartz 5000 range
API specifications (American Petroleum Institute)
The second most popular oil designation is the API classification. It always consists of two components, e.g. API SP and API CF. The first letter stands for “S” – “spark” – gasoline engines. The second letter stands for “C” – “compression” – diesel engines. The further the second letter (after ‘C’ or “S”) is from the beginning of the alphabet, the higher the quality requirements. Currently, the latest specification for passenger cars is API SQ.
In the case of oils for gasoline engines, the designation tells us a lot about their main properties. These include protection against engine wear, control of deposits and sludge, control of lacquers or coke on pistons and turbochargers, oxidation resistance, compatibility with exhaust gas treatment systems (TWC), prevention of low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), and protection against timing chain wear. The latest API SQ quality class meets all these requirements to the maximum extent. Older classes are less versatile in this respect. In each case, they perform worse. Sometimes the difference may be minor, and sometimes there may be a complete lack of properties in a given category.
ACEA classification
Parallel to API, the European ACEA classification is used, which divides oils according to their application and technological advancement. It is already known that in 2026 a new ACEA C7 corresponding to API SQ will appear, but for now the current classification, which we present below, remains in force.
- A/B – oil for gasoline and diesel engines
- A3/B3 – high viscosity stability, longer intervals between changes, engines without DPF
- A3/B4 – as A3/B3, but with additional requirements for direct injection engines
- A5/B5 – energy-efficient oils, longer intervals, low viscosity, engines without DPF
- A7/B7 – improved version of the A5/B5 standard, introduced in 2021, meaning better protection of the engine and timing chain against wear, protection against LSPI, increased thermal stability, compliance with modern Euro 6d emission standards in engines where GPF or DPF are not used
- C – “Mid and Low SAPS” oils for vehicles equipped with DPF or GPF
- C2 – “Mid SAPS” oils, fuel-efficient, HTHS equal to or greater than 3.5
- C4 – “Low SAPS” oils specifically for Renault Diesel until 2017
- C5 – “Mid SAPS” oils with low viscosity and HTHS less than 2.9, ensuring high fuel economy
- C6 – an improved version of the C5 standard, introduced in 2021, offering better protection of the engine and timing chain against wear, protection of the turbocharger against deposits, protection against LSPI, increased thermal stability, compliance with modern Euro 6d emission standards in engines where GPF or DPF are used.
QR codes – quick authenticity verification
TotalEnergies and ELF products have QR codes on their packaging that ensure the authenticity and compatibility of the engine oil with the specific vehicle, while also providing information about the product's parameters. This convenience allows customers to verify the accuracy of the information on the packaging after purchase.
Eco-Science technology
The packaging of the latest TotalEnergies oils features the original Eco-Science label. It indicates effective engine care for maximum performance. This technology improves engine life and efficiency, keeps it clean, and reduces fuel consumption.
Other labels distinguishing TotalEnergies oils
One of the newest product groups in the TotalEnergies range is INEO (the label is located under the TotalEnergies logo on the front of the packaging). This is the highest range of oils developed specifically for vehicles equipped with particulate filters and recommended for all cars equipped with exhaust gas treatment systems.
Products in this series offer advanced synthetic technology, increased oxidation resistance, Low SAPS formulation, and engine manufacturer approvals.
Most TotalEnergies products also have additional markings that indicate specific properties, approvals, or regions of use (e.g., MDC, ECS, C4, Future). Their presence can help the user refine their choice and ensure that the oil is fully compliant with the vehicle manufacturer's requirements.