Make sense of every number and approval on an oil label: SAE viscosity, API / ACEA / JASO / ILSAC, industrial ISO VG, diesel Low SAPS & DPF/SCR, and heavy-duty EURO 3–6 — then use one table to pick the right oil by vehicle. Written by Taiwan lubricant manufacturer ONEWAY.
A grade like "5W-40" has two numbers: the figure before W (Winter) is cold-flow — lower means thinner, faster cold starts and better low-temp protection; the figure after is the oil-film strength at 100°C — higher means thicker and stronger high-temperature protection.
| Grade | Character | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 0W-20 | Thinnest, most fuel-saving | Japanese new cars, hybrids |
| 5W-30 | Balanced economy & protection | Most modern petrol cars |
| 5W-40 | Strong high-temp film | European, turbo, performance |
| 10W-40 / 10W-50 | Thicker, heat-tolerant | High-mileage, hot climates, bikes |
| 15W-50 / 20W-50 | Thickest, strongest film | Older engines, heavy load, track |
Viscosity only describes thickness; specifications describe quality and which engines an oil suits. Here are the most common standards.
Modern diesels (and some petrol cars) have a DPF particulate filter or SCR catalyst. The sulphated ash, phosphorus and sulphur (SAPS) in ordinary oil can clog or poison these systems, so they require Low-SAPS oil — meeting ACEA C (C2/C3) or heavy-duty ACEA E6/E9. Using the wrong high-SAPS oil on a DPF car can clog the filter and lead to costly repairs.
Heavy-duty diesel vehicles (trucks, buses, construction equipment) use different oil tiers depending on their EU emission stage (EURO 3 to 6).
| Stage | After-treatment | Oil focus | ONEWAY match |
|---|---|---|---|
| EURO 3 | None | High TBN, anti-wear, long mileage | ONEWAY HDDO EURO 3 |
| EURO 4 | No DPF | High-temp film, oxidation control | ONEWAY TURBO EURO 4 |
| EURO 5 / 6 | DPF / SCR | Low SAPS, after-treatment safe | ONEWAY ECO EURO 5/6 |
Putting it together — recommendations for common vehicles. Can't find your grade? Ask us and we'll help you choose.
| Vehicle / use | Viscosity | Key spec | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese new cars · economy | 0W-20 | API SP · ILSAC GF-6 | MegaTec 0W-20 |
| European high-performance petrol | 5W-40 | MB 229.3 · Porsche A40 | Max Evolution 5W-40 |
| European diesel (with DPF) | 5W-30 | ACEA C3 · MB 229.51 | STAR EURO 5W-30 |
| High-performance motorcycles | 5W-40 | JASO MA2 | 4T MegaTec 5W-40 |
| Scooters | 10W-40 | JASO MB | 4T Plus MB 10W-40 |
| Hydraulic systems / injection | ISO VG 46 | DIN 51524 HLP | AW Series Hydraulic Oil |
A small step up can be fine for hot, heavy-load or high-mileage engines, but always stay within the owner's manual range. Too thick raises consumption and cold-start wear; DPF-equipped cars must keep their Low-SAPS spec.
It comes down to base-oil grade: full synthetic has the best purity and high/low-temp stability and the longest drain interval; mineral is cheaper but degrades faster. Modern turbo and direct-injection engines should use full synthetic.
Not recommended. Most geared bikes use a wet clutch needing a JASO MA/MA2 oil; car oils often contain friction modifiers that can cause clutch slip. Use a motorcycle oil marked JASO MA2 (geared) or MB (scooter).
It depends on the oil grade, driving style and the manufacturer's advice. Full synthetic with normal use is often ~10,000 km or six months; shorten it for stop-go city, heavy load or heat. Follow your manual and the product TDS.
ONEWAY holds Mercedes-Benz MB 229.3 and Porsche A40 approvals, plus ISO 9001:2015 and European EELQMS quality registration. See About.