ACEA – European Classification of Engine Oils
The ACEA classification (Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles) is a standard developed by European car manufacturers for the classification and evaluation of engine oils. It defines specific requirements for performance, cleanability, wear protection and fuel efficiency for modern gasoline, diesel and hybrid engines.
Why is the ACEA classification important?
The ACEA specifications are crucial for selecting the right engine oil, especially for vehicles from leading manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, Volvo, Ford, PSA, Fiat, Renault and Jaguar Land Rover. Every ACEA oil undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it protects engines, prevents deposits and copes with high temperatures and long service intervals.
For garages, fleets and vehicle owners, choosing an ACEA-certified oil is essential to provide the best possible engine protection and optimize fuel economy. BASINOL engine oils meet the latest ACEA specifications and are designed for maximum performance, efficiency and longevity.
The right ACEA specification ensures:
✔ Longer engine life through optimum protection against wear and deposits
✔ Cost savings through reduced maintenance intervals and lower oil consumption
✔ Higher fuel efficiency and reduction of CO₂ emissions
What ACEA classes are there and what do they mean?
The ACEA classification is divided into different groups:
– ACEA A/B – For gasoline and diesel passenger cars
– ACEA C – Low SAPS oils for modern exhaust aftertreatment systems
– ACEA E – For commercial vehicles and heavy-duty engines
Each class contains several levels (e.g. ACEA C3, ACEA E6) that describe the exact performance requirements.
Can I use an ACEA C oil in an older vehicle?
ACEA C oils are optimized for modern vehicles with particulate filters and catalytic converters. Older vehicles without these systems often require an ACEA A/B oil as they rely on other additive packages. A look at the vehicle handbook will give you the best orientation.
Why do leading manufacturers rely on ACEA approvals?
OEMs such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen rely on ACEA-certified lubricants because they have to meet strict performance and durability requirements. This is the only way to ensure consistently high engine performance and environmental compatibility.
This website uses cookies to provide our services. For more information, please see our legal notice.
