The code on a vehicle's oil has several types and meanings of its own. This code is also commonly used to interpret an institution on lubricants. Among the many codes available, SAE is frequently found. So what is SAE in oil? Here’s the explanation.

Explanation of SAE Code for Vehicle Oil

SAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers, which is an organization founded by Henry Ford and Andrew Riker aimed at standardizing the automotive field, especially lubricating oil. SAE also involves testing all types of oils for vehicles and testing viscosity at both high and low temperatures. 

In general, oils are divided into three categories based on their viscosity: thin, medium, and thick. The numbers in the code can indicate the viscosity of the car oil at both high and low temperatures. 

SAE Codes for Oil

After understanding what SAE is in oil, here are some commonly used oil codes that indicate viscosity levels at both high and low temperatures.

SAE 20W50

This code indicates that the oil can change its viscosity according to the temperature, whether at cold temperatures of 20W or at high temperatures, changing to SAE 50. This type can also flow and does not freeze even in very cold air. 

SAE 15W40

This code represents an oil property that is very suitable for low temperatures and can become SAE 40 at high temperatures. Its characteristic is that it can still flow at sub-zero temperatures and maintain its viscosity level. 

SAE 10W30

The SAE 10W30 code has properties that allow it to flow well at sub-zero temperatures up to high temperatures in terms of viscosity. The temperature range is from 19.3 to 12.5. 

Relationship Between Oil Codes and Vehicles

SAE has a significant influence on vehicles as it can indicate the performance characteristics of the oil when temperatures are high or low. Oils with a W value or Winter temperature are very suitable for use in cold engines and in relatively cold areas. However, for engines that run hot, it is very suitable to use high SAE engine oils, one of which is 20W50.

Read Also : Difference Between Synthetic and Mineral Oil in Cars, Which is Better?

Understanding Oil Code Meanings

Not only SAE, after learning more details about what SAE is in oil, there are certainly several other codes that have different meanings. Here are some explanations regarding those codes. 

API Oil Code

API is a standard code used to determine oil quality. On a packaging, when looking at the API code, there are two additional alphabets, namely API SN or API CH. The first letter is used to determine the type of gasoline or petrol vehicle with the symbol S. For diesel engines, it uses C.

JASO Oil Code

JASO is a code used specifically for motorcycles, not cars. Usually, this code is followed by MA or MB. Both are used for different applications, where MA is more suitable for vehicles with wet clutches like scooters or sports bikes. MB is more suitable for automatic motorcycles. 

It is very important to understand what SAE is in oil. All Daihatsu cars already use the best oil with codes suitable for those vehicles, one of which is SAE. Therefore, it is not surprising that the performance of all Daihatsu vehicles is considered good and can support the activities of all its users.