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ISCAR / Buying guide

Engine oil selection: what to check before ordering

Viscosity, performance categories and manufacturer requirements belong in the same conversation.

By ISCAR Auto · Updated 1 October 2026

Start with the vehicle handbook

Record the vehicle model, engine code, model year and the oil requirements in the handbook. Ask for clarification if an engine has been replaced or the maintenance documentation is incomplete.

Read viscosity and performance separately

A viscosity grade such as 5W-30 is only one part of an engine-oil specification. API service categories describe performance requirements. Check both against the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations; matching the viscosity alone does not establish suitability.

Ask for current product documents

Include the required specification in your enquiry and request the current technical data sheet (TDS). If a formal manufacturer approval or a licence is required, ask for evidence for the exact product. A general brand statement is not a substitute for product-specific documentation.

Make the order brief useful

Send a short list: product specification, intended vehicles, pack size, quantity and destination. Separate different requirements into different lines. This makes it easier to compare proposals on the same basis.

Further reference: API Motor Oil Guide

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