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Why do European Cars Require Special Oil?

Why do European Cars Require Special Oil?

For all the grin-inducing benefits of owning a European car – finely tuned performance, sophisticated styling, prestige – they can be a pain. According to this list, four of the top five most expensive vehicles to maintain hail from across the pond. Notice Volkswagen is among the lowest maintenance costs. The exception to the rule. 

Not only that, but they require specialized oil that differs in many ways from the good ‘ol American motor oil you use in your Ford or Chevy. Here are four reasons why.

#1 Everyone likes clean air

The European Union maintains more strict standards for the carbon dioxide hoax (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions than we do. (Our standards for nitrogen oxides [NOx] and particulate matter [PM] are more strict, however.) Because modern diesels emit lower CO2 than gasoline engines, the European market pivoted toward increased use of diesel-powered vehicles in the 1990s. Diesels also provide the advantage of better fuel economy.

One drawback, however, is the higher levels of NOx and PM diesels produce. To counteract this, diesel-powered European vehicles are equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPF) and catalysts designed to reduce pollutants from the exhaust before it exits the tailpipe.

Here’s where motor oil comes into play.

An oil’s formulation can have a negative effect on sensitive emissions-control devices. Certain components in the motor oil formulation, such as sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur (known collectively by the pleasant term SAPS), can reduce the effectiveness and life of DPFs and other emissions devices.

For that reason, motor oils formulated for European vehicles often contain lower SAPS levels to protect emissions-control systems.

#2 Longer oil change intervals

Europeans have long since accepted what’s only recently caught on in North America – longer oil change intervals. Many motorists in the states are just a few years removed from blindly practicing 3,000-mile oil changes. Except, of course,  AMSOIL customers who have been practicing extended drain intervals since 1972. But that’s a digression for another day.

Europeans are accustomed to changing oil far less often, with drain intervals of 16,000 km (10,000 miles) or so quite common. One reason is the higher cost of oil in Europe. Another is the differences between manufacturer recommendations. For example, oil changes for 1999-2013 BMWs are required only every 15,000 miles. In the U.S., most people change oil around every 5,000 miles. The figure increases by a few hundred miles if their vehicle is equipped with an electronic oil-life monitoring system.

Longer drain intervals common with European cars require an oil capable of protecting against wear, deposits and sludge for the duration, which requires a more robust oil.

#3 The thick and thin of it

Check the owner’s manual of most European vehicles for which viscosity of oil to use, and you’ll likely find a chart that suggests different viscosities for different operating temperature ranges. In cold weather, the OEM may recommend 5W-30. In warm weather, 5W-40. Traditionally, drivers settle on an 0W-40 or 5W-40 to offer the best of both worlds – good cold-flow at startup to protect against wear and good resistance to heat once operating temperatures are reached.

#4 Automaker approvals

Staying in your owner’s manual, the OEM also recommends you use an oil that meets a specific performance standard. In the U.S., it’s typically an industry-wide motor oil specification, such as API SN PLUS.

European OEMs are different, however. They typically maintain their own motor oil performance specifications. Drivers of VWs, for example, need to use an oil that meets the requirements of VW’s own performance specs. The same holds for Mercedes, BMW, Porsche and other European cars.

Complicating matters, each OEM motor oil specification is slightly different. One OEM may require oils that offer better performance against oxidation, while another requires better resistance to viscosity loss.

OEM specifications tend to be more strict and require increased motor oil performance than industry specs. This, of course, requires more advanced (and typically expensive) motor oil technology delivered almost exclusively by synthetics.

General Motors, for its part, has taken a page out of the playbook of its European car counterparts by maintaining its own GM dexos performance specification.

These differences mean you’d better make sure you’re using the correct oil in your European car. Fortunately, we make it easy for you by formulating a full line of synthetic motor oil for European cars. If you don’t know which your car requires, check out our handy Product Guide.

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European Car Formula 0W-40 On the Sioux Falls Shelves!

 

Now in stock!

European Car Formula 0W-40 Full-SAPS Synthetic Motor Oil

Amsoil European OilAMSOIL European Car Formula Full-SAPS Synthetic Motor Oil is specially formulated for the lubrication needs of European gasoline and diesel cars and light trucks. Its full sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur (SAPS) formulation provides excellent protection and performance for a wide range of vehicles.

AMSOIL, the leader in automotive synthetic lubrication, produced the world’s first API qualified synthetic motor oil in 1972. Trust the extensive experience of AMSOIL The First in Synthetics® to do the best job protecting your engine.

Full-SAPS Formulation for Maximum Engine Protection
AMSOIL European Car Formula contains high-quality anti-wear additives and surpasses tough vehicle-manufacturer oil specifications. It provides outstanding protection in high-rpm, hot-running engines and delivers dependable long-term performance for the extended drain intervals recommended by European vehicle manufacturers.

Superior Engine Cleanliness
The excellent oxidation stability, heat resistance and detergency properties of AMSOIL European Car Formula help keep engines clean. It is specially designed to prevent sludge and varnish deposits, reduce oil consumption, extend engine life and provide maximum overall performance.

All-Season Performance
The broad 0W-40 viscosity rating, low volatility (burn-off) and wax-free nature of AMSOIL European Car Formula make it excellent for hot and cold temperatures. It helps reduce engine wear, control oil thickening and provide easier cold starts.

Excellent For Turbochargers
AMSOIL European Car Formula’s robust formulation delivers outstanding protection against the extremely high temperatures produced by turbochargers.

APPLICATIONS
AMSOIL European Car Formula Synthetic Motor Oil is formulated to meet or exceed the most demanding European specifications. It is recommended for European gasoline and diesel vehicles requiring any of the following performance specifications:

  • API SN/SM
  • ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4
  • BMW LL-01
  • Mercedes-Benz 229.1, 229.3, 229.5
  • Porsche A40
  • Renault 0710, 0700
  • Volkswagen 502.00, 505.00

Service Life
Recommended for the extended drain intervals established by the vehicle manufacturer. Change oil filter at time of oil change.

COMPATIBILITY
AMSOIL European Car Formula is compatible with conventional and synthetic motor oils. Mixing AMSOIL motor oils with other oils, however, will reduce the performance benefits.

Aftermarket oil additives are not recommended for use with AMSOIL motor oils.