AUTOMOTIVE
The evolution of ACEA light and heavy-duty engine oil sequences
Rudi Sanders, Senior Product and Technology Specialist, Chevron Global Lubricants
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) unites Europe’s 16 major car, truck, van and bus makers. Together they act as the voice of the automotive industry.
The association is progressing on the road to zero-emission and zero-fatality transport. They are addressing major technology shifts and the changing mobility needs of Europeans. ACEA’s aim is to drive Europe’s mobility transformation – while at the same time ensuring that the automotive industry remains a strong global & competitive player.
As well as being an advocate for the automobile industry in Europe, ACEA also represents manufacturers of passenger cars, trucks, vans and buses with significant production sites and Research facilities in Europe.
to keep engines performing as intended. The ACEA engine oil sequences are not the end point.
Oil and lubricant producers looking to make claims against these ACEA engine oil sequences need to sign a Letter of Conformance and self-certify their product(s) as being capable of meeting ACEA’s requirements. ACEA itself does not certify oils, nor license, nor register, or issue compliance certificates. There is no formal external process as you might find if you wish to secure an approval against an OEM’s specification.
Responsibility for carrying out all oil testing and evaluation according to recognised engine lubricant industry standards and practices and within the ACEA Engine Oil Sequences rests with the oil manufacturers and marketers. These tests include those from the Coordinating European Council (CEC), ASTM (known as the American Society for Testing and materials), as well as the Japanese Standards Organisation (JASO). ACEA Engine Oil Sequences are truly a global set of market standards comparable with those of the American Petroleum Institute of API.
Figure 1: Vehicle manufacturers who are members of ACEA.
In order for motor vehicles to function correctly they require high quality oils and lubricants. Differently performing oils are required in different circumstances and climatic conditions to meet the needs of modern motorists, the vehicle manufacturers and the regulators.
There are minimum standards for oils that are given in the ACEA European Oil Sequences. For many vehicle manufacturers or OEMs these are a starting point to defining the oil specifications or requirements needed
Oil manufacturers and marketers remain responsible and liable for all claims made that their products can meet the ACEA Engine Oil Sequences, but this is not a free ride.
Since their introduction in 1996, the ACEA European Oil Sequences have defined the minimum quality level of the service-fill oils demanded by ACEA for use in their vehicles. Now ACEA Engine Oil Sequences are the property of ACEA but are also influenced by the Additive Technical Committee of Europe, the additive companies’ association, and ATIEL the European Technical Association for the Lubricants Industry.
Continued on page 10 LUBE MAGAZINE NO.186 APRIL 2025 9
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