What You Need To Know About API SN PLUS
Learn about API SN PLUS, the new motor oil specification for turbocharged engines. See how Pennzoil is supporting API SN PLUS and protecting the performance of your engine.
Maintaining your vehicle’s performance means protecting turbocharged engines from Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI). Automakers are the driving force behind API SN PLUS, a new supplemental motor oil specification that protects turbocharged engines. Pennzoil products with this designation protect against LSPI. Get answers to your questions about API SN PLUS and Pennzoil motor oils.
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What is “API SN PLUS”?
API SN PLUS is a new motor oil specification developed for turbocharged engines that is being developed in response to automakers request for motor oils that protect against Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI). LSPI is an engine condition known to occur in Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (TGDI) engines that can be mitigated by changing the motor oil formulation.
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Does Pennzoil offer any motor oils that meet API SN PLUS?
Yes! The following Pennzoil products are all licensed by the American Petroleum Institue as complying with the specifications of the new API SN PLUS category:
- Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oils - SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 and SAE 10W-30
- Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage Full Synthetic Motor Oils SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30 and SAE 10W-30
- Pennzoil Gold Motor Oils - SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30 and SAE 10W-30
- Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oils - SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 and SAE 10W-30
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When will these products be on shelves?
On May 1, 2018, Pennzoil products meeting the API SN PLUS specification will have updated packaging featuring the new API SN PLUS Donut on retailer shelves across the United States and Canada. It might take some time for your individual store to receive and begin stocking bottles with the updated packaging. In the meantime, the formulation of Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic, Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage Full Synthetic and Pennzoil Gold currently on retailer shelves still meets the new API SN PLUS specification based on industry tests.
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Will I see API SN PLUS on the bottle?
Yes, Pennzoil products that meet the API SN PLUS specification have the new API Donut designation on the bottle beginning May 1, 2018.
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Why does the industry need the “API SN PLUS” supplemental motor oil specification?
- The API SN PLUS motor oil specification is intended to complement API SN and ILSAC GF-5 and aimed at addressing the increasing impact of Low-Speed Pre-Ignition in Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (TGDI) engines.
- The high pressures from turbocharging combined with direct fuel injection into the combustion chamber in these smaller TGDI engines makes them susceptible to a phenomenon known as Low Speed Pre-Ignition, or LSPI. While the mechanism of LSPI is not yet fully understood, research has shown that motor oil properties may be a contributing factor. Automakers can mitigate LSPI by adjusting the engine operating conditions, but in doing so inhibit some high efficiency engine operating conditions.
- Amid growing concerns about LSPI among Automakers, the urgent need for a supplemental motor oil specification became evident. This new supplemental specification, known as API SN PLUS, includes the testing protocol for API SN and a special test for LSPI, the API Sequence IX test.
- The API SN PLUS motor oil specification is intended to complement API SN and ILSAC GF-5 and aimed at addressing the increasing impact of Low-Speed Pre-Ignition in Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (TGDI) engines.
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What is Low-Speed Pre-Ignition?
- Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) is an abnormal combustion phenomenon observed at low engine speeds in which the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chambers ignites before spark timing. LSPI can cause engine knock, broken spark plugs and cracked pistons, and, in severe cases, catastrophic engine failure.
- There are multiple theories about what causes LSPI in downsized TGDI engines, although it is widely accepted that motor oils can play a role. Research has shown that during LSPI a drop of oil in the cylinder may be combining with fuel droplets to create hots spots in the combustion chamber and prompting ignition before spark timing is intended to occur. Research has also shown that motor oils can be re-formulated to significantly reduce their contribution to LSPI, which is the goal of the new API SN PLUS supplemental motor oil specification.
- GM chose to address LSPI with the introduction of its dexos1™ Gen 2 specification, which went into effect on September 1, 2017.
- Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) is an abnormal combustion phenomenon observed at low engine speeds in which the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chambers ignites before spark timing. LSPI can cause engine knock, broken spark plugs and cracked pistons, and, in severe cases, catastrophic engine failure.
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What tests are used to determine whether a motor oil will or will not contribute to LSPI?
The Auto-Oil Advisory Panel, which is developing the standard, has commissioned a new testing method for LSPI. This test is based on a Ford engine and is designated the API Sequence IX test. LSPI performance is also tested in the General Motors-specific LSPI test that is part of their dexos1™ Gen 2 testing protocol.
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How do I know if my car needs an API SN PLUS motor oil?
To find out if your vehicle has a turbocharged engine and requires an API SN PLUS motor oil, we recommend checking your vehicles owner’s manual. While not all engines need additional protection against LSPI, all Pennzoil products meeting API SN PLUS also meet or exceed all API SN standards.