how to read car oil label


Look for below statement on your oil can:


"Meets/exceeds/surpasses" all warranty requirements of car maker/manufacturer


Always use a oil that meets the recommendations of your car manufacturer when your car is in warranty because in case of engine failure your car manufacturer will pay the repair costs.



Every car company has its own set of MS specifications for engine oil.It is not same as API or SAE.So buy an engine oil that meets the MS requirements of your car manufacturer (not API or SAE).It will insure that any car failure is covered in warranty.


API has three classifications for car oil :

  • MS (motor service severe):It is highest rated car oil and passes all test requirements.
  • MM(Moderate service) : It has no detergents or dispersant.
  • ML(lighter service)


Oil must meet the car manufacturer's warranty requirements if you use any other oil you have to pay in case of engine failure.


Always Buy MS grade when your car is in warranty.You can opt for MM grade when your car is old to save some money.


API MS grade is different from the MS grade of your car manufacturer.Always keep this point in mind.


Should i use single viscosity or multi viscosity oil for my car?


Single viscosity oils are cheap but are difficult to maintain.Let us assume that your climate temprature is 30 degree farenhite and you are using SAE 20 in your car.You have to drain the oil from the car and replace it with SAE 10W if the temprature drops below freezing point.


You can avoid the extra work by using multi viscosity SAE 10W 40 in your car.


What are DS,DM,DG?


These ratings check the suitability of oil viscosity for diesel engines.They have three grades :


  • DS diesel service severe
  • DM diesel service moderate
  • DG diesel service general


Oil was classified as regular,heavy and premium before 1950's.


I have seen two cans of same brand and they both have "meets requirements" written over them and yet one is cheaper.Why?


There can be two reasons for this :


Reason 1


The costly can is of multi grade viscosity rating while cheaper one is SAE single grade rating.Multi grade oil works in all climate and you dont have to worry about changing oil in your car if climate changes.


Reason 2


One can have "exceeds requirements" and other can have 'meets requirements" printed on them


The can which has "exceeds requirements" written over it will have detergents and dispersants added to give your car extra protection.


  • Detergent : Keep the engine clean
  • Dispersant : Help in suspending carbon