| API Categories | Industry Definition |
| SA | No Performance Requirements - Straight Mineral Oil |
| SB | Minimal Scuffing and Wear Protection Requirements |
| SC | 1964 MS Warranty Requirements |
| SD | 1968 MS Warranty Requirements |
| SE | 1972 Warranty Requirements |
| SF | 1980 Warranty Requirements |
| SG | 1989 Warranty Requirements |
| SH | 1994 Engine Tests Only |
| SH & "Starburst" | 1994 Warranty Requirements |
| SJ & "Starburst" | 1997 Warranty Requirements |
| SL & "Starburst" | 2001 Warranty Requirements |
| SM & "Starburst" | 2005 Warranty Requirements |
A design criterion for new categories is that the performance requirements of later categories exceed the performance requirements of all previous categories. Therefore, API SM oils will be superior in performance to SL, SJ, SH, etc.
The API Service Symbol indicates the API Service Categories, the API Viscosity Grade and the API Energy Conserving Category.
The ILSAC Certification Mark indicates that the product manufacturer has been granted a license to use the “Starburst” symbol for engine oils which meet the latest Performance Standard of the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee. ILSAC is a cooperative effort among members of The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (BMW, Daimler Chrysler, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota, Porsche, Volkswagen and Volvo) and the Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association.
To qualify for the use of either one of these two symbols the supplier must conduct extensive engine tests to demonstrate performance of the product.
SUPERGARD® Motor Oils meet the latest industry specifications. Depend on SUPERGARD...The right motor oil for the way you drive!
