FAQS
When are CK-4 & FA-4 oils going to appear in the market?
The official licensing date is 1 December 2016.
What is API?
The American Petroleum Institute (API) is a nonprofit trade association that represents the oil and natural gas industry and is responsible for developing and maintaining global engine oil performance standards.
What are API CJ-4 & CF-4?
They are existing oil specifications set by API. The years which existing specifications were set are: CF-4 (1990), CG-4 (1995), CH-4 (1998), CI-4 (2002), CJ-4 (2006). These specifications are all backwards compatible.
Did the legislation push to create these new categories of oils?
Yes. Fuel economy improvements are being dictated by Phase II greenhouse gas (GHG) emission rules promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Why are FA-4 oils not backwards compatible?
FA-4 oils are designed at lower viscosity grades for next-generation diesel engines to help maximize fuel economy without sacrificing engine protection. These oils have limited backwards compatibility because some older engines were not designed to operate with lower viscosity grades.
Will the launch of CK-4 & FA-4 change oil drain intervals?
It is possible, but what we understand at the moment is certain OEMs may extend oil drain intervals in CK-4 due to improved oxidation resistance.
Will CK-4 and FA-4 oils be mineral, semi-synthetic or fully synthetic?
There is no API requirement on the type of base oil. CK-4 oils will be mineral, semi-synthetic or fully synthetic, depending on the oil specification required.
Can I use CK-4 & FA-4 oils in my current or older vehicles?
Yes for CK-4 at the same viscosity grades. For FA-4, they are in new lower viscosity grades and thus limited in backward compatibility, so please check with your vehicle manufacturer for their recommendation.
What would happen if FA-4 oils are used in older vehicles?
We are working with OEMs and our partners to understand the impact (if any) which is in the process of being determined.
How are TOTAL FA-4 oils different from TOTAL Fuel Economy xW-30 oils?
FA-4 oils have a lower High Temperature High Shear (HTHS) viscosity. Reducing HTHS from 3.5 to 3.0 cP would bring an extra 0.5% Fuel Economy compared to conventional FE oils according to the consensus reached by most OEMs.
Will it mean longer drain intervals?
Most of the new oil formulations are still under development by oil companies.
However, it will be up to the OEMs to decide how they intend to leverage on this expected performance improvement in terms of the recommendations they make for their new products.
What will be the viscosity grades of these new oil categories?
For API CK-4, commonly available viscosity grades will be:
- SAE 5W-30
- SAE 10W-30
- SAE 5W-40
- SAE 10W-40
- SAE 15W-40
For FA-4, typical viscosity grades will be:
- SAE 5W-30
- SAE 10W-30
Does lower viscosity mean less protection?
No. The protective properties of the oil are not lesser by moving to a thinner viscosity. In any case, please follow the OEMs recommendations.
Can the oils be mixed during the changeover?
If you’re going from CJ-4 to CK-4 we do not see a problem with mixing because you are just adding more antioxidants. If you are changing to FA-4, we recommend to drain and then refill the oil.