LOW AND MID SAPS CONTENT IN EUROPEAN ENGINE OILS EXPLAINED

Why European Vehicles Require Special Engine Oils With SAPS Content

This blog post answers the following frequently asked questions:

Why Do European Vehicles Require Special Engine Oil?
What Is “SAPS” Content?
How Do I Know What Level Of SAPS Content My Vehicle Requires?
Where Can I Find KLONDIKE European Engineered Automotive Engine Oils?

KLONDIKE is pleased to introduce a full range of European Automotive Engine Oils; designed to provide reliable, long-term protection of diesel particulate filters, and other exhaust or emission after-treatment devices.

To support the launch of KLONDIKE Low and Mid SAPS Full Synthetic Engine Oils, we’re answering frequently asked questions about why European vehicles require special engine oils with different levels of SAPS content.

Why Do European Vehicles Require Special Engine Oil?

European vehicles are engineered for the highest level of performance, designed with superior quality parts, complex components, and deluxe upgrade options.

European engines are also designed for longer oil change intervals, so they require engine oils that contain special additive chemistry that protect from wear and corrosion, as well as keep the engine running at peak performance for a longer period of time.

Due to strict European standards for clean vehicle emissions, many modern European vehicles are manufactured with exhaust systems, such as Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs) and other emission aftertreatment devices, to prevent ash residue from entering the atmosphere.

Using an improper engine oil can damage the European vehicle’s emission aftertreatment devices, and create a buildup of deposits and sludge that can damage the engine components.

What Is “SAPS” Content?

SAPS is a common term used to describe a particular ratio of content in European engine oils. SAPS is an acronym, and it stands for Sulfated Ash, Phosphorus, and Sulfur.

SAPS content is needed to help retain the engine oil’s Total Base Number (TBN), resist viscosity shear loss and thermal breakdown, as well as protect against oxidation, wear, corrosion, and deposit formation; all of which are necessary for extended oil drain intervals.

Sulphated Ash is the amount of metallic content that remains as a result of engine oil combustion. These are mostly derived from the engine oil’s anti-wear and detergent additive chemistry.

Because Sulfated Ash deposits are non-combustible, they cannot be removed by regeneration, and will instead collect in the DPF or other exhaust aftertreatment device.

Too high a concentration of Sulfated Ash will block the DPF, and can cause the engine to lose power and not function properly, and may cause deposits to form on internal engine parts, which can damage the engine.

Phosphorus is an additive, providing anti-wear protection and improving oxidation resistance. The Phosphorus forms a thin layer on metal surfaces, limiting friction of metal parts rubbing together.

Sulfur is also an additive, contributing to overall engine cleanliness, as well as providing anti-wear and antioxidant protection.

Despite their favourable anti-wear and cleanliness properties, too high a concentration of Phosphorus and Sulfur content can poison and damage a vehicle’s catalyst converter, as well as lead to a buildup of Sulphated Ash in the engine and aftertreatment device.

The ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Européens d’Automobiles / European Automobile Manufacturers Association) sets the standards for engine oils in Europe. With the demand for stricter emissions standards increasing, the trend for European engine oils is moving toward lower levels of SAPS content.

How Do I Know What Level Of SAPS Content My Vehicle Requires?

Many European vehicle manufacturers develop their own engine oil specifications, and it could vary depending on make, model, year, as well as any upgrade options.

In all instances, it is recommended to refer to the vehicle owner manual, to view the required engine oil specification. Once this is determined, refer to the bottle packaging to match the spec with the appropriate engine oil viscosity grade and level of SAPS content.

For a list of specs each KLONDIKE European Automotive Engine Oil meets, click the PDS document found in each of the following product pages:

KLONDIKE Euro Low and Mid SAPS Full Synthetic Engine Oils meet the specification requirements of European OEMs. Applications include gasoline and diesel engines, with or without turbo-charging; including diesel engines with pump-injector-unit, TDI, or common rail designs.

Where Can I Find KLONDIKE European Engineered Automotive Engine Oils?

European Engineered, OEM Approved KLONDIKE Euro Low SAPS and Mid SAPS Full Synthetic Engine Oils are available at participating KLONDIKE dealers, in all 13 Provinces and Territories throughout Canada .

Please call toll-free 1-877-293-4691 or email us to find a dealer near you.

And for more technical information about this product range, including available viscosity grades, product data sheets, and safety data sheets, please visit the KLONDIKE Automotive Engine Oils product family page.

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