The latest edition of the ACEA European Oil Sequences for light-duty engines has been released by the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) after some delay. This edition replaces the 2016 version.

New claims can be made against the 2021 oil sequences starting 1 May 2021. From 1 May 2022 onwards, the 2021 ACEA light-duty oil sequences are mandatory for all new claims.

The 2021 ACEA light-duty oil sequences are being published in order to address engine developments that are being driven by a combination of regulatory and performance needs, complemented by necessary test maintenance requirements, according to ACEA, which represents automobile manufacturers in Europe.

ACEA members that manufacture light-duty vehicles are developing new engine powertrain systems to continue to improve fuel efficiency and deliver the higher performance expected from customers. Improving fuel economy means making use of lighter viscosity oil grades.

Today, the main light-duty engine technologies are gasoline and diesel direct injection (DI) turbocharged engines complemented with stop/start strategies, hybrid and electric technology. Consequently, ACEA members that manufacture light-duty vehicles are introducing new engine tests in two new engine oil categories to ensure base protection and performance for modern engine hardware.

New engine oil categories

The first new category is the High SAPS A7/B7-21 with low speed pre-ignition and wear protection for turbocharged DI gasoline engines as well as turbocharger compressor deposit (TCCD) protection for modern DI diesel engines.

The second category is C6-21 (0W20) providing low speed pre-ignition and wear protection for turbocharged DI gasoline engines as well as diesel turbocharger compressor deposit (TCCD) protection for low SAPS class, being compatible with catalyst & GPF/DPF exhaust aftertreatment systems.

New engine tests for 2021 ACEA light-duty oil sequences

The 2021 ACEA light-duty oil sequences contain five new tests and one successor test. Two engine tests have been deleted.

ACEA Oil Sequences for heavy-duty engines

Because the heavy-duty oil sequences are not at the same stage of readiness, ACEA announced that it has decided to split the light-duty and the heavy-duty sequences into two separate documents. Both will be directly linked with a General Requirements document addressing issues common to both the light-duty and heavy-duty oil sequences.

ACEA expects to publish the 2021 ACEA heavy-duty oil sequences by June 2021.