API
This acronym stands for the American Petroleum Institute. API is the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Its 400 corporate members come from all segments of the industry, and are producers, refiners, suppliers, pipeline operators and marine transporters, as well as service and supply companies that support all segments of the industry, the association said.
Additives
These are chemicals that are added to the base oil that enable it to meet various performance requirements beyond the capability of the base oil. They provide wear protection, rust and corrosion protection, neutralize acids and are meant to improve the ability of the oil to disperse soot particles.
Backward Compatible
This refers to the fact that the new oil, CJ-4, can be used in older vehicles manufactured prior to 2007.
CJ-4
This is the nomenclature used by the API to designate the performance service categories of oil. “C” stands for commercial, “J” is the next standard letter in sequential order and 4 means that the oil is designed for use in four-stroke diesel engines.
According to Shell Lubricants, “The new category will provide improvement in several key areas which include high-temperature oxidation performance, corrosion protection, piston deposit control, soot control, valve train wear protection and improved volatility.”
Anti-wear agents, foam inhibitors, dispersants, pour point depressants, anti-rust and corrosion agents and oxidation inhibitors have been added to the new oil to provide it with new properties that will enhance the performance of the oil.
Contamination
This is a condition of the oil when an unwanted substance has combined with the oil. Common contaminants include dirt, diesel fuel, soot, wear particles, water and coolant additives.
