It is not just the brand of oil that protects your engine. It’s the specification that matters most.
The right spec ensures the oil performs as it should, keeping your engine running smoothly and reliably. Whether you’re commuting to work or hauling heavy loads, using oil that meets the engine’s correct specification is what truly keeps your engine protected.
Let’s break it down and help you choose the right Indy oil for your car, bakkie, or bike.
Oil specifications, or specs, are a set of performance standards that an oil must meet to work correctly in specific types of engines. These specs are set by international bodies such as:
- American Petroleum Institute (API)
- European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA)
- Japanese Automotive Standards Organisation (JASO)
These organisations use codes like API SN, ACEA A3/B4, or JASO MA2 to indicate how an oil performs in key areas. These include wear protection, which reduces friction between moving parts to extend engine life; high-temperature stability, which prevents the oil from breaking down under heat and stress; and sludge protection, which stops harmful build-up that can clog your engine and affect performance.
In short, the spec tells you what the oil is designed to handle and the good news is, you don’t need to be a mechanic to find the right one. Here are a few easy places to check for your vehicle’s recommended oil specification:
- Your vehicle owner’s manual – Always your best bet. It lists both the required specification and viscosity.
- Oil filler cap – Many cars have this info right on the cap under the bonnet.
- Service stickers or labels – Look in the engine bay or inside the glove box.
- Your dealership or service centre – If you’re unsure, they can confirm it for you.
At Indy, we know that standing in front of a shelf of oil bottles can be overwhelming. That’s why our packaging makes it easy to match your vehicle’s needs to the right product. Each Indy oil bottle clearly shows important spec codes like SAE, API, ACEA, and JASO. Whether you’re driving a turbocharged sports car or a high-mileage bakkie, we’ve designed our oils to meet the needs of South African vehicles.