ACEA 2016

The ACEA Oil Sequences define the minimum quality level for engine lubricants used in service fill in gasoline engines, light duty diesel engines and heavy duty diesel engines.

The 2016 update was introduced to ensure the engine lubricants used in service fill fulfilled the demands of increasingly advanced developments in engine and aftertreatment system technology. As the first major update for four years it highlighted the ongoing development challenges facing passenger car manufacturers and the complexity of vehicle hardware at that time.

ACEA 2016 was introduced on the 1st December 2016 and became mandatory for all new performance claims made after 1st December 2017. Oil marketers could still make claims against the previous ACEA 2012 edition of the oil sequences until 1st December 2018. After this date, all formulations making a performance claim moved to the requirements of the 2016 edition.

ACEA 2016 saw the introduction of ACEA C5-16, a new, low HTHS, oil category that was designed for improved fuel economy in vehicles with all types of modern aftertreatment system.

ACEA 2016 has now been superseded by ACEA 2021 meaning oil marketers have until 2023 to continue making claims against this specification, after this date all claims will move to ACEA 2021. More information on ACEA 2021 can be found here.

For a deeper dive into specifications, see the Lubrizol Ready Reference Guide, the industry's go-to resource for understanding fuel and lubricant performance principles and requirements.