Choosing the right engine oil is one of the simplest—but most important—ways to keep your vehicle running smoothly. Many drivers find oil labels confusing, especially with terms like 0W20, SP, GF-6A, or Dexos1 Gen 3. This beginner-friendly guide explains what these terms mean and how to select the right oil for your car.
1. Understand Oil Viscosity (0W20, 5W20, 5W30, etc.)
Viscosity describes how easily oil flows at hot and cold temperatures.
What the numbers mean:
- 0W or 5W → “Winter” rating (cold start performance)
- 20 or 30 → Thickness at operating temperature
Common viscosities:
- 0W20 → Great for cold climates + fuel efficiency
- 5W20 → Balanced performance for many modern engines
- 5W30 → Suitable for higher temperatures and light-duty towing
Always check your owner’s manual to see which viscosity your engine requires.
2. Look for the API Rating (SP, SN, etc.)
The API rating tells you whether the oil meets modern engine protection standards.
API SP
The latest and highest standard. Offers:
- Better protection against wear
- Improved performance for turbo engines
- Reduced low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI)
API SN or older
Meets older requirements but less protection than SP.
Tip: Always choose SP when available.
3. Check the ILSAC Rating (GF-6A)
The ILSAC GF-6A rating is especially important for:
- Better fuel economy
- Cleaner engines
- Reduced sludge buildup
- Lower emissions
All Frankol oils you offer are GF-6A certified, making them ideal for modern vehicles.
4. Look for Manufacturer Approvals (Dexos1 Gen 3)
Some automakers have additional standards.
Dexos1 Gen 3
Required/recommended for:
- Chevrolet
- GMC
- Cadillac
- Buick
Also improves:
- Fuel efficiency
- Protection during long intervals
- Resistance to breakdown
Frankol 0W20, 5W20, and 5W30 are all Dexos1 Gen 3 approved, making them safe for a wide range of North American vehicles.
5. Match the Oil to Your Driving Conditions
Choose 0W20 if you:
- Live in cold temperatures (Toronto, GTA)
- Want maximum fuel savings
- Drive a modern Japanese car (Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Nissan)
Choose 5W20 if you:
- Want balanced protection
- Drive short trips frequently
Choose 5W30 if you:
- Drive in hotter conditions
- Tow light loads
- Want a slightly thicker oil film
6. Always Buy High-Quality, Certified Oil
Cheap oils may not meet real standards—even if they claim to.
High-quality oil like Frankol SP / GF-6A / Dexos1 Gen 3 ensures:
- Cleaner engine operation
- Less wear
- Better fuel economy
- Longer engine life
7. Where to Buy Quality Engine Oil
We offer premium Frankol engine oils in:
- 0W20
- 5W20
- 5W30
All include:
- API SP
- ILSAC GF-6A
- Dexos1 Gen 3
- 4 × 5L jugs per box
Pricing:
- Wholesale (12+ boxes): $75/box
- Retail: $80/box
Fast delivery and pickup available in the GTA.
Contact Us
📍 192 Mulock Ave, Toronto, ON
📞 416-707-7874
📧 info@roadautoparts.com