Originally Posted By: Snagglefoot
Originally Posted By: oil_film_movies
If its API-certified, SN, GF-5 oil, then you can use it in non-GM, non-Ford, non-Chrysler, non-German, non-Swedish, ... only in Korean or Japanese vehicles, and of course older vehicles that don't need extra specs.
GF-5 and SN form the basis of certifications for some of theses manufacturers. Which certifications for each manufacturer are you worried about?
SN+GF5 forms the minimal basis, the starting point, for most oils. Then, most engine makers add their own requirements on top of that. Again, as I mentioned above, Japanese and Korean engines don't typically add any requirements on to the basic SN (performance models in there do though). Ford and Chrysler unique additional requirements are fairly weak and can usually be ignored unless your car is under warranty, I will say that. GM additional requirements are much more serious and substantial and should be followed if you have a GM engine, and its the highest standard among domestic makes, so look for GM dexos1 Gen2 or dexos2 (diesels) for the best motor oil. German engines all have their own special specs, follow Owner's Manual for each.
EZ guide: If your engine is less than 6 years old, use oil with the Owner's Manual weight and that has the manufacturer's approval specs to make sure the warranty is protected. Otherwise, for older engines, use anything you want that matches the HTHS of the original oil, or you can add up to about +0.5 on the new-engine HTHS original requirements with no problems. {{ You don't "have to" use a High Mileage oil for engines over 75,000 miles, but I recommend it to condition the seals to prevent leaks more.}} If you race or tow with that engine: Use one weight higher oil than what's in the Owners Manual, unless its a GTR or NSX which expects you to drive it hard already. If it has a turbo: Insist on full-synthetic. Oil Change Interval: Owner's Manual will tell you exactly, and most engines have an intelligent oil life monitor light on the dashboard to follow exactly.
So for FVP oil and all oils utterly devoid of any manufacturer-specific specs, use in most Asian engines or slightly older engines off warranty.