Originally Posted by wbwanzer
I love reading the PCMO forum along with several other forums on BITOG, but I am no where near being in the same league as you folks. Anyway, I keep seeing talk about SAPS. High SAPS, low SAPS and moderate. My first question is, what is SAPS? Second question is, do I want high or low SAPS for my 2019 Kia Sorento with the 3.3 V6? It's DI but no turbo. Do I even need to be concerned with SAPS? I usually change my own oil and have lately been using AAP CARQUEST in 5W-30, 1DG2, SN Plus. Am I good, SAPS wise?
Thanks
Sulfated ash(SA), phosphorus(P) and sulfur(S) = SAPS.
"SAPS stands for sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur. They comprise a significant portion of a motor oil's additive content. Sulfated ash is not added to oil; it is the result of additives in the oil burning and creating ash. The additives that can produce ash are most commonly used for total base number (TBN), but also help in other areas, like antioxidancy, anti-wear, cleanliness and soot handling. Phosphorus provides anti-wear properties and further antioxidancy, while sulfur contributes antioxidancy, anti-wear properties and engine cleanliness."
Let amount of sulphur in fuels (gas, diesel) used to be higher so motor oils were typically Full-SAPS. With the introduction of DPF/GPF the amount sulphur in gasoline/diesel had to be significantly reduced so that Mid-Low SAPS oils could be used and consequently wouldn't prematurely foul these emissions components like Full-SAPS would.