Havoline 10w-40 is rated only SL

[JGmazda]

I was researching oil at the local AZ today and noticed Havoline 10w-40 was only rated "SL".

Question then- Would that rating mean the oil had higher anti-wear additives as opposed to an "SM" oil?

I ask because I have an older car (12yrs) and from what I hear... Manufacturers are slowing lowering ZDDP levels in order to meet emissions. In that case.. Why not look for an oil that has more anti-wear additives?

Anyone out there know?

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

What was the date stamp on the bottle? Often times, auto stores have old stock on the shelves for years if it doesn't move fast enough.

No doubt, ZDDP is being reduced, being replaced with better anti-wear packages. SM formulas are definitely a step forward over their SL counterparts. I would choose the newer SM product over the SL product in every case.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

10W-40 is a slow seller nowadays.

Alot of folks feel the SL add packs are overall stronger than the new SMs.

I would grab the SL first myself. Heck I'm not sure most conventional 10w40 oils meet SM Starburst anyways.

 

[JGmazda]

I guess that's my question- If I were looking for an Oil (be it 30 or 40 weight) that still had the "old" add packs, would it be "SL" rated only? The stock at AZ looked brand new.

From an article I read in HOT ROD magazine, they recommended finding oils that had a decent level of ZDDP and other adds. Their article focused on Cam failures etc.

Not to say that SM oils are worse... But alot of people on this site have gone with Havoline because of the Additives and quality.

 

[GoldenRod]

JGmazda,

I was just at Kragen's the other day and they had plenty of Chevron on the shelf, SL rated. All grades too.

 

[C.O. Jones]

quote:

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Originally posted by ToyotaNSaturn:
What was the date stamp on the bottle? Often times, auto stores have old stock on the shelves for years if it doesn't move fast enough.

No doubt, ZDDP is being reduced, being replaced with better anti-wear packages. SM formulas are definitely a step forward over their SL counterparts. I would choose the newer SM product over the SL product in every case.

---

What are the better anti-wear additives that SM oils are now using instead of zinc?

 

[m2200b]

The correct term is ZDDP replaced with more costly additives rather than better.

 

[TallPaul]

I agree with m2200b.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Counterpoint: I disagree with m2200b. Those adds may be more expensive, but from what I've seen--especially with conventional oils--the used oil analysis look great and are by and large better than their SL counterparts.

 

[JGmazda]

I'd have to agree with ToyotaNSaturn on that point. I think ZDDP was the perfect add for the job. "New and improved" is not always a better thing. If Cam and Engine manufactures are saying behind the door that their products haven't changed- but their failure rate has? You have to admit that big OIL corps squeeze every ounce (pun intended) out of a product.

If they can call a "New" ingrediant "Better" it's usually "Cheaper" for them to produce.

I wish their was a better guide for people. For most people... Oil is Oil and they grab whatever viscosity their car says... WE on this website are few and far between.