Code of Practice Resources

Colleen Stevens

Benefits of the Code of Practice

ACC Code of Practice: Supporting Engine Oil Innovation for 30+ Years

Definition of Terms

VI improvers are used to so the oil does not become too thin when heating or too thick when cooling. Three major types of VI improvers include: ploymethacrylates (PMAs), ethylene-propylene copolymers and terpolymers (OCP) and hydrogenated styrene-isoprene block polymers (HSP). Additionally, polyisobutylenes (PIBs), styrene-polybutadiene (SPB) and styrene-polyester (SPE) have been used commercially.

Dispersants are used to control sludge build up. Three types include: succinimides, succinate esters and mannich-based (beta-amino-ketone) products.

Detergents neutrilze acid formed from oxidation of sulfur. Three types include sulfonates, phenates and salicylates.

Prevent metal to metal wear. Zinc dithiophosphate (ZDDP) is most well known antiwear agent. Dithiocarbamates and molybdenum disulfide are other types.

Prevent minimize varnish and sludge. Types include ZDDP, hindered phenols, alkyl diphenylamines and substituted phenylene diamines.

Antifoam agent
Silicones
Friction modifiers
Fatty acid derivatives and molybdenum disulfide
Metal deactivators
N,N-disalicylidene and 1,2-propanediamine
Pour-point depressants
Ploymethacrylates
Rust-corrosion inhibitors
Alkenylsuccinic anhydrides and dinonylnaphthalene sulfonates

Petroleum Additives Product Approval Code of Practice

Through the ACC Petroleum Additives Panel (Panel), the Product Approval Protocol Task Group (PAPTG) developed the Product Approval Code of Practice for engine oil testing that was implemented in March 1992. Compliance with the Code of Practice is voluntary. The American Petroleum Institute (API) requires that all engine tests conducted in support of API certification and licensing be conducted under the ACC Product Approval Code of Practice.

View the Petroleum Additives Product Approval Code of Practice

For more than 30 years, the Code of Practice (COP) has helped raise the bar for testing and performance of engine lubricants.

Previous Edition of the Code of Practice

Industry Resources Code of Practice

To assist in the process of test development and preparation of information needed for test consideration, the ACC PAPTG provides the following resources.

Code of Practice Approved Auditors

Code of Practice Compliance Acknowledgement

View past Compliance Letters

Code of Practice Alert Bulletins

PAPTG 2024 Alert Bulletins

Registration and Retroactive Engine Test Registration of the DD13 Scuff Test

PAPTG 2023 Alert Bulletins

View past Alert Bulletins

Code of Practice Code Bulletins

Code Bulletins that have been issued since the 2005 edition of the ACC Product Approval Code of Practice are listed here. All other Code Bulletins have been archived. For older Code Bulletins, please contact the PAPTG Manager.

View past Code Bulletins