Engine Oil API: OEM Oil Specifications by VIN

Engine Oil API returns OEM-recommended oil grade, capacity, viscosity, and oil drain plug torque. Supports 17-character VIN for North America & by US License plate for.

How the Engine Oil API Works

Get the engine oil specifications for a vehicle in three simple steps.

Step 1: Send a VIN or Plate

Submit a valid 17-character VIN or a US license plate through an API request.

Step 2: Identify the Vehicle

The API identifies the vehicle’s year, make, model, and trim before retrieving the applicable engine oil specifications.

Step 3: Receive the Oil Data

The response returns available oil grade, capacity, viscosity, and oil drain plug torque in JSON format.

Try a Live Engine Oil Lookup for Free!

Curious what oil specifications can be retrieved? Enter a VIN and instantly see the vehicle details and engine oil specifications returned by the API. Test a real lookup and see the data for yourself before signing up.

What Is an Engine Oil API?

The Engine Oil API provides engine oil specifications using a 17-character VIN or supported US license plate. Available results include oil grade, capacity, viscosity, and oil drain plug torque, along with the vehicle information used for the lookup.

Engine Oil API Coverage

The API is designed for engine oil lookups for supported US vehicles.

What Sets Our Engine Oil API Apart?

Get the oil data required through a fast, structured API built for automotive workflows.

Engine Oil Specifications

Get grade, capacity, viscosity, and oil drain plug torque in one response.

Fast API Responses

Retrieve engine oil information faster.

Reliable API Access

Rely on stable infrastructure for production applications.

Simple API Access

Use a standard GET request with API key authentication.

Free Credits

Test the API and review real responses before production use.

VIN & License Plate Lookup

Identify supported vehicles using a 17-character VIN or US license plate.

What Data Does the Engine Oil API Return?

The API provides the key specifications needed to identify the appropriate engine oil and related service information for a vehicle.

Vehicle Information

Engine Oil Specifications

An Example Engine Oil API Response

				
					{
  "status": "success",
  "data": {
    "vin": "WBX57DP04NN172527",
    "year": 2022,
    "make": "BMW",
    "model": "X3",
    "trim": "xDrive30i 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sports Activity Vehicle Automatic",
    "tires": {
      "front_tire_size": "245/45R20",
      "rear_tire_size": "275/40R20",
      "spare_tire_size": "...",
      "type": "PERFORMANCE"
    },
    "wheels": {
      "front_wheel_material": "Aluminum",
      "front_wheel_size": "19 X 7.5",
      "rear_wheel_material": "Aluminum",
      "rear_wheel_size": "19 X 7.5",
      "spare_wheel_material": "...",
      "spare_wheel_size_in": "..."
    },
    "engine": {
      "grade": "SE0A8",
      "capacity": "5.6 quarts",
      "viscosity": "0W-20",
      "torque": "18 ft/lbs"
    }
  }
}

One API. Different Ways to Access the Data.

The same API data can be accessed in different ways, depending on the intended use.

Vehicle Databases

Use our interactive portal interface to access the API directly through Vehicle Databases without setting up an external API tool.

Direct API Request

Send a request to the API endpoint and receive the response in JSON. The returned data can then be used as needed.

Existing Systems

Connect the API to an existing system or software environment for automated data retrieval.

Why Precise Engine Oil Information Matters

Choosing engine oil is not always as simple as selecting a common viscosity. Specifications can differ by vehicle configuration, making accurate vehicle identification important before an oil change or service recommendation.

Get the Right Oil Specification

Return the oil information associated with the vehicle instead of relying on a generic recommendation.

Reduce Manual Lookups

Automate oil specification searches across service, parts, and vehicle platforms.

Support More Accurate Service Recommendations

Give customers and technicians vehicle-specific information when planning an oil change or maintenance service.

Power Automated Workflows

Connect oil specifications with service reminders, maintenance tools, parts catalogs, and repair platforms.

Engine Oil API vs. Manual Lookup

Manual oil lookups can require checking owner’s manuals, manufacturer information, service databases, or generic oil charts. An API gives businesses a consistent way to automate the same type of lookup across their applications.

	Manual Lookup	Engine Oil API
Fast (few seconds)	✗	✓
Consistent results	✗	✓
Scales to high volume	✗	✓
Same answer every time	✗	✓
Full make/model/year coverage	✗	✓
No added labor per lookup	✗	✓
Embeds into your app/workflow	✗	✓
Machine-readable data	✗	✓
No manual updates needed	✗	✓
Works across multiple systems at once	✗	✓
Reduces human error	✗	✓
Auditable / traceable source	✗	✓
Handles fleet-scale requests	✗	✓
No training required to use	✗	✓

One VIN. One Request. Ready-to-Use Oil Data.

Who Can Benefit From the Engine Oil API?

Engine oil data can help businesses automate service recommendations, improve parts searches, and reduce the time spent looking up vehicle-specific specifications. Some common use cases include:

Repair Shops & Service Centers

Give technicians the correct viscosity, capacity, and spec the moment a vehicle rolls into the bay.

$150–$300

typical comeback cost (labor + parts) from a single wrong-viscosity fill.

Fleet Management Systems

Pull correct oil specs across every vehicle in a mixed fleet and feed them straight into maintenance planning and service schedules.

$150–$300

per vehicle, per year — the rough cost of cost of mismatched service intervals, scaled across a fleet.

Automotive Maintenance Platforms

Turn a generic reminder app into a vehicle-specific one with the right oil, interval, and reminder timing.

3–5×

higher reopen rate on maintenance apps that send vehicle-accurate reminders.

Parts Retailers & E-Commerce Platforms

Use vehicle-specific oil data to power fitment search, product recommendations, and "shop by vehicle" flows.

~25%

of auto parts e-commerce returns trace back to wrong-fit purchases.

Complete Your Vehicle Maintenance Workflow With Other APIs

Engine oil data becomes even more useful when combined with other automotive APIs.

VIN Decoder API

Decode the VIN first to identify the vehicle's year, make, model, trim, engine, and other specifications.

Vehicle Maintenance API

Add complete OEM maintenance schedules and mileage-based service intervals.

Technical Service Bulletins API

Access manufacturer service bulletins and technical information.

Vehicle Specifications API

Retrieve detailed vehicle specifications alongside oil and maintenance information.

Repair Pricing API

Combine oil and maintenance data with repair cost information.

Vehicle History API

Add accident, title, ownership, odometer, and other records for a complete view of the vehicle.

Need something our existing APIs don’t cover? Our developers can build a custom automotive API tailored to your data, requirements, and workflow.

What Our Customers Say

See what developers, service businesses, and automotive companies say about working with Vehicle Databases.

Better experience... impossible

These guys help you with everything and they put all the effort to create the best experience and satisfaction. We are very thankful with them.

Redline Used Auto Parts

Spain

Date of experience:

Jan 11, 2024

Easy to use, Excellent service

Great service, their apis have allowed my business to quickly get up and running, with minimal development costs. Someone is also always at hand whether it be Whats app or over the phone to help with any issues. Would 100% recommend.

Lionel Yarbol

Ghana

Date of experience:

May 30, 2024

The support is top-notch

The support is top-notch. I don't think I have ever worked with a company that has ever reached out to me repeatedly to just check on me and my progress. I can't say enough good things about them. Also, the product is awesome.

Gearshift Solutions

United States

Date of experience:

Jul 26, 2024

Get in touch

Have more questions?

Send in a query

Book a demo to connect directly with our team and explore how we can best serve your needs.

Ready to Start Using the Engine Oil API?

Gain access to accurate engine oil specifications through a simple API. Retrieve oil grade, capacity, viscosity, and torque information in seconds for automotive service, parts, maintenance, and software solutions.

FAQs About the Engine Oil API

What is an Engine Oil API?

An Engine Oil API provides engine oil specifications using a VIN. The response can include the recommended oil grade, capacity, viscosity, and oil drain plug torque.

Can I look up engine oil specifications by VIN?

Yes. The Engine Oil API uses a 17-character VIN to identify the vehicle and return its available engine oil specifications.

What information does the Engine Oil API return?

The API can return the vehicle’s VIN, year, make, model, trim, oil grade, capacity, viscosity, and oil drain plug torque.

Does the API return oil capacity?

Yes. The response includes the recommended oil capacity, including details such as capacity with or without a filter when available.

Does the API provide oil viscosity?

Yes. The API can return the applicable viscosity specification for the vehicle.

Can I use this API to build an oil change recommendation tool?

Yes. The response can be integrated into oil change tools, maintenance platforms, service applications, parts catalogs, and other automotive software.

Does the API support VINs outside the United States?

The Engine Oil API is designed for supported US vehicles and 17-character VINs. Confirm regional coverage in the documentation before using it for other markets.

Can I use the Engine Oil API without integrating it?

Yes. You can sign in to your Vehicle Databases account and access the available data directly without building an API integration.

How do I integrate the Engine Oil API?

Send an authenticated GET request containing the 17-character VIN. The API returns the available vehicle and engine oil information in JSON format.