ILSAC GF-7 ready

In January, the American Petroleum Institute (API) formally approved the new gasoline engine oil standards ILSAC GF-7A, ILSAC GF-7B and API SQ. Subsequently API released the 23^rd edition of API 1509 the document that governs the Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS), which incorporates the new standards.

API, ILSAC and other industry stakeholders have worked really hard to complete the necessary activities in this timeframe. The resulting engine oils, designed to meet the needs of current and future engines, will help ensure they comply with emissions regulations while also providing better fuel economy performance and advanced engine protection.

Infineum is ILSAC GF-7 ready in our mainline and top-tier products and are here to help you make the transition.

Click here to read more about ILSAC GF-7

Identifying ILSAC GF-7 oil quality

The API Certification Marks and Service Symbols are designed to clearly indicate oils that meet the performance requirements set by US and international vehicle and engine manufacturers and the lubricant industry.

From the first licencing date of March 31 2025, oils meeting the engine protection standard and fuel economy requirements of ILSAC GF-7A are licencable and must display the API Certification Mark also known as the 'Starburst'.

This 'Starburst' Mark cannot be applied to SAE 0W-16 viscosity grade oils.

From March 31 2026, oils meeting ILSAC GF-6A will no longer be eligible to display the API ‘Starburst’ and will no longer appear on the online EOLCS Directory. From this point, ILSAC GF-7A will provide the only basis for issuance of a licence to use the API ‘Starburst’.

From the first allowable use date, oils meeting the engine protection standard and fuel economy requirements of ILSAC GF-7B are licencable and must display the API Certification Mark also known as the ‘Shield’.

This Certification Mark can only be applied to oils having a viscosity grade of SAE 0W-16.

From March 31 2026, oils meeting ILSAC GF-6B will no longer be eligible to display the API ‘Shield’ and will no longer appear on the online EOLCS Directory. From this point, ILSAC GF-7B will provide the only basis for issuance of a licence to use the API ‘Shield’.

API SQ category

Motor oils designed for cars, vans, and light trucks with gasoline engines fall under the API ‘S’ (Service) categories. Starting March 31 2025, API Service SQ may be licenced for use in the upper portion of the API Service Symbol also known as the ‘Donut’.

The SAE viscosity grade is shown in the center of the 'Donut'.

Oils meeting SQ with Resource Conserving requirements may be licenced to display ‘Resource Conserving’ in the lower portion of the API Service Symbol in conjunction with API Service SQ in the upper portion. The API SN PLUS designation is not currently included as a licencing option for API SQ oils as the performance requirements are redundant.

Looking ahead to ILSAC GF-8

Work on the next specification is already underway as ILSAC has formally requested API and Auto/Oil Advisory Panel for a new gasoline engine oil specification. Expected to be called ILSAC GF-8, it could replace ILSAC GF-7 as soon as third quarter 2028.

Enlarge view

Replacement and updated engine tests are the main drivers for the requested timing. There are requests to replace the Sequence VH engine test for deposit control and Sequence VIE/F test for fuel economy. In addition, hardware updates for the Sequence IX low speed pre-ignition and Sequence X chain wear test will be evaluated. After two years of development, the engine oil gelation test (WK86363) is expected to complete the Inter-laboratory Study by June 2025, with candidate oil pass/fail limits likely for ILSAC GF-8.

In addition, carmakers are expected to want a number of improvements in the next specification which may include:

• Further improvements to fuel economy performance
• Better protection for hybrid vehicles
• Support for higher temperature operation of internal combustion engines
• Ability to accommodate fuel blends of up to 20% ethanol

Infineum is developing products with wide viscosity grade and base stock coverage to provide customers with a seamless interim transfer to ILSAC GF-8.

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