The American Petroleum Institute (API) has officially approved ILSAC GF-7A and GF-7B motor oils for use in gasoline-powered engines. These oils represent the latest advancements in a series of more rigorous performance standards established by the International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee (ILSAC). The introduction of API SQ, which is API’s newest engine oil performance standard, will coincide with ILSAC GF-7 and will include ultra-low-viscosity grades such as SAE 0W-8 and SAE 0W-12. All three gasoline engine oil standards will be available for licensing under API’s Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System starting March 31, 2025.

ILSAC GF-7 is the next generation of gasoline engine oil standards, designed to meet rigorous fuel economy and emissions reduction targets for model year 2026 vehicles and beyond. The new specification offers improved engine protection, fuel efficiency, and emission performance to meet the needs of technologically advanced engines designed to meet the stricter regulatory demands from the EPA. API SQ Resource Conserving matches all ILSAC requirements, while API SQ (without Resource Conserving) provides performance requirements for oils that do not fall under ILSAC OEM recommendations. 

“API has been diligently working with ILSAC and industry stakeholders to develop new oils to meet the needs of the current and future engine technologies to comply with upcoming regulations,” said Bill O’Ryan, senior manager – EOLCS/DEF with API. “The committee has aligned on these next generation oils that will help provide improved fuel efficiency, engine protection, and reduced emissions.”

Licensed oils that meet the ILSAC GF-7A standard will be allowed to display the API Certification Mark “Starburst” and may be used where oils meeting GF-6A or earlier gasoline engine oil standards had been recommended. Oils that meet ILSAC GF-7B will be allowed to display the API Certification Mark “Shield.” The “Shield” helps to prevent confusion and ensure that SAE 0W-16 oils are used only in applications where they are recommended.