New ILSAC GF-7 Motor Oil Standard Enacted

Replaces GF-6 with stricter wear protection, LSPI prevention, and high-temperature performance standards.

The ILSAC GF-7 motor oil category, officially licensed on March 31, 2025, introduces improved engine protection, fuel efficiency, and emissions reduction to meet modern vehicle demands, particularly for turbocharged and gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines.

Key Highlights:

  • Replaces GF-6 with stricter wear protection, LSPI prevention, and high-temperature performance standards.
  • Aligns with 2026 EPA fuel economy and emissions regulations.
  • Backward compatible in common viscosity grades (GF-7A), though GF-7B is specific to ultra-low viscosity oils.
  • Enhances fuel economy by reducing engine friction and introducing lower viscosity grades (0W-12, 0W-8).
  • Pennzoil and API confirm that certified GF-7 oils will meet new standards and can be identified via API “Starburst” and “Donut” symbols.
  • GF-7 benefits both consumers and the industry by improving engine longevity, fuel savings, and environmental impact.

This advancement ensures vehicles operate more efficiently and cleanly while maintaining compatibility with older and newer engines alike.

Aaron Turpen
An automotive enthusiast for most of his adult life, Aaron has worked in and around the industry in many ways. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press (RMAP) and freelances as a writer and journalist around the Web and in print. You can find his portfolio at AaronOnAutos.com.