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Lubricants Beyond Today's Standards TM
Petro-Canada™ Lubricants' distribution network extends to over 80 countries worldwide
Excluding the regions of Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk
Petro-Canada™ Lubricants' distribution network extends to over 80 countries worldwide
By Darryl Purificati - Sr. Technical Advisor, OEM/Automotive at Petro-Canada Lubricants and chair of the American Petroleum Institute (API) lubricants committee.
ILSAC GF-7 is the latest category of passenger vehicle engine oil being introduced in North America to meet updated requirement requests from the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) and the API Lubricants Group.
Expected to be introduced in early 2025, the new category will continue to help engines operate under more strenuous conditions, offering enhanced protection against issues such as timing chain wear, low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and piston deposits. Additionally, the specification will lead to engine oils that help promote better fuel efficiency and deliver overall superior engine performance.
In the following Q&A, we share everything we know so far on ILSAC GF-7 and our tips for how everyone can prepare for the transition from GF-6 to GF-7. If you can't find an answer to your question, contact us for more information.
On August 16, 2022, ILSAC submitted a formal request for an updated engine oil specification to the API Lubricants Group and the Automotive Oil Advisory Panel (AOAP).
Replacing its predecessor, GF-6, the new category will aim to help original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) meet increasingly strict fuel economy targets expected to be enforced in the near future. This includes the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Year 2027.
Another key driver of the category update is to build on the protection offered by GF-6 against the occurrence known as LSPI. GF-7 will focus, in particular, on protection against LSPI not just for fresh oil after an oil change but also for aging oil to confirm it is still protecting the engine throughout the entire oil usage interval. For more information on LSPI, please see our other article on the topic Article: How is low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) effecting the development of ISLAC GF-7.
Originally proposed to be introduced in 2028, ILSAC GF-7 will act as a stepping stone between the requirements of GF-6 and the major category updates expected to come with the development of GF-8, now anticipated to be introduced in 2028.
Although a set date is yet to be confirmed, first available use of GF-7 licenses is expected in Q1 2025, with current timeframes placing its launch towards late March.
As with the introduction of GF-6 in May 2020, there will be a 12-month crossover period when GF-7 comes into licensing, where both GF-6 and GF-7 will be available. During this period customers can overturn stores of the previous category in preparation to transition to GF-7. Once this 12-month period is over, GF-6 will become obsolete.
ILSAC GF-7 will build upon the benefits already offered by GF-6, providing improved performance, fuel economy, and greater oxidation and piston deposit control. As previously outlined, a key driver in the development of GF-7 will be further improving protection against LSPI, particularly in aged oil during oil drain periods.
Other benefits will include enhanced timing chain wear protection, seal compatibility, oil gelation and added protection for hybrid engines.
Yes. Like ILSAC GF-6, GF-7 will maintain backwards compatibility.
As with GF-6, GF-7 will have two sub-categories: GF-7A and GF-7B.
The two categories will be determined by oil viscosity grade. GF-7A will be specific to SAE 0W-30, 5W-30, 10W-30, 0W-20 and 5W-20 grades.
GF-7B will be specific to SAE XW-16 grades, such as SAE 0W-16.
While GF-7 will maintain a number of the tests required in the GF-6 specification, some tests will be updated or replaced including:
– Additions to the Sequence IX engine test. The Sequence IX test was incorporated into ILSAC GF-6 to screen engine oils for LSPI performance. ILSAC GF-7 will include an in-use (used oil) portion of testing to demonstrate protection throughout the oil drain interval.
– Improved fuel economy testing requirements. The existing fuel economy testing requirements are likely to see an approximate 10% increase for SAE XW-20 and SAE XW-30 grade oils and an approximate 5% increase for SAE 0W-16 grade oils.
– A new oil gelation test will likely be introduced to address vehicle storage issues.
– Additional elastomer compatibility testing.
– Addition of a sulphated ash limit.
– A reduced MRV limit (to measure pumpability).
While the GF-7 specification is yet to be fully finalized, much of the groundwork for the category was undertaken in preparation for GF-6, paving the way for a seamless transition.
While we wait for full details to be confirmed, we’re continuing to work with our industry partners and colleagues to make sure we hit the ground running when the category comes into licensing in 2025.
For customers, the shift from ILSAC GF-6 to GF-7 will be seamless, with noticeable differences likely only detectable by mechanics over extended periods of use.
It's crucial to consult with both your OEM and your lubricant technical service advisor before making any changes to your lubricants and greases. Our experts can provide industry insight on the development of the GF-7 specification as well as tailored advice on what you should be doing to prepare.
