Advancements in engine oil technology, like SAE 0W-16 and API certifications for GF-7, translate into benefits for the car owner.

Motor Oil Protection Advances: Understanding the New ILSAC GF-7 Motor Oil Specification

The automotive industry is in the midst of another significant leap in engine oil technology with the ILSAC GF-7 specification, which launched its first licensing on March 31, 2025. To help break down what this means for drivers and the industry, Pennzoil Technical Scientist and Automotive Lubricant Specialist Sean Nguyen and Bill O’Ryan, Senior Manager-EOLCS/DEF with the American Petroleum Institute (API) have put together key insights into how GF-7 will enhance engine performance, improve efficiency, and meet evolving regulatory demands. As vehicles become more advanced, with many having smaller, high-efficiency turbocharged engines, engine oils must evolve to meet these new challenges.

A GF-7 motor oil certified seal indicates that Pennzoil meets or exceeds the standards set by the API, which is a leading trade association for the oil and natural gas industry.

Why a New Specification Is Necessary

The last major gasoline engine oil standards update came with ILSAC GF-6 in 2020. Since then, increasing fuel economy and emissions regulations set by the EPA for 2026 model-year vehicles, along with continuous advancements in engine technology, have necessitated another upgrade. Consumers can expect improved engine protection, enhanced fuel efficiency, and lower emissions with GF-7-compliant oils. At the same time, this new standard helps the automotive industry meet stricter regulatory requirements while advancing the development of cleaner and more efficient engines. Additionally, the backward compatibility of GF-7 oils ensures that new and existing vehicles can take advantage of these improvements.

The primary drivers behind the development of GF-7 include:

  • Increased Wear Protection: Modern engines, especially those utilizing gasoline direct injection (GDI) and turbocharging, experience higher stress levels. New GF-7 motor oils should help to reduce timing chain wear and sludge buildup, extending engine life. 
  • Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) Prevention: LSPI is a potentially catastrophic issue in downsized, turbocharged engines, where fuel-air mixtures ignite prematurely. New engine tests for GF-7 address this problem. The new oils will provide better protection for LSPI even as the oil ages over an extended drain interval and help improve engine life and reliability. 
  • Enhanced Fuel Economy: As automakers push for greater efficiency, full synthetic motor oils can contribute by minimizing internal engine friction, which can help improve fuel efficiency without compromising protection. 
  • Better High-Temperature Performance: Today’s engines run hotter, and the GF-7 specification requires oils to provide superior resistance to oil breakdown under extreme conditions, reducing deposit formation and improving engine cleanliness. 
  • Support for Lower Viscosity Oils: The introduction of ultra-low viscosity grades like SAE 0W-12 and 0W-8 under the new API SQ category reflects the industry’s shift toward lower-friction, fuel-saving lubricants.
A SAE OW-16 certification from the API indicates that Pennzoil meets or exceeds certain performance standards for modern engines requiring low-viscosity oils.

Key Features and Benefits of ILSAC GF-7

GF-7 oils will introduce several important updates compared to GF-6, ensuring better protection for both new and older engines:

  • Backward Compatibility: The GF-7A category will cover common viscosity grades (0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, 10W-30), making it compatible with existing vehicles that require current or earlier specifications. 
  • GF-7B for Lower Viscosities: The introduction of GF-7B covers SAE 0W-16 oils, supporting newer engines designed for ultra-low viscosity oils. 
  • Tighter Limits on Engine Wear and Deposits: The specification enforces stricter requirements for wear, oxidation stability, and deposit control, ensuring longer engine life. 
  • Improved Seal Compatibility: Engine seal compatibility testing will ensure better overall oil performance and protection.
Specifically formulated for modern engines requiring low-viscosity oil, Pennzoil full synthetic oil meets GF-7 requirements.

Pennzoil Full Synthetic Motor Oils Meet GF-7 Specifications

As a leader in lubricant technology, Pennzoil has developed and refined its formulations for full synthetic motor oils to meet or exceed the new GF-7 specifications. This ensures drivers can rely on Pennzoil to protect their engines under the most demanding conditions. Pennzoil Platinum® and Pennzoil Ultra Platinum™ full synthetic motor oils are engineered to safeguard your engine mile after mile, ensuring durability for the long haul. These high-performance oils deliver superior piston cleanliness,* sustained horsepower, improved fuel economy, and excellent performance in extreme temperatures.

*Based on Sequence IIIH results.

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