March 16th, 2020
Everything you need to know about the new ILSAC GF-6 motor oils
Automakers are always innovating to meet strict emissions and fuel economy regulations. In that regard, every aspect of the vehicle is constantly reviewed and improved using the most recent advancements in each field. Lubricants are not the exception.
In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the new ILSAC GF-6 motor oil standard so that you can take full advantage of its benefits.
What is ILSAC GF-6?
The first thing you should know is that ILSAC GF-6 is not a brand name for a new type of oil. ILSAC is the acronym for the ‘International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee’ and ‘GF-6’ is the name for the next generation motor oil standard that will supersede the current GF-5 standard.
What are GF-6A and GF-6B?
The ILSAC GF-6A standard is aimed to meet GF-5 (and earlier) specifications, in other words, it will be backward compatible with current motor oils. Engine oils complying with the GF-6A standard will display the API’s ‘Starburst’ mark and is expected to be the most widely used in the near future.
On the other hand, ILSAC GF-6B standard will include all requirements of GF-6A but will be specifically targeted at vehicles using SAE 0W-16 grades. To avoid confusion, GF-6B motor oils will display a new ‘Shield’ API mark instead of the traditional ‘Starburst’.
Why ILSAC GF-6 motor oil is necessary?
Today’s motor oils simply are not capable of handling the demanding conditions of newer gasoline engines. It is for this reason that a new standard was needed to meet the needs of the latest technologies like Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection (TGDI) engines.
Fortunately, top lubricant brands such as Gulf Lubricants, Oilzum, and Pennwood prepared in advance a range of GF-6 compliant motor oils to satisfy the demand of high-performance, ultra-efficient oils required by newer vehicles.
What are the benefits of GF-6 motor oil?
The newest ILSAC GF-6 standard will greatly contribute with the goal of lowering exhaust emissions and hence protect the environment by:
- Improving fuel economy
- Offering additional wear protection to vehicles fitted with Idle Stop & Go (ISG) systems
- Increasing vehicle’s engine life-span
- Decreasing low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI)
- Reducing turbocharger carbon deposits build-up
- Complying with most recent emission regulations
How can I tell if engine oil is GF-6 approved?
The American Petroleum Institute (API) developed a new service category called ‘API SP’ which is the foundation of the ILSAC GF-6 specification. As mentioned earlier, oils that comply with the GF-6A standard will display the ‘Starburst’ API mark while oils that meet GF-6B will display the new ‘Shield’ API mark.
Where can I buy GF-6/API SP motor oil?
Starting May 1, 2020 API SP/GF-6 will be the ‘minimum standard’ for motor oils. At Dennison Lubricants we are prepared to offer you top-quality Gulf, Oilzum, and Pennwood engine oils compatible with this strict standard.
How do I know if my car requires an API SP motor oil?
It is not likely to see vehicles requiring the new API SP specification until 2021 since the current API SN PLUS service category was developed to provide adequate protection for engines equipped with new technologies while the new API SP was ready.
That said, it should not be surprising if carmakers issue service bulletins or update owner’s manuals after May 1, 2020, to encourage using the new standard and take advantage of its benefits.
How can I prepare my business for GF-6/API SP?
Although the new standard is not expected to be officially required by new vehicles until 2021 that doesn’t stop your business from taking advantage of being one of the first offering the benefits of this high-tech motor oil.
Keep in mind that GF-6A compliant oils, such as the ones offered by Gulf, Oilzum, and Pennwood are backward compatible with API SN PLUS, SN, SM, SL or SJ categories so it is completely safe to encourage your customers to start using them and experience its many advantages. The same applies to current SAE 0W-16 clients, they can switch to Gulf, Oilzum, or Pennwood GF-6B oils to increase engine protection immediately.
If you still have doubts concerning the new ILSAC GF-6/API SP standard simply contact us at 1-800-564-5142 or info@denlube.com and our team will be more than happy to assist you.