ILSAC GF-7 and API SQ will replace GF-6/API SP on March 31, 2025—ushering in a pivotal upgrade for gasoline engine oils designed for modern, downsized turbocharged engines. Driven by stricter fuel economy, emissions, and durability requirements, these new standards offer improved LSPI resistance, reduced ash, and enhanced deposit control.
Key Technical Changes:
🔹 Chemical Composition & Additives:
• GF-7 retains strict limits on phosphorus and sulfur while lowering the sulfated ash cap to 0.90% to protect particulate filters and catalytic converters.
• Formulators are shifting from calcium- to magnesium-based detergents to reduce LSPI, especially in aged oil.
• Enhanced antiwear and antioxidant systems—including molybdenum compounds—ensure robust protection over extended drain intervals.
🔹 Performance Enhancements:
• Updated engine tests (e.g., Sequence IIIH) enforce stricter piston cleanliness and oxidation control.
• New fresh and aged oil LSPI tests confirm sustained resistance to pre-ignition in turbocharged engines.
• Tighter timing chain wear limits and a lower cold-start MRV (40,000 cP) boost low-temperature pumpability and overall reliability.
🔹 Expanded Viscosity Options:
• GF-7 covers a range (GF-7A: 0W-20, 5W-30; GF-7B: 0W-16) while API SQ licenses ultra-low grades (0W-12 and 0W-8) to drive further fuel economy gains.
Market Impact:
🔸 United States:
• Stringent CAFE standards and emissions mandates will drive rapid adoption, with most new vehicles transitioning to GF-7 oils by model year 2026.
🔸 Australia:
• OEM guidelines and global trends will spur a similar shift—GF-7’s enhanced performance for modern GDI engines ensures backward compatibility for older models.
Stakeholder Benefits:
🔸 Oil Blenders & Marketers:
• Must reformulate products with advanced additive packages and premium base stocks (e.g., Group III, PAO). Despite higher R&D and certification costs, this offers significant market differentiation and improved engine protection.
🔸 Additive & Base Oil Suppliers:
• Gain opportunities to showcase innovative chemistries that deliver superior oxidation stability, deposit control, and LSPI prevention.
🔸 Consumers & Service Providers:
• Enjoy enhanced fuel efficiency, extended engine life, and robust wear protection—critical for today’s high-performance engines.
ILSAC GF-7/API SQ marks a decisive leap in engine oil technology, aligning lubricant performance with evolving automotive and environmental demands. At Valorem Chemicals, we’re ready to support your transition with tailored additive solutions engineered for GF-7/API SQ excellence.