API releases updated Motor Oil Guide for ILSAC GF-7 standards

The guide features information on both current and previous motor oil standards, including GF-7A and GF-7B (launched in March 2025) for the new ILSAC GF-7 motor oils. The new standards offer protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), improved fuel economy, better performance under high temperatures, and superior timing chain wear protection for engines operating on fuels up to E85.

The API SQ specification (without Resource Conserving) details performance requirements for engine oils that are backward compatible with previous API S categories, which can include heavier viscosity grades and ultra-low viscosity grade performance requirements of SAE 0W-8 and 0W-12 engine oils. The guide also denotes how the API Certification Marks identify motor oils meeting the GF-7 standards. The ‘Starburst’ symbol means the oil meets GF-7A requirements and the ‘Shield’ means it applies only to SAE 0W-16 oils certified under GF-7B.