Last year after working with auto manufacturers and others, API announced the approval of improved performance standards for engine oils which will provide greater protection and fuel efficiency for today’s gasoline-engine-powered cars, trucks and SUVs. (API video below.)
The new ILSAC GF-6A and GF-6B and API SP can be licensed under API’s Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System beginning May 1, 2020.
API/ILSAC icon for new SP standardTwo of the new standards, ILSAC GF-6A and GF-6B, are the latest in a line of more stringent performance specifications put forward by the International Lubricant Standardization Advisory Committee (ILSAC), and a third standard, API SP, is API’s latest engine oil performance standard.
API SP includes all of the ILSAC requirements while at the same time provides performance requirements for oils that do not fall under ILSAC-member recommendations.
API/ILSAC icon for new GF-6A standardThe three new standards include seven new tests, including a chain wear test and a new test for very low-viscosity engine oils. The standards also include a test designed to protect against a phenomenon experienced by some gasoline engines known as low speed pre-ignition (LSPI).
Starting May 1, products meeting ILSAC GF-6A may be licensed to display the API Certification Mark “Starburst,” ILSAC GF-6B the new API Certification Mark “Shield,” and API Service SP for use in the upper portion of the API Service Symbol “Donut.”
