API Lubricants Get a Major Upgrade! New SQGF-7 Standards Released 40% Performance Boost + Stricter Environmental Standards

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has officially approved the new ILSAC GF-7A and GF-7B motor oil standards for gasoline engines. These oils are part of the latest and more demanding performance specs introduced by the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC).

 

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has officially approved the new ILSAC GF-7A and GF-7B motor oil standards for gasoline engines. These oils are part of the latest and more demanding performance specs introduced by the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC). Alongside this, API is also launching its newest performance category, API SQ, which supports ultra-low viscosity grades like SAE 0W-8 and SAE 0W-12. All three standards—ILSAC GF-7A, GF-7B, and API SQ—will be available for licensing under API’s Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System starting March 31, 2025.

API lubricant standards have undergone significant updates with the introduction of the SQ standard and ILSAC’s GF-7 standard, targeting modern engine technologies. These upgrades focus on three key areas: improving fuel efficiency, extending engine lifespan, and reducing environmental impact. Compared to the previous SP/GF-6 standards, the new specifications emphasize compatibility with turbocharged direct-injection (TGDI) engines and hybrid vehicles, while addressing stricter emission regulations like China’s National VI B standards. For car owners and repair shops, understanding these changes is critical to selecting the right oils and avoiding performance losses caused by improper use.
Performance enhancement is the centerpiece of this upgrade. To tackle low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI)—a common issue in turbocharged engines—the new standards introduce the rigorous IX sequence test. This ensures oils maintain LSPI protection over extended periods, with a 40% improvement in effectiveness compared to older standards, significantly reducing risks of piston damage. Chain wear control has also been strengthened through the new X sequence test, which quantifies anti-wear performance. This reduces power loss caused by timing chain elongation by up to 30%. Cold-weather performance is another highlight: oils now flow faster at -35°C, improving cold-start protection by 15% compared to SP/GF-6, benefiting drivers in colder regions.

API SQ Performance Requirements

Improved Fuel Economy: Internal engine friction is a major source of energy loss. Advanced lubrication technology in API SQ oils helps reduce friction, boosting fuel efficiency.

LSPI Protection: Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) is a type of spontaneous, premature combustion that can occur in turbocharged engines, potentially causing engine knock and severe damage. API SQ oils are formulated to reduce the risk of LSPI.

Enhanced Engine Cleanliness: These next-generation oils help keep engine components cleaner, which supports better engine performance and longer service life.

Increased Durability: API SQ oils are designed to provide stronger wear protection, helping extend the life of critical engine parts like timing chains.

Regulatory Compliance: Lubricants meeting the API SQ standard align with current industry and environmental regulations.

Environmental compatibility takes center stage. The sulfate ash content (SASH) limit has been reduced from 1.0% to 0.9%, cutting the risk of clogging gasoline particulate filters (GPFs)—a critical requirement for National VI B vehicles. Sulfur and phosphorus levels are now tightly restricted to prevent catalyst poisoning, extending the lifespan of exhaust after-treatment systems. The GF-7 standard splits into two categories: GF-7A (for traditional gasoline engines, e.g., 0W-20, 5W-30) and GF-7B (designed for 0W-16, tailored for hybrids and 2026+ models). GF-7B reduces friction, boosting fuel economy by up to 4.8% compared to GF-6.

The differences between old and new standards are stark. While SP/GF-6 only suggested a 1.0% SASH limit and lacked chain wear testing, the new standards enforce stricter compliance. Advanced tests like IIIH now ensure better high-temperature deposit control, improving piston cleanliness by 14%. Viscosity grades also expanded: GF-7B introduces ultra-low options like 0W-8 and 0W-12, pushing performance boundaries. For repair shops, this means stricter adherence to vehicle manuals to avoid mismatches—using 0W-8 in older engines, for example, could damage seals.

Owners should tailor their choices to their vehicles. Newer hybrids or turbocharged models (post-2026) should use API Shield-certified GF-7B oils, while conventional gasoline cars can opt for GF-7A’s 5W-30. Older vehicles require caution: ultra-low-viscosity oils like 0W-8 may degrade seals. Look for the "Chemical Box" label to ensure catalyst compatibility. Repair shops should stock certified brands like Aconno or Jinxuechi and offer long-oil-change packages for hybrids, balancing performance and cost efficiency.

​​Core Parameter Comparison: New vs. Old Standards​​

Comparison Factor	API SQ/GF-7 (New)	API SP/GF-6 (Old)
Applicable Vehicles	2026+ models (hybrids, EVs)	2020+ mainstream models
Viscosity Grades	Adds 0W-8, 0W-12, 0W-16	GF-6B only supports 0W-16
LSPI Protection	Mandatory IX sequence test	Non-standard testing for some oils
Chain Wear Test	Mandatory X sequence test	No dedicated test
Environmental	SASH ≤0.9% + "Chemical Box" standard	SASH ≤1.0%, no catalyst protection
Fuel Economy	GF-7B improves by 4.8% (0W-16)	GF-6B improves by ~2-3% (vs. GF-5)

What’s New and Different About API SQ?

API SQ delivers significantly enhanced protection compared to its predecessor, API SP. As part of this upgrade, the certification process includes updated and improved engine test procedures used to evaluate oil performance, such as:

Sequence IIH – Measures high-temperature viscosity increase and deposit formation.

Sequence VH – Assesses the oil’s ability to control low-temperature engine deposits.

Sequence VI – Evaluates the fuel economy benefits provided by the oil.

API SQ oils outperform API SP oils across all of these benchmarks. In addition, this new category opens the door for ultra-low viscosity oils like SAE 0W-8 and SAE 0W-12 to be formally introduced and licensed.

Another key update in API SQ is the continued limit on sulfated ash content, capped at a maximum of 0.9%—matching API SP but lower than earlier standards. Sulfated ash, typically produced by metallic additives in motor oil, is a major contributor to unburned metal residue. These residues can clog Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPFs), which are vital for emissions control. By keeping ash levels low, API SQ helps ensure that GPFs function properly and last longer, reducing the need for costly cleaning or replacement—ultimately saving vehicle owners money on maintenance.