Standards are necessary, especially in the lubricant industry, because they set the benchmark for what is and isn’t acceptable. When it comes to lubricant performance, standards of cleanliness and performance require specialized testing, as well as advanced chemistry knowledge. The International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) is the leader in setting engine oil and lubricants standards. They create the different formula categories that lubricants must meet. Recently, they announced a new category, ILSAC GF-7. In today’s blog, we will discuss this category and what you can expect from lubricants that meet this new standard.
What is ILSAC GF-7?
In August 2022, the ILSAC requested a new category to meet aggressive fuel economy targets like the stricter U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, which were being solidified. In June of 2024, the final CAFE standards were established that require:
- Fuel economy must increase by 2% per year for model years 2027-2031 for passenger cars
- Light trucks must also increase fuel economy by 2% per year for model years 2029-2031.
- Heavy-duty pickup trucks and vans must increase fuel efficiency by 10% for model years 2030-2032 and 8% for model years 2033-2035.
These new standards aim to reduce fuel costs. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the new fuel economy standards should save Americans $23 billion in fuel costs and reduce pollution. If these standards are met, the average fuel economy of light-duty vehicle traffic should increase to an estimated 50.4 gallons by 2031. As U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg says of these standards, “These new standards will save Americans money at the pump every time they fill up, [and] they will also decrease harmful pollution.”
The ILSAC recognized that to meet these new standards and similar legislation worldwide, a new lubricant category would be needed. Even though the US CAFE standards were not finalized until this year, the ILSAC got to work on pushing through a new category to meet these legislative changes. In March of 2024, the Automotive Oil Advisory Panel (AOAP) presented a ballot for the ILSAC GF-7 categories ILSAC GF-7A and GF-7B for gasoline-powered engines with a March 31, 2025 licensing date. As a result of this ballot measure, we will likely see new products and technologies that meet this standard launching in 2025.
Benefits of the ILSAC GF-7 category
The ILSAC engine oil category is designed to meet stricter emissions and fuel economy regulations. Lubricants that meet this specification must offer superior engine oil performance and improved fuel efficiency by reducing friction and energy loss to enable more efficient engine operation. But that’s not all that GF-7 specification requires. Additionally, to qualify for this category, lubricants must:
- Improve oxidation and deposit Control: The GF-7 specification has stricter requirements for oxidation and deposit control, which are critical for maintaining engine cleanliness and performance over time.
- Pass a sequence IIIH test: This test assesses an engine oil’s ability to resist oxidation and prevent deposits over time. This is especially important for modern turbocharged engines, which operate at higher temperatures and place greater stress on the oil.
- Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) Protection: The GF-7 specification now includes enhanced protection against Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI), which can cause severe engine damage in small, turbocharged engines. LSPI is more common in newer engines that operate under higher pressure, and GF-7 oils will help mitigate this risk. Additionally, to meet the GF-7 specification, lubricants must all have aged oil LSPI control, which means the oil continues to protect against LSPI even as it ages.
- Updated cold-weather pumpability limit: GF-7 oils must meet a higher maximum limit of 40,000 cP in cold-start conditions so the oils flow easily, even at colder temperatures.
Hybrid Engine GF-7 Conditions
As hybrid vehicles become more common, new ILSAC categories must also include considerations for hybrid engines. GF-7 oils must offer protection against valve train wear, corrosion, and emulsion stability for hybrid engines. These engines operate in stop-and-start conditions that can be more severe than traditional internal combustion engines, so special considerations must be made.
Chevron’s GF-7 readiness
Even though the GF-7 category will not be official until 2025, Chevron is preparing to offer products that meet the new standard. Chevron Oronite, a world-class developer and manufacturer of lubricants, fuel additives and chemicals, has been at the forefront of GF-7’s development by participating in industry discussions to shape the new parameters for the GF-7 category. By actively participating in creating this new specification, Chevron Oronite ensures that its products not only meet but exceed the demands of GF-7. The OLOA 55516 and OLOA 55600 additive technologies are already GF-7 capable and provide enhanced fuel economy, LSPI protection, and superior oxidation control. Additionally, Chevron has been providing support for OEMs who are under significant pressure to meet future emissions standards. The team at Oronite continues to work on preparing for the launch of GF-7 by designing lubricant and additives products to meet the newest standards.
We’re here to help
The introduction of the GF-7 category represents a major step forward in fuel efficiency, engine protection, and emissions reduction. As your trusted Chevron fuel and lubricant supplier, we’re excited to be part of this change by offering Chevron’s advanced products that meet the highest industry standards. We’re here to provide expert guidance and support through:
- Education: We’ll keep you updated on Chevron’s latest developments regarding the new GF-7 category and the products they are developing to meet this new standard. With our help, you’ll learn how these may affect your fleet’s engine performance and fuel efficiency.
- Tailored product recommendations: Our team of lubrication experts can provide specific product recommendations for your fleet’s needs.
As your Chevron lubricants supplier, we’re confident in our ability to deliver the best lubricants and additives to help your fleet and business meet new emissions standards and practices without compromising engine integrity or reliability. If you have questions about the new GF-7 standard and how it may affect your lubricant needs, please contact your Greg’s Petroleum service representative.