Replacing the current GF-4 standard, the new ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee) GF-5 minimum performance standard for gasoline passenger car engine oils is now in place. Introduced into the market in the Fall of 2010, it's expected to become the basis for oils used in many 2011 new car factory fills, and after September 30th, 2011 the only basis for issuance of a license to use the API (American Petroleum Institute) Certification Mark.
The ILSAC GF-5 specification was jointly developed by JAMA (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association), Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors.
ILSAC GF-5 is designed to be an improvement over the previous GF-4 in three areas:
Fuel economy and fuel economy retention
Engine oil robustness
Protection of emission control systems
GF-5 oils will be required to deliver improved fuel economy when the oil is first put into the engine as well as after it ages. A 1-2% gain in fuel economy is expected.
Improved oil robustness, where the oil better protects the engine from sludge and varnish formation, and resists carbon deposits, is also a focus of the new standard. As well, it's expected to provide better emulsion and rust protection in flex fuel vehicles using ethanol fuels. Emulsion refers to the mixture formed when fuels like E85 get into the oil and GF-5 is designed to ensure that the oil can tolerate some fuel contamination without loss of performance. Also, better seal compatibility with a broader range of materials and types, along with any newly developed elastomers used to make seals. Enhanced turbocharger protection is also part of the new specification.
The GF-4 Phosphorous limits are retained without change in the GF-5 spec. While a certain amount of phosphorus is necessary in the oil for wear protection, when it gets into the exhaust stream it's detrimental to emissions. New chemistry has been developed to make phosphorous less volatile keeping more of it in suspension in the oil and out of the exhaust.
Finally, GF-5 is backward compatible and is totally safe for use where GF-4, GF-3 or GF-2 were originally recommended.
ILSAC GF-1 through GF-4 standards are now obsolete.
For comprehensive, detailed information, I recommend the Lubrizol website:
API Announces Adoption of New ILSAC and API Standards
API has adopted two new oil performance standards for gasoline-engined vehicles: ILSAC GF-5 and API SN. API SN is the most recent Service Category issued by API's Lubricants Group. Oils meeting API SN and the new "Resource Conserving" designation meet all ILSAC GF-5 performance requirements.
API Service Categories:
SN is current for 2011 and older engines
SM is current for 2010 and older engines
SL is current for 2004 and older engines
SJ is current for 2001 and older engines
SH through SA are now obsolete
FYI, I just purchased Red Line 5W-30 and, according to the label on the container, it meets the GF-5 specs.
Happy Motoring!
The ILSAC GF-5 specification was jointly developed by JAMA (Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association), Chrysler LLC, Ford Motor Company, and General Motors.
ILSAC GF-5 is designed to be an improvement over the previous GF-4 in three areas:
Fuel economy and fuel economy retention
Engine oil robustness
Protection of emission control systems
GF-5 oils will be required to deliver improved fuel economy when the oil is first put into the engine as well as after it ages. A 1-2% gain in fuel economy is expected.
Improved oil robustness, where the oil better protects the engine from sludge and varnish formation, and resists carbon deposits, is also a focus of the new standard. As well, it's expected to provide better emulsion and rust protection in flex fuel vehicles using ethanol fuels. Emulsion refers to the mixture formed when fuels like E85 get into the oil and GF-5 is designed to ensure that the oil can tolerate some fuel contamination without loss of performance. Also, better seal compatibility with a broader range of materials and types, along with any newly developed elastomers used to make seals. Enhanced turbocharger protection is also part of the new specification.
The GF-4 Phosphorous limits are retained without change in the GF-5 spec. While a certain amount of phosphorus is necessary in the oil for wear protection, when it gets into the exhaust stream it's detrimental to emissions. New chemistry has been developed to make phosphorous less volatile keeping more of it in suspension in the oil and out of the exhaust.
Finally, GF-5 is backward compatible and is totally safe for use where GF-4, GF-3 or GF-2 were originally recommended.
ILSAC GF-1 through GF-4 standards are now obsolete.
For comprehensive, detailed information, I recommend the Lubrizol website:
API Announces Adoption of New ILSAC and API Standards
API has adopted two new oil performance standards for gasoline-engined vehicles: ILSAC GF-5 and API SN. API SN is the most recent Service Category issued by API's Lubricants Group. Oils meeting API SN and the new "Resource Conserving" designation meet all ILSAC GF-5 performance requirements.
API Service Categories:
SN is current for 2011 and older engines
SM is current for 2010 and older engines
SL is current for 2004 and older engines
SJ is current for 2001 and older engines
SH through SA are now obsolete
FYI, I just purchased Red Line 5W-30 and, according to the label on the container, it meets the GF-5 specs.
Happy Motoring!
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