API SQ and ILSAC GF-7 Explained: What the New Gasoline Oil Standards Mean

A new generation of gasoline-engine oil standards

API SQ is the current American Petroleum Institute service category for passenger-car gasoline engine oils. It was introduced in March 2025, succeeding API SP as the newest category in the API “S” series, where the S denotes spark-ignition gasoline-engine service. At the same time, the International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee introduced ILSAC GF-7, its corresponding passenger-car oil standard.

These names are related, but they are not interchangeable in every case. API SQ identifies a broad gasoline-engine performance category. ILSAC GF-7 adds specific fuel-economy requirements and is divided into GF-7A and GF-7B. Understanding the distinction helps prevent a common mistake: treating every bottle marked API SQ as though it automatically meets every ILSAC or vehicle-manufacturer requirement.

API SQ versus ILSAC GF-7

API SQ sets baseline performance requirements for modern gasoline engines. Its objectives include protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), timing-chain wear, high-temperature piston and turbocharger deposits, sludge, and varnish. Importantly, SQ addresses LSPI protection with both fresh oil and aged oil. That matters because oil can change chemically during service, while turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engines may be particularly sensitive to abnormal combustion.

ILSAC GF-7 builds on this performance level for oils intended for many North American and Japanese-designed passenger cars and light trucks. An API SQ oil carrying the words Resource Conserving in the lower portion of the API Service Symbol corresponds to ILSAC GF-7A. In addition to API SQ engine-protection performance, GF-7A includes fuel-economy, emissions-system, low-temperature pumpability, and E85-fuel compatibility requirements.

In practical terms, an oil may meet API SQ without being licensed as Resource Conserving or GF-7A. Therefore, if an owner’s manual specifies ILSAC GF-7A, the label should explicitly show an applicable ILSAC/API certification mark rather than only an API SQ claim.

GF-7A and GF-7B are not the same thing

GF-7 is split into two branches because SAE 0W-16 is treated separately. GF-7A covers the mainstream ILSAC branch, while GF-7B applies only to 0W-16 oils. Both standards target modern gasoline-engine protection and fuel economy, but GF-7B is the correct ILSAC designation for a qualifying 0W-16 oil.

This distinction is important at the oil shelf. A 0W-16 engine should not be treated as though any GF-7A oil is an equivalent substitute merely because both are current standards. Viscosity remains a separate, manufacturer-specified requirement. The first number and the “W” describe cold-temperature flow behavior; the second number describes the oil’s high-temperature viscosity grade. API and ILSAC performance categories do not authorize a change in viscosity grade.

How to read the API marks on an oil container

API’s voluntary Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System uses recognizable marks to show that a product is licensed for stated performance levels. They are useful shortcuts, but each has a different meaning.

• API Service Symbol, often called the Donut: The upper section identifies the service category, such as API SQ. Its center normally shows the SAE viscosity grade. The lower section may state Resource Conserving when applicable.

• API Certification Mark, often called the Starburst: This identifies oils meeting ILSAC GF-7A. It is used for qualifying oils other than 0W-16.

• API Certification Mark, often called the Shield: This identifies oils meeting ILSAC GF-7B and is reserved for SAE 0W-16 products.

A printed performance claim is not identical to an API license. The API marks indicate participation in a licensing program that includes formulation controls and marketplace monitoring. For extra assurance, especially when buying an unfamiliar brand or bulk oil, the marketer can be checked in API’s online licensee directory.

What changed from API SP and GF-6?

API SP and ILSAC GF-6 introduced major protections for LSPI, timing-chain wear, deposits, fuel economy, and emissions-system compatibility. API SQ and GF-7 continue that direction with tighter emphasis on performance throughout the oil’s usable life. The aged-oil LSPI focus is a notable addition. GF-7 also includes enhanced low-temperature pumpability requirements, which concern whether oil can reach vital parts promptly in severe cold.

For most vehicles that call for an earlier API gasoline category or an earlier ILSAC grade, API describes the newest category as carrying forward the performance properties of earlier categories. Its current guide specifically directs users toward GF-7A where GF-6A, GF-5, GF-4, GF-3, GF-2, or GF-1 was specified, and toward GF-7B where GF-6B was specified.

That general backward-service guidance is valuable, but it has limits. It does not mean that API SQ/GF-7 can override a required manufacturer approval, such as a European OEM approval, a dexos license, an ACEA sequence, or a particular viscosity grade. An oil can be technically excellent and still be unsuitable if it lacks the exact requirement listed by the vehicle maker.

Choosing oil when SQ appears on the shelf

Start with the current owner’s manual, service information, or manufacturer oil chart. Identify the required SAE viscosity and every required performance specification. Then select an oil whose label or official product data sheet states those requirements clearly.

• If the manual calls for API SP or an earlier API gasoline category, API SQ is generally the newer service category, provided the required viscosity and any OEM approval also match.

• If the manual calls for ILSAC GF-6A or an earlier mainstream ILSAC category, look for GF-7A and the Starburst where appropriate.

• If the manual calls for 0W-16 and GF-6B, look for a 0W-16 oil certified to GF-7B and displaying the Shield.

• If the manual requires a named OEM approval, treat that approval as mandatory even if the bottle also displays API SQ or an ILSAC mark.

API SQ and ILSAC GF-7 are meaningful advances for current gasoline engines, particularly smaller turbocharged engines and vehicles designed around low-viscosity oils. They are not universal approvals, diesel-engine categories, motorcycle wet-clutch specifications, or substitutes for the vehicle manufacturer’s documentation. The correct oil is the one that meets the complete set of requirements for the specific engine.