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  4. MOTOR OIL AND FLUIDS
  5. EXCEEDING THE LATEST GF-6 STANDARDS

INTRODUCING THE LATEST GF-6 OIL STANDARDS

Car driving and meeting the ILSAC GF-6 engine oil performance standards

Castrol engine oils – Exceeding ILSAC GF-6 standards 

 

As vehicle OEM’s continue their drive to improve fuel economy and engine efficiency, the demands on lubricants increase in parallel.  Modern engines are designed to deliver maximum performance and fuel efficiency in a smaller footprint, requiring engine oils to evolve to meet increased pressure and stress.  

The latest evolution in engine oil performance standards is ILSAC GF-6/API SP which replaces the current GF-5/API SN PLUS.  As with prior industry upgrades, the newest standard is fully backward compatible with the current generation. 

The Castrol engine oil portfolio has upgraded and is compliant against the GF-6 standard.  In addition, our power brands have once again exceeded the requirements of the key performance tests – proving that Castrol motor oils are engineered to provide protection and performance beyond the limits of industry standards.

 

What are ILSAC and API?

 

ILSAC – The International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee

API – American Petroleum Institute

 

What do the new GF-6 standards mean for my engine?

 

The ILSAC standards continue to evolve to meet the demands of auto makers, who have increased their reliance on turbocharged engines.  This has led to a focus on turbocharger specific standards within GF-6, emphasizing LSPI (Low Speed Pre-Ignition) which is a common issue with turbocharged engines. This is an evolution of the 2018 upgrade of API SN to API SN PLUS, which was a supplement within GF-5.

 

What is LSPI?

 

LSPI creates excessive pressure within the engine’s cylinders, which can create permanent damage to cylinder walls, pistons, piston rings, connecting rods and spark plugs.  This damage can lead to potentially catastrophic failure.

Castrol motor oils that exceed that latest industry standards

Do Castrol motor oils meet GF-6 standards?

 

Yes, Castrol’s entire motor oil range meet and exceed the new ILSAC GF-6 standard.

 

When will the new GF-6 specification appear on packaging?

 

The packaging change to the Castrol portfolio will be executed as a rolling transition.  We expect that product with updated packaging will begin to appear on shelves by early summer, with the transition completing by fall. 

 

Does GF-6 apply to all viscosity grades?

 

GF-6 will be divided into 2 segments.  GF-6A will represent existing viscosity grades while GF-6B will represent emerging 0W-16 viscosity grades only.

 

Does my vehicle require a GF-6 engine oil?

 

Castrol recommends checking your owner’s manual to determine if the GF-6 specification is required.