Short answer
ILSAC GF-6A is a gasoline engine oil standard written by the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee, a group of automakers, and licensed through API from May 1, 2020. It covers SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30 oils and was designed to be backward compatible with engines that called for earlier ILSAC standards. API ended GF-6A eligibility for the starburst mark on March 31, 2026, after GF-7A arrived.
Who writes ILSAC standards
ILSAC is an automaker committee formed by North American and Japanese vehicle manufacturers. Its members write the minimum performance standard they want for the oils most of their gasoline engines use, and API administers licensing through its Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System.
Because ILSAC is automaker-led, its standards emphasize fuel economy and emission-system protection alongside engine durability. The API category released with each ILSAC standard (SP for GF-6) shares most of the same tests.
What GF-6A added over GF-5
GF-6A brought in the Sequence IX test for low-speed pre-ignition and the Sequence X test for timing chain wear, both aimed at turbocharged direct-injection engines. It also replaced older sequence tests with updated versions for oxidation and piston deposits, sludge and valvetrain wear.
Fuel economy is measured in the Sequence VIE test, with limits set by viscosity grade. API SP with Resource Conserving is defined as matching GF-6A, so the two labels describe the same requirement set for the ILSAC grades.
Why there is an A and a B
Earlier ILSAC standards were single documents. For GF-6, automakers wanted a 0W-16 standard as well, but 0W-16 is too thin for many older engines. Splitting the standard let GF-6A remain backward compatible while GF-6B covered 0W-16 only, with its own label.
After GF-7A
ILSAC GF-7A began licensing on March 31, 2025, and API allowed a transition year before GF-6A lost starburst eligibility. GF-7A was written as the successor for the same viscosity grades, so a vehicle whose manual names GF-6A is normally served by a GF-7A oil of the specified grade.
Frequently asked questions
What does the A in GF-6A mean?
ILSAC divided GF-6 into two parts. GF-6A covers the backward-compatible grades from 0W-20 to 10W-30, and GF-6B covers SAE 0W-16 only.
Can I still use an oil labeled GF-6A?
An oil licensed as GF-6A met that standard when it was licensed. If your manual calls for GF-6A, it remains suitable in the specified grade; if it calls for GF-7A, look for that newer standard.
General maintenance information. Always follow your vehicle or equipment manufacturer’s requirements and the current product data. Questions? Email [email protected].