Short answer
ILSAC GF-7 is the automaker oil standard that followed GF-6, licensed through API beginning March 31, 2025. GF-7A covers SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30 and 10W-30, and GF-7B covers SAE 0W-16. Industry summaries describe it as keeping the GF-6 engine test lineup while tightening fuel economy limits, adding a used-oil low-speed pre-ignition evaluation and tightening piston cleanliness for GF-7A.
Grades and labels
GF-7A is the backward-compatible half and carries the API starburst. GF-7B is limited to SAE 0W-16 and carries the API shield, following the pattern set by GF-6. The matching API service category is API SQ, and SQ with Resource Conserving corresponds to GF-7A.
What tightened
Rather than introducing a new set of engines, GF-7 changed how existing tests are run and judged. The low-speed pre-ignition test was extended to check an aged oil as well as fresh oil, because automakers wanted that protection to last through the drain interval rather than only at fill.
Fuel economy limits were raised for the key grades, piston cleanliness limits in the Sequence IIIH test were tightened for GF-7A, and technical summaries also report additions such as a sulfated ash limit and further elastomer compatibility checks. The exact limits are published in the ILSAC and API documents.
Transition from GF-6
GF-6 and GF-7 overlapped for a year. API ended starburst eligibility for GF-6A oils, and shield eligibility for GF-6B, on March 31, 2026, so newly licensed starburst and shield oils now refer to GF-7A and GF-7B.
What about 0W-8 and 0W-12?
SAE J300 defines 0W-8 and 0W-12 grades, and a few engines specify them, but those very low grades are generally covered by automaker specifications rather than the GF-7 starburst. Follow the owner’s manual for any engine that calls for them.
Frequently asked questions
Is GF-7A backward compatible?
GF-7A was written as the successor to GF-6A for the same viscosity grades, so it is intended for older vehicles that called for earlier ILSAC standards. GF-7B, like GF-6B, is only for engines that specify 0W-16.
How can I tell whether an oil meets GF-7A?
GF-7A-licensed oils can show the API starburst on the front label, and API’s online EOLCS directory lists licensed products by brand.
General maintenance information. Always follow your vehicle or equipment manufacturer’s requirements and the current product data. Questions? Email [email protected].
