ILSAC GF-6
API Engine Oil Classifications brochure
28 August 2024
11 May 2020
API uses a number of Certification Marks and Service Symbols to identify the quality of motor oils for use in gasoline-powered light-duty vehicles. Oils displaying these Marks meet performance requirements set by US and international vehicle and engine manufacturers and the lubricant industry.
Starting May 1 2020, products meeting ILSAC GF-6A may be licensed to display the API Certification Mark 'Starburst' and those meeting ILSAC GF-6B may be licensed to display the new API Certification Mark 'Shield'. API Service SP may be licensed for use in the upper portion of the API Service Symbol 'Donut'.
This mark cannot be applied to SAE 0W-16 viscosity grade oils.
From May 1 2021, oils meeting ILSAC GF-5 will no longer be eligible to display the API Certification Mark ‘Starburst’ and will no longer appear on the online Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS) Directory after April 30 2021. From this point, ILSAC GF-6A will provide the only basis for issuance of a license to use the API Certification Mark ‘Starburst.’
This Certification Mark can only be applied to oils having a viscosity grade of SAE 0W-16.
The SAE viscosity grade is shown in the centre of the 'Donut'.
Oils meeting SP with Resource Conserving requirements may be licensed to display ‘Resource Conserving’ in the lower portion of the API Service Symbol in conjunction with API Service SP in the upper portion. API is also giving any approved SP product the SN PLUS designation on the directory, which marketers have the option to include.
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