Q&A: GF-7 Motor Oil

When shopping for motor oil, it’s important to know if a product is dependable enough to protect your vehicle. This is primarily determined by checking an oil’s specification — the product’s performance results and how it compares to the industry standard.

With today’s advanced engines becoming more rigorous than ever on motor oils, specification standards have been put in place to ensure that oils continue meeting the demand to protect modern vehicles.

GF-7, as this specification is known, was released in March 2025 by the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC). Let’s dive into a GF-7 oil review and answer any questions you may have about GF-6 motor oils.

Why have oils changed to GF-7? What’s different about GF-7 oil? 

ILSAC GF-7 is the seventh generation of specifications aiming to standardize lubricants to meet the demands of evolving engine technology.  While OEMs work to produce cleaner-burning, gasoline engines to meet fuel economy and emissions regulations, consumers demand improved vehicle performance and reliability. To meet these challenges, OEMs continue to introduce new downsized engines equipped with direct injection, increased turbocharging, advanced vehicle control systems, along with advancements in aftertreatment and combustion technology. While today’s engines are better than ever, the tradeoff is that they also demand more from an oil’s performance.  All these changes require higher quality, more durable oils capable of delivering improved protection while simultaneously enhancing fuel economy.

So, how does ILSAC GF-7 ensure that motor oils are up to the task? The new specification provides a different chemistry in the engine oil that delivers improved low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) prevention, has improved wear protection, especially for timing chains, keeps pistons cleaner, and provides improved cold temperature pumpability. As a result, the oil provides better overall performance for the engine — with benefits like increased fuel economy, less engine wear and a longer engine life span. 

What’s the difference between GF-7A and GF-7B motor oil? 

Two different classifications remain under the ILSAC GF-7 spec: GF-7A and GF-7B.

GF-7A oils are backward-compatible, meaning they can be used on all engines designed for ILSAC GF-6A and previous ILSAC specifications. Although older engines may not require the oil that GF-7A offers, they will likely still see performance benefits. 

Meanwhile, GF-7B oils are recommended for select new model vehicles. Available only in SAE 0W-16 viscosity grade, GF-7B oils have a lighter viscosity and run thinner compared to GF-7A oils. It’s important to note that GF-7B oils are backward compatible with GF-6B only and are not backward compatible with GF-6A. As always, be sure to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine which motor oil to use.

What do the GF-7 oil options mean for me?

It’s always important to know what you’re putting in your vehicle, especially when it comes to your motor oil. Cenex® gasoline engine oils meet the ILSAC GF-7A specification. 

When bringing your car to an oil change provider or certified mechanic, you won’t see a change. Licensed professionals are aware of the update and have the proper oil for your vehicle. If you perform your own oil changes, be sure to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine which oil is best for your engine. If you find yourself needing to top off your engine oil, the new GF-7A oil can be mixed with existing GF-6A oil without issue. 

To make sure your vehicle is always protected with the latest oil technology, your locally owned Cenex location can help you find the right engine oil for your vehicle’s specifications.