What does GF-5 on the engine oil bottle mean?
2 Answers
The GF-5 on the engine oil bottle indicates that the oil is SN-grade, which is the highest grade of engine oil, and has been certified by GF-5. The GF-5 certification is a synthetic oil certification by the American Petroleum Institute (API). The quality grades of engine oil are represented by SE, SF, SH, SJ, SL, and SM, with letters further in the alphabet indicating higher quality. Currently, the highest-grade SN is considered top-tier engine oil. Additional information: 1. Checking the shelf life of engine oil: Observe whether the viscosity of the oil has changed, determine if the smell of the oil has faded, and check if the color of the oil has altered. When observing color changes, pay attention to changes in the additives within the oil. Additionally, you can use filter paper or electronic instruments to check if the oil's shelf life has expired. 2. Hazards of expired engine oil: Using engine oil past its shelf life can cause significant damage to the car's engine, reduce lubrication effectiveness, and negatively impact cooling performance.
As a car enthusiast who frequently helps friends choose engine oil, let me explain this GF-5 designation. It's an oil standard certification established by the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), which you can think of as the 'graduation certificate' for engine oil. GF-5 certified oil must simultaneously meet API SN grade requirements and pass more stringent fuel economy tests. The key benefits are protecting catalytic converters and improving fuel efficiency—saving about 1.5% more fuel consumption compared to conventional oils. When you see this green starburst logo on an oil container, it means the oil meets the basic requirements for post-2010 vehicles in terms of high-temperature wear resistance and cleanliness. However, the current latest standard is GF-6, which should be prioritized when selecting oil for vehicles manufactured in the last five years.
