What does GF5 on engine oil mean?
2 Answers
GF5 on engine oil refers to the oil's grade. GF5 specification oil can improve fuel economy by at least 0.5% compared to GF4 oil of the same viscosity grade, effectively reducing emissions and further protecting the environment. Engine oil is the lifeblood of an engine; without it, the engine cannot operate properly. In the engine, oil not only lubricates but also cleans, seals, cushions, prevents rust, and dissipates heat. Over time, the performance of engine oil degrades, so it needs to be replaced regularly. When the engine is running, the oil forms a protective film on the surfaces of various engine components, preventing direct contact and friction between them. If engine components directly contact and rub against each other, it can generate a significant amount of heat instantly, causing considerable damage to the engine.
The GF-5 marked on the engine oil bottle is actually quite an important standard. When I change my oil myself, I specifically researched it—it's a gasoline engine lubricant certification standard established by the international organization ILSAC. GF-5 primarily focuses on fuel economy and environmental performance, requiring the oil to reduce engine friction for better fuel efficiency while also protecting exhaust treatment systems from clogging. My car's old maintenance manual mentioned that compared to the older GF-4 standard, GF-5 has higher requirements for oxidation resistance and cleaning performance, making it especially friendly to turbocharged engines. Nowadays, most mainstream engine oils on the market meet this standard, so looking for the GF-5 label when choosing oil can help avoid buying inferior products. However, it's important to note that this standard only applies to gasoline vehicles—diesel vehicles require a different certification system.