What does the GF-6 standard mean?
2 Answers
GF-6 is actually an engine oil quality certification standard established by the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC). This standard is largely based on API certification but places greater emphasis on fuel economy, hence it typically uses lower viscosity. GF-6 standard classification: The GF-6 standard is divided into GF-6A and GF-6B. On May 2020, when GF-6A came into effect, it replaced the GF-5 and older standards. Incompatibility with older versions: GF-6 is not compatible with previous older standards and is only recommended for use in new vehicles that require 0W-16 oil, primarily Japanese cars at present. Not recommended for xW-40 viscosity oil: Similar to the GF-5 standard, GF-6A-B does not recommend any xW-40 viscosity oil, mainly due to greater consideration for fuel economy.
As a long-term car owner, I still remember the scene when I first heard about the GF-6 standard back in 2020. That day, when I went for an oil change, the mechanic recommended this new specification. GF-6 is the latest standard for gasoline engine oils in automobiles, equivalent to the API SP level, mainly designed for modern engines, like those with turbochargers. It addresses the common issue of low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) in older oils, where the engine suddenly knocks at low speeds, preventing damage to critical components. At the same time, it improves fuel economy by about 3%, which is quite helpful for saving money in our daily driving. After switching to GF-6, my car felt smoother to run with much less vibration. I recommend car owners choose GF-6 certified products when changing oil—just check the label on the bottle. Nowadays, most new cars require it. Regular maintenance with high-quality oil can extend engine life by over 10% and reduce repair burdens. From my experience, I believe this standard represents technological progress—safe and practical.
