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M1 oil pour GF6

ILSAC GF-6: Six things to know about the new engine oil standards

GF-6 is the newest ILSAC engine oil performance standard aimed at improving fuel economy and enhancing engine capabilities for passenger cars. This new standard will replace the current ILSAC GF-5 standard. Every new level of standard is backward compatible with the previous generation.

GF-6 will provide low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and timing chain wear protection while improving piston cleanliness and fuel economy.

Here are six things you should know about GF-6:

  1. What do the new GF-6 standards mean for my engine?
    ILSAC standards are constantly evolving and improving to meet changing industry demands. The popularization of turbocharged engines among Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) has led to a new focus on turbocharger-specific standards for GF-6. The primary purpose of GF-6 is to combat problems with LSPI, a common issue with turbocharged engines. As in the 2018 upgrade of API SN to API SN Plus, the new ILSAC GF-6 standards also require added protection against the harmful effects of LSPI in today’s modern turbocharged engines.

  2. What is LSPI and how does it affect my engine?
    LSPI creates excessive pressure within the engine’s cylinders, which can cause permanent damage to cylinder walls, pistons, piston rings, connecting rods and spark plugs. The internal engine damage caused by LSPI can also lead to catastrophic engine failure.

  3. Do Mobil™ motor oils meet GF-6 standards?
    Yes, our Mobil 1™, Mobil Super™, and Mobil™ Full Synthetic motor oils meet and exceed ILSAC GF-6 specifications.

  4. When can I purchase the new GF-6 engine oils?
    We will be launching the new Mobil 1 ILSAC GF-6 engine oils on a rolling basis. You will see products with updated packaging on store shelves within the coming months. By summer of 2020, all of our packages will reflect the change.

  5. Will GF-6 apply to every kind of viscosity grade?
    Almost. There will be a split between 0W-16 viscosity grade engine oils and all other existing ILSAC viscosity grades. GF-6A will represent existing ILSAC viscosity grades and GF-6B will represent 0W-16 viscosity grade oils only.

  6. Does my vehicle need an ILSAC GF-6 engine oil?
    ExxonMobil advises checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine if your engine requires an ILSAC GF-6 engine oil.