Valvoline Global Operations, a leading innovator in automotive and industrial lubrication, has launched its latest passenger car motor oil formulations in the U.S. and Canada, engineered to exceed the newly effective ILSAC GF-7 specification.
The updated GF-7 standard introduces enhanced performance benchmarks for fuel economy, engine cleanliness, wear protection, and compatibility with hybrid powertrains. Valvoline’s new formulations not only meet these stringent criteria but go beyond, building upon its already GF-6 certified synthetic oils that had pre-emptively aligned with GF-7 requirements.
This proactive innovation underscores Valvoline Global’s commitment to staying at the forefront of lubricant science and regulatory advancement, ensuring its partners and customers are equipped for the demands of modern engine technologies.
Valvoline stands alone among major lubricant marketers as the only brand operating a state-of-the-art engine testing lab directly contributing to the development of ILSAC engine oil standards. Located in Ashland, Kentucky, this unique facility enables Valvoline Global to conduct critical engine sequence tests that help shape industrywide performance benchmarks every five to seven years.
Leveraging decades of expertise and proprietary technologies, Valvoline’s future-ready formulations are designed to meet the evolving demands of both vehicle manufacturers and consumers—ensuring optimal engine performance and long-term protection.
“These days, everything seems to move a little faster, and our engines are working harder than ever to keep up,” said Dr. Michael Warholic, Senior Global Technology Director at Valvoline Global Operations. “Valvoline’s active role in the development of GF-7 standards reflects our commitment to helping drivers maintain peak engine performance and extend vehicle life, not just for today—but for tomorrow as well.”
All Valvoline GF-7 compliant motor oils deliver superior protection against the four primary causes of engine breakdown—wear, friction, heat, and deposits—providing more than just compliance with industry standards. They deliver confidence in every drive.
Valvoline’s ILSAC GF-7 full synthetic technology was tested in a single engine for over 500,000 miles across three years without the need to replace any critical component, while significantly reducing sludge and deposits compared to an ILSAC GF-6 quality oil.
The ILSAC GF-7 specification continues the A and B designations started with the ILSAC GF-6 upgrade in 2020. The ILSAC GF-7A designation applies to all SAE 0W-20 viscosity grades and heavier. ILSAC GF-7A is backward compatible with all previous GF-6A, GF-5 and older ILSAC specifications. The ILSAC GF-7B designation applies to SAE 0W-16 viscosity grade oils and is backward compatible to ILSAC GF-6B only.
As ILSAC GF-6 designated motor oils are phased out of distribution channels after the March 31, 2025, GF-7 launch, new Valvoline motor oils meeting the ILSAC GF-7A standard will include the “Starburst” API mark on all bottles, while ILSAC GF-7B-compliant oils will have the API “Shield.” Oils meeting API SP will feature an updated API “Donut” with SP designation.
“Advances in engine oil performance wouldn’t be possible without the dedication, expertise and leadership of our Valvoline engineers and scientists, who work tirelessly to help define and shape the industry standards, continually raising the bar to benefit us all,” said Warholic.
