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API SQ and ILSAC GF-7 explained

Specification · API / ILSAC

API SQ is the current API gasoline-engine oil category introduced with the ILSAC GF-7 family in March 2025. GF-7A oils use the API Starburst for common passenger-car grades, while GF-7B is the low-viscosity 0W-16 branch shown with the API Shield; always match the exact grade and spec your manual lists.

Specification
API SQ / ILSAC GF-7
Supersedes
API SP, ILSAC GF-6
Last reviewed June 24, 2026

Check a bottle label

If your manual lists API SQ / ILSAC GF-7, use the oil spec checker to compare the manual requirement with what an oil bottle says. Need the source first? Start with the owner's manual finder. Viscosity and approvals are separate requirements.

What changed in 2025

API SQ and ILSAC GF-7 are the newer gasoline-engine oil standards that followed API SP and ILSAC GF-6. API 1509 states that API-licensed oils meeting ILSAC GF-7A became eligible for the API Starburst, and oils meeting ILSAC GF-7B became eligible for the API Shield, as of March 31, 2025.

The point is still the same as earlier standards: the oil must meet the performance category and the viscosity grade your manual requires. A newer label is helpful only when it fits the exact requirement for your engine.

GF-7A vs GF-7B

GF-7A is the main ILSAC branch for common passenger-car gasoline grades. It is the branch tied to the API Starburst mark and the “Resource Conserving” fuel-economy style of labeling.

GF-7B is separate. It is the low-viscosity 0W-16 branch tied to the API Shield mark. Treat GF-7B like earlier GF-6B: it is not a generic upgrade for engines that call for thicker grades or for the GF-7A branch.

Starburst, Shield, and Donut

API uses three consumer-facing marks that show up on oil bottles:

  • The API Donut lists the API service category, viscosity grade, and other label details.
  • The API Starburst is used for eligible ILSAC passenger-car oils in the main fuel-economy branch, including GF-7A.
  • The API Shield is used for eligible low-viscosity 0W-16 ILSAC oils, including GF-7B.

Do not judge by the front label alone. Turn the bottle around and compare the manual wording with the back-label categories and approvals.

How it relates to older manuals

Many current vehicles and manuals still list API SP, ILSAC GF-6A, or ILSAC GF-6B. API SQ / ILSAC GF-7 is the newer standards family, but this site does not treat “newer” as an automatic exact match. Exact grade, exact category branch, and OEM approval wording matter.

If your manual calls for 0W-16 and an ILSAC B branch, a GF-7B / API Shield label is the relevant current branch. If your manual calls for a common grade such as 0W-20 or 5W-30 with an ILSAC A branch, GF-7A / Starburst is the current family to investigate. If the manual lists a carmaker approval such as dexos, VW, BMW, MB, Ford, Honda, Porsche, or another OEM standard, match that approval too.

How to use this when buying oil

  1. Find the manual oil section for your exact vehicle.
  2. Record viscosity and specification separately.
  3. Compare the back label, not only the front viscosity badge.
  4. Use the oil spec checker if you need a structured comparison.
  5. When in doubt, choose the oil that explicitly lists the manual’s exact requirement or ask the manufacturer/service professional.

Primary sources

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between GF-7A and GF-7B?

GF-7A is the main fuel-economy passenger-car branch and uses the API Starburst. GF-7B is the separate 0W-16 branch and uses the API Shield. Do not swap A and B unless your manual allows it.

Does API SQ automatically replace API SP in my car?

Not automatically. API SQ is newer and related to the previous API SP/GF-6 generation, but the safest answer is still to match the exact grade, specification, and OEM approval in your owner’s manual.

Which label should I look for on the bottle?

Use the back label and API marks: the Donut shows the API service category and viscosity, the Starburst is used for eligible GF-7A oils, and the Shield is used for eligible GF-7B 0W-16 oils.