As engine technology advances to produce more efficient engines, motor oil must continue to meet the increasing demands for lubricating these precision-made engines. Development of the next specification of gasoline-fuel (GF) motor oil began only months after the latest specification, GF-4, became available in 2004.

The GF-5 motor oil specification created by the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) is scheduled to take effect in the summer of 2009 and will be the factory fill for 2010 model-year engines. GF-5 motor oils will be the most technologically advanced motor oil, exceeding the current GF-4 category in a number of important performance areas.

ILSAC identified several major areas that automakers would like to see improved with the GF-5 category. These areas include: fuel economy and fuel economy retention throughout the oil drain; emission-control systems protection; and increased sludge, deposit and oxidation control. In addition, ILSAC identified a number of other areas to be addressed by the GF-5 specification, including low-temperature viscosity, high- and low-temperature corrosion, turbocharger protection and filter clogging protection.

Aeration control, the reduction of tiny air bubbles, is a renewed concern because modern engines demand that oil serve as a hydraulic fluid in cam phaser devices, variable valve actuators, timing chain tensioners and hydraulic lash adjusters that allow for variable valve timing. These increased demands cause engine oils to be stressed more than ever before.

One of the highest priorities for automakers and engine oil manufacturers is making GF-5 motor oil backward compatible. Developing engine oil that is compatible for new and older engines helps prevent misapplications.

Provided by the makers of Pennzoil products.

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