Motor oil additives deliver critical performance benefits to help protect modern engines against wear, deposits, corrosion, and extreme conditions.
As today’s engines evolve to meet higher performance and efficiency standards, the oils that protect them must keep pace. Motor oils certified under the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Engine Oil Licensing and Certification System (EOLCS), including the new ILSAC GF-7A, ILSAC GF-7B, and API Service Category SQ standards, licensable as of March 31, 2025, are formulated with precisely balanced additive systems to meet the needs of modern gasoline engines.
While base oil forms the foundation of any motor oil, the additive package delivers critical performance benefits. Additives protect against wear, deposits, oxidation, and corrosion, all threats that can compromise engine life and efficiency. Oils meeting ILSAC GF-7 and API SQ requirements undergo rigorous testing to ensure these additives work together effectively.
Key additive functions
- Pour Point Depressants: These additives keep oil fluid in cold temperatures by preventing wax crystal buildup. This ensures fast oil flow at startup, which is crucial for engine protection.
- Oxidation Inhibitors: High engine temperatures accelerate oil breakdown. Oxidation inhibitors slow this process, helping maintain oil viscosity and performance in demanding conditions like turbocharged or high-speed engines.
- Rust and Corrosion Inhibitors: Combustion creates moisture and acids that can corrode internal components. These inhibitors chemically neutralize corrosive elements, safeguarding metal surfaces.
- Detergents and Dispersants: These work together to keep engines clean. Detergents neutralize acidic combustion byproducts, while dispersants suspend contaminants to prevent sludge and varnish buildup.
- Foam Inhibitors: Entrained air or moisture can lead to foam, impairing lubrication and cooling. Foam inhibitors collapse air bubbles, preserving the oil’s protective properties.
- Viscosity Modifiers: Modern engines operate across wide temperature ranges. These additives stabilize oil viscosity, ensuring fluidity in cold starts and sufficient thickness at high temperatures.
- Friction Modifiers: These additives reduce friction and wear by forming protective films on metal surfaces, contributing to fuel efficiency and component longevity.
Why additives matter
Additives are consumed over time as they perform their protective functions. That’s why it’s vital to follow manufacturer-recommended oil change intervals. Using oils labeled with the correct SAE viscosity grade and service category ensures the engine receives protection designed for its specific operating conditions. Common ILSAC GF-7A oil viscosities include SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30. ILSAC GF-7B is specific only for SAE 0W-16 oils.
The ILSAC GF-7 and API Service Category SQ standards represent the latest motor oil technology. They reflect the collaborative effort among engine manufacturers, oil producers, and additive suppliers to deliver oils that perform reliably in real-world conditions.
By choosing API licensed oils, consumers and service professionals can trust that the product has been tested and approved to meet today’s engine demands, delivering cleaner operation, reduced wear, and longer engine life.
