Motor Oil Standards -- The ILSAC System

In the April issue we reported that the new standard for motor oil performance, ILSAC GF-2, would be required in late 1997, and that Pennzoil already meets this standard. We also reported that the ILSAC GF system is the performance standard that American and Japanese automakers use to determine which oils are suitable for use in their late model cars. What we did not talk about was the significance of the ILSAC "starburst," the gear-shaped symbol containing the text "For Gasoline Engines." This starburst is printed on the label of each quart of oil that meets the ILSAC GF performance standard.

Evergreen--What Does it Mean?

The ILSAC starburst is referred to as an evergreen symbol. By this we mean that even though the technical requirements needed to display the symbol will change, the symbol itself will not.

The evergreen nature of the starburst is both good news and bad. The good news is that the intent was to have a consumer-friendly symbol, and once consumers learn the general meaning of the starburst, i.e., that oils marked with the starburst are "good" oils, they will not need to be reeducated on this topic. Unlike other systems, consumers will not have to decipher any new codes such as API SERVICE SH, SG, CF, etc., to determine the performance standard specified in their owner's manual.

The bad news about the starburst is that while the symbol is consumer-friendly, it can also be misleading. The consumer does not know which of ILSAC's standards are being met. It does not differentiate between oils that meet today's minimum requirements (GF-1) versus the technologically advanced requirements of tomorrow (GF-2).

A Window of Confusion

For example, GF-2 was available in late 1995 but will not be required until late 1997. This two-year window is basically a cushion given to the motor oil industry to let everyone have a chance at meeting new standards. Since the starburst re-presents both GF-1 and GF-2, consumers cannot determine the exact performance level of the oil they purchase during the two-year window. Thus, it is possible, in fact very likely, that both GF-1 and GF-2 oils will be on the shelf during this two-year period, both displaying the ILSAC starburst. Be-cause the performance differences between GF-1 and GF-2 are significant, the consumer's interest is not adequately served by relying solely on the starburst. Moreover, since GF upgrades are anticipated every four to five years, consumers could be in the dark 50% of the time about the quality of the motor oil they're buying.

Don't Guess--Be Sure!

Because we are committed to being the technological leader in passenger car motor oils, Pennzoil can take some of the guesswork out of buying motor oil. We are committed to being first to the marketplace with each ILSAC upgrade. We were first with ILSAC GF-1, first with ILSAC GF-2 and will be first with ILSAC GF-3. When your customer purchases Pennzoil, you can be sure they are getting an oil that is a forerunner in meeting the latest ILSAC performance standards.

GF-3 Will be Even Tougher

It probably seems a little early to start talking about ILSAC GF-3, since this standard will not be required until around the year 2000, but performance tests are being considered now within the proposed GF-3 standard that will have a major impact on motor oil performance, engine protection and customer satisfaction--well before the year 2000. Engine and emission system protection and fuel economy, are high on the list for GF-3.

At Pennzoil, we are committed not only to being first with the GF-3 standard, but also to up-grading our products when these significant performance tests are finalized. You will be hearing more about this in subsequent issues of THE MECHANIC. Stay tuned.