AMSOIL formulates its lubricants to exceed the protection set by the highest industry standards and the most demanding engines. Current AMSOIL formulations have already passed these increasingly stringent standards.

The International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) recently set a new precedent in the passenger-car motor oil market by splitting its specification into two parts. GF-6A will be backward compatible to provide adequate protection for both older new engine technologies. GF-6B will not be backward compatible and applies only to select new vehicles moving forward. Both versions of the specification have a focus on wear protection, prevention of low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and improved engine cleanliness. However, GF-6B will have a more stringent test for fuel economy. Engine oils can easily be identified as ILSAC GF-6A or 6B by the API emblem on the front label of the packaging. A shield will represent the GF-6B specification while the traditional starburst will indicate a GF-6A product. Both ILSAC specifications will also meet the industry-standard API SP specification which is most commonly found in owner’s manuals.

LSPI is another version of engine knock, which has been around since engines were invented. In this case, it occurs under low-speed, high-torque conditions in turbocharged gasoline direct-injected engines and is more destructive than typical engine knock.

Under normal operation, spark-triggered ignition is timed to work in tandem with downward piston momentum. LSPI occurs when an oil/fuel droplet hiding in the piston crevice launches into the combustion chamber and ignites the fuel/air mixture too early. The resulting force clashes with the upward moving piston and can cause damage like that on the piston shown.