LSPI is an abnormal combustion event that occurs when the engine’s fuel-air mixture ignites outside of the proper timing in a turbocharged direct-injected engine. This in turn causes extreme pressure spikes inside the engine’s cylinders. Your customers can recognize this issue by the loud knocking noise it generates. Left untreated, LSPI events can cause pistons or other internal hardware to crack resulting in expensive repairs or even catastrophic engine damage.

Through advanced engineering, Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have downsized their engines and incorporated new engine technologies to meet engine performance and efficiency requirements. However, these modern engine designs are prone to LSPI and this nasty side effect has limited their full potential, as operating parameters are calibrated to avoid conditions where LSPI tends to occur.

ILSAC GF-7 is the next category of passenger car engine oils, which is being developed for the purpose of protecting new engine designs that automotive OEMs are using to meet emissions and fuel efficiency legislation. ILSAC GF-7 is expected to be introduced in Q1 2025.

As OEMs advance their engine designs and technology platforms to continually improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, industry standards must be reviewed and updated. One of the primary drivers for the development of ILSAC GF-7’s predecessor, GF-6, was to ensure engine oils are capable of effectively mitigating LSPI, while protecting engines from its harmful effects. ILSAC GF-7 will look to further build on this protection, focusing on used oil LSPI in particular.

The occurrence of LSPI has been found to be significantly influenced by lubricant chemistry, with high performance and quality engine oils reducing its likeliness. The API SP Sequence IX engine test – developed and incorporated into ILSAC GF-6 to screen engine oils for LSPI performance - will be updated to meet ILSAC GF-7’s requirements and will include a used oil portion of testing.

The launch of ILSAC GF-6 engine oils back in 2020 meant that for vehicles with engines at risk of the LSPI phenomenon, customers needed to change their engine oil to an ILSAC GF-6 lubricant. The unique chemistry of these engine oils, specially designed and developed to mitigate LSPI, immediately reduced the risk of it occurring.

For more severe cases, changing to an ILSAC GF-6 lubricant in conjunction with a mechanic taking a closer look at the engine may be required to evaluate and repair any damage that has been caused.

Once ILSAC GF-7 is released in 2025, LSPI mitigation will be even further addressed.