LIQUI MOLY is ready for the API SQ

API SQ entered into force on May 31, 2025. LIQUI MOLY has converted several products from its Special Tec AA and Molygen New Generation series: The engine oils, which are primarily suitable for American and Asian vehicles, meet the requirements of the current American Petroleum Institute standard.

“The new API SQ specification focuses mainly on the topics of optimized fuel efficiency, better protection against LSPI, increased cleaning power and reduced ash formation,” summarizes Oliver Kuhn, Deputy Head of the Oil Laboratory at LIQUI MOLY.

Fuel saving remains an important topic for vehicle manufacturers and therefore places high demands on engine oils. Accordingly, API SQ requires an even greater efficiency of up to 16 percent compared to the previous API SP standard.

In addition, protection against LSPI plays an important role. Low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) refers to the undesired premature ignition of the fuel before the actual combustion. This can lead to engine knocking and serious damage. The engines most affected are modern downsized gasoline units with direct injection. “How well an engine oil protects against LSPI has only been tested on fresh oil so far,” explains Oliver Kuhn. “A new feature of API SQ is that it looks at the overall condition of the oil. The newly introduced LSPI Aged Oil test examines the protection against LSPI in used or aged oil. Our products have successfully passed this test.”

The API SQ also aims for cleaner pistons due to the required improved protection against oxidation and deposits. “Only a clean engine works perfectly. The cleaner the engine, the better for the entire system,” Oliver Kuhn points out.

Compliance with emissions standards is also taken into account in the new specification. “Modern gasoline vehicles are also increasingly equipped with a particle filter. This particularly affects direct injection engines, which form fine soot,” says Oliver Kuhn. API SQ requires a maximum sulfate ash content of 0.9 percent from engine oils in order to reduce ash formation and thus better protect the installed gasoline particulate filter (OPF or GPF) from clogging.

Moreover, stricter limit values for the pumping viscosity (MRV) are new in API SQ. This affects the pumpability of the oil at very low temperatures.

LIQUI MOLY has adapted the Special Tec AA series with the viscosities 0W-16, 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30 as well as the Molygen New Generation series with the viscosities 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30. These LIQUI MOLY products meet the requirements of the new specification. Further engine oils are being prepared for the changeover.

The ILSAC GF-7 specification of the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee, which corresponds to API SQ, already came into force at the end of March. The reformulated Special Tec AA and Molygen New Generation engine oils from LIQUI MOLY also meet this standard. 

About LIQUI MOLY

With around 4,000 items, LIQUI MOLY offers a global, uniquely broad range of automotive chemicals: Motor oils and additives, greases and pastes, sprays and car care, glues and sealants. Founded in 1957, LIQUI MOLY develops and produces its motor oils and additives in Germany. There, it has been voted the best brand in the lubricant category for many years. The company sells its products in around 150 countries.