If you run a quick lube shop, auto service center, or any business that performs oil changes, you have seen vehicle technology evolve rapidly over the past decade. Engines are smaller, run hotter, rely on turbocharging and direct injection, and place greater demands on lubricants. At the same time, customers expect longer drain intervals, improved fuel efficiency, and protection against expensive repairs.

To support these changes, the American Petroleum Institute (API) introduced a new gasoline engine oil category, API SQ, in 2025. This new standard replaces the previous API SP category and raises the performance requirements for oils used in today’s gasoline-powered cars, SUVs, and light-duty trucks.

For quick lube operators, API SQ is more than a technical update. It is an opportunity to strengthen customer trust, reduce comeback issues, and ensure your business is ready for the newest engines on the road.

What Makes API SQ a Significant Update
API SQ was created to meet the needs of modern engines that face challenges older oil categories were not designed for. These challenges include low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), timing chain wear, and increased engine deposit formation.

  • Stronger protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI): LSPI is an abnormal combustion event that can occur in small, turbocharged gasoline engines, especially at low speeds and high loads. It can cause severe knocking and internal damage. To meet the new API SQ category, engine oils must pass more rigorous testing to reduce LSPI risk, providing your customers with better long-term engine protection.
  • Better timing chain wear control: Timing chain wear has become more common in newer engines, particularly when using lower-viscosity oils. API SQ raises the bar on wear protection to help prevent costly timing chain repairs.
  • Improved deposit control: API SQ oils must pass stricter tests for sludge and varnish prevention at both hot and cold temperatures. This keeps engines cleaner, improves performance, and reduces the likelihood of customer complaints about rough running or reduced fuel economy.

These technical improvements translate directly into better outcomes for your customers and fewer service issues for your business.

Benefits of API SQ for Your Customers
Quick lube shops succeed when customers feel confident in the protection and value that your services provide. API SQ gives your business several customer-focused benefits. Advising your customers to switch to new API-SQ-compliant oils is a great way to offer more value and build brand loyalty. Here are some of the benefits you can share with your customers.

  • Longer engine life: Because API SQ oils are designed for cleaner operation and stronger wear control, engines perform better over time. Customers who want to avoid major repairs benefit from oils built to handle today’s demanding engines.
  • Better fuel efficiency: API SQ oils reduce internal engine friction, improving fuel efficiency. This contributes to improved fuel economy, which is more important to customers who keep their vehicles longer than in previous years.
  • Better cold-weather performance: API SQ oils undergo tougher cold-start testing. This helps engines warm up faster, reduces wear during the first few minutes of operation, and improves reliability during winter months.
  • Longer-lasting emissions systems: Modern vehicles are equipped with gasoline particulate filters (GPFs) and more advanced catalytic converters. API SQ limits sulfated ash levels to help protect these systems and extend their life.
  • Compatibility with ultra-low-viscosity oils: As more automakers recommend very thin oils such as SAE 0W-8 and 0W-12 for fuel savings, API SQ ensures these oils still meet protection requirements. Stocking SQ-certified oils helps your shop stay current with the newest vehicles on the market.

Why API SQ Matters for Your Quick Lube Business
Adopting API SQ brings business benefits beyond better engine protection for your customers. When you stock your shop with these oils and push for customers to make the switch, some benefits your shop may see include:

  • Fewer customer issues and rechecks: Because API SQ oils provide improved cleanliness and wear control, shops see fewer complaints about noise, sludge, timing chain issues, or LSPI. This saves time and protects your shop’s reputation.
  • Alignment with new vehicle standards: Automakers are designing engines that rely on advanced oils. Stocking API SQ helps your shop stay aligned with factory recommendations for 2025-and-newer vehicles.
  • A stronger competitive position: Shops that transition early to new oil categories demonstrate expertise and professionalism. Offering API SQ as a premium or recommended service level helps increase customer trust and boosts average ticket value.
  • Simplified inventory management: API SQ covers a wide range of viscosity grades. Many shops find they can consolidate duplicate SP and SQ products, saving space and improving ordering efficiency.

How to Transition Your Shop to API SQ
Switching to the new oil category can be done smoothly by following a few simple steps.

  • Review your current inventory: Identify which products you currently stock that now have SQ-certified versions. Many common viscosities, such as 0W-20, 5W-20, and 5W-30, are readily available in SQ formulations.
  • Train your employees: Your staff does not need deep technical knowledge, but they should be able to recognize the API SQ certification symbol and explain in simple terms why it offers better protection.
  • Update service recommendations: Reposition API SQ as a top-tier option. Ensure pricing, signage, and point-of-sale systems clearly identify SQ oils as the current choice for modern engines.
  • Communicate clearly with customers: Most drivers do not know what API SQ means, so your messaging should focus on clear benefits such as improved engine protection, better fuel economy, and longer-lasting components.

How Greg’s Petroleum Service Supports Your Quick Lube Shop
We have worked with quick lube businesses for decades, supplying premium-quality oils, lubricants, filters, fluids, cleaners, shop products, and everything needed to keep service operations running smoothly. As the industry transitions to API SQ, we are here to help your shop stay ahead of customer expectations and avoid disruptions.

Here is how we support your business at every step:

  • A dependable supply of API SQ oils: We carry SQ-certified products from trusted brands like Chevron to ensure consistent availability so your shop is never left without the right oil. Whether you prefer packaged goods or bulk delivery, we can supply what you need.
  • Help selecting the right products: We work with you to evaluate the vehicle mix in your area, determine the best viscosity grades to stock, and create good, better, best service tiers that improve profitability and customer trust.
  • Complete line of shop supplies: In addition to oil, Greg’s Petroleum offers filters, coolant, brake fluids, greases, cleaners, absorbents, DEF (diesel exhaust fluid), wiper fluid, and other essentials that keep your shop operating efficiently.
  • Staff support and product education: We assist with product knowledge, oil category transition planning, and customer communication so your team feels confident explaining API SQ and recommending the right products.
  • Long-term partnership: As future oil categories evolve and automakers introduce new engines and lubrication requirements, we will help you stay informed and prepared. Our goal is to help your business stay efficient, profitable, and competitive.

The Bottom Line
API SQ category represents a significant step forward in engine protection and reflects the needs of modern vehicles. For quick lube owners, adopting this new standard is not simply a matter of updating product labels. It is an opportunity to improve service quality, reduce customer complaints, and strengthen trust in your shop’s recommendations.

API SQ helps customers extend engine life, reduce unexpected repairs, improve fuel efficiency, and protect emissions systems. For your business, it offers a more consistent service process, better alignment with manufacturer requirements, and a competitive advantage in a crowded market.

If you are ready to transition to API SQ or want guidance on which products to carry, Greg’s Petroleum Service is here to help. We will make sure your quick lube franchise has the right oils, the right supplies, and a dependable support team to keep your customers satisfied and your business running smoothly.