Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
dexos1 Gen 3 Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil with LiquiTek Protection Additive
Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 is a premium full synthetic motor oil formulated for modern gasoline engines, including turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engines, conventional gasoline engines, flex-fuel vehicles and compatible gasoline-electric hybrids.
The full synthetic formulation combines synthetic base oils with Kendall's LiquiTek additive package to help control wear, sludge, varnish and viscosity breakdown while supporting low-temperature oil circulation and high-temperature protection.
GT-1 Max 0W-20 is licensed for GM dexos1 Gen 3 and is specifically formulated to help protect turbocharged direct-injection engines against low-speed pre-ignition, or LSPI.
Key Benefits
- Full synthetic SAE 0W-20 motor oil
- Formulated with Kendall LiquiTek additive technology
- GM dexos1 Gen 3 licensed
- ILSAC GF-6A licensed for the 0W-20 grade
- API SP and SN PLUS with Resource Conserving
- Helps protect against low-speed pre-ignition
- Designed for turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engines
- Helps protect against viscosity and thermal breakdown
- Helps control sludge and varnish formation
- Low volatility helps reduce oil consumption
- Strong low-temperature pumpability for cold-start protection
- Helps protect turbochargers
- Helps protect emission-system catalysts
- Protects against rust and bearing corrosion
- Highly resistant to foaming
- Suitable for gasoline and flex-fuel vehicles using fuels containing up to E85
- Suitable for compatible gasoline-electric hybrids
- Meets Ford WSS-M2C972-A1
- Meets or exceeds Chrysler MS-6395
- Suitable for applicable older GM 6094M applications
Full Synthetic 0W-20 with LiquiTek
Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 uses synthetic base stocks combined with the company's LiquiTek performance additive package.
Compared with conventional engine oils, the full synthetic formulation is designed to provide improved:
- Resistance to viscosity breakdown
- High-temperature deposit control
- Low-temperature circulation
- Oil-consumption control
- Engine cleanliness
- Wear protection
LiquiTek is Kendall's current additive formulation for the GT-1 Max line.
The older Liquid Titanium branding should not be used to describe the current product.
GM dexos1 Gen 3 Licensed
Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 is licensed for GM dexos1 Gen 3.
The dexos1 Gen 3 specification includes performance requirements addressing areas such as:
- Low-speed pre-ignition
- Turbocharger deposits
- Piston deposits
- Oxidation
- Sludge
- Engine wear
- Fuel economy
- Low-temperature performance
For GM vehicles requiring dexos1 Gen 3 and SAE 0W-20, GT-1 Max provides direct specification alignment. Always verify the required viscosity in the vehicle owner's manual.
API SP and ILSAC GF-6A
For the SAE 0W-20 grade, Kendall's current Product Data Sheet specifically lists:
- ILSAC GF-6A
- API SP with Resource Conserving
- API SN PLUS with Resource Conserving
Kendall's broader GT-1 Max product family has begun transitioning other viscosity grades to API SQ and ILSAC GF-7 specifications.
The current September 2025 PDS still identifies 0W-20 as API SP and ILSAC GF-6A, so those are the appropriate formal performance claims for this product page.
Low-Speed Pre-Ignition Protection
Low-speed pre-ignition, commonly called LSPI, is an abnormal combustion event that can affect some turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engines.
LSPI typically occurs under relatively low engine speeds and high loads and can create unusually high cylinder pressures.
Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 is specifically formulated to help protect against LSPI in TGDI engines.
Turbocharger and Emission-System Protection
Modern gasoline engines can expose lubricants to high temperatures around the turbocharger while also relying on sensitive emission-control equipment.
GT-1 Max is formulated to help protect:
- Turbochargers
- Emission-system catalysts
- Internal engine components
Its deposit-control, oxidation-resistance and volatility characteristics help support these systems when the correct viscosity and specification are used.
Gasoline, Flex-Fuel and Hybrid Applications
Kendall recommends GT-1 Max for compatible:
- Turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engines
- Conventional gasoline engines
- Flex-fuel passenger cars
- Light-duty trucks
- SUVs
- Gasoline-electric hybrids
- Four-stroke gasoline engines in other mobile or stationary equipment
It is also formulated for vehicles operating on ethanol-containing gasoline up to E85.
Always verify that the equipment manufacturer calls for SAE 0W-20 and a compatible performance specification.
Ford WSS-M2C972-A1
The current Kendall Product Data Sheet lists the SAE 0W-20 grade as meeting or exceeding Ford WSS-M2C972-A1.
This replaces the older Ford WSS-M2C962-A1 reference found in previous Kendall literature.
The current grade-specific Ford specifications within the GT-1 Max family are:
- SAE 5W-20: Ford WSS-M2C970-A1
- SAE 5W-30: Ford WSS-M2C971-A1
- SAE 0W-20: Ford WSS-M2C972-A1
For this product page, only WSS-M2C972-A1 should be presented as the current 0W-20 Ford requirement.
Chrysler MS-6395
Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 meets or exceeds the requirements of Chrysler MS-6395.
Confirm that the individual engine requires SAE 0W-20 before use.
Cold-Start Performance
Full synthetic 0W-20 motor oil is designed to remain fluid at low temperatures so it can circulate rapidly during engine startup.
The current Kendall 0W-20 data lists:
- Cold-cranking viscosity: 5,700 cP at -35°C
- Pour point: -45°C (-49°F)
These properties support cold-start lubrication in engines designed for SAE 0W-20.
High-Temperature Performance
Current typical properties include:
- Kinematic viscosity at 40°C: 42.0 cSt
- Kinematic viscosity at 100°C: 8.0 cSt
- Viscosity Index: 169
- High-temperature/high-shear viscosity at 150°C: 2.6 cP
- Flash point: 226°C (439°F)
These properties characterize the oil's viscosity behavior across a broad range of operating temperatures.
Low Volatility and Oil Consumption
The full synthetic formulation is designed for lower volatility than conventional oils.
Lower volatility can help reduce lubricant loss through evaporation at elevated engine temperatures. Actual oil consumption depends on factors including:
- Engine design
- Engine condition
- Mileage
- Operating temperature
- Driving conditions
- Service interval
Sludge and Varnish Protection
Engine heat, oxidation and combustion contaminants can contribute to sludge and varnish formation.
GT-1 Max with LiquiTek is formulated to help control these deposits and maintain engine cleanliness.
Severe Driving Conditions
Kendall specifically recommends GT-1 Max for vehicles exposed to demanding conditions such as:
- Extreme ambient temperatures
- Towing heavy loads
- Stop-and-go driving
- Other severe-service conditions
Oil-change intervals should still follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
Current Specifications and Claims
Licensed for:
- ILSAC GF-6A
- API SP with Resource Conserving
- API SN PLUS with Resource Conserving
- GM dexos1 Gen 3
Meets or exceeds:
- Chrysler MS-6395
- Ford WSS-M2C972-A1
- GM 6094M, obsolete specification
Typical Technical Properties
| Property |
Typical Value |
| SAE Grade |
0W-20 |
| Specific Gravity at 60°F |
0.845 |
| Density at 60°F |
7.05 lb/gal |
| ASTM Color |
3.0 |
| Flash Point, COC |
226°C (439°F) |
| Pour Point |
-45°C (-49°F) |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 40°C |
42.0 cSt |
| Kinematic Viscosity at 100°C |
8.0 cSt |
| Viscosity Index |
169 |
| Cold Cranking Viscosity |
5,700 cP at -35°C |
| HTHS Viscosity at 150°C |
2.6 cP |
| Sulfated Ash |
0.8 wt % |
| Total Base Number |
7.9 |
| Phosphorus |
0.068 wt % |
| Zinc |
0.074 wt % |
Typical properties are average production values and should not be treated as guaranteed batch specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20?
Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 is a full synthetic gasoline motor oil formulated with LiquiTek additive technology for modern passenger cars, light trucks, SUVs, flex-fuel vehicles and compatible hybrids requiring SAE 0W-20.
Is Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 full synthetic?
Yes. Kendall describes GT-1 Max 0W-20 as a premium full synthetic passenger-car engine oil.
What is Kendall LiquiTek?
LiquiTek is Kendall's current performance additive package used in GT-1 Max. It is formulated to support engine cleanliness, wear protection, deposit control and friction reduction.
Did LiquiTek replace Kendall Liquid Titanium?
Yes. LiquiTek is the current additive branding used for Kendall GT-1 Max. Older product literature used Liquid Titanium terminology.
Is Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 dexos1 Gen 3 approved?
Yes. The current Product Data Sheet lists SAE 0W-20 as licensed for GM dexos1 Gen 3.
Is Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 API SQ?
The current September 2025 Product Data Sheet does not list API SQ for the 0W-20 grade. It specifically lists API SP and SN PLUS with Resource Conserving for 0W-20.
Does Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 meet ILSAC GF-7A?
The current grade-specific licensing table lists ILSAC GF-6A for 0W-20. Other GT-1 Max viscosity grades have moved to GF-7A, but the current 0W-20 listing remains GF-6A.
Is Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 API SP?
Yes. The current Product Data Sheet lists API SP with Resource Conserving for the 0W-20 grade.
Does Kendall 0W-20 protect against LSPI?
Yes. GT-1 Max is specifically formulated to help protect against low-speed pre-ignition in turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engines.
Can Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 be used in turbocharged engines?
Yes, when the turbocharged gasoline engine specifies SAE 0W-20 and a compatible performance specification.
Can Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 be used in direct-injection engines?
Yes. Turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engines are specifically included among its intended applications.
Does Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 meet Ford WSS-M2C972-A1?
Yes. The current Product Data Sheet lists Ford WSS-M2C972-A1 for SAE 0W-20.
Did Kendall 0W-20 previously meet Ford WSS-M2C962-A1?
Older Kendall literature referenced WSS-M2C962-A1. The current September 2025 PDS lists the newer WSS-M2C972-A1 specification for 0W-20.
Does Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 meet Chrysler MS-6395?
Yes. Kendall lists Chrysler MS-6395 among the requirements met or exceeded by GT-1 Max 0W-20.
Can Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 be used in hybrid vehicles?
Yes. Kendall includes compatible gasoline-electric hybrids among its recommended applications where SAE 0W-20 and the appropriate performance specification are required.
Can Kendall GT-1 Max be used with E85?
Yes. The formulation is designed for gasoline and flex-fuel vehicles operating on ethanol-containing fuels up to E85.
What is the viscosity of Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20?
Typical kinematic viscosity is 42.0 cSt at 40°C and 8.0 cSt at 100°C.
What is the viscosity index of Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20?
The current Product Data Sheet lists a typical viscosity index of 169.
What is the pour point of Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20?
The typical pour point is -45°C (-49°F).
What is the flash point of Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20?
The current PDS lists a typical Cleveland Open Cup flash point of 226°C (439°F).
Is Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 good for cold weather?
Its SAE 0W winter rating, -45°C pour point and 5,700 cP cold-cranking viscosity at -35°C provide strong low-temperature characteristics for engines designed to use SAE 0W-20.
Is Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 suitable for towing?
Kendall specifically identifies severe driving conditions, including towing heavy loads, among the conditions for which GT-1 Max is recommended. The engine must still specify SAE 0W-20.
Can I use Kendall 0W-20 instead of 5W-30?
Only if the vehicle manufacturer permits SAE 0W-20. Do not substitute viscosity grades without verifying the engine's requirements.
How often should Kendall GT-1 Max 0W-20 be changed?
Follow the vehicle manufacturer's oil-change interval or oil-life monitoring system. Full synthetic construction does not automatically extend the manufacturer's prescribed service interval.
Product Videos
