API stands for "American Petroleum Institute", which among other things defines performance standards for lubricants. Specifications marked "GL" (Gear Lubricant) refer to gear oils. The GL-5 grade is the standard for oils intended for heavily loaded gears, especially hypoid gears in car and truck differentials. These gears operate under high pressures and shear friction. GL-5 oils therefore contain a high proportion of so-called high-pressure additives, known as EP additives. These additives form a protective film on the surface of the gear teeth to prevent damage and galling under severe conditions. Due to the higher concentration of these chemically active additives, GL-5 oil can be aggressive to some non-ferrous metals such as brass or bronze, which are used in the synchronizing rings of older manual transmissions. Therefore, it is not always interchangeable with lower specification oils, such as GL-4, unless specifically allowed by the vehicle manufacturer.