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By Counterman
Standard Motor Products (SMP) announced new additions to its electronic parking brake actuator program. The company said the parking brake actuator is one of the fastest-growing categories in the automotive aftermarket. Standard offers coverage for both import and domestic vehicles.
Automakers now use electronic parking brake actuators on almost all new vehicles. These have replaced manually operated cable parking brakes. The new parking brake actuator plays a critical role in vehicle safety systems, according to SMP.
SMP: Quality Engineering in Every Parking Brake Actuator
Standard said its parking brake actuators are always 100% new and never remanufactured. They are engineered to match OE performance. These actuators integrate seamlessly with electronic safety systems.
The plug-and-play design simplifies installation. Technicians do not need additional programming. Many actuators also include the correct O-ring and hardware for a complete repair.
New Applications Cover Ford, Jeep, Subaru and More
link hidden, please login to view has introduced new applications for millions of late-model vehicles. Coverage now includes Ford models like the 2023–22 Escape, Bronco Sport, and Maverick. SMP also added the 2024–23 Super Duty trucks. Other new applications include the 2024–22 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram ProMaster. Mercedes-Benz vehicles through 2023 and Subaru models through 2024 are now covered.
SMP expanded its program to include additional Mazda, Audi, Volkswagen and General Motors vehicles.
SMP Supports Distributors with Training and Tools
“Standard’s parking brake actuator program is the most comprehensive in the industry,” said John Herc, vice president of vehicle control marketing at
link hidden, please login to view. “In addition to industry-leading coverage, we are providing our distribution partners with training, marketing materials and key category insights to help them capitalize on the growth of this category.” Actuator Catalog Available Online
Standard lists all parking brake actuators in its online catalog at
link hidden, please login to view. The company also supplies listings through electronic catalog providers. The post
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By Counterman
March 31, 2025, marked a milestone in engine oil development—the first license date for the
link hidden, please login to view. While that might sound like just another specification in a long line of upgrades, for professional parts counter pros selling to independent repair shops, it’s a moment that carries real-world impact. Understanding what’s new—and how to help shop owners explain it to their customers—could be the difference between a routine oil sale and a value-driven recommendation. First, What Is GF-7?
GF-7 builds on the progress of the GF-6 specification introduced in 2020. Like its predecessor, GF-7 is split into two categories: GF-7A for most modern gasoline engines and GF-7B for low-viscosity formulations like 0W-16, commonly used in vehicles from Japanese OEMs like Toyota. The key takeaway? GF-7 oils are fully backward compatible. If a customer’s vehicle previously called for GF-6, GF-5, or even GF-4, a GF-7A product can safely be used. For 0W-16 applications, GF-7B covers those needs—just make sure the shop isn’t using a 0W-16 oil in an engine not designed for it.
“When they developed the GF categories almost 30-plus years ago, the idea was that it’s an evergreen category, so they’re all backward compatible,” Dr. Michael Warholic, global technology director,
link hidden, please login to view. “The caveat is that GF-7B category. Some engines don’t like thin oil because they’re just not made to operate that way. You have to be careful about misapplication. “The OEMs identified that and developed a shield icon with 0W-16 label to make it easy to identify it versus 0W-20 or heavier oil,” he said.
How to Identify GF-7 on the Shelf
Paying attention to the API designation and symbols on the bottle is key. Counter pros should be looking for the API “donut” and the Starburst or Shield symbols:
• The Starburst still signals general GF-category oils (GF-7A).
• A Shield symbol identifies 0W-16 oils under the GF-7B track.
• Look for API donut to know it’s GF-7.
“It boils down to: if you see the Starburst, it’s a qualified GF oil. If you see the donut on the back, it has the API credentials on it,” Warholic explained.
There’s a one-year transition period where GF-6 oils will still be in circulation, but by March 2026, GF-7 will be the standard.
“Model Year 2026 is when we expect the OEMs will start to notice GF-7 oils in the owner’s manual,” added Karl Kocher, director of light duty product strategy, Valvoline.
Why Should Your Shop Customers Care?
Not all oils are created equal, and consumers are becoming more selective. GF-7 brings improvements in durability, fuel economy, wear protection and emissions performance. This includes:
• Deposit control: GF-7 increases limits on piston cleanliness to limit deposits, helping prevent buildup that can lead to costly repairs like ring sticking.
• Wear resistance: Chain wear limits are tighter to protect timing systems and avoid check-engine lights.
• Cold start protection: Improved low-temp viscosity performance means oil flows better when the engine is most vulnerable—at startup.
• LSPI protection over time: GF-7 includes a new test for aged oil’s ability to resist Low-Speed Pre-Ignition, protecting direct-injected turbo engines long after the oil change.
• Ash limit: For the first time, GF-7 introduces an ash cap to help reduce emissions—a nod to the increasing regulatory pressure on internal combustion engines.
Selling the Upgrade
In addition to standard GF-7 products, some oil suppliers are offering “above and beyond” formulations. Valvoline’s Restore & Protect, for example, is a fully synthetic motor oil that aims at both older, high-mileage vehicles (restore) and new vehicles (protect). While the oil sports a proprietary formulation, Valvoline has noted two proprietary technologies–Active Clean, which removes deposits, and Liqui-Shield, which prevents deposit formation.
“The active technology behind the Restore and Protect products is the same in our GF-6 and our GF-7 products,” Warholic confirmed. “For GF-7, it’s built on a slightly different platform to meet the requirements. The Restore and Protect technology is above and beyond even the deposit performance required for GF-7. It exceeds that performance and does something that no other oil does or that’s actually required by GF-7. It is our own proprietary technology.”
That’s especially valuable in older engines that were exposed to less advanced oils under earlier standards like GF-4 or GF-5. With Restore and Protect, your shop customers can offer a tiered service—a standard GF-7 oil for maintenance, or R&P for vehicles showing signs of engine wear or for customers wanting the best protection available.
Bottom Line for Counter Pros
• Understand the labeling: Starburst = GF-7A; Shield = GF-7B; look for API SQ on the donut.
• Ask about the vehicle: Year, model, and what oil is currently being used.
• Explain backward compatibility: GF-7 oils replace earlier categories in most cases.
• Be proactive: As model year 2026 approaches, shops will need help identifying the right oils—GF-7A or GF-7B—and transitioning their inventory.
GF-7 isn’t just a new acronym—it’s the new baseline. The counter pros who get ahead of it now will be the ones their shop customers rely on tomorrow.
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By Counterman
PRT announced the latest additions of new aftermarket products to its portfolio of complete strut assemblies and shock absorbers. PRT said the 18 products represent more than 10 million vehicles in new coverage.
The company added several significant models to its portfolio. These include the Toyota Yaris, Ford Escape and Volkswagen Touareg. PRT also introduced products for new applications like the 2023 Hyundai Kona. Pickup truck coverage includes the GMC Sierra and Honda Ridgeline.
Models Include Passenger Cars, SUVs and Trucks
The expanded coverage targets a wide range of popular vehicles. These include sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks.
link hidden, please login to view said the updates help meet ongoing demand in the market. New Aftermarket Products Now Available in the U.S.
“These continuous product launches aim to broaden our application range across the North American aftermarket,” said Bruno Bello, director of global marketing at PRT. “The new items are available in the U.S. and ready for shipment!”
In March, PRT announced the latest additions to its portfolio of complete strut assemblies and shock absorbers in the North American Aftermarket. The 27 new products represent more than seven million vehicles in new coverage.
The launches include models like the Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Challenger and Suzuki SX4, in addition to brand new applications including the Chrysler Voyager and Pacifica 2023, as well as the Ford Transit 250 and 350 HD 2023, among others.
Contact PRT or Visit Online for Details
For more information, call 1-770-238-1611, visit
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By Counterman
Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) announced it released a total of 170 new part numbers in the first quarter of 2025, including introductions from
link hidden, please login to view’s Vehicle Control and Temperature Control divisions. New coverage for late-model import and domestic vehicles was added across multiple powertrains, the company said. Ignition Coils have been added for Hyundai cars and SUVs, including the 2024-21 Elantra and 2024-22 Kona, and multiple new applications have been added to Standard’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Program. New coverage in this category includes Park Assist Cameras for import and domestic vehicles like the 2024-18 Chrysler Pacifica and 2024-20 Voyager, as well as Nissan, Toyota and Honda vehicles. Seven new ABS Speed Sensors were added, offering coverage for over one million Hyundai vehicles through the 2025 model-year, as well as the 2023-20 Kia Soul and General Motors vans through 2024. Also included in the release were Collision Repair components such as Hood Latch Assemblies, Tailgate Latch Assemblies, and Multi-Function Connectors for over one hundred million vehicles, according to
link hidden, please login to view. Four Seasons New Numbers
New numbers from Four Seasons include nearly 70 Hose Assemblies, adding coverage for over nine million import and domestic vehicles. This new offering includes Liquid Lines for the 2023-19 Subaru Forester, Discharge Lines for the 2024-21 Kia Sorento and 2023-21 Hyundai Santa Fe, and Suction and Liquid Lines for the 2023-21 Toyota Tacoma. Air Door Actuators were introduced for over three million General Motors trucks, as well as the 2021-19 Nissan Altima and 2020-19 Infiniti QX50. Four Seasons’ Reman and New Compressor programs have expanded as well, offering coverage for popular vehicles like the 2022-18 Honda Accord and 2023 Honda Civic. Additional categories that see expansion include Electric Coolant Pumps, Water Inlets, Thermal Management Modules, Heater Cores, Engine Coolant Auxiliary Pumps and more.
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By Max
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BOSCH (Brake Pads, Brake Shoes) - 1024 images.
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List of available photos IMAGES.xlsx
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