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By Nancy Bitter
When it comes to maintaining your vehicle, finding reliable and affordable auto parts is essential. JM Used Auto Spare Parts offers a variety of used car parts that can help extend the life of your vehicle without breaking the bank. From engines to transmissions, their inventory includes high-quality parts that have been thoroughly inspected to ensure they meet industry standards.
Using JM Used Auto Spare Parts can be a game-changer for car owners and mechanics alike, offering savings without compromising on quality. The key to a successful car repair or upgrade lies in finding the right parts, and with <a href=" https://jmusedautospareparts.com/">JM Used Auto Spare Parts</a>, that becomes much easier. They provide a vast selection of components that are compatible with various makes and models.
Not only does JM Used Auto Spare Parts offer great prices, but their commitment to customer satisfaction ensures that you’ll find the parts you need quickly and easily. With great deals and fast shipping, you’ll be able to complete your repair or upgrade project on time and within budget.
Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional mechanic, JM Used Auto Spare Parts is the place to go for all your used auto parts needs. Browse through their extensive inventory today and get your vehicle back on the road in no time.
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By Auto News
link hidden, please login to viewWith a majority of vehicle owners living in areas of the country that have stay-at-home orders, many vehicles may be sitting idle for days or weeks at a time. The non-profit Car Care Council recommends starting your car at least once a week and keeping up with routine auto care to help prevent potential maintenance issues. “Just as it is recommended that people stay active during this time of social distancing, your car should get some activity as well,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “If your vehicle sits idle for too long, the battery could die, the tires can develop flat spots and the engine oil may start to deteriorate. Just a short solo drive once a week and a little car care will keep your car running efficiently and safely.”
When starting your car weekly, let it run for at least five minutes. If the vehicle is started in a garage, make sure the garage door is open and there is plenty of ventilation. In addition, the Car Care Council suggests monitoring the following areas of your vehicle if it sits idle for long periods of time.
Battery – Today’s vehicles have several computers that are always in operation, so if a car sits too long without recharging, the battery could die within a couple of weeks.
Tires – Maintain proper tire pressure to improve vehicle performance and gas mileage. Doing so is also important for vehicle safety. Checking the tire pressure frequently is more important if the car is parked for long periods of time. Vehicles that sit idle too long can develop flat spots, so taking a brief drive every once in a while will help prevent bald spots, and recharge the battery, too.
Fuel – Today’s modern fuel systems help preserve the life of the gas in your tank and also prevent fuel oxidation. Keeping a full tank of gas helps limit gas-tank condensation. If you are still concerned about the gas in your tank going bad, a fuel stabilizer may help extend the life of your fuel.
Oil – If a car sits too long, the oil can deteriorate, so continue to change the oil at the proper time intervals, even if you are not driving your normal mileage. It is always best to check the owner’s manual for the maximum time you should wait between oil changes.
Brakes – If a car sits idle, rust can start to form on the brake rotors, especially if the car is parked outside. Driving your car at least once a week will help prevent rust buildup.
Cleaning – Removing the grime and sediment that builds up on the outside of your car helps prevent rust, and cleaning the interior is important, too. Wipe down the dashboard, steering wheel, cup holders, door handles, vents and console with a quality, all-purpose automotive cleaner that will help disinfect the interior areas of your vehicle.
For more helpful information about maintaining your vehicle for safety, dependability and value, visit
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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
link hidden, please login to view is pleased to announce that Hamilton Discount Auto Parts ( link hidden, please login to view) joined as its newest shareholder. By joining APA, HDAP gains access to a suite of resources, strong supplier connections, and a community of like-minded independent distributors, elevating its ability to serve customers effectively. APA Welcomes New Shareholder HDAP, expanding its network. The Growth of HDAP
Khaled Abudagga founded HDAP in 2003. He started it as a single-location business in Hamilton, Ontario. Khaled, a former auto shop owner, transitioned into the parts-selling industry. His goal was to provide top-tier products and exceptional service. Over the years, HDAP grew and now operates 16 locations. Customers know the business for its reliability and dedication.
Why HDAP Joined APA
“HDAP joined APA because I was looking for a U.S. buying group that would provide more value for its shareholders,” said Khaled. “I saw APA and was impressed that it operated like a family business.”
Khaled Abudagga Joins the APA Board
In addition to joining APA, Abudagga now serves on the APA Board of Directors. His extensive experience in the automotive aftermarket adds value to the organization. His commitment to independent distributors strengthens the community.
APA Welcomes New Shareholder to Strengthen its Mission
“We are thrilled to welcome HDAP to the
link hidden, please login to view family,” said Steve Tucker, president of APA. “Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to a successful partnership.” The post
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