-
Welcome to Auto Parts Forum
Whether you are a veteran automotive parts guru or just someone looking for some quick auto parts advice, register today and start a new topic in our forum. Registration is free and you can even sign up with social network platforms such as Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
Celebrate Automotive Service Professionals Month This June
-
Similar Topics
-
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.
The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
link hidden, please login to view -
By Counterman
Hahn Automotive Warehouse announced the passing of General Manager Bobby Scheer, a key member of the founding Scheer family, former owners of Prime Automotive. The company said he passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, hard work and a passion for both family and business that inspired all who knew him.
The company added that Scheer was a successful entrepreneur, but, more importantly, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a pillar of the automotive aftermarket industry and a beloved member of the Hahn Automotive family. Over the years, his unwavering commitment to Prime Automotive and his support for employees and customers helped establish Prime as a leading supplier in the Tri-State area. His continued involvement with the company after the Hahn acquisition was a testament to his enduring love for the business and industry, Hahn said.
Danny Chessin and Eli N. Futerman, co-presidents of Hahn Automotive Warehouse, shared the following statement:
“The Hahn family, along with all those whose lives were touched by Bobby’s leadership, friendship and generosity, will miss him dearly. We find comfort in knowing that his core values will continue to guide us, and that the foundation he built will serve as a lasting tribute to his remarkable life and career.”
Hahn added that Scheer’s memory will live on as a blessing to his family, colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
link hidden, please login to view -
By OReilly Auto Parts
SPRINGFIELD, Mo., April 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. (the “Company” or “O’Reilly”) (Nasdaq: ORLY), a leading retailer in the automotive aftermarket industry, announces the release date for its first quarter 2025 results as Wednesday, April 23, 2025, with a conference call to follow on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
link hidden, please login to view -
By Counterman
Holley Performance Brands announced an expansion of its automotive chemicals portfolio with three new products: NOS Octane Booster, Holley Carburetor Cleaner and Baer Spray Brake Cleaner. Holley said the new product lineup will deliver solutions for automotive enthusiasts and racers seeking improved power output, superior cleaning and enhanced system efficiency. The announcement follows the news of Holley’s new agreement to be the exclusive developer and distributor of Cataclean products in North America.
“The expansion of our chemicals portfolio reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-performance solutions that our customers trust,” said Matthew Stevenson, president & CEO, Holley Performance Brands. “By leveraging our iconic brands in this market, we are equipping drivers with the tools to enhance their vehicles’ performance, safety and reliability and strengthening our role as a global leader in the automotive aftermarket.”
Boosting Power and Cleaning with Confidence
link hidden, please login to view said the Octane Booster from NOS is designed to raise octane levels of fuel by up to five numbers for high-compression sport and race engines. The company added that it delivers improved horsepower, reduces NOX emissions and promotes better engine knock protection. The sensor-safe, made in the USA formulation fills a critical role of preventing pre-ignition and damage and its significant octane-boosting capabilities make it exclusive for off-road, race-only enthusiasts looking for maximum power, Holley said. The company also said the Holley Carburetor Cleaner is formulated to be tough on deposits and carbon buildup while remaining safe for sensors, plastics and metal components. Engineered for carburetors and throttle bodies, its versatility extends to a variety of engine types to restore responsiveness and ensure smoother operation. Made in the USA, this professional-grade product is designed for both performance enthusiasts and everyday drivers, the company said.
link hidden, please login to view added that the Baer Spray Brake Cleaner is designed to optimize brake system performance. Made in the USA, Baer Spray’s low-VOC formula removes machining oils, factory coatings, dirt and grease, ensuring a proper break-in for new pads and rotors. Baer Spray helps reduce brake noise, enhance brake bite and improve overall braking efficiency – making it an essential tool for both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts. Holley said the NOS Octane Booster and Baer Spray Brake Cleaner are now available, while the Holley Carburetor Cleaner is available for pre-order.
The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
link hidden, please login to view -
-
By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view announced the creation of NEXUS Automotive Turkey, which it said will increase development opportunities within the N! Community in the country. The new entity is based in Ürmaniye, Instanbul. With a presence in 145 countries, with 523 members, 2,319 WDs, 96 suppliers and close to 10,000 retail stores, NEXUS said it is equipped to strengthen its efforts in Turkey.
A news release from NEXUS announcing the development said NEXUS Automotive Turkey will strive to become a leading force in the Turkish aftermarket, based on turnover, product range and distribution capacity. The new structure will play a critical role in enhancing NEXUS positioning, developing next-generation collaborations, smart supply solutions and the digital transformation shaping the future of the industry with its key stakeholders. “With NEXUS Automotive International’s global strength, extensive supply network and innovative solutions, NEXUS Automotive Turkey’s ambition is to unlock the full potential of the Turkish automotive aftermarket,”
link hidden, please login to view explained. The founding shareholders of NEXUS Automotive Turkey include NEXUS Automotive International, Dinamik and Genckaya, demonstrating the intent of striking a balance between international support and the expertise in the local automotive aftermarket. NEXUS said the initiative aims to satisfy the Turkish market demand for new solutions of leaner supply chains, digital transformation and alternative sourcing strategies. Turkey is also a very important region of the aftermarket, with over 30 million cars with an average age of
link hidden, please login to view. “We are very excited to launch NEXUS Automotive Turkey. Its role will be crucial in strengthening our position as leader in a market with great potential. The structure will also help with aligning more closely with both our suppliers’ and members’ expectations. Developing the Turkish automotive aftermarket will be instrumental to our next chapter,” said CEO Gaël Escribe.
The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
link hidden, please login to view
-
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.