-
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.
Rust Belt vs Salt Belt: Do you know the difference?
-
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
link hidden, please login to view N.A announced the expansion of its aftermarket portfolio with 13 new belt drive SKUs that offer application coverage for over 5.2 million vehicles in operation (VIO). A news release from
link hidden, please login to view said the latest product expansion “brings innovative solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of modern vehicles and repair technicians. The upgraded components enhance efficiency, simplify installation and reduce inventory complexity for distributors and shops.” The company’s new product lineup features:
Three pulleys covering over 2.1 million VIO. Seven overrunning alternator decouplers (OAD) spanning over 860,000 VIO. Three belt tensioners covering over 2.2 million VIO, now featuring advanced engineering upgrades for improved performance and ease of use. “It is essential that shops have access to reliable, OE-equivalent aftermarket parts as vehicles become more advanced. With 11 of the 13 new SKUs being first-to-market and OE-engineered, we’re giving technicians access to solutions that weren’t previously available,” said Ana Maria Lopez, product application manager at Litens Aftermarket N.A. “This is about staying ahead of industry complexity and ensuring shops have the right parts when they need them.”
All new SKUs are available now through
link hidden, please login to view distribution network, with additional product expansions planned throughout 2025, the company said.
The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
link hidden, please login to view -
-
-
By Clifford Auto Parts
If you’ve ever looked into car engine management systems, you’ve probably come across the terms ECM (Engine Control Module) and ECU (Engine Control Unit). While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not exactly the same. Understanding the difference between ECM and ECU can help you diagnose vehicle issues, make informed repair decisions, and ensure your car runs efficiently.
At Clifford Auto Parts, we specialize in high-quality ECMs and ECUs, providing affordable replacements with free shipping across the USA. In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between ECMs and ECUs, their roles in vehicle performance, and how to know when it’s time to replace them.
✅ What is an ECU (Engine Control Unit)?
The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is a broad term referring to any electronic module that controls various aspects of a vehicle's operation. Modern cars often have multiple ECUs that manage different systems in the vehicle, such as:
✔️ Engine Management (ECM) – Controls fuel injection, ignition timing, and emissions.
✔️ Transmission Control (TCM) – Regulates automatic gear shifting.
✔️ Brake Control (ABS Module) – Manages anti-lock braking systems.
✔️ Body Control (BCM) – Controls lighting, windows, and climate systems.
The ECU acts like the brain of the car, receiving signals from sensors and making real-time adjustments to optimize performance, efficiency, and safety.
✅ What is an ECM (Engine Control Module)?
The Engine Control Module (ECM) is a specific type of ECU dedicated to managing the engine’s performance. It ensures the correct amount of fuel, air, and spark is delivered to keep the engine running smoothly.
A faulty ECM can cause serious performance issues, including:
✔️ Check Engine Light Staying On
✔️ Engine Stalling or Misfiring
✔️ Poor Fuel Efficiency
✔️ Starting Problems
At Clifford Auto Parts, we offer tested and warrantied ECM replacements for Ford, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, and more, ensuring a plug-and-play experience for vehicle owners across the USA.
✅ How Do ECM and ECU Work Together?
While the ECM specifically controls the engine, it still communicates with other ECUs in the car. For example:
✔️ The ECM and TCM (Transmission Control Module) work together to ensure smooth gear shifting.
✔️ The ECM and BCM (Body Control Module) coordinate engine start functions with security and lighting systems.
✔️ The ECM interacts with the ABS Module to adjust power delivery during emergency braking situations.
Modern cars rely on these interconnected systems to provide seamless driving performance.
✅ When Should You Replace Your ECM or ECU?
If your vehicle is experiencing engine trouble, transmission issues, or persistent warning lights, you may need to replace the ECM or a specific ECU. Some warning signs include:
✔️ Check Engine Light stays on, even after repairs
✔️ Sudden drops in fuel efficiency
✔️ Rough idling, stalling, or misfires
✔️ Transmission shifts erratically or gets stuck in a gear
✔️ Car fails to start despite a working battery
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to costly repairs. The best way to diagnose the problem is to use an OBD-II scanner to check for ECU or ECM-related fault codes.
✅ Why Choose Clifford Auto Parts for ECM & ECU Replacements?
At Clifford Auto Parts, we specialize in providing high-quality, reliable ECM and ECU replacements that fit seamlessly into your vehicle. Here’s why thousands of vehicle owners trust us:
✔️ Wide Selection: We offer ECMs & ECUs for Ford, Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, and more.
✔️ Lifetime Warranty: All our ECMs come with a lifetime guarantee for peace of mind.
✔️ Fast & Free Shipping: Get your replacement within 3 business days, anywhere in the USA.
✔️ Affordable Pricing: Save hundreds of dollars compared to dealership prices.
✔️ Plug-and-Play Compatibility: Our ECMs are programmed and ready to install.
Don't let a failing ECM or ECU slow you down! Shop today at link hidden, please login to view for top-quality replacements.
✅ Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between ECM and ECU helps car owners diagnose vehicle problems, make informed repair decisions, and ensure long-term performance. While ECUs control multiple car functions, ECMs specifically manage the engine’s performance.
If you're facing engine issues, poor fuel efficiency, or transmission troubles, it may be time to replace your ECM or another ECU module. At Clifford Auto Parts, we provide tested, warrantied, and affordable ECMs and ECUs to keep your vehicle running like new.
🚗 Need an ECM replacement? Visit link hidden, please login to view today!
📞 Questions? Call (516) 494-7838 for expert assistance.
-
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.