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Jeep Wrangler Modification: Several Key Points You Need to Care
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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
On Feb. 18, 2025, the automakers released a legislative proposal related to automotive right to repair; the views cited in this proposal represent a small fraction of the repair market and are not representative of the broader automotive aftermarket, MEMA said. The industry does appreciate automakers’ acknowledgment of the need for federal legislation to protect consumer choice in vehicle repair and looks forward to congressional consideration of the REPAIR Act.
Auto Care Association President and CEO Bill Hanvey and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers President Paul McCarthy released the following statement:
“We’re pleased to see trade groups representing automakers finally admit what we’ve long known: congressional action is needed to ensure independent shops and aftermarket parts manufacturers can continue to offer Americans quality, affordable choices for vehicle repairs.
“That said, this latest proposal appears to be a tactic to delay and defeat pro-consumer right to repair legislation at every level. The bipartisan Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act (REPAIR Act) is a straightforward approach to ensure safe and secure access to vehicle repair and maintenance data.
“The REPAIR Act, led by Congressman Neal Dunn, is the solution. Protection of consumer and fleet-owner choice ensured access to critical repair data, an established federal enforcement mechanism, and the prevention of repair monopolies is accomplished through the REPAIR Act. Without it, the aftermarket will lose the ability to not only innovate but continue to offer consumers options to keep their vehicles on the road.
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By Counterman
Judge Denise Casper dismissed the entirety of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation’s suit challenging the 2020 Massachusetts Data Access Law. The automakers’ bid to block the Massachusetts
link hidden, please login to viewlaw has failed and the law remains in effect. The judge’s written decision is still under seal but should be made available to the public soon. “Today’s ruling is a significant victory for the people of Massachusetts—and all Americans,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO, Auto Care Association. “This decision by Judge Casper ensures that car owners have the right to access their vehicle’s repair and diagnostic data, empowering them to make informed choices about maintenance and repairs. It levels the playing field, allowing independent repair shops to compete fairly, which in turn drives down costs for consumers. As car owners, we all deserve the freedom to control and manage the data that’s generated by our own vehicles. This ruling is a crucial step toward fostering greater transparency, affordability, and innovation in the automotive industry for the benefit of all Americans.”
The
link hidden, please login to view said it will update its members with additional information as it becomes available. The post
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By Counterman
*After this statement was released, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on X (formerly Twitter) that the U.S. and Mexico have reached an agreement to delay tariffs for a month. In exchange, Mexico will be putting 10,000 National Guard troops on the Mexico/U.S. border as conversations between the countries continue.
On Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, President Trump issued
link hidden, please login to view imposing tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China. The tariffs were implemented under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), citing a national emergency related to illegal immigration and flow of illicit drugs like fentanyl into the U.S. Bill Hanvey, president and CEO,
link hidden, please login to view, emphasized the serious impact the proposed tariffs would have on the automotive aftermarket industry, U.S. consumers and businesses: As of the morning of Feb. 3, only the Executive Order for Canada has been officially published on the White House’s website. The Executive Orders for Mexico and China are pending official release; however, unofficial copies indicate they follow a similar framework to the Canada order.
Key Details of the Executive Order
International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)
IEEPA is a federal law granting the President authority to counter unusual and extraordinary threats to national security without requiring congressional approval or extensive agency review. While historically, IEEPA has been used to impose economic sanctions, this is the first time IEEPA is being used to impose tariffs.
IEEPA requires the president to “consult” with Congress “in every possible instance” before taking action. While the president can act unilaterally, they must provide regular reports to Congress on the actions taken.
Tariff Rates and Products
The Executive Orders do not list specific products subject to the tariffs but states that the tariff applies to all goods which are “products of” these countries.
The new tariff rates below apply “in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions or charges” applicable to imported products. In other words, these tariffs will be applied on top of any existing import duties or tariffs already in effect.
Canada: 25% tariff applies to imports from Canada, with energy products subject to a reduced 10% tariff. Mexico: 25% tariff applies to imports from Mexico. China: 10% tariff applies to imports from China. Implementation Date
The tariffs apply to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on Feb. 4, 2025.
Goods loaded onto vessels at the port of loading or in transit on the final mode of transportation prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. Eastern Time on Feb. 1, 2025, are not subject to the additional duty, subject to certification requirements with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Exemptions
The Executive Orders do not outline any exceptions nor establish an exemption process. The Executive Order also states that the tariffs will remain in effect until the President determines that the countries have taken “sufficient action to alleviate the crisis.”
Retaliation Clause
The executive order states that if Canada, Mexico and/or China retaliate against the United States, President Trump may increase or expand the scope of the duties imposed under this order.
Drawback
Drawback (duty refunds) will not be available.
De Minimis Treatment
Duty-free de minimis treatment will not be available.
Responses from Affected Countries
Canada: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
link hidden, please login to view that Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs of 25% on $155 billion U.S. goods. Tariffs on $30 billion will take effect on Tuesday, Feb. 4. Tariffs on the remaining $125 billion will take effect in 21 days. Tariffs will apply to a range of U.S. exports, including alcoholic beverages, agricultural products, clothing, sports equipment and household appliances. The list of products subject to the initial $30 billion in tariffs can be
link hidden, please login to view. Mexico: Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum
link hidden, please login to view that Mexico will implement tariff and non-tariff measures in response to the tariffs. Sheinbaum emphasized the need for bilateral cooperation and called for discussions on trade policy. China: The Chinese government
link hidden, please login to view the new 10% tariff. China stated that it will file a complaint with the World Trade Organization and is preparing additional countermeasures. Ongoing Monitoring and Member Feedback
The Auto Care Association is closely monitoring these developments and will share new information as it becomes available. For the latest updates, visit
link hidden, please login to view. “We welcome your feedback to help us better understand and assess the impact of these tariffs on our industry and businesses,” said the Auto Care Association, “Please share with us by contacting Angela Chiang, director, international affairs, at [email protected].”
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