Standard® News

SMP is dedicated to expanding its comprehensive Emission Control program.

A shop’s reputation is affected by things like accuracy of diagnosis, quality of the repair, and friendly service. Equally as important is the quality of the parts installed. If the shop does everything right, and the part fails, the customer will ultimately be upset with the shop. When a new part fails, the customer is inconvenienced again, and begins to lose faith with the shop that performed the work. This ultimately begs the question–why take a chance with inferior parts?

The Check Engine Light (CEL) is arguably one of the most effective yet underappreciated advancements in reducing vehicle emissions. Following the introduction of On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II), the CEL is illuminated continuously if an on-board system monitor has failed a specified number of times and is negatively affecting emissions. If a catalyst-damaging event, such as a misfire, occurs, the CEL will flash. In today’s world of electric vehicles, hybrids, and partial zero-emission vehicles, many people forget that simply keeping their internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered vehicle operating as designed will help in reducing emissions.

SMP® is pleased to announce the introduction of 208 new part numbers in its January new number announcement. 

Anti-lock Braking Systems are intended to do exactly as the name portrays – prevent a vehicle’s wheels from locking up during a braking event. If any of the wheels lock up, the driver has less control of the vehicle and is more prone to an accident. By releasing some brake pressure to the locked-up wheel, the stopping distance will be increased, but the driver will be able to maintain control to hopefully avoid a collision. Prior to ABS, drivers were taught to pump the brake pedal when attempting to stop suddenly, or when stopping on gravel, ice, or loose pavement. Now, the ABS system does that for them.

Advanced Driver Assist Systems have created quite a buzz over the last several years. New business opportunities continuously arise, including a new segment of mobile technicians focusing on ADAS calibrations. While ADAS may still seem relatively new, automotive service professionals have actually been servicing Driver Assist Systems for decades. Systems like power steering, power brakes, and cruise control have been assisting motorists for many years. What is different with ADAS is that there are now input devices to understand what the driver’s intent is and alert the driver to potential dangers, rather than relying solely on the driver’s sight and sound.

Hybrid vehicles have been sold in the U.S. for over 20 years. As hybrids continue to grow in popularity, and as fully electric vehicles have entered the market in the past several years, they have brought with them numerous service opportunities for aftermarket repair facilities. Whether shops dive in and get involved with replacing batteries, inverters, or other high-voltage components, or they stick to light-duty servicing, there is plenty of work to go around.

Gasoline direct injection (GDI) is used on most new vehicles and requires a different approach to diagnosis and service. GDI technology has been an integral part of helping to improve fuel economy while reducing emissions and can be found in more than half of the U.S. fleet. In fact, the use of GDI engines has grown by over 600% since 2010. This means that in the next five years, 42 million more vehicles with GDI will enter the Aftermarket “Sweet Spot” of 6-12 years old, during which their injectors and related parts may need to be serviced or replaced. While GDI systems have proved effective, these systems encounter specific failures and require an understanding of how they work and how to test them when they set a code.

Engine misfires, rough idle, a decrease in power under acceleration, poor fuel economy, and a check engine light are all signs of an ignition coil that has failed. OE coils are known for their high failure rates. Read along for more information on ignition coils, how to diagnose a failed one, and why an original equipment manufacturer’s coil may not be the best replacement choice.

Turbocharger Opportunities: In an effort to increase fuel efficiency, maintain performance, and reduce emissions, vehicle manufacturers are adding turbocharged engines to their lineups at a significant rate. Over the next five years, the turbo service market will continue to experience substantial growth.

SMP continues to expand its aftermarket-leading Gasoline Fuel Injection program.

SMP® is pleased to announce that it released a total of 2,626 new part numbers in 2023.

SMP is pleased to announce the expansion of additional categories covering import and domestic vehicles with ICE, hybrid, and electric powertrains.

SMP® has released 276 new part numbers in its October new number announcement.

SMP continues to expand its line of Oil Filter Housing Kits. Since the program’s introduction, Standard® has added coverage for many popular applications.

SMP® has released 272 new part numbers in its September new number announcement.

SMP® has released 210 new part numbers in its August new number announcement.

SMP® continues to add to its comprehensive Emission Control program, which includes evaporative emission control (EVAP), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and positive crankcase ventilation components.

SMP® has released 207 new part numbers in its July new number announcement.

SMP continues to add to its Variable Valve Timing (VVT) program, which already includes more than 550 part numbers for import and domestic vehicles.

SMP® has released 156 new part numbers in its June new number announcement.

SMP has introduced 110 new part numbers in its March new number announcement.

SMP has introduced 276 new part numbers since the start of the year.

In an effort to increase fuel efficiency and elevate performance across today’s vehicles, nearly every manufacturer has equipped new vehicles with Variable Valve Timing (VVT) technology, also known as Variable Cam Timing (VCT).

SMP continues to add to its aftermarket-leading Ignition Coil program, which includes more than 800 Coils providing 99% coverage for import and domestic vehicles. 

SMP continues to expand its aftermarket-leading Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) program. 

Turbochargers consist of just three major internal components: the turbine, the compressor and the bearing system that supports the turbine shaft. In an effort to increase fuel efficiency, maintain performance and reduce emissions, vehicle manufacturers are adding turbocharged engines to their lineups at a significant rate. 

The Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) is a valid safety device that has been mandated for years. TPMS introduced a lot of new terminology – initiate, program, activate, clone, protocol and relearn. This safety system, a prime service opportunity, warns drivers of issues with their tires and protects motorists from potential danger.

Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) systems are responsible for improving fuel economy, reducing emissions, protecting powertrain components and providing an overall better driving experience. Most vehicles on the road today use ETC. It is important for technicians to understand the principles of the system before delving into system specifics.

Blower Motor Resistors (BMR) control the electrical current flowing from the fan switch to the blower fan, which allows the motorist to set the fan at different speeds. The fan speed can be changed by switching the blower resistor resistance mechanically, using a rotating lever, or electronically, by the air conditioning system.

The Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) is concerned with monitoring and controlling wheel slip, which helps maintain vehicle control. The major components of every ABS system are: wheel speed sensors, brake switch, brake master cylinder, EBCM and hydraulic assembly containing the pump motor, accumulator, valves and solenoids.

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) systems help reduce emissions and maximize engine performance and fuel economy. The VVT Solenoid (Oil Control Valve) meters the oil flow to control the actuation of the VVT Sprocket (Actuator or Phaser). The VVT Sprocket mechanically shifts the position of the camshaft. Here are a few tips for testing.

Coil-on-plug assemblies are designed to convert a low voltage (primary side) to a high voltage (secondary side) to fire the spark plugs. They perform the functions of both the ignition coil, which creates the spark energy, and the spark plug wire set, which delivers the high-voltage energy to the spark plug. Today's coil-on-plug assemblies come in a variety of physical and wiring configurations.

Variable Valve Timing (VVT) or Variable Cam Timing (VCT) is common on most newer engines. These systems are designed to reduce emissions and maximize engine performance and fuel economy. Here's some background on VVT and a few tips for dealing with issues that come up.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is a safety device that measures, identifies and warns you when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Standard® and Intermotor® are committed to helping technicians with TPMS repairs, whether it’s offering OE-Match TPMS sensors or providing repair tips from our team of ASE-certified master technicians. Here are a few TPMS repair tips.

Turbocharged engines are becoming more popular, as vehicle manufacturers look to increase fuel efficiency, maintain performance and reduce emissions. Symptoms of a malfunctioning turbocharger include loss of power, excess smoke, high fuel consumption, overheating, high exhaust temperature and oil leaks from the turbo. Here are a few important diagnostic and repair tips to keep in mind.

The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor is a key component of the engine’s fueling strategy. It is crucial that the MAF sensor reports with 100% accuracy to ensure peak performance, fuel economy and reduced emissions. Here are some helpful tips such as how and when to replace them and steps to extend their longevity.

Diesel Engines have become more popular thanks to a steady string of advancements. New engine designs, noise and vibration-damping technologies, and improvements like electronic engine control have spawned a new generation of engines that are more powerful and fuel efficient than similar-size gasoline engines. Learn more about today's diesel engines with these repair tips from our team of ASE-certified master technicians.

SMP has released a total 832 new part numbers during the first half of 2022 for its Standard® and Standard® Import brands.

SMP continues to expand its aftermarket-leading Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) program.

SMP is pleased to announce the addition of 119 new part numbers to its Standard® and Standard Import® lines.

SMP announces the expansion of its Blue Streak® line. SMP’s latest Blue Streak® product release includes 23 new part numbers in the Direct Ignition and Variable Valve Timing categories.

SMP announces the addition of 146 new part numbers to its Standard®, Blue Streak®, and Standard Import® lines.

SMP announces the addition of 138 new part numbers to its Standard® and Standard® Import lines.

The Automotive Parts Services Group “APSG” (The Group) now made up of Federated, Pronto and Network members, held their 6th annual members meeting the week of April 25th at the Gaylord Texan in Grapevine, TX.

SMP announces the addition of 434 new part numbers to its Standard®, Standard® Import and Blue Streak® lines.

SMP and its employees are committed to contributing to the health and wellbeing of the communities in which we live and work.

To celebrate two of our flagship brands, Standard® and Blue Streak®, we ran the ‘WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED' giveaway, which recently concluded.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. is pleased to announce our 2021 SMP® Scholarship Program recipients.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. (NYSE: SMP) today announced the expansion and enhancement of its industry-leading tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) product line with the unveiling of its QWIK-SENSOR® Multi-Frequency Single Sensor program.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. (NYSE: SMP®) today announced it was named the 2021 Outstanding Vendor of the Year Award by the Automotive Parts Services Group (“The Group”). 

Standard Motor Products, Inc. (NYSE: SMP®) today announced the addition of 180 part numbers within its Standard® and Intermotor® engine management product lines.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. (NYSE: SMP®) today announced it has expanded its turbocharger product line with the addition of 16 New, No-Core turbochargers, all focused on domestic truck applications.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) announces the winners of its fourth annual Standard® ‘Bigger, Better Diesel’ Automotive Scholarship Contest: Nathan Hannan, of New Underwood, SD, Jean-Claude Pierret, of Pasco, WA, MacKenzie Odonnal, of Mesa, AZ, and Benjamin Bressel, of Happy Valley, OR.

SMP announces the release of its Blue Streak® Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Program.

SMP announces the addition of 245 new part numbers to its Standard® and Intermotor® lines.

Standard Motor Products recently won the Catalog & Product Data Excellence Vendor of the Year award at the Automotive Parts Services Group (The Group) national conference and expo.

SMP has released its new Blue Streak® High Temperature Connector Blower Motor Resistor (BMR) Kits.

SMP announces the launch of its SMP® ‘Your Car. Your Data. Sweepstakes.’ The promotion will run through October 31, 2020.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) announces the launch of its updated SMP® Parts App, available for download on the App Store and Google Play Store.

SMP announces the launch of its SMP Cares website, a new site dedicated to highlighting the company’s efforts supporting local communities through service, volunteerism and donations. 

SMP announces the addition of 230 new part numbers to its Standard® and Intermotor® lines.

SMP's Temperature Control Division has delivered heat exchangers suitable for oxygen concentrators and oxygen generators, key components used in the production of medical ventilators. 

SMP announces the launch of its SMP® 'Standing Together' Promotion to recognize shop owners whose shops and employees are helping their local communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Standard Motor Products (SMP) expressed our support and gratitude to each healthcare worker for the work they are doing every day to combat COVID-19 in our local Long Island City neighborhood.

Congratulations to our sales team in St. Cloud, MN, for receiving the 2019 Outstanding Training Support from Automotive Parts Headquarters!  The award was received at AP’s Winter Sales conference in February.

SMP announces the start of its third annual Standard® ‘Bigger, Better Diesel’ Automotive Scholarship Contest.

SMP announces the return of its Blue Streak® ‘Better Then, Better Now’ Automotive Scholarship.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. announces its new SMP 'Women in Auto Care' Scholarship.

Standard Motor Products (SMP) was presented with the Best Product Line Electronic Catalog Award for Import Product and Marketing for its Intermotor® brand at the 2019 AAPEX Show.

Standard Motor Products announced today that it is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. The company was founded by Elias Fife on April 19, 1919.

Standard Motor Products has received the ‘Outstanding Training Support’ award from Automotive Parts Headquarters, Inc. (APH).

Standard Motor Products, Inc. announces that it was named ‘2018 Supplier of the Year’ by O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) announces that its Standard^® Brand YouTube channel has surpassed 10,000 subscribers.

During the recent Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance winter shareholder meeting, Standard Motor Products was presented with a ‘2018 Supplier Award’ for outstanding shipping performance throughout 2018.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) announces the launch of an updated, expanded Blue Streak^® by Standard^® program. 

Standard Motor Products was presented with the New Packaging Showcase Award for Marketing for its Standard® brand at the 2018 AAPEX Show. 

At this year's AWDA Opening Session, Standard Motor Products was presented with the Art Fisher Memorial Scholarship Award.

Standard Motor Products has received the 2017 Exceptional Training Award from the Automotive Distribution Network.

Standard Motor Products was recognized with two prestigious vendor awards at the Automotive Parts Services Group’s inaugural joint members meeting.

Standard Motor Products’ Bob Parker, a Key Account Sales Manager, was awarded Automotive Supplier of the Year at Automotive Supply Associates Inc.’s second annual awards banquet.

Standard Motor Products was recognized twice during the channel partners award banquet at the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance's recent winter shareholder's meeting.

We're proud to announce that Ken Wendling, Vice President, Warehouse Distribution Sales, SMP, has been recognized with Northwood University’s Automotive Aftermarket Management Education Award.

Standard Motor Products announces that it’s the first manufacturer to have its TPMS sensors registered with NSF International, a leading independent, accredited organization that tests and verifies the functionality of products and systems.

We're proud to announce that we're the recipient of the National Pronto Association’s Manpower of the Year Award.

For the second year in a row, we’re happy to report that we’ve received the 2016 Outstanding Training Support Award from UCI/Hahn Automotive.

Each year, the Telly Awards recognize outstanding achievement for productions in areas such as TV, streaming, and non-broadcast events. 

It's never been easier to find Standard parts, now that we've released our new and improved SMP Parts App 2.0.

Since SMP was founded in 1919, our definition of engine management has increasingly expanded to include new technologies.

It’s official.  A week after announcing the acquisition of General Cable’s automotive ignition wire business, Standard Motor Products announces the closing of the acquisition for approximately $71 million, subject to post-closing adjustments.

A few months after naming Eric Sills President and CEO, Standard Motor Products has made another move for the future. SMP announced the acquisition of General Cable Corporation’s automotive ignition wire business.

Standard Motor Products recently received two prestigious awards during Federated Auto Parts Distributors’ National Members Meeting. 

Parts Warehouse, Inc. held its 2016 "Bridge to Excellence" event on April 7–9.

Standard Motor Products was recently named Vendor of the Year by Warehouse Inc. at its 30th annual Open House and Selling Show. 

The Oscars weren’t the only awards handed out this February. At the recent Parts Plus warehouse distributor’s Annual Sales and Marketing Summit, The Parts House honored Standard Motor Products with its 2015 Vendor of the Year Award.

For more than 50 years, Graphic Design USA (GDUSA) has been sponsoring competitions like the American Package Design Awards, which recognizes graphics that advance brand promise and strengthen emotional connections with buyers. 

National Performance Warehouse (NPW), a member of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, recently hosted its seventh annual FAST Expo Trade and Car Show in Miami, FL. The night before the show, the NPW organized an appreciation dinner to recognize the achievements of its Bumper to Bumper Jobber customers and vendor partners.

Earlier this month, SMP Chairman and CEO Larry Sills received the AWDA’s prestigious "Jack Creamer Leader of the Year" award, renamed in honor of the late Jack Creamer.

Each year, Standard Motor Products trains over 60,000 technicians on the latest technologies, diagnostic strategies, and equipment required to diagnose and repair today’s vehicles. 

This spring the applause at Citi Field has been directed at the New York Mets. But when Parts Authority—a high-profile auto parts distributor with 68 locations around the country—held its awards gala at the ballpark on April 28 the cheers were aimed at members of the automotive installer community.

Standard Motor Products has launched its new and completely redesigned Standard eCatalog.

Standard Motor Products has released Version 1.0 of the company's SMP Parts Mobile APP available for Android and Apple devices.

On September 18, 2014, Standard Motor Products was the recipient of the National Pronto Association's 2014 Manpower of the Year Award.

Standard Motor Products, Inc. recently introduced its new QWIK-SENSOR Multi-coverage clone-able TPMS sensor line.

It was a three-peat for Standard Motor Products as SMP was selected as Outstanding Vendor of the Year by the Federated Auto Parts membership for the third consecutive year.

Standard Motor Products was the recipient of design honors from the American Web Design Awards in three categories; Social Media, Social Media Promotion and Rich Media Advertising.

Standard Motor Products was the recipient of design honors from the American Package Design Awards for the Standard TPMS Sensor "If it's not a perfect clone" Plush Toy Sheep & Hang Tag Premium.

Standard Motor Products was recently honored with Hahn Automotive's "2013 Outstanding Training Support" Award.

Standard Motor Products, Inc, was presented with both the "Million Dollar Vendor" and the "Vendor of the Year" Awards at the National Performance Warehouse Second Annual Million Dollar Vendor dinner, fast expo, and customer awards held in Miami, Florida on January 10.

The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc. recently honored Standard Motor Products, Inc. by receiving five awards during their annual shareholders' winter meeting at the Turnberry Isle Resort in Aventura, Florida.