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There are plenty of critical challenges and opportunities facing independent auto repair shops in an era of rapid technological change, explained Donovan Ringo, senior manager of emerging technologies at NAPA. In this episode of Auto Service World Conversations, Ringo highlighted the seismic shifts occurring in the automotive sector, particularly in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies. “Four out of five shops are sending their AD
The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is changing the landscape of automotive repair and fast. If you’re thinking about becoming an auto mechanic , now is the perfect time to prepare for the future. EVs may not dominate the roads yet, but they’re gaining ground quickly. With manufacturers investing heavily in electric technology, demand for skilled technicians who understand EV systems is growing every year.
Fixing cars isn’t what it used to be, and that’s what makes it exciting. Today’s auto mechanic needs to do more than turn a wrench. With classic cars running on pure mechanics and modern cars powered by sophisticated tech, the job now blends old-school know-how with digital problem-solving. Whether you dream of restoring vintage Mustangs or decoding error messages on a Tesla, understanding how car repair has evolved is essential.
When it comes to customer complaints to nail down a steering pull condition, there are two questions you should ask. 1) “Is it all the time?” If the problem is intermittent, it warrants some diagnostic time. The issue could be the brakes, power steering or other systems like ADAS. 2) “Does the pull increase or decrease with speed?” This prompt hopefully will give you an indication of the severity of the condition.
The largest automaker of the Detroit Big Three is recalling certain previous-gen Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. Affected vehicles feature roof-rail airbag inflator end caps that may detach when deployed. General Motors can't rule out inflator sidewall ruptures either. Joyson Safety Systems is the supplier of the suspect roof-rail airbag modules, which are internally referred to as 84487867 and 84487868 by General Motors. ( continue reading.
EPISODE: 160 – Marketing Auto Body Shops with Daniel Burkholder Most shop owners don’t think about marketing when things are going great, but wait until the car count drops or the phones go quiet. That’s when the panic hits, and all eyes turn to marketing. But what if your shop’s struggles aren’t about marketing at all? In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Burkholder from Body Shop Marketing to explore a lesser-known aspect of the collision industry.
Jobbers are facing mounting pressure from multiple areas. Here’s what they’re dealing with, how they’re focused on their shop customers and where they see room for improvement. The automotive aftermarket is no stranger to change, but 2025 has brought a perfect storm of economic headwinds that’s testing the resilience of jobbers across Canada. As the cost of doing business climbs and global supply chains tighten, parts retailers are being forced to rethink how they manage inventory, pricing and
Choosing a career in automotive service means getting comfortable with tools; lots of them! At ATC Cambridge, students enrolled in auto mechanic training don’t just learn theory. They gain hands-on experience using the same industry-standard tools found in modern repair shops. Knowing how to use these tools properly gives you a major edge in the job market and builds confidence for real-world work.
Choosing a career in automotive service means getting comfortable with tools; lots of them! At ATC Cambridge, students enrolled in auto mechanic training don’t just learn theory. They gain hands-on experience using the same industry-standard tools found in modern repair shops. Knowing how to use these tools properly gives you a major edge in the job market and builds confidence for real-world work.
As more smart motors, switches and sensors are being used, there are more Local Interconnect Network (LIN) buses on vehicles. Because of this, some questions have been raised regarding the diagnosis of a LIN bus circuit. This tech tip is intended to help better explain LIN buses and provide some diagnostics tips. LIN Bus Information The LIN bus consists of a single wire and is used to exchange information between one master control module (the ECM, BCM, etc.) and one or more slave/smart device(s
In this episode of DriveTime , Stefan Feder discusses Continental Automotive’s new independent company, now called AUMOVIO. Feder leads the automotive aftermarket, North America department for Continental. Feder explains what the AUMOVIO Continental spinoff means for the company’s brands and the customers it serves. He believes the automotive industry is undergoing a huge transformation.
Here’s the thing most shop owners get wrong about marketing: they think hiring a marketing company means they can check out. Hand over the credit card, say “go do your thing,” and wait for the bays to fill up. If only it were that easy. Marketing ain’t magic, and it sure as hell isn’t mind-reading. Even the best marketers in the world can’t do their job right if you’re off-grid and MIA.
Shops need to take time to be strategic as impacts on your business show no signs of slowing down As we are well into the second quarter of 2025, the overarching theme across the automotive aftermarket remains one of continuous change. From economic indicators to shifting political dynamics, the first 90 days tested the adaptability of businesses in every corner of our industry.
Isolating belt noise and inspecting the belt has not gotten any easier over the years. With cramped spaces and limited access, it can be challenging to find the root cause of a noise under the hood. Here are six diagnostic strategies that can help you sort out a possible belt noise complaint. 1) Remove the Belt If you have a hard-to-isolate accessory drive belt noise, try removing the belt and running the engine.
Tesla partially opened what will become the world's biggest Supercharger station later this year. The first phase includes 84 charging stalls powered entirely by the sun and operated off-grid. By the end of the year, the station will have 168 stalls on a 1.5-MW grid service, the rest being powered by solar panels and Megapack energy storage batteries.
The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) will debut a student engine assembly competition at its 2025 event. Vocational students training to become auto technicians will compete by disassembling and reassembling a Chevy 350 engine. Each team receives complimentary access to AAPEX 2025 , free lodging and $1,000 for travel. The event takes place in Joe’s Garage, AAPEX’s hands-on training hub, featuring 10 active service bays.
With leaders in the automotive and political circles and beyond wondering about the future of the free trade agreement covering North America, attendees of a recent aftermarket conference heard from a Mexican leader about their views on what’s ahead. Omar Martinez, from Industria Nacional de Autopartes, which represents automotive parts suppliers in Mexico, highlighted the critical importance of the USMCA trade agreement at the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Global Summit in Miami, emphasizing its r
If you’re currently pursuing or considering auto mechanic training , developing your communication and customer interaction skills should be part of your focus. When most people think of an Automotive Service Technician (AST), they picture someone working under the hood of a car. But technical know-how is only half the job. Exceptional customer service skills are just as important.
Brain surgeon, step aside. Let the auto technician through. Electrical diagnostics are on the table. Sound crazy? This may not be as far-fetched as it seems. Like doctors, today’s technicians need advanced equipment, accurate procedures and a solid mindset. Your diagnostic approach needs to be well thought out, and it starts with your equipment. Modern computer controls and circuitry leave no room for error.
Two American icons battle for the win. The Ford Mustang Dark Horse faces the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray in the V8 showdown, despite coming from different worlds. However, since they are here, we might as well sit and enjoy the ride. Which one is quicker down the strip and which one brakes better? The time has come to find out. The ( continue reading.
This is a maintenance alert for you guys out there who have to pull cars into the shop or charge the battery on some vehicles. If it’s a late model vehicle or it’s a vehicle that is a hybrid, pay attention to the service information when you’re performing a jump-start these vehicles. There are different procedures for the jump-start depending on the vehicle.
Replacement parts have historically been the largest segment of light vehicle aftermarket products but that’s been changing over the last five years, according to Lang Marketing. Its share and growth pace have declined, leading to significant changes in the aftermarket. In its place, tools and equipment and accessories are seeing a growing share. In 2019, replacement parts accounted for nearly 65 per cent of light vehicle product volume.
Once you complete your training and become a mechanic , you’ll face a key decision: should you work for a dealership or join an independent garage? Both offer solid career opportunities, but they operate differently. Your work environment, pace, specialization, and even income can vary depending on where you land. This blog post breaks down the differences to help you choose the right setting for your future.
In this episode of Tech Shop’s Tool Time Podcast, Eric Garbe sits down with Stewart Peregrine to discuss ADAS service in today’s shops, and how Autel is designing equipment to help technicians of all experience levels perform accurate, efficient ADAS calibrations. Autel has many different equipment options depending on the needs of your shop, and utilizes cutting edge technology to meet the service requirements of modern vehicles.
1968 was one mixer of feelings for Ford: the Mustang was dropping in sales, but the Cobra Jet made landfall, along with two other one-year-only editions of the moniker, both linked to Carroll Shelby but otherwise unrelated. As a 4th of July special, here is a trio of those super-special legendary ponies. Hurrah for the Red, White, and Blue Oval! The story really began with an accident: in late 1966, a mechanic from Tasca Ford took the Bop. ( continue reading.
One of the best parts about my job is getting my hands on new tools, new technology and getting to share it with fellow technicians. I got to see a preview of this at AAPEX last November, but finally I’ve got the Autel Ultra S2 in my hands. Let’s take a look at some of the features of this scan tool. The MaxiSYS Ultra S2 is a 13.7-inch touchscreen Android-based tablet featuring a healthy 512 gigabytes of storage and a six-in-one vehicle communication and measurement device.
Canadians are not consuming as much gasoline as they did a year ago but it hasn’t been too far of a tumble. DesRosiers Automotive Consultants released first-quarter numbers for gasoline consumption, a tool used to gauge the strength of vehicle usage and, in turn, aftermarket demand. The group reported a slight pullback of 3.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same time in 2024.
Apollo Tyres has launched its newest Ultra-High Performance (UHP) tire, the Apollo Aspire 5. Developed and manufactured in India, the Aspire 5 serves both domestic and international markets. India’s UHP tire market, comprising 17-inch and above rim sizes with W/Y speed ratings, is undergoing major changes driven by the rise in luxury car ownership, Apollo said.
Are you seeing repeated failures with the coolant pipe in Mini Cooper, Countryman, or Paceman models? The original plastic water pump to thermostat pipe in these 2007–2016 Mini 1.6L engines is prone to cracking due to thermal cycling and hydrolysis, leading to leaks and system failures. This issue leads to costly repairs and frequent replacements that can drain time and resources.
I've always said that not liking a Shelby is impossible, even if you're a Chevrolet guy. These cars had everything you could ever want, beginning with gorgeous styling and ending with the performance under the hood. The GT350 was joined by the GT500 in 1967, and Ford and Carroll Shelby tried to refine the new model with every new model year. ( continue reading.
It might seem very simple to replace a CV axle on a vehicle, but there are actually things that can go wrong during the process. One thing you really need to pay attention to is the cert clip. If you pulled out the old axle and the cert clip is no longer on the axle, you need to make sure that you’ve retrieved that from the transmission or the axle housing.
When an automotive repair shop is bustling, the owner can often feel the urge to jump in and try to help out without checking with staff. However, this well-intentioned assistance can sometimes disrupt the workflow and productivity, a shop trainer warned. Instead, by acting like any other employee, asking where help is needed and trusting the staff to handle their roles, owners can avoid disrupting the workflow and ensure the shop runs smoothly, explained Jim Saeli, an instructor and trainer wit
Apollo Tyres has launched its newest Ultra-High Performance (UHP) tire, the Apollo Aspire 5. Developed and manufactured in India, the Aspire 5 serves both domestic and international markets. India’s UHP tire market, comprising 17-inch and above rim sizes with W/Y speed ratings, is undergoing major changes driven by the rise in luxury car ownership, Apollo said.
Are you wondering what could possibly be interesting about a trim screw? These fashionable fasteners are found all throughout the interior of a vehicle, from the sill plates to the door panels, headliner trim and dashboard. Even newer vehicles that utilize a wide variety of clips still retain the use of trim screws for many components. However, not all trim screws are created equal Each Trim Screw Serves a Specific Purpose Trim screws are designed to fit and work specifically with individual int
It is the news that the HEMI fans have been waiting for ever since Stellantis killed the previous-generation Charger and Challenger. The HEMI might be back in the Charger lineup sooner than expected. Former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is reportedly the man who wanted the HEMI out and the twin-turbocharged ( continue reading.
Learn how rotor design affects brake performance, heat dissipation, and pad life. From vented and curved vane rotors to drilled and slotted options, this video explains how each feature functions—and why quality matters. This video is sponsored by bproauto. The post What You Should Know About Drilled and Slotted Brake Rotors appeared first on Brake & Front End.
Establishing clear sales goals is essential for driving performance and accountability in auto repair shops, advised a shop coach. Bill Haas, president of auto shop business coaching firm Auto Ignite Management, noted during the Midwest Auto Care Alliance Hi-Tech Training & Expo in Kansas City that setting clear, data-driven sales goals and regularly sharing performance metrics can enhance the productivity and motivation of their service advisors, ultimately driving business success.
Did you know, disconnecting a car battery for any reason, can cause unexpected things to happen. So, before you disconnect it, there are some things you need to know. First, battery voltage must be maintained [.] The post Car Battery – Know What Can Go Wrong, Before You Disconnect It appeared first on Danny's Engineportal.
In this episode of DriveTime , Stefan Feder discusses Continental Automotive’s new independent company, now called AUMOVIO. He leads the Automotive Aftermarket, North America, for Continental. Feder explains what the AUMOVIO Continental Spinoff means for the company’s brands and the customers it serves. He believes the automotive industry is undergoing a huge transformation.
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