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When most automotive school students think about performance upgrades, they focus on horsepower, tires, or suspension systems. But one critical element often gets overlooked: brake fluid. As vehicle engineering evolves and track-capable road cars become more common, the quality and performance of brake fluids have taken center stage. Auto mechanics who understand the chemistry and role of high-performance brake fluids play an essential role, not just for maximizing performance, but for maintaini
As a repair shop owner, handling warranty claims for starters and alternators can sometimes be tricky. But before submitting any claim, its essential to understand what constitutes a valid warranty return and what doesnt. Misdiagnosis or improper installation can lead to unnecessary claims, costing time and money for everyone involved. Lets break down the key things you should check before filing a claim on rotating electrical components like starters and alternators.
The price of new vehicles in Canada has levelled off in the last year but has still seen a significant increase in the last 10 years. DesRosiers Automotive Consultants reported that the average price for a new vehicle at the end of 2024 surpassed $45,000 for a passenger car and almost $55,000 for a light truck. The report suggests that higher vehicle prices could hit the market soon as a result of tariffs.
EPISODE: 152 Marketing To Hire So, you didnt go to school for HR, and lets be honest, hiring probably wasnt what you dreamed about when you opened your shop. But here you are, needing to fill those bays and build a solid team. In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Kim Walker is joined by Lisa Coyle of Promotive to break down what it takes to hire in todays world, and spoiler alert: its all about marketing.
The global auto insurance market is undergoing a profound transformation , driven by rising trade barriers, escalating costs, and accelerated technological innovation. Tariffs on vehicles and auto parts are directly inflating repair costs, disrupting supply chains, and increasing claim severity across key regionsfrom the U.S. and Europe to Asia and Latin America.
Engine overheating has always been a concern for drivers, but with modern vehicles, the causes and consequences are more complex than ever. Advanced auto mechanic engine technology, tighter design tolerances, and integrated cooling systems mean that diagnosing overheating isn’t as straightforward as it once was. If youre training to become a mechanic, gaining a deeper understanding of engine temperature control is essential for protecting todays vehicles from serious and costly damage.
When it comes to personalizing vehicles, few modifications impact performance and looks like changing tire sizes. Custom rims and altered tire sizes dramatically change the appearance and feel of a car or truck. When choosing new wheels, consider the bolt pattern, offset and load rating. These specifications ensure the new wheels fit the vehicle correctly and safely.
In good times and bad, you need to be marketing. Heres why you should and how to do it What an interesting time weve been living in these past five years. It seems that as soon as we get comfortable with the new normal, something happens that changes the way we need to do business. I know were all sick of hearing about how we need to pivot, but isnt that whats required to run a long term, successful business in the automotive industry?
In good times and bad, you need to be marketing. Heres why you should and how to do it What an interesting time weve been living in these past five years. It seems that as soon as we get comfortable with the new normal, something happens that changes the way we need to do business. I know were all sick of hearing about how we need to pivot, but isnt that whats required to run a long term, successful business in the automotive industry?
In partnership with NAPA, ShopOwner, the Babcox Media brand serving professional independent automotive shop owners, is seeking to recognize and celebrate the vital role of mentorship in the automotive service industry. The ShopOwner Mentorship Award Sponsored by NAPA will honor exceptional automotive shop owners, service advisors and technicians who are actively investing in the future of their profession by mentoring the next generation of automotive professionals.
‘It was a blast when I first got it; it is now becoming a blast all over again.’ It’s a 1970 Dodge Charger, and the owner has had it since April 1970, just a few months before she graduated from high school. John and Marcella Gasperi from St. Louis, Missouri, bought their daughter a brand-new car as a graduation gift. She wanted a 426 Hemi Charger but had to settle for the 383 4-v because Dad was a mechanic and knew better. ( continue reading.
Torque is one of the most important and often misunderstood concepts in automotive repair. It affects everything from engine performance to the simple task of tightening bolts. For students in auto mechanic training , a deep understanding of torque is essential for doing safe, precise, and professional work in the shop. At ATC Cambridge, torque is more than just a number on a wrench, its a core part of every successful repair and system calibration.
Its spring! That means warmer weather, baseball is in full swing, and thats right spring tire changeover season is here! Just as MLB teams tightened up their fundamentals during Spring Training, this time of year is when shops should sharpen their processes. The season brings with it a busy season and spring tire changeover which means more chances for TPMS service at your shop.
The light truck market continues to thrive in 2025, accounting for 88.1 per cent of total new light vehicle sales. Sales rose 4.7 per cent in the first quarter, driven by strong performances in the SUV, van, and pickup segments, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, highlighting the ongoing shift in consumer preferences towards light trucks and away from traditional passenger cars.
In honor of National Signing Day on May 6, NAPA and SkillsUSA hosted a celebration at Truist Park in Atlanta for young technicians. They recognized four standout Georgia students launching careers in the automotive technician trade. The organizations say this was an effort to address the technician skills gap and the national technician shortage. Each student signed a commitment to join the trades during an official ceremony.
Mecum's Indy 2025 auction started last week, and hundreds of iconic classic cars will go under the hammer through May 17. The really hot ones are scheduled to sell toward the end of the event, but this past weekend, a rare 1970 Plymouth Road Runner changed hands for a six-figure sum. Built in 36,861 units, the ( continue reading.
The vehicles rolling off assembly lines today are more than just modes of transportation; theyre high-tech machines wrapped in cutting-edge design. From compact electric SUVs to luxury sedans with sculpted frames, modern cars prioritize aesthetics, aerodynamics, and efficiency. But as form evolves, so does function, and that evolution is making vehicle repairs more complex than ever.
In the automotive repair business, service advisors are at the heart of building customer trust. Your recommendations matter. That’s why you need parts you can rely onlike Walker Products. Since 1946, Walker Products has proudly served the automotive industry. As a US-based, family-owned company, we deliver premium engine management and fuel system components that meet or exceed OEM standards.
The economic climate is having an impact on how Canadians spend money. Heres how shops can manage the challenges The mechanical automotive service market in Canada faced significant challenges in 2024 and appears poised for continued turbulence as we head into 2025. As geopolitical, environmental and economic uncertainties continue to unfold, consumer sentiment and purchasing behaviours have become increasingly difficult to predict.
The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) announced the availability of the 2025 edition of its Lifting Points Guide, “Vehicle Lifting Points for Frame Engaging Lifts.” The guide may be ordered as a digital product or bundled with a print version. Both the print and digital versions carry the identical content covering model year 2000 to 2025 cars, SUVs, vans, light-duty trucks and EVs sold in the U.S. and Canada.
Bunny and Bruce are a retired couple looking to kick off the golden years of their life in a new RV. So, after attending a motorhome and camper show and falling in love with a 2023 Entegra Odyssey 29V, they found themselves in the proud ownership of a fresh Class C RV. However, it wasn't all uphill from there, but rather, as downhill as they can get, with the couple finding themselves in trouble even before they took their first real. ( continue reading.
The coalition aims to ensure vehicle owners and fleets retain access to and control of data generated by their own vehicles, citing privacy, safety, and property rights.
In this episode of DriveTime, Danny Huffaker discusses the Carlyle Tools Reimagined campaign and the brands bold new direction. Huffaker is the SVP of Product & Marketing at NAPA Auto Parts. He talks about how the Carlyle Tool brand is “built different. The Carlyle Tool program has been around for a while, but we realized that it was time to really innovate and disrupt the market with this, for lots of reasons, Huffaker said.
The automotive aftermarket is changing fast, and businesses need a roadmap to stay competitive. In a recent webinar hosted by consulting firm Roland Berger, an industry expert outlined five critical strategies for staying ahead in the industry. Elena Yakushkina, partner with the firm, outlined recommendations that include capitalizing on the growing shift to independent repair shops.
The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo ( AAPEX ) announced that registration is now open for the 2025 event. The annual event brings together buyers and sellers from every segment of the automotive aftermarket. AAPEX 2025 will take place at the Venetian Expo and Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, from Nov. 4 to 6. AAPEX 2025 Theme: Ready for Every Shift The theme for AAPEX 2025 is Ready for every shift, which organizers said is meant to highlight the resilience of the aftermarket supply chain.
Car and Driver recently had a chat with AMG boss Michael Schiebe, who believes in the heavily electrified future of the Affalterbach-based performance division. Be that as it may, the big kahuna also made it clear that V8s – electrified or not – will be offered in AMG production vehicles for as long as technically possible. That's not all, though.
Back in the 80s, turbochargers were all the rage, but they had a pretty short lifespan sometimes only lasting about 40,000 miles. By the early 90s, many automakers ditched them. But rather than becoming forgotten technology, turbos have returned in a big way. Today, nearly 25% of new cars have turbochargers, and that number will likely jump to more than 50% in the next few years.
Lordco Auto Parts is navigating a challenging economic landscape with optimism and strategic innovation, company leaders said in the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations. Speaking at their annual trade show in Vancouver last month, Ian and Samantha Coates noted that while the start of the year has been softer than expected, the industry remains fundamentally strong. “We’ve had a ton of people come through the last couple days and everyone’s excited to take advanta
Stop-start systems may seem simple, but the specialized starters they rely on are anything but. This video breaks down the unique features of stop-start starterssuch as additional solenoid connections and gear disengagement mechanismsand explains how these components help enable smoother, quicker engine restarts. It also highlights the importance of supporting sensors like the brake pedal position and crank angle sensors, which are crucial to proper starter function.
I haven't organized an automotive event in about a decade, but that doesn't mean I haven't done anything about it since. Through my connections and industry knowledge, I've helped various people move their events forward. I'm at it again this year, mixing race cars, motorcycles, and street-going vehicles in two different events.
Every time a vehicle moves, theres a critical component working behind the scenes to transfer power efficientlythe driveshaft. From early steel designs to todays advanced composite materials, the driveshaft has evolved significantly, improving performance, durability, and efficiency. The fundamental role of a driveshaft has remained unchanged: it transfers torque from the engine and transmission to the wheels.
The Pro-Cut match machining rotor resurfacing process provides customers with smooth brakes, a superior surface finish and significant savings. This computerized system allows shops to offer a value-added service to address brake pulsation and reduce the cost of brake service and repair. Match machining restores rotor parallelism and surface finish while eliminating run-out, which is the critical element that ensures rotors will wear evenly.
Hamatonwill showcase its latest TPMS sensor technology at the 30th edition of Autopromotec in Bologna, May 21-24. The biennial event focuses on automotive equipment and aftermarket products, bringing together tires and tire equipment, workshop tools, and spare parts and car service sectors. TPMS Sensor Technology for All Vehicle Types Hamaton says its team will demonstrate its fullTPMS sensor range.
Quite a few body-on-frame SUVs produced by the Ford Motor Company for the US market have been hit with a safety recall. According to the Dearborn-based manufacturer, approximately 273,789 vehicles may leak brake fluid over front brake lines that may come into contact with the engine air cleaner outlet pipe. The affected population comprises 223,315 units of the 2022 through 2024 model year Ford Expedition and 50,474 examples of the 2022 t. ( continue reading.
Some people take over a family business and stay the course. Brandon Harrell took one and completely redefined it. Brandons grandfather Luther founded Harrells Tire & Auto 80 years ago. Brandon joined the business in 2005 with big plans. He knew he needed to upend the status quo. In 2021, he bought the business from his father, Charlie. In just four years, he grew it from $4.6 million in revenue to more than $30 million annually.
In this episode of DriveTime , David Stewart, VP sales and marketing, Wells Vehicle Electronics , talks about the company’s new branding initiative and how he plans to re-introduce Wells to the aftermarket. Reintroducing a Legacy Brand Stewart’s passion has been to bring the Wells Vehicle Electronics brand to the forefront for technicians and distributors.
K-Tool International has a new super duty one-inch air drive impact wrench (KTI81791). The impact wrench features 2,700 ft-lbs of break-away torque and delivers power while weighing 12.4 lbs. The magnesium front and rear housings, along with composite center housing, offer lighter weight and strength. It features a side handle for enhanced control and a variable speed trigger that allows for multi-speed operation.
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