Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 12, 2025

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.

Tire Rotations 130

Tire Rotations Electronics Vehicle Trucking 130

Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 12, 2025

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.

IT 130

IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 12, 2025

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.

Media 130

Media Technical Automotive Manufacturing 130

Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 12, 2025

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.

Electronics 130

Electronics Vehicle IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 9, 2025

In honor of National Signing Day on May 6, NAPA and SkillsUSA hosted a celebration at Truist Park in Atlanta. They recognized four standout Georgia students launching careers in the automotive technician trade. This event represents one of many steps NAPA is taking to address the national technician shortage. Each student signed a commitment to join the trades during an official ceremony.

Apprenticeship 130

Apprenticeship Automotive Technician Education Automotive 130

Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 8, 2025

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.

Engineering 130

Engineering IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 8, 2025

A failed cooling system doesnt just mean a leakit can also mean damage to critical components like the thermostat. In this video, Andrew Markel discusses how a damaged or aging thermostat can cause persistent drivability problems even after the initial repair, and why it should be part of your inspection checklist after an overheat. This video is sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper.

IT 130

IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 7, 2025

Any time you hear the word bypass, you think about going around something or eliminating it. So, when someone asks for a compressor bypass pulley, or calls it an A/C bypass pulley, you might wonder why they would want to bypass their air conditioning. You can be assured they dont actually want to bypass it. On aging vehicles, when the A/C compressor fails, the cost of repair can exceed the vehicles value.

Air Conditioning 130

Air Conditioning Vehicle IT Car 130

Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 7, 2025

In this episode of DriveTime, Jason Rainey, VP of Auto Care, NAPA Auto Parts, discusses the recent NAPA NOW event and the NAPA Auto Care Center program. He also explains what it takes to become a NAPA Gold-Certified shop. Rainey described the NAPA NOW event as an educational experience. So, the thing that I really have liked about this event is its truly something you just have to experience.

Apprenticeship 130

Apprenticeship Education IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 6, 2025

As technicians, we have to learn every new technology that emerges at a breakneck speed. New fuel delivery systemgo figure it out. New adaptive safety systemlearn it. And by the way, lets go ahead and change the propulsion system on the cars now, too. In an effort to go green and cut down on the usage of gasoline engines, the car industry has flipped independent repair shops, and now, an EV technician training program is more important than ever.

ASE 130

ASE Vehicle Electricity Engineering 130

Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 5, 2025

In an engine, the connecting rods, often called rods, connect the crankshaft on one end and the piston on the other. These engine connecting rods come in two pieces and separate at the crankshaft or big end. Combustion of the air/fuel mixture pushes the piston downward. The piston transfers this force through the rod into the crankshaft , causing the crankshaft to turn.

Engineering 130

Engineering IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 5, 2025

Here in the BendPak Garage Studio at Babcox Media, weve talked a lot about EVsfrom maintenance to repairs to understanding EV components. However, when it comes to EV brake system service , many of the same repair procedures from internal combustion vehicles (ICE) still apply. Youve already handled most of these jobs before. Consider EV and ICE brake systemsthey share more similarities than you might expect.

Hydraulics 130

Hydraulics Media Vehicle Mechanic 130

Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 2, 2025

When we think about custom rims, the first thing that often comes to mind is their visual appeal. However, it’s important to understand that these modifications can have a significant impact on your vehicle’s performance, as well. Installing custom rims isn’t just about styleit also affects weight, handling and safety. Rim Weight Influences Performance First, the weight of your rims plays a crucial role in your car’s overall performance.

Vehicle 130

Vehicle Manufacturing Car IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 1, 2025

An EV has traveled more than 70,000 miles over the past eight years and still uses the original brake pads. The pads still have eight to 10 millimeters of friction material on the backing plates. But the backing plate shows significant corrosion that may affect pad movement in the caliper bracket. Most internal combustion vehicles could not go this far.

Hydraulics 130

Hydraulics Electricity Vehicle Engineering 130

Tomorrow's Technician

MAY 1, 2025

Frenkit, a leading European brake hardware supplier, is building on its decades of experience in the industry and expanding coverage for the North American aftermarket. Frenkit now offers North American customers nearly 4,500 different brake hardware kits, covering 95% of US aftermarket sales. Frenkit is the European market leader in brake hardware, with customers in over 70 countries, including OEMs, top aftermarket distributors and caliper remanufacturers.

Utilities 130

Utilities Manufacturing Engineering IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 30, 2025

In this episode of DriveTime , Randy Breaux, Group President, GPC North America , discusses the four key tenets necessary for business success and high-performance team building. They are vision, strategy, structure and culture. With regard to our vision, we created a new vision and that was to be the trusted provider of automotive parts and solutions.

Automotive 100

Automotive Management IT 100

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 29, 2025

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.

Apprenticeship 130

Apprenticeship ASE ASE Certification Automotive 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 29, 2025

In this episode of DriveTime, Russ Stebbins, VP and GM, North American Aftermarket at PHINIA, talks about the companys vision to lead the transformation toward a sustainable, carbon-free future in the automotive aftermarket. The company has historically focused on internal combustion engine (ICE) solutions. It is now actively advancing new initiatives to support the industrys shift toward sustainability, Stebbins explained.

Education 130

Education Engineering Automotive IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 29, 2025

Think ADAS is just about cameras and sensors? Educate your customers on the critical role shocks, struts, and springs play in keeping advanced safety systems like ADAS working properly. When these components are worn, critical systems like lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic braking may not function as intended potentially putting your customers at risk.

Education 130

Education IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 29, 2025

In this episode of DriveTime, as the VISION conference kicked off in Chicago, Bill Long, president and CEO of MEMA , The Vehicle Suppliers Association, and Paul McCarthy, president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers , addressed supplier sentiment about the current state of the aftermarket, describing it as a mix of urgency and cautious optimism. Industry leaders agree theres never been a more critical time for suppliers to come together, given the wide range of challenges: tariffs, shifting sourcing

Automotive 130

Automotive Vehicle IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 28, 2025

Jolene Mills is a top-performing student in the Honda PACT program at CT State Community College Gateway, in New Haven, Connecticut, maintaining a 4.0 GPA while gaining hands-on experience as a technician at Acura of Milford. Known for her strong work ethic, leadership qualities, and problem-solving skills, Jolene balances the demands of school and work with professionalism and dedication.

Oil Change 130

Oil Change Engineering Automotive Customer Service 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 24, 2025

If youre of a certain age and, as a shop owner, you probably know what I mean youre constantly amazed by how much longer cars and trucks last than they used to. When we were kids, if your dad got four or five years before his car rusted out, it was kind of a big deal. Today, vehicles are lasting longer than ever. Bodies and engines are more reliable and durable and the average age of a car on the road is over 12 years!

Trucking 130

Trucking Engineering Car Vehicle 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 24, 2025

Kevin Linger of Babcox Media examines several approaches for having effective discussions about ADAS with the different types of customers that come into the shop. Its sometimes easy to overlook that ADAS was created for the benefit of real-life vehicle owners. The more shop owners and technicians talk to and educate their customers about the necessity of properly maintaining these safety systems, the better for everyone.

Education 130

Education Media Engineering Vehicle 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 24, 2025

It is almost May, and that means it is air conditioning season for shops. With new A/C systems using less refrigerant, leak detection and refrigerant identification is more critical than ever. A leak that once lost two or three ounces a year could have performance issues for the HVAC system much sooner than an older system. This is why you need to upgrade your HVAC skills and tools.

Air Conditioning 130

Air Conditioning Manufacturing Management IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 23, 2025

This is one of those puzzles that we thought might be challenging and guess what – we were right. Although there was only one RIGHT answer, as always there were some very INTERESTING answers as well. If fact, the “right” wrong answer came from all over the country. Before we get to what’s wrong, let’s get to what’s right.

Technical 130

Technical IT Car 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 23, 2025

WIX Filters, a global innovator and manufacturer of filtration products, in conjunction with Tomorrows Technician, has selected the University of Northwestern Ohio, Lima, OH, as the 2024-2025 School of the Year. For more than a century, the University of Northwestern Ohio has been a leader in developing experts to serve the automotive, diesel and performance industries, said Carmina Lopez, Brand Manager for WIX Filters.

Media 130

Media Education Technical Automotive 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 23, 2025

The automotive world continues to evolve and rules concerning emissions and fuel economy are driving manufacturers to develop new or revise existing technologies to improve fuel economy and improve engine performance. One of the key developments of these adaptations has been the increased use of turbochargers. Many people remember thatturbochargers have been around a while, though in the past, the technology was unreliable at best, typically because of overheating.

Engineering 130

Engineering Mechanic Manufacturing Education 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 23, 2025

Regardless of nameplate, your customers may be driving something they or you dont even understand. New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), a type of vehicle which includes Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and hybrids, rely on a thermal management system that is critical for the performance, safety, and longevity of these vehicles. Three key components of the thermal management system – management hoses, electric water pumps, and electric coolant valves – all work together to regulate the tempe

Management 130

Management Vehicle Electricity Electronics 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 22, 2025

In the search for greener alternatives to fossil fuel-powered vehicles, two technologies have emerged as leaders: electric vs hydrogen vehicles. Both reduce emissions and cut reliance on non-renewable resources, but they achieve these goals in different ways. Drivers continue to choose EVs more frequently in recent years. But how do these nearly silent, emission-free vehicles work?

Vehicle 130

Vehicle Electricity Oil Change Electric Vehicles 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 22, 2025

Choosing the right brake fluid isnt as simple as checking the boiling point. In todays vehicles, especially those equipped with ABS, ESC, and ADAS, viscosity has become just as importantif not more so. This episode explains how brake fluid viscosity affects system response times, stopping distance, and overall braking performance. In this episode of Inside the Brands, we take a closer look at Pentosin Super DOT 4, DOT 4 LV, and DOT 5.1 to explain what sets them apart and when each should be used

Automotive 130

Automotive Vehicle 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 22, 2025

In this episode of DriveTime , Brad Beckham, CEO of OReilly Auto Parts , discusses how he got into the business at 17 years old, sweeping floors and putting up stock in an OReilly Auto Parts store in Oklahoma. It was 1996 and, at that time, OReilly had less than 200 stores. Over time working in that store, he became a parts specialist and still remembers the 16 feet of paper catalog racks on the front counter.

Management 130

Management Customer Service IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 21, 2025

I think we have all encountered an interior that was not pleasant in our vehicle. I am sure we could all tell some home remedy that works, but what do you tell your customer when they want to purchase something to do the trick? Locate the Source of Interior Odors First The first thing to help them with is trying to find the source of the odor. It usually emanates from one area if it has been around for a while.

Vehicle 130

Vehicle Manufacturing IT Car 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 21, 2025

Many shops and technicians can come up with multiple reasons why they dont want to perform ADAS calibrations or invest in the equipment. But, chances are they dont understand what happens during an ADAS calibration. The most challenging concept to embrace is that most ADAS cameras and radar sensors do not have moving parts inside. Cameras are set at the factory for focus and field of view.

Software 130

Software Vehicle Mechanic Manufacturing 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 17, 2025

PRT announced the latest additions of new aftermarket products to its portfolio of complete strut assemblies and shock absorbers. PRT said the 18 products represent more than 10 million vehicles in new coverage. The company added several significant models to its portfolio. These include the Toyota Yaris, Ford Escape and Volkswagen Touareg. PRT also introduced products for new applications like the 2023 Hyundai Kona.

Trucking 130

Trucking Vehicle Car IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 17, 2025

It’s not often in the automotive world that we talk about a screw as a retaining method. It was sometimes used for trim a long time ago, but not today. Automotive speak for retainers usually means a bolt, clip, or tab. Well, there is one exception. That is the often-misunderstood rotor retaining screw. I say misunderstood because many question if it really needs to be there.

Automotive 130

Automotive Vehicle IT 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 11, 2025

For generations, the only question about fuel line replacement was How big is it? Inside diameter was the only thing that really mattered for most cars, but today you are likely to be faced with more questions about the correct replacement hose for your customers safety and compliance. Before 1985, most cars and trucks on the road had carburetors, externally mounted fuel pumps and one or two blends of gasoline.

Trucking 130

Trucking Car Engineering Mechanic 130

Tomorrow's Technician

APRIL 11, 2025

Its easy to blame poor battery life on parts quality, but in reality, modern battery longevity is often tied to proper BMS (Battery Management System) function. While the physical construction of batteries hasnt changed much, the way theyre charged has. Todays BMS monitors temperature, current, and internal resistance to regulate charging and avoid overcharging.

Management 130

Management IT 130