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The automotive repair industry is at a critical point, with shop owners struggling to attract and retain skilled technicians by clinging to outdated wage expectations, according to a business coach. Speaking at the Tirecraft 2025 Conference in Blue Mountain, Ontario, automotive aftermarket business coach Alan Beech shared a discussion that captured the industry’s current labour challenges.
For students in auto mechanic training , understanding how to avoid the most common timing belt mistakes is a must. When it comes to maintaining modern vehicles, few procedures are as crucial and as easy to mishandle as timing belt replacement. At first glance, it might seem like just another engine component. But the timing belt is essential for keeping the crankshaft and camshaft in perfect sync.
In the past 20 years, 4MATIC has become an option on every vehicle Mercedes-Benz sells. The current generation of the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC system is mechanically bulletproof. But what can go wrong are the electronics that manage the system, and the seals that keep the fluids inside the transfer case and differentials. Transfer Cases and Center Differential 4MATIC vehicles have a transfer case mounted at or in the rear of the transmission.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has designated June as Automotive Service Professionals Month (ASPM). This designation honors the vehicle service professionals who keep vehicles running and motorists on the road. Why We Honor Technicians A news release from ASE explained that these professionals play a critical role in communities nationwide.
As new challenges emerge, there are small signs pointing to changes in how your shop customers want to do business The auto repair industry is undergoing subtle yet meaningful changes, reshaping how shop owners approach their business and do business with their jobber partners. Traditionally, parts availability was the cornerstone of a successful repair shop, ensuring that repairs could be completed promptly and efficiently.
As automotive technology evolves, technicians are coming to rely on digital scan tools and advanced software to diagnose and fix problems more than ever before. These tools are essential, but theyre only part of the story. If you want to stand out in your shop after finishing your auto mechanic training , theres one foundational resource you should always keep within reach: the vehicle service manual.
How do you train todays technicians to work on powertrains that barely existed a decade ago and keep evolving each year? Bosch Mobility took on that challenge with its nationwide EV technician training tour , a hands-on program designed to meet technicians on-site. Brittany Kearns , Project Manager for EV Service Concept at Bosch Mobility , joins The Amped EV Podcast to discuss this mobile training initiative.
Change is the only constant. Consumer preferences evolve, technologies emerge, and the businesses that thrive are those nimble enough to move with the current. While a successful business strategy is essential in an industry that is constantly changing, it’s also vital to prioritize a culture that can pivot, learn, and respond agilely to rapid transformations.
Change is the only constant. Consumer preferences evolve, technologies emerge, and the businesses that thrive are those nimble enough to move with the current. While a successful business strategy is essential in an industry that is constantly changing, it’s also vital to prioritize a culture that can pivot, learn, and respond agilely to rapid transformations.
A survey found a disconnect between Canadian vehicle owners and the data their cars generate raising questions about consumer rights, repair access and the future of vehicle maintenance. The report is part of the Consumer Behaviour Series from the Automotive Industries Association of Canada. Titled Who Has the Right to Repair? Vehicle Owners Perspectives on Data Access and Ownership found that Canadians want more control over their vehicle data, but many dont know who owns it, how its used or h
Suspension issues aren’t as hidden as they seem, if you know how to look. Before the car is ever raised on a lift, an experienced auto mechanic can detect signs of trouble from the ground up. From unusual noises to uneven tire wear and subtle shifts in steering, these early indicators are often visible, audible, or even “feelable” during a quick drive or walkaround inspection.
The global automotive interior market is estimated to be valued at $176.44 billion in 2025, reaching $205.77 billion by 2032. According to a MarketsandMarkets report, the sector will grow at a compound annual rate of 2.2%. Rising demand for advanced comfort, safety and smart technologies continues to drive the automotive interior market. Demand for Comfort and Lightweight Materials Drives Innovation Consumers increasingly prioritize convenience and premium features in vehicles.
Later this month (starting June 16), the Paris-Le Bourget Airport in the French capital will host this year's edition of the Paris Air Show. As usual, as one of the largest events of this kind in the world, it is expected to be filled with premieres of all shapes and sizes, but none of them seems to be as anticipated as that of the WindRunner. The name was slapped not long ago on a cargo aircraft that's already being described a. ( continue reading.
There was growth across all areas of retail automotive sales, but caution is being mixed in as uncertainty looms. While at first blush changes in retail sales in Canada in the first quarter of 2025 seem to show significant variation, the true picture is likely not as diverse as it first appears, said an analysis from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants about the first quarter of retail sales this year.
Not every car issue reveals itself under the bright lights of a service bay, something every student at a quality automotive school like ATC Montreal soon discovers. Sometimes, the most effective way to understand whats going wrong is to take the car out on the road and listen. That creak while turning, a slight delay when accelerating, or a rhythmic vibration at highway speed, these are the clues a vehicle gives when its in motion.
Motorcar Parts of America (MPA) has launched Part Smart Academy , a free online training platform aimed at supporting automotive technicians, counter professionals and shop staff with product knowledge and diagnostic skills. According to MPA , the platform is designed to help users stay current with evolving vehicle technology while promoting accurate, first-time-right repairs and installations.
EPISODE: 155 Creating Amazing Customer Experiences Theres something powerful about experiencing world-class customer service firsthand and then turning around and asking, How can I bring this level of intentionality into my shop? Thats exactly what happened when Brian and Kim Walker took a dream trip to the British Virgin Islands with close friends.
The effects of tariffs and incentive programs on the Canadian EV industry The electric vehicle industry in Canada has been influenced by several factors, including government incentives and recent international trade policies.The suspension of federal EV rebates and the imposition of tariffs have significant implications for both the purchase and maintenance of EVs in the country.
For students enrolled in auto mechanic training , understanding how to read and apply bulletins is a key diagnostic skill. Service bulletins, more formally known as Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), are documents issued by vehicle manufacturers to alert technicians to common issues found in specific makes and models. Unlike recall notices, TSBs typically address non-safety-related defects, from software glitches to persistent check engine light triggers.
The American Petroleum Institute (API) has released the latest edition of the API Motor Oil Guide. This edition follows the first licensing of ILSAC GF-7 motor oils, marking a significant advancement in passenger engine oil technology. Designed for consumers, technicians, and other industry professionals, the guide remains a trusted resource for selecting motor oils that meet manufacturer and industry specifications.
Not every new grad is walking across the stage in heels and heading straight to a desk job. Some are stepping into steel-toe boots and heading for the garage. Introducing Maggie Smith Smith and Alexandria Alex Shelton , two fierce SheCANics whove turned their love for cars into purpose-driven careers. Their journeys are real, raw, and a whole lot relatable especially if youve ever felt like you wanted something more than just a degree.
Resilience in the face of economic headwinds Reflecting on the macroeconomic landscape over the last several months, one theme continues to resonate strongly within the Canadian aftermarket: The importance of resilience. Today’s business climate — shaped by mounting domestic political challenges, global geopolitical uncertainty and shifting macroeconomic forces — requires aftermarket players to remain agile, strategic and forward-thinking.
Morning Midas, a cargo ship carrying over 3,000 vehicles from China, has been abandoned off the coast of Alaska after a fire broke out in its cargo hold. According to the US Coast Guard, only 70 of the vehicles on board were fully electric, while 680 were hybrids, although it's unclear what type of hybrids. The fire reminds us of the Felicity Ace cargo ship, which sank after one of the onboard EVs caught fire.
Brake h oses are the most government-regulated components on a vehicle. Anyone making brake assemblies must be registered with the Department of Transportation (DOT). All aftermarket hose, fittings and complete hoses must conform to FMVSS 106 and SAE J1401. These tests are demanding and often exceed what a vehicle will see in the real world. The DOT standard, in a nutshell, says brake hoses must be flexible in a wide range of temperatures while having a predictable expansion rate so the pedal fe
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.
Despite looming trade challenges, battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales remained strong in the first quarter, making up nine per cent of new vehicle sales in the U.S. and 10 per cent in Canada. Collision claims for repairable BEVs also increased, hitting 4.48 per cent in Canada, according to a new report from Mitchell. The auto technology companys Q1 2025 edition of Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights noted that BEVs continue to see the highest average repair costs $7,026 in Canada though that fi
The Municipality of Utrecht has teamed up with MyWheels, We Drive Solar and Renault in order to debut Europe’s first large-scale Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) car-sharing service, dubbed Utrecht Energized. The goal is to stabilize the grid while offering residents sustainable mobility solutions in a city where 35% of rooftops are already fitted with solar panels.
GMC revealed the updated 2026 GMC HUMMER EV with new off-road features and faster acceleration. Owners can now activate King Crab off-road rear-steer mode through an over-the-air update. The Carbon Fiber Edition Pickup hits 0-60 mph in just 2.8 seconds, making it one of the fastest electric trucks on the market. GMC Enhances HUMMER EV Off-Road Capabilities GMC introduced King Crab mode as a standard feature on the 2X and 3X Pickup and SUV trims.
The average age of U.S. light vehicles rose to 12.8 years in 2024, an increase of two months, according to S&P Global Mobility. This marks the second consecutive year of a two-month increase, S&P said. Vehicle registrations surpassed 16 million in 2024 for the first time since 2019. This was not enough to offset the growing volume of aged vehicles as vehicles in operation grew to 289 million with a steady 4.5% scrappage rate.
Canadians are gearing up for summer travel but many are planning closer-to-home road trips. According to a survey for the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC), 82 per cent of motorists planning a day or overnight trip and the vast majority are choosing to stay within Canada and avoiding travel to the U.S. The survey found that 88 per cent of Canadians prefer road trips within Canada, with only 8 per cent planning to cross the border.
Founded in 1998 by the brothers George and Jack Keshishyan, the Platinum Motorsport Group is based out of Los Angeles, California, and just like their RDB LA rivals, they have achieved a cult status among fans of the West Coast customization community. Kim Kardashian is one of their regular clients, for example, if you need to know a little a. ( continue reading.
There was a problem parsing the package, read the error message on the screen when I attempted to launch the diagnostic function of my scan tool. Of course, I had no idea what that meant, and it proved even more frustrating since I needed to diagnose something. But thats the way of the world; computers and their weird errors. So, what are you supposed to do when this happens?
The used car market is surging in both value and volume. The automotive aftermarket is positioned to benefit significantlyand among those who understand it best is Steve Tucker, president of Automotive Parts Associates (APA). In an industry where profitability is boosted by the number of repairable vehicles on the road, the recent upswing in used car sales is providing tailwinds that aftermarket businesses are ready to ride.
Southwestern Ontario distributor Ideal Supply has acquired Wallaceburg Automotive, including its NAPA Auto Parts locations in Chatham and Ridgetown. The addition of these stores boosts Ideal Supply’s presence to 39 stores in the region. Wallaceburg Automotive has been a cornerstone of its communities for 49 years, built on a legacy of exceptional service and strong local ties by previous owners Dave and Jean Elliott. “Ideal Supply’s clear commitment to our employees and custome
Usually, when you say LS in an automotive context in North America, people automatically think of General Motors and its (in)famous small-block engine family that was introduced in 1997 and is now in its fourth generation. However, there were other uses for the LS moniker, too. If you're into Japanese limousines, then you also know about the full-size luxury sedans from Lexus that have been around even longer – since 1989. ( continue reading.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence ( ASE ) now offers the ASE G1 certification test online. This new option allows individuals to earn their certification remotely, which ASE said will increase accessibility and convenience. We continually strive to improve the test-taking experience and that is why we have expanded ASE remote testing to include the test, said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE.
When most people think about auto repairs, they picture engines, brakes, or maybe transmissions. But if you’re enrolled in a quality automotive training program, you’ll understand the unsung hero beneath every vehicle: the subframe. Vehicle subframes dont make headlines, but theyre foundational, literally. From performance and stability to crash safety and component mounting, subframes are critical to the structure and function of modern vehicles.
Pro-Cut has introduced the Mule Tire Trolley, designed to make wheel removal and installation easier, faster and safer for automotive professionals. It handles any wheel size, from sub-compact cars to Class 5 trucks. Its quick and effortless wheel removal and installation increases shop efficiency and its ergonomic design helps prevent back strain and reduce injuries.
More often than not the Harley-Davidson-based builds we come across, no matter where on this Earth they are made, are more expensive than custom cars. By extension, common sense would tell you a full custom ride, built from the ground up in one of the most famous garages in the world, would sell for far more. Well, common sense would be wrong. That world-famous shop is ( continue reading.
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