Sat.Feb 08, 2025 - Fri.Feb 14, 2025

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Why inspections are key to your shop’s success

Auto Service World

Consistent, quality inspections are at the heart of a successful automotive shop, according to an industry coach. Speaking to the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario, Alan Beech, an aftermarket coach and consultant with Beech Consulting, shared insights on how a strong inspection program can lead to higher average repair orders, increased efficiency, and happier technicians.

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How to Become a Journeyman Mechanic in 2025

Automotive Training Centre

If youve been looking into how to become a journeyman mechanic , the year 2025 presents an exciting opportunity. The automotive industry continues to evolve, with new technologies and standards raising the bar for skilled professionals. This blog will guide you through the steps necessary to achieve journeyman status, from enrolling in a reputable auto mechanic school to meeting certification requirements.

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Cleaning Car Battery Terminals

Tomorrow's Technician

One crucial vehicle component that often gets overlooked is the car battery. Over time, battery terminals can accumulate corrosion, dirt and other debris, which can hinder the flow of electricity and potentially cause starting issues or even complete battery failure. That’s why it’s crucial to clean the car battery terminals regularly. Working with car batteries can be hazardous if proper safety measures are not taken.

Car
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What to Do If Your Car’s Alternator Fails in Cold Weather

Scotty's Automotive Services

Winter is a challenging season for vehicles, especially when it comes to the electrical components. One critical part that plays a vital role in keeping your car running smoothly is the alternator. The alternator is responsible for charging the battery and providing power to the electrical components of your vehicle. If your car’s alternator fails in cold weather, it can leave you stranded on the side of the road.

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As vehicle tech grows, so do repair, maintenance headaches

Auto Service World

Vehicle technology is advancing rapidly, creating new challenges for automotive repair and maintenance, particularly in cybersecurity and access to essential diagnostic information, industry experts said at a recent conference. Donny Seyfer, executive director of the National Automotive Service Task Force, and Vincent DAuria, senior manager of product, safety and compliance at Volvo Car USA, discussed the growing complexities in vehicle repair due to new technologies.

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Use Technology to Enhance Shop Safety After Auto Mechanic School

Automotive Training Centre

When you step into the shop after graduating from auto mechanic school , your number-one priority is safety for yourself and your clients. The auto repair industry is evolving; technology is critical in creating safer, more efficient work environments. The right tech can help reduce workplace accidents and improve shop performance, from state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to virtual training simulations.

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Tips to Improve the Range of Your EV

Tomorrow's Technician

When it comes to EVs, range is king. But what exactly determines how far we can drive on a single charge? Many factors impact the range, with battery capacity being the most obvious. A larger battery pack typically offers more range, but it also adds weight to the vehicle. This means manufacturers cant always use bigger batteries as the solution to maximize EV range.

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Radiator Care: How to Prevent Radiator Damage in Freezing Temperatures

Louisville Automotive Shop

As the temperature drops during the winter months, it’s important to pay extra attention to your vehicle’s radiator to prevent any potential damage. The radiator plays a crucial role in keeping your engine cool and running smoothly, so it’s essential to take the necessary steps to protect it from freezing temperatures. Here are some tips to help you prevent radiator damage in cold weather: 1.

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Maintaining Your European Suspension for Winter Driving

RB Auto Service

When it comes to winter driving, having a well-maintained suspension system is crucial for ensuring your vehicle’s safety and performance on icy and snow- covered roads. This is especially true for European cars, known for their superior handling and comfort. In this guide, we will delve into the importance of maintaining your European suspension system specifically for winter conditions and provide you with essential tips to keep your vehicle in top shape.

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Preventing Car Battery Failure in Cold Weather

C and C Automotive

As the temperature drops, car owners often face the unwelcome surprise of a dead battery. Cold weather can significantly impact the performance of car batteries, making it crucial for drivers to implement proper maintenance practices to avoid potential breakdowns. In this article, we will discuss the importance of battery maintenance during the winter months and provide valuable tips to prevent car battery failure in cold weather.

Car
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How To Brand Your Auto Repair Shop as a Concierge Repair Shop

Shop Marketing Pros

What if your customer experience was so good that theyd never think of going to another shop again? Thats the power of concierge auto repairan elevated service model designed to create unforgettable experiences. And heres the thing: you dont have to overhaul everything overnight. If youve ever wanted to attract higher-end clients and transform your reputation, branding your shop as a concierge service could be the game-changer youve been looking for.

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Maximizing Service Drive Potential

AutoSuccess

New car dealerships face increasing pressure to deliver exceptional customer experiences while maintaining profitability. The service drive, often an untapped resource, holds immense potential as a profit center and customer loyalty driver. By leveraging technology, optimizing processes and fostering a culture of excellence, dealerships can transform the service drive into a powerhouse of revenue and retention.

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Is Mobile Service the Right Step for Your Shop?

DRIVE

Mobile Service can create a lot of business opportunities, and an equal amount of challenges. See how one business made it work for them. The trucking industry has long been the backbone of the economy in the United States, but with its importance comes the constant challenge of keeping fleets on the road and minimizing downtime. As of 2024, the U.S. truck repair sector is home to over 46,000 businesses, with a market size of over $10 billion.

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Active Ride Control Diagnostics

Brake & Front End

In the 1990s, adjustable valve shocks and struts were all the rage. These systems had two or three comfort and sport settings that could be changed with buttons on the dash. These systems played the role of firming up the suspension if the driver wanted a sporty feel while driving. These systems have evolved to the point where they can actively change dampening characteristics in milliseconds.

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Report: Brand retention rises, but shows signs of ‘loyalty erosion’

Auto Remarketing

On average, automotive brand loyalty rose ever so slightly in 2024. But according to the latest study by Reynolds and Reynolds, there are indications it might be on shaky ground. Reynolds 2025 Automotive Brand Retention and Defection Report: Understanding Your Opportunities for Conquest showed last years industry-wide average brand retention rate was 43.9%, up 0.2 percentage points from 2023.

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Why online presence is crucial to target younger buyers

Auto Service World

New data from GoDaddy found that small businesses must maintain a strong online presence to attract Gen Z and Millennial consumers, who heavily rely on online research before making purchases. That online presence is vital for small businesses, especially if their target audience includes Gen Z or Millennials. GoDaddy reported that not having an online presence could significantly impact a business’s bottom line.

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Mastering Personalized Communication in Your Auto Shop

AutoFix

The auto repair industry is more complex than ever, and customers expect more than just quality repairsthey want an exceptional customer experience. Personalized communication has become a crucial factor in building trust, ensuring transparency, and creating long-term customer relationships. For auto repair shop owners, mastering automotive customer service isnt just about answering questionsits about educating customers, setting realistic expectations, and making them feel valued.

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The Reality of EV Maintenance: Opportunities for Shops and Technicians

AutoSuccess

Electric vehicles share some similarities with their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, but they also require unique maintenance. These vehicles use advanced liquid cooling systems to regulate the temperature of critical components, such as the high-voltage battery pack, power electronics, and electric motor. To keep the system effective and prevent issues, technicians must regularly service the coolant.

ASE
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Marketing Tools and Tech Ideas for Auto Repair Shops

Shop Marketing Pros

EPISODE: 139 Marketing Tools and Tech Ideas for Auto Repair Shops Marketing your auto repair shop can be overwhelming, but with the right tools, it doesnt have to be. Brian and Kim Walker break down essential marketing tools and tech to make the process easier, more effective, and even enjoyable. Discover how to simplify your social media strategy with tools like Meta Business Suite and Canva, optimize your website performance with SEMrush and Google Analytics, and create better customer engage

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Study finds 3-year vehicle dependability drops as COVID effects linger

Auto Remarketing

Three-year-old cars have become less reliable than at any time in more than 15 years, according to the latest data from J.D. Power. The research firms 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study found vehicle problems after three years of ownership have reached their highest level since 2009, with the industry average of 202 problems per 100 vehicles representing a huge 6% jump from 2024s 190 PP100.

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How bidirectional charging could make EVs key players in the energy grid

Auto Service World

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is not just transforming transportation but is poised to reshape energy management through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. V2G enables bidirectional energy transfer, allowing EVs to supply energy back to the grid, effectively turning them into mobile batteries. This innovation, wrote Shazan Siddiqi, senior technology analyst and technical sales at IDTechEx, in a report, is part of the broader vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology trend, which includes vehic

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Transmission Solenoid Replacement Cost (+Why It’s Important)

RepairSmith

If your car hasnt been accelerating as smoothly as it should or giving you a hard time switching gears a faulty transmission solenoid could be the culprit. When changing gears, this electro-hydraulic valve controls transmission fluid flow using speed sensor data and input from the transmission control module (TCM). However, electrical issues and contaminated fluid can damage this component, making replacement necessary.

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Hybrid Technology Students: How Mazda’s EV Battery Plan Could Shape the Future

Automotive Training Centre

Mazda, long known for its precision engineering and driver-focused vehicles, is entering the hybrid technology era in earnest. For hybrid technology students, understanding Mazdas approach to EV batteries offers a fascinating glimpse into how a legacy automaker adapts to the growing demand for electrified powertrains. Mazdas electrification strategy is ambitious and innovative.

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Carvana survey shows most EV owners rarely use public chargers

Auto Remarketing

While the lack of public charging facilities is one of the most cited reasons by consumers for not considering an electric vehicle, most EV owners say they dont need or use them. Carvanas EV Trends Report , which includes a survey of more than 400 Carvana customers who purchased a battery electric vehicle in 2024, found 76% of the respondents said they rarely or never use public chargers.

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The importance of clean bathrooms to your customers

Auto Service World

As handwashing rates soar, the cleanliness of commercial restrooms has become a critical factor in shaping customer perceptions and business reputations. According to a report from Excel Dryers, handwashing has reached unprecedented levels following the pandemic, placing commercial restrooms under intense scrutiny. William Gagnon, COO of Excel Dryer, emphasized the importance of proper hand hygiene, noting that the pandemic heightened awareness of restroom cleanliness and its impact on a company

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Should two new tires be installed on the front or the rear axle?

Tire Review Magazine

When replacing tires, installing a full set ensures consistent tread wear and handling. However, some customers choose to replace only two. Understanding whether to place new tires on the front or rear axle can significantly impact vehicle safety. Why Install New Tires on the Rear Axle? Front tires typically wear out faster because they handle most of the braking, steering, and engine weight.

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The Reality of EV Maintenance: Opportunities for Shops and Technicians

Tomorrow's Technician

Electric vehicles share some similarities with their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, but they also require unique maintenance. These vehicles use advanced liquid cooling systems to regulate the temperature of critical components, such as the high-voltage battery pack, power electronics, and electric motor. To keep the system effective and prevent issues, technicians must regularly service the coolant.

ASE
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PODCAST: Why venture capital and investment funding like automotive so much

Auto Remarketing

We continue our episodes of the Auto Remarketing Podcast originating from Used Car Week 2024 in Scottsdale, Ariz., with a discussion focused on investment funding coming into automotive and what venture capitalists think of the industry. The conversation featured Steve Greenfield of Automotive Ventures, Mark Norman of FM Capital, Quin Garcia of Autotech Ventures and Terence Rasmussen of CarMax.

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Why techs, not advisors, should build tickets

Auto Service World

Service advisors should not be in charge of building tickets the job should be given to the ones who are working directly on the vehicle and who know exactly what they will need to do the job. That was the advice from Jay Huh, a business coach at Shop Fix Academy and North Carolina-based shop owner. For example, the service advisor may not know that the part theyre ordering doesnt come with bolts.

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Electric Vehicle Performance in Extreme Weather Conditions

Brake & Front End

One factor that significantly impacts EV battery performance is temperature fluctuations. Currently, EVs rely on lithium-ion batteries, which are sensitive to environmental conditions, particularly temperature. The Ideal Temperature Range for EV Batteries Lithium-ion batteries operate optimally within a specific temperature range, typically between 68F and 86F.

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ASE G1 Test Prep: Wheel Bearings and Hubs

Tomorrow's Technician

In the ASE G1, wheel ends and wheel bearings are covered in three items on the task list. In the Drive Shaft, Half-Shaft and Universal Joints/Constant Velocity (CV) Joint (Front and Rear Wheel Drive) section, one of the tasks is: Inspect, service and replace wheel bearings, seals, and hubs, excluding press-type bearings. In the Four Wheel/All Wheel Drive and Suspension/Steering sections, the task list says you should be able to inspect, service and repair wheel bearings and hub units.

ASE
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Turning Ghost Shoppers into Loyal Customers: The Magic of Identity Resolution

AutoSuccess

Imagine this you own a new car franchise, and hundreds of people walk in your showroom every day. (Nice problem, right?) They browse, they walk your lot, they check out your window stickers but they leave without saying a word. No names, no contact info, nothing. You wouldnt even know they were there if it werent for the scuff marks on your floor, and not a single one of your salespeople approached anyone all day.

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Don’t Worry, That Halftime Show GNX Wasn’t (Entirely) Real

Eastwood

You may or may not have enjoyed or even understood Kendrick Lamars halftime performance at Super Bowl 59. However, it probably got your attention, if only for the Buick GNX he used as a stage prop. In fact, car enthusiasts the world over were shocked to see the singer performing atop such a legendary model. And thats before dozens of dancers emerged from its open doors, clown car style.

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The Reality of EV Maintenance: Opportunities for Shops and Technicians

Brake & Front End

Electric vehicles share some similarities with their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, but they also require unique maintenance. These vehicles use advanced liquid cooling systems to regulate the temperature of critical components, such as the high-voltage battery pack, power electronics, and electric motor. To keep the system effective and prevent issues, technicians must regularly service the coolant.

ASE
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Electric Vehicle Performance in Extreme Weather Conditions

Tomorrow's Technician

One factor that significantly impacts EV battery performance is temperature fluctuations. Currently, EVs rely on lithium-ion batteries, which are sensitive to environmental conditions, particularly temperature. The Ideal Temperature Range for EV Batteries Lithium-ion batteries operate optimally within a specific temperature range, typically between 68F and 86F.

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Mechanic Software That Turns Insights Into Upsells

Bolt on Technology

Insights are like having a detailed report card for your auto repair shops performance. They give you valuable information about things like how many cars youre servicing, which services are most popular, how much money each customer spends on average, and even which times of year youre busiest. This data helps you make better decisionslike when to offer promotions, which services to focus on, or how to plan for growth.

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How Bending Radius Affects Your Sheet Metal Projects

Eastwood

Designing a sheet metal project that requires precision bending involves more than just guesswork. To ensure accurate dimension and consistent results, each step of the build must be calculated. In addition to knowing each panels finished dimensions, you must also account for things like the bend radius of corners. Understanding the minimum bend radius is crucial for both designers and sheet metal fabricators.