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In the world of automotive repair, knowing how to talk to customers can be just as important as knowing how to fix their cars. When you can understand the various personality traits of the consumer, you can better work with clients and effectively communicate with them, said Emily Chung, a former auto repair shop owner. At the Tirecraft 2025 Conference in Blue Mountain, Ontario, she explained to the audience how knowing and understanding consumer behaviour can transform how automotive profession
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
EPISODE: 151 Marketing When You Are Not a Marketer You didnt go to school for marketing, but here you are, running a shop and needing to fill those bays! In this episode of the Auto Repair Marketing Podcast, Kim Walker gets real about what it is like to jump headfirst into marketing when you are not a trained marketer. (Spoiler: it is scary at first, but it is doable.
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 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.
Growing your tire shop takes the right inventory and great service, but it also takes marketing that speaks to your customers. Personalized messages and targeted promos help build real connections and lasting loyalty. They're also proven to outperform one-size-fits-all campaigns.
Suppliers need to give automotive parts distributors better data if they want to sell their parts, a conference panel recently emphasized A distributors ability to sell automotive aftermarket parts and components is only as effective as the data provided by the supplier to help make the sale, attendees of the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Technology Conference heard from industry leaders.
If youre enrolled in an auto mechanic school or exploring a future in engine diagnostics and repair, youll quickly learn that not all bolts are created equal. While a bolt might look like a simple fastener, in modern engine assembly, some, such as the torque-to-yield (TTY) bolt, play a critical role where precision, strength, and safety are essential.
If youre enrolled in an auto mechanic school or exploring a future in engine diagnostics and repair, youll quickly learn that not all bolts are created equal. While a bolt might look like a simple fastener, in modern engine assembly, some, such as the torque-to-yield (TTY) bolt, play a critical role where precision, strength, and safety are essential.
When it comes to marketing your auto repair shop, having the right tools can make all the difference. Whether its managing your social media , optimizing your website , or running Google Ads for auto repair shops, using the right technology can save you time, improve results, and elevate your shops reputation. But heres the good news: you dont need to be a marketing pro to get started.
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.
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.
Tesla concluded a difficult first quarter, with deliveries down across the board and disappointing financials. However, market conditions and the anti-Tesla sentiment will likely push the EV maker into a downward spiral as people are less likely to buy its cars. A new study shows that people are reluctant to buy a Tesla, and many decide to sell theirs for fear of social stigma and vandalism.
The global automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with 2025 poised to bring new developments influenced by key events in 2024. As automakers navigate evolving market conditions, strategic partnerships, electrification, and the rise of new manufacturing hubs will be central to industry growth, according to Frost & Sullivan.
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.
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.
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.
I'm starting to see more DI carbon problems and reading about chemical solutions causing mechanical issues. Since DI has been around for awhile now, I'm wondering if you guys have any recommendations for a good non vehicle specific walnut blaster. I'm not thinking of anything Harbor Freighty.
I often take a walk, in a nearby park. It’s quiet, simple, and ironically one of the most productive parts of my day. The trees have changed. The paths have shifted. And every time I walk it, I realize how much I’ve changed too. Years ago, I wouldn’t have taken the time. I thought being a good shop owner meant staying plugged in 24/7.
Why prioritizing your health is more important than you think Running a garage and working in one is no easy task. Its physically demanding, mentally exhausting and often leaves little time for personal well-being. Long hours, exposure to chemicals and heavy lifting take a toll on the body. By the time I am working with shop owners, many have usually pushed themselves to their physical limit, believing that hard work and dedication are the keys to success.
Vehicle maintenance isnt just about fixing problems, its also about preventing them. As auto mechanic systems become more advanced, mechanics are expected to understand how vehicles function and how to anticipate issues before they occur. Thats where predictive and preventive maintenance come into play. If you’re training to become an auto mechanic, knowing the difference between these approaches and when to apply each will set you apart in the workshop and on the job.
Stop Losing Money on the Phone: Mastering Ad Calls & Phone Etiquette Webinar Tuesday | 11/25/2025 12:00 PM CT Youre spending good money on marketingbut if your front desk fumbles the phone call, its all wasted. Your ads calls should turn into new customers, but dont because of rushed greetings, bad attitudes, or just not knowing what to say. This Tuesday Teaching is all about fixing that.
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.
The automotive landscape has shifted dramatically. Customer experience (CX) has become the magic differentiator that converts browsers into buyers and first-time customers into lifelong advocates. In a sea of similar inventory and competitive prices, dealerships that master exceptional CX sell more vehicles and establish a sustainable competitive advantage that will drive profitability for years to come.
‘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.
AI is set to transform vehicle diagnostics, making repairs quicker and more accurate for automotive technicians, according to one automotive aftermarket leader. Pete Bradley, head of international technical training and association affairs at Hella Gutmann Solutions, spoke at the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Technology Conference last fall about the transformative potential of AI in vehicle diagnostics.
For students in auto mechanic training , understanding how BTMS works, and how to maintain or repair it, can be a major advantage in todays evolving industry. As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common on Canadian roads, the systems that power and protect them create new demands for auto technicians. One of the most critical, and often overlooked, systems is the Battery Thermal Management System (BTMS).
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.
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.
When you think of a tire shop, you think of an alignment system. And when you think of an alignment system, you think of ADAS calibrations. OK. Maybe not just yet for tire shops. But you should, and in time hopefully will. With the booming present and future market for ADAS calibrations youve heard about all that, right? ADAS and alignment become more paired at the hip each day.
Back in 2023 the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced yet another program that's supposed to end with the creation of revolutionary aircraft tech. Called Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT), it is meant to form the basis of future aircraft that could take off like a helicopter but be able to travel at almost double the speed rotor wings are capable of.
The future of fuel cell electric vehicles remains uncertain as the automotive industry continues to evolve, a new report highlighted. While battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have seen significant growth in model availability, sales, and charging infrastructure, FCEVs have struggled to keep pace. According to a new report by IDTechEx, authored by technology analyst John Li, the year 2024 marked the second consecutive year of declining sales for FCEV passenger cars, with commercial vehicles also la
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.
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.
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.
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.
Depending on whom you ask, Cadillac needs at least one exciting model in its lineup that's different from the models the GM-owned premium marque currently makes. Most enthusiasts would clearly opt for a performance-oriented machine, perhaps one based on the latest Chevrolet Corvette. Such a model was supposedly on the table, yet it appears that it hasn't. ( continue reading.
Bill Long MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, announced the retirement of its president and CEO, Bill Long. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers president Paul McCarthy will take over the role. The moves are effective January 3, 2026. The announcement highlighted Bill Long’s leadership that has brought MEMA significant growth and changes. In 2023, the four divisions of MEMA merged into two divisions , one focused on original equipment suppliers and the other on the aftermarket. “Throughou
When a driver complains about a bumpy ride, pulling to one side, or uneven tire wear, a problem with the suspension system is often to blame. As a future professional in the automotive field, understanding how to diagnose and fix these issues is essential. ATC Cambridges auto mechanic training program teaches you to spot common suspension problems and, more importantly, how to fix them.
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