July, 2025

article thumbnail

ASW Conversations: A roadmap for our aftermarket future, with NAPA’s Donovan Ringo

Auto Service World

There are plenty of critical challenges and opportunities facing independent auto repair shops in an era of rapid technological change, explained Donovan Ringo, senior manager of emerging technologies at NAPA. In this episode of Auto Service World Conversations, Ringo highlighted the seismic shifts occurring in the automotive sector, particularly in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies. “Four out of five shops are sending their AD

article thumbnail

From Torque Wrenches to Scan Tools: The Tools You’ll Use in Automotive School Training

Automotive Training Centre

If you’ve ever stepped into a professional repair shop, you know that success doesn’t just depend on skill; it also depends on the right tools. As a future mechanic, understanding and using these tools effectively is essential to diagnosing and fixing today’s complex vehicles. That’s why automotive school goes beyond theory to ensure you’re fully trained in the real tools of the trade.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

What Do Different Colors of Diesel Exhaust Mean?

Tomorrow's Technician

If you have a diesel truck, you’re probably pretty familiar with smoke. While the idea of “rolling coal” is more a thing of the past, different smoke colors can directly correlate to problems your engine may be experiencing and you might want to look into fixing or addressing. We caught up with some experts to help us identify what those different smoke colors might mean for your diesel engine.

article thumbnail

Optimizing Appointment Scheduling with BayIQ

BayIQ

When customers take their car in for service, they are looking for speed, convenience, and professionalism. For independent repair shops, keeping up with those expectations using traditional, manual scheduling methods can quickly become a roadblock. While BayIQ is not an appointment scheduling software, it plays a critical role in optimizing the appointment process by automating communication and streamlining follow-up.

Software 167
article thumbnail

GM Recalls Older Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra Trucks for Airbag Issue

autoevolution

The largest automaker of the Detroit Big Three is recalling certain previous-gen Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks. Affected vehicles feature roof-rail airbag inflator end caps that may detach when deployed. General Motors can't rule out inflator sidewall ruptures either. Joyson Safety Systems is the supplier of the suspect roof-rail airbag modules, which are internally referred to as 84487867 and 84487868 by General Motors. ( continue reading.

Trucking 122
article thumbnail

Marketing Auto Body Shops with Daniel Burkholder

Shop Marketing Pros

EPISODE: 160 – Marketing Auto Body Shops with Daniel Burkholder Most shop owners don’t think about marketing when things are going great, but wait until the car count drops or the phones go quiet. That’s when the panic hits, and all eyes turn to marketing. But what if your shop’s struggles aren’t about marketing at all? In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Burkholder from Body Shop Marketing to explore a lesser-known aspect of the collision industry.

article thumbnail

From the Magazine: Under Pressure

Auto Service World

Jobbers are facing mounting pressure from multiple areas. Here’s what they’re dealing with, how they’re focused on their shop customers and where they see room for improvement. The automotive aftermarket is no stranger to change, but 2025 has brought a perfect storm of economic headwinds that’s testing the resilience of jobbers across Canada. As the cost of doing business climbs and global supply chains tighten, parts retailers are being forced to rethink how they manage inventory, pricing and

More Trending

article thumbnail

Three Rules for Transmission Diagnosis

Tomorrow's Technician

The transmission game has changed. Solenoids, sensors and computers have replaced vacuum lines, governors and kick-down cables on modern automatic transmissions. The tools for transmission diagnosis have also changed: Scan tools, scopes and meters have replaced pressure and vacuum gauges. Even with codes and datastream information, you must be able to think like the transmission to find the correct diagnosis, which typically doesn’t involve replacing the entire transmission.

article thumbnail

Continental’s Stefan Feder on Shaping Tomorrow, Together

Brake & Front End

In this episode of DriveTime , Stefan Feder discusses Continental Automotive’s new independent company, now called AUMOVIO. Feder leads the automotive aftermarket, North America department for Continental. Feder explains what the AUMOVIO Continental spinoff means for the company’s brands and the customers it serves. He believes the automotive industry is undergoing a huge transformation.

article thumbnail

China Updates Car Braking Regulations To Restrict One-Pedal Driving in Blow to Tesla

autoevolution

China advanced legislation to restrict the "one-pedal driving mode" that Tesla and other EV manufacturers favored. Under the new rules, carmakers are prohibited from allowing vehicles to come to a complete stop solely by releasing the accelerator pedal. The new standard will enter effect on January 1, 2026, for new vehicle type approvals and on January 1, 2027 for all new vehicles.

article thumbnail

There’s No Such Thing As A Price Shopper

Shop Marketing Pros

EPISODE: 159 – There’s No Such Thing As A Price Shopperketing When car count dips and phones go quiet, the first call most shop owners make is to their marketing company. But what if the issue isn’t the marketing at all? In this episode, I sit down with Stan Stokes, creator of GuestX, to talk about a problem every shop owner faces but most misunderstand figuring out why leads aren’t turning into customers.

article thumbnail

From the Magazine: Tuning into your business

Auto Service World

Shops need to take time to be strategic as impacts on your business show no signs of slowing down As we are well into the second quarter of 2025, the overarching theme across the automotive aftermarket remains one of continuous change. From economic indicators to shifting political dynamics, the first 90 days tested the adaptability of businesses in every corner of our industry.

Banking 251
article thumbnail

The Art of Upselling: Why This Skill is Essential After Automotive Mechanic Training

Automotive Training Centre

When most people think of auto mechanic training , they picture learning how to repair engines, diagnose electrical issues, or replace brake systems. And while those technical skills are absolutely essential, there’s another key area that can dramatically impact your success in the industry: the art of upselling. Upselling isn’t about being pushy; it’s about communicating clearly, building trust, and helping customers make informed decisions that benefit their vehicle’s performance a

Mechanic 223
article thumbnail

Engine Builder Shop Solutions – June 2025

Tomorrow's Technician

Engine Builder and Engine Pro present Shop Solutions in each issue of Engine Builder Magazine and at enginebuildermag.com to provide machine shop owners and engine builders the opportunity to share their knowledge to benefit the entire industry and their own shops. Those who submit Shop Solutions that are published are awarded either a prepaid $100 Visa gift card or a shop stool.

article thumbnail

Understanding Wheel Bearings and Hub Unit Failures

Brake & Front End

On a typical passenger vehicle weighing around 3,400 pounds, each pair of front-wheel bearings, as well as the rear-wheel or axle bearings, support around 850 pounds depending on the weight distribution and driveline configuration. If it’s a 6,000-pound SUV, each bearing might carry about 1,500 pounds. This load is concentrated on the relatively small bearing surfaces.

article thumbnail

Google Maps for Android Auto Gets a Feature That Makes Perfect Sense

autoevolution

Google Maps has just been updated with a new feature on Android Auto, making it easier for users to begin navigation when the app is projected to the infotainment screen. Google Maps has received a new shortcut to quickly begin navigation to the work address directly from the screen. A recent update, likely powered by a server-side switch, includes a slightly redesigned search box and a simplified way to start navigation to favorite addre. ( continue reading.

IT 97
article thumbnail

The Benefit of Collaborating With Your Marketers

Shop Marketing Pros

Here’s the thing most shop owners get wrong about marketing: they think hiring a marketing company means they can check out. Hand over the credit card, say “go do your thing,” and wait for the bays to fill up. If only it were that easy. Marketing ain’t magic, and it sure as hell isn’t mind-reading. Even the best marketers in the world can’t do their job right if you’re off-grid and MIA.

article thumbnail

Charting the uncertain USMCA future

Auto Service World

With leaders in the automotive and political circles and beyond wondering about the future of the free trade agreement covering North America, attendees of a recent aftermarket conference heard from a Mexican leader about their views on what’s ahead. Omar Martinez, from Industria Nacional de Autopartes, which represents automotive parts suppliers in Mexico, highlighted the critical importance of the USMCA trade agreement at the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Global Summit in Miami, emphasizing its r

article thumbnail

Keeping Your Cool: A/C Refrigerants and Climate Control in Modern Cars

Automotive Training Centre

Few systems in a vehicle affect comfort as directly as the air conditioning system. And in today’s auto mechanic training , understanding how to maintain, diagnose, and repair climate control systems is a vital skill for any aspiring technician. With rising environmental standards, evolving refrigerants, and advanced climate systems, the A/C unit is no longer just a simple luxury; it’s a critical area of expertise in automotive training.

article thumbnail

Do Worn Struts Affect Braking Performance?

Tomorrow's Technician

Struts are a crucial component of a vehicle’s suspension system, providing structural support and ensuring a smooth, stable ride. They connect the vehicle’s chassis to its wheels, acting as a shock absorber to dampen the impacts from road irregularities. In the realm of vehicle dynamics, struts contribute to the distribution of weight across the wheels, which is essential for maintaining traction and control.

Vehicle 130
article thumbnail

AAPEX to Host Student Engine Assembly Competition

Brake & Front End

The Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) will debut a student engine assembly competition at its 2025 event. Vocational students training to become auto technicians will compete by disassembling and reassembling a Chevy 350 engine. Each team receives complimentary access to AAPEX 2025 , free lodging and $1,000 for travel. The event takes place in Joe’s Garage, AAPEX’s hands-on training hub, featuring 10 active service bays.

article thumbnail

Summer Travel Surge: How Collision Shops Can be Ready for the Road Ahead

Solera

From campers to vehicles hauling bikes and boats, the summer travel season is shifting into gear with a noticeable influx of road congestion. With school officially out for the season, families are packing up and hitting the road for vacations near and far. In fact, AAA is projecting a record 72.2 million people in the U.S. will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Independence Day holiday, with 61.6 million individuals expected to travel by car , marking a 2.2% increase from last year

article thumbnail

Beyond the Ordinary: Crafting Social Media That Positions Your Auto Shop as Top-Tier

Shop Marketing Pros

Let’s be real. Most auto repair shops’ social media is just… there. You’ve seen it: stock photos, generic car tips, and occasional oil change promos with a design that looks like it was built in 2008. It’s not that it’s bad; it’s just forgettable. But your shop? It’s not ordinary. You go above and beyond for your clients, deliver craftsmanship that’s worth every dollar, and provide an experience people don’t expect from an auto shop.

Media 130
article thumbnail

What you need to know about minimizing fire risk in EVs

Auto Service World

As electric vehicles become more common on roads across North America, safety concerns around battery fires are pushing automakers and suppliers to rethink how EVs are built — and protected. Thermal runaway — the chain reaction that can lead to EV battery fires — remains a rare but serious risk. And while EVs are statistically less likely to catch fire than gas-powered vehicles , the consequences when they do can be severe.

article thumbnail

Top Tools You’ll Work With in Auto Mechanic Training at ATC Cambridge

Automotive Training Centre

Choosing a career in automotive service means getting comfortable with tools; lots of them! At ATC Cambridge, students enrolled in auto mechanic training don’t just learn theory. They gain hands-on experience using the same industry-standard tools found in modern repair shops. Knowing how to use these tools properly gives you a major edge in the job market and builds confidence for real-world work.

article thumbnail

Performing a Pre-Purchase Inspection on Used EVs

Tomorrow's Technician

When a customer rolls into your shop asking for a used EV inspection, it’s not your typical oil check and brake pad scenario. A thorough inspection protects your customer and your shop’s reputation. Battery health is king. The battery pack is the heart (and wallet) of any EV. A degraded or damaged battery can cost thousands to replace. Check the State of Health (SOH) using the vehicle’s diagnostics.

Software 130
article thumbnail

GSP adds new wheel end parts

Brake & Front End

GSP North America announced the launch of 21 new part numbers in its wheel end line. The latest release delivers parts coverage for 19,520,928 vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico, according to GSP. Wheel End Coverage Includes Audi and Ford The release includes two pre-pressed hub and bearing assemblies for late-model Audi vehicles. These factory-assembled units eliminate on-site pressing.

article thumbnail

Tesla Partially Opens Its Biggest Supercharger Station in the World, Powered by the Sun

autoevolution

Tesla partially opened what will become the world's biggest Supercharger station later this year. The first phase includes 84 charging stalls powered entirely by the sun and operated off-grid. By the end of the year, the station will have 168 stalls on a 1.5-MW grid service, the rest being powered by solar panels and Megapack energy storage batteries.

IT 99
article thumbnail

Beyond the Ordinary: Crafting Social Media That Positions Your Auto Shop as Top-Tier

Shop Marketing Pros

Let’s be real. Most auto repair shops’ social media is just… there. You’ve seen it: stock photos, generic car tips, and occasional oil change promos with a design that looks like it was built in 2008. It’s not that it’s bad; it’s just forgettable. But your shop? It’s not ordinary. You go above and beyond for your clients, deliver craftsmanship that’s worth every dollar, and provide an experience people don’t expect from an auto shop.

Media 130
article thumbnail

Will work from home rules change customer behaviour?

Auto Service World

Higher income households have been increasingly engaging in the automotive aftermarket on the DIY side, driving significant growth in this sector. However, as many are forced to return to the office, an industry expert warned that this could have an impact on the aftermarket. At last year’s AAPEX, Nathan Shipley, executive director and industry analyst with Circana’s automotive aftermarket practice, highlighted that households making more than $100,000 increased their spending 30 per cent from t

article thumbnail

Connected Cars and Telematics: Remote Diagnostics in 2025

Automotive Training Centre

In 2025, being an auto mechanic means more than wrenches and engines. It means screens, sensors, and software. Today’s vehicles are rolling computers, constantly communicating through a network of sensors and data hubs. At the core of this transformation is telematics, the tech behind connected cars that’s changing how diagnostics and repairs happen.

Mechanic 162
article thumbnail

LIN Bus Diagnostics

Tomorrow's Technician

As more smart motors, switches and sensors are being used, there are more Local Interconnect Network (LIN) buses on vehicles. Because of this, some questions have been raised regarding the diagnosis of a LIN bus circuit. This tech tip is intended to help better explain LIN buses and provide some diagnostics tips. LIN Bus Information The LIN bus consists of a single wire and is used to exchange information between one master control module (the ECM, BCM, etc.) and one or more slave/smart device(s

Vehicle 130
article thumbnail

How to Safely Jump-Start Hybrids and Newer Vehicles

Brake & Front End

This is a maintenance alert for you guys out there who have to pull cars into the shop or charge the battery on some vehicles. If it’s a late model vehicle or it’s a vehicle that is a hybrid, pay attention to the service information when you’re performing a jump-start these vehicles. There are different procedures for the jump-start depending on the vehicle.

Vehicle 100
article thumbnail

Dealer Sells a Rare 1969 Shelby GT500 Fastback With 59K Miles, 1 of Only 68

autoevolution

I've always said that not liking a Shelby is impossible, even if you're a Chevrolet guy. These cars had everything you could ever want, beginning with gorgeous styling and ending with the performance under the hood. The GT350 was joined by the GT500 in 1967, and Ford and Carroll Shelby tried to refine the new model with every new model year. ( continue reading.

Car 122
article thumbnail

Apollo Tyres Launches Aspire 5 Ultra-High Performance Tire

Tire Review Magazine

Apollo Tyres has launched its newest Ultra-High Performance (UHP) tire, the Apollo Aspire 5. Developed and manufactured in India, the Aspire 5 serves both domestic and international markets. India’s UHP tire market, comprising 17-inch and above rim sizes with W/Y speed ratings, is undergoing major changes driven by the rise in luxury car ownership, Apollo said.

article thumbnail

How EVs are transforming, not destroying, the aftermarket

Auto Service World

The rise of electric vehicles isn’t spelling doom for the automotive aftermarket — it’s creating a whole new landscape of opportunity, emphasized a pair of industry observers. Jack Zhuang, a partner with business consultancy firm Roland Berger who leads the electric vehicle value chain and supplier-related practice, is pushing back against the narrative of pure disruption.

article thumbnail

Future-Proofing Your Career: The EV Era and You

Automotive Training Centre

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is changing the landscape of automotive repair and fast. If you’re thinking about becoming an auto mechanic , now is the perfect time to prepare for the future. EVs may not dominate the roads yet, but they’re gaining ground quickly. With manufacturers investing heavily in electric technology, demand for skilled technicians who understand EV systems is growing every year.

Mechanic 147