April, 2025

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Advice for picking the right scan tool

Auto Service World

Selecting the right scan tool is crucial for automotive technicians, and understanding the options can help make the best choice for your shop. An expert recently laid out the decision-making process for picking the right one. At the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Technology Conference, Donny Seyfer, executive director of the National Automotive Service Task Force, provided insights on how to choose the right scan tool for vehicle diagnostics.

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Mentorship Matters: How Instructors at Our Auto Mechanic School Champion Your Success

Automotive Training Centre

At ATC Cambridge, mentorship is the foundation of our auto mechanic school. For students dreaming of hands-on careers in the automotive field, having expert instructors makes all the difference in how well they learn, how confident they feel, and how ready they are for the real world. We believe experienced mentors are essential to quality auto mechanic training, and our students agree.

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You’re Not Spending Enough Money On Marketing with Parker Branch

Shop Marketing Pros

EPISODE: 146 You’re Not Spending Enough Money On Marketing with Parker Branch Brian and Parker dive into how strategic marketing investment can drive real growth for auto repair shops. Parker shares how increasing his marketing spend transformed his business, leading to record-breaking profits and industry recognition. They discuss why many shop owners hesitate to spend more on marketing and how cutting back can actually slow growth.

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Air Ride Service Options

Tomorrow's Technician

ir ride systems can offer great benefits for drivers. They can improve ride quality and add functionality like increased ride height for off-road excursions. But, as with other hard-working components, air ride shocks and struts will eventually fail, succumbing to either damage to or dry rot of the air spring. In addition, the dampener, which is just like any other shock or strut, will lose its ability to control the movement of the suspension due to internal wear and will lose fluid inside the

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Is Your Loyalty Program Driving Revenue? A Guide to Measuring ROI for Tire Shops

BayIQ

A loyalty rewards program can make all the difference in increasing repeat business at your tire shop. Understanding your loyalty rewards program's return on investment (ROI) is critical for tracking profitability, increasing customer retention, and ensuring that your shop stands out from the competition. This blog will break down what you should measure, where things often go wrong, and how BayIQ can turn your shop into a revenue-generating powerhouse.

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How to Simplify Tax Season for Your Auto Repair Shop This Year

AutoShopOwner

Its no secret that time is limited as an auto repair shop owner. Between diagnosing complex engine issues to managing your mechanics and creating a five-star customer experience, theres often little time left to focus on your financials. But what happens when tax season rolls around, and youre forced to buckle down on organizing your records and preparing your returns?

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How EV batteries can be repurposed

Auto Service World

Batteries from electric vehicles are likely to be either recycled for their valuable content or repurposed, according to a recent report. A new report by IDTechEx, Second-life Electric Vehicle Batteries 2025-2035: Markets, Forecasts, Players, and Technologies explored the commercial feasibility of repurposing EV batteries for stationary storage applications after their initial automotive use. “After a Li-ion battery has served its first life in an electric vehicle, automotive OEMs will be

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April Car Care Series: Dashboard Emojis – Ignore vs. Panic

Girls Auto Clinic

Dashboard emojis (a.k.a. warning lights) can be straight-up confusing. One day, youre cruising down the road, and suddenly, a tiny glowing symbol pops up on your dashboard. What does it mean? Should you pull over immediately or can it wait? Good news: You dont need to memorize all of them. Instead, think of your dashboard emojis like a stoplightred, yellow, and green.

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Do I Need That Rotor Screw?

Tomorrow's Technician

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.

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How the Cybertruck Went From the Hottest Car to the Biggest Flop in Just One Year

autoevolution

Despite the peculiar shape, the Tesla Cybertruck promised to be a cutting-edge vehicle from the future that was set to revolutionize the automotive industry. However, it arrived too late and with significantly toned-down features. After a short success, the Cybertruck proved a monumental failure. Here's what led to this loss of steam for one of the most anticipated vehicles in the world.

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Consumer Confidence is Down! Time to Bump Up the Customer Experience!

AutoShopOwner

Take if someone who has lived through many uncertain times, this is the best time to bump up your customer experience. Show confidence and and show that you appreciate your customers. This also means showing appreciation for your employees - Happy employees create happy customers. While there is a lot of uncertainty these days, there is one thing you can take to the bank: With the right positive mindset, staying strong and driving forward, you will be better off in the good times.

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Industry leaders gather to talk challenges

Auto Service World

The timing of the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Vision Conference was ideal, bringing together top executives from across the industry on so-called Liberation Day as the U.S. government imposed tariffs on countries around the world. The April 2 event, which kicked off with an evening network reception the night before, served as a crucial gathering point for industry leaders, fostering in-depth conversations surrounding the most pressing challenges and emerging trends shaping the automotive afterma

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Understanding the Importance of Computer Literacy After Dispatch Training

Automotive Training Centre

The transportation and logistics industry is evolving rapidly, with digital tools and technology playing an increasingly important role in daily operations. After dispatch training , your role could extend from managing fleet schedules to tracking shipments. Thats why professionals in this field rely on software and digital platforms to keep supply chains moving efficiently.

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Exciting News: Announcing the Addition of SmartDrive to the Solera Fleet Platform!

Solera

We are thrilled to announce that SmartDrive is now fully integrated into the Solera Fleet Platform, marking a significant milestone in fleet management. This powerful update brings together the advanced safety and coaching features of SmartDrive with the comprehensive capabilities of the Solera Fleet Platform, creating an innovative and unified platform that sets a new standard in operational efficiency.

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Specialized Lifting Equipment and Procedures for Electric Vehicle Repairs 

Tomorrow's Technician

The unique architecture of electric vehicles, particularly their high-voltage systems and battery packs, requires a specialized approach to maintenance and repair. Auto shops must prioritize electric vehicle lift safety, as traditional repair techniques can pose risks when applied to EVs. EVs differ significantly due to their power sourcethe high-voltage battery pack.

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Valvoline Launches New Oils as GF-7 Standard Takes Effect

Brake & Front End

Valvoline announced the launch of its new passenger car motor oil formulas for both the U.S. and Canada. The company said these formulas surpass the updated International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) GF-7 standards, which formally went into effect on March 31. Valvoline added that its current ILSAC GF-6 certified synthetic Valvoline motor oils already meet all requirements of the new ILSAC GF-7 specification.

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Now Available: New Hankook Tires

AutoShopOwner

Champtires has started to add new Hankook tires to its available inventory. Multiple sizes and models are now available, and more will be added soon. Examples of current Hankook tires in stock now include: Hankook Ventus S1 EVO3 225/40-18 92 Y $159.99/tire Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 SUV 235/60-18 103 W $139.99/tire Hankook Ventus S1 evo3 HRS 275/40-18 103 Y $179.99/tire Hankook Ventus S1 evo2 HRS 245/45-17 95 W $149.99/tire Hankook Kinergy 4S2 245/40-18 97 V $148.00/tire Hankook Kinergy 4S2 235/50-1

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How one supplier is preparing for EVs

Auto Service World

As the automotive industry rapidly shifts towards electrification, one major parts supplier explained during a recent conference how its positioning itself to be a leader in the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Ryan Devine, director of global product management, engineering and program management at Dana Incorporated, gave insights into how his company is making strategic moves to ensure it remains a key player in the evolving mobility landscape.

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Exploring Auto Careers: How Fast Can You Become a Mechanic?

Automotive Training Centre

Are you eager to kickstart a career in the automotive industry and wondering How fast can you become a mechanic ? The answer depends on the path you take, but the good news is that with the right training, you can enter the field fairly quickly. In this post, well explore the typical timeline for becoming a mechanic, the benefits of formal auto mechanic training versus learning on the job, the certification requirements for Canadian mechanics, the skills youll develop in training, and how deman

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Porsche 911 Drag Races Cybertruck (but Correctly), They're Not Even in the Same Time Zone

autoevolution

On December 1, 2023, Tesla posted a video on its YouTube channel showcasing the CyberBeast Cybertruck towing a Porsche 911, all the while drag racing an identical 911. Conveniently, the Tesla won – in the eighth-mile run, which was not disclosed, leading many to believe it was a proper quarter-mile face-off. The gearhead community won’t settle for half-truths, so here it is again: a Cybertruck racing a Porsche Carrera 911. ( continue reading.

IT 105
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Reset the Battery Management System

Tomorrow's Technician

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.

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Road Testing A Vehicle

Brake & Front End

Pre- and post-repair road tests are critical for ensuring safety, confirming repair quality, and protecting your shop from liability. From documenting customer concerns to verifying system functionality, consistent test drive procedures help build trust, prevent disputes, and keep both technicians and customers safe. Learn the steps to set up a reliable and professional road test process in your shop.

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Family in the Auto Shop: Yes, Hell No, or It Depends?

AutoInc.

If you’ve ever had one family member at Thanksgiving who says something wildly inappropriate or still treats you like you’re twelve, you already know: family dynamics are tricky. Now imagine inviting that same person into your business. In the automotive world, it’s common to see families working together. Yes, parents, kids, spouses and siblings.

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AIA Canada upskilling program is back and expands

Auto Service World

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada has announced the return and expansion of the Innovation in Automotive Training program. The announcement comes after funding was renewed by Ontarios provincial government. Since its inception in 2022, this initiative has trained over 480 people in the province, exposing more to career opportunities in the aftermarket sector and providing essential up-skilling for the current workforce.

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Considering Hybrid and Electrical Mechanic Training? Learn How EV Bodies Differ

Automotive Training Centre

As electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity, budding mechanics pursuing hybrid and electrical mechanic training must understand how EV bodies differ from traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. From lightweight materials to aerodynamics and safety features, the structural design of EVs is a critical factor in performance and efficiency.

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Lucid Is on Track To Start Deliveries of Its $50K Midsize SUV in 2026

autoevolution

Lucid has just started deliveries of its second model, the Gravity SUV, but the crown jewel is the upcoming high-volume midsize SUV. Despite market turmoil, the electric crossover, which will compete with the Tesla Model Y, is on track for a 2026 launch. Lucid is one of the EV startups best positioned to follow Tesla's success story. Although the times have not been kind to the company, Lucid continues to pedal toward profitability. ( continue reading.

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Premium Guard, NAPA Sponsor Classroom for Automotive Students

Tomorrow's Technician

PGI and NAPA Celebrate New Classroom at UTI Campus Premium Guard Inc. (PGI) , in collaboration with NAPA , held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 2 to commemorate the completion of a new NAPA Gold Filters branded classroom at the Universal Technical Institute (UTI) campus in Bloomfield, NJ. The collaboration supports students pursuing automotive technician careers.

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Partnership Pathways: Bridging the Gap

Brake & Front End

In this episode of Tomorrow’s Technician’s Partnership Pathways Podcast, powered by NAPA, host Doug Kaufman speaks with Ritchie Wimmer, a multifaceted shop owner and automotive instructor at Morro Bay High School in California. In addition to sharing his amazing life-altering story, Ritchie shares his insights on the challenges of being a successful shop owner today and how mentorships and apprenticeship programs can bridge the gap between generations in the automotive industry.

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Girls Auto Clinic Car Care Blog Series

Girls Auto Clinic

April is Car Care Month the perfect time to invest in your ride. Spring is here, and I can already feel the wind in my hair as I dream of a shotgun ride down the highway with my best friend! Can you feel it too? The warmth of the sun, the open road. Its a reminder that spring is also the perfect time to think about how we care for our cars. April is Car Care Month, and theres no better time to set a plan in motion before summer road trips take off.

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Future trends for autonomous vehicles

Auto Service World

Autonomous vehicles are leveling up and as these vehicles continue to evolve, a new report highlighted the advancements and challenges in vehicle autonomy. The Society of Automotive Engineers defines levels of automation from 0 to 5, with Level 0 representing vehicles with no automated features and Level 5 describing fully autonomous vehicles requiring no human intervention.

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Auto Mechanic Guide: Servicing Software-Defined Vehicles

Automotive Training Centre

The automotive industry is evolving rapidly, with software-defined vehicles (SDVs) becoming more common on the road. These vehicles rely on advanced software systems to control everything from engine performance to driver assistance features. As an auto mechanic , understanding how to diagnose, repair, and update these vehicles is critical to staying competitive.

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Dealer Takes Hit, Sells Low-Miles Corvette Z06 Convertible 3LZ Z07 for $35,000 Under MSRP

autoevolution

This 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible is equipped with the Z07 Performance package, the 3LZ Equipment Group, and the Carbon Aero package. It recently sold at auction for $125,000 with 4,500 miles on its 5.5-liter LT6 V8 engine. Its original MSRP? A hefty $159,750. Now, I don’t mean to imply that the selling dealer let it go for $35,000 under MSRP, even though technically that’s how much it has depreciated over t. ( continue reading.

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How an Automotive Fuse Works

Tomorrow's Technician

Imagine your car’s electrical system as a bustling city, with countless wires acting as roads connecting various electrical components. In this analogy, fuses are the traffic controllers, ensuring that electricity flows smoothly and safely throughout the entire network. The primary purpose of fuses is to protect your vehicle’s electrical components from damage caused by excessive current.

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Specialized Lifting Equipment and Procedures for Electric Vehicle Repairs 

Brake & Front End

The unique architecture of electric vehicles, particularly their high-voltage systems and battery packs, requires a specialized approach to maintenance and repair. Auto shops must prioritize electric vehicle lift safety, as traditional repair techniques can pose risks when applied to EVs. EVs differ significantly due to their power sourcethe high-voltage battery pack.

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Hard Work, Even Smarter Choices: How Nate Zolman is Innovating in the Tire Industry

Tire Review Magazine

Nate Zolman, president of Zolman’s Tire, is known for hard work, smart decisions, and adaptability. He transformed the company into a regional powerhouse in tires and truck repair. The Origins of Zolman’s Tire The story of Zolman’s Tire begins with Bud Zolman. He built the Indiana-based tire shop from scratch with grit. Nate practically grew up in the shop, changing tires and fixing cars.

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CARS Executive Outlook: Craig Maidens

Auto Service World

CARS magazine reached out to leaders in the automotive repair and service sector of the automotive aftermarket to ask them about their thoughts about the industry over the next 12 months. How will the economy impact customer behaviour in 2025 compared to 2024? What role is technology playing in repair shops these days and how can shops use it effectively?

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Are You Considering Auto Detailing Training? Learn How EV Needs Differ

Automotive Training Centre

Electric vehicles are changing how we think about cars, including how they are maintained and detailed. If youre considering auto detailing training , understanding the differences between detailing EVs and traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles will give you an edge in the industry. At ATC Montreal, students gain hands-on experience working on various vehicles, preparing them to handle the unique needs of electric cars.