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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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Once you complete your training and become a mechanic , you’ll face a key decision: should you work for a dealership or join an independent garage? Both offer solid career opportunities, but they operate differently. Your work environment, pace, specialization, and even income can vary depending on where you land. This blog post breaks down the differences to help you choose the right setting for your future.
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.
Air ride diagnostics can be just as complex as any ABS or fuel injection problem. The diagnostic process should start with questions about the system rather than the parts. Failing to find the root cause of a warning light DTC or intermittent problem will typically cause the problem to come back as soon as the customer pulls away from your shop. The best way to approach an air ride problem is to ask questions.
Executives at large companies are operating with more stress, more risk and fewer expectations for growth — and they’re asking more of their workers to weather the storm, according to a new report. Business insurer Sentry found that 60 per cent of executives at large companies expect their businesses to either stay flat or shrink this year. The findings, based on a survey of 1,100 business leaders, painted a picture of cautious leadership in the face of economic and operational uncertainty.
If you’re currently pursuing or considering auto mechanic training , developing your communication and customer interaction skills should be part of your focus. When most people think of an Automotive Service Technician (AST), they picture someone working under the hood of a car. But technical know-how is only half the job. Exceptional customer service skills are just as important.
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.
If you hear a noise coming from a vehicle’s engine, chances are there is a problem with one or several of its parts, which can include anything from the bearings , pistons and valves to the spark plug , lifter and timing components. The reason why the sound is affecting not only your eardrums, but the vehicle’s engine performance, is often exposure to common dirt and debris.
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.
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.
Urban Automotive Ltd is an independent vehicle modifier from the United Kingdom, and they're showing up with full force at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, packing just about anything, from Land Rovers to Rolls-Royces. Urban Automotive is one of the UK's most successful luxury car modifiers, and after it was founded eleven years ag. ( continue reading.
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
Canadians are not consuming as much gasoline as they did a year ago but it hasn’t been too far of a tumble. DesRosiers Automotive Consultants released first-quarter numbers for gasoline consumption, a tool used to gauge the strength of vehicle usage and, in turn, aftermarket demand. The group reported a slight pullback of 3.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same time in 2024.
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.
It is the news that the HEMI fans have been waiting for ever since Stellantis killed the previous-generation Charger and Challenger. The HEMI might be back in the Charger lineup sooner than expected. Former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares is reportedly the man who wanted the HEMI out and the twin-turbocharged ( continue reading.
When you hear the word tailgate, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Maybe it’s the perfect table at a party before the big game, or the extra room it gives you for hauling lumber. It might just be a place to sit and relax after a hard day’s work. No matter what comes to mind, the tailgate on a pickup truck is part of American culture and daily work.
When an automotive repair shop is bustling, the owner can often feel the urge to jump in and try to help out without checking with staff. However, this well-intentioned assistance can sometimes disrupt the workflow and productivity, a shop trainer warned. Instead, by acting like any other employee, asking where help is needed and trusting the staff to handle their roles, owners can avoid disrupting the workflow and ensure the shop runs smoothly, explained Jim Saeli, an instructor and trainer wit
Standard Motor Products, Inc. announced it opened the new Shawnee Distribution Center in Shawnee, Kansas. The facility spans 575,000 square feet. The company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 17, to officially mark its opening. Members of the Shawnee Chamber of Congress, city leaders and SMP leadership attended the event. A 200,000 Square-Foot Expansion The new facility adds more than 200,000 net square feet to SMP’s existing distribution footprint.
A little more than two decades ago German carmaker Porsche decided to go with the flow and launched its first-ever SUV, the Cayenne. It was a bold move that eventually paid off, as the model became one of Porsche's most successful ever. And another bold move is planned for it once again, as the Cayenne is stepping into the world of electric vehicles.
Dent Fix Equipment, a manufacturer of collision repair tools, today announced the expansion of its professional riveting lineup with the RIV-E Multi-Function Riveter series. The new battery-powered RIV-E 80 (DF-SPR80B) and RIV-E 60 (DF-SPR60B) systems complement Dent Fix’s proven pneumatic riveting solutions, giving collision repair professionals the capability to expand their riveting operations beyond the constraints of air lines and compressor capacity.
CRP Automotive has introduced a new Rein Coolant Metal Pipe (CRP Part No. CHU0589) designed for MINI 4-cylinder 1.6L engines. This upgraded component addresses a common failure point in the original cooling system, where the OE plastic “crossover pipe” is prone to cracking and leaking as the engine ages. Repeated thermal cycling and hydrolysis degrade the plastic over time, often leading to premature failure.
It might seem very simple to replace a CV axle on a vehicle, but there are actually things that can go wrong during the process. One thing you really need to pay attention to is the cert clip. If you pulled out the old axle and the cert clip is no longer on the axle, you need to make sure that you’ve retrieved that from the transmission or the axle housing.
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.
Brain surgeon, step aside. Let the auto technician through. Electrical diagnostics are on the table. Sound crazy? This may not be as far-fetched as it seems. Like doctors, today’s technicians need advanced equipment, accurate procedures and a solid mindset. Your diagnostic approach needs to be well thought out, and it starts with your equipment. Modern computer controls and circuitry leave no room for error.
Air Lift Company released a new LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate kit with Air Spring Cradles for the 2024-2025 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD ZR2/2024-2025 GMC Sierra 2500 HD AT4X 4WD. Air Lift air spring kits are designed to work with the vehicle’s existing coil spring suspension to level the vehicle properly. They work to eliminate squat and correct frequent issues while towing or hauling, including poor headlight aim, unresponsive steering, body roll and bottoming out.
One of the best parts about my job is getting my hands on new tools, new technology and getting to share it with fellow technicians. I got to see a preview of this at AAPEX last November, but finally I’ve got the Autel Ultra S2 in my hands. Let’s take a look at some of the features of this scan tool. The MaxiSYS Ultra S2 is a 13.7-inch touchscreen Android-based tablet featuring a healthy 512 gigabytes of storage and a six-in-one vehicle communication and measurement device.
Tesla has been pushing its Full Self-Driving package to customers for years, promising that all its vehicles will someday become truly autonomous with a software update. However, for many, the FSD package has offered no benefits, as Tesla failed to deliver on its self-driving promises. A Tesla owner scored a rare victory in an arbitration case forcing Tesla to reimburse the $10K he paid for FSD.
In this episode of Tech Shop’s Tool Time Podcast, Eric Garbe sits down with Stewart Peregrine to discuss ADAS service in today’s shops, and how Autel is designing equipment to help technicians of all experience levels perform accurate, efficient ADAS calibrations. Autel has many different equipment options depending on the needs of your shop, and utilizes cutting edge technology to meet the service requirements of modern vehicles.
The Inductor® Max is a heavy-duty, high-performance induction heating tool that brings unmatched value to the auto recycling industry. With the Inductor Max, recycling has never been so HOT! Our flameless heating tools have been designed to solve problems such as removing corroded parts and adhesives, auto glass, body moldings and more without the collateral damage that comes from using an open flame.
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