Sat.Jan 04, 2025 - Fri.Jan 10, 2025

article thumbnail

The key tool to keep your shop healthy

Auto Service World

As consolidation trends continue to reshape the automotive aftermarket, the key to survival for service shops lies in investing in training and career development for technicians. That was the advice from Bob Cushing, president of Worldpac who emphasized the critical role of training in maintaining a healthy, independent business. There is growing pressure on smaller service shops to adapt and invest in their workforce or face the risk of being acquired by larger players in the industry, he said

article thumbnail

Michael Edmunds, B’laster IOTY Candidate

Tomorrow's Technician

A lot of people have been taking things apart our whole lives. Fewer of them are able to put them back together again even fewer still can work the black magic to somehow make them better than they were before. Michael Edmunds, automotive instructor at East Syracuse Manoa Central High School and mentor to the school’s Spartan Garage Car Club is the first candidate in the 2024-2025 Tomorrows Technician Instructor of the Year competition, presented by Blaster Corporation in association with

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

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

article thumbnail

3 Ways the Internet of Things Will Transform Auto Repair

Automotive Training Centre

The automotive industry is undergoing a revolution, and at the forefront of this change is the Internet of Things (IoT). For those interested in becoming auto mechanics, understanding IoT’s impact is crucial. The Internet of Things refers to the interconnected network of devices that communicate and exchange data in real time. In auto repair, this technology is transforming how vehicles are maintained and repaired, paving the way for smarter, more efficient automotive services.

article thumbnail

Leveraging Digital Vehicle Inspections

Brake & Front End

Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) are transforming the automotive industry by enhancing transparency and efficiency. For service managers, DVIs streamline inspections, document findings with photos and videos, and improve communication with customers. This modern approach builds trust, increases repair approvals, and sets shops apart by providing a professional, customer-friendly experience.

Vehicle 130
article thumbnail

The liability of smart cars and understanding the risks

Auto Service World

The vulnerabilities of connected vehicles and the steps drivers and manufacturers can take to mitigate the risks. The global smart car market is expected to grow substantially in the coming years, raising numerous concerns about the safety of these cars. One of the most prevalent is cybersecurity. This market is expected to be worth $265.7 billion in 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17 per cent in under a decade.

Car 239
article thumbnail

Spring Replacement and Engineering

Tomorrow's Technician

A springs design is tuned to many factors. Engineers will use terms like frequency and amplitude to describe spring construction. For the layman, these terms translate to how fast and how far the spring must travel. Frequency and amplitude are tuned for ride quality, center of gravity and the sprung weight of the vehicle. A dampener is not a spring, and a spring is not a dampener.

article thumbnail

What is an EREV? A Guide For Students in Automotive School

Automotive Training Centre

What is an EREV? As the automotive industry evolves, Extended Range Electric Vehicles (EREVs) have emerged as a key innovation, combining electric power with the reliability of internal combustion engines. If you’re considering a career in the automotive field, particularly in hybrid technology, understanding EREVs is essential. At ATC, our hybrid technology training program prepares students to thrive in this exciting and fast-changing industry.

More Trending

article thumbnail

Aftermarket employment sets records

Auto Service World

While there was a modest increase in employment in the automotive sector as a whole, performance varies across different sectors. But it was good new for those in the aftermarket, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, including setting new records. Employment in the motor vehicle manufacturing industry decreased by 1.8% compared to October 2023, bringing the total to 35,900.

article thumbnail

Battery Balancing for EV Batteries

Tomorrow's Technician

EV and hybrid batteries consist of numerous cells arranged in series and parallel configurations. This design achieves the desired voltage and capacity. Variations in manufacturing, temperature, and usage can cause individual cells to charge and discharge at different rates. Impact of Imbalance in Battery Cells Imbalances between cells can lead to overcharging or undercharging of specific cells.

article thumbnail

A Guide to Decontamination for Students in Auto Detailing Training

Automotive Training Centre

As auto detailing training graduates know, to achieve the showroom-ready shine customers expect, decontamination is an essential step that goes beyond surface-level washing. Mastering the decontamination process is key to delivering professional-quality results and earning customer trust. This guide breaks down the basics of decontamination, why it matters, and how to perform it effectively.

Mechanic 179
article thumbnail

Tuesday Teaching | Don’t Drop The Ball on 2025 Marketing

Shop Marketing Pros

Don't Drop The Ball on 2025 Marketing Webinar Tuesday | 1/28/2025 12:00 PM CST The ball may have dropped in Times’ Square, but that doesn’t mean you’ve completely dropped the ball on getting an annual marketing plan together for your auto repair shop. Join us in the Auto Repair Marketing Mastermind as we talk to Lauralee Schmidt and Savannah Garrett of Schmidt’s Auto Care to hear about how they manage a realistic marketing plan for their shop and leave with key takeaways

article thumbnail

Seatbelt reminders are getting better

Auto Service World

Automakers have made significant strides in improving seat belt reminder systems since the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) began rating them in 2022, the group reported recently. Initially, only 17 per cent of tested models earned a good rating, while 65 per cent were rated marginal or poor. Fast forward to 2024, and those numbers have flipped, with 62 per cent of new models earning a good rating and just 24 per cent rated marginal or poor.

Software 252
article thumbnail

Leveraging Digital Vehicle Inspections

Tomorrow's Technician

Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) are transforming the automotive industry by enhancing transparency and efficiency. For service managers, DVIs streamline inspections, document findings with photos and videos, and improve communication with customers. This modern approach builds trust, increases repair approvals, and sets shops apart by providing a professional, customer-friendly experience.

Vehicle 130
article thumbnail

Exploring Auto Careers? 5 Qualities of a Great Dispatcher

Automotive Training Centre

The auto industry offers diverse career paths for those passionate about transportation, logistics, and operations. One such rewarding role is that of a dispatchera key player in ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services. If you’re exploring auto careers and wondering if dispatching might be the right fit for you, understanding the qualities of a great dispatcher is a good place to start.

article thumbnail

Snowbanks and Active Grille Shutters

Brake & Front End

Snowbanks can wreak havoc on modern vehicles, particularly active grille shutters, commonly found on Honda, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz models. These systems, controlled by the ECM, optimize airflow and engine warm-up but are prone to damage from winter impacts. In this video, Andrew Markel highlights the importance of checking active grille shutters when diagnosing front-end damage or cooling system codes.

article thumbnail

EVs appear to be more accident prone

Auto Service World

Electric vehicles, given their higher acceleration rates, may be more accident-prone than their slower counterparts, according to new insurance data. Citing information from LexisNexis, a data analytics company specializing in risk and legal solutions, Green Car Reports noted that these findings raise questions about whether EVs and their ability to hit high speeds quicker than internal combustion engine vehicles or even slower powered EVs could lead to an increase in crashes.

article thumbnail

Reading Wiring Diagrams

Tomorrow's Technician

Whether youre a professional technician or a DIYer, reading and understanding wiring diagrams is an essential skill required for automotive repair. To many people, wiring diagrams can seem overwhelming, because they might just look like spaghetti on a piece of paper. However, with patience, youll realize theyre not as bad as they seem. When youre first looking at a wiring diagram, always begin with the diagram instructions and symbols.

article thumbnail

The Importance of Product Knowledge After Auto Parts Training

Automotive Training Centre

Understanding the components youll work with is more than just a technical skillits the foundation of your career. Knowing the ins and outs of auto parts helps you serve customers and positions you as a trusted expert after your auto parts training. At ATC Surrey, we emphasize the importance of product knowledge in our auto parts courses, equipping students with the tools they need to thrive in their careers.

Technical 193
article thumbnail

Battery Balancing for EV Batteries

Brake & Front End

EV and hybrid batteries consist of numerous cells arranged in series and parallel configurations. This design achieves the desired voltage and capacity. Variations in manufacturing, temperature, and usage can cause individual cells to charge and discharge at different rates. Impact of Imbalance in Battery Cells Imbalances between cells can lead to overcharging or undercharging of specific cells.

article thumbnail

How Canadian new vehicle sales fared in 2024

Auto Service World

The Canadian light vehicle market saw a significant rebound in 2024, with overall sales reaching an estimated 1.86 million units. Thats an 8.2 per cent increase from the 1.72 million units sold in 2023, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants. However, Andrew King, managing partner at DesRosiers, called for caution despite the optimistic numbers.

Vehicle 198
article thumbnail

Spruce up That Dingy Interior! 

Tomorrow's Technician

Your customer is in front of you and says, “my car just doesn’t look good inside anymore.” The interior of a car is subject to some pretty harsh situations: Subzero temps, ultraviolet rays, extreme heat, moisture and also very dry air. Add to these environmental issues, the interior is made up of many different substances. We will leave the metal components alone for now, but there is still rubber, ABS plastic, PPL or polypropylene, nylon and vinyl, leather and of course cloth.

article thumbnail

Beyond the Manual: Fleet Hacks for Success

Automotive Fleet

Learn how fleet managers boost efficiency with innovative hacks, AI tools, and proven strategies to tackle todays fleet management challenges.

article thumbnail

Strengthen Customer Trust and Boost Shop Performance

Brake & Front End

Brake inspections dont always need to be free to create value for your customers. Andrew Markel reflects on how a small $15 clean-and-inspect service, paired with tangible results like parking brake adjustments, made a lasting impact. This approach not only improved customer satisfaction but also encouraged return visits for necessary repairs. Discover how a simple value-added service can strengthen customer trust and boost shop performance.

130
130
article thumbnail

JC Washbish named CEO of the Alliance

Auto Service World

After taking over as president last year, JC Washbish has now also been named the chief executive officer of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance. The companys board of directors announced the move effective as of Jan. 1 of this year. We continue to be impressed with JCs leadership, passion and drive, and we expect the same as president and CEO of the Alliance, said Eli N.

Finance 225
article thumbnail

Acura – DTC P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0304 or P0172

Tomorrow's Technician

MODELS 2019 23 RDX ALL 2021 23 TLX ALL (Except Type S) SYMPTOM Under certain circumstances, the vehicle may experience driveability concerns. This may result in the following DTCs to set: P0300 (Random Misfire Detected) P0301-P0304 (No. 1-4 Cylinder Misfire Detected) P0172 (Fuel System too Rich) NOTE: This issue is most common in regions with cold weather.

Software 130
article thumbnail

What are Automakers Doing to Bridge the EV Charging Gap?

Automotive Fleet

Many OEMs are beginning to offer their own charging solutions in an effort to create a larger, more reliable network of charging stations that is easily accessible to their customers.

104
104
article thumbnail

Starter Engagement Systems

Brake & Front End

Learn how Positive Shift, Soft Start, and Indexing Drive systems ensure reliable vehicle starts. Explore their features and applications. This video is sponsored by bproauto. The post Starter Engagement Systems appeared first on Brake & Front End.

Vehicle 130
article thumbnail

ASW Conversations: Being a professional pivoter, with Autumn Lamb

Auto Service World

It takes a lot to open yourself up when opportunity knocks. For Autumn Lamb, however, she always opens the door. In this episode of Auto Service World Conversations , the marketing manager for GSP Americas discusses her journey into the aftermarket and all the amazing people, groups and experiences shes uncovered. Shes a major proponent of mentorship and building connections through the industry shes part of groups like Women in Auto Care and the Young Auto Care Networking Group.

article thumbnail

Identifying Multiple Issues of Vehicle Complaint

Tomorrow's Technician

While its common for a customer to bring us a vehicle with a single, specific complaint, we often find more than one problem when getting into the diagnosis of their original concern. The owner only knows one thing; they want the vehicle to run and operate properly. Its our responsibility to identify and execute a complete repair and convey what that entails to the customer.

Vehicle 130
article thumbnail

5 Tips for Speeding Up Turnaround After Auto Parts Training

CATI

Speed and efficiency are key in the automotive industry, as you must have learned during auto parts training. Completing repairs, managing inventory, and assisting customers all require streamlined workflows to minimize delays and ensure satisfaction. As a professional in the field, learning to balance speed with accuracy will set you apart and help your shop thrive.

article thumbnail

JC Washbish Promoted to President & CEO of the Alliance  

Brake & Front End

The Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance, Inc Board of Directors has promoted JC Washbish to Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2025. This appointment follows JCs promotion to President in early 2024. JC will now serve in his capacity as both President and CEO. We continue to be impressed with JCs leadership, passion and drive, and we expect the same as President and CEO of the Alliance, said Eli N.

article thumbnail

Understanding Trucking Regulations and Their Impact on Accident Cases

Auto Service World

Understanding trucking regulations is essential in accident cases, as these laws govern driver behavior, vehicle maintenance, and load limits. Violations of these regulations can establish liability, helping victims secure compensation. Knowledge of industry standards enables attorneys to strengthen cases by demonstrating negligence and holding responsible parties accountable for accidents.

Trucking 130
article thumbnail

Snowbanks and Active Grille Shutters

Tomorrow's Technician

Snowbanks can wreak havoc on modern vehicles, particularly active grille shutters, commonly found on Honda, Ford, and Mercedes-Benz models. These systems, controlled by the ECM, optimize airflow and engine warm-up but are prone to damage from winter impacts. In this video, Andrew Markel highlights the importance of checking active grille shutters when diagnosing front-end damage or cooling system codes.

article thumbnail

Trucks, SUVs head list of best-selling used vehicles, but Tesla EVs moving up

Auto Remarketing

Its not a surprise to find full-sized pickup trucks at the top of a list of Americas 100 best-selling used vehicles. Nor is it a shock that SUVs dominated that list. It was, however, a bit unexpected to find an electric vehicle in the top 30, and two EVs among the top 75. But that was the case in iSeeCars latest study, which analyzed more than 7.7 million used car sales from the past five model years to identify the most popular used cars bought in 2024.

article thumbnail

BMW Cracks in Brake Rotor

Brake & Front End

BMW M models with a grey-cast friction ring in a floating arrangement that is connected by pins to the aluminum rotor hat. The customers complaints may include: Visible cracks in the brake discs can be noticed through the wheel opening or during service. There are temporary vibrations or steering wheel torsional vibrations during braking. After high brake loads, running noises can be heard when applying the brakes.

article thumbnail

Live from DC: Team Velocity Hosts Automotive Leadership Roundtable

AutoSuccess

Team Velocity has partnered with Yossi J. Levi and his team at Car Dealership Guy for an exclusive panel discussion featuring some of the industrys most influential leaders from top-performing dealerships and OEMs. This event, which was broadcast live from Washington, DC, on Jan. 9, features a powerhouse panel that addresses the most pressing challenges and emerging trends shaping automotive retail today.

article thumbnail

Relay-Controlled Circuits

Tomorrow's Technician

Relays have been a common part of all kinds of electrical circuits, including automotive applications for decades. Even the Ford Model A had relays for things like the horn and the headlights. Relays are designed to allow low-current switches to control high-current components like the blower motor, headlights or certain solenoids. Think for a moment about all the small-gauge wiring (some as thin as a strand of spaghetti) thats used to control high-current loads.