Sat.Feb 08, 2025 - Fri.Feb 14, 2025

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Why inspections are key to your shop’s success

Auto Service World

Consistent, quality inspections are at the heart of a successful automotive shop, according to an industry coach. Speaking to the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario, Alan Beech, an aftermarket coach and consultant with Beech Consulting, shared insights on how a strong inspection program can lead to higher average repair orders, increased efficiency, and happier technicians.

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Hybrid Technology Students: How Mazda’s EV Battery Plan Could Shape the Future

Automotive Training Centre

Mazda, long known for its precision engineering and driver-focused vehicles, is entering the hybrid technology era in earnest. For hybrid technology students, understanding Mazdas approach to EV batteries offers a fascinating glimpse into how a legacy automaker adapts to the growing demand for electrified powertrains. Mazdas electrification strategy is ambitious and innovative.

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Missed Appointments Are Costing You Money: How Service Suite Can Boost Your Dealership’s Revenue

Solera

Every empty service bay costs your dealership money. With industry data showing that 20% of service appointments result in no-shows, dealerships leave significant revenue on the table daily. But what if you could dramatically reduce these costly gaps in your schedule? The Hidden Cost of No-Shows No-shows mean lost revenue, which creates a domino effect of idle technicians, unused equipment, and disrupted workflow that impacts your entire operation.

Utilities 246
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Active Ride Control Diagnostics

Brake & Front End

In the 1990s, adjustable valve shocks and struts were all the rage. These systems had two or three comfort and sport settings that could be changed with buttons on the dash. These systems played the role of firming up the suspension if the driver wanted a sporty feel while driving. These systems have evolved to the point where they can actively change dampening characteristics in milliseconds.

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As vehicle tech grows, so do repair, maintenance headaches

Auto Service World

Vehicle technology is advancing rapidly, creating new challenges for automotive repair and maintenance, particularly in cybersecurity and access to essential diagnostic information, industry experts said at a recent conference. Donny Seyfer, executive director of the National Automotive Service Task Force, and Vincent DAuria, senior manager of product, safety and compliance at Volvo Car USA, discussed the growing complexities in vehicle repair due to new technologies.

Vehicle 215
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Use Technology to Enhance Shop Safety After Auto Mechanic School

Automotive Training Centre

When you step into the shop after graduating from auto mechanic school , your number-one priority is safety for yourself and your clients. The auto repair industry is evolving; technology is critical in creating safer, more efficient work environments. The right tech can help reduce workplace accidents and improve shop performance, from state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to virtual training simulations.

Mechanic 172
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Cleaning Car Battery Terminals

Tomorrow's Technician

One crucial vehicle component that often gets overlooked is the car battery. Over time, battery terminals can accumulate corrosion, dirt and other debris, which can hinder the flow of electricity and potentially cause starting issues or even complete battery failure. That’s why it’s crucial to clean the car battery terminals regularly. Working with car batteries can be hazardous if proper safety measures are not taken.

Car 130

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The importance of clean bathrooms to your customers

Auto Service World

As handwashing rates soar, the cleanliness of commercial restrooms has become a critical factor in shaping customer perceptions and business reputations. According to a report from Excel Dryers, handwashing has reached unprecedented levels following the pandemic, placing commercial restrooms under intense scrutiny. William Gagnon, COO of Excel Dryer, emphasized the importance of proper hand hygiene, noting that the pandemic heightened awareness of restroom cleanliness and its impact on a company

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How To Brand Your Auto Repair Shop as a Concierge Repair Shop

Shop Marketing Pros

What if your customer experience was so good that theyd never think of going to another shop again? Thats the power of concierge auto repairan elevated service model designed to create unforgettable experiences. And heres the thing: you dont have to overhaul everything overnight. If youve ever wanted to attract higher-end clients and transform your reputation, branding your shop as a concierge service could be the game-changer youve been looking for.

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Tips to Improve the Range of Your EV

Tomorrow's Technician

When it comes to EVs, range is king. But what exactly determines how far we can drive on a single charge? Many factors impact the range, with battery capacity being the most obvious. A larger battery pack typically offers more range, but it also adds weight to the vehicle. This means manufacturers cant always use bigger batteries as the solution to maximize EV range.

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Boost Your Auto Repair Shop Marketing with Bing Ads on Nextdoor

Business Actualization

In today's competitive automotive repair industry, effectively reaching the ideal potential new customers is crucial for sustained growth. One innovative strategy is leveraging Bing Ads to connect with consumers on Nextdoor, a neighborhood-focused social platform. This approach enhances local visibility and builds trust within your community.

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How bidirectional charging could make EVs key players in the energy grid

Auto Service World

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is not just transforming transportation but is poised to reshape energy management through vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. V2G enables bidirectional energy transfer, allowing EVs to supply energy back to the grid, effectively turning them into mobile batteries. This innovation, wrote Shazan Siddiqi, senior technology analyst and technical sales at IDTechEx, in a report, is part of the broader vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology trend, which includes vehic

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Marketing Tools and Tech Ideas for Auto Repair Shops

Shop Marketing Pros

EPISODE: 139 Marketing Tools and Tech Ideas for Auto Repair Shops Marketing your auto repair shop can be overwhelming, but with the right tools, it doesnt have to be. Brian and Kim Walker break down essential marketing tools and tech to make the process easier, more effective, and even enjoyable. Discover how to simplify your social media strategy with tools like Meta Business Suite and Canva, optimize your website performance with SEMrush and Google Analytics, and create better customer engage

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The Reality of EV Maintenance: Opportunities for Shops and Technicians

Tomorrow's Technician

Electric vehicles share some similarities with their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, but they also require unique maintenance. These vehicles use advanced liquid cooling systems to regulate the temperature of critical components, such as the high-voltage battery pack, power electronics, and electric motor. To keep the system effective and prevent issues, technicians must regularly service the coolant.

ASE 147
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7 Tips for Creating Your Tire Shop Sign

BayIQ

An eye-catching and effective sign for your tire shop can set you apart and drive traffic to your business. Discover 7 essential tips for creating tire shop signs that make a bold statement about your business and attract new customers.

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Why techs, not advisors, should build tickets

Auto Service World

Service advisors should not be in charge of building tickets the job should be given to the ones who are working directly on the vehicle and who know exactly what they will need to do the job. That was the advice from Jay Huh, a business coach at Shop Fix Academy and North Carolina-based shop owner. For example, the service advisor may not know that the part theyre ordering doesnt come with bolts.

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Electric Vehicle Performance in Extreme Weather Conditions

Brake & Front End

One factor that significantly impacts EV battery performance is temperature fluctuations. Currently, EVs rely on lithium-ion batteries, which are sensitive to environmental conditions, particularly temperature. The Ideal Temperature Range for EV Batteries Lithium-ion batteries operate optimally within a specific temperature range, typically between 68F and 86F.

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ASE G1 Test Prep: Wheel Bearings and Hubs

Tomorrow's Technician

In the ASE G1, wheel ends and wheel bearings are covered in three items on the task list. In the Drive Shaft, Half-Shaft and Universal Joints/Constant Velocity (CV) Joint (Front and Rear Wheel Drive) section, one of the tasks is: Inspect, service and replace wheel bearings, seals, and hubs, excluding press-type bearings. In the Four Wheel/All Wheel Drive and Suspension/Steering sections, the task list says you should be able to inspect, service and repair wheel bearings and hub units.

ASE 130
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Is Mobile Service the Right Step for Your Shop?

DRIVE

Mobile Service can create a lot of business opportunities, and an equal amount of challenges. See how one business made it work for them. The trucking industry has long been the backbone of the economy in the United States, but with its importance comes the constant challenge of keeping fleets on the road and minimizing downtime. As of 2024, the U.S. truck repair sector is home to over 46,000 businesses, with a market size of over $10 billion.

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Why online presence is crucial to target younger buyers

Auto Service World

New data from GoDaddy found that small businesses must maintain a strong online presence to attract Gen Z and Millennial consumers, who heavily rely on online research before making purchases. That online presence is vital for small businesses, especially if their target audience includes Gen Z or Millennials. GoDaddy reported that not having an online presence could significantly impact a business’s bottom line.

Media 192
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The Reality of EV Maintenance: Opportunities for Shops and Technicians

Brake & Front End

Electric vehicles share some similarities with their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, but they also require unique maintenance. These vehicles use advanced liquid cooling systems to regulate the temperature of critical components, such as the high-voltage battery pack, power electronics, and electric motor. To keep the system effective and prevent issues, technicians must regularly service the coolant.

ASE 130
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Electric Vehicle Performance in Extreme Weather Conditions

Tomorrow's Technician

One factor that significantly impacts EV battery performance is temperature fluctuations. Currently, EVs rely on lithium-ion batteries, which are sensitive to environmental conditions, particularly temperature. The Ideal Temperature Range for EV Batteries Lithium-ion batteries operate optimally within a specific temperature range, typically between 68F and 86F.

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Federal Highway Administration Halts EV Charger Funding, Delaying National Expansion Plans

Automotive Fleet

The FHWA has rescinded funding for the NEVI Formula Program, delaying nationwide EV expansion as policies undergo federal review.

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Sil’s Auto now part of Mufflerman group

Auto Service World

A long-time family-owned shop has been sold to a larger group. Sil’s Complete Auto Care Centre has been acquired by The Mufflerman Group. Located in Oakville, Ontario, Sil’s has been serving the community for almost 50 years, opening its doors in September 1976. It was started by Silvano Sabucco and taken over by his son Carlo Sabicco in 2009.

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Why A Digital Multimeter is Still Your Diagnostic Powerhouse

Eastwood

While wrenches and sockets get all the glory, a digital multimeter quietly does the heavy lifting of automotive diagnostics. This unassuming device can measure voltage, resistance, current, and more, helping you find electrical problems that would otherwise leave you guessing. For any DIYer serious about understanding their car, a DMM is indispensable.

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Snap-on’s Apollo+ Scan Tool’s Additional Features

Tomorrow's Technician

The Snap-on Apollo+ scan tool is designed to improve efficiency with features like Snap-on Cloud for report sharing and Service Resets & Relearns for quick access to critical procedures. Learn how this scan tool enhances workflow and helps technicians stay ahead in diagnostics. This video is sponsored by Snap-on. The post Snap-on’s Apollo+ Scan Tool’s Additional Features appeared first on Tomorrows Technician.

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Fleetio Partners with FuelMaster to Streamline Fuel Management and Cut Fleet Costs

Automotive Fleet

Fleetios integration with FuelMaster automates fuel tracking, reduces fraud, and improves budgeting with real-time data for better fleet management.

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GSP names new marketing director

Auto Service World

GSP North America announced it had promoted Autumn Lamb to director of marketing and brand strategy. In her new role, Lamb will be responsible for driving initiatives to raise GSPs profile and oversee all strategic and marketing efforts that match up with the companys objectives and goals. Lamb has been with GSP North America since 2019 as the marketing manager for GSP Americas.

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Don’t Worry, That Halftime Show GNX Wasn’t (Entirely) Real

Eastwood

You may or may not have enjoyed or even understood Kendrick Lamars halftime performance at Super Bowl 59. However, it probably got your attention, if only for the Buick GNX he used as a stage prop. In fact, car enthusiasts the world over were shocked to see the singer performing atop such a legendary model. And thats before dozens of dancers emerged from its open doors, clown car style.

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Guess The Tool Proves Challenging This Week

Tomorrow's Technician

Though we didn’t necessarily intend for this week’s puzzle to be a mind bender, we DID hope to challenge you. Challenge accepted, but only by a very small number of entrants, many from the same class (we’re looking at you, Bristol Tech). It was fun to see what people thought might be the answer (ranging from Analog Clock to Balance Scale to Tachometer to Torque Wrench to the brutally honest “something scale”) but better to see the ones who actually figured it out.

Technical 130
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EV Shortages, Regulations, and Roadblocks: One Fleet Leader’s Battle for Compliance & Efficiency

Automotive Fleet

Bruce Birdsell, fleet manager for Hermanson Company in the Pacific Northwest, shares his journey to find viable electric solutions for his mechanical contracting fleet.

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Steck adds Ford lift plate hoist tool

Auto Service World

The Ford 3.5L and 3.7L EcoBoost Engine Out Lift Plate Hoist Tool from Steck Manufacturing helps with engine rebuilds and swaps, providing efficiency, safety and durability. Specifically designed for Ford EcoBoost engines, both turbo and non-turbo versions, its compatible with models such as the Ford Transit, F-150, Navigator, Flex and more. The lift plate mounts directly to both the left and right cylinder heads, allowing secure engine removal without the need to remove the subframe eliminating

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Tips for Addressing Brake Rotor Warpage

Brake & Front End

Customers will occasionally bring in their vehicles with issues related to brake rotor warpage. As an auto technician, understanding the underlying causes is key to accurately diagnosing and addressing these problems. Explore some of the following insights to ensure youre prepared to accurately identify symptoms, recommend appropriate solutions, and deliver reliable repairs.

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New-car incentives re-emerge to combat affordability crisis; analysts cautiously watching impact to used cars

Auto Remarketing

Incentives on new vehicles: remember those? Theyre back in a big way. After hitting a trough of 2.9% of Equipped Retail Typical new-car prices in 2022, according to Black Book, new-vehicle incentives have climbed the past two years. That was especially evident towards the end of 2024. TO READ THE FULL STORY BECOME A MEMBER Login The post New-car incentives re-emerge to combat affordability crisis; analysts cautiously watching impact to used cars appeared first on Auto Remarketing.

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Does Electrification Still Work Without Mandates?

Automotive Fleet

Are EVs still a smart choice for fleets without mandates?As incentives fade, fleet managers must weigh costs, savings, and strategy.

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ZF picks new North American aftermarket VP

Auto Service World

Chris Battershell has been named the new North American vice president for ZFs aftermarket division. The announcement was made Feb. 5 with the move effective immediately. Battershell is leading a regional team at nine sites across the U.S. and Mexico under the leading brands ZF, Lemfrder, Sachs, TRW and Wabco. He will be based in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

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Should two new tires be installed on the front or the rear axle?

Tire Review Magazine

When replacing tires, installing a full set ensures consistent tread wear and handling. However, some customers choose to replace only two. Understanding whether to place new tires on the front or rear axle can significantly impact vehicle safety. Why Install New Tires on the Rear Axle? Front tires typically wear out faster because they handle most of the braking, steering, and engine weight.