March, 2025

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How retailers, brands are investing in AI

Auto Service World

A new global study showed that retail and consumer product executives are significantly increasing their investment in artificial intelligence, aiming to transform their operations and enhance customer experiences. The study from the IBM Institute for Business Value found that retail and consumer product executives are dramatically shifting their focus toward artificial intelligence (AI).

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Expanding EV Infrastructure With Science: A New Discovery for Students in Automotive School

Automotive Training Centre

The electric vehicle revolution is here, but lets be honestcharging can still feel a bit slow compared to the quick stop at the gas pump. Thats why the work coming out of Germany right now is so exciting for automotive school students and industry professionals. A team of scientists has uncovered a breakthrough that could completely change the way EV drivers refuel, making it quicker and more convenient than ever.

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Limited-Slip Differentials And Diagnostics

Brake & Front End

If you have ever driven a car or truck with a fully locked differential around a tight corner or tried to get a car with an open differential out of a snowbank, you know about the benefits of a limited-slip differential. A differential allows the two connected wheels to spin at different rates. The two wheels are connected using spider gears. If the spider gears do not spin on their axis, the two axle shafts spin at the same rate.

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The Evolving Consumer Journey — And What It Means for Auto Repair Shops

Business Actualization

The days of a simple, straight-line path to purchase are over. Todays vehicle owners are navigating a winding, multi-stop route before they choose a new auto repair shop. From scrolling and streaming to searching and shopping, modern consumers move fluidly across devices and platforms and shop owners who want to grow need to meet them at every stage of that journey.

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Meet Joshua Stover, March’s Student of the Month!

Tomorrow's Technician

Josh Stover is a second-year student at the Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL, where he exemplifies dedication and excellence in automotive technology. As an ASE Master Certified technician, Josh has earned certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Mopar, Nissan, Toyota, Snap-On, and AC Delco. He is an active member of SkillsUSA, the National Technical Honor Society, and serves as a senator in his schools auto club.

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Shop Marketing Pros Introduces Local Services Ads Management for Auto Repair Shops

Shop Marketing Pros

Shop Marketing Pros Introduces Local Services Ads Management for Auto Repair Shops Published On March 27, 2025 Press Release Hammond, LA Shop Marketing Pros (SMP), a leading marketing agency specializing in serving top-tier auto repair shops nationwide, is proud to announce the launch of their newest service: Local Services Ads (LSA) Management. This offering empowers auto repair shops to dominate local search results with unmatched visibility and credibility, helping them connect directly with

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Why Canada won’t hit EV targets

Auto Service World

Canada’s goal of having electric vehicles (EVs) make up 60 per cent of new vehicle sales by 2030 is increasingly looking unattainable, according to the president of the Global Automakers of Canada, and its keeping his members awake at night. In a presentation at the Talk Auto 2024 conference in the fall, David Abrams warned that the country is not on track to meet this aggressive target set by the federal government’s zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

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How Well Do You Know Your Driveshaft?

Brake & Front End

What are the different driveshaft configurations? Single shaft with two Cardan universal joints; Single shaft with double Cardan on one end and one Cardan on the other end; or Split shaft with three Cardan and center carrier. The world’s longest one-piece light truck propshaft, brought about by a team of engineers from General Motors, Dana Corp, and Alcoa.

Trucking 189
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Crank No Start Diagnosis: The Step-by-Step Guide

Solera

Its easy to take the sound of the starter turning over the engine for granted every time you get behind the wheel. When you turn the key or press the start button but dont hear that signature chug-chug-chug , youre likely faced with the common crank no start condition. Despite its prevalence, this concern can easily become a complex problem without the proper diagnostic tools or auto repair knowledge.

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Polaris Slingshot Service and Diagnostics

Tomorrow's Technician

An autocycle is a type of three-wheeled vehicle that blends characteristics of motorcycles and cars, and it started being seen in 2016. These vehicles typically have a steering wheel instead of handlebars, a fully or partially enclosed cabin, and foot-operated controls like a car. This defines the Polaris Slingshot. Working on a Polaris Slingshot is not unlike working on a vehicle from the 1980s.

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Google’s Local Service Ads – Everything You Need To Know

Shop Marketing Pros

EPISODE: 145 Google’s Local Service Ads – Everything You Need To Know Brian and Hallie break down Google Local Services Ads (LSA) and how auto repair shops are using them to bring in more leads at lower costs. Unlike traditional Google Ads, LSA charges per lead instead of per click, making it a cost-effective approach to customer acquisition.

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How much bad customer service is costing businesses

Auto Service World

With global sales losses from bad customer experiences now soaring to $3.8 trillion a $119 billion jump from last year businesses face higher stakes than ever in meeting consumer expectations. New research from Qualtrics, an experience management company, highlighted the critical connection between customer experience, loyalty and spending. Consumers are ready to spend but they wont hesitate to cut ties with brands that fail to deliver.

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How Our Auto Mechanic School Supports Your Career Success

Automotive Training Centre

Choosing the right training program can make all the difference when building a successful career as an auto mechanic. At our auto mechanic school , we prioritize your career success by offering expert instruction, valuable hands-on experience, and a network of industry connections that help you launch a rewarding career in automotive repair. Heres how we set you up for success from the very start.

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Trailer Brakes and Bearings

Brake & Front End

When the weather starts to warm up, the boats and campers start to emerge from winter storage. For us as technicians and shop owners, this is good news. There are service opportunities just waiting to be quoted. Trailer Brakes Not all trailers will come equipped with brakes, but the larger and heavier ones will likely have some sort of braking system onboard.

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It Took a $1.4 Billion Blunder for People to Pay Attention to Tesla's Accounting

autoevolution

Old readers will probably remember when I questioned Tesla's financial reports. It all began when Nikkei Asia published an article in November 2022 stating that Tesla made eight times more money per car than Toyota. That was what these companies reported to the market, but it sounded fishy. So, I kept an eye on these reports and concluded Tesla's numbers made no sense.

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Fixing a Common BMW B58 Coolant Leak

Tomorrow's Technician

MW B58 inline-six engine is known for its performance and efficiency, but coolant leaks are a common issue that can lead to major repairs if not addressed. One of the most frequent failure points is the coolant hose connector behind the heat management module. The OE plastic connector is prone to cracking and leaks due to hydrolysis and repeated heat cycles, weakening the plastic over time.

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What Does a Leak Down Test Tell You? A Mechanic’s Guide

Solera

Various automotive tests help inform the final diagnosis of any issues a vehicle might experience, from an alignment to a cylinder leak down test. If you want to know how healthy your engine is as it sits, doing a cylinder leak down test can give you the results. Interpreting those results is where youll begin to understand what work your engine needs now or potentially in the future.

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Why more dealer incentives could be coming to new vehicles

Auto Service World

As new vehicle inventory continues to grow and sales slow, manufacturers and dealers are expected to offer higher incentives to keep cars and trucks moving off lots in 2025. These findings are part of Cloud Theory’s report On the Horizon: 2024 Review and 2025 Outlook that was released recently. New vehicle inventory reached 3.23 million units in November 2024, up from 2.49 million in November 2023.

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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 Cambridge, students gain hands-on experience working on various vehicles, preparing them to handle the unique needs of electric cars.

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Fixing a Common BMW B58 Coolant Leak

Brake & Front End

The BMW B58 inline-six engine is known for its performance and efficiency, but coolant leaks are a common issue that can lead to major repairs if not addressed. One of the most frequent failure points is the coolant hose connector behind the heat management module. The OE plastic connector is prone to cracking and leaks due to hydrolysis and repeated heat cycles, weakening the plastic over time.

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$16K Chinese Robot Goes Full Kung Fu on a Human, Does a 720-Degree Spinning Kick

autoevolution

Even if at some level they are pretty scary, it's always nice to see robots getting enhanced capabilities. After all, we've made them to help us, so that's what they should do, evolve to be able to help us better. But what use could one have for a robot that knows kung fu and could easily kick you in the face with its feet? You've probably heard a thing or two by now about a Chinese robotics company called ( continue reading.

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Understanding Electronic Ignition Distributors

Tomorrow's Technician

In a previous video, we covered the parts of a point-type of ignition distributor. Point-type distributor ignitions were the primary ignition system in the majority of all automobiles until the mid-1970s, when they were replaced by the much more accurate and dependable electronic ignition distributors and systems. This was a very important step in automotive technology as this was an era where fuel economy and reduced emissions were becoming one of the most important aspects of the internal comb

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Stop Losing Service Revenue: How Pick-Up & Delivery Keeps Customers Coming Back

Solera

Why the Right Service Experience Keeps Customers Coming Back The automotive service industry has evolved dramatically. Customers now have countless options at their fingertips, and they choose convenience over loyalty every time. While mobile mechanics and independent shops are pulling up to customers driveways, dealerships need a serious edge to remain competitive.

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Why pedestrian safety clothing may confuse automated crash prevention systems

Auto Service World

A new study is warning about the risk of reflective clothing and a vehicles crash prevention systems. The report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) suggested that the clothing designed to make pedestrians stand out to human drivers may actually make them invisible to automated systems. These results suggest that some automakers need to tweak their pedestrian automatic emergency braking systems, said IIHS president David Harkey.

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Are Mechanics in High Demand in Canada? A 2025 Update

Automotive Training Centre

If youre considering a career in the automotive industry, you might wonder: are mechanics in high demand in Canada? The short answer is yes! As of 2025, Canadas automotive sector continues to offer solid job opportunities for mechanics, with projected job openings expected to align closely with the number of new job seekers entering the field over the next decade.

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Safety Tools Needed to Service EVs

Brake & Front End

The world of EV maintenance safety equipment differs greatly from traditional tools for combustion engine vehicles. High-voltage systems demand specialized safety gear to prevent serious hazards. So, dont see these as recommendationsconsider them necessary for technician safety. Understanding High-Voltage Risks in EV Maintenance The greatest risk in EV maintenance comes from its high-voltage systems.

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Will BOI Reporting Be Shut Down?

AutoShopOwner

One change that has been causing waves is the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and itsBeneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements. On March 25, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear oral arguments in a case challenging the CTA. This legal battle has the potential to change the future of BOI reporting. Im sharing this blog post because its essential for you, an auto repair shop owner, to understand what this case means for your business.

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Why FIVE Volts?

Tomorrow's Technician

If you look at sensors on a vehicle, the majority use a 5-volt reference. It doesnt matter if the sensor detects pressure, temperature or movement. The basics of the circuit are that the sensor is typically supplied with 5 volts from a module. The ground used by the circuit might be a signal ground that goes through the module, but some use the chassis as a ground.

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How to do a Cylinder Leak Down Test: Steps to Diagnose Engine Issues

Solera

Diagnosing engine-related issues can prove challenging, as the engine is one of your vehicles most complex and intricate components. To function properly, the engine must maintain pressure within the combustion chamber. Weak pressure can cause performance issues that, if left unresolved, can lead to misfiring and eventual failure. The following guide explores the purpose of cylinder leak down tests, including how they work and why theyre a critical diagnostic step in diagnosing internal engine i

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Where one company is using AI to boost business

Auto Service World

Small and medium-sized businesses in the automotive aftermarket are on the brink of a technological revolution, as AI and data analytics promise to transform operations and efficiency, according to an industry leader. Bryan Funke, chief operating officer at HDA Truck Pride highlighted the untapped potential of AI and data analytics for small and medium-sized businesses during the recent MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Technology Conference.

Education 243
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Understanding The Essential Role of a Load Planner After Dispatch Training

Automotive Training Centre

If you’re completing dispatch training , you may have encountered the role of a load planner and wondered what it entails. In trucking and logistics, load planners ensure that freight moves efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. A load planner organizes freight shipments, optimizes truckloads, and maximizes profitability while maintaining delivery schedules.

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Strut Sales

Brake & Front End

There are no secrets to selling shocks and struts. You do not have to inflict fear or panic on the customer to make the sale. Also, you should not have to use mind tricks or tell a story. It comes down to educating the customer about the benefits and asking for the sale. Replacing worn or damaged ride control components on a vehicle can have the most significant impact on the performance of the safety systems.

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FLACA Accelerate Conference 2025 | Finding & Creating Social Media Content to Help Your Customers Know, Like, and Trust You

Shop Marketing Pros

Finding & Creating Social Media Content to Help Your Customers Know, Like, and Trust You FLACA Accelerate Conference 05/16 & 05/17/2025 Register Now There is no shortage of content to share from an auto repair shop when it comes to helping your customers know you better. Every repair order is an opportunity to teach not only the car owner but your entire customer base about their vehicles and why you are the top-tier shop that should handle them.

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The Different Types of Head Gaskets

Tomorrow's Technician

Situated between the engine block and the cylinder head is the head gasket. The primary function of this thin layer of material is to create a perfect seal between these two major components. The head gasket keeps engine oil and coolant separate, ensuring they don’t mix and contaminate each other. It also prevents the high-pressure gases generated during combustion from escaping the cylinders, and it helps maintain proper compression ratios for optimal engine performance.

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How to Test a Car’s Mass Air Flow MAF Sensor

Solera

Modern vehicles rely on various sensors to monitor their performance across multiple spectrums. For instance, the mass air flow (MAF) sensor plays a critical role in metering the air flowing into the engine and informing the engine control module (ECM). However, the MAF sensor can become dirty, malfunction, or fail, leading to significant engine performance issues.

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Jobber News Executive Outlook 2025: Shannon Black

Auto Service World

Jobber News reached out to leaders in the supply and distribution segment of the automotive aftermarket and asked them what they see happening in the industry over the next 12 months, what will improve, what one challenge to the industry will be and what opportunities are out there for jobbers and suppliers alike. We will present their answers in alphabetical order over the coming weeks You can view the full feature in our January 2025 issue.

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Automotive Career Guide: What Does a Truck Dispatcher Do?

Automotive Training Centre

Opportunities within the growing transportation industry extend beyond driving roles. For example, truck dispatching is one of the most crucial roles in the field, ensuring that shipments move smoothly and efficiently from one location to another. What does a truck dispatcher do? Were discussing the answers in this blog. If youre considering a career in transportation but prefer to work in operations rather than driving, stick around!

Trucking 199