Auto repair technicians and service advisors confront new challenges and opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry. We surveyed professionals to understand their views on technology, customer behaviour, and what they need to thrive in their careers

Auto repair technicians and service advisors are the lifeblood of the automotive service industry. As the technological and customer service landscape evolves, so too do their roles.

Today, they grapple with increasingly complex vehicle systems, the growing expectations of informed (and sometimes misinformed) customers and the pressure to continuously upskill.

Technicians and service advisors also see where the challenges lie in the business — by working day in and day out in the bays and at the service counter, they can see the unique issues holding the business back and the successes that need to be celebrated.

To understand their perspective, CARS magazine conducted a survey of these professionals to paint a detailed picture of the challenges they face, the aspects of their jobs that bring them satisfaction what they need from employers and partners to succeed and more. We asked general questions of both groups and also had some specific questions just for techs and advisors.

The hope here is that shop owners will be able to review the findings with the understanding that these responses were provided anonymously and possibly more honestly than if these questions were asked directly to their staff. Ideally, shop leaders can take it as direction for where improvements could be made and where they can build on things that work well.

Of note, we asked the same question we ask of shop owners, jobber store owners and counterpros: What’s most important in the jobber/shop relationship? Techs and advisors answered similarly as their shop owners: Availability (64 per cent).

They like their job

The overwhelming majority (82 per cent) of technicians and service advisors said they at least like their job. Most respondents (45.5 per cent) said they love their job.

“Great owner support, great hours. Most fulfilling is when rare parts are found and repairs are done on time and within quote,” one respondent highlighted.

“I get the relatively immediate satisfaction of knowing whether or not I was successful at a repair,” said another. “Doctors and lawyers may take years before achieving the same on a single case.”

And while others praised their employer for a great working environment, they also pointed to challenges in getting customers to understand the work they do.

“Educating people about their cars, the maintenance required to keep them going, explaining required repairs and what can wait,” one explained as an area that needs improvement.

One echoed this sentiment and noted that when customers have unrealistic expectations, rather than pushing back, shop leadership will add pressure on staff to get the job done in the customers’ desired, yet “unreasonable” time frame.

“What could improve is the customers’ understanding that the jobs take time and often we are booking several days out,” they added.

And for one, they summed up the job like this: “It’s a tough industry to stay with your whole life. It’s a roller coaster of emotions. Super highs and super lows. You have to ride with the punches, stay focused and remain calm. But grass is not greener on the other side. Every occupation has its hurdles.”

But things can change for the better. When asked what could be improved, the answers ranged from more respect from male customers towards female staff to heating in the winter and air conditioning and the summer, tool allowances and medical benefits.

They feel respected, too — more than 90 per cent said so.

“What I like about the employer is that he treats the crew fairly. When something goes wrong it is addressed, corrected and moved on,” one respondent explained. “The employer is good a creating work and ensuring there is a place to come to work to.”

Compensation

To hear some experts tell it, the automotive aftermarket is drastically underpaying technicians and service advisors. Low labour rates don’t allow for growth of the shop, nor attracting talent.

But when we put the question of compensation to our readers, 91 per cent said that they’re paid fairly for the work they do.

“I get paid flat rate. As my productivity is high, I can earn approximately 1.5 times my hourly wage on a regular basis, working overtime is available, and even more lucrative,” one respondent explained.

Another was more or less apathetic: “The pay is what it is. Yes, I would like to make more money but, at the end of the day, our wages are comparable with middle-class working jobs. We are not white-collar workers and should never and will never be compared with doctors or lawyers.”

Another felt they were paid fairly by their employer for the work they do, based on their ability to handle the load.

“The employer is open to change in the wage if needed. If the gap is present, they try to shorten the distance between expected wage and actual wage. If there is a large gap that cannot be closed, then a change may be needed,” they commented.

Service advisor insights

We asked a series of rapid-fire questions to service advisors to get their thoughts on certain topics.

All said they understand how to book the schedule for maximum productivity as well as how to gather the best information to ensure a technician can diagnose a vehicle effectively. All algo agreed that they have enough education on vehicle service to effectively advise clients.

One question where there wasn’t universal agreement was on booking the customer’s next service appointment. A minority (43 per cent) said they do while the rest (57 per cent) said they don’t.

Another was on effectively qualifying clients The majority here (57 per cent) said they have been given the education to do so while the rest said no.

When asked to further comment, advisors praised their shop.

“I feel we are generally doing well, we certainly have become more picky when choosing the work that comes in and the customers we want to work with,” one advisor explained.

Others highlighted that their customer service is tops, training courses have helped — along with years of experience doing the job — and they’ve implemented tools like reminders for appointments and for annual safety inspections.

Technician insights

A series of rapid-fire questions were given to technicians as well. And the results may come as a surprise as they go against what some may see as issues in the industry.

When asked if they have enough training to do their job effectively, more than seven in 10 (71 per cent) agreed with the remaining 29 per cent saying no.

The overwhelming majority (86 per cent) said they have the tools in place to do their job effectively.

“I have most of the tools needed to do the physical work, but access to OEM-level diagnostic systems is often prohibitively expensive for a tech, especially in an all-makes shop,” one technician commented. “A tech may need more than one diagnostic tool platform. Shops should bear some of that cost.”

And all agreed that their employer shares the expectations of the job with them.

The one area where there was some disagreement was when asked if they were given enough time to properly diagnose a vehicle — 57 said yes, 43 said no.

The job of a technician and the role of a shop owner is a tough balancing act, one pointed out.

“If we charged accordingly for our time and got paid what we as technicians are worth, we would have no work because the cost of keeping a used vehicle on the road would be far more costly than leasing or trading in every three years,” one tech observed.

They further explained that costs have to be down and wages suppressed for consumers to keep their cars as long as possible. “This way, we make more money over a longer period of time. It just is the way it is. We do not have to fix every repair on every make and model vehicle. We as technicians should be able to pick and choose our battles.”

Committed to the profession

For 82 per cent of respondents, both techs and advisors, they plan to stay in this industry for as long as they can.

For virtually all respondents, it would be a physical issue that would take them away from them job.

“Wear and tear on my body. The older I get the longer it takes to lumber up at the start of the day,” one pointed out.

Another said they would be pushed out because of the lack of respect shown by men to women. “Losing my patience with men who don’t respect a women in the automotive industry,” they wrote.

Another pointed to a variety of reasons. “There are many factors to consider such as employers, customers, the tools needed for basic jobs, the stress caused by the demands of the industry, the loss of the technicians in the field and that causes a vicious circle of overwork.”

Under pressure

For many technicians, the most fulfilling aspect of the job is solving difficult problems. One respondent shared, “I get immediate satisfaction when I see a repair succeed. It’s rewarding to know I’ve made a difference in someone’s day.”

But there’s mounting pressure on them. This is compounded by the rapid pace of technological change in the industry. Keeping up with technology (54.5 per cent) was picked as the top challenge for techs and advisors at work.

One lamented that they’re too far behind the learning curve at the start of each day and it’s difficult to learn as you go.

Another listed everything noted above plus module reprogramming and flashing, theft deterrent systems, CAN bus diagnostics as new tasks to learn.

“Every job is time-consuming, learning how systems work,” they said. “No one can know everything there is to know on every make and model car. It is impossible to get paid for the amount of time learning all this technology.”

Another noted that training is out there — it’s just a matter of finding the time.

“Specific issue I regularly notice is the amount of work to do,” they explained. We are consistently booked 3-4 days out and have more work to do in a day than what seems possible. This is a challenge to keep the jobs moving forward at times.

Concerns about the future

As more advanced systems like ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems), electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles enter the market, technicians must continuously learn and adapt. This is a concern for both groups.

While some are excited about the opportunities that new technologies bring, others worry about the costs associated with staying current. One technician predicted that “this spells the end of the mom-and-pop shop. You need to be at a certain size to afford the tooling and training required for the new technologies.”

Another said they just can’t keep up and they’re frustrated.

“All items will be slowly implemented. Don’t have to fix every repair out of the gate. By the time we figure out and get good at repairing something it’s no longer present and moving on to the next technology. This job is not easy and not for the faint at heart,” they said.

This article originally appeared in the October issue of CARS magazine.

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The latest issue of CARS magazine tries to pull back the curtain on how technicians and service advisors in your shops are feeling and what they’re thinking in their day-to-day activities.

The cover feature takes the pulse of those on the front lines as they balance the needs of the customers with the business and how they do their jobs. Technicians and service advisors share their thoughts on this rapidly changing field in a candid manner. Some of the answers may surprise you.

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We also have insights from Greg Aguilera who looks at the challenge of trying to do everything yourself and explores the powers of delegation and other ways to minimize the stress.

Erin Vaughan continues her series on the road to acquiring another shop. She looks at making sure your shop can run without you being there. Your attention will be divided with a second location so she explores how to make sure things continue to run smoothly.

Talent challenges are all prevalent in the automotive aftermarket but Zakari Krieger looks at proactive measures you can take to try and get ahead of the challenges before they become overwhelming.

We were On the Road for Automechankia in Frankfurt, Germany, and the AARO Trade Show and Symposium. We have highlights from both events.

And we have our usual sections, including Letters, News, Class Act By the Numbers and more. So grab your copy or hit this link for the digital edition.

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A recent global survey highlighted how social media is significantly influencing young trade professionals’ passion for their careers, despite ongoing social stigmas and lack of parental support.

The survey, conducted by Dewalt and WorldSkills International, reached out to young trade professionals from 69 countries and regions. It found that social media plays a crucial role in shaping their passion for skilled trades. The survey, which polled participants of the upcoming WorldSkills Competition 2024, aimed to understand the motivations, inspirations, and challenges faced by the new generation entering these essential career paths.

Chris Nelson, chief operating officer at Stanley Black & Decker, parent company of Dewalt, emphasized the importance of this data in advocating for skilled trades.

“We know that if we want to continue to advocate for these essential career paths, we must understand the next generation’s aspirations, motivations, and challenges,” he said. “This data will be vital to those efforts, particularly our Grow the Trades program, which funds vocational training and reskilling programs in construction and manufacturing to support the tradespeople of the future.”

Despite their enthusiasm, young trades professionals still face significant barriers. About four in 10 (42 per cent) of the respondents identified persistent social stigma as a major obstacle, while more than a third (35 per cent) pointed to a lack of parental support.

However, social media is emerging as a powerful tool for changing these perceptions. Three-quarters of the young professionals expressed a desire to use online platforms to raise awareness and visibility for skilled careers, recognizing its potential to inspire others to view these trades as fulfilling and rewarding.

The survey results also underscore the deep passion young professionals have for their trades and their eagerness to share this enthusiasm. This drive is complemented by a strong sense of independence and altruism among younger generations. Almost half (44 per cent) acknowledged that social media played a role in inspiring their career choices, with many being influenced by specific influencers or brands.

Additionally, nearly 70 per cent of respondents reported that their primary motivation for choosing a specific skill was the desire to work with their hands. Forty-four percent cited the desire to make a positive impact on the global community, while 42 per cent noted a willingness to start their own business. Cost-effectiveness and earning potential were also significant factors, with 45 per cent and 53 per cent of respondents respectively highlighting these aspects.

David Hoey, CEO of WorldSkills International, highlighted the need for innovative approaches to connect with young people.

“The findings from our survey highlight that to connect with young people, we need to be innovative and creative on how we present skilled career options,” he said. “It is essential to create diverse role models young people can relate to, use the power of social media to challenge outdated perceptions, and at every turn demonstrate that skilled careers are exciting, viable, and rewarding.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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A new survey found just how important honesty is in the workplace and why it’s essential for success and loyalty.

The Harris Poll Job Insights survey revealed that 96 per cent of job seekers believe that it’s important to be honest with new managers, with 36 per cent considering open communication essential.

Furthermore, seven in 10 (69 per cent) of respondents feel that employees should comfortably discuss personal issues with their managers if it impacts their work. And nine out of 10 (89 per cent) of job seekers agreed that an environment where employees and managers can be honest is crucial for a company’s success. Almost the same number (87 per cent) said they believe that honesty between employees and managers is key for a productive workforce. Promoting honesty may also result in lower employee turnover and increased retention, the results found.

The survey also noted that 82 per cent of job seekers would be more loyal to a company where they feel they can be candid with their managers.

Impact on morale, productivity,  loyalty

Hiring managers agreed, with more than half linking honesty to higher employee morale (58 per cent), productivity (53 per cent) and loyalty (51 per cent). Conversely, when honesty is lacking, employee morale (58 per cent), turnover (49 per cent), productivity (48 per cent) and burnout (48 per cent) suffer.

Honesty is critical in manager-employee relationships, with 61 per cent of hiring managers stating it’s essential for being a good manager. Around 90 per cent of managers believe that employees who can be honest with their leaders are more loyal and productive.

Training needed

Recognizing the importance of honesty, 91 per cent of job seekers value companies that provide managers with training on handling employees’ personal issues. A significant number (86 per cent) believe employees should receive training on managing personal issues to prevent work interference.

Most companies feel they’ve created a space for honesty, with 86 per cent stating they’ve fostered a safe and trusting environment and 80 per cent having systems for constructive criticism. Almost all (95 per cent) of hiring managers believe employees can speak honestly with anyone in the company about their concerns.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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AAPEX and the SEMA Show are underway in Las Vegas as part of Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week and the Auto Service World team is there.

In what promises to be an exciting and busy week as always, the team will keep this page updated with news, information and other notes as we come across them. Many companies are unveiling new products, making announcements and otherwise showing off their latest tools, technology and services for the auto care industry.

Many training sessions are scheduled for pros of all stripes, from solving vehicle issues, diagnosis strategies, selling strategies for service advisors and management advice for owners. You can check out our preview of both shows for some of the highlights of what’s taking place.

We’ll update as best we can here on this page — it’s a busy time with a lot happening so there may be delays.

You can also head to our Instagram page. Give us a follow there for more highlights straight to your feed.

Tuesday, Nov. 5

After last night’s opening reception, AAPEX’s opening day started off with the morning keynote. Bill Hanvey, president of Auto Care Association, and Paul McCarthy, president of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, kicked things off with an industry update and another push for right to repair support.

NFL broadcaster Erin Andrews took part in a Q&A about how she got into broadcasting, being a woman in a male-dominated field — “If you’re a woman in this industry, you have to love it.”

Andrews then hosted a panel discussion with Ashlee Arnold, vice president, Arnold Oil Company, Brad Beckham, CEO, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Randy Breaux, group president, GPC North America, Philip Daniele, president and CEO, AutoZone and Shane O’Kelly, president and CEO, Advance Auto Parts.

They talked about lessons learned, insights on how to be successful, the importance of putting customers first, dealing with change and more.

“This industry has changed and it’s incumbent on us to change,” said Daniele.

”The pace of change will never be slower than it is today,” O’Kelly, adding that change requires telling the people who are executing change and are impacted by it the why behind the change.

Breaux noted the opportunities AI brings, calling it another tool in the workshop.

Once the clock hit 9 a.m., the doors opened and attendees hit the show floor.

Tood Campau from S&P Global Mobility gave his annual chat on aftermarket trends, covering everything from buyer ethnicity trends, new vehicle inventories, prices, EV trends and more.

A joint forecast looking at EVs and another at e-commerce in the aftermarket were released during the show.

Canada Night was once again held but at a new location: Outside on the Palazzo pool deck. The industry gathered to celebrate, network and hangout.

Wednesday, Nov. 6

The day started off with two big events. The MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers hosted its media and member breakfast and Women in Auto Care held its annual breakfast.

At the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, the morning after the U.S. election, politics was a hot topic. Ann Wilson, its head of government relations, noted that vehicle repair costs are tied to concerns over cost of living — and all that ties into right to repair. President Paul McCarthy noted other issues like tariff evasion and further discussed right to repair.

Nathan Shipley from Circana took to the stage for the second general session for his annual Aftermarket Outlook presentation. One item he highlighted was to pay attention to work from home rules from companies and how it may impact leisure travel.

The Women in Auto Care held its awards reception where recognition was given to top women in the auto care industry. Julie Holmes, CEO of Virginia Tire and Auto, won the Women Shop of the Year. RepairPal’s Sheila Sarkozi won the Outstanding Leadership Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Tina Hubbard, president and CEO of HDA Truck Pride.

Thursday night saw an 80s night themed party for the Young Automotive Newtowrking Group. Those under 40 from the aftermarket got together for the biggest meetup the group holds. YANG Mentors were also in attendance, partaking in food, music, dancing and good times.

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Receiving notice of an upcoming audit can be intimidating. Even planned internal reviews are often a stressful undertaking for auto shops, but shop owners can streamline and reduce hiccups by following a few preparatory steps.

Taking the time to get ready in advance can yield significant savings down the line once the review begins.

1. Review applicable regulations

The first step in audit preparation is to review what regulations apply to the shop. National tax compliance is the most obvious area to address, but it isn’t the only one. Automotive businesses may also need to comply with rules from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, OEM warranty audits or other standards.

Recognizing what rules a shop must abide by makes it easier to know what information to compile or what changes may be necessary. Be sure to review provincial regulations, too. For example, Ontario repair facilities must follow the Consumer Protection Act, which includes steps that may not apply in other provinces.

2. Train staff thoroughly

Regardless of what standards a shop must meet, employee training is crucial. Safety regulations, proper financial reporting and compliance with customer rights all rely on following set procedures accurately. Consequently, any inadequate training can produce errors that complicate the audit at best and result in fines or other penalties at worst.

Owners should ensure their onboarding process meets all legal training requirements and leaves little room for confusion for workers. It’s also best to perform regular reassessments and refresher training to avoid mistakes from complacency or forgetfulness. Notifying staff of upcoming audits to remind them of best practices is likewise a good idea.

3. Stay organized

Any audit will also require extensive documentation. The same goes for general compliance, as errors like failing to report certain income can result in fines of $10,000 in some cases. Auto shops can prevent such mistakes and ease the process by becoming more organized in their paperwork.

Make filing proper forms a standard part of the workflow every employee learns about in training. Store files in a dedicated space, ideally with folders to sort them by type and data for easier retrieval. When it comes time for an audit, look through these documents for relevant files and set them aside for faster information sharing with the auditor.

4. Go digital

All this necessary documentation is easier if businesses switch to a digital system. Filling out and storing paperwork is faster on a computer, making staff more likely to perform these crucial tasks. Similarly, it’s easier to organize, retrieve and share files electronically.

Backing up mission-critical information to the cloud is also an important step in preventing data loss, which prevents compliance-affecting mistakes. There are also industry-specific programs available that can automate some documentation and reporting tasks. Automating wherever possible will minimize errors and reduce the workload on workers.

5. Consider Professional Assistance

In some cases, it’s best to turn to an audit professional for help. Business owners who have not followed these best practices in the past, have particularly disorganized paperwork or feel overloaded with repetitive work benefit from hiring a third party to manage compliance and reporting for them.

Organizations may understandably be hesitant about paying for such a service. However, CRA penalties can be as high as $24,000 for some forms of noncompliance, so it may be more affordable to seek professional guidance before risking fines. Third-party help is certainly not always necessary, but it is worth consideration.

Audits don’t have to be a headache

When auto shops prepare ahead of time, they can ensure the audit process is relatively painless. Following these five steps will help any entity in this industry get ready for a smoother, more compliant review. Doing so ensures minimal disruption to normal work and can prevent significant losses.

Devin Partida is the editor-in-chief of ReHack.com and a freelance writer. Devin covers business technology, Fintech and auto tech

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Cloud shop management system Tekmetric and customer relationship management Shopgenie announced the two companies have merged.

This partnership is set to deliver an all-in-one platform for shop owners across the U.S. and Canada, merging operations management with advanced customer service tools to drive business growth and improve customer experience.

The move could elevate Tekmetric to “unicorn” status — a milestone for companies valued at over $1 billion. Together, the platform aims to give shop owners control over operations, communications and customer engagement from a single interface. Combined, the two companies have a customer base of more than 10,000 shops.

“This combination sets a new standard for efficiency and customer experience in the industry,” said Sunil Patel, founder and CEO of Tekmetric. “At Tekmetric, we are committed to providing shop owners with best-in-class tools to manage and grow their businesses.”

He further praised Shopgenie’s ability to use technology to solve shop owners’ challenges.

“Together, we are building an all-in-one platform that empowers shop owners to attract, retain and serve customers more effectively, driving long-term growth,” Patel added.

Over the next several months, the companies will combine features into a unified system with streamlined access: One platform, one login, and a single contact number for all customer communications. Shops will continue to be able to access Tekmetric’s 70-plus integration options, while Shopgenie maintains support for other shop management system integrations.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Air Lift Company has released new LoadLifter 5000 and Air Lift ProSeries kits for the 2019-2024 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab DRW 2WD & 4WD.

The air spring kits are designed to work with the vehicle’s existing suspension to level the vehicle properly. They put an end to squat and correct frequent issues while towing or hauling, including poor headlight aim, unresponsive steering, body roll and bottoming out. Eliminating these issues allows users to tow or haul with safety and comfort.

The LoadLifter 5000 (PN 57263) offers up to 5,000 lbs. of load-leveling capacity through double-bellow air springs paired with upper and lower roll plates and ultra-high-strength nylon end caps.

The Air Lift Pro Series (PN 93263) is an installer-exclusive kit option that is a variation on the LoadLifter 5000. It features upgraded aluminum-anodized end caps and stainless-steel end cap hardware.

“From smaller half-ton trucks all the way up to 1-ton trucks and beyond, we see frequent issues with towing and hauling no matter the truck’s size,” said Cody Wolgamott, product marketing manager at Air Lift. “We offer products for hundreds of different vehicles to ensure we create a safer and more enjoyable towing experience for everyone, no matter what vehicle they have.”

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SKF Automotive announced its new Hub Bearing Unit (HBU) wheel bearing.

It has a blend of two different types of rolling bearings in one unit, a unique combination of ball and tapered roller elements. The design provides greater strength and is 10 per cent lighter than conventional wheel bearings.

The HBU Ball/Taper Wheel Bearing features low friction capabilities, designed to support the demands of EV pickup trucks and vans, which require low friction and high-speed capabilities. The hybrid nature of this bearing, combining taper bearing and ball bearing elements, allows it to handle increased vehicle weight and performance demands effectively.

The reduction in friction translates directly into increased running miles per battery charge.

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Two federal bills key to the automtoive right to repair movement are set to become law in Canada, according to the Automotive Industries Association of Canada.

“AIA Canada is celebrating the passage of Bills C-244 and C-294, which are poised to become law imminently after being adopted by Parliament yesterday,” the group said in an announcement.

The two bills are not specific to automotive right to repair but do make amendments to the Copyright Act. Bill C-244 would allow end-users and third-party repairers to maintain, repair and diagnose products by bypassing digital protection measures but avoid breaking copyright laws. This, according to law firm Torys, would “bolster sustainable consumerism and facilitate accessibility in seeking aftermarket repair.”

This bill was introduced in October 2023. It was initially introduced as Bill C-272 in 2021 but was scrapped that same year due to a fall federal election despite passing first and second reading.

Bill C-294 focuses on allowing different technologies to work together without breaking copyright laws.  

“Both bills amend the Copyright Act and represent a historic step forward in the right to repair movement,” AIA Canada’s statement said.

Copyright and privacy expert Michael Geist has noted that Canada’s exemptions in the act previously didn’t go far enough to allow for a level playing field.

“Canadian anti-circumvention laws (also known as digital lock rules) are among the strictest in the world, creating unnecessary barriers to innovation and consumer rights,” he wrote soon after the introduction of Bill C-294 in 2022.

In mid-October, members of Canada’s auto care industry urged for the passage of both bills during testimony to the Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy, citing the importance for Canada’s automotive aftermarket.

As neither bill directly addresses automotive right to repair, the association continues to push for legislation directly tied to the issue.

“These two bills are a step in the right direction and are viewed as a necessary precursor to any right to repair legislation, however standalone legislation will still be needed to help reinforce a manufacturer’s requirement to allow access to diagnostic and repair information, which would address systemic issues around data ownership and ensure consumer choice,” AIA Canada noted.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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A dependable and quality auto body shop comes in handy when one needs to restore one’s motor vehicle to its initial state of appearance after being involved in an accident, dent, or any other form of damage relating to the body. Auto body shops normally restore vehicles after accidents or minor and major scratches and marks for the intent of sustaining your car’s look. This guide walks you through everything important that one needs to know about choosing an auto body shop-from understanding repair services to understanding characteristics of a service provider whom one can trust.

Understanding the Role of an Auto Body Shop

An auto body shop rejuvenates the appearance, functionality, and safety of a vehicle once damage has set in. The average mechanic would repair the mechanical problems the car has, while the auto body technician works out the structural, cosmetic, and safety issues in a car. A good auto body shop will get your vehicle not only to look new but also safe to hit the roads with confidence.

Types of Auto Body Repair Services

There are several services in auto body repair, each important for different types of damage. Here are some of the common services offered by most auto body shops.

1. Collision Repair

Collision repair refers to the reconstruction or fixation of severe damage to a vehicle’s structure and body when involved in an accident. The following are some of the possible tasks involved in this service:

• Frame straightening: Realigns the vehicle’s frame to pre-accident condition.
• Panel Replacement: Replacement or repair of car body sections that have been damaged.
• Color Matching: Ensures that new paint perfectly matches the color of the existing paint.

2. Dent Repair

Dent repair pertains to the process of attending to minor dents brought about by car park mishaps or minor collision effects. For such, the shops apply various techniques such as paintless dent repair-PDR, which smoothens dents without painting.

From scratch covering to paint matching and full repainting, quality paint services will enhance your car’s looks. Advanced shops will use computerized color matching to create a perfect match so that it looks like your car just came off the lot.

4. Glass and Windshield Repair

Broken or shattered glass is such a common occurrence in collisions that getting damaged glass replaced quickly becomes a safety issue. Those auto body shops that also offer windshield repair can fix small chips, replace entire windshields, and make sure that the structural integrity of the car remains sound.

5. Bumper Repair and Replacement

They are often the first to take the blow in an accident. Consequently, they may crack, dent, and show other manifestations of structural damage. Repairs or replacements are very important to reinstate your car’s safety and good looks.

Key Factors to Consider in Choosing an Auto Body Shop

Finding an auto body shop can be described as a nightmare due to the numerous different options that are available. Below is a list of priorities that will help narrow your choices and enable you to choose a trustworthy repair service.

1. Verify Certification and Qualifications

Among the first things you want to check when going for a repair shop, find out about qualifications of their technicians. Certified technicians are trained to handle certain techniques and advanced equipment; they also will make your car safe to drive after the repair. Look for the following certifications:

• I-CAR = Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair
• ASE = Automotive Service Excellence
• Manufacturer Certification: Ford, Toyota, Tesla

These certifications indicate that the shop follows industry standards and has the right level of experience to repair your car correctly.

2. Verify Positive Customer Reviews

Customer reviews, accordingly, allow one to see how others fared with the shops they contracted. Look for honest, independent reviews of this shop on Google, Yelp, or even on social media. Good reviews may tell about reliability, quality of work, and customer service; bad ones show possible red flags. Consistently good reviews mean a good shop with happy customers.

3. Ask for a Detailed Estimate

A good shop will give an overall estimate for the costs of repairs, including the price for parts, labor, and additional services. Others may even give you a first free estimate so that you can be quite clear what you would likely pay for. A detailed estimate helps one to avoid being slapped with unexpected charges later on. This is besides informing you of exactly what each service entails.

4. Enquire About Warranty and Guarantees

With a warranty, many shops guarantee their work and repairs. This is to mean that if something goes wrong after the fix, you won’t have to pay an extra cent to get it right. It’s also an indication of confidence in the level and quality of service. Check the terms accompanying the warranty and ensure reasonable time is covered.

5. Inspect the Shop’s Cleanliness and Organization

A shop’s condition says quite a deal about its professionalism and seriousness when handling your car. A shop that is clean and organized, as well as well-equipped, clearly has a sense of pride in what they do. When the facility is unkempt or in bad shape, it may reflect a general lack of professionalism.

Benefits of Using a Good Auto Body Shop

Choosing a reliable auto body shop has a lot of rewards beyond superior repair. Here’s what you can expect when you choose a reputable shop for your car:

1. Improved Safety of Vehicle

Structural damage, if not repaired properly, will affect the safety of your vehicle. A good quality auto body shop ensures that the frame and structural integrity of your car are brought to its original state. The chances of any future accident due to weakened structure would be eliminated, and your vehicle will be safe enough to drive on.

2. Better Resale Value

A professionally restored car retains more value. Good-quality repairs mean your vehicle looks and performs as it should, making it more desirable to any prospective purchaser when the time comes to sell.

3. Time and Cost Efficiency

A good shop will save you time and money over time. Because the shops consist of better technicians and better processes for repair, the repairs tend to be completed on time; thus, this also helps you nip potential problems in the bud before they are much more costly to deal with later on.

Understanding the Repair Process: What to Expect

Knowing how it goes will help to quell anxiety and also help you prepare your car for the needed work. Here is a general breakdown of the steps involved:

• Estimating and Inspection: An estimate is provided by the shop following an inspection of the damage. During this initial inspection, there may be hidden damage discovered that needs attention.
• Service Approval: The shop will seek your approval for services and parts per estimate. They will contact your insurance company if any.
• Parts Ordering and Repairs: Once everything is confirmed, they will order all the necessary parts and begin the repair work.
• Quality Control Check: A quality check is carried out after repairs are made to ensure everything is functioning properly and in a safe manner.
• Final Touches and Delivery: This is where the shop makes sure your vehicle is clean and performs a final check before it gets back to you.

Car Care Tips Post Repairs

Since you have invested money in good quality repairs, taking due care of your car will help preserve the work which the shop has done and maintain your vehicle‘s appearance. The following are some tips of maintenance:

• Keep the Car Clean: Regular washing prevents dirt and debris buildup that can damage the paint.
• Wax Periodically: Waxing protects the paint and keeps your car with a polished look.
• Handle Scratches or Minor Damages Immediately: Small issues can easily turn big as time progresses, so it is always better to get them dealt with as early as possible.
• Avoid Strong Chemicals: Buy products meant for cars, as those meant for houses could scratch the paint or interior.

Common Misconceptions About Bodywork

Several myths on auto body repair cause confusion when one seeks service. Let’s unmask the most popular fallacies.

Myth 1: All Auto Body Shops Are Created Equal

Not all auto body shops are created equally; there is a difference in their expertise, qualities, and even in serving customers. The reputation of the shop, certifications, and customers’ reviews are always important to research before making a decision.

Myth 2: Insurance Covers Everything

Although insurance can help cover some of the costs, it might not cater to every part of the repair. Always discuss the details in depth with your insurance provider and the shop regarding what is and what is not covered.

Myth 3: Doing it Yourself Works Just as Well

Cosmetic repairs, the minor ones, can be done in your driveway but if there is a problem in the structure or mechanical area of the vehicle, attempting to repair it yourself may further damage your automobile and sacrifice its safety features in the process. Professional technicians have experience and equipment to correctly restore your car properly.

Wrapping Up

Certification, customer reviews, detailed estimates, and warranties are all factors that will ensure you make an educated decision so that your car will end up in good hands. Whether you need minor cosmetic work or major repairs, choosing a trustworthy shop will really make a big difference in the quality of the results.

And remember, the right auto body shop not only corrects your car but gives you peace of mind, knowing this meets the standards for safety and that it looks like new.

The post Don’t Blow a Gasket: Choosing the Right Auto Body Shop for Your Vehicle appeared first on Auto Service World.

Nhu Nguyen has always felt the support of her male colleagues, instructors and mentors during her career as an automotive technician, which is why she goes out of her way to make men’s health a focus every year.

She is a classic Porsche technician and has been a passionate supporter of Movember for more than a decade, raising an impressive $21,000 to support men’s health initiatives.

“I’ve been a Mo-Sister ever since I got into the trade,” she says in this episode of Auto Service World Conversations. “For the last 12 years, I’ve been baking cookies, raising money and awareness for November.”

Last year, Nguyen held her first “Nhuvember” event in Toronto, a car meet mixed with a car exhibit that featured live painting, live vehicle repairs and more. It raised more than $8,000 for the cause.

The event will be held this year at Pfaff Tuning in Woodbridge from 6-9 p.m. on November 16. It is sponsored by Canaweld, which will donate 5 per cent of total purchases from the Canaweld website using the promo code ‘Nhuvember’ through the month of November.

Nguyen’s passion for supporting men’s health is rooted in her experience as a woman in the male-dominated automotive industry. She explained that she has been fortunate to receive tremendous support and encouragement from her mentors, teachers and coworkers, and she wants to support those who may not be speaking up for themselves.

“I’m in this male-dominated industry and I know that a lot of women have a tough time — and have had and continue to have a tough time — in this industry. But my personal experience has been one of great support, warmth, encouragement,” she says. “I understand also what this industry is like for men in this industry, what society is like for men in general. I just feel it’s really important for those not speaking up for themselves to have a voice.”

For those looking to support Nhuvember, either by sponsorship, to buy cookies or otherwise, contact her directly through Instagram at @dear_nhu.

Tune into the conversation by clicking the banner above or pick your platform of choice below to hear this episode. You can also access the full Auto Service World Conversations library.

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Car-sharing platform Turo announced a partnership with CrashBay, a digital marketplace for collision and car repair solutions.

This collaboration is designed to enhance the auto claims repair process for Turo hosts across the U.S. and Canada.

Both Turo and CrashBay aim to simplify vehicle ownership and improve the car-sharing experience. CrashBay’s platform will give Turo hosts access to a network of certified repair shops. These repair shops are vetted for quality, reliability and cost-efficiency

“CrashBay has been an invaluable partner to Turo and our hosts, providing an easy way to find a qualified body shop for vehicle repair,” said Jeff Platt, chief insurance officer at Turo. “Hosts are an integral part of the Turo community, and on the rare occasion that a claim needs to be filed, we want to ensure they feel supported with trusted, reliable resources like CrashBay.”

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Air Lift Company has released new LoadLifter 5000 and Air Lift ProSeries kits for the 2019-2024 Ram 3500 Chassis Cab DRW 2WD and 4WD.

The air spring kits are designed to work with the vehicle’s existing suspension to level the vehicle properly. They put an end to squat and correct frequent issues while towing or hauling, including poor headlight aim, unresponsive steering, body roll and bottoming out. Eliminating these issues allows users to tow or haul with safety and comfort.

The LoadLifter 5000 (PN 57263) offers up to 5,000 lbs. of load-leveling capacity through double-bellow air springs paired with upper and lower roll plates and ultra-high-strength nylon end caps.

The Air Lift Pro Series (PN 93263) is an installer-exclusive kit option that is a variation on the LoadLifter 5000. It features upgraded aluminum-anodized end caps and stainless-steel end cap hardware.

“From smaller half-ton trucks all the way up to 1-ton trucks and beyond, we see frequent issues with towing and hauling no matter the truck’s size,” said Cody Wolgamott, product marketing manager at Air Lift. “We offer products for hundreds of different vehicles to ensure we create a safer and more enjoyable towing experience for everyone, no matter what vehicle they have.”

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Tirecraft Ontario announced a new expansion into the Southern Ontario off-the-road tire market.

Chris Potier and Jason Vollick have joined Tirecraft Ontario. Potier is an OTR service technician with more than 20 years of experience. Jason Vollick has more than 10 years of experience as an OTR sales and service technician.

“We are excited that Jason and Chris not only bring a wealth of experience and respect, but also their alignment with our core values,” said Christine McClay, Tirecraft president, added.

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You’re in the people business. You just happen to fix cars, a shop coach told a room full of shop owners, technicians and advisors.

“You are not at the shop to fix cars. The purpose of any business is to create and keep a client,” said Rick White, president of 180Biz, during the presentation Business Boss Leader: From Creeper to Leader at this year’s Mid-West Auto Care Alliance’s Vision and Hi-Tech Training Expo.

And it doesn’t matter what the business is — everyone has the same purpose. And for this industry, it’s done by fixing vehicles.

He noted that the average shop loses 17-21 per cent of its clients every year. Reasons can vary from a customer buying a new vehicle to death to a family member opening a shop and the business going there.

Nevertheless, if a shop isn’t measuring how many clients they’re losing compared to how much they’re bringing in, it could spell trouble.

You want to get to know your client. White said to have “discovery conversations” with clients. You do this by making them feel seen, heard and appreciated — the ingredients of connection, according to professor and author Brené Brown.

So advisors have to learn to connect to the client by having a real conversation with them. “It’s about them, not about me,” he said.

He also advised to always have your antenna up and be able to read the room quickly.

“So it’s teaching them to always be looking and listening. And it takes time. It takes commitment and dedication,” White said.

And the function of any business is to run without needing the owner present. Think of it as raising a child. You birthed it, you helped it grow, you put it on the right path and you one day watch your child become their own person and live life without you watching over them.

“That is what a business is set to do. You are there to teach it and give it values and show it how to do things, and then you let that business go,” White said. “But we don’t do that.”

He brought it back to the fact that your business is there to create relationships.

“What I’m doing is using cars to create relationships. Because I’m in the relationship business, not the car business. And the sooner we understand that, the healthier our business becomes,” White said. “Because when you have a relationship with somebody, they’re not going to go to another shop to save $50.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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When debating if you should sell the assets of your business compared to bringing a new buyer to buy shares in the existing company, there’s one clear answer for accountant business advisor Hunt Demarest: Do an asset sale.

“For every 500 asset sales we see, we see one stock sale. Really, we never ever, ever see stock sales,” he said at this year’s Midwest Auto Care Alliance’s Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo in Kansas City.

In a stock sale, the buyer acquires the selling company’s stocks, thereby taking over ownership of the company, including all its assets and liabilities. This means the buyer assumes all obligations, including debts and legal risks associated with the company.

On the other hand, in an asset sale, the buyer purchases individual assets and liabilities of the company, such as equipment, inventory and property, without buying the company’s stock or assuming its legal entity. This allows the buyer to select specific assets and liabilities they wish to acquire, potentially avoiding unwanted obligations.

So the buyer of an auto repair shop will purchase the shop’s equipment, inventory and goodwill and set up their own legal entity. They don’t get the shop’s cash, debt or liabilities.

“Even though from a customer standpoint it’s going look like the same exact business, there is a clear line: This is my corporation; this was his corporation,” Demarest said during the session Transitioning Your Business.

There are two big reasons: Taxation and liability. The taxation end has to do with write-offs and is different than buying stocks of, say, Apple. Most people are buying an auto shop and holding it for many years, even many decades. So any taxation benefits won’t be seen until further down the road. Whereas, if you have Apple stock, you can sell at any time in case of financial need or desire and recoup those benefits.

As far as liability of concerned, if you take over the existing legal entity, you are liable for anything that company has done in the past. Say the taxman comes calling — you as the owner of that entity are responsible, not the previous owner who is no longer involved in the business.

Or if the shop made a mistake on a customer’s vehicle and sues the shop, you as the new owner would be responsible. Demarest noted that comebacks and warranties aren’t technically your responsibility if you’ve set up a separate company, even if you keep the business’ name.

“But it’s going to be probably a bad introduction to the community,” he advised if you turn away such claims.

“You get into those weird areas where it’s like, legally, I don’t have to cover this. But hey … pro bono replacing this water pump is probably better than my first introduction in that community is, ‘Hey, this guy came in and doesn’t stand behind his work.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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SKF Automotive introduced new products at Automechanika this year.

The engine Masterkit is a comprehensive service solution that combines the water pump and timing belt kit with the auxiliary belt and tensioners kit in one package solution.

SKF will also manufacture CV joints and driveshafts in-house at its Italian OE Airasca facility.

It added new bearing solutions for electric vehicles in China that can handle motor speeds of up to 30,000 rpm while maintaining performance in extreme temperature conditions. Additionally, low-friction tapered roller bearings boost system efficiency, potentially enhancing the range and longevity of electric vehicles.

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Hunter Engineering announced that 13 ADAS calibration target packages may now be bought online through the HunterNet 2 customer portal.

The OEM-approved targets can be used for various ADAS calibration procedures with Hunter’s Ultimate ADAS system, such as surround-view, lane watch and forward-facing cameras and radar.

The selection includes camera calibration targets for Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Ford and GM vehicles, as well as universal radar plates and cube reflectors.

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Schaeffler’s Vehicle Lifetime Solutions division (formerly Automotive Aftermarket) added new Luk TorCon 68RFE and 48RE applications.

The torque converters have the same proprietary material and production process as Luk manual clutches which are trusted by professionals worldwide. The TorCon units also feature best-in-class INA thrust bearings

The 68RFE design ensures peak performance under any condition, featuring a quad-plate clutch system, delivering greater torque capacity that outperforms some triple plate billet converters on the market by up to 60 per cent.

The Luk TorCon 68RFE is compatible with 2009 – 2021 RAM 2500 & 3500 trucks with 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel engines, with a current VIO of over 1 million.

 “The LuK TorCon 68RFE is built to perform under normal and heavy-duty conditions, with a higher torque ratio and higher TCC holding power to ensure reliability when it matters most,” said Jason Haney, product manager.

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BAAN Powertrain is now carrying Tesla Drive Unit Rebuild Kits and Coolant Deletes.

The rebuild kits and coolant deletes are designed to provide reliable and high-quality solutions for Tesla drive units. They are compatible with Model S (February 2012-March 2016) and Model X (September 2015-February 2021).

“Whether you’re a repair shop looking to expand your service offerings or a distributor seeking new opportunities, our Tesla Drive Unit Rebuild Kits and Coolant Deletes will help you stay ahead in the rapidly growing EV market,” said the announcement from BAAN.

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Digital natives, those who have grown up with personal computers, cell phones and the Internet, are set to significantly influence the future of the automotive aftermarket, according to a recent report.

In Lang Marketing’s Digital Natives Are Rewiring the Aftermarket’s Future, it noted that this demographic shift underscores a transformation in how automotive parts and services are researched, purchased and utilized.

In contrast to digital immigrants — those who adopted digital technology later in life — digital natives are inherently inclined to use the internet and various digital devices for making buying decisions. This generational divide is reshaping the aftermarket industry, with digital natives preferring online interactions over traditional face-to-face engagements.

By 2030, Lang estimated, digital natives will account for about 50 per cent of light vehicle aftermarket product volume.

“Digital natives and digital immigrants differ in three significant ways that affect their aftermarket behavior: Use of the internet as the primary source of aftermarket information, preference for online transactions as opposed to face-to-face purchases and the growth of platform buying,” it said in the report.

Internet, the primary resource

Digital natives instinctively turn to the Internet as their first resource for diagnosing vehicle issues, estimating repair costs, and locating parts or repair services.

This online-first approach contrasts sharply with digital immigrants, particularly Baby Boomers, who are more likely to seek information directly from repair outlets or parts stores through in-person visits or telephone calls.

Online transactions

Unlike digital immigrants who often see a distinct difference between in-store shopping and online purchases, digital natives perceive little disparity between the two. The speed, variety, and often lower prices associated with online transactions outweigh any advantages offered by in-store experiences.

Consequently, digital natives are less likely to value face-to-face interactions with parts store personnel or repair shop technicians when making purchasing decisions.

Platform buying

Platform buying has become particularly appealing to digital natives due to its efficiency, wide range of options, competitive pricing, and convenience. Platforms like Openbay, RepairPal and Amazon provide consumers with access to multiple repair outlets and parts choices, allowing for a comprehensive comparison of prices and services.

Amazon, in particular, has become a trusted platform for digital natives.

“Many digital natives are figuratively joined at the hip with Amazon. They love and trust Amazon,” Lang said. “It has become a powerful search engine that provides buyers with a wide range of automotive products and a growing array of automotive repairs.

This trust in Amazon offers a level of confidence that individual repair or parts outlets struggle to match.

Implications for the aftermarket

The increasing influence of digital natives is expected to drive profound changes in the automotive aftermarket. As noted, by 2030, digital natives will account for approximately 50 per cent of light vehicle aftermarket product volume. Their growing reliance on digital platforms for research and purchases will likely lead to a continued shift away from traditional retail models.

The report also noted that the volume and diversity of online-to-offline (o2o) purchases are rising, showing how consumers’ increasing use of the Internet is changing, especially with platforms, to make a broad range of buying decisions. That, Lang suggested, shows digital natives will continue to expand their use of platforms like Amazon to research and purchase vehicle parts and services, fundamentally altering the landscape of the automotive aftermarket.

“It’s inevitable that digital natives, driven by their values and purchase preferences, will increase their use of digital platforms (such as Amazon) to research and purchase vehicle parts and services in the future,” Lang said.

“This has profound implications for the future of the aftermarket as Digital Natives rapidly expand their share of the light vehicle aftermarket.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Today’s vehicles aren’t necessarily going be enough to attract young people into this industry and so a different kind of approach is needed, a shop coach recently advised.

Rather than trying to rely on young people developing a passion for automotive repair on their own, explain to them—and their parents—that a career in the trade is viable and stable while showing them just how they can be successful.

As the automotive industry grapples with attracting new talent, Jeff Furrow, owner of Wellsboro Automotive, addressed the challenges and solutions during a training session on apprenticeships at the Worldpac Supplier and Training Expo.

He highlighted the disconnect young people feel with modern vehicles compared to older generations and emphasized the need for structured career plans to draw them into the trade.

What’s shifted young people from coming to work on cars? Furrow suggested looking at what’s in a school parking lot.

Older generations had hot rods, Camaros or Mustangs that were easier to understand once you popped the hood.

“We worked on him at night, on weekends. But we can do that ourselves — we have the tools, we can find the knowledge,” he said.

Today, however, the complexity of new vehicles like the modern-day Mustang or offerings from Lexus, Tesla and BMW makes them inaccessible for DIY enthusiasts.

“They can’t work on this. There’s no way they can work on them,” Furrow explained. “So how do they fall in love with something they can’t do? How can they fall in love with an industry when they’re not able to be a part of it?”

So it means taking a different approach with young kids and their families. He offered a blueprint to show that there’s a viable, structured career path in auto care. By providing a clear plan the industry can begin to attract and retain the next generation of automotive technicians, he said.

Furrow noted that many parents are focused on the four-year university path without a clear plan, but they feel that a piece of paper after that time is nevertheless worthwhile. Suppose you go to those parents with a specific career path that you’ve created for their child that shows how they will progress and the career they will have once they get the education and training. In that case, you’re making a real difference to attract young people to the automotive service trade.

“Once I told them, ‘I have a plan for your child,’ they started listening to us,” Furrow said. He stressed that the plan must demonstrate structure and a real pathway to a career, and it must be in writing.

Luke Murray, a Worldpac Training Institute instructor, agreed.

“The attrition rate is terrible,” he said in the same session. “And when polled why [apprentices] left, the top two reasons [were] lack of a mentor … and lack of a career path.”

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What was once the Automotive Fellowship Society is now the Aftermarket Guild armed with a new vision for the future while making sure to honour the trailblazers of the past.

The group last met in 2019 and reunited Oct. 3 in Toronto, with major changes. With a new name, the group opened its membership to women — a group once barred since the original society was founded in 1960.

It’s an invitation-only event and admittance to the group requires 20 years of service in the aftermarket in a ‘responsible’ position.

Greg Stone, decades-long chairman of the group and sporting his Hockey Night in Canada sport coat, spoke to attendees — made up of members new and old, and members of industry press for the first time — about the group’s history and the change with the times.

He emphasized that the changeover from AFS to Aftermarket Guild isn’t a downgrade of any kind — the guild is still the important group that it always has been.

It is an area where competitors can gather together in a non-competitive setting and take in an atmosphere of fun. As the group states on its new website (more below), in the the AFS, “There would be no rules; no dues; no board of directors; no by-laws; no lofty aims; no Guests; and really, not much sense.”

Stone also announced a $10,200 cheque was being sent to Shad’s R&R, the longstanding aftermarket charitable golf tournament.

New members of the guild were also welcomed during the three-hour event, which included dinner and presentations.

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Hall of Fame

The capper on the night was the start of a new tradition: The induction of 11 aftermarket visionaries to the Aftermarket Guild Hall of Fame.

Part of the mission of the group is to ensure that the names and memories of the architects of the Canadian automotive aftermarket are honoured and remembered for all time, preserving the heritage of the industry.

Members of the inaugural class were:

• Don Chase
• Don Hannah
• Ed Coates
• Emmett Grant
• George Clark
• Greg Stone
• Fred Shaddick
• John Grant Sr.
• John MacDonald Sr.
• John Vanstone
• Tom Saxton

Presentations and bios were provided for each member. For those who have passed, family members or close friends accepted the honour on their behalf.

New website

The group announced a new website: www.aftermarketguild.ca where the Hall of Fame members are commemorated so that years from now, new and young members to the industry and look back on those who built the Canadian aftermarket. The website has more information about the inductees and background on the former AFS, how it came to be, how the Guild was formed and how new members can join.

Please see the photo gallery below and Instagram reel for more highlights.

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Image credit: Depositphotos.com

There has been a surge in promo codes and discounts offered by online retailers in recent times, a new survey has found.

The study by SimplyCodes found a substantial increase in the issuance of promo codes by online retailers and brands, indicating a growing reliance on discounts as a strategy to attract customers. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 400,000 retailers January and June 2024, found a 31 per cent increase in the number of unique promo codes issued compared to the same period in 2023.

The study also showed that promo codes are not only more abundant but offer larger discounts. This year, the average discount provided by promo codes is 17.6 per cent, up from 17.17 per cent last year, a 2.6 per cent increase. Additionally, the average dollar amount off per promo code has risen by 22 per cent, increasing from $27.26 to $33.25.

A notable trend identified in the study is the rise of single-use promo codes, which are unique codes provided directly to customers, often via email, and can only be redeemed once. The number of retailers offering these single-use codes has jumped by 47 per cent compared to last year, indicating that merchants are increasingly tailoring their promotional strategies to individual customers.

The suggestion from the study is that there’s a growing reliance on promotional codes by both consumers and retailers, driven by competitive pressures and economic factors such as inflation and the rising cost of living. Nearly 70 per cent of respondents reported that having a promotional code makes them more likely to complete a purchase, while 62 per cent actively seek out and use promo codes when shopping online.

This suggests that promo codes have become an essential tool for retailers looking to boost sales and customer engagement in a challenging economic environment.

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If a customer calls Jeremy O’Neal in search of a quick oil change, he will politely ask them to move on.

It’s not that the shop owner and coach with AdvisorFix won’t do an oil change — he’s just not interested in only doing an oil change. He’s interested in larger-picture vehicle maintenance that includes oil changes as part of keeping his customers’ vehicles healthy and running for a long time.

So when the customer calls with the simple request, he will tell them that he helps them maintain their investment in the vehicle and will complete a whole vehicle inspection. But to properly service the vehicle, it will need to be in his shop for four hours. And then gives them options for what time to come in.

“The customer who wants a quick oil change is not my target market for my business,” he said at the Worldpac Supplier and Training Expo in Nashville. “I love repairs.”

The way he sees it, his customers — and yours — should be adhering to a repair and maintenance schedule that has been created specifically for them. So when they come in for their next service, there’s a series of items that need to be completed. And an oil change can be on that list.

It’s the same reason why he won’t expand into mobile services. During his session, he played a commercial from Ford that touted its mobile vans that can do an oil change, battery service, health checks and more wherever the customer is located. It’s a strategy that baffles O’Neal. He’s sure the company has done its homework and found people want this service. But that doesn’t mean it’s good business.

Doing the small stuff means you’re missing out on the big stuff, he said during the session, The Essential Laws of The Profitable Shop Manager. And oftentimes, a vehicle’s issue can’t be figured out in the owner’s driveway. That’s why he wants his customers to bring their vehicles into his shop for a proper, full inspection.

“They’ll start on a car, can’t figure it out and leave it undone. I’m dead serious. Happens all the time,” he said about mobile service providers in his area.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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There are four generations in any given workplace in the automotive aftermarket, creating a widely varying dynamic when it comes to getting business done.

You have the Baby Boomers, (born from 1946-1964), Generation X (1965-1980), Generation Y, or Millennials (1981-1996) and Generation Z (1997-2012), many of whom are just getting their feet wet in the working world but making big impacts.

Each group prioritizes different things in the workplace — you can read more about it here and read the full study results here.

And you can tune into the latest episode of Auto Service World Conversations to hear from Jeff O’Hara, chair of the Modern Industry eXpertise (MiX) Council, a leadership council for the next generation of aftermarket leaders that is part of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers.

He dives into the survey results, key takeaways for employers to work with the four generations and how each generation can help the other grow and succeed.

“People are willing to stay and grow within an organization, but people are craving that path — what is it going to look like for me?” O’Hara said on the podcast. “And how can companies, especially larger ones, how can you help provide that path to folks with the understanding that you can’t always get everything from an employer — and there are many different paths. But how can you get, especially the younger generation on board with growing within a company?

Tune into the conversation by clicking the banner above or choose your platform of choice below to hear this episode and find the full Auto Service World Conversations library.

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If you’re hiring a technician, advisor or counter person in the hopes they will get better at the job, you may be in for a world of hurt, a shop coach warned.

It’s tough to find talent, yes, but when you bring someone on and it’s clear that it’s not working out, the onus falls on you to challenge them and get the best of their abilities to shine through, urged coach Rick White, president of 180Biz.

It’s not about what you hope for them to do, it’s about whether they want to get better at the job and you push them to reach their goals, he explained.

“One of the mistakes we make is we hire people and wait for them to get better. You have to be the catalyst to making them better — your expectations, your belief and confidence in them,” White said during the presentation Business Boss Leader: From Creeper to Leader at the Mid-West Auto Care Alliance’s Vision and Hi-Tech Training Expo in Kansas City.

Think about this this way: Be the person in their life who, when they look back 50 years from now, point you out and say you’re one of the five people who made them what they are today.

“How many of you have people in your life that have done that? That ‘I see something in you that nobody else saw’ and they demanded it from you?” White asked the audience. “It’s your turn to be that person. See things for others.”

You can help staff accelerate their growth by giving them higher targets. If you aim higher, you’ll hit them harder. He gave the example of a boxer. They are trained to not aim directly for their oppoent’s face when they punch — they aim for six inches behind their target. They end up hitting their actual target harder.

Think of that when setting goals for your staff. Put them a little higher — if they hit, great. If they miss, they still hit a pretty high goal. So you can set a goal of 10 per cent growth and hit eight per cent or go for 20 per cent growth and hit 15 per cent.

“So go big or go home,” White urged. “Dream big as if you could not fail. Because again, failure is not an option here.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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National Castrol oil brand distributor Wakefield Canada has announced two new members of its team.

Pavindeep (Pav) Ghangas and Patrick (Pat) McCrea are now part of the Western Canadian sales team, based in British Columbia.

The announcement noted that Ghangas grew up in Richmond and Surrey and brings with him years of success in both the traditional automotive aftermarket and on the commercial/heavy duty dealers and fleets side.

He’s been with the team since August and is responsible for the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island territory.

McCrea joined the Western Canada sales team earlier this year. The announcement highlighted his success in automotive parts, systems, components and equipment. He’s responsible for the traditional Automotive and commercial/heavy duty dealers and fleets for BC interior and Vancouver.

 “We are thrilled to welcome Pav and Pat to the Wakefield team, and look forward to them working closely with our jobbers and garages, earning the Castrol business every day,” said Shannon Spano, Wakefield Canada’s vice president of sales.

Pav can be reached at pghangas@wakefieldcanada.ca  or 236-339-8780. Pat can reached at pmccrea@wakefieldcanada.ca or 604-787-9469.

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TotalEnergies Marketing Canada Inc. announced it has opened a third Quartz Auto services centre by its independent partner TQ Auto Care. Meanwhile, it also announced a strategic partnership with Wajax.

Located in Waterloo, Ontario, the service centre is the third of its kind in five years opened as part of the partnership. Another shop is located in Waterloo with the other in Kitchener.

In the announcement, TotalEnergies noted that the independent shops of the service centre network are carefully selected.

“We are excited to announce our partnership with TotalEnergies as our official oil provider,” said Sajiv Kumarasamy and Ashani Missier, owners of TQ Auto Care, Quartz Auto Services centre. “Our mission is to build lasting relationships with our customers by providing reliable, transparent and high-quality auto care you can trust.”

These centres offer more than oil change, noted Olivier Gauthier, president of TotalEnergies Marketing Canada Inc.

“The opening of this new center is a celebration of the ongoing trust and commitment of our partners to the vision of Quartz Auto Services centers,” he said in a statement. “We are grateful for their dedication to promoting the Quartz brand of TotalEnergies.”

TotalEnergies also announced that by teaming with Wajax, a supplier of industrial products, equipment and services, professionals in the industrial, forestry, construction, mining, transport and other sectors will have access to the full range of TotalEnergies lubricants.

Wajax has a 120 branches across Canada. The announcement noted that this partnership will strengthen TotalEnergies’ Canadian distribution network.

“We are proud to extend our partnership with Wajax in Canada. Our two teams have collaborated so well over the years in Quebec, demonstrating the synergy between Wajax’s expertise and TotalEnergies’ wide range of products, so it’s only natural that we should deploy our shared expertise across the country,” Gauthier said in a statement.

Featured photo: From left, Sajiv Kumarasamy, co-owner of TQ Auto Care, Olivier Gauthier, president of TotalEnergies Marketing Canada Inc., Ashani Missier, co-owner of TQ Auto Care (CNW Group/TotalEnergies Marketing Canada Inc)

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Three Fountain Tire executives have been moved up to vice president roles, the company announced.

Curtis Goodwin will become VP of Alberta and Saskatchewan store; Nason Higinbotham will take over as VP of stores in B.C., Manitoba and Ontario; and Yves Richard will become VP of supply and wholesale.           

“I’m delighted to welcome Curtis, Nason and Yves to Fountain Tire’s senior leadership team,” Fountain Tire CEO Jason Herle said in the announcement. “Each bring a unique skillset that will enhance our strategic direction, champion our partnership philosophy and support our store managers in delivering an exceptional customer experience.”

Goodwin started his career at Fountain Tire more than 30 years ago, moving up from assistant manager to store in Edmonton. After spending time in the dealer network, he returned to the company in 2018. He was most recently general manager for Alberta and Saskatchewan stores.

He will now oversee his current territory in an elevated capacity while developing the next generation of regional leadership.

Higinbotham has been with Fountain Tire since 2014, moving to the company’s store operations team in 2020. He led the launch of TireMobile, the company’s first consumer mobile tire service. He was most recently the general manager of B.C. and Yukon Stores.

Richard spent 17 in the telecommunications industry before joining Fountain Tire in 2014. He led the launch of Fountain Tire’s Digital Vehicle Report program. He was promoted to general manager in 2023. Richard also chairs the board of Goodyear’s Canadian Commercial Tire and Service Network.

In his new role, Richar will oversee the company’s product and pricing, inventory, warehousing and logistics, retread and wholesale portfolios. 

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Dayco has added 55 new parts to its portfolio. The list includes 41 new branched and quick connect hoses, covering primarily medium- and heavy-duty vehicle applications, 11 new water pumps and three new serpentine belt kit part numbers.

Dayco has spent 18 months to transform its hose product line following a detailed evaluation of more than 3,000 part numbers, adding new numbers with exact fitment and redesigning old hose applications when necessary.

The Dayco water pump SKUs introduced cover 22 million light-duty vehicles on the road. These are 100 per cent end-of-the-line leak tested.

The serpentine belt kit line is also expanding. More than two million VIO will be covered with the three new kits.  

“We have continued to evolve our line review process to assure that we efficiently bring to market products the industry needs based on real data and input from the field,” said Jerry Reeves, manager of product management for Dayco North America. “This is just an example of the type of expansions you’ll continue to see from the Dayco team.”

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Standard Motor Products’ recently released Standard Coils add coverage for the 2021-2023 Ford F-150, 2023-20 Subaru Legacy and Outback and 2022-19 Mercedes-Benz cars and SUVs.

Additional new coverage includes popular vehicles like the 2022-2024 Volkswagen Jetta and Taos, 2023-2024 Ford Super Duty trucks, and the 2015-2020 Alfa Romeo 4C. Currently, fifteen Blue Streak Ignition Coil Multipacks are available for popular vehicles, with additional applications in development.

“Our Ignition Coil program is the most comprehensive in the industry,” said John Herc, vice president of vehicle control marketing at SMP. “We’re dedicated to continuously expanding our coverage with Coils of the highest quality and best performance to meet the demands of professional technicians.”

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Tesla’s dominance in the EV market has been a double-edged sword for the company: On one hand, they have the top market share in North America; on the other, their vehicle owners are plagued by long wait times and dissatisfied customer service.

That means the automotive aftermarket has a chance to swoop in and take some of their business, noted Carolyn Coquillette, owner of Earthling Automotive in San Francisco and founder of Shop-Ware.

It’s helpful that Tesla has such dominance. The overwhelming number of EVs being Teslas means “it gives us room to actually learn one specific platform, and then be able to drive a market around that,” she said at Worldpac STX this year.

She pulled out her crystal ball and figured it’ll be around 2030 when you see EVs outpace hybrids in sales, pushing the need for the aftermarket to be on the ball and prepared.

“And this, of course, assumes that the cars are going to sell the way they think they’re going to sell them,” Coquillette added.

Nevertheless, many EVs are a decade old, such as the Tesla Model S. While that model hasn’t sold as well as the Model 3 and Model Y, both are also aging, creating a growing aftermarket demand.

“But even the 3 and the Y are now five-plus years old. So obviously, that’s when the aftermarket kicks in,” Coquillette said.

But Tesla has been a victim of its success, in a way. While Tesla has been pumping cars out of its dealerships, it hasn’t been as on the ball when it comes to service and maintenance requests from customers.

The dissatisfaction among Tesla owners with dealership services is palpable, presenting an opportunity for the aftermarket.

“They haven’t been very good at fixing cars, which means the dealership experience is terrible,” Coquillette highlighted. “Basically, you can’t get a hold of them, it takes forever to get in there, their parts are not available.”

It’s part of a trend from dealers of all stripes. There’s a reason the automotive aftermarket is a flourishing industry.

“If the dealerships could have put us out of business, they would have put us out of business already,” Coquillette said. “They obviously haven’t. They keep screwing it up, they’re going to keep screwing it up, including Tesla. So that’s great.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Success hinges on a deep understanding of financial health in an industry as dynamic as automotive services. This involves looking at various metrics to derive actionable insights about the business’s ability to meet its current and future obligations.

Knowing what indicators to track and what they mean is critical to making informed business decisions.

Key financial metrics

These are the most crucial financial signals to monitor in auto servicing for enhanced business profitability and operational efficiency.

Revenue: Service shops’ revenues generally span three primary sources: Labour, parts and add-ons. The average repair order (ARO) is one of the best metrics for tracking these figures from a single viewpoint. This indicator represents the dollar amount of services and products sold over a specified period. Industry data shows the average ARO was just over $470 in 2021, with the Pacific West and Northeastern regions recording the highest figures.

Closely related to the ARO is the hours per repair order (HRO), which measures the technicians’ average time per repair or service order. Calculate it by dividing the hours worked in a week by the number of repair orders in that period. Experts recommend following the HRO rule of three — a technician should complete three service orders within three billable hours in one shift. 

Cost of goods sold (COGS): COGS is the cost of doing business. In the auto service context, it includes primary expenses incurred in purchasing parts necessary for repairs and supplies expenditures for consumables, such as oil and fluids.

Analyzing COGS helps determine how much business revenue goes to direct costs. For example, if a shop generates $100,000 in revenue but incurs $40,000 in COGS, 40% of the income is spent on parts and supplies. The goal is to keep the value low while maintaining output quality.

Gross profit: Gross profit is calculated as revenue minus COGS and is a critical metric for assessing financial performance. This margin indicates how well the auto shop converts sales into earnings before accounting for operating expenses.

Improving gross profit margins often involves optimizing supplier relationships to reduce parts costs and implementing effective labour pricing to reflect the service value offered. These measures lead to greater financial stability, allowing the company more flexibility in adapting to industry changes.

Operating expenses: This includes all costs related to running the business that are not directly tied to COGS. Key components include rent and utilities, wages, marketing costs, insurance and other relevant day-to-day obligations.

Operating expense issues represent one of the biggest reasons that 45 per cent of businesses fail in the first five years. When a company struggles to meet current expenditures necessary to enable production, everything else suffers, from labour and inventory to cash flow.

Net income: Calculate net income or profit by deducting all expenses from total revenue. This indicator reflects the business’s overall profitability over time. It also represents the portion the company can afford to reinvest to sustain growth and competitiveness. The Automotive Industries Association of Canada has pegged the average net income between 6.3% and 8.8 % yearly. That means anything above this is a strong sign that the service is doing well.

Customer acquisition cost (CAC): CAC measures the cost associated with acquiring a new customer. This metric includes marketing expenses divided by the number of new customers gained during a specific period.

Auto service providers must prepare for a new class of customers as autonomous vehicles become more prevalent, which will impact CAC moving forward. For example, diagnosing and repairing driverless cars will require advanced knowledge of interconnected automation systems, which often necessitates additional spending on training programs.

Customer lifetime value (CLTV): CLTV estimates the total revenue expected from a customer over their entire relationship with the business. Failing to retain clients after the first few repair or replacement orders can signify dissatisfaction with the service rendered or a failure of the company’s retention strategy.

Utilizing financial metrics

Understanding what these metrics mean is the key to making data-backed decisions. Many financial system tools offer simple dashboards with streamlined commands for generating indicator reports based on operations data.

These insights are vital for comparing performance against set benchmarks. For example, a decrease in ARO could indicate reduced upselling or longer service times, prompting management to investigate those specific areas instead of wasting resources on general audits.

Financial metrics empower managers to make the best decisions to drive success and profitability. Relying on these signals rather than mindlessly implementing broad or misplaced strategies reduces inefficiencies and promotes agility in an evolving business landscape.

Devin Partida is the editor-in-chief of ReHack.com and a freelance writer. Devin covers business technology, Fintech and auto tech

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The combined actions of U.S. and Canadian dockworkers are expected to delay goods movement and increase costs for both businesses and consumers

*Editor’s note: A tentative agreement is in place with U.S. unions; more details at the bottom of the original story

Ports across North America are facing widespread disruptions as dockworkers initiate strikes on both the U.S. East Coast and at key Canadian facilities and the aftermarket is raising concerns over the events.

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) has shut down all ports from Maine to Texas, while workers at the Port of Montreal have begun a 72-hour strike. These coordinated actions threaten to severely impact international trade and exacerbate existing supply chain challenges.

The ILA, representing U.S. dockworkers, rejected the United States Maritime Alliance’s (USMX) final proposal, leading to their first coastwide strike in nearly 50 years. Picket lines were set up at waterfront facilities, affecting all Atlantic and Gulf Coast ports.

The Auto Care Association, which represents the automotive aftermarket in the United States, released a statement warning of the disruption labour unrest will have on the industry. It further called on the U.S. government to put an end to the strikes.

The group noted that a significant portion of the auto care industry’s imports and exports ports are handled in the East and Gulf ports. Auto Care warned of billions of dollars in losses and delays in goods movement, impacting repair shops’ and distributors’ abilities to meet demand.

It also noted that estimates show that a day of disruption takes five days to recover. The announcement stated that almost a quarter of aftermarket parts come through the East and Gulf ports.

“Each day that this strike continues, not only does our industry lose out on hundreds of millions of dollars in business, but the nearly 300 million Americans who drive are more at risk on the road as access to service and repair of their vehicles diminishes,” Auto Care Association president Bill Hanvey said. “We are calling on the Biden administration to take all possible and appropriate steps to facilitate a resolution between the two parties so that Americans across the country can get back to work safely.”

The union’s primary demands include significant wage increases and protections against automation, which they argue is threatening jobs and driving unfair practices by foreign-owned shipping companies.

They accused companies of “gouging customers,” noting that the cost of shipping a full container has skyrocketed from $6,000 to $30,000 in recent weeks.

On the other hand, USMX said it had increased its offer to the ILA, proposing nearly 50 per cent wage hikes and better retirement benefits. They called for an extension of the current contract to allow for continued negotiations and avoid further disruption. Despite this, the union remains steadfast, saying the offer falls short.

In Canada, the Port of Montreal is grappling with its own labor unrest. Workers at the Viau and Maisonneuve terminals, which account for 41 per cent of container traffic, initiated a three-day strike on Monday, halting operations at two of the port’s busiest terminals. The Syndicat des débardeurs du port de Montréal (SCFP) union said it was frustrated over failed mediation efforts, saying their efforts to avoid the strike “have not borne fruit.”

The Montreal Port Authority kickied in a business continuity plan, hoping to minimize the broader impact of the strike. However, the port’s CEO, Julie Gascon, warned of the significant disruption to the flow of goods.

“Nearly $6 billion worth of goods are expected to arrive at the port in the coming weeks. The uncertainty surrounding our activities will have a domino effect on importers, exporters and the general public,” she said.

Small businesses are particularly concerned about the impact of these strikes. Jasmin Guenette, vice president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), highlighted the risk to Canada’s supply chain infrastructure, noting that this is the third strike at the Port of Montreal since 2020. He wants to see federal intervention to make ports an essential service.

“It’s simply irresponsible for the unions to take strike action yet again,” Guenette said.

These strikes come as the holiday season approaches, adding to concerns about supply chain disruptions. Everstream Analytics, which tracks supply chain risks, noted that the current situation could lead to widespread congestion at ports, especially as diverted cargo overwhelms the West Coast.

Update

A tentative agreement on the wage portion of the ILA’s contract has been reached. Ports along the U.S. East and Gulf Coast implemented restart plans following the strike. However, negotiations must still take place on issues such as automation and benefits. The deadline for those talks have been extended to January 15, 2025.

“We must now wait to see how quickly the returning workers are able and willing to deal with the huge backlog of ships waiting to offload thousands of containers carrying billions of dollars of goods,” analyst Peter Sand of Xeneta a market and analytics platform, told the Maritime Executive.

Sand further explained that he believes supply chains around the world will feel the effects of the stroke for weeks to come. However, The Maritime Executive noted that many ports that saw closures operated through the weekend and extended hours to help clear backlogs

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Automotive repair has long had a stereotype of technicians purposely looking for work in a vehicle to sell to the customer. But when done for the right reasons, it’s what every shop should be doing.

Jay Huh, a business coach at Shop Fix Academy and owner of CarMedix in North Carolina, encourages all shops to have their techs thoroughly inspect each vehicle that comes in so that both the shop and customer know of anything that could need work down the road.

He used his wife as an example — the only maintenance she does on her car is gassing it up. He would rather his shop be the one that is looking over that car top to bottom and ensuring it’s in proper, safe working order than the one that only does the oil change and moves to the next vehicle. The risk with the latter is that you could have an angry customer a week later when their vehicle suffers a failure and they give you an earful about how you didn’t catch a particular problem earlier.

It’s not about making more money — it’s about ensuring any vehicle that goes back on the road from your shop is safe.

“I want my wife to go to a shop that checks over the car and tries to sell her on the repair because I want my wife to be safe. I want my kids, my five-year-old and seven-year-old, to be safe,” he said during the session How to Run your Shop Stress-Free in Kansas City at the Midwest Auto Care Alliance’s Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo.

That’s the mentality he pushes in his own shop and wants every shop owner to have in theirs. This isn’t about pushing a sale, especially one that isn’t needed.

“Just look over the car to make sure it’s safe for the customer,” he emphasized. “So stop putting words in our mouths and saying it’s unethical business. We’re looking over the car.”

Yes, there is money to be made by going through this process. It’s secondary but also important for your business. As many shop coaches have repeated, Huh told attendees that profit is not a dirty word.

“Every one of us here should be in business to make a profit or otherwise we’ll open up a nonprofit,” he said. “We’re here to make money.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Transit Inc. announced the launch of new products under its Kugel brand, the CV Axle New Assembly and the CV Intermediate Shaft.

The CV Axle New Assembly is a new unit designed to meet original equipment standards for fit, form and function. Built entirely from new materials, it eliminates the need for core returns. The assembly features 3D OEM FIT Technology, ensuring a plug-and-play, hassle-free replacement experience with a direct fit guarantee to original equipment. All necessary hardware is included where required.

With 298 SKUs available now, the selection will continue to grow significantly.

“Our goal at Transit has always been to provide automotive components that not only meet but exceed industry standards,” said Simon Bourque, chief operating officer at Transit. “These additions to our offer demonstrate our commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction.”

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Continental has announced an expanded line of VDO SingleViu Gauges, designed for use as original equipment or service replacements.

These gauges are compatible with both traditional analog senders and J1939 or OBDII CAN networks. Each gauge features a microprocessor that allows dual-input capability, switching from its default analog input to J1939/OBDII CAN via the SingleViu configuration software. Speedometers and tachometers can also display J1939 system fault codes.

The SingleViu Gauges are water-resistant, fog-proof, and equipped with RGB LED illumination and advanced stepper motors, making them ideal for traditional ‘canned’ gauge applications. They are available in 52mm, 80/85mm, and 100mm diameter sizes, with variants including speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, voltmeter, exhaust gas temperature, ammeter, oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, air pressure, brake pressure, hydraulic oil temperature, gear oil pressure, turbo pressure, cylinder temperature, gear pressure, DEF concentration and DEF level.

“SingleViu is one of the most versatile gauge lines we’ve ever offered,” said Jared Hall, product manager of automotive aftermarket, North America at Continental. “These instruments can be used in any on-road, off-road, or stationary application, and they work equally well as original equipment or in retrofit applications. They’re engineered to hold up to the toughest environments, and their level of fit and finish is superb.”

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NTN, the parent company of BCA Bearings, announced the launch of the BCA Wheel Hub with Hardware Kits product line. This adds 27 new SKUs for popular import and domestic applications and coverage for over 16.3 million vehicles in operation.

These kits include a premium OE-quality wheel bearing that includes the hardware needed to install them. The hardware included varies by SKU and includes hub mounting bolts/studs, axle/CV nuts, axle/CV bolts, axle/CV washers, snap rings/circlips, dust caps, grease seals, and O-rings.

Applicable kits also include access to the BCA Bearings Torque Spec Lookup App, which allows installers to access torque specs and any special torque procedures for the proper installation of these products with a scan of a QR code.

“Adding these new Wheel Hub with Hardware Kits to the BCA product line gives our customers the option of a premium, OE quality wheel hub that includes all of the professional grade hardware needed for a convenient installation,” said Matt Gorski, manager of product development. “Every wheel hub replacement is different, and some jobs require replacement of fasteners and other hardware to ensure a safe and reliable outcome.”

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Transtar Aftermarket Solutions hosted shops owners and technicians at its Mississauga office for an open house.

Held from 4-7 p.m. on September 25, those who stopped in were able to chat with vendors about their products.

Please see the Instagram Reel and photo gallery below.

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In the automotive service industry, versatility and skill diversification are vital for meeting immediate customer demands or else you can easily lose business to the competition.

One area that offers immense potential for growth and customer satisfaction is locksmithing.

By mastering key locksmith skills such as key cutting and duplication, computer and module programming, lock picking, decoding and lockout services and transponder and electronic key repair, auto service professionals can provide invaluable assistance to their clients on the fly.

These helpful skills will be instrumental in unlocking new opportunities for your business.

Skill 1: Key cutting and duplication

While a relatively accessible service elsewhere, key cutting and duplication can be useful services to customers at your shop who are in a bind. People frequently lose their keys. Being able to offer new keys quickly can greatly increase customer satisfaction. This is a simple add-on to services when drivers are already waiting to get other work done on their car.

To cut and duplicate keys, you need a professional key-cutting machine. The upfront cost of the machinery may be a hefty expense, however, these machines often pay for themselves as the fee for cutting car keys is sustainably larger than that of, say, house keys.

Skill 2: Computer and module programming

A crucial skill for an automotive locksmith is the ability to safely and efficiently remove modules and computers from vehicles for programming. This requires a deep understanding of vehicle electronics, wiring systems and the specific procedures for each make and model.

Mastery of this skill ensures that the locksmith can perform advanced tasks like reprogramming keys, updating software, and restoring vehicle functionality without damaging sensitive components.

Skill 3: Lock picking, decoding and lockout services

Being able to unlock a customer’s car without a key can be a huge asset to you and draw people in search of these services. Most drivers have locked their keys in their car at least once in their lifetime. The ability to get in and retrieve them quickly and easily can be an invaluable skill and absolutely essential if you are providing roadside assistance.

Most tubular lock picks come with a “decoder,” which lets the locksmith know at what depths the pins break the shear plane. By using the decoding key after the lock has been picked, the locksmith can cut a tubular key to the correct pin depths and thus avoid having to replace the lock.

You can approach this skill in a few different ways. Consider purchasing auto-entry kits online or keeping lockpicking kits on hand to gain entry for older models. Spending the time to teach yourself or receive training on these tools is worthwhile in the long run, considering this is a helpful service that will undoubtedly be needed at some point.

Skill 4: Transponder and electronic key repair

In recent years, it’s become much more common to have a transponder or electronic key fob for your car. These keys can range from the ability to lock and unlock vehicles remotely to more advanced capabilities like moving the car forward and back in a parking space while the keyholder is outside the vehicle.

Much like learning different types of locks, learning different programming procedures for transponders and electronic keys takes time. However, the positive impacts this will have on your business are seemingly limitless.

Learning how to program, troubleshoot, replace the battery, and sync electronic keys means you can offer additional services to improve your bottom line and customer satisfaction.

Unlocking new opportunities

Mastering essential locksmith skills for a range of vehicles can significantly enhance your auto service offerings. Each of these skills provides unique benefits that cater to common customer needs, from losing keys to dealing with complex locking mechanisms.

By investing time in learning and perfecting these skills, you not only expand your service capabilities but also increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. Embracing these competencies can quite literally unlock new opportunities, positioning you as a versatile and invaluable resource in the automotive service industry.

Tomer Ruderman is the founder of Car Keys Ottawa, an automotive locksmith service. He is been an automotive, residential and commercial locksmith for, working on small- to large-scale projects across Canada. He specializes in all areas of car locksmithing, specifically car key replication, duplication and ignition repair.

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In an era where the online retail market is more crowded than ever, a positive brand experience, especially during delivery, holds the key to winning over consumers, a recent report outlined.

Almost two-thirds of shoppers said that a great brand experience is more influential than traditional advertising, according to a new report from nShift.

Beyond the Box highlighted that offering a range of delivery options can boost checkout conversions by 20 per cent, showing that the right delivery choices can significantly impact sales. Furthermore, well-managed deliveries can ensure repeat business —two out of three customers said they would likely return for future purchases.

Brand reputation also benefits from having excellent delivery experiences. The vast majority (90 per cent) of consumers trust recommendations from friends — that shows satisfied customers are more likely to advocate for the brand, driving growth through word-of-mouth.

Delivery communications also present new marketing opportunities — customers are more engaged with messages about deliveries and returns, creating an opportunity to send them relevant promotions.

Convenience in delivery options is critical, especially for younger consumers. The report found that 25- to 34-year-olds are the most likely to abandon online shopping carts because of inconvenient delivery options. It shows the need for retailers to prioritize flexible and efficient delivery services.

“When retailers stop seeing deliveries as just a world of boxes and embrace the opportunities the delivery experience can bring, they unlock a world of potential,” said Mattias Gredenhag, chief technology officer at nShift.

He stressed the importance of integrating delivery management with customer experience, noting that logistics and e-commerce teams must collaborate effectively.

“But retailers can only take advantage of these opportunities if delivery management and the customer experience are joined-up. Logistics and ecommerce teams need to be able to collaborate effectively. The right software is crucial,” Gredenhag said.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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It’s not often, perhaps even rare, these days that a technician sets off on their own to open their own shop.

But that’s the plunge Rui Silvestre has taken, opening My Neighbourhood Mechanic in Toronto’s west end.

The 2017 Canadian Technician of the Year from CARS magazine was the lead tech at Master Mechanic High Park, the 2021 Shop of the Year. But after the shop was forced to close, Silvestre set out to be on his own, rather than work for another shop.

It was important for him to stay in the community — after years of searching, he found a location just a couple of kilometres north of his old shop. And he was able to bring the entire team from his previous shop to his new one.

But things are different. He went from working at a location that was highly visible at the corner of Dundas St. West and Howard Park Ave, just north of Roncesvalles to being smack dab in the middle of a residential area at the top end of the West Toronto Railpath.

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He opened the doors on August 1 and took some time to chat in this episode of Auto Service World Conversations. Silvestre talks about his journey to being a shop owner, the changes he’s faced, how he’s staying connected with the community and how he’s looking to grow both his shop and the profession.

“It’s not as mainstream as we once were before, but I don’t think it matters,” Silvestre said of once being at a major intersection to now being in the middle of a neighbourhood. “The whole focus is community. So why not right in the middle of one? To us, that’s perfect. It’s right where we want to be.”

Tune into the conversation by clicking the banner above or choose your platform of choice below to hear this episode and find the full Auto Service World Conversations library.

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A recent survey has found that there are deficiencies in Canadian drivers’ understanding of dashboard warning lights.

The survey for Diono, a maker of children’s car seats, found that a significant number of Canadian drivers struggle to understand their vehicle’s dashboard warning lights, a confusion that could lead to dangerous situations on the road.

The study, which surveyed 2,000 Canadian drivers, aimed to assess how well they recognize and react to various dashboard symbols. Participants were asked to identify common warning lights, with some less familiar symbols included to test their knowledge. The findings suggest that as vehicles become more technologically advanced, driver education on dashboard literacy has not kept pace.

“Drivers understanding what the warning signs on their vehicles mean could be the difference between life and death, for you, your passengers or other road users,” said Tim Maule, CEO of Diono, “These warning signs are there for your safety and should never be ignored. If one comes on, don’t ignore it. If you don’t know what a warning sign means, either refer to your car manual … then seek expert mechanical help if appropriate.”

Confidence in dashboard literacy

When asked about their confidence in identifying dashboard warning lights, the survey revealed a wide range of responses, highlighting a notable gap in driver confidence.

Only 21 per cent of drivers felt extremely confident in their ability to recognize these symbols, while 29 per cent felt quite confident. A significant portion, 33 per cent, only felt moderately confident, and 14 per cent were slightly confident. Just 3 per cent of respondents admitted they were not at all confident in their ability to identify warning lights.

Handling of warning lights

The study also examined how drivers would respond if a warning light appeared on their dashboard and they were unsure of its meaning. The results showed a concerning number of drivers who might ignore potentially critical alerts.

Only 26 per cent of drivers said they would stop their vehicle immediately, demonstrating a cautious approach. Meanwhile, 39 per cent would seek help by calling someone or searching for the warning’s meaning online.

However, 25 per cent indicated they would head directly to an auto repair shop. Just 9 per cent said they would continue driving, hoping the issue would resolve itself.

A small fraction, 1 per cent, admitted they would ignore the light altogether unless something else seemed wrong.

Ease of symbol recognition

When asked whether they find the symbols on car dashboards easy to understand, the responses revealed that nearly half of the drivers struggle with symbol recognition.

While 49 per cent of drivers reported finding the symbols easy to understand, 21 per cent admitted they found them confusing, and 30 per cent were unsure whether the symbols were clear or not.

Ignoring warning lights

Regarding the likelihood of ignoring a warning light, a significant portion of drivers admitted they might overlook such alerts.

While 77 per cent of respondents said they were unlikely to ignore a warning light, showing some level of responsibility, 15 per cent admitted they were somewhat likely to do so, and 8 per cent said they were very likely to dismiss it outright.

The survey also revealed that nearly a third of drivers have ignored a warning light at least once. Specifically, 29 per cent of respondents admitted to having ignored a warning light, while 59 per cent claimed they had never done so, and 12 per cent were unsure if they had.

Among those who previously admitted to ignoring a warning light, a significant portion cited fear of repair costs as their primary reason. Specifically, 29 per cent said they ignored the warning light due to concerns about the potential costs involved.

Additionally, 26 per cent of drivers admitted they did not understand what the warning light meant, while 21 per cent said their car was still functioning normally, so they chose to carry on. Meanwhile, 19 per cent of drivers felt confident they knew what the warning meant and believed it was safe to continue driving, and 5 per cent were unsure of why they ignored the warning.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Oil changes are the top maintenance procedure ignored by many drivers.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada’s latest Consumer Behaviour Series report, Canadian vehicle owner’s attitudes towards maintenance and repair, found that the most ignored maintenance item was related to engine oil with 25 per cent of respondents saying they let oil changes, flushes and checks slide.

Many individuals feel they are too busy, that oil changes are too expensive or that it doesn’t affect their car’s performance. As auto industry professionals, it’s important to reiterate the importance of regular oil changes to consumers. The risk being that, if they don’t, they may run into more time-consuming and expensive problems with their cars down the road.

Below are a few tips on how to drive home messaging to ensure your customers are not overlooking their oil changes.

Educate Consumers

Education and awareness are key when it comes to convincing customers to not delay oil changes. Lack of knowledge on when to change oil and the cost of actually getting an oil change are two of the main reasons why this service goes ignored.

Spreading awareness to your customers through visual aids, demonstrating how to check their engine oil level and breaking down the cost of an oil change compared to the cost of fixing major engine damage due to ignored oil changes can be great tools to encourage customers to come in for regular changes.

Getting back to the basics of understanding a vehicle can also be a great way to educate customers. Breaking down why oil is actually necessary for an engine as well as how fresh oil reduces friction and prevents engine wear and tear can be a helpful tool in spreading awareness on not ignoring oil changes. Many people are also unaware of what each light on their dashboard means, so they may not even realize their car needs maintenance.

Hanging signs with descriptions of what each dashboard light means can be an extremely helpful resource for customers to recognize when it might be time for maintenance.

If the experience is unpleasant and a burdensome task, the more likely the customer is to delay getting their oil changed — or go elsewhere when they finally decide to get the work done.

Be Transparent

Every vehicle make and model is different and it is important that customers understand how often their oil should be changed based on the car they drive. Clearly breaking down all of the factors that go into the frequency of oil changes helps to reiterate why it is important to not delay an oil change.

When meeting with customers, provide personalized recommendations based on the make and model of their vehicle, their driving habits and their environment. Sending them emails with personalized breakdowns of what their specific oil change routine should look like can also serve as a friendly reminder.

This won’t only help the customer understand how often they need to get an oil change, but it will help to strengthen your relationship with them.

Positive Customer Experience

There is often a stigma around the auto care industry. Delivering exceptional customer service during each oil change, ensuring your staff is well-equipped with knowledge to answer any questions and are attentive, will motivate customers to continue coming back for oil changes.

If the experience is unpleasant and a burdensome task, the more likely the customer is to delay getting their oil changed — or go elsewhere when they finally decide to get the work done. Investing in high-quality tools and technology to make the oil change process more efficient will also encourage customers to continue coming in routinely.

Staying engaged with your customers after their visit is another way to ensure they don’t delay their next oil change. After each oil change, it’s a basic practice to place a sticker on the car’s windshield with the mileage that they should come in for their next change.

But there’s more you can do. Sending out reminders via text message or email isn’t only a friendly way for customers to be aware of when their next oil change is coming up but can help keep them engaged with your business.

Motivating customers to make routine oil changes part of their regular car upkeep can help enhance the performance of their vehicles and ultimately extend their vehicle’s life. It can also help to strengthen the trust that they have in you, their auto care professional.

By embracing education, transparent communication and the enhancement of the customer experience, ignored oil changes can become a thing of the past.

Brian Michel is the vice president of operations at Grease Monkey

This article originally appeared in the August issue of CARS magazine

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BendPak has enhanced its Mobi-EVS Series of EV battery and powertrain lifting systems to boost technician productivity and ergonomics. The new Mobi-EVS4500 and EVS3000 models are stronger, more durable, and easier to maneuver.

These compact, portable lifting systems are powered by a 12-volt DC unit with a deep-cycle battery, eliminating the need for extension cords or air lines. The ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene tabletop is durable, impact-resistant, and provides a low-friction surface for easier shifting of heavy components.

Updates include a lower center of gravity, redesigned base frame and scissor assemblies, increased use of high-tensile steel, wider safety assembly, and larger weld sizes. The improved tilt-deck table enhances stability and adjustability.

Mobi-EVS models feature full-length utility trays and new storage bin options for tools and adapters. Enhanced mobility comes from a full-width, U-shaped handle and upgraded swivel casters with a tri-caster locking pin for better control.

A single person can operate the lift with the attached pendant controller, raising the platform over six feet in 18 seconds. The multi-point safety lock system engages automatically. The machine lifts up to 4,500 pounds, while the EVS3000 handles up to 3,000 pounds.

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Bosch has launched the 6.0 software update for its ADS X series scan tools, offering new features, faster scan times and expanded vehicle coverage. The update includes a topology view and battery voltage indicator to enhance diagnostic efficiency.

Key improvements in the 6.0 update include faster scan times, improved by an average of 57 per cent across multiple popular Asian and European brands, including Honda, Volvo, and Land Rover.

The topology view provides a visual representation of vehicle controllers organized along the vehicle’s bus lines, helping technicians identify non-communicating ECUs and linking to OE-color wiring diagrams.

The battery voltage indicator automatically displays the vehicle’s battery voltage in the user interface, helping technicians avoid improper or incomplete scans.

“Our goal for each ADS X scan tool update is to make diagnostic scans more efficient and increase vehicle coverage, allowing shop owners to expand their services,” said Danijela Haskin, senior product manager at Bosch Diagnostics. “The ADS X 6.0 update leveraged insights from repair shop owners and technicians to ensure these updates make their work easier. Because of this user feedback, the 6.0 update will streamline diagnostic scans through increased speed and key software additions.”

Bosch ADS X users with an active subscription can install the update after automatically receiving the download.

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KYB has announced the launch of its new shock assemblies, designed to help service professionals reduce installation times and simplify ordering while providing top-quality OE replacement parts.

The new KYB Shock Assemblies will be available soon for a wide range of vehicles that use rear shock mount technology. These assemblies come complete with the shock, mount, and boot already installed, similar to the KYB Strut-Plus and Truck-Plus complete strut assemblies.

“More and more vehicles have begun using mounts to secure their shocks, as opposed to simply bolting the shock directly to the frame,” said Guna Sathyamurthy, product manager for KYB North America. “Using a mount makes for a stronger, more durable method of installation, resulting in less stress on the shock and a longer shock life.”

By combining the necessary parts into one package with a single part number, KYB eliminates the need to purchase a bare shock, mount kit, and boot kit separately.

“We’ve designed this new product line to be a plug-and-play replacement for vehicles using this installation method,” said Andy Castleman, KYB director of product and marketing. “Including an OE replacement shock with the mount and protective boot already installed allows shops to install these units quickly and easily, reducing rack time and decreasing downtime for vehicle owners.”

KYB’s initial release of complete shock assemblies includes several high VIO late model vehicles, with additional part numbers to be released as the market grows.

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As business evolves, shop members of the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario got up close to the latest changes and challenges taking place.

They gathered in Mississauga, Ontario, at the Hilton Garden Inn Toronto Airport West for the AARO Trade Show & Training Event to hear from industry leaders and get both business management and technical training.

The three-day event starting on Sept. 12 kicked off with Alan Beech from Beech Consulting and an occasional contributor to CARS magazine. He gave a training course on handling the busy season and the chaos that comes with it. He dove into strategies to improve your business and be better prepared for the fall and winter by offering strategies for better inspections, tire sales, customer service, labour rate and more.

After lunch, Murray Voth from RPM Training talked about the management process shop owners need to undertake. He gave insights during the program into how to take a measured approach and ensure processes are in place to meet customer expectations, including 14 points for management to run the business successfully. He outlined expectations for techs and service advisors — but also what they expect from their boss.

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Once that wrapped up, it was on to the tradeshow, which featured Cam Capriotto of Remarkable Results Radio as the opening speaker. Attendees then got to visit the booths exhibiting and take in the latest in products and offers.

The next two days featured Lindertech training. Scott Shotten gave two sessions, one on engine mechanical diagnosis with electronic equipment and a second on efficient and effective network diagnosis.

The final day on Sept. 14 featured Brenden Steckler, whose presentations included a focus on a streamlined approach to diagnostic dilemmas.

Many attendees commended the training program with some noting it was some of the best they’ve received in some time.

Check out the Instagram reel highlight above and the photo gallery below.

AARO Training & Trade Show 2024

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Unlocking the secret to hiring the perfect candidate

In the fast-paced world of automotive repair, finding the right candidate for your shop can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

The key lies not only in the qualifications on paper but also in the intangible qualities that make someone a great fit for your team. Let’s delve into the art of hiring the perfect candidate, one who not only possesses the necessary skills but also embodies the values and culture of your shop.

A compelling advertisement

In the words of Steve Jobs, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” When drafting your job advertisement, remember that it’s not just about listing qualifications. It’s an opportunity to paint a picture of what makes your shop special in order to draw forward people with an affinity for the unique culture of your shop as well as the role itself.

Therefore, take your time to craft an ad that showcases the unique opportunities and supportive environment your shop offers.

Consider this approach: “Join our team at XYZ Auto Repair, where we’re not just fixing cars; we’re building relationships. Our shop is a place where teamwork thrives and every team member plays a vital role in delivering top-notch service to our customers. If you’re passionate about cars and value a supportive work environment where growth and development are encouraged, we want to hear from you.”

By highlighting the positive aspects of your shop and appealing to candidates who share your values, you can increase the likelihood of attracting the right talent.

Hiring the perfect candidate for your automotive shop requires time, effort and careful consideration.

Structured selection process

Once you’ve received responses to your job advertisement, it’s time to put your selection process into action. Remember, hiring is not just about finding someone with the right skills; it’s about finding someone who will fit in seamlessly with your team and contribute positively to your shop’s culture.

As the famous quote goes, “Slow to hire, quick to fire.” So, take your time to evaluate candidates thoroughly before making a decision.

Consider the following factors:

1. Personal Connection: During the interview process, pay attention to how the candidate makes you feel. The interview is a microcosm of their interpersonal skills and demeanour in general. Would you want to be reliant on this individual if you found yourself in a crisis because your vehicle unexpectedly broke down? Do they exhibit qualities that align with your shop’s values? Imagine how they would interact not only with customers but also with other team members. You are not just hiring a new employee, you are inviting a new member into your existing “work family.” If possible, schedule a trial day to observe their performance in a real-world setting.
2. Reference checks: Don’t underestimate the power of checking references. Reach out to previous employers and ask a simple yet insightful question: “Would you rehire this candidate?” Their response can provide valuable insights into the candidate’s work ethic, reliability and suitability for the role.
3. Personality profile testing: Consider incorporating personality profile testing into your hiring process to gain deeper insights into the candidate’s personality traits and characteristics. These tests can uncover valuable information that may not be immediately apparent during an interview.

Final Steps

Before extending an offer to a candidate, ensure that you have an employment contract in place. This document outlines the terms of employment, including job responsibilities, compensation and other important details. Having a clear contract not only protects both parties but also sets expectations from the outset.

Hiring the perfect candidate for your automotive shop requires time, effort and careful consideration. While the process may be challenging, finding the right person can transform both your business and your life for the better.

This article originally appeared in the August issue of CARS magazine

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June’s automotive retail sales data revealed notable declines across various segments, including those in the aftermarket, raising concerns within the industry.

DesRosiers Automotive Consultants (DAC) reported a “worrying” drop in automotive retail sales for June, with declines observed across multiple segments.

New vehicle dealers led the way with an 8.6 per cent decrease in sales compared to the same month last year, while used vehicle dealers saw a 6.1 per cent decline.

The aftermarket also saw a significant drop-off. Automotive parts, accessories and tire stores reported a 7.6 per cent decrease in sales for June 2024 compared to June 2023. DesRosiers noted that even though monthly data can be volatile, the scale of the decline is alarming, especially considering the impact of the CDK software outage that affected the industry in June.

Despite the troubling June figures, the consultancy noted that the first half of 2024 showed more stability in the automotive retail sector.

Used vehicle dealers recorded a 0.9 per cent increase in sales, while new vehicle dealers saw a slight 0.5 per cent rise. Conversely, gasoline stations experienced a minor 0.4 per cent decrease in retail sales.

Automotive parts, accessories and tire stores fell behind the pack with a 1.1 per cent decline — however, that number comes off the record high sales seen in the first half of 2023.

“Retail sales have remained stable in the first half overall and have maintained high dollar value figures, but June itself has shown notable weakness,” commented Andrew King, Managing Partner at DAC.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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As consumers express increasing optimism about their current lives, a new EY study highlighted the crucial role of loyalty programs in navigating economic challenges.

The 14th edition of the EY Future Consumer Index (FCI), a global study surveying 23,000 consumers across 30 countries, including 1,500 in the U.S., indicated that American consumers are optimistic about the future.

More than three-quarters (77 per cent) of consumers noted that they think their lives are the same or better now than three to four months ago. Despite easing inflation, the act of saving has become an ingrained consumer behaviour across demographics, with shoppers turning to loyalty programs, private labels, and discounts to cut costs on items they want and need.

Loyalty programs have become more critical than ever. For the past few years, consumers have been balancing a tightrope between brand loyalty and savings. Many consumers have foregone brand affiliation in favour of savings. In the U.S., 49 per cent of consumers noted they’d be willing to download a brand’s app just to receive loyalty promotions or exclusive deals, and 70 per cent would join a company’s loyalty program for free shipping perks. Additionally, 45 per cent used a discount code or voucher while online shopping in the last six months.

“Sales have gone from specific moments in time, like Black Friday and back-to-school, to consistent opportunities for deals — and strong loyalty programs elevate that culture of consistent savings even further,” said Kathy Gramling, EY Americas consumer industry leader. “At the same time, loyalty programs provide brands and retailers with invaluable consumer data to better inform products, programs, and personalized experiences. Winning brands are those that use the data found in loyalty programs to not only attract new customers but also retain and reward existing ones.”

Despite the shift towards online shopping during the pandemic, there’s still significant value in going to the store. The report noted that EY is seeing a notable pivot away from online-first shopping behaviour today. When asked about the main drivers to in-store shopping, 59 per cent of consumers said they make the trip in-store to see, touch, and try items before making a purchase, while 57 per cent noted a desire to bypass shipping.

Consumers have also begun to increasingly value human interaction during their post-purchase journey. More than half (56 per cent) of U.S. consumers noted that interacting with humans is extremely important during product returns and refunds, and an additional 55 per cent found it extremely important when looking to discuss questions or concerns about a product they already bought.

Security remains a significant concern that brands need to address. While consumers continue to shop online, brands must create a sense of security, especially as feelings of distrust rise among consumers. In the U.S., 63 per cent of consumers express extreme concern around online ID fraud and theft, and 60 per cent note extreme fear when it comes to data breaches.

“We are seeing an ongoing juxtaposition between the data consumers are now willing to share online and their concern around data privacy and security,” says Isaac Krakovsky, EY Americas retail leader. “This divide becomes even more evident when there are incentives and deals in play. For brands, this means security and communication around security is a must-have in driving long-term trust.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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If a shop owner considers themselves integral to the daily operation of their business, they will have a tough time finding a buyer, warned an industry advisor.

Hunt Demarest, accountant and business valuator with accounting firm Paar Melis, couldn’t stress this point enough while speaking at a recent conference.

“If you have a day-to-day job in the business — you are a service advisor, you are a technician — there is going to be a group of people looking to buy a shop that will no longer be interested in your shop,” he said during the session Transitioning Your Business at the Midwest Auto Care Alliance’s Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo in Kansas City. “Period, end of story.”

Those looking to buy a shop are looking for an investment. They want a turnkey operation. Otherwise, from their point of view, they’re not buying a business. They’re buying a job.

If the shop’s owner is working the front desk, has built a relationship for decades with customers and has decided to retire and sell, that could greatly alter the dynamic of the shop with that person gone. The success of the shop may be heavily tied to the shop owner being in the shop all the time.

After they leave, buyers will wonder if the shop will maintain the same level of excellence.

“So when you leave and you retire, I have to hire someone else or try and find someone on this, is this [level of success] going to be anything similar?” Demarest said, posing as a prospective buyer in this scenario. “You have 30 years of trust. You are probably the most trustworthy person here because these people have been dealing with you coming back here — am I going to have the same value of trust when you leave? Probably not.”

That’s why the owner removing himself from the day-to-day — and even the business entirely — is so important, he added. By not being there, the owner has put the business in a position to be sold. But that doesn’t mean they have to.

“If you get your business to a state where it’s profitable enough and you’re building this business to sell, it doesn’t mean that you have to sell,” Demarest pointed out. “The magic dream is … get your kids to run it, make them make all your profit, and you can just ride off into the sunset and live in Florida or whatever.”

If the kids aren’t an option, apply that thought process to a general manager, he added.

“If you can work yourself out of the business … then you can truly be in a position where someone comes to you” looking to buy rather than you searching for someone, Demarest said. “You can say, ‘Hey, everything’s for sale for the right price.’”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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If you want to take your auto repair business and life to the next level and if you’re eager to learn how to make significant changes, rest assured that it can be done. But I’m not going to tell you the path to getting there is easy.

In the May/June issue, we explored the concept of expansion to reduce stress and boost profitability in your business. This idea might resonate differently with various readers. Some of you might be completely satisfied with your current situation and that’s wonderful. I’m genuinely happy for you.

Others will feel that I don’t understand their struggles. They will feel the sentiments in the article are great but they simply don’t have time for this — life is just a constant struggle that you must put up with and nothing can be done. For you, I hope you take something out of this piece.

But for those I mentioned off the top, I understand the frustration of feeling like your efforts aren’t yielding the desired rewards or profits. This can be soul-crushing and quickly lead to a negative spiral, impacting multiple areas of your life.

It’s a tough reality. But the good news is that it’s not permanent. You can choose to change your situation, either on your own or with the help of coaching.

Here are the crucial questions to ask yourself:

1. What kind of business do I want to own? Will it be a community-serving business catering to all makes and models, or will you specialize in a specific type of vehicle?
2. What kind of services will we offer? Will you provide air conditioning, alignments or other specialized services?

Once you have clear answers to these questions, you’ve taken a significant step toward defining your future.

To build a scalable and repeatable business that grows, you’ll need to put in hard work in the short term. This might mean working evenings and weekends, working to reshape how you operate, rather than finishing jobs in the bay. This effort is about implementing measures to reduce unpaid work, increase productivity and build a sustainable business for the future. It’s about creating a legacy that will hold value when you retire.

There will be aspects of your business that you’re doing right, but there will also be gaps that need attention. Some areas might need immediate improvement, while others might be causing significant longer-term issues.

This is where the role of a coach becomes invaluable. A coach helps you see your business from a macro perspective, identifying what’s missing and providing tools and systems to get you moving forward. Remember, business change isn’t just about planning; it’s about taking action. It’s not about knowing what needs to be done, it’s doing it that is the hard part. That’s why sometimes we need a bit of a kick from an external source.

To illustrate, let’s go through several questions to ask yourself to assess where proactive changes can make a significant difference in your shop. One of the first steps to boosting productivity is evaluating your current processes.

It’s not about knowing what needs to be done, it’s doing it that is the hard part. That’s why sometimes we need a bit of a kick from an external source.

Improving Efficiency

• Are there tasks that can be automated or streamlined?
• What does your re-booking process and scheduling system look like?
• How are you preparing for the arrival of vehicles into your shop?

Enhancing Customer Experience

• Are you consistently receiving feedback from your customers with the sole intention of making your business better?
• Are you chasing a Google score but doing nothing to implement change inside your operation?

Expanding Services

• Are you offering additional services to add value and increase your revenue streams?
• Are you currently focusing only on mechanical repairs without considering adding services like detailing or sublets?

Training And Development

• Are you equally investing in both hard and soft skills for the team?
• Are you investing in strategic learning for yourself?
• Are you more ‘employee’ than ‘leader’ in your business?

Marketing and outreach

• What marketing are you carrying out?
• Does your daily process lead you toward or away from captive marketing with your existing customers?
• Are you involved in the local community?
• Are you ensuring that your marketing messages highlight what sets you apart from the competition?

Adapting to change

• The business landscape is continually evolving. How are you staying up to date with trends in the industry?
• How are you planning for upcoming new technology?
• What is your investment plan for the next three years?

Opening new locations

• Are you looking to expand into new locations?
• Can your existing location run without you for a week or two with no intervention? If the answer is no, then you should seek advice on your gaps.

Expanding your business involves a combination of strategic planning and proactive actions. You can create a thriving, profitable business by addressing the areas that need improvement and capitalizing on your strengths.

Whether you choose to do this on your own or seek the guidance of a coach, the key is to start making changes today. The journey might be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Greg Aguilera is a director of IAC Canada, an organization dedicated to the management development of repair shops in Canada. He can be reached at greg@intautoconsulting.com.

This article originally appeared in the August issue of CARS magazine

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Standard Motor Products recently released electronic throttle bodies for popular Volvo cars and SUVs through the 2022 model year, as well as Jeep vehicles like the 2024-22 Grand Cherokee and 2024-18 Wrangler.

Additional new coverage includes popular vehicles like the 2024-21 Ford F-150, 2019-15 Hyundai Sonata, and 2022-20 General Motors heavy-duty trucks.

New related components include Accelerator Pedal Sensors for the 2023-21 Hyundai Elantra, 2023-22 Hyundai Tucson and 2023 Kia Sportage.

“Electronic throttle bodies are a product category that barely existed just 20 years ago, but has become one of the industry’s fastest growing underhood categories,” John Herc, vice president of vehicle control marketing at SMP. “We are committed to consistently expanding our extensive, industry-leading ETB program to ensure that service providers look to us for quality and coverage.”

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LTI Tools introduced the new 10-Piece Wheel Hub Master Rethread Kit for Damaged Studs and Bolts.

It allows technicians to quickly repair damaged wheel threading on a variety of vehicles. Auto and Tire Technicians get two rethread kits in one — a precision external stud repair set and an internal bolt tap rethread kit.

The set includes four unique split dies for stud repairs covering more than 90 percent of domestic and import vehicles, including light trucks. Die sizes consist of M14 x 2.0, M14x 1.5, M12 x 1.25, and M12 x 1.5.

The kit also contains replacement O-rings for the split dies as well as a 2-pin socket adapter and a thread gauge. The thread gauge allows the technician to quickly and accurately identify the exact die size to use for the rethread repair. Additionally, this new kit includes four bolt tap thread chasers for import car mounting bolts, import and domestic hex, and even chrome encapsulated fasteners.

“Wheel mounting fasteners become corroded regardless of where the vehicle is driven. They can easily become damaged during a brake job or rotor replacement, especially with unlike materials used in the manufacturing of today’s high-end wheels,” said Milton Specialty Tool Group general manager Jeffrey Del Rossa. “The kit is ideal for tire stores, brake and muffler shops, automotive technicians and DIYers working on their own vehicles.”

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ZF Aftermarket released 25 Electric Axle Drive Repair Kits for cars and SUVs in the U.S. and Canada. The kits enable independent workshops to perform repairs without removing electric axle drives, making it faster and easier for shops to service electric vehicles.

The kits have all the spare parts and fastening elements for the needed repair. Removing the electric motor or the electric axle drive is not required; however, workshops must ensure that only qualified technicians with the proper training carry out the relevant work. High voltage training is required.

“Repair shops are seeing more electric cars and need spare parts to service them. As one of the leading producers of electric drives worldwide, ZF is now making its products available to the independent aftermarket in our region. We are excited to launch these specially compiled kits for 25 repair scenarios on electric axle drives,” said Mark Cali, head of independent aftermarket for the U.S. and Canada at ZF Aftermarket.

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Canadian vehicle owners are facing rising costs for maintenance and repairs as inflation continues to impact the automotive aftermarket.

The J.D. Power 2024 Canada Customer Service Index—Long-Term (CSI-LT) Study found that the average cost of a dealership visit has climbed to $465, up from $432 a year ago, a 7.6 per cent jump. Similarly, visits to independent shops have increased, but at a lower rate to $273 from $262, up 4.2 per cent.

The study observed that macro-economic conditions and higher interest rates are not only driving up costs but also prompting owners to keep their aging vehicles longer. According to the study, 40 per cent of visits to dealerships and 24 per cent of visits to aftermarket shops were for repairs, compared to 31 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively, in 2021.

This trend, J.D. Power noted, indicates that more owners are choosing to invest in repairs rather than purchasing new vehicles.

“With inflation pushing auto repair costs upward and interest rates making larger-ticket items like mortgage payments and new-vehicle purchases more expensive, owners are being hit with a ‘double whammy’ and have to make different decisions in order to balance their budgets,” said J.D. Ney, automotive practice lead at J.D. Power Canada. “As more owners opt to fix their vehicle instead of buying a new one, auto repair shops have an opportunity to attract more lucrative business in this $13 billion market by excelling in the service factors that drive customer satisfaction, mainly saving time and convenience.”

The study also noted that saving time and convenience are key factors affecting customer satisfaction. Completing service within 90 minutes and a speedy send-off, including paperwork and key pick-up, are the two performance indicators that have seen the most significant increase in importance year over year.

Dealerships continue to dominate the auto service and repair market, holding nearly half (48 per cent) of the market share. Independent shops and quick lube locations capture 27 per cent and 11 per cent, respectively. These market shares have remained almost unchanged from 2023, the report noted.

Average annual visits also remain steady, with 1.6 visits per year in the dealership segment and 1.3 in the aftermarket segment, up from 1.2 in 2023.

With an average cost of $465 per visit, dealerships account for 61 per cent of the auto service market’s total revenue, while the aftermarket segment captures the remaining 39 per cent. These proportions have remained consistent since 2023.

On a 1,000-point scale, Great Canadian Oil Change (838) ranked highest among aftermarket service facilities, followed by Jiffy Lube (834) and Midas (813).

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Opening another shop has been something that I have been thinking about very seriously over the past year and I’ve recently decided to take the plunge.

Truthfully, as a technician, I had never thought that I would ever have my own shop, let alone multiple shops. But over the years, I have grown as a person, as a team leader and as a member of our automotive community. This growth has inspired me to do everything in my power to improve our industry and the careers of the people in it — what better way to do that than multiply?

That being said, multiplying is a daunting task with many variables to think about: Can my city provide enough revenue for another shop? Where will it be located? Would I want to open one in a different city? Will I buy one that is already running or start from scratch? How many staff will I need? Where will I find the staff members?

These are just a few of the questions swirling around in my head, with many more popping up every day. The first question I need to answer is: Am I ready? To answer that question, I need to take a look at my numbers to determine if my current shop is profitable, running efficiently and producing close to capacity, without requiring me to work in the shop on a day-to-day basis.

My numbers indicate that my shop is profitable — it can pay all of its expenses (including a salary for me), while still having a very healthy net profit. To achieve this profit, I have hired coaches to educate me and my staff on how to market to the right clients, price my labour and parts for profitability and strategies to implement systems and processes that streamline our day.

The most important thing that I have learned is that someone must be managing the business. That may not be you — you may want to stay in the bays as a tech — but that means you need to hire a manager.

The most important thing that I have learned is that someone must be managing the business. That may not be you — you may want to stay in the bays as a tech — but that means you need to hire a manager. This manager should understand the business side of operations, be able to lead your team and have the confidence to manage you. Yes, this means giving up control, which I have found challenging at times, but it allows me to focus my energy on what I do best.

My shop is run very efficiently. We are constantly discussing ways to save time without sacrificing the quality of our services or the client’s experience at our shop. In my opinion, a second shop should only be considered when the first shop is no longer capable of increasing productivity; each tech is billing all of their available hours in a day and your building will not support another tech.

To improve productivity, take a look around your building and watch your staff doing their work (both techs and advisors), so you can determine where they are losing time. Is there a process at the counter that could be automated? Do you need to purchase a tool that makes a common repair happen quicker? Is your specialty tool cabinet organized, labelled and in a centralized location? Is your inventory organized? How do you organize incoming parts and outgoing returns?

When you are doing this, take into consideration that your staff do these jobs every day and they probably know what changes will improve their efficiency, so ask them what should be done, they’ll appreciate the fact that you value their opinion.

A profitable and productive first location is necessary to open a second location. But just as important is the ability for the first location to operate without you. In part two, I’ll discuss the steps I’ve taken to remove myself from day-to-day operations.

Erin Vaughan is the owner of Kinetic Auto Service in Regina.

This article originally appeared in the August issue of CARS magazine

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Despite a growing demand for skilled trades, Generation Z remains hesitant to pursue blue-collar careers due to societal stigmas and misconceptions, according to a new report.

As the U.S. grapples with an aging workforce and increasing labor shortages, the report, The Annual Blue-Collar Report: Gen Z and the Trades Need Each Other, reveals that Gen Z is wary of blue-collar careers, even as these jobs offer stability and growth. It looked into how Gen Z navigates education and career decisions, highlighting the need to overcome stigmas associated with blue-collar careers.

According to the report, 76 per cent of Gen Z respondents agreed that a stigma exists around attending vocational schools instead of pursuing a traditional four-year university degree.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment demands in trade industries are often outpacing the 3 per cent average growth rate of all occupations, signaling a widening gap in the workforce. Despite this, the report found that many Gen Z members are interested in blue-collar careers but they just don’t realize it yet.

The traditional and so-called “American Dream” is being reevaluated by Gen Z, especially as concerns about the economy, job stability and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) grow. One-third of respondents believe white-collar jobs are less stable today compared to their parents’ generation, and 41 per cent worry that AI will reduce future job opportunities.

Despite these concerns, Gen Z identified attributes commonly associated with blue-collar jobs, such as flexible work hours (73 per cent), job stability (61 per cent), and overtime pay (58 per cent), as appealing.

The report also highlights the influence of parents, schools and media on Gen Z’s career choices. More than half (51 per cent) of respondents cited family as the most significant influence on their career decisions, yet 61 per cent said their parents have not discussed vocational school as an option. Furthermore, only 17 per cent reported receiving education on the benefits of vocational training, a figure significantly lower than for bachelor’s degrees, community colleges, military service, and entrepreneurship.

Media portrayals also play a role in shaping perceptions, with 35 per cent of respondents saying television shows and movies influence their career interests. Nearly half (47 per cent) believe that trade professionals are generally depicted negatively in these media portrayals.

The report also noted the need for greater gender balance in blue-collar careers. Nearly half (48 per cent) of respondents agree that women are discouraged from pursuing trade careers from a young age, and 58 per cent believe that women face more discrimination in these fields compared to other professions.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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When a corporate entity acquires an entrepreneurial jobber business, the most profound impact on shops often stems from the shift in accountability and the loss of the personal, entrepreneur-to-entrepreneur relationships that once thrived.

The pressures facing jobbers today are certainly real. Parts proliferating requires more and more working capital for inventory, high capital expenditure costs with constant requirements for fleet replacement and high servicing costs eating into profitability from fuel to fleet maintenance. Generational jobber businesses more and more are looking for exit strategies and to capitalize on the demand from consolidators.

My family’s journey in the automotive parts business began in 1953 when my great-grandfather founded an independent jobber business. Through three generations of family leadership until, fresh out of university, I assumed leadership, acquired the business and eventually divested it. With over a decade at the helm, I’ve navigated the challenges of owning and operating an auto parts business. Running and owning the business made me aware of just how tough it is for my peers.

And now I have experience in selling a generational family business to a large corporation. Drawing from this, it’s clear that understanding these transitions is crucial for the industry.

In my executive role at Fix Network, overseeing our franchise network with mechanical and auto glass services, I’ve witnessed the profitability and growth opportunities for small business owners. This comes as changing trends emerged during the pandemic, forcing a decline in the number of shops in the Canadian market and reduced profitability among service centres in recent years. Shops employing strategic management techniques have been able to thrive, even amid macroeconomic challenges that impacted OEM vehicle sales like supply chain disruptions, inflation and rising interest rates.

As such, there has not been a consolidation within the service side of the business with the mechanical or glass service in comparison to what we have seen on the parts and distribution side of the automotive aftermarket in Canada.

However, industry consolidation of legacy businesses and jobbers on the distribution side of things is not at all a bad thing. Shops often benefit from increased inventory at the store level, access to more aggressive pricing programs in some cases and benefits that go with economies of scale.

The owners of the shops who were our best clients became great personal friends and those bonds went well beyond the walls of the parts stores and the shops. This cannot be taken lightly for shops.

The biggest impact from the shop perspective that I have experienced is the transition of accountability when a corporate entity does buy an entrepreneurial business. There is a real aftershock that takes place in the relationship the corporate staff then have with the shop compared to the entrepreneur-to-entrepreneur relationship the shops and jobbers often build in their respective markets.

The owners of the shops who were our best clients became great personal friends and those bonds went well beyond the walls of the parts stores and the shops. This cannot be taken lightly for shops. These relationships can’t be modelled into a business plan after a jobber has been purchased by one of the big distribution corporations.

In other words, these relationships can’t be easily replicated by corporate integration plans. While merger and acquisition growth delivers shareholder value and revenue targets, it sometimes drives shops to switch to another local jobber rather than endure the changes brought by a corporate acquisition.

So while the acquiring company believed the current clientele would stay with the new ownership, some shops may no longer consider the jobber their first call anymore and will move others up the list instead.

Overall, there is great value for shops in the power of the entrepreneur-to-entrepreneur relationship. The model of the traditional jobber store in Canada is certainly changing with the continued evolution of the industry landscape. However, there is a great opportunity for shops to build experience within their business seeing both the positive and negatives of these industry changes and providing perspective on how they perceive value out of their parts supplier.

Zakari Krieger is the Fix Network, Canadian vice president of Prime CarCare, responsible for the Canadian retail business, encompassing the Speedy Auto Service and Novus Auto Glass business lines

This article originally appeared in the August issue of CARS magazine

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Auto Value has announced the launch of its 2024 Amazing New Ride Giveaway fall sweepstakes, now underway.

From September through November, three grand prize winners will be selected, each receiving a brand-new vehicle of their choice.

Professional technicians can earn entries with every qualifying $150 invoice from their Auto Value parts supplier. MyPlace4Parts users are automatically entered with each $150 invoice. Additionally, daily purchases on MyPlace4Parts will be totalled — every $150 increment will earn bonus sweepstakes entries.

“This will be another fantastic sweepstakes promotion from Auto Value,” said Jim Holik, director of marketing for Auto Value. “We appreciate the support of all of our valued channel partners who help make these promotions possible. We are geared up and ready to offer this exciting promotion to technicians and can’t wait to see who gets to walk away with an amazing new ride!”

In addition to the vehicles, Auto Value is giving away 240 gift cards totalling $45,000 to other lucky winners.

The official promotion drawings will take place on October 1st, November 1st and December 15th, 2024, just in time for three grand prize winners to start the new year with a new set of wheels.

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Dana Incorporated has added additional coverage to its line of Spicer Select RPL yokes with new end yoke and weld yoke part numbers.

Newly available Spicer Select RPL yokes include the RPL20 weld yoke (35-20RY607), RPL20 end yoke (35-20WYSC3818), RPL25 weld yoke (35-25RY683), RPL25 end yoke (35-25WYS361), and RPL25 end yoke (35-25WYS442).

“Spicer Select RPL yokes are engineered to help minimize noise and vibration, and keep drivelines running smoothly,” said Bill Nunnery, senior director, sales and marketing, global aftermarket for Dana.  “By expanding the line of Spicer Select RPL yokes, Dana offers its customers the quality and comprehensive coverage they need to build driveshafts quickly and efficiently.”

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Aisin has expanded its product line to include EFI Tank Additive for gasoline engines only.

After being added to the fuel tank and while the vehicle is running, the AISIN EFI Tank Additive removes carbon deposits, which can easily build up in older cars used for short distance driving, and restores the vehicle’s performance. AISIN EFI Tank Additive cleaner helps consumers perform preventive maintenance, and cleans fuel injectors, intake valves and the combustion chamber while the vehicle is being driven.

The benefits of AISIN EFI Tank Additive include improved fuel mileage, restoration of drivability and improvement in acceleration and acceleration response, elimination of rough idling, knock prevention, prevention of carbon deposits from accumulating and improved vehicle performance.

“Consumers can be assured that the formulation of this product provides the highest level of cleaning allowable in pursuit of increased drivability and performance,” said Larrow Kaufman, senior sales manager, aftermarket division at Aisin World Corp. of America

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E-commerce auto parts market has experienced phenomenal growth, with sales exceeding $35 billion in 2023 in the United States — a 50 per cent increase over 2020 and more than triple the 2016 volume, according to Lang Marketing’s report, “E-commerce Auto Parts Sales Triple.”

Lang Marketing’s analysis divides the e-commerce auto parts market into three major categories: do-it-yourself (DIY), business-to-business (B2B), and online-to-offline (o2o).

DIY e-commerce involves auto parts purchases made by individuals rather than professional technicians or businesses. B2B e-commerce includes transactions between businesses such as distributors, retailers and installers. Online-to-Offline e-commerce covers the online purchase of auto parts that are then installed offline by authorized repair shops.

The report found big shifts in the e-commerce shares of these segments. DIY, which dominated nearly three-quarters of the e-commerce market in 2016, has seen its share decline to less than 60 per cent by 2023. In contrast, o2o volume has grown significantly, expanding its share by about two-thirds over the past seven years. Meanwhile, B2B transactions, though still representing the smallest share of the e-commerce auto parts market, have doubled in size since 2016.

Growth dynamics also vary widely among the three categories. While DIY sales captured the largest share of e-commerce product growth over the past seven years, their overall market share has diminished. Transactions in the o2o space, however, have taken a larger share of the total e-commerce aftermarket growth between 2016 and 2023 than their current market share reflects. B2B sales have similarly outpaced their market share in contributing to e-commerce growth during the same period.

The report also noted a shift in the sales channels for e-commerce auto parts, particularly between platforms and e-sellers. The shares of first-party (1P) and third-party (3P) segments of e-commerce auto parts sales have changed over the past seven years, reflecting broader trends in the marketplace.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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The design of vehicles, including their size, shape, and technological features, profoundly affects the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users, according to Jessica Cicchino, senior vice president of research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

One critical finding from IIHS research is that SUVs, pickups, and light vans pose a greater risk to pedestrians and cyclists compared to sedans. The prevalence of SUVs on U.S. roads has increased from 24 per cent of registered vehicles in 2013 to 36 per cent in 2023, she wrote in a piece entitled, Designers must make vehicles safe for everyone — not just drivers and passengers

IIHS studies reveal that the height and bluntness of these vehicles’ front ends contribute to their danger. Vehicles with front ends over 40 inches high, as well as those with blunt fronts between 30 and 40 inches, are more likely to be involved in fatal pedestrian crashes than vehicles with shorter, more sloping fronts. Despite these findings, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) proposed pedestrian protection testing program does not fully address the disproportionate role of larger vehicles in pedestrian fatalities, Cicchino wrote.

Another concern is poor visibility from larger vehicles, which may contribute to their higher involvement in pedestrian crashes at intersections. Features like the A-pillar or large side mirrors can obscure drivers’ views of crossing pedestrians. IIHS is investigating whether poor visibility is a significant factor in these turning crashes, she wrote.

However, not all trends in vehicle design are negative. Since 2019, IIHS has rated pedestrian crash avoidance systems, which alert drivers to pedestrians and automatically apply brakes if necessary. These systems have been shown to reduce pedestrian crash rates by 27 per cent, and even when they do not prevent crashes, they can lower injury severity by reducing impact speed, Cicchino wrote.

Such technology is becoming standard in more vehicles, and NHTSA has mandated it for new vehicles starting in 2029. Although crash prevention systems for cyclists are less common, they hold promise for future safety improvements.

Additionally, the quality of vehicle headlights has improved, with the percentage receiving a good rating from IIHS rising from 1 per cent in 2016 to 42 per cent in 2023. Vehicles with high-rated headlights have 23 per cent lower nighttime pedestrian crash rates compared to those with poor-rated headlights.

While vehicle design and technology are crucial for improving safety, Cicchino noted that they are not a complete solution. It can take decades for new safety features to become widespread.

“Moreover, even advanced technology will not prevent every crash, which means that safe infrastructure will always be needed,” she wrote. “Setting and enforcing safe speed limits, designing roads to require drivers to choose safe speeds, modifying intersections and crosswalks to increase pedestrian visibility and driver awareness, and increasing the separation between pedestrians and cyclists from motor vehicle traffic are needed now to fill that gap.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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CARS magazine is launching a new survey to get the opinions of automotive technicians and service advisors from shops across Canada.

We want to know what you think of your job, how your employer supports you, what you think about certain trends, what needs to change and more!

Take the survey by clicking here or using the form below.

The goal is to share your thoughts in the October issue of CARS so your bosses, employers and industry partners what’s on the minds of the people who keep their businesses going.

This is an opportunity to be open and honest as all responses are anonymous to help drive change where needed, reinforce what’s working well and share your thoughts about the industry.

The survey is broken up into separate sections: General questions, questions for service advisors, separate ones for tech and the more general questions to wrap things up.

Please set aside some time to complete the survey. We look forward to hearing from you!

Thank you in advance for your time.

Sincerely,

Adam Malik, Managing Editor

CARS

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) have been on the market for close to two decades, but the ‘new’ technology continues to pose challenges for several shops and tire stores.

So much so that several TPMS manufacturers have come together to urge shops across North America to make sure their tools are up to date. At AAPEX 2023, representatives from Continental, Schrader TPMS Solutions, Bartec TPMS and ATEQ TPMS Tools held a press conference to raise awareness about the lack of software updates being performed by shops. The urgency behind the call revolved around ensuring vehicle safety, maintaining vehicle performance and boosting a shop’s bottom line.

As Yanick Leduc, head of training and tech support at Schrader, pointed out, current TPMS technology is becoming quite advanced, offering Bluetooth low energy (BLE) transmission capabilities, high-pressure and high-temperature warnings and even tire burst detection warnings.

“These advancements are crucial because maintaining proper tire air pressure is directly linked to vehicle handling and braking performance,” said Leduc. “The more sophisticated our TPMS systems are, the safer our roads become.”

Scot Holloway, CEO of Bartec, said that although the introduction of TPMS presented significant challenges to tire service companies, it is vital that shops do what they can to maximize their return on investment.

“If your TPMS tool is not up to date, you are certainly missing out on vehicle coverage which leads to lost sales,” said Holloway. “If you use programmable sensors, you could be missing sensor coverage as well. If you don’t have the coverage, you cannot fix the vehicle and that is a lost sale, or worse, a TPMS that is not functional.”

One of the keys to ensuring shops are getting the most out of their TPMS tools is making sure the software is up to date.

“The best-case scenario is to have the tool update itself during off-hours so as not to interfere with business,” said Holloway, adding that his company will soon be launching the ability for its TPMS tools to power on, download the update over Wi-Fi and automatically install the update. “This new feature will go a long way in making sure our customers are always up to date and enjoying the latest features and best coverage.”

Mike Rose, OEM and industrial TPMS sales manager with ATEQ, says most shops and owners don’t realize how simple it is to keep their TPMS software up to date — the latest generation of tools have Wi-Fi included for easier updating.

“Some users think TPMS doesn’t change, and don’t understand the importance of proper coverage until they can’t fix the car and end up calling support, only for it to be fixed by updating the tool,” said Rose. “If you are not updating regularly, you are missing out on features and coverage, and that could be costing you money in vehicles you could service or having to update while the vehicle is tying up a bay.”

Leduc also stressed the importance of not just having a TPMS tool with Wi-Fi connectivity, but for manufacturers to improve the updating process, making it faster and more efficient.

“Unfortunately, we see too many times users having to repeat the update multiple times because the Wi-Fi connection was lost or the update process failed at 70 or 80 per cent completion,” he said. “Getting notifications on tools when new software is available, or even a push software update, which is already available in some cases, would be the next step.”

Leduc says cost is rarely a factor when it comes to shops updating their TPMS tools, as many offer free software updates for three to five years. Instead, he says it’s a combination of factors.

“Not knowing how to do it or not receiving the training, being unaware that updates are available, not finding the time to do it, not registering the tool, or not downloading the computer program needed to execute the tool’s software updates, which again comes down to time,” said Leduc.

“Proper tire pressure has always played a role in stopping distance and other traction-related issues and is critical to having all the systems around braking to work as well as they were designed.”

Holloway agrees that awareness plays a role when it comes to software updates, but added that the notion of “free software” can be misguided.

“Tool software development is complicated and costly. Tool software development is engineering and research, it is vehicle and sensor testing and validation,” he said. “All of this is a huge undertaking that must be done in order to make sure the tool, the sensor and the vehicle are working according to specifications.

“My advice is always to be wary of ‘free software.’ If it’s free, do they really owe you anything? Bartec TPMS charges for software, and as a result, we produce three to five updates per year.”

Although he doubted that a standardized relearn procedure across all vehicle manufacturers will happen in his lifetime, Leduc noted that BLE technology looks promising.

“BLE TPMS offers so much more: Stronger communication between the vehicle and the sensors, more flexibility for advanced security features and more data can be exchanged between the vehicle and the sensors through bidirectional communication,” he said. “This allows the sensor to be updated with new software and features without the need to dismount the tire or reprogram the sensor with a TPMS tool.”

While TPMS tools continue to evolve and shops try to keep up with recurrent changes and updates, the importance of maintaining correct tire pressure cannot be overlooked, from both an efficiency standpoint and safety.

“Proper tire pressure has always played a role in stopping distance and other traction-related issues,” said Rose, “and is critical to having all the systems around braking to work as well as they were designed.”

This article originally appeared in the August issue of CARS magazine

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It’s that time once again — CARS magazine is looking for your nominations to select the top shop in Canada.

So if you know a shop that has stood out in the last year and is going above and beyond for its customers, click here or fill out the form below to nominate them for the award, sponsored by Milwaukee Tool.

We want to recognize an auto repair shop that has captured the imagination of the community with its unique approach to customer service, dedication to excellence, training and improving the image of our industry.

The annual award is presented by CARS to recognize the best automotive repair and service shop in the country over the last year. The winner will receive a prize pack from Milwaukee Tool.

Last year, Art Turney’s Garage in Peterborough, Ontario was selected as the winner. Read about their story and why they were chosen.

Tell us the story of your pick — how are they demonstrating high performance in the bays and showing innovation and creativity, be it through training, marketing, customer communication and/or sales? Historical success is always a contributing factor.

We also place a close eye on contributions made to the industry and how nominees give back to their local community.

As the sponsor, Milwaukee Tool will present the winning shop with a prize pack.

So if you know a shop that is above the crowd, tell us. This is a peer-to-peer award. We’re looking for nominations from within the industry. We want to hear from jobbers, counterpeople, shop owners, technicians and suppliers.

Nominations are now closed.

The post Time to pick the Shop of the Year! appeared first on Auto Service World.

If you haven’t picked up your latest copy of CARS magazine, here’s what you’re missing out on.

TPMS manufacturers warn about the fact that shops are not updating their tools. They first raised concern during AAPEX in Las Vegas last year and we recently caught up with representatives from the companies to dive into the problem in this issue of CARS.

They speak to the challenges shops are facing when they don’t keep their tools up to date, from lost revenue to safety issues. We take a deeper dive into the issue.

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Many of us have been there — the jobber you were tight with has been bought out. There’s a new owner or it’s now a corporate location. Zakari Krieger explores the challenges of keeping that relationship.

Oil changes are one of the top maintenance procedures many drivers ignore. Brian Michel of Grease Monkey looks at how to turn that attitude around.

Want to grow? Want to add a second shop? Erin Vaughan lays out the challenges. But once you clear those hurdles, then you can really start to think about it.

Greg Aguilera offers some guidance on getting your shop where you want it to be. You need a pathway. Here’s how to get started.

We know finding talent is difficult. Alan Beech gives some insight into how your search process can be better to find the right person.

And there’s more like Letters, News, By The Numbers, Class Act and more!

So grab your copy today or read the digital edition here!

The post Overcoming TPMS trepidation in this issue of CARS appeared first on Auto Service World.

Younger generations are leading the way in collector car enthusiasm, a recent survey has found.

The survey from Hagerty, titled Future of Driving 2024 found that Gen Z is fueling a growing interest in classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. It found that 60 per cent of Gen Z respondents expressed a desire to own a classic car, a significant jump compared to 31 per cent of Baby Boomers.

This enthusiasm among the younger generation signals a promising future for the collector car market, the company said.

“The next generation of car enthusiasts is here, creating a vibrant market for us to help enthusiasts protect, buy, sell and enjoy their special vehicles,” said McKeel Hagerty, CEO and chairman of Hagerty. “The data is clear that Gen Z isn’t just playing car video games, watching YouTube or creating social media content; they’re also finding ways to participate in the collector car community.”

The survey polled more than 2,000 Americans. It further found that driving passion persists despite the rise of digital entertainment and alternative transportation methods. More than three-quarters (77 per cent) of Gen Z respondents stated that they either loved or liked driving, suggesting that the joy of driving is very much alive among the younger generation.

They have a strong desire for classic vehicles. Gen Z and Millennials are nearly neck and neck when it comes to owning or wanting to own a classic vehicle, with 32 per cent and 30 per cent, respectively, reporting current or previous ownership.

And while SUVs dominate, luxury vehicles attract Gen Z: While SUVs remain the most popular vehicle type among respondents (38 per cent), Gen Z shows a notable affinity for luxury cars, with 23 per cent showing interest in owning one, just behind the 26 per cent who favor SUVs.

They also showed an emotional connection to driving: Half of the respondents who drive reported feeling a sense of freedom behind the wheel, with adventurous (28 per cent) and calm (24 per cent) being other top emotions associated with driving.

The survey also found that DIY repairs are popular among Millennials: While most car owners prefer taking their vehicles to dealerships or service centers for maintenance (55 per cent), 27 per cent reported performing DIY repairs. Millennials, in particular, are leading the charge in this area, with 34 per cent of them opting to handle repairs themselves.

Hagerty’s findings also suggested that younger car enthusiasts are diversifying their interests, focusing on a broad range of vehicles from the past four decades. This trend is driven in part by social media and the accessibility of online and in-person car events, which serve as critical entry points into the hobby.

According to the survey, 40 per cent of respondents said their first exposure to classic and enthusiast cars came from attending car shows, which Hagarty said highlights the importance of these events in fostering a new generation of collectors.

Platforms like YouTube (39 per cent) and Instagram (38 per cent) are playing significant roles in how Gen Z interacts with classic vehicles, often serving as their first point of contact with the hobby. Additionally, driving itself remains a key way for these young enthusiasts to engage with classic cars, with 35 per cent citing it as a primary method of interaction.

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Joe’s Garage is set to expand its offerings with new events, extensive hands-on training and an ADAS-focused presentation stage during the automotive aftermarket industry’s biggest annual event.

Located on Level 1 of The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, Joe’s Garage will serve as a comprehensive hub for automotive professionals. It will host the Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA) Powertrain Expo, the largest gathering of transmission repair specialists globally. With around 100 exhibiting companies, the expo will offer an unparalleled showcase of innovation, expertise, and cutting-edge technology in the powertrain and automotive sectors.

AAPEX 2024 will debut a new event where student teams will compete to disassemble and reassemble an engine using only hand tools. The competition will feature eight pairs of students from secondary schools across the U.S., with quarterfinals and semifinals on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 5 and 6, culminating in the final on Thursday, November 7.

Returning will be a fully operational 10-bay shop equipped with lifts and vehicles for hands-on learning. Daily product and equipment demonstrations will be led by exhibiting manufacturers and suppliers. Additionally, AAPEX will offer live training sessions in Bay 6, covering advanced topics such as Tesla drivetrain problem-solving, electric vehicles (EVs), servicing the Mach-E and the advanced application of electrical theory.

The ADAS stage will feature product introductions, essential training and insights into the latest industry trends. The expanded EV Experience will spotlight products and services on the show floor, with focused presentations and training on electric vehicle repair and service occurring on the EV Stage.

Training partners ATRA and WorldPac/WTI have joined the lineup, offering about 20 specialized sessions. More than 100 technical and business management training opportunities will be available. ASE has also highlighted specific sessions within the AAPEX training schedule to assist attendees in preparing for ASE certifications.

Joe’s Garage will also include special sections dedicated to tools & equipment, diagnostics/telematics/shop management solutions, tire servicing, and transmission suppliers.

The post How Joe’s Garage will be expanding at AAPEX appeared first on Auto Service World.

With the rising prices of new vehicles, car owners are placing greater emphasis on maintaining their current vehicles. To help, they’re reaching for premium brand products, according to a recent survey.

A survey of 2,000 American car owners, conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Pennzoil, found that 73 percent of respondents are taking better care of their vehicles as new car prices continue to climb. This trend is driving a significant preference for brand-name products in vehicle maintenance, with 57 per cent of car owners opting for well-known brands over private-label alternatives, which only garnered 34 per cent of the preference.

Nathan Shipley, executive director of industry analysis in automotive at Circana, showed data at AAPEX 2023 from the last three years and it all suggested that numbers are flat in the private label area.

“But there’s not some major shift to private label like I think a lot of us would expect as we have gotten into a little bit tougher economic times this year,” he said during his session, Aftermarket Outlook 2024.

He noted that higher-income consumers are frequenting the aftermarket more often. Retailers, he said, need to account for that when thinking about their product offerings.

The survey noted that vehicle maintenance products are among the most regretted private-label purchases, ranking in the top three across all product categories in the past month. This finding further underscores the importance consumers place on trusted, high-quality brands for maintaining their vehicles.

Motor oil, in particular, is a key focus for many car owners, especially those who rely on professionals for maintenance services, known as DIFM (do-it-for-me) consumers. Nearly two-thirds of these consumers are willing to spend more on motor oil to protect their vehicle’s value over time. Brand familiarity plays a critical role in their decisions, with nearly 60 percent of DIFM consumers stating that it influences their purchasing choices.

The survey also found that consumers believe premium brands perform better over time and are more trustworthy compared to private-label products.

“Consumers are recognizing the long-term benefits of investing in premium products for their vehicles,” said Amanda Luce, Pennzoil Brand Manager. “This survey underscores that consumers see the tangible benefits of choosing premium brands … knowing that their investment will help to drive value for their vehicle over time.”

Image credit: Depositphotos.com

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Vast-Auto Distribution held its annual golf tournament at the Club de Golf de l’Île de Montréal, drawing over 150 participants on August 14.

The event featured representatives from Parts City Auto Parts stores, repair shops from the M 360 Mechanic, Certified Auto Repair, Octo Auto Service Plus and Auto Mécano networks. Also in attendance were business partners, suppliers, and members of the management team.

The tournament was not only a day of enjoyable golf but also a significant fundraiser, raising $25,000 for two local charities. The funds will be donated to ALS Quebec, which supports research on ALS and provides assistance to affected families, and the Welcome Hall Mission in Montreal, which provides resources for individuals facing homelessness and other challenges.

The success of the event was attributed to the generosity of suppliers and partners, highlighting the community’s commitment to supporting important causes.

“A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to this successful event,” the company said in an announcement. “Your support is making a difference in our community.”

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While not handling much of the electrical, battery and other underhood components, tire dealers have been keeping busier as electric vehicles grow on North American roads.

Speaking at this year’s MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Vision Conference in Detroit, John Baldwin, senior vice president of product at Discount Tire, shared insights into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by electric vehicles, particularly Teslas since that’s the most popular EV brand these days.

Specifically, the company had to learn a lot when electric vehicles became more common because these are heavier vehicles than internal combustion ones. For example, low-rise lifts — tire dealers need to ensure that their lifts are adequate to handle EVs, he said during the session, Voice of the End Customer.

“The lift points, the load capacity — all of those things — we have gone out of our way to learn,” Baldwin explained.

He noted that Discount Tire has become a go-to service provider for Tesla owners in many regions due to the overwhelmed state of Tesla service centers. “We get a ton of Tesla business. I would say, the majority of it, because their service centres are overwhelmed. And I don’t know that their service centres are excited to do tires, either.”

The company places a strong emphasis on in-store training to handle the particular needs of EVs.

“We do a lot of in-store training,” Baldwin pointed out, highlighting the need to stay ahead of the learning curve.

Chris Gardner, MEMA, hosts a Q&A with Discount Tire’s John Baldwin during the MEMA Vision Conference 2024

The company has also learned about its customers. “Most Tesla [owners] are pretty finicky about their vehicles. We have found that to be very true,” Balwin said.

However, EV owners seem to be taken aback by just how quickly tires can wear out on their vehicles.

“We do see a difference in mileage wear. Especially if you think about it, when Tesla first came out, they were not designed with tires in mind and their alignment wasn’t great,” Baldwin explained.

The high performance of EVs is a significant contributor to tire wear. “A normal EV can be a rocket. We’re not used to that,” Baldwin said, before humorously adding that “you can still roast the tires in 8,000 miles if you so desire. Harder to do in a Fiesta.”

Baldwin also touched on the behaviour of first-time EV buyers after their tires need replacement so soon after purchase.

“What we see [with] the first-time buyer, when they get their first set of tires replaced at about 8,000-10,000 miles [then they see the price tag] they get religion on ‘Maybe I don’t need that hammer every time I’m coming off the line.’ So that helps,” he said.

When separating out the heavy-footed behaviour with more conservative driving methods, Baldwin did note that EVs are wearing out tires at least 10 per cent faster than tires on an ICE vehicle. So EV owners are in their shops more often.

“So yeah, we’re big EV fans, if that’s what you’re asking,” he said tongue-in-cheek.

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Amsoil has introduced a new line of Synthetic-Blend Motor Oils tailored for lubricant installers and their customers. This latest offering includes three viscosities — 0W-20, 5W-20, and 5W-30 — each with more than 50 per cent synthetic content for enhanced engine protection compared to conventional oils.

The oil options provide all-temperature protection, managing heat to prevent deposits, oil thickening and excessive consumption. Its detergent and dispersant additives work to maintain engine cleanliness and efficiency.

“Most shops offer a synthetic-blend option for customers in addition to high-mileage and full-synthetic choices,” said “We want to be the premier choice for oil-change professionals,” said Alex Thompson, Amsoil’s senior product manager of automotive. “Adding Amsoil Synthetic-Blend Motor Oil to our full line of top-performing synthetic products makes AMSOIL a strong partner for shops that want to provide their customers with the best protection in each category.”

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Denios-US has introduced Chemsorb Acid Neutralizer, a lightweight silica-free product to absorb and neutralize acid spills up to three times faster.

This loose absorbent includes color change technology, which indicates when neutralization has occurred to enhance safety and provide clear visual feedback to users.

It works for various acids like battery, muriatic, hydrochloric, sulfuric, phosphoric acids (except hydrofluoric), etching solutions, plating solutions and more. It pulls acid into its core, traps the solution, and leaves a dry residue-free surface. Sweep or shovel up after use

Each 10-pound bag can neutralize and absorb up to 2.5 gallons of fluid.

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Plews & Edelmann expanded coverage with 61 new parts across both the Edelmann and Edelmann Elite line of products.

The new releases include 42 power steering hoses with coverage for over 16 million registered vehicles with applications from GM, Ford, Acura, and Toyota, including GM crossovers and fleet-oriented Ford Super Duty applications.

There are also six power steering hard parts that have been added to the Edelmann Elite line of new racks, pumps, and gears. The newly introduced SKUs include 5 pumps, and 1 rack exclusive to Plews & Edelmann. This brings the total number of new hard parts SKUs in the program to 374 with 65 total exclusives.

A new fully synthetic Honda/Acura power steering fluid that provides coverage to over 13 million vehicles in operation.

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Thieves use a range of tactics, some simple and others more advanced. Sometimes, they take advantage of small mistakes, like leaving your car unlocked or forgetting the keys inside. Other times, they get more involved and use technical methods. In this article, we will go over several strategies to help you prevent car theft no matter what methods the thief uses.

1 – Install a car alarm 

Adding a car alarm is one of the best ways to keep your car safe. Whether you go with an alarm that comes with your car or you get one from a place like Pro Car Sound & Security, it can make a big difference in preventing theft.

Factory-installed alarms are built into your car when it’s made, so they fit perfectly and work smoothly. Aftermarket alarms, which you can add later, often come with extra features like better sensors, remote start, or even apps you can control from your phone.

If you’re serious about protecting your car then having an alarm system is non-negotiable. It’s up to you what kind of features it has and how advanced it is, but at a minimum it should sound an alarm to scare thieves off.

2 – General tips

 You don’t have to spend a lot of money or use anything technical to prevent your car from being stolen or broken into. There are some easy things you can do to help keep your car from being stolen.

Always remember to lock your car, even if you’re just leaving it for a minute. It’s easy to forget, especially when you’re in a rush, but an unlocked car is an open invitation for a thief. Also, don’t forget to roll up your windows completely.

Another good habit is not leaving anything valuable where it can be seen. Things like bags, phones, or even loose coins can attract thieves. If you need to leave something in the car, hide it in the trunk or tuck it under a seat.

3 – Be careful with smart keys

 Smart keys and keyless entry systems are super convenient, but they can also make your car a target for tech-savvy thieves. These criminals can use gadgets to pick up the signal from your key fob and unlock your car without ever touching it. Luckily, there are some easy ways to protect yourself.

One simple thing you can do is use a special pouch, known as a Faraday pouch, for your key fob. These pouches block the signal from your key, so thieves can’t pick it up. Keeping your key fob in one of these pouches, especially when you’re at home or in public, makes it much harder for anyone to mess with your car.

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There are two ways to draw clients into your auto repair shop: You can hunt them down or farm them, according to a shop coach.

Hunting would be akin to reactive marketing. Shops were busy during the pandemic — but what happens as business levels off? You’re looking at your schedule and realizing you don’t have the same business you did the last few years.

“And then we scramble,” observed Rick White, president of 180Biz. “And here’s the problem with that: I call that reactive marketing. It is the most expensive and least effective marketing you’re ever going to do. It’s dialling for dollars. This is where you’re calling declined repairs, you’re doing this, you’re doing that to just try to get something in that day.”

And it doesn’t often work successfully. It’s the hunting mentality where, to use a caveman example, the hunter goes out in the morning and hunts down food or else they’ll starve. To use an example in the auto repair world, someone comes in with their vehicle and the service advisor tells them they need $4,000 worth of repairs. The client walks out and the shop forgets about them.

The industry needs to get better at farming where the seeds are planted for tomorrow’s harvest.

“So we’ve got to get really good at follow up where someone says no,” White said during the presentation Business Boss Leader: From Creeper to Leader at the Mid-West Auto Care Alliance’s Vision and Hi-Tech Training Expo in Kansas City.

He pushed for greater exit scheduling.

“Nobody should walk out of your shop without their next appointment,” he urged. “Sometimes two: One for the repair they need in two weeks and then the service in six months. But they’re going to have appointments every time.”

Because when there’s nothing on the docket for the day, the fear builds up. White called it “fear stack,” which happens when the shop owner worries about the lack of cars coming in, then the lack of money to make payroll, then fearing staff are going to leave, the shop will shut down and so on.

“And it’s because we want to plant the seeds today and we want to reap the harvest today — and nature doesn’t work that way,” White said.

He suggested this solution: Keep a panic button at a set number of days out. Don’t wait until you’re zero days booked out to panic — do it at five days out, or whatever set number makes sense for you.

That means marketing and doing things to attract customers all the time. Send mailers. Make calls to those you haven’t seen in a while. Do something to keep business constantly churning.

“If you do that you’ll never be slow a day in your life,” White said.

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Mitchell’s quarterly report highlights the rising costs and repair challenges for electric and hybrid vehicles in Canada, with claims data showing significant differences compared to gasoline-powered vehicles.

As hybrid and electric vehicles gain popularity in Canada, new data from Mitchell’s Q2 2024 Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights report found that repair costs for these vehicles continue to exceed those of traditional gasoline-powered cars, particularly in the Canadian market.

The latest report from Mitchell shed light on the complexities and costs associated with repairing battery electric vehicles (BEVs), mild hybrid electric vehicles (MHEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in Canada and the U.S.

According to the report, Canadian repair costs for MHEVs average $5,302 per claim, compared to $4,958 for vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICEs). The gap widens significantly when looking at PHEVs and BEVs, with average repair costs of $5,665 and $6,534, respectively.

In the U.S., the gap between MHEVs and ICEs was much smaller with repair costs coming in at $4,726 for hybrids, compared to $4,806 for ICE. PHEVs came in at $5,059 and BEVs at $5,753.

“Like BEVs, [PHEVs] can be costlier to repair after a collision when compared to their internal combustion engine, or ICE, counterparts,” observed Ryan Mandell, Mitchell’s director of claims performance. “However, with both an ICE and small electric battery, mild hybrids are remarkably similar to gasoline-only powered automobiles when it comes to claims severity.”

As seen above, repair costs for hybrids and electric vehicles in Canada are notably higher than in the United States. For example, while the average repair cost for a BEV in the U.S. stands at $5,753, Canadian BEV repairs average $6,534 — a difference of nearly $800.

Looking at total loss frequency, BEVs and 2021 and newer gasoline-powered vehicles in Canada show similar numbers, with BEVs at 7.24 per cent and ICE vehicles at 8.52 per cent. This is slightly lower than the U.S. figures, where BEVs and ICE vehicles have total loss frequencies of 9.16 per cent and 9.45 per cent, respectively.

The report also found that BEVs require a higher average number of mechanical labour hours in collision-damage estimates (8.18 per cent) compared to ICE vehicles (5.21 per cent). However, BEVs are less likely to need frame labour, indicating that their design may be more effective in preventing structural damage during collisions.

Original equipment manufacturer parts are used significantly more in BEV repairs, accounting for 89 per cent of the parts dollars on repairable BEVs, compared to 65 per cent for ICE vehicles, Mitchell found.

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The transition to electrification is taking shape at different rates across North America.

In an IMR survey that interviewed 5,000 independent repair shops across the U.S., nearly all (96 per cent) of those automotive shops had seen an increase in EV servicing over the past two years. More than half (54.6 per cent) of those shops also indicated that a portion of their business was from servicing battery electric vehicles. In Canada specifically, zero-emission vehicles account for one in nine new vehicles registered.

Although shops are seeing an upward trend in EV servicing needs, about three in five (59 per cent) of shops have not invested in training that focuses on EVs, and only 43 per cent of shops surveyed have invested in the tools and equipment needed to specifically service electric and hybrid vehicles. Larger shops have made more investments in tools, equipment and training (57 per cent) than smaller shops have (10 per cent).

Shops that provide EV training and certification opportunities to their technicians and invest in the necessary equipment and tools to provide quality EV service will have greater business and profit potential as EVs continue to grow in popularity over the next decade.

EV education and training

Providing EV training and further education opportunities for shop staff is a crucial step to remain competitive in an ever-changing market. Younger generations of shop technicians will especially benefit from further EV education, as skills related to EV will prove essential to their careers.

Shops should immerse themselves in the diagnostic and repair techniques required to properly service EVs and gain hands-on experience to expand their skill sets. This can include inviting a professional trainer to the shop to discuss the fundamentals of electric vehicles, electric motor concepts, power electronics, maintenance and other troubleshooting topics.

When it comes to EVs, proper safety training is also important considering the higher voltage compared to ICE vehicles. To ensure shop owners are properly training their technicians in a safe environment, they should invest in training programs that offer virtual and in-person courses where attendees have access to specific training tools.

Once a shop’s staff is fully trained, it’s important the shop communicates and markets its EV service capabilities and certifications to returning and potential customers.

Providing EV training and further education opportunities for shop staff is a crucial step to remain competitive in an ever-changing market.

Tools and equipment

As shops begin to invest in EV equipment and tools, investing in safety equipment — like zero isolation gloves, warning signs and other protective gear — should be prioritized first. EVs bring new safety challenges that have not historically existed when servicing ICE vehicles, and it’s imperative that technicians and shops are equipped with the right tools and equipment to safely address customer needs.

Investing in the proper tools and equipment needed to diagnose and troubleshoot EVs is the next essential step toward growing a shop’s EV servicing capabilities. The most modern EVs have fully integrated software and control systems. Rather than individual controllers for each function, there may be one computer or zone controller that manages multiple systems.

Diagnostic scan tools that offer a wide range of vehicle coverage and scan for codes, read live vehicle data, run tests, view wiring diagrams and check battery charge are crucial to diagnosing issues in EVs — especially when considering the enhanced software.

Other essential pieces of equipment include ADAS calibration equipment, EV charging stations, CAT III or CAT IV Safety Rated Multimeters for working on high-voltage vehicles and a battery tester for checking on a vehicle’s battery and charging systems. For more advanced EV service, shops can invest in an insulation tester to perform insulation and high-voltage electrical tests.

There is a much higher level of powertrain integration in most EVs, with many powertrain components integrated into a single assembly. For servicing and changing integrated components, the full powertrain and suspension must be dropped. Powertrain lifts, easy rollers, car dollies and rescue hooks will be essential for expert EV service.

It’s important to remember that, at the end of the day, it’s still a vehicle. Filters are filters, brakes are brakes, so on and so forth. There is plenty of overlap between ICE and EV service, lowering the barrier to entry for shops interested in expanding into EV coverage.

Shop owners who are skeptical may have reservations about making large investments when they aren’t seeing enough EVs to make it worthwhile. That said, savvy shop owners can get ahead of the trend while limiting their risk by prioritizing what they can now.

Now is the time to invest for success

While provinces like British Columbia and Quebec host some of the highest numbers of vehicle registrations, EV sentiment and adoption have increased across the country. In fact, a recent study has revealed that 80 per cent of EV skeptics will consider purchasing an EV in the next ten years.

However, like many vehicle service trends and innovations, rural areas will be slower to adopt compared to major population centers. Shop owners who are skeptical may have reservations about making large investments when they aren’t seeing enough EVs to make it worthwhile. That said, savvy shop owners can get ahead of the trend while limiting their risk by prioritizing what they can now.

EVs have arrived — and are only becoming more prevalent. Investing in tools and equipment now that can be used when servicing both ICE and EVs will prepare shops for the inevitable influx of EVs in the future and offer a competitive edge in terms of service capabilities. Training is essential, yet only 3 per cent of technicians say they’re trained on servicing EVs.

Shops that prioritize training and preparation now will be in a better position to effectively and successfully address EV service needs in the long run.

Jeff Hudnut and Jennifer Grabowski are product managers at Bosch Mobility Aftermarket. The Bosch EV Training Tour features multiple training devices — including a training aid car that simulates diagnosing and repairing an EV battery and motor without exposure to a live, high-voltage battery.

This article originally appeared in the Summer 2024 issue of EV World

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In the fast-paced world of automotive service, trust and timeliness are two keys to customer satisfaction, an industry coach emphasized.

Those were just a couple of key items a customer wants out of their automotive service experience, Greg Bunch, a trainer with Transformers Institute and a multi-shop owner explained at the recent Worldpac Supplier and Training Expo. During the session, Superior Service Advising: The Art of Trust-Based Selling, he outlined that service centres need to focus on trust, timeliness and quality of service when a customer enters the shop.

Bunch stressed the importance of defect-free service.

“Service with no defects,” he explained, highlighting the anxiety customers feel about the quality of repairs.

“When they bring the car into a shop, they have anxiety that their car is not going to be fixed right. Most of them have had a bad experience somewhere,” Bunch said, adding that simply getting the job done right is an expectation, not a bonus to the customer.

Bunch underscored the role of service advisors as project managers once a sale is made.

“Service advisors, are we not the project manager once that sale was made? Now I know some shops have a dispatch person. [But] at the end of the day, if I’m promising Miss Jones that the car’s fixed correctly, I’m owning that. When that car is not fixed right, who is she going to blame: The guy in the back or you?” he asked, stressing the importance of accountability.

Timeliness, Bunch noted, is both a perception and a reality that needs careful management. Customers who drop their cars off early often expect immediate attention. In their mind, being at the shop right when it opens at 8 a.m. means their vehicle is being pulled through the bay doors at 8:05 a.m.

“Unless you ask them what their expectation is — and then manage it with what the reality of the situation is — you may have an irked customer on your hands,” he observed. “It’s on the shop to set the expectations of timeliness.”

Transformers Institute’s Greg Bunch speaks during a class at Worldpac STX 2024 in Nashville.

Bunch further pointed out that the perception of how long tasks should take has been skewed, with many customers conditioned to expect very short wait times for an oil changes thanks to quick-job facilities.

To manage these expectations, Bunch advised clear communication.

“Now if I reset that expectation and say, ‘Hey, Mr. Jones, we think [the job will take] an hour, an hour 15 minutes, but here’s why we do it: We have an ASE certified technician inspect your vehicle from bumper to bumper. We’re going to give you a complete health report. We are not just a place to change his oil. We look at the whole car.’”

This approach allows customers to decide if the service fits their needs and if they are willing to wait, he added.

Another critical aspect Bunch highlighted was the importance of customer service: Someone who is nice to them.

“Can you believe that? The gall of some people — they want people to be nice to them. Unbelievable,” he said tongue-in-cheek, underlining that being personable and kind is a top priority for customers.

“People buy from people that they know like and trust,” he added.

Bunch also emphasized the value of building long-term relationships with customers.

“People that know you are going to come back to you. They’re going to give you repeat business. Hopefully, nobody here works in a shop where their policy [calls for] a one-hit-wonder — cars come in, hit them as hard as they can and we don’t care if they ever come back,” he said.

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Sonny Riddle

Sonny Riddle has been lured out of retirement to become the director of sales in the U.S. at NRS Brakes.

The announcement highlighted his “wealth of experience in the automotive industry.” It also pointed to his ability for driving growth and building strong industry relationships.

“This is true OE technology now available in the aftermarket, and that excites me,” Riddle said about the NRS brand and why he came out of retirement.

“Sonny’s extensive sales background and deep understanding of the automotive landscape make him a valuable asset to our team,” said Montu Khokhar, CEO of NRS Brakes. “We’re confident his contributions will accelerate our growth and help us achieve new milestones.”

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Transit Inc. announced it expanded its range of new CMX calipers with 160 new additions.

That brings its total offerings to nearly 600 for a product introduced earlier this year.

“The addition of new SKUs is a very important aspect for our customers,” said Pierre-Luc Vachon, sales director of Transit. “It strengthens our position in this segment and illustrates our promise to offer more efficiency, more choices, and more service.”

In addition to the new caliper assemblies, CMX also offers coverage for its ceramic brake pads and OE brake rotors.

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Renewable Lubricants’ new Bio-Plus Injector Cleaner is a multi-functional, synthetic biobased product that enhances engine performance for passenger vehicles. It meets performance standards set by the EPA and major automotive manufacturers

It also meets stringent criteria set by BMW for lifetime intake valve deposit control when used continuously. Tests show that using synthetic polymeric dispersants can improve fuel efficiency by up to 15 per cent and reduce exhaust emissions by up to 18 per cent.

Bio-Plus is an ideal choice for all grades of gasoline, including those containing oxygenates. It will not affect octane ratings or harm catalytic converters.

Bio-Plus Injector Cleaner’s unique blend of synthetic polymeric dispersants, antioxidants, demulsifier components, and anti-corrosive agents provides essential cleaning and upkeep for intake valves and combustion chambers. It reduces valve issues and restores power to result in smoother accelerations and less tendency to stall on idle.

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The Rotary Flex Max Linker is now available. It allows technicians to connect and control up to 18 Rotary Flex Max mobile column lifts using a single remote control. This innovation facilitates lifting large-scale vehicles like heavy-duty trucks, multi-axle buses, coaches, railway wagons, and more.

“With the launch of the Flex Max Linker, we are thrilled to offer a product that brings unprecedented convenience and safety to heavy-duty vehicle repair,” said Mike Rozzi, heavy duty product manager for Rotary. “Connecting more than a dozen columns with a single, easy-to-use remote, technicians will experience new levels of efficiency and flexibility. This innovative solution is set to transform repair shops, making operations smoother and more secure than ever before.”

Linking the mobile columns together can be done with the pushbutton controls and digital display on the remote. Each linked system can consist of two, four or six columns to adapt to the type and size of vehicle to be lifted.

The Flex Max Linker will be compatible with all of Rotary’s Flex Max mobile column lift models. Each pair of mobile columns features adjustable wheel forks for various wheel sizes, with minimal setup time and industry-leading lifting mobility and power.

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Rotary solenoids are amazing little devices that play a big role in many precision instruments. They’re like the muscles of these machines, helping them move with incredible accuracy. Whether it’s in medical equipment, robotics, or even in some high-tech toys, rotary solenoids are working hard behind the scenes. But to get the best out of these tiny powerhouses, we need to know how to make them work their best.

A rotary solenoid is a type of electromagnet that turns electrical energy into rotational motion. It’s like a motor, but instead of spinning continuously, it usually moves back and forth in a short arc.

How Do Rotary Solenoids Work?

A rotary solenoid is a type of electromagnet that turns electrical energy into rotational motion. It’s like a motor, but instead of spinning continuously, it usually moves back and forth in a short arc. When electricity flows through the solenoid’s coil, it creates a magnetic field. This field interacts with a permanent magnet or a piece of metal, causing the solenoid’s shaft to rotate.

There are different types of rotary solenoids, including:

• Continuous rotation solenoids
• Limited rotation solenoids
• Bistable rotary solenoids

Each type has its strengths. For example, a bistable rotary solenoid can hold its position without constant power, which can be useful in some precision instruments. Bistable solenoids have two stable positions, allowing them to remain in either position without power. This feature reduces energy consumption and minimizes heat generation, making them ideal for precision instruments where energy efficiency and stability are critical.

What Are the Best Practices for Optimizing Electrical Performance?

Getting the electrical settings right is necessary for good performance. Here is how we can improve the electrical aspects of rotary solenoids:

Choose the Right Power Supply

Use a power supply that matches the solenoid’s voltage and current requirements. This helps ensure smooth operation and prevents damage.

Implement Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)

PWM is a technique that can help control the solenoid’s movement more precisely. It works by rapidly turning the power on and off.

Use Proper Wiring

Make sure the wires connecting the solenoid are the right size and well-insulated. This helps prevent power loss and overheating.

How Can the Mechanical Setup of Rotary Solenoids Be Improved?

The mechanical setup of the solenoid is just as important as the electrical aspects. Here are the ways to improve the mechanical aspects of rotary solenoids:

Reduce Friction

Use high-quality bearings and lubricants to minimize friction in moving parts. This helps the solenoid move more smoothly and accurately.

Optimize the Load

Design the system so that the solenoid isn’t working harder than it needs to. Balance the load to match the solenoid’s capabilities.

Manage Temperature

Keep the solenoid at a consistent temperature. Too hot or too cold can affect its performance. Consider using cooling systems if necessary.

How Can the Design of Rotary Solenoids Be Improved for Better Performance?

The design of the solenoid itself can greatly impact its performance. Optimize coil design by working with manufacturers to get the best design for your needs. Choose the right core material as different core materials have different magnetic properties that can impact performance.

Consider custom designs if off-the-shelf solenoids aren’t quite right for your needs working with a manufacturer to create a custom design can help you achieve optimal performance.

Implementing Control Systems for Rotary Solenoids

Control systems can help you get the most out of your rotary solenoids. Use feedback sensors to monitor the solenoid’s position and movement, allowing for real-time adjustments that improve accuracy. Implement closed-loop control systems, which continuously adjust the solenoid’s operation based on feedback, to greatly improve precision and reliability.

Utilize microcontrollers to manage complex control algorithms, enabling more sophisticated and precise control of the solenoid.

Maintaining Rotary Solenoids for Peak Performance

Regular maintenance is key to keeping rotary solenoids working their best. Regular cleaning is essential to keep the solenoid free from dust and debris, preventing wear and ensuring smooth operation. Periodic inspections should also be performed to check for signs of wear or damage, such as loose connections or worn bearings.

Additionally, if your solenoid requires lubrication, make sure to do it regularly with the right type of lubricant to keep the moving parts running smoothly and prolong the solenoid’s lifespan.

Testing and Calibration for Optimal Rotary Solenoid Performance

Regular testing and calibration help ensure your rotary solenoids continue to perform at their best. Performance testing should be done regularly to check the solenoid’s speed, accuracy, and force output, allowing you to catch any performance issues early on. Calibration is also essential, especially in precision instruments, to ensure the solenoids are moving exactly as they should.

Keep detailed records of all tests, calibrations, and maintenance, which can help you spot trends and predict when maintenance might be needed, enabling proactive measures to prevent potential issues.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Rotary Solenoids

Even with the best optimization and maintenance, issues can sometimes arise. If your rotary solenoid encounters a problem, here’s how to troubleshoot. If the solenoid isn’t moving at all, check the power supply and connections and ensure nothing is physically blocking the movement.

If the solenoid’s movement is jerky or inconsistent, investigate potential causes such as friction, wear, or electrical issues, and check for mechanical problems while ensuring the power supply is stable. If the solenoid is overheating, it may be receiving too much power or working too hard, so check the power supply and the load on the solenoid to address the root cause.

Conclusion

Optimizing the performance of rotary solenoids in precision instruments is a detailed process that involves many aspects. From choosing the right solenoid and setting it up correctly to maintaining it well and integrating it with other systems, each step is important for getting the best performance.

With careful attention to electrical, mechanical, and design factors, along with proper maintenance and testing, you can ensure your rotary solenoids are working at their very best.

The post How to Optimize the Performance of Rotary Solenoids in Precision Instruments appeared first on Auto Service World.

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As electric vehicles (EVs) become more common, having reliable and long-lasting EV charging equipment is essential. From residential setups to public charging stations, the longevity of your charging equipment directly impacts the convenience and efficiency of your EV charging experience.

If you’re using DC fast chargers, which offer rapid charging capabilities but can be an investment, it’s especially important to ensure they last as long as possible.

Here are five practical ways to maximize the lifespan of your EV charging equipment and keep it running smoothly.

1. Regular Maintenance Checks

Just like any piece of equipment, your EV charging station benefits from regular maintenance. Schedule periodic inspections to ensure all components are functioning correctly. Check for signs of wear or damage, such as frayed cables or loose connections. Regular maintenance helps catch potential issues before they become major problems, reducing the risk of equipment failure and extending its lifespan.

Additionally, keeping the charging station clean is crucial. Dust, dirt, and moisture can interfere with its operation. Use a soft cloth to wipe down surfaces and ensure that vents are clear of debris. For outdoor units, make sure they are protected from extreme weather conditions, which can accelerate wear and tear.

2. Proper Installation

Proper installation is key to the longevity of your EV charging equipment. Ensure that your charging station is installed according to the manufacturer’s specifications and by a certified professional. Incorrect installation can lead to electrical issues, overheating, and reduced efficiency.

Make sure the installation site is suitable for the equipment. For instance, if you’re installing a wall-mounted unit, ensure it is securely attached to a solid surface and that all electrical connections are properly sealed to prevent water ingress. If you’re using a DC fast charger, ensure it is installed in a location that allows for proper ventilation and cooling.

3. Avoid Overloading

Avoid overloading your EV charging equipment by using it within its designed capacity. Each charging station has a maximum power rating, and exceeding this can lead to overheating and premature wear. For instance, if you have multiple EVs charging simultaneously at a single station, ensure that the total load does not exceed the station’s capacity.

If you often need to charge multiple vehicles or use high-power DC fast chargers, consider investing in a higher-capacity charging station designed to handle increased demand. This helps ensure that your equipment operates within its optimal range and avoids the strain that can reduce its lifespan.

4. Protect Against Power Surges

Power surges and electrical spikes can cause significant damage to your EV charging equipment. Protect your charging station by using surge protectors or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) designed for electrical equipment.

Frequent power interruptions or fluctuations can affect performance and longevity. If you notice any issues with your electrical supply, consult a professional to address them promptly.

5. Update Software and Firmware

Many modern EV charging stations come with software or firmware that controls their operation. Manufacturers often release updates to improve performance, add features, or address security vulnerabilities. Keeping your equipment’s software up to date can enhance its functionality and address potential issues that could affect its lifespan.

Conclusion

Maximizing the lifespan of your EV charging equipment involves a combination of regular maintenance, proper installation, and smart usage practices. By following these tips, you can ensure that your charging station remains reliable and efficient for years to come.

Whether you’re using standard home chargers or advanced DC fast chargers, taking care of your equipment not only enhances your EV charging experience but also protects your investment in clean energy technology.

The post How to Maximize the Lifespan of EV Charging Equipment appeared first on Auto Service World.

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Regulatory changes are reshaping the automotive industry’s landscape in Canada and North America, influencing everything from manufacturing to security systems. With agreements like USMCA driving new standards, these shifts impact job markets and spark innovations.

Let’s explore how these trends are creating both opportunities and challenges across North America’s automotive sector.

Shifting Gears: Navigating Job Changes in the Auto Industry Due to USMCA

USMCA is an agreement between Canada, the USA, and Mexico that came into effect in July 2020. The free trade agreement contains various regulatory changes that have been affecting the auto industry, and are continuing to do so.

For example, the rules state that at least 75% of a new vehicle’s components must be manufactured in one of the three countries in order to qualify for tariff-free access.

Furthermore, the new labour rules under the agreement mean that between 40% and 45% of a new vehicle’s parts must come from a facility in which the assembly workers earn $16 (USD) or more per hour.

The changes under the agreement are creating fresh challenges in supply chains. They’re also slowing demand. These regulatory shifts are reshaping automotive job landscapes across North America.

For instance, higher regional content requirements drive demand for local manufacturing talent. As a result, jobs are increasing in parts production and assembly. And labour standards mandate competitive wages, encouraging retention but posing cost challenges for smaller firms.

Meanwhile, commercial driving licenses gain importance with complex logistics needs, which impacts both job openings and skill sets. Training programs and tests (such as the CDL practice test) emerge to bridge gaps between existing skills and new demands.

But adaptation varies by region due to differing resource availability, presenting both hurdles and opportunities for workers navigating this evolving environment.

Securing the Future: Job Growth in Automotive Security Systems Due to the Motor Vehicle Safety Act’s New Regulations

In April 2024, Canada’s government announced an addition to Transport Canada’s regulatory plan in which new regulations under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act will hopefully help to lower the number of vehicle thefts in the country. The rules would update theft protection as well as rollaway prevention and immobilization system requirements.

Transport Canada’s new regulations are sparking a demand for skilled technicians to install advanced theft protection and immobilization systems. Manufacturers must hire experts in security technologies to comply with updated standards.

These changes also drive the need for ongoing training programs focused on cutting-edge anti-theft technologies. Workers with expertise in electronic systems see job opportunities expand, while automotive suppliers adjust their production lines.

This evolution strengthens job stability and growth in Canada’s automotive sector throughout 2024.

Charging Ahead: The Rise of Electric Vehicle Jobs

Canada’s new Electric Vehicle Availability Standard requires auto manufacturers and importers of vehicles to meet zero-emission vehicle-regulated sales targets each year. At least 20% of new light-duty vehicles must now be zero-emission vehicles – with the targets beginning for the 2026 auto model year.

This push for zero-emission vehicle targets is already shaking up the job market. Manufacturers are ramping up hiring in research and development to innovate electric powertrains and battery technology, seeking engineers skilled in sustainable solutions. The shift also impacts production lines, as more technicians who are adept at handling EV components are now required.

Moreover, charging infrastructure demands expansion, sparking growth in jobs focused on the installation and maintenance of charging stations across the country. These regulatory trends position Canada as a hub for electric innovation while reshaping automotive careers.

Final Thoughts

Navigating regulatory changes in 2024 demands adaptability and innovation within the automotive sector. Embracing these shifts offers growth opportunities, creating a vibrant job market that supports emerging technologies while overcoming new challenges.

Ultimately, the industry’s future depends on agile responses to evolving standards.

The post Regulatory Trends Impacting Automotive Jobs in 2024 appeared first on Auto Service World.

Challenges in Winter; Defending Against the Cold

Winter can be harsh on your vehicle. Snow, ice, and road salt are separate from your car. So what steps can you take?

Firstly consider a high-quality car cover as an effective solution. It acts like a blanket, for your car keeping snow and ice at bay. Not only does it preserve the paint job. Also saves you time during those chilly mornings. No more scraping is required! Additionally, wash and wax your car before winter sets in. This will help prevent salt buildup that often leads to rust issues.

Let’s not forget about those windshield wipers. Have you ever found yourself stuck in a snowstorm, with windshield wipers that just aren’t up to par? It’s a hassle. Be sure to check and replace them if necessary. Don’t overlook your tires. Winter roads can be dangerous so maintaining the tire pressure is crucial. It’s all about getting that grip folks.

Lastly, give your vehicle an over under the hood. Cold weather can be hard on your battery so take a look to make sure it’s in condition. If you need expert help, consider visiting a full-service auto repair in Kent, WA where professionals can ensure your car is winter-ready.  A little bit of maintenance goes a long way in avoiding those frustrating winter breakdowns.

Get Ready for Spring; Preparing for Pollen and Rainy Days

Spring can be quite unpredictable right? One day it’s sunny and warm the next it’s pouring rain. Let’s not even talk about the pollen. Start with a spring cleaning, for your car. Winter tends to leave behind all kinds of grime. Now is the perfect time to wash it all away. Pay attention to the undercarriage where salt and dirt tend to build up and could lead to issues.

When it comes to protection applying a coat of wax will help your car tackle those April showers with ease. It’s, like giving your car a raincoat – shielding it from rain and those sneaky UV rays that come out when the sun shines bright.

Spring brings pollen season, which can mess up your car’s air filters. Take a moment to check and replace them if needed especially if you have allergies. Clean air means air right?

And don’t forget about the tires. After enduring winter it’s time for an inspection. If they look worn out it might be time for ones – good traction is essential on spring roads.

Summer Heat: Protect Your Ride From the Sun

Ah, summer. Road trips, beach days, and… Intense heat. Your car feels it too. The golden rule of summer car care? Park in the shade whenever possible. If shade is scarce using a sunshade can make a difference. It acts like sunscreen for your car’s interior preventing fading and cracking.

Also crucial; keep an eye, on your car’s fluids during the summer heat as they tend to evaporate potentially causing engine issues. Remember to check and refill essential fluids, like oil, coolant, and brake fluid to ensure operation. When it comes to the interior consider applying a UV protectant on your dashboard and seats. This will help prevent sun damage that can lead to cracking over time. Don’t overlook your tires! The heat can affect tire pressure so it is important to check them  Show some love to your cooling system during the weather. The radiator works harder in temperatures so ensure it functions properly. A quick inspection now can prevent a breakdown.

Preparing for Fall; Getting Ready for Cooler Days

Fall signifies change with leaves dropping temperatures decreasing and winter approaching. So what’s the game plan? Start by clearing leaves from your windshield and engine bay. It may seem simple. Trapped moisture from leaves can lead to rust or blockages in your car’s drainage systems.

As the rain becomes more frequent check that your wiper blades are in shape. Fall showers can be intense so having functional wipers is crucial, for visibility.

It’s also an idea to apply a layer of wax to shield your car from the weather and debris. Looking ahead to winter? Now is the perfect time to check your tires and think about switching to winter tires if the temperatures are dropping in your area. It’s better to be prepared than surprised, by the snowfall.

Don’t overlook your heating system. You’ll soon depend on it so give it a over to ensure it’s ready to keep you warm and your windows clear.

Year Round Maintenance; Keeping Things in Order

Regardless of the season, there are things you should do year-round to maintain your car in shape. Regular inspections are crucial. Treat it like a checkup, for your car—schedule necessary. Keeping a maintenance record is also wise. It helps you keep track of what has been done and when so nothing gets overlooked.

Let’s not forget about all-weather floor mats. These are essential to preventing dirt, moisture, and debris from damaging your car’s interior. They’re easy to clean which is always a plus.

Finishing Touches

Keeping your vehicle safe, from weather conditions goes beyond maintaining its appearance. It’s crucial, for its overall performance and safety regardless of the time of year. By incorporating some practices you can steer clear of expensive repairs maintain your vehicle in top condition and possibly extend its lifespan by a few more years.

The post How to Protect Your Car from Harsh Weather: Essential Tips for Every Season appeared first on Auto Service World.

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Canadians saw a spike in automotive-related costs over the last few years, perhaps mostly in the used vehicle market. But those are starting to normalize — for the most part.

New vehicle supply shortages are mostly in the rearview mirror and the Bank of Canada has started to cut interest rates and that, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants, has dramatically changed the picture.

“To be sure, pockets of inflation persist,”  it noted in a recent analysis, noting the 8.1 per cent increase in passenger vehicle insurance premiums in June 2024 compared to June 2023, calling it “a key source of price growth.”

Passenger vehicle parts and maintenance also saw an increase, going up 3.5 per cent. It further noted that maintenance and repair services alone are seeing a 4.2 per cent increase, while parts inflation saw 2.9 per cent growth.

But the ‘repair vs replace’ gap might be narrowing, at least when looking at used vehicles. In this area, purchase prices have gone in the opposite direction, down 4.5 per cent compared to June 2023.

New vehicle prices are still up 1.8 per cent as more people buy SUVs and zero-emission vehicles, which cost more.

“It is clear that the automotive market is seeing countervailing forces at play,” said DesRosiers’ managing partner Andrew King. “The new and used markets are heading in different directions as industry dynamics reshuffle the landscape and the market works toward a new equilibrium.”

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Despite the abundance of job openings, many workers are choosing to stay put.

A new report from business consulting firm Robert Half found that only 35 per cent of workers plan to look for a new job in the second half of 2024. That’s way down from the 49 per cent who sad so during the same period last year.

The trend, dubbed “The Big Stay,” is evident across all generations. The survey found that job search plans have decreased year-over-year, with Gen Z seeing the most significant decline from 74 per cent in 2023 to 44 per cent this year. Millennials followed with a drop from 63 per cent to 45 per cent, Gen X from 44 per cent to 26 per cent, and Baby Boomers from 23 per cent to 13 per cent.

A key factor contributing to this trend is high job satisfaction. The research reported that 77 per cent of workers are generally happy in their roles, and 85 per cent report having a good work-life balance. The top reasons for this satisfaction include competitive salaries with regular merit increases, flexible work locations and schedules, fair workloads and job expectations, positive work culture and team dynamics and supportive managers.

The decrease in job search activity doesn’t stem from a lack of confidence among workers. Nearly three-quarters (73 per cent) of those surveyed feel confident in their professional abilities and have actively taken steps to enhance their skills and marketability.

“In the past few years, professionals made career moves to take advantage of the many job openings and improve their personal and professional lives,” said Dawn Fay, operational president of Robert Half. “While they are now reporting high job satisfaction levels in their current roles and aren’t actively in a job search, many are still taking steps to enhance their skills and ultimately increase their marketability for any future moves they might make.”

Employers must be mindful of potential missteps that could deter prospective candidates. The survey revealed several deal-breakers, including not listing a salary range in job descriptions (41 per cent), requiring on-site work with no remote options (37 per cent), not emphasizing company culture (30 per cent) and prolonging the interview process (28 per cent).

“In the era of The Big Stay, employers need to take into consideration what workers want and come to the table with competitive offers,” Fay observed. “With skilled talent at a premium and workers feeling satisfied in their current role, employers can’t afford to make mistakes that could deter prospective candidates from applying to their open positions.”

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Despite rising sales, electric vehicles struggle to penetrate aftermarket product volume. As a result, according to a recent report, EVs have yet to make a significant impact on the aftermarket.

While they have made strides in the new car and light truck market, Lang Marketing noted that the presence of EVs in the aftermarket remains minimal. Despite a growing share of new light vehicle sales, EVs contribute only a small fraction to the volume of aftermarket products, it said in its report, EV Aftermarket Impact Barely Flickers.

Several factors contribute to this disparity, the group noted. First, more than 96 per cent of aftermarket product sales, excluding tires and accessories, come from vehicles at least four years old. Older vehicles, particularly those eight years or older, generate significantly more aftermarket product volume per mile than their newer counterparts.

Electrics haven’t been around long enough and there aren’t enough on the road to have a meaningful impact on the aftermarket sector.

Tesla remains the dominant player in the EV market, capturing nearly 60 per cent of BEV sales in 2023. However, for EVs to gain a significant share of new vehicle sales, other nameplates must attract more consumer interest — a shift that has yet to occur, Lang noted.

Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles still overwhelmingly dominate vehicle inventory, with ICE vehicles comprising 98.8 per cent of vehicles in operation (VIO) in 2023 in the U.S., down only 1 per cent from 2016. The characteristics of the aftermarket, where vehicles under four years old contribute minimally and older ICE vehicles generate disproportionate sales volumes, have kept EVs’ share of the light vehicle aftermarket below 1 per cent in 2023.

A vehicle typically does not generate substantial aftermarket volume until its fourth year on the road, with significant product use occurring in vehicles aged six to ten years.

“Consequently, it will take many years for EVs to impact the aftermarket significantly, even if their sales continue to rise—a prospect that is becoming uncertain as their 2024 sales growth slows,” Lang said.

“While EVs capture headlines and new vehicle market share, their journey to meaningful aftermarket influence remains a long road ahead.”

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Think about all the Mercedes-Benz vehicles on the road today. Now think about how many Sprinter vans are out there performing crucial work that keeps commerce moving. What happens when a fleet of those vehicles goes down?

If the operator wants to go to the aftermarket, they may be out of luck.

Michael Waddle is a technician at Precision Auto Service, a shop owned by his father Scott, in Langley, B.C. They service many Sprinters. But there’s a problem: These vehicles are difficult to diagnose, service and repair because Mercedes-Benz Canada is seemingly making it difficult.

Listen to the episode now: Click here

In order to access these vehicles, a nearly-$50,000 tool must be purchased. That’s far beyond other automakers that charge under $1,000 in some cases for similar equipment.

However, Michael pointed out that Mercedes-Benz Canada isn’t necessarily violating the Canadian Automotive Service Information Standard (CASIS) agreement, signed back in 2009. They are making the tool available. But he believes Mercedes-Benz is intentionally being difficult in this area, pricing it at an unattainable level.

The tool is more easily accessible in Europe and the U.S., he says in this episode of Auto Service World Conversations with host Adam Malik. He spoke about the challenges he’s faced, what the aftermarket is up against and why this could be a larger issue.

We reached out to the automaker for comment but didn’t receive a response. When we followed up, a spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz Canada said they would get back to us but did not.

Michael believes it is fair to pay for such access but the asking price is neither fair nor reasonable. It blocks the aftermarket from obtaining the necessary tools and, Scott noted, puts commerce at risk as dealers are unable to keep up with the repair work due to the volume of vehicles.

He’s also been in touch with various working groups, such as the Automotive Industries Association of Canada to work toward a resolution. AIA Canada told Auto Service World that it has shared information about this issue with the task force for CASIS review and action.

“This is yet another example of how independent shops are left at a disadvantage and illustrates why legislation is needed,” AIA Canada said in a statement to us.

The group echoed Scott’s message about the issue of disrupting business if these vehicles break down and can’t be serviced by a dealer, especially in more remote locations where the aftermarket may be the only viable option for repair.

“The commercial interests at stake and the profits that vehicle manufacturers derive from these methods have resulted in a worldwide awareness that voluntary agreements do not work,” AIA Canada said.

The CASIS agreement is a voluntary agreement between automakers and the aftermarket. It is designed to ensure the aftermarket has access to service information, diagnostic tools and training information.

However, AIA Canada pointed out that the current agreement needs updating.

It “has not kept pace with the rapid advancements in technology and does not meet the needs of Canadians and the vehicles of today and tomorrow,” the group said.  “We are continuing to advocate on behalf of our members, who continue to provide us with feedback on the barriers they are encountering. AIA Canada has identified outdated sections of the agreement that require amendments, along with an enforcement piece, if it is to function as intended.

“In the absence of an updated agreement, AIA Canada will continue to advocate for legislation to ensure fair competition, consumer choice, and continued access to reliable, essential and affordable vehicle service and repair.”

Tune into the full conversation with Michael and Scott by clicking the banner above or tuning in through your preferred platform, where you can also find the full library of episodes:

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A cheeky new ad campaign from Midas is warning vehicle owners about bad service (B.S.) from their auto repair professionals.

The Don’t Put Up With B.S. — the B.S. meaning ‘bad service’ — campaign comes after the company surveyed 2,000 people across North America and half of the respondents saying they’ve experienced bad service in auto care. Two-thirds reported that they’ve been mistreated in a repair shop at least once — they felt pushed into unneeded services, that they were being ripped off or pressured.

“We know that consumers are fed up with the bad service they experience in the auto care industry, and we’re not shying away from this problem, we’re tackling it head-on,” said Lenny Valentino, Jr., president and chief operating officer of Midas, which has nearly 2,100 franchised and licensed locations in 20 countries. About 1,200 of those locations are in Canada and the U.S.

The company recently rolled out a new training program for franchisees and their employees, outlining how shops can be better partners with customers, provide straightforward information — like what needs fixing now and what can wait — and work together to problem-solve car care solutions.

It’s new campaign will include a series of ads across streaming services, digital channels and social media. Out-of-home-boards in Toronto, Vancouver and other U.S. cities will also feature the campaign.

“The campaign conveys examples of the bad service consumers have faced in the auto repair industry, like being talked down to or forced to urgently make a decision, with humour and a call to inspire real change,” the announcement from Midas said.

The post New campaign urges customers to not ‘put up with B.S.’ appeared first on Auto Service World.

The Barbie car at the 2024 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto

New research looked at the biggest car-loving communities worldwide, with Toronto taking second place.

Austin, Texas, claimed the No. 1 spot, followed by Toronto and Cape Town, South Africa. Edmonton, also landed among the world’s top 15, finishing 11th, according to Auto Trader.

The research analyzed the number of car meets, auto events and motor shows in more than 400 cities worldwide, along with the number of Instagram posts associated with each city’s car meets, to show how strong the car-loving community presence is in each location.

Austin hosts major events such as the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix and the MotoGP Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas. The city also has car clubs and dozens of car meets that push it to the top of the list for the biggest car community spirit.

Toronto’s car scene presence on social media is what propels the city into second place. According to Auto Trader, the hashtag #torontocarmeets recorded nearly 49,000 Instagram posts.

The top 15 were ranked as follows, with their scores:

• Austin, USA, 98.1
• Toronto, Canada, 95.4
• Cape Town, South Africa, 95.2
• Turin, Italy, 76.1,
• Munich, Germany, 68.1
• London, U.K., 61
• Warsaw, Poland, 58
• Frankfurt, Germany, 57.1
• Sydney, Australia 1
• Christchurch, New Zealand 41
• Edmonton, Canada, 39.3
• Wolverhampton, U.K., 38.6
• Geneva, Switzerland, 38.1
• Stuttgart, Germany, 38.1
• Pretoria, South Africa, 29.3

“In today’s digital age, it’s encouraging to see how many petrolhead communities thrive across the globe, allowing motor lovers to connect in person and show off their wheels,” said Rory Reid, YouTube director at Auto Trader. “From the annual Oktoberfest car meetups in Munich to the vibrant car scenes in Pretoria, each city offers unique events that bring enthusiasts together. This shows how, for many people, their cars are more than a means of transportation and in fact, act as an expression of individuality and a source of passion. Whether you’re from Christchurch, New Zealand or London, England, the car community truly is a place that fosters friendships.”

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Mevotech announced the addition of 158 new part numbers, including 39 aftermarket firsts.

A key spotlight is the TTX front lower control arms for the 2023-2021 Ford F-150 pick-up truck. The engineered Integri-Boot dust boot keeps out contaminants, while the entire part is protected with the Repel-TEK anti-corrosion formula. A full replacement hardware kit, including frame bolts, allows for complete and fast installation.

This new release also expands Mevotech’s steering repair catalogue, with the introduction of TTX inner tie rod ends and additional TTX idler and pitman arm part numbers. Vehicle alignment can now be restored for popular fleet vehicles such as the 2023-2014 Ford Transit Connect using an engineered alternative to the original component with TTX inner tie rod ends.

Mevotech added to its TTX, Supreme and Original Grade lines. Covering vehicles up to model year 2024, this latest part release provides more repair options for domestic and import passenger vehicles, pick-up trucks, vans, working vehicles, SUVs, CUVs and EVs.

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Schumacher Electric Corporation has launched three new wireless charging lithium jump starters. Available in 1000, 1250, and 1500 peak amps, these compact and powerful devices are designed for ease of use and feature a sleek design.

Released in August 2024, these jump starters include Schumacher’s patented wireless charging technology, a 4-cell lithium battery, an intuitive interface, bright LED work light, three USB charging ports, and an integrated lanyard hole. A unique manual override mode allows users to jump-start deeply discharged batteries that other units cannot detect automatically.

These all-in-one tools can jump-start a car, charge a tablet, or provide light. The jump starters are available in-store and online.

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