Ratchet+Wrench - October 2024

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OCTOBER

Investing in your education can be easier than you thought KATHLEEN CALLAHAN

Using video marketing through social media can help you grow

is possible, even in the face of adversity

READY, SET, GO!

The Ratchet+Wrench Managment Conference showed us what an industry event can do

I’m sure many of you have years of experience attending, participating in, and forming part of conferences, trade shows, exhibitions, and events. Every industry has their staples, new ones trying to make their way into crowded calendars, all fighting for a piece of the pie. Fortunately, post-pandemic, it seems like the event business has returned, almost true to what it was pre-2020. The Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference took place in Orlando, Florida, last month. I am a firm believer that you only have one chance to make a first impression, and for me as well as many new attendees, sponsors, and speakers, it could not have been better!

Engagement has become one of the most common terms in our day to day. And no, I’m not referring to the step prior to marriage. Engagement is how we measure social media interaction across many platforms, how we have come to measure the interaction between our content and our readers. However, in this case, engagement would be the term I’d use to describe the 2024 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference in Orlando. Over two-and-half-days we had a comprehensive offering of educational sessions that saw speakers, sponsors, and attendees offer a wealth of experience, knowledge, innovative ideas, and the utmost willingness to share all of this with each other. From Ratchet+Wrench we have a debt of gratitude to so many industry professionals that give their time, knowledge, and experience with the firm goal of helping other shop owners overcome problems, implement new ideas, and ultimately become more successful.

It is impressive to see how many sessions ended up with tens of attendees standing

up in full ballrooms, how the interactions with the speakers went beyond the sessions, spilling into the lobbies, networking areas, and meals. The multiple exchanges of information, phone numbers, emails, and the traditional—of a different time—business card. The eagerness of attendees for the learning experience matches the desire of the speakers and professionals to share their knowledge. One could say it was the perfect match, and a true example of engagement. It will be a challenge to make the Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference of 2025 (which will take place in Glendale, Arizona) better than this one, but rest assured we are up for the challenge. And as for me, I’m more than grateful for the opportunity, I have some big shoes to fill. So I’ll get right to it!

EDITORIAL

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Chris Jones

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ivan Rioja-Scott

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Kacey Frederick

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Tess Owings, Alison Johnson

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Tara Topel, Topel’s Towing and Repair

Andrew Marcotte, American Pride Automotive

J.J. Mont, J.J.’s Auto Service

Rachel Spencer, Spencer’s Auto Repair

Bruce Howes, Atlantic Motorcar

Lucas Underwood, L&N Performance Auto Repair

SALES

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

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Chad Hjellming / chjellming@endeavorb2b.com

Lisa Mend / lmend@endeavorb2b.com

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

editor@ratchetandwrench.com

Opinions expressed in Ratchet+Wrench are not necessarily those of Endeavor Business Media, and Endeavor Business Media does not accept responsibility for advertising content.

JUMP START

POP-UP CITIES: WHAT’S IN STORE FOR AAPEX AND SEMA SHOW 2024

AAPEX and SEMA 2024 are coming up fast, and there’s lots planned for this year’s event. SEMA Vice President of Events Tom Gattuso and AAPEX Director of Shows Jessica Finnerty shared what to look forward to in Las Vegas this November, and how to make sure you get the most out of your visit

Networking is undoubtedly one of the hallmarks of the SEMA Show experience. For those looking to connect with others, there will be plenty of opportunities from the moment the show begins with its kickoff breakfast on Tuesday morning, which will feature a showcase of some of the most innovative new products on the market.

Later that night, Industry Night @ SEMA will take place: a brand-new concert event open to event exhibitors and attendees. The Goo Goo Dolls, O.A.R., and Reignwolf are set to perform at the event to cap off SEMA’s first night.

Tuesday and Wednesday evenings will see plenty of industry councils and networks putting on events to attend, which

are also good places to connect with others in the industry.

Later in the week, on Thursday evening, the SEMA Industry Awards Banquet will be another opportunity to make connections. Beginning with a cocktail hour, the awards gala dinner will recognize the winners of titles, including Hall of Fame members, SEMA Person of the Year, Content Creator of the Year, and more. Besides all of that, the SEMA Members Lounge is always a place where you can find people to chat with as well.

Those looking to gain some training from this year’s SEMA will not leave disappointed, with 70 different training sessions being offered. Topics range from marketing to management and repair procedures.

There will especially be a plethora to learn about EVs, as well as other technologies being developed. The FutureTech Studio alone is a space on the show floor that will feature everything related to new vehicle innovations: EVs, hydrogen vehicles, hybrids, synthetic fuels, and every other emerging technology.

With 2,000 parts to be showcased

across 16 different categories, you’ll never be short of new sights to see at SEMA; but some changes to the show will be seen this year. Mainly, the convention center will be undergoing an expansion and is currently under renovation. While the show will still occupy the same halls, the outside will look a little different.

“There still will be an activation where you’ll be able to see cars and products in practical use right in front of the show, but it’s just going to look a little different, because we’ve got some new partners doing that, and we’ve just gotten a new footprint to be able to do it within,” explains Gattuso. “So we’re excited to be able to bring that new look.”

SEMA Fest, a concert taking place on Friday evening following the show, will now be located on the SEMA Show grounds, and will run for one day instead of two. Last year, the concert was just slightly out of convenient walking distance, around three quarters of a mile away. Performing acts will include Cage the Elephant, Sublime, Fitz and the Tantrums, and Petey.

Additionally, all 31 hours of this year’s SEMA Show will also be livestreamed, allowing those unable to physically attend the event to still experience it and see what it’s like from anywhere.

“We’re excited about that because there are some people who may not be able to attend the show, or don’t know enough about it as to whether they think it can help their business, and we’re going to really be able to show them what’s happening on the show floor,” says Gattuso.

AAPEX 2024

AAPEX will kick off on Monday with its evening reception, hosted in the level two lobby. It will be a great opportunity to see both some new and familiar faces, and to prepare for the week ahead.

Tuesday morning will start off with the keynote breakfast, which will be a ticketed event. This year, Ratchet+Wrench columnist Kathleen Callahan will be interviewing sports broadcaster Erin Andrews, followed by a panel discussion between the newly appointed CEOs of several companies, including Advance Auto Parts,

Arnold Oil Company, AutoZone, Genuine Parts Company, and O’Reilly Auto Parts.

That evening will then see the Service and Repair Reception, which this year will take place on the show floor from 4-6 p.m. and is open to anyone. The winners of the AAPEX Service and Repair Awards will be named during this event.

With just under 60 training sessions currently slated for AAPEX, those looking for a chance to expand their skill set will have plenty of options. Educational topics span from technical training to business management and HR, with most sessions lasting around two hours.

Many of the programs being offered will be hosted by AAPEX partners, such as Worldpac; and, for the first time, AAPEX will be partnering with the ATRA Powertrain Expo this year to have a section on the show floor about transmission repair.

The EV Experience stage in Joe’s Garage—which makes up the entire downstairs area and is focused on service and repair—will be expanding, with all spaces for EV presentations already being

sold out. Another stage focused on ADAS will be added to Joe’s Garage this year, and a third new stage, focused on sustainability, is also being introduced upstairs.

Joe’s Garage has featured a simulated shop with vehicle bays and running cars set up, but it will look a little different this year. Live training will be conducted in bay six of the garage, including a session on diagnostics and repairs on Teslas.

The conference will expand into Caesars Forum, an exhibit space that opened a few years ago across the street from the Venetian Expo. Free boxed lunches will be offered to buyers at Caesars Forum all three days of the show.

“If you go out the back of the expo, it is ... I’ve been told 117 steps, which is oddly specific. But it gives you kind of an idea of how close it is,” tells Finnerty.

One of the most exciting events planned for AAPEX 2024, though, is a new student competition that will take place Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in Joe’s Garage. Seven different vocational schools will be sending a group of students who will compete to rebuild an engine the fastest.

“That’s going to be fun; it’ll be just a cool way to engage with some students, in addition to also being a live, fun element to add a little excitement on the show floor,” says Finnerty.

Are You Ready?

All of this is just a glimpse at what all AAPEX and SEMA will both have to offer. To get the most out of your experience and know what sessions and events are a perfect fit for you, both shows offer mobile applications providing info on what sessions, events, and exhibitors you can find at the show.

Ultimately, one of the best things to do at AAPEX and SEMA is to give yourself time to explore. Be sure and pack comfy shoes, and let yourself take a moment to walk around and soak everything in.

“When we build this pop-up city and see everybody come, you can feel the momentum as you’re walking through the show,” describes Gattuso. “You can hear the conversations happening; and you’re not hearing a specific conversation, but you’re hearing this buzz of conversation that really translates itself into opportunity.”

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Toledo, Ohio, Public Schools Open Electric Vehicle Training Center for Students, Technicians

Toledo, Ohio has welcomed the launch of a $5 million electric vehicle training facility for students as well as technicians looking to expand their skills, reports WTOL 11.

The EV Lab is housed within an 11,000 square foot facility, equipped with six vehicle lifts, solar panels on the roof, and one of only six Model 3 Tesla trainer vehicles in the world.

Training will be aimed towards junior and senior students at Toledo Technology Academy of Engineering, as well as technicians already in the workforce. Start High School’s Auto Technology Program will also utilize the EV Lab to study both EVs and internal combustion engines.

Each class will have a maximum of 25 students, with each of them gaining several certifications upon completion of their studies, including ASE xEV Electrical Safety Awareness Certification Level 1 and 2 as well as multiple certifications from Snap-On specific to tools, and 3M personal protective equipment certifications.

“These kids will not only be ready for industry but more importantly, be gainfully employed at 18 years of age,” said Toledo Public Schools Superintendent Romules Durant. “This also allows UAW members who are currently in the training force to get trained on electric vehicles as well to advance themselves and their careers.”

Mid-Atlantic Auto Care Alliance Opens Registration for Super Saturday Event

The Mid-Atlantic Auto Care Alliance has opened registration for its upcoming Super Saturday event this November, according to a news release.

Taking place in Trevose, Pennsylvania, November 15 and 16, the event is aimed towards both those with extensive industry experience and newcomers. The event will largely be comprised of training events on issues impacting both technicians and managers. There are several seminars to choose from, including ones on diagnostic work, hybrid vehicles, leadership and shop culture, and more.

Additionally, a trade show will take place at noon on Friday and again on Saturday morning.

More information about the event this November can be found on MAACA’s website.

Automotive Service Association Releases Stance on U.S. Electric Vehicle Transition

The Automotive Service Association has released its official stance on federal goals for transitioning to electric vehicles in a recent press release.

In its statement, ASA claimed that the pace of EV transition outlined in regulations from the Environmental Protection Agency is something independent repair shops will struggle to keep up with.

While many shops have already invested into EV services, ASA predicted that by 2032, independent shops will need to put in bigger investments than they were initially planning on to meet EPA’s current goals. This may include EV training, equipment, and space to accommodate EV work.

ASA added that as the federal government pursues its goals for EVs, it must make an effort to ensure independent businesses have the resources they need to accommodate this market.

“The automotive repair industry isn’t pro- or anti- EV,” said Aaron Clements, mechanical director on the ASA Board of Directors and chairman of the Southern Automotive Service Association. “We just want to make sure that we can repair the vehicles that our customers bring to us. This statement accurately reflects where our industry stands and allows us to educate lawmakers on our industry’s needs.”

U.S. Investing $50M Into Automotive Suppliers to Accommodate Electric Vehicles

The U.S. Department of Energy is investing $50 million to help small and medium-sized businesses accommodate the electric vehicle supply chain, according to a White House press release.

The funds will be used to help automotive suppliers make necessary upgrades to manufacturing facilities to accommodate the EV market.

Eligible grant recipients must be a state, territory, or the District of Columbia; have a workforce of at least 0.5% that are in the automotive sector; and must qualify for at least $4 million of the funding.

Under these guidelines, six states would be eligible for the following amounts:

• Michigan: $18,406,420.45

• Ohio: $9,373,236.32

• Indiana: $8,770,249.81

• Kentucky: $4,876,458.57

• Tennessee: $4,513,688.68

• Illinois: $4,059,946.17

The deadline for states to apply for funding is on Oct. 15, 2024.

In addition, $1.5 million will also be used to create and refine a Small Supplier EV Transition Playbook to help suppliers of internal combustion engines with expanding their business model.

The news comes after the announcement of a $100 million grant back in May for preparing small and mediumsized parts suppliers for EVs.

ATI Receives ASE Accreditation for Automotive Training Courses

ATI has received Continuing Automotive Service Education accreditation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, according to a recent press release.

Courses offered by ATI include a combination of online lessons, instructor-led training, and testing to train technicians on major systems.

Students are also able to earn Level 1, 2, and 3 certificates for completing the designated system qualifications, as well as diplomas for work on various HVAC and electrical systems.

“I use the training materials to enhance my understanding of systems and encourage my technicians to do the same,” shared Jason Bougie of Neil’s Motors. “I also watch it with my team to get everyone up to speed on new systems.”

Other training organizations that have earned CASE accreditation from ASE include 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division, BMW of North America, General Motors Service Technical College, Toyota, and Penske Truck Leasing.

“ATI didn’t just meet ASE standards, we exceeded them, particularly in

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course design,” said ATI COO Ron Greenman. “This five-year ASE accreditation comes at a crucial time when skilled technicians are scarce and in-house training systems are costly for many businesses.”

Auto Repair Shop Accountants Issue Warning

Over Corporate Transparency Act

Paar Melis & Associates, a company specializing in accounting services for auto repair shops, has released a statement warning businesses of notices they may receive about the new Corporate Transparency Act.

According to the company, several of its clients have been receiving emails telling them they need to register their business with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network—or FinCEN—this year, or face fines of $500 or more.

These emails typically attempt to charge business owners a fee in exchange to have the form filed. However, it’s actually a process that takes just minutes and basic information, such as an EIN and a copy of your driver’s license.

For those needing to file the required forms, Paar Melis & Associates have provided a video tutorial guiding you through the process.

“There have been lots of questions surrounding this new requirement to file these reports. There is a lot of companies soliciting business owners to file this on their behalf for a fee, there is no reason to do that as its an easy DIY project that should take about five minutes,” the tutorial’s description stated.

Over 700 Ford Mavericks Recalled, Again, Over Dealers Not Completing Repairs

Though Ford issued a recall of its Mavericks earlier this year, Kelley Blue Book reports it’s having to issue another recall for the same issue due to dealers not completing the prescribed repairs— unbeknownst to drivers.

In April, the automaker recalled over 400,000 Bronco Sport and Maverick vehicles due to the vehicle failing to detect a failing battery, leading to loss of power.

In response, dealers were told to recalibrate the body and power train

control modules on recalled vehicles; the problem is, this simply wasn’t done on some of the vehicles brought in.

According to documents filed with NHTSA from Ford, dealers recorded some Mavericks as being repaired, despite not implementing the software update. As a result, many vehicle owners left the dealership, mistakenly thinking their trucks were safe to operate again.

Over 750 of model year 2022 Ford Mavericks are now recalled. Dealers are, once again, instructed to install the software update to repair these vehicles.

In a time when many recall notices are failing to even reach consumers in the first place, it’s crucial to get the fix right when vehicle owners are alerted.

This isn’t the first time such an incident has happened with Ford, either; back in February, a federal whistleblower revealed that Ford had loosened its requirements for recall repairs, allowing lower-level service technicians to carry out the jobs.

General Motors, Hyundai Team up to Combat High Vehicle Prices, Supply Chain Issues

General Motors and Hyundai Motor Corp have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to collaborate in developing vehicles and improving the automotive supply chain, Reuters reports.

As part of a framework agreement signed by Hyundai Motor Group Executive Chair Euisun Chung and GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra, the two automakers announced yesterday they would come together to reduce costs and get products to customers faster.

Some specific areas of collaboration outlined included developing and producing passenger and commercial vehicles, internal combustion engines, and clean energy technology together. They also detailed plans to integrate their sourcing for supplies, like battery raw materials, and steel.

The two companies added that they will immediately begin discussing the possibility of, and working towards, potential binding agreements.

“Our goal is to unlock the scale and creativity of both companies to deliver even more competitive vehicles to customers faster and more efficiently,” said Barra.

WHAT’S KEEPING SHOP OWNERS AWAKE AT NIGHT?

As the technician shortage challenges auto repair shop owners across the U.S., there is a need to find and hire qualified technicians to take up the mantle left by those techs who are now retiring.

According to the 2024 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey Report, for 55% of shop owners—down 15% from 2023—the ability to find and employ auto technicians remains the biggest difficult obstacle to

overcome while the second major concern of shop owners was related to the country’s continuing inflation.

Here are the top three things keeping shop owners up at night:

ACCELERATED DIAGNOSTIC & AUTOMOTIVE

A look at what’s made Matthew Wagg’s shop culture a success

Matthew Wagg started his auto repair shop from the ground up. Accelerated Diagnostic & Automotive began in his home garage as a part-time job, while he worked as a training instructor full-time.

“I didn’t know a whole lot about business at that time, it was kind of a hobby still,” Wagg said. “So, I started taking some business classes at the university, and I ended up working with a consulting group at the University of Nebraska. By August 2020, my wife and I signed a lease and opened the shop the Tuesday after Labor Day.

THE CUSTOMER-CENTRIC APPROACH

Amongst the clean black and white sign out front, the grey and white checkered

lobby floor, and the smooth wood and granite front desk, an appealing atmosphere is just the beginning of what this repair shop has to offer.

With free Wi-Fi and after-hours drop-off, this shop knows how to make its customers comfortable, but it also understands the importance of building trust with its guests.

“I spent eight years in my career as a training instructor, and it ingrained in me the importance of helping people understand the why behind stuff,” Wagg said. “A key to education is people must know what’s in it for them before they believe in it and buy into it. I want to educate each customer, make them feel heard, and have them understand what’s wrong with their car and what we’re going to do to fix and prevent it from happening again.”

ADDING A PERSONAL TOUCH

Additionally, to help further its education and transparency with customers, the shop has a slew of in-the-know blog posts available on the company website.

“I write all of those myself and enjoy sharing different information about our industry or different things we see in the shop,” Wagg said. “Again, it goes back into that education piece. I’m a very big believer that people want to do business with those that they know, they like, and they trust. Blogging allows people to know me because they see how I write and how I communicate.

Accelerated Diagnostic & Automotive, knows to create loyal customers good relationships are key. “We’re very value-driven here,” Wagg said. “We live by making good decisions on behalf of our customers.”

MEASURE, MANAGE & MASTER

Investing in Education is Easier Than You Think

A small weekly investment can pay off greatly on the other side

I am surprised, as I sit down to write this, that we are already entering the final quarter of this calendar year! I often share the Gretchen Rubin quote with people who have small children, “The days are long, but the years are short,” and I am finding that it is becoming more true today than I ever felt it was! Let’s tiptoe into the conversation about goal planning for 2025, starting with my encouragement of you to choose at least one conference to attend and start saving to go now. Attending these training conferences is worth the investment and will pay for itself as soon as you return to your shop and begin to implement the things you learned. If you can bring someone along with you, it’s even better because you can split up and attend more classes, then share the notes and learning with each other and then your team at the shop. The most common objection I hear is that it’s too expensive. To that, I ask you, can you afford not to?

Here are two recommendations to debunk that myth that you are believing. First, go back and read my previous articles. I bet you’ll find at least one way to bring in more money to pay for the trip! Maybe more than one. Second, plan for it! Put it in the budget. Make it nonnegotiable. As we all know, a goal that isn’t written down is just a dream, so let’s make this a SMARTER goal! (See my March 2024 Callahan: Get Smart(er))

HERE IS YOUR GOAL STATEMENT:

I will attend the 2025 Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference and bring (designate a person) with me. I am budgeting $7,800 to cover two registrations, four nights in the conference hotel, two air fares, and some extra for food and a little fun. I will ensure that I meet Kathleen Callahan, (other industry expert), and (other industry expert) while I am there. Before I head to the conference location, I will look at and strategize with my companion which classes each of us

will attend so we maximize the investment I am making.

I suggest getting a poster board, writing this in the middle, and then signing it. Make it into a contract with yourself! Want to get fancy? Print out a picture of the conference logo, pictures of the people you want to meet at that conference, add them to this and hang it in a place where you will see it every single day!

Then, to actually achieve this goal, set out to save $150 per week beginning this week. That’s 1 billed labor hour a week. If it is more than one hour, please email me. Let’s have a conversation about how to fix that. If you’re not a great saver, open a separate account, automatically transfer that $150 weekly, and mark your progress on your goal poster.

I believe that is a minor investment in yourself and your future that will pay you great dividends on the other side. This goal meets almost all of the SMARTER criteria. It is:

S pecific: R+W Management Conference

Measurable: Save $7,800, $150 per week

A chievable: I can add one more billed hour a week to shop production

R elevant: Our industry is advancing at record speeds, and I need to train to stay current.

T ime-bound: Q4 2025

Evaluate: Marked on your calendar weekly and reevaluate monthly to be sure you are on pace.

R evise: The amount needed may fluctuate depending on location, flights, etc. Make sure you keep an eye on the total needed and revise your weekly goal as necessary.

Kathleen Callahan has owned Florida’s Xpertech Auto Repair for 20 years. In 2020, she joined Repair Shop of Tomorrow as a coach to pursue her passion for developing people and creating thriving shop cultures. Callahan is the 2018 Women in Auto Care Shop Owner of the Year, nationally recognized by AAA for three consecutive years, testified for Right to Repair on Capitol Hill, and is vice chair of Women in Auto Care.

kathleencallahanfl@gmail.com

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The Electric Transition:

Preparing Your Techs

Having technicians that understand and can work on EVs will expand the service offering of most auto repair shops

As the automotive aftermarket prepares for a future featuring more electric vehicles, independent auto repair shops have an important decision regarding how they will approach not only service and repair but the training of their technicians.

Once novel, electric vehicles are becoming more prominent on the highway. According to S&P Global Mobility’s data, electric vehicle sales in the United States “could reach 40% of total passenger car sales by 2030.” If so, independent repair shops still have time to capture this opportunity by investing in quality training and proper tools to prepare their technicians for EV maintenance and repair.

As reported in the 2024 Ratchet+Wrench Industry Survey Report, 47% of auto repair shop owners have set their sights on electric vehicle work within the next five years. Endeavor Business Media automotive research firm IMR reports show that 59.2% of shop owners with 4-7 bays have invested in training for their technicians to work on electric vehicles with 54.6% of those shops reporting that they believe the increase of EVs and hybrids on the road will impact their shops.

With the Biden Administration pushing for an all-electric, sustainable future and automakers caught in the crossfire of meeting that federal demand while the consumer market shifts its position on EVs (it’s less confident), shops now have a renewed opportunity to get caught up on the training necessary to work on these vehicles.

Ratchet+Wrench spoke to three industry professionals to get their position on the importance and necessity of electric vehicle training, each with a different perspective, but whose outcome echoes the same message: train now.

The Educator

David Macholz is the founder of Advanced Vehicle Technology Group, an organization dedicated to educating technicians. He has a background in automotive education and technician training—on the high school, collegiate level, and professional circuit—with a focus on vehicle electrification, advanced driver assistance systems, and other emerging technologies.

Macholz’s says his primary goal is to get students excited about the industry. In the classroom, he adds that the 168 automotive students who entered the program at Suffolk Community College (New York) are excited about the automotive industry, its career possibilities, and the opportunity to go to school for something they’re passionate about.

“They’re excited about technological changes in the industry and I think a lot of students are starting to see this as more of a technological field than dirty (one)— you know, sort of the perception of what we’ve been trying to fight as an industry for years that this is a dirty job that kids who don’t do so well in school should take,” Macholz says.

One of the challenges he faces as a classroom educator is access. Since electric vehicle service and repair is new to many

automotive programs in higher education, schools are still looking for ways to purchase EVs for students to work on and acquire the necessary tools and equipment.

What differentiates this generation of student techs from working techs in training is how they see EVs—today’s students see them as any other car, which means their education is integrated and not additional.

“If you think about the aftermarket, we have a lot of shops that have said for years, and this started when hybrids came out, I don’t think I want to work on that. That’s not something I want to learn, or it’s something I may be a little bit afraid to work on it. But this generation of students, as they start, when these vehicles are in their training programs

and they’re working on that vehicle the same way they would as an ICE engine vehicle, they don’t have that same perception. (They say) this is just my job,” Macholz says.

Macholz says young techs coming into shops are ready to work on advanced technology and want to work in an environment that will nurture that curiosity and desire and provide them with a clear career path forward. Today’s students look at automotive with the same pride they would a career in IT or cybersecurity. They’re also eager to learn and continue their personal and professional growth beyond the classroom and eventually beyond the shop, which he thinks shop owners should embrace and encourage.

“What we have to do is we have to paint a picture for individuals that enter shops to show them what are the steps that it takes to get to the next level. And what’s the level after that? And how do they keep going? And how do they keep stacking new skills and new experiences and maybe new certifications to move up the career ladder? I think that’s going to be paramount for shops in terms of retention to keep them engaged,” Macholz says.

In creating Advanced Vehicle Technology Group, Macholz seeks to become that resource for continuing technician training in electric vehicles and emerging technologies. He wants his outfit to be a spoke in the hub of high-quality training that can be found around the industry.

NAPA EV Ready instructor Bill Weaver trains techs from shops around the country on EV maintenance and repair in a classroom setting at Stark State College in N. Canton, Ohio.

Over the past two years, have you seen an increase in the number of battery electric vehicles coming to your shop for service or repair?

Nearly all shops have seen an increase in BEVs coming to their shop for service.

“I think we have to have a continuing education plan for the industry as well to make sure that folks are engaging with what resources are out there and available, whether it’s in-person or online training or some of the new software and app-based programs that are out there to just engage them,” Macholz says.

He adds that auto repair shop owners should make it a priority to get involved with high schools, technical schools, and community colleges to help close the feedback loop these institutions need to produce industry-ready auto techs who can come from the classroom to the bay and be an asset to helping shops with electric vehicle work from the start.

I think also the challenge for employers is realizing no matter how good of a job a school does, they’re going to have to have a role in the development of a technician ...”
—David Macholz, founder/educator,

“I think it’s paramount for the industry to say, ‘Hey, here’s what we expect of students coming out of programs’ and us aligning programs to those needs if that makes sense. It seems like there’s like a break in the feedback loop between schools and shops. I think if a shop is used to getting students that are not skilled, there becomes some disengagement, right?” Macholz adds.

Macholz says that given the continuous development and advancement in electric vehicle technology and the need for auto repair shop technicians to be prepared for these vehicles as they become more common in independent repair facilities around the country, the need for training will be constant beyond formal technical education.

“I think also the challenge for employers is realizing no matter how good of a job a school does, they’re going to have to have a role in the development of a technician,

(Source: Graph data based on 1,000 responses collected by IMR.)

even if that technician went through a career program at a high school, a community college, or a technical school.”

The Trainer

Genuine Parts Company automotive instructor and ASE master technician Bill Weaver has spent more than 35 years in the automotive industry. His resume includes 25 years as a transmission specialist and diagnostician and 10 years as an instructor. In August, he trained several technicians from NAPA Autocare Centers at Stark State College Automotive Technology Center in North Canton, Ohio, on electric vehicle safety, repair, and maintenance.

Weaver’s journey into electrification began in 2012 with the purchase of his first hybrid vehicle, a Ford Fusion. “We had a 2012, a 2014, a 2017, then we had

a 2019 Lincoln MKZ. I’ve always had Ford hybrids.,” Weaver notes. Before training technicians on electric vehicles, Weaver taught hybrid vehicle technology not realizing one day he would become an in-demand training expert for electric vehicles. “I got into it because the future was very apparent. I’ve had four automotive careers—this is my fourth,” Weaver says. (His first three being a gas station garage line tech, running a transmission shop, and an instructor.)

In 2022, NAPA came knocking, and with it the opportunity for Weaver to have a dedicated teaching space at Stark State College, one which they’d provide. In August, Weaver taught eight technicians at the facility. As a trainer, he maintains a full calendar of training events.

“Right now, I just set a schedule for next year. I think I put out 11 Level 1s and

eight Level 2s. That allows me to build the classes and maintain the classes. I’m only one guy, and there’s an immense amount of trade shows that they’ve got me doing next year,” Weaver says, mentioning VISION and AAPEX as part of his training circuit.

For technicians to train at Stark State College with Weaver, they need to have an ASE A6 certification and two years of shop experience prior to applying. Weaver says that while it’s not his place to tell a shop owner how to move his facility forward into electrification, he believes the owner needs to first have a vision for how EV service and repair will look in their shop. He also contends that those who are forward-thinking will know what to do concerning EV readiness and technician training.

“You can’t drive your car looking out the rearview mirror,” Weaver says. “If you bought

Weaver says shop owners looking to service EVs should commit one tech to EV training who can then return to their shop teach others.

your 1234YF machine before everybody else in the neighborhood did, you already sewed up that market. If you decided to invest in ADAS because it’s on every vehicle and you already do alignments and you do work for body shops, you’re ahead of the curve.”

He recommends that shop owners dipping their toe in the water of electric vehicle service and maintenance choose one technician to train in electric. This technician can learn the gamut of EV work and teach other technicians in the shop. He says that having at least one tech available to work on EVs will prevent potential customers who may have purchased an EV from having to find another shop to work on their car.

Weaver adds that auto repair shop owners owe it to their customers and their teams to be prepared, particularly as many electric vehicles begin to age out of their manufacturer’s warranties and will need the services independent auto repair shops offer. Whether you want to be an EV shop or not is arbitrary, he adds, stating that eventually a Telsa with a broken control arm or one in need of a 12-volt battery will find its way into your bay—and you need to be ready to service it.

“I would say as a shop owner, if you’re forward-looking, you at least have to think about getting one guy involved in it, honestly, (it’s an) investment,” Weaver says. “They’re building over a million of those things a year, you’re going to see one. With the fact that they are now used cars and they are secondary market cars, anybody can buy these things now. They’re everywhere. Hertz has flooded the market with cheap ones. They’re out there.”

By selecting a technician to become your shop’s EV training ambassador and investing in their training, Weaver says it sends a clear message to the technician, who then feels valued by the shop owner. “When somebody sent me to training, you know what I thought about that owner? ‘Man, I’m like a partner now,’” Weaver says.

Weaver acknowledges that some auto repair shop owners fear investing in their technicians worrying that they’ll gain the knowledge and skills only to take them to another shop. Weaver says that’s when a shop owner needs to take inventory of how they’re hiring.

I would say as a shop owner, if you’re forwardlooking, you at least have to think about getting one guy involved in it, honestly, (it’s an) investment”
—Bill Weaver, trainer, NAPA EV Ready

“If you hired the right guy, he wants to go to training. And if you hired the right guy, he’s going to keep that training in your shop. It’s a benefit. And if you’re worried about him leaving after you train him, maybe you need to make a better environment for him to be in,” Weaver says.

And when you invest in training, it improves your retention, it improves your culture, and it keeps your technicians engaged.

“That person feels like, ‘Wow, I’m a part of this team, you invested in me. Now I’m going to stick around and help build this because I’m out here training eight hours a day, four days a week,” Weaver says.

When training, Weaver works between classroom and shop instruction. What’s taught from the front of the class is reinforced in real-time on varying electric vehicles in the shop. Weaver instructs and observes, pushing technicians towards one another to learn in clusters together. Every so often, he’ll shuffle them amongst one another to have them teaching and training one another. By the middle of the week, Weaver fades back a bit and allows them to problem-solve together to reinforce their learning and to grow through collaboration. He calls it his Homer Simpson into the tree line impression, after the famous internet meme of the popular animated character who fades inconspicuously into the trees to not have his exit noticed.

“I watch them start teaching one another and that’s the moment where I realize this stuff has all been imparted. They’re going back and forth, and I’ll listen and listen and listen. I let them walk right over to the guard rail and look over to the abyss, and then grab them by the belt buckle. Don’t go over that edge,” Weaver

says, highlighting his teaching style that allows the techs to learn through recall.

“I have not not been impressed by any single technician that’s been here so far,” says Weaver.

He says shops historically only send their best techs and he wants techs to train who have a goal to achieve. Techs begin with the first level class dubbed “electrically aware technician.” Techs in this program should understand 12-volt cars and the operation of shops and regular automobiles, air conditioning, et cetera, and they’re introduced to the concept, the risks, and the proper way to service anything that has to do with high voltage. It also covers personal protective gear and electric vehicle service safety. He asserts that safety is up to the individual technician since only they know if they’re safe.

“Can Clyde tell you you’re safe? Can Joey tell you you’re safe? Nope, only I can tell me I’m safe,” Weaver says. “How do you know if you’re safe? By trusting the equipment and the testing techniques that you’ve been taught to use. So, we make them actually do the technique.”

From safety protocols, techs use tools and learn how and why they’re used on electric vehicles. Then they try the tools, learn to read voltage meters, understand current, and then the light bulb goes off. That’s what Weaver loves. Weaver believes in a full tactile experience, which was born out of his frustration with the American education system.

“Mechanics are tactile learners. They’ve always been tactile learners,” Weaver says. “They can read it, but if they touch it and do it, they own it. If they touch it and do it one time, it’s there. If I can get them to touch it and do it and then teach it to somebody, what’s the retention on that? It’s a lifetime—that’s what this program does.

“My goal for the technicians is to go back with that EV swagger.”

The Technician  Curiosity. That’s what Isaiah Davis, a Gen Z auto technician at Turbo Tim’s Anything Automotive, with three locations across Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, says was the catalyst that piqued his interest in the service and maintenance of electric vehicles. “I grew to like them,” he adds, “I’m seeing them every day, and I want to start progressing in my (EV) automotive knowledge and skills.”

Has your shop invested in training for your technicians that focus on repairing electric or hybrid vehicles?

Yes No

More techs should be crosstrained on EVs and more techs in the shop should be doing it. They’re going to become more popular, and the further you get behind, the less room for you in this industry.
—Isaiah Davis, technician, Turbo Tim’s Anything Automotive

Davis says his coworkers don’t have the same passion for working on electric vehicles, so he has taken it upon himself to be the go-to technician for all things electric at the shop. It’s not uncommon for technicians to gravitate toward specific vehicle interests in the shop environment, but as electrification—and even ADAS—become more prominent components of vehicle repair, shops tend to follow a similar pattern like that at Turbo Tim’s where one tech takes the lead on new technology and introduces it to the others in the shop.

“I want to be the tech that can get other people more interested in it here,” Davis says.

Davis took a pioneering approach to learning how to repair the vehicles, mostly self-training through a handson approach. Additional training came

(Source: Graph data based on 1,000 responses collected by IMR.)

Do you believe that the increasing number of electric and hybrid vehicles on the road will have an impact on your business within the next two years?

Unlike larger shops, smaller shops do not believe increasing VIO of BEV/HEV will effect them in the next two years.

Yes No Don’t Know

8+ Bays

4-7 Bays

1-3 Bays

through courses from The Group, offered by Turbo Tim’s, VISION Hi-Tech Training & Expo—“I took all those classes,” he adds—and one with Electron John, an industry EV and engine performance trainer. “I also watch all his YouTube videos. He’s really got me to look more into it,” Davis says.

He says it’s important for technicians to dip their toes into the water and learn how to service and repair EVs as they become more prominent. The repair of electric vehicles won’t be as complex as internal combustion engine vehicles, but understanding how they work, what breaks, and how to service them is important, according to Davis. He believes from a career mobility standpoint, younger techs who grasp the knowledge will fare best in their shops.

“I think the more we get into it as early as we can, the more beneficial it will be for us to ease into other fully electric vehicles. So, if you start there and work your way up, you’re going to build up (your skills) to be a future technician in this industry rather than staying behind,” Davis states.

Davis believes adequate training is available and techs should capitalize on it when the opportunity arises to keep their shop competitive with the dealerships who more often first crack at OEM-level EV training.

“I think there’s a lot of like manufacturers not wanting to release (training) to us right now, and it would be nice to get everything that we can right away so that we can learn but dealers don’t like giving out information to us, so I think the longer EVs are in the public eye, the more access we will have to further training and testing and everything,” Davis says.

For Davis, he has forward-thinking employers in Tim Suggs and Rachel Grewell, who allow him to train as much as he needs. Suggs has even allowed Davis to work on his personal EV. “He’s had me work on his Tesla a few times,” he says.

He says it’s important for auto repair shop owners to identify techs who have an interest in learning electric vehicle repair and maintenance and find ways to get them trained to become an asset to your shop.

“Don’t be afraid to take a risk. Just jump right into it,” Davis encourages, adding that for technicians, EV work is not as intimidating as some might think.

“More techs should be cross-trained on EVs and more techs in the shop should be doing it. They’re going to become more popular, and the further you get behind, the less room for you in this industry,” Davis says. “You can’t just stay working on one vehicle. So, whether it’s an EV market or if it’s a hydrogen market, you’ve got to learn how to do that. It’s going to be inevitable at this point.”

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HOW AUTO REPAIR SHOPS CAN GET STARTED WITH VIDEO MARKETING

Video marketing can be a way to promote a shop and reach new, younger potential customers

Engagement with video has become essential in today’s online space, with platforms like TikTok, Meta and YouTube competing for viewers’ attention. Auto repair shops can leverage video to market their services, provide behind-the-scenes looks at their operations and educate clients on auto maintenance.

In this article, we explore insights from Chris Enright, the successful shop owner of Enright Automotive, a one-bay facility in Alexandria, Ohio, with a vast TikTok following, and Brian Walker, co-founder of Shop Marketing Pros, on how shop owners can dive into video marketing.

Video marketing is a powerful tool for auto repair shops because it helps build trust and familiarity with your audience. People prefer to do business with those they know, like, and trust, says Walker. Video is the best medium to achieve this, providing a face-to-face feel even online.

With 61K TikTok followers and growing, Chris Enright emphasizes the importance of video in increasing your

shop’s presence. Yet, Enright is in the minority regarding the effective use of video marketing.

Why? Many shop owners are hesitant to start video marketing because they don’t like how they look or sound on camera. However, as Brian Walker points out, this hesitation costs them money. “The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll become,” he says.

“Remember, it’s okay if your videos aren’t perfect. Authenticity often resonates more with viewers than polished, high-production videos.”

Getting Started with Equipment

The good news is that getting started with video marketing doesn’t require a massive investment in equipment. Here are some basics to consider:

Smartphone:

Most modern smartphones have excellent video capabilities. For the three years, Enright has been making videos for his

shop. He has predominantly used his iPhone, foregoing any fancy equipment or video editing software.

Tripod :

Walker recommends a basic tripod, many of which can be purchased easily online with a cost of around $25 and will help stabilize your shots.

Wireless Microphone:

Good audio is crucial, especially in noisy shops. Good quality examples cost around $300 and are an excellent option for clear sound.

Creating Engaging Content

When creating videos, focus on content that interests your audience. Enright advises starting with videos about unique or interesting things in your shop. For example, if a squirrel chews through a wiring harness, show it! These surprising elements captivate viewers. He also said the first three seconds are critical for drawing in viewers, so be

sure to hook them with something dramatic or ask a stimulating question.

Walker recommends two main types of videos:

Short-form videos:

Are ideal for platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels. These videos, typically under a minute, should have a hook within the first three seconds to grab viewers’ attention.

Long-form videos:

These videos are suitable for YouTube and Facebook. They can be five to 25 minutes long and should provide detailed content on repairs, diagnostics, and maintenance tips.

A successful video strategy involves consistency and experimentation. Enright suggests starting with two to three weekly videos and gradually increasing as you get more comfortable. He also recommends batch-producing content, such as filming multiple videos in one session to save time.

“When planning content, focus on what you enjoy. If you’re passionate about the topic, it will show in your videos and keep you motivated,” says Enright. He advises experimenting with different types of content to see what resonates with your audience. Regularly review the performance of your videos and adjust your strategy accordingly. He also recommends seeing what other shops are doing with their video content to get ideas.

If creating and editing videos seems daunting, consider partnering with a marketing agency like Shop Marketing Pros. They can guide you through the process, help optimize your content for SEO, and repurpose videos into blogs, social media posts, and emails. They emphasize the importance of not being overly promotional in your videos. Instead, aim to educate and build trust with your audience.

Navigating Social Media Platforms

Choosing the right platforms is key. Enright started with Facebook, then expanded to Instagram and YouTube before moving to TikTok. He found TikTok to offer the fastest growth. Here’s a breakdown of platform benefits:

Facebook :

Great for engaging with an existing audience. Boost posts to increase visibility. Tip: Meta owns Facebook and Instagram,

so you can easily sync your accounts and cross-post to the accounts.

Instagram:

Perfect for short, engaging videos and reaching a younger demographic.

YouTube:

Excellent for longer, in-depth content and improving your search engine optimization (SEO) as Google owns YouTube.

TikTok :

Best for rapid growth and reaching a broad audience quickly.

Incentivizing Your Team

Involve your team in the video-making process. Feature your service advisors and technicians in videos to build a connection

between them and your clients. Offering incentives, such as a day off for the person who creates the most engaging video, can motivate your team to participate. Enright says he is seeing more shops tell potential hires that they will be required to do or participate in videos. For example, he recently hired a new customer service rep at his shop, and she will be helping him do question-and-answer videos, which tend to be very engaging with audiences. Video marketing is a powerful yet underutilized tool in the auto repair industry. By starting now, you can position your shop as an early adopter and gain a significant advantage. As Enright and Walker advise, consistency and authenticity are essential. With the right strategy and tools, video marketing can drive substantial growth for your shop.

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AUTEL’S REMOTE EXPERT AND MAXIFLASH XLINK TABLET

OFFERING QUICK ACCESS TO OE SOFTWARE

Autel tablets lead the aftermarket in vehicle diagnostic coverage in make, model, and year coverage and OEequivalent functionality. They are also noted for their first-to-market support. Still, there are times when only OE tools and software can perform a vehicle service repair or calibration task. Autel developed its Remote Expert to give our users a ready platform for those times. Previously exclusively available on the Autel MaxiSYS Ultra tablets, Remote Expert is now available on the MaxiFlash X-Link standalone touchscreen 3-in-1 programming and communication device. The Remote Expert application and network platform connect technicians with remote module programmers, automotive diagnosticians, and system experts to complete tasks requiring OE data, software, or tools through a peer-to-peer network. Remote Expert capitalizes on the tremendous advancements in multiserver networks and transmission speeds. These advancements enable Experts to transmit software to the control module of a technician's vehicle with sustained low latency if the car is down the block or thousands of miles away.

"Remote Expert is like a virtual lifeline from the technician to an Expert. Whatever the challenge, from a tricky diagnosis to

module programming, a technician can use the platform to reach out to an Expert," Autel's Director of Technical Operations, Maurice Miller, said of the platform at its launch just over two years ago.

Just as your customers trust you with their vehicles, Autel wanted to ensure that the technicians on the Remote Expert platform are worthy of the same level of trust. To this end, Autel Remote Experts are vetted for experience, tool, and software proficiency, and they are insured.

The most posted "jobs" are for module programming, including for replaced powertrain, body control, transmission, anti-lock braking systems control modules, and TSB-prompted flashing to improve vehicle performance, fix bugs, or address specific software issues that have arisen since the vehicle left the dealer. OE Preand Post-Scans are also often requested tasks, followed by requests for Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) cameras and radar calibration assistance. ADAS calibration requests are especially popular among Autel ADAS system users who need the OE-calibration software of newly released vehicles that is not yet available on the Autel systems. The Autel frame systems, including targets and patterns, are used during the calibration.

The X-Link is a Remote Expert-ready

device, a J2534 pass-thru programmer, and an enhanced VCI offering the latest vehicle communication protocols, including CAN-FD and DoIP. With the X-Link and Remote Expert, "Techs can connect with Experts remotely from as close as down the street to thousands of miles away," Miller said. In addition, technicians can pair it with any Autel MaxiSYS Tablet to perform advanced diagnostics or connect it with a Windowsbased PC and the applicable OE software to execute module programming or software updates.

Here's how it works with the X-Link device: Via the MaxiFix app, which is compatible with Apple and Android devices, technicians post an order with vehicle identification and the vehicle issue and submit it to the Remote Expert community. The Expert sends a quote on the job. Once the price is set, the Expert connects his hardware, X-link device, or remote Expert box to one of the Autel multiple pass-through servers. The servers are strategically located throughout the United States to ensure that communication between the Expert's systems and the technician's equipment and vehicle is sent efficiently with the least latency or delay. The technician attaches the X-Link to the car, and the Expert completes the task. Payment is processed electronically.

With Remote Expert, shops don't need to sublet work, wait for a mobile programmer, or spend thousands on OE data and software subscriptions. With the XLink and Remote Expert, help is just a tap away.

THE EVOLUTION OF THE AFTERMARKET IS HERE!

BPROAUTO® AFTERMARKET PARTS ARE O.E.-BACKED AND QUALITY-PACKED.

The digital revolution is advantageous to most every industry, and especially the automotive parts industry. Parts counters, ordering managers and technicians are all seeing major gains in the digital space that are helping them order with increased accuracy and helping them to mitigate returns, perform easier installations and minimize customer wait time due to wrong parts ordered.

Online part search functions are adding value to the parts business.

“We’ve noticed that the parts industry has added several features to their parts ordering platforms,” said Alexis Mellos, bproauto ® digital executive. “Our goal when creating bproautoparts.com was to take a flexible approach to hard data to make it the most intuitive, user-friendly parts portal out there.”

There are six different search capabilities that enhance the customer experience and make parts ordering in the digital space more flexible. Not so incidentally, they are all available on bproautoparts.com.

Six ways to search for parts on bproautoparts.com:

1. Search by parts category

Searching an entire parts category like windshield wiper blades or brake pads is common on some parts websites. Searching by category can be most beneficial when you are not yet well-versed about the part you are ordering and need more information beyond the part number.

“On bproautoparts.com,” said Mellos, “our parts category search offers the searcher several details

about parts features, testing, warranty and more, including all of the available part numbers.”

2. Search by brand part number

“If you know a part number, typing it into a search field to find details or availability is an easy feature to use, as long as the platform provides a helpful output,” said Mellos. “We have made certain that when a user types in a bproauto part number that they are offered parts information, as well as crossreference information, so they are certain that when they go to order, they’ll get the exact part they need.”

3. Search by competitor part number Parts manufacturers realize that sometimes technicians and repair facilities want to try new brands, or their customer has requested a specific parts brand for their repair. For these instances, bproautoparts.com offers a feature that lets the user type in a competitor’s part number, then feeds them back the compatible bproauto part number for the vehicle and the repair.

4. Search by VIN VIN searching is quickly becoming industry standard and is extremely helpful when multiple repairs are made at once. For example, if a vehicle comes in for a full brake job, oil change and a wiper blade replacement, a VIN search should show all the available parts for the vehicle, making ordering simple and less time consuming than searching each part individually.

5. Search by year, make and model

Typically, a year, make and model search will return the same output as the VIN search and is used for the same purposes. It’s helpful, however, when a VIN isn’t visible or entering the alternate fields can save time.

6. Upload an Excel inventory worksheet

While you may experience some of the other search functions mentioned within the context of this article, you probably haven’t used a cross-reference tool like the Excel inventory worksheet upload unless you are already using bproautoparts.com.

Simplicity is key.

“We wanted to make stocking shelves with bproauto parts as simple as possible for our users. So we talked to several parts departments and repair facilities to see how they managed their inventory. We found that many used Excel,” said Mellos.

“With that information,” Mellos continued, “we decided to offer a feature on our platform where the user can upload an inventory worksheet and we will return a worksheet replacing the part number with bproauto part numbers. Everyone who uses it seems to love it.” No matter how you choose to search for parts, the two keys to successful searches are simplicity and accuracy. That is part of the bproauto parts strategy, to provide quality, competitively priced, O.E.backed aftermarket parts that fit, work and last, and to make those parts easy to find and attain.

SAFE & SECURE

APPROACH TO KEY SOFTWARE

Launch Tech USA, a leader in the automotive diagnostic tool industry, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF). This collaboration is set to revolutionize the automotive industry by addressing critical issues surrounding vehicle security and the integrity of automotive repair services.

KEY OBJECTIVES

VEHICLE OWNERS: REDUCING CAR THEFT

Launch Tech USA and NASTF will work together to implement advanced technologies and protocols that aid in reducing car theft and keeping vehicles where they belong; with their owners.

PREVENTING TOOL AND PROPERTY LOSSES

By enhancing the security measures surrounding these tools, the partnership seeks to safeguard valuable assets within the automotive repair industry.

MITIGATING RISKS TO LOCKSMITHS

Through this partnership, Launch Tech USA and NASTF will work to reduce these risks by ensuring that locksmiths have access to secure and reliable tools, minimizing their exposure to potential threats.

LAUNCH TECH’S X-431 THROTTLE V

HOW THE X-431 THROTTLE V ENHANCES VEHICLE DIAGNOSTICS AND REPAIR ACCURACY

Standing as the pinnacle of the X-431 family of professional automotive scan tools, the Throttle V embodies the latest in cutting-edge technology, offering unparalleled diagnostic and repair efficiency for automotive professionals. Launched in Spring 2024, the X-431 Throttle V is designed to meet the needs of modern automotive repair shops and technicians. Engineered with a keen focus on automotive intelligence, it boasts a seamless, quick navigation system paired with ergonomic handling. These features collectively set a new standard for what can be achieved in vehicle diagnostics and repairs, making the X-431 Throttle V the most powerful tool in Launch Tech USA’s lineup.

At the heart of the X-431 Throttle V is its impressive hardware. It runs on Android 13, powered by a 2.0GHz 8-core processor, ensuring lightning-fast performance. The device comes equipped with 12GB of memory and a substantial 512GB of storage, allowing for efficient processing and storage of extensive diagnostic data. The 13.6-inch display screen with a resolution of 2560x1600 offers a clear and detailed view, crucial for accurate diagnostics. Additionally, its 9,360 mAh battery at 7.6V/71.1Wh ensures prolonged usage without frequent recharges, making it a reliable companion in busy automotive environments. Dual-frequency Wi-Fi (2.4GHz & 5GHz) guarantees robust and uninterrupted connectivity, essential for accessing realtime data and updates.

Lightning-Fast Performance

In the fast-paced environment of

automotive repair shops, efficiency is crucial. The X-431 Throttle V meets this need with its lightning-fast performance, featuring advanced hardware and software architecture for rapid data processing and quick navigation through diagnostic menus. This speed not only improves efficiency but also reduces vehicle downtime, leading to higher customer satisfaction and increased business profitability.

Accurate and Reliable Diagnostics

Accuracy is critical in vehicle diagnostics, and the X-431 Throttle V excels in this area with precise and reliable diagnostic capabilities. It can read and clear fault codes, perform live data streaming, and conduct comprehensive system scans, enabling technicians to pinpoint issues accurately. This precision minimizes the risk of misdiagnosis, preventing unnecessary repairs and additional costs for both customers and repair shops.

Ergonomic Design and User-Friendly Interface

The X-431 Throttle V’s ergonomic design ensures comfortable handling during long diagnostic sessions. Its user-friendly interface, featuring intuitive menus and easy-to-read displays, simplifies the diagnostic process. This ease of use allows even less experienced technicians to perform complex diagnostics confidently, enhancing overall productivity.

Comprehensive Repair Information

Beyond diagnostics, the X-431 Throttle V is invaluable in the repair process. The integration of X-431 FIX and CODEASSIST provides technicians with comprehensive

repair information, including step-bystep procedures, wiring diagrams, and troubleshooting tips. This detailed information ensures accurate and effective repairs, reducing comebacks and enhancing customer trust.

Continuous Updates and Support

To keep pace with the evolving automotive industry, the X-431 Throttle V receives continuous updates, ensuring compatibility with the latest vehicles and diagnostic protocols. Launch Tech USA’s commitment to ongoing support and development ensures technicians can rely on the X-431 Throttle V for years to come, making it a valuable long-term investment for any repair shop.

Launch Tech USA has been a leading supplier of diagnostic tools and solutions in the American market for over 14 years. Their mission to provide innovative and cost-effective solutions is evident in the X-431 Throttle V. With over 800 R&D engineers at Launch headquarters, the company consistently introduces new products that align with industry trends and address the needs of automotive professionals. The X-431 Throttle V is a testament to this commitment, empowering technicians with the tools they need to excel in their work.

MODERN ENGINE DESIGNS

High ignitability engine designs are becoming increasingly prevalent, especially due to EPA’s fuel efficiency requirements and emissions regulations on automotive manufacturers.

GDI fuel systems, turbocharging, coilon-plug and multi-strike ignition systems, unique combustion chamber designs, and high ignitability spark plugs are crucial enhancements that make up high ignitability engines.

In gasoline direct injection (GDI) systems, fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber at high pressures – ranging as high as 3000 psi – to ensure better atomization of the fuel, leading to more efficient combustion.

Turbocharging increases air intake to allow more air (and fuel) to be combusted, which increases power output. Turbocharged engines often have higher compression ratios, which can improve power while challenging the ignition system.

Coil-on-plug ignition systems consist of an ignition coil for every spark plug, which allows for direct ignition. This eliminates the need for spark plug wires and uses all energy available to deliver the spark. In these systems, the powertrain control module (PCM) can precisely control the timing and duration of the spark, optimizing performance and efficiency.

Multi-strike ignition systems fire the spark plug multiple times per combustion cycle at low RPMs to ensure complete combustion. This reduces emissions as it promotes a more complete burn of the airfuel mixture.

Inside the combustion chamber of high ignitability engines, pistons may be specially designed to direct the fuel spray towards the spark plug and optimize the combustion process. The design of the combustion chamber and intake ports can create swirl-

MATTERS

and tumble-effects; this improves the mixing of air and fuel to have a better combustion. Therefore, following spark plug torque specifications is critical to overall ignitability for some manufacturers’ engine designs.

Spark plugs with high ignitability tip designs have improved spark performance for a more complete combustion as well, leading to better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. High ignitability spark plug metal types include platinum, iridium, and ruthenium; these materials have high melting points and excellent conductivity. The tips are configured with single or dual fine electrodes; modern spark plugs often feature a fine-wire center electrode and some designs have a second fine wire on the ground strap which together creates a more intense voltage spark, therefore improving ignitability.

To accommodate the compact design of modern engines, these spark plugs are often longer and thinner in diameter to fi t into tighter spaces without compromising performance. High ignitability spark plugs are also designed to dissipate heat efficiently, which prevents pre-ignition and fouling.

High ignitability spark plugs have longer life cycles than nickel center electrode plugs but may still need to be serviced under 100k miles due to today’s engine demands.

Overall, when troubleshooting the computerized engine management of

these various systems that makes up today’s high ignitability engine designs, it’s essential to use the following tools: a bidirection diagnostic scan tool, DVOM, and a multi-channel oscilloscope with various testing probes.

For more detailed information and troubleshooting high ignitability engines, reach out to the NGK Pro Training & Development Team at ngkntkprotraining@ ngksparkplugs.com

AutoZone® offers expansive coverage and fast delivery for NGK spark plugs, ignition coils and other NTK engine management products.

TWO GREAT OPTIONS. ONE EASY DECISION

YOUR PARTS SOLUTION FOR EVERY REPAIR

Mopar® O.E. Parts and SUSTAINera REMAN O.E. Parts are tested, proven, and dependable options for your customers’ repairs. No matter which part line you use, you’re making the right choice –because Mopar SUSTAINera Parts are Mopar O.E.Parts that have gone through our processes to return the part to O.E. specifications. They have the same performance, coverage and offer additional benefits that help you stay profitable and keep customers satisfied.

www. moparrepairconnect.com/catalogs/reman/

Mopar O.E. Advantage

• Built to proprietary O.E. specifications

• Tested for durable and reliable performance

• Backed by a comprehensive Mopar limited warranty

• Superior fit and function

• Easy to install

• Competitively priced

SUSTAINera Reman Advantage

• Remanufactured to OEM specifications

• Strong warranty coverage

* Mechanical Parts:

2 Years/ Unlimited

• Miles Basic Limited Warranty

* Powertrain Parts: 3 Years/100,000

Miles Limited Warranty

• Transferrable powertrain warranty

• Typically priced lower than O.E.

• Latest engineering upgrades

• Eco-friendly

Find the Parts You Need. Get Them from Your Trusted Dealer.

The Mopar SUSTAINera online reman catalog covers over 30 remanufactured parts categories including fast-moving parts:

• Alternators

• Power steering

• Rack and pinion gears

• Long block engines

• Transmissions

• Turbochargers

• And more!

Look up part numbers by vehicle application or parts category - reverse lookup is also available! Plus, search results can be exported in their entirety as an Excel file - a useful feature for parts professionals!

A LASTING LEGACY

Although dealing with grief while learning a how to run a shop, Christine Tanner showed immense resilience

Walk into Christine Tanner’s office and you’ll find a wooden ampersand symbol with June 25, 2022 on it. The date is the day that Tanner took over as full-time owner at Bulldog Tire & Auto. The meaning behind the ampersand is both inspirational and heartbreaking.

The ampersand, Tanner explains, is a broken infinity symbol, which shows

that nothing will last forever. A year prior to Tanner taking over the shop, her husband, Mike, who owned the shop, passed away. They would have been together 25 years.

The ampersand also symbolizes hope for Tanner, as it is the symbol for “and.”

“There is always an ‘and’ and my story will continue,” Tanner says.

The day Tanner took over as shop owner, she stepped into a new role so she could build on the legacy that her husband started.

BACKSTORY:

Mike Tanner opened Bulldog Auto & Tire in Arkansas, Kansas in 2017. At the time, Christine worked in corporate America as a brand manager.

The couple found out that Mike’s kidneys were failing and they got on a transplant list in 2018. In August of 2020, they found out there was a kidney available.

“We were looking forward to this–it would give him back his energy and outlook on life,” Tanner says. “He was in the end stage but he wasn’t on dialysis and we had a good match. We were very hopeful.”

Unfortunately, over the course of the transplant, he developed sepsis. It was 10 months of being very sick, being in and out of the hospital, and surgeries. In June of 2021, Mike passed away.

“Your life is just changed,” Tanner says.

PROBLEM:

During those 10 months, Tanner was her husband’s caregiver and helped manage the shop from a distance while also doing her full-time job remotely. They were fortunate to have a great team in place at Bulldog who were able to keep the shop running while Mike was sick. They continued to run the shop for a full-year after he passed while Tanner was faced with a difficult decision–keep her job that she was comfortable with or take a leap on something she knew very little about–running an auto repair shop.

The answer for Tanner was keeping her husband’s legacy alive. She left behind corporate America and took over ownership of the shop. However, her and her husband had different management styles and she knew very little about auto repair. After an incredibly difficult journey she was faced with another daunting task–actually running the shop.

SOLUTION:

Luckily, Tanner had people at the shop that she could rely on and she still has two people that work for her that worked for her husband. She says that they often talk about what Mike would have done in certain situations. Still, she was entering a male-dominated industry that she knew very little about. She knew she needed to learn how to be a more assertive leader and establish better boundaries.

“I had a big fear to overcome–I’m not a tech. How do I know what I’m doing?,” Tanner says. “I used that as an excuse. I can’t use it as an excuse.”

So, Tanner joined a coaching group with Rick White and that helped her get through to today. She now has friendships with shop owners across the country that she’s able to bounce ideas off of.

“There’s no situation that’s unique to me,” Tanner says.

Tanner is also a part of MWACA, which provided some initial mentoring for her and has been a great resource for her.

Tanner has learned that what she thought was her biggest weakness–the fact that she wasn’t a tech–is actually a strength.

AFTERMATH:

When Tanner took over, she admits that she probably lost some customers but she also says that they’ve seen customers that they wouldn’t have

had. She believes that being a woman and having a different management style has helped her shop stand out.

“I wanted to be the shop where you can ask any question,” Tanner says. “I will explain anything.”

Tanner has gone so far as to hold car clinics for women and for customers who are 50 and over.

TAKEAWAY:

Tanner knows that she’ll never know everything that there is to know about running a shop and that she’ll always be working on that. One key lesson that she’s learned is that you can’t let fear keep you from taking a chance. Pushing through the fear is key and Tanner was able to do that by finding mentors that she trusts that have helped her along the way.

What would her husband think of the job that she’s doing?

“He’d be proud of me,” Tanner says. No doubt that he is.

THE 35,000-FOOT VIEW

Retirement is Easy They Said, and They Were Lying

Planning for retirement and getting the most out of your assets can be a challenge

One of the many reasons I look forward to receiving this publication every month is the opportunity to learn from the experience of others. Experience may be a great teacher but the lessons learned can cost an arm and a leg. By comparison, reading how someone faced and overcame challenges, and then possibly applying those lessons to my circumstance costs nothing. This month’s column will provide information about some of the many steps necessary to increase the likelihood of achieving a successful retirement. What constitutes a “successful retirement” will vary from person to person, but my idea of a successful retirement is one in which I replace my current income with passive income, provide generational wealth for my children, and defer capital gains taxes. And while your definition may be different than mine, there are some foundational principles that shop owners routinely miss that can compromise the retirement they want. There’s an old adage which is true: people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan.

One of the most important steps in the process is identifying what your tangible assets are. The business property, any additional business assets that are saleable, or even the brand you have created throughout the years. Anything and everything that may have monetary value. Understanding the tax code and tax implications and obligations that will come from the sale of these assets is a relevant step in the process. Many people hire experts in the field to assist, like commercial property agents and legal professionals,

both for taxes and real estate. In addition, there are specialized auction companies to assist in the sale of equipment and other shop assets.

A common strategy is to defer capital gains taxes on the sale of real estate. Shop owners that own the property they operate on, and choose to sell it, use the formula of a 1031 exchange. This tax provision allows you to sell your property and invest in one of similar purpose, allowing you to defer capital gains taxes, and collect the rent or “mailbox money” from the new property. However, when the sale of the property happens, the funds must be held by a qualified intermediary, that is, in escrow by a third party. This entire process has two important dates within the timeline. The first is the 45-day rule, which mandates that the replacement property be identified by you once the actual funds of your sale are in escrow. The IRS allows for you to designate up to three different potential properties as long as you close on one of them. Closing is precisely the second rule of the timeline, the 180-day rule, which requires that you close on a property within 180 days from having received the funds into escrow. Once you go through with the purchase, you have effectively delayed capital gains taxation. However, this is not the only option, tax harvesting, A Delaware Statutory Trust, or investing in a Qualified Opportunity Zone can also be ways of setting up a comfortable retirement four yourself, and making sure you leave something behind for next generations.

R. “Dutch” Silverstein, who earned his Accredited Automotive Manager Certificate from AMI, owns and operates A&M Auto Service, a seven bay, eight lift shop in Pineville, North Carolina. Dutch was a captain for a major airline earning type ratings in a variety of aircraft including the Boeing 767/757, 737, 200, 300 and 400 series, Airbus 319/320/321, McDonnell Douglas MD80/DC9 and Fokker FK-28 mk 4000 and 1000. After medically retiring, he transitioned his parttime auto repair business into a full-time occupation.

dutch@dutchsgarage.com

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