Counterman

Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) reported second-quarter sales of $5.9 billion, up 5.6% compared to second-quarter 2022. GPC reported a 4.9% increase in comparable sales. A 1.8% benefit from acquisitions contributed to the quarterly results, the company noted. Net income jumped 10% to $344 million. On a per-share diluted basis, net income was $2.44, an increase of nearly 11% compared to adjusted diluted earnings per share of $2.20 last year. “We are pleased to report another solid quarter, which includes record sales and double-digit adjusted earnings growth,” said Paul Donahue, chairman and CEO. “Our second-quarter performance, once again, highlights the value and benefit of our global Automotive and Industrial business mix and geographic diversity, which we believe are competitive advantages that differentiate GPC in the marketplace.” Sales for the Automotive Parts Group, which includes NAPA Auto Parts, increased 5.4% to $3.7 billion. The results include a 4.3% increase in comparable sales and a 2.6% benefit from acquisitions, according to the company. “Global Automotive sales continue to benefit from our global diversification, as our businesses outside the U.S. posted mid-single-digit to double-digit growth in local currency in the second quarter,” said Will Stengel, president and chief operating officer. “Our Industrial sales growth was broad based, with all product categories and major industries served growing from the prior year, allowing the Industrial team to post its 12th consecutive quarter of margin expansion. The global GPC team delivered a solid second quarter and our teams remain focused on the consistent execution of our strategic initiatives. We believe our investments in our people, customer solutions, technology, supply chain and emerging technology will continue to enhance our capabilities and leadership positions.” The post GPC Report Record Sales, Double-Digit Earnings Growth appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In the July 2023 issue of AMN/Counterman, we gave leaders from the major distribution groups and trade associations an opportunity to reflect on the most critical issues affecting the automotive aftermarket. For the second year in a row, we let distribution leaders “riff” on these topics in their own words. Here’s what Lauren Beaulieu, vice president, professional marketing for Advance Auto Parts, Carquest and Worldpac, had to say on the topic of differentiation. Our enterprise is focused on providing repair shop owners with differentiating products and solutions to help their businesses succeed and grow. We’re always evolving our strategies to support the needs of our customers. We’re preparing our customers for the future – because the future is here! We’re seeing how EV efforts are ramping up across the country. Our home state of North Carolina is opening multiple facilities that will be responsible for manufacturing batteries and other components for EVs, and I recently read that several manufacturers of EVs and EV components are coming to Georgia. As more electric vehicles and ADAS technologies populate the car parc, it’s our responsibility to support our more than 16,500 TechNet member shops and other enterprise customers with industry-leading education to support the vehicles of today and tomorrow. Part of how we do this is through our Carquest Technical Institute and Worldpac Training Institute technical and business management training. One of the most important things a shop owner can do is invest in its people. Shops that invest in their team and create a positive, engaged culture retain good employees. CTI+WTI’s online, virtual and in-person training provides technicians, service advisors and owners the opportunity to expand their knowledge and grow their career and business. We’re developing more training content on high voltage, ADAS and other emerging technologies to help our customers prepare for the future. Along with our commitment to expanding the curriculum available in CTI+WTI, our team is hard at work preparing for next year’s Supplier & Training Expo (STX) in Nashville. Each year, our goal is to add more relevant training and networking opportunities for attendees. We’ll have more than 350 courses led by the world’s top OE instructors, along with expert instructors from CTI+WTI. This will include significant programming on electrification and ADAS. While STX originated and is primarily a Worldpac customer event, it’s open to all our customers in the US and Canada: Advance, Carquest and Autopart International. We’re also excited to host our first event at STX specifically for members of TechNet Nation to network with other shop owners and technicians. This event is sold out, and we’re looking forward to seeing how members respond. Earlier this year, I mentioned in this space how we’re expanding the benefits that come with being a TechNet shop. From social media templates to direct-mail designs, we’ve added more to our library of TechNet-specific marketing resources for shops to leverage. We also recently launched within our online TechNet shop locator a “service and specialty” section. Motorists can now sort and filter shops by what type of work they do. For example, if you’re looking for an import specialist, you can find the shop that meets your needs. Same if you’re looking for a shop that works on hybrid or electric vehicles, a collision center, and so forth. Providing personalized resources to our TechNet shops while supporting the brand they’ve built in their local communities distinguishes them and helps them better-serve customers while helping their businesses grow and thrive. The post Lauren Beaulieu: ‘We’re Preparing Our Customers for the Future’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Rislone Engine Treatment is moving to a more concentrated product in a smaller bottle. In an effort to “offer customers greater versatility at a lower cost,” a 16.9-fluid-ounce bottle of Maximum Performance Engine Treatment (P/N 4102) replaces the quart size (P/N 100QR) in the Rislone lineup, according to Rislone. “Quart sizes of engine additives were preferable when consumers bought individual quarts of oil for every oil change,” said Clay Parks, vice president of development for Rislone. “They could just swap a quart of oil for a quart of Engine Treatment. Now that they’re buying larger jugs of oil, we can replace the quart-size Engine Treatment with one that offers the same performance in a smaller, more cost-effective formula. Customers can add a full bottle of Rislone Engine Treatment at every oil change and can use it at any time to clean and stop engine noises, like a sticky lifter.” American-made Rislone Engine Treatment is formulated to reduce engine friction and wear; quiet noisy lifters and valves; remove and prevent sludge; and keep engines clean, according to the company. “The Rislone formula has evolved through the years to stay ahead of engine-oil technology,” the company said in a news release. “The new concentrated formula contains high-quality penetrating oil combined with protective engine additives and special cleaning agents to help motor oil flow freely, which provides engine protection over a broader temperature range and helps mitigate the effects of LSPI (low-speed pre-ignition) in newer direct-injection engines. Rislone Engine Treatment penetrates valve lifters, bearing surfaces, and piston rings to remove and prevent sludge and varnish.” The recommended dosage of Rislone Engine Treatment is one bottle for 4- to 6-quart systems in passenger cars and light trucks. For larger systems, such as for diesel trucks and stationary engines, one bottle treats every 5 quarts of oil capacity. It is compatible with conventional, high-mileage and synthetic engine oil in all gasoline, diesel and turbo engines. The post Rislone Engine Treatment Available in Smaller Bottle appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Air-conditioning (A/C) systems used to be much more forgiving for the DIYer, and professional technicians too. Compared to today’s systems, the different refrigerant and operating characteristics made them easier to charge. The refrigerant amount didn’t have to be as precise, and they used to have a sight glass through which you could see the refrigerant flow. Eliminate the bubbles and you were in good shape. Is it possible for a DIYer to have success charging their own A/C system? The answer is yes – but with caution. They don’t have to be an A/C master, and as long as they keep a few details in mind, they’ll be blowing cold air in no time. We’ll get into the caution part down the page. The Basics Modern A/C systems are very dependable. It’s when they require service that many problems occur. The efficient operation and longevity of today’s R134a and R1234yf systems hinges on the accuracy of the refrigerant and oil charge. This is the most important point to keep in mind. A topic that can easily be a freight train out of control, why a system is being recharged is a factor in the charging itself. Is the system just a little low or completely empty, and why? Was a component replaced due to a collision or a leak? Was the compressor replaced and was the system properly flushed? The bottom line is these are factors that must be known to determine the proper amount of oil, if any, that should be added. The amount of oil to be added depends on the component that was replaced, and there’s no set standard. It varies for every component in every car. The manufacturer service information, as well as information included with replacement compressors, must be referenced to get it right. The Refrigerant R134a and R1234yf are similar in operation, but R1234yf is much friendlier for the environment, which is why it soon will be the only refrigerant available in new automobiles. R134a eventually will be phased out, but for now it will still be around for a long time to service the vehicles that originally came with it. Even though there are two different types, there’s no decision to be made: Use what the vehicle came with. It’s illegal to use R134a in anything that didn’t originally come with it, and the service fittings are different between the two to eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination. Charging Since it’s illegal to dispel any refrigerant into the atmosphere, if refrigerant needs to be recovered for a repair, a DIYer will have to take the vehicle to a shop to do it. That’s assuming they don’t have recovery equipment at home next to the lawnmower, and that’s one assumption I’m willing to make. If the system is completely empty, it will need to be evacuated prior to charging. There’s no way around this and it requires a vacuum pump. As a general rule of thumb, a 45-minute evacuation period is adequate. In addition to the refrigerant, a DIYer will need to purchase the proper valve and hose, based on their refrigerant, to connect to the A/C system. Cans of refrigerant come with or without them, since they can be transferred between cans. With the proper amount of oil added and the vehicle running with the A/C system on, the refrigerant can be added to the system. It takes time and patience, but the system eventually will draw all refrigerant in. The tricky part is the amount. It must be precise for proper performance. Again, unless they have charging equipment in the corner, they’ll have to estimate. Professionally, this isn’t acceptable, but it can be done with a little patience. The easiest way to do this is to buy the cans that get you as close as possible to the proper amount. If you put a complete can of refrigerant in but still need 4 more ounces and you have an 8-ounce can, you just have to guess based on weight. Many of the charging valves/hoses come with a small gauge. Since you charge from the low side (fittings are also different between low and high side), the gauges will have a “green” area that represents the range of correct low-side pressure for a properly charged system. This is an added tool to indicate proper system operation, and it can be used in conjunction with the amount, but don’t go too deep down this hole. It’s another freight train. Ambient temperature has an effect on A/C outlet temperature, as well as how easy it is to charge the system. This can throw you off. The best thing to do is charge it at the hottest point of the day, put a thermometer in the dash outlet and monitor the temperature. If it’s cold on the thermometer, it feels cold coming out of the dash and you’re close to having the right amount of refrigerant, it’s a good time to stop. Proceed with Caution When adding oil to an A/C system, it’s imperative to use the correct oil. All oils are not compatible, and they can wreak havoc on an A/C system. Even more important, many electric and hybrid electric vehicles use electric compressors that require a non-conductive oil. To avoid cross-contamination, a DIYer never should use the same can of refrigerant on two different vehicles The post Cool Runnings: Recharging the A/C appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

O’Reilly Automotive reported record revenue and earnings for its second quarter, which ended June 30. Second-quarter sales were $4.07 billion, up 11% from second-quarter 2022. Gross profit increased 11% to nearly $2.1 billion. Diluted earnings per common share increased 16% to $10.22 on 61 million shares, versus $8.78 on 66 million shares for second-quarter 2022. Comparable-store sales jumped 9% year-over-year. “Team O’Reilly’s commitment to providing consistently excellent customer service drove robust double-digit professional and solid DIY comparable-store sales growth in the quarter,” O’Reilly CEO Greg Johnson said in a news release. “I want to congratulate our over 88,000 dedicated team members on their incredible performance in the second quarter and express my sincere appreciation for their relentless focus on delivering industry-leading service to our customers each and every day.” Sales for the first six months of 2023 increased 12% to $7.78 billion compared to the first six months of 2022. “The strong top-line performance we delivered through the first half of the year exceeded our expectations, and we remain pleased with our performance thus far in July,” Johnson said. “We believe the core underlying demand drivers of our industry remain solid, and more importantly, we remain confident in our team’s ability to consistently execute our proven dual market strategy and expand our market share.” The year-to-date results “and continued robust sales trends” prompted O’Reilly to boost its full-year comparable-store sales guidance from a range of 4% to 6% to a range of 5% to 7%. New DC in Mexico So far in 2023, O’Reilly has opened 100 net new stores across 34 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Mexico and is on pace to meet the company’s goal of opening 180 to 190 net new store openings this year, according to Johnson. In July, O’Reilly opened its first distribution center in Mexico. “This new, 370,000-square-foot facility strengthens our existing store network with enhanced inventory availability, empowering higher service levels and establishing the critical foundation for long-term store growth in Mexico,” Johnson said. The post O’Reilly Reports 11% Increase in Q2 Sales appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Auto Care Association announced the addition of Jennifer Keaton as its new director of government affairs. Keaton will work within a four-person department advocating on behalf of the automotive aftermarket with federal and state legislators as well as relevant regulatory agencies. Her role is critical in ensuring the management of state legislation and regulations impacting the auto care industry, the association noted. “We are very pleased to have Jennifer joining the Auto Care team,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “Her years of hands-on Hill experience will be invaluable to our industry as we face increased regulations and restrictions on vehicle data access. She is a quick study and has already proven to be a great asset to our team.” Prior to joining the Auto Care Association, Keaton was vice president of congressional affairs at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For 10 years, Keaton worked on Capitol Hill as legislative director for Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy (Ohio), senior legislative assistant for Rep. Carolyn Maloney (N.Y.), and legislative aide for Rep. Ron Klink (Pa.). Keaton, a Pittsburgh native, received her undergraduate degrees in political science and international studies and a master’s in international affairs from Washington, D.C.’s American University. As the association is the voice of the auto care industry, Keaton said she is “honored and excited to advocate for the industry, especially on the critical issue of right to repair.” Visit autocare.org/government-relations for more information on the association’s advocacy and government-affairs initiatives. The post Auto Care Adds Jennifer Keaton to Lead Government Affairs appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Litens Aftermarket recently introduced 18 new SKUs to its product lineup, consisting of pulleys, belt tensioners and overrunning alternator decoupler (OAD) pulleys. The new SKUs represent an increase in coverage for more than 9.2 million additional vehicles in operation (VIO), including more than 310,000 2023-model vehicles. The portfolio additions are for late-model Ford, Hyundai, Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Jeep, Chevrolet and Toyota vehicles. Litens now offers more than 900 pulleys, belt tensioners and overrunning alternator decoupler pulleys, with SKUs covering more than 275 million VIO, according to the company. “Our continuous expansion of belt-drive products demonstrates our ongoing commitment to maintaining our position as the global leader in this product category,” said John Lussier, president of Litens Aftermarket. “Litens is the world’s largest OE supplier of belt-tensioning products, and we pride ourselves on being first-to-market in the aftermarket.” For more information, visit the Litens Aftermarket website. The post Litens Adds 18 New Belt-Drive SKUs appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Anchor industries continues to support the aftermarket with late model coverage. This month, the company highlights additional late model Honda coverage. The eight part numbers represent a small sampling of many of the late model part numbers that are in stock and available for immediate delivery. Covering over 2,971,550 applications and model years 2016-2023, these parts numbers represent excellent sales opportunities, the company states. For more information, visit anchor-online.com The post Anchor Adds More Honda Coverage appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Of all the different mounts on a vehicle, the most attention is given to engine and transmission mounts. Why? Because they cause the most noticeable symptoms when they go bad, and they go bad the most often. But why do they fail? The answer lies in what they are and what they do. A mount is nothing more than a specific component that secures one item to another. However, what separates a mount from a bracket, for example, is its ability to prevent vibration transfer between the two components. In the case of an engine or transmission mount, they isolate vibration transfer to the vehicle frame, as well as dampen the movement of the powertrain. This makes vehicle operation smoother for the driver, but the necessity of them is greater than just comfort. They also prevent the fatigue and cracking of metal – an occurrence that would be commonplace if engines were bolted directly to the frames. It takes no wild guess to figure out that rubber is the material responsible for it all. Take a piece of rubber, bond it between two pieces of metal, and you have a mount. So, getting down to it, here’s why they fail. Age Rubber weakens with age, just like it does on tires. Now think of the force that’s exerted on an engine mount every time you accelerate. The torque of the engine attempts to twist it, pulling and stretching on one mount and pushing and collapsing another. Do this over and over again thousands of times and it’s impressive that these mounts last as long as they do. Sometimes the rubber just tears. Other times it separates from one of the metal plates that it’s bonded or secured to. Some mounts may not tear or separate, based on their enclosed design, but the rubber can shrink or become distorted, allowing for excessive movement. It’s all just about age and use. It just happens. Contamination Rubber and oil don’t like each other much. Oil degrades the integrity of the rubber, causing it to soften and swell. Oil contamination is common on engine or transmission mounts due to engine-oil or transmission-fluid leaks. Eventually, the rubber tears or separates, but prematurely compared to the normal lifespan of a mount. The ultimate cause is the oil leak. If a customer is replacing a mount that’s soaked with oil, the oil leak should be addressed at the same time, or the new mount will quickly begin to degrade. Abuse Engine and transmission mounts are designed to withstand the normal use any given vehicle is designed for. Abuse comes from repeated hard acceleration or launches. “Power” braking a vehicle to prepare for a hard launch is another example. If a vehicle is modified to increase the power, this is more than the mounts were designed to handle and they can quickly be destroyed. To combat this problem, many solutions have been used over the years to limit engine movement. A common “old-school” trick on muscle cars was to install a chain between the engine block and frame, and yes, we all did it, as silly as it might have looked! Racers looked to solid engine mounts or engine plates to keep all that horsepower in check. Of course, that’s the extreme, and the development of polyurethane offers an in-between solution. Polyurethane is stronger than rubber and can handle more abuse, making these types of mounts very common for performance applications. But they don’t dampen vibration as well, so be prepared to sacrifice comfort. Misalignment A common but often overlooked cause is improper installation. Every mount has a specific procedure that should be followed for installation, allowing it to sit in its natural state when at rest. When these procedures aren’t followed, a mount can end up twisted or distorted at rest, which will lead to premature failure. Active Engine Mounts Active engine mounts are any that can vary the amount of dampening they provide, depending on engine speed. They utilize hydraulic fluid internally and either electric or vacuum control. When these go bad, it’s usually caused by aging rubber that cracks, allowing the hydraulic fluid to leak out. But, it also can be caused by a problem with the vacuum or electric controls. It may sound weird for someone to say, “My engine mount is leaking.” But, if they have an active engine mount, they may be right!. The post Why Mounts Fail appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Business Technology Council (BTC), a council under MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, announced that the deadline to apply for its Technology Innovation Award has been extended to Friday, Aug. 18. The award recognizes technology-solution/service providers that introduce innovations that support, enhance and/or advance aftermarket processes. Technology innovations must support one of the BTC’s areas of focus. These types of technologies can include: Customer-Facing Technologies – Cataloging and product data, EDI/e-commerce, mobile, web services, e-tailing, RFID, QR codes, bar codes, POS data, data warehouses, S&OP Information Technologies – Cyber and network security, big data, BI, data analytics, cloud computing, IT outsourcing, ERP, MES, CRM After the application-submission deadline, finalists will be notified on Aug. 31. The finalists then will present their innovations during the BTC fall meeting on Sept. 18, and BTC members will vote on the winner. The winner of the award will be announced at the 2023 Technology Conference, Oct. 8-12 in Atlanta. Past winners of the award include Dorman’s “Where to Buy” platform (2022), VizSeek’s Visual Search (2021) and OptiCat’s Automated Loadsheets (2020). “We have received an incredible response so far for the Technology Innovation Award and wanted to ensure everyone had ample time to get their applications in,” said Chris Gardner, senior vice president of Programs & Technology at MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, about the decision to extend the application deadline. “We look forward to reviewing the applications and recognizing the top innovation.” To apply, visit the MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers website. The post MEMA Extends Deadline for Technology Innovation Award appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

ADVICS, a member of the AISIN Group of companies, has expanded its brake-pad offerings with five new ADVICS OE brake pads. This expansion adds coverage for approximately 5 million vehicles in operation to the existing product offering. All five of the new brake-pad part numbers are original equipment, with coverage for 2019-2023 model-year Toyota and Lexus-brand vehicles. “We consistently develop new offerings for our customers and are delighted to announce additional coverage for Toyota and Lexus models,” said Larrow Kaufman, senior manager for sales and marketing, Aisin Aftermarket North America. “All five part numbers are now ready for shipment.” For more information about ADVICS and its advanced braking technology, visit http://advicsaftermarket.com. The post ADVICS Releases New Toyota, Lexus Brake Pads appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Niterra North America, formerly NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), announced that it is expanding its coverage of spark plugs and ignition coils and adding 15 new part numbers to its line of spark plugs. The new part numbers, sold under the company’s NGK brand of spark plugs, represent an increase in coverage for more than 6.5 million domestic and foreign vehicles in operation (VIO). Niterra also has added 12.9 million VIO of spark plug coverage and 10.6 million VIO of ignition-coil carry-forward coverage to its catalog. “The 15 new spark plug numbers fit a variety of 2012-2021 model vehicles across a broad spectrum of high-volume applications, many of them utilizing high-ignitability and precious metal technology designs,” said Mark Boyle, general manager – product OE & AM for Niterra North America. “NGK Spark Plugs is committed to application-coverage leadership and supplying service providers with our latest OEM technology, and we are excited to extend our category-leading spark plug designs and ignition-coil technologies into the aftermarket through these applications.” For more details about Niterra and the NGK spark plug and NTK product brands, visit ngksparkplugs.com. The post Niterra Adds More Coverage for Spark Plugs, Ignition Coils appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Counterman’s “Guess the Car” contest challenges our readers to solve an automotive riddle, for a chance to win $100. And each month, we receive hundreds of responses from aftermarket professionals trying to guess the model of the vehicle depicted. The correct answer for the June/July contest is the MINI Clubman. The winner is Dan Peterson, a counterman at Bumper to Bumper in Batavia, Illinois. Now, let’s get to know the “Guess the Car” champion. CM: How long have you been working in the auto parts business? DP: Since 2017. I started out part-time as a driver. CM: What do you like most about your job? DP: The variety. Every day is different; it’s not the same old thing. This store has a real small-town feel. A lot of people have been coming for years. I’m a hometown guy, so I recognize a lot of people. It’s always good to connect and see people you know. CM: What’s the coolest car you’ve ever owned or worked on? DP: I bought a brand-new Jeep CJ-5 in 1976 just before I enlisted in the Air Force. Unfortunately, I was without it for two years when I went to Germany. When I got back, I was stationed in Nevada at Nellis Air Force Base, so I got to do a lot of offroading and exploring. Anything that didn’t say “No Trespassing” was fair game. CM: Do you have any interesting hobbies? What do you do for fun? DP: I have a Harley that I ride. Two years ago, my friend and I did the “Iron Butt” challenge, which is 1,000 miles in less than 24 hours. We rode from Batavia, Illinois, to Gillette, Wyoming. They make you turn in all your gas receipts and pictures of your odometer every time you fill up, and I think they calculated it at 1,097 miles. CM: What was that experience like? DP: It was going along smoothly until we hit a hailstorm near Wall, South Dakota, and that pretty much took the wind out of our sails for several hours. We were close to 17 or 18 hours when we finally pulled into our destination. They do another [challenge] called the “Bun Burner,” which is 1,500 miles in 36 hours. We may try that yet, but I don’t know – we’re getting old. CM: What’s your dream car? DP: My dream car right now is I want to buy a high-roof van and convert it to a motorcycle hauler/camper, put some fold-down cots in it and all the solar panels and all that type of stuff. My wife and I travel on the bike quite often, but she thinks sometimes we’d be better-served by driving to our destination and then riding once we get there. The post Meet the ‘Guess the Car’ Champ: Dan Peterson appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

These days, many will tell you that the tuneup is dead – a vestige of a bygone era. But I say the answer is far more subjective. It’s true: People rarely ask for a tuneup. Once the “king” of automotive service, the process of regular adjustments to the carburetor or fuel system – as well as the ignition system – has all but fallen by the wayside. It’s all handled now by a computer. The best part is these computers, known to us as engine or powertrain control modules, do a really great job at it. The worst part is they do such a good job of adjusting things and keeping cars running seemingly flawlessly that many people overlook the basic maintenance that’s still required. What this means is the tuneup is far from dead. It’s more important than ever, and in many aspects the same as it always was. The Way it Was There are many reasons a tuneup was so popular back in the day. Fuel systems (namely carburetors) were inefficient and required occasional adjustment. Spark plugs wore out quickly, often needing cleaning, gap adjustment or replacement. Points wore in pre-electronic ignition systems, requiring a regular dwell adjustment and frequent replacement. Distributor caps, rotors and wires needed frequent replacement to keep ignition systems in top condition. All of these factors and more contributed to very noticeable drivability issues on older cars, prompting owners to get a tuneup. Common replacement items also included air and fuel filters, crankcase ventilation filters and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valves, not to mention additional services such as a valve adjustment or belt adjustment. So, how does all this stack up to today’s vehicles? Spark Plugs There’s no comparison between the plugs of yesterday and today. Modern spark plugs simply work better and last a long time, often as long as 100,000 miles. But here’s the catch: They still wear out. As they wear, the computer continuously adjusts fuel mixture and timing to maintain optimum combustion. The engine runs perfectly the whole time, but behind the scenes, more energy is required to jump the gap of the plug. This adds additional load to the coils, eventually causing premature coil failure. Then there’s the potential of trouble removing a plug that’s been stuck in the cylinder head for many years. Ignoring spark plugs can be a costly mistake. It all seems great at first, and plugs definitely don’t need replaced as often as they did in the old days. But, many manufacturers are slimming down the replacement intervals. For me, I’d rather spend a little extra and replace those plugs before the target mileage. Coils and Boots Most modern ignition systems are a coil-on-plug system. They generally work or they don’t, meaning replacing them isn’t going to improve performance. But they don’t last forever. If one has gone bad, the others won’t be far behind. And the boots between the coils and plugs? They’re equivalent to a plug wire – just shorter – and they wear out just the same. In most cases, you can’t see them. They’re hidden from view in the middle of the valve cover. Quite often, the spark-plug-well seals go bad, leaking oil onto the coil boots and destroying them. This is all the more reason for regular inspection, and a reason to replace valve-cover gaskets when replacing plugs, coils and boots. Valve-cover gaskets were never considered part of a tuneup. They can be now. Tuneups = Maintenance Air filters are only new for a second before they start to get dirty. Less air to an engine means less performance. The computer again adjusts the fuel mixture to compensate. Neglected fuel filters can overwork the fuel pump and cause it to fail prematurely. The mass airflow (MAF) sensor sends critical data to the computer for engine operation. Cleaning them can improve performance and prevent drivability issues. It’s amazing how dirty throttle bodies get. Oh, and PCV valves? They’re still on a lot of cars. Even electric vehicles will require a tuneup of sorts. Battery-management systems (BMS) have an algorithm that can cause the indicated range to be less than it actually is, depending on people’s driving and charging habits. Recalibrating the state of charge will prompt the BMS to recalculate and restore the lost range. The bottom line: Maintenance. That’s all a tuneup was and what it still is. And maintenance never goes out of style. The post Making the Case for Tuneups appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN), a community of the Auto Care Association, announced the launch of its first-ever annual sponsorship program. The annual sponsorship program will allow companies to show their support of the ACPN community and the educational advancement of content professionals across the industry, as well as provide year-round promotion of their companies to thousands of content professionals. Sponsorship dollars are directly used to support ACPN’s mission to “Educate, Inspire and Connect” industry professionals who specialize in the management of product-related content. This includes but is not limited to ACPN programs such as: ACPN Pipeline On-Demand Media Content Annual Knowledge Exchange Conference Content Excellence Awards ACP Designation ACPN Scholarship The annual sponsorship program offers five tiers of engagement: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Gold. Sponsorship benefits within these tiers can range from logo recognition on theACPN webpage to recognition at the ACPN Chair’s Dinner and Entertainment Event Sponsor at the annual Auto Care Connect Week event. The ACPN sponsorship program is available only to Auto Care Association member companies. For more information and to purchase, please visit ACPN’s sponsorship webpage. The post ACPN Launches Annual Sponsorship Program appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) recently welcomed Highline Warren as a new lifetime trustee. The lifetime-trustee designation is reserved for exceptional donors that support the foundation’s mission of providing scholarships and funding for educational programs that strengthen the automotive aftermarket. Zach Miller, senior vice president, sales for Highline Warren will serve as the company’s representative on the UAF board of trustees. “I am thrilled to represent Highline Warren and join an organization that has a significant impact on the future of our business and its people,” Miller said. “Together, we can ensure more talent joins the industry so many of us have had opportunities to thrive and grow in.” “On behalf of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, we extend our sincere thanks to everyone at Highline Warren and welcome Zach to the UAF board of trustees,” said Bob Egan, chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. “The generous contribution from Highline Warren will help UAF fund scholarships to attract talented young people to our industry and support educational initiatives, including continuing education for the next generation of aftermarket leaders.” The University of the Aftermarket Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. To learn more about the University of the Aftermarket Foundation, apply for a scholarship or grant, or make a donation, visit UofA-Foundation.org, AutomotiveScholarships.com and HeavyDutyScholarships.com. The post Highline Warren Supports UofA Foundation as Lifetime Trustee appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Continental has introduced 10 new professional-quality driving lights as part of the company’s NightViu line. The new lights have been designed to help improve operational safety by dramatically increasing nighttime visibility. Engineered for use in agriculture, construction and mining, the new NightViu driving lights also are suitable for marine and powersports applications. They feature rugged aluminum diecast housings with cataphoretic coating, and resilient shatterproof polycarbonate lenses. Depending on the model, they are rated IP69K or IP67K for ingress protection (IP) from dust and water, according to the company. NightViu multi-function driving lights and lightbars feature free-form reflectors that direct the light beam exactly where it’s needed. NightViu reversing lights feature Fresnel lenses to create a broad field of illumination directly behind the equipment. NightViu driving lights provide up to 5,500 lumens and a beam field length of up to 440 meters. NightViu driving lights feature an integrated electronics driver and thermal management system to allow them to operate safely from minus 40 F to 190 F. They produce from 50 to 100 lumens per watt, depending on the model, and have been designed to ensure that they do not create electrical interference that could affect the vehicle’s existing electronics. “Our new NightViu driving lights provide the illumination that operators need for maximum nighttime safety,” said Edwin Betancourt Jr., product manager, Continental. “With three styles and a choice of configurations, they offer the right light for just about every application.” The post Continental Introduces LED Driving Lights for Off-Highway Use appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

All 50 states (and Washington, D.C.) have some sort of special license-plate category for historic, collectible or classic vehicles. These categories can be somewhat subjective, and individual state requirements vary, but most set a rolling date of roughly 25 years prior to the current model year to be eligible for special plates. Many states also allow classic-vehicle owners to display authentic vintage plates from the year their vehicle was made. Motor vehicle departments across the country have recognized the historical (and monetary) value of keeping classic vehicles on the road, and as parts specialists, we should see value in them as well. No matter if you’re into Brass Era Model Ts, tall-tailfin Cadillacs, Hemi horsepower muscle cars or air-cooled VWs, there’s still a wide assortment of reproduction and aftermarket parts available in our marketplace. Television and streaming services bring us a wide range of motorsports, restorations, DIY-friendly repairs and custom-car builds. If you watch this sort of content regularly, you’re sure to notice product placement as well as outright advertisement for brands we all know, love and stock. Keeping in step with (and up to date on) the current trends will help you stay relevant to the kind of customer who is car-obsessed and usually looking to spend decent chunks of disposable income on their passion. Car shows can give you a window into your local enthusiast communities, allowing you to gauge the popularity of various car cultures in your market. A high car count with a good cross-section of years, makes and modifications would indicate a healthy mix of gearheads and tuners, rodders and racers. This kind of crowd is already well-served by the breadth of merchandise most of us carry, with backup from our warehouses and DCs to cover slower-moving or specialty parts. If the car counts are high, but the diversity of vehicles is low, your advertising and marketing should target the dominant demographics. There’s no sense in working to become the “go-to” source for speed equipment if your local customer base is primarily interested in rock crawling and offroading. Becoming the “go-to” for ANYTHING requires knowledge, patience and the willingness to do a LOT of research. Enthusiasts likely know their vehicle as well as the parts specialist does, and often know it more intimately than many customers ever will. Never be too proud to ask clarifying questions. Each year our catalogs include new-model information, which we must commit to our mental files for future use. Unfamiliarity with a vintage vehicle is no different than unfamiliarity with a new model or feature, except after years of experience, a customer or co-worker may be able to give us a history lesson. Older technicians and parts specialists are retiring from our industry, and there’s bound to be a gap in the knowledge base required to service and supply parts for vintage vehicles. Passing along this information now ensures that vehicles of the past will be valued well into the future. As cars and enthusiasts continue to age, the definitions of “classic” or “collectible” will continue to evolve. Post-boomer generations will gravitate toward the vehicles of their youths, creating a nostalgic demand for vehicles that we regard today as ordinary. As the traditional classics become harder to find (and prohibitively expensive) for the average person to acquire and own, many are simply embracing the alternatives. In Pennsylvania, an “antique vehicle” must be at least 25 years old, but a “classic” only needs to be 15 years old to qualify for a special license plate. In the Keystone State, a well-maintained 2007 Chevy Aveo now could technically be considered a “classic,” and Aunt Karen’s beige 1997 Camry is now a legitimate “antique!” No offense if you’re really invested in your Aveo or Camry, but I hope it never comes to that! The post What’s a Classic Car? appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Earlier this week, the Automotive Service Association, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation sent a letter to Congress reaffirming their commitment to a 2014 national agreement on automotive Right to Repair. In the letter, the organizations “commit that independent repair facilities shall have access to the same diagnostic and repair information that auto manufacturers make available to authorized dealer networks.” While the organizations hailed the letter as a show of unity between independent repairers and OEMs on the principle of consumer choice, the Auto Care Association and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers swiftly dismissed the letter as an act of subterfuge on the part of automakers. “Auto Care Association objects to the so-called right-to-repair pact between ASA, SCRS and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation,” Auto Care President and CEO Bill Hanvey said in an email blast. “Auto Care Association, an original signatory to the 2014 memorandum of understanding, was not consulted about, was not a party to and does not support the agreement.” Hanvey noted that neither ASA nor SCRS signed or supported the 2014 memorandum of understanding, and asserted that the associations “represent a small fraction of the independent repair market and do not speak for the automotive aftermarket.” “Auto Care Association, on the other hand, is a national trade association representing over 536,000 companies and affiliates that manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, services, tools, equipment, materials and supplies,” Hanvey said. “Auto Care Association serves the entire supply chain of the automotive aftermarket for the nation’s 292 million registered motor vehicles. Those businesses include over 280,000 repair facilities and 915,000 technicians nationwide.” Ultimately, Hanvey called the agreement “a thinly veiled response by the automotive OEMs to HR 906: The REPAIR Act.” “While the agreement purports to be relevant, all it does is affirm the 2014 memorandum of understanding rather than implement a meaningful solution to preserve the entire automotive aftermarket and the competition and consumer choice that it creates,” Hanvey said. “The agreement between the Alliance, ASA and SCRS is not only designed to create confusion, but also has numerous flaws.” Among those flaws: The agreement is non-binding. There is no way to force OEM participation or to enforce OEM compliance. The agreement does not cover all automakers and there is no requirement for new OEMs to join. The agreement does not obligate OEMs to provide vehicle owners or aftermarket direct access to telematically generated repair and maintenance data. Instead, the OEMs have agreed to make repair and maintenance data available through OEM-controlled systems and tools. Regarding telematics and the wireless transmission of vehicle repair and maintenance data, the OEMs only agree to give access if the data “is not otherwise available” through the OBD II port. This means an independent shop could be forced to subscribe to multiple third-party tools to get access to telematics data, rather than through a single direct source. The agreement fails to address the safety and security of the wirelessly transmitted vehicle data. “The efforts we’re seeing this summer to stop our industry’s momentum of securing our right to repair are only ramping up,” Hanvey concluded. “From the recent NHTSA letter to this new right to repair ‘pact’ from the automakers, there has never been more of a critical time to speak up and make our voices heard in Washington. I hope to see you all in D.C. with us this fall during our Legislative Summit on Capitol Hill, where we will speak in one unified voice with members of Congress on the importance of supporting our industry by passing the REPAIR Act.” ‘Agreement Falls Short’ In a statement, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers called the agreement “a step in the right direction to ensure that consumers are protected.” However, the pact “falls short of all the protections necessary to ensure consumer choice now and into the future for all parties, not only signatories of the pact.” “As a transportation industry, we believe that we have one opportunity to pass federal legislation and that legislation must include the ability to prioritize and protect consumers’ access to both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle repair and maintenance through all iterations of vehicle technology on the road today and to come,” MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers added. The association asserted that Right to Repair legislation must include: All vehicles in operation – light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty Access to telematics and diagnostics data beyond that available just through the OBD II port An enforcement mechanism The ability for independent repair shops, using bi-directional communication, to update vehicles and parts to the latest software Addressing the risk of repair monopolies Language to protect consumers’ access to both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle repair, maintenance and parts of their choosing through all iterations of vehicle technology on the road today and to come “The agreement does advance the conversation around right to repair and consumer choice, but if automakers and repair shops are prioritized over consumers, fair competition and a free market would not be realized,” the association said. “As a key stakeholder in protecting consumers’ rights and an essential part of the value chain, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers must be a part of the conversation. “MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers welcomes the opportunity to work with all parties to align on a federal solution that reflects the principles of consumer choice and a free market, includes the expertise of the supplier community, has a mechanism for real enforcement and prioritizes consumers, their safety and their economy – and the innovative industry we serve. The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act (H.R. 906) addresses these needs, and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers continues to support this bill that addresses the above concerns and creates a repair ecosystem that puts consumers at the center.” The post Trade Associations Not Swayed by Data-Access Agreement appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Automotive Service Association, the Society of Collision Repair Specialists and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation have sent a letter to Congress reaffirming their commitment to a 2014 national agreement on automotive Right to Repair. The organizations represent the nation’s independent repair facilities, auto body shops and leading automakers, respectively. In the letter, the organizations reaffirm their agreement on the 2014 memorandum of understanding, “and commit that independent repair facilities shall have access to the same diagnostic and repair information that auto manufacturers make available to authorized dealer networks.” In an attachment to the letter, the organizations reiterate: “There shall be available for purchase by owners of motor vehicles and by independent repair facilities on fair and reasonable terms the same diagnostic and repair information, including service manuals and technical repair updates, that a manufacturer makes available to its authorized dealers through the manufacturer’s internet-based diagnostic and repair information system or other electronically accessible repair information system.” In the letter to member of Congress, the repairers and automakers also wrote: “This commitment was created with our mutual and valued customers in mind: vehicle owners. It affirms that consumers deserve access to safe and proper repairs throughout a vehicle’s lifecycle [and] it is built to last because it anticipates changes in automotive technologies and market evolutions.” Highlights of the agreement include: Access to diagnostic and repair information – Independent repair facilities shall continue to have access to the same diagnostic and repair information that auto manufacturers make available to authorized dealer networks. This applies to: Telematics data needed to diagnose and repair a vehicle if not otherwise available; All vehicle technologies and powertrains, including gasoline, diesel, fuel-cell, electric battery, hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric powertrains. Education and training – A pledge to work together on education and training programs so mechanical and collision repair facilities are fully aware of exactly where and how to obtain repair information,including: Directly through an automaker’s repair website; Shared access points like www.OEM1Stop.com; Via third-party information providers, software and tools. Future advancements – As vehicle technologies and the corresponding demands on repairers evolve, the commitment ensures a level playing field and a forum to discuss future repairer needs as they develop. Repairers and Automakers ‘In Lockstep’ As state legislatures and Congress consider automotive Right to Repair laws, including the REPAIR Act, the parties noted: “…independent repairers and automakers are not at odds on automotive data access, but rather in lockstep on this fundamental principle: Consumers should have choice when it comes to repair options and the ability to have their vehicle serviced in well-equipped shops by well-trained technicians anytime, anywhere, anyplace.” The organizations note that independent repair facilities perform 70% of post-warranty vehicle repairs today, while automakers’ own certified collision networks are comprised of shops that are more than 70% non-dealer owned. “Automakers support Right to Repair, and today’s independent auto repair market is working well with lots of competition,” said John Bozzella, president and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. “Auto repairers across the U.S. have access to the same repair and diagnostic information provided to auto dealers. It’s not just automakers who say this. It’s the Federal Trade Commission. And with today’s agreement; it’s also the thousands of independent auto repairers and small businesses in all 50 states who together with automakers have once again made this fundamental commitment to customers.” In the letter, the organizations note that the Federal Trade Commission “has rightfully placed a focus on the repair options available to consumers for all the products they purchase – far beyond just automobiles.” The agency has highlighted automotive repair “as a model for other industries to follow.” “Consumers should absolutely be able to choose quality repairs, performed in accordance with the specific procedures detailed by the vehicle engineers,” said Amber Alley, chairman of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists, and manager of Barsotti’s Body and Fender in San Rafael, California. “They should have the right to be able to do so in an independent repair facility that has invested in the training, equipment and skillset development to meet the rigorous demands of sophisticated, modern vehicles. This expectation is achievable, and consumer options for repairs are not limited by automakers; quite the contrary. Consumers should have the right to a proper and safe repair, and this agreement reinforces the commitment that the entire industry will have the ability to train, equip their facilities, and perform repairs as intended by the vehicle engineers.” ‘Agreement Falls Short’ In a statement, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers called the agreement “a step in the right direction to ensure that consumers are protected.” However, the pact “falls short of all the protections necessary to ensure consumer choice now and into the future for all parties, not only signatories of the pact.” “As a transportation industry, we believe that we have one opportunity to pass federal legislation and that legislation must include the ability to prioritize and protect consumers’ access to both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle repair and maintenance through all iterations of vehicle technology on the road today and to come,” MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers added. The association asserted that Right to Repair legislation must include: All vehicles in operation – light-duty, medium-duty and heavy-duty Access to telematics and diagnostics data beyond that available just through the OBD II port An enforcement mechanism The ability for independent repair shops, using bi-directional communication, to update vehicles and parts to the latest software Addressing the risk of repair monopolies Language to protect consumers’ access to both light-duty and heavy-duty vehicle repair, maintenance and parts of their choosing through all iterations of vehicle technology on the road today and to come “The agreement does advance the conversation around right to repair and consumer choice, but if automakers and repair shops are prioritized over consumers, fair competition and a free market would not be realized,” the association said. “As a key stakeholder in protecting consumers’ rights and an essential part of the value chain, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers must be a part of the conversation. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers welcomes the opportunity to work with all parties to align on a federal solution that reflects the principles of consumer choice and a free market, includes the expertise of the supplier community, has a mechanism for real enforcement and prioritizes consumers, their safety and their economy – and the innovative industry we serve. The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act (H.R. 906) addresses these needs, and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers continues to support this bill that addresses the above concerns and creates a repair ecosystem that puts consumers at the center.” The post Trade Groups, OEMs Agree on Data Access for IRFs appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Autologue Computer Systems has added Al Neal as its vice president of sales. Neal has experience working with parts distributors and providing technology solutions to the automotive aftermarket, Autologue noted. After graduating from Northwood University in 1988, Neal worked with Triad Systems, CCI/Triad and Activant Solutions and most recently joined MAM Software in 2009. His roles as a business-system consultant, e-catalog specialist, account manager and vice president of sales have provided him insights into the industry and fueled his passion for automotive parts distribution, Autologue said. He has built meaningful relationships with industry leaders and has been appreciated and respected for his service and integrity. “Al Neal will be a great addition to our team” said Jim Franco, president of Buena Park, California-based Autologue Computer Systems. “As a company, we are committed to grow and improve our services to the automotive aftermarket, and that includes finding quality people to join us in our endeavor.” The post Al Neal Joins Autologue Computer Systems appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Westar Distribution recently announced the release of its new line of complete air-suspension kits. The kits cover millions of vehicles, depending on the type of kit the customer chooses. Kits are supplied in two configurations: direct replacement kits and complete service kits. Both configurations are available as front, rear or complete kits. Direct replacement kits include: Air spring (if applicable) Air-strut unit Compressor Solenoid or control valve (where applicable) Complete service kits include: Air Spring (to rebuild the original air strut) Compressor Solenoid or control valve (where applicable) For more information and application information, visit the Westar website. The post Westar Distribution Introduces Air-Suspension Kits appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Motul recently launched Motul 8100 Power for the North American market. Motul developed 8100 Power specifically for performance street vehicles that do not require a dedicated track motor oil such as Motul 300V, the company said. The 100% synthetic, ester-based engine oil replaces and expands upon the Motul Sport line and is available in four viscosities for use in naturally aspirated and forced-induction gasoline and diesel engines. “Engineered with modern performance engines in mind, 8100 Power provides the ideal balance between performance and protection,” said Motul USA Marketing Manager Nolan Browning. “With 8100 Power, we are taking what we’ve learned from our decades as a leader in motorsport lubrication technology and applying it to high-performance and tuned street cars. It’s the perfect addition to our line of motor oils for everything from general service to extreme track use.” The new line of 8100 Power products is specially formulated to ensure performance and reliability for turbocharged or naturally aspirated light-duty diesel or gasoline engines across a broad range of temperatures and engine RPMs, according to Motul. Motul 8100 Power is engineered to protect against the risk of low-speed pre-ignition in small-displacement turbocharged direct-injection engines. It delivers oil-film resistance at elevated temperatures for peak engine power, torque and anti-wear protection, thanks to a unique combination of ester base oils and friction modifiers, according to the company. Motul 8100 Power also maintains compatibility with manufacturer warranties with vehicles requiring API SP-grade lubricants as well as full compatibility with bioethanol (E85 and E100), LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), CNG (compressed natural gas) and diesel fuels. Motul 8100 Power is available in 0W-20, 5W-30, 5W-40 and 5W-50 viscosities in 1-liter and 5-liter containers. The high-performance lubricant already has been recommended and extensively tested for high-performance vehicles at manufacturer-recommended drain intervals. The post Motul Adds Line of Motor Oil for High-Performance Vehicles appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Autel announced a major software release for its commercial-vehicle diagnostic tablet, the MaxiSYS 909CV. The software release extends coverage for basic and advanced diagnostics, including performing active tests and special functions, to 2023 for North America’s most popular light-, medium -and heavy-duty vehicles, including the best-selling vehicles in the country so far this year: the Ford F-Series, the Chevy Silverado and the Ram pickup. This 909CV software release also includes trucks, buses and SUVs from GMC, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen. Coverage highlights include: Chevrolet Diagnostics – Read/erase codes, view and graph live data, and perform active tests for Colorado (2022), Express (2022), S-10 (2023), Suburban (2022-2023), Tahoe (2022-2023), Traverse (2022, 2023) and Trailblazer (2023). Service functions– ABS, SRS, cylinder, VGT learn, clutch and ACC are included in the update. Dodge Diagnostics – AutoScan 2.0 (providing faster all-systems scan), read/erase codes, view and graph live data, and perform active tests for the following 2022-2023 RAM models: D2-3500 pickup, DD-Ram 3500 cab chassis, DF-Ram 3500 Cab Chassis10K, DJ-Ram 2500, DP-Ram 4500/5500, DS-Ram 1500, DT-Ram 1500, and DX-Ram. The VF (ProMaster) (2022-2023) and VM (ProMaster City) (2022) also received updates to their diagnostic coverage. Ford Diagnostics – AutoScan 2.0 (providing faster all-systems scan), system topology, read/erase codes, view and graph live data, and perform active test for Blue Bird C-Class Vision (2012 through 2020), E-Series (2023), Explorer (2023), F-150 (2022-2023), F-650/F-750 (2023), Ranger (2022), Tourneo Connect (2002 through 2009) and Transit (2022). Services – Adds ABS, SRS, BMS, brake bleed, DPF regen, EPB, SAS, throttle body, TPMS relearn and WIN DR ROOF for Escape (2020-2022), Explorer (2020-2022), F-150 (2021-2022), F-Series Super Duty (2020-2022), Ranger (2019-2022), Transit (2019-2022) and Transit Connect (2019-2022). GMC Diagnostics – Read/erase codes, view and graph live data, and perform active tests for Canyon (2022), Yukon (2022), Yukon XL (2022), Savana (2022), Hummer (2022) and Acadia (2023). Services – Adds seven service functions: ABS, SRS, cylinder, VGT learn, clutch, HV battery and ACC for the vehicles listed above. Hyundai Diagnostics – Read/erase codes, view live data and ECU information, perform active test and special functions for the Santa Fe (CM), Santa Fe (DM) and Santa Fe (SM). Systems supported include engine, transmission, ABS, ESP, SRS, BCM, smart key, EPB, 4WD, A/C and EPS. Toyota Diagnostics – AutoScan 2.0 (providing faster all-systems scan), read/erase codes, view and graph live data, and perform active test for 2023 Tundra, and Tundra HEV Services – Adds functions including ABS, SRS, automatic start/stop, clutch, EGR, VGT learn, VIN and A/F setting, manual oil reset, manual throttle matching and manual brake bleed on vehicles up to 2023. Software updates are free for the first year after tablet activation. Total Care Program subscriptions, which include one year of software updates and limited hardware warranty, can be purchased from an authorized Autel dealer or directly through the tablet. Autel introduced the MaxiSYS MS909CV more than two years ago. The advanced commercial-vehicle diagnostic tablet is compatible with more than 80 U.S., Asian and European light-, medium- and heavy-duty vehicle brands, according to the company. Autel added coverage for construction and agriculture vehicles in late December 2022, including coverage for Caterpillar- and Cummins-engine vehicles. The 9.7-inch wireless tablet performs extensive vehicle diagnostics, including the ability to read/erase codes (active and inactive codes), view and graph live data and perform active tests as well as special functions. The tablet offers an extensive service menu and includes ADAS-calibration software for multiple vehicle classes. The included MaxiBAS B200 battery, starting and charging system tester and alligator clamps, and multimeter and amp clamp, enable extensive analysis. Visit Autel.com to learn more about Autel’s commercial vehicle diagnostic solutions. The post Autel Announces Software Release for MaxiSYS 909CV appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

July is Right to Repair Awareness month, and the Auto Care Association’s Marketing and Communications Committee is calling on the auto care industry to take action. In the wake of NHTSA’s recent attempt to prevent automakers from complying with the Massachusetts data-access law, Auto Care is urging industrywide participation in spreading awareness about the importance of preserving Americans’ right to repair their vehicles and passing the REPAIR Act at the federal level. “There are more than 4 million individuals that make up the American auto care industry and its time we start putting that number to work,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “Rights, oftentimes, need to be fought for – which is why it is imperative that the latest actions taken to thwart the will of the people in Massachusetts be a wake-up call to our industry that we are going to have to bring everything we’ve got into this fight for the future of our industry. We’ve made taking action easier than ever and I hope everyone will lend their voice in this Right to Repair fight.” The Auto Care Association is providing six ways for aftermarket professionals and their customers to take action during Right to Repair Awareness Month. Send an automatic letter to your local congressperson telling them to support the REPAIR Act. Download Right to Repair promotional materials at autocare.org/r2rtoolkit to conduct a company awareness campaign on Right to Repair. Host your congressperson at your place of business. The association has a complete program that handles the contacts, the logistics and the talking points. Learn how to get started with the association’s Advocacy 101 toolkit. Share your support for Right to Repair throughout the month of July and what it means to you on social using the hashtag #righttorepair. The Auto Care Association has created a media kit with downloadable and editable graphics. Be an ambassador within your organization. Spread the word about Right to Repair Awareness Month with your supervisor. Ask your HR department to send this company-wide and use resources from the association’s media kit to educate your company and encourage your employees or colleagues to also take 30 seconds to send a pre-populated letter to their local legislator via the association’s Action Center. Continue your engagement by participating in the 2023 Auto Care Association Legislative Summit, taking place on Sept. 21 in Washington, D.C. Join the association and hundreds of aftermarket industry professionals in Washington for a day packed with meetings between you and your local congressional representatives so they can hear directly from you about our industry’s need to access vehicle data. The association will provide the talking points and the meeting schedule Additional resources, including full briefs on Right to Repair can be found on the Auto Care Association website for both the state and national levels. The post July Is Right to Repair Awareness Month appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article