Counterman

Carter has expanded its popular line of Rapid Fit water pumps and now is offering 33 part numbers covering 80.8 million vehicles in operation. Carter Rapid Fit water pumps are engineered with pre-mounted components to deliver time-saving installation for the professional technician. Designed to be installed directly out of the box, Rapid Fit water pumps help save an average of 15 to 25 minutes in the bay, according to the company. “Expanding the coverage of our Rapid Fit pumps gives our customers more options to help get the job done and save time.” said Ryan Gernheuser, repair group director, product management/aftermarket engineering at First Brands Group. Also now available is the release of a new Carter online water-pump catalog. Gernheuser added that the new catalog “is another valuable resource for automotive technicians providing vehicle-specific information for engine cooling applications on the road today.” For more information, visit carterengineered.com. The post Carter Adds Rapid Fit Water Pumps, Publishes Catalog appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Northwood University announced that it has hired an industry veteran to serve in a new role supporting automotive aftermarket education. “We are thrilled to welcome James O’Dell as our new assistant director of aftermarket education,” said Kristin Stehouwer, academic vice president and provost of Northwood University. “His professional experiences and network, along with that of our new University of Aftermarket executive director, will usher in an age of growth for our aftermarket programs, which will benefit the entire automotive industry.” O’Dell has served as the business development manager for Fisher Auto Parts in Ann Arbor, Michigan, since 2019. The automotive aftermarket includes vehicle parts, equipment, replacement tires, service repair, collision repair and accessories sold after the sale of the original vehicle. The Auto Care Association, which represents the entire automotive aftermarket, estimates the auto care industry is a $400 billion industry with more than 4.5 million workers. “As our vehicle parc continues to increase in age, and our miles driven have reached a new record high, opportunities in the automotive aftermarket continue to grow at a rapid pace,” O’Dell said. “I am proud to join Northwood. Its aftermarket program, and the Northwood Idea, are truly unique in the country. It inspires human potential through education and opportunity which uniquely prepares its students to make a difference and be successful. This is evident in that nearly one hundred percent of Northwood aftermarket graduates are employed – and their average salary is nearly $63,000.” In October, Northwood named Thomas Litzinger as the executive director of the University of the Aftermarket. Litzinger is an accomplished high-performing executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience. “Dr. Litzinger and James O’Dell are industry professionals with diverse experience and skills to lead aftermarket education,” Stehouwer stated. “Their strong associations and ability to form new relationships across the industry will allow Northwood to collaborate with all segments to produce even more career-ready students.” O’Dell noted Litzinger is not just an industry expert; he has the academic achievement to lead and inspire students in Northwood’s undergraduate programs and those in the University of Aftermarket, which provides industry-specific professional development to those working in the industry. He also is proficient in researching and publishing new studies relevant to the industry. Litzinger will lead an effort to develop a new curriculum for the University of the Aftermarket just as Northwood is reinvigorating its aftermarket education through these new hires and a new curriculum. “The investments Northwood is making in aftermarket education shows the university is responsive to the industry’s feedback, and it is stewarding its resources well for the good of the industry,” O’Dell stated. The post Northwood Names New Assistant Director of Aftermarket appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Consumer Access to Repair (CAR) Coalition is commending a bipartisan letter from 28 state attorneys general urging lawmakers to approve bipartisan legislation protecting consumer rights in the post-collision auto repair market. Specifically, the attorneys general are urging key members of Congress to advance the SMART and REPAIR Acts, which have recently been reintroduced in the 118th Congress. “We applaud the bipartisan group of attorneys general for urging Congress to pass commonsense right to repair legislation, like the recently reintroduced SMART and REPAIR Acts,” CAR Coalition Executive Director Justin Rzepka said. “These attorneys general, as chief consumer protection and antitrust enforcers, are well aware of the pressure of rising prices on the people in their states. Swift federal legislation is critical to protecting consumers’ right to repair the products they purchase – restoring choice to the repair process, increasing competition and lowering costs.” The letter states in part: “The Right-to-Repair is a bipartisan issue that impacts every consumer, household and farm in a time of increasing inflation. It is about ensuring that consumers have choices as to who, where, when and at what cost their vehicles can be repaired. It is about ensuring small automobile businesses and ‘mom-and-pop’ auto shops can remain competitive against a closed system favored by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).” The letter can be read in full HERE. The Save Money on Auto Repair Transportation SMART Act (H.R. 1707) would put an end to automakers’ unfair use of patents by reducing from 15 years to 2.5 years the time that automakers can enforce design patents against alternative parts manufacturers on collision repair parts, including common parts like side mirrors, quarter panels, and bumpers. The Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair (REPAIR) Act (H.R. 906), would ensure consumers have access to their vehicle’s data and the repair tools needed to maintain modern vehicles. The introduction of the SMART and REPAIR Acts builds on growing momentum for the consumer protections in the post-collision repair market, including endorsements from The White House and Federal Trade Commission, along with an unprecedented show of support from federal lawmakers in the FY2023 government funding package and spotlights at two congressional hearings. According to recent research from the CAR Coalition and DePaul University College of Law, anti-competitive practices from automakers cost American consumers more than $1.5 billion per year in higher auto repairs. The post State AGs Urge Congress to Pass SMART, REPAIR Acts appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Standard Motor Products (SMP) has introduced 110 new part numbers in its March new-number announcement. Included in the release is new coverage for 56 product categories, and 29 part numbers for 2022 and 2023 model-year vehicles. Standard continues its strategic expansion of collision repair and ADAS programs. Active grille shutter actuators now are available for the 2022-2021 Ford F-150. New park-assist cameras offer additional coverage for 2.9 million vehicles, including the 2022-2021 Ford Bronco Sport, while park-assist sensors now are available for the 2022-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. SMP is continuing to increase coverage for hybrid vehicles across multiple categories. A vacuum pump for Lexus Hybrids is available, as is an ambient light sensor for Lexus and Toyota Hybrids. Temperature-control products for popular hybrid vehicles also are available, including a cooling-fan assembly for the 2022-2017 Nissan Rogue Hybrid and hose assemblies for the 2022-2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. This latest announcement also sees expansion in several key powertrain-neutral categories. Power-window switches are available for 1.2 million vehicles including the 2022-2018 Ford Ranger. Another 2 million vehicles will be covered with the latest release of power door look actuators. Other new powertrain-neutral releases include ABS speed sensors, TPMS sensors, neutral safety switches and vehicle-speed sensors. “We are pleased to release these new numbers to our trusted distribution partners,” said Jack Ramsey, senior vice president of sales and marketing, SMP. “This release covers import and domestic vehicles with ICE and hybrid powertrains, and also includes many aftermarket-exclusive parts, helping our distribution partners to capture additional business.” Standard also is adding to its line of new oil-filter housing assemblies. The latest application fits 2022-2019 Chrysler, Dodge, RAM and Jeep vehicles. Standard oil-filter housings come preassembled from the factory and include a new oil cooler, oil-temperature sensor, oil pressure sensor, gaskets and new mounting hardware. Four Seasons, SMP’s temperature-control division, has added 40 new part numbers to its product line, with 26 hose assemblies adding coverage for 3.8 million import and domestic vehicles. New compressors have been added for popular vehicles such as the 2022-2020 Ford F-250 and 2022-2021 Ford F-150. Four Seasons also has introduced cooling-fan assemblies, blower motors and heater cores. All new applications are listed in the catalogs found at StandardBrand.com and 4S.com, and in electronic catalog providers. The post SMP Introduces 110 New Part Numbers in March appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Metallurgy is the study of the physical and chemical properties of metal, and when comparing different metals, the question becomes whether one wants to pursue a complicated degree in science, or whether you’re OK with accepting the basic facts around it. The science is cool stuff, but I’ll leave it for my next life. I’m OK with the basic facts, and it’s the knowledge of these facts that makes it much easier to understand the basic types of crankshafts, or “cranks” for short. In this industry, whether you’re interested in performance or not, you can’t escape the conversation of it, and one of the first things that always comes up is the term “forged” crank. Everyone knows the term and knows they’re better, but why? Back up to the era of muscle cars and the exploding popularity of hot-rodding and aftermarket performance parts. As the horsepower wars accelerated throughout the ‘60s, the high-performance variants of any engine had one thing in common: a forged crank. When you think about what a crank does, it harnesses all the power created by combustion and transfers that power to the transmission. Visualize what they go through: The power of combustion transfers through the piston and rod and into the rod journal to drive the crank into rotation. Meanwhile, the next cylinder in the firing order is compressing an air/fuel mixture in preparation for firing and driving the piston downward. Add to this engine speed and the momentum of pistons and rods that are holding on for dear life – not to mention the shock to the system by dumping a clutch to launch – and you can paint an easy picture of the immense forces pulling and twisting on the crank, just waiting to expose a weakness. The bottom line is the crankshaft needs to handle the abuse it gets, and everything from compression to rpm to how hard the vehicle will be driven are factors that must be considered. This is why during the heyday of muscle cars the top performers had forged cranks. It was more than just handling the horsepower; it was the fact that these cars were going to be run hard over and over again, and many of them on the track. Iron vs. Steel Iron is a natural element that comes from the earth. Steel is a man-made alloy that’s a result of mixing iron with carbon, and it’s ultimately a stronger material. Those are some of the basic facts I was talking about. Metallurgy 101. Done. Casting For years, the traditional or “standard” crank was made of cast iron by pouring molten metal into a mold. When the casting is removed, it’s very close to the finished dimensions and comparatively requires minimal finishing. The entire process has a considerably lower cost than any other. As a result, this has been the standard crank of choice for automakers for many years. Now, cast iron certainly is no wimpy material – think frying pan – and cast-iron cranks are very functional, but they have a limit to the amount of power they can handle in an engine. Generally, they’ll perform well up to the range of 450 to 500 horsepower, but when you reach that level (especially when driven hard on a regular basis), it’s time to move to something more durable, and the forged crank enters the picture. Forging A forged crank starts as a large cylinder of steel, heated to the molten state. It’s then pressed and/or twisted into shape by large dies. The ultimate difference between a casting and a forging is the resulting grain structure of the metal. A casting produces a sand-like grain versus the uniform flowing-grain structure of a forging. This grain structure is the reason for the difference between the strength of a cast and forged crank. Billet A billet crank starts as a large cylinder of steel, which then is machined into a crankshaft. Since a billet crank isn’t pressed or twisted in a forging process, the resulting grain structure runs parallel throughout the entire piece. Is a billet crank stronger than forged? Arguments go both ways, but billet seems to get the nod most of the time. Just a Little More Metal Cast cranks can be made of iron, nodular iron or steel. Add a small amount of carbon to iron and you have nodular iron. Steel has the greatest amount of carbon, and by definition is an alloy. There are thousands of different types of steels. Forged cranks, as well as billet, are made of multiple grades of these steel alloys. The difference in all – from least expensive to most – is tensile strength. Tensile strength is another term related to metallurgy. It refers to the amount of force that a metal will withstand before it begins to stretch. So, the two underlying factors in crank strength are material and manufacturing process. Ultimately, you can go from bottom to top, aligning tensile strength, price and how much horsepower a crank will handle. Less costs less, more costs more. It’s that simple! The post A Closer Look at Crankshafts appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Springtime is a season of change and renewal. The weather turns warmer, plants and flowers bloom into life and the days get longer. Like the local wildlife, DIY customers also are emerging from hibernation, eager to take advantage of the warmer weather so they can tackle projects in the driveway again. If your store is in snow country like ours, spring also is a season of surprises. Anything that careless customers or the wind has “deposited” in your parking lot over the past few months will reappear as the snow melts. Now is the time to address these (and other) items, before your customers notice! A literal clean sweep of the parking lot also will reveal any weather-related damage like broken and heaved concrete, or cracked asphalt. Potholes might help drive sales of steering and suspension parts this time of year, but your parking lot shouldn’t be the place your customers encounter them! Standing in the parking lot, you also can get a customer’s-eye view of your store’s exterior. Do faded signage and dirty windows make it look like you closed during the pandemic and maybe never re-opened? Speaking of opening and closing, if you have seasonal differences in business hours, verify that those posted hours are correct. (Your online presence also should accurately reflect these changes.) And even though the days are getting longer, interior and exterior lighting still are important safety and security concerns, especially if you keep extended hours. That dimly lit look isn’t doing you or your business any favors! Once inside, your customers also should find fresh new merchandise on relevant seasonal displays. The idea of spring cleaning is often “out with the old, and in with the new,” so changing up the front of the house is in order this time of year. Refreshing your spring line doesn’t just mean dragging out last year’s old stock and hanging it out for sale. Mixing this year’s new-to-market products into the displays along with the “tried-and-true” items is a good way to showcase your refreshed new look. There’s no place for faded, worn or damaged goods in your seasonal displays, but saleable merchandise left over from the previous season should be rotated forward and sold as soon as possible (especially chemicals and wiper blades). Those lingering unsold winter goods sometimes can present storage issues. On occasion, I’ve been guilty of “storing” off-season parts by tossing everything into totes or empty boxes to get them out of the way. There are two issues with this “method,” each of which I discovered the hard way. The first issue is that these items still are in inventory, so if someone needs one of the parts, we waste a lot of time sifting through totes in search of a needle in a haystack. The second issue is that when these parts are brought out again the following season, all of that sifting, sorting and shuffling makes the merchandise look pretty shopworn. Unless seasonal items are returned to your warehouse, a dedicated “off-season” shelving unit will help ensure that these parts stay organized and available and don’t suffer in storage. Last but not least, our delivery vehicles likely are due for a thorough cleaning … inside AND out! Washing away the winter salt and road grime not only makes our fleet look professional, but it also increases the service life of our vehicles and bolsters our image in the community. National Spring Car Care Month begins in April, so before the public comes calling for their cleanup needs, this is the perfect time to take care of our own! The post Spring Cleaning and Seasonal Stocking appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

KBS MAXX single-stage paint provides a beautiful, durable, UV-stable finish with excellent gloss retention, according to KBS Coatings. The two-component polyurethane top coat performs like an all-in-one base coat and clear coat, according to the company. “KBS MAXX has superior impact, weather and UV resistance, while providing fast-drying characteristics,” KBS Coatings explained in a news release. “The long-lasting, high-solids coating offers outstanding adhesion and superb opacity. KBS Advanced Cross-Linked Coatings Technology makes it both flexible and durable.” Chemical-resistant KBS MAXX has low VOC and HAPs and withstands continuous temperatures of up to 400 F. The paint can be applied by brush, roller or sprayer and features excellent flow-out for a smooth finish with no brush marks. KBS MAXX and the KBS MAXX Activator Medium are easy to mix and yield a pre-thinned paint that is ready to spray or brush. KBS MAXX currently is offered in 19 colors, and in clear. For more information, visit the KBS Coatings website. The post KBS Coatings Introduces KBS MAXX Single-Stage Paint appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Tire Industry Association has joined other association leaders to support the critical global Right to Repair movement by signing the new Right to Repair position statement. The statement enumerates the core beliefs of the movement and the objectives and intended outcomes of right to repair legislation. The document also sets forth 10 best-practice principles to developing a framework for Right to Repair legislation that any supporting country can use and adapt them to their needs. Globally, the automotive aftermarket keeps 1.5 billion vehicles on the road while contributing $1.8 trillion to the global economy. After vehicles exit their warranty period, independent repair shops perform 70% of repairs. This vibrant industry and the consumer choice that it creates is being threatened by automotive manufacturers that block access to wirelessly transmitted vehicle repair and maintenance data, according to TIA. Without the convenience and choice of independent parts and repair, especially in suburban and rural communities, consumers will have limited access to affordable vehicle service and repair. These restrictions can have catastrophic effects on local economies and the well-being and safety of millions that rely on vehicle transportation daily, TIA says. In the United States, the automotive aftermarket is a $492 billion industry employing 4.5 million professionals, according to the Auto Care Association. “Right to Repair is a top priority for TIA members and for the global automotive aftermarket,” said Richard “Dick” Gust, TIA CEO. “Without safeguards, independent automotive repairers and vehicle owners will have fewer repair options, face longer wait times and pay higher prices when they repair their vehicles. It is crucial for independent auto repair locations to have access to the equipment and data needed to repair today’s highly technological vehicles and that consumers have a choice in where they get their vehicles repaired.” Both Australia and South Africa have successfully retained their drivers’ right to repair their vehicles. These countries are a model for similar legislation in the United States that levels the playing field and keeps the consumer at the heart of decision-making across the transportation ecosystem. Read the full position statement here. The post Tire Industry Association Joins Right to Repair Movement appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, announced the members of the steering committee of the Center for Sustainability, launched in January. Committee members were selected to represent the diverse membership of the organization, covering automotive and commercial vehicle, original equipment and aftermarket, large and small companies, and the remanufacturing community. Members of the steering committee will provide guidance and oversight for the center’s leadership. In addition, they will support the programming that will be developed for the benefit of all member companies in the organization. “We are thrilled to have the commitment of these outstanding industry executives as we take the Center for Sustainability from concept to reality,” said John Chalifoux, chief sustainability officer, MEMA, following the inaugural meeting of the steering committee. “I look forward to working with the committee members who will continue to provide their expertise and a balanced perspective for all MEMA members.” The 10 executives serving on the MEMA Center for Sustainability steering committee are: Marc Blackman, president and CEO, Gold Eagle, and MEMA chairman Ed Edwards, president and CEO, Circuit Board Medics Maureen Klein, vice president, public affairs and sustainability, Pirelli Tire North America Jill Kupcak, corporate office of sustainability and EHS, North America Region, Robert Bosch LLC Brian Lewallen, president, aftermarket solutions, Daimler Truck North America Santosh Singh, senior vice president, human resources, legal, government relations and corporate communications, North America, DENSOe Volker Weng, president and general manager, drivetrain and battery systems, BorgWarner Shawn Zwicker, global recon general manager, Cummins Bill Long, president and CEO, MEMA John Chalifoux, chief sustainability officer, MEMA, and COO, MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers Learn more about the Center for Sustainability here. The post MEMA Announces Steering Committee for Sustainability Center appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Arch Auto Parts, one of New York’s fastest-growing auto parts retailers with 20 convenient locations, has doubled the footprint of its main distribution center from 30,000 to over 60,000 rentable square feet (RSF). The new lease is both an extension and expansion for Arch Auto Parts at the Ideal Queens industrial building, located at 184-10 & 184-60 Jamaica Avenue in Jamaica, Queens, according to owners KABR Group and Monocle Group. “Doubling the size of our Queens center is critical to our growing regional footprint,” said Chris Bodh, owner and CEO of Arch Auto Parts. “We are excited to be working with the new ownership group on our company’s expansion in this great location.” Ideal Queens, purchased by KABR and Monocle in February 2022, consists of more than 620,000 RSF, which is conveniently located with access to Manhattan, Long Island City, Long Island, JFK International Airport, LaGuardia Airport and Brooklyn. The warehouse and logistics buildings are equipped with 15 loading docks, multiple drive-in doors, 24/7 secured access, ceiling heights of up to 20 feet clear and onsite surface parking. Ideal Queens is situated on a major thoroughfare with accessibility to local routes as well as interstate highways. For a convenient commute, employees enjoy proximity to Jamaica Station, serviced by the E, J, M and Z subway lines and the Long Island Railroad. “Arch Auto Parts is a perfect fit for Ideal Queens,” said Adam Altman, Founder and Managing Partner of KABR. “We are excited to be a part of their continued growth.” The new owners have commenced a comprehensive renovation. This modernization project will transform the building into a Class A industrial center by improving the buildings infrastructure and tenant experience. The improvements include a complete exterior restoration of the building façade, including replacing original windows, installation of brand-new automatic freight and passenger elevators, complete bathroom remodeling and upgrading of loading docks with full dock packages. “The ongoing project will continue to transform the asset into a best-in-class multi-story light industrial, manufacturing, warehouse and distribution facility in a highly supply-constrained New York City consumer market,” Arch Auto Parts added in a news release. Leasing opportunities are available with the ability to accommodate a variety of industries looking for 1,000 to 200,000 RSF within minutes of Manhattan. For more information, visit www.IdealQueens.com. The post Arch Auto Parts Double Footprint of Main Distribution Center appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The winter registration deadline for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) testing and recertification is March 31. Those service professionals registering by the deadline will have 90 days to schedule an appointment to take their selected ASE tests. ASE now offers three options for taking certification or recertification tests: In-person testing is available throughout the year and is conducted days, nights and weekends at more than 450 secured, proctored Prometric test centers. Those with unexpired automobile certifications (A1-A9) can use the ASE renewal app for recertification. ASE also offers ProProctor remote testing as an online recertification solution for all ASE recertifications tests, excluding L1 and L2 tests. To register and select an available option to take selected ASE certification tests, visit ASE.com by March 31, click on register and sign-in. Once logged in, users can next click on “orders” and then “store” where they can find the tests they want to take, add those tests to the cart, check out and registration is complete. For assistance from ASE customer service, call 800-390-6789. The post ASE Winter Registration Deadline March 31 appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Walker Products announced the release of more than 200 new SKUs for the automotive aftermarket. The SKUs cover a wide range of automotive applications, including engine-management sensors, oxygen sensors, ignition coils and more. “Walker Products has been a trusted name in the automotive industry for over 75 years, and the launch of these new SKUs further solidifies their commitment to providing high-quality products and exceptional customer service,” the company said in a news release. Designed to provide superior performance, reliability and durability, the new SKUs are manufactured to the highest quality standards using the latest technology and materials, according to the company. “The release of these new SKUs demonstrates Walker Products’ commitment to meeting the evolving needs of their customers in the automotive industry,” the company added. To learn more about the new SKUs and other products offered by Walker Products, visit the Walker Products website. The post Walker Products Releases 200 New SKUs appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Worldpac, a wholly owned subsidiary of Advance Auto Parts, celebrated the grand opening of its newest warehouse on Feb. 22 in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. Members of the local community, including Hatillo Mayor Carlos Román Román, attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Located at H-1 Metro Plaza Hatillo, Carr No. 2 KM 87.5 Marginal, Worldpac’s Hatillo warehouse measures more than 30,000 square feet and has the capacity to house more than 400,000 original-equipment and premium-brand automotive parts, serving most vehicle makes and models on the road in Puerto Rico. The warehouse will support the businesses of local independently owned auto parts stores throughout the western region, with parts deliveries for most customers taking place multiple times per day, six days a week. “We are very proud to open our second Worldpac warehouse in Hatillo, bringing independent businesses in the western region greater access to original equipment and leading name brand auto parts,” said David Heine, Worldpac executive vice president of sales. “With two locations in Puerto Rico, we can now offer far greater inventory coverage across the island to better serve our customers. We’re also very pleased to employ members of the community at our new facility and we look forward to continued investment in Puerto Rico for years to come.” Worldpac employs 10 team members at its new facility, with many living locally in Hatillo and surrounding communities. The company also supports independent auto parts stores through its warehouse in Bayamon, which opened in 2010. Visit Worldpac’s website for more information about its parts, accessories and employment opportunities. The post Worldpac Celebrates Opening of New Warehouse in Puerto Rico appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Repairify and Autel U.S. announced an exclusive long-term collaboration agreement for the delivery of Repairify’s patented global OEM remote solutions for diagnostics, calibrations and programming through Autel’s remote-capable products across North America. As part of the agreement, Repairify will integrate its patented global remote diagnostic, calibration and programming solutions as a new service offering into a revised version of Autel’s Remote Expert platform. Repairify and Autel will jointly manage the platform that now will offer customers the choice of using the certified and warrantied OEM remote solutions from Repairify, along with the independent Remote Experts (vetted for their experience) who already are serving the platform. Launched in 2022, Autel’s Remote Expert provides customers onsite aftermarket scanning and access to remote OEM tools supported by experienced professionals. Remote Expert is available through the Autel MaxiSYS Ultra, Ultra EV, MS919, MS909 and MS909 EV diagnostics tablets. Remote Expert also will be expanded into Autel’s ADAS calibration systems. “We are excited to enter into this collaboration with Repairify,” Autel U.S. CEO Chloe Hung said. “Autel developed the Remote Expert platform to provide our users remote access to specialized and experienced module programmers and diagnosticians. We are very proud that its success drew the attention of a company of such quality and industry success as Repairify. We are confident that this partnership will benefit both companies and, most importantly, be of immense value to our users.” According to the companies, combining the Repairify remote services solutions program with the Autel Remote Expert Platform delivers what automotive repair professionals have requested for years: a seamless experience that delivers fast, accurate, certified and safe vehicle repairs with the choice of aftermarket or OEM tool support. “Since its launch into the North American market in 2005, Autel has been known for their consistent delivery of leading innovative solutions across the mechanical and collision markets,” said Cris Hollingsworth, president of Repairify Global Holdings. “Repairify is honored to embark on this partnership and to broaden the reach of our solutions through the new and existing Autel network of customers.” For additional information, visit the Repairify website. The post Autel, Repairify Announce Agreement for Remote Diagnostics appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The CAR Coalition has reported that Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell is prepared to move forward with the Massachusetts Right to Repair law. Ballot Question 1, which updated the state’s landmark 2013 Right to Repair law, passed with 75% of the vote in November 2020. Since then, automakers have kept the law tied in up federal court in an effort to block its implementation. While a federal judge has delayed ruling on the automakers’ lawsuit on six occasions, the attorney general recently issued notice that she intends to enforce the law effective June 1: “The people of Massachusetts deserve the benefit of the law they approved more than two years ago. Consumers and independent repair shops deserve to know whether they will receive access to vehicle repair data in the manner provided by the law. Auto manufacturers (“OEMs”) and dealers need to understand their obligations under the law and take action to achieve compliance.” – Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell On the national stage, U.S. Rep. Neal Dunn recently re-introduced federal Right to Repair legislation. HR 906, as introduced in Congress, aims to “ensure consumers have access to data relating to their motor vehicles, critical repair information and tools, and to provide them choices for the maintenance, service and repair of their motor vehicles, and for other purposes.” “When it comes to repairing their automobiles, consumers deserve options,” said Dunn, a Florida Republican. “The REPAIR Act would give owners, including the rural communities in my district, secure access to critical data so their chosen service center can replace parts and repair their vehicles. I am proud to support competition in the vehicle repair industry.” Dunn is a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has responsibility for consumer protection, among several other topics. The bill was referred to the committee on Feb. 9. The post Massachusetts Attorney General to Enforce Right to Repair Law appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Standard Motor Products (SMP) continues to expand its line of parts for hybrid and electric vehicles. The hybrid and EV market is growing larger every day, and SMP is committed to continually adding to its product offering for these vehicles, as well as expanding its powertrain-neutral coverage, the company said. Approximately 7 million hybrid vehicles are currently on the road, and many of them are more than 10 years old. With two distinctly different powertrains – a conventional internal combustion engine and an electric motor – these vehicles feature more components when compared to gas and diesel vehicles. Hybrid repair opportunities continue to grow thanks to a growing vehicle population, an aging fleet and multiple drivetrain components. Standard and Four Seasons are prepared to meet the demand, with more than 4,000 parts available for 150 models, according to the company. Electric vehicles use the same sensors, switches and climate-control systems as ICE vehicles, while adding new opportunities around the thermal management of high-voltage battery and drive motor components. Currently, SMP offers more than 1,900 parts for 40 models, with more parts being introduced on a consistent basis. Additionally, SMP offers more than 50,000 powertrain-neutral parts through its Standard and Four Seasons brands. These parts fit vehicles regardless of powertrain and include categories like advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) components, collision repair parts, A/C compressors and thousands of other switches, sensors, actuators and connectors. “As hybrid and electric vehicle sales increase, SMP is prepared to meet the growing demand for high-quality replacement parts,” said Jack Ramsey, senior vice president of sales and marketing, SMP. “Standard and Four Seasons are dedicated to staying ahead of the curve, engineering and manufacturing superior products that last.” From 2022 through February of this year, SMP has added substantial coverage for hybrid and electric vehicles through its Standard and Four Seasons brands. In total, SMP added 258 SKUs for hybrid vehicles, 60 SKUs for electric vehicles and 1,530 SKUs in the powertrain-neutral category. Recent additions include a universal battery pack charging cord for electric vehicles and stoplight switches and brake-pedal travel sensors for hybrid models like the Toyota Prius and Lexus ES300h. The array of powertrain-neutral parts added include park-assist cameras, dome-light switches, rocker switches, power sunroof motors, taillight connectors and much more. All new Standard EV and hybrid products are listed in the e-catalog found at StandardBrand.com, and in electronic-catalog providers. The post Standard Motor Products Expands Hybrid, EV Portfolio appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

When ball joints are on the counter, what’s the No. 1 upsell? Shop rags, latex gloves and floor cleaner, because it’s going to be a messy job! Seriously, though, it depends on the suspension. For light cars and trucks with strut-type suspension, most ball joints aren’t greaseable, and most of them only have one lower control arm on each side, resulting in only one lower ball joint on each side (multi-link suspensions are another story). Most of these are a cakewalk to replace, and you barely get your hands dirty. But, heavier trucks and older cars with upper-lower A-arm suspension and greaseable joints are a different story. That’s when it gets real. But before we start wiping up grease, let’s look at two of the stickier aspects of ball joints: inspection and installation. Ball joints have wear specifications, and the maximum allowable play as well as proper inspection procedures can vary considerably between different applications. When checking a ball joint for wear, technically speaking, not only should we confirm the recommended procedure and specifications, but we also are always supposed to check them using a dial indicator. In the real world, that rarely happens. Most technicians understand that a little bit of play in a ball joint is normal and acceptable. But at the same time, there’s a common misconception that any play in a ball joint means it’s wearing out. The root of the problem goes deeper than this article can cover, but let’s face it: Time is money, and taking the time to look up specs, set up a dial indicator (if you have one) and recording the readings just isn’t realistic, especially when a shop manager is breathing down your neck for a diagnosis. Another part of the problem is when you check a ball joint for wear, you always can feel even the slightest amount of play – so again, rather than performing the correct procedure, it’s easier to estimate the free play in your mind based on your familiarity with these types of measurements. You can’t always see the movement when it’s minimal, but the worse it gets, the easier it is to see. Experienced technicians are good at recognizing when the amount of play is still “acceptable,” or when a ball joint is – as we like to call them when the vehicle isn’t safe to drive – “wasted.” When a ball joint exhibits wear but still is acceptable and safe for use, that’s how we represent it to the customer, and we’ll just recommend checking them again at the next service. “Let’s keep an eye on those ball joints,” we might say. This all might sound like I’m criticizing technicians, but that’s far from the case. I’ve been a tech my whole life and it can be tough to wear our shoes. There’s a lot we need to know – we’re all human – and we do make mistakes. When it comes to parts, we rely on the knowledge of a counterperson more often than you realize. One of the strongest traits of a good technician is understanding that you don’t know everything, and not being afraid to ask questions or accept advice. In the case of ball joints, they usually don’t come with specifications, and there’s rarely any information with them aside from installing the grease fitting. And when they do come with information, does it always get read? You probably can guess the answer. This is the real world of automotive repair. As crazy as it sounds, when you’re deep into a suspension repair with parts and tools all over the place, it can seem like it takes an eternity to unbox a bunch of parts and remove them from their plastic bags, etc. – so again, it’s no surprise that details are missed should they happen to be included. It’s worth its weight in gold when we learn something we don’t know about any particular part, and we’re always eager to learn. If the line between misconception and mistake isn’t blurry enough, there’s an extra kicker with ball joints. Some vehicles utilize telescoping ball joints. What this means is that the ball-joint stud telescopes a small amount to compensate for manufacturing tolerances, primarily related to the ears of a steering knuckle. When you install one of these joints, it may appear as if the stud is too long or too short, potentially causing a technician to think it’s the incorrect joint. Also, since the stud is engineered to slide in and out of the housing, they can exhibit as much as .060” (sixty-thousandths of an inch) of free play. For comparison, .060” is about the thickness of a penny, and while this amount of play rarely would be represented as unsafe, it could easily be misdiagnosed as a worn joint. This may turn out to be more important in the case of a warranty concern. I’m sure it wouldn’t be the first time you had a part returned as defective and you were surprised by it. This is when your knowledge can save time and money for your company as well as for a technician, shop and the end customer. Information like this often doesn’t make it to a technician level, and it’s a great opportunity for you to educate and build rapport with your customers at the same time. Replacing Control Arms Where do control arms come into the picture? Independent suspension, be it front or rear, has been around for a long time. There are many different types, of which upper-lower A-arm, MacPherson strut and multi-link are the most common variations we deal with today. One thing they all have in common is some type of control arm. To put a simple spin on it, any control arm is nothing more than a link between the fixed frame of a vehicle and the steering knuckle – the component that in turn provides a mounting point for the brakes, wheel bearings and wheels. Control arms move freely up and down in response to suspension movement and not only offer mounting points for springs and sway bars, but they also are integral to suspension design, affecting the alignment angles and suspension travel. The control arm also carries another distinction: It offers a provision for mounting a ball joint to provide articulation between the arm and steering knuckle. Ball joints are either bolt-on or press-in, and in many cases on newer vehicles, the ball joint is an integral part of the control arm. If you have to replace the ball joint, you have to replace the entire arm. Control arms are either steel, cast-iron or aluminum, and the most important factor when replacing a press-in style of ball joint is making sure the hole in the control arm isn’t worn. Generally, if there’s no visible damage or corrosion to the control arm and the old ball joint requires considerable force to remove, as long as the new joint requires a similar force to install, the control arm will be OK. However, since we don’t have the technology (in our shops) to measure the roundness and integrity of the hole, many manufacturers recommend to only replace a press-in style ball joint one time. The next time, the whole arm should be replaced, and this is good advice to pass along to your customer. As with any type of suspension work, any torque-to-yield fasteners should be replaced, torque specifications always should be utilized, and in the case of control-arm replacement, fasteners should be torqued with the vehicle at ride height. The post Ball Joints: How Much Play Is Too Much? appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Lafayette Warehouse has joined forces with Auto-Wares Group of Companies. Like Auto-Wares, Lafayette Warehouse, Inc. (LWI) is built on long-lasting relationships with customers, employees and suppliers that have grown their businesses. Mike Brown will lead Lafayette Warehouse as general manager. Pat James and the current location managers will continue to lead the Lafayette Warehouse location teams going into the future. The Lafayette Warehouse customers will be introduced to the Alliance exclusive brands and the Auto Value Parts Store and Certified Service Center programs. In addition to increased inventory and improved Indiana logistics, this acquisition will make full-line AC Delco and Mopar Original Equipment lines available to all Auto-Wares customers in the coming months. Lafayette Warehouse has four large locations that will improve Auto-Wares logistics in Northwest and Central Indiana: Lafayette Auto Supply Distribution Center, 1501 Kepner Dr., Lafayette Lafayette Auto Supply, 118 S. 4th Street, Lafayette Kokomo Auto Supply, 1299 Home Ave., Kokomo NWI Auto Supply, 755 E. 82nd Ave., Merrillville “First and foremost we want to thank our employees and customers for the success we have had over the past 96 years,” said Pat James, president of Lafayette Warehouse. “We could not have done it without all their support. Auto-Wares presented an opportunity for our legacy to continue by offering great opportunities for our current employees and customers. We also would like to thank Auto-Wares for choosing us to be their next partner.” Auto-Wares CEO Todd Leimenstoll added: “All of us at Auto-Wares are excited to have Lafayette Warehouse team join the Auto-Wares Group of Companies. Lafayette Warehouse has a very successful history and tremendous reputation. I am thankful for the trust that Pat James and the James family have placed in us. We look forward to the next chapter in growing the company.” The post Lafayette Warehouse Joins Auto-Wares appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Being a somewhat evolved primate, I appreciate tools. I have a LOT of tools – maybe more than strictly necessary for a guy who spends most of the day behind a parts counter rather than in a shop bay. To be completely honest, I even own a few tools that I’ve never actually used, simply because at the time of purchase, I thought they were pretty darn cool, and I might need them some day. Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it, right? Historically, tool selections were pretty basic: an open stock display of wrenches, sockets and drive tools, and a small display of specific-use tools from one of the major jobber distributor brands. These days, in-store tool selection reflects the diversity of manufacturers in today’s aftermarket and the vehicle-specific engineering that goes into servicing a wide range of global nameplates. Given the tight confines of the modern engine bay and the variety of service opportunities, the “underhood” tool category is spread across several vehicle systems, and includes a number of specialty tools. Underhood services can include belt-drive and cooling-system service; electrical diagnosis and repair; fuel and emissions; LOF (lube, oil, filter) and other fluid-exchange services; and internal engine repairs. Considering that performing one repair often requires disassembly or removal of multiple components just to access the affected part, underhood repairs often will require multiple specialty tools as you dig deeper into the engine bay. While a complete review of each and every specialty underhood tool is nearly impossible, there are a few types that are universally required for servicing many different vehicles. Quick-disconnect (QD) tools are one of the most universally requested tools in this category, and also the most diverse. Fuel and emissions lines, transmission and coolant connections and A/C lines all routinely feature a QD fitting of some variety. From scissor-type tools to pliers and spring-lock tools, each is designed for a particular type of fitting. Master-disconnect kits cover the majority of styles in one convenient case, and many QD tools can be purchased individually. For OEM clamped-hose connections, flat-band clamps have mostly replaced worm-drive clamps, and the “go-to” tool for this type of clamp is the cable-operated plier, which can reach remotely into the engine bay where your hands won’t fit. Another popular OEM clamping method is the “Clic” and “Clic-R” clamp, a reusable clamp similar to the Oetiker ear-type clamps found on CV boots. Clic-R-style pliers make removal and re-use of these clamps possible without damage. Blunt flat-bladed hose-removal tools then can be used to separate stubborn hoses without puncturing or gouging the rubber – a common problem when improvising with a screwdriver or pick tool. Screwdrivers also can damage stretch-to-fit serpentine belts, so using the proper removal and installation tool increases the chances of reusing a good belt! Belt-tension release tools make accessing buried tensioner assemblies much easier, especially when clearance issues prevent the use of a breaker bar or ratchet. LOF service – once the most basic of maintenance tasks – has become increasingly complex in recent years. The resurgence of cartridge-type filters has resulted in a variety of specialty sockets for opening engine-oil and diesel-fuel filter housings. GM, Ford and some European OEMs now feature uniquely shaped plastic oil-drain plugs that require specialty sockets to remove and replace without damaging the plug. Some tools (for example, a particular-size specialty socket or bit) are “required” in the sense that you cannot use any other tool to perform a specific task, while others have been developed to make a job easier or beat the published flat-rate schedule. For professional technicians, time is money, and specialty tools are an investment that help them save time and earn more money. For DIYers, specialty tools reduce the frustration of fighting with an unfamiliar component, and reduce the potential for damaging new or existing parts when using improvised tools and methods. Tool rentals allow the DIYer (and even some professionals) access to more expensive tools that they otherwise wouldn’t purchase. As add-on sales, specialty tools can earn the parts store additional income, encourage sales of parts that may be more difficult to install without the proper tools and reduce “defective” returns resulting from installation errors. Having a diverse selection of relevant specialty tools in stock is easier than ever before, and is another way to differentiate yourself in an increasingly competitive market. The post Selling Tools for Underhood Repairs appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts reported net sales of $11.2 billion for 2022, up 1.4% from 2021, while comparable-store sales were flat. Fourth-quarter net sales increased 3.2% to $2.5 billion, while comparable-store sales were up 2.1%. “In 2022, our team members once again worked to serve our customers with relentless focus and dedication,” said Tom Greco, president and chief executive officer. “Despite challenges throughout 2022, we made progress on our strategic initiatives, including the expansion of our footprint, further strengthening of our DieHard brand and improved customer loyalty. However, we are not satisfied with our results in 2022 and are taking decisive actions to improve performance in 2023. Importantly, the disciplined inventory and pricing actions we discussed last quarter to adapt to an evolving competitive landscape contributed to stronger results in Q4 and we ended the year with positive momentum. “We expect to see further improvements in inventory availability throughout 2023, which we view as the single most important driver to accelerate topline growth. After several years of significant investments in complex transformation initiatives and the majority of the integration behind us, we’re now able to focus more time and resources on leveraging our differentiated asset base and improving execution to drive long-term shareholder value.” Advance’s 2023 guidance is for net sales between $11.4 billion and $11.6 billion, and year-over-year growth in comparable-store sales between 1% and 3%. “In 2023 we are shifting to GAAP as our reporting method for annual guidance,” said Jeff Shepherd, executive vice president and chief financial officer. “As the GPI integration nears completion, we expect transformation costs to be less impactful, which reduces the need for non-GAAP adjustments. In addition, we believe that focusing on GAAP results will improve the understanding and comparability with our closest peers. In 2023 we are elevating our performance to improve topline growth and share gains while delivering operating income margin expansion.” The post Advance Reports 2022 Sales of $11.2 Billion appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In our cover story for the January issue of AMN/Counterman, we asked distribution leaders to reflect on the successes and challenges of 2022 and share some of their insights for the industry in 2023. Here’s our Q&A with Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. AMN/CM: What is the greatest threat facing the automotive aftermarket? What is the greatest opportunity? PM: I have combined these questions, because if you look through a longer-term lens, the aftermarket’s greatest threat and opportunity are the same: technology. EVs have generated concern in the aftermarket, but that needs to be kept in perspective. Remember the aftermarket’s history: With every new technology there were projections that there will be nothing or not enough to repair – but every time we still see problems and failures with these new parts and technologies. Think of fuel injection, electronic ignition or TPMS. Auto engineers are not perfect, and the real world is a difficult operating environment. In fact, NADA data indicates that EVs are coming back to the dealer more often than ICE vehicles – and needing more repairs per visit than ICE. New technologies have historically been good for aftermarket revenue – and we are looking at a flood of new technologies unlike any we have ever seen. With so much focus on electrification, we aren’t talking enough about the revolution happening now: ADAS. We released a study at Vision that projected ADAS will exceed a billion-dollar market for replacement parts by 2030. Let me say that again: a billion-dollar market for replacement parts. That’s all opportunity and upside for the aftermarket. And, the story of increasing vehicle content is not only ADAS or EVs. The increase in new-vehicle prices demonstrates the lifecycle opportunity. New-vehicle prices hit an eye-watering $30,000 a decade ago; now, the average is $50,000. And while some of that is near-term supply issues, increasing vehicle content has driven this long-term trend. Every one of these new technologies can break or need calibration or maintenance. We believe this huge increase in vehicle content bodes well for the future of aftermarket tickets. The aftermarket is now living the famed “Innovator’s Dilemma” everyday: the challenge of managing two businesses. One, maximizing the returns from our existing business, which has a very long, fat tail. In parallel, we are growing new, innovative businesses prepared to take advantage of the aftermarket opportunities of electrified, automated and connected vehicles. In our view, the aftermarket is well-positioned in both the old and new industries. The aftermarket should not be afraid of the future. If we engage the classic aftermarket entrepreneurial spirit, we believe technology and content bring more opportunity than risk. AMN/CM: How can the independent aftermarket parts and service segments best prepare to repair the car of tomorrow as ADAS, EVs and other technologies become more prominent? PM: In addition to the points above, we have a lot of work and training to do – together, up and down the value chain – to make sure that shops are prepared, and consumers know that the aftermarket is ready and able to supply the parts, tools and technologies to fix these vehicles. And we can. AMN/CM: How is the Right to Repair issue impacting your members’ business? PM: All this opportunity is contingent on one thing: Right to Repair legislation that allows market competition. Right to Repair, and the Federal REPAIR Act, are necessary to realize our future. Consumers need this. If Congress takes action to ensure choice in vehicle repair and maintenance, consumers will save enormous amounts of time and money. We appreciate the cross-industry partnership on this bill – a unified effort is essential to success. We have momentum. You’ve heard about the many bipartisan bill co-sponsors, the executive order, the FTC report and the hearings all in favor and support of consumers right to choose where and with what parts their vehicle is repaired. This new Congress is our moment; it may be our best chance of getting a bill passed. If we don’t succeed, by 2035 $63 billion in consumer service choices will be thwarted by repair restrictions – and that number will quickly grow. Our industry must – and will – be heard to protect consumers and free markets. The post Paul McCarthy Sees ‘Opportunity and Upside’ in ADAS appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In our cover story for the January issue of AMN/Counterman, we asked distribution leaders to reflect on the successes and challenges of 2022 and share some of their insights for the industry in 2023. Here’s our Q&A with Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. AMN/CM: What did your organization accomplish in 2022 that you are most proud of? BH: I am most proud of the work our communities have done to engage and develop the industry. AWDA celebrated its 75th anniversary this year and as I noted during their awards ceremony, AWDA is represented on every single Auto Care community and committee and is engaged in every aspect of the industry. Women in Auto Care drew the largest crowd at the AAPEX stage during their awards ceremony, their breakfast had a waitlist, they raised more than $100k for scholarships and the registration for their upcoming Leadership Conference is the highest ever. YANG (Young Auto Care Networking Group) had record-breaking attendance at their reception at AAPEX and donated more than $20k to the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation in 2022 through various fundraisers, including their Top Golf meetup that was attend by more than 160 young executives nationally. Automotive Content Professionals Network started off our Connect Conference in May with record attendees and continues to set the example for welcoming newcomers to the industry. Auto Care has invested in all our communities through increased staff representation and the creation of a community engagement department to facilitate the collaboration and growth of all Auto Care communities. AMN/CM: How is the ongoing Right to Repair issue impacting your business? BH: From an industry perspective we have seen ongoing awareness of Right to Repair in our sector as well as agriculture and consumer electronics. The more exposure this consumer issue receives, we gain increased mindshare of legislators and regulators. The Auto Care Association has been helping to vigorously support our position to implement the will of the voters in the Massachusetts court case, and after numerous delays we are hoping to have a ruling soon. We are also working with CARE to support a ballot initiative in Maine to further expand our state strategy. We are also working with AASA, SEMA and the CAR coalition to reintroduce our REPAIR Act in Congress, which would provide a nationwide/federal solution for the access of telematics data and are encouraged by the momentum around the issue that we see. The European Union, Australia, South Africa and our Canadian colleagues all have Right to Repair initiatives taking place and we are working hand-in-hand with them to provide support and guidance as needed. We are also working with other aftermarket associations around the globe to support their Right to Repair initiatives and are in the process of developing a global Right to Repair positioning statement that unifies our industry in our approach. AMN/CM: What do you feel is the greatest threat facing the automotive aftermarket right now? BH: The biggest threat is two-fold: meeting the challenges of today’s technology on the vehicle and finding young men and women to repair and maintain those vehicles. Our industry has always adapted to technology. However, the financial investment required by a shop to keep up with that technology has become increasingly difficult. ADAS calibration, for example, requires more than $100k in equipment, not to mention the amount of space required to conduct those calibrations. Attracting talent to our service bays requires an investment on all our parts by providing scholarships and apprenticeships. I firmly believe that a national apprentice program is long overdue, and such a program will help reduce student-loan debt while providing good-paying jobs. Our good friends and members at Dynamic Automotive in Frederick, Maryland, are a great example of a progressive shop working with state and local governments to provide meaningful apprenticeship programs that groom qualified technicians for the next generation of technology. The post Bill Hanvey: ‘A National Apprentice Program Is Long Overdue’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

You can’t turn a corner these days without seeing a headline about electric vehicles. In recent years, this caused some consternation in the automotive aftermarket, with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles being the bread and butter for this industry. However, new data shows there will continue to be room for – and a need for – products for both incoming electric and ICE vehicles. According to data from the Joint EV Trends and Outlook Forecast from MEMA and Auto Care Association, while EVs are beginning to penetrate the U.S. car parc, ICE vehicles will maintain the majority share through 2040. By 2030, the average estimate for approximately 30% of new car sales will be electric vehicles, according to PwC, which partnered with the associations on the joint forecast. That being said, over the past several months, we have seen a significant uptick in industry activation surrounding vehicle electrification, in a variety of ways. Within the automotive aftermarket, we are beginning to see a mindset shift, moving from skepticism surrounding the idea of EVs into more companies seeing the opportunities available in this rapidly growing space. Take for example longtime diagnostic products provider Autel entering the market this past June with the launch of its new Autel Energy division, which released the MaxiCharger Home and Commercial Level 2 AC chargers, available in 40-amp and 50-amp flexible charging configurations, compatible with all plug-in electric vehicles. In the automotive repair equipment space, BendPak recently introduced its EV2400SL EV battery pack and powertrain lifting system. This push-around full-rise scissor lift table is designed to make replacing both electric vehicle battery packs and internal combustion powertrain components more efficient, the company said. The patent-pending design offers all the benefits of BendPak’s former SL24EVT lifting system with several user-friendly enhancements. Just this past month, GM announced plans to invest a total of $20.5 million across three of its Customer Care and Aftersales parts distribution centers in Tennessee and Michigan to modernize warehouse operations as the automaker prepares for industry growth and electric vehicle readiness. NAPA also saw the need to invest in preparation for the incoming change and this past fall announced its “NexDrivePowered by NAPA” training program in the U.S. to prepare repair shops for the changes electrification brings in the repair segment. In January, Shell paid a cool $169 million to acquire EV charging company Volta to “unlock long-term growth opportunities in electric vehicle charging,” the company stated. Bridgestone unveiled at CES this January it’s new Smart Corner solution, a demonstration of the ability to enhance the performance, comfort and efficiency of electric and autonomous vehicles, while maximizing the lifespan of tires and air springs. The solution combines premium Bridgestone tires and Firestone Airide (previously Firestone Industrial Products) air springs that are engineered specifically for electric and autonomous vehicle applications. Standard Motor Products said it is committed to providing replacement parts for hybrids and EVs and has added new part numbers specifically for hybrids and EVs through its Standard and Four Seasons brands. Valvoline and ENEOS both have developed automotive fluids specifically for use in Hybrid and Plug-in EVs. These are just a handful of examples of businesses that have long been involved in the traditional ICE market segment creating opportunities in the EV market, as well. From a consumer standpoint, the rate adoption of EVs varies from country to country, with cost (be it cost-savings or cost barriers) being one of the top factors. According to AMN’s sister publication dedicated to EVs, The Buzz, “While internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles still dominate future vehicle purchase intentions, preference for electrified powertrains continues to rise. Overall, the global shift to EVs is occurring at different speeds as individual markets face varying challenges to adoption, including cost and availability of charging infrastructures.” Citing data from Deloitte’s 2023 Global Automotive Consumer Study, The Buzz noted that “Despite mounting concerns about climate change and reducing emissions, lower fuel expenses are the top reason consumers choose EVs in the U.S., Germany, India, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Southeast Asia, in an effort to reduce vehicle operating costs.” In the U.S., intent to purchase hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and all-battery powered electric vehicles (BEV) are each up by 3 percentage points from 2022. Globally, consumer interest in BEVs is highest in China (27%, up 10 points year-over-year). The post Charging Ahead: Aftermarket Eyes EV Opportunities appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Oil changes continue to be one of the most common DIY repairs performed on vehicles today. According to a recent Counterman P.A.R.T.S. report, changing the engine oil was the second-most popular DIY auto care job, behind only changing the wiper blades. Changing the oil and filter is right in the sweet spot for do-it-yourself (DIY) vehicle owners: It’s a regular maintenance task that’s critical to the overall health and longevity of the engine, and it’s easy to perform. It’s the sort of basic maintenance that can be performed by someone who might not get their hands dirty otherwise. Chances are you’ve had a DIYer in your store asking how to get started. Let’s talk about some of the tips you can share with your DIY customers to help them change their own oil – and do it right. Essential Tools vs. Non-Essential Tools Tools are a long-term investment. They may cost more than they’ll save on the first oil change, but they pay for themselves in the long run! Let’s start with the essential tools that every DIYer should have in their garage. At the top of this list, we find a jack and jack stands. Whenever you’re working underneath a vehicle, you need to make sure that it’s lifted up on level ground, and that it’s safely supported with jack stands. If you lift the vehicle up with a hydraulic jack, and don’t support it with jack stands, the jack can lose pressure and the vehicle will start to lower itself. If you’re underneath the vehicle when this happens, it can be deadly. Be safe, be smart and live to wrench another day. If any of the wheels are coming off, I place them underneath the vehicle for an added layer of protection. My thinking is simple: If something went wrong, having to replace a wheel and/or tire could be the least of my problems! As a personal rule, I like to use jack stands that are rated for far more weight than I’ll ever put onto them. I have a number of 4-ton and 6-ton jack stands, and I prefer them over the less expensive 2-ton stands due to their increased footprint, and more robust construction. Figure 1 Next on the list are the basic tools and supplies you’ll need to finish the job. You’ll need a basic set of sockets, wrenches and ratchets. You’ll also need some form of tool to remove the oil filter or filter housing cap (Figure 1). It’s worth mentioning that you may need to purchase specialty tools to remove the drain plug or filter housing on certain applications. For example, Volkswagen uses a proprietary tool to remove the plastic drain plugs from its modern four-cylinder engines. GM Ecotec engines require a special socket to remove the filter housing cap on its 1.4T and 1.8-liter four-cylinder engines. These are only two examples of many, so it’s best to do some online research before starting the job. Make sure you have all the tools you need on hand BEFORE you start to drain the oil. You’ll need some form of drain pan or container to catch the oil as it drains out of the engine. It’s a good idea to have some old rags or towels on hand to clean up any spills or messes along the way, and I usually have a can of brake cleaner for added cleaning “umph.” Finally, let’s talk about personal protective equipment (PPE). It’s a good idea to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes, and gloves to protect your skin. Tips & Tricks First and foremost, a DIY customer probably will have a lot of questions about what type of oil they need, how much oil their engine holds and more. While you may be able to lookup fluid specifications and capacities in your catalog, your DIY customers won’t have access to something like that. But a quick Google search should get them on the right track. I would always advise them to follow the OE maintenance guide and specifications, regardless of mileage or age. There are a lot of things that you’ll learn through experience. Any tips, pointers or advice you can share with your DIY customers can go a long way toward helping them, and might just be the thing that gets them back to your store for the next repair. For example, some oil-drain plugs feature a gasket or crush washer that seals up against the oil pan. This type of gasket will need to be replaced at every oil change. A leaky drain plug can be a real pain, and could be really discouraging to a DIYer after their first oil change. Then there are the little things that just make the whole job go a little bit smoother. I like to keep some old, cut-up cardboard boxes around the garage. In a pinch, they work great as a “poor man’s creeper.” Sometimes you don’t have enough room under the vehicle to slide around on a creeper, so the cardboard gives me something to lay on without having to lay directly on the cold, concrete floor. When replacing a spin-on oil filters, always wipe off the mounting surface before installing the new filter. This ensures that any dirt or debris will be wiped away, AND if the gasket was stuck in place, you’ll either feel it, or you’ll knock it off of there. If you installed the new oil filter on top of the old gasket, it wouldn’t seal correctly. The result would be a massive blowout, leaving oil all over the garage floor. Not a great way to spend an afternoon! Figure 2 The same applies to cartridge oil filters, but for different reasons. Cartridge oil filters are held in place by a filter housing cap. This cap will contain one or more O-rings that seal inside the housing. These O-rings need to be replaced with every oil change, and they’re almost always included with the new cartridge oil filter. Whatever you do, don’t double up these O-rings! This can lead to massive oil leaks, but it also can make the filter housing cap nearly impossible to remove (Figure 2). Finally, always dispose of the used oil safely. If your store will take used oil, be sure to let your customers know. If your store cannot take in used oil, make a list of nearby shops that will. Some shops use oil-burning heaters, so they may take used oil without a charge to the customer. The post DIY Oil Changes appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

For the first few years after any new model or platform is introduced, dealerships see the majority of service and parts requests for these vehicles under warranty. Aside from accessories and non-warranty maintenance items such as filters, wipers and bulbs, the aftermarket demand for new-model components can be limited. Once these vehicles “age out” of their warranty periods, aftermarket personnel begin to field more and more requests for aftermarket replacement parts. The latest Silverado and Sierra platform is now well into its fourth year of production, and due to its popularity and the number of vehicles in operation, the aftermarket demand for replacement parts is increasing. General Motors introduced its latest full-size truck and SUV platform in late 2018, for the 2019 model year. Known as the “GMT1,” it replaces the previous “GMK2” platform introduced for MY 2014. The Silverado and Sierra 1500 were the first vehicles to use the new platform, but true to history, GM also carried over the previous model, creating yet another confusing single-year overlap in body styles. In 2007, GM used the “Classic” designation to identify the “old-body” 1500s that were built on the previous GMT800 platform, while the “new-for-2007” Silverados and Sierras were built on the GMT900 platform. Fifteen years on, it continues to be a sticking point when cataloging parts for these trucks. For 2019, the “classic” GMK2 carryovers are known as the Silverado LD (“light-duty”) or “Legacy,” and the Sierra “Limited.” Fortunately, GM moved final assembly of these carryover trucks to its Oshawa plant in Ontario. These Canadian-assembled GMK2 platform trucks are unique in being the only MY 2019 Silverado/Sierra 1500s featuring a VIN beginning with “2,” making it the simplest way to identify these trucks for cataloging purposes. Aside from the visual styling cues and VIN differences, the GMT1 platform also is the first Silverado to feature an electronic parking brake, with a push-button rather than a pedal, and the service-brake system now features pad-wear sensors. These two new features will require additional service steps, including putting the e-brake into service mode before pad replacement and resetting pad-wear-life monitors afterward. The 2500 HD and 3500 HD made the transition to the GMT1 platform for MY 2020, while the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL all switched over to the GMT1 platform for the 2021 model year. GM also returned to the medium-duty category in 2019, after a 10-year absence (the Kodiak and TopKick were discontinued in 2009). The Silverado 4500 HD, 5500 HD and 6500 HD are part of a joint venture between GM and Navistar International, with these trucks being built at a Navistar assembly plant in Ohio. The first three digits of the Silverado HD VIN (1HA) identify these trucks as “incomplete Chevrolets manufactured in the US by Navistar,” and there are no equivalent GMC models. Beginning in 2018, GM began making significant changes to the service parts ID (SPID) decal information. The familiar sticker in the glovebox, listing all of the relevant RPO codes we use to decipher options, has been replaced by a QR code! This QR code is located on the certification label, found on the driver’s side B-pillar. Most QR apps for Android and iPhone are capable of translating the code, but the “search results” are now reduced to a maximum of 48 individual RPO codes, rather than a full accounting for every installed option. Major RPOs for suspension, brake, engine and transmission seem to be present in most of the QR-decoded examples I’ve seen, but coverage is nowhere near as comprehensive as we once enjoyed. The paint code is plainly written at the left lower corner of the QR-code square, so one of the most common uses of the SPID decal still is readily available without downloading information to your phone. This was implemented as a running change beginning in 2018, so some vehicle certification labels featured QR codes before others. If no QR code is present on the door tag, look for a traditional SPID in the glovebox, trunk or other location. The post Cataloging Confusion appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article