Counterman

At the same time the auto industry was dipping its toes into technology, I was your typical high school adolescent who only cared about the cars I could afford – which at that time was nothing newer than mid-‘70s iron. The only language I knew was that of carburetors, camshafts, headers and hot rods, and growing up in a college town, I thought lambda was a fraternity. In a few short years when I entered both the auto repair industry and technical college, I found out I had a lot to learn. All of a sudden, I had to learn technology, which required first off to learn the terminology. Oxygen (O2) sensors were new to me, and then throwing in the term “lambda” made it all seem complicated. I eventually learned that it really wasn’t, but I also learned not to get wrapped up in all the overly technical jargon. From a technician standpoint, I needed to understand how things worked – not re-engineer them – so here’s what I taught myself to know about O2 sensors, and I promise I won’t use the word “lambda” … at least for a while. O2 sensors have a simple function. They generate voltage, and their job in an automotive context is to provide a varying output voltage in response to the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. Determining the amount of oxygen in the exhaust is what allows modern engine-management systems to calculate the efficiency of the combustion process and adjust the fuel delivery to maintain the correct air/fuel ratio. So, how do they do this? The principal is an electrochemical reaction that takes place, the catalyst for which is the difference between the amount of oxygen in the air we breathe compared to the amount of oxygen in the exhaust. In order to get the “outside” sample of air, some O2 sensors have provisions that allow air into the body of the sensor; others have a sealed sample inside. One of the important factors in the operation of an O2 sensor is heat. The bottom line is they can’t produce an accurate signal until they’re warmed up. Until an O2 sensor is warmed up, the computer will run the engine in a mode called open loop. All this means is that it’s running on pre-programmed parameters, but it also means it’s not running efficiently since it’s not yet utilizing the critical data from the O2 sensor that it needs to adjust the air/fuel ratio. When the O2 sensor warms up, the engine computer will switch to closed-loop operation, meaning it’s now adjusting the air/fuel ratio based on the input it receives from the sensor(s). Since this is so important for emissions, the quicker the O2 sensor warms up, the better. Location or placement in the exhaust has an effect on how quickly they warm up, but the two biggest factors are the addition of built-in heaters and higher idle rpm when the engine is cold. High rpm also is important to warm up the catalytic converter, since they don’t work efficiently until warm either. But enough of that. Let’s move on. AFR Sensors So, you have an idea of what an O2 sensor does and when it does it. It’s time to throw a wrench in the works. There’s another sensor called an air/fuel ratio (AFR) sensor. An AFR sensor also is called (or nicknamed) a wideband O2 sensor. What they ultimately do is the same thing, and up to this point in the article, feel free to switch the term O2 with AFR. They also look basically the same and mount the same. We often call them all O2 sensors, and nobody gets really hung up on it, because they’re close enough. AFR sensors, however, have different operating parameters because they have a wider range and are able to provide more precise information to the vehicle computer. They simply are a more accurate version of an O2 sensor. The fact that they operate differently is obviously critical for diagnostics, but it’s also just as important from the standpoint of replacement. The only acceptable replacement is a sensor that is specified for the exact vehicle in the exact location on the vehicle. An O2 sensor won’t work in place of an AFR sensor, or vice-versa. Some vehicles also have both types of sensors installed, making it more important to confirm which sensor is being replaced. Most modern vehicles have two sensors on each bank of the engine. An inline engine only has one bank (with the exception of a couple strange anomalies out there that you may run across), and any V-configured engine has two banks. When you sell an O2 or AFR sensor, you’ll need to know the location referenced as Bank 1 Sensor 1, Bank 1 Sensor 2, Bank 2 Sensor 1 and so on. Real-World Operation Let’s touch briefly on operation. Ideally, we would like to make an engine run at the perfect air/fuel ratio (referred to as stoichiometric ratio) at all times. In the real world, that’s not possible due to constantly changing parameters of engine operation, so the best we can do is allow the engine computer to make constant adjustments. An O2 sensor (not an AFR sensor) is only able to send basic voltage signals of rich or lean. When it sends either signal, the control unit reacts and adjusts the fuel mixture. So, for example, if it sees a rich signal, it will continue to lean out the mixture until it sees a lean signal. As soon as it sees a lean signal, it then will begin to enrich the mixture until it sees a rich signal. This all happens really fast of course, and on an oscilloscope, normal O2 operation will look like a consistent waveform ranging from about .2 volts (a lean signal) to approximately .8 volts (a rich signal). As long as the average between the high and low readings is about .45 volts (450 millivolts), we know that the sensor is operating correctly, and the control unit is able to maintain the proper fuel mixture. An AFR sensor operates in conjunction with the control unit through current flow. The current flow changes direction for rich or lean, and when the mixture is at the stoichiometric ratio, current flow stops. The AFR sensor also increases or decreases the current flow (in either direction) in direct proportion to the changing rich or lean condition. This provides much more information to the control unit, allowing it to better predict and control fuel mixture. On an oscilloscope, normal operation is similar to that of an O2 sensor, but the voltage can vary in a range from 0 up to 5 volts. Lower voltage indicates a rich signal, whereas higher voltage indicates a lean signal. I may have bridged the gap of too much technical information, but it’s all more knowledge you can share with your customer and use to your advantage when explaining the importance of a quality sensor. Undoubtedly, you’re also going to be asked two things. One, how to tell if a sensor is bad; and two, tips about replacement. Diagnosis Diagnosing a sensor can be difficult when it comes down to the level of using an oscilloscope, primarily because it takes a lot of experience to get familiar with reading the waveforms. So, here’s a good way to approach it when your customer asks. Generally speaking, a customer buying an O2 sensor is almost always trying to “fix” the “Check Engine” light because of an O2-sensor code. If the stored code is related to the sensor heater, diagnosis should be easy. The control unit provides power and ground to the heater, and wiring problems are very common. Check for power and ground at the sensor connector wires. If you have it, the sensor heater is bad and the sensor needs replaced. If you don’t have it, there’s a wiring issue. If the code is related to sensor operation, it could be a bad sensor, bad wiring or another problem such as a vacuum leak or leaking injector. You have to be careful about misdiagnosis, so it’s fair to recommend your customer have the problem professionally diagnosed. However, it’s a fact that O2 and AFR sensors will wear out with age. Since we know it’s a chemical reaction that takes place to make them work, think of it like a traditional car battery. A chemical reaction takes place to generate electricity in a battery, and over time the ability for that chemical reaction to take place diminishes. The same is true with an O2 or AFR sensor. They simply wear out. Don’t be afraid to recommend them based on age. O2 and AFR sensors also are very sensitive electronic devices, and they can be damaged by coolant, engine oil, incorrect fuel or silicone and sealants that are not safe for use with them, so beware of these other outside possibilities that can ruin them. Installation Tips When asked about installation, here are some tips. All sensors, O2 or AFR, are 22 millimeters. There are many different O2-sensor sockets, which are designed to allow you to remove the sensor without damaging the wiring harness. This is really only important if you are removing a sensor for access to another repair. If the sensor is bad, there’s no need to worry about the wires. Cut them off at the sensor and use a 22-millimeter wrench or socket. The most common thing that happens during replacement is that you break the sensor loose, get about a quarter-turn on it and it locks up. You have to be patient at this point and allow penetrating oil time to work its way in, then slowly work the sensor back and forth until you can remove it. Thread damage is common, but almost always repairable using a thread chaser or tap. Most new sensors come with a little anti-seize on the threads, but if not, use a high-temp anti-seize for installation. The ‘L’ Word I know I promised I wouldn’t use the “L” word, but just for the record, lambda is a numerical representation of stoichiometric ratio, which itself is a reference to air/fuel ratio. Most of us know 14.7:1 – the stoichiometric ratio for gasoline, which is necessary for complete combustion, or for all fuel to burn with no excess air left over. What’s tricky is that the stoichiometric ratio is different for alternative fuels. In other words, all fuels don’t require the 14.7:1 ratio for correct combustion. E85, for example, has a stoichiometric ratio of 9.77:1 for correct combustion. The lambda value for the ideal stoichiometric ratio, regardless of fuel type, is 1.00. Basically, it’s just a different scale, like using the metric system vs. fractional. Utilizing the lambda value has become more popular in recent years, primarily due to the interest in aftermarket vehicle tuning. Many tuners utilize lambda simply for consistency, but you have to be careful. Some control units use lambda numbers, some use stoichiometric, so when you’re at that level, you just need to know what you’re dealing with. The post Lambda, Lambda, Lamba: Understanding Oxygen Sensors appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Malco Products Inc. announced the addition of 22-ounce spray bottles of Bug-Off Insect Remover, Complete Wheel and Tire Cleaner, E-Zee Shine Premium Emulsion Dressing and Oxy Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner to the Malco Automotive Line of professional-grade detailing products. The addition of 22-ounce sizes in these popular detailing products offer professional and enthusiast automotive customers the convenience of a ready-to-use spray bottle and gives distributors a retail-friendly size option, the company said. Bug-Off Insect Remover loosens dried bugs from windshields, hoods, bumpers and grills. It is an ideal pre-wash for vehicles that cover many miles on the open road and have large frontal areas, such as trucks, buses and RVs, according to the company. Complete Wheel and Tire Cleaner is an acid-free formula that dissolves and loosens soils from the wheel and tire in one step. Because of the unique blend of cleaners, the product is safe for virtually all types of wheels and should be a staple in any detailer’s arsenal. E-Zee Shine Premium Emulsion Dressing RTU is a ready-to-use version of the high-gloss economical dressing that helps prevent drying, fading, cracking, discoloration and deterioration of rubber, vinyl and plastic surfaces. Oxy Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is a peroxide-based oxygenated all-purpose fabric cleaner that quickly removes coffee, wine, juice, food, dyes and ink stains. “As the Malco Automotive brand gains popularity among car enthusiasts, we have experienced an increased demand for retail-friendly sizes from our distribution partners,” said Mike Goldstein, Malco product manager. “Malco has been selling these popular automotive detailing products to professionals for years in 1-gallon and larger sizes. It only made sense to expand the availability to 22-ounce retail-friendly sizes to meet the demand of smaller customers.” Bug-Off Insect Remover is available in 22-ounce, 1-gallon and 5-gallon sizes. Complete Wheel and Tire Cleaner is available in 22-ounce, 1-gallon, 5-gallon and 55-gallon sizes. E-Zee Shine Premium Emulsion Dressing is available in 22-ounce, 1-gallon and 5-gallon sizes. Oxy Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner is available in 22-ounce and 1-gallon sizes. For more information, visit MalcoAutomotive.com or contact your Malco Automotive distributor. The post Malco Offering Detailing Products In Retail-Friendly Sizes appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The process of cooling the inside of a vehicle is the same process that’s used to cool your home, and they both include the same basic elements: a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator and a system of hoses or tubes. In both situations, the A/C system isn’t producing fresh cold air. Instead, the system is taking existing hot air, removing the heat and moisture, and recirculating it as cold air. While all of the components play an important role, the process wouldn’t be possible without refrigerant. The reason the system uses refrigerant instead of say, water, is because refrigerant has a very low boiling point. So, it’s easy to boil the refrigerant into a vapor – which enables it to quickly remove heat from the air – and to repeat this process over and over. Up until the mid-1990s, the most widely used refrigerant was CFC-12, which most people refer to as R-12. The EPA considers R-12 an ozone-depleting chemical and a potent greenhouse gas. In the United States, R-12 has been banned for use in newly manufactured vehicles since 1994, but you might come across some pre-1994 cars and trucks that still use it if they haven’t been retrofitted to a non-ozone-depleting refrigerant. And if they haven’t, you might want to recommend a retrofit parts kit if your store carries them. Vehicles produced after 1994 use HFC-134a, more commonly known as R-134a. While R-134a isn’t considered an ozone-depleting refrigerant, it is a hydrofluorocarbon, which is a group that generally poses a very high potential to contribute to climate change, according to the EPA. This is commonly referred to as GWP, or global-warming potential. Automakers began transitioning to R-134a with 1992 model-year vehicles, and by the 1995 model year, all new vehicles sold with air conditioners in the United States used R-134a. Starting in 2012, the automakers began shifting to HFO-1234yf, more commonly known as R-1234yf. This is a far more environmentally friendly alternative to the aforementioned refrigerants. While R-1234yf is mildly flammable, it isn’t considered an ozone-depleting refrigerant. According to the EPA website, R-1234yf has a GWP of 4, compared to 1,430 for R-134a. The Chemours Company, which manufacturers Opteon YF refrigerant for automotive A/C systems, estimates that more than 80 million light-duty vehicles on the road today in the United States were factory-filled with R-1234yf refrigerant. That number will continue to grow, as Chemours estimates that 95% of vehicles manufactured for sale in 2022 will use R-1234yf as part of their original-equipment design. “The advantage with R-1234yf is that it has a zero ozone-depletion potential, and it has an exceptionally low global-warming potential,” says Christina Spalding, business development manager, thermal & specialized solutions, at Chemours. “This is why we’ve seen a significant number of U.S. car manufacturers converge on R-1234yf, even though fundamentally there’s no mandate requiring them to do so.” Chrysler was an early adopter of R-1234yf, going all the way back to the 2014 model year. The list of automakers using R-1234yf in vehicle models in the United States today includes Audi, BMW, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Subaru, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen and others. It’s just a matter of time before R-1234yf is found in the majority of vehicles in the overall U.S. fleet, explains Constantine Giannaris, North American mobile marketing consultant for thermal & specialized solutions at Chemours. “We encourage retail stores and shop owners to make the investment [in R-1234yf supplies] sooner rather than later to begin reaping the benefits now and into the future,” he adds. Aftermarket Opportunities While working on R-1234yf systems isn’t much different from R-134a systems in terms of operation or theory, identifying the refrigerant and recharging the system have some new twists. To determine if a vehicle was factory-filled with R-1234yf, there’s a label under the hood that indicates the type of refrigerant that the vehicle uses. (This information also is available in the owner’s manual.) This is an important point, because it’s illegal to use R-134a in vehicle that was factory-filled with R-1234yf. If your store isn’t seeing a lot of demand for R-1234yf yet, an easy to way to dip your toe in the water is to stock R-1234yf cans. Chemours offers its Opteon YF automotive refrigerant in self-sealing 12-ounce and 28-ounce cans. Purchasing R-1234yf in a can doesn’t require EPA 609 Technician Training and Certification, which means anyone can purchase them. However, DIY demand for R-1234yf is small compared to the more mature R-134a DIY market. Even so, you might have some DIY customers who want to “top off” their R-1234yf systems. In these situations, make sure your customers know that they won’t be able to use an R-134a charging hose to connect to the service port on an R-1234yf vehicle. While R-134a and R-1234yf air-conditioning systems are very similar in terms of their overall design, the respective service ports are different, to prevent the refrigerants from being mixed. To recharge an R-1234yf system, your DIY customers will need a gauge-and-hose set with hose couplers that fit an R-1234yf service port – another potential sales opportunity for your store. That said, you also might want to tell your customers that simply topping off the refrigerant might not solve the problem if the air conditioning isn’t working. It could be a mechanical or electrical issue, or a refrigerant leak (the most common cause of cooling problems). If a refrigerant leak is suspected, you can recommend an ultraviolet leak-detection dye or an electronic leak-detector tool. There are some kits out there that include the dye, the injection gun, UV glasses and even a fluorescent light to help them find the leak. On the DIFM side, your professional customers will need a new recover/recycle/recharge (RRR) machine to service R-1234yf vehicles, although there are some machines on the market that can service R-134a and R-1234yf vehicles. Chemours Opteon YF offers 10-pound and 25-pound cylinders for use with RRR machines. The cylinders are for professional technicians, as they need EPA Section 609 certification to purchase them. The 10-pound cylinders by far are the most popular, according to Giannaris. With approximately 15 million R-1234yf passenger vehicles coming out of their factory warranty each year, aftermarket demand for R-1234yf refills and service is growing steadily. For parts stores that haven’t started stocking R-1234yf cylinders yet, Spalding recommends “planting the seeds” with their DIFM customers. “If you’re selling cylinders of R-134a, those are potential customers for cylinders of R-1234yf,” Spalding says. “Ask your customers if they are seeing the increase in vehicles containing yf at their shops. I think there is a lot that a retailer can bring to their customers in terms of educating them about how the market is changing and how the fleet is changing. If you recognize a customer has been purchasing R-134a from you for quite some time, asking them how you can help them transition to R-1234yf can go a long way.” The post Keeping Your Cool With R-1234yf appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

O’Reilly Automotive reported second-quarter sales of $3.67 billion, up 6% from second-quarter 2021. Comparable-store sales increased 4.3%, while net income was down 1% to $577 million. Comparable-store sales are up 30.4% on a “three-year stack,” which blends comparable-sales growth from the past three years. “After experiencing volatility in our sales results in the first quarter, the trends in our business improved and were steady throughout the second quarter,” Johnson said in a news release. “We continue to be very pleased with the strong growth in our professional business, which performed in line with our expectations for the second quarter, while our DIY business faced more pronounced pressure from the impact of high fuel prices and continued significant broad-based inflation. “Even facing these macroeconomic challenges, we are pleased with the strong sales volumes our team is generating in 2022, against comparisons to record comparable-store sales results the last two years. We are extremely proud of Team O’Reilly’s ability to deliver continued growth on top of the strongest years in our company’s history, and I am grateful for the unrelenting focus each of our team members places on taking care of our customers.” Regarding its outlook for 2022, O’Reilly lowered its sales guidance. O’Reilly now expects full-year revenue between $14 billion and $14.3 billion, down from its previous guidance of revenue between $14.2 billion and $14.5 billion. The company now expects full-year comparable sales to grow between 3% and 5%, down from its previous guidance of 5% to 7%. “The pressure on our DIY customers from heightened inflation and fuel prices has impacted our year-to-date performance, and we have factored the current environment into our expectations for the second half of the year,” Johnson said. “ … Despite these pressures, we remain confident in the strength of the core underlying demand drivers of our business. We are pleased with our start to the third quarter in July and are extremely confident in our team’s ability to execute our business model and provide the excellent customer service that drives our success as we finish out 2022.” The post Inflation Dents DIY Spending, Crimps O’Reilly’s Q2 Sales appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Photo caption: Eric Rosteck, Mary Beth Moning, Renee Sandford, Hannah Rayburn, Martin Redilla, Tina Hubbard, Bryan Funke, Laura Hewitt and Danielle Orlando The University of the Aftermarket Foundation (UAF) announced that HDA Truck Pride is a new lifetime trustee and thanked the program group for its generous support. The University of the Aftermarket Foundation lifetime-trustee designation is reserved for exceptional donors who support the UAF mission of providing scholarships and educational opportunities for the next generation of aftermarket professionals. Tina Hubbard, president and CEO of HDA Truck Pride, will serve as the company’s representative on the UAF board of trustees. “It is a privilege to be a part of the University of the Aftermarket board of trustees,” said Hubbard. “I look forward to increasing the attention and focus on the recruitment and education of the next generation workforce for the heavy-duty independent aftermarket.” “The University of the Aftermarket Foundation is proud to welcome HDA Truck Pride as a lifetime trustee,” said Bob Egan, chairman of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. “We really appreciate Tina sharing her time and expertise as a member of the UAF board of trustees. With the foundation’s new heavy duty/diesel scholarships initiative, we know her insight will help UAF provide more scholarship opportunities to students entering this major aftermarket sector. We thank HDA Truck Pride for recognizing the importance of the UAF mission to the future of our entire industry.” 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 UAF Foundation Welcomes New Lifetime Trustee HDA Truck Pride appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Who gets to drive the Corvette? That was the question on everyone’s mind this week when Crow-Burlingame announced its 2022 President’s Council winners. Launched in 2006, The President’s Council is a yearly award that recognizes the company’s top 12 store managers in areas such as sales, profit, inventory management and expense control. Winners receive commemorative plaques, custom apparel and an all-expenses paid trip to the Aftermarket Jackpot in Las Vegas this November. Those who have won three times or more also receive the prestigious President’s Council ring. But ask anyone: The biggest motivator is the Corvette. Each winner gets the Corvette delivered to their town, and then it’s theirs to drive for a month – with everything from car washes to oil changes and gas paid for by the company. Winners get to choose from two this year. One is a 2019 Seabring Orange convertible with a V-8 engine. “It comes with everything Corvette offers except the turbo and standard shift,” VP & General Manager Tom Singleton told the group. “The other Corvette, a white 2014 model, is exactly the same, except the interior is red and it’s five years older,” Singleton added. Bryan Jones, a five-time winner from Fayetteville, Arkansas, was hoping to score the car during late October/early November. He grinned when it was his turn to name his car choice (the white one) and his month (officially November, but with the wiggle room usually given to winners who have a special occasion they are hoping to attend and show off the car). “My daughter is getting married on Oct. 30,” Jones said. “I need the car that weekend!” Thomas Martin, who officially retired in 2015 from Crow-Burlingame after 28 years of service, still serves as the official Corvette wrangler. It’s his job to keep the Corvette fleet in tip-top condition, and he facilitate the transfers between each winning manager. (Driving the ‘Vette between destinations is a dirty job, but someone has to do it.) He is the final word on dates. “We can definitely make that happen,” Martin said. The other 11 winners nod and smile in agreement. It’s a family-owned company – since 1919 – and they wouldn’t have it any other way. Think you have what it takes to win a month with the Corvette? Check out the job openings at btbautoparts.com. The post Crow-Burlingame Announces President’s Council Winners appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

FRAM congratultes Marco Andretti, whose dramatic finish Saturday in the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) Series finale at Sharon Speedway propelled him to his first SRX Championship. FRAM was a partner sponsor of the SRX series for the second consecutive season. “FRAM is absolutely thrilled to celebrate this historic season with Marco and the No. 98 FRAM car,” said Patrick Reyes, marketing manager for FRAM. “Seeing the FRAM car in victory lane with the trophy is the perfect ending to another adrenaline-fueled season. We’re proud to have partnered with SRX Racing, and we wish Marco a speedy recovery as he celebrates this well-deserved, hard-fought championship season.” FRAM provides a full set of filtration products to keep contaminants under control in critical spaces. Oil flow, engine air filtration and clean cabin air can all be protected with FRAM filters. Stay up-to-date with FRAM on Facebook and Instagram, and follow SRX on Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about FRAM filtration products at fram.com. The post Marco Andretti, FRAM Take SRX Crown appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The VVT category continues to grow in the automotive aftermarket. These systems are becoming more and more common as manufacturers try to meet tightened fuel-economy standards. When it comes to meeting those standards, variable-valve timing (VVT) is just one piece of the puzzle. As these vehicles exit the factory warranty period, there’s a huge opportunity for counter pros to serve customers’ repair needs. Variable-valve timing is the process of altering the timing and/or duration of a valve lift event, to improve performance, fuel economy and emissions. On a conventional engine, the opening and closing of the valves is based on their fixed position relative to the timing chain or belt, which is driven by the crankshaft. Without VVT, the valve timing remains the same for all conditions. This means that certain compromises must be made by manufacturers; this is achieved by selecting a specific cam profile. The cam profile affects the valve lift and duration. However, an engine equipped with VVT can make additional adjustments, so it isn’t constrained by the cam profile. VVT systems allow for improved performance over a broader operating range. The ability to alter valve timing at any engine speed gives manufacturers the ability to tune for optimal performance and efficiency. The camshaft’s timing can be advanced to produce better low-end torque, or it can be retarded to have better high-end torque as directed by the ECU. System Overview It’s important to point out that VVT is not just a single part or component – it’s an entire system. There are a number of components that all need to work hand-in-hand in order for the system to function. Let’s talk about some of the components that make up the entire system. The part that actually controls the position of the camshaft is the phaser. Cam phasers may feature a piston-type construction, or a vane-type construction. Regardless of construction, they use engine-oil pressure to push against a strong internal spring. A VVT solenoid is used to adjust the engine-oil pressure into the phaser. While early VVT systems were active only in higher rpm ranges or under specific conditions, modern systems are actively adjusting the intake and exhaust camshaft positions for the best possible efficiency at all times. VVT systems have caused one emissions system to become all but extinct: exhaust-gas recirculation (EGR). Since VVT is able to control the way gasses enter and exit the combustion chamber, there’s no need for EGR systems. EGR systems were designed to reduce nitrous oxides (NOx) by recirculating exhaust gasses back into the intake manifold. This causes the combustion temperature to drop below 2,500 F, preventing the formation of these harmful gasses. EGR systems did work, but lacked the reaction time and precision offered by VVT systems. Failure Points In many ways, engine oil is the lifeblood of the VVT system. Inadequate oil pressure or contaminated oil will hamper system performance. It’s very important that customers are following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, and using only the specified type, grade and viscosity of engine oil in their vehicle. Clean engine oil is critical to VVT-system operation. The oil passages of a VVT system are like a dead end, and the oil doesn’t flush out the passages all the time. If a piece of debris finds its way into a phaser or oil-control valve, it could be there for a while. Most manufacturers use a metal-screen filter to prevent debris from reaching the variable-valve timing system. Some manufacturers make the screen serviceable but, on some vehicles, it could be inside the oil-control solenoid and almost impossible to inspect or even clean. The relationship between the camshaft and crankshaft is critical in today’s VVT systems. The ECU relies on information from the camshaft position sensor and the crankshaft position sensor to determine ignition and valve timing. If either of these sensors produces a faulty signal, the VVT-system performance will suffer. A loose or stretched timing chain or timing belt, or a worn timing guide or tensioner, all could negatively affect the VVT system. The post Variable-Valve Timing appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Genuine Parts Company (GPC) announced record second-quarter sales of $5.6 billion, up 17.1% from $4.8 billion in second-quarter 2021. Comparable-store sales jumped 11.5%, and acquisitions contributed 8.8% to second-quarter sales growth, according to the company. Diluted earnings per share skyrocketed 92.6% to $2.62. “GPC achieved another record quarter, consisting of double-digit sales and earnings increases and a steady cadence of continued growth,” said Paul Donahue, chairman and chief executive officer. “We are benefiting from the resiliency of our automotive and industrial businesses and the strategic mix of our operations. We want to thank our 53,000 talented GPC teammates for their exceptional work and commitment to excellence.” Sales for the Automotive Parts Group were up 8.5% to $3.5 billion. An 8.4% global increase in comparable sales and a 4.5% contribution from acquisitions buoyed automotive sales. “Our second-quarter results were driven by exceptional execution from our teammates along with the continued focus on our strategic investments, which delivered strong sales and margin expansion in both segments,” President Will Stengel said. “In addition, we were pleased to further strengthen our balance sheet and generate continued strong cash flow. “The strength in automotive was broad-based across our global operations. Likewise, the continued strength in industrial led to its fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit sales comps.” Sales for first six months of 2021 were $10.9 billion, up 17.8% from $9.2 billion for the same period in 2021. The post NAPA Parent GPC Reports Strong Second Quarter 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 Ford Escape. The winner is Travis Cashman, parts manager at Glavan Ford of Clay Center in Clay Center, Kansas. Now, let’s get to know the “Guess the Car” champion. CM: How long have you been working in the auto parts business? TC: Since October of last year. CM: What were you doing before then? TC: I was a welder. CM: What do you like most about your job? TC: I like interacting with people. CM: What’s the strangest question a customer has asked you? TC: That’s a tough one. We’ve had people ask for blinker fluid and muffler bearings, as a joke. But I’d have to think about this one. CM: What’s the coolest car you’ve ever owned or worked on? TC: Does it have to be street legal? CM: Not necessarily. TC: I had an ‘86 Monte Carlo SS dirt-track racer, street stock, had a 383 stroker and a three-speed transmission. Full-floater 9-inch rear end. CM: Do you have any interesting hobbies? What do you do for fun? TC: Ride my motorcycle, go hunting and fishing. CM: What’s your dream car? TC: A ‘63 corvette with a split window, four-speed transmission, and I know they didn’t make it in 1963, but it would be the 427 big block that came out in ’66. Hunter green with tan leather interior. The post Meet The ‘Guess The Car’ Champ: Travis Cashman appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The first of the Ford “modular” engines was a 4.6-liter V-8 that appeared in the 1991 Lincoln Town Car. The family soon grew into six unique displacements, including a V-10. Three decades later, the modular family is still around, most popularly in the current 5-liter “Coyote” trim. Let’s look back at some of these original engines, the vehicles they powered and a few of the reasons we still hear about this engine family on a regular basis. But first, a disclaimer: The “modular” name doesn’t refer to parts interchangeability, although some of these engine designs share common features. In this case, “modular” refers to the manufacturing processes used at the Romeo, Windsor and Essex engine plants to produce these engines quickly for a wide range of platforms. Each of these engines has distinct design features, and some need to be catalogued carefully – utilizing VIN, application and model-year information to properly identify components. The original 4.6-liter was a two-valve SOHC V-8 engine found in the Town Car, Crown Victoria and Grand Marquis. The 4.6-liter was designed as a replacement for the old pushrod 5-liter and 5.8-liter (aka the “302” and “351”), a trend that continued as the pushrod engine slowly disappeared from the Thunderbird, Mustang and F-Series trucks throughout the mid to late 1990s. These early engines were built in Romeo, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, and the two have distinctly different timing drives and cylinder-head designs. Identifying Romeo-built and Windsor-built 4.6-liter engines can be as simple as decoding a VIN – providing the engine is still in its original vehicle. Unfortunately, Ford chose to identify the Romeo engines with a “W” in the 8th VIN position, while the Windsor engine was assigned the number “6”! Looking at the engines themselves also gives a few clear clues, in case you’re dealing with an engine “in the wild,” or a possible transplant. The valve covers on the Romeo engine are held down with 11 bolts, while Windsors feature 13/14 bolt patterns. Beneath the timing covers, you’ll also find that Romeo cam gears are bolted to the camshaft, and Windsor cam gears are pressed onto their shafts. Even bare blocks can be identified easily by locating the “R” or “W” casting marks on each engine – and this time “W” actually means WINDSOR! F-Series trucks received a new modular option in 1997 in the form of the 5.4-liter, another two-valve SOHC V-8. The same year, E-Series vans were the first to receive the new modular 6.8-liter V-10. These engines were manufactured in the two Canadian plants, so there are no Romeo versions. These modular truck engines became known as the “Triton” series, which became a point of confusion a few years later when Ford introduced a THREE-valve cylinder-head design to the family. Triton would seem to indicate “three” of something, just like tricycles have three wheels or triangles have three sides, but the name pre-dates the first of the three-valve designs introduced in 2004. Triton truck engines can be found in both two- and three-valve versions, and the last 4.6-liter modular engine (produced in 2014) actually was a two-valve Triton engine. In addition to the trucks, three-valve engines were found in Mustangs and SUVs, but the modular family also included a series of four-valve DOHC engines in both 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter displacements. These were fit primarily in SVT, Shelby and other performance-oriented vehicles, but the Lincoln lineup also received the four-valve DOHC treatment periodically throughout the modular years. The current 5-liter Coyote continues this 4V DOHC tradition, along with its derivative 5.2-liter Voodoo/Predator, and 5.8-liter Trinity cousins. The 4.6-, 5.4- and 6.8-liter engines were plagued with spark plug issues in both the two-valve and three-valve versions. 1997-2008 modular two-valve engines with aluminum cylinder heads were prone to stripping spark plug threads, often ejecting the spark plug forcefully from its cylinder port. The three-valve design did not have thread-stripping issues, but the unique two-piece spark plug that Ford used in the three-valve engines from 2004-2007 has a tendency to snap in half during removal, leaving a difficult-to-remove stump of electrode shell at the bottom of the spark plug well. Several tool companies have developed plug-removal kits for the 3V vehicles, and thread-repair kits for the 2V applications. Ford redesigned the 3V heads (and spark plugs) for 2008, and has since upgraded the plugs specified for the 2004-2007 engines. Aftermarket companies also have developed one-piece replacement spark plugs for these applications, which decreases the chances of that tune-up going horribly wrong! Even though these modular engines have been around for a long time, the applications in which they originally were installed lend themselves to longevity. They still are present in fleets, from taxis and police cars to cargo vans and work trucks. Of course, modular Mustangs of all varieties continue to be enthusiast favorites, from daily driving to competition at drag strips, autocross and circle-track events. The secondary market for the Crown Victoria also includes motorsports, as they have become the preferred demolition-derby car in most full-size classes, and there are even racing series exclusively for P71 (police-package) Vics! The post The Mod Squad: Ford’s ‘Modular’ Engines appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In order to harmonize brand presence for consumers, ContiTech premium air springs announced it will officially transition to the worldwide brand name Continental. The change to a stronger, well-known name better connects to Continental’s technology brand, the company said. “The Continental brand is known globally with a high reputation with customers – consistently delivering world-class and innovative products and services,” the company said in a news release. “This rebrand allows Continental to make products more visible and increase market awareness as a premium supplier among customers.” The only firsthand change customers will see is the transition of labeling on products and informative materials. “We are excited about this change and look forward to the positive impact it will make,” said Garrett Oliveira, vice president of sales USA & Canada. “Continental is a brand recognized and respected worldwide, and our products reflect that commitment to quality and service. Customers know they can rely on our team. We’ll continue to provide exceptional service and high-quality premium air springs under the Continental name.” Continental offers an expansive product portfolio of motion and suspension systems for the commercial-vehicle aftermarket. In the past, this portfolio consisted of three product brands: ContiTech, as the OE premium brand, with the widest product range and highest service; PHOENIX, the quality brand with 60 years of experience and various niche products; and PRIME-RIDE, the value choice with an attractive price/performance ratio. The post ContiTech Premium Air Springs Transition To Continental Brand appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Westar Industries, a Columbia, Maryland-based supplier of aftermarket engine and transmission mounts and air-suspension components, recently announced the release of 58 new engine and transmission mounts. These newly released items are all in stock and ready for immediate shipment. The 58 items serve more than 30,569,261 registered vehicles currently in operation, according to the company. For more information, contact [email protected] or visit www.westarparts.com. The post Westar Releases 58 New Engine And Transmission Mounts appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The U.S. automotive aftermarket has experienced several victories when it comes to Right to Repair, which secured the consumer’s right to choose where they get their vehicle maintained and repaired. This right was secured twice in Massachusetts: first in 2012, resulting in a nationwide memorandum of understanding (MOU) with automakers for vehicle diagnostic and maintenance data from the OBD, and again in 2020 for wirelessly generated vehicle data. Contrary to the will of Massachusetts voters, soon after the win in 2020, the automakers filed a lawsuit to overturn this 2020 victory for consumer rights and we are still waiting on a decision from the judge. As the industry awaits the long-anticipated decision on the Right to Repair court case in Massachusetts, the auto care industry continues the fight for safe and secure access to vehicle maintenance and repair data on the national and international stage. On the federal front, the Auto Care Association has worked to gain support for the REPAIR Act to secure the Right to Repair for all Americans, but time is running out to secure co-sponsors in this Congress. Due to currently competing legislative priorities (supply chain shortages, war, inflation), it is likely the REPAIR Act bill will need to be reintroduced in 2023. In response to the need to continued momentum and even more engagement on the issue, members of the Auto Care Association’s Marketing and Communications committee are asking for the industry to partake in a “Right to Repair Awareness Month” this July. “It’s critical to engage our 4.4 million brothers and sisters in this battle for independence,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “We must continue a steady drumbeat and add more voices to our story. That’s why this July, we’re launching Right to Repair Awareness Month to ensure that every colleague, peer and coworker knows what Right to Repair is and why they need to get involved.” Anyone in the industry can join the Right to Repair Awareness Month effort by doing two simple things: 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 for eye-catching communications.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. 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. Companies that partake in employee education efforts will be recognized. Send details about your participation in the Right to Repair Awareness Month to [email protected]. The post Auto Care: Get Involved In Right To Repair Awareness Month appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Camshafts are one of those components that can define an engine. Cams can have a direct effect on the efficiency, power curve, sound and even attitude of the engines they are installed into. Muscle cars and race cars are two examples of vehicles that are immediately recognizable by a loping, rumbling idle that builds into a deafening roar as they’re pushed harder and higher through their rpm range. A “stock” camshaft usually is designed as a compromise between performance and drivability, with considerations for emissions and fuel economy, while performance cams trade much of the “politeness” of a stock camshaft in favor of brute horsepower. If you were to open any of the major speed catalogs (or look up the information on their website), you’ll discover three things: Performance parts aren’t cheap; there are a LOT of cams to choose from; and each one is accompanied by a list of specifications including duration, lift, lobe separation and recommended rpm range/usage. But what makes one cam any different from another, and what do some of the terms used to describe a performance cam actually mean? Duration refers to the amount of time (expressed in degrees of crank rotation) that an intake or exhaust valve is “off” of its seat. This equates to the amount of time the valve is open, allowing air to enter or exhaust to escape. Generally, a longer duration means a “deeper breath” (or exhalation), although the amount of overall airflow through the cylinder is also affected by “lift.” Lift, or more specifically, “valve lift,” is the distance the valve travels as a result of the action of the camshaft. As the cam rotates on an overhead-valve (OHV) engine, the eccentric lobes act directly upon the lifter, raising it (and the pushrod above) a specified distance. The pushrod transfers this “lift” to a rocker arm, which in turn presses down on the valve, releasing it from its seat. Valve-spring pressure helps the valve close at the end of its cycle, and keeps the valvetrain components from clattering as they return to a resting position. In an overhead-cam (OHC) design, the cam lobe contacts the rocker arm directly, or against the valve itself when paired with a “bucket tappet,” which protects the valve stem from wear. The design of a rocker arm also multiplies the lift imparted by the cam lobe, creating more lift at the valve than at the lobe. Performance rocker arms use this advantage to improve lift without altering the existing cam profile. Us old-timers sometimes refer to camshafts as “bump-sticks,” as they seem to have lobes poking out in every direction. They are, however, precisely engineered to open and close multiple valves in a perfectly timed sequence to maximize their effectiveness. Lobe-separation angle (LSA) is a fancy name for the distance (again in degrees) between the centerlines of the exhaust and intake lobes on a shaft. This distance, along with the duration of the cam, will determine the amount of “overlap” in the movement of the intake and exhaust valves. Let’s look at a “racing” cam, and how its design affects performance. Intake valves open slightly before the engine begins pulling in air on the intake stroke. Call it a “head start,” but it helps promote airflow through the cylinder. As the piston reaches the bottom of its stroke, the intake valve is still open – pulling as much air as it can into the cylinder – then closes as the piston begins compression. Exhaust valves also open a bit before the power stroke is completed, with the pressure of the expanding gas helping “push” the spent exhaust out of the cylinder. With both valves slightly open at top dead center, more cool air is drawn in as the hot exhaust is expelled. This phenomenon is called “scavenging,” and at higher rpm can further boost horsepower. The smaller the separation between lobes (and the more duration) the more overlap will occur. Unfortunately, at idle and low rpm, it also causes a lumpy rumble, low engine vacuum and a lack of low-end power. Although many people (myself included) enjoy hearing this signature sound at the race track, it isn’t very useful in a daily driver! Choosing the right camshaft for your intended purposes begins with defining your intended purposes! Every camshaft design has a “sweet spot” – the rpm range at which it performs the best. Camshaft manufacturers’ rpm recommendations are a result of dyno-testing the unique combination of lift, duration, lobe design and separation engineered into each particular grind profile. If you aren’t going to be consistently operating in a cam’s specified rpm range, it may not be the best choice for your project. Your mostly stock, daily driven street vehicle won’t benefit much from a race-ready cam that really needs to rev up around 5,000 rpm to make maximum power. As with any other performance-part purchase, it pays to do your research before buying … no matter how cool the stickers will look on your toolbox! The post Camshafts And Valvetrain Components appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association’s (AASA) Technology Council (ATC) has extended the submission deadline for the 2022 Technology Innovation award to Aug. 8. This annual award celebrates a company that has shown extraordinary commitment to creating new and innovative products in business process technologies in the aftermarket including sales and marketing, IT and data management. Finalists will pitch their new technologies during the virtual ATC Fall Meeting on Sept. 7, and the winner will be announced during the AASA Technology Conference to be held Sept. 25-28. “This award is exciting because it showcases businesses that are putting in the work to make the aftermarket more efficient and more effective,” commented Chris Gardner, senior vice president, operations, AASA, and ATC executive council lead. “We are looking forward to seeing the newest best-in-class technologies and awarding the 2022 Technology Innovation Award during the AASA Technology Conference this Fall.” Past winners of the ATC Technology Innovation Award 2021 – VizSeek, visual search 2020 – OptiCat, automated load sheet technology Award entry information is available here. Submissions are due by Aug. 8. The post Deadline Extended For AASA Technology Innovation Award appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Arnold Motor Supply recently purchased Sioux City, Iowa-based Motor Parts Central and its sister company Northern Auto Parts. The purchase will allow the company to expand its inventory and distribution in the region. “The move from our old location in Sioux City to the Motor Parts Central building increases our retail and distribution space by 130,000 square feet,” says Eric Johnson, president and managing partner for Arnold Motor Supply. “The Sioux City location will now serve as a distribution hub for our surrounding parts stores.” Northern Auto Parts will continue to operate within the same building and is a different type of expansion for the company. Northern is a national online retailer, specializing in engine-rebuild kits and engine parts. “For years, we’ve provided engine rebuilding and restoration through our machine shops, so adding the expertise of the Northern Auto Parts team is a great addition for our customers,” Johnson said. The post Arnold Motor Supply Expands Distribution, Engine-Kit Offerings appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts introduced its No. 1 fan “Ed Vance,” representing the voice of an emerging segment of automobile enthusiasts: those learning to DIY and craving a partner on their journey. “In Ed Vance, Advance is providing an authentic, relatable, entertaining and category-exclusive bilingual voice to embody, represent and connect with these modern DIYers, living alongside them in their DIY journey,” Advance said in a news release. “And his name just happens to be like the brand … Ed Vance loves Advance.” Forty percent of motorists who maintain their own vehicles are between 16 and 34 years old, according to the company. “Ed’s name recognition will draw quick connection to the Advance brand and serve as a vehicle to communicate the great benefits Advance offers,” said Jason McDonell, executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and e-commerce at Advance Auto Parts. “Ed is able to tell short stories that become authentic and real and connect with a new era of car enthusiasts who have emerged during the pandemic. We leaned into this in developing Ed as ‘every person’s person,’ inspiring these motorists to try something new in caring for their automobile while accelerating our commitment to build personal connections with them.” “In a retail category largely seen as a ‘sea of sameness,’ Ed Vance further differentiates Advance as the need for vehicle maintenance increases parallel to the average age of automobiles in the United States reaching 12 years,” the company added in a press release. Ed and Advance’s “Do It Together” movement is threaded through all aspects of the new campaign, a connection-first approach guiding all marketing efforts and putting the customer journey front and center. Ed Vance is bilingual, introduced as “Eduardo Vance” to Hispanic audiences in all marketing. His persona first debuts on Instagram and Twitter (@EdVance4Advance), followed by 30-, 15- and six-second spots in both English and Spanish placed in media and on platforms relevant to the modern DIYer, including Roku, Spotify, Pandora, Twitch and more. Advance also recently debuted a new custom theme and sonic logo in two languages. “This is How We Advance” and “Avanza Con Advance” drive brand recognition and affinity for Advance while providing a memorable, hummable tune for DIYers. The arrival of Ed Vance comes as Advance celebrates its 90th “Advanceiversary” this summer by curating consumers’ most memorable moments on the road – the “Drive of Your Life” – for the chance to win a year’s worth of free Shell gasoline and possibly have their drive recreated. To submit the Drive of Your Life, motorists should visit Advanceiversary.com or post on Twitter or Instagram, using #DriveOfYourLifeContest and tagging @advanceauto or @advanceautoparts respectively, now through July 31. The post Advance Auto Parts Introduces DIY Superfan ‘Ed Vance’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

A leading automotive tool and equipment distributor wanted to make it easier for shop owners, professional technicians and do-it-yourselfers to get the vehicle service equipment and tools they need quickly. The result is Wrenchers, a reimagined and rebranded version of the company formerly known as Garage Equipment Supply. The new Wrenchers offers more than 12,000 items from leading tool and equipment brands, plus access to more than 50,000 specialty items online at wrenchers.com, via phone and through its master product catalog. The expanded lineup includes an array of high-quality lifting systems, specialty tools and equipment solutions including service lifts and parking systems, hand and power tools, tool storage, vehicle diagnostics and various shop essentials, such as wheel service and collision repair equipment. In addition to changing its branding and bolstering its product lines, Wrenchers has relocated from California to a large corporate office and distribution center in Theodore, Alabama. The new location helps Wrenchers deliver products quicker than any other warehouse distributor, according to the company, reaching 98% of the United States with free shipping via LTL trucking, flatbed service or FedEx within one to five days from the time the order is placed. “Not long after we launched in 1996, customers started asking us to offer even more equipment,” said Marco Ortiz, director of factory sales.“Wequickly expanded to include tire changers, wheel balancers, alignment and front-end tools, among others. More than 25 years later, we now serve every facet of the vehicle-maintenance marketplace. With our new website, distribution center and other enhancements, we can offer our more than 350,000 customers more choices, faster delivery, and even better service.” Wrenchers markets its products through multiple distribution sales channels, including retail, e-commerce and independent specialty tool dealers throughout the United States and Canada. The company also supports its customers with financing options and an extensive field service network of Wrenchers TechMate reps. These specialists demonstrate, install, set up and service shop equipment systems. The post Wrenchers Is A One-Stop Shop For Automotive Tools And Equipment appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In the October issue of AMN/Counterman, we talked about the Automotive Sales Council’s “Check the Part” campaign – an initiative that aims to reduce the sky-high return rate in the automotive aftermarket. Members of the Automotive Sales Council include representatives from KYB, Dorman Products, FDP Brakes, Motorcar Parts of America, MotoRad and Standard Motor Products. The group developed the “Check the Part” campaign to hit home with counter professionals, who are on the front lines of processing parts returns and weeding out warranty abuse. Endorsed by AASA and the Auto Care Association, the campaign’s messaging is simple: √ Open the box. √ Inspect the part. √ Verify the return. Shocks and Struts Recently, KYB published a return guide for shocks and struts. If a customer wants to return shocks or struts, KYB offers these five tips to help determine if it’s a valid warranty claim or not. Confirm that the brand on the part matches the brand on the box. Some customers might try to return worn OEM parts, or parts from a different aftermarket brand. If the part hasn’t been installed previously, it can be returned – but it should not be processed as a warranty.You can check if a shock is missing hardware by looking at images on the manufacturer’s website. If a part is missing hardware, you can order hardware and place the part back into inventory. A part that was damaged during installation can be denied as a warranty claim.Inspect the rod for vice-grip marks. If a shock or strut is leaking, someone likely used vice grips during installation and those marks damaged the seal, causing a fluid leak. This is not a valid reason for a warranty and should be denied. You can download a PDF of the return guide below: Return Guide for Shocks and StrutsDownload The post ‘Check The Part’: Return Guide For Shocks And Struts appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Fenix Parts, a leading recycler and reseller of OEM automotive parts, announced it has completed its acquisition of the assets of A&P Auto Parts and U-Pull U-Save Auto Parts in central New York. This is the largest acquisition completed by Fenix Parts since the company was acquired by affiliates of Stellex Capital Management LLC in April 2018. A&P is a full-service automotive recycler servicing the Syracuse and Rochester markets with locations in Cicero and Palmyra. U-Pull U-Save is a self-service automotive recycler servicing the Syracuse market with a location in East Syracuse. “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of A&P and their sister company U-Pull U-Save,” said Bill Stevens, CEO of Fenix Parts. “We are excited about the addition of its experienced and talented team to the Fenix family. This acquisition expands Fenix’s existing footprint in New York, adding both full and self-service operations, and further solidifies our industry-leading Northeast position. I want to give a special welcome to the incredible team at both A&P and U-Pull U-Save. We sincerely look forward to working with you.” William Abold, owner of A&P, added: “The Abold family of companies, A&P Auto Parts, A&P Auto Parts Rochester and U-Pull U-Save are proud to join the Stellex sponsored Fenix organization. The infrastructure, dedication to succeed, leading-edge technology, and professionalism of Fenix and its officers and employees is truly impressive. It reinforces our family’s decision that our employees will have a prosperous future with endless growth opportunities. The future will be very exciting for our team as they grow within the most efficient operations in this industry.” Fenix Parts continues to pursue opportunities that align with its strategic development plans. Current auto recycling owners interested in learning more about Fenix’s acquisition process should email [email protected]. The post Fenix Parts Acquires A&P Auto Parts, U-Pull U-Save Auto Parts appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Founded in 1992, Launch Tech Co. offers a plethora of diagnostic products for the automotive aftermarket. Over the past three decades, “Launch has established its presence in the marketplace as a manufacturer that consistently offers the most innovative and progressive automotive diagnostic tools and product solutions,” the company said in a news release. Launch’s core focus and business strategy has been on product innovation and process improvements for automotive technicians and shops. The commitment to the core business includes the operations of two R&D centers that are located in Shenzhen and Shanghai, China. Launch also has established global R&D units in the United States, Germany, Japan, Korea and Latin America. The focus on research and development has enabled Launch to own the rights to hundreds of patented technologies and the company has received numerous industry accolades and awards by automotive publications and organizations in China, United States and Germany. Launch Tech USA In 2002, Launch was listed on the Hong Kong GEM board (Stock Code: 8196), and in 2011, it was listed on the Main Board of Hong Kong Stock Exchange Limited (Stock Code: 2488). In 2013, Launch diversified into new product segments such as the Internet of Vehicle, anticipating the future of vehicle data and connectivity. Subsequently, Launch has developed a IoV chipset protocol, and a series of IoV smart hardware. “As 2022 marks the 30-year anniversary, and the operations of Launch have been put in perspective, the drive and emphasis on automotive diagnostic technology has enabled Launch to derive production lines of auto diagnostics, testing, maintenance, lifts, etc.,” the company said. “This diversification of the product portfolio has enabled Launch to be one of the few automotive diagnostics manufacturers that can boast the claim of an all-encompassing product suite that serves automotive technicians and service and repair facilities throughout the globe. Furthermore, the product suite of the Launch X-431 series scan tools has become the most recognized and usable products in the industry due to the extensive features of the newest technologies.” With the 30-year milestone as a company that has been on the forefront of innovation, service and quality, Launch attributes its success to its shareholders, clients and users of its products. Thirty years in the marketplace has enabled Launch to identify the service needs of its clients and customer and the company has utilized all of its resources to strive to meet these needs via technology and commitment by offering the highest-quality products that are relevant and usable. This ambition is in sync with the company’s motto of “Create-Change,” which focuses on innovation, quality, efficiency and professionalism while empowering the spirit of a work ethic that makes a difference in the world. To find out more information about Launch, visit https://en.cnlaunch.com/. The post Launch Tech Celebrates 30th Anniversary appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) announced additions to council leadership positions. Council executive-committee members work together to provide leadership, direction and expertise for their specific council and strive to create an enriching and important networking group. The Brake Manufacturers Council announced that John Bennett, managing director of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Detroit, was appointed incoming chairperson for the coming year. The council thanked and honored Mark Phipps, director of engineering for Bosch Brake Components, for his service as chairperson over the past three years. The China Aftermarket Forum (CAF) announced that Ricky Wang, general manager, APAC, Wegman Automotive China, has been nominated the chair of the CAF executive committee. Lily Wang, deputy general manager, FORVIA, has been named to the executive committee of the council. The Marketing Executives Council announced that the following individuals have joined the executive committee for the coming year: Aaron Shaffer, associate director of marketing, Standard Motor Products; Anna Heinendirk, director of marketing, strategy and business development, automotive aftermarket for Schaeffler Group USA; and Mario Garza, vice president of marketing, Motorcar Parts of America. Modern Industry eXpertise (MiX) announced Ryan Devine, director, global product management, engineering and program management, Dana Inc., as incoming chairman for the ensuing year, and Angela Golden, senior marketing manager, repair and cross brands, First Brands Group, as member of the MiX executive committee. At the spring meeting, the council honored and thanked Brian Lesiewicz, general manager, sales and marketing, NGK Park Plugs (USA), for his years of service as the chair of the executive committee. The Mobility Technology Council announced Brian Daugherty, chief technology officer, Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, as a member of the council’s executive committee. Supply Chain and Operations Forum has named the following individuals to the council’s inaugural executive committee: Dave Haley, senior vice president, operations, Cloyes; Joe Wright, director, Americas operations, DENSO Products and Services Americas; and Colin Tisch, vice president, corporate supply chain, Standard Motor Products. The AASA AAPEX Events Committee added two vice chairs: Lisa Chamness, event manager, BG Products, and Jackie Donahue, marketing manager, experiential, NGK Park Plugs (USA). Three new members have been named to the AASA AAPEX Events Committee advisory group: Erica Chekaway, sales operations manager, automotive, hardware and textile, GOJO; Joe Kahle, U.S. marketing manager, Spectra Premium; and April Fristachi, marketing coordinator, Standard Motor Products. The Intellectual Property Committee (IPC) has nominated Max Faistenhammer, brand protection and security manager, DRiV, as the chair of the executive leadership team. New to the executive leadership team is Vice Chair Antun Peakovic, director and chief IP, Americas, Schaeffler. Three new members have been named to the IPC advisory group: Diane MacDonald, corporate counsel, NTN Bearing; Todd Pleiness, senior IP counsel (CRP), MAHLE; and Eliza Crowther Boenigk, associate counsel, Standard Motor Products. Learn more about AASA councils and committees here. The post AASA Announces New Additions To Council Executive Committees appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts is celebrating 90 years of helping motorists advance on the road by inviting consumers to share their most memorable moments behind the wheel. In celebration of its “Advanceiversary,” the brand is curating consumers’ most memorable moments on the road for the chance to win a year’s worth of free gasoline and possibly have their road trip recreated. Additionally, Advance is offering quadruple gas rewards now through July 20. Through July 31, Advance’s “Drive of Your Life” campaign invites motorists to share their most memorable drives – from cross-country vacations with family or friends … to riding in the homecoming court … to traveling to your team’s bitter rival (and winning!) … to pulling in the driveway of your first home for the first time … to just putting the top down and feeling the breeze when you needed it most. To submit the Drive of Your Life, motorists should visit Advanceiversary.com or post on Twitter or Instagram, using #DriveOfYourLifeContest and tagging @advanceauto or @advanceautoparts respectively, now through July 31. From those who post, Advance will select and announce each day beginning July 14 one consumer who will receive free Shell gasoline for a year. After the contest ends, Advance will hit the road to recreate select motorists’ drives of their lives. “When we reflect on 90 years of commitment to customer care and confidence, we think about our journey behind the many miles we’ve helped motorists advance – both on the road and in their lives,” said Jason McDonell, Advance’s executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and e-commerce. “But even more so, we think about the inspiring, personal stories of those drives. We all have that one drive we’ll never forget – the ‘Drive of Your Life.’ To celebrate our last 90 years and inspire our next 90, we want to hear yours.” Advance founder Arthur Taubman was a pioneer in curbside service, beginning the practice by installing tires upon purchase outside the store he worked. This is the root of inspiration for many of the services Advance offers today, including free battery and wiper-blade checks and installation, along with a leading parts selection that caters to motorists’ many needs, the company noted. With the price of gasoline hovering around a record national average and the average vehicle age rising, Advance’s celebration comes at a time when motorists face challenges to create new memories on the road after two summers of uncertainty. To further help motorists save this summer, all existing and new Advance Speed Perks Gas Rewards members will earn 20 cents off each gallon of gas for a single fill-up at participating Shell stations for every $50 spent at Advance stores across the country between July 13 and 20. The post Advance Invites Motorists To Share ‘Drive Of Your Life’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

PRT is expanding its portfolio of complete strut assemblies, as it announced first-to-market applications for the 2019 Honda CR-V. The Honda CR-V is one of best-selling vehicles in the United States. The complete strut assemblies apply to front right and front left positions, and fit the EX, EX-L, LX and Touring trim levels. The product launch represents an additional 380,000 vehicles in new coverage, according to the company. PRT is a brand of the ADD USA group, one of the largest exporters of complete strut assemblies in the world. PRT products are manufactured under the strictest OE quality processes required by the major automakers. “These first-to-market applications reinforce our commitment in bringing innovative solutions to all our clients,” said Bruno Bello, director of global category and marketing at PRT. “As an OEM supplier, we are continually investing in research and development of brand-new products for both the OE market and aftermarket.” For more information about PRT products, call 770-238-1611 or visit www.prtautoparts.com. On social networks, follow PRT @prtautoparts. The post PRT Offers Complete Struts For 2019 Honda CR-V appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article