Counterman

You might not be able to see it, but an accessory-drive belt is always both speeding up and slowing down. When a piston accelerates downward after the ignition of the fuel and air, the crankshaft speeds up and then slows down as it reaches the bottom of the stroke. These changes in speed are minimal, but big enough to cause problems over time. If the pulses aren’t minimized, they can hammer the belt and the attached rotating components. On a four-cylinder engine, the degrees of rotation between power pulses are greater than on a V-8 – so the amount of change in speed on the four-cylinder pulley is greater than on a V-6 or V-8. This has a direct effect on how the belt system is designed. The belt-drive system is working hardest when the engine is at idle. When the engine is below 1,000 rpm, the alternator, A/C compressor and power-steering pump are putting the greatest strain on the belt. Some of the forces can be taken up by the belt slipping on the pulleys. But, slipping causes friction and wear on the belt, as well as flutter. Over time, the slipping can get worse as removal of material from the ribs causes the belt to bottom out. There are three components that help to keep the belt on the pulleys without slipping. The tensioner, harmonic balancer and decoupler pulley work together to keep the accessory-belt system quiet and the belt lasting until the replacement interval. Tensioner The tensioner applies force on the belt. Some tensioners have devices that dampen the movement of the spring and arm, helping to keep constant force on the belt even under a wide variety of conditions. Harmonic Balancer The harmonic dampener puts a layer of soft material between the crankshaft and outer ring of the pulley. The material helps to dissipate the power pulses and resonant frequencies. While the dampener may only flex one or two degrees of movement, this takes a lot of strain off attached components. Decoupler Pulley Some alternators have a decoupler pulley. This device serves two purposes. First, it helps to decouple the pulley from the alternator with a one-way clutch. The decoupler reduces parasitic losses by not having to fight against the momentum of the armature in the alternator while the engine is decelerating and accelerating. Some decoupler pulleys have a spring and friction dampener to reduce vibration. When an alternator decoupler pulley is compromised, it can no longer absorb the same level of abuse, which has a trickle-down effect throughout the system. Alternator decouplers and pulleys should be inspected every 10,000 miles for wear. Early design versions have a service life of 40,000 to 60,000 miles, with more recent versions lasting more than 100,000 miles. When inspecting a decoupler or pulley, there are two signs that replacement is needed. First, after shutting down the engine, if there’s an audible buzzing, the bearings in the pulley have likely failed. The second sign depends on whether the vehicle has a one-way clutch (OWC), overrunning alternator pulley (OAP) or decoupler (OAD). With the inspection cap/cover removed and the center locked, turn the pulley or decoupler with the appropriate tool. If it’s an OAP or OWC, the pulley can only be turned in the clockwise direction. If it’s an OAD, a counterclockwise turn will reveal a noticeable increase in spring force; a clockwise turn will only have slight resistance. The tensioner, harmonic balancer and decoupler pulley work together to keep the belt in contact with grooves in the pulleys. The three components are engineered together to match the engine. If one part is compromised, all are compromised, including the belt. The post Serpentine Belts Have a Strong Supporting Cast appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

NRS Brakes has added premium galvanized brake-pad kits for 2022-2024 Ram ProMaster covering 1.2 million vehicles, including ambulances. The brake kits also include abutment hardware and caliper-piston cushions. “Canadian-made Premium Galvanized Brake Pads by NRS Brakes feature technology that you can see,” the company said in a news release. “Galvanized steel incorporates PACE-award-winning, patented NRS mechanical fusion technology. The result is the world’s quietest, safest and longest-lasting brake pads. Galvanized steel that outlasts the friction, ensuring it won’t fail as a result of corrosion-material delamination from the backing plate, giving you a license to feel safe.” NRS Brakes feature no glue, no paint and no toxins, NRS noted. All galvanized brake pads use OE-specified technology, according to the company. PART #AXLE POSITIONAPPLICATIONSNS2467REARRam ProMaster 1500 (2022-2024); ProMaster 2500 (2022-2024); ProMaster 3500 (2022-2024) The post NRS Adds Galvanized Brake-Pad Kits for 2022-2024 Ram ProMaster appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In the almost 100 years of the Genuine Parts Company (GPC), parent company NAPA and Motion, it has had five CEOs. You can literally count them on one hand. With that brings “an incredibly consistent, powerful and longstanding culture” of being a solutions-oriented business for customers, said Will Stengel, president and COO of GPC. But, when COVID-19 hit, GPC was forced to rethink its usual strategies for getting the right part to the right customer at the right time. As a result, it underwent a technological revolution. “I think it’s fair to say any company that’s had success over decades needs to continuously challenge itself to improve,” Stengel told attendees at the MEMA Aftermarket Technology Conference in October. “What COVID did for GPC is prove that we could improve our business model, which we’ve done.” It started with hiring the right people. In 2021, GPC hired Naveen Krishna as its EVP and CIDO — the first technologist to run GPC’s IT department. Then, Susan Starnes, a former Lowe’s executive, became the company’s first vice president of emerging markets to help create innovative strategies for our business. The next step was to take GPC’s solutions-oriented approach to solving customer problems and apply technology to it. “All the fundamental elements of our business have a dedicated technology strategy behind it,” Stengel explained during the conference, held at GPC’s headquarters in Atlanta. “That lines up with this whole idea that tech is at the core of what we do and what we want to do.” GPC is one example of an aftermarket company that is no longer thinking of itself as strictly in the automotive and industrial space. Instead, its focus has shifted to become a technology company in the automotive aftermarket. If you ask Paul McCarthy, president and CEO of MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers, he thinks all companies should adopt that mindset. “Technology is driving our success, efficiency and our future. This is the reality for the aftermarket,” he said. “I’m issuing a call to action: a demand for innovation in our industry from suppliers.” Amid the discussion around technology trends, a common theme that surrounded innovation and efficiency was what we’re calling the buzzword of 2023: artificial intelligence. Like many industries, the automotive aftermarket is delving into AI and ways it can help businesses be more productive and effective as future mobility continues to inch closer to needing aftermarket solutions. AI Applications in the Aftermarket Picture this: You know when and where a repair is going to happen and can get the part that technician needs to the shop before the vehicle comes in for service. That is just one example of how AI can make our industry more efficient. But what exactly is AI? Tilak Kasturi, founder and CEO of Predii, a company that develops automotive-specific AI applications, said AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines on certain business intelligence (BI), such as data, content, reports, etc. It utilizes machine learning, neural networks and natural language processing to do things such as recognize patterns, make decisions and judge like a human. “BI is aggregated data and analytics, such as market intelligence, sales forecasting, etc.,” he explained. “If you say ‘right time, right part, right place,’ that is BI, but ‘right part, right place, ahead of time’ is AI. Knowing beforehand requires some prediction ability.” David Brondstetter, a 40-year aftermarket veteran and CEO of SureCritic, an AI software that responds to customer reviews for repair shops, added that AI is applying algorithms to a data set to understand what is going to happen in the future. A good example is parts ordering. “If you’re able to predict that, let’s say an O2 sensor is nearing end of life, you can predictably set an appointment for that customer at the shop, get the part ordered, and then have the customer come in,” he said. “The problem with parts ordering right now is you rely on all these things to happen, and then you assume your customer’s going to come in.” Scott Brown, industry ambassador and co-founder of the Diagnostic Network, a digital resource and forum for technicians, said an example of how his company has used AI is in the form of AiDN, an AI-powered assistant. Brown said AiDN will detect a vehicle-specific discussion in a Diagnostic Network forum and will respond like a member of Scott’s team. “If you think about the deliverable and who it’s being delivered to, it can take an apprentice technician or middle-educated technician and get him started on the right pathway,” Brown said. “We will mature this technology and continue to train it on expert information. We think it will streamline [a technician’s] process of getting to a successful result faster in the future.” A Long Road Ahead While companies like Predii, SureCritic, Diagnostic Network and others are implementing AI for various solutions, industry experts say more work needs to be done. For example, access to good industry data, and education around the types of AI to use are critical. Data security and protecting your IP is another issue. Kaivan Karimi, global partner of strategy and cybersecurity at Microsoft, presented the concept of “responsible AI” at the Technology Conference as a guideline for businesses when experimenting with this technology. “There is the wild, wild West AI and then there is responsible, curated AI,” he said, adding that responsible AI is setting standards and guardrails around how you’ll use the tool while making sure your data is secure. “AI is a great productivity, tool, but people need to expect a set of standards when using it.” Knowing the correct AI tools to use comes down to working companies that specialize in industry data. For example, ChatGPT is not meant for industry specific data, said Predii’s Kasturi.” It can actually take you to the wrong path,” he said. When speaking about data and predicting when a part will fail, Right to Repair is at the heart of the aftermarket’s data access troubles. Vehicle telematics data is crucial for building out technology to predict when parts need replaced and the right way for a technician to fix a vehicle. “We know what the world looks like when there is real repair access,” McCarthy said. “Take the Phillips Connect trailer. Just with your brakes, it can tell you their performance, wear and exactly how much life is left in key components so that you can do the repair before something breaks. But this concept and this positive future is only possible with Right to Repair.” Cybersecurity is another big issue playing a part in using AI. Microsoft’s Karimi said securing your company’s data in each step can decrease data breaches and cybersecurity attacks. “You need to protect the factories, the lines, the cars, the enterprise, the network, the backends, the cloud, and then some security operation center at a center that ties the whole thing together,” he said. “Your strengths are only as good as the weakest link.” McCarthy added that if a Right to Repair law is passed, and safe, open connectivity is achieved, it can expand technology and services and improve forecasting and inventory for all involved along the supply chain. GPC’s Stengel added that for aftermarket companies, any technology—such as AI—must prove to make the industry companies more profitable, in addition to efficient. “We talk about data, we talk about digital, we talk about the role in which technology serves and improves the customer experience, but, ultimately, it’s got to drive a financial expression for the business, which is growth and operating profitability,” Stengel said. Industry Jobs of the Future With an exciting future in technology ahead, aftermarket companies may be forced to rethink roles at their companies. The question on many minds is “Will AI take my job?” The answer might surprise you, Karimi said. “When I give talks to engineers, and they ask, ‘Am I going to lose my engineering job?’ I say, You may lose your engineering job to another engineer who knows AI. You have to adopt AI as a tool. It’s a massive productivity gain. It’s around to stay.” As the use of data and AI applications increase, SureCritic’s Brondstetter thinks that data scientists are going to become more prominent in aftermarket organizations. “Before this rise of generative AI, most of the data scientists were working on normalizing data,” he said. “Now that we’re in a state where we’ve got computing power to handle all this data, these predictive algorithms can normalize the data and data scientists can work on tweaking the model. That’s where you get a real generative AI. I think that position will become more prominent because the core of AI is having data scientists who understand that.” Predii’s Kasturi said in his experience, automotive data analysts and experienced technicians are critical to ensuring AI’s future in the aftermarket. Skilled technicians, for example, can verify the results of generative AI models. “I see that as the future where technicians are hands-on, ratchet-and-wrench-type people, but also are powering some of these expert-based systems,” Kasturi said. “They know their data really well. They know their codes, they know their parts, they know the fix.” Brown agreed, adding that an aging or injured technician can now turn into a triage specialist that takes the AI and vehicle information, and then prepares a repair path plan and assigns it to the other technicians in the shop. “This new generation can hopefully rebirth our service industry,” he added. The post Artificial Intelligence in the Automotive Aftermarket appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Automotive lore calls them idiot lights. For years, critical engine functions were monitored by gauges. Oil pressure, engine-coolant temperature and generator/alternator operation were displayed for easy viewing by the driver. Why the auto manufacturers initially decided to switch over to warning lights is anybody’s guess, but the motoring public in general was quick to express their disdain over it. Since these lights quickly earned the reputation for being useless – or not conveying warning over a bad situation until damage had already been done – they just as quickly earned their less-than-endearing nickname. In the mid-1930s, Hudson was the first automobile manufacturer to use warning lights instead of gauges, and it wasn’t long before others followed suit. They quickly became standard, with performance vehicles being the exception with optional gauge packages. Today, warning lights are still the standard, but it’s a completely different playing field. Oil pressure, coolant temperature and charging-system operation are still the three most important factors, and gauges for these systems have seen a resurgence in popularity, especially in trucks. However, the simplicity of only having those three systems to monitor is long gone. Today, if it was theoretically possible to have an informative gauge for each and every system on a car, dashboards would look like the cockpit of an airplane. Possible or not, it isn’t realistic, and on top of that, computer technology has made warning-light function accurate and dependable – a far cry from the “idiot” lights of old. In most cases, warning lights today will notify you of a “condition” long before it becomes a problem, and even if it’s one of the three big factors, they’re accurate enough to give you plenty of time to get off the road and shut down to avoid a catastrophic failure. The hard part is with the number of different warning lights today, it’s hard to know what they all mean, especially with continuously changing technology. And have you seen the size of owner’s manuals? Looking up any one item can send you on a wild goose chase bouncing around through multiple pages to maybe and only maybe find what you’re looking for. In addition to the growing number of different symbols and warnings, there also are many colors in addition to red. Most manufacturers have incorporated the green-yellow-red idea since we’re used to what that means in relation to traffic signals: green, go; yellow, caution; red, stop. But don’t be surprised to see blue and white thrown in. Luckily, the symbols for most warning indicators are standardized across all makes and models, making them easily recognizable. But there are still a lot of them. If there’s a light on, there’s a good possibility your customer will ask about it. Here’s a list to help you sort through them. Check Engine/MIL/Service Engine Soon This is the main one. The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) has seen a few different variations over the years, including simple versions with the text “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon,” and the now widely recognized engine symbol with a lightning bolt in the middle. An illuminated MIL means the engine control unit (ECU) recognizes there is a problem with one of the monitored engine systems, which can affect emissions, drivability or dependability. When the light is on, one or more trouble code(s) will be stored by the ECU. A scan tool is required to access and read these trouble codes, which allow a technician to follow a specified path for diagnosis. An illuminated MIL won’t go out until the problem has been corrected or the trouble code has been erased. However, depending on the problem, if the code is erased without performing any repairs, the code may reset immediately, which will in turn cause the light to immediately come back on. In some cases, the light may take a day or two to come back on. If the problem is corrected and the code isn’t erased (for example, your customer makes the repair but doesn’t have a scan tool), the code will be erased by the ECU and the light will go out. But, this may take as long as a week, depending on the driving habits of the vehicle owner. If the MIL is blinking, it means there’s a problem that may damage the catalyst, and the vehicle should be immediately taken in for service. This is generally the result of a cylinder misfire, and a blinking MIL is almost always accompanied by a noticeable symptom of the engine or vehicle shaking. Another interesting aspect of the MIL is its key-on/engine-off function. When you turn the key on with the engine off, the MIL should illuminate. On some vehicles it may shut off after a few seconds. This is normal. If the light begins to blink, this is an indicator that the readiness monitors aren’t complete, and the vehicle isn’t ready for an E-Check. Of course, readiness monitors are a subject all on their own, but this can be useful to know for anyone in an E-Check area. Odometer-Triggered Warnings As emissions regulations were tightening prior to the advanced computer controls we’re used to today, some manufacturers began to use odometer-triggered warning lights for emissions-related systems as early as the mid-1970s. Many of these were oxygen-sensor or EGR (exhaust-gas recirculation) warning lamps, designed to come on at a specified interval for service or replacement of specific parts. These are rarely seen today, and OBD II, which became mandatory on all cars in the United States in 1996, hastened the end of these types of warnings. If you happen to see one, keep in mind on older vehicles that there’s no scan tool to reset them. There’s a specific procedure that differs per manufacturer, and it’s often a mechanical reset, sometimes on the back of the odometer itself or in a “trick” location. Battery Light Here’s an easy one. An illuminated battery means there’s low system voltage for some reason. Is it the battery, the alternator, wiring or a broken belt? Bottom line: When this light comes on, you better get where you’re going quickly – especially at night – or you’re going to run out of power. Cooling System The thermometer in water is widely recognized as a cooling-system warning, but it can mean many different things. Red means trouble no matter what, but it can mean that the coolant level is too low, or the engine temperature is too high. These also can flash, indicating there’s another malfunction within the cooling system. On some vehicles, this light also may be green or blue when the vehicle is cold, letting you know to let the engine warm up before any hard acceleration. Brake-System Lights The common symbol for brake systems is a circle with an arc on each side. While I’ve never had any documented proof, I picture it as the circle indicating a brake drum or rotor, and the arc on each side indicating the brake linings that act upon them. There are multiple different variations of the symbol. Red is bad. An exclamation point in the middle means the fluid level is low or the system has lost brake pressure. A ”P” in the middle means the parking brake is engaged. There also are multiple yellow variations of the light. The letters “ABS” in the middle means there’s a malfunction with the antilock braking system. When the arcs on the side are dashed, this indicates the brake-pad linings are worn very low. This usually is a feature only on higher-end vehicles. If there’s a crossed-out bulb in the middle, it means there’s a brake light out, or a problem with the brake-light circuit. A green indicator with a foot in the middle means you must step on the brake before you can shift the vehicle out of park or start the car if it’s a push-button start. Most brake warning lights occupy their own spot on the instrument cluster, with the exception of the fluid-level/brake-pressure warnings, which generally utilize the same lamp. Oil Pressure/Oil Level The oil can is another one of the three big ones. Red means low oil pressure, and other than when the ignition itself is on, this light should go out when the engine is running. Low oil-level warnings are sometimes indicated by this light in yellow, or sometimes by a separate warning. Tire Pressure Easily as well-known as today’s “Check Engine” light is a low-tire warning light, part of the tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS). It means you have a tire low on air, but if the light flashes initially, it means there’s a problem in the system – usually that one of the sensors isn’t communicating with the system – and it should be diagnosed by a professional technician. Seatbelt/SRS/Airbag These are symbols that everyone knows. The seatbelt warning symbol was one of the first to appear in cars in addition to oil, temperature and charging. The airbag symbol means there’s a problem with the supplemental restraint system (SRS). But these days, the SRS is a lot more than just the airbag in the steering wheel. It could be the passenger airbag, side or curtain airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners or more. There’s a lot to these systems and they shouldn’t be taken lightly. Your safety – and potentially your life – may depend on the operation of this system. Transmission Warnings The transmission warning light is shaped like a gear and can have an exclamation point inside or a thermometer inside. Red with a thermometer indicates a transmission overheating problem and yellow usually a shifting or gear-ratio problem. Service Required Many vehicles utilize lights or warnings to indicate that a regular service is due, from an oil change to a tune-up, or even inspection services. These vary widely between manufacturer, and are often simple text messages, or in some cases just the image of a wrench. ABS/Traction-Control Systems Even though we already covered ABS warning lights, it’s common for these to come on in conjunction with traction-control system (TCS) warning lights since the two systems generally share data from wheel-speed sensors. If there’s a problem with one system, there’s likely a problem with the other, or an ABS problem often causes the TCS to shut off, again due to the sensors. Many vehicles have the option of turning off the TCS, in which case the light illuminates by itself with the word “OFF.” Diesel Diesel engines have a few additional warning indicators that differ from gasoline engines. The glow-plug light, which looks like a couple loops of wire, illuminates either when the system is operating, or if there’s a malfunction. In most cases, if there’s a malfunction, there also will be a trouble code and the standard MIL will be illuminated. Newer diesels have warning lights to indicate when the diesel-exhaust particulate filter (DPF) needs service, and when the diesel-exhaust fluid (DEF) is low. These lights vary widely in appearance, and some of them look downright silly like a third-grade art project. But when you look closely, you’ll see they’re trying to depict particles, fluid and the movement of exhaust. Unless the car is new to them, diesel owners will be well-aware of the DEF light since the vehicle won’t run when it’s out of fluid. Washer Fluid Low This is an easy one: The view you have with the wipers on, fluid and a fountain. Exterior-Light Warnings There are many different exterior-light warnings. The most common is the age-old blue “high-beam” indication, but some vehicles feature this warning in green to let you know the low-beam headlights are on, or they just have the letters “DRL.” A bulb-out warning is the image of a bulb; the bulb inside the universal sign for brakes indicates a brake lightbulb out. Many new cars have adaptive headlights, meaning they self-adjust to compensate for vehicle loads and steering. A red warning with arrows indicates a malfunction with this system. Door/Trunk/Hood Ajar This one is always red. Most today depict the exact location of the offender. Some are just text. Low Fuel We all know what this means. Sometimes it’s just a round light that comes on as the gauge nears “E.” Drivetrain Warnings There are probably more variations of these symbols than any other. “O/D” stands for overdrive and indicates the overdrive is turned off or disabled for some reason. If there’s a malfunction in a system that causes the overdrive to be disabled, there will most likely be an illuminated MIL to accompany it. All-wheel-drive (AWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems that can be controlled by the driver often have text indications of what’s engaged and what gear range, or the universal symbol indicating front and rear differentials and a center transfer case is commonly used as well. Full-time AWD systems just utilize the lamp when a problem prevents proper system operation, and depending on the type of system and the inputs it receives, there may be other warning lights on at the same time such as the MIL or ABS indicators. ADAS Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) came along with their share of indicators to warn us of lane departure, distance warnings, forward collision avoidance and blind-spot monitoring. And More! It can seem like a never-ending list. “EPC,” common on some European cars, stands for electronic power control and means there’s a problem with the throttle system. A key indicates a problem with the vehicle anti-theft system, and depending on whether it’s steady or flashing, it can clue you in to the problem. A steering wheel with an exclamation point means there’s a problem with the power steering. A snowflake means the temperature is close to or below freezing and there could be ice on the road. The cruise-control symbol is a small speedometer with an arrow pointing to a specific spot, sometimes white or yellow to indicate the cruise control is on and green to indicate it’s set. The bottom line? You still may need to go on that wild goose chase in the owner’s manual to determine the exact meaning of any given indicator. And what about electric vehicles, you might ask? Yes, they have them. That’s for another day. The post Interpreting Dashboard Warning Lights appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Brake master cylinders convert the force exerted on the brake pedal into hydraulic force that is transmitted to the individual brake hydraulic cylinders located at each wheel. Their basic operation is easy to understand, but before getting into that, let’s look at how impressive the brake system actually is. Have you ever tried to stop a car that rolls unexpectedly down an incline, even an incredibly slight one? It’s not easy. As a matter of fact, most of the time, you just get out of the way and hope it doesn’t hit anything before it stops. Cars are heavy. We’re not strong enough to stop them, even with all our might. So how is it we’re able to stop them with one foot and the brake pedal? It’s not because we’re that strong. It’s because of hydraulics, the basis for brake-system operation. The theory of hydraulics states that the pressure exerted anywhere on an enclosed liquid is transmitted equally in all directions. A visual representation can make it easier to understand. Figure 1 shows a cylinder with a piston that has a surface area of 1 square inch. Five pounds of force are being exerted on the end of the piston, which creates 5 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure inside the system. Since liquid doesn’t compress, that pressure is transmitted equally to all interior surfaces of the cylinder. That same 5 psi travels through the line into the larger cylinder that has a piston with a surface area of 10 square inches. Since the pressure is transmitted equally to all surfaces, 5 psi is being applied to each square inch of the larger piston, and multiplying the pressure by the area gives the output of the larger piston. This is what allows master cylinders to be relatively small, yet a brake system to be so powerful. How Do They Work? The primary parts of any master cylinder are the reservoir, the body and the piston(s). The reservoir can be made of cast iron, aluminum or plastic; the bodies will be cast iron or aluminum. Cast-iron or aluminum reservoirs are usually cast together with the body of the master cylinder, making them appear as one single piece. This is the original type of master cylinder on most “classic” cars. When plastic reservoirs are used, they typically sit directly on top of the master cylinder, but they also can be mounted remotely if there’s no room, with a hose leading to the master cylinder. The piston is located in a bore within the body of the master cylinder, and when the brake pedal is depressed, the force on the piston pressurizes the brake fluid and pushes it through the lines. A series of valves and ports further controls the flow and return of the fluid inside the master cylinder. For many years, master cylinders were of the single-piston type, meaning only one piston pushed the fluid to all four wheels. The problem with this design was if there was a pressure loss anywhere in the system, there was a complete loss of brakes. By the late 1960s, dual-piston master cylinders were mandatory on all new cars. A dual-piston master cylinder has two separate braking circuits, which can be split diagonally or front to rear, but either way, the important factor is you can still stop the car with a pressure loss on one circuit. Whether it’s a diagonal or front-to-rear split depends on the vehicle. For example, a front-to-rear split is acceptable on vehicles with an even front-to-rear weight division, but when most of the vehicle weight is in front – such as on a front-wheel-drive vehicle – the system is split diagonally, since the rear brakes alone wouldn’t be enough to stop the vehicle. Maintenance One school of thought says there’s no actual maintenance on the master cylinder, and this is loosely correct. However, regularly flushing the brake fluid is routine maintenance that not only maintains proper braking, but also will extend the life of all brake components, including the master cylinder. Due to the corrosive nature of brake fluid – which gets worse the older it gets and the greater amount of moisture it absorbs – the seals, valves, piston and bore inside a master cylinder are easily damaged by dirty fluid. Signs of Trouble There are some telltale signs of a failing master cylinder. The first one is a slow fluid loss with no outwardly visible leak. The only possible location for an external leak is at the rear of the bore, where the pistons slide in during assembly. It’s often hard to see a leak, since the fluid leaks out the back into the brake booster or inside the vehicle when the master cylinder is mounted to the firewall. If there is regular fluid loss but no external leaks can be seen, look closely at this area. Brake fluid damages paint, and a close inspection usually shows softened paint around the mounting ears of the master cylinder, indicating a leak. In some cases, you may have to unbolt the master cylinder to inspect it for leaks. Occasionally, the seals between the reservoir and master cylinder can leak as well, but these are usually available separately. If the brake pedal slowly sinks to the floor when you’re pressing on it, this indicates fluid is leaking internally past the piston seals and the master cylinder must be replaced. Eventually, this will lead to complete failure of the master cylinder, resulting in a pedal that goes completely to the floor and no brakes. If a brake system experiences a sudden loss of braking force and the pedal goes to the floor, this generally indicates a broken brake line or hose, which also will be evident by rapid loss of fluid. Master cylinders themselves rarely exhibit sudden failure. They almost always give warning in the way of slow leaks or slow leak-down of the brake pedal, which means it’s time to replace. Replacement When your customer is installing a new master cylinder, they’ll need brake fluid first and foremost, and they may ultimately need a lot more when they go to bleed the system if they find bleeder screws that won’t open. However, the most important advice you can give them is to bench-bleed the master cylinder following the instructions and using the bleeding hardware that comes with it. You can assure them it’s a simple and quick process, but a potential nightmare if they don’t. This is also one of the most important times to use a fender cover. Even the slightest drop of brake fluid on the paint will begin to etch into it immediately, and it’s a quick and easy way to avoid it. The post Stopping Power: Brake Master Cylinders appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Photo caption: From left, Claudia and Dr. David Fry (standing) are pictured as Dr. Fry receives the Wings of Freedom Award in 2022 in Bay Harbor, Michigan. Northwood University announced the passing of former President David E. Fry, “a visionary leader, esteemed educator and beloved patriarch in the Northwood University family.” Fry, who served as Northwood’s CEO from 1982 to 2006, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 19. “Dr. Fry fostered Northwood University’s growth and progress as the longest-serving president and left an indelible mark on the institution,” reflected Northwood President Kent MacDonald. “Today, Northwood continues to advance the mission personified by Dr. Fry to develop free-enterprise leaders across America and around the world.” Fry began his distinguished career as an economics professor with research and teaching interests in business, global economics and free markets. As president, he focused on creating an environment where this passion could be passed on to generations of students through the University’s philosophy, which values individual freedom and responsibility, earned success, moral law and the importance of free enterprise. Fry proudly exemplified these institutional tenets of “The Northwood Idea,” the university said. “Dr. Fry’s legacy includes leading Northwood through significant change, including growing the University academically from an institute to a university and opening the DeVos Graduate School of Management in 1993,” stated Kristin Stehouwer, provost, and vice president, academic affairs. “The more than 23,000 students who proudly graduated from Northwood University while Dr. Fry was leading from the helm – alumni who have gone on to impact private industry ­­– is a testament to his leadership.” The Early Days At age 22, David Fry was part of an extraordinary faculty class recruited to Northwood in 1965. He became an intellectual descendant of Dr. V. Orval Watts, Northwood’s first legendary faculty member who gave shape and form to The Northwood Idea. Beloved in the classroom, Fry was named “Outstanding Teacher of the Year” by students in 1967 and 1968. Fry was so talented that the school’s founders – Arthur and Johann Turner and Gary and Willa Stauffer – promoted him to an administrator role in 1969. In 1971, the founders gave him a mission to plant seeds of enterprise in Indiana, where he flourished. As much as he enjoyed teaching, he had an inherent gift to lead, inspire optimism, and influence different constituencies to share a common dream. Along the way, he had taken time to establish solid academic credentials. Just as the school’s fortunes started to sour in the mid-1970s, Fry had fortuitously taken a sabbatical to earn his doctorate in business administration. In a historic move, the Northwood Board of Trustees appointed Fry president and CEO of the Northwood Institute in 1982, making him one of the youngest college presidents in the United States. Nancy Barker, a Midland resident who has served multiple roles with Northwood since 1971, including vice president of university relations, reflected on how he started as a young professor and eventually became one of Northwood’s greatest leaders. “David evolved over the years. He was respected and had a wonderful relationship with the professors because he had been a faculty member and fully understood their important role in the classroom and for the success of Northwood,” Barker said. “David was a dynamic and challenging leader. He expected and encouraged those around him to do their best and gave them the support and opportunity to do that. His officers were a team who worked pretty much 24/7, as did he. David took the original Turner-Stauffer vision to a whole new level; his impact was international and yet still very personal.” “All our lives were devoted to Northwood, this small growing institution, and Dr. Fry was our leader who paved the way.” As involved as Johann Turner and Willa Stauffer were in their respective husbands’ work, so was Fry’s wife, Claudia. She is known as half the team that transformed Northwood from the early 1980s until Fry retired as its president in 2006. “Claudia was always there for David,” reminisced Dr. Timothy Nash, Northwood vice president emeritus and director of the McNair Center for Free Enterprise. “She was the Rock of Gibraltar, the anchor in his life who played the more direct role in raising their two wonderful children, Daniel and Julie. Claudia has always had a strong intellect, passion, and interest in The Northwood Idea, global economics and business.” “David has had a much better and more fulfilled life with Claudia by his side, and Northwood has a larger global footprint because of the two,” Nash added. Expanding Academic Offerings Under Fry’s leadership, Northwood experienced major academic expansions, including seeing Arthur Turner’s dream of a Florida campus come to fruition in West Palm Beach in 1983. He also fostered professional development partnerships with businesses and industry, the military, and community colleges. Northwood began recruiting underserved students who needed access to various delivery methods and options to complete their degrees. Now known as Northwood Online, this was the start of Northwood’s Adult Degree Program, a delivery of content that enhanced access to higher education for adult learners who couldn’t attend college due to time constraints. The DeVos Graduate School of Management was born in 1993 under Fry’s leadership. Since its beginning, the graduate school has attracted students worldwide. More importantly, its graduates have become entrepreneurs, leaders in the industry, mentors, and role models. A University Well-Led, A Life Well-Lived After facing many transitional and financial challenges, Fry and his team elevated Northwood to new heights. Campuses expanded, programs improved and grew and university status was achieved. Once back on solid footing, leaders focused on creative opportunities and innovations that lay ahead, distinguishing the Fry legacy. “David’s great contribution was leadership,” stated Dr. Robert Serum, a long-time academic leader and innovator of international programs at Northwood, who is credited with navigating significant educational innovations for over two decades, starting in the late 1980s. “There are a lot of good managers out there, but there aren’t a lot of good leaders. David could walk into a room full of CEOs, all of whom had big egos, and before you knew it, they all wanted him as a friend. He was very popular wherever he went with faculty and staff, with other administrators and teachers, and especially with businesspeople. He epitomized what they believed in, free enterprise and every dimension of The Northwood Idea.” Those who worked with Fry noted he had a brilliant mind and was a spell-binding speaker. “His eloquence was so outstanding,” stated Dr. Marjorie Hohman, former board of trustee member, Distinguished Women honoree, and honorary doctoral degree recipient. “He was a people person, first. He was very good at connecting with people and holding their attention because he was such an eloquent speaker. He could stand in front of a crowd and captivate them because his command of the English language was superb.” Hohman admired Dr. Fry’s influence on those he worked with. “The most outstanding thing about him was his leadership abilities and how he was able to get the best out of people,” she said. “He was such a mentor to so many.” In honor of the tremendous progress made under Fry’s watch, the Northwood community came together to fund the David E. Fry Endowed Professorship to celebrate his retirement. Recognizing his outstanding contributions to Northwood, in 2009, the University vested upon Fry its highest honor, Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa. Most recently, in 2022, Fry received the Wings of Freedom Award, created in honor of Northwood University’s own Dr. Dale Haywood. Northwood bestows this honor upon individuals whose lives have contributed to human progress, individual liberty, and economic and social prosperity. “Dr. Fry’s legacy lives on at Northwood University, and we are forever thankful for his transformative role in our history,” stated President MacDonald. He continued, “Over my career, I have had the opportunity to research academic leaders around the globe and it is clear to me that Dr. Fry was one of the most transformational leaders in American higher education.” Donors who would like to support Fry’s legacy can do so through a donation to the David E. Fry Endowed Professorship. Donations can be made online or by calling Northwood University Advancement at 989-837-4356. The post Northwood U Celebrates Life of Former President David Fry appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

MAHLE Aftermarket announces the remaining two winners of the inaugural “Powered by MAHLE” Engine Giveaway. The winner of a 302 Ford small-block engine is based in Killingworth, Connecticut, and can look to take home an engine backed with 315 horsepower and built by the technicians at Jasper Engines & Transmissions. The Gen III HEMI 7.0L engine built by Moonshine Speed Shop is going to one lucky winner in Curran, Michigan. “Congratulations to the winners of these premium engine parts,” said Jon Douglas, president, MAHLE Aftermarket North America. “It was awesome to be able to partner with some of our Team MAHLE members to pull together such a memorable program filled with some incredible prizes. As our inaugural ‘Powered by MAHLE’ engine giveaway comes to a close, we are very pleased with the response we have gotten from our customers and fans and want to also express our gratitude to everyone who enter our sweepstakes and made it such a success.” In addition to the engine, all four winners of this year’s sweepstakes program received a one-night hotel stay and entry to the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Indianapolis, which took place Dec. 7-9 at the Indiana Convention Center. Winners who attended this year’s PRI show also were invited to a special “meet-and-greet” with a few “Team MAHLE” partners – the likes of which included members of Kalitta Motorsports, John Force Racing, Tony Stewart Racing and others. The post MAHLE Selects Remaining Winners of 2023 Engine Giveaway appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

NPW announced “the resounding success” of its 33rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament. The tournament took place Dec. 10 at the esteemed Miami Lakes Golf Club, formerly Don Shula’s Golf Club. The event brought together more than 100 channel partners, customers and industry leaders for a day of golf and goodwill, all in support of First Tee of Miami – a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through the game of golf. The tournament, featuring a scramble format, catered to golfers of all skill levels, and offered various prizes for accomplishments such as the longest drive, closest to the pin and outstanding team performance. “Our Annual Charity Golf Tournament has been a cherished tradition for over three decades, and this year’s gathering exceeded our expectations,” said Chris Pacey, CEO at NPW. “It was heartening to see so many people from the industry come together to make a positive impact on our community. “Teaming up with First Tee of Miami adds an extra layer of significance to the event. First Tee is doing great work in the community, and we are proud to contribute to their mission.” NPW extended its gratitude to all participants, sponsors and contributors who made this event a success, and said it looks forward to continuing its philanthropic initiatives in the years to come. The post NPW Holds Annual Charity Golf Tournament appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Parts Authority recently named FCS Automotive as its 2023 Supplier of the Year. The announcement was made during the recent 2023 Vendor Reception and Award Ceremony in Las Vegas. The criteria for the Parts Authority Supplier of the Year award include contributing to consistent performance; providing best-in-class market coverage and high-quality products reliably; excellent fill rates; timely cataloging support; and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction. FCS Executive VP June Zhou and Sales Manager Jerry Miller were on hand to accept the award on behalf of FCS’s entire team. “FCS Automotive remains committed to supporting The Parts Authority with industry-leading coverage, high-quality products, exceptional service levels and ongoing support to help drive business growth for many years to come,” FCS said in a news release. The post Parts Authority Honors FCS as 2023 Supplier of the Year appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Shop-Ware, a San Francisco-based provider of automotive repair shop management software, announces its first direct telephone integration with partner Amazing 7 LLC. “Telecommunications integration across hardware and backend software represent Shop-Ware’s latest expansion of shop management solutions to uniquely solve shops’ needs to inspire consumer confidence across all aspects of the repair experience,” Shop-Ware said in a news release. The product launch offers staff members valuable context to incoming phone calls, to respond to customers personally and intelligently, according to the company. Simultaneous, on-screen notifications give staff members pertinent information to incoming calls, including current repair status, returning customer inquiries and lifetime value, as well as unidentified numbers for new customers or solicitations. Staff can quickly link to relevant repair orders or customer lookups based on phone-number match criteria, Shop-Ware noted. “Shop-Ware’s vision is to reduce administrative work and inspire consumer confidence; this launch addresses both,” said Carolyn Coquillette, CEO of Shop-Ware. “Amazing 7 takes our shops to the next level, to empower their staff every time the phone rings: to convert a stressful interruption to a delightful opportunity, and ultimately differentiate their business.” When an incoming phone call rings the shop’s phones, designated Shop-Ware users receive an in-app notification about the phone call, including customer name and lifetime value (when applicable), most recent visit, repair-order status and a link to the repair order. Cases for multiple customer matches or unidentified numbers are also handled. Quick links allow staff to answer the phone informed on the caller context to personalize their response accordingly. “Amazing 7 is excited to partner with Shop-Ware to bring this intuitive addition to their best-in-class shop management system,” says Aimee Morley, owner of Amazing 7 LLC. “Imagine when the phone rings and the customer record is presented in front of your service advisor with the knowledge of the customer being a first time, second time or long-term customer. This is going to make the service advisors look like superstars to the customer.” The A7 integration is available to all Shop-Ware customers. To take advantage of it, subscribers also must be enrolled with A7. For more information, click here. The post Shop-Ware Announces Partnership with Amazing 7 LLC appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) has announced its award winners for 2023. “Each year, ASE takes great pleasure in recognizing those individuals who have distinguished themselves in the automotive service industry. Together with our industry partners and award sponsors, we salute the best of the best,” said Tim Zilke, ASE president and CEO. “The honored individuals come from all segments of the automobile, collision, truck, school bus, parts, educator and training sectors. Although they come from different areas, they all share a commitment to excellence.” Award Winners Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Harrison Keyes, Jerry’s Automotive Service LLC (Waukesha, Wisconsin) Axalta/ASE Collision Repair & Refinish Technician of the Year James Rice, Ford Body Shop (Carthage, Missouri) Big O Tires/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Brandon Stoutmeyer, MFA Petroleum (Lebanon, Missouri) BMW/ASE Master Automobile Technicians of the Year Patrick Nicodemus, BMW of Des Moines (Clive, Iowa) James Troxell, Apple BMW (York, Pennsylvania) Christopher Wilder, BMW of San Diego (Spring Valley, California) Timo Wolf, Momentum BMW (Houston, Texas) BMW/ASE Master Collision Repair & Refinish Technician of the Year Gabriel Qahtani, Platinumwerks Collision (Cocoa, Florida) BodyShop Business/ASE Master Collision Repair & Refinish Technician of the Year Thomas Baunach, PA Brown Daub Chevrolet (Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) Bridgestone Retail Operations/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Andrew Richards, Firestone Complete Auto Care (Grand Prairie, Texas) Byrl Shoemaker/ASE Education Foundation Instructor of the Year Scott Fisler, Milwaukee Area Technical College (St. Francis, Wisconsin) CCAR/Electude/ASE Instructor of the Year Tracey Hicks, Frederick County Public Schools (Frederick, Maryland) Cloyes/ASE Automobile Technician of the Year David Senula, Gloucester County (Franklinville, New Jersey) Delco Remy/ASE M/H Truck Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician of the Year David Harrach, City of Mesa Fleet Department (Gold Canyon, Arizona) Discount Tire/ASE Automobile Technician of the Year Joe Bologna, Ellisville Tire and Service (St. Louis, Missouri) Enterprise Holdings/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Joseph Lanham, Enterprise Holdings (Mount Washington, Kentucky) First Student/ASE Master School Bus Technician of the Year Joseph Taylor, First Student (Glenside, Pennsylvania) Freightliner/ASE Master M/H Truck Technician of the Year Jason Spore, Peach State Truck Centers (McDonough, Georgia) Garage Gurus/ASE Automobile Master + A9 + L1-L4 Technician of the Year Jesse Keyes, Dobbs Tire & Auto (St. Peters, Missouri) Gates Tools for Schools/ASE Instructor of the Year Joseph Young, Miramar College (San Diego, California) Gates/ASE Master Automobile + L1 Technician of the Year Jason Rigby, Christian Brothers Automotive (Cumming, Georgia) GM/ASE Service Consultant of the Year David Hudson, Caldwell County Chevrolet (College Station, Texas) GM/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Woodrow Robison, Lee Chevrolet/Buick (Greenville, North Carolina) GM/ASE Parts Specialist of the Year Jeff Armour, Feldman Chevrolet (Mason, Michigan) Honda/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Frank Currid, Proctor Honda (Crawfordville, Florida) Acura/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year John Heberlein, Courtesy Acura (Morrison, Colorado) I-CAR Platinum/ASE Master Collision Repair & Refinish Technician of the Year Barto (Tim) Gruber, Classic Bodyworks (Pearl City, Hawaii) Midas International/ASE Master Automotive Technician of the Year David Lang, Midas/Auto Resource Center (Huntington, Virginia) Mitchell1/ASE Technician of the Future Benjamin Fisher, Advance Development and MFG (Branford, Connecticut) Motor Age Training/ASE Master Automobile + L1 Technician of the Year Jared Deskins, Nissan North America (Hammond, Louisiana) NAPA/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Steve Vinkemeier, Pro Auto Inc. (Plato, Minnesota) Navistar/ASE Master M/H Truck Technician of the Year James Singleton, Highway Motors Inc. (Bridgewater, Virginia) Navistar/ASE Master School Bus Technician of the Year Jeremy Adkins, Sternberg Automotive Group (Ferdinand, Indiana) Nissan/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Shawn Bauman, Mark Arbuckle Nissan (Shelocta, Pennsylvania) Infiniti/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Barry Nielsen, Ray Catena Infiniti of Bridgewater (South Amboy, New Jersey) Pep Boys/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Jeremy Luther, Pep Boys (Marrero, Louisiana) Pronto Auto Service/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Ian Sharp, Schweitzer’s Automotive (Junction City, Oregon) Parts Plus Car Care Center/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Colin Gallagher, Shaffer Auto (Port St. Lucie, Florida) Snap-on/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Dylan Dickey, Honest Accurate Auto Service (Colorado Springs, Colorado) NEXIQ/Snap-On/ASE Master M/H Truck Technician of the Year Craig Bekkala, Bekkala’s Diesel Repair, LLC (Calumet, Michigan) Car-O-Liner/ASE Master Collision Repair & Refinish Technician of the Year Joseph Dukeman, Caliber Collision (Smithfield, North Carolina) Stellantis/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Zachary Bollinger, Cole Chrysler Dodge (Arroyo Grande, California) Subaru University/ASE Technician of the Future Pierce Cartwright, CMA’s Subaru of Winchester (Slanesville, West Virginia) Subaru/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year James Pedicone, Chilson Subaru (Eau Claire, Wisconsin) TechNet Professional/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Chad Van Handel, Van Handel Automotive (Sisters, Oregon) TechNet Professional/ASE Service Consultant of the Year David Anderson, Reggie’s Motorworks (Noblesville, Indiana) Toyota/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Harold Williams, Toyota of North Austin (Belton, Texas) Lexus/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Timothy Putt, Bobby Rahal Lexus (Enola, Pennsylvania) Toyota/ASE Master Collision Repair and Refinish Technician of the Year William Lehmann, Freeman Collision Center (Santa Rosa, California) Lexus/ASE Master Collision Repair and Refinish Technician of the Year Jared Luttrell, Sewell Lexus of Fort Worth (Burleson, Texas) TravelCenters of America/ASE Master M/H Truck Technician of the Year Lucas Coyle, Travel Centers of America (Upland, Indiana) USAF/GM/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year SSgt Fernando Carrasquillo Morales, United States Air Force (Crestview, Florida) ZF Aftermarket/ASE Master Automobile Technician of the Year Roger Briggs, H-Tel Autocare (Jonesborough, Tennessee) The post ASE Announces 2023 Award Winners appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Transtar Holding Co. announced the acquisition of Arch Auto Parts, which has 21 locations throughout New York City and the surrounding areas. Arch will become part of NexaMotion Group (NMG), “a family of innovative and industry-leading automotive aftermarket businesses,” Transtar said in a news release. Schwartz Advisors represented Arch Auto Parts in the transaction. The terms were not disclosed. “Arch Auto Parts aligns perfectly with our strategic goals and marks the largest acquisition for Transtar Holding Company in general automotive repair parts distribution, which exemplifies our commitment to growth in this segment,” Transtar Holding Co. President and CEO Neil Sethi said. “I am incredibly proud to welcome Arch under the NexaMotion Group umbrella. We are excited to partner with the entire Arch team and look forward to accelerating our growth plans.” Following the acquisition, Arch Auto Parts and its team members will operate as a business unit of NexaMotion Group. Arch Auto Parts owner and CEO Chris Bodh will join the executive leadership team as group president of general repair businesses. Through this combination, Arch will be positioned to rapidly accelerate the growth of its expansive products, services and locations. “This is a great opportunity for Arch to join NexaMotion Group,” said Bodh. “Having their support and partnership gives us a major advantage to do more for our team members, customers and suppliers, and we’re excited to be part of a great company that shares our values and culture.” The post Transtar Holding Co. Acquires Arch Auto Parts appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Democrats in Congress are warning that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) proposed guidance for implementation of Massachusetts’ Data Access Law conflicts with the Biden administration’s pledged support for Right to Repair, the CAR Coalition reported. As reported by POLITICO, former auto repair shop owner and REPAIR and SMART Act co-sponsor Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Pérez (D-WA) joined Reps. Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) and Jared Golden (D-ME) in sending a letter to Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and NHTSA Administrator Sophie Shulman outlining concerns that NHTSA’s latest guidance may unfairly harm independent repairers. Citing differences in remote-data access, the lawmakers’ letter warns that NHTSA’s current guidance creates a “double standard” between automaker repair networks and independent repair businesses that may “entrench manufacturers’ dominance in the repair market in the long run … [and] harm competition.” Anticompetitive practices, like data-access restrictions and design-patent misuse, put independent repair shops at an unfair disadvantage and leave consumers footing higher repair bills. “Our constituents understand the importance of supporting small businesses and preserving their right to repair the vehicles they own,” Gluesenkamp Perez, Auchincloss and Golden said in a joint statement. “ … Without competition from independent repair shops, auto manufacturers have no incentive to price repair parts competitively.” Let your member of Congress know to advance these key pieces of legislation by writing them a letter here. The post Legislators Challenge Vehicle Data-Access ‘Double Standard’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association (MEMA), proudly recently announced its new chairman, board members and executive committee for 2024, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s 120-year journey toward future advancements. The newly elected chairman is Kurk Wilks, president and CEO of MANN+ HUMMEL. Wilks will lead MEMA as chairman of the board of directors, bringing his extensive experience and visionary leadership to the forefront. Members of the 2024 executive committee are: First vice chairman – Jon Husby, president and CEO, ADAC Second vice chairman – Eric Steinbecher, president automotive aftermarket – Americas, Schaeffler Treasurer –Dominic Grote, president and CEO, Grote Industries Immediate past chair/officer – Marc Blackman, CEO, Gold Eagle President – Bill Long, CEO, MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association “MEMA extends its deepest gratitude to Marc Blackman for his exemplary leadership and guidance during a transformative period,” the association said. “His contributions have been invaluable in shaping MEMA’s path forward.” Newly elected board members are: Jason Gerding, executive vice president, Transportation Products Group, Marmon John Hanighen, president and CEO, Cloyes “Their fresh perspectives will enrich the board’s strategic vision,” MEMA said in a news release. The full list of the 2024 MEMA board of directors is: Chairman – Kurk Wilks, president and CEO, Mann + Hummel First vice chairman – Jon Husby, president and CEO, ADAC Second vice chairman – Eric Steinbecher, Schaeffler Treasurer – Dominic Grote, president and CEO, Grote Industries Immediate past chair/officer – Marc Blackman, CEO, Gold Eagle President – Bill Long, president and CEO, MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association Mike Alcala, CEO, GNS N.A. Jason Gerding, executive vice president, Transportation Products Group, Marmon John Hanighen, president and CEO, Cloyes Justin Greenberg, president and CEO, DieselCore Matt Joy, CEO, Hendrickson Tim Musgrave, CEO, Pressure Systems Chris Pruitt, executive vice president, East Penn Bruce Ronning, senior vice president Global Sales and Commercial Operations, DriV/Tenneco Sandy Stojkovski, CEO, Vitesco “The board of directors for 2024 reflects a diverse and dynamic group of industry leaders, each bringing unique expertise and vision to MEMA,” the association said. “Their collective experience is set to propel MEMA into a new era of innovation and advocacy for the vehicle supplier industry.” The post MANN+HUMMEL CEO Kurk Wilks to Lead MEMA as Board Chairman appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

With a new year comes new leadership at ASE, and current President and CEO Tom Zilke is reaching out to the industry to thank its members for its support of the organization over the years. In an open letter below, Zilke emphasized the organization’s achievements over his 16-year tenure and laid out his vision for ASE in the future. In June, Zilke and Trish Serratore, senior vice president of communications, announced their plans to retire at the end of this year. Dave Johnson, who brings more than 30 years of automotive-industry experience to ASE, will succeed Zilke come Jan. 1. Johnson also penned an open letter (see below) outlining his goals as he steps into the top spot at ASE. Johnson previously served as global director, service engineering operations at Ford Motor Co. where he led all vehicle repair support activities. Open Letter from Tom Zilke It has been an honor and privilege to have served as ASE president and CEO for the past 16 years. I joined ASE in 1991 and have enjoyed working on behalf of automotive service professionals and for the betterment of the transportation industry. ASE has an incredible staff of 50 people that have an amazing passion and level of commitment. Together, we have transformed ASE in many ways, and I am very proud of our achievements, including the conversion to computer-based testing which opened testing opportunities throughout the year as well as the introduction of the ASE Renewal App that allows automobile technicians to recertify remotely. We have embraced newer vehicle technologies and most recently, ASE introduced testing and certifications for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Electric Vehicle Safety. We have also aligned ASE, the ASE Education Foundation and ASE Training Managers Council (ATMC) to support the career cycle of technicians from initial education through lifelong learning. Through testing and certification, ASE encourages technician learning, which ultimately results in a better repair and driving experience for consumers. Technician improvement also makes technicians more productive and employers more profitable. Going forward, I would like to see ASE continue its work to redefine the technician image and address the recruitment/retention challenges. Technician image and recruitment/retention are interrelated and changing perceptions will take time. ASE is the logical industry-wide organization to help address these challenges, primarily through the ASE Education Foundation that is working diligently on these initiatives. I would also like to see ASE continue to add measurable value to industry organizations’ technician training programs and be nimble in adapting to a rapidly changing industry and its technologies. Finally, I would like to see ASE continue to provide an unsurpassed level of service to technicians and employers. I want to thank everyone throughout the industry for their support of ASE over the years. I am excited about the future with Dave Johnson leading ASE. We share a passion for the ASE mission, and I am very confident that he will take ASE to new heights. Open letter from Dave Johnson, president and CEO designate, ASE I am honored to follow in the footsteps of Tim Zilke and take on the mantle of leadership of this important industry organization. I look forward to working with industry stakeholders as well as the outstanding ASE staff to serve the industry’s service professionals and motoring public. I know we have an exciting future ahead of us and I look forward to sharing the amazing mission of ASE. I joined ASE with over 30 years of automotive industry experience, working previously as global director, service engineering operations at Ford Motor Company where I led all vehicle repair support activities. I am looking forward to using those experiences to take ASE to the next level of technician and consumer value. I am confident that my experience has prepared me to help contribute to the ASE cause. I have been fortunate throughout my career to work closely with technicians, service business owners, parts suppliers, and most importantly, the customers they all support. I believe that my background and formal technical and business education have prepared me to work with this entire industry ‘ecosystem’ that is part of the ASE team’s mission to champion and support. One of my first goals since joining ASE has been to learn all I can from Tim and the ASE team, while continuing to build upon the solid foundational elements that ASE is best known for. While I have thoughts and ideas about moving forward, I first need to learn from those on the ASE team who have been working in the trenches much longer than me. Just as importantly, I want to learn about what is on the minds of all various stakeholders to ensure that the ASE team is aligned with what the industry really needs. I wanted to take on this new role because I could see from my time serving on the ASE board that there was so much good being accomplished and so many possibilities for the future. I am excited to bring my skills and experience to the table in a more significant way to help take ASE to the next level. There are real challenges facing the transportation industry, from the need to attract and retain service professionals to complex vehicle designs and advanced technologies that demand more knowledge and ability than ever before. Having lived with these challenges firsthand and working within one company to address them, I view ASE as the place where the industry can come together to multiply our efforts, influence and accomplishments, and rise to meet these challenges. It is going to be an exciting and rewarding journey for all involved. The post Outgoing ASE President/CEO Tom Zilke Thanks Industry for Support appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

ZF Aftermarket announced it is launching 16 new part numbers for continuous damping control (CDC) shock absorbers available for passenger vehicles in the U.S. and Canada, covering a variety of BMW 5, 6 and 7 models. In addition, the company said it is expanding the range of TRW brake boosters and master cylinders originally launched at AAPEX 2023. ZF Aftermarket also is planning to release additional CDC part numbers in the first quarter of 2024. The CDC electronic damper system has been in large-scale original equipment production since the mid-2000s and is offered for many vehicles, from luxury cars to SUVs to compact cars. “ZF has produced more than 34 million CDC dampers globally, setting the stage for growing demand in the aftermarket,” the company said. SACHS CDC shocks for passenger cars provide perfect damping in any situation, according to ZF Aftermarket. State- of-the-art technology continually records variables that affect ride control, anticipating and adjusting the damping force to the external conditions. “We are very pleased to offer SACHS continuous damping control shocks in the USC market and look forward to continuing to build out this product line, Likewise, we are expanding the availability of TRW braking products to provide our customers with even more ‘True Original’ parts,” said Mark Cali, head of independent aftermarket, USC for ZF Aftermarket. ZF said it is also adding 53 part numbers for TRW brake boosters, extending the range of ZF brake boosters to a wide range European make vehicles in the USC market. ZF Aftermarket is also expanding its line of TRW brake master cylinders manufactured in steel, aluminum or cast iron. The 69 new parts feature OE-specified rubber seals and dust caps to resist ageing and come with fitting accessories included. TRW brake master cylinders also include a chrome 6-free “silver” finish for steel and cast-iron models for a protective, durable and rust-resistant coating that is free of heavy metals, the company said. For more information, visit TRWaftermarket.com. The post ZF Adding SACHS CDC Shocks, Expanding TRW Line appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Randy Shambro’s love affair with cars began at a young age. Shambro recalls gazing longingly at the Dodge Darts in the showroom window when he walked by Mr. Norm’s Grand-Spaulding Dodge on the west side of Chicago. At the time, it was the biggest high-performance Dodge dealership in the country. Co-owner Norm Kraus rose to prominence by squeezing big-block V-8 engines into the Dart (something Chrysler said was impossible), inspiring Chrysler to produce the 383 Dart GTS and the memorable M-Code 440 Dart GTS. Kraus remains a legendary figure among Dodge/Mopar performance enthusiasts (see sidebar for more). Growing up in the golden age of muscle cars – near the epicenter of the Dodge/Mopar performance world at the time – was a formative experience for Shambro. “I’ve always liked cars, even when I was a kid,” Shambro recalls. “I used to look out the window of my house and I could tell what kind of car was going by. Now you can hardly tell. But back in the day, you could tell by the front end and the bumpers.” Shambro, the 2023 Counter Professional of the Year sponsored by WIX Filters, has parlayed his love of muscle/pony cars into a fulfilling career in the automotive aftermarket that has spanned more than 40 years. Today, he is the assistant manager at O’Reilly Auto Parts store 3381 in Chicago. Shambro’s story begins in 1977, when he purchased a 1965 Plymouth Barracuda (which he still owns today). Obsessed with his beloved Barracuda, he made so many trips to Sunnyside Parts Warehouse for replacement parts that the manager eventually asked him if he’d like to work there. Shambro took him up on the offer. “I was pretty much an order picker at first,” Shambro recalls. “I was filling orders from dealerships, pulling fenders, tracking down crash parts.” The employee discount wasn’t the only part of the job that appealed to him, though. “I liked the job a lot,” Shambro says. “There was a lot of camaraderie with the guys I was working with. It was a lot of fun.” Photo by Kristen Hudson A few years later, Shambro landed a job as a counterman in the parts department of a local Chrysler dealership. Shambro saw it as a great opportunity to leverage his experience with Chrysler parts. Plus, prior to working in the aftermarket, he’d been able to enroll in some classes at a Chrysler technician-training center, thanks to a shop owner who had worked on his Barracuda. In the early 1980s, Shambro worked at a mom-and-pop shop called Almor Auto Parts. “I was cutting drums and rotors, pressing bearings and U-joints and cutting flywheels,” he recalls. Shambro bounced around for a bit, working at independent and franchised parts stores. In some cases, the store closed or couldn’t afford to keep him on the payroll. For several years, when his wife, Ellie, lost her job, Shambro was working two jobs to support his family. Through it all, he never questioned his choice of career. “I wanted to do parts. That was always my main thing,” he says. “I enjoyed it. Back in the day, I had part numbers memorized, so I could pick them up right off the shelf without looking anything up.” Starting in the early 1990s, Shambro spent 15 years selling aftermarket accessories and custom parts. The timing turned out to be fortuitous: When the first “Fast & Furious” movie hit U.S. theaters in 2001, it inspired a new generation of car enthusiasts – and sales of aftermarket accessories exploded. “We made a lot of money when ‘Fast & Furious’ came out,” Shambro recalls. “I was selling nitrous kits, body graphics, spoiler kits, spoiler packages. I used to sell LED [exhaust] tips, but those didn’t last long in Chicago because of the salt.” O’Reilly: A Great Fit Shambro’s career has shifted into high gear since joining O’Reilly Auto Parts in 2009. As a member of Team O’Reilly, Shambro has been able to showcase his deep parts knowledge, customer-first sales mentality and roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic. It’s been a great fit. Since he joined O’Reilly, Shambro has progressed from the role of parts specialist to retail service specialist to his current position of assistant store manager. O’Reilly has recognized Shambro on multiple occasions for his sales achievements, and he is quick to credit O’Reilly for fostering a supportive culture that has allowed him to thrive. “They take care of you,” Shambro says of O’Reilly. “If there’s anything you need – any questions, any problems – they’re there for you. They always work with me on my schedule. And they have a great culture. We all work together, and we have each other’s back.” That support system starts with his district Manager, Fred Perez, who accompanied Shambro to AAPEX in Las Vegas, where Babcox Media (publisher of AMN/Counterman) and WIX Filters formally presented the 2023 Counter Professional of the Year award to Shambro. Perez agrees that O’Reilly has been an outstanding fit for Shambro, and vice-versa. “He still has that enthusiasm for O’Reilly,” Perez adds. “Randy lives by our cultural values. He believes in them and he talks about them all the time.” Randy Shambro and Fred Perez at AAPEX in Las Vegas O’Reilly store 3381 is located at 7250 West Foster Ave. in Chicago. A lifelong Chicagoan, Shambro has been selling parts in that neighborhood since the early 1980s. He’s known some of his current customers for 30-plus years. Over the years, parts stores have come and gone, and vehicle technology has taken a quantum leap. But Shambro’s approach to customer service is timeless. “It’s about putting in the time, getting to know the customers and building those relationships,” he explains. “You take care of the customer, answer whatever questions they have and make sure you get them the right stuff at the right time so they don’t have to make another trip back to the store. You go out to their car if they want to show you something or if they need something. You go the extra mile. And after a while, they start asking for you. “It’s about taking care of the customers. That’s pretty much all I do.” When it comes to taking care of customers – making sure they have what they need to complete the job the first time – Shambro sets the standard within the store and throughout the district, according to Perez. “Let’s say a customer is looking for a new battery,” Perez explains. “Before selling them a brand-new battery, he’s going to ask some questions, and he’ll probably go out and test the battery, the alternator or the starter. Before he sells anything, he’ll try to diagnose the problem to make sure they have the part they need to do the job right. No sense selling a battery if it’s going to come back.” From left: Kurk Wilks, president and CEO of MANN+HUMMEL; Randy Shambro; and Brad Beckham, co-president and incoming CEO of O’Reilly Auto Parts One of the hallmarks of a Counter Professional of the Year is consistently going above and beyond for the customer. That’s standard practice for Shambro, who often visits customers after clocking out. Mike Ignoffo, owner of Iggy’s Muffler in Norridge, Illinois, has been a beneficiary of Shambro’s willingness to go the extra mile when needed. “He does it all the time, to be honest with you,” Ignoffo says. “If he doesn’t have a part on hand, he says, ‘Let me see who has it.’ He finds it as fast as he can and he gets it here.” Ignoffo is one of those customers in the neighborhood who has known Shambro for decades. “I trust him,” Ignoffo says. “A lot of times I’ll ask him [about a part] and he’ll say, ‘This works fine. We’ve been using it a long time; I’ve tried it and it always works out.’” Always Learning With more than 40 years of experience in the parts business, it might be tempting for Shambro to rest on his laurels, especially when it comes to training and education. However, that’s not the case. “It seems like his motto is to try to learn something new everyday,” says Perez. To stay current with the latest automotive technology, Shambro maintains his ASE P2 certification and his O’Reilly CPP (Certified Parts Professional) designation. Perez emphasizes that Shambro is always eager to share that knowledge and expertise with other employees. “Randy is a great mentor,” Perez says. “He coaches all the new team members who come aboard, and he leads by example.” The qualities that make Shambro a model co-worker are the same ones that drive him to provide outstanding customer service on a day-to-day basis, according to Perez. Shambro and Norm Kraus “He doesn’t just care about the customers – he cares about everybody in general,” Perez explains. “He wants to help anybody in any way that he possibly can. He’s the kind of guy who sacrifices a lot. He’s willing to change schedules for somebody who needs to have a certain day off. He not only helps out at this store when we’re shorthanded, but he’ll help out other stores that need help if somebody calls off. It’s the way he is. It’s in his heart. It’s the way he was built, in a manner of speaking.” It also helps that Shambro has found his calling. There’s a well-worn Chinese proverb – attributed to Confucius – that goes like this: “Choose a job that you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” That certainly applies to Shambro. “I love what I do,” he declares. “I’ve been doing it for a long time, and I love taking care of customers.” So what’s next for Randy Shambro? At 66, Shambro says he isn’t quite ready to retire just yet, although he considers the Counter Professional of the Year award to be the crowning achievement of a long and rewarding career. Recently, someone asked him if he planned to ease into retirement, perhaps as a part-time delivery driver. It’s fairly common to see older, semi-retired parts pros take part-time jobs as delivery drivers. But Shambro doesn’t see that as a viable option. “I’m a counter guy – I’m not a driver,” Shambro says. “I’ll do this until I can’t do it anymore. That’s how much I enjoy it.” The post First Call: 2023 Counter Pro of the Year Randy Shambro appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Aftermarket Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), a community of the Auto Care Association, announced the addition of its newest governors who will help lead the storied organization into the future. The new governors were elected by unanimous vote and will begin their three-year terms effective immediately. AWDA’s new governors-at-large are: Rob Blitzstein, senior vice president, vendor management and pricing, Parts Authority John Pacey, vice president, purchasing, NPW Companies David Reid, co-chairman, Fisher Auto Parts AWDA officers entering the second of their two-year terms remain as follows: Chair – Ashlee Arnold, Arnold Oil Company of Austin Vice chair – Dan Hanson Jr., Hanson Distributing Company Secretary – Chase Baxley, The Parts House (Florida) “The AWDA Nominating Committee has once again done a fantastic job of finding a selection of leaders within the wholesale distribution side of the aftermarket that has both achieved success and highlights a massive potential for growth,” said Ted Hughes, executive director of AWDA. “These trailblazers cross generations and continue the AWDA Board of Governors legacy of serving as a true reflection of leadership in distribution, and I am proud to work with them.” In the coming year, the AWDA board will support and represent warehouse distributors within the Auto Care Association and the aftermarket industry at large. AWDA also will continue its long tradition of supporting industry education through significant donations to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and many other valued causes. AWDA represents the top distributors and manufacturers of motor vehicle parts nationwide. The 76-year-old organization is a key segment of the Auto Care Association. Learn more about AWDA at autocare.org/awda or contact Hughes at [email protected]. The post AWDA Announces New Governors appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

ADD Group announced that the company has been honored with two awards: the Best Marketing Excellence from Advance Auto Parts and the APC Overdrive from ACDelco. The Best Marketing Excellence award highlights the company’s exceptional marketing services and support that have significantly contributed to Advance’s growth and success in 2023. The APC Overdrive recognizes ADD Group’s outstanding achievement across global supply chain, sustainability, innovation and product launch among others, the company stated. “We are deeply honored to receive these prestigious awards,” said Bruno Bello, director of global marketing at ADD. “They reflect our ongoing commitment to OE quality, product development, sales support, marketing excellence and logistic services. At ADD group we have a continuous improvement culture, so we are driving excellence and innovation for global OES and aftermarket.” The ADD Group is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of shocks, struts and complete strut assemblies. For more information about ADD products, call +86 576-8721-0118 or visit www.addchina.com. The post Advance, ACDelco Honor ADD Group appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Auto Care Association announced the launch of its newest Auto Care Academy course: “Aftermarket Essentials.” “This interactive and self-paced course will delve into the dynamic world of the aftermarket, providing a comprehensive understanding of its size, impact and the importance of keeping vehicles running smoothly and drivers safe,” the association said in a news release. “The ‘Aftermarket Essentials’ course will take the participant on an exciting journey exploring the inner workings of the vast auto care ecosystem in an easy-to-learn setting at the user’s own pace.” As an “entry-level” course, “Aftermarket Essentials” equips new professionals with a basic knowledge of how the industry functions to extend the life of vehicles, to enhance performance and to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Participants can expect to: Explore the aftermarket industry’s size and scope Gain an understanding of the distribution channels from manufacturer to end-user, and how the products move through these channels Identify key stakeholders in the auto care industry and understand the role each plays in keeping vehicles on the move Understand the various aspects that make this industry so great The Auto Care Association partners with the University of the Aftermarket to bring industry professionals the “Aftermarket Essentials” course. Students who complete this course will earn 0.15 CEUs toward their AAP, MAAP, SPAAP or ACP certification. “Northwood University’s University of the Aftermarket is pleased to announce its collaboration with the Auto Care Association on providing continuous education and professional development opportunities to the automotive and heavy duty aftermarket,” said Thomas Litzinger, executive director, University of the Aftermarket. “Educational opportunities promote an engaged workforce, improve organizational efficiencies, and increase rates of employee retention. ‘Aftermarket Essentials’ lays an excellent foundation for individuals who are new to our industry or in a new position within their organization who require a broader understanding of the mobility aftermarket. Northwood University is grateful for its collaboration with the Auto Care Association and supports its vision to promote learning platforms to our industry.” To access the course, learners can visit academy.autocare.org and log in using their autocare.org credentials. Once logged in, students can select and purchase “Aftermarket Essentials,” located in the course catalog. To stay updated with Auto Care Academy’s latest course offerings and announcements, interested individuals are encouraged to sign up for notifications here. The post Auto Care Launches ‘Aftermarket Essentials’ Online Course appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Executives on AutoZone’s most recent earnings call were upbeat about the growth prospects for the company’s international stores. AutoZone began publishing its international same-store sales numbers in September, along with its overall FY-2022 fourth-quarter results. In the fourth quarter, AutoZone’s stores in Mexico and Brazil posted year-over-year same-store sales growth of nearly 15% on a constant-currency basis – compared to 1.7% for the company’s domestic stores. In the first quarter of AutoZone’s fiscal-year 2023, which ended Nov. 18, same-store sales growth in Mexico and Brazil outpaced U.S. stores again. On a constant-currency basis, AutoZone’s international stores posted year-over-year same-store sales growth of nearly 11%, compared to 1.2% for its U.S. stores. On AutoZone’s Dec. 5 conference call, CEO Bill Rhodes noted that “international has become a more important part of our growth story and an area where we are increasingly deploying capital.” “We are very excited about the short- and long-term growth prospects of international,” Rhodes added. “Our expectations are we will continue to grow mature-store volumes both in DIY and DIFM and we plan to accelerate new-store openings over the next several years, ultimately getting to a minimum of 200 international new stores by 2028.” During the first quarter, AutoZone said it opened five new stores in Mexico and four in Brazil. As of Nov. 18, the company had 6,316 stores in the United States, 745 in Mexico and 104 in Brazil, for a total store count of 7,165. “These [international] businesses had impressive performance last quarter and should continue to grow at a robust pace for the remainder of fiscal 2024,” said Phil Daniele, who will succeed Rhodes as CEO in January. “We are leveraging many of the learnings we have in the U.S. to refine our offerings in Mexico and Brazil.” Although AutoZone isn’t breaking out bottom-line data for its international stores, CFO Jamere Jackson provided some insight on profit margins during the question-and-answer session with analysts. “From a margin standpoint, we’re very pleased with the progress that we’re making on margins – both gross margins and total operating margins,” Jackson said. “In our business in Mexico, which is much more mature than what we have in Brazil, we’ve been very pleased with the actions we’ve been able to take on the merchandising side of the business, and that’s given us a very healthy gross margin in that business.” Considering “the inherent advantages” of low-cost labor, Jackson added, “it’s a very attractive operating-margin structure in Mexico, and we believe as our business in Brazil matures and scales over time that we’ll see similar advantages in Brazil.” However, as AutoZone aggressively invests to open new stores in Brazil, Rhodes cautioned that “we’re still losing money there.” Those new stores “are causing a pretty good headwind,” Rhodes added, but such challenges are “not unanticipated.” While Rhodes and Daniele made a point to highlight the same-store sales growth in Mexico and Brazil during the call, Daniele emphasized that “the No. 1 focus for the remainder of the year will be on growing [market] share in our domestic commercial business.” The post AutoZone Ramping Up International Growth appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

AutoZone reported net sales of $4.2 billion for its first quarter of fiscal 2024, a 5.1% year-over-year increase. Same-store sales were up 3.4% in the quarter, which ended on Nov. 18. Operating profit increased 17.4% to $848.6 million. Net income for the quarter increased 10% over the same period last year to $593.5 million, while diluted earnings per share increased 18.6% to $32.55. “Our leadership team and I continue to be impressed with our post-pandemic sales performance,” AutoZone CEO Bill Rhodes said during the company’s Dec. 5 earnings conference call. “To put this in perspective, our FY 2019 sales were $11.6 billion, and now our trailing four-quarter sales are $17.7 billion – a 50%-plus increase over a four-year time horizon.” Domestic commercial sales were up 5.7%, while domestic retail sales were flat, according to company executives on the call. “Our performance in retail was slightly below our expectations, but still resilient in the current environment,” Rhodes said. A mild start to the winter in some areas of the country dinged DIY sales. The weather impact played out in “a 70-basis-point performance gap between the Northeast and Midwestern markets versus the rest of the country,” according to Rhodes. “This year, October was warmer than last year, and sales in weather-sensitive hard-part categories in the Midwest and the Northeast underperformed the remainder of the country,” explained Phil Daniele, who will succeed Rhodes as CEO in January. “ … As a reminder, historically extreme weather – either hot or cold – drives parts failures and accelerated maintenance.” Inflation was another headwind in the DIY space. Sales-floor categories underperformed hard parts, according to Daniele, “as we saw more discretionary pullback from customers.” “We do feel the low-end consumer started pulling back on discretionary purchases,” Daniele added. He noted that company expects inflation to remain at similar levels in its fiscal second quarter, as the industry is migrating back to pre-pandemic inflation levels, lapping very high inflation from a year ago.” He concluded: “For the second quarter, we expect our DIY sales to remain more difficult and our commercial sales trends to improve.” Domestic commercial sales represented 30% of Auto Zone’s total domestic sales in its fiscal first quarter. Daniele attributed the DIFM strength to initiatives such as “improved satellite-store availability,” expansion of its hub/megahub network, robust Duralast-brand sales and “an intense focus on high-quality products and technological enhancements that make us easier to do business with.” “We believe our commercial business will get stronger and growth rates should improve as we move through the year, as comps get easier and our execution will continue to improve,” Daniele added. In January, Rhodes will transition to the role of executive chairman of the board, while Daniele will become president and CEO, as part of a transition plan announced in July. Currently, Daniele is executive vice president merchandising, marketing and supply chain. “It will be one of the greatest honors of my life to move into that role,” Daniele said on the conference call, “and while that role will come with new opportunities and challenges, I continue to be very bullish about [our] prospects because I know we have an extraordinary culture in a terrific industry.” The post AutoZone Reports 5% Increase in Fiscal Q1 Net Sales appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Mevotech announced the addition of 138 new part numbers in December. “Wrapping up a strong Q4, our December release includes a series of industry firsts and innovative repair solutions from Mevotech’s top-tier TTX and Supreme lines,” the company said in a news release. “This expansion significantly enhances our coverage for domestic and import passenger vehicles, pickup trucks, SUVs and EVs, up to model-year 2023, and providing the professional technician with more repair alternatives.” Toronto-based Mevotech said its December release “builds on Mevotech’s commitment to product durability with more engineered improvements to address common failure modes with the original equipment.” “X-Factor upgrades help improve performance and are featured on Mevotech TTX and Supreme replacement components,” the company noted. “Moreover, the Labor Saver program enhances efficiency, saves time and increases product value right out of the box.” Key release highlights include: TTX Front L/R Upper Control Arm CTXMS401269 / CTXMS401270 Popular application: 2022-2019 Ford Ranger The TTX control-arm body is engineered with a fully forged one-piece design, compared to the original-equipment hollow stamped-steel. This significantly increases assembly strength and reduces stress on related components like bushings and ball joints, according to the company. Part service life is increased with the patented self-lubricating sintered Dynamic Control Bearing. The patented adaptive boot lips and locking boot technology prevent contaminant ingress, offering superior protection compared to traditional boot seals. Streamlining the installation process, TTX includes all necessary replacement Repel-TEK coated hardware. TTX Front L/R Lower Control Arm CTXMS401280 / CTXMS401281 Popular applications: 2023-2020 Ford Escape; 2023-2021 Ford Bronco Sport Mevotech’s ingeniously engineered swivel boot technology enables the ball pin to rotate independently of the boot to prevent tearing due to twisting, according to the company. Tackling concerns of premature bearing failure in high-heat conditions, TTX patented BiMetallic technology enables ball joint with heat and wear-resistant sintered bearings to be threaded into unitized aluminum control arms. TTX control arms feature a reinforced forging with filled-in recesses and additional material, effectively reducing stress on bushings and ball joints while increasing overall strength and rigidity. Replacement Repel-TEK fastening hardware is included for a complete job. TTX Front Lower Ball Joint TXMS50589 Popular applications: 2023-2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500; 2023-2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Featuring the patented self-lubricating sintered Dynamic Control Bearing, TXMS50589 delivers enhanced performance under all service conditions. The durable Integri-Boot with multiple lips prevents contaminant ingress, while the heavy-duty Repel-TEK formula protects the entire assembly against harmful corrosion. TTX Tie-Rod-End Assembly TXMS25956 Popular applications: 2022-2015 RAM 2500; 2020-2014 RAM 3500 Designed with the patented self-lubricating sintered Dynamic Control Bearing, which excels under high-heat and high-load conditions. Engineered with an advanced boot seal design with patent-pending adaptive boot lips and locking boot technology to protect ball joint internals. Improved ease of installation and alignment service with a hex forged tie rod body and adjusting sleeve. This increases working surface area for the professional technician. Pre-assembled steering solution reduces fitting time. Repel-TEK coating protects entire assembly and makes future alignment service trouble-free. To learn more about Mevotech, watch a company overview video here. The post Mevotech Concludes Year with 138 New Part Numbers in December appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Hunter Engineering recently announced a new integration partnership with leading automotive-software provider UpdatePromise. The integration will allow service advisors quick access to Hunter’s Quick Check Drive and Quick Tread Edge autonomous inspection results, allowing them to identify alignment and tread-depth concerns and bring them to the attention of vehicle owners, Hunter noted. With electrification expected to significantly reduce standard repair and maintenance work over the next decade, the integration will place service departments in a better position to capitalize on all their alignment and tire opportunities. The Quick Check autonomous inspection system is designed to provide accurate and detailed alignment and tire tread-depth results in seconds as the vehicle drives through the service lane. The UpdatePromise Tablet Vehicle Check In, part of the overall customer experience management solution, creates a seamless workflow that allows service teams to complete and review everything they need, all in one single ecosystem, according to the companies. Dealerships can capture videos and photos, review OEM direct and OEM connected vehicle data, present safety-related inspection reports and add services directly to DMS repair orders from one single integrated system. “Streamlining the vehicle check-in process and reducing manual data entry will help shops save time and money,” Hunter said in a news release. “Additionally, the integration ensures that the correct tire inspection and service repair diagnosis is always accurate.” Alignments traditionally rank among the highest-margin services a shop can provide. Automakers have long advocated that dealer service departments increase tire sales to fuel additional sales per repair order, as well as retain service customers by bringing them back into the showroom. “We’re excited to partner with Hunter Engineering to offer our customers even more value and convenience,” said Richard Pannazzo, chief operating officer at UpdatePromise. “This integration aligns perfectly with our mission to help automotive service providers thrive by simplifying their operations and delivering exceptional customer experiences.” “Hunter is fortunate to have so many loyal auto dealer customers invested in inspection equipment, and we’re happy to make this integration available to them,” said Alex Smith, Hunter product manager for inspection. “The new partnership with UpdatePromise will result in more alignments, more tire sales, greater efficiency and a safer vehicle for the customer.”  For more information, visit www.hunter.com/vehicle-inspection. The post Hunter Announces Integration Partnership with UpdatePromise appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Repairify, a portfolio company of Kinderhook Industries, and Autel U.S., a wholly owned subsidiary of Autel Intelligent Technology Corp., recently highlighted their key partnership advances and announced “bold initiatives” for 2024. Repairify and Autel have enhanced the efficiency of the collision and glass repair shop workflow and documentation process by seamlessly integrating Repairify’s remote services and authentic OEM tool scans into the Autel Remote Expert platform. The integration, now available on Autel MaxiSYS Ultra series tablets and MaxiFlash XLink standalone communication devices, increases efficiency by reducing the number of in-shop tools needed to support vehicle diagnostics, calibrations and programming events, according to the companies. This past summer, Repairify and Autel launched adasThink for Autel users, which provided collision and glass shops with pre-repair insights into required vehicle calibrations (based on scan findings) to help shops complete accurate estimates before the repair starts. This reduced the likelihood of supplemental charges, increased customer satisfaction, and improved insurance reimbursement times. In Q1 2024, Autel and Repairify will continue to enhance the value of their combined services for their users through the following planned releases: asTech insights, which will provide shops with vehicle-specific AI-driven repair recommendations based on the diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) identified during the pre-repair scan. Repairify remote service expansion, which will make dynamic and static calibrations available through the Remote Expert Platform. New next-generation Repairify calibration rigs, manufactured by Autel, for in-shop and mobile-express providers. “This is truly one of the most exciting initiatives in the history of our company,” said Cris Hollingsworth, president of Repairify Global Holdings. “Our customers have consistently asked us to deliver a seamless and integrated ecosystem of product solutions for their vehicle diagnostic, calibration and programming needs. The combination of Autel’s world-class product solutions with Repairify’s global leading technology, data, service and intelligence offerings provides shops the opportunity to service all aspects of vehicle repair through one product interface that drives maximum efficiency, increases customer satisfaction and ensures that vehicles are repaired safely, accurately and through a certified process based on OEM procedures.” “Autel is committed to providing its users with software and equipment that meet or exceed their expectations and comprehensive solutions that enable their businesses to thrive in this evolving and sophisticated vehicle repair marketplace,” said Autel CEO Chloe Hung. “When we developed the MaxiSYS ADAS IA900WA, it was with a single goal in mind: to redefine the industry’s approach to the service and repair of the modern vehicle and, with one system, develop a comprehensive workflow to enable technicians to take the vehicle from diagnostics and repair to alignment, programming, and calibration. This approach has helped our users provide their customers with superior repair and servicing of all vehicle systems, including vital safety systems. Also, it enables shop owners to see efficient key-to-key operations and financial success. “Repairify offers our customers, specifically those in collision and glass repair, even greater efficiency with its information services such as adasThink and asTech Insights, access to its network of Remote OE services, software and tools, and insurance-ready and OE-certified Pre- and Post-Scan reports. We are proud of our partnership with Repairify and all the opportunities it has provided to our customers, and we look forward to working together to drive innovation in the aftermarket.” The post Repairify, Autel Announce New Collision Solutions appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article