Tire Industry Association Joins Right to Repair Movement
-
Similar Topics
-
By Counterman
Automotive Parts Associates (APA) is pleased to announce that Midwest Parts Hub, a division of Kelley Automotive Group based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, has joined the group as a shareholder.
Founded in 1952 by Jim Kelley, Kelley Automotive Group is a family-owned dealership group representing multiple vehicle brands and serving customers throughout northeastern Indiana and beyond. Midwest Parts Hub opened in 2025 and services customers throughout the surrounding region through its extensive inventory of genuine General Motors OEM, ACDelco and aftermarket parts, along with daily delivery routes and advanced technology systems. The company emphasizes inventory availability, experienced staff, technology integration and reliable service as key drivers of its continued success.
“In today’s market, if you want to stay competitive, you need to be part of a program group,” said Mike Smith, parts director for Kelley Automotive Group. “Operating completely on your own is no longer effective. After evaluating our options, we knew
link hidden, please login to view was the right choice.” “We are excited to welcome Midwest Parts Hub to APA,” said Steve Tucker, president of APA/TruStar. “Their long-standing commitment to service, innovation, and operational excellence makes them a tremendous addition to our shareholder family.”
For more information about Kelley Automotive Group, visit
link hidden, please login to view. The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
link hidden, please login to view -
By Counterman
A blown head gasket is one of the most serious engine issues, often leading to overheating, performance problems and costly repairs. Understanding how to evaluate the condition and choose an effective solution is key to preventing further damage and restoring engine operation.
The head gasket seals the combustion chamber and separates coolant and oil passages between the block and cylinder head. It must contain combustion pressure while maintaining proper fluid flow. When that seal fails, combustion gases, coolant and oil can cross paths, leading to overheating, pressure buildup and loss of engine efficiency.
Head gasket failure often starts with overheating or long-term engine stress. Customers may report coolant loss with no visible leak, along with white exhaust smoke, rough running, or coolant being forced out of the system. Some vehicles will still run for a period of time, while others overheat quickly. That difference in behavior is critical. It tells you how severe the failure is and helps guide the right repair approach.
Confirm the condition based on symptoms like coolant loss and overheating with no external leak. Then ask a key question: how long can the engine run before overheating or pushing out coolant? If it can run 15–20 minutes,
link hidden, please login to view is a strong option for sealing minor to moderate failures. If the issue is more severe, stepping up to a heavier-duty solution may be necessary. Bar’s Leaks Head Seal Blown Head Gasket Repair is designed to create a durable seal, helping restore system integrity when matched correctly to the condition. Head gasket issues come down to sealing failure and severity. Identify the condition, then match it with the right solution.
This video is sponsored by link hidden, please login to view.
The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
link hidden, please login to view -
By elizabeth
Whether you drive a Hyundai Elantra, Sonata, Santa Fe, or Tucson, finding a quality replacement transmission doesn't have to be complicated. Hyundai transmissions are available in automatic, manual, and dual-clutch configurations depending on the model year and trim. Used Hyundai transmissions typically sell for $400 to $900, while remanufactured units with warranties start around $1,200. When searching for a Hyundai transmission for sale, always match the part number and confirm compatibility with your engine and model year. Reputable salvage yards and remanufacturers offer the best combination of price and reliability. Don't skip a test drive or warranty verification before committing to any transmission purchase.
link hidden, please login to view
-
By Counterman
Plews & Edelmann has introduced a complete Electric Power Steering (EPS) repair category—Edelmann EPS drive belt kits, torque sensor replacements, couplings, and proprietary service tools—that eliminate the need for expensive full rack replacement on millions of modern vehicles. The company said the product line delivers more than 50 percent cost savings compared with rack replacement while restoring full power steering assist with a straightforward installation using common hand tools.
Electric power steering is now standard on most modern vehicles. Inside every belt-driven EPS rack is a rubber belt connecting the electric motor to the steering gear. When that belt wears or breaks, steering reverts to manual mode—heavy, unresponsive, and unsafe. Until now, the only fix was complete rack replacement: a repair that routinely exceeds $1,000 in parts alone, requires module reprogramming and realignment, and can leave vehicles out of commission for days.
Edelmann EPS Drive Belt Kits
According to the company, Edelmann EPS Drive Belt Kits provide everything needed for a complete repair in a single box, including a replacement drive belt, belt housing gasket, O-rings, inner and outer boot clamps, additional seals as needed and rack-specific video installation instructions. No module re-flash is required, no realignment and no specialized diagnostic equipment.
“The industry treated EPS failure as a rack problem,” said Dan Billie, CEO of Plews & Edelmann. “While others claim repair innovations, we looked at the root cause and realized, in many cases, it was a belt problem. That’s a fundamentally different repair—and it means professional technicians and DIYers now have a cost-effective option where one simply didn’t exist before.”
Couplings Expand Vehicle Coverage
Replacement couplings extend this repair-first philosophy to even broader vehicle coverage. The 9700 Pinion Driven Motor Coupling covers over 5.8 million vehicles in operation across Buick, GMC, and Chevrolet vehicles—where the alternative rack replacement costs average $1,750. The 9701 and 9702 Column Driven Motor Couplings cover 7.6 million Kia and Hyundai vehicles and Toyota and Lexus vehicles respectively—where unit replacement runs $1,100.
Torque Sensor Replacements
link hidden, please login to viewhas further expanded the EPS repair category with Edelmann Torque Sensor Replacements. The torque sensor is one of the most critical components in an electric power steering system—it measures steering wheel force and direction, sending real-time data to the EPS control module. When a torque sensor fails, drivers experience uneven steering effort, intermittent warning lights, or complete loss of power assist. Part 9704 covers some Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles, while part 9705 covers some Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac G6, and Saturn Aura applications. Both feature OEM-replacement design with mounting hardware and alignment marks, backed by U.S.-based ASE-certified technical support.
Chamfer Ring Removal Tools
link hidden, please login to viewsaid it also developed proprietary Chamfer Ring Removal Tools designed specifically for electric rack and pinion systems, ensuring safe, efficient belt replacement on the highest-volume applications. “By developing a purpose-built repair solution for EPS systems, we’re giving technicians the ability to service a category that was previously replace-only,” said Anthony Holguin, director of category management at Plews & Edelmann. “These products provide opportunity and convenience by turning a $1,000-plus replacement into a repair that can be completed the same day with tools already in the shop. Plus, part stores can rely on a much smaller inventory footprint than stocking several different racks to achieve the same end.”
Coverage and Availability
Current EPS kits, couplings, and torque sensor coverage spans high-volume domestic and import applications, providing a critical service option where replacement components are scarce or backordered, getting vehicles back on the road quickly.
Edelmann EPS Drive Belt Kits and replacement components are part of the Plews & Edelmann broader Total Solution strategy—the philosophy that a complete power steering repair addresses every component in the system: pump, rack, hoses, cooler, filter, and fluid. With over 100,000 application-specific power steering bundles, all-new manufactured hard parts (not remanufactured), and a 100-year/1,000,000-mile warranty on Edelmann Elite products, Plews & Edelmann has built a portfolio designed to eliminate warranty returns by ensuring the repair is done right the first time.
Edelmann EPS Drive Belt Kits, Couplings, Torque Sensors, and Chamfer Ring Tools are available now through authorized aftermarket distributors. To learn more or find kits for specific applications, visit the
link hidden, please login to viewor call 1-800-770-4639. The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
link hidden, please login to view -
-
By Counterman
link hidden, please login to view concluded its 2026 Business and Training Conference this weekend in Rogers, Arkansas, bringing together more than 700 automotive aftermarket professionals for three days of focused training, strategic insights, and industry collaboration. The event welcomed a broad cross-section of the aftermarket, including store managers, outside sales representatives, territory, regional, and district managers, independent owners and vendor partners—reinforcing Bumper to Bumper’s commitment to strengthening its network through education and shared success.
General sessions were led by CEO Fletcher Lord III and COO Ben Butler, who outlined
link hidden, please login to view, key operational focus areas, and ongoing efforts to drive performance across the network. Attendees also heard from keynote speaker Houston Nutt, a two-time SEC Coach of the Year and former head football coach at the University of Arkansas and Ole Miss. Drawing on his 19-season coaching career and experience as a CBS Sports analyst, Nutt delivered a message focused on resilience, accountability, and team culture—principles that closely align with the values driving success across the aftermarket. A central focus of the conference was hands-on training and professional development. Attendees participated in 51 breakout sessions led by channel partners, designed to strengthen product knowledge, enhance sales effectiveness, and improve operational execution. The vendor expo featured 90 companies, 113 booths, and 273 sales representatives, giving attendees direct access to new products, emerging technologies, and practical aftermarket solutions.
“This year’s ‘Red, White and Revved Up’ theme aligned with the upcoming 250th anniversary of America while also reflecting our 107-year legacy of growth and evolution,” said Elizabeth Estes, director of training. “It’s a powerful reminder of where we’ve been—and the momentum we continue to build together as an organization, industry and country.”
“The strength of our business comes down to our people, our partnerships, and our ability to execute,” said Fletcher Lord III, president & CEO. “This conference is about equipping our teams and our customers with the tools, knowledge, and relationships they need to grow.”
In addition to educational programming, the conference created multiple opportunities for networking and relationship-building, including a themed vendor expo and evening events that connected distributors, suppliers, and independent owners in a more informal setting.
The event concluded with a formal awards banquet recognizing top-performing channel partners and industry leaders, highlighting excellence across the Bumper to Bumper network.
With attendees representing more than a dozen states, the 2026 conference reinforced the critical role of collaboration, training, and supplier alignment—and reflects Bumper to Bumper’s continued investment in the future of the automotive aftermarket.
Photos by Shann Swift with Swift Shots Photography.
The post
link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
link hidden, please login to view
-
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.