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    • By Clifford Auto Parts
      In today's automotive market, more vehicle owners are focusing on preventive maintenance rather than waiting for major repairs. With the cost of new vehicles continuing to rise, drivers are looking for ways to extend the lifespan of their current cars, trucks, and SUVs.
      This shift is creating new opportunities across the automotive aftermarket.
      The Cost of Waiting Too Long
      Many vehicle failures don't happen overnight. Worn brake pads, aging belts, failing water pumps, and deteriorating suspension components often show warning signs long before they cause serious problems.
      Ignoring these signs can turn a relatively inexpensive repair into a costly breakdown. For example, replacing a worn timing belt is far less expensive than repairing engine damage caused by a belt failure.
      As consumers become more aware of long-term ownership costs, preventive maintenance is gaining greater attention.
      Technology Is Helping Drivers Stay Ahead
      Modern vehicles are equipped with sensors and monitoring systems that can alert drivers to maintenance needs before a major issue develops. Oil life monitors, tire pressure sensors, battery monitoring systems, and diagnostic alerts help vehicle owners address problems early.
      This has increased demand for replacement parts that support routine maintenance and scheduled service intervals.
      Benefits for Vehicle Owners
      Preventive maintenance offers several advantages:
      Improved vehicle reliability Better fuel efficiency Reduced repair costs over time Increased resale value Enhanced safety on the road Many drivers are realizing that regular maintenance is one of the smartest investments they can make in their vehicles.
      Growing Opportunities for the Aftermarket
      As more consumers prioritize maintenance, demand continues to grow for filters, brake components, suspension parts, ignition components, cooling system parts, and other wear-and-tear items.
      Repair shops and parts suppliers that educate customers about maintenance schedules can build stronger relationships while helping vehicle owners avoid unexpected breakdowns.
      Looking Ahead
      The trend toward longer vehicle ownership is unlikely to slow down anytime soon. As vehicles remain on the road for more years, preventive maintenance will play an even greater role in keeping them safe, reliable, and cost-effective.
      For the automotive aftermarket, this represents a significant opportunity to support drivers through quality parts, expert advice, and reliable service.
      Do you think today's drivers are becoming more proactive about maintenance, or are most still waiting until something breaks? Share your experience below.

    • By Counterman
      The
      link hidden, please login to view (AACF) announced that more than $70,000 was raised during the Independent Midas Dealers Association (IMDA) Convention & Trade Show 2026, held April 19 to 21 in Savannah, Georgia, as Midas celebrated its 70th anniversary. This marked the second consecutive year AACF was the event’s official charity. Support from Midas and IMDA members highlights the commitment within the aftermarket industry to care for its own.
      Midas and IMDA Support for AACF
      “We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from Midas and the IMDA community in welcoming AACF back for a second year,” said John Kairys, executive director of AACF. “The opportunity to be part of this event and connect directly with franchisees, leadership and partners is invaluable. It speaks volumes about the culture of this organization and the genuine commitment to supporting one another across the industry.”
      AACF Booth, Donations and Prize Drawings
      Throughout the event, IMDA members, franchisees, suppliers and corporate partners visited the AACF booth to learn more about the foundation’s mission, contribute donations, and participate in prize drawings. The event also provided a platform for AACF leadership to connect directly with those who make up the Midas network.
      Kairys joined Jeff Genuario, incoming IMDA president, and Adam Stranik, outgoing IMDA president, on stage to share the foundation’s impact and highlight real stories of individuals and families supported through AACF. “As we celebrate 70 years of Midas, it’s important to recognize the people behind our success,” said Genuario. “Supporting AACF allows us to extend that commitment beyond the shop and into the lives of our teammates and their families when they need it most.”
      Stranik added, “The automotive aftermarket is built on strong relationships, and
      link hidden, please login to view plays a critical role in supporting those within our industry facing unexpected hardship. We’re proud to continue this partnership and to see the incredible generosity of IMDA members make a real difference.” Funds to Support Aftermarket Professionals and Families
      The funds raised during the event will directly support aftermarket professionals and their families facing life-changing challenges such as medical emergencies, natural disasters and catastrophic events.
      “The generosity shown throughout this event speaks volumes about the character of this industry, and partnering with AACF allows us to extend that support beyond the shop and into the lives of those who need it most,” said Lenny Valentino Jr., Midas president and COO. “Our commitment doesn’t end here,” he continued. “We’ll continue supporting AACF and the people who depend on it today and always.”
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    • By Counterman
      Autel U.S. announced that its Autel Academy ADAS Training Program has received accreditation from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR).
      ASE and I-CAR Accreditation
      The ASE and I-CAR accreditation confirms that Autel’s instructor-led training program meets the requirements for technician training and development as defined by these organizations. ASE and I-CAR are widely recognized as benchmarks in automotive service and education, and their endorsement signals that Autel’s curriculum delivers industry-relevant instruction aligned with current technological demands.
      Matt Shepanek, vice president of credential testing programs at ASE, emphasized the significance of the accreditation process, noting that it delivers meaningful value for both training providers and the industry. “Accreditation provides training organizations with recognized credibility, ensures their curriculum aligns with current industry standards, and verifies that they are maintaining high-quality instruction, facilities, and resources,” said Shepanek. “Autel successfully met all of these criteria, and we are pleased to recognize them as an ASE-accredited training provider.”
      ADAS Calibration Training Program

      link hidden, please login to view link hidden, please login to view launched its ADAS calibration training program in 2023 at its U.S. corporate headquarters in Port Washington, New York. The program combines structured classroom instruction with hands-on experience in a dedicated training bay, allowing technicians to work directly with ADAS calibration equipment and real-world vehicle scenarios. The classroom portion delivers a foundational understanding of ADAS theory, including system architecture, sensor types, OEM calibration requirements, and workflow best practices. Hands-on training reinforces this foundation as technicians perform static and dynamic calibrations on vehicles in a controlled, real-world environment.
      The program also emphasizes diagnostic strategy and troubleshooting to help technicians identify and resolve common calibration issues encountered in shop settings. Topics include alignment variables, target placement errors, environmental factors, and system fault conditions.
      Following strong demand,
      link hidden, please login to view has expanded its training footprint to additional locations, including Michigan, Missouri, California, and Florida, making advanced ADAS education more accessible to technicians across the country. Technician Certification Assessment and Continuing Education Credits
      To further enhance the program, Autel will introduce a third day of training to its current two-day course. This additional day will include a technician certification assessment, enabling participants to demonstrate mastery of the curriculum.
      Successful completion will provide technicians with ASE and I-CAR continuing education credits, reinforcing both their technical competency and professional credentials.
      “We are proud to have our ADAS Training Program recognized by ASE,” said Chris Gutierrez, Product and Training Director – ADAS, Autel North America. “This accreditation validates the depth and quality of our curriculum and our hands-on approach. Our goal is to ensure technicians leave our program well prepared to perform accurate ADAS calibrations with confidence and consistency in real-world shop environments.”
      Technicians and ADAS Systems
      For technicians, this training represents an opportunity to build expertise in one of the fastest-growing and most technically demanding areas of automotive service. ADAS systems directly impact vehicle safety, and improper calibration can lead to system malfunctions or compromised performance.
      Through Autel’s ASE and I-CAR-accredited program, technicians gain the confidence to perform precise calibrations, reduce liability risks, increase shop efficiency, and position themselves as trusted specialists in advanced vehicle technology.
      With this accreditation, Autel continues to strengthen its role as a trusted partner for repair shops, technicians and industry professionals seeking reliable tools and comprehensive education in ADAS technologies.
      For more information or to book your class today, click 
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    • By Counterman
      The
      link hidden, please login to view launched an updated website designed to improve access to education and workforce resources for students, schools and industry partners across the transportation sector. The new site focuses on usability and clearer navigation, with content organized to support development, accreditation and collaboration. According to the foundation, the redesigned site focuses on usability and clearer navigation. The content is organized to support career development, program accreditation and industry collaboration.
      “The new Foundation website was designed to provide a wealth of resources that help develop, connect and create opportunities for students, schools and local businesses,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation.
      Industry Partner Engagement
      For industry partners, the site provides guidance on how businesses can work with schools, students and the ASE Education Foundation. It also includes a directory of organizations that currently support the foundation’s mission.
      “The ASE Education Foundation impacts more than 100,000 students across more than 1,800 ASE-accredited programs,” Coley said. “In developing this website, we wanted to provide a greater depth of information for all stakeholders in an easy-to-find format.”
      Resources for Students Exploring Automotive Careers
      One section of the site is dedicated to students, with information on accredited programs, career pathways and the role of ASE certification in professional development. The site also includes:
      Clearly listed scholarship opportunities Career planning resources Student success stories An option for students to share their own experiences Coley said the site was developed with the ongoing technician shortage in mind, emphasizing visibility into education and certification pathways.
      Tools for Schools and Instructors
      A separate section is focused on schools and instructors, outlining the accreditation process and benefits of participating in ASE-accredited programs. The site also includes information about the annual ASE Instructor Conference and contact details for ASE field managers.
      A new interactive field manager map allows users to click on a state to identify the ASE field managers assigned to that region.
      The post
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    • Government UFO Files
    • By Counterman
      The
      link hidden, please login to view launched an updated website designed to improve access to education and workforce resources for students, schools and industry partners across the transportation sector. The new site focuses on usability and clearer navigation, with content organized to support development, accreditation and collaboration. According to the foundation, the redesigned site focuses on usability and clearer navigation. The content is organized to support career development, program accreditation and industry collaboration.
      “The new Foundation website was designed to provide a wealth of resources that help develop, connect and create opportunities for students, schools and local businesses,” said Mike Coley, president of the ASE Education Foundation.
      Industry Partner Engagement
      For industry partners, the site provides guidance on how businesses can work with schools, students and the ASE Education Foundation. It also includes a directory of organizations that currently support the foundation’s mission.
      “The ASE Education Foundation impacts more than 100,000 students across more than 1,800 ASE-accredited programs,” Coley said. “In developing this website, we wanted to provide a greater depth of information for all stakeholders in an easy-to-find format.”
      Resources for Students Exploring Automotive Careers
      One section of the site is dedicated to students, with information on accredited programs, career pathways and the role of ASE certification in professional development. The site also includes:
      Clearly listed scholarship opportunities Career planning resources Student success stories An option for students to share their own experiences Coley said the site was developed with the ongoing technician shortage in mind, emphasizing visibility into education and certification pathways.
      Tools for Schools and Instructors
      A separate section is focused on schools and instructors, outlining the accreditation process and benefits of participating in ASE-accredited programs. The site also includes information about the annual ASE Instructor Conference and contact details for ASE field managers.
      A new interactive field manager map allows users to click on a state to identify the ASE field managers assigned to that region.
      The post
      link hidden, please login to view appeared first on link hidden, please login to view.
      link hidden, please login to view

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