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Author: Professional Technician Staff

  • Bosh introduces new 18V tool selection

    Bosh introduces new 18V tool selection

    Bosch Power Tools recently announced a new round of product additions to its line of 18V cordless and accessory tools. 

    “This expansion is about offering smarter solutions that help professionals move faster and accomplish more, all on one battery platform,” said Philipp Gosau, director of Product Management for Bosch Power Tools North America. “We’re listening to the needs of hard-working professionals and delivering innovation where it counts.”

    With a focus on ergonomic design, advanced safety features and faster tool and accessory changes, Bosch said it remains committed to making work seamless to overcome challenges on the jobsite.

    The expansion of cordless products and accessories includes:

    • 18V ½ In. Brushless Hammer Drill/Driver (GSB18V-65) – Available in a Bare Tool (GSB18V-65N) and Kit (GSB18V-65B12)
      • Switchable Kickback Control – Reduces the risk of a sudden rotational torque reaction in a bind-up scenario, with the option to deactivate
      • Rapid Mode Selector – Swiftly shifts between hammering, drilling and driving modes without the need to adjust the clutch
      • Dual LED Work Lights – Illuminates the working area for better visibility
    • 18V Brushless Impact Driver (GDR18V-215) – Available in a Bare Tool (GDR18V-215N) and Kit (GDR18V-215B12)
      • Two Speed/Torque Settings – For greater control over power output
      • ¼ In. Quick-Change Hex Driver – For quick, secure bit installation
      • Powerful, Brushless Motor – Delivers a max of 1,900 In.-Lbs. of torque and up to 3,300 impacts per minute for professional power
    • 18V Brushless ½ In. Mid Torque Impact Wrench (GDS18V-350)
      • Outstanding Power-to-Size Ratio – Delivers up to 258 Ft.-Lbs. of fastening roque and 410 Ft.-Lbs. of max breakaway torque
      • Variable-Speed Power Output – Control max torque and speed with three settings
      • Auto Bolt Release – Stops rotation when the bolt is loosened to prevent accidental dropping bolts and nuts during removal
    • 18V Hybrid Area Light (GLA18VH-7500)
      • Multidirectional Lighting – Offers three illumination range modes, including 360-degree and 180-degree left and right
      • Outstanding Illumination – Delivers up to 7,500 lumens with brightness ramp-up and three output modes (Low, Medium, High)
      • Hybrid Power Options – Seamlessly works with all Bosch 18V batteries and 120V AC power sources
    • 3 Pc. X-LOCK Metal Grinding Wheels (GWX27LM450P3) and 10 Pc. X-LOCK Stainless Steel and Metal Cutting Wheels (TCWX1S450P10)
      • X-LOCK® Interface – Delivers up to 5X faster wheel changes without the need of a spanner wrench or flange nut
      • Resinoid Bond – Specially formulated with multiple layers of stranded fiberglass and Aluminum Oxide grit for enhanced speed and durability
      • Precision Manufacturing – Optimized wheels for less vibration and improved working speed
    • 3Pc. Wire Set (WB025V3)
      • Efficient Material Removal – More efficient than manual alternatives, especially in tight spaces, grooves and corners
      • Common Applications – Ideal for removing paint, varnish or rust from metal surfaces
      • Versatile Brush Types – Three sizes for controlled cleaning and surface preparation in various applications
  • Mavis Tire Express acquires midas

    Mavis Tire Express acquires midas

    Mavis Tire Express Services Corp., a leading provider of automotive repair and maintenance services and one of the largest independent tire and service providers in North America, recently announced it has completed the purchase of Midas from TBC Corporation. 

    Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

    With this acquisition, Mavis expands its retail network to more than 3,500 locations across the United States and Canada, including nearly 1,300 franchised locations. Midas will continue to operate as a standalone brand under the Mavis platform and maintain its headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

    This transaction strengthens Mavis’s position as a provider of automotive repair and maintenance services, enabling the company to expand its presence within the dynamic North American automotive service repair industry, according to a statement from the company. 

    “We are excited to officially welcome Midas to the Mavis family,” said David Sorbaro, co-chief executive officer, Mavis Tire Express Services Corp. “This transaction reflects our ongoing commitment to expanding our portfolio of respected brands and establishing our presence in compelling new markets. We’re excited to partner with Midas’s talented team and franchisees to build on their legacy of exceptional service and to drive the next chapter of growth together.”

    Mavis Tire Express Services Corp., based in White Plains, New York, offers a menu of repair and maintenance services including brakes, alignments, suspension, shocks, and exhaust. Mavis, which was founded in 1972 by Marion and Victor Sorbaro and has roots dating back to 1949.

  • VIPAR, AACF combine forces to aid heavy duty aftermarket community 

    VIPAR, AACF combine forces to aid heavy duty aftermarket community 

    The VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies recently announced a new partnership with the Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF), extending the foundation’s reach to the heavy duty aftermarket community to provide critical support to industry members and their immediate families during times of personal crisis.

    Since 1959, AACF has helped individuals and families facing financial hardship due to unexpected adversity such as natural disasters, catastrophic medical conditions, life-changing accidents, and devastating fatalities. Through this new partnership, AACF’s support will now be available to individuals working in the heavy duty aftermarket and their immediate family members during the hardest moments of their lives. 

    The process to apply for financial support is simple and can take as little as five to seven days. Once eligibility is established, an application is completed and sent to the AACF Recipient Committee for review. If approved, the funds can be sent to the recipient or directly to a business, such as hospitals, funeral homes, or landlords.

    “We pride ourselves in our efficiency because we know that when people need help, time is not always on our side. We can help much faster than most employers and government programs and will do everything possible to expedite the process,” said John Kairys, executive director, AACF. 

    A statement from the company said the VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies is honored to help promote the foundation’s mission by raising awareness of these valuable resources, providing support through charitable giving efforts, and serving as a liaison within the heavy duty aftermarket. 

    The AACF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. With the exception of two full-time staff positions, AACF is run entirely by volunteers from the aftermarket industry. 

    “Our partnership with AACF furthers our commitment to supporting the heavy duty aftermarket community—not only in business, but in life. It reflects the heart of this industry – a community that shows up for one another when it matters most. We encourage everyone in our network to spread the word about this important resource, and when able, support its mission to help those in need in our industry,” said Chris Baer, VIPAR Heavy Duty president and CEO.

  • New diesel tech program at York, PA tech school

    New diesel tech program at York, PA tech school

    The YTI Career Institute York, Pennsylvania campus recently announced the upcoming launch of its new diesel technician diploma program.

    According to the YTI Career Institute, later this summer they will officially launch the new program, which is designed to equip students with the skills needed to enter into the field of diesel mechanics.

    Classes for the program will begin on Aug. 11, 2025, at YTI’s campus in York County.

    “Our diesel technician program was created in direct response to industry demand,” said Jim Bologa, president and CEO of YTI Career Institute. “At YTI, we remain committed to providing accelerated, skills-based training that meets the needs of employers and empowers students to begin meaningful careers. We’re excited to welcome our first class of future diesel technicians this August.”

    The new 10-month program will offer hands-on training in diagnosing, repairing and maintaining diesel powered vehicles. Specifically, students will gain knowledge in the following:

    • Diesel engine troubleshooting and repair
    • Air and hydraulic brake systems inspection and adjustment
    • Drivetrain components including transmissions, differentials and axles
    • Electronics diagnostics for modern vehicle systems, sensors and control units

    YTI Career Institute says students who complete the program will graduate with a diesel technician dipl;oma, and will be ready to pursue entry-level positions in the diesel repair and maintenance industry.

    According to YTI Career Institute, they are a private post-secondary institution of higher education serving Pennsylvanians at their York, Lancaster and Altoona campuses.

  • 6th annual Technician Appreciation Week Sept. 21-27

    6th annual Technician Appreciation Week Sept. 21-27

    Celebrating the hard work and commitment of professional technicians, the American Trucking Associations and ATA’s Technology & Maintenance Council announced recently that the sixth annual National Technician Appreciation Week will be held Sept.  21-27.

    “National Technician Appreciation Week is a time to pause and thank the men and women who keep our trucks up and running,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “Their professionalism and commitment to upholding exacting standards enhance the efficiency of our supply chain and help to keep everyone on the road safe.  Without technicians’ skill, knowledge, and attention to detail, our industry would not be able to deliver the goods that American families and businesses depend on.”

    Professional technicians perform one of the most demanding and critical roles in trucking, said ATA in a statement. NTAW not only acknowledges the extraordinary efforts of these dedicated professionals, but also helps attract prospective talent to one of the most in-demand careers in the industry.

    “We are very excited to announce the dates for the sixth annual National Technician Appreciation Week to recognize the professional technicians who are indispensable to trucking operations from coast to coast,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “Without technicians ensuring vehicles are ready for service and in safe condition, drivers could not make the deliveries we rely on. This is the perfect time for our industry and the general public to show our appreciation and say ‘thank you’ to these important individuals for the valuable work they do.”

  • Boss Truck Shop Opens In West Memphis, Arkansas

    Boss Truck Shop Opens In West Memphis, Arkansas

    Boss Truck Shop opened its newest location at 400 Mound City Road in West Memphis, Arkansas just off Interstate 40/Interstate 55 Exit 281.

    The new shop expands the company’s national footprint to 44 locations, offering support to drivers traveling through one of the busiest freight corridors in the country.

    The West Memphis location offers a wide range of services including tire care, oil and lube, preventative maintenance, federal DOT inspections, A/C system services, and 24/7 emergency roadside assistance. The shop is designed with the professional driver in mind, featuring wide service bays, ASE-certified technicians, and waiting area.

    “We’re excited to open our newest shop in West Memphis and provide service at a key point in the national freight network,” said Jake England, director of Boss Truck Shop. “This location strengthens our ability to serve drivers along a major corridor and reflects our continued investment in the people and routes that keep America moving.”

    No appointment is necessary, and all drivers—whether independent or fleet customers—are welcome.

  • Still time to register for ASE conference

    Still time to register for ASE conference

    There is still time to register for the upcoming ASE Instructor Training Conference. 

    The national training event is presented by the ASE  Education Foundation and will be held July 21-24 in St. Louis.

    The 15th Annual ASE Instructor Training Conference is the largest of its kind, hosting hundreds of high school and college instructors from auto, truck and collision repair programs nationwide and offering more than 20 hours of technical update training with separate tracks for auto, medium/heavy truck and collision repair instructors.

    This year’s event will also feature a keynote address by ASE president and CEO Dave Johnson, a sponsor expo and a special networking event at the Anheuser-Busch brewery sponsored by WyoTech.

    Hotel rooms are filling up, and instructors whose funds are not available until July are urged to register now and select “pay later” at checkout. Those needing to submit a written request can use a sample justification letter located on the ASE Education Foundation website.

  • School Assist All-Star Awards recognize school, business collaborations

    School Assist All-Star Awards recognize school, business collaborations

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and WrenchWay recently  announced the launch of the School Assist All-Star Awards, a new initiative aimed at recognizing and celebrating the collaborative efforts between shops, dealerships, and schools to inspire and attract more students to the automotive and diesel industries.

    “ASE has always been committed to advancing the future of our industry by ensuring the next generation of technicians are well-trained and ready to contribute,” said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. “By recognizing the collaborations between schools and businesses, we can inspire further positive change and create a steady pipeline of skilled professionals who will be integral to the growth and innovation of the automotive and diesel industries.”

    For decades, these industries have faced significant challenges in attracting young talent, due in part to budget constraints and outdated perceptions about the careers these fields offer, according to a statement about the program. However, we are now witnessing a powerful shift as more shops and dealerships step up to support local schools, highlighting the abundant career opportunities available in the automotive and diesel sectors. 

    “We’ve seen firsthand how critical it is for the industry and schools to work together,” said Mark Wilson, co-founder and CEO of WrenchWay. “The School Assist All-Star Awards will spotlight those who are making a tangible impact, helping students connect with the incredible opportunities available within the automotive and diesel industries.”

    The School Assist All-Star Awards will celebrate organizations that go above and beyond in nurturing the future workforce of the automotive and diesel sectors. 

    Schools and shops/dealerships using the School Assist platform by WrenchWay and ASE are eligible for the annual awards by logging a minimum number of partnership activities in the platform. All submitted activities will be verified by WrenchWay and ASE. People can now view the full list of qualifying activities and award criteria directly within School Assist.

    Schools interested in signing up for School Assist can request an account for free at https://wrenchway.com/solutions/schools/. A school does not need a dedicated automotive or diesel program to join.

    Shops or dealerships who are interested in joining, can learn more at https://wrenchway.com/school-assist/.

  • PA repair shop charged with performing $1 million worth of ‘deletes’

    PA repair shop charged with performing $1 million worth of ‘deletes’

    A federal grand jury in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania recently indicted Matthew Caroluzzi and his company, Matt’s Heavy Duty Mobile Diagnostics and Truck Repair and Heavy Towing (Matt’s HD), with nine counts of violating the Clean Air Act and one count of conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act and aiding and abetting.

    Matt’s HD was a Pennsylvania certified vehicle safety inspection station that performed repairs and maintenance on commercial motor vehicles including heavy duty and medium duty diesel-powered trucks and other vehicles. 

    Caroluzzi, Matt’s HD, and others allegedly performed hundreds of “deletes” of hardware components of commercial motor vehicle emission control systems and software “tunes.” Hardware alterations to emissions control systems are often referred to as “deletes.” These deletes tampered with the monitoring function of diesel trucks’ on-board diagnostics (OBD) monitoring systems, thereby enabling numerous vehicles to function while emitting higher levels of air pollutants into the atmosphere.  

    Caroluzzi and his co-conspirator employees recorded “deletes” and “tunes” as “deletes” on work orders and invoices, but later allegedly disguised the illegal conduct by using code words such as “reprogram,” “re-flash,” and “ECM repair” on Matt’s HD paperwork. The act of rendering an OBD system ineffective is commonly referred to as “tuning” or “flashing.” 

    Caroluzzi, Matt’s HD, and co-conspirators benefitted financially by collecting about $1 million from customers for performing, and aiding and abetting the performance of, deletes and tunes on more than 700 diesel powered trucks.

    DOT-OIG is conducting this investigation with the Environmental Protection Agency-Criminal Investigation Division.

    The statement from the court said indictments, information, and criminal complaints are only accusations by the government, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

  • Snap-on schedules online training sessions

    Snap-on schedules online training sessions

    Snap-on has updated its Tuesday Topic Training schedule for the third

    quarter with a variety of new subjects that Diagnostics National Trainer Jason Gabrenas will present on a rotating basis. 

    Snap-on said auto repair technicians are encouraged to attend the informational sessions to learn the latest tips and techniques to get the most out of their diagnostic tools.

    The schedule of third quarter training sessions includes:

    Sept. 23: OEM-Specific ADAS Training – Mercedes-Benz

    July 1: OEM-Specific ADAS Training – VW / Audi

    July 8: Diagnosing Vehicle Communication Issues

    July 15: OEM-Specific ADAS Training – CDJR

    July 22: Vehicle Maintenance Functions

    July 29: OEM-Specific ADAS Training – Nissan

    Aug. 5: Diesel Emissions Systems Operation and Testing

    Aug. 12: OEM-Specific ADAS Training – VW / Audi

    Aug. 19: Diagnosing Vehicle Communication Issues

    Aug. 26: OEM-Specific ADAS Training – CDJR

    Sept. 2: Vehicle Maintenance Functions

    Sept. 9: OEM-Specific ADAS Training – Nissan

    Sept. 16: Diesel Emissions Systems Operation and Testing

    Tuesday Topic Training sessions are offered free of charge and provide about 30 minutes of material and 15 minutes for questions and answers. Two time slots are available for each day of training. The first session takes place at 6 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. CT/ p.m. PT. The second session runs 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT/ 6 p.m. PT.

    Click here to register to attend via Zoom or watch live on the Snap-on Diagnostics Training Solutions YouTube channel.