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Author: Professional Technician Staff

  • AAPEX Student Experience brings automotive students closer to the industry

    AAPEX Student Experience brings automotive students closer to the industry

     More than 160 automotive students from across Clark County, Nevada recently got a one-of-a-kind look at the transportation industry during the AAPEX Student Experience, hosted by TechForce Foundation and Carlyle Tools, the private label hand tool brand of NAPA Auto Parts, at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. The event brought young aspiring technicians face-to-face with top creators, employers, tools, and technology shaping the future of the aftermarket.

    Students kicked off their day with Tech Feud, a high-energy live game show produced by The Go Game and captained by influencers ChrisFix and Humble Mechanic. Teams of students battled it out on stage, answering real technician-answered questions and competing in a “Name That Shop Sound” segment that had the whole room cheering. The event also featured a Techs Talk Live Q&A, giving students a chance to ask candid questions about careers, training paths, and life in the industry.

    The program continued with exclusive access to AAPEX, where students explored demonstrations, emerging technologies, tools, and career pathways on the show floor.

    The experience was made possible through generous support from AAPEX, co-owned by the Auto Care Association (ACA) and MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. Carlyle Tools played a major role as the event’s primary sponsor, helping shape the concept, support the show setup, and keep the energy high with premium giveaways and an on-site 360-degree photo booth activation.

    “The energy these students brought was unreal,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO of TechForce Foundation. “Experiences like this are what open eyes and open doors. When students meet industry, explore new tech hands-on, and see real career opportunities, it changes everything.”

    This was the first year delivering the AAPEX Student Experience, marking a new hands-on activation designed to bring automotive students closer to the industry in an exciting, high-energy way.

  • Survey seeks ‘what is working, what is not’ for professional technicians

    Survey seeks ‘what is working, what is not’ for professional technicians

    WrenchWay, together with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), are conducting the Voice of Technician Survey. Open to automotive, diesel and collision professionals, the survey is designed to learn what is working, what is not and how the industry can improve.

    “Our partners at WrenchWay are committed to making the industry better for all stakeholders, and we are very pleased to collaborate with them on this important survey,” said Dave Johnson, president and CEO of ASE. “The feedback we receive will help us highlight what it is really like to work or teach in this industry. We will use the responses to identify challenges, spotlight opportunities for improvement and support positive change for technicians, students, instructors and employers.”

    The Voice of Technician Survey is now open to technicians currently working in the industry, instructors teaching automotive, diesel or collision programs and students enrolled in a related program. The survey takes between six to 10 minutes to complete and everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a prize drawing. Winners will be randomly selected on Friday, Dec. 12 and notified via email.

    ASE and WrenchWay are also working together on the School Assist All-Star Awards, an 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.

    “We’re thrilled to again partner with ASE on the Voice of Technician Survey,” said Mark Wilson, co- founder and CEO of WrenchWay. “This will be our third year publishing the report, which is utilized by thousands of dealerships, shops, schools and OEs across the country.”

    Click here to take the survey.

  • California instructor named Mitchell 1 / ASE Master Technician of the Year

    California instructor named Mitchell 1 / ASE Master Technician of the Year

    An instructor for a  college in Southern California and professional technician recently received one of the industry’s top awards.

    Mariano Rubio of Covina, California, was named the 2025 Mitchell 1 / National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence Master Technician of the Year during the ASE Service Professionals Awards banquet, held recently in Savannah, Georgia. He is an instructor at Citrus College, a community college located about 27 miles east of Los Angeles.

    “Mitchell 1 is proud to recognize Mariano Rubio as this year’s ASE Master Technician of the Year,” said Cami Hermann, director of marketing at Mitchell 1. “Mariano’s exemplary performance each and every day makes him an outstanding example of excellence in the automotive industry.”

    As the award recipient, Rubio received an all-expense paid trip to attend the ASE awards banquet, including airfare and hotel, and a $1,000 cash prize.

    For the past 15 years, Rubio has been an automotive instructor at Citrus College in Glendora. He teaches automatic transmission and HVAC repair in the Toyota T-TEN program, drivetrain and advanced vehicle electrical systems in the medium and heavy-duty truck program and standby generator repair, including diesel engine repair, AC generator inspection and AC electrical fundamentals. Rubio also heads the engineering program, where he teaches classes in engineering graphics, mechanics of materials and engineering numerical computations.

    In addition to his instructor roles, Rubio serves as an advisor to the Citrus Automotive, Physics and Engineering (CAPE) design team, where he is helping students build a gasoline and electric high-mileage vehicle to compete in the Shell Eco-marathon. He is also the advisor to the college’s engineering club.

    When he’s not at Citrus College, Rubio works as a diagnostic technician at Young’s Automotive in Covina, California and as a crash accident investigator for Peter R. Thom & Associates Inc. He is also pursuing a doctoral degree in mechanical engineering at the Viterbi School of Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC). In addition, Rubio has coauthored papers on transient pulsed plasma ignition sources for internal combustion engines, extreme-lean hydrogen mixtures and single fuel ammonia combustion engines.

    Rubio holds ASE certifications in A1-A9, T1-T8, L1, L2, L3, F1, C1, G1 and X1. He has also earned certifications in GSA Apprentice, NFPA 70-E High Voltage Safety, MACS Section 609 and SOLIDWORKS CAD Design Associate.

    Rubio credits his father, Mariano Rubio Sr., who has been an ASE certified technician since the late ‘70s, with inspiring him to follow in his footsteps. He also recognizes his high school automotive teacher, Brad Walsh, for guiding him through his auto shop classes and encouraging his first job at a Toyota dealership.

    To qualify for the Technician of the Year award, the winner must achieve the status of ASE Master Certification, pass one or more of the A1-A8 automotive tests with the highest scores within the past 12 months and maintain the highest average passing score across all automobile tests within the past five years.

  • snap on’s latest diagnostics update adds 2025 model year details

    snap on’s latest diagnostics update adds 2025 model year details

    Snap-on’s latest software release extends their diagnostic tools’ capabilities with 2025 model year updates for 14 OEMs as well as new expert-based information. In every software upgrade, Snap-on said it adds coverage for late and older domestic, Asian and European models and this release is no different with 70,000 new systems added and 600 more functional tests, plus 2025 code scan and clear for all makes.

    Also included are exclusive guided component tests and images to locate components faster, helping to speed up and simplify the diagnosis and repair process., according to a statement from the company. This data is continually enhanced and updated with information based on real experience, straight from technicians and validated by Snap-on engineers, which means thousands more SureTrack real fixes, PID flags, images, tests and tips.

    “Snap-on diagnostic tools are known for outstanding performance, solid construction and intuitive design, along with instant access to online and in-person training solutions,” said Helen Cox, marketing and client services director, Snap-on Diagnostics. “But what really sets them apart is what’s inside, both when they are built and over the life of the tools. Staying up to date with each software release ensures that technicians have access to what they need to be efficient and productive in the service bay.”

    Another benefit to staying current with the latest software is the continuous access that technicians have to manufacturers’ secure gateways, including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Volkswagen, Audi, MercedesBenz, Nissan, Volvo, Ford, Hyundai and Kia, at no additional cost from Snap-on.

    Snap-on recently started adding software highlights to its website, where technicians can access helpful information about some of the coverage available in Snap-on diagnostic tools, including hints and tips. Each month, a new topic will be featured to help technicians diagnose problems faster and tackle the toughest repairs with confidence. Upcoming topics include Be the Renegade Master, Programming, Body Shop Special, and EV and Hybrids Heading Your Way.

    “With vehicle and system coverage consistently evolving, Snap-on software is actually updated year-round,” said Jason Gabrenas, national trainer, Snap-on Diagnostics. “Not only do we have two major software updates during the year, in the fall and spring, but we also have releases that happen in between. Plus, services that we provide, such as Fast-Track Intelligent Diagnostics and SureTrack, are updated monthly, weekly and sometimes daily, depending on the information that is available. That’s why it’s important that technicians stay current with their software and stay connected to Wi-Fi, so they don’t miss out on new f eatures, performance enhancements and access to the latest vehicle coverage throughout the year.”

    Gabrenas conducted a webinar on the new software release, discussing the highlights and what has been going on over the last six months, that is available for viewing on the Snap-on Diagnostics YouTube channel.

  • Experts say not to worry, internal combustion engines not disappearing any time soon

    Experts say not to worry, internal combustion engines not disappearing any time soon

    Here are some takeaways from a recent webinar hosted by the editors of SAE’s Truck & Off-Highway Engineering:

    • Internal combustion engines are not going away any time soon
    • They will continue to be the prime power for key sectors of the global economy
    • Future engine designs will be heavily influenced by AI and the ecosystem of engine operation
    • New combustion strategies will deliver more efficiency and lower emissions while hybrid technology and renewable fuels will be a substantial influence

    These are the key conclusions made by several experts during a discussion in the Engine Technology Forum during the “Engine Design for the Next 20 Years”.

    Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Engine Technology Forum was an invited panelist along with Venu Gupta, engine product strategy planner at John Deere and Mihai Dorobantu, Ph.D., director of Technology, Planning, and Government Affairs for Eaton. The webinar is now available on-demand.  

    “Over the next 20 years, advanced engine technology must continue to evolve as it is expected to remain the prime mover for key sectors of the economy,” said Schaeffer. “It will be largely influenced by artificial intelligence both in the design of the engine and in managing the task and operations of the engine within the ecosystem that it operates, that will likely include autonomous operations. We see this in some forms today, particularly in the construction sector with connected jobsites and machines feeding vast amounts of data to enable real time decision making and optimization.

    “In looking to the future, engine design will build on past progress in virtually eliminating emissions and making steady gains in engine efficiency. We can expect continued incremental improvements in efficiency through both existing and new technologies.”

    Trends of engine downsizing and improving power density as well as the use of technologies like cylinder deactivation, start/stop technology, and other strategies were discussed.

    “We expect future designs to reflect greater optimization of the engine to fit the task, aided by energy storage and electric motor assist to cover infrequent peak power requirements. We are also already seeing expanding use of new combustion strategies where gasoline engine designs mimic diesel engines as a means to achieve diesel-like efficiency but with fewer emissions,” said Schaeffer.   

    “Fuel will play a key part in influencing future engine design, with more blends of renewable fuels and other fuels like hydrogen becoming available. Future heavy-duty engine design will also continue to incorporate circular economy principles enabling their remanufacturing and associated savings in energy and raw materials. New engine design software tools will greatly facilitate this feature.

    “Finally, while engine designs have evolved substantially, the policies that govern them, such as emissions standards, have not. New paradigms must be considered; perhaps ones that focus on environmental performance of tasks and work-related activity rather than a continued singular focus on individual engine performance. Regulatory approaches should be updated to reward integration of engine-based strategies like hybrids in off-road machines that are only captured today in the on-road vehicle certification process.”

  • $35 million Transportation Technologies Center opens at Texas Technical College

    $35 million Transportation Technologies Center opens at Texas Technical College

    Texas State Technical College’s Fort Bend County campus opened its new Transportation Technologies Center.

    Mike Reeser, TSTC’s chancellor and CEO, said of the new facility, “The vision of what we do is manifested in this new building. We focus on the big, heavy-duty jobs that are at the core of Texas power.”

    The new $35 million, 105,000-square-foot building houses the Automotive, Automotive Collision and Management, and expanded Diesel Equipment programs.

    The Automotive program has two pathways, an associate degree and certificate, both of which focus on internal maintenance on a variety of vehicles from small sedans to large trucks. Auto Collision and Management has two associate degrees, one focusing on outer-body repairs, the other on refinishing, along with a certificate of completion. Diesel Equipment retained the Heavy Truck specialization associate degree and certificate while adding an Off-Highway degree option.

    Registration for the spring semester is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.

  • GreatWater360 acquires three shops in St. Louis area

    GreatWater360 acquires three shops in St. Louis area

    GreatWater 360 Auto Care has entered the Missouri market with the acquisition of the three-location mechanical repair division of Complete Auto Body & Repair, which provides both fleet and consumer vehicle service across the St. Louis region.

    This strategic acquisition brings GreatWater’s total number of locations closer to 150 and marks a significant expansion of its fleet and Midwest footprint. The agreement covers only the mechanical repair side of the business—the collision repair and towing operations remain under independent ownership.

    Terms of the deal were not made public.

    Complete Auto’s mechanical repair division has built a reputation for excellence across both business fleets and consumer vehicle care, providing everything from advanced diagnostics and heavy-duty fleet maintenance to routine repairs for families and everyday drivers, according to a statement from GreatWater 360.

    “Our goal has always been to do honest work, deliver quality repairs, and take care of our people,” said Kurt Barks, former owner of Complete Auto Body & Repair. “As we looked to the future, GreatWater stood out for their professionalism, scale, and shared commitment to our values.”

    All three Complete Auto repair locations will retain their name, team, and local leadership. Under GreatWater, the shops will gain access to enhanced resources—including technician training, operational support, and improved teammate benefits—while preserving the identity and service culture customers already trust.

    “We’re not just acquiring a brand, we’re continuing a legacy,” said Jim Dykstra, CEO of GreatWater 360 Auto Care. “Kurt and his team have built something strong, and we’re honored to support its next chapter.”

    GreatWater’s entrance into Missouri extends its reach to nine states, joining a network that spans Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Iowa, Wisconsin, Texas, and now Missouri.

    GreatWater 360 is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

  • New online platform connects fleets and drivers with certified technicians

    New online platform connects fleets and drivers with certified technicians

    Semi Repair Shop is introducing a new onsite trucking and fleet maintenance online platform. Developed in partnership betweenSouthernPlex and ProFleet X, the company said it aims to streamline the way commercial fleets and truckers manage maintenance, repairs, and roadside assistance.

    The company’s new digital platform, SemiRepairShop.com, will connect fleet operators and truck drivers to certified technicians in real time, allowing users to book repairs, monitor progress, and manage billing all in one place. Currently market testing in Dallas–Fort Worth and Houston, Semi Repair Shop plans to expand nationwide in late 2026.

    “The trucking industry keeps America moving, but maintenance has always been a pain point,” said Preston Howell, founding partner and CEO of SouthernPlex Group, Inc. “Semi Repair Shop is built to eliminate that friction. We’re combining mobile service capability with real-time technology to give fleets exactly what they need: fast, transparent repairs that keep their trucks on the road.”

    “For years, fleets have had to choose between expensive downtime and inconsistent service quality,” said Joaquin Tapig,  cofounder of ProFleetX. “Our partnership with SouthernPlex changes that. Semi Repair Shop makes professional-grade maintenance available with skilled technicians — from fleet yards to highways — all backed by digital accountability.”

    Unlike traditional repair shops that require trucks to come to them, Semi Repair Shop sends certified mobile technicians directly to the customers. The company’s proprietary model gives truck owners a complete view of each repair while being valuable to both smaller trucking outfits and larger managed fleet operators.

    Semi Repair Shop, Inc. delivers mobile and onsite semi-truck repair and maintenance through a nationwide digital platform. By combining advanced technology with a trusted network of certified technicians, the company provides fast, transparent, and reliable service for fleets and independent truck drivers.

  • Almost half of cars on the road overdue for major service

    Almost half of cars on the road overdue for major service

    A recent survey by CARFAX has found that nearly half of all drivers are behind on at least one major service. CARFAX data found that roughly 41% of vehicles nationwide are overdue for some critical maintenance work.

    According to CARFAX, these “major services” include:

    • Brakes: Brake line and rotor inspections and replacements
    • Steerinng: Vehicle suspension and steering components inspection
    • Drivetrain: Transmission fluid draining and refilling
    • Engine: Coolant flush to keep the vehicle operating at a safe temperature
    • Fuel efficiency/Air onditioning: Replacement of engine air and cabin air filters

    This means that millions of vehicles may not be truly road-ready, posing a risk during peak holiday travel. On top of that, CARFAX data shows that almost 30% of cars are behind on tire rotations and nearly 20% are behind on oil changes.

    “Taking care of your vehicle pays off in both the short and long term,” said Paul Nadjarian, CARFAX’s chief product officer. “A well-maintained car lasts longer, holds its value, and costs less to own.”

  • Goodyear sells truck care centers to Southern Tire Mart at Pilot

    Goodyear sells truck care centers to Southern Tire Mart at Pilot

    Southern Tire Mart at Pilot recently acquired Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.’s 42 Truck Care Centers.

    Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

    Southern Tire Mart at Pilot already operates 90 locations in 30 states.

    Southern Tire Mart operates 296 locations in 15 states.

    “Goodyear has entered into an agreement to sell 42 truck care centers (TCCs) to Southern Tire Mart at Pilot (STMP),” the company said in a statement. “Goodyear’s extensive national network of more than 200 remaining company-owned Commercial Tire & Service Centers locations will continue to be a cornerstone of the company’s commercial tire go-to-market strategy – offering trusted tires, reliable services and powerful management tools to help fleet customers lower operating costs, maximize uptime and improve efficiency.”