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Author: Professional Technician Staff

  • ASE certification Testing deadline is at end of the month

    ASE certification Testing deadline is at end of the month

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence reminds service professionals to register for ASE certification testing by Dec. 31.

    Those who register by the deadline will have 90 days to schedule an appointment to take their selected ASE certification tests.

    Individuals who want to be certified or recertified in the following areas must register and take these specific tests by Dec. 31:

    • Test E1 – Truck Equipment Installation and Repair
    • Test E2 – Electrical/Electronic Systems Installation and Repair
    • Test E3 – Auxiliary Power Systems Installation and Repair
    • Test P4 – General Motors Parts Consultant
    • Test X1 – Undercar Specialist Exhaust Systems.

    Earlier this year, ASE announced the discontinuation of these five tests as of Dec. 31.

    To register, visit ASE.com, click on “register” and sign in. Once logged in, users can click on “orders” and then “store” where they can locate the tests they want to take. After adding those tests to the cart, they can check out and registration is complete.

    ASE provides three certification options:

    1. In-Person Testing: All tests can be taken in person at over 450 secure, proctored Prometric test centers, available year-round on weekdays, evenings and weekends.
    2. ProProctor Remote Testing: This online option allows individuals to take ASE recertification tests remotely. In addition, the auto maintenance and light repair (G1) initial certification test can be taken remotely through ProProctor.
    3. ASE Renewal App: For those who have been certified in the automobile certifications (A1-A9) series, the renewal app offers a streamlined way to manage recertification on a mobile device. If automotive service professionals have expired A-series tests, they can still use the app, but it will take at least eight months to get certified that way.

    To help with test preparation, ASE provides free study guides that include test overviews, sample questions and study tips and are ideal for assessing readiness and focusing preparation efforts.

    For assistance, registrants should contact ASE customer service at 800-390-6789.

  • New group advocates for federal policy on autonomous vehicles

    New group advocates for federal policy on autonomous vehicles

    A diverse group of stakeholders recently announced the formation of United for Autonomy, a new coalition dedicated to advancing a federal policy framework for autonomous vehicles (AVs) in the United States. The group is comprised of 28 organizations that share a common goal: establishing a clear, consistent federal framework that enables the safe deployment of AVs while maintaining America’s global leadership in this transformative industry.

    In announcing United for Autonomy, the CEO of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, Jeff Farrah, said, “It is exciting to see a broad range of stakeholders come together to push common sense policy that will solidify American leadership in autonomous vehicles. Autonomous vehicles have the potential to dramatically reduce the 40,000 traffic fatalities we see each year, provide independence to people who cannot drive, and strengthen American supply chains. But realizing that potential requires federal government leadership.”

    A federal policy framework has been championed by the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, a founding member of United for Autonomy. The association put forward policy recommendations in Securing American Leadership in Autonomous Vehicles, earlier this year. The group’s recommendations for policymakers emphasized the need for federal action to secure the United States’ position as a global leader in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology while ensuring safety, fostering innovation, and promoting economic resilience.

    In recent years, U.S. states have led the charge on autonomous vehicle policy. 26 states have autonomous vehicle deployment laws and authorize Level 4 or 5 autonomous driving systems on their roads. However, only the federal government can uniformly regulate vehicle design, construction, and performance, according to the new organization.

    The coalition plans to engage with lawmakers, regulators, and the public to build support for a federal policy framework for autonomous vehicles.

    United for Autonomy is comprised of 28 allied organizations, including:

    • Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association
    • ACES Mobility Coalition
    • American Trucking Association
    • Alliance for Automotive Innovation
    • American Council of the Blind
    • Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
    • Bay Area Council
    • Blinded Veterans Association
    • U.S. Chamber of Commerce
    • Chamber of Progress
    • Contra Costa Transportation Authority
    • Consumer Technology Association
    • Truck & Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA)
    • Institute for Safer Trucking
    • ITS America
    • MEMA
    • National Council on Independent Living
    • National Federation of the Blind
    • National Retail Federation
    • National Venture Capital Association
    • Paralyzed Veterans of America
    • Partners for Automated Vehicle Education (PAVE)
    • Reason Foundation
    • Road Safe America
    • Safer Roads for All
    • Technet
    • United Spinal Association

    ‍

  • 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.