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Author: Professional Technician Staff

  • Sun Auto Tire & Service makes first Alabama acquisition

    Sun Auto Tire & Service makes first Alabama acquisition

    Sun Auto Tire & Service recently announced the acquisition of five Fausak Tires and Service locations in southern Alabama.  This is Sun’s first acquisition in Alabama, marking an expansion of their growth in the region.

    The company said this acquisition complements the existing Sun Auto footprint in the area, joining Delta World Tires in Mississippi and Louisiana.

    Fausak Tires was established in 1962, serving the Mobile community for over 60 years. 

    “Joining the Sun Auto family marks an exciting new chapter for Fausak Tire. We’re proud of the legacy we’ve built over the past 60 years, and we’re confident that Sun’s commitment to quality and customer care will help carry that legacy forward,” said owner Chris Fausak.  “This partnership allows us to continue serving our community with the same trusted faces—now with even greater support behind the scenes.”

    “Fausak Tires and Service marks an important step in our growth in the Gulf Coast region,”said Regional Vice President Michael Loa. “We partner with companies like Fausak for a reason – with a long track record of success and history of community stewardship, Fausak is a great Gulf Coast addition for Sun and will thrive with additional regional and national support”.

    Sun Auto Tire & Service is a national network of over 500 neighborhood tire and service facilities.

  • 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. 

    The School Assist All-Star Awards are designed to honor these pioneering businesses and educational institutions that are leading the charge in bridging this gap.

    “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/.

  • ARI-HETRA updates its heavy-duty tire changers

    ARI-HETRA updates its heavy-duty tire changers

    ARI-HETRA, a provider of heavy-duty vehicle maintenance solutions, recently announced the launch of its updated heavy-duty tire changers, engineered for maximum strength, safety, and ease of use.

    With options for everything from over-the-road truck tires to agricultural, and construction applications, these tire changers reduce turnaround time and technician fatigue, according to a statement from the company.

    The updated line of heavy-duty tire changers from the Sharonville, Ohio company includes:

    • WS-22670 – Designed for large forestry and earth-moving equipment, this powerhouse handles tires up to 118 inches tall and 71 inches wide, with a fully hydraulic system delivering 10,100 lbf of torque for the most demanding jobs.
    • WS-25TC50 – A fully automatic tire changer with a wireless remote control, capable of handling tires up to 91 inches in diameter and 52 inches wide, ideal for military, agricultural, transit, and heavy-duty fleet maintenance.
    • WS-25TC45 – Featuring a manual tool arm and hardwired remote, this tire changer offers versatility for truck, bus, and OTR tires, combining efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
    • WS-25TC30 – A compact model perfect for medium to large fleets, handling truck, bus, and super single tires while ensuring a safe and streamlined tire-changing process.

    “With the launch of these heavy-duty tire changers, we’re giving fleet maintenance teams the tools they need to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and improve workplace safety,” said Bill Gibson, VP Business Development at ARI-HETRA. “From municipal fleets to military applications, these machines are built to handle the toughest jobs with ease.”

  • Bendix announces July & August air brake training locations

    Bendix announces July & August air brake training locations

    Bendix has set training sessions for Colorado, Nevada and Ohio on air brakes and advanced technology during July and August.

    The air brake training class is three days and covers the description, operation and service elements for dual air brake system components. 

    Topics include: 

    • fundamentals of compressed air
    • tactics for air system failure mode diagnosis and troubleshooting
    •  air brake system and foundation brake components such as air compressors, valves, foundation drum brakes and air disc brakes. 

    It will be held: 

    • July 15-17, Adams 12 Five Star School, 1350 E. 126th Ave., Thornton, Colorado
    • July 22-24, Bendix CVS Headquarters, 35500 Chester Road, Avon, Ohio
    • July 22-24, Truckee Meadows Community College, 475 Edison Way, Reno, Nevada

    The advanced technology training class is two days and picks up where the air brake class ends. It covers the operation and troubleshooting of higher-level driver assistance and safety systems and diagnostic software. 

    It includes detailed hands-on maintenance for Bendix air disc brakes and electrical diagnostics, including antilock braking systems, the AutoVue Lane Departure Warning System, the ESP Electronic Stability Program full-stability technology, Bendix Wingman Advanced, Bendix Wingman Fusion, and SmarTire and SmarTire Trailer Link Tire Pressure Monitoring System. 

    It will be offered: 

    • July 8-9, Truckee Meadows Community College, 475 Edison Way, Reno, Nevada
    • Aug. 12-13, Bendix CVS Headquarters, 35500 Chester Road, Avon, Ohio
    • Aug. 12-13, Truckee Meadows Community College, 475 Edison Way, Reno, Nevada

    Registrants may opt to take a test at the close of each class. Those earning a passing grade will receive a Tested and Passed Certificate. Those who do not test will receive a Certificate of Completion, as well as those who do not pass the test.

    Class size is limited and enrollment is first-come, first-serve. 

    The cost for each class, per attendee, is $525 for air brakes and $475 for advanced technology. 

    Bendix recommends students complete the three-day air brake class or the online brake school at brake-school.com before taking advanced technology. 

    In-person Bendix training and the optional test are not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Transportation and do not take the place of instruction or certification administered by the DOT.

  • John Deere acquires remote imaging company

    John Deere acquires remote imaging company

    John Deere announced recently the acquisition of Sentera, a provider of remote imagery solutions for agriculture headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota.

    Terms of the deal were not announced.

    According to a statement from John Deere, this acquisition will advance the capabilities of the company’s existing technology offerings, providing farmers and ag service providers with a more comprehensive set of tools to generate and use data to make decisions that improve farm profitability, efficiency, and sustainability.

    “We’re excited to add Sentera’s talented team to our organization and integrate their advanced solutions into the suite of John Deere tools that help farmers do more with less,” said Chris Winkler, director of Digital Software and Solutions at John Deere. “Combining Sentera’s imagery capabilities with the John Deere Operations Center will enable farmers and trusted advisors to seamlessly gather and integrate agronomic data, understand real-time conditions, and turn data into insights that drive decisions in the field throughout the growing season.”

    Sentera’s cameras are compatible with most major drone platforms and enable farmers and crop scouts to quickly and efficiently capture high-resolution data at scale, said the statement from John Deere. Their capabilities and FieldAgent software tools help farmers and agronomists assess plant-level health, identify stressors, and take action. 

    In addition, SMARTSCRIPT Weeds, a customized herbicide prescription, can be delivered to sprayers with individual nozzle control.

    Drones equipped with Sentera technology fly over fields at high speeds and generate high-resolution images. These images are processed with Sentera’s FieldAgent application to identify the exact location of specific weeds and generate a weed map. This map becomes a targeted prescription for how much product a farmer needs to load into their sprayer, helping minimize waste. Once the prescription is generated, it can be wirelessly sent to compatible equipment through the John Deere Operations Center.

    Weed maps are just one example of actionable data that is enabled with Sentera scouting technology. The same process can be used in a field to assess crop stand uniformity, disease pressure, and pests. Integrating Sentera also supports John Deere’s approach to meeting farmers where they are on the technology adoption journey. It offers new precision capabilities to a broad range of customers while also complementing more advanced precision ag technologies, including See & Spray.

    Sentera will continue to supply cameras directly to drone manufacturers for integration into their products, as well as sell to farmers, agronomists, ag retailers, and other users. The John Deere Operations Center will continue to be open for other drone imagery providers for integration, as well, ensuring customers and their trusted advisors continue to have choices on the solutions that work best for their operation.

  • Parts For Trucks opens new location

    Parts For Trucks opens new location

    Canadian parts and service provider Parts For Trucks recently opened a new facility in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador.

    The new store is located at 62 Glencoe Drive, Mount Pearl, NL, A1N 4S9, and features:

    • A completely new building
    • A brand new, state-of-the- art service centre
    • Expanded space and capabilities

    “This move isn’t about changing who we are, it’s about stepping up our game,” said a post on the company’s website. “With a bigger, better facility, we’re ready to handle more, move faster, and support your operation with even greater efficiency.”

    Founded in 1919, Parts For Trucks is located in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada provides parts and service at 30 locations across the country.

  • Recalls issued for Ram and Ford pickup trucks

    Recalls issued for Ram and Ford pickup trucks

    Recall notices have been issued for several models of pickup trucks by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 

    Owners of the affected vehicles can expect to be contacted by mail during the next two months. Owners of these vehicles can contact the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit nhtsa.gov for more details.

     Ram 1500

    Ram Trucks recalled certain 2019-2024 Ram 1500 trucks. The driver’s side airbag may not be connected properly, which can cause the airbag not to deploy as intended. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, “Occupant Crash Protection.” A driver’s side airbag that does not deploy as intended increases the risk of injury in a crash.

    This recall affected 71 vehicles. Dealers secured the connectors for the airbag. All vehicles have been remedied. 

    Ram 2500 & 3500

    Ram Trucks is recalling certain Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks equipped with a 3.5-inch cluster and column shifter. 

    A software error may cause the gear selection display to be inaccurate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, “Control and Displays.” 

    An inaccurate gear selection display may mislead the driver as to what gear is actually selected, leading to unexpected vehicle movement and increasing the risk of a crash.

    This recall potentially affects 778 vehicles. Dealers will update the cluster software. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 5. Owners may contact Ram Trucks customer service at 800-853-1403. The number for this recall is 36C.

    Ford F-150

    Ford Motor Company is recalling some 2025 F-150 vehicles because the lower intermediate shaft fasteners may be improperly attached to the steering gear, allowing the shaft to come loose or detach. A lower intermediate shaft that detaches can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    This recall potentially affects 9,181 vehicles. Dealers will inspect and replace the lower intermediate shaft fasteners as necessary. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25S46.

    Ford F-250 & F-350

    Ford is recalling some F-250 and F-350 vehicles to address cracked fuel return line connectors that may leak fuel into the engine compartment. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, such as hot engine components, can increase the risk of a fire.This recall potentially affects five vehicles. Dealers will replace the fuel return lines. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 19. Owners may contact Ford Customer Service at 866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 25S44.

  • Monro announces store closings, other improvements

    Monro announces store closings, other improvements

    Monro, Inc. recently announced a plan to improve profitability, which includes closing a number of underperforming stores. 

    Peter Fitzsimmons, the company’s president and chief executive officers outlined plans during a recent earnings call. He said they include:

    • closing 145 stores
    •  improving customer experience and selling effectiveness
    • driving profitable customer acquisition and activation
    • increasing merchandising productivity including mitigating tariff risk

    The store closings are expected to take place during the first quarter of fiscal 2026.

    Fitzsimmon’s announcement came as the Fairport, New York-based company announced it had a net loss of $21.2 million in its fiscal fourth quarter, which ended March 29, and a full-year loss of more than $5 million.

    “As I reflect on my first eight weeks, I’m pleased with our detailed assessment of the business,” said Fitzsimmons, whose appointment to Monro was announced on March 31.  “While our improvement plan will take time to implement, I believe that we will drive enhanced profitability and increase operating income and total shareholder returns in fiscal 2026.”

    Monro operates 8,500 service bays at 1,250 stores providing auto service and tire sales nationwide.

  • New Plaza Tire store opens in Little Rock

    New Plaza Tire store opens in Little Rock

    Sun Auto Tire & Service recently announced the opening of a new Plaza Tire Service location in Little Rock, Arkansas.  

    While already serving the communities in Searcy and Hot Springs, this location is the first within the boundaries of Little Rock, according to the company.

    Like other Plaza Tire Service stores, it features over 6,500 square feet of space with eight service bays. The facility is equipped with equipment to handle tire installations and repairs, wheel balancing, alignments, brakes, shock and strut replacements, oil changes, battery replacements, and more.

    Additional routine maintenance services include fluid flushes for transmissions, power steering systems, coolant systems, and brake systems. The store will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays. Saturday hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    Plaza Tire Service is based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The company is part of the Sun Auto Tire & Service portfolio of companies which includes over 500 locations across the country.

  • Texas truck parts company joins Power Heavy Duty

    Texas truck parts company joins Power Heavy Duty

    RBR Truck Parts, which has three locations in Texas, recently joined Power Heavy Duty. Founded in 2018, RBR Truck Parts LLC is a heavy-duty parts distributor serving the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

    RBR provides aftermarket parts for all truck makes and models. They cater to owner-operators, local fleets, service centers, and municipal accounts.

    RBR’s Hutchins, Texas, location is strategically positioned near Interstate 45, just 250 miles north of Houston, one of the nation’s largest ports. Additionally, they have locations near a large rail/container yard and major warehouse operations to serve the region’s trucking needs.

    RBR stocks a wide selection of aftermarket truck parts, including engine components, suspension parts, brake systems, wheels and tires, filters, fluids, accessories, and more. 

    Their Texas locations include: 

    • a 14,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse in Hutchins, 
    • a 5,000-square-foot facility in Duncanville 
    • a 7,000-square-foot branch in Fort Worth.

     Their team is led by owner Rony Santos and general manager Cesar Perez.

    “RBR Truck Parts is a well-established business known for honesty, integrity, and their strong ties in the community. They are dedicated to growing their business with quality parts from Power Heavy Duty’s network of supplier partners, and we look forward to supporting them with great programs and true group value,” said Jim Pennig, Vice President of Business Development, VIPAR Heavy Duty Family of Companies.