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  • VW issues 2 recalls; one for steering problem, one for software issue

    VW issues 2 recalls; one for steering problem, one for software issue

    Volkswagen Group of Ameeica recently issued two recalls covering a total of over 250,000 vehicles.

    The first covers 208,724 vehicles: model year 2018–2019 Volkswagen Atlas, 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2019–2021 Audi Q3 SUVs. One of the bolts that attaches the steering rack to the subframe may corrode and break, which can cause the steering rack housing to break.

    A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will replace the right-side steering rack mounting bolt, free of charge.

    Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Nov.

    Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and reference recalls 48LG and 48VT.

    Thes econd recall applies to 49,958 model year 2025 Tiguan vehicles. A software error may cause the body control module (BCM) to reset, switching off the ignition and stalling the engine. A reset can also cause a loss of certain controls, warning lights or exterior lighting, or failure of the rearview camera system, a noncompliance with FMVSS No. 101, “Controls and Displays,” and No. 102, “Transmission Shift Lever Sequence, Starter Interlock, and Transmission Braking Effect,” as well as FMVSS Nos. 108 and 111.

    An unexpected engine stall, loss of exterior lighting or warning lights, or failure of the rearview camera system can increase the risk of a crash.

    Dealers will update the BCM software, free of charge.

    Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Nov. 6. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298 and reference recall 57KL.

  • Strickland Brothers adds three new stores in Texas

    Strickland Brothers adds three new stores in Texas

    Strickland Brothers 10 Minute Oil Change, recently opened its three newest Texas shops in Midland, Odessa and Lubbock.

    Strickland Brothers now has more than 20 locations across Texas.

    Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Strickland Brothers quickly beca,e known for its signature 10-minute oil change, drive-thru service model and customer-centric approach. The brand’s rapid expansion reflects a focus on efficiency, operational excellence and unparalleled service, helping fuel strong market performance and long-term success, according to a statement from the company.

    “Opening our newest locations in West Texas is another important milestone for Strickland Brothers,” CEO & Founder Justin Strickland said. “As we continue to grow, our focus remains the same: providing a quick, reliable oil change experience built on exceptional customer service, transparency and convenience.”

    Strickland Brothers said it differentiates itself through a simple value proposition: high-quality, convenient oil changes delivered with integrity and hospitality. This customer-first culture resonates with both consumers and local communities, creating a network well-positioned for scalable growth in the competitive quick-lube sector, the company said.

    For more information or to find a Strickland Brothers location near you, please visit sboilchange.com.

  • AirSept’s Smart Splice E-Z Port Adapters honored by MOTOR

    AirSept’s Smart Splice E-Z Port Adapters honored by MOTOR

     AirSept, manufacturer of Smart Splice Repair Kits and other tools for automotive service repair, irecently announced that its newly introduced Smart Splice EZ-Port Adapters developed for A/C refrigerant retrofit service, have received a 2026 MOTOR Top 20 Award.

    Smart Splice EZ-Port Adapters offer a snap-on fit, with no special tools needed, for easy retrofit to next-generation refrigerants, e.g., from R-1234yf to R-444A or from R-134a to R-456A. The port adapters stay on the vehicle for future service needs and easy access. Durable and leak-proof, they eliminate concerns A/C service technicians may have about refrigerant cross-contamination. These patent-pending adapters meet the strict MVAC industry design requirements for high- and low-side port adapters to provide a safe refrigerant retrofit process.

    AirSept president and owner, Aaron Becker, said, “We are honored to be recognized by MOTOR Information Systems for another technician-friendly tool designed to save time and money. With the EPA’s phase-down of HFCs and HFOs, it became apparent that their rule for using next-generation low-GWP refrigerants would require special adapters for the high and low ports to prevent cross-contamination. We’re very proud that we have found an innovative solution and that so many people in the industry voted in support of our product. We feel honored to introduce this new product with a MOTOR Top 20 award.”

    AirSept Smart Splice EZ-Port Adapters are available for purchase now at www.airsept.com.

    Adapters are available as a set, high- and low-side ports, for R-1234yf conversion to R-444A or R-134a to R-456A.

  • AutoZone opens 8,000th store in tennessee

    AutoZone opens 8,000th store in tennessee

    AutoZone, Inc. recently opened its 8,000th store, located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

    This milestone highlights 47 years of steady growth for a leading retailer and distributor of automotive parts and accessories, marking AutoZone’s journey from a single store opened on July 4, 1979, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to 8,000 locations across the Americas.

    “We are deeply committed to our core purpose of helping customers keep their vehicles on the road through Trustworthy Advice, quality products and exceptional customer service,” said Phil Daniele, president and chief executive officer, Customer Satisfaction, AutoZone. “Achieving this milestone was made possible by the dedication of our incredible AutoZoners, the loyalty of our customers and the trust of the communities we serve.”

    The new Murfreesboro store will provide local drivers and commercial businesses with convenient access to thousands of automotive replacement parts and maintenance items. Additionally, AutoZone will also offer its signature services at this location, including free battery testing and charging, Fix Finder diagnostic services and the popular Loan-A-Tool program.

    “Store number 8,000 is not the finish line,” said Daniele. “It reflects nearly five decades of growth driven by staying true to our Pledge and Values, investing in our AutoZoners and remaining focused on serving customers—our greatest opportunities are still ahead.”

    To celebrate the occasion, AutoZone hosted a grand opening ceremony featuring an official ribbon cutting with AutoZone leaders, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and Senator Marsha Blackburn.

  • Survey seeks details on medium/heavy duty truck suspension and steering repair tasks

    Survey seeks details on medium/heavy duty truck suspension and steering repair tasks

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is conducting a survey on medium/heavy duty truck suspension and steering repair tasks.
    The survey is part of a series of studies conducted to better understand which repair tasks are performed most frequently.

    ASE certification is not necessary to participate in the survey. To thank participants, ASE will randomly award five individuals with a $100 Amazon gift card.

    As an industry created and directed organization, ASE depends upon the industry for input. Task lists and test questions are written by industry subject matter experts (SME) from independent repair shops, dealers, aftermarket suppliers, OEMs and trainers. The responses to this survey and the others in the series will help drive ASE certification standards as well as technical training.

    To learn more and take the survey by Oct. 23, 2026, visit ASE Med/Heavy Truck Suspension and
    Steering (T5) Task List Review Survey.

  • CMC & WorkforceLinc expand intermodal tech training to Baltimore

    CMC & WorkforceLinc expand intermodal tech training to Baltimore

    CMC, a provider of integrated intermodal solutions in the U.S., and WorkforceLinc the workforce development division of Lincoln Educational Services Corporation, are expanding their intermodal technician training program to the Port of Baltimore.

    This program focuses on intermodal equipment maintenance and is built around a CMC’s proprietary curriculum. CMC partners with Lincoln Tech to leverage its teaching methodologies and training expertise, helping CMC technicians build the depth of knowledge and hands-on readiness needed to perform at their best in the field.

    CMC currently partners with WorkforceLinc in Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; and Wilmington, North Carolina.

    Training is delivered at CMC facilities located on or near port operations using a performance- based approach that emphasizes hands-on application, instructor-led facilitation, and job- aligned skill validation. By training within the operating environment, technicians work with the same equipment and conditions they encounter daily, supporting consistency across regions while remaining aligned with the demands of intermodal equipment maintenance.

    Core areas of training include intermodal chassis mechanic instruction, which focuses on inspection, maintenance, and repair of critical chassis systems, as well as container structural repair for both dry and refrigerated containers. These structural repair courses emphasize welding techniques and industry-standard repair practices. CMC and WorkforceLinc have also established a dedicated welding training program at CMC facility in Wilmington, centered on SMAW and GMAW welding techniques performed in multiple positions aligned to real-world repair applications. The program continues year-round, reinforcing welding proficiency for container and structural repair.

    Since launching the program in 2024, CMC and WorkforceLinc have trained more than 90 CMC technicians across multiple port locations. The expansion into Baltimore is expected to further increase access to training and support continued workforce development across key logistics hubs.

  • FedEx Freight sweeps TMCSuperTech competition

    FedEx Freight sweeps TMCSuperTech competition

    FedEx Freight’s Wesley Salley, a senior technician from Round Rock, Texas, was crowned TMCSuperTech 2026 Grand Champion here at the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Maintenance Council’s National Technicians Skills Competitions. 

    “Being named Grand Champion at TMC’s National Technician Skills Competitions is a tremendous honor,” said TMC Executive Director Robert Braswell. “Wesley demonstrated the kinds of skills, technical knowledge and professionalism we have come to expect from our members. Congratulations to him and to all our competitors who displayed extraordinary talent during this competition.”

    Earlier this year Salley was named the Texas Trucking Association’s top technician.

    FedEx Freight’s Kelby Bentley—himself a TMCSuperTech Grand Champion in 2019—placed second and FedEx Freight’s Mitchell Buelow placed third. FedEx Freight won the team competition with Mitchell Buelow and Wesley Salley.

    Elsewhere in the competition, Corbin White, University of Northwest Ohio, won the TMCFutureTech National Student Technician Skills Competition, with Madison Boone, Forsyth Technical Community College finishing second and Jeffrey Jackson, Francis Tuttle Technology Center placing third.

  • ASE to explain accreditation standards changes in Sept. 30 webinar

    ASE to explain accreditation standards changes in Sept. 30 webinar

    The ASE Education Foundation is hosting a free webinar on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 4 p.m. ET entitled “Accreditation Standards Update.”

    In this webinar, representatives from the ASE Education Foundation will provide an overview of upcoming changes to accreditation standards. The session highlights key updates, discusses considerations for implementation and emphasizes the importance of ongoing readiness and compliance.

    Topics to be covered include:

    * An overview of upcoming accreditation standard changes

    *Key implementation timelines and transition considerations

    *Discusses programs preparedness for changes

    Participants will receive a certificate of attendance for this session that is for professional development purposes only. Please allow one week for automatic email delivery of the certificate.
     
    Not sure you can attend? Register anyway and participants can view a recording of the session at any time and still get a certificate. Registrants receive priority access to the recording.

    For more information and to register, click here.

  • Webinar tackles Hidden Faults in Automotive Circuits

    Webinar tackles Hidden Faults in Automotive Circuits

    The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m. ET entitled, “The Art of Voltage Drop—Beyond Continuity.”

    In this webinar, Jim Wilson with ATech Training examines high-resistance faults that disappear on a static DMM test but surface the moment a circuit carries real current. Special emphasis will be placed on diagnosing hard-to-find issues in lighting and accessory circuits, along with faults that hide until the system is under load, according to organizers.

    Participants will receive a certificate of attendance for this live session.

    Register here.

  • Steve Shannon Tire acquires 3 Pennsylvania stores

    Steve Shannon Tire acquires 3 Pennsylvania stores

    Steve Shannon Tire recently announced the acquisition o three locations in Pennsylvania.

    Previously Reliable Tire, these three locations in the Altoona area will now be operated as Steve Shannon Tire & Auto Centers. The new locations inlcude:

    • 3025 Walnut Ave, Altoona
    • 2110 7th Ave, Altoona
    • 111 Union Street, Hollidaysburg

    In a social media post, Steve Shannon Tire said, “We’re excited for this transition and even more excited to meet our new customers, neighbors and friends in the Altoona and Hollidaysburg communities. As a family-owned and operated business, we’re proud to bring the same hometown service we’ve been known for since 1988 to these new locations.”