Automotive Repair News Today

In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers the latest trends and updates in the automotive repair industry. Braxton discusses the SEMA market research revealing that Americans are holding onto their cars longer than ever. He also highlights the rise of Gen Z in the trades industry, with Wyotech reporting an 85% graduation rate and a notable increase in job placements. Additionally, Braxton talks abo...

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Dwayne Myers to discuss the importance of the Repair Act in the automotive industry. Dwayne highlights how advancements in automotive technology could potentia...

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher welcomes Cavan Robinson, the new General Manager at Shopware, to discuss the importance of Digital Vehicle Inspections (DVI) in the automotive repair industry. Cavan shares...

In this episode, Braxton Critcher delves into pressing topics in the automotive world. He highlights the significant push from the Auto Care Association for the Repair Act, encouraging listeners to contact their congresspersons to protect their rights in vehicle repairs. Braxton also covers BMW's ambitious plans to introduce hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2028, which aim to expand the existing infra...

In this episode, Braxton Critcher shares a good news story with Chris Enright, owner of Enright Automotive. Chris talks about how he helped a fellow mechanic, Matthew Parker, attend a critical training event by covering most of his expenses. Braxton and Chris then discuss the importance of offering support and encouragement within the industry, emphasizing how even small gestures can make a signif...

Braxton discusses the ASA's stance on the EPA’s new emission standards, warning about the potential hardships these regulations could impose on independent repair shops. He also highlights the skyrocketing car insurance rates, which have seen an unprecedented increase of up to 22% in just one year, largely driven by factors like inflation and higher repair costs. Additionally, Braxton celebrates a...

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Ryan Kooiman and Chris Gardner from MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers. Chris underscores the importance of Automated Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and the problema...

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Cavan Robinson and Mike Allen. Braxton covers California's zero-emission mandate and the Specialty Equipment Market Association's response. Cavan discusses his plans for the future of Shop-Ware as the new General Manager. Mike shares valuable advice for first-time attendees of industry training events, emphasizing the benefits of actionable insights. ...

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Mike Allen, who shares insights on the intricacies of raising rates in the automotive repair industry. Mike discusses the importance of aligning service qualit...

In this episode, Braxton Critcher covers several important updates in automotive repair news. He looks into the Auto Care Association's significant upgrades to its demand index tool, enhancing data precision for automotive professionals. Braxton also highlights Mercedes Benz's intensified efforts against counterfeit parts that jeopardize road safety, as well as GM's recent recall of its Cadillac L...

This podcast is all about good news in the auto repair industry! Today, Frank Leutz shares about his shop's commitment to community service, detailing their collaboration with the Foothills Food Bank and Resource Center to provide free auto repairs to families in need once a quarter. He also emphasizes the culture of giving back among his technicians, who are inspired to leverage their skills for...

Braxton talks about Midas’ new ad campaign promoting no "BS" in their shops. MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers are working towards releasing a white paper to cover what the industry needs to help support shops and ADAS. Additionally, you'll hear about Colorado's new lemon laws, aiming to provide stronger protections for consumers buying defective vehicles.  Thanks to our sponsor AutoFix Auto Shop Coachin...

The Auto Care Association (ACA) CEO Bill Hanvey urges the industry to push Congress to advance the stalled Repair Act, and Braxton emphasizes the importance of using the provided link to contact representatives. Additionally, CarShield reaches a $10 million settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over misleading advertising allegations, prompting the company to provide clearer information on...

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher welcomes Chris Jones, the new Editorial Director at Endeavor Business Media, to discuss the latest in automotive repair news. Chris shares his journey within the industry,...

In this episode, Braxton Critcher gives the need-to-know info about CarShield, a company known for offering vehicle service contracts. Braxton highlights a critical quote from Samuel Levine, director of the Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Consumer Protection, emphasizing the deceptive practices that left many consumers with financial headaches. He also explores consumer complaints about false p...

Braxton Critcher covers several crucial updates in the automotive repair industry in this episode. He discusses new legislation in Michigan targeting car theft, highlighting stricter penalties for owning burglary tools. Braxton also mentions the impressive fundraising efforts of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, which raised over $110,000 to support collision repair programs nationwide. L...

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher and Chris Messer from Endeavor Business Media share an overview of the upcoming Ratchet Wrench Management Conference. Chris emphasizes the event's unique peer-to-peer forma...

In this episode, Braxton highlights a recent shift in GM's electric vehicle production strategy, an innovative diagnostic tool launched by Repairfy and NAPA, and Auto Ops' new feature aimed at enhancing customer service for repair shops. Additionally, Chris Jones shares his optimistic outlook for the industry's future based on his interactions with passionate students and instructors. Learn more h...

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Ryan McKinnon from Charge Ahead Partnership. Ryan discusses the current state of EV infrastructure in Florida, emphasizing the barriers to EV adoption due to t...

In this episode, Braxton Critcher dives into recent findings by the IIHS and HLDI, revealing that partial automation systems in vehicles do not significantly prevent collisions. Chris Messer joins Braxton to preview the Ratchet and Wrench Management Conference's new format, emphasizing its focus on peer-to-peer learning from shop owners and operators. Braxton also highlights a study from Harvard,...

In this episode, Braxton Critcher discusses various important updates in the automotive repair industry. Ryan McKinnon from the Charge Ahead Partnership explains why Florida and other states haven't committed their EV charging station funds, highlighting the challenges businesses face with upfront costs. Braxton shares the inspirational story of Jordan Rios and Xavier Pell, two friends and recent...

Switching Shop Management Systems isn't as hard as you think! Give Shop Controller a try HERE If your DVI isn't certified, you're losing customers! Get a FREE certification when you touch HERE! Wanna go to the ASTA Expo? Learn how here In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Lucas Underwood, who sheds light on the significance of upgrading business management skills for automotive repair sh...

In this episode, hear the latest news around the automotive repair industry on things like Right to Repair, a dispute between automakers and the NHTSA, Florida's unwillingness to install more EV charging stations, and more!  Send Braxton an email and let him know your thoughts about the show: braxton@automotiverepairnews.com Thanks to our sponsor AutoFix Auto Shop Coaching! Schedule your free stra...

In this episode, Braxton Critcher is joined by Chris Cotton from Autofix Auto Shop Coaching. Chris tackles the hotly debated issue of technician shortages in the automotive industry. He argues that there isn't a shortage of technicians but rather a shortage of "good shops" where technicians want to work. Chris draws insights from a survey he conducted, revealing most technicians leave not due to p...

In this episode, Braxton reports that AAA projects a record number of travelers this Independence Day, leading to a potential influx of customers in repair shops in mid-July. Lucas Underwood provides an update on the ASTA Expo’s growth and relocation plans for 2025, highlighting the event's rapid expansion. Additionally, Braxton discusses the significant rise in auto insurance rates and the crucia...