If you want to read something that causes you to raise your eyebrows, just look at some of the latest findings from the Lang Aftermarket iReport. Did you know a “growing share” of Americans ages 18 to 34 have elected…
Automobiles have become extremely complex – and it is more important than ever for independent repair shops to understand what safety equipment is on particular vehicles. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s VIN Decoder is a top-notch tool that does…
As a business owner and chairman of ASA, I often find myself wishing for more time. It’s not an unusual situation, and one that most of you reading this I’m sure have experienced. Growing a business while raising a family…
During the 1970s, concern about the impact of ozone depleting substances reached a feverish pitch. Although there was much interest in those substances that likely depleted the ozone, the use of the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-12, used at the time in motor…
Vehicle repairers have watched a slow hemorrhage of state vehicle safety inspection programs for a number of years. These programs go back to 1926 beginning with a voluntary program in Massachusetts, and increased to 31 states plus the District of…
I’ve been experimenting with specials to be used in direct mail, boosted Facebook posts and other such advertising mediums. One such special is a summer kickoff special, which is an air conditioning inspection and service for only $139. The wording…
"They” say new car dealers are feeling aggressive and confident. Car dealerships are also looking at aggressive methods to keep the purchasers of their used cars in their bays. Dealerships want the lucrative aftermarket business, they are going after it,…
A multi-store shop owner sends in the following situation: We recently had a 2015 Ford F150 V8 with 46,000 miles brought into one of my shops with a check engine light on, as well as a drivability problem. My technician…
I just couldn’t resist. It was just the detective in me. “Yes, I will take a look at it,” I said to a new customer when she said her car would stall but only occasionally. Why would I do such…
ASA’s new members-only Facebook Group debuted May 31 on ASA’s 67th aniversary. Join with other shop owners/managers in discussions of business management topics designed to help you run a more successful shop. ASA-member shops are known nationwide for their commitment…
Eight students from across the U.S. have been awarded Auto Service Center scholarships, the National Pronto Association recently announced. Winners included Mariana Armstrong of Gainesville, Fla.; Emily and Robert Blaettner of Boerne, Texas; Anna Christians of Sheldon, Iowa; Giovanni Colatruglio…
A Virginia automotive technology instructor has captured a prestigious national award. David Alspaugh (pictured left in photo), who is employed at the Advanced Technology Institute in Virginia Beach, was named the Mitchell 1 Educator of the Year during the 45th…
The average age of domestic nameplate cars in the U.S. reached 14.4 years in January 2018 – the 27th straight year for an increase, according to the Lang Aftermarket iReport. That’s 2.2 years higher in average age than 10 years…
Pete Rudloff, who writes an “Ask Pete” column and other articles for AutoInc., has launched FlexCheck Auto, a phone app that works in conjunction with cloud-based desktop software to help shop owners with vehicle inspections. “Most modern shops perform a…
Beth Risch, who previously served as ASA’s CPA, has been serving as interim chief operating officer as the association’s board of directors looks for a new executive director. The search began after Dan Risley resigned as ASA president and executive…
When we talk about change in the automotive service and collision repair industries, we generally focus on the technology advances in vehicles and the tools, equipment and information necessary to service and repair them. But change means many things. It’s…
Although several states have seen legislation and debate regarding original equipment manufacturer (OEM) repair procedures, companion bills in Rhode Island have gained the most traction. Senate Bill (SB) 2679, introduced by Senators Maryellen Goodwin, Dominick Ruggerio and Michael McCaffrey on…
Recently, I was leading a trail run in Moab, Utah, and came to the first difficult part of the 4x4 rail. The Jeep I was driving had been set up with the best equipment that money could buy, complete with…
