Ratchet+Wrench

07/26/2024

Tune in to this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio to hear Epicor's Tim Hardin discuss whether predictive maintenance is a better model than the traditional maintenance schedule.

07/26/2024

What The Automotive Industry Needs Most: More of THIS.

Chris Messer, VP/Group Publisher of Endeavor Business Media’s Vehicle Repair Group, joins host Braxton Critcher on Automotive Repair News Today.

He shares insights on the upcoming Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference, set for September 12-14 in Orlando, Florida, and highlights what attendees can expect and why this event is essential for repair shop owners.

Listen/watch on one of channels below:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/yKh9t_Fz3hk
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6FupeoRvj1ruVNsQhFPmGr
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/automotive-repair-news-today/id1736192740?uo=4

07/26/2024

A high school in Attleboro, Massachusetts has received a state grant for evening education courses for adults seeking a career in automotive technology, as well as other trades.

07/26/2024

Take a look inside a striking auto repair facility with a sharp, clean presentation: Martin’s Tire & Service of Burton, Michigan.

A closer look inside Martin Woods' customer-centric Michigan shop

07/26/2024

Are you looking for a way to rev up your auto repair business? From optimizing service workflows to embracing cutting-edge technology, this guide to industry best practices will help to elevate your shop to new heights.

This Story Design, sponsored by AutoZone, introduces new strategies and techniques that the top-performing auto repair shops employ to exceed customer expectations. If you want to increase your car count, improve customer satisfaction, and optimize efficiency, you’ve come to the right place!

Rev up your auto repair business with a guide to industry best practices that delves into the strategies and techniques that top-performing auto...

07/26/2024

Northwest Technical College of Bemidji, Minnesota’s Automotive Service and Performance program has received the highest level of accreditation available from the ASE.

According to the most recent data available, the entirety of the program's recent graduates were employed in positions related to their studies.

07/25/2024

Cecil Bullard of The Institute for Automotive Business Excellence talks about industry pay plans, and what win-win looks like for the shop and its technicians, in this episode of Ratchet+Wrench Radio. 🔧🎙️⚡️

07/25/2024

291,112 vehicles are being recalled by BMW due to concerns with the rear cargo rails coming detached.

Certain BMW vehicles are at risk of their rear cargo rails coming detached upon a rear crash.

07/25/2024

There are ways to use profit-driven sales goals to achieve the desired outcome and benefit your employees and customers while operating ethically and effectively.

Sales goals are essential, but ex*****on is even more important.

07/25/2024

After five days of Massachusetts’ statewide vehicle inspection system being dysfunctional, the Registry of Motor Vehicles said yesterday that the system is now online again.

The CrowdStrike tech outage last Friday disrupted the entire state's vehicle inspection system.

07/24/2024

In the newest installment of Ratchet+Wrench Radio, 2021 AAPEX Service Advisor of the Year Brittany Schindler of Rod's Japanese Auto Care in Bellingham, Washington, explains how service advisors can handle customer complaints with grace.

2021 AAPEX Service Advisor of the Year Brittany Schindler offers tips for communicating with upset shop customers.

07/24/2024

As a shop owner, you might have a range of emotions if a customer complains of discrimination at your business.

It’s a difficult situation to deal with, but there are steps you can take to address the situation and limit any potential damage.

When a customer feels they've been singled out or mistreated, follow these steps.

07/24/2024

Chris Messer, VP/group publisher of Endeavor Business Media's Vehicle Repair Group, has joined the Automotive Communications Council's Board of Directors for its 2024-2025 term.

Endeavor Business Media's Vehicle Repair Group publishes Ratchet+Wrench along with several other automotive titles.

07/24/2024

Auto Care Alliance members are now eligible to gain free payment processing services from Global Processing Systems as a result of a new partnership agreement.

ACA members are now eligible to gain free payment processing services from Global Processing Systems as a result of a new partnership agreement.

07/23/2024

Dr Dana Nkana of Automotive Doctor Consulting and Coaching Services talks about a few key processes that can improve shops.

The automotive doctor is in. Dr. Dana Nkana talks about key processes that can help shops.

07/23/2024

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a probe into certain Stellantis vehicles over complaints of vehicles losing power, shifting into park, and engaging the emergency brake.

NHTSA first announced the launch of its probe yesterday after receiving 80 complaints from vehicle owners alleging their engines shut down.

07/23/2024

Bosch Auto Service franchisees will now have access to Shopgenie services as a result of a partnership between the two brands.

Bosch Auto Service franchisees will now have access to Shopgenie services as a result of a partnership between the two brands.

07/23/2024

Every auto repair shop owner wants a productive shop floor, but these three thieves of time could be slowing your team down.

Every auto repair shop owner wants a productive shop floor, but these three thieves of time could be slowing your team down.

07/22/2024

Dan Vance of Shop Dog Marketing talks about how auto repair shops can use AI to improve processes, workflow, customer engagement, and communication. 🤖 🕑 🧑‍💻

Dan Vance of Shop Dog Marketing discusses how auto repair shops can benefit from AI to improve processes, communicate, and market to customers.

07/22/2024

AutoOps is launching a new feature in its online scheduling platform, allowing customers to schedule appointments online during a shop’s after hours.

When customers and no phones are available, they’ll have the option to be texted a link to schedule an appointment.

07/22/2024

Linda Sosebee, the 2024 Ratchet+Wrench VISION Cover Contest Winner, and her staff talk about how they came together following three tragic deaths that rocked the shop.

07/22/2024

NAPA, TechForce Foundation, and WD-40 Brand are partnering together to provide tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships to automotive students.

$50,000 in scholarships will be provided over the next 12 months, through 40 individual awards.

07/19/2024

Erin Vaughan, owner of Kinetic Auto Service in Regina, Saskatchewan, comes on the show to talk about how her shop instituted a four-day workweek.

Erin Vaughan, owner of Kinetic Auto Service, instituted a four-day workweek at her shop. She talks about it on Ratchet+Wrench Radio.

07/19/2024

California has been spearheading the transition to electric vehicles–but some have growing concerns that the infrastructure to support such a change is not able to keep up pace.

129,000 stations will need to be built in California every year to accommodate the growth of EVs.

07/19/2024

Bunch: Unfortunately, having been in business for 23 years, I've come to believe there are only two types of business owners: those who have been stolen from and those who will be stolen from.

Employee theft is inevitable in business. These safeguards and protocols can help you identify theft and give you peace of mind.

07/19/2024

📢 Speaker Announcement: We are happy to announce Michelle Tansey as a speaker for the Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference!

❓ About Michelle: Michelle is the co-founder of Euro Clinic, a European Automotive Repair Shop in Silicon Valley. She's involved in crafting the company's culture, shaping the way it executes marketing, and innovating future growth opportunities, not just within the organization but for the industry's future generations.

As a first-generation Mexican American female under 40, she's outspoken and passionate about increasing diversity in the aftermarket automotive care service. Her goal is to set the path for current and future female leaders who work toward improving and strengthening the industry.

💫 Stay tuned for more speaker announcements in the coming weeks! In the meantime, secure your spot for the Ratchet+Wrench Management Conference happening September 12-14 in Orlando:
https://bit.ly/3Sm8zXz

07/19/2024

A nonprofit based in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, is using virtual reality technology to train incarcerated women for high-demand automotive repair jobs.

National employment partners such as NAPA Auto Care Centers ensure trainees will have job opportunities upon completion of the program.

07/18/2024

On this episode of Ratchet+Wrench, Jeremy O'Neal, owner of Freedom Auto Repair and president of Advisor Fix, discusses a service advisor's role in the shop and how the best advisors perform.

Jeremy O'Neal, owner of Freedom Auto Repair and president of Advisor Fix, talks about service advisors, their role in the shop and why owners need...

07/18/2024

According to General Motors CEO Mary Barra, the automaker is no longer firmly committing to its plans to produce one million electric vehicles by 2025.

Rather than pursuing its initial goal of 1 million EVs by 2025, the company outlined plans to be flexible with consumer demand.

07/18/2024

While we can’t always be hands-on when explaining repairs or maintenance to customers, it can have a deeper effect than we think. Just remember to keep the explanations simple: don’t be overly complicated.

When given the opportunity and audience to explain and demonstrate a repair to a customer, take it!