Automotive service and repair shop advisors and technicians are what keep the business going. But they have opinions on how their shops are being run, the challenges they face, the training hurdles, compensation models and more. But they also share what they love about what they do. Here’s what they had to say.
This was a big year for the Canadian auto care industry. Two big bills were passed and Quebec implemented right to repair legislation. But that’s no reason to take it easy. There’s a lot of work to be done
ADD THE MISSING PIECE: WHY NOVUS IS THE RIGHT GLASS PARTNER FOR THE SHOP OF THE FUTURE
Independents are winning with one-stop convenience and in-house ADAS calibration. Add glass the smart way—with NOVUS, the inventors of windshield repair, proprietary SRP products engineered by scientists, and a network built to help entrepreneurs succeed.
The hallmark of successful automotive repair shops is adaptability. Today’s customers expect convenience and trust—and they reward one‑stop providers who meet them where they are. And where they are is in a hurry: fewer handoffs, clear timelines, and a car that leaves safer than it arrived.
Modern vehicles place cameras and sensors behind the glass, making ADAS calibration a routine part of glass work; every sublet adds time, risk, and lost margin. Bringing glass and calibration in‑house isn’t just adding a service—it’s future‑proofing your model for faster cycle time, tighter quality control, and a documented experience that builds confidence. Think of it as swapping a single wrench for a Swiss‑army toolkit.
In day‑to‑day operations, glass earns its keep. Predictable, high‑throughput jobs slot neatly between larger ROs, lifting bay efficiency and smoothing seasonality. Calibration creates natural cross‑sell opportunities—alignments, suspension checks, and diagnostics you already deliver—so average tickets rise without reinventing your workflow. And the proof is in the paperwork: standardized pre/post scans, calibration reports, and photo evidence produce an audit‑ready file that insurers and OEMs appreciate.
Why NOVUS (and not a commodity glass brand)
Choose NOVUS because it’s more than a logo—it’s the original innovator behind windshield repair, still advancing the category with active R&D delivered through their SRP product line—engineered by their own team of scientists. NOVUS Glass backs that science with people and process: structured training paths that take techs from repair fundamentals to
advanced calibration, plus robust operational support to make it all run smoothly. The result is a scalable, repeatable operation that builds technician careers, protects quality, and performs from day one.
Jason Versteeg, owner of Tech Savvy Automotive—a 5‑star mechanical repair shop in Brantford, Ontario—said: “At Tech Savvy Automotive, we saw service needs shifting and customers asking for one‑stop convenience. The demand for windshield work and related services kept growing, so partnering with NOVUS Glass—the global leader in windshield repair and replacement—was the obvious next step. It’s allowed us to broaden our offerings and take even better care of our customers.”
When owners add NOVUS, the results are immediate: glass and calibration stay in‑bay, sublet leakage shrinks, and keys to keys gets faster thanks to fewer handoffs and cleaner approvals. Because calibration naturally connects to alignments, suspension checks, and diagnostics, average RO climbs—while a true one‑visit experience drives stronger reviews and referrals.
In the bay, the science matters. NOVUS SRP products are engineered for optical clarity and repeatability, helping any trained tech produce consistent, durable repairs. Paired with standardized scans, calibration reports, and photo evidence, every job leaves with an audit‑ready file that meets OEM and insurer expectations—reducing re‑inspections, comebacks, and liability. NOVUS methods and materials deliver the same outcome, job after job, and training ladders make it straightforward to upskill motivated techs and keep them engaged.
Add the missing piece, keep the revenue in house, and future proof your operation.
Automotive Group Director | Nickisha Rashid (647) 355-7416
nickisha@turnkey.media
Publisher | Peter Bulmer (585) 653-6768 peter@turnkey.media
Managing Editor | Adam Malik (647) 988-3800 adam@turnkey.media
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ILISTENING TO STAFF FEEDBACK
f you want to know what’s really going on in Canada’s automotive aftermarket, don’t just look at the numbers: Listen to the people turning the wrenches and talking to customers. This year’s Service Advisor and Technician Survey from CARS heard a consistent message from respondents: Training and compensation are falling behind.
And the industry can’t afford to ignore it.
Let’s start with training. While 71 per cent of technicians said they have the training they need, that leaves almost a third who don’t. But the comments tell a deeper story. Some respondents described flying by the seat of their pants, relying on experience rather than structured learning. Others said they’ve never received formal training, even after decades in the trade.
That’s not just a missed opportunity. It’s a risk. One technician shared a story about replacing the wrong water pump — twice — because of a subtle design change. Without proper education, mistakes like that cost time, money and trust. And with technology evolving rapidly, from ADAS systems to electric vehicles, the need for ongoing, paid training is more urgent than ever.
And then there’s compensation. In 2024, 91 per cent of respondents said they felt fairly paid. This year, that number dropped to 60 per cent. Is that a blip? Not based on the comments the survey received.
Flat rate pay came up repeatedly, with many saying it no longer reflects the complexity of the work. Technicians said they’re expected to diagnose and repair increasingly sophisticated systems, often with expensive tools they’ve paid for themselves. Yet their wages have barely moved in nearly two decades.
One technician noted that they've basically had the same flat rate pay for the last 17 years. Another added that “with more technology coming every day, techs need to be paid correctly to learn how to do the repair jobs, not given a set time to do the job in.”
The frustration is real, and it’s affecting retention. Only 68 per cent said they see themselves staying in the trade long-term, down from 82 per cent last year. That drop is tied to physical strain, stagnant wages and a lack of support.
“The body can only last for so long. I will transition to a less intensive job in the coming years,” said one.
“Constant upgrades and buying new tools and the lack of good pay for what you need to do,” said another.
That means a better focus on training. The Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario held two days of technical training for shops in September. While some pros turned out, it was not representative of the number of shops and technicians in the province.
The aftermarket is full of passionate, skilled professionals who take pride, and lots of it, in their work. The survey results reflect that.
President & Managing Partner | Delon Rashid Head of Sales & Managing Partner | Peter Bulmer
Corporate Office
48 Lumsden Crescent, Whitby, ON, L1R 1G5
But pride alone doesn’t fix cars properly. It’s time to tune up the systems that support them — or risk stalling out.
Adam Malik Managing Editor, CARS
We want to hear from you about anything you read in CARS magazine. Send your email to adam@turnkey.media
SAFETY SCRAMBLE CARS, AUGUST 2025
The onboarding process took months to straighten out for us and cost me a lawyer’s bill of about $4,000 getting paperwork to their liking. My business has been around for nearly 80 years and the articles of incorporation were not to their liking – DriveOn basically told me it appeared to them that the business did not even have an owner. The person on the phone didn’t understand how terms like “president” and “secretary” applied. The use of an abbreviation in the business name on some paperwork caused massive headaches. Yes, the hardware leaves a lot to be desired. Yes, the camera is terrible (despite the representative on the phone informing me I am just doing it wrong). But the overall procedure really isn’t that bad once you get used to it. I did my fair share of grumbling, but it just took getting used to.
I “failed” an audit due to the brake pad measurement photo not being clear enough, a nice little mark on my record for otherwise decades of performing inspections with integrity.
As far as cost, my light duty inspection charge is 1.5 hours. It feels like an all-around fair number to me, and I have no interest in chasing the business of price shoppers anyways.
What burns me, though, is there’s already stories going around of how the usual suspects are still scamming even with this system, while I am going through all these extra motions to continue doing inspections properly as I always have.
It’s like anything else. Locks keep honest people out, and honest people suffer for the transgressions of the cheaters.
Anonymous
I believe the tire depth, pad thickness, and rotors should still be measured and documented on the tablet, but the picture should not have to include the measuring device, which would make it a lot easier to complete a proper photo. One could tell the difference between a 2 mm or a 10 mm brake pad thickness or a 2 mm compared to an 8mm tire tread depth in a photo.
Rob Nurse, Bob Nurse Motors
I performed hundreds of annual safety inspections in New Brunswick in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. Had to sign my name and my license number on each one. Same goes for the out of province inspections I did in Alberta when I moved there. Document everything in writing, sign your name and license number. As licenced technicians, we are responsible and liable for everything we touch in the bay, even when we green light the work completed by an apprentice. The article made it sound onerous to have to sign your name on the inspection. It’s part of due diligence and the expectation of every consumer that we do a good job.
Hans Zundel, shop foreman
We have these tablets at our three locations, and while I can say the onboarding process was quite daunting and discouraging, I was able to get it done. I feel they made the onboarding process like this a bit unfair to the smaller two and three-bay shops, the ones that have been around a long, long time and did not do lots of certifications, it was just a service offered. Many of these smaller shops are not able to afford the top-of-the-line insurance package to have this system, let alone have the proper infrastructure to run one of these tablets. Having the program at our three shops was an investment, and we have found it’s been very busy for us. The equipment has a 1997 camera in a fancy-looking rugged tablet, which seems to work OK. Battery life is not the greatest, so keep it charged between vehicles.
The problem now is, it’s up to DriveOn now to enforce the program. The MTO now has no control of how the program is run or any oversight to it. We have now had two fraudulent certificates come to us, and we have had to re-inspect on our end and send in photos of all the defects we have found. Not sure if the numbered company has had any enforcement or not, but time will tell. At least when the MTO showed up, they came right to your shop, inspected your tools and made sure your shop was in compliance. I have yet to see a DriveOn officer come to any of our locations. I sent an email to our local MTO officer who was quick to reply that he had charged the shop three times before DriveOn even came along for fraudulent certificates, so the bad actors are still out there sadly. And due to the changes in how the system is run, all he could do was pass it to his supervisor.
Vincent Klimkosz, Vinnie’s Mr. Fixit
CLASSROOM CRUNCH
CARS, AUGUST 2025
I agree with Derek's article regarding Mark Koczij suggested approach to allowing technicians to become teachers. I have been trying for several years to enter into the teaching of auto mechanics at the high school level. It is crazy for me to leave my position and go back to school just to acquire a teaching certification. My son took the mechanics course offered in his high school. His teacher would call me for advice and technical understanding to teach the kids. How does this happen? I have 35 years of service to the trade including running my own shop for 10 years. I conducted classes for new drivers and women when I worked at a major GM dealership. I have been approached many times and was told I would make an excellent teacher with my skills and knowledge, patience and understanding. The Ontario teacher association makes it nearly impossible for a middle-aged person to pass on the skills required for the next generation. Yet they will hire someone fresh out of teacher’s college and give them students to teach something that they have little or no experience with.
Scott Rhynold, G.D. Coates Used Car Superstore
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NEWS
AFTERMARKET SERVICE VISITS INCREASE
CANADIANS ARE CHOOSING to keep their cars longer amid a backdrop of economic uncertainty and rising newvehicle prices, fuelling a surge in maintenance and repair visits, according to a new study. But dealers are increasing their share in the market.
The J.D. Power 2025 Canada Customer Service Index — Long-Term (CSI-LT) Study showed the average number of annual dealership service visits for vehicles aged four to 12 years climbed to 1.8 this year, up from 1.5 in 2022, the highest level in four years. Aftermarket facilities also saw an increase, with visits rising to 1.5 per year from 1.3 in 2024.
Repair work is driving much of the growth. Dealerships accounted for 46 per cent of repair visits, up six percentage points year-over-year, while aftermarket shops rose three points to 27 per cent.
J.D. Ney, automotive practice lead at J.D. Power Canada said the Canadian auto service market “is experiencing unprecedented growth,” as revenue in the sector hit an estimated $18.8 billion. Dealers are noticing.
“This presents a unique opportunity for dealerships to offset softer new-vehicle sales and for aftermarket facilities to capture a larger share of the revenue stream in a market where used-vehicle owners are more price-conscious,” he said in a statement.
The average cost per dealership visit jumped to $539 from $465 in 2024, nearly 80 per cent higher than the aftermarket average of $302 (up from $273 last year). Two-thirds of owners who chose an aftermarket shop cited high dealership costs as the main reason. Dealerships still dominate revenue, capturing 62 per cent of the market, compared to 38 per cent for the aftermarket.
Owners continue to trust dealerships more for complex repairs, scoring them 5.94 out of 7 for maintenance and 5.76 for repairs, compared to 5.68 and 5.64 for aftermarket providers.
NEW, USED VEHICLE PRICES TREND DIFFERENTLY
USED VEHICLE PRICES ARE up while new prices are trending downward as pre-tariff inventory thins out. A new report found that Canada’s auto market is feeling the ripple effects of trade tensions.
The latest AutoTrader Price Index showed that while demand remains strong, the landscape is shifting and buyers are responding quickly.
In the second quarter of 2025, Canadian consumers rushed to purchase vehicles ahead of anticipated price hikes linked to tariffs. This “pull-forward” effect, as AutoTrader put it, has led to a surge in used car demand and a steady rise in prices.
By June, the average used vehicle price had reached $37,664 — a 3.6 per cent increase over the previous year. By comparison, new vehicle prices dipped 3.5 per cent year-over-year to $64,445, thanks in part to inventory buffers that helped soften the blow.
Despite a slight dip in demand compared to the first quarter, used car sales rose 1.8 per cent for the quarter and 2 per cent yearto-date. New car sales also remained strong overall, up 5.6 per cent year-to-date, though AutoTrader expects some softening in the months ahead.
Inventory levels are declining and some dealers have underestimated demand when placing 2025 orders. Used inventory remains tight, even with a modest boost from trade-ins and reduced exports to the U.S. The market is still grappling with the long tail of pandemic-era production slowdowns and a drop in lease returns, an estimated 1.5 million fewer vehicles were sold between 2020 and 2023, according to the report.
AUTO REPAIR POSTS STRONG EMPLOYMENT NUMBERS
THE CANADIAN AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR and maintenance sector led the industry in employment growth, posting a 1.7 per cent increase in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the
QUALITY WORK BACKED BY CANADA’S BEST NATION-WIDE WARRANTY
FAST & RELIABLE SERVICE
PREFERRED PRICING
TECHNICAL TIPS FROM INDUSTRY LEADING EXPERTS
same time last year.
This continues its trend of consistent growth, noted DesRosiers Automotive Consultants. New vehicle dealers also saw a 1.4 per cent rise in jobs, buoyed by strong Q1 sales.
Employment at automotive parts and accessories stores dipped by 0.6 per cent, reflecting a modest pullback in retail staffing, according to DesRosiers.
Employment in Canada’s automotive sector edged down 0.2 per cent overall. The real test for the industry may come in the second quarter, DesRosiers noted, as the effects of the ongoing U.S.-Canada trade tensions begin to take hold. April and May brought troubling signs for the broader economy, it observed, with national unemployment hitting 7 per cent and manufacturing job losses mounting.
“The automotive sector will likely see more job losses in the Q2 data,” said Andrew King, Managing Partner at DAC. “Without a resolution to the trade war soon, at least some of the ground won back post-pandemic will once again be yielded.”
TARIFFS HITTING AUTO BIZ HARD
ONTARIO’S SMALL AUTO
BUSINESSES are hitting the brakes on growth as the U.S.-Canada trade conflict drags on — and the cost could top $2.9 billion in lost investment over the next year.
That’s the warning from a new report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), which found that nearly half (49 per cent) of Ontario’s automotive businesses have paused or cancelled planned investments due to trade uncertainty.
The report also found that 65 per cent of businesses in the sector have been directly impacted by U.S. tariffs, with the average business seeing a 13 per cent drop in sales.
“Uncertainty, market volatility, and increased costs are forcing auto business owners to make difficult decisions to keep their doors open,” said Joseph Falzata, CFIB policy analyst for Ontario and co-author of
the report. “The desire to grow is there, but with such massive revenue losses, businesses are more focused on keeping their doors open than expanding their operations.”
The report casts doubt on the effectiveness of provincial support programs. Despite a combined $85 million in funding through the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) and the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), only 1 to 2 per cent of small auto businesses are expected to benefit. The newly launched $50 million Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) is expected to reach just 1 per cent.
“While these programs were created with good intentions, the reality is that many small business owners have never heard of them and are not eligible,” said Falzata. “The Ontario government needs to focus their efforts not just on the major auto manufacturers, but also on the many small businesses that feed into the province’s auto ecosystem.”
CFIB is calling on the province to improve access to these programs or redirect some of the funding to reduce Ontario’s Small Business Tax Rate and raise the threshold for eligibility.
At the federal level, the report recommends returning revenue collected through Canadian counter-tariffs to affected small businesses and providing clearer guidance on product origin rules under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
MUDDY NEW VEHICLE SALES OUTLOOK FOR 2025
THE 2025 NEW VEHICLE SALES YEAR was supposed to be the first “normal” year since 2019. But the new global trade environment has changed that outlook.
According to TD Economics’ North American Auto Outlook 2025, the U.S. administration’s sweeping 25 per cent tariffs
on imported vehicles and parts are already reshaping the automotive landscape. While partial exemptions have been granted to Canada, Mexico, and the U.K., the broader impact is expected to be significant — especially if the tariffs remain in place through the end of the year.
TD forecasts a 4.0 per cent decline in U.S. vehicle sales and a sharper 7.5 per cent drop in Canada on a fourth-quarter-over-fourthquarter basis. The report warns that rising vehicle prices, slower economic growth, and reduced affordability will weigh heavily on consumer demand.
In the U.S., vehicle prices are expected to rise by thousands of dollars due to tariffs, while broader economic impacts from trade policy could slow GDP growth to 1.5 per cent — half the pace of 2024. In Canada, where the economy is more reliant on U.S. trade, growth is expected to fall below 1 per cent.
TD also observed that early-year sales were likely frontloaded as consumers rushed to buy before tariffs took full effect. A slowdown is expected in the second half of the year as higher prices filter through the market.
The report noted that economic uncertainty has returned to levels not seen since the pandemic, driven by volatile U.S. trade policy.
STORES, SHOPS GROW IN CANADA
THE ANNUAL FACTBOOK from the Auto Care Association reported that the Canadian market in 2024 sat at CAD$24.4 billion, up 3 per cent from the year before.
The number of locations of parts and accessories wholesalers increased by almost half a per cent, while the number of retailers increased by 1.2 per cent. The number of repair shops grew by about 40 new establishments, up 0.2 per cent year-overyear.
The most DIY’d task in Canada was oil top-offs at 40.1 per cent while oil changes were DIFM’d the most at 86.7 per cent.
Sales at recreational and used motor vehicle parts and dealers saw a small 0.1 per cent decrease to sit at $45.3 billion.
It further reported through the 2025 Joint Channel Market Size and Forecast that the U.S. automotive aftermarket is on track for another strong year, with new projections showing the industry will reach US$435 billion in 2025 — and continue growing well beyond that.
AMERICAN JOBBERS LOSING GROUND
ONCE THE BACKBONE OF THE American auto parts world, jobber stores are now fighting to stay relevant as sweeping changes in distribution threaten their survival, according to a recent report.
South of the border, traditional jobber stores — long-time middlemen in the U.S. auto parts supply chain — are facing a steep uphill battle. Lang Marketing’s report paints a stark picture: Jobber stores are disappearing at an alarming rate, with their numbers down more than 47 per cent from their peak in the early 1980s.
Back then, there were over 31,000 jobber outlets across the United States. Today, that number has been nearly cut in half. While the decline slowed in the 2010s, the COVID-19 pandemic reignited the trend, accelerating store closures and exposing deep vulnerabilities in the jobber model.
“The pandemic created unprecedented supply chain issues nationwide,” the report states, noting that the aftermarket — which relies heavily on specific application parts —
was hit especially hard.
Between 2020 and 2023, jobber store closures more than quadrupled compared to the years just before the pandemic. Although the pace of decline eased slightly in 2023, the damage was already done. Lang’s findings suggest the downward trend continued into 2024.
AFTERMARKET SATISFACTION RISES IN U.S.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS UP across the board in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Aftermarket Service Index (ASI) Study.
Tire replacement saw the biggest jump, increasing 19 points on a 1,000-point scale, followed by quick oil change (+17 points) and full-service maintenance and repair (+15 points). These improvements are largely due to faster service completion times and a greater perception of fair charges.
This study measures customer satisfaction with aftermarket service facilities in three key segments: full-service maintenance and repair, quick oil change, and tire replacement. It evaluates
seven factors, including ease of scheduling, fairness of charges, service advisor courtesy and performance, facility quality, time to complete service, and quality of work.
Despite the overall rise in satisfaction, franchised dealerships still outpace aftermarket providers in customer trust regarding the use of technology for efficient service and for complex vehicle repairs.
When it comes to communication, text message updates are preferred by more than half of tire replacement and quick oil change customers, yet many still receive phone calls. Customers who receive texts report higher satisfaction scores across the board. Furthermore, photo or video documentation during multi-point inspections significantly increases the likelihood of customers accepting additional work recommendations. For fullservice maintenance and repair customers, 41 per cent accepted recommended work when accompanied by photo/video, compared to just 17 per cent without.
Finally, amenities like charging stations and complimentary snacks/beverages have a substantial impact on satisfaction. While highly appreciated, they are infrequently offered. Providing charging stations boosts quick oil change customer satisfaction by 101 points, and snacks/beverages increase tire replacement customer satisfaction by 103 points.
COMING
By The Numbers
Stats that put the North American automotive aftermarket into perspective
1.5
Annual Customer visits to the aftermarket bumped up from 1.3 in 2024. Dealership visits also increased to 1.8 visits annually.
J.D. Power & Associates
21.9%
Most Canadians buy their winter tires in October, with November close behind at 19.9%. Online purchases made up 15.3% of sales in 2024.
DesRosiers Automotive Consultants
40 14.5 years
Canada added new repair shops last year, up 0.2% year-over-year. Parts and accessories wholesalers increased by almost half a per cent, while the number of retailers increased by 1.2%.
Auto Care Association
20,564 km 20,564 km
Electric vehicle owners drive more than their non-EV peers, who drive 18,431 km annually. Hybrid drivers reported 18,700 km on the odometer every year.
U.S. average age of passenger cars climbed in 2024. Light trucks hit 11.9 years. BEVs rose to 3.7 years, PHEVS held 4.9 years and traditional hybrids declined to 6.4 years.
S&P Global Mobility
88 88 4 .7% 4.7%
43%
Light trucks in 2015 had an average transaction price of $38,477 and now sit at $54,950. Passenger cars jumped 60% from $28,675 to $45,813.
DesRosiers Automotive Consultants
Ford set a new record for safety recalls in one year by July. The previous record was held by General Motors with 77 in 2014.
Wall Street Journal
$2.9BILLION $ 2.9 BILLION
Ontario’s small auto businesses are hitting the brakes on growth as the U.S.-Canada trade conflict drags on, costing billions in lost investment over the next year.
Canadian Federation of Independent Business
The aftermarket saw growth in Q1 2025 compared to Q1 2024. With stronger comparables, there was greater confidence compared to used sales and gas stations.
DesRosiers Automotive Consultants
AIA Canada
Proudly brought to you by
CLASS ACT
CARS will regularly feature automotive schools across Canada. In this issue, we learn more about Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) If you’d like your school featured, reach out to adam@turnkey.media.
Name of school:
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)
City: Calgary, Alberta
Head of program:
Academic chairs Chenoa Hansen and James Oancia, automotive and motorcycle programs
Tell us about your school. What do you offer? How many students do you have?
At SAIT’s School of Transportation, we train approximately 800 apprenticeship students as automotive service technicians. We also offer a two-year Automotive Service Technology diploma for students looking to complete training outside of an apprenticeship. They’ll prepare for entry into the workforce with the skills needed to succeed, and work hours they can put towards a journeyperson certification. Students new to the automotive field can also take SAIT’s 12-week Pre-employment Automotive Service Technician program, which provides essential training to give students a competitive edge as they pursue new career opportunities. These additional programs host nearly 400 students a year.
What unique experiences are available to students?
SAIT’s automotive programs are developed in collaboration through our strong connections with industry partners, who are tremendous supporters of our approach to hands-on learning. We host several industry networking events throughout the year to give
students and industry representatives an opportunity to engage and build connections.
In collaboration with industry partners and alumni, SAIT is committed to ensuring equitable access to an education in the skilled trades by offering an impressive range of student scholarships and awards.
In 2015, SAIT formed the Women in Trades and Technology (WITT) program to build a network for women entering or working in male-dominated skilled trades. WITT was established to encourage, promote and retain gender diversity and inclusion by providing mentorship and support as women work towards trades certification.
How are you preparing today’s students to be tomorrow’s automotive service professionals?
At SAIT, our commitment to excellence in education is always on display. Exemplifying that dedication is our current work on a curriculum redesign for the apprenticeship and diploma programs. By integrating the latest advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology and safety, we're ensuring our students are well-equipped for the evolving automotive landscape.
Our focus on the future is apparent in our hands-on learning facilities where students train on state-of-the-art equipment, preparing them to enter the workforce of tomorrow. By actively partnering with industry leaders, SAIT has acquired a diverse fleet of vehicles and training resources to give students a comprehensive and practical understanding of automotive technology.
As the automotive field continues to evolve, we remain steadfast in our mission to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive. At SAIT, we take pride in preparing our students for a successful future in an industry that is constantly advancing.
Why is this an exciting time to be a student in an automotive trade school?
The automotive industry is dynamic and full of opportunity. Rapid advancements in EVs and hybrid technologies are ripe with innovation primed to reshape the industry and elevate the role of technicians — making their work compelling and challenging.
With a wealth of opportunities and diverse pathways for career growth, graduates can explore jobs in traditional roles or entrepreneurial ventures across various sectors. Industry demand for highly skilled technicians is strong, and employers are in the market for employees trained to excel in their field.
A special section dedicated to showcasing automotive trade schools
ON THE ROAD
AARO Symposium, Trade Show and Training Event
September 17-20, 2025
Mississauga, Ontario
Under the theme “Shift Happens,” the Automotive Aftermarket Retailers of Ontario held its annual Symposium, Trade Show and Training Event. Presentations and discussions looked at the many shifts in the automotive aftermarket, from vehicle technology to the people working in automotive service and repair shops. There were two days of training and a trade show. EV Day featured insights into EV trends and featured an opportunity to test drive EVs at the event.
See the event reel on Instagram
THE TRUST FACTOR
In the last issue of CARS, I wrote about the importance of picking a main supplier and creating a long-lasting partnership with them, regardless of their pricing. This strategy is good for you, good for them and good for our industry.
This is also good for your clients, let me explain.
Building a profitable auto repair business isn’t just about the work you do. It's about the trust you build with your supplier, team and customers //
By Erin Vaughan
You may believe calling around for the best price is helping your clients. However, consider the negative effects of this practice: Your advisors are spending time looking for cheaper parts instead of taking time to build relationships with your clients. Meanwhile, your techs are sitting in bays waiting for work to do. The inevitable result is that your clients have to wait longer for their vehicle to get done or you’re rushing the techs to get work out, creating possible comebacks.
As well, your advisors may end up rushing through work orders, forgetting to add parts or not advising on all repairs or maintenance that is required. These situations are a financial loss for your shop, both by lost time and by lost opportunities. This often results in having to raise labour rates to compensate for inefficient practices. This is not good for your clients.
To build a long-lasting business in this industry, you need clients who are willing to pay what it costs for safe and reliable transportation. The best part is that you can sell this to them at half the price of new vehicle payments.
Customers expect me to get it right the first time, every time. That’s why I choose Delphi.
Our competitors are the car manufacturers, not the guy down the street with an inexperienced tech using YouTube to install white box parts.
Our competitors are the car manufacturers, not the guy down the street with an inexperienced tech using YouTube to install white box parts. Resist the urge to compete with those shops; they will bring you down with them.
Remember this: The only thing the manufacturers can sell that we can’t is “brand new.” But unless the vehicle has legitimately come to the end of its life or it no longer serves the client’s needs, a new vehicle is not necessary. We can provide our clients with what they need.
The best way to start selling clients the value of higher-priced parts is to sign your service advisors up for sales training. This training should focus on selling value, not parts, as the goal is to increase profit ethically by ensuring our clients’ vehicles are maintained at a higher level.
The service advisor is as important as the technician. There may be a bunch of technicians reading this and thinking that I’m out to lunch (I probably would have thought the same thing when I was
a tech). But think about it: The service advisor needs to translate technical terminology from a tech into average-person language, while building trust and ensuring a client is comfortable parting ways with their hard-earned money. This is not an easy task.
When hiring a service advisor at Kinetic, we look for someone who possesses excellent communication skills, can explain value and can quickly build trust. Service advisors are responsible for keeping the bays full. They need to convert a phone call to an appointment, build a trusting relationship on the first appointment and book the next appointment to ensure we have future work.
Of course, they can’t do this on their own. They need a solid marketing plan that draws in clients who want a higher level of service, as well as a skilled, organized technician team working efficiently to get the vehicles in and out without comebacks.
Our clients just want to know that we have their best interests at heart. We show them this by hiring staff that care about them, sourcing quality parts for their vehicles, being as efficient as possible and backing up our service with a great warranty.
This level of service has a higher value and will come at a higher cost, but if we can effectively explain this value to the people who are willing to pay for it, our clients will be much happier, our days will be much more pleasant and our bottom line will be much healthier.
The PROFESSIONAL Fleet Operator’s CHOICE
• Adjustable charging voltage within each battery type as well as adjustable charging amperage to accommodate smaller batteries and to comply with OE vehicle and battery manufacturer specifications.
• Adjustable voltage reflash power mode required by several OEM’s affords extended vehicle reflash procedures and key-on/engine off diagnostics while holding a specific voltage.
• Partial or Full Charge Mode to address charge & retest messages.
• Adjustable 12 Volt 60 Amp Charger
• Adjustable 70 Amp Reflash Power Mode
• 270 Amp Crank Assist
Erin Vaughan is the owner of Kinetic Auto Service in Regina.
UNDER THE HOOD
Our survey looks at what’s driving — and stalling — Canada’s automotive aftermarket workforce // By Adam Malik
Looking under the hood of Canada’s automotive aftermarket reveals a workforce driven by pride, resilience and a desire for respect. Automotive service advisors and technicians are the backbone of this evolving industry, navigating rapid technological change, shifting customer expectations and persistent challenges around pay and recognition.
CARS magazine surveyed this segment of Canadian auto care professionals to gauge their opinions on pressing issues, their work environment, challenges and what’s working well in their day-to-day jobs. The results paint a nuanced picture: While many professionals find fulfilment in solving problems and helping clients, others are grappling with outdated compensation models, limited training and a lack of support. The rise of artificial intelligence, the shift to electric vehicles and the complexity of diagnostics are reshaping the trade — and not everyone feels ready.
Yet despite the hurdles, most respondents remain committed to their craft, finding satisfaction in the work and camaraderie in their shops.
If one were to distill the voices into one message, it may be this: The industry must evolve to retain its talent, support its people and prepare for the road ahead. From frustrations with flat rate pay to optimism about new tools, the responses offer insight into what’s working, what’s not and what needs to change.
Let’s take a closer look at what keeps this sector running — and what might stall it if left unchecked.
Why they love, struggle with the job
Job satisfaction stayed mostly positive year-over-year, though the level of excitement might have dropped a notch. Last year, 36 per cent said they love their job, compared to one-third this year. However, when combined with those who have a “good” level of satisfaction with their job, the overall positive feelings sit at 86 per cent.
For many service advisors and technicians, the job is about more than just fixing vehicles. It’s about fixing days.
“Making a customer’s bad day better” is how one summed up why they love what they do.
That sense of purpose came through again and again, with others saying they find satisfaction in “helping people” and “pleasing customers when finished.”
The challenge of solving problems keeps them sharp. And the reward is often immediate: A happy client and a job well done.
There’s also a thrill in the variety.
“Interesting people and new situations to resolve every day,” one professional said.
“The challenge of the job and satisfaction of solving the issue,” another pointed out. “It results in a pleasing customer when finished. Keeps me sharp and focused.”
But it’s not all smooth driving. Some pointed to the pressure to upsell, even when it didn’t feel right.
Always found there was almost too much pressure to sell more, even when jobs were not required,” one wrote in.
Others mentioned staffing issues, like being “too busy for one person and having
trouble finding a second advisor.”
Support on the job
Most service advisors and technicians feel respected and supported at work, as 87.5 per cent said yes when asked about their work environment. That’s a slight dip from last year’s 91 per cent, but still a strong majority. And when given the chance to comment, many shared stories that backed up those numbers.
Others pointed to teamwork and communication as key strengths, though not without room for improvement. “Good at explaining, teamwork. Could improve on communication in the shop,” one professional noted.
Transparency and openness came up often. Weekly check-ins and fair treatment were mentioned as positive.
“Open door policy and transparency about the business,” one respondent said. Another praised their employer for “excellent pay, training resources and good management,” though added, “we could use more staffing at peak times.”
Recognition and respect also stood out. One respondent noted how their shop is “good at working hard to provide proper compensation, respectful work environment, recognition,” though they added, “better follow-through and more accountability would be good.”
The biggest challenges
When asked about their biggest challenge at work, the top answer was clear: “We’re too busy.” That response came from 35 per cent of those surveyed, and, while mentioned earlier, the comments here backed it up.
“More staff because we get overwhelmed with work and not enough time to do it all,” one person said. Another added, “Being understaffed in a shop is dangerous. Asking a tech to look at a vehicle on his lunch break
We're too busy
Not enough training
Lack of business management skills
We’re not busy enough
Shop doesn’t give me the tools to do my job
Various other
because shops are so busy is a very bad habit to have.”
Busy shops aren’t just about volume, they’re about expectations. “Clients book appointments without divulging proper information for proper diagnosis, or add 10 additional items to look at and expect the same time frame for completion,” one technician explained.
Training was another major concern, cited by 13 per cent of respondents. Some said they get regular support: “We get regular training, cross-training and support,” one respondent noted.
But others described a very different experience. “No training, just fly by the seat of your pants,” one wrote. Another said, “I have never gone for any service advisor training, although I’ve been doing this for over 25 years.”
The advisor's view
Service advisors are confident in their core responsibilities. When asked if they understand how to book the schedule for maximum productivity, 94 per cent said yes. Nearly as many (91 per cent) said they know how to gather the best information to help technicians diagnose vehicles correctly. And 97 per cent said they have enough education on vehicle service to effectively advise clients.
But not everything is running at full efficiency. Only 53 per cent said their shop books the client’s next appointment at the end of each service. And while 69 per cent said they were educated on how to qualify clients, that leaves nearly a third who were not.
When it comes to parts, most advisors said they’re selling higherquality options with 53 per cent said they sell “best” quality parts more often, 38 per cent said “better” and 9 per cent said “good.”
“Found it better to offer customers good parts with warranty, but will supply lower-priced parts if the customer asks for them,” was how one advisor explained their approach.
Artificial intelligence is starting to show up in some shops — but not all. More than half (59 per cent) said they don’t use AI at all, while 28 per cent said they use it a little, and 13 per cent said they use it as much as possible.
“AI has not been considered at this time as I feel the empathetic ‘human touch’ is one of the keys to our success over the last 40 years,” one advisor said.
Another said AI is “helpful for writing clear information to customers.” One added that “We haven’t started using AI but feel this will be an asset.”
What technicians have to say
Technicians are mostly confident in their ability to do the job but not without some caveats. The survey found that 71 per cent said they have the training they need and 81 per cent said they have the tools. But only 58 per cent said they’re given enough time to diagnose and repair vehicles correctly. That gap showed up clearly in the comments.
“Diagnosing time has always been a touchy subject,” one technician wrote. “No one believes they should pay for it, yet in a flat rate shop that tech deserves to be paid.” Another added, “Diagnosis should be paid time.”
But one disagreed. “Money is made on common repairs. One does not make money on diagnostics. However, you need to be able to diagnose your customers’ occasional difficult issues to retain them as customers and be able to sell them more general money-making repairs.” They added that the time required to diagnose a problem is simply “the time it takes to diagnose it.”
Customer expectations are also rising. “Clients’ expectations are rising all the time yet with little understanding of what it actually takes to resolve complex issues,” one technician said.
As for artificial intelligence, most technicians aren’t using it yet as 67 per cent said they don’t use AI at all, while 23 per cent said they use it a little, and 10 per cent said they use it as often as possible. Those who do use it say it helps with writing descriptions, referencing specs and checking maintenance history.
But the bigger issue may be attracting new talent. One technician pointed to the root of the shortage: “Pay better. The reason no new techs is pay and flat rate system. No new blood getting in because almost all other trades are cheaper (tools) and pay better.”
Staying in the trade?
When asked if they could see themselves
continuing in the trade for the rest of their career, 68 per cent said yes. That’s still a solid majority — but it’s a noticeable drop from 2024, when 82 per cent said yes. This year, 23 per cent said “maybe” and 10 per cent said “no.” Last year, only 9 per cent said “maybe” and 9 per cent said “no.”
There may be some clues in the written responses. Many pointed to physical strain and aging. “The body can only last for so long. I will transition to a less intensive job in the coming years,” one person said. Another added, “Physical limitations as I age. Compensation to feel adequately appreciated.”
Others pointed to management and workplace culture, noting “Improper management,” or “No support from management,” were some examples.
“If I am forced to make a personal decision on moving out of my current area and can't find a shop that has the values I hold high,” was another reason given.
Pay and benefits also came up often. “Insufficient pay and benefits. Lack of a pension,” one respondent said. Another added that the “constant upgrades and buying new tools and the lack of good pay for what you need to do” as a barrier for sticking around.
1-YEAR FREE
MaxiSYS
What's
53 per cent
Is the pay fair?
33 per cent
14 per cent
Pay has come up several times already and the survey gave techs and advisors the opportunity to weigh in specifically on the topic. In 2024, 91 per cent of respondents said they felt they were paid fairly for the work they do. This year, that number dropped to just 60 per cent.
Some still feel they’re being compensated fairly. “Compensation plan where I work is equitable to all workers, earnings tied to contribution to overall success of the company,” one person said. Others noted that their rate is set by the shop and they’re satisfied with it.
But many others pointed to long-standing frustrations, especially with the flat rate system. “I felt the flat rate system was old, and it causes comebacks that are usually done for free,” one respondent said. “A technician should not have to consider himself a business to make a living. That’s what flat rate does.”
The cost of tools and training also came up repeatedly. “Considering the outlay in tools and the amount of accumulated knowledge, a technician should be paid as much or more than a person with a basic university degree,” one respondent said.
“Most shops want you to know everything and have the tools to repair everything but don’t want to pay you,” one professional wrote.
“The automotive trade is so underpaid because we have to provide so many tools and can't claim them on our income tax,” another highlighted.
There’s also frustration with how wages have stagnated. “Pay has not evolved since 2008 — 17 years later, still making near same flat rate,” one pointed out.
Handling the technology change
When asked whether technology advancements worry them, while some said they’re not concerned, others expressed serious doubts, especially around EVs, ADAS systems and the pace of change.
“Not so sure about electric vehicles,” one person said. “Sometimes the advancement in technology is happening too quick, but the techs will have to keep up or the shop will fall behind.”
Another added that “this tech is still in its infancy by standards and will have growing pains.”
But some don’t feel equipped. “Electric vehicles concern me somewhat, because I don’t have the
WE ASKED: IF YOU COULD GIVE ADVICE TO YOUR EMPLOYER TO MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER, MORE ENJOYABLE OR IMPROVE IN ANY WAY, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?
THEY SAID:
▶ Keep the communication lines open.
▶ Listen to employees. The way things worked 20 years ago may not work today.
▶ Communicate. Almost too much. It is better than not.
▶ Keep listening to frontline staff, their experiences are worth listening to.
▶ Respect what the technician has invested in training and tools. A good work-life balance. A compensation that allows for a comfortable lifestyle.
▶ Don't overpromise. Charge customers and pay technicians for skilled diagnostic time spent. Sell professional repair and service, stay away from partial fixes or trying to save the customer money by doing a cheaper job with re-used or inferior parts.
▶ Happy employees make higher profits.
▶ More training time.
▶ Feel free to step back and look at the big picture more instead of the finite details.
▶ Try to keep calm, as good or bad attitude starts at the top.
best handle on electrical systems or components,” one pro said.
ADAS systems were a particular concern, with one noting they have "already affected our business in doing alignments,” one person said. “The cost and space involved is not practical for most shops.”
Some are taking a strategic approach. “I will slowly implement the technology and make lots of money doing general repairs,” one professional said. “Any high voltage issues will be directed back to the dealer for the customer to trade their vehicle in on a new one because the repair cost will probably be more than the vehicle is worth.”
One respondent raised a broader concern about how the trade is perceived “Future advancements (and current) do concern me, as the industry is still seen by some as a job path for people who have learning or development challenges. Diagnosing and repairing complex computerized systems requires fairly highly literate problem solvers. This is becoming an industry where an intelligent technician should be seen as, and compensated as, a highly trained, learned professional.”
BUILT TO LAST BACKED BY SERVICE
Hunter Canada has over 50 technical and training reps ready to train your techs and maintain your equipment
▶ Be flexible and show some respect.
LOOKING BACK AND MOVING FORWARD
Advocating for the right to repair // By
Emily Holtby
This past year was a big one for our industry. After years of advocacy, persistence, and collaboration, we celebrated a major milestone: The federal government passed amendments to the Copyright Act — Bill C-244 and Bill C-294 — that removed a long-standing barrier to servicing and repairing vehicles.
This win opens the door for independent auto care service providers to better serve Canadian drivers, who require access to the data, tools, and parts needed to keep vehicles on the road.
It was also an election year, and with it came significant change. More than 100 new members of parliament are now in office, bringing fresh perspectives and new opportunities. We spent the summer connecting with new and returning MPs through shop visits and meetings, laying
But Canada can’t rely on a patchwork of provincial rules. Fragmentation would only create confusion and unequal access for Canadians.
the groundwork for stronger relationships that will carry into the year ahead.
Where we are now, where we want to go
Our work today balances a national vision with provincial realities. Quebec has shown what is possible, with its right to repair law, Law 21, now in force as of October 5, 2025. This milestone proves that when industry and government collaborate, drivers and businesses alike benefit.
But Canada can’t rely on a patchwork of provincial rules. Fragmentation would only create confusion and unequal access for Canadians. What we need is a strong federal framework that secures the right to repair consistently, from coast to coast to coast.
That is why our federal advocacy remains front and centre. With a new government and more than a hundred new members of parliament, we have an important opportunity to build relationships
and keep repair rights high on the agenda. Our efforts will culminate on our Parliament Hill Day in February 2026, where AIA Canada members will meet directly with decision-makers to push for a clear, national solution.
Looking ahead, our focus is twofold: Strengthening our global partnerships and advancing federal legislation. The right to repair is not a Canadian issue alone — it is part of a worldwide movement. This year, our presence at Autopromotec in Italy reinforced the importance of staying connected with colleagues from Australia, the United States, South Africa, the European Union and beyond. These relationships keep us informed about emerging policies, highlight areas where Canada risks falling behind, and provide valuable lessons that we can apply at home.
As we prepare for the next phase of advocacy, we will continue to push for a federal framework that enshrines the right to repair in Canadian law. Our vision is clear: a competitive, innovative and consumer-friendly auto care sector where independent professionals have access to the necessary repair data and the tools to thrive, and where Canadian drivers benefit from choice, affordability and trust.
The momentum we built this past year was only the beginning. The road ahead is long, but with collaboration, determination, and bold advocacy, we are confident that Canada can lead the way in securing the right to repair for all. To get involved, visit righttorepair.ca.
ANY AND EVERY PART, THAT’S NAPA KNOW-HOW.
Emily Holtby serves as vice president, government relations for the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada). She leads the association's advocacy work with federal and provincial governments, representing AIA Canada in meetings with government officials, staff, and external stakeholders.
THE PARTS DILEMMA
The ongoing inventory challenges between auto service shops and their parts suppliers is a common issue these days. As someone who has operated on both sides of the industry, first as an independent jobber and now managing a national franchise network of auto service locations, I’ve seen firsthand how inventory can either be a strategic advantage or a frustrating bottleneck.
The jobber perspective
During my time running our family-owned jobber business, inventory was always the heartbeat of our operation. It wasn’t just about having parts on the shelf — it was about having the right
parts in the right quantities at the right time.
We constantly evaluated our product lines, min-max levels, inventory accuracy and deadstock. As a full independent jobber, I often found myself analyzing the physical space in our stores and the duplication of SKUs across multiple lines. While this duplication supported customer choice, it often came at the expense of inventory efficiency and depth.
When we joined NAPA in 2014, we took a more analytical approach. Using proprietary inventory modelling tools, we refined our product mix, adjusted min-max levels and began tracking key performance indicators like stock-outs and fill rates. This data-driven strategy helped us better understand how our inventory decisions impacted customer satisfaction and profitability.
The hidden strain between jobbers and shops // By Zakari Krieger
Operating multiple stores in a single city presented its own set of challenges. We faced limitations in warehouse space, which restricted our ability to stock the inventory needed to meet market demand. In Canada, geographic diversity adds another layer of complexity. Finding warehouse space in Alberta is vastly different from securing it in the GTA or in Montreal. These regional differences affect how jobbers can scale and serve their markets effectively.
It’s been several years since I transitioned out of the jobber business, and the landscape has evolved dramatically. Technology continues to reshape how we manage inventory. Economic headwinds have made it harder to keep pace. COVID-19, inflation, and the post-pandemic labour shortage have all placed pressure on the distribution ecosystem. Rising interest rates made operating credit facilities more expensive, directly impacting a jobber’s ability to invest in inventory.
Margins are always under pressure. Increased competition, especially from large corporate players, has compressed profitability, making it harder for independent jobbers to reinvest in their businesses. Add to that the impact of tariffs, trade disruptions and rising rental rates in core metro markets, and it’s clear that jobbers are navigating a minefield of financial and operational challenges.
The shop’s frustration
From the shop’s perspective, inventory issues at the distributor level often feel like a direct impediment to efficiency. Technicians lose valuable time waiting for parts, service bays sit idle and customer satisfaction suffers. Shops rely on jobbers to be agile and responsive. But the reality is that many jobbers are constrained by factors beyond their control: Space limitations,
financial pressures and supply chain disruptions.
In metro markets, some large distributors have tried to solve this by building expansive footprints closer to the customer. While this can improve service levels, it also introduces new challenges. High rent costs can strangle profitability and aggressive market entry strategies often lead to margin erosion, making the model unsustainable in the long term.
A relationship worth preserving
Despite these challenges, the relationship between jobbers and shops remains one of the most important — and successful — formulas in the automotive aftermarket. It’s a business-to-business partnership built on trust, responsiveness and shared goals. But maintaining that relationship requires jobbers to be more agile than ever, balancing inventory health with financial sustainability, and shops to understand the broader pressures their suppliers face.
As we move forward, collaboration will be key. Technology can help bridge some of the gaps, such as real-time inventory visibility, predictive analytics and smarter logistics, but it won’t solve everything.
The relationship between shops and jobbers is deeply interconnected.
Zakari Krieger is the Fix Network, Canadian vice president of Prime CarCare, responsible for the Canadian retail business, encompassing the Speedy Auto Service and Novus Auto Glass business lines
It’s not about pizza. It’s about putting forward meaningful gestures to the people who work in your shop // Greg Aguilera
Mini-Ductor® Venom
t’s a common sight: A shop owner brings in pizza on Friday, convinced it’s a sign of appreciation. And while no one’s turning down a slice, here’s the uncomfortable truth — a box of pizza isn’t taking care of the shop.
The real question every leader should ask is this: If you worked for you, would these gestures feel meaningful?
Today’s workforce faces higher costs of living, heavier stress loads and more awareness of self-care than ever before. People aren’t just looking for pay; they want balance, respect and purpose.
And the kicker? As a leader you want those things, too. If you’re running yourself ragged, skipping your own health, and never finding time to reset, you’re modelling the exact opposite of what your team needs.
Respect time, theirs and yours
If you worked for you, would you feel your time was protected? For technicians and service staff, that means fair schedules, predictable hours and real vacations without guilt. For you, it means setting boundaries, avoiding constant “after-hours” firefighting, and learning to say no when the schedule is already maxed.
Your people will follow your lead. If you respect your own time, they’ll know it’s OK to respect theirs.
Health is wealth for everyone
Auto repair is tough work. Long hours on the floor, heavy lifts, mental strain on diagnostics — all of it wears people down. And leaders aren’t immune. Taking care of health doesn’t just mean
KEY TAKEAWAYS
▶ Respect time: Protect schedules and model healthy boundaries yourself.
▶ Prioritize health: Look beyond insurance; encourage real wellness for your team and yourself.
▶ Invest in growth: Provide training for staff and keep learning as a leader.
▶ Build communication: Create open dialogue for your team and find your own support network.
▶ Lead with purpose: Connect your team and yourself to a bigger vision than just turning wrenches.
insurance paperwork; it might mean gym or wellness memberships, a shop culture that encourages hydration and breaks, or even something as simple as walking meetings.
Ask yourself: If you worked for you, would you feel encouraged to put your health first? Or would you feel guilty about stepping away?
Growth matters more than goodies
For your staff, growth means training, certifications and opportunities to build a career, not just a job. For you, growth means carving out time to keep learning, whether that’s leadership development, financial training or technical courses to keep sharp on new systems.
If you’re stuck, your shop will be stuck. Growth can only be modelled from the top.
Communication builds culture
Pizza gets eaten in 15 minutes. Communication builds loyalty for years. Regular check-ins, honest conversations and clear expectations make people feel seen. And that includes you. Do you have someone you can talk to, whether it’s a coach, mentor, or peer group, where you can be honest about the challenges of running a shop?
If you don’t take care of your own need for communication and support, it’s hard to give it to your team.
Purpose over perks
Employees today want meaning in their work. They want to be proud of where they work and what the business stands for. But here’s the flip side: So do you. If you’ve lost sight of your shop’s “why,” if it feels like you’re just grinding through work to make payroll, it’s hard to inspire your team.
The stronger your connection to purpose, the stronger theirs will be.
The bottom line
Taking care of your shop isn’t about buying food. It’s about building an environment where time, health, growth, communication and purpose are valued — for your team and for yourself. When the leader burns out, the shop follows.
So ask yourself: If I worked for me, would it be enough? If the answer is “no,” it’s not about the pizza. It’s about the leadership.
Take charge of your career
Are you an automotive service technician in Hamilton, London, Guelph, or Sudbury? Ready to boost your skills in cutting-edge automotive tech?
The Innovation in Automotive Training Program offers FREE up-skilling training at Conestoga College, Fanshawe College, Mohawk College, and Cambrian College. This Winter 2026, choose from two training paths:
• ADAS: Master understanding and recalibrate Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
• EV Up-skilling: Enhance your expertise in Electric Vehicle maintenance and repair.
Greg Aguilera
BAYWATCH
TPMS RETROFIT KIT
Schrader TPMS Solutions has launched the AirCheck BLE Retrofit Kit designed for towable trailers, recreational trailers, motorhomes and passenger cars without factory TPMS. It features featuring Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. The kit includes BLE sensors that monitor pressure, temperature and sensor battery status, providing information displayed in a mobile app. The kit also comes with a rechargeable range extender that helps expand the communication range between sensors and the mobile app to 225 meters. www.schradertpms.com
TAKE A LOOK AT THE NEWEST PRODUCTS
ABS SENSORS
Standard Motor Products expanded its ABS Sensor program, which now covers more than nine million General Motors vehicles, including 2024-20 HeavyDuty trucks, the 2024-20 Cadillac CT4, and the 202215 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. Further new coverage for domestic vehicles includes SKUs for the 2024-22 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer, 2024-19 RAM 1500 and 3500, 202221 Ford EcoSport, and more. Coverage has also been added for import vehicles like the 2024-20 Nissan Sentra, 2022-19 Toyota Prius, 2020-18 Honda Accord and 2020-18 Hyundai Santa Fe. www.standardbrand.com
LEVERLESS TIRE CHANGER
Rotary Solutions, part of Vehicle Service Group (VSG) has added the R1250 Leverless Tire Changer. Key features of the tire changer: Pneumatic frontloading wheel lift for strain-free setup; Dual-bead rollers for faster mounting and demounting; Laser-guided, automatic tool positioning for perfect accuracy; Patented, quick-locking center-clamping pedestal helps prevent accidental wheel damage; Telescoping, three-position pedestal to service a wide range of wheels; Built-in memory functionality and intuitive controls for easy operation. www.rotarysolutions.com
COUNTERFEITPROOF LABEL
Dana Incorporated’s Victor Reinz Reinzosil room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone gasket maker has a new look — the new blister packaging features a secure sticker from Authentic Vision, providing more effective protection from product piracy and forgery. The Dana secure label makes it easy to verify product authenticity. The label is made up of a serialized QR code with an integrated hologram containing a unique digital fingerprint. Scanning the QR code with the Dana secure app for smartphones shows whether the product is an original product or a counterfeit. www.danaaftermarket.com
Air Lift Performance is now offering coilover suspension kits. Each kit comes with vehicle-specific mounts for an accurate bolt-on installation. It also has vehicle-specific valving and internal pressure. The coilovers have 32-way damping adjustment, monotube dampers, anodized aluminum damper bodies, top mounts, locking collars and spring perches, vehicle-specific upper and lower mounts for a bolt-on installation and vehicle-specific valving. www.airliftcompany.com
CAR-TOONS
BAYWATCH
NEW KITS
Standard Motor Products added several new kits and multipacks to its line up. The Blue Streak GDI High-Pressure Fuel Pump Kits have been released for 3.7 million General Motor vehicles. Standard Oil Filter Housing Kits are new for multiple popular makes and models, including the 2024-19 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2024-19 RAM 1500, 2024-19 Dodge Durango, 2016-11 Volvo S60 and more. Blue Streak Cam and Crank Sensor Kits have been released for a variety of popular Ford vehicles, and Standard Turbocharger Kits are new for Ford, Volvo, and General Motors vehicles. www.standardbrand.com
THERMAL IMAGER
The new Diagnostic Thermal Imager+ from Snap-on uses infrared technology to reveal heat caused by friction, electrical resistance, pressure changes and more. Key features include: Point at any area of the vehicle for detailed images of the object’s heat signature; customized views on screen to assist in diagnosis and pinpointing location; Image blending, split screen view, picture-in-picture view and recording a 20-second video and more.
www.snapon.com/diagnostics
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ALMOST 50% OF EURO VEHICLES IN NORTH AMERICA COME WITH CASTROL EDGE.
Castrol EDGE Euro Car is formulated to deliver at least 40% improved performance versus the most advanced European manufacturer and ACEA limits.** Creating more power for the same amount of fuel.***
