• According to the Auto Care Factbook 2020 and IMR Inc., delayed auto maintenance in the United States has reached $24.90 billion. What’s being delayed most are oil changes (11 million cars in need of an oil change), tire changes (nearly 7 million unchanged tires) and brake pads (over 5 million delayed brake jobs).
• A Federal Reserve report shows that relatively small, unexpected expenses — such as a car repair or replacing a broken appliance — can be a hardship for many families without adequate savings. When faced with a hypothetical expense of $400, nearly 40% of adults surveyed would be unable to cover the cost using cash, savings or a credit card paid off at the next statement.
• On average, Americans spent $1,986 on vehicle repairs and maintenance in the last five years, according to a recent Ally survey conducted online by The Harris Poll. Millennials and Generation Z people (ages 18-34) paid an average of $2,334 compared to $1,654 for adults 55 and older.
• Franchisee Galena Companies has acquired five quick lubes in New Jersey that are now operating as Valvoline Instant Oil Change (VIOC) service centers. Galena now operates more than 30 VIOC shops in New Jersey.
• RepairPal reports that its RepairPal Certified network has reached a new milestone: its 2,500th auto repair shop.
• Jack Williams Tire & Auto Service Centers has launched a mobile tire installation program called “Jack’s Mobile Tire Installation.” The company has over three dozen locations across northeastern and central Pennsylvania.
• Bolt On Technology has launched a new website that includes a portal allowing shop owners and technicians to access their customer account, training and business management content.
• A recent upgrade to Mitchell 1’s TruckSeries repair software includes enhanced wiring diagrams with intelligent navigation that takes users directly to specific component diagrams with the related wires automatically highlighted.
• TTN Fleet Solutions has entered into a strategic marketing partnership with Diesel Laptops. The move allows TTN to provide diagnostic tools and equipment along with related support and training to the towing and repair professionals within its network.
• Heavy-duty vehicle lift company Stertil-Koni will again sponsor National Lift Week, which will take place Oct. 7 to 12 in North America.
• ALLDATA is now a “preferred partner” of the Collision Advice Legacy Group Cooperative, an organization that works with Axalta’s customers to elevate the performance and profitability of its members. The group also works to leverage the buying power of its members on select products and services.
• Mitchell International has merged its glass claims, repair and replacement offerings into the Mitchell cloud platform to create Mitchell Cloud Glass. The new point-of-sale software is designed as a replacement for Mitchell GlassMate.