Épisodes

  • Level Up Your Teaching Skills At NACAT Annual Conference

    Level Up Your Teaching Skills At NACAT Annual Conference
    Mar 11 2025
    The North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) is dedicated to empowering automotive instructors. As President Drew Barnes puts it, "Really, our mission is simple. We are automotive teachers for automotive teachers." This means providing the ongoing training and resources instructors need to stay current and excel in their roles.

    One of these resources, the NACAT Conference, is an annual event uniting automotive educators and professionals from North America. It offers networking, workshops, seminars, and hands-on training, promoting excellence and collaboration in automotive education. This year it will be held June 9-12 at the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, MI,

    In this episode of the T2iQ podcast, Tomorrow's Technician's editor, Doug Kaufman, talks about NACAT's mission and the conference's value with Barnes, who is also an automotive instructor at Vale High School in Vale, Oregon; instructor Krystal Roherty, automotive instructor at Fredericton High School in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada; and Heather Sebben, NACAT's business manager.

    Participants stress hat the conference offers more than just training sessions. It provides invaluable networking and collaboration opportunities. The Detroit event will feature keynote speakers from General Motors, a Ford Rouge Factory tour, and the ever-popular valve cover races – all alongside a range of workshops covering the latest automotive advancements.

    Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow instructors, learn from leading experts, and elevate your teaching. Visit NACAT to learn more and register for the Detroit conference.
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    16 min
  • ShopSquad Todd Koch for review

    ShopSquad Todd Koch for review
    Dec 20 2024
    On the latest episode of NGK's Shop Squad “Now You Know” podcast, Doug Kaufman interviews Todd Koch, Senior Product Manager at Niterra North America. This episode dives deep into advancements and best practices related to spark plugs and ignition coils, offering valuable insights for professionals in the automotive repair industry.Key Takeaways for Automotive Professionals:
    1. The Evolution of Spark Plugs
      • High ignitability spark plugs are crucial for modern, high-pressure engines, ensuring clean and efficient combustion.
      • Pre-gapped high ignitability plugs should not be adjusted. For other plugs, always use proper gapping tools to prevent damage.
      • Over-torquing spark plugs is a common mistake that can lead to cracks. Avoid using anti-seize compounds on NGK plugs to ensure proper installation.
    2. The Aftermarket and OE Standards
      • NGK's aftermarket plugs undergo the same rigorous testing as their OE counterparts, ensuring top-tier performance and reliability.
      • Todd emphasized the importance of purchasing from authorized dealers to avoid counterfeit products, which can compromise performance and safety.
    3. Upgraded Ignition Coils
      • MOD ignition coils from NGK feature enhanced durability with high-temperature materials and tighter windings, making them ideal for high-performance and demanding applications like fleet vehicles and police cruisers.
      • While MOD coils provide added reliability, they are best suited for performance applications rather than standard commuter vehicles.
    4. Practical Insights for Repair Shops
      • Educate customers on selecting parts that fit their specific vehicle needs rather than opting for upgrades that may not provide tangible benefits.
      • Stay updated on new product launches, including 82 new ignition coil part numbers Niterra plans to release in the next year.
    This episode underscores Niterra’s commitment to innovation and education, empowering automotive professionals to make informed decisions that enhance their service quality. For more technical resources, visit ShopSquadOnline.com.
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    13 min
  • Make Good Choices With The Rustbelt Mechanic

    Make Good Choices With The Rustbelt Mechanic
    Jun 7 2021
    Experts say it all comes down to supply and demand - if you can supply what's needed, you can demand whatever you want. Experts say an increasingly challenging technician shortage has them worried for the future - are you making the right choices with regard to your career? Doug Kaufman, editor of Tomorrow’s Technician and The Rustbelt Mechanic, Kyle Thoreen, talk about the opportunities – and challenges - that are waiting for tomorrow's technicians.
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    27 min