The 20 most popular stories in vehicle repair from 2021

Jan. 5, 2022
Last year, our readers were most interested in diagnostic products, A/C service tips, and tradeshow photo galleries.

With 2021 behind us — finally! — the editors at PTEN, Motor Age, ABRN, and Professional Distributor  magazines took a look at what content was the most popular on our joint website. Below you will find the articles, videos, blogs, and more that caught the attention of our readers last year. Let us know in the comments which one was your favorite.

Top content for vehicle repair professionals in 2021

20. 7 common mistakes shops make when recruiting technicians 
From relying too much on job boards to not including other employees, WrenchWay’s Co-Founder and CEO Mark Wilson shares where shops are falling short when recruiting technicians and tips on how to fix them.

19. Winners of AAPEX 2021's New Product Showcase announced
Power circuit tester, work lights, vehicle data solution among winning new products.

18. Top 5 states with the highest car repair costs 
CarMD released its annual state ranking of check engine light-related car repair costs for 2020.

17. Panel: What young techs are looking for out of a shop
You aren't alone in your struggle to find and keep young techs in your shop. Three industry stakeholders weigh in on what we are doing wrong — and how to fix it — in the fight to recruit the younger generation.

16. A/C service tips 
It is imperative that you review and follow OE recommended service procedures for any repair. Let's talk about that with a slant on servicing A/C systems.

15. Top 10 diagnostic products/updates Q3 2021
Check out the most clicked on diagnostic tools on VehicleServicePros.com from the third quarter.

14. 2021 holiday gift guide for automotive technicians (all on sale!) 
Three fuel kits, two Cornwell promos, and a Mac Tools 6” knife.

13. Your top 7 A/C service questions answered
From testing to new technologies, our experts have the answers.

12. How battery and hybrid electric vehicle service is impacting independent repair shops
IMR Inc. released its latest report after interviewing 1,000 repair shops across the U.S.

11. 7 Secrets of Successful Auto Repair Shops 
Focus on training and development, hiring the right people, and being ‘on your mission’.

10. Carbon calamities 
For all their benefits in efficiency and fuel economy, GDI engines can quickly suffer from carbon deposits. We examine their cause, symptoms, and prevention.

9. The real cause of P0420/P0430 DTCs 
The 'Catalytic Converter Efficiency' codes might imply a failed converter, but odds are the ultimate fault lies somewhere else.

8. What a supplier should bring to the table
Steve Tucker with Automotive Parts Associates talks about supplier responsibility, changing vehicles in today's market, supply chain challenges and AAPEX.

7. Guest Blog: How to service AGM batteries
As the AGM battery becomes more popular in vehicles, technicians must be aware of the differences in servicing this battery compared to the traditional lead-acid battery.

6. ScannerDanner: GDI Misfire "Comeback" What Did We Miss?
The 2016 Ford 1.6L Ecoboost is back with a misfire. This engine had four new injectors, and a high-pressure pump installed about three months ago.

5. Turbocharger diagnosis and maintenance
With proper maintenance, a turbocharger can outlast the engine it’s installed on. But without it, it can be destroyed in several thousand miles — ​or even a few minutes. Here's how to maintain and diagnose them.

4. Top 10 diagnostic products Q2 2021
Is your shop looking to upgrade its diagnostic tools and equipment? Check out the most clicked diagnostic tools on VehicleServicePros.com from the second quarter.

3. Photo Gallery: MEDCO/Ace Tool 2021 Customer Show 
The annual event was held Oct. 1-2 in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

2. 5 most common check engine light-related repairs in 2020
CarMD's 2021 Vehicle Health Index breaks down the five most common check engine light-related repairs in 2020, along with the average repair costs.

1. Photo Gallery: AAPEX/SEMA 2021
The AAPEX and SEMA Shows wrapped up during the first week of November in Las Vegas.

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About the Author

Amanda Silliker

Amanda Silliker is the former editorial director of the Vehicle Repair Group at Endeavor Business Media. She oversaw five brands  — Motor Age, PTEN, Professional Distributor, ABRN, and Aftermarket Business World. Prior to her tenure with Endeavor, she had over a decade in B2B publishing at Thomson Reuters, ranging from writing and editing content for print and web to managing awards programs and speaking at conferences and industry events. Connect with her on LinkedIn

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