Each year, the PTEN Aftermarket Profile provides a detailed look at how shops are operating and where technicians are focusing their time, attention, and investment. Built on insights from more than 500 readers, the report offers a clear snapshot of the priorities shaping today’s repair environment and the tools supporting that work.
One of the most consistent themes throughout this year’s findings is the continued importance of diagnostics. Scan tools and diagnostic equipment remain among the highest-return investments in the shop, reinforcing just how central they have become to modern repair. At the same time, technicians are increasingly relying on a mix of aftermarket and OEM resources, subscriptions, and connected devices to complete their work accurately and efficiently.
The data also reflects how purchasing behavior continues to evolve. Mobile tool distributors remain a primary source for tool purchases, but online platforms, retail locations, and direct-from-manufacturer channels are all playing a role in how technicians acquire equipment. Even more notably, a large percentage of technicians report making purchasing decisions based on what they see in industry media, highlighting the influence of information and education in the buying process.
Beyond purchasing, the Aftermarket Profile highlights the broader demands placed on today’s shops. From general maintenance and electrical diagnostics to reprogramming and air conditioning service, technicians are being asked to handle a wide range of repairs, often requiring specialized tools and ongoing training. At the same time, emerging technologies such as ADAS and telematics continue to shape how shops approach both equipment investment and service capabilities.
Taken together, the findings point to a repair environment that is becoming more technical, more connected, and more dependent on the right tools at the right time. As vehicles evolve and systems become more complex, the role of tools and equipment continues to expand beyond convenience and into necessity.
For more detailed insights from this year’s results, turn to page 16 for the full Aftermarket Profile.
About the Author
Nadine Battah
Editor-in-Chief
Nadine Battah is the editor-in-chief of Professional Tool & Equipment News (PTEN) and Professional Distributor magazines. She has been covering the automotive aftermarket since 2021, after graduating from Kent State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and marketing.
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