Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Key Takeaways:

Ubuntu – What It Means

• Ubuntu is an African philosophy that translates to "I am because we are."
• It emphasizes collective success: "I succeed because you succeed."
• Matt discovered the concept through a documentary on the Boston Celtics.

Lessons from the Boston Celtics

• The Celtics’ success was built on teamwork, sacrifice, and shared goals.
• The "Big Three" (Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen) were asked by Coach Doc Rivers: "What are you willing to give up to win?"
• Unlike professional athletes, most employees don’t have financial security, making true teamwork harder to achieve.

Applying Ubuntu in the Auto Repair Industry

• Success in a shop depends on collaboration, not just individual performance.
• Leaders must foster a culture where employees support each other’s growth.
• Challenges:
• Money can distort priorities—owners and employees must trust that success will be shared.
• Transparency is key—profits should lead to better pay, equipment, and shop improvements.

The Risk of Greed & Lack of Accountability

• Some owners struggle to share profits even when business improves.
• Employees may also lose integrity if incentives aren’t aligned with teamwork.
• Solution: Clear structures (bonuses, profit-sharing) that reward collective effort.

Building a Winning Shop Culture

• Invest in team development—better tools, training, and processes.
• Encourage knowledge-sharing instead of hoarding skills.
• Success isn’t zero-sum—multiple shops can thrive without undercutting each other.

Actionable Insights:

For Owners/Managers:

• Back up "team-first" talk with real profit-sharing and shop improvements.
• Show employees how their sacrifices lead to shared rewards.

For Technicians/Advisors:

• Support colleagues—helping others succeed lifts the whole shop.
• Push for transparency if incentives feel unbalanced.

For Everyone:

• Watch sports documentaries (like the Celtics’ story) for leadership lessons.
• Adopt Ubuntu: "I am better because we are better."

Listener Q&A Submission: Have a question for Matt? Email: MattFanslowPodcast@gmail.com

Contact Information

• Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
• Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

In this episode, Matt Fanslow dives into listener-submitted questions, covering a wide range of automotive diagnostic and repair topics. From personal influences in the industry to technical advice on exhaust gas analyzers, catalytic converter testing, and ADAS calibrations, Matt shares his insights and expertise.

1. Who Do You Try to Emulate?

Matt reflects on the mentors and industry leaders who have shaped his approach to diagnostics and repair.

• TV Doctors vs. Real Mentors: While he jokes about emulating fictional doctors like Hawkeye Pierce, Gregory House, and Perry Cox, Matt credits real-world experts like John Thornton, Randy Burkholder, Jim Kemper, Matthew Ragsdale, Harvey Chan, and John Riegel for their influence.
• The Value of Deep Research: Matt highlights the importance of studying SAE documents, technical manuals, and foundational books like Internal Combustion Engine Fundamentals by John B. Heywood.
• Thought Leaders in the Industry: He also mentions Jim Wilson (ScanShare.io), Scott Manna, and others for their diagnostic methodologies and problem-solving approaches.

Takeaway: Success in automotive diagnostics comes from continuous learning, leveraging industry resources, and adopting best practices from experienced professionals.

2. Exhaust Gas Analyzers – What to Look For?

A listener asks about choosing the right exhaust gas analyzer for their shop. Matt breaks down the key features:

• PC/Android Interface: Essential for graphing gas readings (lambda, air-fuel ratio) over time.
• Portability: Needed for on-road testing to monitor performance under real driving conditions.
• Fast Sample Times: Look for analyzers with low transfer delays (under 5 seconds) for accurate real-time data.
• Cost Consideration: Expect to invest
• 5,000–
• 5,000–7,000+ for a quality unit.

Takeaway: A good exhaust gas analyzer should provide real-time data logging, lambda calculations, and portability for effective diagnostics.

3. Testing Catalytic Converters – Temperature vs. PCM Diagnostics

A student questions the validity of using infrared thermometers to test catalytic converters after hearing conflicting advice.

• PCM Algorithms Are Superior: Modern vehicles use complex oxygen storage calculations—far more accurate than manual temperature checks.
• Why Temperature Testing Falls Short:
• A "bad" cat might still pass a temp test.
• A "good" cat might fail due to external factors (exhaust leaks, sensor issues).
• Best Practice: Trust OBD-II diagnostics, fuel control verification, and factory procedures over manual methods.

Takeaway: Always verify fuel control, exhaust integrity, and PCM data before condemning a catalytic converter.

4. ADAS Calibrations – Troubleshooting Static Windshield Camera Issues

A technician struggles with static calibrations for windshield-mounted cameras. Matt offers troubleshooting tips:

• Check the Windshield Glass: Aftermarket glass is a common culprit for calibration failures.
• Lighting Conditions:
• Too much LED glare? Try diffusers or dimming shop lights.
• Use shipping blankets to reduce reflections on the hood/dash.
• Target Placement: Ensure the target is positioned per OEM specs—avoid background interference.
• RTFM (Read the Factory Manual): Always follow OEM procedures for target setup.

Takeaway: Calibration issues often stem from glass quality, lighting, or incorrect target alignment—double-check these factors first.

Listener Q&A Submission: Have a question for Matt? Email: MattFanslowPodcast@gmail.com

Contact...

Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech Training

Key Discussion Points:

What is Reverse Benchmarking?

• Traditional benchmarking focuses on studying what competitors do well, but reverse benchmarking involves analyzing what they do poorly and capitalizing on those weaknesses.
• Two interpretations:
• Looking at other industries for innovative ideas (e.g., team-building activities from tech companies).
• Example: Some shops now adopt spontaneous team outings (baseball games, go-karting) inspired by Silicon Valley culture.
• Staying within the automotive industry to identify gaps in competitors' customer experience or service offerings.

Applying Reverse Benchmarking in Auto Repair

• Customer Experience:
• Visit competitor shops (dealerships, independents) and note flaws—uncomfortable waiting room chairs, poor TV choices, limited snack/drink options.
• Actionable Fixes: Upgrade seating, offer neutral TV content (e.g., Joy of Painting), provide filtered water instead of plastic bottles.
• Market Gaps:
• If competitors specialize in European cars (like Seth Thorson’s shop), consider specializing in underserved markets (e.g., Asian brands like Hyundai, Kia, Nissan).
• Focus on services competitors avoid (advanced diagnostics, programming, driveline work).

Technician-Level Reverse Benchmarking

• In a shop with a star "R&R tech," instead of competing directly, fill gaps (e.g., diagnostics, electrical troubleshooting) to become indispensable.
• "See a need, fill a need"—position yourself as the go-to for overlooked but critical tasks.

Why It Works

• Creates a unique value proposition—whether for customers (better experience) or employers (specialized skills).
• Helps shops stand out in saturated markets by addressing unmet needs.

Final Thoughts:

• Reverse benchmarking isn’t new, but it’s underutilized in automotive.
• Whether you’re a shop owner, manager, or tech, observing competitors’ weaknesses can reveal opportunities for growth.

Contact Information

• Email Matt: mattfanslowpodcast@gmail.com
• Diagnosing the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel
• Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

Remarkable Results Radio Podcast with Carm Capriotto: Advancing the Aftermarket by Facilitating Wisdom Through Story Telling and Open Discussion. https://remarkableresults.biz/

Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z with Matt Fanslow: From Diagnostics to Metallica and Mental Health, Matt Fanslow is Lifting the Hood on Life. https://mattfanslow.captivate.fm/

Business by the Numbers with Hunt Demarest: Understand the Numbers of Your Business with CPA Hunt Demarest.