DRiV's expansion includes an extensive range of Wagner HVAC components, meticulously designed to cater to the climate control needs of light vehicles. This comprehensive line features essential parts such as radiators, A/C condensers, expansion valves, heater cores, and blower motors, all engineered to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance. Furthermore, the introduction of Wagner's advanced sensor line, comprising Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) and Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensors, underscores the brand’s dedication to precision and durability. These sensors boast high-quality chip components built to resist corrosion and endure extreme temperatures, with OE-style connectors facilitating straightforward installation for technicians.
Addressing the robust requirements of commercial vehicles, DRiV has launched the FP Diesel line of starters and alternators. Each unit in this collection is constructed from 100% new components, ensuring superior reliability and extended service life. This initiative reflects DRiV’s strategic vision to provide comprehensive solutions across diverse automotive segments, reinforcing its position as a key supplier for heavy-duty applications.
For enhanced ride quality and vehicle stability, DRiV proudly presents the Monroe Air Suspension line. This innovative range encompasses air springs, air shocks, and air struts, available under the esteemed Monroe, OESpectrum, and Monroe Restore brands. These components undergo rigorous testing for leaks and are meticulously crafted to minimize noise and vibration, promising a smooth and comfortable driving experience. All Monroe Air Suspension products are backed by a limited lifetime warranty, affirming DRiV’s confidence in their product quality and durability.
Joseph Saoud, Vice President and General Manager for DRiV US and Canada, emphasized the strategic importance of these new product introductions. He stated that the expansion of the product portfolio—including HVAC components, FP Diesel Starters and Alternators, Wagner Sensors, and Monroe Air Suspension—highlights DRiV's unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality solutions that align with the evolving demands of the North American automotive market. This move is designed to empower installers with the necessary tools and components for sustained success in a rapidly changing industry landscape.
In a significant advancement for the automotive service industry, BendPak's Ranger Division has introduced its latest innovation, the RB30T hybrid wheel balancer. This cutting-edge equipment is poised to revolutionize how workshops handle a broad spectrum of vehicles, from the most robust commercial trucks to nimble passenger cars. The RB30T is engineered to deliver unparalleled precision and efficiency, streamlining operations for diverse fleets.
In a highly anticipated announcement on August 25, 2025, BendPak's esteemed Ranger Division proudly launched its groundbreaking RB30T hybrid wheel balancer. This sophisticated device is meticulously designed to cater to the multifaceted demands of modern automotive service centers, adeptly handling both heavy-duty vehicles and standard passenger cars. The RB30T's remarkable versatility extends to balancing wheels for an impressive array of vehicles, including buses, towering semi-trucks, rugged OTR applications, capable light-duty trucks, and elegant passenger cars.
A recent press statement from BendPak highlighted the RB30T's unique capability to manage even the most substantial truck and bus wheels while upholding exceptional precision for smaller passenger vehicle wheels. Operators can seamlessly transition between different vehicle applications with a mere press of a button, thanks to its intuitive design. Furthermore, the inclusion of a robust pneumatic wheel lift dramatically eases the handling of weighty wheels, enhancing both safety and operational efficiency.
Sean Price, the distinguished Director of Product Development, enthusiastically stated, \"The new RB30T wheel balancer is truly an all-encompassing solution.\" He emphasized, \"Its profound versatility positions the RB30T as an outstanding choice, not only for heavy-duty vehicle fleets and specialized repair garages but also for high-volume tire shops and enterprises managing mixed vehicle fleets.\"
The RB30T's platform has undergone a meticulous re-engineering process to accommodate greater weight and size, boasting an impressive capacity to support up to 330 pounds and manage tire diameters extending to 49.25 inches. It adeptly balances widths up to 20 inches, all while maintaining remarkably swift cycle times: a mere 7 seconds for standard car wheels and a rapid 20 seconds for complete truck assemblies, significantly boosting throughput.
At its technological core, the RB30T integrates the sophisticated Ranger Drive-Check system, an advanced balancing technology that precisely simulates real-world driving conditions. This system is capable of detecting even the most subtle vibrations before they manifest on the road, ensuring superior performance and safety. A powerful 64-bit microprocessor underpins this intricate system, enabling swift and accurate data processing. Moreover, the balancer employs high-precision quartz piezoelectric sensors to meticulously measure vibrations across longitudinal, transverse, and shear axes. Upon identifying any imbalance, the system intelligently recommends the most efficient correction method. Complementing these features, the system is equipped with a durable ribbed nylon-fiber drive belt, a meticulously counter-weighted flywheel system, and a comprehensive multi-piece commercial mounting kit, affirming its robust construction and user-friendly operation.
The launch of BendPak's RB30T hybrid wheel balancer represents a significant leap forward in automotive service technology. From a professional standpoint, this innovation addresses a critical need in an increasingly diversified automotive landscape. Workshops and service centers often face the challenge of investing in multiple specialized machines to cater to the varied demands of commercial and passenger vehicles. The RB30T's 'hybrid' capability not only reduces capital expenditure but also optimizes valuable floor space, making it an economically sound and spatially efficient choice. Its advanced diagnostic features, coupled with rapid cycle times, promise to enhance workshop productivity and customer satisfaction by delivering precise and timely wheel balancing services. This development underscores the industry's continuous drive towards smarter, more integrated solutions that elevate both efficiency and diagnostic accuracy.
The August edition of ShopOwner magazine, presented in an interactive digital format and incorporating contributions from Brake & Front End, is now available. This issue covers a spectrum of topics critical to contemporary automotive service and business management. Readers will discover articles focused on strategies for client memory enhancement regarding vehicle service, the significant role of thrust angles in Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS) functionality, and the common pitfalls associated with self-managed business exit plans, among other valuable insights. Furthermore, this publication integrates in-depth technical analyses from allied ShopOwner platforms, including Underhood Service, ImportCar, Tire Review, and TechShop.
This latest release from ShopOwner and Brake & Front End offers an immersive digital experience, providing industry professionals with easily digestible content. Published on August 25, 2025, this edition underscores the evolving landscape of automotive repair and service.
A key focus of the August issue is on practical applications for shop owners and technicians. One article discusses methods to improve customers' recollection of essential vehicle maintenance, specifically addressing memory steer issues, thereby fostering client loyalty. Another piece sheds light on the intricate relationship between vehicle thrust angles and the precise operation of ADAS technologies, a vital consideration for modern vehicle diagnostics and repair.
Moreover, the magazine tackles the challenging subject of business succession and exit planning, highlighting why do-it-yourself approaches often fall short. This provides invaluable guidance for shop owners contemplating the future of their enterprises. Beyond management and strategic insights, the publication features rich technical content. This includes specialized segments from Underhood Service, providing detailed under-the-hood diagnostic procedures; ImportCar, focusing on the unique challenges of imported vehicle maintenance; Tire Review, offering expertise on tire technologies and service; and TechShop, delivering cutting-edge technical insights for the workshop floor. These integrated contributions ensure a holistic view of the automotive service industry, blending business acumen with technical proficiency.
The current digital edition of ShopOwner serves as an indispensable resource for automotive service professionals, offering a blend of operational advice and technical expertise to navigate the complexities of the modern automotive industry. It aims to equip readers with the knowledge needed for both business growth and technical excellence.