Auto Care ON AIR

Diesel is climbing, synthetic motor oil is still hard to source, and the ripple effects are landing squarely on the automotive aftermarket. We walk through the newest data on gasoline prices and diesel prices, then zoom out to show why the real story is bigger than a number on a station sign. When global energy supplies get disrupted, the cost to move crude rises too, and that can show up later as higher freight bills, pricier parts, and tougher decisions for repair shops and fleets.

We also dig into the synthetic motor oil shortage and what it means when Group III base oils are constrained. You’ll hear why some premium low viscosity oils and driveline lubricants are impacted, and why the American Petroleum Institute extending emergency provisional licensing matters to manufacturers trying to keep products flowing while still meeting performance requirements. Add refinery economics to the mix, where diesel and jet fuel margins can pull output away from lubricant base stocks, and it becomes clear why lower gasoline prices don’t automatically fix motor oil supply.

From there, we connect the dots to the supply chain: diesel’s outsized role in commercial transportation, unusually low distillate inventories, fuel surcharges, and the pressure these costs put on distribution networks. We also talk through a key business question: are higher prices driving true demand growth, or just raising dollar sales while volumes stay flat or fall? Finally, we share what the EIA outlook suggests through 2027 and why the timeline is still uncertain.

Subscribe so you don’t miss our updates, and if this helped you make sense of the market, share it with a colleague and leave a rating and review. What price or supply change are you seeing most right now?

Thanks to Astemo for sponsoring this episode! Visit aftermarket.astemo.com

Explore fuel price data with Auto Care TrendLens:
https://trendlens.autocare.org

Access vehicle maintenance and industry insights in the Auto Care Factbook:
https://www.autocare.org/factbook

Explore automotive aftermarket sales and demand trends:
https://www.autocare.org/demandindex

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Repair access is getting tighter, trade rules are shifting again, and the price of a basic oil change is starting to shock customers. We connect the dots between policy and the day to day realities of the automotive aftermarket, from independent repair shops to parts manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. If you’ve ever lost time on a job because you couldn’t access a function or piece of vehicle data, or watched margins shrink because your inputs jumped overnight, this one hits home.

We start with right to repair and why the fight has moved beyond broad talking points to the practical question of access to wirelessly transmitted repair and maintenance data. Then we dig into trade policy, including U.S. China tariff signals and growing U.S. Canada friction, and explain why your real exposure comes down to tariff classification, country of origin, duties, and timing. You’ll leave with concrete questions to ask your purchasing and customs teams, plus a simple way to capture impacts that strengthen industry advocacy.

Next, we flag a compliance issue many teams miss until it becomes urgent: Puerto Rico refrigerant sales requirements and what enforcement can mean for buyer verification, daily logs, and online orders. We also unpack rising motor oil prices and gasoline costs, how they change customer behavior, and what to review in supplier invoices, lead times, allocation limits, and oil specifications so you can protect service quality without getting blindsided.

We close with revised federal fuel economy standards and how CAFE policy should inform longer-term planning for product development, inventory, training, and equipment as the vehicle mix evolves. Subscribe for more aftermarket intelligence, share this with a colleague who owns purchasing or compliance, and leave a rating and review so more shop and parts pros can find us.

Check out the Auto Care Blog at autocare.org/blog

Thank you to Berryman Products for sponsoring this episode. You can learn more about Berryman at BerrymanProducts.com.

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State environmental policy is moving so fast that packaging, chemicals, and compliance can change before your next planning cycle is done and the automotive aftermarket is right in the blast radius. Stacey Miller sits down with Donovan Ringo, our Director of State Affairs and Grassroots, and Grant MacIntyre, our Director of Regulatory Affairs and Senior Attorney, to unpack what we are seeing across the country and what it means for the way parts, fluids, and shop supplies get made, shipped, and sold.

We break down Extended Producer Responsibility in practical terms: what EPR actually requires, why seven states already have programs in effect, and what it means when Maine, Maryland, and Vermont move into implementation. Grant also explains the Oregon EPR lawsuit that was just upheld and why that decision matters for enforcement and for companies that have been waiting to see how courts react. The big takeaway is simple: even if you do not sell into an EPR state today, the pass-through costs, margin pressure, and contract ripple effects can still land on your business.

Then we get into PFAS forever chemicals and why they are showing up in aftermarket conversations, from coatings on components to cleaning and appearance chemicals. We talk through state-by-state reporting, bans, and even product labeling requirements, plus the reality that regulators often underestimate how long it takes to reformulate products or rebuild supply chains. We close with state right to repair momentum in Maine and Massachusetts and why the highway reauthorization bill could be the federal path to real progress.

Check out the Auto Care Blog at autocare.org/blog

Check out the Auto Care EPR Toolkit at autocare.org/epr-resources

Thank you to Berryman Products for sponsoring this episode. You can learn more about Berryman at BerrymanProducts.com.

Subscribe for more regulatory and right to repair updates, share this with a colleague who owns compliance, and leave a rating and review so more aftermarket pros can find the show.

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Confidence can look like calm eye contact, a well-timed question, or simply walking into the room even when your stomach says “run.” Jacki Lutz sits down with Danni Withers, Partnership Strategy and Development Manager at WHI Solutions (an eBay company), and Lisa Foshee, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and General Counsel at the Auto Care Association, for a grounded conversation on how real confidence is built in the automotive aftermarket.

We unpack a truth most people don’t say out loud: confidence doesn’t mean you feel zero fear. Stage fright, imposter syndrome, and anxious “firsts” still show up at every level, from new roles in tech to meetings on Capitol Hill. Lisa shares why being the most prepared person in the room changes everything, and Danny breaks down the difference between looking confident and being confidently knowledgeable. We also talk about asking questions without apologizing, what “fake it till you make it” should actually mean, and how comparison on social media can quietly drain your momentum.

If networking has felt harder after remote work and COVID, you’ll love the practical tips: turn your camera on, get face time with people, arrive early, pick your seat, bring paper notes, and give yourself a simple plan for who you want to reconnect with. We wrap with the line that ties it all together: confidence is the receipt you get after you do the thing.

This episode is brought to you by Berryman Products. You can learn more about their products at BerrymanProducts.com. 

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Consumer confidence looks shaky, headlines feel grim, and yet the registers keep ringing. We sit down with Mark Matthews, Chief Economist and Executive Director at the National Retail Federation, to unpack what retail data is really saying about the US consumer and why the old rules around sentiment and spending no longer hold the way they used to.

We get into the massive scale of retail and the practical indicators Mark’s team watches to track consumer health: surveys, retail sales growth, wage and inflation dynamics, and the uncomfortable reality of a low savings rate. Then we shift to retail technology trends that are changing the shopping journey fast, from AI search replacing traditional keyword discovery to store automation like shelf-scanning robots and self-checkout. We also talk about the friction point that can’t be ignored: customer trust, data privacy, and the debate around electronic shelf labels and fears of dynamic pricing.

From there, we dig into the K-shaped economy and why higher-income consumers can drive headline growth even when lower-income households feel squeezed. We explore trading down, where shoppers cut what’s easiest, swap brands, and hunt value, plus the long-term shift toward services spending that reshapes everything from inflation perception to retail strategy. We close with Mark’s perspective on working with “too much data,” how to set hypotheses without forcing a story, and what smarter data choices can do for any business trying to understand demand.

Big thank you to Berryman Products for sponsoring this episode. You can learn more about Berryman and all of their products at BerrymanProducts.com.

Subscribe, share this with a colleague, and leave a rating and review if the conversation helps you see consumer spending and retail trends more clearly.

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AAPEX doesn’t stay relevant by standing still and we’re not pretending a “same show, new year” strategy works anymore. Jacki Lutz sits down with Mark Bogdansky and Ted Hughes to unpack what changed last year, what worked, and how Industry Week in Las Vegas is being redesigned to help you do better business in less time while still discovering what’s next in the automotive aftermarket.

They talk about the big shift that reshaped the attendee experience: segmenting the show floor by product category and moving booth locations so discovery feels new again. From food trucks and on-floor rest areas to activations like short escape rooms, a NASCAR simulator, supply chain games, stage programming, and even automotive parts turned into art for charity, the focus is simple: keep you on the show floor where the value is. We also share what’s coming with celebrity moments, keynotes, media hubs, and community-driven networking that make it easier to learn, connect, and recharge without losing momentum.

AWDA plays a major role in how the week starts, so we cover the one-on-one meeting format, the Sunday night general session and awards, and why the conference is a launchpad rather than a finish line. Then we get practical with the habits that separate a great show from a costly trip: plan ahead, build buffer time, split responsibilities across your team, and bring learnings back to the office.

Most important, they call out the biggest missed opportunity in trade show ROI: follow-up. If you want stronger leads, better relationships, and real results after AAPEX, hit play, take notes, and share this with the teammate who controls your post-show process. Subscribe, leave a rating and review, and send this episode to someone who’s headed to Vegas with you.

Thank you to Schrader TPMS for sponsoring this episode. If you want to learn more about their TPMS solutions, visit SchraderTPMS.com.

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Walking into a conference and seeing leaders from every corner of the automotive aftermarket can trigger that gut reaction: I don’t belong here. We’ve felt it too, and we’re here to tell you something simple, you have more to offer than you think, and the room is better when you’re in it.

Jacki Lutz sits down with Auto Care Association President and CEO Bill Hanvey and Cliff Hovis, President of Hovis Auto and Truck Supply, to unpack what “getting involved” really means, from joining committees and communities to simply attending events and meeting people outside your day-to-day lane. They talk about curiosity as a career skill, how volunteering builds confidence over time, and why this industry’s culture is uniquely welcoming to newcomers. You’ll also hear how involvement creates tangible value: earlier insight into market shifts, smarter decision-making, stronger cross-industry relationships, and a clearer understanding of how your role fits into the larger aftermarket ecosystem.

They also dig into advocacy and why showing up as a group changes the impact, whether you care about Right to Repair or the bigger challenges the industry faces. For managers, they share a practical approach: encourage your people to stretch, then ask them to bring back what they learn so the business benefits. Applications for Auto Care Association committee positions are open, and there’s a place for every interest, from emerging technologies and sustainability to marketing, government affairs, and events.

If you’re ready to stop staying in your silo, listen now, share this with someone who needs a push, and subscribe and leave a review so more professionals can find the show.

Auto Care committee applications are open September 14 - November 9, 2026. You can learn more and apply at autocare.org/committees

This episode is brought to you by Schrader TPMS, learn more about their TPMS solutions at SchraderTPMS.com.

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A single bump can erase months of planning, but it can also reveal exactly what you’re made of. From the base of Pikes Peak, Jacki Lutz sits down with professional race car driver Robb Holland to talk about a year that started with momentum and ended with one of the biggest crashes of his career, a violent impact with boulders at over 100 mph, a car tumbling, and a hard landing upside down.

Robb walks us through the details that most highlight reels leave out: why altitude and new pavement change everything, how competition pushed the limits with massive horsepower, and what it feels like when you realize you no longer have control. Then we get into the real survival story, the training that becomes automatic, cutting power to prevent fire, assessing fluid leaks, fighting a pinned door, and getting out in 33 seconds while time seems to slow down. It’s a vivid look at motorsports safety, crisis decision-making, and performance under pressure.

We also move beyond the crash into the mindset that helps people rebuild. Robb shares how the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb community shows up like family, why he refuses the victim mindset, and how accountability turns a setback into a learning plan. If you’re navigating adversity, leadership challenges, or the messy middle in your own career, you’ll leave with practical language for focusing on solutions, surrounding yourself with the right people, and taking the next step when motivation is gone.

This episode is brought to you by Schrader TPMS, to learn more about Schrader, visit SchraderTPMS.com.

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The cliff edge is right there, the road is narrow, and we’re still talking like it’s the most normal thing in the world. That’s the vibe as we record while driving up Pikes Peak with professional race car driver Caitlin Zingler, who’s tackling the mountain for the first time and doing it with a calm that honestly shocks us. 

Hosted by Jacki Lutz, Caitlin shares her nontraditional racing origin story, starting not with childhood karting but with serious driver safety training, autocross, and track days that turned into a full commitment to motorsports. Then the conversation takes a turn: after the Paradise, California wildfire destroyed her family’s home and hometown, they rethought what mattered and chose to invest in experiences and time together, using insurance money to buy race cars. It’s a raw, hopeful look at how grief can rearrange priorities and how a big dream can become a family mission. 

We dig into the real risks people don’t see: the financial burden, the work required just to get the car to the track, and the reality that effort doesn’t guarantee a win, a podium, or even a finish. Caitlin explains why racing is “multiple full-time jobs,” from training like an athlete to building a brand, managing sponsors, and showing up consistently. Along the way, we connect the dots for business owners and automotive professionals: risk versus reward, staying focused on your own growth, and pushing forward when other people tell you to take the traditional path. 

We also get practical about motorsports fitness and performance: cardio, neck and core strength, intense brake pressure, and the mental load of staying present at speed, especially on a mountain where altitude and conditions change fast. If you’re weighing a big leap, building a career in racing, or just trying to stay steady in the middle of uncertainty, this ride up Pikes Peak will stick with you. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s on the edge of a big decision, and leave a rating and review so more people can find the show.

This episode was brought to you by SchraderTPMS, if you would like to learn more about their solutions, visit SchraderTPMS.com.

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Your work can be flawless and still fall flat if nobody understands it. We feel that tension all the time in the automotive aftermarket: cataloging, fitment, ACES, PIES, content syndication, and system details are critical, but they can sound like noise to the rest of the business. So our host, Jacki Lutz, brought Ryan Henderson (CarParts.com) and Brian Matthias (Dorman) into the carpool to talk about communication through storytelling, the skill that turns “accurate data” into “aligned action.”

They dig into why data pros often get boxed into speaking in ones and zeros, and how to break out of that corner without dumbing anything down. Ryan shares a simple mental model that sticks: think of a database like a pile of Legos. Sorting pieces helps, but building something recognizable is what creates meaning. Brian adds practical tactics for making technical language accessible, like expanding acronyms and using tiny memory hooks that help non-experts stay confident in the conversation.

They also get real about what changes depending on who you’re talking to. Leaders may want a clean yes-or-no and a clear ask, while technical teammates may want the full detail. They talk about trimming emails, not burying the ask, and even the “no hello” approach in chat so work doesn’t stall. On the listener side, they make the case that saying “I don’t understand” is not weakness, it’s a shortcut to clarity and trust. They even touch on using AI tools to sanity-check whether your message is the right level for a senior audience.

If you want stronger cross-functional communication, better stakeholder buy-in, and fewer painful misunderstandings around product data and fitment, hit play. Subscribe, share this with a teammate who lives in spreadsheets, and leave a rating and review so more aftermarket pros can find the show.

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