Diagnosing the Aftermarket A to Z

• Diagnosing Legends: The Impact of Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan [E195]

  Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingIn this episode, Matt Fanslow reflects on the recent passings of two cultural icons—Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan—and draws parallels between their careers and the automotive aftermarket industry. Both figures revolutionized their respective fields (music and professional wrestling) through innovation, perseverance, and an unparalleled connection with their audiences. Matt explores what we can learn from their legacies, including the importance of passion, reinvention, and recognizing opportunities outside our comfort zones.Key Discussion Points1. Ozzy Osbourne: The Accidental Pioneer of Heavy MetalOzzy’s final performance at the Power Trip festival, where he performed in immense pain, skipping pain meds to stay present.How Black Sabbath (with guitarist Tony Iommi) accidentally created metal by downtuning guitars after a workplace injury.The importance of appreciating contributions even if you’re not a die-hard fan.The value of knowing how you’ve impacted others (like Ozzy hearing tributes before his passing).2. Hulk Hogan: The Man Who Made Wrestling MainstreamHogan’s physical sacrifices (spinal damage from his signature leg drop) and how wrestling is a work but not fake.His ability to connect with audiences in ways no wrestler had before—comparable to Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock.How Hogan’s heel turn (becoming a villain with the NWO) revitalized wrestling during a slump.The role of timing, charisma, and reinvention in long-term success.3. Lessons for the Automotive AftermarketPassion & Perseverance: Like Ozzy and Hogan, success in the aftermarket requires dedication and pushing through challenges.Reinvention: Hogan’s shift from hero to villain kept him relevant—how can shops adapt to stay ahead?Breaking Out of Comfort Zones: Both Ozzy and Hogan expanded beyond their core careers (reality TV, movies). How can shops engage in community work, sponsorships, or other visibility-boosting activities?Continuous Improvement: Getting 1% better every day compounds into major growth over time.4. Personal Reflections & Industry ParallelsMatt’s admiration for educators like Paul Danner, who revolutionized training accessibility.The importance of finding the right shop culture for growth (just as Hogan thrived under Vince McMahon’s WWE expansion).Why awareness of opportunities—both inside and outside the industry—is crucial.Notable Quotes"Ozzy and Hogan didn’t just succeed in their fields—they redefined them. That’s the kind of impact we should strive for in the aftermarket.""Wrestling isn’t fake; it’s a performance with real consequences. Same goes for our work—every repair matters.""If you improve by just 0.33% every day, you’ll be 100% better in a year. Small steps lead to big changes."While Ozzy and Hogan came from entirely different worlds, their stories remind us that innovation, adaptability, and connection are universal keys to success. Whether you’re a technician, shop owner, or industry educator, there’s always room to grow—and maybe even revolutionize your corner of the aftermarket.Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingNAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.Contact InformationEmail Matt:

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• What We Can Learn From Jurassic Park [E194]

  Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingMatt Fanslow dives into an unexpected but fascinating comparison between Jurassic Park and the auto repair industry, exploring themes of chaos theory, unintended consequences, and the importance of foundational knowledge. Drawing parallels from the iconic film (and Michael Crichton’s novels), Matt discusses how small decisions—like cutting corners or skipping fundamentals—can lead to big, unpredictable outcomes in business, careers, and life.Key Topics Discussed:"Your Scientists Were So Preoccupied With Whether They Could, They Didn’t Stop to Think If They Should"How the pursuit of innovation without foresight mirrors challenges in the automotive industry.The dangers of prioritizing profit or speed over sustainability and safety.Chaos Theory & The Butterfly EffectSmall, seemingly insignificant actions can have massive consequences (e.g., a poorly coded security system in Jurassic Park → dinosaur chaos).Applying this to business: How initial conditions (hiring, training, ethics) shape long-term success or failure.The Perils of Skipping FundamentalsIan Malcolm’s critique in Jurassic Park: "You stood on the shoulders of giants but never learned the underlying theory."Why technicians can’t jump straight to advanced diagnostics (e.g., lab scopes) without mastering electrical fundamentals."Fundamental ≠ easy. It’s the foundation everything else relies on."Unintended Consequences in Auto RepairNedry’s sabotage: How underpaying for critical services (e.g., software, training) backfires.Diet analogy: One unhealthy choice can undermine progress—just like one overlooked repair detail can lead to comebacks.Awareness & the "Little Things"The importance of paying attention to details in workflows, customer service, and team dynamics.Why hindsight often reveals blind spots—and how to cultivate proactive awareness.Notable Quotes:"Chaos theory isn’t about randomness—it’s about how tiny, early decisions create unpredictable outcomes.""You can’t win the lottery without buying a ticket, but you also can’t master diagnostics without understanding electricity.""Respect the journey. Mastery isn’t just about skill; it’s about humility and earned wisdom."Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingNAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.Contact InformationEmail Matt: [email protected] the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyThe 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.

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• Why Do We Really Use EGR? [E191]

  Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingIn this technical deep-dive, Matt Fanslow tackles the misconceptions surrounding Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) in modern engines. Far from just a NOx-reduction tool, EGR plays a critical role in thermal efficiency, throttling losses, and combustion control. Matt dismantles common myths (like "lean burns hotter") and explains why engineers use EGR—even as technology evolves.Key Topics CoveredEGR’s Real PurposeBeyond NOx reduction: How inert exhaust gases slow flame fronts, improve thermal efficiency, and reduce throttling losses.Why lean air/fuel ratios don’t burn hotter—but can still cook exhaust valves.Throttling Losses & EfficiencyHow EGR allows wider throttle openings, reducing engine workload and boosting fuel economy.The link between EGR, Atkinson/Miller cycles, and extended combustion push.Internal EGR & Valve TimingModern engines use cam phasing to trap exhaust gases, creating insulating "pockets" that reduce heat loss to cylinder walls.SAE paper highlights: HCCI engines, controlled auto-ignition, and residual gas effects.Why This Matters for TechniciansUnderstanding EGR helps diagnose drivability issues, software updates, and emission failures.Matt’s rabbit-hole warning: Complexity is growing, but so are diagnostic opportunities.Notable Quotes"Lean air/fuel ratios burn longer, not hotter—that’s why exhaust valves fry.""EGR isn’t just about emissions; it’s about making the engine work smarter, not harder.""The more you know why engineers do something, the better you’ll diagnose it."Resources & ReferencesSAE Papers (Available at sae.org):Lean Burn SI Engines: NOx Control via Air/Fuel Ratio Modulation (2017)Impact of Valve Timing on Cold Start Emissions in GDI Engines (2019)Effects of Valve Timing on Residual Gas, Combustion, and Heat Transfer (2009)Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingNAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.Contact InformationEmail Matt: [email protected] the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyThe 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.

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• Beyond the Oil Change: What I Learned at the Quick Lube [E190]

  Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingKey Discussion Points:Introduction & Personal AnecdoteExplains his motivation for visiting a quick lube shop: to observe different shop practices and customer experiences.The Quick Lube ExperienceInitial Interaction: Shop employee questions the high mileage (300,000) on Matt’s Honda and suggests a possible engine replacement.Upsell attempts begin immediately, including high-mileage oil with unverified fuel economy benefits.Air Filter Upsell: Employee claims a dirty air filter significantly impacts fuel economy—Matt debunks this myth, citing modern mass airflow sensor engines.Notes that restricted air filters may improve fuel economy or have no effect.Cabin Air Filter Incident: Employee misgenders Matt’s son (who has long hair) while accessing the glove box.Matt critiques the approach, suggesting gender-neutral language when interacting with customers.Coolant Flush Upsell: Employee claims the coolant should be flushed annually (without evidence) and criticizes another shop’s pricing.Matt finds this tactic dishonest and unprofessional, especially without knowing the specifics of the previous service.Industry Critiques & ObservationsUpselling Tactics: Questions whether misleading claims (e.g., air filters hurting fuel economy) stem from lack of training or corporate policy.Criticizes the focus on commission over honesty.Bashing Competitors: Disapproves of shops disparaging others based solely on price without understanding service details.Argues this erodes customer trust and harms the industry long-term.Customer Interaction: Highlights the importance of transparency and avoiding gender assumptions.Reflects on whether exaggerated "skill level" claims (e.g., "this was really hard to do") build customer confidence or backfire.Listener EngagementAsks listeners to share their experiences:Have you visited other shops as a "regular customer"? What did you observe?Do you reveal your industry background, or play along to see how you’re treated?How do you handle unethical practices when you encounter them?Closing ThoughtsReiterates refusal to badmouth competitors or compete on price alone.Advocates for integrity, proper training, and focusing on quality repairs.Call to Action:Share your stories: Email Matt at [email protected] or message via Facebook.Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech TrainingNAPA Autotech’s team of ASE Master Certified Instructors are conducting over 1,200 classes covering 28 automotive topics. To see a selection, go to napaautotech.com for more details.Contact InformationEmail Matt: [email protected] the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel Subscribe & Review: Loved this episode? Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and SpotifyThe Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/Remarkable Results Radio...

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• Are You Using DTCs to Diagnose Vehicles? [E142]

  Thanks to our Partner, NAPA AutotechMatt Fanslow reflects on the profound influence of his mentor, Jim Wilson. He discusses Jim's unique diagnostic approach and the importance of networking and continuous learning from industry stalwarts.Show NotesThe influence of mentorship (00:00:11) Learning from case studies (00:02:35) Diagnostic techniques (00:05:00) Understanding DTCs (00:07:39) Diagnostic strategies (00:12:10) Networking and mentorship (00:17:53) Facebook Groups (00:18:53) Learning from Archives and Mentors (00:22:25) Thanks to our Partner, NAPA Autotech napaautotech.com Email Matt: [email protected] the Aftermarket A - Z YouTube Channel HEREAftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com/

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