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  • Practical Training, Peer Solutions & New Tech at the Automotive Educators Conference

    Practical Training, Peer Solutions & New Tech at the Automotive Educators Conference
    2026/04/07
    Doug Kaufman talks with Tom Broxholm (Skyline College), Ed Martin (Pickens Technical College), Sarah Heller (Raritan Valley CC), and Heather Sebben (NACAT) about the upcoming Automotive Educators Conference at American River College in Sacramento, CA (June 15–18).

    Topics include: rapid vehicle technology changes, the value of hands‑on professional development designed by educators for educators, networking and peer problem‑solving, AI in the classroom, facility tours of ARC’s new lab, and how to secure conference funding through your school.

    Visit NACAT.org (Automotive Educator Conference) for agenda, session descriptions, registration and exhibitor info or email info@nacat.org.

    Highlights include:
    • 00:55 — Welcome & conference context
    • 01:18 — Need for hands‑on training (Tom Broxholm)
    • 03:36 — Why NACAT is “by educators, for educators” (Ed Martin)
    • 08:28 — Conference partnership benefits & expo (Heather Sebben)
    • 16:54 — Why American River College is a great host
    • 21:10 — Registration details & next steps Run time:
    • 24:30 Call to action: Register and learn more at NACAT.org — Automotive Educator Conference.
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    25 分
  • Level Up Your Teaching Skills At NACAT Annual Conference

    Level Up Your Teaching Skills At NACAT Annual Conference
    2025/03/11
    The North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) is dedicated to empowering automotive instructors. As President Drew Barnes puts it, "Really, our mission is simple. We are automotive teachers for automotive teachers." This means providing the ongoing training and resources instructors need to stay current and excel in their roles.

    One of these resources, the NACAT Conference, is an annual event uniting automotive educators and professionals from North America. It offers networking, workshops, seminars, and hands-on training, promoting excellence and collaboration in automotive education. This year it will be held June 9-12 at the MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit, MI,

    In this episode of the T2iQ podcast, Tomorrow's Technician's editor, Doug Kaufman, talks about NACAT's mission and the conference's value with Barnes, who is also an automotive instructor at Vale High School in Vale, Oregon; instructor Krystal Roherty, automotive instructor at Fredericton High School in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada; and Heather Sebben, NACAT's business manager.

    Participants stress hat the conference offers more than just training sessions. It provides invaluable networking and collaboration opportunities. The Detroit event will feature keynote speakers from General Motors, a Ford Rouge Factory tour, and the ever-popular valve cover races – all alongside a range of workshops covering the latest automotive advancements.

    Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow instructors, learn from leading experts, and elevate your teaching. Visit NACAT to learn more and register for the Detroit conference.
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    16 分
  • ShopSquad Todd Koch for review

    ShopSquad Todd Koch for review
    2024/12/20
    On the latest episode of NGK's Shop Squad “Now You Know” podcast, Doug Kaufman interviews Todd Koch, Senior Product Manager at Niterra North America. This episode dives deep into advancements and best practices related to spark plugs and ignition coils, offering valuable insights for professionals in the automotive repair industry.Key Takeaways for Automotive Professionals:
    1. The Evolution of Spark Plugs
      • High ignitability spark plugs are crucial for modern, high-pressure engines, ensuring clean and efficient combustion.
      • Pre-gapped high ignitability plugs should not be adjusted. For other plugs, always use proper gapping tools to prevent damage.
      • Over-torquing spark plugs is a common mistake that can lead to cracks. Avoid using anti-seize compounds on NGK plugs to ensure proper installation.
    2. The Aftermarket and OE Standards
      • NGK's aftermarket plugs undergo the same rigorous testing as their OE counterparts, ensuring top-tier performance and reliability.
      • Todd emphasized the importance of purchasing from authorized dealers to avoid counterfeit products, which can compromise performance and safety.
    3. Upgraded Ignition Coils
      • MOD ignition coils from NGK feature enhanced durability with high-temperature materials and tighter windings, making them ideal for high-performance and demanding applications like fleet vehicles and police cruisers.
      • While MOD coils provide added reliability, they are best suited for performance applications rather than standard commuter vehicles.
    4. Practical Insights for Repair Shops
      • Educate customers on selecting parts that fit their specific vehicle needs rather than opting for upgrades that may not provide tangible benefits.
      • Stay updated on new product launches, including 82 new ignition coil part numbers Niterra plans to release in the next year.
    This episode underscores Niterra’s commitment to innovation and education, empowering automotive professionals to make informed decisions that enhance their service quality. For more technical resources, visit ShopSquadOnline.com.
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    13 分
  • Shop Squad Now You Know About Oxygen Sensors

    Shop Squad Now You Know About Oxygen Sensors
    2024/05/15
    In this podcast episode, Doug Kaufman and Matthew Bickford, the product manager aftermarket for Niterra Canada, discuss the evolution and importance of oxygen sensors in vehicles. They discuss how oxygen sensors have evolved from single wire sensors to multiple sensors in modern vehicles."

    The sensors are primarily used for emissions control and ensuring the vehicle is running properly, Bickford explains. The two discuss the causes of sensor failures, such as wear and tear, environmental impacts and thermal shock.

    The conversation touches on the differences between upstream and downstream sensors, the impact of mis-tuned engines on sensors, and the importance of following proper procedures and selecting the right sensors for specific applications. The episode concludes with information on where to find more resources and information on selecting the right products for vehicle applications.

    ShopSquad's "Now You Know" podcast is presented by NGK/NTK and Niterra North America.
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    15 分
  • What's Next? with The Rustbelt Mechanic

    What's Next? with The Rustbelt Mechanic
    2021/07/20
    Wondering "what's next" in an industry full of faced-paced innovation? Doug Kaufman, editor of Tomorrow’s Technician and The Rustbelt Mechanic, Kyle Thoreen, talk about what to expect for the automotive industry as we continue to repurpose old techniques with new technology.
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    25 分
  • Not Your Father's Industry with The Rustbelt Mechanic

    Not Your Father's Industry with The Rustbelt Mechanic
    2021/07/15
    It's not your father's industry anymore, so what does that mean for you? Doug Kaufman, editor of Tomorrow’s Technician and The Rustbelt Mechanic, Kyle Thoreen, talk about what to expect for the expanding automotive industry.
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    28 分
  • The Next Steps with The Rustbelt Mechanic

    The Next Steps with The Rustbelt Mechanic
    2021/07/12
    Ready to plan for phase 2 of your career? Doug Kaufman, editor of Tomorrow’s Technician and The Rustbelt Mechanic, Kyle Thoreen, talk about becoming a mentor for future generations, keeping your skills fresh and preparing for growth.
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    30 分
  • Continuing Education with The Rustbelt Mechanic

    Continuing Education with The Rustbelt Mechanic
    2021/07/07
    How can you keep up with the incredible pace of change in vehicle technology, keep training fresh, identify good training programs and decide which is right for you? Doug Kaufman, editor of Tomorrow’s Technician and The Rustbelt Mechanic, Kyle Thoreen, talk about the importance of continuing education in the industry and answer questions you may have about your own education.
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    25 分