Explore every episode of the podcast The Mechanic.com.au Show

What turns a first marketing role into a 20-plus yearautomotive career?

In this Evolve TV: Roads to Success episode, Priscilla Rob,Head of Strategy and Customer Engagement at PENRITE, shares how mentorship, backing yourself and building strong industry networks can open unexpected pathways across automotive.

Watch the full episode: https://youtu.be/QyvcZ5XUJs0

What does it take to grow a regional Aussie business into aworld-class manufacturer?

n Evolve TV: Roads to Success, Ryan sits down with Anthony Kittel, CEO and owner of REDARC Electronics, to unpack thelessons that shaped his leadership, from customer service in a country garage to doubling down on R&D, backing local manufacturing, and building capability for defence and space.

Watch the full episode via Mechanic.com.au and GearUP Auto Careers.

How a Skilled Migrant Became a Leader in Australia’s Aftermarket

What does it take to rebuild your life, career, and confidence in a brand new country?

On Evolve TV, Glareh Kayhoor, General Manager Aftermarket at Forvia Hella Australia, shares her journey from migrant beginnings to industry leadership.

She opens up about resilience, opportunity, inclusion, and what our workplaces can do better.

Wayne opens up about family sacrifices, resilience through tough patches, and the power of finding your own lane. He shares how honest conversations, mentors, and perspective helped him reset when work and life pulled in different directions. Along the way, he explains how he applies those lessons as CEO at GPC Asia Pacific, from values led leadership and clear communication to serving customers on the shop floor to set the standard. 👉 Missed Part 1 of this interview? Visit our Page

From a teenage jockey and self-described “C grade student” to CEO of GPC Asia Pacific’s Automotive Division, Wayne Bryant’s career journey proves that success comes down to resilience, seizing opportunities, and keeping your word. In this Roads to Success episode of Evolve TV, Wayne shares how he went from delivery driver to the top seat of one of the industry’s biggest players.In Part 2, Wayne talks about the personal sacrifices behind the career, including relocations, family balance, and the lessons he would approach differently in hindsight.

In this episode of Evolve TV, Tom Tucker from SP Tools unveils a game-changing range of cordless tools designed to transform the way workshops operate. Discover how these cutting-edge tools streamline workflows, reduce physical strain, and push the boundaries of durability and performance. Tom shares behind-the-scenes insights into their innovative design process, field testing, and SP Tools' mission to empower mechanics with smarter, more efficient solutions. Tune in to explore how SP Tools is shaping the future of automotive repairs. Level up your Automotive Career or Business by joining Australia's #1 Community for Automotive Service & Repair Professionals here: https://trade.mechanic.com.au/subscribers/mechanics/create-an-account

In this episode of Evolve TV, Peter Rogers from Repco Authorised Service discusses how mechanic workshops can turn challenges into opportunities. Peter shares his insights on how workshops can adapt to industry changes, streamline their operations, and better meet customer demands. He covers practical strategies for overcoming common hurdles in the automotive repair business, from managing workforce shortages to adopting new technologies. Peter highlights how workshops can use these challenges as a way to innovate, improve service delivery, and ultimately grow their business. This episode is packed with tips for workshop owners looking to thrive in a competitive and evolving market. Level up your Automotive Career or Business by joining Australia's #1 Community for Automotive Service & Repair Professionals here: https://trade.mechanic.com.au/subscribers/mechanics/create-an-account

In this episode of Evolve TV, Stuart Howe and Neil Riley from Hella Gutmann explore the growing importance of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in modern vehicles. They discuss the role ADAS plays in vehicle safety and performance, highlighting the equipment and technologies needed to diagnose and repair these systems in workshops. The episode also covers the future of ADAS integration, including upcoming trends and challenges for automotive repair businesses, making it a must-watch for anyone looking to stay ahead in the evolving world of vehicle technology. Level up your Automotive Career or Business by joining Australia's #1 Community for Automotive Service & Repair Professionals here: https://trade.mechanic.com.au/subscribers/mechanics/create-an-account

In this episode of Evolve TV, Kev Almond from Repco joins us to discuss the importance of keeping up with customer expectations in your mechanic workshop. He shares practical insights on how to adapt to evolving customer needs, manage workshop efficiency, and provide exceptional service. Kev’s advice is invaluable for any business looking to stay competitive and meet the high standards that modern customers expect. Level up your Automotive Career or Business by joining Australia's #1 Community for Automotive Service & Repair Professionals here: https://trade.mechanic.com.au/subscribers/mechanics/create-an-account

In this episode of Evolve TV, Kev Almond, B2B Operations Manager at Repco, delves into how digital solutions are transforming the automotive repair industry. From simplifying parts ordering and invoicing to speeding up diagnostics with digital platforms, Kev highlights how embracing technology saves valuable time and boosts profitability. He also discusses the importance of training your team to make the most of these digital tools and shares insights on selecting the right solutions for your workshop. Tune in to discover how these innovations can streamline operations and enhance customer service in your workshop. Level up your Automotive Career or Business by joining Australia's #1 Community for Automotive Service & Repair Professionals here: https://trade.mechanic.com.au/subscribers/mechanics/create-an-account

In this episode of Evolve TV, Ron Azzopardi from Castrol dives into the critical importance of selecting the right lubricants for modern vehicles. He highlights how lubricant choice can impact engine performance, longevity, and efficiency. Ron shares insights on the strict requirements that today's engines have, especially with the advanced technologies and materials in use. He recounts a dramatic example of a catastrophic engine failure caused by the accidental use of cutting fluid instead of the correct oil. This led to significant damage, requiring a full engine replacement. Ron underscores the importance of using the right lubricant for each vehicle and explains the tools available to make proper selection easier. Through this discussion, Ron emphasises the role of lubricants in maintaining engine health, noting that selecting the right product is essential for both performance and long-term reliability. Level up your Automotive Career or Business by joining Australia's #1 Community for Automotive Service & Repair Professionals here: https://trade.mechanic.com.au/subscribers/mechanics/create-an-account

In this episode, Ian Campbell from Bendix delves into the importance of helping customers select the right brake pads for their vehicles. He outlines the key factors that mechanics should consider, including the vehicle type, driving conditions, and the customer’s specific needs. Ian explains how understanding the differences between brake pad materials can make a significant difference in performance and safety. He also shares expert tips on guiding customers through the selection process to ensure they are getting the best value and performance from their brake pads, ultimately leading to improved customer satisfaction and trust. Level up your Automotive Career or Business by joining Australia's #1 Community for Automotive Service & Repair Professionals here: https://trade.mechanic.com.au/subscribers/mechanics/create-an-account

In this episode of Evolve TV, Tom Tucker from SP Tools delves into the age-old debate of air tools versus cordless tools. With insights drawn from motorsport, Tom explores the strengths and limitations of each type, offering expert commentary on which may be the better option for mechanics. Will he settle the debate once and for all, or leave us wondering? Tune in to find out which tool reigns supreme in the high-performance world of automotive repair. Level up your Automotive Career or Business by joining Australia's #1 Community for Automotive Service & Repair Professionals here: https://trade.mechanic.com.au/subscribers/mechanics/create-an-account

In this episode of Evolve TV, Zac Walker from Repco dives into the importance of maximising workshop efficiency and optimising parts planning. He explains how small changes in workshop processes, such as managing time effectively and automating key tasks, can lead to significant time savings. Zac highlights practical steps like using mobile devices and computers strategically within the workshop, as well as tapping into Repco's Navigator Pro to streamline operations. He also shares how allowing trainees to explore digital tools and encouraging their input can uncover valuable insights to improve business workflows. This episode offers actionable advice for auto repair businesses looking to scale and become more efficient in their operations. Level up your Automotive Career or Business by joining Australia's #1 Community for Automotive Service & Repair Professionals here: https://trade.mechanic.com.au/subscribers/mechanics/create-an-account

In this episode of Evolve TV, Zac Walker from Repco introduces Smart Inspector, a powerful tool designed to help workshops capture detailed information about a vehicle while servicing it. Zac explains how this system not only streamlines data collection and improves accuracy but also enhances the customer experience, ensuring every aspect of the service is thoroughly documented. By using Smart Inspector, workshops can identify additional sales opportunities, make recommendations based on accurate, real-time data, and ultimately increase revenue. Zac shares practical tips on how workshops can integrate the tool into their operations to save time, reduce errors, and drive sales. Watch the full episode to discover how Smart Inspector can transform your service process and boost your bottom line. Level up your Automotive Career or Business by joining Australia's #1 Community for Automotive Service & Repair Professionals here: https://trade.mechanic.com.au/subscribers/mechanics/create-an-account

In this episode of Evolve TV, Zac Walker from Repco discusses the importance of converting callers into loyal customers. He dives into the benefits of Repco’s Smartquote platform, a tool designed to help workshop owners respond to customer inquiries quickly and accurately. Zac shares practical tips on how mechanics can use Smartquote to streamline the quoting process, build customer trust, and ultimately drive sales. If you’re looking to improve your customer conversion rates and boost workshop efficiency, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you achieve that. Level up your Automotive Career or Business by joining Australia's #1 Community for Automotive Service & Repair Professionals here: https://trade.mechanic.com.au/subscribers/mechanics/create-an-account

In this episode of Evolve TV, industry expert Jeff Digance discusses how business owners can foster growth and improve the skills of their technicians through advanced diagnostic training. Learn how to support your team in mastering critical tools like oscilloscopes and scan tools, helping them tackle complex electrical and mechanical systems with confidence. Whether you’re looking to upskill your workforce or ensure they stay ahead of industry trends, this episode provides valuable strategies and resources for business owners dedicated to empowering their team and driving success. Level up your Automotive Career or Business by joining Australia's #1 Community for Automotive Service & Repair Professionals here: https://trade.mechanic.com.au/subscribers/mechanics/create-an-account

In this episode of Evolve TV, Ryan discusses the Evolve Program, a comprehensive solution designed to help automotive workshops adapt to changing industry demands and customer expectations. The program offers a range of tools and resources, including microsites for online bookings, service interval lookups, and marketing solutions to educate and qualify customers. Ryan emphasises the importance of enhancing workshop operations by leveraging modern technologies and practices, such as automating quotes and improving job workflows. The program also addresses technician recruitment, training, and community building. Eligibility criteria ensure high-quality workshops join the platform, promoting standards of training, equipment, and digital presence. As the automotive industry faces challenges like data sharing and evolving customer behaviours, the Evolve Program aims to provide workshops with the tools needed to streamline operations, attract high-value customers, and thrive in a competitive market. Level up your Automotive Career or Business by joining Australia's #1 Community for Automotive Service & Repair Professionals here: https://trade.mechanic.com.au/subscribers/mechanics/create-an-account

In this episode, we talk about what is arguably one of the most important parts of an engine with Chris Marturano, BDM of Automotive at Gates Australia. We look at how the materials have evolved from hemp and leather, what this means for replacement intervals, what we should be paying attention to as mechanics and what the future of belts might look like.

From the crude oils used at the beginning of the 1900's to the complex lubricant technology of today. In this episode, we talk about additives, blending, testing, licensing and approvals with Penrite's National Training and Sales Operations Manager Brendan Hughes. How thin will oils get? What will they look like in the future? Find the answers in this episode of the Mechanic.com.au Podcast

What did the first brake rotors look like and how have they evolved to what we see today? We hear all about the evolution of manufacturing and product technology from the founders decendant, Phillip Joseph who is the General Manager of Operations. What will brake rotors look like in the future? Will they still exist? What do you think?

Leather straps, Tanks and Tyre Pumps? Find out what these all have to do with the creation of Shock Absorbers and also take a look into the cutting edge technology of today and into the future with Gavin Pelling, Sales Director at Monroe!

In this episode, we link up with James Pearson, Category Manager at Narva Australia and look at the evolution of automotive lighting over the ages; from the horse-drawn cart through to the cutting edge lighting technology of tomorrow. We uncover the science behind Globe Composition, LED's and Performance Globes and James sets the record straight when it comes to ADR's.

In this epsode we take a dive into the various sensors used on vehicles today, how they work and the types of faults that we experience with them as mechanics. Join NTK's Product Manager James Henson for a juicy technical session!

In this episode, we stole Bendix's Chief Engineer Andrew French and drilled him about what goes into brake pads today compared with the past, the challenges that they face and how they address them with different pad types. We also ask if friction will play a role in the future with the advent of regenerative braking. What do you think?

What does a car accident and Henry Ford have to do with the invention of wipers? Listen to our interview with Will Vagg, National Sales Manager at Trico to find out and learn about the technologies used in wiper engineering and testing today. For something we consider to be so simple, there is so much that goes into them!

In this episode, we look at how the humble clutch has evolved over the years, the latest technologies being used and what is next? Will they get even more complex? Will clutches exist in the future? We get the inside word from Exedy's Senior Product Manager, Mark Davis.

In this episode, we find out how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected Ryco Filters in terms of their operations, product development, projects and more! - Learn how they have pivoted to keep moving forward with Ryco's General Manager of Marketing, Jeff Turner.

This week in the Hot Seat is Drew Conkling, Global Product Line Manager of Automotive at Gates talking to us about the various products, services and tools they have introduced to help workshops boost their bottom line!

This week in the Hot Seat is Ian Campbell, Product Manager at Bendix talking to us about the 5 Key Questions we should be asking our Customers in order to help them select the Best Brake Pads for their needs

This week in the Hot Seat is Will Vagg, Sales Manager at Trico Products talking to us about how wiper servicing is changing in OE workshops, whether we should be recommending blades or refills, the difference between cheap and quality wipers and more!

This week in the Hot Seat is Tony Doyle, Technical Services Manager at Disc Brakes Australia talking to us about the future of Aftermarket Brake Rotor Technologies including regenerative braking and electrification, innovation projects, upgraded slotted and cross-drilled rotors as well as common misconceptions or knowledge gaps in the market place.

This week in the Hot Seat is John Kilby, Training Manager at Century Batteries discussing the evolution of battery testing & replacement technology, as well as how Century can help grow your battery business.

This week in the Hot Seat is Eduard Julyan, State Sales Manager at Monroe telling us the average (and surprising) number of shocks being replaced by most workshops on a monthly basis and discussing some strategies and tips to help you increase your shock absorber business opportunities.

This week in the hot seat is Brendan Hughes, National Training Manager at Penrite Oil to provide some answers to Common Oil FAQ's and tell us about Penrites 10 Tenths Racing Range

This week in the hot seat is Chris Philp, Sales & Operations Manager at Exedy Australia to discuss the Top Clutch Installation Issues and how you can avoid them

This week in the hot seat is Warren Bedford, Category Manager at Narva to discuss all things Driving Lights

This week in the hot seat is James Filshie, Senior Product Manager at NGK Spark Plugs to discuss all things Oxygen Sensors.

This week in the hot seat is David Atherton, National Sales Manager at SuperPro to discuss all things Tough 4x4 Suspension!

This week in the hot seat is Alastair Hampton, General Manager of Engineering and Innovation at Ryco Filters to discuss all things Crankcase and Fuel Water Separator Filtration

In this weeks episode of 'Smoko Sessions' we ask the Mechanic.com.au Premier Community Partners 'What are the Top Challenges that you think Mechanics have with servicing your product category?'

In this weeks episode of 'Smoko Sessions' we ask the Mechanic.com.au Premier Community Partners 'What is your #1 Recommendation to Boost Sales?'

In this weeks episode of 'Smoko Sessions' we ask the Mechanic.com.au Premier Community Partners 'What do you think will happen in the future that other people consider impossible or unlikely?'

In this weeks episode of 'Smoko Sessions' we ask the Mechanic.com.au Premier Community Partners 'What is your #1 time saving tip for technicians?'

In this weeks episode of 'Smoko Sessions' we ask the Mechanic.com.au Premier Community Partners 'What is the #1 thing mechanics do wrong or that you wish they asked you about?'

In this weeks episode of 'Smoko Sessions' we ask the Mechanic.com.au Premier Community Partners 'What is the question your support staff get asked the most?'

In this weeks episode of 'Smoko Sessions' we ask the Mechanic.com.au Premier Community Partners 'What is one Handy Tool that you think every Technician should have in their Toolbox and why?'

In this weeks episode of 'Smoko Sessions' we ask the Mechanic.com.au Premier Community Partners 'What is the funniest, most interesting or absurd thing one of your reps has seen or received from a repairer?'

In this episode, we caught up with Will Vagg, Sales & Marketing Manager at Trico. We talk about the differences between Silicon and Rubber Wiper Blades, How long an average wiper lasts, Things that affect Wiper Life, Sales Tactics for Wipers, Choosing the right Wiper for an application and more...

To contact Trico within Australia, please call (03) 9271 3288
For more information about Trico's Exact Fit Wiper Program visit: http://bit.ly/2PSPb1L

In this episode, we caught up with Ian Campbell, General Sales Manager at Gates Australia. We discuss the proper procedure to bleed hydraulic tensioners and why, the how and why of 'matched pair' belts, overrrunning clutch vs. fixed pulleys, stretch belts and much more!

*** Links to resources mentioned in the podcast***
Bleeding timing belt tensioners: http://bit.ly/2LBCRUp
Water Pumps Reduce Warranty Returns and Avoid Comebacks - YouTube: http://bit.ly/2OdFSso
Troubleshooting Belt Drive Related Problems: http://bit.ly/2LIEKLN
Claim your FREE Belt Wear Tool: http://bit.ly/2HEgNDO
MicroV Stretch Fit Belt Installation: http://bit.ly/2mJ7YiYO
Online Catalogue: www.gatescatalogue.com.au
Modular Hose: www.gatesaustralia.com.au/modular-hose
Gates Thermostats: http://bit.ly/2LnyDAm
Technical Service Bulletins: http://bit.ly/2LNsHwX