Frank Wiebe of 3D Auto Talks TikTok and Change in the Auto Repair Industry
About this episode
Frank Wiebe from 3D Auto shares insights on the evolving auto repair industry, particularly the impact of Ontario's new safety inspection program. He discusses the transition to digital inspections and the challenges faced by shops adapting to these changes. Frank emphasizes the importance of maintaining high safety standards, even as some shops opt out of inspections due to increased costs. The conversation also touches on the significance of proper training for apprentices and the need for technicians to understand both the theoretical and practical aspects of their work. Frank's passion for quality work and customer safety shines through as he reflects on his journey in the automotive field.
Like the show? Show your support by using our sponsors.
Promotive can help you find your dream job. Touch HERE to see open jobs.
Need to update your shop systems and software? Try Tekmetric HERE
Wanna go to Tekmetric's first ever industry training event Tektonic? Register HERE
In this episode, Jeff is joined by Frank Wiebe of 3D Auto in Elmer, Ontario. Frank shares his experiences with Ontario’s new digital vehicle safety inspection program and how it has impacted his business, leading to a significant increase in inspection volume as other shops opted out. They also discuss the importance of integrity in safety inspections, emphasizing why they hold higher standards than the minimum regulations require. Lastly, Frank reflects on his journey from technician to shop owner, highlighting the challenges and rewards of running a family business in a changing industry.
00:00 Adapting Safety Protocols with Technology
10:36 Busy Used Car Lot Success
13:36 "Bilingual Hire: Six-Year Apprenticeship"
18:13 Family-Run Business Dynamics
22:21 "Privileges vs. Hero Complex in Auto Shops"
29:19 Tie Rod Dilemma: Pass or Fail?
35:58 Regulating Safety Standards Concerns
42:39 Motorbike Dispute and Indifference
46:08 Faulty Car Repair Issues
53:00 Lesson Learned: Consistent Rotor Replacement
58:41 "Hands-On Learning: Beyond Floor Sweeping"
01:00:53 Early Trade Reality Check
01:07:18 Lost Art of Hands-On Learning
01:14:01 Understanding Shop Hiring Challenges
01:15:20 Mentorship Shapes Technician Skills
01:21:14 Realizing Electrical Concepts Simplified
01:30:25 Investing vs. Expanding Decisions
01:34:40 Faulty Auto Parts Frustration
01:39:11 "Industry Accountability and Safety"
Follow/Subscribe to the show on social media!
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jeffcompton7
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheJadedMechanic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091347564232
Buick Enclave
"...I don't want to anymore. But I told her her Buick Enclave needs a torque converter. So why don't we start w..."
Ford Ranger
"...y own brother had a. What year was it? 2011. Ford Ranger. And we just retired the car and sent it to the s..."
Jeep Wrangler
"...le. So you got lucky on that one. I. I drive a 50 Wrangler, and I'm very lucky. It's not ticking yet, but I ..."
Dodge Journey
"... right now we're waiting on a tire because it's a journey and no one has a used tire for a journey. So we'r..."
Jeep Cherokee
"...it. I've done. I welded floor pans in a couple of Cherokees I've owned, you know, rockers, the whole things. ..."
Master Tech
"...emember going on lots of test drives with, with a master tech years ago, early in my career and him teaching me..."
Volkswagen Bus
"...always been a bit older. And when I worked at the bus garage, they used to love using our bus garage as..."
Honda Accord
"...re, go and test this. My apprentice had his Honda Accord. The AC wasn't working. Okay?"
Nissan Murano
"...little service information. We were looking at 23 Murano last week for service, you bet. Yep."
Ford Fusion
"... on evaps. So that's. I know. Yeah. We got a Ford Fusion or something, Focus or something like that that n..."
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.