The Impact of ADAS on Auto Repair | Eric Pagliughi from Launch Tech USA
About this episode
Eric Pagliughi, Senior VP of Launch Tech USA, shares his journey from technician to industry leader and discusses the evolving challenges and innovations in automotive diagnostics. The conversation highlights the importance of strong OEM relationships, the complexities of ADAS and security protocols, and the need for effective training and communication in the aftermarket. Launch Tech’s advancements like multi-module data viewing, remote programming partnerships, and affordable alignment solutions showcase their commitment to empowering technicians. Eric also touches on industry frustrations around tool access, security licensing, and the future role of AI in diagnostics.
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In this episode, Jeff is joined by Eric Pagliughi, Senior Vice President of Launch Tech USA. Eric talks about his journey from shop owner and distributor to leading product development at Launch Tech USA, emphasizing the importance of direct technician feedback in tool innovation. They speak on the company's commitment to quick software updates based on user input, navigating the challenges of manufacturer security requirements, and building strong industry relationships to increase access to OE information.
Timestamps:
00:00 "Journey from Mechanic to Dealer"
10:03 "Global Silos and Business Growth"
13:38 "Right Tools, Right Market"
19:14 Tech Efficiency and OE Challenges
22:48 "Responsibility in Automotive Ethics"
30:39 Evolving Automotive Data Accessibility
35:41 "Cloud-Dependent Vehicle Repairs Emerge"
41:17 Dealership Security Concerns and Limitations
43:55 "Industry Costs and Responsibility"
53:29 "Building Relationships Through Innovation"
57:29 "Streamlined Updates with Tech Tips"
01:04:05 ADAS Impact on Auto Repairs
01:05:34 ADAS Calibration and Liability Risks
01:11:22 "Commitment to Craft and Community"
01:18:50 "Space-Saving Touchless Alignment Solution"
01:25:04 Empowering Technicians Through Innovation
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Launch Tech USA
"Yes, Eric Palugi from Launch Tech USA, everybody. So Eric, how are you, man? Good, good. How are you? Thanks for having me."
Launch Tech USA makes special tools that help mechanics find problems in cars faster and fix them better.
Launch Tech USA is a company specializing in automotive diagnostic tools and equipment, providing advanced technology to help technicians diagnose and repair vehicles more efficiently.
Matco Tools
"So, you know, as you start to grow, you know, you look for new opportunities and as the Matco tool truck would come to the shop, our dealer that we were dealing with every week, you know, buying tools for the equipment that we were working on in the shop, he was getting ready to retire."
Matco Tools sells special tools that mechanics use to fix cars, and they deliver these tools through trucks that visit repair shops.
Matco Tools is a well-known distributor and manufacturer of professional automotive tools and equipment, often sold through independent dealers and tool trucks.
buttonology
"And awareness of product and how to get your hands on it and how to use it and the buttonology and, you know, what, you know, that mentality of when I buy a scan tool, it's got to tell me how to fix the car."
Buttonology means knowing how to use all the buttons on a tool so you can work faster and better.
Buttonology refers to the study or understanding of the buttons and controls on diagnostic tools, emphasizing the importance of intuitive and easy-to-use interfaces for technicians.
diagnostic sales representative
"And then slowly started to hire multiple of what I did. So we had about 6 DSRs at the time. And then fast forward, we, uh, wanted to expand training, expand the business, expand the diagnostic portfolio."
A diagnostic sales representative is someone who sells special tools that help mechanics find car problems and teaches others how to use those tools.
A diagnostic sales representative (DSR) is a professional who sells automotive diagnostic tools and provides training and support to distributors and technicians to help them use these tools effectively.
scan tool
"Because technicians almost always want the tool to be almost instinctual. You know what I mean? Like it should, you know, and I see it all the time where when we've talked to, you know, in past conversations how it's like I would love to be able to look at, you know, the temperature sensor reading from this module and this module."
A scan tool is a gadget mechanics use to talk to a car's computer and find out what is wrong with it.
A scan tool is a device used by automotive technicians to communicate with a vehicle's onboard computer systems, read diagnostic trouble codes, and monitor sensor data to diagnose issues.
Snap-on
"The operating snap-on for everybody listening. But it's just a situation of like, I think everybody's so familiar with the way it's laid out, we just go to it, you know? And I'm trying— Muscle memory."
Snap-on makes tools and gadgets that mechanics use to fix cars, and many mechanics trust their products.
Snap-on is a leading manufacturer of professional automotive tools and diagnostic equipment, widely used by mechanics for their quality and reliability.
OTC
"So no, it was OTC back in the day, right? And it would then, you know, it slowly started transferring into Bosch, right? But OTC was like the old The Terminator days and, and stuff like that, where Matco was just not even on the map at that point."
OTC made tools that mechanics used to find car problems before newer companies took over.
OTC is a company that produces automotive diagnostic tools and equipment, historically a major player in the scan tool market before being acquired by Bosch.
Bosch
"And it would then, you know, it slowly started transferring into Bosch, right? But OTC was like the old The Terminator days and, and stuff like that, where Matco was just not even on the map at that point."
Bosch is a big company that makes tools and parts to help fix cars and keep them running well.
Bosch is a global automotive supplier known for producing high-quality diagnostic tools, automotive components, and technology solutions.
beta test
"And I'll give you an example. We had a, we had an issue with Ford software and it was a function that, that didn't work or something like that. And we got the call. It went through L1. Within 48 hours, we had a beta test for that tool. Technician tested it. It worked."
Beta testing is when a new update or feature is tried out by a few people first to make sure it works well before everyone gets it.
A beta test is a trial phase where a new software or tool update is tested by a limited group of users before being released widely. It helps identify bugs and ensure functionality.
Bluetooth VCI
"Battery life, boot up time for us is fast, we're less than 30 seconds, so that's never been a problem for us. Um, communication, you know, we get the— we have a, we have a Bluetooth VCI. Okay, Bluetooth and/or Wi-Fi."
Bluetooth VCI is a small gadget that lets the car's computer talk to a scan tool without wires, using Bluetooth.
Bluetooth VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface) is a wireless device that connects a scan tool to a vehicle's onboard systems using Bluetooth technology, allowing for easier and more flexible diagnostics.
security gateway
"We have Ford licensing direct. We have direct licensing with Ford security gateway stuff. We have all the other security gateways. We have good relationships."
A security gateway is like a locked door in a car's computer that only special tools with permission can open to do certain jobs.
A security gateway is a vehicle's electronic security system that controls access to certain functions like key programming or module programming. Access is restricted to authorized tools to prevent theft or unauthorized modifications.
remote programming
"Now what changes is the size of the screen, the processing speed, the VCI capabilities, remote programming."
Remote programming means fixing or updating your car's computer from far away using special tools.
Remote programming allows technicians to update or reprogram vehicle control modules from a distance using networked tools, without needing physical presence at the vehicle.
GM
"You click Ford or GM or Chrysler or whatever, you click that button."
GM is a big American car company that makes brands like Chevrolet and Cadillac.
GM (General Motors) is a large American automotive company producing brands such as Chevrolet, GMC, and Cadillac.
Ford
"You click Ford or GM or Chrysler or whatever, you click that button."
Ford is a big car company from America that makes trucks and cars.
Ford is a major American automotive manufacturer known for trucks like the F-150 and a wide range of passenger vehicles.
PID
"I can go into 5 different modules, I can pick 15 different PIDs from each module, and I can build files now."
PIDs are little pieces of information from your car's computer that tell you how different parts are working.
PID stands for Parameter IDentifier, which are specific data points from a vehicle's control modules used for diagnostics and monitoring.
Ford F-150
"Hey, when that F-150 comes or that Chevy comes in and has the trans problem, I have a data set and PIDs that now I choose, choose, and boom, I see it all at the same time, live, all at the same time."
The Ford F-150 is a popular big truck that many people use for work and daily driving.
The Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck from Ford, widely used in the US and known for its versatility and strong aftermarket support.
scope
"I can split the screen and use my scope while I'm using the scan tool all at the same time."
A scope is a tool that shows pictures of the electricity in your car so you can see if things are working right.
A scope, or oscilloscope, is a diagnostic tool that graphically displays electrical signals in a vehicle to help analyze sensor and circuit behavior.
NASTF
"I'm on the board now at NASTF. I was voted in this past year, so that was something that happened that was pretty exciting for me."
NASTF is a group that helps repair shops get the information and tools they need to fix cars.
NASTF stands for National Automotive Service Task Force, an organization that facilitates access to automotive service information and tools for independent repair shops.
OE (Original Equipment) information
"One of my initiatives is help promote and guide the ability to close that gap in information and get the OEs to give us aftermarket more information to be able to fix their cars."
OE information is the official info from the car maker that helps fix the car the right way.
OE information refers to the official data and software provided by the original vehicle manufacturer, essential for accurate diagnostics and repairs.
Pontiac Aztek
"...w, we, we had a— we have a relationship with, uh, Aztek. Okay. And for the flashing side of things, so ou..."
The Pontiac Aztek is a type of SUV made by Pontiac. It was designed to carry people and cargo and has a very unusual look that some people like and others do not. It was made to be useful and practical.
The Pontiac Aztek is a mid-size crossover SUV produced in the early 2000s, notable for its unconventional and polarizing design. While it offered versatility and practicality, it is often discussed due to its unique styling and mixed reception in the automotive community. It represents an example of a vehicle that prioritized function but struggled with market acceptance.
flashing
"They remote in, they flash the car. If for some reason you need, what we're starting to also see today..."
Flashing means sending new instructions to your car's computer to fix problems or make it work better.
Flashing is the process of updating or reprogramming a vehicle's control modules with new software to fix issues or improve performance.
extended warranty
"Your vehicle's warranty is expiring and blah, blah, blah, buy our warranty, this and that, right? So that happened over and over and over again, but you'd be surprised how many people bought those warranties."
Extended warranty is extra protection you buy to help pay for car repairs after the regular warranty ends.
Extended warranty is a service contract purchased to cover vehicle repairs beyond the original factory warranty period.
VIN-specific programming
"You have to be able to hit their servers to get the right functionality for that VIN. And that's the other problem too..."
VIN-specific programming means fixing your car's computer with the right software made just for your car's ID number.
VIN-specific programming means updating vehicle modules with software tailored to the exact Vehicle Identification Number, ensuring compatibility and security.
module repair
"What's becoming more popular is the repair of modules because you can't get the modules, right?"
Module repair means fixing the small computers inside your car instead of buying new ones.
Module repair refers to fixing or reprogramming individual electronic control units in vehicles, often as an alternative to full replacement.
VSP credential
"When my tool asks for a VSP credential, it's because you're doing something security that that manufacturer says you need this fingerprint to do this work."
VSP credential is a special permission that lets you do secure work on a car's computer.
VSP (Vehicle Security Professional) credential is a certification required to perform security-related programming on vehicle modules, ensuring authorized access.
market disruption
""And, and yeah, I understand people— it's called market disruption, my friend. Yeah, it's, it's hit it hard until we can't anymore, and hopefully we, we build a name around it.""
Market disruption means big changes in how things are sold or priced that can make old products less useful or cheaper.
Market disruption refers to significant changes in an industry that alter how products are sold or priced, often causing existing products or services to lose value or become obsolete.
Dodge Durango
""I did a rad in a 2018 Durango the other day, and I had to look before I could even quote the job. How's it configured for ADAS? Is it or not? Because it's gonna— this one's not configured at all.""
The Dodge Durango is a big SUV. The 2018 version sometimes has safety systems that need special care when fixing.
The Dodge Durango is a mid-size SUV known for its utility and performance. The 2018 model may or may not have ADAS features depending on the trim and options.
electronic parking brake
""Now there's so many more things with like electronic parking brake and all this adaptive stuff that we need to be saying This is why it costs $650, you know.""
An electronic parking brake is a button that turns on the parking brake instead of a hand lever.
An electronic parking brake replaces the traditional handbrake lever with an electronic switch that activates the parking brake via motors, often requiring special procedures during brake service.
Ford F-150 Lightning
"...can get down. What kind of car is it? It's a Ford Lightning. It looks like a Ford Lightning basically. Okay. ..."
The Ford F-150 Lightning is a big truck made by Ford that runs on electricity instead of gas. It can carry heavy things and drive like a regular truck but uses batteries to move. It is made to be good for the environment and still very powerful.
The Ford F-150 Lightning is the all-electric version of Ford's popular F-150 pickup truck, combining the traditional capabilities of a full-size truck with modern electric vehicle technology. It offers strong performance, advanced technology features, and the benefits of zero emissions, marking a significant step in electrifying a mainstream work truck. It is often discussed for its role in the transition to electric vehicles in the pickup segment.
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