{"version":"1.0.0","episode":{"title":"The Level Testing Sales Amplifier: A Tiered System for Auto Repair Diagnostics [RR 1070]","url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-level-testing-sales-amplifier-a-tiered-system-for-auto-repair-diagnostics-rr-1070","audioUrl":"https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/5b75dc58-467b-4b94-9a74-67a55b5aac38.mp3","description":"Thanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS\n\nWatch Full Video Episode\nEric Svedberg breaks down a smarter, more profitable way to price diagnostic work—what he calls the Level Testing Sales Amplifier. At its core, the system tackles a problem most repair shops quietly accept: testing is often a loss leader. When technicians are tied up diagnosing complex issues, shops miss out on parts sales. A-level technicians can earn less than their B-level counterparts doing routine work, and the rising cost of software and tools goes unpaid.\nSvedberg reframes the conversation by using the word “testing” instead of “diagnostics,” a term he believes is clearer and more intuitive for customers. Testing implies a process, not a guarantee—setting expectations from the start.\nThe Level Testing system uses a tiered structure tied to the shop’s base labor rate:\n\nLevel One – Basic Testing:Single, constant, duplicable issues (like a check engine light that’s always on).Level Two – Intermediate Testing:Multiple concerns or intermittent problems.Level Three – Pandora’s Box:Highly complex vehicles, often previously misdiagnosed or unsuccessfully repaired elsewhere.Level Four – “Grandmother Rate”:Disaster cars involving severe electrical damage, corrosion, or major disassembly.\nWhile the levels are designed as an internal framework, Svedberg finds transparency with customers increases trust and buy-in. Service advisors are coached to remove Level Three from most conversations upfront, steer customers toward Level Two testing as the norm, and clearly explain that testing fees are for time spent—not credited toward repairs. For true Level Three cases, advisors frame the value honestly: if it were simple, another shop would have already fixed it.\nSvedberg emphasizes that the system is easy to train and implement—often within a week—by focusing on quick wins with top advisors. Its simplicity improves communication, closes the tech efficiency gap, and can be applied beyond diagnostics to services like module programming and ADAS calibration.\nEvery decision, he says, must pass the test: Is it good for the car? Good for the customer? Good for the shop?\nEric Svedberg, European Autowerks, Virginia Beach, VA, https://www.gofuelcoaching.com/ , https://www.europeanautowerks.com/\n\nThanks to our Partners, NAPA Auto Care and NAPA TRACS\n\nLearn more about NAPA Auto Care and the benefits of being part of the NAPA family by visiting https://www.napaonline.com/en/auto-care\n\nNAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/\n\nConnect with the Podcast:\n\n-..."},"annotations":[{"startTime":334.0,"endTime":336.5,"type":"car","title":"Honda Accord","url":"/cars/honda/accord","image":"https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a9/HONDA_ACCORD_%28CP1-CP3%29_China.jpg","quote":"Whenever I talk to any shop owner, usually I ask them, if I walked into your shop, you know, just say I had a Honda Accord and a Czech Angelite.","canonicalId":"car:honda:accord","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The Honda Accord is a mid‑size sedan produced by the Japanese automaker Honda since 1976. It has been known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and strong resale value.","simplifiedExplanation":"The Accord is a popular family car from Honda. It’s known for being dependable and easy to maintain, making it a good choice if you want a reliable daily driver.","imageAttribution":"Dinkun Chen (CC BY-SA 4.0)"}},{"startTime":412.0,"endTime":414.0,"type":"concept","title":"level one testing","url":"/glossary/level-one-testing","quote":"Level one testing, level two testing, level three testing.","canonicalId":"concept:level-one-testing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Level one testing refers to a basic diagnostic procedure that checks for repeatable, non-intermittent issues such as persistent warning lights or mechanical failures. It typically involves a quick scan and basic checks.","simplifiedExplanation":"Level one testing is the first step a shop takes to find obvious problems that happen every time, like a warning light staying on or a door not working."}},{"startTime":418.0,"endTime":420.0,"type":"term","title":"check engine light","url":"/glossary/check-engine-light","quote":"Check engine light is on and all the time on all the time.","canonicalId":"term:check-engine-light","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The check engine light is a dashboard indicator that signals the vehicle’s computer has detected an issue with the engine or emissions system. It can range from a minor sensor fault to a more serious problem that may affect performance or fuel economy.","simplifiedExplanation":"When the check engine light turns on, it means your car’s computer found something that might need fixing. It could be a small glitch or something bigger, so it’s good to get it checked out."}},{"startTime":428.0,"endTime":430.0,"type":"term","title":"ABS light","url":"/glossary/abs-light","quote":"Or the driver's window does not work or the power lift gate does not work or the ABS light is on or the SRS light is on.","canonicalId":"term:abs-light","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) light indicates a fault in the vehicle’s braking system that prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking. It signals potential issues with sensors, hydraulics, or the ABS control module.","simplifiedExplanation":"The ABS light means there’s a problem with the system that stops your wheels from locking when you brake hard. It’s important to get it checked because it affects safety."}},{"startTime":428.0,"endTime":430.0,"type":"term","title":"driver's window","url":"/glossary/driver-s-window","quote":"Or the driver's window does not work or the power lift gate does not work or the ABS light is on or the SRS light is on.","canonicalId":"term:driver-s-window","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"The driver's window refers to the power or manual window on the driver’s side of a vehicle. It can malfunction due to electrical issues, broken switches, or mechanical failure.","simplifiedExplanation":"The driver’s window is the door pane that opens and closes for you. If it stops working, it could be a wiring problem or the motor that moves it might be broken."}},{"startTime":428.0,"endTime":430.0,"type":"term","title":"power lift gate","url":"/glossary/power-lift-gate","quote":"Or the driver's window does not work or the power lift gate does not work or the ABS light is on or the SRS light is on.","canonicalId":"term:power-lift-gate","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A power lift gate is an electrically operated rear door or hatch that lifts up automatically, often used on SUVs and trucks. Failure can stem from electrical faults or mechanical jams.","simplifiedExplanation":"The power lift gate is the back door that opens up for you with a button or switch. If it won’t lift, there might be an electrical problem or something stuck inside."}},{"startTime":428.0,"endTime":430.0,"type":"term","title":"SRS light","url":"/glossary/srs-light","quote":"Or the driver's window does not work or the power lift gate does not work or the ABS light is on or the SRS light is on.","canonicalId":"term:srs-light","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) light alerts the driver to issues with airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, or related safety components. A malfunction can compromise occupant protection.","simplifiedExplanation":"The SRS light tells you there’s a problem with your airbags or seatbelt system. It’s a safety warning that should be addressed promptly."}},{"startTime":476.0,"endTime":478.0,"type":"concept","title":"level two testing","url":"/glossary/level-two-testing","quote":"Level two testing. That is more than one issue or intermittent.","canonicalId":"concept:level-two-testing","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Level two testing is a more in-depth diagnostic process used when multiple issues or intermittent problems are present. It often requires additional tools, longer time, and more detailed analysis.","simplifiedExplanation":"Level two testing is a deeper check that the shop does when there are several problems or things that only happen sometimes, like a strange noise that comes up occasionally."}},{"startTime":545.0,"endTime":547.0,"type":"term","title":"evap issue","url":"/glossary/evap-issue","quote":"Say you have an evap issue, which and you also have a misfire...","canonicalId":"term:evap-issue","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"An evap (evaporative emission) issue refers to a leak or malfunction in the system that captures fuel vapors from the gas tank and routes them back into the engine to reduce emissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"The evap system keeps gasoline fumes from escaping into the air. If it’s not working right, you might see a warning light on your dashboard."}},{"startTime":547.0,"endTime":549.0,"type":"term","title":"misfire","url":"/glossary/misfire","quote":"Say you have an evap issue, which and you also have a misfire...","canonicalId":"term:misfire","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.95,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A misfire occurs when one or more cylinders in the engine fail to ignite the fuel-air mixture at the correct time, causing a loss of power and increased emissions.","simplifiedExplanation":"When an engine misfires, it means a part of the engine isn’t running smoothly. It can feel like a hiccup or a sudden loss of power."}},{"startTime":552.0,"endTime":556.0,"type":"term","title":"air fuel ratio card code","url":"/glossary/air-fuel-ratio-card-code","quote":"If you have a evap, I mean, a misfire and then, you know, maybe an air fuel ratio card code...","canonicalId":"term:air-fuel-ratio-card-code","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"This refers to diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that indicate an imbalance between the air and fuel entering the engine, often linked to sensor or injector problems.","simplifiedExplanation":"If your car’s computer finds that the mix of air and gasoline isn’t right, it will set a code so mechanics know what to check."}},{"startTime":556.0,"endTime":558.0,"type":"term","title":"cat efficiency","url":"/glossary/cat-efficiency","quote":"maybe an air fuel ratio card code, maybe those would be connected to notes or cat efficiency...","canonicalId":"term:cat-efficiency","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Catalytic converter efficiency measures how well the cat reduces harmful exhaust gases; low efficiency can trigger a check engine light.","simplifiedExplanation":"The cat is the part of your exhaust that cleans up bad gases. If it’s not working well, the car will warn you."}},{"startTime":584.0,"endTime":586.0,"type":"term","title":"level three","url":"/glossary/level-three","quote":"Level three Pandora's box. So you have that customer took it to two of the shops...","canonicalId":"term:level-three","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"'Level three' denotes a complex, time-consuming diagnostic process that may involve multiple shops and parts before finding the root cause.","simplifiedExplanation":"Level three means the problem is hard to find and might need many parts or shops before it’s fixed."}},{"startTime":584.0,"endTime":586.0,"type":"term","title":"Pandora's box","url":"/glossary/pandora-s-box","quote":"Level three Pandora's box. So you have that customer took it to two of the shops...","canonicalId":"term:pandora-s-box","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A metaphor for a complex, unpredictable problem that keeps revealing new issues as you try to fix it.","simplifiedExplanation":"Pandora's box means a problem that keeps getting more complicated the more you try to solve it."}},{"startTime":1204.0,"endTime":1210.0,"type":"term","title":"level four","url":"/glossary/level-four","quote":"What would your average part cost at the end of one of those premium level fours to 300 bucks?","canonicalId":"term:level-four","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"In automotive repair, a \"level four\" job refers to a high‑complexity service that often involves extensive electrical or mechanical work, such as rewiring the entire vehicle. It typically requires specialized diagnostic tools and significant labor time.","simplifiedExplanation":"A \"level four\" repair is a big, complicated fix that usually means the car needs a lot of work on its wiring or other systems. It takes more time and skill than simpler fixes."}},{"startTime":1235.0,"endTime":1241.0,"type":"term","title":"bleeding","url":"/glossary/bleeding","quote":"So there's a lot of bleeding and a lot of testing afterwards.","canonicalId":"term:bleeding","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.75,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"\"Bleeding\" refers to the process of removing air from a hydraulic system, such as brakes or power steering, to ensure proper fluid flow and performance.","simplifiedExplanation":"Bleeding means pumping out air from a car’s brake or steering system so it works smoothly. Air can make brakes feel soft, so it needs to be removed."}},{"startTime":1519.0,"endTime":1535.0,"type":"concept","title":"A/B/C specialist or technician","url":"/glossary/a-b-c-specialist-or-technician","quote":"it reminds me of the definition of an A, B and a C specialist or technician, you see? No one can really, really tell you, A and B and C has never been defined.","canonicalId":"concept:a-b-c-specialist-or-technician","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.85,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"A/B/C specialists are technicians who focus on specific areas of vehicle repair: A for engine and powertrain, B for chassis and suspension, and C for electrical and electronics. The classification helps assign expertise to complex diagnostic tasks.","simplifiedExplanation":"When fixing cars, some mechanics specialize in certain parts: A for the engine, B for the body and wheels, and C for the wiring and electronics. This way they can quickly find problems in their area."}},{"startTime":1649.0,"endTime":1654.0,"type":"brand","title":"Mercedes-Benz","url":"/glossary/mercedes-benz-2da6bee1-2c59-4e63-8ca8-f0d3c6600182","quote":"But I don't think it works today because you've got Mercedes specialists and BMW specialists that work for you.","canonicalId":"brand:mercedes-benz-2da6bee1-2c59-4e63-8ca8-f0d3c6600182","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"Mercedes-Benz is a German luxury automotive manufacturer known for its high-quality vehicles, advanced engineering, and prestigious brand heritage.","simplifiedExplanation":"Mercedes-Benz is a famous German car company that makes fancy, high‑end cars people often think of when they hear \"Mercedes.\""}},{"startTime":1649.0,"endTime":1654.0,"type":"brand","title":"BMW","url":"/glossary/bmw","quote":"But I don't think it works today because you've got Mercedes specialists and BMW specialists that work for you.","canonicalId":"brand:bmw","priority":0.5,"confidence":0.9,"source":"openai/gpt-oss-20b","data":{"explanation":"BMW is a German automotive brand recognized for its sporty performance cars, luxury vehicles, and engineering excellence.","simplifiedExplanation":"BMW is a well‑known German car company that makes sporty and luxury cars, often called \"Bimmer.\""}}],"speakers":[{"id":"s1","name":"Carm Capriotto","role":"host"},{"id":"s2","name":"AAP","role":"host"}],"transcripts":[{"url":"http://getcarcurious.com/episodes/the-level-testing-sales-amplifier-a-tiered-system-for-auto-repair-diagnostics-rr-1070/transcript.vtt","type":"text/vtt"}]}