We Need to Call Training "Continuing Education" | Bret T. Fadley

The hosts are reframing “training” as “continuing education,” emphasizing ongoing learning rather than a one-time event. In the automotive world, this often means staying current on new diagnostics, service procedures, and regulations.

SEMA is discussed as a major automotive trade show where attendees experience a “whirlwind” schedule. The hosts use it to contrast the pace and vibe of different events versus “Tools.”

The term “project car” is used in the context of what attendees might be looking for at a car show—something to work on over time. In automotive culture, project cars often involve restoration, upgrades, or ongoing repairs.

Networking is described as a primary benefit of these automotive events, alongside technical courses. The hosts emphasize that meeting shop owners and learning from their experiences increases confidence and helps attendees implement changes quickly.

The hosts repeatedly connect the event to technical training via courses, implying structured education for automotive professionals. This is central to the episode’s theme of reframing training as ongoing education.

“Camaraderie” is presented as a key outcome of attending these events, strengthening the industry through relationships. The hosts argue that the friendships formed can last a long time and are hard to quantify.

This frames training and networking as a business investment rather than a pure cost. The idea is that relationships and skills gained can improve shop performance and employee development over time.

The episode is describing the opportunity cost of sending a team to events. In a repair shop, shutting down means lost billable hours and revenue while still paying event costs like registration and lodging.

A parasitic drain is an electrical draw that continues after the vehicle is shut off, eventually draining the battery. Technicians typically measure current draw and isolate the circuit/module responsible.

A powertrain warranty covers major drivetrain components (commonly engine and transmission-related parts) for a set time/mileage. The episode shows how warranty coverage affects repair decisions—especially when the shop wants to avoid charging for work that should be covered by the dealer.

Blow-by is combustion gases leaking past the piston rings into the crankcase. When it’s observed “past the fill cap,” it can indicate internal engine wear or pressure buildup, and it often correlates with misfires or low compression on a cylinder.

A misfire is when one or more cylinders fail to ignite properly, causing rough running and potential damage if it continues. Modern engines detect misfires via crankshaft speed variations and log diagnostic trouble codes.

An ignition coil provides high voltage to spark plugs. The speaker says the engine wasn’t firing “number 2 coil,” then later tests whether the ECM is actually commanding coil operation or whether the cylinder can’t build pressure.

The ECM (engine control module) is the car’s main computer for engine operation, including ignition timing and fuel/air control. The episode discusses whether the ECM is cutting a coil off, and how warranty coverage can determine who replaces it versus diagnosing the root cause.

A compression test measures how well each cylinder seals and compresses the air/fuel mixture. The episode emphasizes that skipping this step led to an incorrect path, and the test confirmed a “dead hole” on cylinder 2.

The dealer’s decision hinges on internal engine condition—here, “sludge in the bottom of the engine.” Sludge can be interpreted as poor maintenance or oil change history, which can affect whether warranty coverage is approved.

The phrase “slow down to go fast” is a common performance and safety mindset: reducing mistakes and overconfidence improves overall results. In a shop or training context, it often means taking time to learn the right process instead of rushing through tasks.

This is a caution about overconfidence in diagnostics, repairs, or procedures. The idea is that assuming “it’s the same as last time” can lead to missing the one change that matters.

This highlights informal learning during events—conversations in social settings can be as valuable as the formal curriculum. In automotive training culture, these discussions often cover real shop experiences and practical problem-solving.

A “break-even year” means the event’s revenue and costs balance out, so there’s no net profit or loss. The speakers use it to describe how their event performed financially after relocating to a venue where it had been struggling.

“Vendors and sponsorships” are key revenue and participation drivers for automotive events. The speakers mention budgets and the risk of overlapping dates, which can reduce attendance and make it harder to secure sponsors and vendor commitments.

They’re talking about the upfront costs required to put on an event (venue, staff, logistics, marketing, etc.). The goal is to reach break-even or profit so the organization can fund other activities.

“Shit You Don’t Know 2.0” is described as an updated version of the training, with constantly added content. The episode frames it as a way to keep learning relevant, real-world lessons for shop work.

A “case study” is a structured real-world example used to teach problem-solving. Here, they describe the class as using mismatched “fundamentals” and real shop scenarios so attendees learn how to apply concepts into their own processes.

The trade show floor is the main exhibition area where vendors set up booths and attendees walk through. Venue limitations—like an outdated or cramped floor—can affect how long events can run and how satisfied attendees feel.

A room block is a set number of hotel rooms reserved for an event at a negotiated rate. Once the block is sold out (or the cutoff date passes), attendees typically have to book at higher, non-discounted rates.

A caravan is a group of vehicles traveling together, usually for a shared destination and coordinated arrival. In this context, it’s being proposed as a fun way for Canadian attendees to drive down together.

A welcome reception is a social event held at the start of a conference or gathering, typically to meet attendees and kick things off. The speaker proposes it as a chance to meet “The Jaded Mechanic” in person.

The automotive aftermarket is the ecosystem of parts, services, and accessories sold outside of a vehicle’s original manufacturer. It includes everything from performance upgrades to maintenance items and specialty shop work.