Professionals in Automotive Service Since 1940

Get Involved! Join the 2025 ASCCA Board of Directors The ASCCA is pleased to call for nominations for seats open on the 2024 Board of Directors. Participation on the ASCCA Board of Directors is a unique opportunity for automotive repair professionals to help guide the state's largest organization of independent auto shop owners in shaping the future of the industry and building a stronger industry. Board participation is a chance to grow personally and professionally, and to develop skills, experience and connections with a team of other passionate and motivated professionals. Download the nomination application HERE!

New California Laws for 2016: Every year, hundreds of new laws are enacted that may impact small business, automotive repair shops. Short summary of some measures that will take effect in 2016

Getting your vehicle ready for winter while temperatures are still mild is a proactive approach to preventive maintenance that helps ensure safety, reliability and fewer unexpected repairs when severe winter weather strikes. Whether you do it yourself or take your car to a professional service technician, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures during Fall Car Care Month in October to keep your vehicle operating at its best. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free ... read more

Have an event you'd like to share with the ASCCA membership? Send any and all event information over to [email protected] today for it to be posted on our website, social media accounts, and Google Calendar

ASCCA members are requested to contact their legislator and respectfully request that they vote "no" on SB 350. SB 350 by Senator De Leon, which was recently amended and now requires an arbitrary and unrealistic reduction of petroleum use by 50% by 2030, increasing the current renewable portfolio standard to 50% by 2030 and increasing energy efficiency in buildings by 50%, without regard to the impact on individuals, small businesses and the economy. SB 350 has been labeled a "job killer" bill by the California Chamber of Commerce. See link for copy of the bill http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/15-16/bill/sen/sb_0301-0350/sb_350_bill_20150716_amended_asm_v97.pdf. If passed, SB 350 would also: Provide a Blank Check to California Air Resources Board (CARB). The bill gives broad and undefined authority to CARB (a body of political appointees ... read more

ASCCA previously reported as part of our Bureau of Automotive Repair Advisory Group (BAG) meeting summary that there has been a big increase in citations and fines for issuing a certificate of compliance using a BAR97 EIS when an OIS test was required. This is a violation of Section 44050 of the Health and Safety Code. According to statistics provided by the BAR during the July 23rd, BAG meeting they had already issued 437 citations. The citations are issued to both the technician and the station, and the fines are issued to the station. ASCCA has and will continue to encourage BAR to update the BAR97 EIS and OIS equipment software to identify and lock out vehicles that are not eligible to be tested and issued a certificate of compliance. NOTE: The citations are for issuing a certificate of compliance using the wrong testing platform.What to Expect If you are cited you will receive a letter that includes a citation conference date and time to appear in t ... read more

The total number of candidates for the Board of Directors elections is six (6) with a total number of open seats totaling seven (7). Therefore, there will be no balloting process for this year's election. The nominees for the Board of Directors election are as follows: John Eppstein (Incumbent) Dean Blomquist Joe Picker Jack Scrafield (Incumbent) Stuart Terry (Incumbent) Rory W. Balmer ASCCA has made available the candidates profiles so you can get to know who they are. The next steps will be for the Chapter Representatives Committee (CRC) to review the slate of nominees and make a determination as to whether or not to elect them by acclamation during its meeting on September 26 in Sacramento. A final announcement on the outcome of the CRC's actions will be sent to you after the September 26 meeting

September 2

ST. JOHNS, FL (September 29, 2015) – The heavy duty/commercial vehicle industry recently announced agreement in a Memorandum of Understanding (HD MOU) between the Commercial Right to Repair Coalition and the Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA), where original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of heavy duty vehicles would provide service information to independent service providers by way of their OEM technical websites. To assist in managing the understanding, search and feedback related to this cooperative effort between HD OEMs and independent HD service specialists, the National Automotive Service Task Force (NASTF) was asked to expand its scope with the addition of heavy duty to its similar service already being provided to the light vehicle industry. “The HD MOU is a perfect fit for NASTF and its mission,” said Charlie Gorman, Immediate past Chairman of NASTF. “NASTF provides the framework for communication and cooperation by making existing services available to H ... read more

On Saturday, September 26 during the ASCCA Team Weekend ASCCA recognized several members and a chapter for their outstanding service to the association. Each award winner was nominated by an ASCCA member. Membership Committee Chair, Mary Kemnitz presented the following awards. Included below are the award winners in the categories of Chapter of the Year, Sponsor of the Year, Rising Star, and Volunteer of the Year along with the words used to describe why each should be considered for the award. ASCCA 2015 Chapter of the Year – Chapter 24, San Diego Hard working chapter with great events and consistency, they are what most chapters aspire to be. They are always on top of their game, being very structured, and very organized. Chapter 24 is one of the leading chapters in the state. Chapter 24 San Diego is also heavily involved at the State level with several members on the Board of Directors, several members serve on various state committee's and the curre ... read more

In 2010, both the States of California and Washington enacted legislation that will require brake pads sold or installed in both states to have reduced levels of copper and other heavy metals. The legislation was enacted due to claims by environmental groups and regulators that as brake pads wear down, copper and other metals are deposited on roadways where they are washed into streams and rivers. Copper is highly toxic to fish and other aquatic species. The new brake rules for California and Washington State will place significant compliance requirements for the entire distribution system from the brake pad manufacturers down to installers. While Washington State is in the process of finalizing their rules, California has not yet begun the development of their rules to implement the requirements. However, the laws have several similarities and it is hoped that California’s Department of Toxic and Substance Control will adopt much of Washington’s regulatory scheme. Lea ... read more