The concept of “law” has been on my mind a lot lately. Not those laws made by governments. I mean a “law” as something that is always true. Like how things fall down when you drop them. Or how an object in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an outside force. That’s a law. It tells us what will happen every time when something specific happens first. Here’s the truth about these laws: when we do something, we get a result. It shows up in life, in nature, and in our work every single day. I’ve spent about 8 years in the automotive service world. Over that time, clear patterns have stood out to me. Not guesses. Not opinions. Patterns. I’ve narrowed it down to 3 simple laws for working on cars: 1. The Law of Recency This law states that what has been done to the vehicle recently (prior to the current customer concern) has a very high likelihood of being related to the current concern. If something was touched or fixed recently, there’s a strong chance it’s tied to the problem now. 2. The Law of Proximity This law states that what is physically located close to the system and/or component of concern is very likely contributing to the current customer concern. If it’s close to the problem area, it’s not there by accident. It’s likely part of the problem. 3. The Law of Design Intent This law states that if the vehicle, system, or component in focus is not being operated, installed, or fastened in the manner in which it was designed to be, then problems or failure will result. If something isn’t installed or working the way it was designed to, it will cause you problems. Every time. Let me give you a couple of examples. I once was tasked with an intermittent no-crank concern on a prison bus. This stumped a shop for 3 months, particularly because the issue would come and go without any rhyme or reason. What I ultimately found was a very extensive aftermarket change to the dash wiring harness to accommodate a GPS tracker. This illustrates the importance of the 'Law of Recency' -- reviewing what had recently taken place to the vehicle can steer you in the right direction long before too much time is wasted.

Hello Torque Authority! I hope that this following message will not offend the hub: I’m struggling with an issue for far too long with both Toyota dealership and 3rd party mechanics, so I’ve figured to drop a question here. I own a 1.4L D-4D 1NDTV Yaris from 2011. I have always used high end diesel, even additional additives and made sure the regeneration occurs (I have enabled the indicator light to show me when it triggers). I end up with P2463 (soot accumulation) I also ended up twice with P252F (oil level over capacity). If I trigger a manual regeneration, the soot goes down to 15%. The first time the oil level went overboard, the following were replaced: gasket EGR cooler, gasket EGR valve, gasket EGR inlet, gasket EGR. The car accelerates normal, the engines runs smooth, the sound of the engine is constant as always. Have you encountered and tackled this before? Thank you in advance, Răzvan

Hey guys! I've been working on something that I'm excited to share with you after the new year, but I really wanted to get your input on a couple things. Please be brutally honest, I'd love to get a clear, raw view of what goes through your mind when you hear this, and what you would say to fill in the blank: “If an automotive technician truly understood __________, they would immediately realize flat-rate is optional — not inevitable.” Also, wanted to get your insights on these questions: 1) What do techs currently believe will save them?For example: “If I just get faster, I’ll make more” “If I just move shops, it’ll be better” “If I get one more certification, I’ll be valued” And which of these do you think is the most dangerous belief? 2) What do you think stuck techs incorrectly believe about themselves? Is it: “I’m not smart enough” “I’m just a wrench-turner” “I didn’t grow up around cars” “I’m not leadership material” Which one did you hear most on your darkest days? 3) What do techs who feel frustrated and stuck think prevents their success? Examples: “My shop won’t let me” “Management doesn’t care” “The industry is broken” “AI / EVs are killing this career” Which one do you think is dominant? I would seriously love to hear what you guys think! Please let me know what's top of mind. Hope y'all are having a great week!

Today we're highlighting our very own @Alek Bielenda ! I recently had the privilege of working with him on a vehicle inspection. Alek is the man!! Every so often, a technician walks into the shop with a level of drive that can’t be taught—only developed. That person is Alek, a rising technician whose commitment, pace of learning, and professional presence already set him apart. Alek may be newer to the field, but you wouldn’t know it by watching him work. He approaches every task with the same seriousness and curiosity you’d expect from a seasoned veteran. He doesn’t just complete the job—he studies it, breaks it down, and makes sure he understands the why behind every step. That mindset is what separates a good tech from a great one, and Alek is clearly on the latter path. What stands out most is his hunger to excel. In an industry where it’s easy to settle into routine, Alek refuses to coast. He’s constantly seeking additional technical information, clarifying systems, learning new diagnostic strategies, and sharpening his understanding of the vehicles he works on. Ask a question, and he’ll either know the answer—or he’ll hunt it down, verify it, and bring it back with clarity and confidence. But knowledge alone doesn’t make a top-tier technician. Professionalism does—and Alek brings that in full force. Whether he’s engaging with coworkers, approaching a repair order, or representing the shop, he shows respect for the craft and the people around him. He listens well, communicates clearly, and carries himself with the kind of reliability that customers and team members notice. These qualities—technical aptitude, rapid learning, and genuine professionalism—form a combination that’s rare in a newer technician. And they’re exactly why Alek is already earning trust, handling increased responsibility, and making measurable contributions to the team. Alek’s trajectory is obvious: he’s going places. His foundation is strong, his work ethic is sharp, even when his growth curve appears steep. What he’s building now—through repetition, curiosity, and consistent effort—will become the backbone of a long, successful career in the automotive industry.