Service Repair

The Trainer #157: Investing in the right tool for you and your shop

March 10, 2025

On this episode of The Trainer, Motor Age Technical Editor and master diagnostician Brandon Steckler discusses some of the strategies he suggests be implemented when deciding on which tools to invest in, and finding ones that best suit you and your shop’s needs.

Brandon Steckler

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Investing in the correct tool for the job is more than just buying one that suits your preferred price range. Taking into consideration the types of vehicles you see on the day to day, and the types of problems/systems you address should be the primary factors in choosing the tools you desire to equip with.

It all begins with evaluating the types (years/makes/models) of vehicles you address day-to-day. Questions like “Do we specialize in a specific make?” “Are we more a Euro shop or do we tend to address mostly domestic or Asian vehicles, or perhaps all three?”

It’s important to determine early what type of work you do as well. “Are we a full-service facility?” “Do we mostly perform diagnostics and driveability for other subletting shops, or perhaps provide mobile support solutions like programming/locksmith type services/ECU programming and configuration?” Maybe you simply perform quick lube and service-type procedures.

All of these criteria and more can help establish some guidelines to pair you with the tooling that will not only serve you and your shop well, but will also prevent you from spending more than you need to, and without regret.

With a little help from PTEN Magazine’s 2024 Scan Tool Spec Guide (https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/service-repair/diagnostics-and-drivability/whitepaper/55088812/2024-scan-tool-spec-guide) you can make light work of finding the correct tool for the job you need it to do. This guide offers a comparison of aftermarket scan tools, side-by-side, making it easier for shops to decide which ones best suit their needs. Create an account on VehicleServicePros.com to view the comprehensive guide!

This convenient guide covers offerings in the following categories:

Global OBDII scan tools

Professional diagnostic scan tools

Heavy-duty scan tools

Tune in to this episode of The Trainer to find out more!

About the Author

Brandon Steckler | Technical Editor | Motor Age

Brandon began his career in Northampton County Community College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he was a student of GM’s Automotive Service Educational program. In 2001, he graduated top of his class and earned the GM Leadership award for his efforts. He later began working as a technician at a Saturn dealership in Reading, Pennsylvania, where he quickly attained Master Technician status. He later transitioned to working with Hondas, where he aggressively worked to attain another Master Technician status.

Always having a passion for a full understanding of system/component functionality, he rapidly earned a reputation for deciphering strange failures at an efficient pace and became known as an information specialist among the staff and peers at the dealership. In search of new challenges, he transitioned away from the dealership and to the independent world, where he specialized in diagnostics and driveability.

Today, he is an instructor with both Carquest Technical Institute and Worldpac Training Institute. Along with beta testing for Automotive Test Solutions, he develops curriculum/submits case studies for educational purposes. Through Steckler Automotive Technical Services, LLC., Brandon also provides telephone and live technical support, as well as private training, for technicians all across the world.

Brandon holds ASE certifications A1-A9 as well as C1 (Service Consultant). He is certified as an Advanced Level Specialist in L1 (Advanced Engine Performance), L2 (Advanced Diesel Engine Performance), L3 (Hybrid/EV Specialist), L4 (ADAS) and xEV-Level 2 (Technician electrical safety).

He contributes weekly to Facebook automotive chat groups, has authored several books and classes, and truly enjoys traveling across the globe to help other technicians attain a level of understanding that will serve them well throughout their careers.