AAPEX 2025 once again proved why it’s the place to see where the automotive aftermarket is headed. For Tracer Products, it was an energizing week packed with conversations—meeting technicians, retailers, distributors, and OEM partners from across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and elsewhere around the world.
What stood out most wasn’t just the foot traffic, but the stories. Shops talked about packed bays, retailers talked about crowded shelves, and everyone talked about two massive shifts: the rise of DIY expectations and the rapid growth of hybrid and electric vehicles. Those discussions confirmed that our three core pillars, LeakFinder®, Tracerline®, and Tracer Wafer®, are positioned right where the market is going.
LeakFinder® Recharge: Built for the Retail Aisle and DIY Fixers
One of the clearest themes at AAPEX was the demand for simple, self-contained A/C solutions that work just as well for the professional tech as they do for the weekend DIYer. That’s exactly where LeakFinder® Recharge resonated.
Attendees immediately gravitated to the 3‑in‑1 design—refrigerant, leak stop, and UV dye in one convenient can. Retail buyers told us how this format cuts confusion at the shelf, reduces the number of SKUs they need to stock, and makes it easier for counter staff to point customers to a single, “grab-and-go” solution.
DIY enthusiasts echoed the same idea in a different way. They want professional‑grade performance without having to invest in specialized tools or manage multiple products. With LeakFinder® Recharge, one can does it all:
- Recharge an A/C system
- Seal small leaks
- Leave UV dye in the system for fast verification down the road
For the retail aftermarket, whether it’s a regional parts chain, a big‑box store, or an e‑commerce platform, LeakFinder® Recharge becomes a high‑value, easy‑to‑merchandise product that moves quickly and builds trust. It brings the same technology used in service bays directly to the DIY audience in a format that’s intuitive, approachable, and built for repeat sales.
Tracerline® EV/Hybrid: Serving High‑Growth Markets
AAPEX also made one thing very clear: EV and hybrid growth is no longer a future trend—it’s here now. That’s especially true in markets like California, where EV adoption is accelerating rapidly, as well as in Canada, Europe, and across key regions in Asia.
Our Tracerline® EV/Hybrid A/C dyes sat right at the center of these conversations. Engineers, shop owners, and service managers were all asking for solutions specifically engineered for high‑voltage environments, not just “compatible,” but purpose‑built.
Tracerline® Hybrid/EV products are formulated with POE‑based, high‑dielectric UV dyes designed to help protect sensitive, electrically driven compressors while still delivering the bright, easy‑to-see fluorescence technicians expect from Tracer Products. This makes them especially attractive in:
- California and other U.S. regions, where shops are building out EV‑safe service procedures
- Canada, where harsh climates put extra demands on A/C performance
- European markets, balancing strict environmental regulations with high expectations for OEM‑level quality
- Asia, where EV and hybrid production and adoption are expanding at remarkable speed
For many of the attendees we spoke with, Tracerline® Hybrid/EV felt like the missing piece between OEM requirements and everyday service. It lets local repair facilities follow best practices that align with modern platform designs, no matter where in the world they operate.
Tracer Wafer®: OEM Factory‑Installed Leak Detection
While AAPEX is primarily an aftermarket show, we were thrilled by the number of OEM and engineering teams who came specifically to talk about Tracer Wafer®.
For years, Tracer Wafer® has been an integral part of factory‑installed leak detection programs. Installed on the assembly line, this compact dye source becomes part of the A/C system from day one, providing a reliable UV dye presence throughout the life of the vehicle.
At the show, OEM representatives told us how Tracer Wafer® helps:
- Support consistent, global leak-detection processes
- Speed up warranty diagnostics at dealership service departments
- Reduce time‑to‑repair and improve the customer experience
The message was clear: Tracer Wafer® isn’t just another component, it’s part of a broader quality and customer‑satisfaction strategy that begins at the factory and extends all the way to the aftermarket and DIY levels.
Listening, Learning, and Planning What’s Next
AAPEX 2025 wasn’t just a showcase of what Tracer Products offers today. It was a chance to listen closely to what our partners need tomorrow.
- Retailers talked about category growth, clear packaging, and the importance of products that are easy to explain in a 30‑second conversation at the counter.
- Technicians emphasized speed, accuracy, and EV‑safe products they can trust on high‑voltage platforms.
- OEMs and global distributors focused on durability, consistency, and support that scales across multiple countries and platforms.
Those conversations are actively shaping our roadmap. For LeakFinder®, it means continuing to build out a retail‑friendly portfolio—3‑in‑1 recharge solutions, UV lamps, and service kits that put professional diagnostics within reach for every customer. For Tracerline® EV/Hybrid, it means deepening our presence in the markets leading electrification – California, Latin America, Canada, Asia, and Europe – and supporting them with training, education, and the right chemistry. For Tracer Wafer®, it means continuing to partner with OEMs as they design the next generation of platforms with leak detection built in from day one.
From Factory to Driveway: One Leak‑Detection Ecosystem
If there was a single takeaway from AAPEX 2025, it’s this: leak detection now spans the entire lifecycle of the vehicle.
- Tracer Wafer® supports OEMs at the factory level
- Tracerline® Hybrid/EV supports technicians as they service the modern global EV and hybrid fleet
- LeakFinder® supports retailers and DIY customers who want fast, reliable solutions at home
Together, they form a connected leak‑detection ecosystem – from assembly line to driveway.
We left AAPEX 2025 encouraged, energized, and more focused than ever on supporting our partners at every level: OEM, service, retail, and DIY. To everyone who stopped by to see a demo, share feedback, or explore new opportunities with us – thank you. Your insights are helping shape the future of Tracer Products, and we’re excited to keep growing with you in the years ahead.
