Mary DellaValle, Author at Import Car - Page 5 of 15
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Replace Valve Stems at the First Signs of Corrosion

Be sure to replace any valve stems that appear to be corroded or severe tire damage can occur.

Detergents for Modern Vehicles

The method in which modern vehicles consume fuel has changed greatly in the past 20 years. Here is how you can use detergents to keep your fuel system clean.

Gasoline pump
Searching For ‘Black Holes’: 3A Automotive, Phoenix, AZ

After charting sales for two weeks and thinking about the numbers, 3A owner Jimmy Alauria found what he called a “black hole” in their approach.

3A Automotive (outside)
Industry Under The Microscope: Transparency Brings Opportunities To The Aftermarket

In the aftermarket, there are new challenges to mend customer confidence and a need for a greater focus on restoring customer trust.

Emerging Technologies Pave The Way For An Evolving Service Landscape

Technological advancements have always been a mainstay of our business because they provide the framework for evolving aftermarket service opportunities. But as developments accelerate at an even faster pace than in years past, be sure to look in your rearview mirror to see what’s closing in on you.

Be Wary of the Fall Maintenance Slowdown

If you think you don’t need to do any more marketing this quarter because you’ve been riding the summer vehicle maintenance wave, think again. While your car count is likely high — due to road trip inspections, oil changes, A/C service and unperformed maintenance that now needs attention — the reality is, the end of summer means a fall slowdown.

Customer Loyalty to Vehicle Brands Spells Ongoing Maintenance Opportunities

Vehicle owners’ allegiance to brands should give us all something to cheer about. This is especially true for those who service import vehicles.

Strap on Your Seatbelt

If you think you’ve seen your share of technological ­advancements in vehicles in the past 10 years, fasten your seat belt, as there are more on the horizon that will likely emerge with even greater speed. A ­recent study found that U.S. ­consumers not only want to own their vehicles (94% of respondents), but what they want their vehicles to do is quickly evolving as well. This is expected to have an impact not only on how ­vehicles are manufactured, but also their service requirements when repairs are needed.

Vehicle TLC: Proper Vehicle Care Has Many Merits

While raising the awareness of preventive maintenance sounds good in theory, especially during April Car Care Month, the reality is many ­motorists’ ­vehicle maintenance habits just don’t stack up. ­Results of vehicle ­inspections at car care events across the country last April and October reveal that 84% of vehicles needed service or parts, says the

Benefit From An Uptick In Import VIO Maintenance Opportunities

Two key market indicators should bode well for your shop, laying the foundation for bountiful service ­opportunities. With international nameplate brands garnering a whopping 54.6% of December 2014 auto sales, and with that number pegged above the 50% mark for several years in a row, import vehicles in operation (VIO) will continue their steady climb

Vehicle Unit Increase; Import-Rich VIO Are A Boon for Import Specialists

Need a dose of good news for your business? Then hear this: The influx of new vehicles in the market will lay the foundation for bountiful aftermarket service and repair opportunities. And, with import vehicle sales continuing an ­upward climb, there will be a lot more import nameplates on the roads for years to come

import vehicle sales
Dan Freeman, Industry Veteran of 50 Years, Takes a Look Back & A Look Ahead

A Cleveland, OH, native, Dan’s career began in 1964 working with his father who was in the wholesale/retail tire business, leasing space in a large discount store and selling passenger and truck tires. Fast-forward 50 years, and Dan, who’s been at the helm of Automotive Parts Associates (APA) for 25 years, looks back on his storied and successful career, and looks forward to giving back to the industry in his well-deserved retirement that begins later this month.