Air Ride FAQs
An air ride system uses three basic inputs to determine if the system is operating properly. First, the pressure sensor measures pressure at the reservoir or after the compressor. Second, the ride height sensors measure the position of the wheel in the wheel well. Third, sensors that are not directly connected to the air ride system measure the ambient air temperature, vehicle speed and system voltage.
Electric Power Steering: More Than Just Assist
Electric power steering is quickly becoming a standard feature on new vehicles, but it’s not an emerging technology. It’s been in the field for the better part of two decades. Now, electric power steering has continued to advance by making autonomous safety features possible.
3 Simple Steps To Selling More TPMS
It is safe to assume that by the time your customer gets to your shop with a TPMS light on, they are already frustrated and stressed – frustrated that there is a warning light on their dashboard that they don’t recognize and stressed that they don’t know what it will cost or how long it will take to fix it. From the very first step into your shop, your team has a lot of damage control to do. Here are three small things your team can implement today to ensure a positive TPMS service experience that will equate to more TPMS sales.
Air Ride Diagnostic FAQs Point You In The Right Direction
Does air ride scare you? Would you prefer to sell a conversion kit rather than diagnose an air ride code or light? You are not alone. On the surface, these systems can seem complex when compared to metal springs. But, once you understand how the system senses the vehicle’s state and how the air pressure is managed, air ride diagnostics and service won’t seem so overwhelming.
Strategy Of TPMS Diagnostics
The first step in any TPMS diagnostic strategy is to figure out whether or not your customer’s vehicle actually has a TPMS problem. Why? Simply put, there are a number of factors that can cause a TPMS warning light to illuminate or flash – and some are hard to uncover.
ASE Test Prep: Passing The X1
Understanding the relationship between the exhaust system and engine is important when preparing to take the ASE X1 certification test.
Suspension Bushing Logic
Suspensions have gone softer with larger-diameter bushings, compared to 20 years ago. During this time, both ride quality and handling have gotten better. Most modern bushings augment the geometry of the suspension. As the vehicle loads the suspension, movement in the bushings can change the toe, camber and caster so that the vehicle is more stable under braking, cornering and acceleration.
Toyota Brake Repair Tips
If you are replacing a caliper that has locked up and created a great deal of heat, you should also replace the brake hose. This is a good practice anytime, but particularly important with the Toyota line, as the hose can fail at the caliper fitting after being subjected to the extreme heat.
TPMS Service Kits: The Key To TPMS Maintenance
Anytime a tire is removed from the rim of a vehicle, a new TPMS kit must be installed. The existing sensor kit could be brand new or years old, but every tire removal should include the replacement of the TPMS sensor kit. Not replacing the kits could cause big problems with tire pressure and the vehicle’s TPMS if not properly serviced.
Ride Control Dynamics Play Critical Role In Vehicles Equipped With ABS, And Traction & Stability Control
As a vehicle brakes, accelerates and corners, transferred weight impacts vehicle attitude. If this is done in a controlled manner, braking can transfer weight effectively to the tire that needs it the most. For the most part, the suspension and tires handle the best when weight transfer is not sudden and the suspension is not compressed on the bump stops.
Thinking Through False ABS/ESC Activation Events
Electronic stability control (ESC) became a mandated safety feature for the 2012 model year. Along with all of these advancements, false activation complaints have surfaced. Solving them has been a diagnostic conundrum through the years. False activation incidents involve the ABS modulator taking over braking or intervening to restore vehicle stability. The customer may feel feedback in the brake pedal like a pulsation or sudden drop. Some may also experience a drop in power or the vehicle may suddenly pull in one direction.
Brake Shop Economics: It’s About Dollars Per Hour, Not Hours Per Dollar
Shop profitability is always a hot topic in the automotive service business. As a point of comparison for most shops, brakes, steering and suspension services usually top the list in profitability, while engine repairs rank somewhere near the bottom. The key to profitability is to establish a benchmark on how many dollars can be earned per hour.
