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.
2002 Lexus Evaporative Emissions Diagnostics (Codes P0440, P0441 and P0446)
Anyone who works on an evaporative emissions code knows there are as many possible causes as there are ways to determine the failure, says Import Specialist Contributor Frank Scandura, who discusses the strategy he used on a 2002 Lexus SC 430 that came in with a check engine light and evap codes P0440, P0441 and P0446.
Import Insights: Volkswagen (August 2015)
Volkswagen Launches “Release Your RRRR” Campaign Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) unveiled the Unleash Your Rrrr site that allows Volkswagen fans to drive a virtual Golf R using only the sound of their voice. The web app utilizes deep learning, an artificial intelligence subset of machine learning, to analyze each user’s unique impression of the Golf
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.
The Element of Trust And Its Impact on a Repair Scenario
Trust: It’s an important word when it comes to solving automotive repair problems, and the only way to build that trust is through clear communication.
Import Insights: Mercedes-Benz (July 2015)
The All-New 2016 Smart ForTwo The new 2016 Smart ForTwo made its U.S. debut at the 2015 New York International Auto Show and will arrive in dealerships in September. “The new Smart ForTwo adopts the proven [Smart] concept while offering more of just about everything — more space, more color, more equipment,” said Smart CEO Annette Winkler. One
Thorough Brake Inspections Are Comeback Preventers & Profit Builders
Learn how to use a simple, but effective, brake inspection procedure that takes the surprises out of the brake repair process.
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.
Import Insights: Subaru (June 2015)
Subaru STI Performance Concept Unveiled Subaru unveiled the STI Performance Concept at the New York International Auto Show in April. The STI Performance Concept signifies a plan for U.S. expansion of Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the performance division of Subaru, in its three core business areas: aftermarket parts, STI-tuned cars and motorsports. The expansion has already begun, with
Carl Edwards Earns First Bosch Aftermarket NA Contribution For Speedway Children’s Charities
Carl Edwards raced his Bosch-equipped No. 19 Subway Toyota to victory in Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. In recognition of the victory, Bosch Aftermarket NA is making a $1,000 contribution to Joe Gibbs’ Speedway Children’s Charities. Thus far in the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season, Bosch-supported teams
Tips For Spark Plug Removal
Removal or installation of spark plugs on modern vehicles requires extreme precision and care. Before removing a spark plug, check to see if it’s still working properly and whether the engine itself is in good working condition — since both go hand in hand. Spark plugs that have excess carbon deposits or are oil-fouled could
Oil Service for Today’s Vehicles
You have most likely been made aware over the last few years that you need to be diligent in which oil you choose when servicing today’s modern vehicles. Hopefully your team is trained to look up the proper OEM specification for engine oil and can effectively find and verify that specification on the oil bottle