Carley’s Corner: Training Is Not a Dirty Word
When some technicians hear the word “training,” it doesn’t interest them in the least. They think it means giving up an evening or a Saturday to sit through a long, boring lecture that may or may not teach them anything new. Maybe they’ve been duped into attending a “training clinic” that turned out to be
Pipe Benders: Just Around the Bend
I like many people, I have a childhood memory of going on car trips that seemed to last forever. Usually about 15 minutes into the trip, I would ask: “Are we there yet?” This question would be delivered with the accompanying whine that only very small children and some wild animals are capable of making.
Chris Bower, Peckerwoods Pit Stop
Chris Bower, owner/technician Peckerwoods Pit Stop Ventura, CA http://PeckerwoodsPitStop.com iATN (www.iatn.net) — I have been a sponsoring member of this website for over eight years, and have used information available there for more jobs than I can count. This is truly the best tool in my toolbox. Fluke 88 Automotive Meter — This meter is
Tech Feature: Air Springs and Suspensions
Passenger car air helper springs have been around since the early fifties. Fifty years ago (1958 model year), GM introduced air suspension as an option for all of its passenger cars. It featured a single cylinder belt driven compressor from Bendix Westinghouse. Goodyear supplied its rolling lobe and sleeve type Super-Cushion air springs. The option lasted for two model years. In the late 1960s, Mercedes Benz applied air suspension to their SL sedans and limousines. Air springs returned in ….
Tech Tip: School Bus Inspection and Maintenance
Now that school is out, school bus inspections and maintenance is taking place in preparation for the next session in the fall. Many school districts are outsourcing the maintenance of their buses. This could be your chance to increase your shop’s customer base. While the coach work (body) of buses is changing to incorporate features like air conditioning, the tires, wheels, brakes and suspension the have not change much in 20 years. The biggest changes are under the hood ….
Management: Downturn or Upturn? You Be the Judge
I have been asking a lot of shop owners and technicians one question, "How’s business?" In all honesty, I’ve been surprised at the responses. At the shop level, we are not doing too bad during these tough economic times. It is safe to say that we are in the worst recession in more than 20 years. The media is fixated on gas prices and the cost of a barrel of oil. It’s painful, but it’s not ….
Federated Introduces New Training Initiative to Help Service Providers Improve Profits
Recognizing the importance of running a profitable business while still keeping pace with ever-changing automotive technology, Federated has introduced a new training initiative to provide professional service providers with business management techniques to improve profits and enhance customer satisfaction ….
Tech Tip: Fuel Pump Service Requires Thorough Evaluation of the Entire Fuel Delivery System
Today’s fuel pumps must operate in adverse conditions that the OEM pump was not necessarily designed to withstand. With use and mileage, fuel tanks retain dirt and contaminants due to age and repeated fuel fill-ups. Airtex recommends thorough in-tank cleaning and fuel pump filter/strainer replacement to ensure reliable performance mile after mile, year after year.
Bosch Icon Wiper Blades Go Racing
Bosch’s advanced bracketless ICON wiper blade is going racing! ICON blades are now poised to take on the rain in Grand American Road Racing throughout North America. Bosch has formed the ICON Wiper Blade Challenge, which is a contingency award program that will provide for the use of Bosch ICON wiper blades under rain racing conditions, as well as the display of the Bosch logo on each side of the race car, plus ….
Video Presentation Provides Look at Hunter’s Auto34 Tire Changer in Action
This unique video presentation provides technicians with an in-depth look at Hunter’s Auto34 Tire Changer. The Auto34 includes unique features, automated functions and a powerful, high-torque motor to service wheels up to 34 inches in diameter safely and easily. The Auto34 features a unique, patented tool head design. The ultra-thin, vertical shape of the tool head automatically slips easily between the rim and ….