GM ‘W Platform’
Preventive Maintenance and Undercar Service
TPMS: What are Dealers Doing?
Service shops aren’t the only ones concerned about TPMS these days. Auto dealers, also, are handling an increasing number of TPMS-equipped vehicles in their service bays. While there’s strong competition for vehicle service, TPMS is forcing both auto and tire dealers to cope with a new side dish on their service menus. The common thread,
New Website Offers Parts Ordering Directly from Toyota Dealerships
Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. has announced the launch of its newly enhanced Toyota Wholesale Parts website which now allows repair shops to order "Toyota Fast Moving Parts" online, directly from their designated Toyota dealer. Toyota launched the Wholesale Parts site in 2005.
Computers: Why You Can’t Do Business Today Without Them
It’s hard to imagine any automotive repair shop doing business today without the benefit of multiple computers. Yet some shops continue to do business and fix cars the "old fashioned way" with no computers whatsoever. I can’t help but wonder how much longer some of these shops will stay in business.
Mitch Schneider: Personal Axe Grinding Shows Ignorance, Especially When Done in ‘First Person’
After almost 41 years of working as a shop owner and a professional technician, I’d like to think I’ve gotten pretty good at dealing with broken stuff. However, every once in a while something occurs that shakes my confidence to its very foundation.
Mitch’s World: Personal Axe Grinding…Shows Ignorance, Especially When Done in “First Person”
I am a “first person” writer. I write about things that I’ve either experienced personally, or that have profoundly affected me in some powerful or compelling way. Almost without exception, these “things” occur either at the shop or have at least something to do with what goes on there. They are things that, in some
Mitch’s World: Righting Inaccurate Writings
I am a “first person” writer. I write about things that I’ve either experienced personally, or that have profoundly affected me in some powerful or compelling way. Almost without exception, these “things” occur either at the shop or have at least something to do with what goes on there. They are things that, in some
Business Tools: Computers… Why You Can’t Do Business Today Without Them
It’s hard to imagine any automotive repair shop doing business today without the benefit of multiple computers. Yet some shops continue to do business and fix cars the “old fashioned way” with no computers whatsoever. I can’t help but wonder how much longer some of these shops will stay in business. The computer has become
Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment
Adnan “Ed” Anwar, president/master technician Checkered Flag Automotive Lacey, WA I own Checkered Flag Automotive with my wife Mary. I’ve been fixing vehicles since 1982. I’m a certified master technician, CM HDT, Auto L1, PSI and CNG. We have owned the business since 1998 and purchased the shop and land in 2005. Checkered Flag has
Tech Tip: Catalytic Converters Play an Important Role in the Emissions-Compliant Engine
The design and function of catalytic converters has changed dramatically since their introduction in 1975. The first "two-way" catalytic converters were oxidizing-only designs that combined hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) with oxygen to form water vapor (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Oxidizing converters were originally manufactured in pellet bed or monolithic "honeycomb" styles. Currently, the monolithic style has proven to be the most durable.