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.
Penray Announces Availability of its New SUPER-X Brand Catalog
Penray, a manufacturer of cooling system treatments, fuel treatments and shop chemicals, announces the availability of its new SUPER-X brand catalog, which offers a wide variety of premium products.
Tech Tip: Lighting and Driving Safety
Nothing lasts forever and headlights and other bulbs are no exception. After 1,000 or more hours of operation, the light-emitting tungsten filament eventually burns out, causing the lamp to fail. Vibration is another factor that can shorten the life of any bulb and headlights are always vulnerable to stones and debris kicked up by other vehicles, not to mention collision damage.
Zurich Provides Pointers for Establishing Quality Control Program in Your Shop
Nuisance claims, like when a wheel falls off a customer’s car and causes minor damage after your technician rotated the tires, can adversely affect profitability. Catastrophic claims, like when a wheel comes off while your customer is on the highway and causes a multi-fatality accident, can cost millions of dollars and put you out of business.
Tech Tip: Import Diesel Service Represents an Emerging Service Opportunity
The introduction of more and more new diesels in the coming years means technicians will have to keep up-to-date with the latest technology. That means more training, investing in the latest scan tools and software, and buying the special tools that may be required to service these engines. But for import specialists who are up on diesel technology, it’s good news because it means more service opportunities and more potential business.
Tech Tip: Underneath is Often Overlooked – Check the Vehicle’s Chassis
Preventive maintenance typically implies looking under the vehicle’s hood; often, though, it’s the chassis underneath the vehicle that’s overlooked. According to the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), underperformed vehicle maintenance in the American automotive aftermarket industry is more than $50 billion annually.
Tech Tip: What Does SAE 10W-30 Actually Mean?
We all know to check the owner’s manual to find out which weight oil should be used in the engine of a vehicle, and also generally know to only use motor oils with American Petroleum Institute Certification in most vehicles. But what really is the difference between a SAE 10W-30 and a SAE 10W-40, or for that case, SAE 0W-20 motor oil?
Chip Foose Set to Ride Again with the Mac Tools Top Fueler in Las Vegas
World-renowned custom hot rod builder and TV personality Chip Foose, Mac Tools and Kalitta Motorsports will once again bring their high-horsepower partnership to the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series. The partnership will come together April 12-15, during the SummitRacing.com NHRA Nationals, at one of the NHRA’s premier quarter-mile facilities, The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
When Should You Replace an Oxygen Sensor?
Is there a mileage or time requirement for oxygen sensor replacement? Simple answer: No. Oxygen sensors were first used for fuel trim and emissions in the late 1970s and into the mid 1990s. A single sensor was installed into the exhaust stream to modify fuel delivery and maintain catalytic converter efficiency. Beginning January 1, 1996,
Diagnostic Solutions: Cooling Fan Failure Diagnosis
Cooling fan operation is often taken for granted by many technicians because testing a cooling fan requires at least 15 minutes of fast idling or running until the coolant temperature reaches 220-230° F. If the cooling fan doesn’t activate, a coolant temperature sensor, fan relay, fan electrical circuit or the fan itself may be at