Tech Feature: Mazda Driveability Diagnostics and Check Engine Light Complaints
From a torn air intake hose to ignition system concerns, Bob Dowie tackles driveability issues as well as some of the more common ailments that will bring Mazda vehicles into your bays with a check engine lamp complaint.
TPMS: Tire Pressure Monitoring Service for All Shops
Recently, an owner of a 2008 Lincoln Navigator brought their vehicle in for a tire rotation. The tires were rotated front to rear. The customer drove away not knowing he was in great peril. A few days later, the right rear picked up a small leak. The TPMS system turned on the dashlight and indicated
Tech Tip: Installing Reman Engines and Transmissions
With new car sales down, people are keeping their vehicles longer and racking up more miles on their engines. That means there’s a growing opportunity to install a remanufactured engine in a customer’s vehicle if their original engine or transmission has reached the end of the road. Most engines will go quite a few miles with proper maintenance. But if the owner scrimps on regular fluid, oil and filter changes, neglects the coolant, never changes the spark plugs, or ignores little problems, it may lead to premature engine failure.
Tech Tip: Tire Valves Important for Safety and Profits
The lowly tire valve operates just the way it did when it first found its way onto an automobile tire back in 1898. It’s not that complicated to understand a standard (non-TPMS) tire valve, but if a mistake occurs in mounting or demounting, or a hard hit on a curb is not inspected closely, you might want to find your lawyer’s card in the Rolodex. While it’s most important to approach this subject from a safety standpoint, it’s also ….
This Car is Kicking My Butt!
I hear the above phrase every so often and the worst part of the technician’s plight is when he calls me he is almost always working for free at this point in the repair cycle. Most of the time the phone call starts out: “We sold them brakes…” Most of the shops at this point
Tech Feature: Kia Brake Service Essentials
Kia Motors has found its place in the market by offering a good, dependable car at a reasonable price point. With a strong dealer network and model line, there’s no reason to think they won’t enjoy continued consumer support. That’s good news for import shops – these are good cars that should be a welcomed sight in the bays of any shop. Kia provides strong support for the aftermarket shop as evidenced by the ….
Brake Job: Toyota Prius
Does performing a pad replacement on a Toyota Prius scare you? Well it should; if you treat it like every other vehicle. But, if you know a few things ahead of time, the job can be performed like any other brake job. Do not worry about high voltage. Worry about angry customers due to comebacks
Kia: Brake Service Essentials
Arm Yourself With the Proper Tools, Equipment & Service Information to Facilitate Diagnosis and Repair
Tech Feature: Servicing Supplemental Restraint Systems
KABOOM!!! That’s kinda fun on the holidays isn’t it? Well, the pyrotechnics in a car can be satisfying as well. Satisfying to your wallet that is. I’m sure you’ve heard how "dangerous" air bags can be. Well they can be dangerous, but at the same time, they are pretty safe, too. An electronically controlled air bag requires a sufficient voltage and ground supplied to it or it will not detonate. Notice I specified "electronically controlled." There are some older models that were ….
Management: Highlights of the AAPEX and SEMA Shows
Every year in early November, Las Vegas hosts two huge automotive shows, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Exposition (AAPEX) at the Sands Convention Center, and the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The two shows this year drew more than 100,000 attendees from all over the world. These are the shows where automotive parts, accessory and equipment vendors reveal their ….