Tech Tip: The Ins and Outs of Indirect and Direct TPMS
This is the year of the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitor System). It’s been coming for some time. In response to a rash of highly publicized rollover accidents caused by tire failures on SUVs, Congress passed a law called the TREAD Act in 2000 which required all vehicle manufacturers to have TPMS on all their cars and light trucks by 2008. Time has run out, and as far as we know, all the vehicle manufacturers have complied ….
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems: The Ins and Outs of Indirect and Direct TPMS
This is the year of the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitor System). It’s been coming for some time. In response to a rash of highly publicized rollover accidents caused by tire failures on SUVs, Congress passed a law called the TREAD Act in 2000 which required all vehicle manufacturers to have TPMS on all their cars
Snap-on Diagnostics Introduces Software Bundle 8.2
Snap-on Diagnostics announced recently the availability of Software Bundle 8.2. The latest software upgrade delivers more new Scanner coverage than ever before for MODIS, SOLUS PRO, SOLUS, ETHOS and the MT-Series Scanner. Snap-on has also added 820 new vehicles and access to 7,000 new systems since ….
OEMs Collaborate on Website Portal, Eases Access Issues for Techs Looking for Repair Information
From Acura to Volvo, manufacturers’ repair information is now accessible to independent shops through one site. Thirty-five auto manufacturers worked together to launch OEM1STOP.com, the result of an ongoing effort to simplify Internet searches for OEM repair information. Each quarter, Asian, European and U.S. auto manufacturers meet at the OEM Roundtable to discuss issues that
Modifying Consumer Oil Change Habits
to try and save your customers 50% or more on their oil change services? With two simple steps, you and your customers may be able to significantly extend oil change intervals and save them money. The first step is to read the vehicle owner’s manual to find out how many miles the manufacturer recommends between
Tech Feature: Correcting Coolant Confusion
Have you ever seen the inside of an aluminum water pump that was not adequately protected by the corrosion inhibitors in the coolant? Or a radiator or heater core that failed from the inside out because of internal corrosion? These kinds of parts failures are all too common. Yet they can be easily prevented by using the "right" coolant and changing the coolant before trouble starts to heat up.
Correcting Coolant Confusion
Have you ever seen the inside of an aluminum water pump that was not adequately protected by the corrosion inhibitors in the coolant? Or a radiator or heater core that failed from the inside out because of internal corrosion? These kinds of parts failures are all too common. Yet they can be easily prevented by
Tech Tip: Tire Rack Offers Answers to ‘Top Five’ TPMS Questions
Over the last year or so, Tire Rack has been conducting an informal and unscientific survey of its customers regarding the reoccurrence of issues dealing with tire pressure monitoring systems. Thanks to its wholesalers, service technicians and counter sales people in the field, just to name a few, Tire Rack developed a list of the Top Five most common TPMS questions.
Tech Tip: Special Timing Chain and Belt Tools
Before you replace a timing belt, chain or gear set on some engines, you will have to look up the timing reference marks. Some engines have multiple timing marks that can cause confusion if you don’t know which ones to use or how to line them up. Many engines also require special tools when changing a timing belt or chain. At the very least, you should have a belt tension gauge to make sure the tension on a timing belt is correct.
Tech Feature: Understanding the Metallurgy in Today’s Engines
Cast iron is like an old familiar friend to most of our readers because it’s been around forever. Vehicle manufacturers like cast iron because it’s cheap compared to most other metals, it is strong and durable, and it can be easily cast and machined to make engine blocks, cylinder heads, crankshafts, connecting rods and other engine parts. But as automotive technology continues to move forward, other metals have been replacing ordinary cast iron in many applications.