Directions: Cost of Owning and Driving a Vehicle Climbs
According to AAA, despite seeing reduced costs for maintenance and insurance this year, there is an overall increase in the costs to own and operate a vehicle in the U.S.
Advertising Campaign for Repair Shop Goes Awry When Glasses Were Never Delivered
First Quality Import in Wilmington, NC, was forced to contact a local TV station for help when a company they hired to help promote their business failed to deliver 1,200 glasses to a local restaurant. The repair shop had paid $1,300 to have their advertisement printed on the glasses. The advertising company has promised to provide a refund.
Tech Tip: Changing Cabin Air Filters Efficiently
Upselling cabin air filters are a great way to increase revenues. Here are some quick tips on how to change cabin air filters efficiently, as well as a demo video on the 2001 Chevy Impala. For techs looking for further training on cabin air filters, check out this link too.
Perspectives: 2011 Could Be and Should Be Big for Shops
There are several data points that are positive signs of good things to come for automotive repair shops in 2011.
Diagnostic Solutions: Air and Fuel Filter Maintenance
Although air and fuel filter maintenance is usually considered a “no-brainer” by most import repair shops, advancing technology is changing the way we should be performing air and fuel filter maintenance.
With Changing Technology, OE Focus, Do Old Winter Tire ‘Standards’ Need Updating?
What exactly is a “winter tire?” The answer is much more complicated than you might think, and begs even more questions. Like: When is a “winter tire” not a “winter tire?” Or: What makes an “all-season tire” an “all-season tire?” These questions lead directly to the concept of providing consumers with a proper and correct tire that will allow them to safely navigate harsh winter road conditions.
Grow or Die: Do You Have the Revenue to Survive? Can You Hit the Million Dollar Mark?
It has been postulated by some shop owners and industry consultants that for a shop to survive today and in the future it will require an annual revenue of at least $1 million with a growth rate of 4-5% annually. The rational for this high revenue figure is that shops will need this revenue to support tools and training expenditures so they can repair late-model vehicles profitably. Being able to do this will allow a shop to retain current customers and gain new customers.
Tech Feature: The Variables of Valve Timing
Today’s cylinder deactivation designs are used to reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of an internal combustion engine during light load operation.
Cabin Air Filters Help Minimize Onset of Asthma and Allergy Attacks While Driving
People who suffer from asthma or allergies to pollen, dust or mold may see their symptoms worsen from time to time when they are riding in vehicles with the windows rolled down and a stream of fresh outdoor air blowing in their face.
New Emissions Technology: Fuel Economy, Global Warming & Alternative Fuels
We can expect to see more innovations designed to improve fuel economy and/or eliminate our dependence on oil altogether, says Technical