Tech Tip: Servicing a Malfunctioning Automotive Ignition Switch
The automotive ignition switch, formerly a straightforward device used to connect battery voltage to various circuits and prevent theft of the vehicle, has recently been switched up.
Tech Tip: A/C Service Tools & Equipment
Hot weather is fast approaching, and that means it’s time to tool up for summer air conditioning service work. A lot has changed in recent years. A whole new generation of smarter, more accurate, more efficient A/C recovery machines and recharging stations have been introduced to handle today’s reduced refrigerant capacity vehicles.
APA Annual Meeting Delivers on Multiple Accounts
With more than 70% of its membership in attendance, the 28th Annual Automotive Parts Associates (APA) Shareholders’ & Manufacturers’ Conference, held March 5-7 in Phoenix, proved successful.
Body Shop Owner Grows Her Business Using the Power of Air
Automobiles move. The environment in which they move contains objects moving in different directions at different rates of speed, and other objects that aren’t moving at all. Even with rules governing what can move when, where and how fast, the predictable outcome of all this movement is occasional collisions. Fortunately, most of the vehicle damage
Tech Feature: ‘Exploring’ Ford 4.0/4.6L SUV Engines
Since 2002, the Ford Explorer and Mecury Mountaineer have undergone a number of noticeable engine changes. Glen Beanard reveals which engines offer newer features and offers tips on how to handle service and repair challenges with these vehicles.
Management: Three Generations of Selling Tires
Michigan City’s Flanigan Tire Inc., 130 W. Sixth St., has employed three generations of Flanigans during its 70 years in business, and could possibly have a fourth. Mike Flanigan started working for his father, C.J. "Pat" Flanigan, in the family tire business when he was a kid, then started full-time when he got out of the Navy in October 1970 ….
Hanging Tough In A Rough Economy
ImportCar Advisory Board Says To ‘Focus On The Customer’ This column continues the discussion we had last month with ImportCar Advisory Board members who shared their business projections and expectations for 2009. Here, they take that commentary a step further to discuss the strategies they’re employing to stay competitive, gain market share and win new
Battery Service & Diagnosis
A good battery with an adequate charge is absolutely essential for reliable cold starting. A weak battery or one that is run down may not deliver enough amps to crank the engine when temperatures plunge and the oil thickens. Cold weather can be hard on batteries, but so can hot weather because it increases water
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: Turn Challenges into Opportunities
As the year winds down and we look forward to the next, it’s not uncommon to think about challenges in the year ahead and how you will be handling them. Many shop owners take a hard look at their business model and make strategic adjustments to buoy their profits and gain market share. Those of you on the "front lines" of the auto repair and service business are no different. When readers of ….