Publisher’s Perspectives: If it’s Not Broke, Fix it Anyway
What’s your definition of preventive maintenance? Does it differ from your definition of scheduled maintenance? The term “preventive maintenance” is often used interchangeably with “scheduled maintenance,” but there’s a difference. Preventive maintenance means recommending the service or replacement of certain parts because they are wearing out and nearing the end of their useful life. Repair
Selling Services: Reading Tires to Diagnose Suspension Problems
As a rule, all tires should wear evenly across the full face of the tread as long as wheel alignment is correct, the tires are maintained at the recommended inflation pressure, and the vehicle is driven sensibly. Any kind of tire wear that deviates from the norm, therefore, usually indicates trouble. SHOULDER WEAR Take heavy
Selling Services: The 10 Commandments for Selling Shocks & Struts
THOU SHALL PERFORM A VISUAL INSPECTION: The first step in selling ride control is the inspection process. A visual inspection of the shocks and struts can tell you a lot about the state of the ride control units. This is a chance to make sure the vehicle is road-worthy before you put your own life
Mitch’s World: If it Wasn’t for Bad Luck…
About the worst thing that can happen around here is a week where all kinds of bizarre things accumulate. Aside from the absolute chaos it inflicts on everyone including me, the crush of dealing with multiple crises makes it almost impossible to identify where one calamity ends and another begins. The ability to cope with
Perspectives: If it’s Not Broke, Fix it Anyway
What’s your definition of preventive maintenance? Does it differ from your definition of scheduled maintenance? The term “preventive maintenance” is often used interchangeably with “scheduled maintenance,” but there’s a difference. Preventive maintenance means recommending the service or replacement of certain parts because they are wearing out and nearing the end of their useful life. Repair
BMW Tech Tip: Solving Steering Wheel ‘Twitch’
You may get a customer complaining of a very slight "twitch" that can be felt in the steering while holding the steering wheel lightly with one hand and giving the brakes a quick tap. The steering wheel will twitch slightly only once, with no disruption in the stability of the car, and no pull to either side. Before you dismiss the owners as "nit-picky whiners," you should know their complaints may have merit and BMW has offered a solution.
Tech Tip: Improving Vehicle Handling
Shock absorbers and struts dampen the motions of the suspension to provide a smooth, comfortable and safe ride. Some OEM shocks have electronic valving that allows the driver or a body control module to adjust the dampening characteristics of the shocks or struts to changing driving conditions.
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: Chevy Blazer’s Engine May Rattle Between 1,800 and 2,200 rpm
Some customers may comment on a rattle-type noise coming from the engine at approximately 1,800 to 2,200 rpm. The spark, rattle-type noise may be caused by torsional vibration of the balance shaft. If detonation noise is present, perform detonation/spark knock diagnostics first.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing a Worn Wheel Hub Bearing
Signs of a worn wheel hub bearing vary in severity. Some may be difficult to detect, leading to damage before corrective action can be taken. The time frame in which damage occurs is linked to driving conditions and/or the mechanical practices that were followed at installation. Noise is a classic sign of a bad wheel bearing or wheel hub bearing.