Tech Tip: Don’t Turn Away Clutch Replacements
Clutch replacement does not have the prestige of driveability diagnostics, but at times, it pays better. Some shops turn away clutch replacements in fear of comebacks and lost productivity. But, clutch replacement offers the shop opportunities to sell additional services that might slip past the bottom line.
Management: We Can’t Fix It
Did you ever tell a customer you couldn’t fix his vehicle? Have you told a customer, "We don’t work on that type of car." Have you ever not recommended service because you don’t have the tools or equipment to do the job? Have you sent a vehicle to another shop or dealership?
Perspectives: ‘We Can’t Fix it.’
Did you ever tell a customer you couldn’t fix his vehicle? Have you told a customer, “We don’t work on that type of car”? Have you ever not recommended service because you don’t have the tools or equipment to do the job? Have you sent a vehicle to another shop or dealership? I would expect
Audi: General Maintenance… Vital Checks on Key Vehicle Systems
article, I’ll focus on common repairs we see on at least a weekly basis. The series of cars covered in this article will be the A4 and A6 line from 1998 to 2004. These cars are all very similar in design and equipment, and most repairs are consistent between models. Be aware that many Audi
Current Trends for Ignition Systems
As automotive technology moves forward, ignition systems are becoming more and more entangled with other systems on the engine. The current generation Nissan Maxima 3.5L V6, which was introduced in 2004, has a fairly conventional coil-on-plug (COP) ignition system. The individual coils are driven by the powertrain control module (PCM) using the input signal from
Tech Tip: Replacing Shocks and Struts
The primary purpose of a shock absorber (or strut) is to control suspension movement. This is done by a piston moving fluid through a series of valves within the shock or strut housing. The valves control the damping rate of the shock throughout the travel of the piston. The damping characteristics are engineered to complement the suspension of each vehicle.
Management: Charging for Diagnostic Time
The dilemma that the industry faces today is that the precedents set during the last 75 years draw little distinction between the amount of time required to diagnose a blown muffler and diagnosing a false misfire code in an OBD II engine management system.
Tech Tip: Use Proper Torque When Installing Wheel Fasteners
It’s not difficult to torque wheel fasteners properly, but it’s not difficult to foul up the job, either. We’re not using double talk here; we’re shootin’ straight from the hip. The easy part of proper wheel fastener torquing is knowing the vehicle manufacturer torque specifications for a particular passenger car, light truck or medium truck, and following those instructions to the letter.
Tech Tip: New Shocks and Struts Can Improve 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. Electronic dampers may use a solenoid or an electric stepper motor for this purpose. The latest technology is to use a special "rheological" magnetic fluid that changes its viscosity when a current is passed through it.
Selling Services: Shock & Strut Replacement
The primary purpose of a shock absorber (or strut) is to control suspension movement. This is done by a piston moving fluid through a series of valves within the shock or strut housing. The valves control the damping rate of the shock throughout the travel of the piston. The damping characteristics are engineered to complement