Diagnostic Solutions: Fluid Maintenance…Selling Needed Services Vs. “Wallet Flushing”
Good import shop managers stay on top of their annual workflow by placing jobs like timing belt and brake replacements into categories that can be tracked on a historical basis. If a shop has faithfully tracked the kinds of work flowing through its service bays during the past 10 years, it might become apparent that
Exciting Las Vegas and Disney World Vacations, Consumer Cash Rebates Offered in ‘Ultimate Road Trip’ Promotion from ANCO, Wagner, MOOG and National Brands
Thousands of participating automotive parts and service providers across the U.S. will be offered the chance to win exciting prizes – including complete Walt Disney World and Las Vegas vacation packages – through the "Ultimate Road Trip" promotion from Federal-Mogul Corporation’s ANCO wiper blades, Wagner brake products, MOOG chassis parts and National wheel-end components brands.
Technicians’ Top 5 Favorite Tools & Equipment
Roy Larson, president Beyer Motor Works Inc., BMW/Mercedes driveline experts Chandler, AZ www.beyerdriveline.com and www.beyermotorworks.com Member: BIMRS, Bimmer Tech Group, Mini Tech Group, BMW CCA, ASA, APRA, BBB My 5 favorite tools are: Streamlight Stylus Reach — This pocket flashlight puts the light where I need it, making it ideal to inspect brake pads and
Management: Ask Yourself Why You Came to Work Today
Last month, I got a letter from an older tech wanting to get out of the industry because he felt vehicles were getting more complex while monetary compensation was not growing at the same rate. He cited one of my editorials as something that resonated with some of his own grievances. At first, I felt guilty.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing Suspension Noises on Hyundai Vehicles
Like any other problem, the more information we can get from the driver regarding suspension-related noises, the better. Many times, the best tactic is to have a tech road-test the car with the customer to be sure of the noise you’re chasing. At the same time, it’s a good idea to do a thorough safety inspection.
Why Bearings Fail
When a bearing wears out, it is usually a case of inadequate lubrication, faulty installation or improper adjustment. For the repair to be successful, you must first determine why the previous bearing failed. For sealed hub units, examining the internal bearings and races is impossible. The most common failure pattern for bearings is for those
News Update: Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Surpasses 2,500 Shops
Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper announced the enrollment of their 2,501st certified service center. “Our WDs realize this segment of the business is essential to their prosperity. They have embraced our certified service center program to help us surpass the 2,500 mark,” said John Wick, vice president of sales and training. “The hard work
Computers: Why You Can’t Do Business Today Without Them
It’s hard to imagine any automotive repair shop doing business today without the benefit of multiple computers. Yet some shops continue to do business and fix cars the "old fashioned way" with no computers whatsoever. I can’t help but wonder how much longer some of these shops will stay in business.
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.
New Raybestos Simplified Product Offering is Built Around Technicians’ Needs
The product offering for Raybestos brand brakes has been completely re-engineered based on many months of extensive research with repair technicians. With the launch of the new Raybestos brand 1-2-3 strategy, all technicians’ needs can be filled now with a single grade of hydraulics, two grades of rotors and three grades of friction – all in the Raybestos brand.