Tech Feature: Think the Tension in the Economy is Tight These Days? Try Today’s Engine Belts
As I write this, one of the Godfather movies comes to mind (don’t ask which one, there were too many to remember) where Michael Corleone says something to the effect of "Just when I think I’m out, they pull me back in!" But instead of canolis and "the Family," I’m talking about belts. Back in the day, just around the corner from the horse and buggy, an engine had one, two or if it was really intricate, three "V" belts hanging on the front of it. Before the day of ….
Tech Tip: Belt and Hose Inspections
Although belts and hoses are still classified as expendable parts, their durability has increased to the point that many import shop owners and technicians are now neglecting to perform routine belt and hose inspections. From a historical perspective, belts and hoses have moved from a recommended replacement interval to an inspection interval. This means that, unless otherwise required, there is generally no recommended replacement interval for ….
Porsche: Maintenance Essentials
Boost System Performance & Customer Satisfaction
Right On the Mark: Lining Up Timing Belt Service for First-Generation Kias
This month, we’re going to take a look at timing belt replacement on the increasingly popular Kia line of vehicles. Kia has made strong inroads into the market by offering high-quality vehicles at an affordable price. As underhood car techs, we’re prepared to handle any of these cars: You have the required skills and, with
Inspecting Belts and Hoses For Your Customers
Everybody wants a reliable vehicle to drive, but not many people are forward-thinking enough to practice preventive maintenance beyond the barest of basics. After all, preventive maintenance costs money and nobody likes to spend money “unnecessarily.” We put unnecessarily in quotes because we want to emphasize the fact that most consumers do not appreciate the
Subaru: The ‘Complete Service’ Value Proposition
Begins With Determining How Customers Use Their Vehicles
40-Year-Old Volvo
Starring at an auto show near you, it’s “The 40-Year-Old Volvo,” a tale of a 1966 1800 that just keeps running, and running, and running. . . By Debbie Briggs, Contributing Writer When Irvin Gordon bought his sporty red 1966 Volvo 1800, or P1800 as it’s known in Europe, on June 30, 1966, he had
Timing Belt Replacement: Tried and True Repair Method Works Every Time
and below the intake manifold. When this unit fails, it tends to look like the head gaskets are blown. The oil mixes with the coolant and so on, leading to catastrophic engine bearing failure. Saab recommends flushing the cooling system with Shout, a cleaning agent found in many stores. Saab also recommends changing the timing
Kia Maintenance & Service Solutions
MASTER CYLINDER DIAGNOSIS Easy Fixes For Elusive Intermittent Problems While Kia offers a 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, well-documented maintenance is an important part of keeping that warranty valid. With regular maintenance required at 30,000 miles and timing belts at 60,000 miles, owners will be looking for quality service. Rather than delve into the service nuts and
Timing Belt Replacement: Safeguarding Your Customers’ Vehicles From Major Engine Damage
Although better materials and manufacturing technology have extended the timing belt replacement intervals on many nameplates, timing belt replacements remain one of the most profitable scheduled maintenance services. They continue to be profitable because many other scheduled services like spark plug replacements, filter replacements, coolant changes and transmission fluid changes can be packaged with a
Component Connection:Becoming a Better Belts & Hose Inspector
Accessory drive belts and coolant hose replacements are perhaps the most popular and lucrative add-on services in the independent repair shop. Because belt and hose inspections are included in auto manufacturers’ scheduled maintenance charts, service writers at most well-managed shops recommend a belt and hose inspection along with tuneup, oil change, starting, charging, cooling, air
Temperature Control Essentials: Pinpointing the Causes of Cooling System Failures
Managing heat is definitely a hot job these days. The cooling systems in most late-model import passenger cars have been downsized to reduce weight and bulk. At the same time, most new cars and trucks are now factory equipped with air conditioning, which puts an added strain on the cooling system’s ability to manage heat.