Thorough Brake Inspections Are Comeback Preventers & Profit Builders
Learn how to use a simple, but effective, brake inspection procedure that takes the surprises out of the brake repair process.
Tips For Spark Plug Removal
Removal or installation of spark plugs on modern vehicles requires extreme precision and care. Before removing a spark plug, check to see if it’s still working properly and whether the engine itself is in good working condition — since both go hand in hand. Spark plugs that have excess carbon deposits or are oil-fouled could
The Changing Maintenance Market: New Technologies Mean More Opportunities
Most of us wake up each morning, not realizing that our professional world has changed even as we slept. Our first job of the day is to service a vehicle equipped with an oil life monitor. Not only do we discover that modern oil life monitors can indeed accurately predict oil life, we also discover
Steering Systems Under Stress: Ball Joints, Bushings and Alignment
Prior to the Daytona 500 in February, I watched Matt Kenseth blaze his way to victory in the Sprint Unlimited driving a Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. During the race, one of the commentators referred to the “laser-precision steering” apparent in the winning car. Since driving at 200 mph on pavement is akin to driving 70
A Look at Next Generation Import Start/Stop Systems
Although stop/start idle systems have been used on hybrid vehicles for many years, a growing number of non-hybrid late model import models are also being equipped with this fuel-saving technology. For 2015, almost every major automaker offers one or more models with stop/start idle control. Many experts predict that within the next two years, over
Modern Fuel Control Diagnostics: Sorting Through the Datastream
When confronted with a fuel control problem on a modern vehicle, I’ll normally use short- and long-term fuel trims to determine if the problem is caused by one of many failures such as a vacuum leak or a leaking fuel pressure regulator. If you’re like me, you’ll occasionally access the air/fuel ratio (AFR) sensor serial
The Evolving Oil Change Market
The only constant in the oil change business is change itself, especially if you’re trying to maintain an inventory of engine oil for all makes and models of vehicles. Since Volkswagen began requiring application-specific engine oil in the mid-1990s, the oil change business has (pardon the pun) “changed.” While many Asian vehicles currently require only
Internal Engine Oil Consumption Diagnostics
Due to the variables in engine design and operating conditions, internal engine oil consumption complaints are often the most difficult to solve. In some cases, oil consumption might be more severe under low-speed operation, in other cases, high-speed operation and, in some cases, intermittent. But, in any case, excessive oil consumption can drastically reduce oxygen
Kia: Added Grounds Can Set Codes
Additional grounds can typically benefit a vehicle’s electrical system. That is, unless the vehicle is a 2008-to-present Kia equipped with a battery sensor. If an extra ground cable is installed on the negative battery terminal, it can cause the battery sensor to send incorrect information to the engine control module (ECM), which can generate all
Telltale Signs Of Cooling System Component Failure
Springtime brings with it the vacation season when many families will hitch a boat or camping trailer to their fully loaded family car, SUV or pickup truck and travel to some remote wilderness hideaway. Needless to say, both the parents and their vehicle’s cooling system will be stressed out long before the trip is over.
The Mathematics Of Packaging, Selling Brake Services
When we advertise a “$XX.95” brake service, we’re often stepping over the proverbial dollar to pick up the proverbial dime. Since brake repairs should be a major profit center for any shop, it pays, in the most literal sense, to occasionally review the mathematics of selling brake services. In this feature, I’ll explore how brake
Mercedes-Benz Tech Tip: Engine Diagnosis Warning Lamp
Complaint: The engine diagnosis warning lamp is activated due to one or more of the following fault codes stored in the engine electrical system control unit: 0059, 0060, 0063, 0064, 0271, 0272, 0275, 0276. The fault code is recorded as current and stored in the fault memory, and/or the camshaft adjustment solenoid is not oil-tight.