Remote Diagnostics On Cars: The Future, or Future Headache?
When I talk to technicians and shop owners about “remote diagnostics,” I find that there are many different levels of understanding as to what that term means. It’s clear that for many, the perception is that remote diagnostics means the ability to read codes. Well, if that is all we are talking about, it is true that a number of cars can generate a health report that includes things like DTCs, mileage and oil life.
Vacuum Power Assist Service
Most late-model vehicles use a vacuum booster to help apply the brakes. The booster is usually located behind the master cylinder on the firewall. A leak in the vent valve can cause a reduction in the performance of the booster and increase pedal travel. A manifold vacuum of 20 inHg or greater can be achieved during deceleration. The booster chambers can be evacuated and retained at this pressure by a properly operating check valve.
Automotive Technology: LiDAR And Car Vision
Innovation is happening on multiple fronts in the ADAS vehicle development world. This has caused many who, only last year, were predicting mainstream use of this technology to occur around 2025 to lower their predictions to “much sooner.”
Welcome to the Future: Are Your Networks Protected?
For those of you who do not know me, I will give you a quick download on my background. I have been playing with cars for 40 years. I work in my family’s business, Seyfer Automotive, Inc., founded in 1961. We diagnose, repair and maintain late-model vehicles, as well as a large number of cars
Selling TPMS Service Starts With Education
As car dealerships continue their push for a greater slice of the aftermarket repair pie, the pressure grows for independent repair facilities to expand their offerings and expertise to attract clients. And while the evolution of technology in modern vehicles has presented a number of challenges to independent shops, TPMS service is one area of repair that shops can quickly capitalize on.
‘Wanna Be’ Technicians Are Their Own Worst Enemy
There’s one situation all professional automotive technicians have had to deal with from time to time, and it involves the home-grown garage guy who just so happens to own a couple of ratchets, a repair manual and a broken-down car. Some of these connoisseurs of the all-knowing repair manual skim through sections without truly comprehending them.
3A Automotive, Phoenix, AZ: Revisiting A Maintenance Chronicle
We profiled 3A Automotive Service in our March issue of Maintenance Matters. The shop discovered there were some black holes in its approach to maintenance.
Searching For ‘Black Holes’: 3A Automotive, Phoenix, AZ
After charting sales for two weeks and thinking about the numbers, 3A owner Jimmy Alauria found what he called a “black hole” in their approach.
Talent Development
Let’s face it, ours is a very dynamic industry. Vehicle are constantly becoming more technical and customers ever more demanding. For this reason, individuals working in the automotive repair industry must continue to hone their skills to meet the changing needs of customers and their vehicles. Your people are your most valuable asset and they
TMD Announces Dates For 2015 Quarterly Brake Training Classes
After the success of its 2014 Training classes, TMD Friction, manufacturer of OEM and premium aftermarket brands Textar and Don, has announced training class dates for 2015. Fabio Jurchaks, sales and engineering director, NAFTA, said “As we wrap up the last training of 2014, we are pleased to announce our training dates for next year.
Pricing, Ethics And The Reputation Of Your Business
At Elite we know that once someone comes into your shop, you’ll do everything you can to generate a happy customer, and make a fair profit. Unfortunately, some customers will put you to the test when it comes to the prices you charge. They’ll tell you they can’t afford the recommended services, they’ll tell you
Are You Getting Enough Labor On Some Jobs?
Some repair operations have finality to them. By that, I am referring to jobs that do not require additional labor after the job is complete. For example; installing a tail light lens, set of wipers, an air filter or cabin filter. Once these jobs are done, they are done. There are other labor operations, such