Skip Saurman, President
Automotive Service Consultants, LLC
Santa Fe, NM
Well, my particular situation is just a little bit different in that one of my many activities is providing driveability training to high school and postsecondary Automotive Technology instructors. So, my main “tool” is actually a portable cart containing a Toshiba 10” Satelite laptop computer with an LCD projector and screen or whiteboard next to a fully functional cut-a-way vehicle (front clip). Dedicated, interactive computer software from Automotive Technician Training (ATT) handles any necessary theory instruction, or animated computer graphics and high definition pictures can assist me in answering specific questions that might arise.
Wired into this laptop through a USB port is the AutoEnginuity PC-based Scan Tool, which can easily be projected onto the screen or whiteboard for everybody to view. Waveforms and various screen shots can also easily be captured and stored for later use.
A Pico Lab Scope then comes into play whenever the scan tool is “not enough” information and we want to really hone in on a particular component for its operational characteristics or an exact diagnosis.
ALLDATA Online is also instantly available to me in order to locate service and repair information pertaining to this vehicle. Handouts or repair orders can also be printed and distributed to participants ahead of time.
iATN (International Automotive Technicians Network) is also valuable in providing real-life scenarios in this interactive learning environment. A final complement to this educational orchestra…and everything is right there at my fingertips!
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 5 TOOLS?
Send in your list of your five favorite tools and equipment that help you most in the shop, and you could be chosen to win a $25 gift card for Bass Pro Shops.
From scan tools to flashlights, impact wrenches to on-car brake lathes or computer systems — tell us your Top 5 Tools, complete with descriptions on why the tools are your favorites, and your photo.
If you fulfill the above requirements and are chosen to be in a future issue of TechShop, we’ll send you a $25 Bass Pro Shops gift card.
Submitting your favorite tools is easy. Just click here for the entry form. 
Or now you can call 330-670-1234, ext. 230 and leave a complete message. Talk about your favorite tools and then e-mail a photo of yourself at the shop to [email protected].
Be sure to include:
• The brand name and type of tool (for example: OTC’s Pegisys scan tool);
• A sentence or two explaining why those tools/equipment are your favorites;
• A photo of yourself and/or your shop to feature in the magazine; and
• Your name, title, business name and address of your shop, so we can send you the gift card if you win.