The Downside of Up: How is the Economic Recovery Affecting Demand, Capacity and Inventories?
It feels like some economic clouds are lifting in the waning months of 2009. Consumer confidence seems to be up, the Dow Jones is above 10,000 and unemployment seems to have stabilized. But, there is a downside of this up, and it is hitting all levels of the aftermarket.
Tech Feature: 2004-2008 Ford F-150 Brake Job Top 10 Tips
Starting with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F150. The new body style truck is a new vehicle inside and out. However, not all of the 2004 F150s that you see will be the new body style. The 2004 F150 was also made available in the older body style pickup that came on the scene in 1996. The older body style F150 is called a “Heritage” edition.
Tech Feature: Servicing Worn Wheel Bearings
When a wheel bearing goes out on a vehicle, it may or may not give much warning. Typical clues include noise from the vicinity of the wheel, possibly some steering wander or looseness in the steering, and/or some abnormal tread wear on the front tires. Also, an ABS light could illuminate.
Looking Forward: What Economic Indicators Are You Looking At?
There was a recent forum thread on the International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN.net) that asked when will the market shift? When will things start changing in a positive manner that will benefit shops?
Tech Feature: 2010 Buick LaCrosse Brake Service
The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is built on the Epsilon II platform that is shared with the Saab 9-5 and other soon-to-be-named vehicles. While you may not see this vehicle in your bays for a while, it is a great example of how the common brake job will stay the same and how it will change in the future.
Selling Shocks & Struts: Getting Past Your Feelings so You Can Sell More Ride Control
Early in my career, I was young, stupid and drove some of the most dangerous vehicles in terms of unperformed repairs because I knew that I could fix it “someday.” I believed in the philosophy that a car was half worn, not half broken.
The Electronic Parking Brake:
A recent variation is the electric parking brake. First installed in the 2001 electric brakes have since appeared in a number of vehicles.
Ford Recall: The Problem is the Brake Fluid in the Switch – The Solution is a Fuse
Ford is performing the largest ever recall for a brake light switch on the side of the master cylinder. The recall will cover 9.6 million Ford vehicles made between 1992 and 2004.
VIEWPOINT: The Carpocalypse: What does it mean to shops?
Last month, I had a chance to attend a panel discussion at Northwood University in Midland, MI, titled “Reinventing the Wheel.” The panel featured the usual analysts and industry experts, but it also had a new car dealer and an executive vice president of a major aftermarket parts program group. The event was held in conjunction with the Northwood University International Auto Show.
POST YOUR COMMENTS: Dealing with Consumers Online Can Be Frustrating
When we redesigned the brakeandfrontend.com website, we permitted people to make comments on articles. Anybody can ask a question or share their opinion and it gets posted immediately.
I manage the comments and respond to readers on a regular basis. Some of the comments and dialog between repair shop professionals is great, sometimes better than the article or news item itself. It has also been a great way for some aftermarket companies to address customers’ questions and concerns.
Honda Accord Brake Repair Job – 2003-2008: ABS and EBD
The seventh-generation Honda Accord (2003-’08) and Acura TL are some of the top-selling vehicles in the U.S. They have a very simple brake system to service, but it can be prone to brake noise if not serviced properly.
10 Ways to Prevent & Resolve Tire /Wheel & Rim Slip Problems
Wheel slippage has long been a point of concern in the tire industry, usually with high-output engines and high-torque applications, primarily on farm equipment and commercial trucks.