Gonzo’s Toolbox: Real Or Reality TV? Our Profession Is Greatly Underestimated By The ‘Big Screen’
Have you noticed how many automotive reality programs there are on TV these days? I take the time to sit down and take in a few of them here and there. But from my side of the wrench, I have a completely different perspective when watching them.
VIEWPOINT:Monday Morning MIL Light Quarterback
Monday mornings are typically not very productive for me. I typically will hide in my office with the light off to avoid people asking about their latest weekend-induced car problems.
Editor’s Notebook: Marketing To Women Should Be One Of Your Top Priorities
In case you haven’t noticed, female buying power is on the rise. Women account for about 85% of all automotive sales in U.S. households, and 50-65% of customers at automotive service centers are women. And you know what that spells? Opportunity.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Driving, Drinking And Grandpa
On one of many slow days at the shop, I had a small job come in from one of the local tire shops. This rather young girl brought the car to me from the tire shop that’s just a few blocks away. She told me she was the owner and that the tire shop was rude and wouldn’t help her, so I called the tire shop to find out what was the deal.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Sometimes You Get More Than What You Pay For … But That’s Not Always A Plus
One day, one of my customers called and said he just purchased a car from the police auction, but it had some sort of strange noise coming from the driver’s-side electric seat. It seems that every time he moved it, there was a strange electrical sound. He thought there was something wrong with the seat motor. He asked me, an auto electric technician, if I would take a look at it.
TechShop Is Getting ‘Switched On’ and Launches Tool Connect New Equipment & Tools E-Newsletter
Motivational speaker Chip Eichelberger’s enthusiastic presentation had the whole company motivated to look at the direction our lives are going, and figure out how to make ourselves more valuable — to our families, our careers, our customers and ourselves.
Publisher’s Perspective: Changes
I’m also pleased to announce and introduce Andrew Markel who has been named editor of Underhood Service. Some of you may already recognize Andrew, who currently serves and will continue to serve as the editor of Brake & Front End and has contributed numerous technical features within past issues of Underhood Service and ImportCar.
Editor’s Notebook: New VIO Dynamics Offer Expanding Service And Repair Opportunities
As a service provider to this evolving vehicle fleet, a better understanding of market conditions will help you identify growth opportunities and target business plans for the future.
Top 10 Cash for Clunkers Cars Are Now Your Top 10 Opportunities
In 2009, the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), or the “Cash for Clunkers,” program incentivized drivers to trade in their gas guzzlers for a more fuel-efficient vehicle.
‘Cash For Clunkers’ Cars Are Now Your Stimulus Package
In 2009, the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) or “Cash for Clunkers” incentivized drivers to trade in their gas guzzlers for more efficient vehicles. Most of these 690,114 vehicles are now four years old and have almost 50,000 miles on the odometer. This is a sweet spot you can’t ignore.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Duct Tape … The Often-Used, Sometimes Abused Wonder Adhesive
When people list the myriad of uses for duct tape, they never seem to include the various ways I’ve seen it used on the family car. I’m a big fan of duct tape, and my son has even made himself a handy little wallet, a tie, book binders and whole bunch of other cool things with it. While I’m no pro at conjuring up different uses for this stuff, I’ve seen what some creative people can do with a roll of it. Recently, I was out to dinner with the family, and, low and behold, we spotted in the parking lot a minivan with the front bumper strapped on with layers upon layers of duct tape.
Guest Editorial: Buying Counterfeit Scan Tools Goes Way Beyond Just ‘Buyer Beware’
Our business is serious, and we have a high expectation of quality along with a parallel expectation of support for the tool we will depend on. When the counterfeit tool fails, we lose productivity. When the counterfeit tool turns the ECM to a brick, we lose money.