Why Charging More For Brake Jobs Keeps Customers Coming Back
Why is everyone chasing the cheapest brake service? It often seems that new-car dealers, chains and independent shops are locked in a race to the bottom when it comes to brake service.
2009-2015 Toyota Venza Brake Job
The key to servicing the brakes on the Venza is to pay attention to the details like the lubricants and rotor dimensions. Also, you must realize that parts like the brake hardware and soft components like the guide pin boots have a limited lifespan.
2011-2017 Buick Regal Alignment
If you get a Regal in your alignment bay, you could be dealing with several new technologies at once. Options and packages on the Regal can be difficult to define by the badging on the trunk. Visual confirmation may be needed and you may need to look up RPO codes.
ABS Electronic Line Locks: Show Off Or Stupid?
Chevrolet, Ford and Chrysler have taken the showroom track day car to the next level. These automakers have incorporated line lock modes into the software of their high-horsepower models. While this feature is intended for the drag strip, the reality is that it will be used at stoplights for burnouts.
Preventing Low-Speed Pre-Ignition With The Right Oil
Selecting the correct type and weight of oil for a vehicle becomes more difficult every model year. Recently, many manufacturers have recommended specific oil grades that meet proprietary requirements.
Live Axle Bearing Replacement
Replacing wheel bearings on a vehicle with a live rear axle may not be one of the most frequent jobs you do, but it can be one of the most profitable. While the basics have not changed in more than 60 years, new seal materials and differential designs have added new wrinkles.
Air Ride Repair Vs. Conversion: Weighing The Pros And Cons Of Air Ride Repair Options
Air ride systems can offer great benefits for drivers. They can improve ride quality and add functionality like increased ride height for off-road excursions – all while keeping the rear level under loaded conditions.
Top Tire TPMS Tips For Relearns And Diagnostics
The command to turn on the TPMS light might go through an ABS, keyless entry or other module that acts as a gateway.
2004 Toyota 4Runner Suspension Maintenance Opportunities
This case study involving a chassis repair on a 2004 Toyota 4Runner underscores the value of customer education and using quality parts during the repair process. It was a unique situation we ran across where we advised the owner that one of the rear shocks on his vehicle was leaking, and we recommended replacement of both units.
Wall Street Is Talking Auto Repair: Are You Listening?
Have you ever wondered what Wall Street thinks about your business? Did you know that Wall Street even cares? Several times a year, I consult with investment analysts to help them understand what is happening in the independent repair sector. The funny thing is that I’m sure I learn far more from them than they learn from me.
Oil Consumption On Manual Transmission Acura Vehicles
In this updated TSB from 2013, Acura discusses how some 2011-‘13 TSX models with manual transmissions can develop an oil consumption problem. The TSB states: “If you do not see any other factors contributing to oil consumption, consider engine braking as the possible cause.”
Ride Control: 15 Tips To Sell The Job And Do It Right
The customer will not be happy if he brought the car in for a knocking noise, was sold a couple hundred dollars worth of struts and/or ball joints, etc., and the noise is still there. If he then takes the car elsewhere and the knocking noise is fixed with a couple of $20 sway bar bushings, that guy is going to think he got beat. This underscores the importance of addressing the customer’s complaint before that vehicle leaves your shop.
