Communicating With Customers About Brake Pads
The following are the top 10 consumer questions concerning brake pads and the answers that can help you to upsell. These answers can save you from getting into hot water and are written in language the customer can understand.
Keys: What Are They Good For?
I’m all for technology, especially any technology that makes life easier — like keyless entry and push button starting systems, to name a few. As time marches on, certain things of a mechanical nature will be lost to electronics. Fewer cars are being manufactured that still have keys. Some only have a key fob and
Honda TPMS Service
Honda TPMS can be one of the more difficult systems to program in new sensors, relearns and calibrations. But once you know the basics, it is easy to service these vehicles.
Brake Service Case Study: Nissan Frontier
Bob Dowie looks at some of the undercar issues he has faced with Nissan vehicles over the years and discusses how to deal with some common issues you may see with them.
Crown Victoria Air Ride Service
From 1997 to 2011, the Crown Victoria (more commonly known as the Crown Vic) had the same optional air ride system on the surface. From the outside, the only differences that could be seen were improved air bags in 2003. Behind the scenes, Ford was improving how the compressor, solenoids and ride height sensor worked together with better control modules.
August Is Brake Safety Awareness Month
During the month of August, many member facilities across the country will help teach local drivers about proper brake system safety and maintenance. Many shops will offer safety awareness inspections that will provide consumers with a free check of the thickness of their brake pads and linings, plus an opportunity to learn proper brake system care and vehicle maintenance.
Wheel Hub Damage Analysis
Loss of bearing retention is the leading cause of hub bearing damage, resulting in wheel vibration and/or noise. The axle retaining nut backs off when bearings demonstrate improper torque or have lost their self-retention features. This changes the setting of the bearings inside the hub, causing misalignment and accelerating wear.
Dogtracking? Bent Frame? Understanding The Thrust Angle
The thrust angle is one of the most important diagnostic angles during an alignment.
Brake Pad Standards In The Automotive Aftermarket
A few months back, I wrote an article on brake pad standards. I received a lot of questions about the article. The main question I received was about Department of Transportation (DOT) and National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and how they apply to aftermarket products.
Toyota Tundra Brake Job
For 2007, the Toyota Tundra was redesigned. The body changed, and the foundation brake system was also updated with larger front brake calipers and rear disc brakes. The control system and hydraulics changed with a new vehicle stability system that included yaw, steering angle and brake pedal load sensors.
Ford Tech Tip: Engine Idle RPM Fluctuation, Hard Start
Various vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0505, P0506 and/or engine idle RPM fluctuation and hard starts. Some vehicles may also exhibit DTCs P2111 and P2112 after a keep alive memory (KAM) clear, battery disconnect or dead battery. On vehicles with over 10,000 miles, the issue may be caused by sludge buildup in the throttle body leading to less than desired airflow.
BRAKELIGHT: July 1948
It is estimated that between 1,500 to 2,000 WWII veterans die every day. Many of them were trained as motor pool and aircraft mechanics in the service and came home to open shops. We owe a great deal to these veterans because not only did they defend our freedoms, they helped to build the auto care industry we know today.
