Upgrading Rotors for Hard-Driving Fleets
Police cars, ambulances, taxis, parcel delivery trucks and even pizza delivery vehicles can chew up brake pads and rotors almost as fast as any race car. Hard use combined with frequent, sudden stops makes the brakes run hot, and when brake temperatures shoot up, the life of the pads and rotors plummets. For every increase
Hyundai: From Ball Joints to Brakes…
Uncovering Needed Repairs With Undercar Inspections The brake and suspension systems on Hyundai’s popular line of cars and SUVs are both undercar systems where problems can be detected during routine maintenance. From loose ball joints to worn-out brakes, it’s all there to be checked while the vehicle is on the rack for service and, oftentimes,
Directions: The Evolving Story of Electric Vehicles
The latest chapter in the evolving story of electric vehicles (EV) begins with a tale of two very different models. One is downright sexy, with alluring aerodynamic lines and head-turning, sporty styling. The other is, well, downright cute — a spunky little thing that looks a bit like a colorful helmet on wheels. At first
Diagnostic Dilemmas
It’s Mechanical, Stupid! Just about every student of politics remembers President Bill Clinton’s famous campaign slogan, “It’s the economy, stupid!” Allow me to paraphrase by saying, “It’s mechanical, stupid!” Yes, that’s right, mechanical failures can cause diagnostic trouble codes and, all too often, we tread the Primrose Path because we become lost in a maze
Carley’s Corner: A Love/Hate Relationship With Computers
Anybody who uses a personal computer can probably relate to what I am about to say: I love my computer because of all the cool things it can do for me, and I hate my computer because it drives me nuts. Like many Americans, I own more than one computer. I have my office computer
Business Tools: Computers… Why You Can’t Do Business Today Without Them
It’s hard to imagine any automotive repair shop doing business today without the benefit of multiple computers. Yet some shops continue to do business and fix cars the “old fashioned way” with no computers whatsoever. I can’t help but wonder how much longer some of these shops will stay in business. The computer has become
A/C Service: The Heart of the Matter
The heart of the business, feel the heart beat, he has a good heart. These familiar thoughts and sayings all refer to the same thing. Whether it is a figurative or literal reference, the message is the same. There is always a central and irreplaceable part or component or, sometimes, person to all things. This
Mitch Schneider: ‘But, Daddy … I Swear I Wasn’t Speeding’
It must have been quite a sight – me sitting behind the counter staring at the computer screen, looking at the digital images, shaking my head in disbelief. After all, it isn’t every day you see a fairly late-model vehicle with the entire bottom of the undercarriage torn away. But, then again, I knew it was going to be ugly when one of my techs stuck his head in the office door and quietly said, "Hey, boss! You’d better come out here and take a look at this … Oh, yeah, and bring the digital!"
Service Guide: F-Series New Model 2004
A bold new look and some subtle changes probably best describe the 2004-and-up Ford F150. To the technician, it is the subtle changes that he or she needs to be aware of. Starting with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F150. The new body style truck is a new
Mitch’s World: But, Daddy… I Swear I Wasn’t Speeding’
It must have been quite a sight — me sitting behind the counter staring at the computer screen, looking at the digital images, shaking my head in disbelief. After all, it isn’t every day you see a fairly late-model vehicle with the entire bottom of the undercarriage torn away. But, then again, I knew it