Tech Feature: Subaru Service Essentials
My stint at being a service advisor for a number of dealer service departments over the years gave me a lot of experience in “bundling” services into a package. Having a service plan or “menu” built value for the customer. It also provided the service department with reliable income. Though there are good and bad points to service menus, the basic idea is a good one, and works well for any kind of automotive service or repair facility.
Suspension & Alignment Specs: Greatest Hits!
The most difficult issue with some alignments is knowing what you are getting into before you start or your shop even quotes the job. For almost two years, Hunter Engineering has been sponsoring BRAKE & FRONT END’s Suspension & Alignment Specs where Editor Andrew Markel examines a common vehicle platform to figure out what are the service issues and how to make the adjustments.
Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings can be of either ball or tapered roller type. The ball bearings used for front wheel bearing applications are an angular type. An angular-type ball bearing will accept greater thrust loads than a Conrad-type bearing, which will accept a 100 percent load in the radial or thrust position and any combination of a 100 percent load. A tapered roller bearing will accept both a radial and a thrust load. All wheel bearings come in sets.
Diagnostic Dilemmas: The Diagnostic Tail Gunner – Surviving in the Age of Information
One of the first survival skills my professor taught is called “preparatory set,” which is simply the act of preparing to do something. Each of us engages in preparatory set when we open our toolboxes each morning. The very act of opening our toolbox signals to our mind that we’re ready to go to work and deal with the day’s issues.
Beck/Arnley Expands Social Media Campaign
Beck/Arnley announces that it has expanded its social media campaign by enhancing its Facebook page, creating a Twitter account and adding several new informational product videos to its YouTube channel. Together, these components create cohesiveness that emphasizes the fact that Beck/Arnley is always looking for new ways to communicate directly with professional import technicians.
Tech Feature: Inspecting Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts are simple devices. Their function is to dampen the movement of the springs, suspension and vehicle pitch. This means that as the spring is compressed, the movement is not sudden and when the energy or movement is released, it is not overpowering.
Thousands of Prizes, including ‘Ultimate College Football Experience’ Trip Package, Available Through Wagner ThermoQuiet ‘Fall Blitz’ Promotion
Automotive parts counter people and professional technicians can earn chances to win thousands of prizes – including tailgating gear, sports-themed outdoor apparel and an “Ultimate College Football Experience” trip package – through the Wagner ThermoQuiet (TQ) “Fall Blitz” promotion from Federal-Mogul.
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Push Button Keyless Start Systems
Push button keyless start systems began appearing on several import cars about six years ago, and are now being offered on more and more new vehicles, both import and domestic. Motorists say they like the push button keyless start systems because they are convenient to use. There’s no ignition key or switch to fumble with, and you don’t have to do anything other than have the smart fob in your pocket or purse when you get in the car.
Bendix by Honeywell Launches the Ultimate Service Center Promotion
To reward the loyal automotive service centers that recommend and install Bendix by Honeywell products, the company is giving back with its Ultimate Rewards 2011 technician incentive program.
Tech Feature: Nissan Undercar Noise and Vibration Repairs
When it comes to Nissan undercar work, Import Specialist Bob Dowie discusses the first challenge you face and that is selling the work. While he uses the word “selling,” what you are actually doing is making the customer aware of issues that need to be addressed to maintain the reliability and, more importantly, the safety of their vehicle.