Vehicle Repairs Cost an Average 34% More at New Car Dealerships than Independent Repair Shops
Vehicle repairs cost an average 34 percent more at new car dealerships than at independent repair shops, resulting in $11.7 billion in excess costs annually to consumers, according to a first-of-its-kind study just released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). The study reveals dramatic differences in the costs of parts and labor between domestic and import vehicle nameplates and from city to city ….
Tech Tip: Taking Advantage of an On-Car Lathe
Well-maintained bench and on-car lathes can both do an excellent job of machining rotors. However, according to advice from the new Bendix Answerman, Chuck Kennedy, knowing when and how to use an on-car lathe can help eliminate wasted hours and extra work while also providing more accuracy and a better finish ….
Chassis Control Engineering & Application
It is a common mistake to look at a vehicle’s chassis and suspension system as just components that are either good, bad or broken. It should be looked at as a system. Understanding basic terminology and vehicle configurations is important to the technician for maintaining or returning that new car chassis control and performance. It
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Down to the Wire
Five years ago, I began seeing a very small number of General Motors products come through the door with a variety of trouble codes indicating a “circuit failure” in the intake air temperature (IAT) sensors, mass air flow (MAF) sensors, throttle position (TP) sensors and idle air control (IAC) systems. In all cases, these failures
Tech Tip: Discuss Benefits of Suspension Upgrades with Your Customers
Asking your customer how his vehicle has been riding lately may get him to thinking and may reveal a need for replacement or upgrading. Ask him how his vehicle handles when cornering, stopping, accelerating or driving in a crosswind. Excessive body sway or rocking is a sure sign of inadequate ride control. How does the vehicle ride over tar strips or on rough roads? A rough or bouncy ride could be improved with new shocks or struts. Does the suspension ….
Tech Tip: 15 Tips on Servicing Ford F-150s
A bold new look and some subtle changes probably best describe the 2004-and-up Ford F-150. To the technician, it is the subtle changes that he or she needs to be aware of. Beginning with the 2004 model year, Ford launched a new body style for the F-150. It is a new vehicle inside and out. However, not all of the 2004 F-150s that you see will be the new body style. The 2004 F-150 was also made ….
Quotes and One Liners
Here are some quotes that resonate just as strong today as they did when they were first uttered. “People like to talk about a job well done and equally like to complain when a job is badly done.” Fred G. Wacker, President, Ammco Tools, May 1973 issue “Have enough faith in yourself to advertise your
Porsche: Maintenance Essentials
Boost System Performance & Customer Satisfaction
Tech Tip: Drivetrain Noises and Wheel Bearing Replacement
One of the toughest challenges we face as import specialist techs is noise complaints. These aren’t necessarily difficult from the technical or nuts and bolts perspective as much as from the diagnostic process.
ACDelco Adds Advanced Technology Training, Expands Youth Outreach
ACDelco recognizes the importance of training both current and future technicians and shop owners so they can stay up to date with the rapid changes in the automotive aftermarket. To continue to meet or exceed these technicians’ and shop owners’ needs, ACDelco is enhancing its industry-leading training offerings. In addition, ACDelco has further expanded its outreach to future technicians by ….