Delmar Expands Course Offerings in Interactive Automotive Technician Training Series
Delmar recently announced two new courses as part of the Professional Technician Training Series. The brand new Parts Specialist and Service Consultant courses focus on ensuring that technicians know how to work with customers and that much needed repairs do not go ….
News Extra: Next Generation AIA Import Specialist Tests
The aftermarket parts and service industry needs qualified personnel to drive sales and provide top-notch customer service. Recognizing this need, the Auto International Association (AIA), a segment of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), created its certification program in 1989. Recently updated, the program is designed to help create “real experts” in the import parts
Hyundai: Drivetrain Noises & 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. The first challenge is to pin down the noise that has the customer concerned. We’ve all listened to our customers struggle with
Servicing Solutions: 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.
Shop Profile: All Technicians at Direct Tire & Auto Service are ASE Certified
In these days of bargain hunting and hurrying to find a quick fix at the cheapest possible price, it’s refreshing to know that people like Barry Steinberg are still in the tire business. Since he opened the very first Direct Tire and Auto Service location in Watertown, MA, in 1974, Steinberg has stood out in his market. From day one, he made a conscious decision to compete in the arena of service rather than price, a move that quickly set Direct Tire apart from its peers ….
Tech Tip: When Drums Lock Up
Drum brakes that occasionally lock up should not be ignored, but a relatively recent drum-brake-lockup condition is often dismissed because it doesn’t happen all the time. Since it’s usually not present by the time a technician gets to look for its cause, it’s often tempting to suggest the customer simply live with it ….
Tech Tip: Why Sell Fluid Maintenance?
As new car sales continue to decline, demand for preventive maintenance services will increase. The average driver is looking to get more out of his current vehicle and maintaining the vehicle’s vital fluids is the best way to improve performance and ….
Management: 10 Ideas to Increase Customer Loyalty
A solid customer base is not something that grows overnight. It takes time to cultivate a database of vehicle owners who return for service time and time again, and who also recommend your shop to others. Several factors work together to enable you to earn their trust and respect, which translates into satisfied customers and highly sought after repeat business. Things like high-quality parts, top-notch service and genuine concern for your ….
Shop Owners and Technicians Offer Up Their ‘Top 5 Tools’
The readers of TechShop – Equipment, Tools & Supplies magazine were asked to submit a list of their top five favorite tools. Here is a sampling of some of the responses that were received ….
The 3rd (or 4th) Pedal
When was the last time you used your park brake? During a training seminar recently filled with brake people I got a lot of blank stares. Ok, rule number one don’t ask open ended questions right after lunch. Rephrasing, how many of you used your park brake when you parked the car today, one hand