Tech Tip: The Ups and Downs of Jacks
If we were to start assigning personalities to tools in the shop, jacks would definitely be the Rodney Dangerfield of the automotive world. These tools are asked to lift things that weigh 100 times their own weight, we complain because they are too heavy, we keep them stuffed in corners and under workbenches when not using them, they are too short, too tall, not short enough, not tall enough. We don’t use them for weeks or months at a time and then complain if they are a little slow to react, make any funny noises or leak any fluid. Sheesh! Talk about no respect!
Tech Tip: Noise, Vibration and Harshness Diagnosis
Since the earliest days of the automotive service business, "squeak and rattle" diagnostics has become a euphemism for low-profit, nuisance repair work. Unfortunately for those of us in the auto repair business, even our best customers have the occasional need for noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) diagnostics. On the plus side, if NVH diagnostics are approached in a methodical manner, profitability and customer satisfaction can be greatly improved.
Management: You’ve Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
There have been a number of on-line automotive repair sites popping up where consumers can ask "automotive experts" questions and receive automotive repair advice. These sites normally charge a fee to the person asking the questions (I’ve seen anywhere from $3 to $15 per question).
Swaybar Tune Up
A long time ago in a service bay far away, the average tread life of a bias ply tire was 20,000 miles. Even with belted bias ply tires, you did well to get 30,000 miles. Shocks, ball joints and bushings averaged out at 40,000. Today, modern radials can get 60,000 and suspension parts can go
Monotube Shocks
From the outside, most shock absorbers and struts look pretty much alike: a round steel tube that telescopes up and down with bushings or fittings on both ends. But inside there can be significant design differences that affect not only the ride control characteristics and performance of the damper, but also its cost. Last month,
Diagnostic Solutions: Noise, Vibration & Harshness Diagnosis
Since the earliest days of the automotive service business, “squeak and rattle” diagnostics has become a euphemism for low-profit, nuisance repair work. Unfortunately for those of us in the auto repair business, even our best customers have the occasional need for noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) diagnostics. On the plus side, if NVH diagnostics are
Exorcising the Accessory Demons
Big exhaust pipes, big tires, big rims…some of that stuff may seem, well, ridiculous sometimes, but it can mean big profits. It’s funny, some people will spend two grand for a set of rims for a $500 car. But if that’s what they want to do, why not help them spend their money? If you’ve
Directions: You’ve Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
There have been a number of on-line automotive repair sites popping up where consumers can ask “automotive experts” questions and receive automotive repair advice. These sites normally charge a fee to the person asking the questions (I’ve seen anywhere from $3 to $15 per question). One site touts its Q & A forum as a
Jacks: The Ups and Downs of Jacks
The famous actor/comedian Rodney Dangerfield was well known for his routine about respect. You couldn’t watch him for more than a few minutes before you heard his signature line: “I can’t get NO respect!” If we were to start assigning personalities to tools in the shop, jacks would definitely be the Rodney Dangerfield of the
Tech Tip: Disc Brake Caliper Service
The repair or replacement of disc brake calipers has always been a controversial topic for most import shop owners and brake technicians. Some recommend replacing the brake calipers along with the brake pads, while others won’t replace the calipers unless they’re found to be defective. For many, routine caliper replacement is a cost issue and many shops deal with this issue by installing remanufactured calipers "loaded" with new brake pads.