Brake Tech: What is a Complete Brake Job?
Most motorists know brake linings don’t last forever. Brake pads and shoes use friction to stop a vehicle, so every time the brakes are applied the linings experience wear. After so many stops, the linings wear out. The rate at which the linings wear out depends on the frequency of use, how hard the brakes
Tech Tip: Thumping Along in an Acura MDX
Bill secured his son James, and his dog Skippy, into their 2001 Acura MDX for a weekend fishing trip. As they drew nearer to "Camp Chasing Squirrel" on an old fire road, Bill noticed a "thump" noise from his MDX. After returning with lots of great stories and lots of wet paw prints, he called me about the thumping.
Tech Feature: Understanding the Metallurgy in Today’s Engines
Cast iron is like an old familiar friend to most of our readers because it’s been around forever. Vehicle manufacturers like cast iron because it’s cheap compared to most other metals, it is strong and durable, and it can be easily cast and machined to make engine blocks, cylinder heads, crankshafts, connecting rods and other engine parts. But as automotive technology continues to move forward, other metals have been replacing ordinary cast iron in many applications.
Staying On Track
You’ve seen the “Advance Trac” badges on the backs of Explorers and Expeditions, but what is it? Have you ever been asked by your Ford dealer parts department if a vehicle you are working on has “IVD”? What’s IVD? Not all vehicles that are equipped with Advance Trac carry the Advance Trac insignia. Advance Trac
Suspension & Brake Repairs: Ensure Customer Service and Safe Vehicle Operation
This month, we find ourselves in a familiar environment — under a car or in the wheel well. The good news is you’re under a Mazda car or truck that will present few surprises in terms of service procedures, while providing the additional service opportunities we’ve come to expect from undercar repairs. A vehicle can
Point of View: Industry Week Elicits Thoughts on Associations
If this is the first page you read in TechShop, then you still have a lot to see of the new products and news from Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), held in November in Las Vegas. If this is the last page, then you’ve seen all the latest info on new and improved equipment, tools
Ingenuity Welcome at Johnson Controls
Johnson Controls, Inc. (JCI) is stepping into the spotlight through the recent launch of a new brand communications platform and refreshed corporate identity that incorporates a new logo (called the "open globe"), corporate slogan and advertising campaign – all designed to better align its image and marketing efforts with the company’s current strategic direction.
Mac Tools to Sponsor Huge Macstravaganza to be Held on the Set of Chip Foose’s Hit TV Show
On Friday, December 7th, 2007, Mac Tools will sponsor the first-ever Macstravaganza to be held in Huntington Beach, CA, on the set of Chip Foose’s hit TV show. In addition to displaying an array of Mac Tools products across all categories, Mac Tools customers and their families will be in the company of Chip Foose, automotive guru and TV show star.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing Starting/Charging Systems
How many starters and alternators are replaced unnecessarily every year because of misdiagnosis? Nobody knows for sure, but suppliers of both new and remanufactured rotating electrical parts tell us more than half of their warranty returns have "no fault found" when the parts are examined. Many of these returns are from DIYers who lack diagnostic know-how, but some are from professional technicians who apparently lack the same skills.
Zurich Hosts 5th Annual Industry Conference
Zurich, one of the world’s largest property-casualty insurance companies, held its 5th Annual Aftermarket Industry Conference on November 2 at the Four Seasons in Las Vegas during the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week. Each year, Zurich brings industry leaders together and offers attendees the opportunity to network, learn from each other and address key industry issues.