Perspectives: Can Your Shop Handle More Cars?
Recently, I received an e-mail with a subject line that read, “Automotive Repair Crisis Grows as Number of Vehicles Per Service Bay Reaches Record High in 2006.” According to the Aftermarket Annual 2006/2007, a study from Lang Marketing Resources, Inc. (www.langmarketing.com) the number of cars and light trucks on U.S. roads has increased by more
Diagnostic Solutions, Servicing Filters: Top-Notch Design Is Key When Selecting New Filters
Veteran auto mechanics well remember the days of oil-bath air filters, cartridge-type oil filters, and sediment-bowl fuel filters. While these early-design filters would work well under a narrow range of circumstances, most were woefully inefficient and inadequate in the long term. All were subject to careless installation and dirt contamination during servicing. As disposable “paper”
Under Pressure
According to the U.S Department of Transportation, cooling system failures are the number one cause of vehicle breakdowns on the highway. Many of these breakdowns are attributed to coolant leaks (hoses, radiators, bad radiator caps, etc.), water pump failures, thermostat failures and defective cooling fans. An industry survey conducted in 2003 by 1-800-Radiator reported that
KYB Offers Shock and Strut Selling Pointers
Statistics show that you’re probably not selling as many shocks and struts as you could. Maybe it’s because you haven’t considered the possible opportunities?
Tech Tip: Symptoms of a Worn Wheel Hub Bearing
Signs of a worn wheel hub bearing vary in severity. Some may be difficult to detect, leading to damage before corrective action can be taken. The time frame in which damage occurs is linked to driving conditions and/or the mechanical practices that were followed at installation.
It’s Time to Order New Car Care Guides for Fall Car Care Month
The Car Care Council reminds aftermarket companies that it’s time to order copies of the new Car Care Guide for Fall Car Care Month in October. To be assured delivery of large quantities by Fall Car Care Month, place your order before Sept. 1 by visiting www.carcare.org and clicking on the "Car Care Guide" banner on the home page.
New Automotive Reality TV Series ‘NASCAR Angels’ to Premiere in 95% of the U.S. the Week of September 18
Hosted by former NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Champion and current ABC/ESPN broadcaster Rusty Wallace and NASCAR.com reporter Shannon Wiseman, "NASCAR Angels" will set out each week to find deserving Americans and fix their cars.
Shop Management: Doctor’s Orders
Doctor’s Orders By Glen Beanard, Technical Contributor John is sitting in a doctor’s exam room after having several tests run. The doctor enters the room and informs John that he has been diagnosed with a high blood pressure condition. The doctor explains the condition to John. He informs him that he must make an immediate
Mitch’s World, ‘BRUNSWICK DAYS’….
< When the Day Begins With ‘Mission Impossible’ I call them “Brunswick Days” — those days where accomplishing anything feels as if it would be easier to go to the local bowling alley, pick out an appropriate sized ball, tuck it under your arm, head for the closest hardware store, pick up a 25-foot roll
Editor’s Notebook: Imports Make Headlines
You may have noticed that imports have been in the news a lot lately. Last month, Automotive News reported that “foreign-based” auto brands surpassed domestic brands in U.S. retail sales. Through May, 52.9% of new vehicles registered by purchasers were import brands, up from 49.0% a year earlier. Big news! If this trend continues, it