Tech Feature: Crate Racing Engines
For many performance engine builders, the end of the year may be much busier than expected. While there is no racing going on in most parts of the country, there’s still plenty of preparation for next year. No doubt, some engine builders have been able to keep racing off their minds lately – even while watching "Dancing With The Stars," where two time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves won the coveted Mirrorball Trophy – still others will end the racing season (or kick off the new one) in Orlando for the Advanced Engine Technology Conference (AETC) and the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show.
New Mexico Legislators Urged to Eliminate Super Warranty from Clean Car Program
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has urged independent automotive repairers in New Mexico to contact their state legislators in response to the recent approval of the Clean Car Program in New Mexico.
Training Program Updates
State-of-the-art automotive technology doesn’t do anybody much good if technicians can’t get the training they need to fix and maintain today’s systems. Unfortunately, in recent years there has been an industry-wide trend to axe training programs. Parts suppliers are under tremendous price pressure these days, and most are looking for ways to cut costs where
Carley’s Corner: New Stuff from the AAPEX & SEMA Shows
Having just wrapped up a week in Las Vegas at the AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo) and SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) shows, I have some interesting news to report. A company called Green Earth Technologies introduced a new high-quality synthetic motor oil made from dead cows. The oil is made from animal fat (beef
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.
CCPN Launches New Online Learning Center
The Car Care Professionals Network (CCPN), a segment of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), has launched the new CCPN Learning Center, its online portal to education and training for the repair and maintenance professional.
JR Motorsports and American Racing Announce Charity Auction for Signed Dale Earnhardt Jr. Wheels
Be the one to own the only set of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Signature Series wheels personally signed by Dale Jr. for your GM truck/SUV while raising money for the recently launched Dale Jr. Foundation charity.
Tech Tip: Understanding How the Ignition System Works is the First Step in Diagnosing a Problem
All gasoline engines have a spark ignition system to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders. The spark is created by a high-voltage surge from an ignition coil. The coil is triggered by an ignition module and/or the PCM using a signal from a distributor pickup or crankshaft position sensor. If the engine has a distributor, a single coil is used on most engines to supply high voltage to all the spark plugs. If the engine has a “distributorless ignition system“ (DIS), each spark plug has its own separate coil.
CARS and NACE to Merge in 2008 for ‘Automotive Service & Repair Week’
Last week at AAPEX, the Automotive Service Association (ASA) held a press conference to announce the creation of Automotive Service & Repair Week (ASRW), which will make its debut in November 2008. The overall goal of ASRW is to bring together buyers and sellers of automotive products and services in one venue that includes both education and trade show activities.
Tech Tip: Paul’s Crunchy Aveo Announces His Arrival
As a sales manager, Paul relies on his car to get him to important sales meetings across the state. His 2005 Chevrolet Aveo has been his trusty ride for a couple of years now. Recently, he noticed a "crunch" noise from the front of the car while negotiating speed bumps. Paul was embarrassed that a client also commented on his noisy car. Finally, he called me for an appointment.