85th Anniversary Of Brake & Front End
The March issue marks the 85th anniversary of Brake & Front End and is the 1,020th consecutive issue of this magazine that has hit shops without missing a single issue. It also marks Andrew Markel’s 16th year working on the magazine.
JohnDow Dynamic Introduces Quick Pick Shop Fastener Program
Dynamic Automotive Fasteners & Supplies, a brand of JohnDow Industries, is conducting an early roll-out of its “New for 2016” Quick Pick Shop Fastener Program. With the Dynamic Quick Pick Program, every box of fasteners is the same price and every box is the same size – 2x2x4-inches – which keeps the fasteners organized and eliminates
Amateurs and Hacks Provide Job Security For Automotive Service Professionals
Two cars pull up in front of my shop. The drivers didn’t come in, but I heard the commotion from my office window. The boyfriend opens the hood of his girlfriend’s car. They both stare at the engine; she tells the boyfriend that she was supposed to drop off the car for an engine misfire
Measuring Maintenance Service Against The Competition
How well are you capturing the necessary maintenance work on each vehicle that arrives at your shop each day? Each week? Maybe you are quick to point out a dirty air filter, but gloss over those worn out wiper blades. It pays to keep track of each maintenance task for each vehicle you work on and notice trends over time. But even then, how many maintenance tasks should you expect to see each day? And, maybe more
Diagnosing Hyundai Wheel Bearing Failure
While wheel bearing noise is one of the toughest problems for the customer to describe, it’s not unusual for it to come on so gradually that the customer may not even notice it until you mention it after an unrelated road test. Many times, the customer complaint will send you down the wrong path if you let it.
Threadlocker 101 – Keeping Assemblies Assembled
We’re all familiar with good ol’ split lock and star/toothed washers, as well as fastener alternatives like self-locking nuts. And we know that the performance of various types of lock washers and nuts over the years has been adequate, but not typically exceptional. As times have changed, so has the technology available. In today’s challenging and competitive environment, wise shop owners and technicians take advantage of the most current improvements in products and procedures to enhance productivity and profitability.
Hyundai Feature: Drivetrain Noises And Wheel Bearing Replacement
Don’t let customers lead you down the wrong diagnostic path. While wheel-bearing noise is one of the toughest problems for customers to describe, says Import Specialist Contributor Bob Dowie, it’s not unusual for it to come on so gradually that the customer may not even notice it until you mention it after an unrelated road test.
AMSOIL Heading To SEMA With 12 New Products
AMSOIL is gearing up for the annual Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) Show armed with 12 new products to be displayed in the New Product Showcase. Featuring products for the automotive, diesel and racing markets, AMSOIL is poised to make a strong impact on show attendees and the industry itself.
Uncovering Potential Repair Issues On Mazda3
In this article, we’ll take a look at routine services on a Mazda3 and some of the more common problems that may be uncovered as they are performed. Our shop has always subscribed to 30,000-, 60,000- and 90,000-mile major service intervals with oil changes and inspections at a maximum of 5,000 miles. That may not exactly match the factory recommendations, but it works well for our customers and us, and covers all of the recommended services.
Collaboration Is The Key To Improving Aftermarket/OEM Partnerships
The TechShop team recently attended the Equipment & Tool Institute’s ToolTech. The annual event brings representatives from across the aftermarket industry together with the OEMs to share their insights and concerns about the future of the aftermarket.