Perspectives: 10 Ideas to Improve Shop Profitability
Profitability is the number one concern of shop owners across the country. In research we’ve conducted through the years, we found that roughly one-third of shops experience sales growth compared to the prior year, one-third said sales were flat and the last third reported sales were lower than the prior year. As the cost of
Mitch’s World: Taxi Cab Confessions
I travel a lot. Certainly, more than most of the shop owners I know. I wish I didn’t have to, but it has become a big part of what I do. I wish all the trips were to exciting and exotic vacation destinations, but in all honesty, they aren’t. Virtually every one of them is
News Update: Pennzoil Offers Active Cleansing Motor Oil
Pennzoil has embarked upon a new brand strategy that makes strong claims about the oil’s ability to help keep a vehicle’s engine clean, and a clean engine’s connection to the driver. The bold new brand initiative is built around the theme of “Feel the Clean.” This new focus on Pennzoil’s active cleansing agents highlights the
Directions: Tech Briefs…
Do You Know These Technicians? Of the more than 850,000 automotive technicians working in the United States, 18 outstanding individuals have qualified for the AAIA World Class Technician Award, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) announced recently. Each of these professional technicians tested and obtained ASE certification in 22 specialty areas during the 2007 test
Shedding Light on Headlamps
The loss of a headlight makes nighttime driving hazardous, and may even attract the unwanted attention of the local police. A burned-out taillight, stoplight or turn indicator lamp creates a hazard for other motorists because these lamps signal a vehicle’s directional intentions to other drivers. Bulbs that provide illumination for instrumentation are also important because
Carley’s Corner: A Silver Lining in Every Cloud
The economic news lately has not been good. There has been a significant downturn in the economy this year, and the prospects for a turnaround anytime soon don’t seem very promising. To make matters worse, gasoline is over $3 a gallon, utility rates are up, food prices are up, virtually all costs of living are
News: Matco Tools Expo
A record number of Matco Tools distributors, 90,000 sq. ft. of expo space, 110 suppliers and 170 new products with more than 65 New & Exclusives — that was just the beginning of the 2007 Matco Tools Expo. The annual event was held Feb. 24-27 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, FL. While
Tire Tech Update: Front to Rear Size Differences Require Special Knowledge
Some of the top tire dealers I’ve encountered are those who elect to understand virtually everything they can about a tire, its performance level, its construction features, its overall diameter and its OE assigned position. This includes corner-by-corner knowledge, as well as being front-to-rear axle savvy. When we drive past a tire dealership that has a BMW, a Lamborghini, a Corvette and a Ford Cobra parked on the lot, we take notice ….
ACDelco Stays Cutting Edge with Simulations
ACDelco simulations are a great tool for fine tuning diagnostic skills. They allow technicians to compete against others because the simulation is scored with the top five scores being posted. Training has been an important part of the automotive industry for a long time and ACDelco continues to ….
Tech Feature: Keeping Up with TPMS Technology
We’re at 100% TPMS compliance now. Are we having fun yet? To keep customers in your shop, plan on investing in diagnostic scanners and software, not to mention a serious investment in personnel who have an aptitude for technology. Just this week, I had a friend who owns a local tire store call me regarding what to do about an ….