Diagnostic Solutions: Upgrades That Deliver Performance and Pizzazz
Checking the Basics Saves Time When Chasing Check Engine Codes
Shop Profile: A European’s Recipe for Success
Blend Quality Service with Expert Advice When the ambitious, young Fred Sonsini, an Italian immigrant, set up his automotive repair business in 1982 in Plymouth Meeting, PA, — Fred Sonsini Imported Luxury and Sports Car Center — he had but a “simple” recipe in mind for achieving business success. Sell “quality” service and repair for
Caddy Shacked
Taking on GM’s Big-Cube Engines By Doc Frohmader, restoration contributor While some engines are relatively rare in performance and engine machine shops, the big Cadillacs have remained a consistent source of income for these businesses. These engines are Cadillac’s last hurrah at traditional big-cube, flagship GM engines. Surprisingly, they are also a scaled-down version of
Better Breathing: EGR Improvements
So Why Do We Have EGR? By Glen Beanard, technical contributor The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system was created in the early 1970s for the same No. 1 ranking motivation that drives every other engine management system design — to reduce emissions. The EGR valve targets one specific pollutant, oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Under normal
Management: The Chinese are Coming
Chinese auto makers, Chery and Geely, will likely have a presence in the U.S., but the question is when? News reports in February indicated that both companies hit snags – Chery due to a lack of money and Geely because of the inability to pass trial runs of U.S. emissions and side-crash tests.
H3R Performance Offers Aftermarket UL Listed, Premium Fire Extinguishers
In a market flooded with fire extinguishers that do not meet basic safety standards, H3R Performance provides the automotive aftermarket with a UL Listed product that is legal to sell in all 50 states. H3R’s premium fire extinguisher lines, MaxOut and HalGuard, give consumers protection in case of a vehicle fire.
Tech Tip: With Inflation-in-a-Can, ‘Temporary’ is the Operative Word
Even for the most skeptical motorists, inflation-in-a-can is a valid answer to experiencing a flat tire at the wrong time in the wrong place. But there are many caveats that must be followed explicitly when connecting a can of sealant and quite a few psi to the valve stem.
Lincoln Electric is Preferred Welder of New CMT Channel Series, Trick my Truck
Launched in February 2006, Country Music Television, Inc., premiered its new reality series, Trick My Truck, featuring big-rig makeovers and top-of-the-line welding equipment from The Lincoln Electric Company.
Shop Management: Taking Time Out to Train
Good technicians – the ones who you want working at your shop – understand that they must continuously learn new skills to diagnose and repair today’s advanced automotive systems. Your mantra of "Fix it right the first time" requires your techs to get up-to-date technical training and knowledge.
Tech Tip: Going Digital – DMMs and DVOMs
These days, no matter what kind of automotive repair work you specialize in, virtually every system has a certain amount of electronics. Consequently, one diagnostic tool every technician needs is a digital multimeter.