Top Shop Automotive: Three Talented Guys And A Successful Automotive Repair Shop
In a world where tweeting and texting seem more commonplace than face-to-face interaction, businesses need to adjust to the times – and Top Shop has done just that. The shop’s website has been updated and is even more user friendly, maintaining high visibility on search engines. The shop also makes its presence on Facebook, Twitter and WordPress a priority.
Tech Tip: Mercedes-Benz Noises, Vibration At Steering Wheel With A/C Switched On
If you receive customer reports on Model 209.372/472 vehicles of a groaning noise and vibration felt in the steering wheel at engine speeds between 800 and 2,000 rpm and with the A/C on, the cause may be the transfer of vibration from the A/C compressor through the high-pressure power steering hose to the steering wheel.
Fuel Pump Tech Tip: MIL On With DTC P0463 Or Erratic Fuel Gauge Operation
Some 2004-’07 Explorer four door/Mountaineer vehicles may exhibit the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0463 or an erratic fuel gauge concern. This could be from sulphur contamination in the fuel, causing an open or high resistance on the fuel sender card.
New Oil Change Invoice Requirements For Shops
Your customer invoices might have to list the engine oil type, brand and other related information, according to a new recommendation by the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Conference of Weights and Measures (NCWM). These recommendations became effective July 1, 2013, for states that approve, and are outlined in a section known as the Uniform Regulation for the Method of Sale of Commodities. But, it is still not clear how these recommendations will be enforced.
Introducing TechShop’s ToolConnect
Welcome to TechShop’s ToolConnect e-newsletter! You’re now signed up to receive the latest shop equipment and tool industry news, new products, articles and more.
Mac Tools And Kalitta Motorsports Partner To Make ‘Top Fuel Tested And Approved’ Tools for Technicians
Mac Tools has partnered with the Kalitta Motorsports’ NHRA teams to implement its new Top Fuel Tested and Approved program.
TECH TIP: Converter Break-In Periods
A replacement catalytic converter needs a proper “break-in” period. If the converter is not warmed-up (broken-in) properly, the substrate inside could be adversely affected and eventually cause the converter to fail down the road.
TechShop’s August/September Digital Issue Is Now Available
Access the easy-to-view digital version that features articles on Fuel System Testers, Unconventional Diagnostic Methods and more.
Interrogations Should Revolve Around Vehicle Problems, Not The Ability Of The Technician To Solve Them
Occasionally, I’ll have a new customer approach the service counter not just to have their car repaired, but also to interrogate every part of my process in finding the solution. More often than not, these customers are referrals from another repair shop or previous customer. I seldom get interrogated by someone who has seen an advertisement or drove by the shop and stopped in for repair.
Knowing Your Numbers Helps Boost Shop Profitability
Over the last 22 years, I’ve been amazed to discover just how many shop owners are lost when it comes to knowing and understanding “the numbers.” In order to build a successful auto repair shop, you are going to need to know two sets of numbers: your “financial” benchmarks, and your “operational” benchmarks.