Tech Feature: ‘Exploring’ Ford 4.0/4.6L SUV Engines
Since 2002, the Ford Explorer and Mecury Mountaineer have undergone a number of noticeable engine changes. Glen Beanard reveals which engines offer newer features and offers tips on how to handle service and repair challenges with these vehicles.
Management: Three Generations of Selling Tires
Michigan City’s Flanigan Tire Inc., 130 W. Sixth St., has employed three generations of Flanigans during its 70 years in business, and could possibly have a fourth. Mike Flanigan started working for his father, C.J. "Pat" Flanigan, in the family tire business when he was a kid, then started full-time when he got out of the Navy in October 1970 ….
Hanging Tough In A Rough Economy
ImportCar Advisory Board Says To ‘Focus On The Customer’ This column continues the discussion we had last month with ImportCar Advisory Board members who shared their business projections and expectations for 2009. Here, they take that commentary a step further to discuss the strategies they’re employing to stay competitive, gain market share and win new
Battery Service & Diagnosis
A good battery with an adequate charge is absolutely essential for reliable cold starting. A weak battery or one that is run down may not deliver enough amps to crank the engine when temperatures plunge and the oil thickens. Cold weather can be hard on batteries, but so can hot weather because it increases water
Tech Feature: Servicing Supplemental Restraint Systems
KABOOM!!! That’s kinda fun on the holidays isn’t it? Well, the pyrotechnics in a car can be satisfying as well. Satisfying to your wallet that is. I’m sure you’ve heard how "dangerous" air bags can be. Well they can be dangerous, but at the same time, they are pretty safe, too. An electronically controlled air bag requires a sufficient voltage and ground supplied to it or it will not detonate. Notice I specified "electronically controlled." There are some older models that were ….
Management: Turn Challenges into Opportunities
As the year winds down and we look forward to the next, it’s not uncommon to think about challenges in the year ahead and how you will be handling them. Many shop owners take a hard look at their business model and make strategic adjustments to buoy their profits and gain market share. Those of you on the "front lines" of the auto repair and service business are no different. When readers of ….
Management: Highlights of the AAPEX and SEMA Shows
Every year in early November, Las Vegas hosts two huge automotive shows, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Exposition (AAPEX) at the Sands Convention Center, and the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The two shows this year drew more than 100,000 attendees from all over the world. These are the shows where automotive parts, accessory and equipment vendors reveal their ….
Tech Tip: Performing a Permanent Tire Repair
It might have something to do with today’s "instant gratification" society, where shops don’t want to take the time to repair a tire, and customers don’t want to spend time sitting in the waiting room. In many cases, a temporary patch job or a replacement tire is the fast, easy solution. Companies like Rema Tip Top are working to change that outlook, through proper training and making sure dealers understand the benefits of permanent tire repair ….
Turn Challenges Into Opportunities: Your Track Record is a Good Success Indicator
As the year winds down and we look forward to the next, it’s not uncommon to think about challenges in the year ahead and how you will be handling them. Many shop owners take a hard look at their business model and make strategic adjustments to buoy their profits and gain market share. Those of
Playing It Safe: Servicing Supplemental Restraint Systems
KABOOM!!! That’s kinda fun on the holidays isn’t it? Well, the pyrotechnics in a car can be satisfying as well. Satisfying to your wallet that is. I’m sure you’ve heard how “dangerous” air bags can be. Well they can be dangerous, but at the same time, they are pretty safe, too. An electronically controlled air