Editor’s Notebook: Quality & Courtesy Make the Sale
As companies fight for market share, the airwaves, print and digital media, and the internet are laden with messages that employ a variety of selling tactics to target certain consumer demographics. Some sales pitches are subtle, others are blatant; some play on consumer emotions, while others play on fears; and some make promises, while others
Mitch’s World: Magic Beans. . . A Fairy Tale Adventure with Everyday Applications
What could I possibly have in common with Jack, as in the Jack of “Jack and the Beanstalk” fame? Not much, you would think. But, we actually have something very basic in common. We both planted something in the ground with almost no idea of what the result might be. Sure, Jack knew he had
Mitch’s World: Magic Beans. . .A Fairy Tale Adventure with Everyday Applications
What could I possibly have in common with Jack, as in the Jack of “Jack and the Beanstalk” fame? Not much, you would think. But, we actually have something very basic in common. We both planted something in the ground with almost no idea of what the result might be. Sure, Jack knew he had
Under Pressure:TPMS Diagnostics
Have you ever noticed the sides of at least one tire excessively bulging on the car ahead of you in traffic? Of course you have. You’ve likely also found a high number of improperly inflated tires on vehicles that roll into your shop on a regular basis. Improperly inflated tires are commonplace. The National Highway
News Update: Universal Underwriters Group (UUG) Held its 4th Annual Aftermarket Industry Conference
Held Nov. 2 at Mandalay Bay during Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las Vegas. Each year, the conference brings together leaders from the automotive aftermarket and offers attendees the opportunity to learn from each other and address key industry issues. “Attracting and maintaining a strong employee base continues to be one of the aftermarket industry’s
Engine Diagnostics: Mazda
We’re going to take a look at the Mazda line of cars and trucks with an eye on driveability service and diagnosis. In particular, we’ll look at some driveability problems that may result in an illuminated check engine light, as well as some problems that will illuminate the light but may not result in a
Troubleshooting MIL Issues: OBD II & “CAN” Scan Tool Diagnostics
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) is one of the most misunderstood warning lights on vehicles today. Most motorists have no idea what the light means or why it’s on. Some think the MIL light is an oil change reminder light. Others realize something must be amiss to cause the light to come on, but don’t
Battery Charging: All Charged Up!
A battery charger is something every shop should own, and most do. But battery technology has changed in recent years. Battery chargers that were designed for older conventional lead acid batteries (called “flooded” cell batteries because the cells are filled with liquid electrolyte) may not be the best choice for newer batteries with absorbent glass
Tech Tip: Diagnosing Ignition Misfires
A flashing Check Engine light and a P0301 to P0312 diagnostic trouble code is a sure-fire indication that one or more cylinders are misfiring. Occasional misfires may pass unnoticed, but a steady misfire is hard to miss. The engine usually feels rough, lacks power and uses more gas than usual.
Rotary Lift Three-Stage Arms Endorsed by Vehicle OEMs
Rotary Lift two-post surface lifts and SmartLift inground lifts with three-stage arms have recently been endorsed by a number of OE vehicle manufacturers, including GM, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen/Audi.