Management: Employee Uniforms Increase Consumer Confidence
First impressions matter in every industry, and the automotive service aftermarket has its own set of challenges and needs. Your employees define who you are and what your company stands for; the appearance of your facilities and team are a reflection of the services you provide. What impression are you making on your customers?
Shop Management: What is a Shop Foreman?
A few years ago, it seemed that nearly every shop had a foreman. However, over the years I’ve noticed that the foreman position has been dissolved. Little by little, shops have gotten away from having a foreman and simply have a manager with direct control over the technicians. Why? Is it to “downsize” and save
Safe Shop: Employee Uniforms Increase Consumer Confidence
First impressions matter in every industry, and the automotive service aftermarket has its own set of challenges and needs. Extreme temperatures; compact spaces under hoods, under cars; and oily, heavy equipment and dirty parts can quickly and easily make for a grimy technician and messy shop appearance. Your employees define who you are and what
Point Of View: What’s Your Motto?
Motto: n. 1. A sentence, phrase or word inscribed on something, as a coat of arms, to express its purpose or character. 2. A brief expression of a guiding principle. When I think of mottos, the first one that comes to mind is the Girl Scout motto: On my honor, I will try: To serve
Fuel Pump Manufacturers Council Tackles Fuel Pump Warranty Issues
Believe it or not, fuel pumps have a higher return rate than almost any other automotive part. According to the Fuel Pump Manufacturers Council (FPMC), about 10% of all the fuel pumps that are sold by jobber parts stores are returned. But it isn’t because there’s an epidemic of defective fuel pumps. FPMC members say that up to 80% or more of the returned pumps work fine when they are tested by the manufacturer.
Management: Recovery Plan Will Help You Respond Quickly and Effectively to a Disaster
Hurricanes, fire, flood, earthquakes, even computer viruses are disasters that can threaten a business, and they can happen anywhere at any time. They’re never planned, but they can be prepared for with recovery plans that could help you save your business in case of an emergency.
Diagnostic Solutions: Fuel System Pressure & Volume Checks
For maximum efficiency, modern import fuel injection systems require that fuel be delivered at a specified volume and pressure. Because the fuel injector’s job is to mix fuel with the intake air charge, it must produce a finely misted, conical spray pattern through the fuel injector nozzle. Lower-than-specified fuel pressures not only fail to provide
Computers: Why You Can’t Do Business Today Without Them
It’s hard to imagine any automotive repair shop doing business today without the benefit of multiple computers. Yet some shops continue to do business and fix cars the "old fashioned way" with no computers whatsoever. I can’t help but wonder how much longer some of these shops will stay in business.
Advance Auto Parts Celebrates 75 Years
Advance Auto Parts is celebrating 75 years in business this year. The company was founded by Arthur Taubman in 1932, with two stores in Roanoke, VA, and one in Lynchburg, VA. In the beginning, the company served as a general merchandiser, selling a variety of items to customers including automotive parts and accessories.
Zurich Provides Pointers for Establishing Quality Control Program in Your Shop
Nuisance claims, like when a wheel falls off a customer’s car and causes minor damage after your technician rotated the tires, can adversely affect profitability. Catastrophic claims, like when a wheel comes off while your customer is on the highway and causes a multi-fatality accident, can cost millions of dollars and put you out of business.