Editor’s Notebook: Cash-Strapped Consumers Fuel Unperformed Vehicle Maintenance Trend
For those who fix cars daily and are responsible for keeping America rolling, it’s disheartening to learn that not everyone has such an allegiance. A recent Consumer Reports poll may have you shaking your head, or, better yet, nodding in agreement on the amount of unperformed maintenance that’s there for the taking.
Consumer Reports Says 40 Percent of Drivers Delay Automotive Maintenance
According to a recent Consumer Reports poll, 40 percent of respondents involved in repair decisions stated they are postponing car maintenance or repairs on their primary vehicle.
AASA Automotive Aftermarket Status Report Shows Unperformed Maintenance Grew by $8 Billion in 2010
The rate of unperformed and underperformed maintenance in the United States grew to $62 billion in 2010 compared to $54 billion the previous year, according to the recently released “AASA Automotive Aftermarket Status Report 2012,” published annually by the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA).
VW/Audi Maintenance that Drives Profits
To say that Volkswagen and Audi Group (sometimes mistakenly referred to as VAG) is a large part of the automotive scene worldwide is a gross understatement. From basic transportation to record-setting performance cars, VAG is a recognized leader in innovation and cutting-edge technology. A broad spectrum of models has put a huge number (millions) of VAG models on the road in North America, and these cars will provide many years of potential repair and service opportunities. Getting to know the various models, repair techniques and a few shortcuts will help make repairs more routine and profitable.
Bendix Team Launches National Teen Driver Safety Campaign to Elevate Interest in Vehicle Maintenance
Repair shops and technicians may soon be seeing new faces walk through their doors. A recent survey commissioned by Honeywell Friction Materials, maker of Bendix Brakes, has lead the company to launch a national consumer initiative aimed at educating young drivers and their parents about proper vehicle care and maintenance.
Increase Your Repeat Business with Mighty’s ‘Preventive Maintenance Pays’ Fall Rebate Promotion
Mighty Auto Parts is offering your customers an incentive worth up to $85 toward their next service within 120 days! This program is designed to increase preventive maintenance sales and to bring the same customers back to your shop for a follow-up visit.
Kano Laboratories Offers Free Plant Maintenance Tips
More than 100 maintenance tips, collected from maintenance and operations personnel nationwide, are now available in a revised brochure from Kano Laboratories, the makers of Kroil Penetrating Oil.
Tool Tip: Prepare to Repair: The Importance of Equipment Maintenance
Situation A commercial vehicle — a 1996 Chevrolet 3500 van — was recently brought in for service with the customer complaining of low fuel pressure. The vehicle had recently had its fuel module and fuel pressure regulator replaced, due to a low fuel pressure concern and the vehicle was still experiencing the same issue. Procedure
Directions: Vehicle Age and Smaller Engines Increase Vehicle Maintenance
While the small increase in 2010 vehicle total mileage would seem to be negative for aftermarket product expansion, the changing driving habits of Americans are causing more vehicle wear per mile driven today than in the past.
Tech Feature: Winter Starting and Charging System Maintenance
Mid-winter is usually the coldest time of the year and, although modern vehicle technology has reduced many of the cold-weather starting problems that we faced just a short decade ago, it’s still important to keep your customers’ import vehicles in top shape for winter starting.