Carley’s Corner: Modules Are Taking Over
The average new car today has up to 80 or more modules that control more than 1,000 different functions – everything from powertrain management, anti-lock brakes, stability control, electronic suspension and airbag deployment to power windows, power seats, climate control, infotainment and navigation.
Selling Shocks & Struts: Getting Past Your Feelings so You Can Sell More Ride Control
Early in my career, I was young, stupid and drove some of the most dangerous vehicles in terms of unperformed repairs because I knew that I could fix it “someday.” I believed in the philosophy that a car was half worn, not half broken.
JohnDow Industries Completes Asset Purchase of Dynamic Merchandising Inc.
Mike Davidson, owner of Dynamic, will join JDI as the new national sales manager for the Dynamic business.
Tech Tip: Don’t Overdo Loaded Caliper Prep
The benefits of using loaded calipers is that all hardware and components are provided for quick installation – perfect for the busy technician trying to move cars in and out of his or her bay. However, some techs might be doing too much to prepare new calipers for installation, according to Bendix Answerman, Chuck Kennedy.
Tech Feature: 2010 Camaro Has Power To Spare
Recently, I had an opportunity to drive both the 3.6L DOHC V6 and the 6.2L V8 versions at a press event held at Road America race track in Elkhart Lake, WI. The first Camaro I drove on the track felt really strong and I assumed it was the V8. So, I was rather surprised when I opened the hood and found a V6 sitting under the plastic trim cover.
Reprogramming ABS Controllers
Reflashing undercar controllers is possible at your shop!
Tech Tip: Discuss Benefits of Suspension Upgrades with Your Customers
Asking your customer how his vehicle has been riding lately may get him to thinking and may reveal a need for replacement or upgrading. Ask him how his vehicle handles when cornering, stopping, accelerating or driving in a crosswind. Excessive body sway or rocking is a sure sign of inadequate ride control. How does the vehicle ride over tar strips or on rough roads? A rough or bouncy ride could be improved with new shocks or struts. Does the suspension ….
Get the Drift: The Ins and Outs of Sport ‘Drifting’
Drifting is not a sport for SUVs. If it were, it would probably be called “rollovering.” Nor does it lend itself very well to cars with front-wheel drive. Drifting is all about sliding around curves with the rear wheels smoking all the way. Drifting sounds like an activity dreamed up by the tire manufacturers to
Tech Feature: Hybrid Service will Increase as Hybrids Move Out of Warranty and into the Independent Service Bays
By now it’s no secret that the price of one gallon of regular-grade gasoline has topped the $4 mark and will undoubtedly be even higher one year from now. In light of rising fuel costs, consumers are once again returning to basic transportation by trading in their old gas-guzzling SUVs for more economical vehicles, especially those powered by hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) technology. On the one hand, the current popularity of hybrid technology seems to offer an ….
Tech Tip: Noise, Vibration and Harshness Diagnosis
Since the earliest days of the automotive service business, "squeak and rattle" diagnostics has become a euphemism for low-profit, nuisance repair work. Unfortunately for those of us in the auto repair business, even our best customers have the occasional need for noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) diagnostics. On the plus side, if NVH diagnostics are approached in a methodical manner, profitability and customer satisfaction can be greatly improved.