What Image Does Your Business Project? Tactics To Improve Customer Satisfaction
There are more than 175,000 automotive repair shops in the U.S., so how can shop owners differentiate themselves and stand out from the competition? While having the most up-to-date technology and talked-about customer service is always beneficial, sometimes a more simple solution can help to improve the customer experience and your shop’s bottom line.
Diagnostic Solutions: Hubs/Bearings, CV Shafts & U-Joints
Thanks to advanced technology, modern vehicles operate with fewer noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) complaints than ever before. Consequently, when a noise, vibration or harshness issue arises, it’s most likely to be caused by worn drivetrain components like universal joints, constant velocity (CV) joints or wheel bearing hub assemblies. In any case, NVH complaints can often be the most challenging to diagnose when a tech or service writer can’t duplicate the exact driving conditions under which they occur.
Damage Control: Spark Plug Removal Techniques On Ford Modular Engines
The problem of removing spark plugs from various Ford Modular engines lies with excessive carbon buildup on the plugs, especially on engines that have gone beyond an OEM-recommended replacement interval. This can cause a plug to break in the chamber during its removal, creating stress on the tech and additional labor time to remove the damaged component.
SAE Says Level Of Confidence In Safety Of HFO-1234yf ‘Continues To Grow’
Honeywell is reporting that SAE International has reiterated a “high level of confidence” in the safety of Honeywell’s new low-global-warming-potential mobile air conditioning refrigerant, HFO-1234yf, for use in automobiles.
Liquid Tools: Automotive Chemicals Are Essential Tools For Keeping Vehicles In Top-Notch Condition
Babcox Media Technical Contributor Gary Goms recommends that for maximum productivity, every shop should have at least a small working inventory of these diverse kinds of automotive chemicals.
A/C Update: The Case Against HFO-1234yf ‘Heats Up’
Volkswagen follows Daimler’s lead in its pushback against A/C refrigerant R-1234yf.
Honeywell Confident SAE International Evaluation Of Its New Automotive Refrigerant Will Reconfirm Safety Of Product
Honeywell has issued a statement saying the company is confident that SAE International will reconfirm that HFO-1234yf, Honeywell’s new low global warming-potential automotive air conditioning refrigerant, is safe for use in automobiles.
Tips to Keep the Shop Clean from Top to Bottom
To help automotive shops improve cleanliness and productivity, Cintas Corporation offers 10 tips for maintaining a clean shop environment. 1. Plan daily floor maintenance. Shop floor cleanliness is increasingly important as many technicians take customers into the service area to discuss their vehicle’s condition. To keep floors in the service area clean, develop daily floor
Wheel Bearings: Pressing Bearings In Less Time With Fewer Comebacks
Servicing these bearings requires a little bit more finesse and tools when compared to hub units or tapered roller bearings. With the right tools and information, these jobs can be moneymakers.
Torque Troubles Skipping The Torque Wrench Or Sticks Creates Comebacks
It’s not difficult to torque wheel fasteners properly, but it’s not difficult to foul up the job, either. We’re not using double talk here; we’re shootin’ straight from the hip. The easy part of proper wheel fastener torquing is knowing the vehicle manufacturer torque specifications for a particular passenger car, light truck or medium truck,