CrossOver SUVs: Rear Suspension Dynamics
Higher gas prices are increasing sales of cross-over SUVs. These smaller SUVs have ditched the live axle in favor of rear independent suspension. While the designs are often borrowed from a car-type platform, some do have more travel in order to boost the off-road and load capabilities. Where the car ends and the truck begins
Rotor Debate: Installing New Problems?
We have seen a slow increase in rotor prices over the last year. Every link in the supply chain from manufacturers to your local parts supplier has adjusted its prices. This is due to rising raw material costs. Also, the cost to manufacturer and ship rotors to your bay has increased dramatically. Resurfacing can restore
More Smaller Imports on the Roads = More Repairs & Profits For You!
ese days. Some are realizing the benefits of preventive maintenance in improving vehicle performance, increasing fuel efficiency and maximizing gas mileage, while others are looking for long-term relief by purchasing smaller vehicles. Either way, you win. Consumers want to stretch their vehicle’s mph potential and your repair and diagnostic expertise can boost those numbers by
Engine Tuning & Chassis Upgrades
When car manufacturers come out with a new engine design, some car enthusiasts eye the new technology from a perspective of how to squeeze more performance out of it. The smaller displacement engines that are turbocharged or supercharged tend to be the most likely chosen because of their power-to-weight ratio. When Saab introduced a turbocharged
Tech Tip: School Bus Inspection and Maintenance
Now that school is out, school bus inspections and maintenance is taking place in preparation for the next session in the fall. Many school districts are outsourcing the maintenance of their buses. This could be your chance to increase your shop’s customer base. While the coach work (body) of buses is changing to incorporate features like air conditioning, the tires, wheels, brakes and suspension the have not change much in 20 years. The biggest changes are under the hood ….
Federated Introduces New Training Initiative to Help Service Providers Improve Profits
Recognizing the importance of running a profitable business while still keeping pace with ever-changing automotive technology, Federated has introduced a new training initiative to provide professional service providers with business management techniques to improve profits and enhance customer satisfaction ….
Tech Tip: Heavier Hybrids Require Attention when Customizing
Sales of hybrid vehicles have been increasing every month, especially now that you can get a hybrid system in many of today’s popular body styles instead of just the early models that screamed, "I’m a plastic-baggy-recycling tree-hugger!" Now just a subtle badge is about the only visible difference. With fuel costs continuing to soar, what does this mean for ….
The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round
Now that school is out, school bus inspections and maintenance is taking place in preparation for the next session in the fall. Many school districts are outsourcing the maintenance of their buses. This could be your chance to increase your shop’s customer base. While the coach work (body) of buses is changing to incorporate features
Transmission Service and Clutch Replacement Essentials
You’ve probably all heard of the 15-minute clutch replacement time for a classic Volkswagen Beetle. The “fact” that you could pull the engine, change the clutch parts and reinstall everything with just a penknife and screwdriver and do that on the side of the road. Then there are the tall tales of pulling the engine
Management: Playing the ‘Green’ Card
Recently, a local radio station did a story on a shop that was turning away SUV drivers who could not justify owning the large vehicles. I could not believe my ears, a shop owner turning away work? Maybe your shop cannot afford to have these convictions, but it started me thinking about the whole "green issue" ….