Talking Shop: Finding and Hiring New Recruits
here is that someone proposing a candidate will have at least a few words about qualifications or credentials. Unlike having to check references of an applicant after the fact (which too many shops often fail to do), the reference or referral comes ahead of the candidate. Most of the time, a position in a small
Diagnostic Dilemmas: Fuel System Foul Ups
Are the fuel pump returns from your shop going up? Understanding the root cause of technician errors is the first step to successfully managing fuel system parts purchases and returns. Over the years, vehicle fuel systems have become more complex as OEs look to improve fuel burning and engine efficiency. And during that time, industry
Dyno Might! – Gaining Business Horsepower Through a Dyno
Part One of a Two-Part Series
Goodyear Announces Blimp Naming Finalists
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. announced the 10 finalists for its Name the Blimp Contest, launched last month. Consumers submitted more than 21,000 unique names for the tiremaker’s newest airship, according to Goodyear.
Steering Stabilizers: Suspension Geometry
Big rims or tires can look good and give a vehicle a unique look. But what is invisible becomes real ugly is the alignment and suspension angles that become altered. Also, that extra weight in stylist alloy rims or thick off-road tires can create a gyroscopic problem. Lifting Why do people lift trucks? The primary
Diagnostics Through CAN Networks
Since model year 2003, a growing number of domestic and import vehicles have been built with a new onboard communications protocol called CAN (Controller Area Network). CAN is essentially an engineering standard for how computers and modules talk to one another via the serial data bus in a vehicle’s wiring system. It’s a high speed
Caddy Shacked
Taking on GM’s Big-Cube Engines By Doc Frohmader, restoration contributor While some engines are relatively rare in performance and engine machine shops, the big Cadillacs have remained a consistent source of income for these businesses. These engines are Cadillac’s last hurrah at traditional big-cube, flagship GM engines. Surprisingly, they are also a scaled-down version of
Tech Tip: With Inflation-in-a-Can, ‘Temporary’ is the Operative Word
Even for the most skeptical motorists, inflation-in-a-can is a valid answer to experiencing a flat tire at the wrong time in the wrong place. But there are many caveats that must be followed explicitly when connecting a can of sealant and quite a few psi to the valve stem.
Viewpoint, AAMCO, Cottman, Monro, Procare: With Size Comes Responsibility
In the past month, we have seen some historic events in the world of undercar service. The reunification of Cottman and AAMCO and the acquisition of ProCare by Monro Muffler have changed the landscape of the undercar service industry. Some people say that the Cottman and AAMCO deal was a shocker. When Rich Silva (Cottman)
Leak Detection: Becoming Your Shop’s Leak Detective
When a customer’s A/C system isn’t cooling well and the refrigerant charge is low, you know the system is leaking. The question is where? Finding refrigerant leaks on today’s vehicles can be a challenge. For one thing, many of the A/C system parts are buried and difficult to reach. Also, most systems today hold much