Exorcising the Accessory Demons
Big exhaust pipes, big tires, big rims…some of that stuff may seem, well, ridiculous sometimes, but it can mean big profits. It’s funny, some people will spend two grand for a set of rims for a $500 car. But if that’s what they want to do, why not help them spend their money? If you’ve
Directions: You’ve Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
There have been a number of on-line automotive repair sites popping up where consumers can ask “automotive experts” questions and receive automotive repair advice. These sites normally charge a fee to the person asking the questions (I’ve seen anywhere from $3 to $15 per question). One site touts its Q & A forum as a
Jacks: The Ups and Downs of Jacks
The famous actor/comedian Rodney Dangerfield was well known for his routine about respect. You couldn’t watch him for more than a few minutes before you heard his signature line: “I can’t get NO respect!” If we were to start assigning personalities to tools in the shop, jacks would definitely be the Rodney Dangerfield of the
Tech Tip: Disc Brake Caliper Service
The repair or replacement of disc brake calipers has always been a controversial topic for most import shop owners and brake technicians. Some recommend replacing the brake calipers along with the brake pads, while others won’t replace the calipers unless they’re found to be defective. For many, routine caliper replacement is a cost issue and many shops deal with this issue by installing remanufactured calipers "loaded" with new brake pads.
Shop Profile: Bobby’s Muffler and Tire Center Takes Pride in Prompt Service
Have you ever met a tire dealer so honest he could make Abe Lincoln blush? Ask anyone in Franklin, VA, population 8,600 tops, about the ultra-modest owner of Bobby’s Muffler and Tire Center Inc., who sells tires and service in the town where he was born and raised. They will tell you about a man who had $125 in his pocket when he opened his doors and a desire to make his business the talk of the town. They’re talking about Bobby Cutchins.
Goodyear to Hike Prices Up to 7 Percent
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has informed its dealers that it is raising prices on all of its passenger and light truck/SUV tires by up to 7 percent.
Car Care Council’s Gas Savings Tips Can Save Big Money at the Pump
In a recent Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, Americans cite gasoline prices as the economic woe that most affects them. The Car Care Council warns that putting off vehicle care and maintenance can make matters worse. Proper vehicle maintenance will increase miles per gallon.
Viewpoint, Quality not Price
Last month, I offered up 50 tips to improve your business in 2008. Tip 31 was “Ask suppliers for better pricing. The worse they can say is no.” I received an email from a reader about it: I’m the third generation in a parts jobber/warehouse. We specialize in fleets, especially cab fleets that experience rough,
Selling Services: Our 15 Minutes: Can A Truck Stop A Plane?
Engineering and servicing brake systems has likely never been considered a “glory job.” However, it is certainly a necessary, challenging and rewarding occupation. Our contribution to driver safety and confidence can be rivaled by few others outside the medical domain. When I first started in the brake industry, I quickly came to a point where
Diagnostic Solutions: Disc Brake Caliper, Inspection and Installation Procedures
The repair or replacement of disc brake calipers has always been a controversial topic for most import shop owners and brake technicians. Some recommend replacing the brake calipers along with the brake pads, while others won’t replace the calipers unless they’re found to be defective. For many, routine caliper replacement is a cost issue and