Performance Upgrades: Tuning, Tweaking & Boosting Your Way to New Profits
The import performance market offers a unique service opportunity for you. Import vehicle owners are accessorizing their vehicles like never before, and many are buying aftermarket performance parts in record numbers. Though many of these parts are sold to people who can install the parts themselves (things like wings, spoilers, lights, big bore mufflers, etc.),
Volvo Unveils Two Hot New Concept Cars at the 2005 SEMA Show
The two exciting new concept cars from Volvo explore the opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of just how far vehicle design may be pushed. Painted a glittering Saffron color reminiscent of a desert sunset, the XC70 AT (All Terrain) takes the production Volvo XC70 crossover wagon to the off-road extreme. The T6 Roadster takes Volvo to the drag strip with its 1930s inspired body, wide tires and low beltline.
Tech Tip: Understanding Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Are a good number of the vehicles on the road today equipped with underinflated tires? Look down at the tires on the car in front of you in traffic, and the answer may be obvious. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted an inspection of 6,240 vehicles within a 14-day period in August of 2001. They did this at service stations with the cooperation from motorists who stopped to refuel.
Cooper Tire Production Affected by Hurricane Damage
Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. announced recently that two of its tire manufacturing facilities will operate on reduced schedules due to raw material shortages. As of Oct. 2, Cooper’s plants in Texarkana, AR, and Tupelo, MS, began reduced production schedules.
Inspection by the Numbers
As the saying goes: “The devil is in the details”. Another saying is: “The truth is in the numbers.” When performing a brake inspection, both are true. Replacing the calipers and rotors with every brake job may not be the cure all for ending all for fundamental brake repair problems. An inspection of every component,
Servicing Import ABS Systems
Import anti-lock brake systems (ABS) are pretty much the same as domestic ABS systems. In fact, the same OEM suppliers who make the ABS system components for import vehicle manufacturers also make them for domestic vehicle manufacturers. The differences that do exist are typically limited to calibration, diagnostic codes and procedures, and wiring. The ABS
Shock Replacement Option Require a Proper Assessment of Customers’ “Ride” Expectations
Shock absorber replacements are unique because they represent a big ticket, high profit margin, low liability sales opportunity that happens at least once or perhaps twice during the normal service life of a typical vehicle. Modern shock absorber design is also becoming much more sophisticated than it was just one short decade ago. In conventional
Carley’s Corner: My Advice on Gas-Saving Gadgets
ely, these cars were introduced a few years too soon and were discontinued because of limited range (about 100 miles on a full charge), and the high cost of the batteries (GM’s cost was reportedly $500 for each battery, and each car held 18 batteries!). If GM were to re-introduce the EV1 today, buyers would
How to Unlock the Potential of Your Management and Information Software
Software is a unique tool. Every time it is used, it becomes more valuable to your shop. With every customer profile, parts data and billing information that you input, it will become more valuable to your operation. Also, with every technical service bulletin or bit of repair information found, you become more valuable. For automotive
Meineke Names Hunter Preferred Equipment Provider
Meineke Car Care Centers has named Hunter its preferred vendor of alignment and wheel service equipment offered to Meineke shops through the company’s dealer equipment program.