Pass-Thru Devices Are Here
Why Should You Sell Them?
By Michael Bowdish, Guest Writer
Tech Feature: BMW and J2534 Pass-Thru Programming
In the U.S., 8 percent of the cars on the road are European vehicles. OK, that doesn’t sound like much, but think of it this way: an average repair yields more dollars per repair than most domestic and Asian vehicles. In most cases, each repair pays better. Plus, the vehicle owners have more invested into the vehicle, so they want to spend the money to fix their vehicle correctly. That 8 percent of cars on the road can pack a powerful punch when it comes to automotive repair shops making money.
Forgotten Stops: Going Back To School
By Andrea Stricker, Guest Writer
Electrical System Testing Tools and Equipment
One day we are fat, dumb and happy using a piece of wire with a 12-volt bulb on the end of it to test things with. Now we are faced with deciding between using the 10 meg-ohm computer safe test light, the power injector or a logic probe complete with polarity protection, audible alarm, light and 20-foot memory cord. Geeesh! How did things get so confusing so fast? Progress my boy! That is the root of our problem here! As the cars and systems have gotten more and more complicated, so have the tools and equipment needed to work on those cars ….
Carley’s Corner: Future Shock
Back in the 1970s when I was an impressionable young college kid, I read a book called Future Shock by Alvin Toffler (it was required reading for an Anthropology class). The book accurately predicted many of the changes we are experiencing today. Essentially, Future Shock is “too much change in too short a period of
Alignment Lifts: Consider Your Customer Base When Purchasing an Alignment Lift
If you do wheel alignment work, you need an alignment lift for raising vehicles off the ground. A lift is essential because you have to get under the vehicle to inspect the steering and suspension before you check the alignment. You can’t align worn parts, so it’s important to always make sure the tie rod
Electrical System Tools and Equipment
Neutrons, Electrons, Klingons? As today’s cars and systems have gotten more and more complicated, so have the tools and equipment needed to work on those cars. The professional technician is expected to be able to understand electrical theory, electronics, physics, as well as understand and interpret readings from complex electrical test equipment.
Carley’s Corner: Highlights of the AAPEX & SEMA Shows
Every year in early November, Las Vegas hosts two huge automotive shows, the Automotive Aftermarket Products Exposition (AAPEX) at the Sands Convention Center, and the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) show at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The two shows this year drew more than 100,000 attendees from all over the world. These are the
Timing Tools
Before you replace a timing belt, chain or gear set on some engines, you will have to look up the timing reference marks. Some engines have multiple timing marks that can cause confusion if you don’t know which ones to use or how to line them up. Many engines also require special tools when changing
Has Your Battery Life Lost Its Charge? Tips to Get Back That Spark
The condition of the battery as well as its state of charge are critical in late-model vehicles not only for reliable cranking and starting, but also for the onboard electronics. Low battery voltage can cause control modules to misbehave, or in some cases to go into a sleep mode and shut down. A dead battery
Are Your Compressed Air Lines Leaking Profits?
As a shop owner or manager, you know the challenge of maintaining profit while facing ever-increasing costs. What you may not know is you can cut your compressed air costs substantially by updating your air piping system. Generating and maintaining compressed air is typically a shop’s second largest energy expense. A new, efficient air piping
Tech Update: Top 5 TPMS Questions
From professional and college football down to youth-league soccer, everyone (including TechShop!) has a “Top Something-or-other” list. Why should the tire industry be different? Over the last year or so, Tire Rack has been conducting an informal and unscientific survey of its customers regarding the reoccurrence of issues dealing with tire pressure monitoring systems. Thanks