Bob Dowie, Author at UnderhoodService - Page 2 of 6
Timing Belt Replacement On Honda/Acura V6 Engines

The first step in timing belt replacement is selling the job. For many years, the industry standard for belt replacement was 60,000 miles. Those of us with more experience can even remember when 30,000 miles was the norm. Over the years, the materials and processes used in timing belt manufacturing have allowed Honda to move that interval to 90,000 miles and 105,000 miles. I use the 90,000-mile mark as my signal. As a customer’s vehicle nears this indicator, remind him or her that the belt needs to be replaced.

Uncovering Potential Repair Issues On Mazda3

In this article, we’ll take a look at routine services on a Mazda3 and some of the more common problems that may be uncovered as they are performed. Our shop has always subscribed to 30,000-, 60,000- and 90,000-mile major service intervals with oil changes and inspections at a maximum of 5,000 miles. That may not exactly match the factory recommendations, but it works well for our customers and us, and covers all of the recommended services.

4WD/AWD Hub Service On Kia Sportage And Sorento Models

While you may never have to replace the entire transfer case or transmission on the popular Sportage and Sorento SUVs, you will have to replace hubs, sensors and solenoids on your customers’ vehicles. In this article, we’ll start with the early systems on the 2000 Sportage.

Diagnosing Your Customers’ Brake Noise Complaints

Squeaking can be the most challenging and is often evident after the brakes have been serviced. The best way to deal with brake squeal is to prevent it in the first place. While we’re all familiar with brake service, it never hurts to review good practices.

Hyundai Coolant Service Basics

Most often, a Hyundai with a cooling system issue will find its way to your shop for a few reasons. One is the temperature gauge is reading higher than normal. Of course, that assumes the customer is aware they have a gauge. Another is a leak under the car that has gotten their attention, or maybe the check engine lamp is on and you find a code for excessive engine temp. Or, the car is on the back of a tow truck as a result of overheating on the road.

Honda Timing Belts: The First Step In Replacement Is Selling The Job

Bob Dowie, owner of Village Auto, Chester, NY, says that the first step in timing belt replacment is selling the job. While most customers know they need to be

Mitsubishi Undercar Service Opportunities

In this article, we’re going to take look at the Mitsubishi line of cars and some of the more common problems you’ll see while looking at the undercar area. Since this automaker offers a solid vehicle lineup at a reasonable price, there are plenty of Mitsubishis on the road, and it’s safe to assume that they will find their way to your shop. There’s no reason they shouldn’t be welcomed.

Hyundai Coolant Issues: Getting to the Heart of Coolant Leaks

When it comes to cooling system problems you may see on the Hyundai vehicle lineup, there are a few that would be considered serial failures. But, as these cars accumulate miles, you’ll see the same type of service opportunities you would find on any other vehicle, advises Import Specialist Contributor Bob Dowie.

Honda Performance Modifications

While the “fast and furious” nature of the import performance market has cooled down, there is still some excitement in the market and you shouldn’t be surprised to find a customer at your front counter asking if you can do this kind of work, says Import Specialist Contributor Bob Dowie.

Mazda3i Vehicle Maintenance Checks

For this article, we’ll be looking at a 2006 Mazda3i. We won’t spend much time on performing routine maintenance services, as we should all be familiar with the nuts and bolts of the job. The most important thing to ask yourself is, why are you doing this service? Sure it’s important to get fresh fluids and

Nissan: Solving Rotating Electrical Issues

Maybe the warning light on the dash has caught the attention of the customer who was lucky enough to make it to your shop, or not so lucky and their car needs to be towed, says Import Specialist Contributor Bob Dowie. Whatever the scenario, don’t be too quick to jump to conclusions when diagnosing rotating electrical issues.

Kia Brake & Chassis Repairs

Import Specialist Bob Dowie advises that while the Kia suspension system will provide many problem-free miles, from a safety standpoint, it could be argued that the steering and suspension system on any car is the most critical. That’s why it’s so important that every car that goes on the lift should get a basic safety check.