Winter Maintenance Tips From Some of America’s Coldest Cities
Staying on top of your inspections is important, but there are some parts of the U.S. where winter maintenance takes on a new level of importance.
Changing How You Upsell Maintenance Service
We talked with three shop owners about how their shops maximize sales by educating the consumer and refining their in-house processes.
Alternator Testing: High-Draw Accessories Bringing Change
An alternator is designed to turn at approximately two to three times crankshaft speed. Total alternator output is generally rated at 6,000 alternator rpm. Consequently, a 2:1 alternator drive ratio can usually be found on high-performance engines or constant-speed, over-the-road truck engines where the average engine speed is about 3,000 rpm. For most passenger cars, a 3:1 ratio between alternator and crankshaft speed translates into maximum alternator output of 2,000 engine rpm, which is the engine speed at which most alternators are tested.
The Camless Engine
The FreeValve concept, also known as fully variable valve actuation, eliminates the camshaft. Instead of lobes on a camshaft, there are electromagnetic or electrohydraulic actuators to open the poppet valves.
Vehicle Service Life: A Paradigm Shift
Currently, there are about one billion cars on the planet. If folks continue to buy and own cars as they do now, it will take two billion cars to keep up with projected growth and mobility needs. The problem is there is no room to park two billion cars if you still want open roads to drive them on.
Trailer Brakes: Connector Outlet Electrical Diagnostics
Gary Goms goes over two case studies this month involving trailers. The electric brakes on one do not function, and the brakes on another activate when the parking light turns on. Learn how bad wiring and damage from rodents can cause these issues.
Jump On The Telematics Train With Me
All of us need to start paying attention to the opportunity provided by telematics. At least be certain it’s on your radar screen. Start to identify the potential impacts telematics may have on your business.
Power Steering Pump Noise After Replacement
Going through the process of installing a power steering pump with a remote or bolt-on reservoir sometimes leaves the pump noisy and lacking the proper assist. Before making the assumption that the replacement pump is bad, consider checking the bolt-on reservoir.
Variable Geometry Turbochargers
With the Green Revolution upon us, the turbocharger is making big waves helping boost efficiency and increase power in both performance vehicles and daily drivers. Turbocharged cars often experience “lag” at lower speeds due to the time required for sufficient exhaust pressure to build up and spool the turbo.
YouTube And TV: Talent And Presentation
Some technical videos are nothing more than a shade tree mechanic screaming at the camera about expensive parts in quick two-second cuts before doing a burnout. Some videos have slick graphics and catchy intro music. You never know what you are going to get until you click on the video.
Transmission Line Replacement
Transmission fluid likes to be at a constant temperature. If it is too hot or too cold for too long, the performance can fluctuate and potentially cause damage to the transmission.
Government Regulations And The Check Engine Light
At first, Uncle Sam demanded crash tests, tire tests and seat belts. Then, in the ‘70s, it was the crash bumper debacle followed by the arrival of emissions systems with their smog pumps, miles of vacuum hoses and EGR valves. All of these “improvements” on the family car forever changed the way mechanics service vehicles.
