Viewpoint: Can Your Retirement Meet the Reserve Price?
For the past five years, I have been a shopper of eBay Motors. I not only shop for parts for my project cars, but for tools. It is almost an addiction for me to find the best deal or rarest tool. In the automotive tool section, I have been noticing a disturbing type of listing.
Brake Fluid Q & A
Mike Evangelo of Dynamic Motorsports and Rossion Automotive e-mailed me with six questions about brake fluid. I like a challenge, so here are my answers. 1. What are the fundamental differences between synthetic fluid and conventional DOT 3 and 4? Simple, it all comes down to the base stock. Both synthetic and conventional brake fluids
Alignment Update: Consider Long-Term Value of Equipment
Alignments are an equipment-intensive business. Purchasing this equipment is often done with the state-of-mind of “who is the least expensive.” But, “least expensive” is a relative term that can be narrow or broad in definition and scope. Least expensive can be looked from two different perspectives. Short-term is looking at just the one-time purchase price.
Tech Update: The 10 Commandments for Selling Shocks & Struts
“143” alt=”” align=”right” /> Look for signs that the units might be leaking oil, such as the accumulation of road grime or the presence of oil inside the boots and dust shields. Also keep an eye out for “witness marks” that indicate the suspension might have bottomed out recently. Make sure all bushings and hardware
Viewpoint: Human Resources Opening Up at Work
Hiring, firing and quitting are unavoidable tasks in the automotive repair industry. Everybody hates to deal with these aspects of the business because it can be risky on both sides of the table, and not just monetarily, but emotionally. I have seen war veterans more open to talk about the most bloody battles than some
Viewpoint: The Future of Brakes
How stability and traction control systems will change the industry as we know it. I hear all of the moaning and groaning out there about how new cars are better made, require less maintenance and break down less often. But, they still need to stop and this means they will always need brakes. Brake pads
The Long-Lasting Brake Job: Can Your Brake Job Go 12, 000 Miles Without a Problem?
All shops what to see a customer again, but not for a brake comeback. What is the magic number of miles that can separate a comeback from a service situation? In my opinion, the minimum is 12,000-miles. Even installing new friction, rotors and calipers will not ensure a long-lasting brake job. The long-lasting brake job
Alignment Update: Alignment Bay Neglect
Four Steps to Help You Get More Alignment Sales
Viewpoint: Stinky Brake Pads
How you can avoid a sinus comeback. I have been getting a few phone calls lately from readers about bad smelling brakes after a brake service was performed. Most drivers may not know much about their vehicles, but they know when something does not smell right. The customers who typically come back to the shop
Viewpoint: Being Positive
Ask yourself why you came to work this morning. If you are a regular reader of my columns, you may have noticed that I have been a little negative lately. I have been writing about topics like technician image, unethical shops and other gripes about our industry. Last month, I got a letter from an
Viewpoint: Bad Shop? A Reader Responds to Last Months Column
Last month’s column titled “Cleaning Up Other Shops’ Messes” told of how good, honest shops have to sometimes repair the customer’s trust after a “bad shop” injures our industry. Reader Paul Wright, wrote this response. Your column begins with a story told to you from a independent shop owner who recounts his experience with another
Viewpoint: Cleaning Up Other Shops’ Messes
The other day I was talking with advisory board member Dave Christopher of Christopher’s Car Care in Tallmadge, OH. Dave, his wife and son run a great shop and he has a very loyal customer base. His appointment schedule is often booked weeks in advance. Dave takes a great deal of pride in his shop