Directions: Autonomous Autos Take to the Streets
There is a lot of speculation on how driverless vehicles – which are already on the roads as test cars – will impact the service industry.
Directions: Are You Ready for the Most Tested Fuel in History?
In mid-August, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed a lawsuit that challenged the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to grant a partial waiver for 15% ethanol (E15) content in gasoline for 2001 and newer model year cars and light trucks.
Book Report: “Carroll Shelby, the Authorized Biography”
In the book “Carroll Shelby, the Authorized Biography,” author Rinsey Mills goes in-depth into Shelby’s historical racing and performance background.
Directions: When it Comes to A/C Cans, NRDC Gives DIYers the Cold Shoulder
The NRDC argues that cross-contamination of refrigerant will be a problem in future A/C systems and is looking to keep the cans out of the hands of consumers.
Directions: What Are You Working On in the Shop?
In April, Consumer Reports (CR) released its Annual Auto Survey that asks car owners how satisfied they were with auto repairs performed by dealerships and independent shops in the previous 12 months.
Directions: Issues on 1234yf Still Up in the Air
There has been a lot of talk about the new HFO-1234yf A/C refrigerant making its way into new vehicles. Some of the misconceptions and rumors about the refrigerant were addressed at the Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide (MACS) convention and trade show in January. One of the biggest concerns techs and shop owners have is which vehicles will have the new system.
Directions: Service and
It will be interesting to see if drivers of older cars continue to put off maintenance and service to a point where a vehicle repair becomes so expensive that the owner opts for a new vehicle. If so, it could be bad news for independent repair shops that are already seeing a slow down in scheduled service and maintenance.
Learning Curves – How Education and Training Paved the Way for Tom Palermo’s Career Path
In November, Palermo was named the 2011 Best Tech of the Year recipient, a program sponsored by WIX Filters to recognize the skills and professionalism of today’s automotive technicians. This was the first year for the award.
Directions: Performance Powered – Chevrolet Celebrates 100 Years
For its first 40 years, Chevrolet seemed content designing, building and installing four- and six-cylinder engines in its
Directions: The Price of Neglect
While it’s good for independent repair shops that more than half of American drivers said they are holding onto their older vehicle because they do not want the financial burden of a new one, about 25% of car owners today admitted to neglecting repairs and maintenance on their vehicles in the past 12 months due to the economic climate.
Directions: New CAFE Standards Set for 2025
On July 29, President Obama announced the next phase in the Administration’s program to increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States. According to the White House, automaker fleets will now have to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.
Directions: Vehicle Age and Smaller Engines Increase Vehicle Maintenance
While the small increase in 2010 vehicle total mileage would seem to be negative for aftermarket product expansion, the changing driving habits of Americans are causing more vehicle wear per mile driven today than in the past.