Directions: Will You Be Servicing a 100-MPG Vehicle in the Near Future?
Vehicles in the Progressive Insurance Automotive X-PRIZE vie for $10 million in prizes that will be awarded to teams that develop production-capable vehicles that exceed 100 miles per gallon or energy equivalent (MPGe).
Directions: Will Driver Awareness on Recalls Drive Up Shop Stops?
While new car recalls have been among the biggest news stories of the year, an analysis by Edmunds.com, assures consumers that despite these recent headlines, recalls were much more of a concern in decades past.
Tech Spec: 100 Years of Changing Internal Combustion Technology
It would be interesting to hear what Nicolaus Otto, credited as the father of the first functional four-stroke IC engine, would say after seeing some of the advanced powerplants dropped into vehicles today.
Directions: New Engine Oil Specification to Flow into Shops this Year
The International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC) is finalizing the
Directions: Attitude Adjustment will Lead to Maintenance
Explain to your customers the value and importance of regular maintenance – including oil and filter changes, tire rotations and tune-ups in order to achieve continued high fuel economy for their vehicle.
Directions: The Impact of HF0-1234yf on Service Shops
According to the new refrigerant’s developers, there are chemical differences between HFO-1234yf and the current R-134a system. As a shop owner, you’ll need to learn the Safety, Equipment and Charging Issues surrounding this new refrigerant.
Tech Feature: New Refrigerant Change May Not Be a ‘SNAP’
The introduction of HFO-1234yf in vehicle A/C systems in the U.S. could be a few years away. However, it is plausible that some (dealership technicians and collision repairers) may see HFO-1234yf systems by late 2011 and early 2012, as European models begin the R-134a phase-out and make their way across the pond. (R-134a is to be completely phased out of new European systems by 2017.)
Directions: Top Techs Score Big for the Automotive Aftermarket
Let’s hear it for the automotive service and repair industry’s group of All Stars.
Directions: Fueling Your Appetite for Knowledge
In the manual Changes in Gasoline IV, every attempt is made to focus on the auto technician’s areas of interest and to cover current topics. A new chapter on Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) and E85 has been added, as E85 appears to be emerging as the renewable fuel of choice.
Directions: Jumping on the Green Bandwagon
As you look ahead to 2010, maybe you are considering introducing “greener” business practices for your shop. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Directions: Turbocharging’s Not Just A Lot of Hot Air
In a recent study of U.S. consumers by Honeywell, more than half of those who plan to purchase a vehicle in the next two years believe fuel efficiency is more important than it was during their last vehicle purchase.
Tech Feature: Breezing Through Ignition Off Draw Tests
One of the biggest differences in servicing the Sebring convertible from other Chrysler models was its battery location – behind the driver’s side wheel well.