Directions: Pop Quiz! How Well Do You Know the ‘Deuce’?
Photos courtesy of Ford Motor Co. Nicknamed the “Deuce,” the 1932 Ford became the model hot rod — the symbol of youthful automotive enthusiasm and American ingenuity. Offered as the first mass-produced V8 engine, Ford’s Flathead cars created the foundation for vehicle personalization and customization. This year, Ford Motor Co. and ’32 Deuce hot rodders,
Directions: Jet-Setting Across the Country
On a visit to Akron, OH, you may get a glimpse of the leisurely traveling, faint-humming Goodyear blimp hovering overhead as it floats gracefully over the Rubber City. And just miles away from where the Goodyear blimp rests, you may hear the thundering roar of a jet-powered turbine screaming to life. Yes, that’s right, the
Directions: Techs Offer Feedback on Proposed A/C Refrigerant Ban
The following comments regarding the proposed ban on the sale of automotive refrigerant to consumers (see page 32 of the May issue of Underhood Service) were e-mailed to me in the past few weeks. Most of the comments were directed toward Tom Brown and the coalition opposing such legislation. Note: Comments below may have been
Directions: Understanding Who’s Coming Through Your Door
Getting repeat customers (and not because of comebacks) is a challenge for any shop. However, it helps when you know your customers. Many of you have had the same customers bringing their vehicles to your shop because of your friendly business, accurate diagnosis and repairs, timely service and fair price. But do you really know
Directions: Positive Leads Toward Service and Sales
You may be seeing another “positive” service-related trend in your shop — increased battery sales. Some market analysts are predicting that battery sales in cars and light trucks will grow, as more vehicle batteries are dying young. As you already know, car batteries normally need to be replaced about every three to five years, depending
Directions: Gunning for Your Customers
OE Dealerships Are Putting More Emphasis on Service Over Sales It’s no secret that new car sales have slowed in recent months. In fact, new car and light truck predictions for 2007 estimate a flat market over the next year. So be prepared. Dealerships will be using their parts and service departments as a means
Down the Road: Advances in Engine Technology
Two engine technologies that have been around for years are generating plenty of interest these days as the automakers look to create better fuel efficiency, without sacrificing power — direct injection for gasoline engines and turbocharging. Direct injection for gasoline engines is where fuel is injected right into the combustion chamber of each cylinder, as
Directions: Greetings on the New Year
With a new year comes new challenges. The staff here at Underhood Service takes a look at some of the issues that we feel will have an impact on your shop in 2007. Many of these issues will be addressed in management or technical articles throughout this year. Although these issues are not ranked by
Directions: Terms of Endearment
I’m sure many of you understand that when you are servicing some customers’ vehicles, it’s more than just their mode of transportation. It’s their “baby,” “darling” or ”buddy,” and to those owners, their vehicle is considered by them to be “alive.” So you probably already know that these customers are going to expect that you
Directions: Terms of Endearment
I’m sure many of you understand that when you are servicing some customers’ vehicles, it’s more than just their mode of transportation. It’s their “baby,” “darling” or ”buddy,” and to those owners, their vehicle is considered by them to be “alive.” So you probably already know that these customers are going to expect that you
Directions: Recognizing Some of the Industry’s Finest
I’ve always found the automotive aftermarket a great and important industry. And I also always felt that it is the people who make our industry so special. Quite often though, technicians and shops owners don’t receive the credit that they deserve. Which is why I am proud to dedicate my editorial this month to some
2006 Underhood Service Repair Market Industry Profile
Welcome to the 2006 Underhood Service Repair Market Industry Profile, our in-depth report of the independent automotive repair market. This profile highlights many of the elements of doing business in today’s repair shops. The information presented is a good indicator to make short-term predictions about these shops. It’s also a fair yardstick to see how