Tech Tip: Don’t Overlook Oil Cooler Hoses When Servicing the Transmission
To avoid comebacks, most service technicians are keenly aware that it pays to replace connected parts whenever a key system component is installed. To do the job right, the first time, technicians will often replace the hoses connected to the water pump, and the fluid lines attached to the fuel pump.
Custom Roadster Debut Kicks Off Miller’s Dream Weldshop Sweepstakes
As much art as machine, Miller Electric Mfg. Co.’s custom high-powered 1929 Roadster premiered recently at the 36th Annual Street Rod Nationals. The Miller Roadster’s debut coincides with the announcement of Miller’s Dream Weldshop sweepstakes, a celebration of the do-it-yourself welder.
Chrysler Group Licenses its Transmission Fluid, ATF+4, for Retail and Commercial Usage
In response to marketplace demands and evolving vehicle technology, Chrysler Group has established a licensing program for its advanced synthetic automatic transmission fluid, ATF+4. This program will allow ATF+4 to be made available at retail outlets and through independent repair facilities for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicle automatic transmissions, beginning Sept. 1, 2005.
Volvo Extreme Gravity Car Flies Down Jack’s Peak!
Imagine yourself in a vehicle no larger then 9-feet long and 36-inches wide. You would be imagining this year’s Volvo Extreme Gravity Car. Volvo will be showcasing this vehicle at the Extreme Gravity Race, now in its fifth year. On Aug. 18, 2005 at Jack’s Peak in Monterey, CA, the Volvo Gravity Car will head down the mountain at speeds upwards of 70 mph.
Tech Tip: Avoid Cadillac Water Pump Installation Woes
Anyone who has ever changed a water pump on a 1985-’95 Cadillac 4.1L, 4.5L or 4.9L knows that it is a job they don’t want to have to redo due to a false step during installation. However, there is some useful information available that could help avoid a potentially big installation headache.
AAPEX Sold Out of Exhibit Space
Exhibit space for the 2005 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), Nov. 1-4, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, is sold out for the second consecutive year, with nearly 2,000 exhibitors scheduled to participate in this year’s event.
AutoZone Partners with Discovery Channel to Find America’s Next NASCAR Superstar
AutoZone announced it will co-sponsor an upcoming series on the Discovery Channel titled "Driver X: Race for the Ride." The series will take viewers behind the scenes with Roush Racing to search for its next team member and future NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champ.
How’s Business? Overall, Business Looks Good
The signs that business will be good in 2005 continue to be apparent from the shop owner level. Optimism among repair shop owners remains as high as it’s ever been during the five years we’ve been tracking this data. Typically the busiest months for most shops are June, July and August and the survey results indicate the third quarter will be strong.
Thexton Anti-Freeze and Battery Testers Named ‘Tools of the Month’
Thexton’s Cold-Chek and Charg-Chek Anti-Freeze and Battery Testers were the first accurate and inexpensive specific gravity testers when they were introduced in 1964. Now, more than 40 years later, they are Thexton’s latest ‘Tools of the Month.’
Wrenchead Unveils Nexpart Axess, its Next-Generation E-business Solution for Automotive Fleets and National Accounts
Wrenchead, Inc., an online business application provider, has made its award-winning e-commerce solution, Nexpart, even better with the release of Nexpart Axess. Nexpart Axess is a leap forward for fleets, retailers, automotive repair chains and the parts distributors that service them by allowing ease and control of parts purchasing. Nexpart Axess provides complete visibility to all parts purchases regardless of supplier or geography. Axess puts a complete online ordering and tracking tool at every location in addition to providing company headquarters a powerful data analytics tool making it the ultimate online parts procurement solution for multi-location purchasing.
ASA Launches Enhanced Online Shop Locator
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) recently launched an enhanced shop locator on its website, www.asashop.org, enabling consumers to find an ASA member shop within their local community. The new locator uses sophisticated mapping technology, allowing motorists to access maps and driving directions to individual ASA member shops across North America.
Win a Trip to Hawaii Through ACDelco’s Fall Durastop Brake Promotion
Monday-morning quarterbacks now have a chance to show off their football savvy with a chance to win the ultimate football “road trip” – to Hawaii in February. ACDelco is offering the opportunity as part of ACDelco’s DuraStop® “Brake Bucks” Cash Back promotion to its Total Service Support (TSS) accounts and Independent Service Centers (ISCs) this fall.