Mitch Schneider: So…What’s on the Menu?
Mitch addresses “loss-leader” advertising and/or the kind of “menu pricing” environment in which it normally flourishes.
Tech Feature: 2010 Camaro Has Power To Spare
Recently, I had an opportunity to drive both the 3.6L DOHC V6 and the 6.2L V8 versions at a press event held at Road America race track in Elkhart Lake, WI. The first Camaro I drove on the track felt really strong and I assumed it was the V8. So, I was rather surprised when I opened the hood and found a V6 sitting under the plastic trim cover.
Kia Tech Tip: Increased Low-Speed Steering Effort
In areas where heavy road salt use occurs, customer complaints have identified increased steering effort and noise (from the steering intermediate shaft) on the 2002-’05 (GQ) Sedona. The increased effort is usually first noticed with a noise or rattle at low speeds. When addressing such customer concerns, replace the steering intermediate shaft using P/N 0K52Y 32550 following the instructions in this technical service bulletin.
Affinia Issues Brake Rotor Safety Public Awareness Message
Affinia Global Brake & Chassis, which manufactures Raybestos brand brake components, has issued a safety warning to the public regarding thin plate rotors. The parts manufacturer said it recently discovered a serious potential brake safety concern regarding the replacement and use of certain imported brake rotors that are significantly different from the Original Equipment (OE) rotors they replace.
Behr Hella Service Expands Coverage for A/C and Engine Cooling Replacement Parts Program
Behr Hella Service, a North American joint venture for thermal management between Behr (vehicle air conditioning and engine cooling) and Hella (lighting technology and electronics) has just added more than 40 A/C and engine cooling replacement parts to its growing thermal management parts program.
Active Safety Technology: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning & Collision Mitigation Braking
A vehicle that stops itself may sound like something out of a futuristic sci-fi movie, but the technology is here and now. From collision mitigation braking to adaptive cruise control, find out how many of today’s next generation active safety systems come into play.
Porsche Engine Diagnostics: Misfire Codes, Fuel Trim Faults, Secondary Air Injection
Porsche has been building engines for decades that will literally fit in a suitcase, but are still able to put out horsepower that rivals many larger engines. Find out how to keep the Porsche Boxster engine running smoothly.
Tech Tip: Mazda MPV Brake Noise Keeps ‘Popping’ Up
Mazda MPV owners may complain about rear brake noise. While applying the brakes under normal stopping conditions, usually at low speeds, a metallic popping, clicking or squealing sound can be heard coming from the rear brakes. This may be caused by uneven contact between the brake lining and the brake drum.
Tech Tip: Mercedes-Benz Suspension/ABS-Steering Angle Sensor Service
For Model 163 vehicles, including the 2003 ML 350, ensure WIS document AR46.10-P-0400GH is followed and adhered to when removing and installing the jacket tube. Do not separate the coupling below the steering angle sensor (N49) or damage to the sensor rotor may occur.
Raybestos Backpack Promotion will Again Help Consumers Lighten their Load
Making the most of summer is simple when you maximize the four B’s: barbeques, baseball, brakes and Raybestos brand backpacks. After the program’s successful inception in the summer of 2008, the Raybestos backpack consumer promotion returns to offer consumers a free branded backpack with every qualifying Raybestos brake or chassis job.
Enhanced BEEP Certification Program Released for Replacement Friction Materials
As the September 2011 mandate for stability control on all light vehicles looms, MEMA’s Brake Manufacturers Council (BMC) announced changes to the Brake Effective Evaluation Procedure (BEEP) program allowing the testing of late model vehicles with electronic brake force distribution and advanced ABS systems.
Raybestos Brand Continues to Dominate New Number Production
Continually dedicated to providing the aftermarket’s most comprehensive offering of brake and chassis replacement products, Affinia’s Global Brake & Chassis Group has introduced 570 new Raybestos part numbers in the first five months of 2009. Of these new part numbers, 292 apply to popular import applications demonstrating, yet again, that the Raybestos brand is unmatched when it comes to FNP coverage.