Matching Your Techs with the Right Job
Just a single decade ago, many industry experts speculated that 80% of the workflow passing through an independent repair shop would involve some type of high-level diagnostic process. Today, it’s obvious that, with the infusion of electronic operating systems, high-level diagnostics is now approaching that level of total workflow. Nevertheless, many others continue to ridicule
Spark Plug Technology
Spark plugs have been around almost as long as the internal combustion engine. In 1902, spark plugs were first used with a high voltage magneto to provide reliable ignition. For the next 70 years, spark plugs were a high maintenance item thanks to tetraethyl lead, which was used as an octane-boosting additive in gasoline. Unfortunately,
NASCAR Performance
NASCAR Announces Changes to Provisional Qualifying
Talking Shop
Finding 2003 Tax Savings In 2004
A/C Update
Once a year the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) hosts a trade show for A/C shop owners and technicians. This year’s event was held in Orlando, FL, January 22-24, and provided a wealth of service information to those who attended the technical sessions. For those who could not be there, we pass along some of
Aftermarket Update
Trade Press Gets First-Hand Look During Tour of Bosch’s State-of-the-Art South Carolina O2 Sensor Plant Oxygen sensors are one of the key sensors in every engine’s fuel management feedback control system. Consequently, O2 sensors play a vital role in maintaining low emissions, good fuel economy and peak performance. Developed by the Robert Bosch Corporation, O2
Turn Repair Accountability into Service Profitability
Want to inject some new enthusiasm into your business? Showcase your technicians’ diagnostic skills and repair ability? Boost your shop’s bottom line? Set your shop apart from the competition? Elevate your image within the community? Increase your customer service levels? If you said yes to one or more of these questions, then listen up. With
Handling Damage & Warranty Issues
Mrs. Jones’ car is being backed out of the bay after an oil change and Joe, the driver and tech, hits the wall with the car. The wall is fine, but the same can’t be said for Mrs. Jones’ car. I would never suggest that my way is the only way, but here is how
Belts and Hose Inspectionscan Lead to Profitable Add-On Sales
Accessory drive belts and coolant hose replacements are perhaps the most popular and lucrative add-on services in the independent import shop. Because belt and hose inspections are included in auto manufacturers’ scheduled maintenance charts, service writers at most well-managed shops recommend a belt and hose inspection along with tuneup, oil change, starting, charging, cooling, air
Transmissions & Clutches
The Ins and Outs of Manual Gear Box Repair
Rev Up Volvo Performance
When any engine swap is done using a larger displacement engine, you have to look at the big picture. Everything around it must be addressed to handle the added horsepower. This includes the braking system, front and rear suspension, and the structure of the frame. When I did my first Volvo V8 engine swap, it
Publisher’s Perspective: How’s Business?
There are some very strong signs that business will be good in 2004. Optimism among repair shop owners is as high as it’s ever been during the three years that we’ve been tracking this data. During the first week of January, we faxed a survey to 3,000 automotive service and repair shop owners across the