News: Babcox Memorial Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted
Bedford, TX — The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) is calling for applications for the 2004 Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship. AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with Babcox Publications, established the $1,000 scholarship, which is awarded annually to an Automotive Service Association (ASA) Mechanical Division member who strives to be, or is presently, working
Alternators Are the Heart of Import Electrical Systems
In current SAE J1930 terminology, the “alternator” is now being referred to as a “generator.” Of course, this isn’t news for many import technicians because many imports have always been equipped with “generators” for several years. By either name, the alternator’s job has definitely become more complex during the past decade. Years ago, the typical
Volkswagen Brake, Suspension and Exhaust Repairs
The original Volkswagen Beetle changed a number of things for the maintenance technician. The muffler was part of the engine, the suspension consisted of front and rear torsion bars, and the brakes, though actually large for a car of the Bug’s weight, needed adjustment on a regular basis to make them safe. Things have changed
Hot Heads for Cool Cars
The numbers are not huge yet, but there is a growing demand for high-performance cylinder head work and other engine modifications on a variety of sport compact cars. The most popular nameplates are imports such as Honda, Acura and Mitsubishi, but coming on fast are Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru and Volkswagen – plus domestic models
News
Steve Louden Named CARS 2004 Chairman Bedford, TX – The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced that Steve Louden, AAM, will serve as chairman of the 2004 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS). Louden is the owner of Louden Motorcar Services in Dallas, and a longtime member of ASA. Held annually in Las Vegas
The Future of Cool
Ed Sunkin, Editor, also contributed to this report Nobody knows exactly how refrigeration systems will change in the future, but it appears likely that R-134a’s days are numbered. The Europeans are seriously considering phasing it out starting in 2009. If that happens, the North American OEMs may follow suit. Though R-134a poses no danger to
Engine Series: Proper Maintenance Can Extend an Odyssey
We all know that some vehicle owners don’t adhere to preventative maintenance schedules for their vehicles. So when a customer’s vehicle is in for a major problem or service, take advantage of in-depth system inspections. It may be one of the few times that you get to check the vehicle for severely worn parts. Although
April Showers Bring May Profits
As you well know, your customers are not always educated on their vehicles. Often, they will procrastinate on addressing even the smallest of repairs or regularly scheduled maintenance items, such as wiper blades. And since April is Car Care Awareness Month, this may be a good time to address wiper blades as they relate to
Mending Hondas and Acuras with Quality OEM Parts
ho will pass along the news of their good experience. “There are very few things we use that aren’t factory,” Dan says, adding that their association with the local Honda dealership helps attract business. “We sell the jobs by pushing OEM parts. There are rare instances where we’ll offer a customer something that’s not an
Investing to Preserve Our National/International Interests
If you think oil and gas prices are getting bad now, and world supplies are critical, just wait a few years. It will only be worse, and it will have a drastic impact on the U.S. economy as well as the automotive service industry. You see, when oil and gas prices rise, Americans drive fewer