Hand Tools
Striking a Blow for Safety, Reliability and Value It all started thousands of years ago. Grogg picked up the jawbone of a T-Rex in one hand and a piece of broken tooth in the other hand. Voila! The first chisel is invented. Early on in our history, man realized he could do more work (or
Point of View: Same or Different?
This is the time of year when many tool manufacturers spend their weekends talking to an important segment of their business, the mobile tool distributors. I was walking one of the shows recently with a relative newcomer to the business. He lowered his voice and whispered to me, “Why do shop owners let more than
Hot Tips From Hot Rod Builders
Sometimes the best opportunities are cleverly hidden in plain view. As one example, when Chris Lafferty of Lafferty Engine Creations was asked why he opted to expand beyond race engines into the hot rod and muscle car arenas, he snorted, “Just look outside.” His North Carolina facility sits squarely in the middle of both NASCAR
Four Seasons Inc. Offers Latest Problem Solving Solution
As a leader in the automotive HVAC industry, Four Seasons Inc. offers technicians its latest problem solving solution. Problem: "I just broke the pressure switch for my 2003 GMC van and with every other supplier, I have to replace the entire compressor. Is the switch available separately?"
Tire Tech Update: Front to Rear Size Differences Require Special Knowledge
Some of the top tire dealers I’ve encountered are those who elect to understand virtually everything they can about a tire, its performance level, its construction features, its overall diameter and its OE assigned position. This includes corner-by-corner knowledge, as well as being front-to-rear axle savvy. When we drive past a tire dealership that has a BMW, a Lamborghini, a Corvette and a Ford Cobra parked on the lot, we take notice ….
Mitch Schneider: Train Your Employees to Trust Their Instincts
A guy walks into an automotive repair shop and this is what he sees: a technician and a service manager having a rather passionate interaction. Neither the word "discussion," nor the word "conversation" adequately captures the level of intensity they had achieved at that particular moment. It was about whether or not the little Honda Accord in the third bay ….
Tech Feature: Keeping Up with TPMS Technology
We’re at 100% TPMS compliance now. Are we having fun yet? To keep customers in your shop, plan on investing in diagnostic scanners and software, not to mention a serious investment in personnel who have an aptitude for technology. Just this week, I had a friend who owns a local tire store call me regarding what to do about an ….
Subaru Tech Tip: Diagnosing Idle Surges on Legacy Models
If you encounter a driveability concern such as idle surges or whistling, it may be caused by carbon buildup on the Idle Speed Control (ISC) valve. In these cases, it is not necessary to replace the ISC valve. Cleaning the ISC valve could correct the condition. To clean an ISC valve, perform the repair procedure ….
Three-Day AAPEX Starts Nov. 4 in Las Vegas
Dates for the 2008 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) are Tuesday, Nov. 4 through Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, NV. The event runs three days – similar to the AAPEX schedule for the past two years – and is again co-located with the SEMA Show ….
Snap-on Diagnostics Introduces Software Bundle 8.2
Snap-on Diagnostics announced recently the availability of Software Bundle 8.2. The latest software upgrade delivers more new Scanner coverage than ever before for MODIS, SOLUS PRO, SOLUS, ETHOS and the MT-Series Scanner. Snap-on has also added 820 new vehicles and access to 7,000 new systems since ….