Missed Services
Uncovering missed service can bring an instant profit, while at the same time resulting in customer gratification. Unfortunately, some services are often overlooked in our daily routine. It’s easy to gain tunnel vision in this business, only fixing what the car came in for, while ignoring the rest of the vehicle. Whether it’s because of
Volkswagen New Beetle Maintenance Essentials
The New Beetle has been around for several years now, and except for the classic shape, it’s not the Beetle of old. Unlike its ancestor, this New Beetle is conventional, modern and sophisticated. It has all of the bells and whistles of other current models, the performance and handling of a conventional front-wheel-drive car, and
The Ins and Outs of Diagnosing Battery, Charging and Starter Problems
You answer the phone and the voice on the other end says, “My car won’t start.” When temperatures drop, the no-start calls start pouring in. Cold weather increases the strain on the battery, starting and charging system and tends to bring out any weaknesses in these components. Cold weather thickens the oil and makes the
Don’t Be in the Dark About Vehicle Lighting Issues
With Daylight Saving Time (DST) taking effect at the end of October in most of the U.S., darkness falls a little sooner. However, with less light comes more opportunity for your shop. In my opinion, vehicle lighting is an overlooked service. While driving, I often notice many vehicles that have lighting systems that are not
A Tutorial in Hyundai Driveability
Diagnosing a driveability problem starts with the customer interview. When you are able to obtain the proper details about the vehicle’s symptoms, you will be able to diagnose the source of the problem more efficiently. Clues provided by the customer, such as “vehicle starts but runs rough until warm; worse when wet,” is invaluable information
Perspectives
I was reading my local paper and came across the headline that read, “black boxes” are urged for automobiles. With all the political sparring in the news this election season, my skeptical mind has been in overdrive. Seeing this headline, I read on to find “The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Tuesday recommended for
Perspectives
I was reading my local paper and came across the headline that read, “black boxes” are urged for automobiles. With all the political sparring in the news this election season, my skeptical mind has been in overdrive. Seeing this headline, I read on to find “The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Tuesday recommended for
Permanent Magnet Starters: ‘Starting’ the Electrical Diagnosis
When we diagnose problems with the modern, permanent magnet, reduction-gear import starter, we begin by looking at a system composed of the battery, starter and connecting wiring. The automotive battery, for example, is designed as a fast-discharge battery capable of sustaining enough amperage output to crank the engine until the fuel injection and ignition cycles