Tech Tip: Brake Noise/Creak During Slow Speed Braking
Some customers may comment on a creak-type noise occurring when applying the brakes. It is usually heard only during slow speed brake maneuvers. If this condition exists, it should be able to be duplicated when the vehicle is not moving by depressing the brake and listening for the noise from the wheel-well/caliper area.
Tire Tech Tip: Selling Nitrogen can Pump up Profits
For the past five or so years, suppliers of nitrogen-inflation equipment have made serious claims. Compared to moisture- and dirt-laden compressed air, nitrogen – a dry, inert gas – runs cooler, does not permeate through rubber as quickly and does not cause rust to develop on steel cords, expensive wheels or tire pressure monitoring sensors. The result is better fuel economy, more consistent inflation pressure, longer tire life and increased safety, advocates say.
Tech Tip: Servicing Bravada Electronic Controlled Air Suspensions
I borrowed a friend’s 2002 Oldsmobile Bravada to pick up some supplies from the local home improvement store. After loading it with weekend-warrior bounty, I started the vehicle and noticed that the rear end was sitting low. The Electronic Controlled Air Suspension (ECAS) compressor was running, but the back end would not return to normal ride height.
Wills Receives ASA Alpha Award
Bob Wills, owner of Wills Auto Service in Battle Creek, MI, received the Alpha Award from the Automotive Service Association (ASA) Mechanical Division. The Alpha Award recognizes an ASA Mechanical Division member for his or her generous and far-reaching contributions to the automotive service industry.
Mitch Schneider: When Bad Luck is Really Good Luck…
About the worst thing that can happen around here is a week where all kinds of bizarre things accumulate. Aside from the absolute chaos it inflicts on everyone, including me, the crush of dealing with multiple crises makes it almost impossible to identify where one calamity ends and another begins.
ALLDATA Releases New Updates
As part of its quarterly update process, ALLDATA has added more than 200,000 pages of service and repair information, plus more than 4,000 pages of Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) data. The release reflects new and updated information from U.S., Asian and European auto manufacturers.
ProTeam Acquires Unique 1965 Corvette Suisse Racer
Finding rare Corvettes is Terry Michaelis’ specialty, and ProTeam Classic Corvette Collection and Sales has lived up to its reputation by purchasing a 1965 Corvette Coupe known as the Suisse Racer. ProTeam recently acquired the export Corvette, which was purpose-built and delivered to General Motors Auto Koch in Luzern, Switzerland more than 40 years ago.
Mighty Offers DVD to Help Sell Preventive Maintenance in the Waiting Room
New DVD presentations from Mighty effectively "sell" vital PM services in your waiting room or lobby with or without sound in a continuous 35-minute loop.
MACS Reminds Technicians that United States Clean Air Act Section 609 Certification is the Law
Section 609 of the United States Clean Air Act requiring all service technicians to be certified in proper refrigerant recovery and recycling has been law since 1990, yet many service professionals still are unaware of the requirements or have ignored them.
Tire Tech: Lead Weights Clearly on the Outs, but Timetable is Hazy
Despite rumblings from various industry bodies, the wheel-weight world will eventually become lead free. It will happen, but when? Europe has banned all lead wheel weights, and so has Japan. In fact, every automobile being imported to the U.S. from those ports are totally lead free.