Management: The Real Bad Guy
The real bad guys in this business are all the shops out there that are either doing bad work or creating false impressions with customers (i.e. the $49.99 brake job). The bad guys have the unsightly looking shops and poor customer service practices that wear on the image of the whole industry.
NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc. Honored by General Motors as a 2006 Supplier of the Year
NGK Spark Plugs was presented the General Motors 2006 Supplier of the Year award for its overall business performance in providing GM with world-class parts and services. The 15th annual award – themed the "Best of the Best" – was given during ceremonies March 31, 2007.
Tech Tip: Chevy Blazer’s Engine May Rattle Between 1,800 and 2,200 rpm
Some customers may comment on a rattle-type noise coming from the engine at approximately 1,800 to 2,200 rpm. The spark, rattle-type noise may be caused by torsional vibration of the balance shaft. If detonation noise is present, perform detonation/spark knock diagnostics first.
Escalade Tech Tip: Fixing Front End Squeaks
Your shop just installed a new set of tires on a 2002 Cadillac Escalade. The very next day, the customer returns complaining about a squeak and a rattle coming from the front end that wasn’t there before you replaced the tires. What happened?
Standard Plus Club Recognized as Preferred Provider to Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper Customers
Standard Motor Products, Inc. (SMP) announces its Standard Plus Club technical support program is recognized as a preferred provider to the service dealer customers of the Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance (Auto Value/Bumper to Bumper).
Snap-on Diagnostics Introduces Software Bundle 7.2
Without regular software upgrades, automotive shops just aren’t getting the most out of their diagnostic investments. That’s why Snap on created Software Bundle 7.2. No matter which diagnostic platform is used – MODIS, SOLUS or the cartridge-powered Scanner – Software Bundle 7.2 delivers the supercharged performance that shops need to win and keep repair customers.
Perspectives: The Real Bad Guy
There is no doubt that the new car dealer is interested in growing the service side of the business, especially those selling Ford, GM and Chrysler vehicles. If you look at the latest information from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) 2006 survey you’ll know why — the average dealership made about $70,000 in net
Selling Services: Cooling System Colors
All types of antifreeze contain corrosion-inhibiting chemicals to protect bare metal surfaces from electrolytic attack. Though automakers disagree on which chemical additives work best in their vehicles, essentially any kind of antifreeze will work in any vehicle. But how well will it protect the cooling system? And for how long? And will it void the
Upgrading Rotors for Hard-Driving Fleets
Police cars, ambulances, taxis, parcel delivery trucks and even pizza delivery vehicles can chew up brake pads and rotors almost as fast as any race car. Hard use combined with frequent, sudden stops makes the brakes run hot, and when brake temperatures shoot up, the life of the pads and rotors plummets. For every increase
Mitch’s World: Personal Axe Grinding…Shows Ignorance, Especially When Done in “First Person”
I am a “first person” writer. I write about things that I’ve either experienced personally, or that have profoundly affected me in some powerful or compelling way. Almost without exception, these “things” occur either at the shop or have at least something to do with what goes on there. They are things that, in some