Introducing the ACDelco All Makes and All Models Challenge
Are you one of those technicians who believes you can’t use one brand of replacement parts for all makes and models of vehicles? If you are, ACDelco would like to challenge you to start thinking differently.
Three-Day AAPEX Event Starts October 30, 2007
The 2007 Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) will take place Tuesday, Oct. 30 and run through Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas. Buyers and exhibitors are reminded that the event runs three days, similar to the 2006 AAPEX schedule.
Building Hot Rod and Muscle Car Engines
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 said, "Just look outside." His North Carolina facility sits squarely in the middle of both NASCAR and cruisin’ country.
Federated and ACDelco Announce Strategic Pact
Federated is pleased to announce that a strategic relationship has been formed with the ACDelco division of General Motors. In the future, Federated and ACDelco will work on joint marketing initiatives, expanded installer programs, new market/member initiatives, and improved communications and forecasting between the two organizations.
Choosing the Right Tools for Diesel Engine Service
Diesel engines are a popular alternative to gasoline engines because of their good fuel economy and torque. The main difference with working on diesels versus gasoline engines is that diesels have no ignition system. There are no spark plugs or ignition coils, but they do have glow plug start-up systems to help the fuel ignite when a cold engine is first cranked.
Electric Power Steering
When a technology like hydraulic power steering has been around for so long, it is difficult for technicians and even the training establishment to deal with a new system like electric power steering. These systems abandon fluid logic for electronic logic. It is not a simple exchange of power steering fluid for magnetism. Wrapping one’s
Selling Services: Bleeding ABS Brakes after Component Replacement
Bleeding the brakes after brake components have been replaced is a step you don’t want to skip if you want a firm brake pedal. Air trapped in the lines, calipers or wheel cylinders will make the pedal feel soft and spongy. Air is compressible, so when the brakes are applied any air bubbles in the
Doing the ‘Complete’ Brake Job
Brake work continues to be a solid service opportunity for independent repair shops because brakes are items that inevitably wear out. Disc brake pads need to be replaced, and the rotors usually need to be turned or replaced. The front brakes do the most of the braking, so they receive most of the attention when
Avoiding Those Hi-Tech Returns
One of the more common complaints these days from jobbers and retailers when dealing with electronic powertrain control modules (ECMs/PCMs) is the relatively high number of defective returns, exchanges or warranty claims demanded by repair shops. Yet, of all electronic parts that come back defective, ECMs tend to be the ones most often misdiagnosed. This
Management: Well-Informed Consumers are Your Most Promising Prospects for Automotive Service
New car sales figures are in the news a lot these days, especially in light of the Big 3’s poor performance and as analysts try to predict total vehicle sales, import vs. domestic new car sales figures, and whether Toyota will outpace GM in new car sales this year.