Directions: The Price of Neglect
While it’s good for independent repair shops that more than half of American drivers said they are holding onto their older vehicle because they do not want the financial burden of a new one, about 25% of car owners today admitted to neglecting repairs and maintenance on their vehicles in the past 12 months due to the economic climate.
Directions: New CAFE Standards Set for 2025
On July 29, President Obama announced the next phase in the Administration’s program to increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States. According to the White House, automaker fleets will now have to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.
Directions: Vehicle Age and Smaller Engines Increase Vehicle Maintenance
While the small increase in 2010 vehicle total mileage would seem to be negative for aftermarket product expansion, the changing driving habits of Americans are causing more vehicle wear per mile driven today than in the past.
Directions: Oils Well that Ends Well
Across the country, more and more Americans are adjusting their lifestyles to become more “green” – whether carrying their groceries in re-useable shopping bags, recycling the plastics, glass and paper from their garbage, or using a non-disposable water bottle with a built-in filter to cutback on disposable water bottles.
Directions: Cost of Owning and Driving a Vehicle Climbs
According to AAA, despite seeing reduced costs for maintenance and insurance this year, there is an overall increase in the costs to own and operate a vehicle in the U.S.
Directions: Driving History
Whatever your taste in vehicles may be, there is an automotive museum that will satisfy your interest.
Directions: U.S. House Votes to Put the Brakes on E15
In February, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an amendment blocking federal funding of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) action to implement the use of E15.
Directions: ASE Honors 2010’s Best and Brightest
The staff of Underhood Service congratulates the winners, as well as the award sponsors, for their understanding of the need to promote professionalism in our industry.
Directions: Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About
For most shop owners and repair businesses, customer feedback is often immediate, allowing you to act upon it quickly. For example, maybe a customer complained that their vehicle interior was returned to them dirty or with grease smudges. A new customer policy could be implemented where your techs or a service writer inspects the vehicle and wipes up any repair-related dirt prior to contacting the owner for pickup.
Directions: E15 — Helping or Hurting American Drivers?
At Issue: E15 fuel blends could be available by March or April of 2011, assuming the EPA makes two approvals for use of E15 in 2001 cars and newer models by the end of the year.