Identifix Publishes 100,000th Test and Fix
Identifix, a source of online and hotline diagnostic and repair information, recently announced that it has added the 100,000th Hotline Archive to Direct-Hit; its award-winning online diagnostic product.
Wheel Bearings 101
Service and replacement is making a comeback on some vehicles Some people think servicing wheel bearings is a thing of the past — like measuring dwell on a set of ignition points. But, even with sealed hub units, inspection and service have not gone out of style. Like any moving part on a vehicle that
Tie Rod Geometry
Keeping the angles in line with Ackermann Most people consider the common tire rod to be low tech. But, when you consider how front suspensions have evolved from straight axles to independent designs, the tie rod has had to adapt to new angles and geometry. Keeping it on the road was simple with the straight
Olds Engines: Gone But Not Forgotten
By Larry Carley Times change and vehicle makes and nameplates come and go. The last official Oldsmobile rolled off the assembly line on April 29, 2004, when General Motors pulled the plug to stop the hemorrhage of red ink in their ailing Oldsmobile car division. Though the brand is now history, there are still millions
Talking Shop: Finding and Hiring New Recruits
here is that someone proposing a candidate will have at least a few words about qualifications or credentials. Unlike having to check references of an applicant after the fact (which too many shops often fail to do), the reference or referral comes ahead of the candidate. Most of the time, a position in a small
Talking Shop: Training Challenges Every Shop Faces
Your technicians are acquiring training. But are they getting the right type of training? This month, a repair shop owner and renowned columnist offers his opinion on the subject. Although shop owners are routinely encouraged by industry leaders to provide from 40 to more than 100 hours per year training for each technician, some shop
Scan Tools: Tune In, Tune Up, Cash In
What is with all the new interest in music? Everywhere in the car industry and the aftermarket, people are talking about the “tuner” market. Are they talking about the old stereo of Dad’s in the den? Maybe they are talking about the newest disk player that can support mpeg and iPod? No! The interest is
Safe Shop: Meeting Your Shop’s Lighting Needs
Having reliable “mobile” or “task” lighting is very important so technicians are able to clearly see what they are working on, even in the crevices of an engine compartment. Not having the necessary lighting accessories will hinder productivity and prolong the time it takes to complete a job. There are many types of lighting available
Top 5 Tools
Frances Lenox, owner/technician Enginooity Import Repair Bryan, TX Power Probe and attachments Tru-Spark Ignition Firing Indicator Snap-on FZ936 Ratchet Head 1/4” Drive Impact Type Universal Sockets Mac Tools 3/8” Drive Air Impact Wrench Gary Lui, owner/technician West Valley Automotive, Inc. Alhambra, CA Snap-on Vantage Snap-on Scanner Mitchell 1 Information System Ingersoll-Rand Air Ratchet
Mighty Auto Parts Named One of Wall Street Journal’s Top 25 Franchises
Mighty Distributing System of America, an aftermarket auto parts franchisor, has been selected as one of the Wall Street Journal’s top 25 franchises. The parts distributor was selected from the nation’s more than 2,500 franchise brands and was picked along with household names like Domino’s Pizza and Subway.