Hot Heads for Cool Cars
The numbers are not huge yet, but there is a growing demand for high-performance cylinder head work and other engine modifications on a variety of sport compact cars. The most popular nameplates are imports such as Honda, Acura and Mitsubishi, but coming on fast are Nissan, Toyota, Mazda, Subaru and Volkswagen – plus domestic models
The Future of Cool
Ed Sunkin, Editor, also contributed to this report Nobody knows exactly how refrigeration systems will change in the future, but it appears likely that R-134a’s days are numbered. The Europeans are seriously considering phasing it out starting in 2009. If that happens, the North American OEMs may follow suit. Though R-134a poses no danger to
Engine Series: Proper Maintenance Can Extend an Odyssey
We all know that some vehicle owners don’t adhere to preventative maintenance schedules for their vehicles. So when a customer’s vehicle is in for a major problem or service, take advantage of in-depth system inspections. It may be one of the few times that you get to check the vehicle for severely worn parts. Although
Head Gasket Replacement
During some point in their service lives, most import engines built with cast-iron cylinder blocks and aluminum cylinder heads will need a cylinder head gasket replacement. The vulnerability of aluminum-head engines to head gasket failure is caused by the aluminum cylinder head expanding approximately 1.5 times more than the cast-iron block. Although measured in thousandths
Investing to Preserve Our National/International Interests
If you think oil and gas prices are getting bad now, and world supplies are critical, just wait a few years. It will only be worse, and it will have a drastic impact on the U.S. economy as well as the automotive service industry. You see, when oil and gas prices rise, Americans drive fewer
Oil Change Intervals
Contaminants Can Be Engine Killers Contaminants tend to accumulate in all engines as the miles add up. Short-trip, stop-and-go city driving, as well as excessive idling, accelerate the rate at which these contaminants form. Changing the oil and filter regularly and using gasoline that contains an adequate amount of detergent to keep the fuel system,
Tech Tips: Safety Issues for Servicing Hybrid Vehicles
The hybrid concept of combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and electric power supply is becoming more popular as vehicle manufacturers look to reduce emissions and fuel consumption in vehicles. Consumer interest in these vehicles has been favorable, which is why you can expect to see more of these types of vehicles
Matching Your Techs with the Right Job
Just a single decade ago, many industry experts speculated that 80% of the workflow passing through an independent repair shop would involve some type of high-level diagnostic process. Today, it’s obvious that, with the infusion of electronic operating systems, high-level diagnostics is now approaching that level of total workflow. Nevertheless, many others continue to ridicule
NASCAR Performance
NASCAR Announces Changes to Provisional Qualifying
A/C Update
Once a year the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) hosts a trade show for A/C shop owners and technicians. This year’s event was held in Orlando, FL, January 22-24, and provided a wealth of service information to those who attended the technical sessions. For those who could not be there, we pass along some of