Management: How Shop Managers Spend Their Time
Are you spending time on activities that will help you make money? Using Babcox Research, here is a look at how much time shop owners/managers spend each week on activities such as diagnosing problems, repairing vehicles, dealing with customers and dealing with suppliers. Data comes from the most recent survey of Brake & Front End readers.
New Mexico Legislators Urged to Eliminate Super Warranty from Clean Car Program
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has urged independent automotive repairers in New Mexico to contact their state legislators in response to the recent approval of the Clean Car Program in New Mexico.
ANSA Introduces Silverline Chrome Over Stainless Oval Tip
ANSA Automotive presents a new Silverline Universal Tip that is an ideal upgrade for popular Toyota applications like the Matrix, Camry and Tacoma. Available with a 4” outlet and 2-3/8" inlet, this new double-wall oval tip (Part #TK7867C) has a polished inner edge.
Tech Tip: Driveability Concerns Revolve Around Saturn’s Cooling System
Customers may comment about various driveability and/or engine operating concerns including: hard start, erratic idle, rough running, engine overheating, low and/or leaking coolant and/or Service Engine Soon lamp illuminated on 1991-2001 Saturn S-Series vehicles. This condition may be caused by a cracked engine coolant temperature sensor. You’ll need to replace the engine coolant temperature sensor, inspect and, if necessary, replace the sensor harness connector.
Suspension & Brake Repairs: Ensure Customer Service and Safe Vehicle Operation
This month, we find ourselves in a familiar environment — under a car or in the wheel well. The good news is you’re under a Mazda car or truck that will present few surprises in terms of service procedures, while providing the additional service opportunities we’ve come to expect from undercar repairs. A vehicle can
Perspectives: Super Warranty = Super Trouble
There are some words and acronyms being thrown around many state governments that should cause you to pay attention if you hear them or read about them in your local newspaper. They include: CARB, super warranty, 15/150,000, ZEV, SULEV, PZEV and sealing-the-hood. If this is starting to sound familiar, but you think it’s just about
Mitch’s World: Hiring Hell
Everyone has their own private hell, a place where monsters hide under the bed or in the dark corners of the closet down the hall, patiently waiting for just the right moment to strike. It may be a different place for each of us, filled with all manner of dark images and demons. But, regardless
Carley’s Corner: New Stuff from the AAPEX & SEMA Shows
Having just wrapped up a week in Las Vegas at the AAPEX (Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo) and SEMA (Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) shows, I have some interesting news to report. A company called Green Earth Technologies introduced a new high-quality synthetic motor oil made from dead cows. The oil is made from animal fat (beef
Point of View: Industry Week Elicits Thoughts on Associations
If this is the first page you read in TechShop, then you still have a lot to see of the new products and news from Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW), held in November in Las Vegas. If this is the last page, then you’ve seen all the latest info on new and improved equipment, tools
Toyota Tech Tip: Fuel Gauge Inclination Meter Reset
Due to the unique bladder design of the 2001-’03 Prius fuel tank, it may be necessary to reset the fuel gauge inclination sensor if the combination meter has been replaced or the fuel level reading is determined to be inaccurate. Follow the procedure in this tech tip to reset the fuel gauge inclination sensor.