Gonzo’s Toolbox: Being A True Professional When Your Knowledge And Expertise Are Victorious Over The Challenges Of The Day
In the automotive repair profession, ASE certifications, manufacturer certifications and years of service are just some of the ways to distinguish one as a pro vs. a parts-swapping technician.
I try to approach each and every job as a professional. This includes detailing my repair work and striving to make each repair as neat and orderly as possible. It doesn’t matter whether the job is for a customer off the street or for another repair shop, it’s important that you do the most professional job possible.
Volkswagen Water Pump Replacement
We bought another loaner. It’s a 2003 Volkswagen Jetta that’s loaded with heated leather seats, heated power mirrors and the 1.8L turbo engine. It’s got the premium stereo and it’s my favorite color, black. It only has 125,000 miles on it and it’s current on its timing belt and other services. I thought we were going to have to do a minimum of service to get it ready to use as a loaner, until I noticed the temp gauge reaching for the red.
Turbocharger Technology Continues to Improve
With the ability to increase fuel economy by up to 20% on gas vehicles and up to 40% on diesel vehicles, manufacturers have resorted to turbochargers to compensate for lowered engine displacement. Additionally, the improvements on turbocharging technology have increased the number of turbocharged vehicles on American roads. Some turbocharger manufacturers have even projected the number of turbocharged vehicles in the U.S. to quadruple in the next five years.
Tech Talk: Boosting Your Technical Knowledge on Turbos
Supercharger and turbocharger Q & A with Dave Hobbs,
Delphi Product & Service Solutions service trainer. In addition to his work with Delphi, Dave Hobbs serves as an instructor for Indiana’s Ivy Tech Community College. He is also a frequent speaker at national training seminars, is a qualified hybrid instructor and writes for various industry magazines.
Tech Feature: Taking on Diesel Turbo Service
In the aftermarket, there are so many upgrades for turbos, especially on the mid-size diesel trucks. So how do you determine which one is right for your application?
Bolt-on Horsepower: Choosing an Induction System
Like a houseful of teenagers, today’s high performance engines are hungry and thirsty. Whether running on the street or the strip, our ravenous appetite for speed means their ravenous appetites must continue to be fed.
Leak Detection Tools & Equipment
Having the right tools to help you find leaks can save time and effort, and reduce the risk of comebacks. This special section features some common types of leaks and what kind of equipment you can use to find them, as well as a Leak Detection Product Showcase.
Z Sport, Part 2: Powering Subaru WRX Engine & Chassis Upgrades
A few months back, I highlighted a project car being built by Z Sport. The car is now back together and running. Charles Damewood, the car’s owner and a principle at Z Sport, has been driving the car to break in the engine, and get an idea of what needs to be sorted out as far as engine management before doing a full on dynamometer test. As soon as fuel mapping and software issues are resolved, we will get full performance testing data and publish a follow up.
Directions: Turbocharging’s Not Just A Lot of Hot Air
In a recent study of U.S. consumers by Honeywell, more than half of those who plan to purchase a vehicle in the next two years believe fuel efficiency is more important than it was during their last vehicle purchase.
Behr Hella Service Expands Coverage for A/C and Engine Cooling Replacement Parts Program
Behr Hella Service, a North American joint venture for thermal management between Behr (vehicle air conditioning and engine cooling) and Hella (lighting technology and electronics) has just added more than 40 A/C and engine cooling replacement parts to its growing thermal management parts program.