Management: You’ve Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
There have been a number of on-line automotive repair sites popping up where consumers can ask "automotive experts" questions and receive automotive repair advice. These sites normally charge a fee to the person asking the questions (I’ve seen anywhere from $3 to $15 per question).
Swaybar Tune Up
A long time ago in a service bay far away, the average tread life of a bias ply tire was 20,000 miles. Even with belted bias ply tires, you did well to get 30,000 miles. Shocks, ball joints and bushings averaged out at 40,000. Today, modern radials can get 60,000 and suspension parts can go
Directions: You’ve Got Questions? We’ve Got Answers
There have been a number of on-line automotive repair sites popping up where consumers can ask “automotive experts” questions and receive automotive repair advice. These sites normally charge a fee to the person asking the questions (I’ve seen anywhere from $3 to $15 per question). One site touts its Q & A forum as a
Tech Tip: WORLDPAC Offers Tips for Resetting Service Lights on BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Honda and Toyota Vehicles
For all BMWs you must have the driver-side door shut to reset the service lights. On E60 and later models, it may also be necessary to buckle the driver-side seat belt in order to reset the service light. Keep reading for additional service tips from WORLDPAC.
Training Program Updates
State-of-the-art automotive technology doesn’t do anybody much good if technicians can’t get the training they need to fix and maintain today’s systems. Unfortunately, in recent years there has been an industry-wide trend to axe training programs. Parts suppliers are under tremendous price pressure these days, and most are looking for ways to cut costs where
Products: Reliable, Efficient Air Compressors
Sullair Corporation announces the availability of its new ShopTek lubricated rotary screw air compressor. These economical, efficient, reliable compressors combine Sullair’s proven rotary screw technology in a compact belt-drive package, which establishes new standards for continuous-duty compressors to meet the needs of small horsepower markets. Sullair ShopTek compressors are available in eight models ranging from
Tech Tip: Don’t Turn Away Clutch Replacements
Clutch replacement does not have the prestige of driveability diagnostics, but at times, it pays better. Some shops turn away clutch replacements in fear of comebacks and lost productivity. But, clutch replacement offers the shop opportunities to sell additional services that might slip past the bottom line.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing and Servicing a Coolant Leak
Water pumps work hard. As the miles add up, so does the wear and tear on the pump shaft bearing, seal and impeller. Erosion inside the pump can wear away the vanes on the impeller, causing it to pump less efficiently as the impeller is eaten away. This may lead to engine overheating on hot days or when the engine is working hard. If the water pump seal becomes worn, coolant will leak past the pump shaft or out of the small vent hole on the housing.
Tech Tip: Diagnosing Starting/Charging Systems
How many starters and alternators are replaced unnecessarily every year because of misdiagnosis? Nobody knows for sure, but suppliers of both new and remanufactured rotating electrical parts tell us more than half of their warranty returns have "no fault found" when the parts are examined. Many of these returns are from DIYers who lack diagnostic know-how, but some are from professional technicians who apparently lack the same skills.
Audi: General Maintenance… Vital Checks on Key Vehicle Systems
article, I’ll focus on common repairs we see on at least a weekly basis. The series of cars covered in this article will be the A4 and A6 line from 1998 to 2004. These cars are all very similar in design and equipment, and most repairs are consistent between models. Be aware that many Audi