Tech Tip: Scan Tools Needed for Some ABS, ESC and A/C Service
Some new technologies may require the use of scan tools to service them – in unexpected ways. A scan tool may be necessary when servicing vehicles equipped with ESC (Electronic Stability Control), for instance, even with simple service such as an alignment. This scan tool helps perform the steering center calibration, which, if not performed correctly, can result in the vehicle pulling to one side or the other.
President Obama Announces Federal Fuel Efficiency Policy
President Barack Obama has announced his national policy for new U.S. vehicle emission standards. California, 13 other states and Washington, D.C., have moved for stricter standards, but this is the first federal standard on greenhouse gas emissions. The Bush administration had rejected California’s request for a waiver to implement its own limits on greenhouse gas emissions.
Carley’s Corner: Future Shock
Back in the 1970s when I was an impressionable young college kid, I read a book called Future Shock by Alvin Toffler (it was required reading for an Anthropology class). The book accurately predicted many of the changes we are experiencing today. Essentially, Future Shock is “too much change in too short a period of
Telematics: Aftermarket Threat or Opportunity?
There was a time when a "Jetsons"-like future seemed just a fantasy. Today, however, the space-age cartoon isn’t far off the mark, at least when it comes to the automotive industry. We may not be driving around in hovercrafts just yet, but with the latest advances in telematics, it doesn’t seem far-fetched. As it stands now, telematics capabilities allow drivers to ….
NHTSA Publishes Black Box Rule
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published a final rule specifying uniform requirements for the accuracy, collection, storage, survivability and retrievability of onboard motor vehicle crash event data in passenger cars and other light vehicles voluntarily equipped with event data recorders (EDRs), otherwise known as "black boxes."
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
Tech Feature: The Future of Steering
The Steering System on light vehicles is one of the most critical interfaces between the road, vehicle and driver. The nature of this interface has remained virtually the same for most of the life of the automobile. Somewhere early one it was decided to upgrade the old "tiller" steering system with the traditional wheel. With all the activity in the industry that challenges the assumptions of current vehicle systems what is the future for steering systems?
The Future of Steering
The Steering System on light vehicles is one of the most critical interfaces between the road, vehicle and driver. The nature of this interface has remained virtually the same for most of the life of the automobile. Somewhere early one it was decided to upgrade the old “tiller” steering system with the traditional wheel. With
The Impact of Lift Choice on the Bottom Line
A vehicle lift provides ergonomic, convenient access to all of a vehicle’s systems, enabling technicians to work as efficiently as possible for maximum productivity. Productivity is the key to shop profitability – the more jobs technicians complete in a timely manner, the higher the revenue.
Tech Tip: Squeak-Like Sound from Front Bumper Crossmember on Jeep Liberty and Cherokee Vehicles
A customer may experience a squeak-like sound when driving slowly over driveway entrances, road bumps or when performing parking lot maneuvers. The squeak-like sound may occur when the vehicle body/frame is flexed (twists). This condition may occur when the front edge flange of either frame rail rubs against the backside of the front bumper crossmember.