Centric Parts Launches New Corporate Website
Brake components manufacturer Centric Parts has launched a new corporate website. The website now offers a wealth of new features as well as expanded functionality for customers, according to the eight year old company.
Tech Feature: Brake Service on the Cadillac DTS
The 2006-current Cadillac DTS is the largest sedan that General Motors offers. The brake system of the DTS is simple to work on and has a lot in common with other GM vehicles. When one comes into your shop, remember every DTS is equipped with stability control and TPMS, so have a scan tool and TPMS tool on hand.
Toyota 4Runner Drive Belt Noise Creates Driver Tension
Some Toyota 4Runner drivers may complain of a “squealing” or “chirping” sound from the accessory drive belt when the engine is first started. An improved auto tensioner assembly, flange bolt, V-rib belt and service procedure have been developed to correct the condition.
Tech Feature: Think the Tension in the Economy is Tight These Days? Try Today’s Engine Belts
As I write this, one of the Godfather movies comes to mind (don’t ask which one, there were too many to remember) where Michael Corleone says something to the effect of "Just when I think I’m out, they pull me back in!" But instead of canolis and "the Family," I’m talking about belts. Back in the day, just around the corner from the horse and buggy, an engine had one, two or if it was really intricate, three "V" belts hanging on the front of it. Before the day of ….
Tech Tip: Belt and Hose Inspections
Although belts and hoses are still classified as expendable parts, their durability has increased to the point that many import shop owners and technicians are now neglecting to perform routine belt and hose inspections. From a historical perspective, belts and hoses have moved from a recommended replacement interval to an inspection interval. This means that, unless otherwise required, there is generally no recommended replacement interval for ….
Porsche: Maintenance Essentials
Boost System Performance & Customer Satisfaction
Cooling System Antifreeze Requirements
When a customer brings you a vehicle that needs a coolant change, what kind of coolant should you use? The type of coolant specified by the vehicle manufacturer? A universal or “all makes, all models” type of coolant? Or should you run the old coolant through a recycling machine and put it back in the
Right On the Mark: Lining Up Timing Belt Service for First-Generation Kias
This month, we’re going to take a look at timing belt replacement on the increasingly popular Kia line of vehicles. Kia has made strong inroads into the market by offering high-quality vehicles at an affordable price. As underhood car techs, we’re prepared to handle any of these cars: You have the required skills and, with
Inspecting Belts and Hoses For Your Customers
Everybody wants a reliable vehicle to drive, but not many people are forward-thinking enough to practice preventive maintenance beyond the barest of basics. After all, preventive maintenance costs money and nobody likes to spend money “unnecessarily.” We put unnecessarily in quotes because we want to emphasize the fact that most consumers do not appreciate the
Subaru: The ‘Complete Service’ Value Proposition
Begins With Determining How Customers Use Their Vehicles
BMW Engine Repairs
Though six-cylinder, inline engines are not as popular today as they were just 25 years ago, their sound and layout still translates well into high performance, durability and smoothness. The six-cylinder M50 series was originally used in 5 series cars in the early 1990s, and is now the basis for the 3 and 5 series
Correcting Coolant Confusion
Have you ever seen the inside of an aluminum water pump that was not adequately protected by the corrosion inhibitors in the coolant? Or a radiator or heater core that failed from the inside out because of internal corrosion? These kinds of parts failures are all too common. Yet they can be easily prevented by