New Automatic Transmission Fluid for 2006 Cars and Trucks
Pontiac, MI — GM, in conjunction with Petro-Canada and Afton Chemical Corporation, have developed a new, improved automatic transmission fluid for all 2006 model year Hydra-Matic automatic transmissions. Developed for factory-fill as RDL-3434 and registered for service fill as DEXRON-VI, the new fluid represents a significant improvement in automatic transmission fluids and is the direct result of GM’s industry leadership in the development and production of automatic transmissions.
GM’s new DEXRON-VI was developed to have a more consistent viscosity profile, a more consistent shift performance in extreme conditions and less degradation over time.
Beginning with the design and development of GM’s new Hydra-Matic six-speed rear-wheel-drive transmissions, GM Powertrain engineers determined the need for a new transmission fluid to withstand the complexity of the clutch-to-clutch transmission operation. Additionally, GM engineers identified opportunities to improve viscosity, durability and impact on fuel economy with a new fluid.
Internal GM tests have demonstrated DEXRON-VI to deliver more than twice the durability and stability in friction tests compared to existing fluids. It also has demonstrated superior performance in pitting, foaming, oxidation and shear stability tests.
GM began factory-fill of the new transmission fluid on April 4, starting with the new Hydra-Matic 6L80, produced at the Willow Run transmission facility in Ypsilanti, MI. DEXRON-VI is available through GM authorized dealerships and service centers.
ASE Launches ‘TechQuiz’ Self-Assessment Quizzes
Leesburg, VA — ASE has developed a new series of online self-assessment quizzes to help individuals evaluate their automotive technical knowledge in the areas of Gasoline Engines, Drivetrains, Undercar and Electrical/Electronic Systems and HVAC. The new product, called TechQuiz, is quick, convenient and useful for both new and experienced technicians.
Each of the four quizzes is designed to measure technical knowledge at three levels — fundamentals, maintenance, and diagnosis and repair. This evaluation can help individuals prepare for the ASE certification tests, or help identify areas needing improvement through targeted training. After the test, users get a score report with details on how they did in each area. Each test has 40 questions.
Perhaps the greatest value of the TechQuiz product is the opportunity to experience questions asked in the ASE style. The questions have been developed with the same process, rigor and high level of quality for which ASE is noted. The quizzes can be taken multiple times to get an idea of progress, and can be taken anywhere with online access. The results can be stored for later reference and kept in a personal portfolio.
Each quiz costs $12.50. For more information, visit www.asecampus.com.
Seniors More Car Care Conscious
When their car is in need of routine maintenance and repair, who is most likely to take it in to your shop? A poll of ASE-certified automotive technicians indicated that drivers over 60 were among the most conscientious when it comes to taking care of their vehicles.
“Professionally run repair establishments have always recognized the importance of two-way communications in automotive repair,” noted Martin Lawson, ASE publications director. “It’s important that older consumers take an active role in the repair process. This doesn’t mean doing their own repair work; rather consumers should understand the repair process.”
ASE has been helpful in educating older vehicle owners on preparing for auto repairs and informing consumers of how to make the repair process go smoothly, including:
Have vehicle owners read their owner’s manual to learn about the vehicle’s systems and components.
Have vehicle owners follow the recommended service schedules.
Have drivers keep a log of all repairs and service.
Courtesy of ARA Content.
Get ‘The Best Deal in Town’ at 2006 CARS Event
Bedford, TX — Online registration for the 2006 Congress of Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) is now available on the CARS website, www.CARSonline.org. CARS will be held Nov. 2-4 at The Mirage in Las Vegas. Attendees may use the secure online form to register for CARS activities, including technical courses and management seminars, as well as housing accommodations.
ASA members and nonmembers who sign up for the full CARS registration package before Sept. 22 will be eligible to save $100 or more. New this year, attendees may also register for single-day packages, allowing visitors of other Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week (AAIW) shows to experience CARS technical and management education on the day of their choice. One-day packages will be available for Thursday, Friday and Saturday and include attendee’s choice of classes, accompanying course material and available food functions.
The theme of this year’s show is “The Best Deal in Town,” and the event will feature three Automotive Management Institute-approved management seminars and 12 technical courses. The event also provides several networking opportunities including an exhibitor showcase featuring the latest in automotive products and services.
“I’m excited about the schedule for CARS 2006,” said Robbie Addison, Mechanical Division manager. “With a wide range of classes available, attendees may have trouble deciding which ones to choose. But, that’s what CARS is all about. It allows the shop owner to fill the training needs of his or her employees and to select what is best for the business.”
In addition to providing secure, convenient online registration, the CARS website also includes a list of exhibitors, daily agendas, information about education courses and instructors, and speaker information.
Consumer and Installer Education to Drive Cabin Air Filters Market
Palo Alto, CA — The North American Cabin Air Filters (CAF) aftermarket is likely to witness consistent growth due to improving sales of vehicles fitted with CAFs and an increasing number of vehicle owners realizing the importance of CAFs in enhancing air quality.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan reveals that the North American Cabin Air Filters Aftermarket earned revenues of $44.1 million in 2005 and estimates it will reach $178.3 million in 2012.
“Revenues for the CAF aftermarket are likely to increase as vehicle owners and service technicians become aware of the existence of CAFs in their vehicles and replace these filters regularly,” said Frost & Sullivan Industry Analyst Stephen Spivey. “Integrating the replacement of CAFs with routine maintenance procedures such as oil changes can drive the aftermarket without a corresponding change in the installed base.”
However, market development is limited due to low consumer awareness. To achieve a significant growth rate, manufacturers can proactively educate distributors as well as installers, who can in turn educate vehicle owners about the maintenance needs for CAFs.
“This can be accomplished through sales training, consumer-oriented websites and installation instructions to help service technicians locate the filters and change them in real time,” said Spivey.
Currently, cars and trucks are not factory equipped with CAFs due to cost and space constraints, while leading automakers only offer CAFs as an option in select models. This is adversely affecting the growth of the installed base.
The decline is likely to change gradually since a majority of consumers prefer dealer options that include a CAF as standard equipment in the purchased vehicle.
“Growth rates are likely to increase as automakers respond to consumer preferences for interior cabin filtration, which are available in imported vehicles,” said Spivey.
To learn more, visit Frost & Sullivan’s website, www.frost.com.
Source: aftermarketNews.com
Bucking New Trend — Mechanics Veto Extending Oil Changes
Lexington, KY —The nation’s top mechanics are rejecting the recommendation by some in the auto field that cars can go 5,000 miles or more before oil is changed.
The nation’s top mechanics, National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified Master Automobile technicians, weighed in on this and other issues in a survey conducted by Valvoline. Other issues in the survey, fielded in April, include: the current state of the American auto industry; the controversial recommendation and trend toward longer intervals between oil changes; and the costs to car owners of delayed maintenance.
“Certified Master Automobile Technicians are the best of the best,” said ASE President Ron Weiner. “They are on the front lines of taking care of today’s vehicles and they have definite thoughts on how motorists can participate in making their cars and trucks run better and last longer.”
Oil Change Frequency
Mechanics view oil as the lifeblood of the car engine, with 84% saying not getting a regular oil change can cause the most problems for a vehicle, when compared to other maintenance issues. Sixty percent of the ASE certified master technicians said the oil should be changed at 3,000 miles — the longtime, recommended standard. Only 29% said between 3,000 and 5,000 miles is okay. Acceptability of 5,000 to 10,000 miles before an oil change is virtually non-existent at 2%.
Valvoline Marketing Director Bryan Emrich said regular oil changes protect the engine and reduce sludge, which can impact engine performance and avoid costly repairs.
Alternative Fuels: A Matter of When, Not If
The technicians are divided in their opinion about when alternative fuels will replace gasoline in most American automobiles, but they universally believe it will happen, according to the survey. Asked when most cars will be fueled by alternative fuels, the ASE mechanics predicted the following:
14% within five years
26% in five to 10 years
31% in 10 to 15 years
28% in more than 15 years
Only 1% said it would never happen. “Mechanics are the front line of car care and good predictors of trends. If they are right, it is a matter of when, not if alternative fuels will be the norm, rather than the exception,” Emrich said.
Delayed Car Maintenance
While car owners know that regular maintenance is important to keeping their four-wheeled investment in safe condition and working order, the reality is more and more Americans are not listening to conventional and proven wisdom. The vast majority of mechanics — 87% — said they believe American car owners are putting off routine maintenance, mostly for cost reasons. Ironically, they overwhelming said — at 97% — that delayed care will cost an owner much more in the long run, as problems left unattended can multiply and lead to other issues.
The 300-plus ASE Certified Master Automobile Technicians surveyed were certified for 14 years on average; more than one in four of those surveyed had been certified for more than 20 years.
