Brutal Winter Can Mean Profitable Spring During National Car Care Month
I’m tired of hearing about winter, talking about winter and experiencing winter, and I bet you are, too. However, what has been the worst winter in a generation may in fact be a blessing in disguise for independent repair shops across the country. The harsh elements will leave many vehicles in need of service and National Car Care Month in April is the ideal time to capture your share of these service and repair opportunities. It is also a chance to improve relationships with customers and attract new ones, leading to more long-term business.
The Cracked Plate Coincidence: Uncovering An Uncommon Flex Plate Issue Twice In One Week
It never ceases to amaze me when I see certain types of problems in rapid succession of one another and then not see them again for months or even years. This column is dedicated to one such occurrence. Within a week of each other, two different vehicles came into my shop with cracked flex plates. While I have seen flex plates crack throughout my career, it is not a common scenario.
Stocking, Selling And Installing TPMS Sensor Service Kits
Every time a stem-mounted TPMS sensor is removed from a rim, it must be serviced – no ifs, ands or buts. This goes for sensors that are six months old to six years old. Always use a new kit. The typical kit includes a nut, valve core, grommets and valve cap. Each component has a specific function and lifespan that is not only determined by time, but what happens when it is installed.
Tech Tip: Steering System Flush Procedure
Fine particles can enter a hydraulic system because of mechanical stress on the steering components. As a consequence, it is recommended to flush the entire hydraulic system when replacing the power steering pump. A few vehicle manufacturers have installed a drain bolt in the area of the steering gear. The disadvantage is that it is not possible to drain all the fluid here. A residual quantity always remains in the system.
Toyota Tech Tip: Rough Idle, Surging Between 500 To 800 RPM
The owner of 2005 Toyota Avalon complains check engine light is on, rough idle and engine idle surging between 500 and 800 rpm. The technician retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0171 and P0174 (System too lean banks 1 and 2). The technician replaced the air fuel sensors on both banks and cleared DTCs. After driving vehicle for approximately one mile, all symptoms returned.
Why F1 Matters This Year: New Technology Makes For A Better Show
Love it or hate it, Formula One is the top dog in motorsports. With an improving economy, F1 is changing up its rules to include some technologies that are already in your bays, or coming very soon. For 2014, the cars are, for a lack of a better term, hybrids.
Meritor Adds Features To Customer Training And Support Website
Meritor has announced it launched its redesigned customer training and support website on March 10. The new site includes improved registration, additional training, course monitoring tools and social media integration for dealers, fleets and garages.
This Spring Raybestos Chassis Is ‘State Of The Cart’
Raybestos brand chassis parts – a member of the Affinia family of brands – is offering technicians the chance to win cash, custom gear, shop cabinets and custom-wrapped go-karts and golf carts from April 1 through May 31.
WIX Filters Rolling Out 75th Anniversary Die Cast Car
WIX Filters, a member of the Affinia Group family of brands, is rolling out a die cast of one of the most recognizable American cars – the 1939 Ford Deluxe Coupe – as part of its collectible die cast collection. The collectible is captured in 1:18 scale die cast replica, complete with a custom paint scheme and vintage 1939 North Carolina license plate detail to commemorate WIX’s 75th anniversary year.
New Snap-on Split Lid Roll Cart: Ideal Mix Of Storage, Mobility And Durability
The new Snap-on KRSC43 Roll Cart has more than 22,000 cubic inches of space so technicians have the tools they need, right where they need them. The unique split top design slides out from the center to provide access to a generous 7-inch deep top compartment to organize large sockets or use as a charging station for power tool batteries.
Goodson Tools & Supplies Offers Green Fluorescent Magnetic Powder
Goodson Tools & Supplies for Engine Builders has expanded its options for dry magnetic inspection with the addition of high-visibility green fluorescent magnetic powder.
BILSTEIN Shock Absorbers Go Grassroots Racing With Team Lucas
Known for its involvement in off-road racing for more than 40 years, BILSTEIN will again have a presence at all Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series events. New for 2014 will be BILSTEIN’s commitment to the Lucas Oil Modified Series presented by LoanMart.