Have You Scheduled Your Annual Lift Inspections?
Sure, you see them every day, but when was the last time your vehicle lifts were thoroughly inspected by a qualified lift inspector?
Master Cylinders: Reliable, Hard-Working Components Still Need Periodic Inspections
If nothing else, modern master cylinders are notable for their long and relatively trouble-free service lives. The modern master cylinder evolved from the single-piston types popularly introduced in the 1930s to the modern dual-piston, dual braking system cylinders in use today. Master cylinders intended for drum brake use contain one or more residual pressure check valves that maintain a slight pressure in the system.
Missouri Senate Bill to Offer Major Exemption for Vehicle Safety Inspections
Missouri State Sen. Bill Stouffer has introduced legislation that would change the Missouri Vehicle Safety Inspection Program to exempt vehicles from testing for their first 10 years. Missouri Senate Bill 58, introduced Jan. 7, 2009, has been passed by the Senate and is now in the hands of the Missouri House of Representatives ….
Tech Tip: Steering Inspections Uncover Worn Suspension Parts
A vehicle’s steering can be inspected one of several ways. With the full weight of the vehicle on the wheels, one person rocks the steering wheel while another looks and feels for play or looseness in the steering linkage and steering column. On some vehicles, this can be done by reaching up and rocking the steering column coupling from underneath while the vehicle is sitting on a drive-on ramp style lift. The dry park method of checking for looseness is generally the best procedure to ….
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 ….
Belt and Hose Inspections
Don’t Lose Potential Profits by Missing Replacement Opportunities
Tech Tip: Regular Belt Inspections are Important to Thwart Breakdowns
Serpentine belts are much longer-lived than V-belts, but they don’t last forever. After 50,000 or 60,000 miles, they often become glazed, noisy or cracked. A belt failure is bad news because all of the engine’s accessories that are driven by the belt stop turning. The vehicle looses cooling, power steering and charging output, and the engine quickly ….
Have You Scheduled Your Annual Lift Inspections?
Sure, you see them every day, but when was the last time your vehicle lifts were thoroughly inspected by a qualified lift inspector? The Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) recommends that all vehicle lifts be inspected by a qualified inspector at least annually "in order to ensure reliability and allow the continued safe operation of the lift."
Manual Tranny/Clutches: Pre-Installation Inspections Boost Clutch Performance & Reduce Warranty Claims
Because a good “stick shift” driver can always squeeze a few more miles per gallon out of a manual transmission or otherwise out-perform their automatic transmission counterparts, it’s no wonder that clutch replacements continue to be a good business for most import repair shops. In most cases, a routine clutch replacement requires very little in
Belts and Hose Inspectionscan Lead to Profitable Add-On Sales
Accessory drive belts and coolant hose replacements are perhaps the most popular and lucrative add-on services in the independent import shop. Because belt and hose inspections are included in auto manufacturers’ scheduled maintenance charts, service writers at most well-managed shops recommend a belt and hose inspection along with tuneup, oil change, starting, charging, cooling, air