Mitch’s World: If it Wasn’t for Bad Luck…
About the worst thing that can happen around here is a week where all kinds of bizarre things accumulate. Aside from the absolute chaos it inflicts on everyone including me, the crush of dealing with multiple crises makes it almost impossible to identify where one calamity ends and another begins. The ability to cope with
News Update
tchell 1 offers OnDemand5 UPDATE Mitchell 1 announces the availability of its OnDemand5 Manager/ Manager Plus, Version 5.9, which gives installers the ability to look up and transfer NAPA parts to their management system work orders with just a few, simple clicks of a mouse. Current users of Manager/ ManagerPlus will receive a free upgrade
Tech Tip: Catalytic Converters Play an Important Role in the Emissions-Compliant Engine
The design and function of catalytic converters has changed dramatically since their introduction in 1975. The first "two-way" catalytic converters were oxidizing-only designs that combined hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) with oxygen to form water vapor (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Oxidizing converters were originally manufactured in pellet bed or monolithic "honeycomb" styles. Currently, the monolithic style has proven to be the most durable.
Diagnostic Solutions: Catalytic Converters
The design and function of catalytic converters has changed dramatically since their introduction in 1975. The first “two-way” catalytic converters were oxidizing-only designs that combined hydrocarbon (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO) with oxygen to form water vapor (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Oxidizing converters were originally manufactured in pellet bed or monolithic “honeycomb” styles. Currently,
Dorman Offers Helpful Pointers for Inspecting, Diagnosing and Servicing Clock Springs
A clock spring isn’t related to the clock and it doesn’t have spring in it. However, it is found on every single vehicle, both import and domestic, produced since 1994. Dorman Products offers the following instructional pointers for technicians servicing clock springs.
Aftermarket Update
Popular Aftermarket Columnist Mitch Schneider Joins Babcox Publications Akron, OH — Mitch Schneider, nationally recognized automotive service professional, author and lecturer, has joined Babcox Publications as a senior contributing editor. Beginning in July, Schneider’s popular commentary will appear monthly in Babcox’s Tech Group publications, including Brake & Front End, ImportCar and Underhood Service. In addition
Editor’s Notebook: Deflating a Growing Crime
If you think air bag theft is a bunch of hot air, think again. Insurance and auto industry reports indicate that vehicle air bags can fetch hefty sums on the black market and are becoming increasingly attractive to thieves. There’s even a growing Internet market for air bags. Insurance industry statistics show that approximately 50,000
Kent Automotive Launches New Website
Kent Automotive, a supplier of collision and mechanical repair products for the aftermarket, recently launched a new state-of-the-art website. The website – www.kent-automotive.com – includes new ecommerce capabilities, robust functionality and technology, a new search catalog, previous online order history and a Quick Order Pad to enter frequently ordered products.
ASA Announces Dates, Location for 2006 Annual Business Meeting
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced its 2006 annual business meeting will be held April 26-29 at the Driskill Hotel in Austin, TX. Highlighting the agenda will be open meetings of the ASA affiliate assembly and board of directors, as well as an operations committee forum featuring both collision and mechanical committee members.
New Hampshire Autocare Specialist Named 2006 NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year
NAPA AUTO PARTS and the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) have named Michael Lavoie, of Haverhill, NH, the 2006 NAPA/ASE Technician of the Year. Presented annually by NAPA AUTO PARTS and ASE, the award is given to a technician that exemplifies excellence and achievement in the industry.