How Tread Design Impacts Wear, Traction, and Noise
When delving into the world of tread designs, one thing that is always fascinating is the size of the contact patch through which the tread design must roll. On an average-size passenger car tire, the contact patch is about the size of a 4×6-inch postcard. In total, all four contact patches reach about the size
Human Resources: Growing Great Employees
Interviewing prospective employees is something every business owner must do. Good interviewing skills can go a long way to picking out the cream of the employee crop. A successful interview begins long before the actual interview takes place. First, make sure both you and the interviewee agree on an acceptable time for the interview. Next,
Marketing Mufflers: Muffler Replacements Are a Fast, Easy Way to Improve Your Shop’s Bottom Line
Have muffler inspections become a low-priority undercar service in your shop? With the introduction of stainless-steel exhaust systems into the import market, it’s easy to forget that muffler and related exhaust parts sales are still a lucrative service that can enhance any profit and loss statement. Muffler replacements can be profitable at any skill or
How’s Business?…Gas Prices Aren’t Helping
After a robust 2004, optimism among repair shop owners was extremely high when we surveyed readers in January 2005. Three months later, with gas prices consistently above $2 per gallon, the mood is changing. During the first week of April, we faxed a survey to 3,000 automotive service and repair shop owners across the country
Operation, Diagnosis and Repair of Hydro-Boost Power Assist Systems
Hydro-boost power assist was introduced in 1973 by Bendix as an alternative to the vacuum booster. The hydro-boost uses the hydraulic pressure from the power steering system to provide the driver assist in applying the brakes. There are three reasons why a vehicle may be equipped with hydro-boost instead of a vacuum booster: The is
Parking Brakes: The Forgotten Fourth Pedal…Or the Seldom-Used Stick
How Much Is Really Enough?
A/C Update
The Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) 25th Anniversary Convention and Trade Show is a great event for shop owners and technicians to learn about the latest trends in air conditioning technology and to see the latest A/C service products and equipment. This year’s show was held in Las Vegas February 1-3. One question that came
Lube Bay Series: The LOF Forecast
Can you put out the light?
Brake System Service: Eliminating Noise and Vibration Problems
Brake noise and vibration are two things few people will tolerate for very long ‹ especially owners of high-performance European sports cars and luxury sedans that are renowned for their eye-popping stopping power. People who spend upward of $30,000 or more for an upscale Asian or European nameplate usually expect their brakes to be quiet.
Tuning into Specialty Niche Markets
If you are thinking of expanding your shop to include restoration, performance modifications or even customizing ‹ now may be the time. There are plenty of niche market opportunities for your shop to go along with your regular business, provided there is an interest by you and your team. If you, the shop’s decision maker,