News: Babcox Memorial Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted
Bedford, TX — The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) is calling for applications for the 2004 Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship. AMI’s resource development effort, EXCEL, in conjunction with Babcox Publications, established the $1,000 scholarship, which is awarded annually to an Automotive Service Association (ASA) Mechanical Division member who strives to be, or is presently, working
Your Business is a ‘People’ Business
As providers of high-quality, efficient repairs on import nameplates, you are also discerning buyers of premium parts, tools and equipment, purveyors of optimal customer service and smart businesspeople, so the way you run your business and your impressions of the marketplace truly make an impact. A recent readership study of ImportCar readers asked, “Do you
Volkswagen Brake, Suspension and Exhaust Repairs
The original Volkswagen Beetle changed a number of things for the maintenance technician. The muffler was part of the engine, the suspension consisted of front and rear torsion bars, and the brakes, though actually large for a car of the Bug’s weight, needed adjustment on a regular basis to make them safe. Things have changed
Boosting Your Shop’s Competitive Edge
What are the building blocks of your shop’s success? Lately, have you thought about what factors are directly linked to your shop’s profitability? Such an evaluation will provide direction for new initiatives and put the spotlight on areas where improvements are needed. In a recent survey of ImportCar readers, we asked, “What changes will you
Mazda Clutch Replacement and Installation Tips
As import specialists, our work can be both difficult and rewarding. We are required to perform a variety of repairs, ranging from routine maintenance to high-end diagnostics and troubleshooting, all of which require certain skill sets and equipment to accomplish. There are few professions that will have you using a high-tech, computer-driven labscope on one
Matching Your Techs with the Right Job
Just a single decade ago, many industry experts speculated that 80% of the workflow passing through an independent repair shop would involve some type of high-level diagnostic process. Today, it’s obvious that, with the infusion of electronic operating systems, high-level diagnostics is now approaching that level of total workflow. Nevertheless, many others continue to ridicule
A/C Update
Once a year the Mobile Air Conditioning Society (MACS) hosts a trade show for A/C shop owners and technicians. This year’s event was held in Orlando, FL, January 22-24, and provided a wealth of service information to those who attended the technical sessions. For those who could not be there, we pass along some of
Transmissions & Clutches
The Ins and Outs of Manual Gear Box Repair
Understanding Today’s Multi-Coil Ignition Systems
Distributorless Ignition Systems (DIS) have been around for more than two decades, but in recent years the trend has been to multi-coil systems such as Coil On Plug (COP) or Coil Per Cylinder (CPC) ignition systems, and Coil Near Plug (CNP) ignition systems. COP systems have become the hot setup for a number of packaging,
Secondary Ignition System Maintenance
As one might expect, the introduction of low-maintenance ignition systems has changed how we sell and service secondary ignition system parts for import vehicles. Most import nameplates have, for example, replaced conventional distributor ignition systems with distributorless or coil-on-plug (COP) ignitions in order to reduce the number of wearing parts in the secondary or high-voltage