Directions: The Evolving Story of Electric Vehicles
The latest chapter in the evolving story of electric vehicles (EV) begins with a tale of two very different models. One is downright sexy, with alluring aerodynamic lines and head-turning, sporty styling. The other is, well, downright cute — a spunky little thing that looks a bit like a colorful helmet on wheels. At first
Diagnostic Dilemmas
It’s Mechanical, Stupid! Just about every student of politics remembers President Bill Clinton’s famous campaign slogan, “It’s the economy, stupid!” Allow me to paraphrase by saying, “It’s mechanical, stupid!” Yes, that’s right, mechanical failures can cause diagnostic trouble codes and, all too often, we tread the Primrose Path because we become lost in a maze
Tech Tip: Stopping Front Brake Rattle with GM Caliper Kits
Owners of several General Motors vehicles may experience a rattling noise coming from the front of their vehicles. This annoying rattle usually occurs at vehicle speeds under 30 mph (48 km/h) and while driving over bumps. A light application of the brake pedal usually eliminates the noise.
Mitch Schneider: ‘But, Daddy … I Swear I Wasn’t Speeding’
It must have been quite a sight – me sitting behind the counter staring at the computer screen, looking at the digital images, shaking my head in disbelief. After all, it isn’t every day you see a fairly late-model vehicle with the entire bottom of the undercarriage torn away. But, then again, I knew it was going to be ugly when one of my techs stuck his head in the office door and quietly said, "Hey, boss! You’d better come out here and take a look at this … Oh, yeah, and bring the digital!"
The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame will Induct New Members
The International Drag Racing Hall of Fame will induct 11 new members. The induction ceremony, hosted by the Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing and sponsored by Mopar Performance Parts, will be held on March 15 at the Paramount Plaza Resort in Gainesville, FL. This is the 16th year that Mopar has sponsored the ceremony.
Isuzu Tech Tip: Curing Rear Brake Squeal/Shudder Experienced While Backing Up
Customers with a 1995.5-’97 Rodeo (UC) equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes may complain of the rear brakes squealing or shuddering as they back up the vehicle. This condition occurs without applying the brakes and may be caused by misadjustment of the parking brake assembly. To repair this condition, inspect the parking brakes in each rear wheel.
Electric Power Steering
When a technology like hydraulic power steering has been around for so long, it is difficult for technicians and even the training establishment to deal with a new system like electric power steering. These systems abandon fluid logic for electronic logic. It is not a simple exchange of power steering fluid for magnetism. Wrapping one’s
Mitch’s World: But, Daddy… I Swear I Wasn’t Speeding’
It must have been quite a sight — me sitting behind the counter staring at the computer screen, looking at the digital images, shaking my head in disbelief. After all, it isn’t every day you see a fairly late-model vehicle with the entire bottom of the undercarriage torn away. But, then again, I knew it
Doing the ‘Complete’ Brake Job
Brake work continues to be a solid service opportunity for independent repair shops because brakes are items that inevitably wear out. Disc brake pads need to be replaced, and the rotors usually need to be turned or replaced. The front brakes do the most of the braking, so they receive most of the attention when
Mitch’s World: ‘But, Daddy… I Swear I Wasn’t Speeding’
It must have been quite a sight — me sitting behind the counter staring at the computer screen, looking at the digital images, shaking my head in disbelief. After all, it isn’t every day you see a fairly late-model vehicle with the entire bottom of the undercarriage torn away. But, then again, I knew it