Perspectives: It’s More Than Just Fixing Cars

Perspectives: It’s More Than Just Fixing Cars

We are excited to offer you a new resource designed to help you grow your business — www.ShopOwnerMag.com and its accompanying e-newsletter delivered twice a month.

Underhood Service magazine has been dedicated to providing you with technical repair information since its introduction in 1995.

With the constant advancements in technology that you are faced with each day, along with the growing mix of import nameplate vehicles, the editorial team has focused on filling the pages of the magazine and website with topics on diagnostic issues, tech tips, system overviews and repair procedures.

Now, we are excited to offer you a new resource designed to help you grow your business — www.ShopOwnerMag.com and its accompanying e-newsletter delivered twice a month.

Under the premise of “It’s More Than Just Fixing Cars,” Shop Owner’s editorial team will deliver shop management-related editorial covering topics that include insurance, finance, customer service, shop operations and productivity, human resources, equipment purchases, sales and marketing, technology, going “green” and more.

Currently on the website are articles that address:
• Key Person Insurance;
• Section 179 of the Tax Code;
• Cash flow tips related to credit and debit transactions;
• Profit sharing; and
• Collaborating with other business owners.

Plus, we’re showcasing shops from around the country so you can glean some useful details about what makes them successful. You’ve probably been reading Mitch Schneider’s “Mitch’s World” column for many years, but what do you really know about him and his shop?

Go to the website and check out the shop profile on Schneider’s Automotive, as well as Dennis Walczuk’s Exclusively Bimmers shop in Mount Pleasant, SC.

We are even profiling non-automotive businesses (for example, this month there is a Bicycle Shop owner interview) with the hope of sharing some best practices that might be applicable to your business.

We welcome your feedback as we deliver practical business solutions to help you boost profitability in today’s challenging business environment.

After all, owning a successful automotive repair shop requires more than just expertly fixing vehicles. It also takes knowing how to efficiently and effectively manage the day-to-day issues of running a shop, and www.ShopOwnerMag.com, is designed to do just that. 

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Several States Declare April As ‘Car Care Month’

Several governors across the country have declared April as Car Care Month in their respective states, urging their residents to be car care aware and perform the service necessary to ensure their vehicles are operating in a safe, efficient and clean manner.

Several governors across the country have declared April as Car Care Month in their respective states, urging their residents to be car care aware and perform the service necessary to ensure their vehicles are operating in a safe, efficient and clean manner.
The following governors have issued official state proclamations that April is Car Care Month: Gov. Robert Bentley of Alabama, Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado, Gov. Pat Quinn of Illinois, Gov. Rick Snyder of Michigan, Gov. Susana Martinez of New Mexico, Gov. John A. Kitzhaber, M.D. of Oregon, Gov. Nikki R. Haley of South Carolina, Gov. Bill Haslam of Tennessee, Gov. Peter Shumlin of Vermont and Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin of West Virginia.
“We want to thank these governors for officially proclaiming April as Car Care Month,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Car Care Month provides a unique opportunity for the auto care industry and the government to educate car owners on the importance of proper vehicle care. Motor vehicle safety continues to be a major focus for state legislatures and regulatory agencies across the country, so we commend each of the governors for making these important proclamations.”
Spring is the perfect time for motorists to make sure their vehicles are running reliably after a rough winter and before the summer driving season begins. Many independent repair shops and community organizations throughout the country will conduct car care events during April. These events have revealed that three out of four vehicles inspected are in need of some type of maintenance or repair.
The non-profit Car Care Council offers many free tools on its website to help consumers drive smart, save money and be more environmentally friendly, including the popular 60-page Car Care Guide and a custom service schedule and email reminder service.
“By following a service schedule and performing preventative vehicle maintenance, motorists can ensure that their vehicles are safe and dependable. Plus, auto care can help save money in many ways, including reducing fuel consumption and extending vehicle life,” continued White. “We encourage all car owners across the country to get their vehicles inspected this April.”

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