Quotes and One Liners

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Quotes and One Liners

Andrew Markel
By Andrew Markel
Andrew Markel is an ASE Certified Technician and former service writer, and he brings this practical knowledge to the Brake & Front End team as editor.
Published:

Here are some quotes that resonate just as strong today as they did when they were first uttered.

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“People like to talk about a job well done and equally like to complain when a job is badly done.”
Fred G. Wacker, President, Ammco Tools, May 1973 issue

“Have enough faith in yourself to advertise your service. Buy advertised products in order that you may safeguard the confidence of your customers.”
Edward Babcox, founder of Brake & Front End, March 1933 issue

“Profit is a dirty word if you put it ahead of servicing and satisfying your customers.”
C.R. “Dick” Bowers, Vice President of Amermac Inc., July 1973 issue.

“We are having trouble holding rotor runout to .005 in., but otherwise disc brakes are easy to work on.”
Survey response from May 1973 issue. Today, most specs are below .001 while on the vehicle!

“You may have a perfect understanding of wheel alignment and front-end geometry. But, if you can’t communicate in “layman’s language” just what is wrong and how to correct it, you are not using one of the most important sales tools you have.”
Lee Hunter, founder of Hunter Engineering in an interview in March 1973 issue.

“A business absolutely devoted to service will have only one worry about profits. They will be embarrassingly large.”
Henry Ford

“A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.”
Henry Ford

“A market is never saturated with a good product, but it is very quickly saturated with a bad one.”
Henry Ford

“The cost of racing hasn’t increased in 30 years. Back then, it took everything you had. And it still does.”
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“First, the industry has to admit such a problem exists. Many manufacturers and retailers have ignored the manpower problem and have not fully supported aftermarket programs to boost training.”
Frank Buynovsky, Instructor for Raybestos, September 1973 issue

Some of the best “one liners” come from repair orders and the economy of language used by service advisors/writers. Here are a few of the funnier ones.

Service Advisor: Dead bugs on windshield.
Tech: Live bugs on back-order.

SA: Evidence of coolant leak found on passenger floorboard.
Tech: Evidence removed.

SA: Customer can not turn on car.
Tech: Can I see the customer?

SA: Brakes make the car stop suddenly.
Tech: That is what they were designed to do?

SA: Volume of tire noise unbelievably loud.
Tech: Tire noise volume set to more believable level.

SA: Suspect worn brakes.
Tech: Suspect you’re right.

SA: Driver says the engine missing.
Tech: Engine found under the hood after brief search.

SA: Vehicle handles funny.
Tech: Vehicle warned to straighten up and be serious.

SA: Heater fan hums.
Tech: Replaced with heater that knows the lyrics.

SA: Mouse in engine compartment.
Tech: Cat installed.

SA: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a dwarf pounding on something with a hammer.
Tech: Took hammer away from dwarf.

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Features

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.

TechShop Staff Writers
By TechShop Staff Writers
Published:

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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