Directions: Understanding Who’s Coming Through Your Door
Getting repeat customers (and not because of comebacks) is a challenge for any shop. However, it helps when you know your customers. Many of you have had the same customers bringing their vehicles to your shop because of your friendly business, accurate diagnosis and repairs, timely service and fair price. But do you really know
Tech Tip: Brake Noise/Creak During Slow Speed Braking
Some customers may comment on a creak-type noise occurring when applying the brakes. It is usually heard only during slow speed brake maneuvers. If this condition exists, it should be able to be duplicated when the vehicle is not moving by depressing the brake and listening for the noise from the wheel-well/caliper area.
KOOL-IT Helps Technicians Identify Radiator Electrolysis Problems
The patented KOOL-IT Electrolysis Indicator (P/N 96000) is the easiest way to test and determine if electrical electrolysis is present. Electrical electrolysis is by far the most destructive type and is caused by faulty electrical components that deliver stray current (more than 0.3 volts) through the cooling system.
Management: The Real Bad Guy
The real bad guys in this business are all the shops out there that are either doing bad work or creating false impressions with customers (i.e. the $49.99 brake job). The bad guys have the unsightly looking shops and poor customer service practices that wear on the image of the whole industry.
Perspectives: The Real Bad Guy
There is no doubt that the new car dealer is interested in growing the service side of the business, especially those selling Ford, GM and Chrysler vehicles. If you look at the latest information from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) 2006 survey you’ll know why — the average dealership made about $70,000 in net
Hyundai: From Ball Joints to Brakes…
Uncovering Needed Repairs With Undercar Inspections The brake and suspension systems on Hyundai’s popular line of cars and SUVs are both undercar systems where problems can be detected during routine maintenance. From loose ball joints to worn-out brakes, it’s all there to be checked while the vehicle is on the rack for service and, oftentimes,
Point Of View: You Can Guide Your Shop from Good to Great!
Not counting shops like a Midas, Tuffy or Quick Lube, there are approximately 134,000 independent automotive repair shops currently in operation in the U.S. market today. Most of them are probably pretty good to very good. A small minority would be considered great. Can you say your shop is Good? Can you say your shop
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!"
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
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