VIEWPOINT: Brake Reflashing takes Centerstage
How a moose and a Cherokee could change your brake business.
Editor’s Notes: Desperately Seeking Organization
TechShop magazine and Mechanic’s Time Savers (MTS) announce the winner of the magazine’s first Get Organized! (Messiest Toolbox) Contest. Enoc Rios, head technician at International Motor Group in Union, NJ, was nominated by his co-worker Richard Tobias.
Editor’s Notebook: August Is Brake Safety Awareness Month
For the sixth consecutive year, the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP) will sponsor a period of Brake Safety Awareness.
Filters for Brakes: Hawaii Proves There is a Sucker Born Every Minute
New laws regulating the amount of copper present in brake pads are becoming reality. Most brake manufacturers are ready or getting ready for the California and Washington state mandates to kick in over the next 10 to 15 years. Other states, like New York, Rhode Island and Oregon, are working on their own proposals. Most of these regulations are written in a way so the public is not at risk and so they do not become an economic burden to the state, aftermarket manufacturers or the public. But, Hawaii has gone off the deep end with the help of an inventor.
Editor’s Notebook: Preventive Maintenance Equals Safety, Dependability and Road Readiness
The Car Care Council’s website contains a wealth of car care information to help motorists address needed maintenance or repairs before hitting the road.
FMVSS 126 NHTSA takes on ESC
By September 1, 2012, every car manufactured or imported in the U.S. must be equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS 126). While I am opposed to new legislation that makes anything more expensive or complicated, this is one law that I support because it could put
Directions: When it Comes to A/C Cans, NRDC Gives DIYers the Cold Shoulder
The NRDC argues that cross-contamination of refrigerant will be a problem in future A/C systems and is looking to keep the cans out of the hands of consumers.
Protecting Your Shop’s Reputation on the Web
Your shop may not be safe in cyberspace. Check out this article to safeguard your shop from erroneous or negative comments posted on the Web by angry customers or competitors.
Editor’s Notebook: Be Your Own Steward
One of the most important jobs you have is to make sure your customers are satisfied and that they return to your shop for additional repairs and preventive maintenance. Exceeding their expectations should rank among one of your most important-customer service strategies.
Viewpoint: Displaced Fear of Vehicle Repairs
Looking at the BRAKE & FRONT END archives, images and stories of death, destruction and dismemberment were par for the course to sell parts and service during the first 30 years of the magazine. It was not uncommon to see a horribly mangled car or the image of a child chasing a ball into the street in the ads and articles.
Directions: What Are You Working On in the Shop?
In April, Consumer Reports (CR) released its Annual Auto Survey that asks car owners how satisfied they were with auto repairs performed by dealerships and independent shops in the previous 12 months.
Editor’s Notebook: Unperformed Maintenance is ‘Ripe for the Picking’
The month of April can be “taxing” in more than one way. Beyond the dreaded income tax return deadline, April is also one of the two times during the year when the Car Care Council issues results of vehicle inspection check lanes held at community car care events across the country.