Directions: Are You Ready for the Most Tested Fuel in History?
In mid-August, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit dismissed a lawsuit that challenged the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) authority to grant a partial waiver for 15% ethanol (E15) content in gasoline for 2001 and newer model year cars and light trucks.
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.
Point of View: Managing Your Time Well Is Key To Continued Organization
The entire flow of your day revolves around organization.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Success is in the Details
The other day, the owner of one of the many body shops I do work for came by with a little problem on a 1998 Honda. Doug wanted to make sure I knew how much he appreciated everything that I’d done for him over the years. I’m not sure whether he was bragging, or just being complimentary. Maybe he was trying to soften me up, before I gave him the bill.
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.
Gonzo’s ToolBox: A Jack of All Trades? In This Business, it Pays to Be a Master of One
When the phone rings and it’s a shop I’ve never heard of with a technical question for me, it doesn’t take me long to determine what kind of repair shop they really are. Listening to how they explain the problem or how they tested for the problem gives me enough clues about their abilities.
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.
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.