Gonzo’s ToolBox: There’s a New Wrench in Town, But There’s No Match for Long-Time Tech Experience
A Volkswagen Beetle was left in the parking lot one cold morning. It was one of my regular customer’s 2001 Beetle. All I knew about the problem was that it wouldn’t start. “Let’s check a few things first,” I thought. I pulled out one of the glow plugs to check it for wear and tear and determine if it was getting the necessary voltage to warm it up. All was well; in fact they looked fairly new.
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.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: Solving Repair Issues from the Inside-Out
A few weeks ago, Bo stopped by my shop for a visit and I mentioned a problem I was having with one of the vehicles in the bays. I already had it diagnosed and was waiting for an approval from the customer for the repairs. Bo thought it would be a pretty cool idea to test it on his scope, which he just so happened to have with him. I thought, sure, why not, two heads are better than one. Sounds like a perfect time to get a second opinion on the problem.
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.
Point of View: A Messy Toolbox Is Wasting Your Time — and Money
I wanted to take the time to discuss with you some of the new things you may have seen in this issue of TechShop and some things to come in future issues. First off, as you saw on page 23 of our April 2012 issues (or click here to see more), we are launching
Editor’s Notes: First-Quarter Tool Shows Start Year Off Strong
The 2012 automotive tool shows have already taken the TechShop team from our offices in Akron, OH, to Nashville to Las Vegas, home and then back to Vegas. Whew! And it doesn’t stop there. Next we’re heading to St. Louis, Palm Springs, Baltimore and Orlando — all to bring you the latest and greatest in
Gonzo’s Toolbox: ‘Check Engine’ Charlie
Charlie comes in every now and then. I guess you could say he’s a regular, but I think I would call him more of an opportunist when it comes to his car repairs. He’ll go to a quick lube for oil changes, a tire shop for tires, a transmission shop for transmission work, and so on. If there is an
Directions: Issues on 1234yf Still Up in the Air
There has been a lot of talk about the new HFO-1234yf A/C refrigerant making its way into new vehicles. Some of the misconceptions and rumors about the refrigerant were addressed at the Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide (MACS) convention and trade show in January. One of the biggest concerns techs and shop owners have is which vehicles will have the new system.
Point of View: It’s Show Time…
This is the time of the year that most of the national tool distributors hold their annual trade shows. And the TechShop team will be packing up to attend these trade shows to bring you the latest in equipment and tool innovation.
Driving More Business to Your Business
There is a perfect storm brewing out there that offers independent repair shops a great opportunity to grow their business. This is why National Car Care Month in April is the ideal time for repair shops to help consumers see the benefits of regular vehicle maintenance. Central to National Car Care Month are community car care events that feature free vehicle check-ups or inspections.
Gonzo’s Toolbox: The Rare Professional Customer
When the weather is right, I like to ride my motorcycle to work. It’s a little bit of a commute for me, but it does allow me time to observe the world from a different perspective than from behind a windshield. I’m not surprised at how many people push past the speed limit, while maintaining a grip on their ever-present cell phone. Some of these morning pavement pounders always seem to be in a hurry to get somewhere.
Editor’s Notebook: First Impressions Really Do Count
Continuing recent discussions with ImportCar shop owner readers extolling the benefits of shop image as it relates to attracting new customers and retaining existing ones, Frank Scandura, owner of Frank’s Mercedes Service, with locations in Henderson and Las Vegas, NV, says that his customers are catered to even before any work is done on their vehicle.