Directions: Healthy Attitudes are Contagious
I t seems wherever you look today in the news, someone is providing automotive service tips to help save drivers fuel. However, it seems that one of the biggest ways vehicle owners are reducing their fuel costs is by driving less. According to a report in late July from the Federal Highway Administration, Americans drove
Tire Changer Q & A
Tire Changer Q & A We talk to Pete Liebetreu of Hunter Engineering on Tire Changers This month we talk to Pete Liebetreu, tire changer product manager of Hunter Engineering, on the future of the market and how shops can get the most out of this vital piece of equipment for most undercar shops. BRAKE
Selling To Gen X and Y
‘Connecting’ to Their World Unlocks Your Service Potential…
Guest Column, Feeding Consumers’ Appetite for Car Care
Consumers are hungry for information on how they can make their vehicles more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. Never before has there been a better time to get on board the “Be Car Care Aware” (BCCA) consumer education campaign. On the occasion of the campaign’s fifth anniversary, AAIA commissioned a research study to determine if
Tech Update: The 10 Commandments for Selling Shocks & Struts
“143” alt=”” align=”right” /> Look for signs that the units might be leaking oil, such as the accumulation of road grime or the presence of oil inside the boots and dust shields. Also keep an eye out for “witness marks” that indicate the suspension might have bottomed out recently. Make sure all bushings and hardware
Shop Management: What is a Shop Foreman?
A few years ago, it seemed that nearly every shop had a foreman. However, over the years I’ve noticed that the foreman position has been dissolved. Little by little, shops have gotten away from having a foreman and simply have a manager with direct control over the technicians. Why? Is it to “downsize” and save
Cross-Examining: Selling Brake Jobs
Cross-Examining Service Adviser: “May I help you?” Customer: “Yes, I need to get a brake job.” Service Adviser: “OK, sign here and we’ll get right to it.” The technician pulls the vehicle in and finds that the pads are low. The brake job is already authorized over the front counter. The tech does the job,
Gear Clash: Courting Trouble
Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?” “Yes.” “Be seated.” This was the second time I had been summoned to court to tell the side of our repair shop in a civil case of a customer against my employer; the same employer each time. This was also
Shop Management: Doctor’s Orders
Doctor’s Orders By Glen Beanard, Technical Contributor John is sitting in a doctor’s exam room after having several tests run. The doctor enters the room and informs John that he has been diagnosed with a high blood pressure condition. The doctor explains the condition to John. He informs him that he must make an immediate
Precision is Key to Success
Precision Incorporated: The Facts Owners/Consultants: Mike and Chris Klinger Locations: Tucson, AZ Shop Stats: 4,000 square feet, 9 bays, 9 lifts Employees: 1 service manager, 1 parts manager, 2 service advisors, 6 technicians Recognition by Phoenix-based dealer Showcase Honda as its single largest purchaser of Honda genuine parts in the state of Arizona is a
Shop Management: Loaner Cars
Weighing The Benefits Against The Costs Although most shop owners have considered making loaner cars available to their customers, the potential problems associated with offering this service may have scared you away from the idea. I’ve found that the convenience factor of having a small loaner fleet far outweighs the cost, maintenance, gas and liability
Shop Management: Securing Repeat Business
One formula for success is to get your customers to become repeat purchasers. There are a number of factors involved in getting this to happen: outstanding service, quality parts, competitive pricing and an attempt to “under-promise and over-deliver.” Making a customer a repeat customer all begins with a test drive and performing a thorough check