In this episode, we talk turbochargers and how they are changing maintenance, service, and diagnostics. Andrew Markel the director of content for Underwood Service covers what vehicles have turbos and what tools and training are required. Sponsored by MAHLE.
Most software updates can improve the efficiency of hardware and the productivity of the user. This can provide the most valuable commodity your business needs – time. Better features, navigation and speed all add up at the end of the year. Better software, and even hardware, can give an employee a few extra days.
“Not Me” makes his appearance when the shop owner is confronted with an unsuccessful repair or has to refer a customer to a dealership. They start spouting half-truths in order to convince the customer and themselves that they are not responsible. The excuses include: “The OEMs are not releasing all of the repair information,” “Cars today are so complicated,” and “They don’t build ’em like they used to.”
We are an industry very focused on our own image. But, sometimes we need to step back to get a global perspective on the issue. Shutterstock.com is a website where photographers can sell stock photographs online for magazines, advertisements and billboards. If you search the term “mechanic” (not too many pictures come up using “technician”), you get an interesting perspective on how different cultures value automotive repair professionals.
I recently attended the Mobile Air Conditioning Society’s 2014 Training Event and Trade Show in New Orleans. The main topic of discussion was R1234yf, or “twelve-thirty-four” in A/C lingo. There has been a lot of hype about the changeover to this refrigerant. Don’t panic. The reality is that it is not the “air conditioning apocalypse” some are predicting.
Are you one of the 7,570 technicians who are ASE-Certified Undercar Specialists? If not, you should be. I recently took the X1 Exhaust Test to qualify as an Undercar Specialist. To gain this certification, you must be concurrently certified for Suspension & Steering (A4) and Brakes (A5) from the Automobile & Light Truck Test Series, and Exhaust Systems (X1) from the Specialty Test Series.
I started my automotive career in the suburbs of Detroit. Woodward Avenue to me was more than a place to cruise, it was a source of income.
Toyota Motor Sales announced it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall for a brake problem that occurs once the vehicle has been serviced with non-factory fill/genuine brake fluid. Drivers may experience a small amount of the brake fluid leaking from the brake master cylinder, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.
In the automotive service industry, there are more than 100 automotive franchises trying to sign new franchisees. These franchises can range from windshield repair to full-service repair. Whatever the case, turning your location into a franchise, buying an existing franchise or starting a new franchise can be a challenging task.