Brochure Alerts Motorists to Importance of Diagnostics in Vehicle Operation and Performance

Bosch has released an informative brochure intended to help the motorist understand automotive diagnostics and vehicle flash reprogramming, how they work and why they are very important when servicing most vehicles. The brochure, “Vehicle Diagnosis” (#F00E380793), explains that “Today’s vehicles are like computers on wheels,” and increased complexity of today’s vehicles means that more and more vehicle systems will be managed by on-board computers called Electronic Control Modules (ECUs).

These computers warn of any problems by illuminating a light on the vehicle dashboard. To determine what needs to be serviced, a technician utilizes sophisticated scan tools and other equipment to communicate with the vehicle, diagnose the system, and determine appropriate procedures to correct the problem.

Designed to make the motorist aware of the importance of diagnostics in everyday driving, Vehicle Diagnosis discusses how many vehicle ECUs utilize software that can be updated or modified through “flash reprogramming” to make the vehicle perform better and run cleaner. Vehicle manufacturers often develop new software packages, called “calibrations,” to remedy a driveabilty issue or to just make the vehicle perform better through reflashing.

Most popular software updates through flash reprogramming are made to:
• Engine Control Module (ECM);
• Transmission Control Module (TCM);
• Fuel Injection Control Module (FICM);
• Anti-lock Brakes Module (ABS); and
• Body Control Module (BCM).

Most vehicles (estimated at 70%) have some type of ECU reflash calibration available, and these calibrations can fix drivability issues, enhance vehicle system functions, and make the vehicle operation cleaner and safer.

Motorists are reminded that as the complexity of vehicles has increased over the years, it has become imperative that the shop selected to repair a vehicle has the technicians and the equipment to do the job properly and efficiently. Sophisticated tools and skilled technicians can attain an in-depth, accurate diagnosis of a vehicle’s problem, leading to effective repair and ultimately saving the motorist time and money.

The brochure notes that a shop that has invested in the most skilled labor and up-to-date technology may pass along additional fees they have incurred for the premium equipment and software from the vehicle manufacturer. It is because these shops have access to these advanced resources that the motorist receives the most efficient and accurate vehicle repair.

Motorists can pick up a copy of the brochure at any Bosch Service Center, and can locate a nearby Service Center at http://www.boschservice.com/FindSvcCenter/Pages/FindingaServiceCenter.aspx.

Or motorists can contact Bosch directly for copies. The contact is:

Customer Support
Re Brochure #F00E380793
2030 Alameda Padre Serra
Santa Barbara, CA 93103-1716
Tel: 1-800-321-4889, Ext 4
Fax: 1-805-966-9540
[email protected]

When Your Shop Is Worth Much More Than You Thought

Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.

Case Study: Owner of San Francisco-based Import Service Shop Delighted to Discover Just How Valuable His Business is to Qualified Buyers
I sometimes share case studies of the clients I have been able to assist in my role as an aftermarket business broker and provider of intermediary and advisory services. I do that when I think the story will provide a reader in similar circumstances with new insights or helpful information.
In the case of Cowden Automotive, Inc., I acted in a consulting capacity assisting the owner and his broker in valuing the business, creating a marketing plan, finding a qualified buyer, and arranging financing for the sale.
Although every sale of a shop in which I am involved has its own unique set of circumstances, which makes my job both very interesting and very challenging, Cowden Automotive stands out as particularly memorable because I was able to demonstrate to the long-time owner, Paul Cowden, that his business was worth about three times what he had initially thought.
Needless to say, delivering that kind of good news to a shop owner is a rewarding experience. Discovering that the sale of his business would result in his retirement nest-egg being substantially larger than he had ever thought was a fitting tribute to someone who had spent his entire working career as a busy automotive service shop owner.

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