Chassis Tech: Rear Suspension Dynamics
By Andrew Markel
May 8, 2013
Independent rear suspensions are starting to become the norm on not only cars, but SUVs of all sizes. The first advantage of an independent rear suspension is ride; the second is handling.
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How to Sell and Use Automotive Chemicals
By Gary Goms
May 6, 2013
In the modern era of reduced vehicle maintenance requirements, it’s very easy to develop a complacent attitude toward selling automotive chemicals. But, in our current market, automotive chemicals have become far more than just “sn...
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Brake Pad Mumbo Jumbo: How to Sort Out the Bull from the Brake Pad
By Andrew Markel
May 3, 2013
It can be confusing when you look at an advertisement or the side of a brake pad box. Taken at face value, you would think that there would be ...
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Brake Lubricants 101
By Larry Carley
May 2, 2013
Under extreme driving conditions, some lubricants can't stand brake heat and melt off, evaporate, oxidize or burn. That's why ordinary, general-purpose chassis grease should never be used for lubricating brake components. What's needed is a specially formulated, high-temperature brake grease that ca...
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Tech Update: HVAC Diagnostics
By Scott "Gonzo" Weaver
April 24, 2013
Leave it to the OEMs to take a simple system like heating and air conditioning and turn it into an electronic jumble of wiring, sensors and computer components. HVAC units have come a long way from when I started in the business. A pressure switch wa...
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The Brake Job: Stick To Recommendations
By Gary Goms
April 23, 2013
Attempting to cut costs by installing brake friction that doesn't meet original equipment requirements generally produces less-than-desired results.
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What's New In Spark Plugs
By Larry Carley
April 22, 2013
The newest spark plug technology can be summed up in one word:Iridium. This relatively rare metal is challenging platinum as the metal of choice for today's spark plugs. Iridium has a higher melting temperature and is six times harder than platinum.
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R-134a Refrigerant Retrofits Are an Option - for a Price
By Carl Fedele
April 16, 2013
Is it worth the trouble and cost to have the R-12 freon air-conditioning system retrofitted to R-134a refrigerant? It's important to explain to the customer that the term "retrofit" describes special procedures that are required to convert a R-12 system to an alternative refrigerant. This service wi...
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Product Spotlight: Tire Changers
April 15, 2013
A tire changer is a costly purchase, so when shop owners are in the market for a new machine, they want a lasting piece of equipment that can handle the volume and variety of work that comes through their bay doors. The latest tire changers are ...
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Brake And Bearing Basics
By Larry Carley
March 29, 2013
Bearings are the forgotten brake service item.
Today’s cars and light trucks don’t require much maintena...
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Brake System Scan Tools: The New Essential Tool
By Andrew Markel
March 22, 2013
While there are many times where you will be able to repair a vehicle’s brakes without a scan tool, you only have to run into one car that needs this to make it worth having. The reality is that if your customer’s vehicle is 10 yea...
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Steering Angle Sensor Diagnostics
March 12, 2013
Measuring the steering wheel position angle and rate of turn, which are critical for electronic stability control systems, is the job of the steering angle sensor. The scan tool will typically display the information in degrees.
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Back2Basics 5: Step-by-Step vehicle alignment
March 12, 2013
Even with today's high-tech cars, SUVs and light trucks, alignment remains an important service option for drivers and dealers alike. This installment in our Back2Basics series reviews the basics of performing a standard two- and four-wheel alignment.
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Product Spotlight: Brakes & Friction Materials
March 12, 2013
The latest brakes and friction materials are designed to fight rust, corrosion and peeling so drivers get the longest performance out of their brake system. New technology helps brakes absorb vibration for quieter stops while displacing heat and cutt...
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Getting Organized from the Ground Up: Building a Tool Storage Solution
By Mike DuBois
March 6, 2013
As I prepare to write this article, I can’t help but be struck by the irony of it. No doubt, as a professional technician, you’ve worked around other technicians who are modern day “Pig Pens.”
This is tha...
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Understanding Engine Sensors
By Gary Goms
March 6, 2013
While the topic of engine management sensors might seem dark and mysterious, engine sensors share common functions in all modern vehicles. While their individual configurations might be different, the function of any engine sensor is to provide input...
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Diagnostic Solutions: Engine Lubrication System Problems
By Gary Goms
March 5, 2013
Auto manufacturers, in general, are continuing to reduce vehicle maintenance requirements by extending oil change intervals. But extended oil change intervals are a mixed blessing. On the upside, extended oil change intervals are conserving precious ...
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Pneumatic Tool Innovations
By Mike DuBois
March 5, 2013
“Pneumatics is a section of technology that deals with the study and application of pressurized gas to affect mechanical motion.” — Wikipedia
Said differently, pneumatic tools use compressed gas (usually air...
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Oxygen Sensor Inspection And Service
By Gary Goms
March 3, 2013
Oxygen sensors have been a part of the automotive maintenance scene since 1976. Since vehicles are being driven much longer today, modern zirconia and AFR sensors most often malfunction because their internal heater circuits fail or because their zirconia-based sensing elements eventually lose their...
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