Uncover Potential Profit Sources With Belt and Hose Inspections
Although belts and hoses are still classified as expendable parts, their durability has improved to the point that many dealers and technicians are now neglecting to perform routine belt and hose inspections. From a historical perspective, belts and hoses have moved from a recommended replacement interval to an inspection interval. This means that, unless otherwise
2001-09 Toyota Prius Alignment & Suspension Specs
The 2000-2009 Toyota Prius requires alignment and suspension service just like any other car on the road. With more than 800,000 Prii, (official term for more than one Prius) one of them is bound to end up in your alignment bay.The Prius is based on the Toyota Echo and uses other suspension parts from vehicles
Why Aftermarket Belts are Lasting Longer
There was a time when rubber belts were maintenance items that had to be replaced every five or six years, depending on their condition.The original equipment belts on today’s late-model vehicles are mostly made of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), a synthetic rubber that is far more durable, heat-resistant and wear-resistant than Neoprene. This means
Servicing Chrysler’s Versatile 3.3L and 3.8L Engines
ad RapThese engines have a mixed reputation for being high-mileage, dependable powerplants as well as noisy motors that can fail at a relatively low mileage. Some 3.3/3.8L V6s have racked up well over 200,000-plus miles on the odometer with no major problems (except some oil burning), while others have called it quits at 70,000 to
Necessary Fluid Maintanance Services vs. Wallet Flushing
Good service shop managers stay on top of their annual workflow by placing jobs like timing belt and brake replacements into categories that can be tracked on a historic basis. If a tire dealer has faithfully tracked the kinds of work flowing through his service bays during the past 10 years, it might become apparent
Sophistication of Alignment Racks is Growing
Proper wheel alignment is a safety matter as well as a potential revenue stream for the independent tire dealer. The past few years have seen major advances in automating the alignment process, with improved sensors, enhanced software functions and “3-D” capability – where the system creates a color, three-dimensional model of the vehicle, then measures
Tire Wear Troubleshooting Tips
Tire wear issues, especially accelerated wear, can be frustrating and expensive. An expanding variety of vocation-specific trucks, engine and other drivetrain component trends, as well as unique service conditions, can result in a mismatch of tire performance and expectations. While the basic mechanisms of tire wear haven’t changed significantly since the introduction of tubeless radials,
Tracer Introduces A/C, Fluid Leak Detection Kit
The Tracerline TP-8627 EZ-Ject Leak Detection Kit from Tracer Products helps technicians pinpoint leaks in air-conditioning and fluid systems with a powerful Opti-Lite high-intensity, 6-LED blue light flashlight that the company says makes even small leaks clearly visible. The kit includes a universal A/C dye cartridge that services up to 14 vehicles; plus dye for
Waste Oil Collection Safety
As a tire and automotive repair shop, your business handles used oil and fluids daily, and there are certain good housekeeping practices that must be followed. These required practices, called “management standards,” were developed by the EPA for any business that handles used oil. These standards are common sense, good business practices designed to ensure
CCC Survey and Reality Clash
According to the Car Care Council, drivers need more education on vehicle maintenance. Really? Huh. Well, based on the CCC’s 2009 survey of tire dealers and independent repair shops, that appears to be the case. Appears. As the 2010 National Car Care Month draws top a close this week, the CCC points out that Americans