Trials of a Miss-Bent Youth
Microwave and frozen pizza prove as big of a challenge as a misfiring Chevy Impala.
Service Tech 2013
Nearly every tire dealer offers vehicle service, whether basic maintenance or complete repairs. We’ve compiled an extensive collection of key questions often asked by service technicians of all skill levels, and responses from our cadre of auto service experts.
Gasket Surface Machining in Cylinder Head Repair
I recently had a chat with a technical representative for a major aftermarket gasket manufacturer who shed some light on some of the problems facing the cylinder head gasket market. According to this representative, the relatively short production life of modern engines also shortens the time that an aftermarket gasket company needs to remedy application-specific cylinder head sealing problems.
What’s Your Belts and Hoses IQ?
Every motor vehicle on the road has one or more belts, and dozens of different kinds of hoses (coolant, fuel, vacuum, power steering, brakes, windshield washers, etc.). Being familiar with these products allows you to get the correct replacement belts and hoses to match your customers’ needs.
Subaru Service Essentials
Building a planned process for servicing a customer’s vehicle is something to consider. You can start the service sales process by becoming informed on what you can do that will not affect a customer’s factory warranty, then determine the minimum necessary to maintain the warranty so you can service the customer from day one.
Keeping Engine Temps In Check
Keeping an engine cool is no easy task. Nearly a third of the heat released by combustion ends up as waste heat in the engine block and cylinder heads. All that heat has to go somewhere to prevent a meltdown, so coolant circulating through the block and heads soaks up the heat and carries it to the radiator where airflow absorbs the heat and carries it away.
A New Look at Cooling System Technology
While changes in modern cooling system technology might not be apparent in day-to-day servicing, the fact is that auto manufacturers are continuing to increase fuel economy and power output by changing how the cooling system operates.
Shaky Brakin’
"Slim, this is the worst tasting coffee I’ve ever had the displeasure of consuming at your pathetic establishment!" Buck Pincher spat loudly into the trash can. "And not only that, it’s cold." I looked over at the battered mug he was holding. "That’s because it ain’t coffee. You grabbed some dirty engine coolant I was
Pesky Puddles
"Beanie, when you’re done with those winter tires, I need you to…" I stopped and looked around the vacant tire bay. "Hey, where’s junior?" One bay over, Tooner straightened up and jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “Just a wild guess, but I’ll bet my monthly tool allowance he’s on the phone again to his
Legal Performance Exhaust Service
OBD II-compliant vehicles must meet specific exhaust system design parameters to prevent setting false engine management trouble codes. To illustrate, engine management systems using an electronic airflow sensor can calculate air/fuel ratio by measuring the exact weight of air flowing into the engine. Speed-density engine management systems, on the other hand, might use a combination