TPMS Signal Science: Why You Should Go Outside
As TPMS is becoming more common on vehicles, more misinformation is starting to develop as consumers and shops try to understand the systems. One of these TPMS misconceptions is sensor signals. A sensor is a transmitter of information that sends pressure and temperature data to the vehicle. Some signals also include information that identifies the
Lifts: Raising Vehicles and Expectations
If you’ve been in this business long enough, you’ve heard stories or have seen photos on the Internet of lifts that have given way, hurling a vehicle to the concrete shop floor. Too many times technicians are hurt in these scenarios. Every time it happens is going to cost the shop more than it saved
Product Spotlight: TPMS Tools
The latest reset tools and kits for tire pressure monitoring systems are easy to use and offer variety so technicians can troubleshoot sensors as quickly as possible. Even the most difficult relearns can be completed with ease thanks to wireless printing technology, better displays and simple sensor look-up options.
10 Cordless Tool Myths
1. Cordless Tools Are Not As Powerful As Air ToolsThis is false for the majority of cordless tool categories. Most cordless tools are just as powerful as air or corded tools. Compare the specs; you might be surprised! Take impact wrenches for example, apples-to-apples, some professional cordless tools can match and exceed maximum or break
Scan Tool Diagnostics And Your Shop’s Needs
A scan tool is absolutely essential for diagnostics on today’s vehicles. You need a scan tool not only for diagnosing engine, emissions and transmission problems, but also for troubleshooting virtually any system that has electronic controls. A scan tool is needed not only for reading trouble codes, sensor PIDs and other system information, but also
Servicing GM Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
GM TPMS systems on Buick, Pontiac, Chevrolet, GMC Cadillac and Hummer models are some of the easiest to service if you have the right tools and knowledge. Starting in 2007, most vehicles use Schrader- or VDO-manufactured systems that shares the same relearn procedures and behaviors. There are exceptions, like the Pontiac Vibe. The initial “low
Innovations In Automotive Specialty Tools
One of the most common changes we see with hand tools has to do with comfort and ergonomics. Suppliers are now aware of the need to provide tools that not only work well, but also feel good in the hand and don’t contribute to fatigue or work-related long-term injuries.
Back2Basics 5: Step-by-Step vehicle alignment
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.
Getting Organized from the Ground Up: Building a Tool Storage Solution
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 that guy or girl who can’t quite seem to get his or her tools back where they belong.
Pneumatic Tool Innovations
“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) to make them work. I would venture to guess that most, if not all, of you reading this use air tools frequently, or have
Skipping The Torque Wrench: Sticks Creates Comebacks
It’s not difficult totorque wheel fasteners properly, but it’s not difficult to foul up the job,either. We’re not using double talk here; we’re shootin’ straight from the hip.The easy part of proper wheel fastener torquing is knowing the vehiclemanufacturer torque specifications for a particular passenger car, light truckor medium truck, and following those instructions to
Specialty Tools Make Once Difficult Tasks Easy
More and more, it is becoming difficult, if not impossible, to repair and service the cars on the road without a host of specialty tools. The days of being able to use just basic hand tools to repair vehicles is becoming a thing of the past. As the owner and lead tech on a couple