Big Ass Solutions Unveils New Automated Personal Fan
Big Ass Solutions has unveiled a prototype of the new AirEye – a compact, heavy-duty personal fan that automatically turns on and off when needed.
The Impact and Importance of Compressed Air
Compressed air is the energy source for most shop equipment and many tools. Inadequate airflow or pressure interrupts work flow just like an electric power outage would. Here’s some advice for choosing and maintaining your compressed air system. Pressure Pitfalls Avoid a common pitfall – don’t over-pressurize. Very few tools require pressures above 100 psig.
Winter Cold Wreaks Havoc on TPMS Sensors
Winter has finally ended for most of the country, but the arctic temperatures and massive snowfall brought an influx of illuminated TPMS lights and future lessons for both tire dealers and drivers. As it was, many of those lights were false alarms. The reason? Look no further than the thermometer. Before we put the snow
Cover All the Bases of Modern Charging Systems
To quote a familiar situation: “My customer’s car is now on its third alternator in six months and my jobber store refuses to warranty a fourth.” In other words, the parts supplier believes that an underlying problem is causing these alternators to fail and, therefore, won’t warranty more alternators. While we occasionally experience a sequence
Vehicle Service: How to Test Vacuum Power Assist and Hydroboost Braking Systems
The ASE A5 Test has a large section (about 43%) dedicated to hydraulic, power assist and parking brake system diagnosis and repair. As it specifically pertains to power assist, you must know how to: Check vacuum supply (manifold or auxiliary pump) to vacuum-type power booster. Diagnose vacuum-type power booster units for vacuum leaks and proper
Custom Wheels & TPMS
Selling, mounting and balancing custom wheels can be a profitable business, but what about tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s a violation of the TREAD Act to disable the system, which includes vehicles with aftermarket or custom rims, but there are a few options that
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