Don’t Let ‘Not Me’ Ruin Your Shop
“Not Me” makes his appearance when the shop owner is confronted with an unsuccessful repair or has to refer a customer to a dealership. They start spouting half-truths in order to convince the customer and themselves that they are not responsible. The excuses include: “The OEMs are not releasing all of the repair information,” “Cars today are so complicated,” and “They don’t build ’em like they used to.”
Respect The Tech: When Art Does Not Reflect Real Life
We are an industry very focused on our own image. But, sometimes we need to step back to get a global perspective on the issue. Shutterstock.com is a website where photographers can sell stock photographs online for magazines, advertisements and billboards. If you search the term “mechanic” (not too many pictures come up using “technician”), you get an interesting perspective on how different cultures value automotive repair professionals.
Relax – R1234yf Is Not The End Of The World
I recently attended the Mobile Air Conditioning Society’s 2014 Training Event and Trade Show in New Orleans. The main topic of discussion was R1234yf, or “twelve-thirty-four” in A/C lingo. There has been a lot of hype about the changeover to this refrigerant. Don’t panic. The reality is that it is not the “air conditioning apocalypse” some are predicting.
ASE Undercar X1 Specialist Certification: Not What You Would Expect
Are you one of the 7,570 technicians who are ASE-Certified Undercar Specialists? If not, you should be. I recently took the X1 Exhaust Test to qualify as an Undercar Specialist. To gain this certification, you must be concurrently certified for Suspension & Steering (A4) and Brakes (A5) from the Automobile & Light Truck Test Series, and Exhaust Systems (X1) from the Specialty Test Series.
Five Things To Know About Brake Pad Copper Laws
Like it or not, this could be our generation’s asbestos. We are just at the start of what could be a painful, but necessary, process that will impact the automotive aftermarket and the environment in a positive way.
What is the Price of Your Shop When You Retire?
I started my automotive career in the suburbs of Detroit. Woodward Avenue to me was more than a place to cruise, it was a source of income.
Latest Toyota Recall Due to Replacement Brake Fluid and OE Seals
Toyota Motor Sales announced it will conduct a voluntary Safety Recall for a brake problem that occurs once the vehicle has been serviced with non-factory fill/genuine brake fluid. Drivers may experience a small amount of the brake fluid leaking from the brake master cylinder, resulting in illumination of the brake warning lamp.
Robeks Smoothie Franchisee Anne Randles
In the automotive service industry, there are more than 100 automotive franchises trying to sign new franchisees. These franchises can range from windshield repair to full-service repair. Whatever the case, turning your location into a franchise, buying an existing franchise or starting a new franchise can be a challenging task.
Outsider Interview: Jim Ruggles, Sr., Bicycle Shop Owner
Albert Einstein once said, “Life is like riding a bicycle, in order to keep your balance, you must keep moving.” The same can be said for any business, especially automotive repair. If an automotive repair shop does not stay current and grow, it is at risk of going off track and failing.