Remember to Inspect Your Vehicle Lifts
Rotary Lift has an important message for technicians and shop owners: Remember to inspect your lifts. In addition to daily operator inspections, the Automotive Lift Institute (ALI) recommends that all vehicle lifts be inspected by a qualified lift inspector at least annually, “to ensure reliability and the continued safe operation of the lift.”
Will Drivers Cut Corners on Auto Repair if Vehicle Inspections are Eliminated?
Mike Curtis, the manager at Sandone Tire in Scranton, PA, said that his shop performs between 100 and 150 vehicle inspections per month. The most frequently found problems involve worn brakes, ball joints and tires. If vehicle inspections were to be eliminated, safety advocates fear that vehicle owners may forgo necessary repairs.
AAPEX Organizers Expand Education Program
In response to attendee feedback calling for more education and training opportunities at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX), the “Inside Track” Learning Forum has been expanded to include 28 education seminars. All sessions will be held over a three-day period in the Venetian in Las Vegas, NV, Tuesday, Nov. 2 through Thursday, Nov. 4.
Memorial Scholarship Fund Established for Larry W. McCurdy
Affinia Group Inc. has established a memorial scholarship fund through the University of the Aftermarket Foundation in memory of Larry W. McCurdy, a long-time leader in the industry and Chairman of the Affinia Board of Directors beginning with the company’s inception in 2004.
ASE Computer-Based Testing Registration Ends August 16
ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) offers many of its most popular tests in computer-based format at more than 200 secure test center locations. The testing window runs until August 23 and includes evenings and weekends, but available seats are filling up quickly.
Brochure Alerts Motorists to Importance of Diagnostics in Vehicle Operation and Performance
Bosch has released an informative brochure intended to help the motorist understand automotive diagnostics and vehicle flash reprogramming, how they work and why they are very important when servicing most vehicles.
Federated Member Berg Auto Supply Opens New Location
Federated member Berg Auto Supply recently held a grand opening ceremony on July 28 for its new location in West Fargo, ND. As part of the grand opening festivities, Berg also held its annual customer appreciation day.
Are Fewer Independent Shops Able to Service Today’s Vehicles?
Independent repair shop owners in the Bradenton, FL, area are concerned that vehicle owners will soon be forced to take their vehicles back to the dealerships because independent shops will no longer being able to service today’s high-tech vehicles. One shop owner estimates that he already sends 10 percent of his customers back to dealerships.
Marcos Ambrose Crew Chief Frank Kerr Wins MOOG ‘Problem Solver of the Race’ Award at Watkins Glen
Frank Kerr, crew chief for Marcos Ambrose and the #47 Little Debbie Toyota, won the NASCAR MOOG “Problem Solver of the Race” Award Sunday after Ambrose captured his first top-five finish of the year in the Heluva Good! Sour Cream Dips at the Glen Sprint Cup race at Watkins Glen (NY) International.
Fall into More Business with a Free Fall Car Care Month Banner
August heat and summer vacations can make it easy to forget that autumn is just around the corner, but the Car Care Council wants to help repair shops turn over a new leaf at their business during Fall Car Care Month in October. Shops can receive a free “Fall Car Care Month” banner, while supplies last, paying only the cost of shipping.
AMI Accepting Applications for Six Scholarships
The Automotive Management Institute (AMI) is accepting applications for the following six scholarships to be awarded this year: the Emil Stanley Merit Award, the BodyShop Business Magazine Scholarship, the Gale Westerlund/Richard Cossette Memorial Scholarship, the Tom B. Babcox Memorial Scholarship, the Automotive Video Inc. (AVI) Educational Scholarship and the Zurich “High Octane” Scholarship.
Special Offer Extended for Fall Car Care Month Point-of-Sale Kits
To encourage more industry participation during Fall Car Care Month in October, the Car Care Council is extending a special offer. For a limited time, the council’s “Be Car Care Aware” point-of-sale starter kit will be offered at $59, a 25 percent savings. The kit contains materials to enhance community car care events throughout the year and can be easily ordered online.