THOSE PERSONAL TOUCHES

It still comes down to relationships as a shop owner

No matter how large our shops are we are small businesses. And as small business owners, it’s impossible not to take things personally.

I embrace changing technology — it brings new challenges daily. We all know times are changing and vehicles are changing along with it.

But most concerning is that people are changing — and the way we communicate with each other.

I can learn new software; I can send my staff to training to understand new vehicle technology. But figuring out people? That’s a tough one.

There’s a strange new attitude among people these days. There’s a sense of entitlement and a ‘blame someone else’ mentality.

So, I ask, where have all the gentlemen gone?

It didn't take me long in the industry to realize I had to get thicker skin. I lost many nights’ sleep worrying — not about

"You just can’t beat a face-to-face conversation.

Even a phone call allows you to interpret a person’s feelings.”

– you can even just use the first sentence here

We always said our clients are our best promoters because of word-of-mouth. That’s still true but it exists in a different form. Now it’s all about websites and Google reviews — some from a 'local guide' who isn’t even a customer.

Because we are human, things don’t always go as planned and mistakes do happen. When a client brings to your attention a concern or has a complaint, hopefully, they allow you to make it right. They may even tell others how you handled an issue.

But that’s different these days. When a person writes a poor review under an alias, it makes it harder to rectify the problem. We always respond to these reviews by asking them to call us to discuss and resolve the matter — yet, we’ve never had one call.

When researching a business, I often read the reviews. It’s no coincidence most of the poor reviews have similar overtones. It begs the question: Was the business given an opportunity to resolve?

It kind of goes back to the fact that some people will never be happy regardless of how hard you try. I find it easier to concentrate on the positive reviews.

We will continue to provide the best possible service and progress with the times — but as an aging Baby Boomer I miss the good old days.

Ac Equipment

Rotary, though its recently announced partnership with TEXA, announced the introduction of a new line of fully automatic air conditioning diagnostic and recharging equipment. The new Rotary product line gives North American automotive service professionals a quick, efficient and cost-effective way to recover, recycle and recharge R134a and R1234yf refrigerant gases. Three models will launch in the spring of 2023. www.Rotarylift.com

Rtv Silicone

Dana Incorporated has introduced its Victor Reinz Reinzosil room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone to North American customers. The sealant is resistant to fluids, including mineral oils and synthetic oils, lubricants, gasoline, diesel oil, greases, water and detergents and is safe for all sensors. It’s available in 70 mL tubes and works on use on two-dimensional flat surfaces where there is a sealing gap, such as gasket intersections and components originally sealed with RTV by the manufacturer, including intake manifolds, valve covers, and oil pans.

www.DanaAftermarket.com

Turbocharger Replacement Service

CRP Automotive announced a first-to-market solution for turbocharger replacement service for most popular BMW applications. The Rein Automotive TechSelect Turbo Kits (CRP P/N TRK0007) include all of the hoses, gaskets and hardware necessary to complete the job quickly and efficiently. The kits include the most recent turbo hose versions with all brackets, hardware and necessary sealing components for installation.

www.crpautomotive.com

Flood Light

Milwaukee Tool released the M12 Packout Flood Light w/ USB Charging. It is top stack compatible with the Packout Modular Storage System. It provides three different modes for users to manage light output and run-time, depending on the needs of the job. When paired with an M12 XC 4.0 battery pack, the light provides up to 12 hours of runtime. The light comes with a 2.1AMP USB-A and USB-C port to charge devices and features two storage compartments to organize small items inside.

www.milwaukeetool.ca

Brake Pads

NRS Brakes has added the 2023 Subaru BRZ, 2022 Toyota Tundra, 2020 Lincoln Navigator, 2022 Toyota Corolla Cross, 2019 Jeep Compass and 2019 Genesis G80 to its Galvanized Brake Pad lineup. The company also added five new part numbers for 2009-2023 Ford, Lincoln, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Subaru vehicles, along with 2010-2022 Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Jeep vehicles. Also added were five new part numbers for 20102022 Toyota, Hyundai, Kia and Jeep vehicles. Brake kits also include abutment hardware and caliper piston cushions.

www.nrsbrakes.com

Scissor Lift

Rotary has added the new XA12 Alignment Scissor Lift to its line of automotive lifts. The lift was introduced at the 2022 SEMA Show. It requires a minimum bay size footprint of 12x23 feet. With a 78-164 inch four-wheel alignment wheelbase range and 12,000-pound lifting capacity, the XA12 is designed with space and flexibility in mind. Shops can offer alignment services with bay space to spare, and technicians can perform alignments on a wider range of vehicles. Its open front and rear design provide technicians with greater access to vehicle adjustment points making wheel alignments and other repairs easier to perform. www.rotarylift.com

Diagnostic Tool

Mahle Aftermarket introduced

RemotePro, a complementary diagnostic system for vehicle service that allows independent shops to perform complex diagnostics and service routines the same as authorized shops. Specialists are available via chat or hotline to provide expert guidance through the diagnostic process. The RemotePro complements the universal diagnostic tool TechPro from MAHLE and Connex from Brain Bee.

www.mahle-aftermarket.com

Controller Arms And Ball Joints

Mevotech introduced more than 2,300 new Original Grade parts. The updates include controller arms for the 2014-2018 Jeep Cherokee, 2011-2016 Kia Sportage, 2010-2015 Hyundai Tucson and 2014-2017 Honda Odyssey. Ball joints for the 2007-2021 Toyota Tundra, 2008-2022 Toyota Sequoia, 2017-2021 Kia Sportage, 2016-2021 Hyundai Tucson, 2012-2022 Nissan Versa and 2018-2022 Nissan Kicks. www.mevotech.com

Bumpers For Broncos

Throttle Down Kustoms has added three, precision-fit bumper styles for 2020-2023 Ford Broncos to its line-up. Late model Ford Bronco drivers can choose a standard bumper,

Baywatch

bumper with push bar, and PreRunner bumper for their vehicle. The steel bumpers are made to order at TDK's Montana facility where the team laser cuts and hand-welds the bumpers for exact fitment. Customers can select additional options like adding LED lighting, a heavy-duty winch or a powder-coated finish. www.throttledownkustoms.com

Tmps Coverage

Schrader’s coverage of its EZsensor family of products has expanded with applications launched for 2019-2027 Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles.

Additionally, Hyundai Azera vehicles from 2011-2013 and 2014-2018 are covered. Users will have had to do a software update on Schrader programming tools, released on Jan. 9. If using ATEQ programming tools, these received a fourth-quarter update for 2022 that was released in January. For Bartec tools, software updates are needed from 64.0.22, released in August 2022 and onward. Users of other programming tools are asked to contact their supplier to check the latest software updates and new coverage release dates. www.schradertpms.com

Lug Nut Wheel Sockets

Milwaukee Tool added to its Shockwave Impact Duty sockets line up with new 1/2 Drive Lug Nut Wheel Sockets. The sockets feature a durable, non-marring sleeve to protect rims during tire changes while ensuring the durability of the sleeve. The sleeves are colour-coded gray and red to distinguish between metric and SAE sizing. Constructed with thin walls, the sockets are optimized for users to access the tight spaces around lug nuts. Users can attach the sockets to half-inch drive impact wrenches, drivers and adapters.

www.milwaukeetool.ca

Mini Pry Bars

Mueller-Kueps released the Mini Pry Bar Kit (No. 276 100). The pry bars have a black oxide finish to help protect the tool against corrosion. It comes with hardened and tempered steel to provide durability. The six-sided shaft makes the prybar stronger than its rounded shaft counterparts. The pry bars have an ergonomic two-component handle for a comfortable and secure grip. Two different tip widths and an