Service Station & Garage Management .COM
SSGM READ BY AUTOMOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP OWNERS AND TECHNICIANS SINCE 1955
Lifting Profits New Battery Technology Customer Communications
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2010
ngksparkplugs.ca
WHAT’S BETTER THAN AN OEM FIT? NGK
NGK Wire Sets For reliability and performance there is only one name you can trust - NGK Wire Sets.
Perfectly
Adjusted for your
tor of OE Parts for Wholesale Distribu inventory ✓ 100,000+ parts loc ations ✓ 80 + metro area y delivery ✓ Multiple same-da
|
ENTER TO WlN A 46’’ LCD HDTV
LEARN MORE AT
Service Center
tic Vehicles
Import and Domes
e catalog
lin ✓ Industry leadinginon g in ✓ World class traketin g solutions ar m er m ✓ Custo OE brands ✓ Best selection of
WESTERN CANADA (800) 644-9129 EASTERN CANADA (800) 463-8749 USA (800) 888-9982 ext.5470
January/February 2010
Vol. 40 No. 1
what’s inside
EDITOR Tom Venetis (416) 510-6790 tom@ssgm.com ASSISTANT EDITOR David Halpert (416) 510-6784 david@ssgm.com TECHNICAL EDITOR Jim Anderton jim@ssgm.com PUBLISHER Marc Gadbois (416) 510-6776 marc@ssgm.com SALES MANAGER Jay Armstrong (416) 510-6745 ACCOUNT MANAGER Jim Petsis (416) 510-6842 CIRCULATION MANAGER Selina Rahaman (416) 442-5600 ext 3528 srahaman@bizinfogroup.ca SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES Roshni Thava (416) 442-5600 ext 3555 ART DIRECTOR Ron Taylor
See Page 12
See Page 29
PRODUCTION MANAGER Steve Hofmann (416) 510-6757 PRINT PRODUCTION MANAGER Phyllis Wright
Customer Communications Many shops fail when it comes to effectively communicating with customers. . . . . . . . . . . 10
VICE PRESIDENT CANADIAN PUBLISHING Alex Papanou PRESIDENT BUSINESS INFORMATION GROUP Bruce Creighton
Giving Profits a Lift New lift technologies offer productivity enhancements that help increase profits. . . . . . . . 12
AWARD-WINNING MAGAZINE
Charging Up New technologies are adding power to the lowly car battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Profit Top Up Profits in the sales of the basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
CAT Using ‘American’ rotating electrical parts in a Honda Civic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Departments Editorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Jim’s Rant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 TACT Team Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Baywatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 CARS Editorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Advertiser’s Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Internet Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Magazine Fund, toward our editorial costs. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program towards our mailing costs. PAP Registration No. 11028
In association with CANADIAN
AUTOMOTIVE
4 SSGM January/February 2010
Service Station and Garage Management is published monthly by Business Information Group, a division of BIG Magazines LP, a leading Canadian information company with interests in daily and community newspapers and business-to-business information services. Subscription rates: Canada $51.95 + GST + applicable taxes per year; $82.95 + GST + applicable taxes for 2 years; single copy price $7.00 + $0.42 GST + applicable taxes. USA $91.95US per year; single copy price $10.00US. All other foreign in US $93.95 per year. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada. US office of publication: 2424 Niagara Falls Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY 14304-5709. Periodicals Postage Paid at Niagara Falls, NY. USPS #009-192. US postmaster: Send address changes to Service Station and Garage Management, PO Box 1118, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Dept., Service Station and Garage Management, 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, Toronto, ON Canada M3C 4J2. Postmaster: please forward forms 29B and 67B to 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, Toronto, ON Canada M3C 4J2. Printed in Canada. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in part or in full without the consent of the copyright owner. From time to time we make our subscription list available to select companies and organizations whose product or service may interest you. If you do not wish your contact information to be made available, please contact us. Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations Publications Mail Agreement #40069240 ISSN 0008-2872 Member of
Member of
Technician
HEAD OFFICE Business Information Group 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, Toronto, ON M3C 4J2 Contact us via one of the following methods: Telephone: 416-442-5600 Facsimile: 416-510-5169 Website: www.ssgm.com
Inc.
Association of Business Publishers Inc. 205 East 42nd Street New York, NY 10017
Association of Business Publishers 205 East 42nd Street New York, NY 10017
www.ssgm.com
|| Tom’s Editorial
New Year, New Changes A By Tom Venetis, Editor
SSGM is the best source in Canada for aftermarket news. The Web site, blog and YouTube channel will be the best forums in the aftermarket for shop owners and technicians to communicate with each other and find information more quickly.
new year always brings change, and this year will bring several important changes to SSGM. This year readers will see a newly redesigned SSGM Web site. The site’s design will be cleaner with easier access to the current issue of SSGM Magazine and its Web and Digital Editions. As well, readers will find a more extensive archive of previous issues going back several years, including digital editions of those issues. If you are still bookmarking www.autoserviceworld.com you will need to change it to www.ssgm.com so you can be taken directly to our site. Over time, new features will be added to the Web site so we can bring readers the latest news, features and aftermarket industry information. SSGM for some time has been producing videos and posting them online, many featuring Jim Anderton road-testing new tires or showcasing a vehicle repair. This year we will be launching SSGMtelevision. This YouTube channel will feature many technical and repair videos Jim Anderton and I will produce, shoot and edit, as well as coverage of industry events and news. These same videos will be on our Web site as well. For those who follow blogs, I will be producing “Shifting Gears” (http://www.ssgmshiftinggears.blogspot.com), where I will follow and comment on industry news and the North American auto industry. I won’t subject you to the daily ramblings about my day just to fill the blog. (Trust me, my life is not that exciting and what free time I have I spend reading Finnegans Wake and listening to Anthony Braxton and Ornette Coleman). I promise it will be material you will want to read and comment upon. So why these changes? SSGM is the best source in Canada for aftermarket news. The Web site, blog and YouTube channel will be the best forums in the aftermarket for shop owners and technicians to communicate with each other and find information more quickly on how to successfully navigate the changes happening in the automotive landscape. More importantly, we at SSGM want to be able to communicate with our readers in a variety of ways, from traditional print to online sources and video. As well, each of these new ventures allows us to add significantly more information than we can provide in the magazine, information that is both informative and fun. Take the videos, for instance. Jim Anderton is a wonderful presenter and I have a great time planning, shooting and editing the videos. We know they are watched by a great many technicians who appreciate how Jim handles tricky repairs. Certainly there is a lot you can say in a traditional magazine format, but a video just adds a bit more to the mix. These projects will be ongoing, starting off slowly at first as we find out what works and build upon it from there. I am excited and I hope you will be too.
What do you think? Have your say and speak your mind! letterstotheeditor@ssgm.com 6 SSGM January/February 2010
www.ssgm.com
How Do You Meet Original Equipment Standards?
At Promax, we pride ourselves in providing friction products that meet incredibly high standards that are consistent with all Federal Safety Standards. We offer positive mold technology for high pressure use and consistent material density. Our brake pads post-cured for longer service life, chamfered, shimmed, slotted and asbestos free. They are also free from dust and noise. Our brake shoes are100 % new steel, new friction, bonded and riveted applications, one way program, no core charge and are100% asbestos free. Parking brake shoes are also available. At Promax. we built our reputation on quality, innovation, trust, delivery and price. We strongly believe in offering friction products manufactured to stringent standards.
This is How Our Friction Products Meet Original Equipment Standards!
1.866.573.9889 www.autopartsdepot.ca
Tel: 905.612.9889 Fax: 905.612.9623 7027 FIR TREE DRIVE, MISSISSAUGA, ON CA L5S 1J7
|| News Briefs ACDelco Announces Program Enhancements at TSS Expo
and be taken directly to the labour information they need. For more information on the Chilton 2010 Labor Guide Manuals and CD-ROM or to purchase the products, please visit www.chilton.cengage.com.
Mister Transmission founder passes, Chad Keogh named Director of Operations
In January, ACDelco Canada held its annual Total Service Support (TSS) Expo at the Toronto Marriot Airport, where it presented its latest program enhancements to its independent service centre members. Jason Hazelton, marketing and senior accounts manager for ACDelco, outlined changes to the program (also known as the Total Service Support program) on the show floor, which included an improved earnback structure on ACDelco parts, quicker turnover on compensation under its “Exclusively Yours Points Program,” and an improved product offering on its current better/best offerings. “ACDelco really understands that in order to grow the business, we all (manufacturers and distributors alike) need a healthy and vibrant independent service channel,” said Kevin Brimble, marketing and networking director for ACDelco. “That’s why
New 2010 Labour Guides available from Chilton
Chilton, part of Cengage Learning, announced the release of the Chilton 2010 Labor Guide Manuals and CDROM. Available in CD-ROM format or as a printed domestic and import manual set, the Chilton 2010 Labor Guide covers more than two decades of repair time information for vehicle models from 1981 through 2010. The Chilton 2010 Labor Guide Manuals and CD-ROM contain the most accurate labour times in the 8 SSGM January/February 2010
ACDelco continues to invest heavily in programs like the Total Service Support (TSS) Program. It really does breed an environment where ISCs can learn through training, or have a place to go for help when they don’t know where else to go. “The changes to the program are all very positive to ensure that in these times, our TSS members have every opportunity to purchase ACDelco parts at a rate that will see them enjoy as many of the program benefits as possible.” While other companies were in attendance for the expo (most notably Wakefield Canada, Mobile 1, and Pennzoil-Quaker State) the booths and exhibits presented were mainly devoted to product offerings under the ACDelco brand. The evenings’ events were also interspersed with raffle giveaways and banquet dinner. industry and conform to current Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) standards. In addition to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and standard labour times that most guides offer, Chilton offers “severe” labour times for vehicles that have been driven in harsh conditions. This additional information helps service writers create more accurate estimates. Included this year in the Chilton 2010 Labor Guide CD-ROM is a quick search function, which allows users to select a year, make and model,
Bruce Brillinger, chairman and founder of Mister Transmission, succumbed to cancer on January 5, at his home. His wife, Gayle, was by his side. He was 73. Brillinger co-founded Mister Transmission in 1963 and has since grown the brand to be Canada’s largest transmission specialist with some 85 locations across the country. The Mister Transmission business was founded on three basic operating principles; quality workmanship, attractive pricing, and a strong national warranty. These basic principles continue to guide Mister Transmission today. Mister Transmission also announced the appointment Chad Keogh as director of operations for the company. Chad joined Mister Transmission in 2003 as a regional business manager responsible for the western part of Canada and the greater part of Toronto. “I am excited for the promotion to director of operations. My goal for 2010 is to continue the overall customer satisfaction and reputation of all our Mister Transmission locations,” stated Keogh. Keogh is currently based in Vancouver, B.C until April 1st at which point he will reside in Richmond Hill, Ontario full time.
AIA seeking I-CAR training program director
The Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, which has finalized its licensing arrangement with I-CAR, is seeking a director to head a new project overseeing the delivery of I-CAR training in Canada. I-CAR is a well established not-forprofit organization that develops and delivers technical training for the collision sector in the U.S and around the world through partners such as AIA. The program director will be www.ssgm.com
News Briefs || responsible for building the infrastructure in Canada to deliver, monitor, track and grow training for all aspects of the collision repair industry. Duties will include strategic planning, partnership development, industry relations, business planning, data collection, committee and advisory group development, creation of a trainer network and liaison with the I-CAR head office in the U.S. Working with an established team in Ottawa, the director will be a self-starter who has knowledge/experience with one or all of the following: training, the collision sector, start-up development, the automotive sector in Canada, association management. The ability to work collaboratively with partners and a volunteer network is essential. While AIA would prefer a director who is able to work from the AIA National office, we are open to a qualified individual who maybe located and working elsewhere in Canada. Proficiency in both of Canada’s official languages would be considered an asset. Interested parties should apply in confidence by sending a resume, cover letter and salary expectations to the AIA President, Marc Brazeau, by e-mail at Marc.Brazeau@aiacanada. com, fax at (613) 728-602 or by mail 1272 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A7.
Morton Krieger, owner of Barton Auto Parts, passes at 70
Morton Krieger, president of Barton Auto Parts in Hamilton, Ontario, passed away at the age of 70 while visiting Florida. The company has serviced the Hamilton area for the past 58 years. However, Mort had reached out to suppliers and customers far beyond the immediate area. Mort left high school to run the family business started by his father, Thomas Krieger. Mort passed away with his wife Jerre by his side. Mort was loved by his children Robin, Stephen and Tracy and their spouses Alissa and Jonathan. Mort was blessed by the love of five grandchildren; Zakari, Dylan, Megan, Noah and Lilly. Dear brother to Merle ( Jack), Cheryl (Morrie) and Howard (deceased) and survived by his Uncle www.ssgm.com
Jack and many nephews and nieces. Donations in Mort’s honour may be made to the Juravinski Cancer Centre of Hamilton Health Sciences.
Beck/Arnley offers new line of water flanges
Beck/Arnley announced it now carries a line of water flanges for European vehicles. The category includes 31 part numbers, covering more than 630 applications for foreign nameplate vehicles. Manufactured to meet OE design configurations, Beck/Arnley’s water flanges are made with the highest quality materials to withstand the harsh underhood environments found on many of today’s roads. “Beck/Arnley’s water flanges come with all the necessary sealing o-rings right in the box,” said Tom Fritsche, director of product management. “This is another example of our product enhancements and solutions that we add in the packaging to make the installation job easier and more efficient for professional technicians.”
Uni-Select leaves Automotive Distribution Network
Uni-Select and the Automotive Distribution Network (ADN) announced that after almost 20 years of affiliation, Uni-Select will no longer be a member of the program distribution group. For a period of time, Uni-Select will continue to support the network’s national accounts programs and existing Parts Plus and Car Care Centers members. The announcement came just days after the ADN announced its newlycreated position of senior vice-president to David Prater, current president of CMB marketing, and nearly a week after Uni-Select publicized it own organizational changes, most notably, Gary O’Connor’s promotion to executive vice-president, William Alexander’s appointment to the newly-created executive vice president for U.S. corporate stores and James Buzzard’s appointment to the newlycreated senior vice-president, Corporate Development U.S. “We enjoyed being part of the net-
work, which was instrumental in our growth. We will continue to maintain a cordial relationship with the members of the network and its team,” said Richard Roy, president and CEO of Uni-Select. “We want to thank the network management team for their past support and throughout the coming transition.” “Uni-Select has been a very supportive member. This separation is on a mutual basis, and simply represents their need to do what is in the best interests for their shareholders, and the needs of the network and all of its divisions to promote the interests of the entire network membership,” said Mike Lambert, president of the Automotive Distribution Network. According to an article in Aftermarket Business, Lambert expressed how changes in 2009, specifically the addition CMB Marketing and Auto Pride under the ADN umbrella, “better prepared” the network for Uni-Select’s departure and helped mitigate any loses from their leaving.
Mitchell 1 Partners with AutoNetTV to enhance OwnerAutoSite experience
Mitchell 1 announced that it has partnered with AutoNetTV to provide a full suite of Web videos to OwnerAutoSite.com users. OwnerAutoSite was first introduced in January of 2009 as a unique Web-based loyalty service for Mitchell 1’s Customer Retention Marketing (CRM) users and their customers (vehicle-owners). Over the last year, Mitchell 1’s OwnerAutoSite vehicle communication platform has been recognized for its ability to help repair shops connect to their customers. AutoNetTV is the pioneer of automotive television programming for customers in the waiting areas of service centres. Six thousand service centres throughout North America receive this custom programming to educate customers on their factory scheduled and preventative maintenance needs, and to improve their waiting experience. To learn more about OwnerAutoSite.com and AutoNetTV visit www. mitchell1.com/oas. January/February 2010 SSGM 9
|| Customer Communications
Are you listening? Customer communications means listening as well as knowing how to talk to your clients
C
ustomer communications is something every shop does and often does badly, very badly. SSGM has for quite a long time promoted the mantra of long-term maintenance business, that profitability and success comes from moving shops from breakdown business to on-going maintenance work. But talk to many shop owners and managers and what you often hear is too many customers get away from them with few becoming those much sought-after repeat, longterm maintenance customers. It is certainly not because shops lack the technology to communicate with people. All of the top-selling shop management software solutions offer various means of keeping in touch with customers, from email to automated service reminders. There is also a wide range of freely available online services, including popular social media networks such as Facebook. Joe Gibson, director of sales and marketing with the Roseville, Calif.-based CustomerLink Systems Inc. says many automotive service shops use some kind of automated service reminder system but do not get the full benefit from it because they are so poorly integrated with customer information and how customers think about maintaining their vehicle. “Automotive maintenance and repair is not something people keep in front of their minds at all times,” he adds. “It is something, as consumers, we tend to forget about. 10 SSGM January/February 2010
By Tom Venetis, Editor The challenge is getting and keeping people’s minds focused on doing regular, preventative maintenance on the vehicles and that the service shop is the expert to go to.” The problem with automated service reminders is the ‘trash’ factor. Most reminders, those sent by traditional mail or email, are simply sent directly into the trash. To most, such reminders are nothing more than junk mail bearing little real connection to a person’s driving habits or vehicle history. “I had a vehicle that was under the manufacturer’s warranty and I received a notification from the dealership saying I was due for my 15,000 mile service,” Gibson continues. “The problem was I had less than 11,000 miles on my vehicle.” It’s pretty obvious what happened. The automated system the dealership used was not tied to any relevant information about Gibson’s vehicle service history. Instead, the systems relied on
an arbitrary protocol that after a certain number of months the owner was to receive a notice of upcoming maintenance work. In Gibson’s case, it was time for the 15,000 mile service. Is it any wonder that most people junk such reminders? They are nothing more than generic reminders that never reflect the reality of a vehicle’s history and the driving habits of the vehicle owner. Any automated contact system has to directly tie-in to a shop’s customer database and regularly update with accurate information about vehicle history and the driving habits of vehicle owners. More critically, what is unfortunately overlooked too many times is that any outgoing reminder has to be customized for each customer. If a vehicle owner prefers email to traditional mailings of paper service reminders then the shop has to be cognizant of that preference and work to meet that expectation. If another owner drives
www.ssgm.com
Customer Communications ||
the vehicle very little, notices for main- statements in a ‘happy’ tone or anything tenance work might be more effec- else. Now, imagine if a customer comes tive when tied to educational material into a shop and is greeted by someone about what needs to be maintained on who says ‘Hello’ in a tone that can’t be a vehicle, even if it is not driven much, distinguished from genuine interest or as well as special offers and pricing indifference. for that work. What is important to Wilson says such a simple mistake remember is communications must be costs shops repeat customers, and it is personalized and the person receiving something that many shop owners and that communication has to be made to managers have difficulty grasping. It is feel that the shop owner and manager seemingly intangible. It is much easier truly care about them and their vehicle, to understand the need for effective and the shop and its technicians are signage, a clean and welcoming recepthere to provide tion area or for “The challenge is getting and quality service. employees to wear Jeremiah Wil- keeping people’s minds focused clean uniforms and son, president of do quality work. on doing regular, preventative Utah-based ConYou have to work maintenance on the vehicles tactPoint Soluat teaching people and that the service shop is the tions points out to recognize that expert to go to.” that many failures they sound boring in customer com— Joe Gibson, director of sales and or uninterested and munications can to actively change marketing, CustomerLink Systems Inc. be traced to very their tone when simple mistakes, some of which come speaking with people. down to such things as how service The next mistake many make is writers and owners interact with people not actually ‘fixing’ the problem that or how they present themselves to customer has. This seems an odd thing customers. to say as when someone comes into a Wilson does a simple exercise to shop there is obviously a problem to be make this point. Take a group of people fixed. It might be the vehicle needs new and ask them to recite to each other a brakes or a tie-rod has to be replaced. simple statement or part of a conversa- Once a service writer knows that, the tion in their normal tone of voice. Now problem has been identified and the take those same persons and ask them needs of the customer can be satisfied. to face away from each other and say “The biggest mistake this industhe same thing, but modulating their try has is not determining needs … voice so it is happy or more engaged or and just fixing problems,” Wilson says. reflecting different emotions in a natu- “When you can determine that a perral, non-theatrical manner. It sounds son needs their car back in an hour simple. The reality is many people will because they have to pick up their kid continue to speak in the same tone of from soccer practice or school, then you voice, regardless if they are saying the know the real need of that customer, www.ssgm.com
which is what the person needs the car for. Too often we focus on the mechanical problem and we concentrate on fixing that mechanical issue. But the customer’s need is not the mechanical problem. It is something else. When you recognize that then you can start to build a relationship. “Too often I have shop owners and managers say, ‘I could care less. They need their car fixed. What is the big deal?’ The ‘big deal’ is what people buy, that you know them, that you know what they use the car for and what their values are. Once you have that then you have a long-term customer.” Once the real needs of the customer are determined then it will become easier to do the next, often most difficult, part of customer communications: selling one’s business and expertise. Wilson says many shops don’t sell themselves because they don’t want to sound like pushy sales people. Owners and managers fear if they or the service writers begin selling the shop’s strengths, the quality of work or the experience and knowledge of the technicians the customer will quickly tune out; or worse, take their business somewhere else. “This is not a commercial,” Wilson adds. “This is truly letting the customer know why you can take care of them better than anyone else. You want to give them peace of mind. The failure comes from not listening to the customer and determining the needs of the customer. Finally, shops need to get more technology savvy as well. Young people today are especially connected to new communication technologies. Shops need to invest in such things as search engine optimization (SEO) and using Google Analytics to help drive people to their shop’s Web site, ultimately driving more business into the bays. Another is to use social networking sites to reach customers and build and maintain relationships. SSGM
REFERENCE LIST
CustomerLink Systems Inc. www.customerlink.com ContactPoint Solutions www.contactpointsolutions.com January/February 2010 SSGM 11
|| Lift Technology
Getting more out of the shop’s lift New lift features, add-ons, can improve a shop’s productivity, profitability By Tom Venetis, Editor
T
o spin a colloquial saying, “a minute saved is a dollar earned.” In this case, every minute saved can mean hundreds of dollars in extra revenue. For today’s independent service centre, whoever can get a vehicle into the shop, up onto a lift, then down and out of the shop the fastest, results in an improved profit picture. The challenge is finding and then correctly using, the right lift with the right set of features that can help a shop achieve the duel goals of achieving improved shop efficiencies and profits. See Lifts, page 14
12 SSGM January/February 2010
www.ssgm.com
KmZr8Za^Z]8h_8rhnk8\hfi^mbmbhg8 pbma8:hl\a8<bZ`ghlmb\8Lhhel8 Zg]8Oa^^e8K^kob\^8=jnbif^gm8
:hl\a8 h__^kl8 Z8 _nee8 ebg^8 h_8 Z]oZg\^]8 ]bZ`ghlmb\8 mhhel8 Zg]8 pa^^e8 l^kob\^8^jnbif^gm8mh8a^ei8d^^i8rhnk8[nlbg^ll8hg8ma^8pbggbg`8mkZ\d 8 La^8k^ebZ[bebmr8Zg]8Z\\nkZ\r8ikhob]^]8[r8:hl\a8`bo^l8rhnk8lahi8ma^8 ihp^k8rhn8g^^]8mh8bfikho^8i^k_hkfZg\^8Zg]8ikhymZ[bebmr 8>hk8fhk^8 bg_hkfZmbhg8 hg8 ma^8 ab`a8 jnZebmr8 ]bZ`ghlmb\8 mhhel8 Zg]8 pa^^e8 l^kob\^8 ^jnbif^gm8 ZoZbeZ[e^8 _khf8 :hl\a 8 ie^Zl^8 oblbm8 nl8 hg8 ma^8 p^[8 Zm88 ppp [hl\a]bZ`ghlmb\l \hf8hk8\Zee8 ¦ ¦
Û8 8Jh[^km8:hl\a8Ag\ 8;ZgZ]Z 89ee8kb`aml8k^l^ko^]
|| Lift Technology Lifts, from page 12
Knowing how to get the most out of a lift
ers instead of ordinary shocks,” Perlstein adds. “Given that a shop may make 10-20 points When someone brings in a vehicle for on parts, I would rather have my 20 per some work, do you have the technician cent on a pair of load levelers that costs simply do the required work, or do you hundred of dollars each rather than on have the technician do the assigned four shocks that are $50 each. I’m still work and examine the vehicle for other getting the same percentage; but I’m potential work that can be done? Many getting twice the money. If this puts $50 shops, once the vehicle is up on the lift, dollars in a shop owner’s pocket a week will only do the work that is requested that is $2,500 a year, which is a lot of increby the customer: if it is an oil change that mental income, just because of this simple is requested, that is what is done, even if the gauge on the lift. And the guage is only about technician notices a problem with another part of $100 dollars.” the vehicle. Doug Brown, director of new product development What shops forget is the old adage of possession is with Rotary Lift says productivity improvements are nine-tenths of the law. behind the new design of Rotary’s YA12 alignment lift, “When you are in possession of the car, you have or the Y-Lift as it is known. to check for everything,” says Steve Perlstein, sales “The big item we wanted to address was faster rise manager with Mohawk Lifts. “When you are doing and lowering speeds, opening up the work space for the a brake job, you should look for a hole in the exhaust. technician and increasing the range of vehicles a techniIf you are rotating tires, you should check the shocks. cian can work on,” Brown adds. When you have the vehicle you are able A simple weight gauge, such as this one from To that end, the Y-lift is said by to productively sell your services and Mohawk Lifts, is not only a safety feature, but used Rotary Lift to be 33 per cent faster in increase your profitability. A customer correctly can help an independent shop generate its rise times and 15 per cent faster in its will have a hard time arguing with a more profits. lowering times than other similarly conhole in the exhaust or any other problem figured lifts. As well, the design of the lift when the car is in the air and they can see the problem. The is made so that technicians are able to have a clear work area question you have to ask is what revenue opportunities are around and underneath the vehicle. Unlike traditional scissor you missing by not running the car six-feet up in the lift?” lift designs, Brown says Rotary Lift made the Y-Lift so that So once you have possession of the car and it is up on it provides a truer up-and-down movement than a scissor lift the lift, the question becomes what features of a lift can help and eliminates the side scissor arms to provide technicians improve productivity and profitability. The most obvious is with more access to the vehicle from both sides and from the lifting speed. The faster a lift can get a vehicle up and then front and rear of the vehicle. down can mean getting more vehicles into the shop, thereby “You also don’t have the side footprint of a four-post lift,” increasing revenues and profits. But what some shop owners and technicians may not be aware of is that many lift features or add-ons can be used to find profitable service work. Perlstein points to the safety weight gauge, as one example. It is an obvious safety feature, ensuring the safe operation of the lift and the protection of the technician. But, Perlstein adds, the gauge is also a revenue and profit generator. If a vehicle owner comes in with a complaint of poor vehicle mileage, the weight gauge might be able to pinpoint the cause, such as an overloaded vehicle. “Or if the customer complains that he is having a poor Rotary Lift’s YA12 alignment lift provides a true up/down movement and eliminates the steel ride, I can see with the vehicle on the lift and side scissor arms of most scissor lift designs. with the gauge that the vehicle needs load level14 SSGM January/February 2010
www.ssgm.com
Lift Technology ||
Challenger Lifts’ CL10 series of two-post lifts feature what are called “Versymmetric arms” and in three different configurations: Max Plus Productivity, Maximum Productivity and Complete Productivity.
service bay. The Max Plus Productivity configuration comes with three-stage offset front arms plus three-stage rear arms which provide a wider arm sweep and better retraction and reach, meaning the arms can reach more of the recommended lifting points on a vehicle. An advantage of the offset design in the front arms is it provides a technician with single-sweep spotting and eliminates the need to roll the vehicle back and forth to swing the arm clear of the front tire, says Mike Eaton, marketing director with Challenger Lifts. By eliminating the need for rolling the vehicle back and forth a shop’s technician can shave several minutes off of the time needed to work on a vehicle, which means more vehicles over time can be brought into the shop and worked on. The Max Plus Productivity configuration of the CL10 lift also comes standard with Handheld Dual Pendant Power Controls which allow technicians to operate the lift around knee level for an unobstructed view to lifting points when spotting vehicles, providing maximum shop productivity. SSGM
REFERENCE LIST
Challenger Lifts www.challengerlifts.com Mohawk Lifts www.mohawklifts.com
One area where shop owners can look for productivity improvements in lifts are the arms. Many lift makers are now adding features and additional flexibility to lift arm configurations and makeup to help shops handle a wider range of vehicles and increase productivity times. Take the example of Challenger Lifts’ CL10 series of two-post lifts that feature Versymmetric arms and come in three different configurations: Max Plus Productivity, Maximum Productivity and Complete Productivity. The offset Versymmetric front arms allows the two-post lift to raise vehicles symmetrically or asymmetrically inside the same www.ssgm.com
BARTON AUTO PARTS
TRADE SHOW 2010 Wed April 28, 2010 Canadian Warplane Museum
TO AU RT LD R PO WO
Lift arms can do much more with a bit of flexibility
Rotary Lifts www.rotarylifts.com
IM
Brown says. “It is smaller. And with this lift you can do more than simply alignments. You can do oil changes, for example, and you can do them much faster than before.” Improving shop efficiency is also behind Rotary Lift’s QL 12 quick lube four-post lift design. It features a four horsepower motor for faster lifting times and a modular design that can be customized for a shop’s layout. The lift comes with several other features to improve shop productivity, a 12,000 pound lift capacity and the ability to handle wheel bases from 182 to 206 inches, as well as placing the lifting cylinder from the top of the lift to beneath the runway in order to protect the cylinder, thereby reducing the possibility of the cylinder being damaged and putting the lift out of commission. “A malfunctioning or failed lift erodes a shop’s credibility amongst vehicle owners who see the shop having to turn away customers,” adds Brown.
BAR
2:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Refreshments and Door Prizes Call Barton: 905-522-7866 check in at www.bartonauto.com
-6
ontario
January/February 2010 SSGM 15
|| Batteries
&
Positives
Changing Trends in Battery Technology
B
attery technology is constantly evolving. While a majority of batteries in operation are leadacid of some type — and the proposed Lithium-Ion battery revolution has a long way to go in terms of development, testing and implementation — rest assured there have been vast improvements over the last decade with regards to how batteries are designed and function.
Where Are We Now?
When it comes to batteries, the general trend through the previous decades was one of using expanded metal grid technology, also known as a “framed grid.” This led to improvements in overall performance, including a reduction in the number of grid wire shorts and grid growth, a more efficient conduction of electricity from the bottom of the grid to the top and plates that are more resistant to bending. These improve-
ments help create a more reliable and longer lasting battery. “What has been enhanced is basically the grid structure and how you attach the lead plates to the grid which makes the energy flow more efficient,” says Thomas Winter, global marketing director, batteries for Robert Bosch. “You can also enhance the technology of the terminals, the melting of the terminals so that you don’t have too much corrosion, the thermal ceiling of the box lid can be improved so that you don’t have leaking batteries anymore. Most manufacturers today use calciumcalcium to avoid the waters going away inside the battery which makes the battery fail [prematurely].” Improvements in light vehicle designs have also allowed for enhancements in battery design.” ACDelco, an aftermarket as well as an OE parts supplier for General Motors, explains one such example:
This 7-Year model from ACDelco’s Professional Battery line has a calcium alloy, optimized to produce a fine-grain grid to maximize corrosion resistance, increase cycle life, and reduce water consumption. It has a free-replacement period of 50 months under its limited warranty. 16 SSGM January/February 2010
“Another change, very recent to GM, is a reduced emphasis on cold cranking amperes (CCA) and more emphasis on ampere-hours or reserved capacity. There is a large opportunity in the reduction of no-starts as the consequence of drained batteries,” says David Kerr, product engineer, batteries for ACDelco. “There are demonstrated examples of vehicles requiring less CCA, but at the same time there’s only so much you can put in the battery box. We have taken that reduction in CCA and translated the lead into increased reserved capacity.” The latest evolution in lead-acid battery technology is the AGM (absorbent glass mat). While your customers will likely pay a premium for this type of battery, the advantages alone outweigh much of the cost. How an AGM battery works is the traditional plate design is replaced with a sleeve design in which the battery’s acid is
The Bosch S5 premium performance battery offers full coverage for the domestic and imported luxury car segment. It has a 3-year free replacement/pro rata warranty and comes with free roadside assistance. www.ssgm.com
&
Batteries ||
Negatives
now more firmly and evenly held to the grid. What happens with a conventional lead-acid battery is the density of the acid is higher at the bottom of the battery than on the top because of gravity. The sleeve inside the AGM battery makes the contact to the plates more even. As well, an AGM battery does not have to be overfilled with acid (as is the case with traditional ‘flooded’ or ‘wet’ batteries) to ensure that acid is evenly distributed. The sleeve brings the added benefit of allowing more lead to be put into the battery case and thereby allowing the battery to produce more power. “An AGM operates in the similar manner except instead of having a www.ssgm.com
By David Halpert, Assistant Editor
plastic separator between positive and negative [plates], you have a uniquelyengineered fibreglass mat. This mat acts both as the separator and as a reservoir for the acid,” continues Kerr. “Instead of the acid moving freely through the battery, the fibreglass acts as a sponge for the acid and as the insulator between the positive and negative. “This technology has been demonstrated to be more resistant to heat cycles, more resistant to the cycling (to repeated events of low states of charge), it’s also shown to have resistance to vibration because the cell is now very tightly packed. One of the advantages of AGM batteries is they’re more spill proof. You can mount them
on their side or upside-down without the consequence of lead-acid spilling out the vent.”
Where Are We Headed?
It is important to make distinctions when discussing battery technology in hybrids. A ‘mild’ hybrid, for instance, is a vehicle that is heavily dependant on a gasoline engine, and a ‘full’ hybrid or ‘heavy’ hybrid, such as the much anticipated Chevrolet Volt, is able to move forward through sole use of the electrical portion of the drivetrain. “The energy pack for both the ‘mild’ and the ‘full’ hybrid requires highlevel technology. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), Lithium ion (Li-ion), all of January/February 2010 SSGM 17
|| Batteries
Battery Updates Last year, AC Delco expanded its Power Sport line of batteries from 12 parts number to 23 parts numbers to include ‘flooded’ as well as AGM-type lead-acid batteries for the ‘other’-motive segment of the market (e.g. ATV, skidoos, motorcycles, etc.). ACDelco warrants to the original retail purchaser a new replacement Power Sport battery for six months from date of purchase (three months free replacement) when used in a personal powersport application. Bosch recently launched its new comprehensive battery program in North America with the introduction of three new passenger vehicle lines and a high-tech AGM passenger vehicle line for extreme conditions and start/stop applications. The new passenger car batteries include the Bosch S5 premium performance battery, the S4 quality performance battery, the S3 value performance battery, and the S6 high performance AGM battery. East Penn Canada offers two Duracell Automotive Battery lines to suit different needs of the auto enthusiast: Duracell AGM with Extreme Power and Duracell EHP Advanced Generation batteries. Duracell AGM batteries feature AGM technology to deliver two times the durability, dependability and long lasting high performance to withstand the demands of multiple accessory loads. The Duracell EHP Advanced Generation batteries are specially designed to safeguard against damaging temperatures that can decrease battery life. Last August, CAA South Central Ontario (CAASCO) launched its CAA Green Power Battery made with recycled lead and plastic, making it the first eco-friendly car battery. CAA Green Power Batteries are backed with a competitive sixyear warranty that includes a free replacement guarantee in the first three years. The batteries have a defect rate of less than two per cent. 18 SSGM January/February 2010
these types require a higher energy density, how much energy can you get within a pound of weight in the vehicle or within a given amount of space within the vehicle,” says Rick Adams, senior product manager for ACDelco. With today’s new Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), that use a gasoline and electric engine for power, batteries are required to operate in a partial state of charge (PSOC). A partial state of charge means that the batteries need to have the ability to quickly accept and deliver power without affecting its life or performance. East Penn is on the forefront of advanced lead-acid battery technology, like the UltraBattery, that is designed to operate at a partial state of charge and deliver maximum performance. “The UltraBattery design enhances the ability of a battery to accept and deliver high levels of power with low levels of electrical resistance similar to a super-capacitor,” says Shaun Keogh, vice-president of business development for East Penn Canada. “Traditionally, super-capacitor and lead-acid batteries are separate components relying on electronic controllers and complex algorithms to switch power between both units. This new technology eliminates the need for additional electronic control and multiple energy storage devices.”
While hybrid battery technology right now is proprietary to each OEM and has not made its way into the aftermarket, it won’t be long before those hybrids released four to five years ago will soon come off their dealer warranties. “There’s the OES world (original equipment service) which we rationalize as being the warranty world. We have not yet matured beyond that point to develop a true aftermarket business model for the hybrid product,” continues Kerr. “The engineering and vision going forward falls entirely within the OE engineering group. Given their fairly long warranty period, the needs of the various hybrid customers are currently being met by their own unique OE manufacturer. “Hybrids sold six and seven years ago are just coming off warranty, so it will be interesting in the very near future when customers of these vehicles have to do their own first replacement outside the warranty coverage, because right now it is our understanding that the only option is to go back to the dealership.” SSGM
REFERENCE LIST ACDelco www.acdelco.com Robert Bosch www.bosch.com East Penn Canada www.eastpenncanada.com www.ssgm.com
Manage Your Business Your Way! LANKAR All-In-One Shop Management System
Professional Invoicing Accounting & Payroll Labour Guide / Maintenance Schedule Online Parts Ordering Inventory Marketing Shop Scheduling Ask Us About Transferring Your History to LANKAR
Start Today 1 800 446-3087 FREE TRIAL lankar.com
LANKAR by Autogence
|| Profit Top Up
Winter Profit
Top-Up
How to Increase Sales during the Winter Months By David Halpert, Assistant Editor
W
ith the New Year now in full swing, a properly maintained vehicle is paramount if it’s to endure the harsh conditions of the road during the remaining winter months. And winter represents a tremendous opportunity for your garage, especially when it comes to the sales of wiper blades, lighting systems and additives. Though these products are considered by some to be low-margin items by themselves, there are profits to be had when they are tied to an additional service. While wiper blade replacement is an obvious given in winter, for example, combining it with an extra service might be incentive enough for your customers to make that additional purchase. Rachel Agnew, brand manager for Shell Lubricants including the car care products under its Rain-X brand, suggests offering a no-charge installation and windshield washer fluid top up or
a glass treatment applied to the windshield with the purchase of any two wiper blades. Another good suggestion for any late-model or older vehicle is to tradeup your consumers to the bracketless wiper technology offered from several aftermarket brands upon replacement. And don’t think you have to limit yourself to just one product category either as bundling service packages with your visibility products can lead to increased sales as well. “One idea is to offer a ‘vision maintenance tune-up,’ which could include a wiper inspection, headlight alignment and bulb replacement. A package like this simplifies things for the driver and can create a valuable bundling proposition,” says Tom Vasis, group product manager, wiping systems for Bosch. While basic questions such as “When did you last change your wipers?” work well, many customers don’t
think about changing their wipers until there’s a performance problem. An even better question to ask is, “When you used your wiper blades last, did they wipe the windshield clearly, leaving no streaks or smears?” As many customers will not remember their last blade replacement, referring to their current performance makes it an issue of safety and visibility rather than selling. It also reinforces the idea to your customers that preventive maintenance is a much better solution than waiting until there’s a problem. This is where communication between the service writer and the customer is key. Although there is no shortage of support materials from aftermarket manufacturers, these can be used to further highlight the blade’s design and visually show what could happen if their blades aren’t properly maintained, rather than used as a simple display item. “Make sure to have a fully stocked supply of winter blades on hand. It is best to also have a mobile rack of blades that can be placed in the waiting room or other high traffic areas where consumers will see them,” says Sandy Wallace, marketing manager for Gates Canada under its Trico brand.
Lighting
According to Osram Sylavia, its Silverstar Ultra headlights create up to 40 per cent more downroad visibility and up to 50 per cent more sideroad visibility. 20 SSGM January/February 2010
When it comes to making sure a customer’s lighting systems are in good working order, be sure to check to see if the headlights aren’t misaimed and that a complete and thorough inspection of a vehicle’s lighting system doesn’t just include the headlights, but also the tail-lights, brake lights and turn signals of the car as well. “Halogen headlights dim over time, www.ssgm.com
Profit Top Up || reducing the amount of light they give off. Thus, they should be replaced before they burn out,” says Laura Fuller, marketing and communications manager for Osram Sylvania, “Similar to wiper blades on a vehicle, headlights should be checked and replaced in pairs. Changing headlights before they burn out helps improve a driver’s ability to see roadside objects such as street signs.” Fuller also suggests service writers ask, “Do you find you have trouble seeing the road at night?” which can lead to the sale of premium headlights if a customer’s car has headlights that are more than three years old. Highperformance halogen headlights, such as Sylvania’s SilverStar Ultra, provide a whiter, brighter light and are perfect for the consumer who is looking to upgrade the appearance of their vehicle. High-performance headlights also help drivers improve their reaction time and avoid potential road hazards. This,
in turn, allows other cars and pedestrians to see approaching vehicles. Also keep in mind that as the snow finally gives way to spring, that this is the time for drivers to do safety checks of their cars. With more vehicles on the road these days, driving requires good visibility at all times. According to experts at Hella, consumers who The 500 Series Black Magic Driving Lamp Kit, due to be released in early drive under extreme win2010, includes a lightweight design, aluminum vapour-coated reflector, ter conditions need parts sturdy, shock-proof housing, and innovative Black Optics technology crethey can trust, which in ates blackout look when light is off. many cases means your customers paying a bit more for the most make and model vehicles that premium items out there. come into your shop. However, this isn’t the time to skimp on the many Additives & Chemicals chemical car care products available There’s really nothing about additives on the market for winter. Two that and chemical products that hasn’t been quickly come to mind are windshield said already. Your choice of antifreeze/ washers and de-icers. These are great coolant should be compatible with impulse items to display near your
A FULL LINE OF TOP PERFORMERS. Every customer has different needs. That’s why you need a wiper supplier that gives you lots of different options. You need TRICO. We manufacture blades for every season and price point, for virtually every car, truck, bus and RV on the road. From the proven technologies of the premium NeoForm ® beam blade and popular Exact Fit ® blade to specialty applications like Winter, we make it easy to satisfy all customers with just one brand of wiper blades. Stock up on TRICO today.
1-519-759-4141 • WWW.TRICOPRODUCTS.COM ®
TEFLON is a registered trademark of DuPont and is used under license by Trico Products and its affiliates.
TRICO products distributed by
www.ssgm.com
January/February 2010 SSGM 21
|| Profit Top Up
counter. Joan Kent, channel marketing specialist for Honeywell CPG, says service writers at the counter can outline some of the benefits of such products and how they help a customer’s car during the winter months: “Prestone’s De-Icer Windshield Washer Additive with Dirt Blocker is added to the windshield washer reservoir to boost the freeze protection of a -40°C fluid to -50°C. It helps repel road spray, removes frost and light ice, and helps reduce dangerous refreeze. It also coats windshields with a polymer that helps dirty road spray bead up and roll off the glass.” Remember that as bad as winter is it can present unprecedented business for your service centre. Take these months as an opportunity for your shop to become profitable this winter. SSGM
Trico Winter Blades feature a protective rubber boot to help prevent snow and ice from clogging the blade. This allows it to maintain even pressure and enhance visibility. Trico’s complete line of winter blades consists of sixteen part numbers in lengths ranging from 11” to 28”.
REFERENCES Hella Inc. www.hella.com Gates Canada www.gates.com Robert Bosch www.bosch.com Shell Lubricants (RainX) www.rainx.com Osram Sylvania www.sylvania.com Honeywell CPG www.honeywellcpg.com
Looking on the Bright Side
Sign up now at www.winwithmobil1.ca for your chance to win!
World’s Leading Synthetic Motor Oil Brand
Technicians should be sure to mention that with days now shorter and winter weather creating poor driving conditions, improved visibility on the road is an important factor to enhance driver safety. Poor visibility, especially at night, is a serious driving hazard. Many aftermarket manufacturers offer a variety of automotive headlights that provide better peripheral vision and viewing of the road ahead. While behind the counter, technicians should give their customers tips to help maintain safety and improve visibility on the road this winter: • Drive with your lights on. If daytime visibility is limited, turn on your headlights to be seen by other drivers. When traveling in snowy weather, remember to brush off your taillights, turn signals and headlamps. • Change headlights in pairs before they burn out. Most headlights dim up to 20 per cent over time so evaluate yours every year for optimum performance. The end of daylight savings time is a perfect yearly reminder. • Upgrade to high performance halogen lighting. Studies have shown that whiter, brighter halogen lighting can improve reaction time, increase nighttime visibility and provide better roadside viewing. • Clean headlight lenses regularly. Wash headlight lenses when you wash your windshield. You’ll see better at night and in poor weather conditions. • Make sure all vehicle lights are working. Have a friend turn on your headlights and signal lights while you walk around the outside of your vehicle. Osram Sylvania
22 SSGM January/February 2010
www.ssgm.com
Introducing the
contest Do you run a business that changes oil? Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why you should sign up! Free promotional materials provided by Mobil 1 Free sign up and no capital investment Attractive prizes for your customers, you and your employees
Monthly Prize
Grand Prize
Monthly Prize
3x HP Pavilion Laptop
10x 8GB iPod touch
approximate retail value $700
approximate retail value $200
To sign up please write to winwithmobil1@exxonmobil.com or contact your local Imperial Oil Branded Distributor Total number of Mobil-serviced vehicles by location is applied TO EACH of its registered employees during the Contest Period beginning January 1, 2010 at 21:00 MT and ending May 31, 2010 at 23:59 MT. As the contest progresses, total vehicles serviced are cumulative, and are counted in the monthly draws, as well as for the Grand Prize. The greater the number of Mobil-serviced vehicles at a given location, the greater its registered employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; odds of winning. Winners will be required to answer a skill-testing question. Contest open to Canadian residents only. Some restrictions apply. For the complete contest rules, please visit www.winwithmobil1.ca. Mobil and Mobil 1 are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. Imperial Oil, licensee.
CANADIAN
AUTOMOTIVE Technician
Upstairs, Downstairs SSGM goes over and under to test a theory: Can “domestic” remanufactured rotating electrical parts really fit well in an “import” car? By Jim Anderton, Technical Editor
W
hen it comes to the old “Import” vs. “Domestic” debate, you can’t tell the players without a program these days. Japanese cars made in Canada, American cars made in Korea, European cars made in America; there’s no telling who made a given brand, or where. What hasn’t changed, however, is the strongly held belief that replacement parts are best matched by the vehicle manufacturer’s nationality. SSGM put this notion to the test with our Honda Civic test mule by going under and over to fit a
replacement starter and alternator from a quintessentially American brand, ACDelco. Why a Civic? Honda built this model in Canadian and Japanese plants for sale in the Canadian market, and there are multiple OEM fitments for rotating electrical, so multiple part numbers are listed for this application — allowing SSGM to test exact replacement and equivalent fit parts. We used ACDelco remanufactured components, representative of a typical replacement in a mid-life car. How did it go?
We started at the logical place: the battery. The starter draws current out, and the alternator puts it in, so any issues will show up here. This tired unit from a major retailer has been undercharged and suffers from typical neglect. We cleaned, tested and charged this one before going further.
The next step was the power distribution box. The fusible links are here, nicely placed high up on the strut tower … and vulnerable to damage and moisture. We checked for heat effects like discolouration and melting to make sure that the current can get to and from the battery with minimal resistance. We also visually inspected the harness for chafing, damaged or burned insulation.
24 SSGM January/February 2010
www.ssgm.com
One reason we’re here is the low placement of the alternator. Combined with the open frame design, it gets lots of cooling air … as well as moisture and dirt. It’s a vulnerable location for a vulnerable part.
The ACDelco unit slipped into place easily, with the rear housing “clocked” correctly to accept the harness plug and lug without “stretching” the wiring.
Compared to the alternator, the starter was child’s play. The OE unit is left, with both the exact fit and equivalent fit ACDelco units to the right. Both worked well in the test Civic.
Another consequence of the low alternator placement is rust. This pivot bolt and nut isn’t going to give up without a fight.
This ACDelco remanufactured alternator is the equivalent fit part. Note the protective shield that’s missing from the old unit.
Piece of cake. Note how Honda makes extensive use of plastic clips to hold hoses and harnesses away from heat and chafing surfaces. If you can’t use the factory clips, tie the lines back out of the way or at least sleeve them to avoid an annoying comeback. Honda doesn’t put them in for nothing. Note the plastic boss where the terminal stud mounts.
What did we learn? The ACDelco starter and alternator fit the same as the OE parts and worked as well too. The ability to order exact or equivalent fit parts is an added bonus; there are actually four different ACDelco part numbers for the starter alone in this application. From a merchandising www.ssgm.com
Another corrosion issue. The aluminium alloy housing boss swells with corrosion, trapping the pivot bolt. In this case, there was no room for a cutoff tool and protecting the surrounding plastic parts and wiring from the “gas axe” was difficult, so we drilled a series of holes in the mounting boss. This released the bolt which was then tapped into the wheel well. If it’s an exchange unit, don’t expect your core charge back if you have to do this!
With the mounting bolts out, you’re not done in this application. This heavy iron bracket needs to come out too. It’s cast and attaches to the aluminium block with steel bolts, a natural corrosion magnet.
There’s a reason why we noted the terminal stud’s plastic boss: it’s very easy to break it if you over torque the nut. There is a torque spec for this, but very few techs are equipped or intend to use inch-pound precision torque tools on this nut. We used this short arm ¼-inch drive flex ratchet to limit the grunt applied to that plastic-mounted stud.
perspective, there is also the benefit of a widely recognized name brand and the enclose test graph is a great sales tool to add to the customer’s work order. It also means the unit you installed has been thoroughly tested, so if something goes wrong, check your work … nobody tests for “stone hands!” January/February 2010 SSGM 25
|| Jim’s Rant
The Computer Guy is Dead A By Jim Anderton, Technical Editor
On-board computers are no big deal anymore. There are more of them, yes, and they can drive you nuts with intermittents; but with data logging, even they can be tamed. This desktop computer is a different story.
strange thing happened to me last week — I reached a turning point. Lots of techs across the country have reached it too, or will soon. I was driving my better half ’s stylish Silverado when the ‘Check Engine’ light came on. She loves that truck and rather than face the “You broke my truck” stare, I just grabbed the scan tool. It was what I expected — Evap Vent, better known as “she didn’t tighten the gas cap enough.” While there’s nothing special about pulling a simple OBD II code, it later occurred to me that the idiot light was no more important to me than a squeaky belt or a clunk in the suspension. The fact that it might be related to computers or electronics simply didn’t matter. It wasn’t always this way. Some 25-30 years ago you either learnt the “Secrets of the Universe” or sought the advice of the Fuel Injection Guy. Most shops had a Fuel Injection Guy and rarely more than one. Then came the Bosch Jetronic F.I.: It looks simple now, but in the day it was black magic and it took a very experienced tech to crack drivability problems. Early OBD simplified things, but the codes were manufacturer specific, so the in-house experts began to shake out by vehicle make. Instead of the Fuel Injection Guy you had a “Honda Guy” or a “Mercedes Guy.” OBD II has changed everything. Sometimes a code-suggested repair doesn’t totally solve the problem (like an O2 sensor code that’s really caused by poor mixture control upstream), but very rarely will it lead to the wrong system. So what’s the point? It’s this: I’m 47, grew up on carburetors and leaded fuel and felt that the PCV valve was big-time emission control equipment. The first time I saw electronic fuel injection was on the workbench; it was just out of a Super Beetle which was being converted to carbs. Yet when the MIL light showed up on the Silverado, I didn’t for a second think that the problem would be hard to troubleshoot. On-board computers are no big deal anymore. There are more of them, yes, and they can drive you nuts with intermittents; but with data logging, even they can be tamed. This desktop computer is a different story. I need a teenager to fix the slightest problem. Maybe they should get OBD II … which is the other point. Computers still need a “Computer Guy” unless you’re young, just like automotive electronics in the 70s and 80s, which means that the computer business has a long way to go to catch up with automotive technology. This computer should have a MIL light and self diagnose like the Silverado. Until it does, I have to pay big bucks to a pimply-faced kid who talks gibberish while he reverses the dreaded Microsoft “Blue Screen of Death.” That kid likely makes more money than a lot of good engine techs and I don’t like it; but like the car, I need the computer, so I’m back to the Volkswagen fuel injection. I don’t understand the desktop computer, I resent it and I resent that kid making it look easy; but I have to admit that in cars and light trucks at least, things are not just better than they used to be, they’re much better. And if I can learn this stuff, anybody can.
What do you think? Have your say and speak your mind! letterstotheeditor@ssgm.com 26 SSGM January/February 2010
www.ssgm.com
What’s the Right Solution for Headlight Aiming?
YOU BE THE JUDGE! Know the facts before purchasing a DOT mandated headlight aiming solution It’s a roll of the dice if the equipment is not approved for inspection programs A smart purchase is one that provides the optimal value
PANTHER OPT 5405
der in a e L s The t Sale e k r a M
In stock for same day shipment!
Design/Feature
OTHER Aimers
Polished Optical Grade Glass Lens
NO
No Deterioration or Discolouration of Optical Lens
SOME
Gradient Variance Lines
SOME
Xenon Headlamp Aiming
SOME
M.O.T. Approved for Inspection Programs?
SOME
Alignment Screen Not Susceptible to Sunlight Burn Holes
SOME
Bonus Dust Cover Included ($40 Value)
NO
Optional LASER Visor Alignment
NO
Priced right with the features and values that you need
NO
When reliability and value are priorities, depend on Canbuilt for your headlight aiming requirements! For more information regarding Canbuilt’s portfolio of heavy-duty professional equipment and accessories, visit www.canbuilt.com Ph: 888-607-2926 or 416-749-6555 • Fax: 416-749-7597 • E-mail: sales@canbuilt.com
|| TACT Team Management
Knowing that you are a
business owner
First of a series of articles outlining successful strategies for shop ownership By Murray Voth, TACT (Total Automotive Consulting and Training)
M
any of us go through life working hard, taking things as they come and not really questioning if this is how it should be. We don’t ponder if things could be better or if they should be better; we accept our lot in life without much complaint. Others of us go through life in a constant state of complaining, feeling like victims of the outside forces that buffet us. We assume things should be better, but can’t seem to find a way to get there, we always find fault outside of ourselves. Then there are others who take the time to think how can I make this better, why are things the way they are, and do things have to stay the same? Because most of us are busy working, making a living and dealing with life, we have limited time and resources to handle more than what is right in front of us. As individuals it is hard to keep up with all the information being generated and the changes taking place around us. My goals will be to challenge each one of you to question the ways things are, to critically evaluate your long held beliefs and those of your industry and peers.
First steps in making things better
If you have never really considered that things could or should be better, it might be time to give that some thought. You may have the belief that life is hard and that is just the way things are. Nothing of value comes easy, so the only way to success is through hard work, sweat and tears. In general, I agree with the latter part of this belief, you will find that anything I write about will take work; it will not be a silver bullet. Have you been surprised to learn that many of your customers are not as loyal as you thought? You feel like they owe you at least that, after all these years of service. Maybe you are frustrated by 28 SSGM January/February 2010
your suppliers as they never give you a break. Or you have had it with your employees. “Good help is hard to find” is now your favorite expression. We know things should be better, but somehow it is usually somebody else’s fault. In this case we need to evaluate our expectations and clarify responsibilities. Maybe by making something our fault we can finally make some of the changes required by our business or workplace. We know based on research done by Total Automotive Consulting and Training and other studies that between 95 and 97 per cent of all independent automotive shops are started by automotive technicians. The harder to answer question is why do they start shops? Some could not stand how they were treated by their employer or how the shop treated their customers, “I can do this better.” Some want to make more money. Some want to be their own boss, be in control of their own destiny, more freedom and flexibility. Some say, I am a better technician than my boss. Some got laid off, or were tired of not enough hours. Some are the second generation in the business and inherited the shop. Have you noticed a reason what is missing? How about the concept of “I have $250,000 in the bank and I am looking for a business to invest in;” “My goal is to make a 20 per cent return on that investment each year;” “I think I am going to buy an automotive repair shop.” Once you have picked yourself up from the floor from laughing so hard, realize this, there are many business people who do just that. They take their own money, borrow more, and invest in businesses. They are called entrepreneurs. They figure out how to make money in whatever business they buy, they build up the business and then in some cases sell it and in other cases expand to larger or multiple locations. www.ssgm.com
TACT Team Management || Know that you are a business owner
Between 95 and 97 per cent of all independent automotive shops are started by automotive technicians. The harder to answer question is why do they start shops?
The first thing we need to decide is that we are primarily a business owner, not a technician. We then need to understand that the business and we are separate entities. We own the busi- are manager, technician and service advisor. Every business needs to have ness; the business does not own us. The primary purpose of a business a manager. As a rule I would recomis to make a profit; part of this profit mend that if your business does not pays for your return on investment as have a manager, that you as the owner an owner. The business is responsible would fill that position. We need to to you as the owner for your profit, to understand at this point that the role its employees as their source of income of owner and manager are also two and their career, to its suppliers for different things. The role of owner and manager timely payment, to the banks or any other lenders if money was borrowed, need to be separated for several importo its customers for value given, to tant reasons. The first is that as a its competitors for fair business prac- manager you are responsible to the tices and competition, and to society company to help it fulfill its purpose for best environmental practices and and responsibility. (It is important to social responsibility. As the owner of note that your pay as a manager is difthe business you can choose to work ferent than the profit you keep as an for the company or not, just as many owner. The company needs to make other professional business owners and enough money to pay you and to gena profit.) entrepreneurs. In AD general the three TACT 1/2 PG JUNE 5/29/07 10:12 erate AM Page 1 Secondly, the manager position key positions in an automotive shop
should have its own job description and set of responsibilities. You may not always be the manager. What happens if you cannot work because of an extended illness, someone still needs to be the manager. Or as the company grows you may need to hire a manager to replace you as you move on to other opportunities. Or you might want to retire, but still have the profits as a retirement income. You may also have partners in the business, defining these roles clarifies how to deal with profit sharing and compensation. Thirdly, this concept clarifies lines of accountability and expectations between owner, manager, and the company. My hope is that by seeing your business in this way you can actually gain better control of your time and your life. You don’t have to feel like the business owns you. You can learn how to manage the company, you can have a better return as the owner, and the company will be far more successful. SSGM
Get back to enjoying your business! Learn how to improve your repair facility’s profitability, productivity and reduce your stress.
Dave Meunier’s Automotive Management Training and Consulting group is one of the most sought after providers of business solutions for shop owners in Canada.
Flexible training courses are offered across Canada and include:
The explanation, for the success of TACT students comes from a well tested common sense approach to managing every aspect of day to day operations, starting in the bays and working its way to the income statement.
Advance PROShop Manager Modules – Full day topic specific sessions designed to allow you to get answers to your own shop challenges. Topics include: ● SHOP SYSTEMS & PROCEDURES ● ADVANCED SERVICE ADVISOR SKILLS ● PROFIT IMPROVEMENT STRATEGIES
Enrolling in one of Dave Meunier’s shop improvement courses will provide you with the confidence to analyze your business monthly to look for ways to improve profits and lower your stress.
3 Day Shop Management Course - This interactive training
course will teach owners to take better care of your customer, save them money and allow your shop to be more profitable than ever before.
PROSHOP Performance Groups – This is a once a month program, where automotive repair facilities come together to receive training, solve concerns affecting their business, implement solutions and take better care of their customers.
Just contact Carrie Murray, Toll Free at 1-866-489-8228 (TACT) or at cmurray@proshopmanager.ca
Brought to you by TACT Total Automotive Consulting & Training Group www.ssgm.com
January/February 2010 SSGM 29
TRAINING when and where you need it.
Dynamic, on-line – OnDemand video featuring: • Automotive repair and service technical training • Light/medium duty truck repair and service technical training • Service and business management skills
SSGM BAYWATCH New Products
Ingersoll Rand releases mini ratchets Ingersoll Rand has for service professionals the 1105MAX Series and 105 Series mini air ratchets in both 1/4” and 3/8” drive sizes. The mini air rachets offer improved power, control and comfort. The 1105MAX Series air ratchets join the 2135TiMAX and 2115TiMAX Impactools with 30 ft-lb of torque and a free speed of 300 rpm. The 105 Series mini air ratchet also offers improved torque at 25 ft-lb and a free speed of 250 rpm. The 1105MAX Series also offers better control and its variable-speed power regulator is hand-operable and perfect for use on sensitive applications, such as small or plastic fasteners. In addition, the feather-touch lever gives operators precision control over the full range of the tool’s performance. Its ergonomic coupling nut and composite handle ensure maximum comfort, minimizing operator fatigue and providing insulation from cold compressed air flowing through the handle. Both tools feature a unique head construction that provides improved durability and more consistent performance over the life of the tool. The tools also share a low-profile forward/reverse control that has a wide diameter for easy gripping. In addition, the design also eliminates accidental changing of directions in confined spaces. Ingersoll Rand www.ingersollrand.com
Ingersoll Rand launches next gen air compressors Ingersoll Rand has launched several models in its reciprocating air compressor line, extending its offering of Type-30 air compressors. The models are reciprocating twostage air compressors from five to 20 hp (four to 15 kW). Compressed air packages are available for everything from intermittent load demand to applications that require a heavier-duty cycle. All T30 air compressors feature precision engineered, two-stage cast iron pumps for superior reliability in continuous duty applications. The ultra-rugged pump construction allows shops to run their compressors all day with a significantly reduced risk of downtime. In addition, T30 air compressors utilize individually cast cylinders, an overhung crankshaft and a one-piece connecting rod, which combine to provide quick and easy maintenance. Compressors are available in Value, Value Plus and Premium packages with a variety of factory-fitted options to suit diverse customer needs. Ingersoll Rand www.ingersollrand.com
CALL TODAY:
1-888-224-3834
www.cars-council.ca Funded in part by the Government of Canada's Sector Council Program
30 SSGM January/February 2010
www.ssgm.com
Scan or No-scan Will Carcone, Curriculum Developer CARS
W
ith all the new hand held communication devices available to consumers today some problems have arisen. The use of hand held devices while driving is becoming one of the main topics of world traffic safety discussions. This practice has led many countries to implement strict laws banning the use of these devices while driving. The purpose of these laws is to reduce serious collisions caused by drivers being distracted while talking, text messaging or sending and reading e-mails. In Canada and the United States, the laws banning hand held devices are left to the individual province or state. Each law lays out the restrictions and fines that are applied to the driver caught using a one of these devices. Devices involved are things such as cell phones, Blackberrys, smart phones, laptops or anything that has a screen requiring user interaction. In Canada and the U.S. the result of using a banned device typically results in the offender paying a fine. However, in other areas of the world like India, the penalties may be more severe. In Andhra Pradesh, the ban now carries a prison sentence if an offender is caught. One of the toughest bans in Canada is considered to be the one recently passed in Ontario. This legislation still allows hands free use of phones but prohibits most other forms of portable electronic devices. Most studies show this is a good and much needed step to help reduce distraction and improve road safety. So, when you are road testing for drivability issues, keep your cells and PDA’s in your pocket and your hand held scan tools at the shop so as not to be distracted. Keep the scan tool at the shop? That cannot be right. How are you going to be able to see operating parameters? www.ssgm.com
How are you going to be able to tell if there are improper volumes or clutch slippage or missed solenoid commands within an electronically controlled transmission? What about speed sensors reading correctly or dropping off on antilock brake systems? These are all good questions and have an easy answer. In Ontario, technicians are exempt from the hand held ban. Now don’t be too excited. The exemption is not for all devices but for diagnostic equipment required during the performance of a repair only. The exemption can be found in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act regulation 366/09 in Section 4, Line 4. It states “automotive technicians may use handheld devices to diagnose drivability concerns while operating a motor vehicle”. There is also an added stipulation to this regulation. This can be found in Section 8 where it states that the device being used must be secured in the vehicle while in use. This does not mean resting within arms reach on the passenger seat. The device needs to be in a position where it can be viewed with a quick glance and, if needed, a function obtained with the ease similar to a radio selection button. There is no specific outline of how or what the
device is secured with written in the regulation. In Nova Scotia there is also a ban on hand held devices. The ban states that the use of hands free devices is allowed. There is no list of specific devices that qualify as “hands free.” In order to be considered “hands free” the user must not be required to remove their hands off the wheel while they are using the device. Most other provinces in Canada have or will have legislation in place by 2010. At the time this article was written, British Colombia had not quite finished their legislation on hand held devices but, from news sources, it appears to be as strict as the one in use for Ontario. In Canada, each province has their own websites where traffic and provincial legislation can be found. It is always a good idea to check with local government offices when you have any questions concerning clarification to local laws and practices … so you may want to do your homework prior to your next road test. For more information on automotive technology visit CARS OnDemand training at: www.cars-council.ca
January/February 2010 SSGM 31
SSGM BAYWATCH New Products
Matco Tools introduces MJS3500 12V/18AH Booster Pack Matco Tools has introduced a 12V/18AH Booster Pack, the MJS3500. Features include a #4 Gauge 50” cables that maximize the possibility of the unit being positioned on a flat surface while in use; a flat platform housing which provides a lower centre of gravity, adding stability, and helping to prevent the unit from being accidentally knocked over; an easy to read battery indicators provide instant clear feedback as to the status of the battery; peak rating of 900 amps and Cranking Rating 400 amps/Cold Cranking rating of 350 amps. Matco Tools www.matcotools.com
TerraClean announces cooling system chemical line-up TerraClean, owned and operated by UView Ultraviolet Systems Inc., announced the availability of its new Cooling System chemical line up as complementary products to its equipment range. TerraClean Cooling System Flush and TerraClean Cooling System Treatment have been launched in conjunction with TerraClean’s TerraCool Machine. TerraClean Cooling System Flush removes rust, scale and other residues in the vehicle’s cooling system, while TerraClean Cooling System Treatment prevents rust and corrosion and inhibits the formation of scale deposits in the cooling system. It also acts as a water pump lubricant. TerraClean www.terraclean.net
Purolator releases PureOne, Classic air filters Purolator announced the release of its premium PureOne air filter and Purolator Classic air filter which are designed to protect a vehicle’s engine against the onslaught of damaging dirt and pollutants during daily driving. The PureONE air filter is 99.5 per cent efficient and its Micronic filtration media offers twice the capacity of conventional filters to trap harmful contaminants that can enter and damage a vehicle’s engine. The Purolator Classic air filter features a multi-fibre high-density media that is engineered and tested to trap 96.5 per cent of harmful contaminants before they can enter and harm a car’s engine. Purolator www.purolatorautofilters.net
32 SSGM January/February 2010
www.ssgm.com
Now, We Do It All!
ValvolineŽ now offers a full line of Valvoline Professional Series automotive service chemicals. With Valvoline Professional Series, you get a comprehensive line of professional-grade products, services and solutions all backed by industry leading marketing programs. Valvoline Professional Series delivers maximum value to consumers and helps grow your bottom line. Š, 2010, Ashland Canada Corp.
SSGM SSGMBAYWATCH BAYWATCH New NewProducts Products
2009 Honda Civic, other foreign nameplates featured in expanded Moog Chassis Parts Line Federal-Mogul Corporation has introduced nearly 400 new problem-solving Moog chassis components for an extensive range of latemodel foreign-nameplate applications. New Moog coverage includes the 200609 Honda Civic, which alone represents more than 700,000 North American vehicle registrations. Federal-Mogul’s aggressive Moog product development initiative has resulted in nearly 650 new chassis part numbers to date in 2009, including precision-engineered ball joints, alignment kits, control arms, centre/drag links, tie rods, coil springs and other components for many of the most popular foreign-nameplate applications. The new Honda Civic parts include Moog outer tie rod ends (p/n ES800373, right; ES800374, left), which help technicians restore factory-quality steering and handling performance while delivering the Moog brand’s trademark durability. Complete listings of new Moog products are available on the web site, www.moogproblemsolver.com, as well as Federal-Mogul’s comprehensive www.FMe-cat.com electronic catalogue. Federal-Mogul www.federalmogul.com
ENTER THE SSGM
MOTOR OIL
Leak detection from Tracerline Tracerline Dye-Lite Clear-Blue fluorescent dye makes it easy for technicians to locate coolant leaks in engine systems. This specially formulated dye is safe to use for both extended-life and conventional coolants. It is approved for use by Ford. Clear-Blue dye will not discolour the coolant, which could lead to misdiagnosis of engine problems. Leaks are best diagnosed using a high-intensity, long-wave UV inspection lamp. Clear-Blue dye reveals even the tiniest leaks in cooling systems. Just add a small amount to the system and allow it to circulate. Wherever the coolant leaks out, so does the dye, which remains at the site of each and every leak. When the system is scanned with a Tracerline inspection lamp, the dye glows a bright blue to show the location of leaks. Tracerline www.tracerline.com
Presented by
Mythbusters C O N T E S T
Test your knowledge of lubricants for a chance to win a Valvoline Prize pack!
More than ever, consumers are looking to keep their automotive investment running longer and more reliably. Do you know the facts to help them decide? True or False
Enter today for your chance to win a Valvoline prize pack!
High mileage motor oils can only be used on older models Synthetic blend motor oils cannot be mixed with full synthetic motor oils All synthetic motor oils carry the API Starburst symbol Most older vehicles can use High Mileage Synthetic motor oil. Switching from a conventional to a high mileage motor oil will not create gasket leaks
❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍
❍ ❍ ❍ ❍ ❍
RETURN THIS FORM TO US AT 416-510-5140 Name: ___________________________________ Business: ___________________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________ Email: _______________________________________ 34 SSGM January/February 2010
www.ssgm.com
SSGM BAYWATCH New Products
dB Performance Exhausts systems available for GM trucks
Engine treatment to reduce friction, heat
dB Performance Exhausts by Corsa has expanded its popular line of high-performance truck exhausts to cover 2002-2010 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pickups, all cab and box configurations. The cat-back dB Performance Exhaust features 409L Stainless Steel construction and a straight-through design for maximum performance. All dB exhausts are single side exit systems with 12-inch polished, 304L stainless steel tips. Installation hardware and an illustrated installation guide are included with the bolt-on exhaust systems. dB Systems for GM, Ford and Dodge trucks are available from select performance dealers and distributors nationwide. dB Performance Exhausts www.dBexhaust.com
Prolong Super Lubricants offers its Engine Treatment and Booster System to protect gas and diesel engines from the two leading causes of engine wear: damaging friction and heat. Prolong Engine Treatment is formulated with the company’s Anti-Friction Metal Treatment (AFMT) technology to chemically bond to metal surfaces in the engine to generate a protective layer that prevents metal-on-metal grinding. It is designed to restore engine efficiency, optimize fuel economy and protect the engine in the event of oil or coolant loss. Prolong’s 12 oz. Engine Treatment bottle is poured directly into 4-5 quart engine crankcases and is recommended for use as part of or in between oil changes. For continued protection, Prolong offers an 8 oz. Engine Treatment Booster that can be used during each oil change to renew Prolong’s engine protection level. Prolong Super Lubricants www.prolong.com
Matco Tools introduces seal, O-Ring puller set Matco Tools has introduced a three piece Seal & O-Ring Puller Set, the SRP3PC. This tool allows shop technicians to quickly and easily remove O-Rings, grease and oil seals; special angle tools that provide better access than the traditional seal pullers; and three different lengths and tips fit nearly all seal applications. The set includes 4.6”, 6” and 6.5” pullers. Matco Tools www.matcotools.com
Solutions to December’s puzzles
www.ssgm.com
January/February 2010 SSGM 35
Automotive Internet Directory Visit these companies directly at their web addresses or check out the growing list of Hot Links at www.autoserviceworld.com. To find out how your organization can be included in this directory and on the web, contact Brayden J C Ford 416-510-5206
AUTOMOTIVE PARTS & ACCESSORIES Goodyear Engineered Products www.goodyearep.com/aftermarket www.goodyearbeltsandhose.com The officially licensed belt of NASCAR. Gatorback, the quiet belt. You can never replace Goodyear quality. NGK Spark Plugs Canada Limited www.ngksparkplugs.ca The World Leader in Spark Plugs, Oxygen Sensors and Ignition Wire Sets. Used by 87% of the World’s OE Manufacturers S.B International Inc. www.sbintl.com “We keep engines humming” ZEX AC Compressors Division of Mister Starter
www.misterstarter.com Remanufactured/New A/C compressors and Turbochargers/Superchargers for complete line of cars and trucks, DOMESTIC & IMPORTS. Custom Rebuilds also available for your needs.
COLLISION REPAIR Masters School of Autobody Management www.masters-school.com Masters offers a number of education programs and implementation follow-up programs designed to take bodyshops to the next level of success.
HAND CLEANERS GOJO Industries, Inc. www.automotive.gojo.com GOJO is a leading manufacturer of skin care products and services for many marketing including automotive and manufacturing. GOJO continues to pursue a commitment of creating well-being through hand hygiene and healthy skin.
LUBRICANTS & ADDITIVES Empack/emzone Automotive Care & Maintenance www.emzone.ca The high performance emzone product line is specially formulated for your detailing and maintenance needs. For maintenance: Lubricants, Brake Cleaners, Degreasers, and Coatings. For detailing: Glass Cleaners, Carpet Foams, Tire Shines and Auto Fresh.
REFRIGERANT Duracool Refrigerants Inc. www.duracool.com Nationally Distributed by: Deepfreeze Refrigerants Inc. The Leaders in Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Technology Guaranteed In writing not to harm any Mobile A/C System You can feel the Difference that Quality Makes “Our Formula Never Changes”.
Advertisers’ Index Advertiser Page # website Agna Brake Product . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.agnabrakes.com Barton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.bartonauto.com Car-Freshener. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.little-trees.com CARS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.cars-council.ca Gates Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.gates.com Imperial Oil. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22,23. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.imperialoil.ca Lankar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.lankar.com NGK Spark Plugs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ngksparkplugs.ca Promax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.autopartsdepot.ca Robert Bosch. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.boschdiagnostic.com Sayco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.canbuilt.ca Valvoline Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33,43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.valvoline.com WORLDPAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.worldpac.com XRF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.xrfchassis.com 36 SSGM January/February 2010
REFRIGERANT Empack / emzone Refrigerants www.emzone.ca Eco-friendly, non-ozone depleting and system safe. The emzone quality A/C Refrigerant product line includes stop leak, system conditioner, oil charge, UV dye leak detection, and dryer offering colder vent temperatures, improved system efficiency, lower head pressure and greater gas mileage. Ideal for cars, trucks, SUVs and tractors.
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT AIR LIQUIDE CANADA INC. www.airliquide.ca Your one-stop shop for all your industrial gases and welding supplies. Rotary Lift www.rotarylift.com World Leader in Lift Productivity
WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTORS & BUYING GROUPS Bestbuy Distributors Limited
www.bestbuyautoparts.ca Independent buying group and warehouse distributor that allocates its profits to member shareholders and provides unbeatable value for independent jobbers. The E.R.I. Group www.theerigroup.com Canada’s Premier Machine Shop Buying Group Kerr Machine Shop Group Inc.
www.kerrmachineshopgroup.com Buying group for machine shops and performance shops.
www.ssgm.com
2010 SSGM Garage of the Year Presented by:
? I Nominate:__________________________________________ Garage Name_ ________________________________________ Owners Name_________________________________________ Address______________________________________________ Phone (_____)_________________________________________ The reason I believe this nominee deserves this award is: ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ My Name: ___________________________________________ Address _ ____________________________________________ Phone (_____) _ _______________________________________
Nominate your choice online at www.ssgm.com or complete and mail this form at left to: SSGM Garage of the Year 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, North York, ONâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; M3C 4J2â&#x20AC;&#x192; or fax to: 416-510-5140
Who has the best shop in Canada? The 2010 SSGM Garage of the Year, presented by Total Lubricants, seeks to recognize the very best independent service provider in the Canadian automotive aftermarket. Anyone can nominate an automotive service provider. The award recognizes excellence in the areas of good business practice, training, customer satisfaction and community involvement. Make copies and simply ask your customers, suppliers, members of your community or even competitors to complete this form. Return all your nomination forms by fax or mail to SSGM by September 20, 2010, or be nominated on-line at ssgm.com. The finalists will be identified in the October issue of SSGM and the winner will be announced in the December issue.
SSGM BAYWATCH New Products
Snap-on releases Battery Charger Plus Snap-on has released the Snap-on Battery Charger Plus (EEBC500). The Snap-on Battery Charger Plus (EEBC500) has a rugged, streamlined design with 300-amp engine starting power. Extremely versatile and adaptive, it is also very convenient with GFCI outlets for auxiliary power and a handy storage compartment for battery hand tools. It is a fully automatic operation with microprocessor-controlled algorithms that optimize the charge cycle without overcharging. Plus, its exclusive flash reprogramming power supply maintains consistent OEM-specified voltage for computer re-flash. Also, its digital display shows battery voltage, voltage per cent of charge and alternator per cent of performance. Snap-on www.snapon.com
Gates launches new hose Gates Corporation has launched the Barricade fuel hose, an innovative new hose that saves gas and protects the environment. The low-permeation Barricade Hose prevents fuel vapour loss while delivering peak fuel efficiency. It’s designed for virtually any engine application that’s equipped with a conventional carburetor, including cars and trucks. Hydrocarbon vapours escape or permeate into the atmosphere through the body of fuel line hoses as gasoline or diesel fuel is conveyed through the system from the fuel tank to the engine. Gates built-in Five-layer Greenshield Barrier Technology enables the Barricade Hose to achieve five times less fuel vapour permeation (1gr/m2) and fuel waste than conventional hoses. In addition, unlike standard fuel line hoses, Barricade hose can accommodate more fuel types, including Gasohol, Diesel, Bio-Diesel, Ethanol, Gasoline and Methanol. Gates Corporation www.gates.com
Bosch announces the KTS 670 scan tool The new KTS 670 diagnostic scan tool from Bosch uses advanced technology and a vast array of technical innovations to make professional diagnostic work even faster and easier while boosting efficiency. The new KTS 670 flagship product is the successor to the KTS 650 model. The KTS 670 portable diagnostic device now includes a high-performance dual-channel oscilloscope and dualchannel multi-meter allowing the mechanic to evaluate both oxygen sensors in one screen if necessary. In addition, the new dual-channel multiplexer enables control of a diagnostic oscilloscope, facilitating analysis of the signals on the 38 SSGM January/February 2010
communication lines to the control unit. The dual-channel multiplexer supports all combinations of the diagnostic interfaces, such as K/L Line, SAE and CAN variants. The system automatically detects the control unit and reads out actual data, the fault memory and control unit-specific data. The simplified ‘Easy Connect’ adaptor system ensures that manufacturerspecific diagnostic connections are detected automatically and reliably by the control unit diagnostic software. The pins for communicating with the control unit are switched according to the adapter being used, thus avoiding faulty connections. Bosch www.bosch.com www.ssgm.com
Š 2009, Ashland Canada Corp. *Source: Thomas Penway Research Poll of ASE Mechanics in the United States
www.v a lv o li n e . c o m
Only one person works on his car. And only one oil works in his engine. More ASE-certified top mechanics use Valvoline in their own cars.* Mechanics can use any oil they want. They choose the one with a proven reputation for quality, protection and a history of innovation. Valvoline.
100 YEARS UNDER THE HOOD.
TM
Conventional Brake discs
Fremax Ready to Go Brake discs
"DRY OIL" TECHNOLOGY NO CONTAMINATION OF BRAKE PADS REDUCES NOISE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY, NO NEED TO USE HEAVY CHEMICAL PRODUCTS FOR WASH/CLEAN UP MUCH FASTER TO ASSEMBLE EXCELLENT FRICTION RATE FROM THE BEGINNING SPECIAL FINISHING ON THE BRAKING SURFACE ALLOWS FAST AND EASY BEDDING OF THE BRAKE PADS
THE FIRST BRAKE THAT´S
READY TO ASSEMBLE
Now, FREMAX offers brake discs and drums that come with READY TO GO technology, which saves cleaning time and preparation work. Save your time and effort. READY TO GO are much more efficient than conventional brake discs. For more information on READY TO GO, contact us:
Agna Brakes 9365 De Meaux St Leonard, Qc, H1R 3H3 Tel.: (514)333-7781 Toll Free: (888)333-AGNA (2462) Fax: (514)333-8759
www.agnabrakes.com