Service Station & Garage Management May 2012

SSGM Service Station and Garage Management READ BY AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP OWNERS AND TECHNICIANS SINCE 1955

MAY 2012

Transmission Complexity

• Electrical Diagnosis • Emissions

www.ssgm.com

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SSGM what’s inside May 2012

Vol. 42 No. 4

Service Station and Garage Management

EDITOR Tom Venetis (416) 510-6790 tom@ssgm.com TECHNICAL EDITOR Jim Anderton jim@ssgm.com CONTRIBUTING WRITER Nestor Gula 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 14

PRODUCTION MANAGER Steve Hofmann (416) 510-6757

See Page 23

PRINT PRODUCTION MANAGER Phyllis Wright

Electrical Diagnosis You will live and die by the scan tool for this work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Emissions

VICE PRESIDENT CANADIAN PUBLISHING Alex Papanou PRESIDENT BUSINESS INFORMATION GROUP Bruce Creighton

The first line of defence is O2 sensor, wire set maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 AWARD-WINNING MAGAZINE

Transmission Complex electronics, market forces places challenges on transmission work. . . . . . . . . . . 23

Detroit Engines North American auto shows features a variety of new engine designs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

TACT Team Management Success means preparing for the day you retire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Shop Profile Independents can learn a lot from the service success of Brian Jessel BMW. . . . . . . . . . . 40

Departments Editorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Baywatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Jim’s Rant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Internet Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Advertiser Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

*For BlackBerrys: Go to your BlackBerry messenger and select Scan Barcode. *For iPhones: Use the App Store to download Beetagg Reader Pro.

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“We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund (CPF) for our publishing activities.”

In association with CANADIAN

AUTOMOTIVE Member of

Technician

Inc.

HEAD OFFICE Business Information Group 80 Valleybrook Drive Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 Contact us via one of the following methods: Telephone: 416-442-5600 Facsimile: 416-510-5169 Website: www.ssgm.com Service Station and Garage Management is published

by BIG Magazines LP, a div. of Glacier BIG Holdings Company Ltd., a leading Cana­dian information company with interests in daily and community news­papers and business-to-business information services.

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|| Tom’s Editorial

Small Steps for EV Future T

By Tom Venetis, Editor

Vehicle companies need to rethink the notion of owning the battery. What turns off most people from EV or hybrid technologies is the cost of replacing the battery some years down the road.

here are many stumbling blocks for electric vehicles. Some are well known, such as the supposed lack of range that will leave one stranded on the side of the road when the battery runs out. It is not an unfounded concern considering that you are not likely to find a proper power outlet for the EV at your local grocery store or 711. The blunt reality is if people don’t believe there is going to be someplace to plug their vehicles in when they go out to the mall, for example, they are not likely to invest in an EV no matter how much the vehicles drops in price or the battery technology improves.

Some have clued into this problem. The first is Ford of Canada. It announced plans to make it easier for buyers of its plug-in vehicles to charge their batteries by making its 240-volt chargers available through Best Buy electronic stores. An added incentive is the installation of these chargers will be overseen by the store’s in-house Geek Squad team; or if you don’t want to go that route, you can hire your own electrician to install a 240V outlet in the garage in which the charger can be plugged into.

The other bit of news is the Vaughan Mills shopping centre outside of Toronto is looking into adding plug-in capability to spots now reserved for drivers of vehicles in car-sharing groups such as Zipcar.

These are important steps in establishing the viability of the EV concept and can be points for others to build on.

A more important step may be for the vehicle companies to rethink the notion of owning the battery. What turns off most people from EV or hybrid technologies is the cost of replacing the battery some years down the road. The depreciation of the vehicle makes replacing the battery more expensive than what value remains of the car. It is a scenario for simply dumping the vehicle when the battery goes. Why not make the battery a lease option for the vehicle? You pay a small monthly fee for the battery and when the battery runs it course, it is replaced by the vehicle manufacturer. The manufacturer can then recycle or refurbish the battery for another use. This leasing system is already being tried in Europe with success and could prove the same here in North America.

There is still a long way to go for EV technology to succeed, but the steps by Ford and mall owners are steps in the right direction. Now if we could only get the media to stop running such crazily biased news stories against EVs and hybrid vehicles as the one Fox News in the United States ran a short while back. It was so inaccurate and blatantly skewed to show all EV and hybrid technologies in a bad light it was rightly ridiculed. Still, it was Fox News, an organization that likely does not know Cicero’s maxim improbi hominis est mendacio fallere (it is the act of a bad man to deceive by falsehood).

What do you think?

Have your say and speak your mind! letterstotheeditor@ssgm.com 6 SSGM May 2012

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|| News Briefs

Auto-Camping Expands Operations in British Columbia A new Auto-Camping Ltd. distribution center has opened in Victoria, British Columbia to support repair shops needing European import parts.

The relocation of Auto-Camping’s warehouse in Burnaby, British Columbia to a larger facility on 3464 Gardner Court ensures enough capacity for the expanding lines of Porsche, Land Rover and Jaguar parts. Auto-Camping now carries over 10,000 SKUs for European vehicles.

Auto-Camping also took over the Total oil distribution for British Columbia from M+R in February. This acquisition included a state-of-the-art delivery vehicle and a fully equipped warehouse in Richmond, British Columbia at 11820 Twigg Place that enables Auto-Camping to expand into the bulk oil delivery business for passenger car, heavy duty and industrial lubricants.

ACDelco Announces New Cape Breton Supplying Distributor Saf-Way Auto Parts Limited

ACDelco announced a new distributor of ACDelco parts in the Cape Breton area of Nova Scotia. Saf-Way Auto Parts, a local auto parts supplier for over 37 years, will now also be stocking quality ACDelco parts for Cape Breton repair facilities. Saf-Way Auto parts has three locations, located in Sydney, New Waterford and Glace Bay – all which ensure they can support the entire Cape Breton area.

With the addition of Saf-Way Auto Parts to ACDelco’s national supply base, repair facilities across the Maritimes can be assured they will get ACDelco parts for their repair needs from all of ACDelco’s distribution partners found in Atlantic Canada.

ACDelco Simplifies Battery Warranties

ACDelco is enhancing warranties on non-automotive batteries, eliminating the pro-rated policy for all batteries and, in some cases, increasing the free replacement period. Streamlining the warranty will make warranty processing more cost effective for the aftermarket, reducing administration 8 SSGM May 2012

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time while making it easier for repair facilities to explain the warranty to their customers. This enhanced warranty applies to newly labelled batteries and is a rolling change. ACDelco will process all warranties published on the battery label.

“Our customers want battery warranties that are easy to understand and easy to communicate to their customers,” said Dave Saxton, ACDelco product program development manager. “We listened, and we believe our customers will be very happy with our new warranties.”

This rolling change impacts the label and warranty only; there have been no changes to the high quality engineering found in each battery. To learn more about ACDelco’s complete portfolio of batteries, visit ACDelcoCanada.com.

Chevron Lubricant Marketer to Open New Facility in Quebec

Chevron Lubricants Canada, a seller of engine oils, lubricants and coolants, announced that First Source Marketer, Crevier Lubricants, opened a new facility in Longueuil, Quebec.

A Chevron Lubricant marketer since 2009, Crevier Lubricants provides

lubricants and related service to companies in multiple markets, including, transportation, construction, mining, power generation and consumer automotive. The new location will increase capacity from 40,000 sq.ft. to 60,000 sq.ft., and will be accessible to rail cars.

As a Chevron-branded First Source marketer, Crevier Lubricants is recognized as one of Chevron’s top-performing lubrication marketers. The First Source designation indicates the company is committed to being a strategic ally dedicated to the long-term success of their customer’s business.

On April 19, the Chevron Delo Truck made an appearance at the grand opening event for the new Crevier Lubricants facility. The truck serves as a rolling ambassador for the Delo brand. In exhibit mode, the Delo Truck is 22’ wide and features 19 stations designed to educate customers and the general public on key market issues, Delo technology and the importance of premium performance heavy-duty engine oils, lubricants and coolants.

The centerpiece of the Delo Truck is its 19 learning stations – most with interactive displays. Along with detailed information on the Delo product family and the brand’s history, visiwww.ssgm.com

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|| News Briefs tors can explore various market topics including maximizing drain intervals, challenging the semi-synthetic myth and interpreting evolving OEM drain recommendations. Various engine parts are also on display for guests to explore.

“As one of Chevron’s First Source Marketers, Crevier Lubricants exemplifies the level of dedication and commitment required to be a true partner to its customer base,” said Bob Meachen, president, Chevron Lubricants Canada. “This new facility, will allow them to provide improved service levels for their customers and the community by allowing for expanded inventory levels and rail access. We want to take this opportunity to thank Crevier Lubricants for being such a great partner and to congratulate them on the inauguration of their new facility.”

Hankook Tire Canada Corp.

Introduces Highway All-Season Tire

Hankook Tire Canada Corp. has introduced the Dynapro HT Premium Highway All-Season Tire to Canada.

The Dynapro HT provides drivers of SUV, van and light truck vehicles with significantly improved all-season performance compared to existing and competing products.

The Dynapro HT features the latest semi-solid rib & block design to enhance grip in wet and snowy conditions while a high stiffness centre-block delivers an improved steering response. The footprint of the tire has been enlarged 3.5 per cent compared to the previous generation Dynapro AS, providing improved acceleration, grip and uneven wear resistance. Noise reduction is an important component of the design, providing additional comfort to drivers.

The tire is expected to deliver longer tread life for a higher consumer value.

“Hankook Tire recognizes the need for well performing premium light truck tires.” says Bill Hume, vicepresident of Hankook Tire Canada Corp. “With improved snow traction, longer tread life and significantly lower noise, Canadian consumers will enjoy confidence and value derived from the high quality product.”

The Hankook Dynapro HT is 10 SSGM May 2012

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offered in 34 sizes in both P-metric and LT-metric sizes from 15” to 20.”

The UTQG rating is 700/A/B for P-Metric tires only.

Pirelli Canada Partners with CAA-Quebec

Pirelli Canada has partnered with CAA-Québec to offer the over one million members of the not-for-profit organization special rebates on the purchase of Pirelli Tires.

CAA-Quebec seeks to provide its members and customers with a feeling of security and peace of mind by providing very high-quality automotive, travel, residential and financial services and products, including the new rebates for Pirelli tire products. Pirelli is the premium reference in high and ultra-high-performance tires for cars, trucks, SUVs, crossovers and motorcycles. In part through its partnership with CAA-Québec, Pirelli strives to introduce its full line of products to the Canadian consumer, highlighting the company’s shared goals of sustainability and environmental responsibility. Until the end of the year customers will receive five dollars off each Pirelli tire purchased with proof of a valid CAA-Québec membership.

“Pirelli is dedicated to sustainable development in the automotive space,” said Mattia Bussacchini, president of Pirelli Canada. “Pirelli is the global automotive leader in sustainability, recognized by organizations such as Dow Jones and STOXX as a company that actively practices and promotes sustainable best practices and are pleased to have the opportunity to partner with such an important organization that shares these commitments.”

Gates Launches Performance Center

Gates Canada Inc. has launched an online training solution that allows counter personnel and techs the opportunity to train anywhere, anytime.

The online training solution offers technicians and counterpersons to learn the latest information about belts, hoses and hydraulic products.

Other training programs included in the online training center are automo-

tive and heavy duty accessory belt and drive system training, timing system training and cooling system training.

Interested person should visit gatesaftermarkettrainingcenter.com to get started.

Continental Aftermarket Announces WORLDPAC As U.S. Distributor of ATE PremiumOne Brake Parts for 2012

Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket and WORLDPAC have agreed to distribute the ATE PremiumOne Brake Program in the United States for 2012.

The ATE PremiumOne Brake program includes the ATE AllMakes Brake Pad and Rotor line, which is engineered to OE specifications for quality, fit and performance.

WORLDPAC will be offering ATE PremiumOne Disc Brake Rotors and Pads for popular Domestic, European and Asian vehicle applications.

ATE is an aftermarket brand of Continental Corporation, one of the world’s leading brake system manufacturers and suppliers. From the introduction of the first hydraulic brake system in 1926 to the development of the first antilock braking system prototype in 1967, the ATE brand has a rich history of innovation and experience in the design and production of advanced brake system technologies.

ATE PremiumOne Disc Brake Rotors and Pads are OE engineered and application-matched to meet specific vehicle requirements. When used together, PremiumOne customers will receive the optimum rotor and pad replacement as specified by the original vehicle manufacturer.

ATE PremiumOne Rotors feature a patented RotorLife wear indicator that gives technicians and customers a quick visual reference of rotor thickness and helps identify the need for replacement. The wear indicator, which is created by elliptical grooves that are machined into both rotor surfaces, also helps to reduce brake fade and extend pad life by enhancing the dissipation of heat and gases. A MetaCote protective coating is applied to help prevent rust and corrosion so www.ssgm.com

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THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF SERVICE? THE PARTS. Start the job right with genuine Motorcraft otorcraft® parts, the only parts manufactured specifically for Ford

and Lincoln vehicles. Take our high h quality, easy-to-install wiper blades—choose from our Premium Flat Wiper Blades or Premium Wiper iper Blades with Wear Indicator. For the best quality and more satisfied customers, choose Ford Motorcraft® parts from your local Ford Store. See dealer for details.

Motorcraft® wiper blades are designed to fit nearly all competitive petitive makes and models. Best of all, ll, th. they’re one price for any length.

Motorcraft® is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company. ©2012 Ford Motor Company of Canada, Limited. All rights reserved.

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|| News Briefs the rotors maintain a clean appearance.

ATE PremiumOne Disc Brake Pads are formulated to restore original equipment performance, reduce wheel dusting and extend pad life. The pad’s under-layer design helps to reduce NVH and improve quietness. All pads include shims, slots and chamfers as well as the applicable OE accessories for the complete installation.

View Beck/Arnley’s New Product Videos on YouTube, Facebook and Web Site

Beck/Arnley has produced a series of videos on several of its genuine foreign nameplate parts that are now available for viewing on the Beck/Arnley YouTube channel, Facebook page and company website, as well as being offered on DVD. There are five new product videos that feature Beck/Arnley’s OE fluid, brake friction, chassis, engine management and gaskets/filtration product categories.

In each video, Beck/Arnley’s director of product management, Tom Fritsche, discusses how Beck/Arnley has added features or made enhancements to the product categories in order to give import technicians real-world solutions to make their installation jobs easier and more efficient.

“Posting our new product videos to YouTube, Facebook and the Beck/ Arnley website is an example of how we are taking advantage of the popularity of social media as another vehicle for reaching and educating our customers about our company and our line of Beck/Arnley premium quality, genuine foreign nameplate parts for cars, light trucks and SUVs,” said Fritsche.

In addition to the new product videos, the website and social media sites also contain specialty videos, with French subtitles, that cover specific products and issues of interest.

Engine Protection, Environmental Benefit Meet in New Valvoline NextGen Motor Oil

Valvoline, a brand of Ashland Inc., announced the wide-scale availability of NextGen motor oil. The new formula is made from 50 per cent recycled oil.

NextGen motor oil is the culmina12 SSGM May 2012

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tion of years of continued research, technology and innovation from Valvoline scientists coupled with improvements in the oil re-refining process. Valvoline chemists now have the ability to pair the company’s additive chemistry with recycled base oils. The result is a highperformance product that uses 50 per cent recycled oil and matches the quality of other Valvoline motor oils that use non-recycled base oil.

“Unlike vertically integrated oil and energy companies, our sole focus is motor oil, so we are constantly looking to innovate and bring the highestquality motor oil products to consumers,” said Sam Mitchell, president of Valvoline. “NextGen takes advantage of our technology and expertise in a formulation that uses recycled oil and delivers the quality and performance we demand to put the Valvoline ‘V’ on the bottle.”

Since base oil doesn’t completely wear out — it simply gets dirty — used oil can be re-refined and re-used.

Today’s re-refining technology has advanced significantly and now follows a technical process almost identical to that used for crude oil refining.

The manufacturing process also offers environmental benefits, lessening the carbon footprint (versus crude refining) while producing base oil just as good as base oil from crude oil.

Uni-Select’s Linda Donnini Receives AIA’s YES Young Leader of the Year Award

The Automotive Industries Association is delighted to announce that Linda Donnini, senior director of marketing for Uni-Select’s Canadian Automotive Group is this year’s winner of the prestigious YES Young Leader of the Year Award. The award was presented during the Volunteer Luncheon, being held in Toronto at the Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel & Suites on April 26th, 2012 at 11:30 am.

This is the fifth year that the YES Alumni Selection Committee has recognized an outstanding employee for their dedication to the industry, their leadership and innovation. The Young Executive of the Year Award was created in 2007 by the Young Executive

Society Committee (YES) to provide member organizations with an opportunity to recognize an employee who has made an impact on their company, the community and the industry. In 2010, the YES Alumni were asked to act as the body to oversee the criteria, solicit nominations and make the final selection.

As the Senior Director of Marketing for Uni-Select’s Canadian Automotive Group, Linda Donnini is responsible for all installer programs and banners across Canada, as well as all marketing and communication initiatives across North America.

Linda has extensive experience in marketing and has occupied several management positions in the last 16 years within the Automotive, Manufacturing and Retail industries. Her career began in fashion retail but she was quickly recruited into the manufacturing and distribution of electrical parts. This experience provided a stepping stone in her career, allowing her to build and strengthen her business knowledge for five years. In 2011, she completed the Executive Program (CIREM) at HEC Montreal University, a program designed for experienced managers with high potential who form the executive succession. She has now been in the automotive aftermarket for over 10 years, and continues to thrive in this sector.

“Linda’s leadership, professionalism and her extensive knowledge of the market as well as her commitment to customer service have earned the respect from industry peers,” stated John MacDonald, a member of the YES Alumni Committee and the AIA second vice-chairman for the Board of Directors. “Her strong business acumen, combined with her extensive technical background have both helped shape the very accomplished business executive she is today. Linda is passionate about AIA and has given her time to numerous committees and programs the Association offers; the BCCA Committee, the Motorist Assurance Program, the Market Research Committee and the AIA Board of Directors.” more news on page 30 www.ssgm.com

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|| Electrical Systems

Electrical challenge Servicing a vehicle’s electrical systems is an increasingly complex task Andrew Brooks

T

he proliferation of computerized systems and networks inside cars has changed forever the nature of automotive electronics, says Dave Crippen, district service manager, Bosch Car Service program. “With the Controller Area Network [CAN], vehicle networking, computers talking on networks, it’s opened a whole different world of problems in the electrical field,” Crippen says. “Now you have communications issues between computers, computers not going to sleep properly and draining power, problems with circuits that look like problems with components … if you’re not a network specialist it’s tough to deal with.

You live and die by a scan tool.”

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For Mark Sach-Anderson, owner and mechanic at Dave’s Garage in Etobicoke, Ontario, electrical and electronic problems arise from two main causes: corrosion and wire chafing or abrasion. More electronics onboard means more places where corrosion, abrasion and other factors can create problems in a vehicle’s electronic systems. Again, circuit problems can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, and today’s mechanics are increasingly being expected to demonstrate the skills of network specialists in determining whether onboard diagnostics are providing a genuine warning of trouble or are themselves the problem.

Rick Adams, product manager,

Customer Care and Aftersales with ACDelco Canada, has also seen the evolution of automotive problems. “An electrical system or device that wasn’t working properly used to be simple,” he says. “It just stopped working – what I call a ‘hard fault.’ Today’s complexity has added what I refer to as ‘soft faults’ to the mix; systems that don’t have any ‘broken’ parts but need to be upgraded, set up, re-initialized or reprogrammed as ‘fixes’ … electrical faults caused by other than the actual system not operating properly.”

Adams echoes Sach-Anderson’s view that the physical wear and tear on the wires carrying electrical loads are playing an ever more important role in

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It started with a spark... but it’s our entire product line that has everybody talking.

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|| Electrical Systems presenting ‘problems’ to the automotive diagnostician. “Fretting and corrosion,” he says, “are becoming the most common problems, and there are many OE bulletins surrounding these.” Fretting is where a multi-strand wire is coming apart strand by strand, either due to rubbing, tension or poor material design.

At the same time the overall reliability of components is improving by

leaps and bounds, and in the case of starters at least, the vulnerable electronics are now better protected than they used to be. “Most starter motors are integral now,” Sach-Anderson says.

“Before, you used to have a solenoid, and you’d replace a solenoid and leave the starter motor. Now they’re both integral. This is a better arrangement.

In the past the wires would pull a high current draw in between the two com-

Reman alternator, such as this one from ACDelco, are a good choice for many vehicle owners.

ponents, but now everything’s encased and sealed up, so the electronics are a lot less open to the elements.”

Alternator technology has also made strides. “Whereas before you’d have a voltage regulator that would full-field them and shut them off, now they’re regulated by duty cycle by the onboard computer systems,” Sach-Anderson says. “So they’re working lot less than they had to before.”

However, the added complexity of electronics and the proliferation of monitoring and control systems have put a premium on diagnosis, which poses a challenge for shop owners. “It’s usually the case with electrical systems that now the diagnostics of the repair far exceeds the repair itself,” SachAnderson says. “With the charging system, where before you’d grab a test light and check your field voltage, now you need to get in with a scanner or use a DVM and measure all the duty cycles.

In fact, if you put a test light across it you can actually cause more damage than what the vehicle came in for.”

The lengthier processes now required to get a good diagnosis of electrical problems means shops now have to persuade the customer that more time is required to get the job done properly. “We don’t sell parts, we sell time,” Sach-Anderson says. “And to justify somebody’s time at a diagnostics rate of $120 an hour is an extremely difficult sell.”

Eli Melnick, owner of Start Auto Electric of Toronto, agrees. “The typical question is ‘How much is it going to cost to fix?’ When we say we don’t know yet, they ask how much we charge per hour. If we charge $120 an hour to find out what the problem is, they find somebody who charges $85 an hour. Nobody thinks of it in terms of how long it will take you to find a short compared with somebody else. If you take two hours and the other guy takes three, the customer’s paying more.”

Buried costs

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Photo courtesy of Bosch Auto Parts

Sach-Anderson notes that diagnostics are a “buried” cost, in that customers don’t appreciate the need to find and identify the problem, or the need to purchase the sophisticated equipment www.ssgm.com

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|| Electrical Systems that’s needed to interface with onboard systems and figure out what’s gone wrong. “They don’t see we’ve just spent several thousand dollars on the equipment, plus the cost of the software updates from the manufacturer. The reality is that the $120 an hour isn’t necessarily my time. It’s the ‘lease of the equipment to check your vehicle’ is how I put it.”

The battery is the heart of the electrical system, and a problem here can impact many of the vehicle’s other components, with the alternator and starter at the top of the list. The cur-

to create problems that seem simple on the surface. The fact that the ignition switch in late-model vehicles is connected to the starter through a relay controlled by the electronic control module means that issues with unrelated systems such as security can interrupt the connection, manifesting as a starter problem when in fact the starter is in good condition.

When servicing, it’s important to remember to read the onboard diagnostics before disconnecting the battery, as this will eliminate any codes in the system. Obviously, wiping out

rebuild is done, and on the quality,” says Crippen. “It’s very important that a rebuilder be checked and verified that they’re doing the job properly - if you get a bad string it’s going to fail in the field.”

Sach-Anderson also stresses the value of verifying quality. “We’ll use remanufactured a lot of the time, but it depends where you’re purchasing from. Make sure they’re reputable and they’re replacing all of the stuff inside the component.”

Remanufactured parts are still the best value for the customer, Melnick

rent draw from the starter is always a prime indicator of the condition of the starter itself, but it can also lead back to battery problems, as a battery with lower capacity will tend to increase the current demand from the starter during cranking. Also, if the battery has become sulfated, this will put added stress on the alternator and cause it to fail sooner.

The complexity of today’s electrical systems can allow ‘third-party’ causes

trouble codes before they’ve been noted means that potential problems won’t be addressed, and when a failure does finally occur the customer is going to hold the shop responsible.

When replacing a starter or alternator is the only option, the old OEMversus-remanufactured debate is as strong as ever. The reman option has a lot going for it, provided you use a known and trusted source. “The value of rebuilding depends on where the

says, but now overseas suppliers are able to provide new product often at a lower price than remanufactured parts.

While the coverage and quality are still concerns, quality is improving fast, he says. “They want to sell their product, so once a problem is identified they’re the first to fix it,” he says. “So the quality is improving. Really, their competitiveness is incredible compared to what we do to rebuild parts.”

SSGM

18 SSGM May 2012

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11/05/12 10:07 AM

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|| Emissions

Keeping it Clean Making sure O2 sensors and spark plugs are maintained will keep a

By Nestor Gula vehicle’s emissions controls and nature happy

I

had an old, but dearly loved and cherished, beater when Ontario introduced the Drive Clean program in 1999. I admit I was nervous as I was not too sure that it would pass, and I was not sure I wanted to sink too much money into the vehicle.

It passed with flying colours and my service provider explained to me that this was due to the fact that I did regular maintenance on the sparks plugs, oxygen sensors and wire sets.

This 1987 S10 Jimmy had a 2.8litre V6 with throttle body injection. Compared to modern cars it was positively cro-magnon. But it still got good fuel mileage. Back then, I was swapping spark plugs and wire sets about every two years, while my current vehicle has been purring cleanly and efficiently now for about 12 years with but one change of plugs and wires.

Designs of engines and all their components have improved remark-

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ably. “New engines, especially those utilizing Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) and turbochargers, require significant changes in OE spark plug design,” according to Mark Wilkinson, group product manager, Spark Plugs for Bosch. “Vehicle manufacturers have focused on exact ‘spark projection’ and the use of precious metals with appropriate new assembly processes to create the best spark in the latest generation of engines. ‘Spark projection’ refers to the actual location of the spark plug in the combustion chamber.”

A major change to spark plug design has been the introduction of precious metals to this product. “Over the years we are seeing more use of precious metals in spark plugs. What this means is a longer service life,” said Sukhneet Mavi, product manager for NGK Canada. “Most spark plugs now last about 160,000 kilometres. Design is evolving as well because of higher compression

engine – plugs are becoming longer and thinner. We have to use newer materials that can stand up to the higher temperatures and the higher compression.”

It is still important to change plugs according to the manufacturer’s specification. “Some still have to be swapped out every 40,000 kilometres,” stated Mavi. “It goes with the OEM recommendation when to change the plugs.”

Wilkinson notes that, “Bosch works closely with vehicle manufacturers to develop and improve spark plugs for their vehicles, and transfers this knowledge and expertise to the spark plugs produced for the replacement market.”

In general he said that, “advanced technology and spark plug design, combined with the greater use of more durable materials and improved manufacturing techniques translates into longer spark plug life.” And this keeps the sparks in the engine at their optimal level.

A strong spark from the spark plug can only be achieved if there is enough electricity going to the spark plug.

Spark plug wires should be replaced as recommended by the OEM. Some customers might question this move, but spark plug wires do have a hard life. They carry serious amounts of electricity in very short bursts and exist in a very difficult environment. “The ignition wires are routed very tightly around the engine there is a lot of humidity and experiences a range of temperature hot and cold,” said NGK’s Mavi. Most manufacturers recommend replacing them every five years or 100,000 kilometres according to Mavi. “The ignition wires are made of a porous material like a silicone jacket.

It is hard to see or notice the cracks in the material,” he said. “Moisture starts www.ssgm.com

11/05/12 10:09 AM

Emissions || to seep in and they will lose their ability to carry electricity efficiently. They will still work but not at optimum capacity.”

In my ’87 Jimmy, if the engine warning light came on, I more or less knew that one of the oxygen sensors had gotten fouled and needed to be replaced, a simple fix back then. Newer cars need more attention. “If the ‘check engine’ light is on and flashing, this means it demands immediate attention,” said Warren Suter, director, Engine Management Systems, Bosch Automotive Aftermarket. “A worn out oxygen sensor often is the culprit and changing it may cost a lot less than replacing damaged engine components. But before just replacing the sensor and sending the vehicle back out, check to see if engine problems may have caused the sensor to fail. A blown head gasket, for instance, could be allowing antifreeze to leak into the cylinders and into the exhaust stream, which can kill the oxygen sensor.

If not corrected, this problem would cause the replacement sensor to fail, bringing the vehicle back with an unhappy customer. The vehicle’s oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and signals the engine’s computer to adjust the airfuel ratio to ensure that combustion is as complete as possible. If the oxygen sensor is worn out and fails to assess the air-fuel ratio accurately, the engine’s computer tries to accommodate the

perceived variation and, in the process, may adjust the mixture too lean or too rich.”

A potential result of an engine’s sensors providing faulty information to the engine management system is possible damage to the catalytic converter or other major components. It also can add up to higher fuel mileage and a failed Drive Clean examination.

Once the sensor is removed it should be tested to see if it is really at fault. “Fault (error) codes do not necessarily indicate that a sensor is faulty,” said Dave Ehle, global chief engineer, vehicle electronics and thermal, Delphi Product & Service Solutions. “When a vehicle’s engine management system detects a fault related to a given sensor, a fault code is stored in memory and freeze-frame data is stored in memory.

The code provides us a description of the fault and where it is located in the engine management system. The system reports a given condition has been detected within a circuit, but the system does not identify which part of the circuit is faulty.”

Sensors have become hardier to avoid the hassles of errors in fault codes. “Oxygen sensors have been made tougher and more resilient to fouling and denigration by means of a porous ceramic coating which is deposited on the surface of the sensing element exposed to the exhaust gas during the manufacturing process,” said

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11/05/12 10:09 AM

|| Emissions

Delphi planar technologies are made to have contamination resistance to silicone, phosphorous and other fuel/oil additives, through a protective sensor coating. The sensors feature OE connectors and wire lengths within three inches of OE specifications.

Ehl. “This coating prevents contamination and erosion of the element from particulates and combustion residue from the exhaust stream, while allowing oxygen to permeate through to the electrode surface.”

“They have a life of 30,000 to 100,000 miles depending on the driving and engine condition, said Robert Hall, OTC technical sales manager.

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Bosch spark plugs are made to be identical to the spark plugs installed by OEMs in production.

“The oxygen sensor signals the computer if the air/fuel mixture is too rich or too lean in order for the computer to properly adjust the mixture. As the O2 sensor goes bad, it will slow down in its reaction rate or give false readings causing the air/fuel mixture to be incorrect.” The sensor is used by the vehicle’s engine management system to determine proper ignition timing

and air/fuel mixture. “If the mass air flow sensor goes bad, gets dirty or gets fouled by oil film, the computer will get a incorrect reading of the amount of air being consumed by the engine,” said Hall. “As with any computer, the engine computer must have the correct input data or it will not run right, garbage in garbage out.”

SSGM

www.ssgm.com

11/05/12 10:10 AM

Transmission Repair ||

Transmission Work Gets Complicated Modern electronics means transmission servicing requires complex diagnostic work Tom Venetis, Editor

T

ransmission work remains a staple of automotive repair. Changing vehicle technologies and the changing automotive sales landscape, however, means challenges for independents looking to continue to offer transmission services as a significant part of their operations.

The most significant change service shops are seeing right now is how complex electronics have moved transmission operations from being purely a mechanical-only process.

James Blunt, shop foreman with Stan’s Transmission Centre Ltd. in Vancouver with fifteen years of experience in transmission diagnostics and repair, says while the basic principles of transmission operations are the same from when he started, the difference is “now you have a computer

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controlling things instead of your foot (controlling it) through the gas pedal.”

For a shop like Stan’s Transmission Centre, one in operation since 1964 and specializing in transmission work, this electronic reality means a heavy investment in new diagnostic equipment and training.

“Where fifteen or twenty years ago, you could figure out pretty quickly if a kick-down cable, shifter cable or modulator was the problem, now the advanced vehicle electronics means you have to do a complete diagnostic examination,” says Dan Fenos, owner of the Toronto-based Transmission Depot. In fact, the first step in transmission work must be a complete electronic diagnostic to eliminate the possibility that a transmission problem is not really a problem with a faulty May 2012 SSGM 23

11/05/12 10:11 AM

|| Transmission Repair

electronic module or solenoid required for the operation of the transmission.

“Today’s electronics play a big role in transmission operations and if you have an electronic failure somewhere, it can quickly damage a transmission,” he adds.

Tony Stevkov, operations specialist with Mr. Transmission agrees that today’s vehicle electronics have moved transmission repair and maintenance out of the realm of mechanical-only work. This means technicians have to take a broader range of training to be up-to-speed on the work required for transmission servicing today.

Let’s take one example of the kind of knowledge a service technician is going to need today. In a recent Automatic Transmission Service Group Technical Manual (www.atsg. com), the complexity of the Mitsubishi F5A5A and Hyundai/Kia A5GF1 transmissions are outlined, pointing out that the five-speed front-wheel drive transaxle is fully electronically controlled for upshifts and downshifts.

Individual gear ratios are achieved through three planetary gear sets and there are three different planetary gear ratios. As well, to help improve fuel economy, the torque converter clutch is controlled by the PCM, depending on throttle position, transaxle temperature and speed. In a further note, just to add to the complexity mix, the Mitsubishi system uses a four-speed valve body with an added solenoid to 24 SSGM May 2012

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control reduction band, “so there are six solenoids instead of five. The Low/ Reverse solenoid is now a double-duty solenoid and used to also apply the added direct clutch pack, based on the position of the switch valve in the valve body.”

Because all of the complex electronics, the service technician will also have to be prepared to hunt down other electrical problems that could be causing transmission problems. The Automatic Transmission Repair Association (www.atra.com) points out that something as simple as a bad battery connection can cause the transmission solenoids to operate improperly.

Bob Maderic, owner of Automatic Transmission says these technical challenges means he spends a lot of time and funds keeping his technicians trained and up-to-date on the latest vehicle technologies. This is especially important as his shop specializes in transmission work on foreign vehicles, such as BMW, often handling inwarranty work that the dealerships send his way.

“It is very hard today to find the right kind of staff,” he adds. “In our niche, the vehicle import market, we have to provide a lot of training and support to make sure our technicians can do the work. I’ve taken courses in Germany to understand how those transmissions work.”

If the technical challenges are not daunting enough, there is another that

will be: selling transmission service.

Why should that be so difficult? Maderic says today’s shops have only to look across the road to the new vehicle sales offices and see cars being offered with incredibly low financing options and with powertrain warranties of 10 years. This makes it difficult to convince an owner of an older vehicle that with the depreciation the transmission repair is worth the cost. If a 2001 Ford Windstar comes in with transmission problems the work on that vehicle can be over $2,000. “But the car is not worth that much,” says Maderic. “Not even for scrap.” What a service writer and technician will have to assess is if the vehicle owner still believes there is value in that vehicle. If the owner has spent the time and dollars to maintain it, “then the investment in a transmission rebuild is a good investment.”

Mr. Transmission’s Stevkov adds that even with the cost of a transmission rebuild, it is in fact less expensive than purchasing a new vehicle even with today’s low-cost financing advertised by car makers.

“One thing we try to explain to customers is that while it seems to be a low monthly payment initially (on a new vehicle), you do have to put a down payment, there will be maintenance and repairs to be paid for,” Stevkov adds. “Repairing a vehicle is a one-time thing … and one thing people have to remember is not every vehicle needs a complete transmission overhaul. Some can be repaired with minor fixes, such as replacing a throttle positioning sensor.”

Stan’s Transmission Centre’s Blunt adds most problems with transmissions can be avoided if vehicle owners follow the recommended service outlined in the owner’s manual, such as regularly having the transmission fluid inspected and the mechanism examined at the intervals specified.

“Even though getting the transmission regularly services might seem expensive, it is much less expensive than having it repaired.”

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11/05/12 10:12 AM

|| Detroit Engines

Detroit

Chicago

Soon in your shops Auto shows feature new engine technologies

By Michel Poirer-Defoy, Editor L’automobile

F

ollowing on the heels of a few tough years, North American car shows are back in the public eye. Attendance was up at the recent Detroit, Chicago, New

Ford adds to its EcoBoost line-up with a 1.6L engine delivering 173 HP and 177 ft/lb of torque. A 1.0L EcoBoost is on the way.

26 SSGM May 2012

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York, Toronto and Montreal car shows, and all showcased more than 150 new product presentations and launches, with more than two million visitors having a glimpse of the upcoming 2013 vehicle catalogue. The Big Three monopolized the front row with the Ford Fusion named Star of the Show in Motor City, which Ford claims will challenge any Camry or Accord coming into the market. The Dodge Dart, based on the famed Alfa Romeo Giulietta, is cute sheet metal and replaces the ill-born Caliber. Finally Cadillac goes small with the ATS. Japanese and Asian car makers also came with surprises as Subaru and Toyota unveiled joined ventures: the Subaru BRZ harkens back to the celebrated Corolla rear-wheel drive AE86 and looks like a mock-up 911, while the Scion FR-S proposes a boxer four-banger under the hood.

Hyundai is bridging the gap with other manufacturers with this full EV power plant. www.ssgm.com

11/05/12 10:13 AM

2000

1965

Valvoline launches MaxLife®, the first motor oil for high mileage engines

Valvoline introduces the first & best selling racing oil of all time

1866

Dr. John Ellis invents motor oil

1939

Valvoline develops X-18, a single grade oil which could be used in place of 18 different specified automotive lubricants

1996

Valvoline launches DuraBlend™, the first synthetic blend motor oil

2012

Valvoline launches NextGen™, the first national branded recycled motor oil

Valvoline invented the engine oil category almost 150 years ago – and we haven’t stopped pushing new innovations since.

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3/21/12 3:38 PM 11/05/12 10:14 AM

|| Detroit Engines

New York

Toronto

Hardware / Software

Design and chrome always draw more attention from the public. But, for a trained technician, what is more interesting is what lies under the hood and how to fix it.

In fact, there was little new technology this year. The trend is engines with smaller displacement and fewer cylinders, even for full-sized cars and trucks. The Duratec V6 misses out against the new Ford Fusion powered with four-cylinders and the Atkinson cycle 2.5 litre will service the hybrid version, while two EcoBoost engines will become the everyday commuter engine with a 2.0 litre and the new 1.6 version of the four-cylinder design. At Chrysler, technicians should be acquainted to the MultiAir system, first used in the Fiat 500. The new 2.4 litre Dart engine has a single overhead cam with an hydraulic valve that adds to the airflow when required. The old Caliber is history and the new TigerShark 160 HP engine will use a state of the art 9-speed ZF box.

Montreal the 1000 version in New-York with 950 HP in street trim and 1100 in racing set-up. In order to swallow the eco pill, Bentley shelved its long-time V12 for a less guzzling V8.

Energy

GM could not resist showing off with the Chevy Camaro ZL1, with a V8 that delivers 580 horses. The 2013 Mustang Shelby GT500, whose aluminum air-compressed V8 transfers 650 HP to the rear wheels, brings out more than 320 km/h. The Viper hits back with 640 HP in a lighter package.

And if you can afford the extra 150-grand, Shelby presented

In Detroit, Volkswagen introduced a bi-energy (diesel – electric) prototype Jetta, coming next year. While diesel still holds a large market share in Europe, EV is gaining ground regularly in North America.

For instance, Ford is touring large cities with the electric Focus and the next-gen Fusion hybrid. Hyundai has an EV Elantra coming next year and so does Volkswagen with its futuristic Bugster based on a Beetle roadster with a removable hardtop.

SSGM

The Dodge Dart will be powered by the four-cylinder MultiAir Tigershark engine, with more power coming from a turbo version shortly (185 HP).

The Cadillac compact luxury ATS will have a few engines available, but the smallest in its history will be the 1.4 L Ecotec turbo.

Oh no, they can’t take that away

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11/05/12 10:13 AM

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11/05/12 10:14 AM

|| News Briefs Beck/Arnley Hosts Grand Prize Winners of the Nashville Experience Promotion Beck/Arnley recently hosted the grand prize winners of the Nashville Experience Promotion to a very memorable weekend. Eight counter people and their guests received the Nashville treatment, complete with a tour of the Beck/Arnley plant in Smyrna, a backstage tour of the historic Ryman Auditorium, a day trip to the Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey Distillery in Lynchburg and an evening performance at the American Icon, the Grand Ole Opry.

The Nashville Experience Promotion, which took place last year, was open to counter people in the United States and Canada. In order to qualify for the random grand prize drawing, counter people had to sell at least $12,000 worth of Beck/Arnley foreign nameplate products. Everyone

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who made the sales quota also received an iPod Touch.

The grand prize winners of the Nashville Experience Promotion were: Mike Negus, Oshawa, Ontario Terry Patton, Englewood, Colo.

John Wilks, Winlock, Wash.

Jim Walker, Olympia, Wash.

John Laughlin, Mattydale, N.Y. Charlie Carrow, Upper Darby, Pa.

Alison Sytsma, Campbellville, ­Ontario Tammy Maillet, Moncton, New Brunswick “The Nashville Experience weekend was a unique way for us to get to know our top counter people and show our appreciation for their business and loyalty,” said Sandy Norris, senior marketing manager for Beck/Arnley.

“We all had a great time and everyone enjoyed seeing the Nashville highlights. I know this is one experience that these lucky winners will not soon forget.”

In addition to the Nashville Experience grand prize winners, Uni-Select promotion winner George Hale from Newcastle, Ontario, Canada, and his wife also took part in the Nashville Experience weekend.

SSGM

www.ssgm.com

11/05/12 9:59 AM

速

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11/05/12 10:15 AM

|| TACT Team Management

ROARing

to Success!

E

very once in a while I experience a convergence of ideas that is striking. I will hear someone speak, will read a book or read an interesting article which, on their own, are interesting and useful, but together they hit me between the eyes and create an urgency to learn, discuss and share that convergence with others. The concept I want to share with you is planning: the mundane, boring concept of planning.

So what am I so excited about?

About a month ago, it was my privilege to hear Thomas Deans PhD speak at the AIA Ontario convention in Toronto. He is the author of a groundbreaking book called “Every Family’s Business.” This needs to be read by any one who is in business, whether you work with family or not. He made a statement that really struck me: “Start with the end in mind.” You need to know how you are going to exit your business, before you begin. I have heard of short term, medium term and long term planning, but not planning for the end before you begin. I think this is a profound concept.

A couple of weeks later, a group of clients were telling me how sometimes the monthly financial measurement we perform seemed so irrelevant or redundant. I love measuring business performance and diagnosing the opportunities and challenges, but their comment stuck with me. What I realized was that for many people there was no context to the monthly numbers when there was no long-term plan or end game. I developed a series of questions and took them to other groups of clients to find out how much planning was actually happening.

The result of this research, a small sample I will admit, is that roughly 80 per cent of the automotive service providers I spoke with have never created a formal business plan. This is

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By Murray Voth, TACT

what hit me between the eyes, how can we operate a business without a plan, what is the big picture, what is the end game? “I hope next month will be busier?” What does busy mean?

What do I want to have accomplished by the time my business career is over?

What do I do with what I have created?

Some of you may be saying, what’s so great about this? Well, at the risk of stating the obvious, I have always thought of planning as a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly activity, I have never thought of it as a beginning to end concept. Maybe I have been subconsciously avoiding the thought since I have entered into the over 50 gang.

The questions I have been asking shop owners are as follows: what is the next step for your business, what is the next decision you have you make, what is the next obstacle to over come, and what is your plan? There have been a very wide range of answers, but one of the common themes that has emerged is they are too busy with their nose to the grindstone to come up for air and make a plan. They say they are too busy trying to make money to manage their business. When I ask if they are making money, they say, “Not enough.” The image of a hamster on a tread wheel comes to mind.

Before this imagery offends anyone, I want you to know that this has hit me between the eyes because it applies to me as much as anyone else. This has caused me to think about and research some of the reasons that we as humans avoid planning. There are many reasons, but four themes have surfaced.

The first is “what if the plan fails?” The second is, “Now I have to be accountable for the plan.” Number three is, “I don’t know what the future holds.” And the fourth is that the person is disengaged, in other words, given up.

Fear of failure is a very common

human emotion, but just because it is common does not mean we need to be stuck there. Many times fear is caused by what we don’t know, so we don’t plan, because even if we did, there are too many unknowns. But good planning thinks about the possibilities, good and bad, and prepares for the unexpected. Control the things over which you have control, that way you can deal with the things over which you don’t have control.

The idea that I won’t make a plan because I will now be held accountable is a backwards way of looking at planning. Yes, once you create a plan you will be held accountable, but by whom, no one else but yourself. However, the flip side of that idea is that if you create a plan, you have control of the process, and most likely the outcome. The other feature of a plan is that it creates clarity regarding all lines of accountability, not just yours. It is how you hold others accountable, suppliers, employees, and yes, even your customers.

No one knows what the future holds. But there are principles, patterns, and processes that create consistent results. The sun comes up every morning, you breathe without thinking, what goes up, must come down, if there is either no spark or fuel or air, it won’t run. We are all planning all the time; we are just not necessarily planning well. Good planning means we have the correct mixture of fuel, spark, and air for the plan to work out well.

When the plan is not working well, we diagnose what is out of range and make adjustments.

In many cases when I question a group of people as to why we as humans don’t do more planning, a common response is that we are too lazy. Although I believe that there are lazy people in the world, I think that many people are not lazy, they are diswww.ssgm.com

11/05/12 10:16 AM

TACT Team Management || engaged, out of gear, running in neutral. The reasons for this could range from being burnt out, to confused, to discouraged, or overwhelmed. If any of you find yourself in this situation, and for some of us, we have already been there a couple of times in our lives, I believe that understanding planning from a different perspective will help alleviate confusion, reduce discouragement, create calm, and once you have rested up, give you motivation to move forward again.

Many current shop owners went into business without a plan, or if they had a plan they did not formalize it, and if they formalized it, they have not gone back to it. It is never too late to start planning and I would like to propose a slightly different approach to creating a plan. Let’s begin by Researching our industry. There is enough relevant current and historical data and existing business models to choose what a realistic outcome from an automotive shop would be. Choose a realistic but aggressive Outcome based on this research.

Of course the primary outcome would be profits, the creation of wealth. The third part is to plan your Actions. This is where the difference comes. Most of us plan results, but don’t know the actions that will take us there. Planning actions lays the groundwork and the path to our outcome. The last step is to measure Results. Along the way to our final outcome there will be milestones that we will set out to see how close we are to the outcome. We will compare the Results to the milestones to see how we are progressing with our plan.

I am going to call this process ROAR. RESEARCH – Properly research what you are getting yourself into.

OUTCOME – Choose the outcome you want based on your research; include milestones or markers along the way that will show your progress.

ACTIONS – Plan your actions.

What are the steps required to reach the milestones and ultimately your final outcome?

RESULTS – Measure the results of your actions. Do these results mesh

with the milestones along the way to your outcome?

There is an expression I heard years ago about what it was like to own and manage an automotive shop, “You come to work in the morning, put the key in the door, turn the key and the bomb goes off.” The rest of the day is picking up the pieces. For those of you that feel like this, or feel like you are just too busy to think about your business because you are too busy working, there is hope. We need to start small. What is one thing you could do that would get you a half hour a day to work on your business rather than in it? Think about all the things you do in a day and give some thought to if you have to do all of it yourself. Begin to give away some of the basic tasks that others can perform and start to take control. Even though the ROAR method of planning has an order to it, there is no reason you can’t skip to Plan Your Actions and start getting control of your time, your business, your wealth, and your life.

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.

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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.

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Brought to you by TACT Total Automotive Consulting & Training Group www.ssgm.com

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11/05/12 10:16 AM

SSGM BAYWATCH New Products

Snap-on SOLUS Ultra Designed for fast operation, simple connection and complete scanning abilities, the Solus Ultra (EESC318) from Snap-on is a full-function, OEM-specific scan tool that helps professional service technicians quickly identify the problem and get to the repair. It provides coverage for dozens of vehicle systems, including the new systems such as hybrids, TPMS, steering, body controls, EVAP, clean diesels and more. Solus Ultra uses icon-based navigation and has an embedded operating system dedicated to diagnostic functions for speed and reliability. It offers enhanced scanner coverage for 1980-newer domestic and Asian vehicles, with European vehicle coverage optional.

Capabilities include codes, live data (PIDS), functional tests, relearns and adaptations. Fast-Track Troubleshooter provides experience-based fast-fixes such as code tips, symptoms, tests

Rislone Engine Treatment Rislone Engine Treatment is formulated to tackle sticky valves and rings, noisy valves and lifters, plugged oil passages and screens, reduced oil pressure and loss of power. The Rislone Engine Treatment is a lubrication oil that is combined with protective engine additives and cleaning agents. The

and timesavers, to get through repairs faster.

Snap-on http://diagnostics.snapon.com

formula is designed to penetrate into valve seats, bearing surfaces, piston rings and ring grooves: areas where sludge and varnish are likely to form.

These deposits are gradually dissolved and held harmless in suspension until they are trapped in the filter or removed with the next oil change. Regular use of Rislone Engine Treatment, as part of oil

When they see better,

they drive safer.

and filter changes at the proper intervals, will keep deposits to a minimum. Rislone Engine Treatment and Engine Treatment Concentrate work with all petroleumbased motor oils, including conventional, high-mileage and synthetic formulas. Rislone Engine Treatment is safe for use with PTFE-based engine treatments and will not alter the PTFE coating.

Rislone www.rislone.ca

GKI Launches Oil, Air Filters

Whether they’re looking for greater safety, style or maximum performance, we offer brilliant halogen headlamp upgrades that will make their driving experience better and safer.

Find the upgrade that is right for you at: www.philips.com/automotive GKI Industries has launched a series of oil and air filters for the North American market. The filters are designed to meet OE-specifications.

GKI Industries www.gkindustries.com more Baywatch on page 38 34 SSGM May 2012 PL656 When they see better SSGM_TPI v1.0.indd 1

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www.ssgm.com 4/19/12 5:00 PM

11/05/12 10:17 AM

Now, We Do It All!

ValvolineÂŽ 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.

p 35 Valvoline ad.indd 35

11/05/12 10:20 AM

|| Jim’s Rant

Fixing the Labour Shortage E

By Jim Anderton, Technical Editor

Watch the laughable portrayal of auto techs perpetrated by Hollywood and you’d think the trade is run by tattoo covered foulmouthed outlaw bikers or morons instead of skilled craftspeople.

veryone in every skilled trade in Canada knows we’re facing a serious skills crunch and auto service is no exception. We just don’t train enough technicians, bricklayers, electricians, toolmakers or any other skill-based employees to fill the available vacancies. And it’s not getting better any time soon. There are many reasons given by so-called experts, but here’s the real reason: Kids don’t see a future in working with their hands, with the possible exception of big-money jobs in the oil sands or offshore. Why? Three reasons: culture, pay and propaganda.

Auto repair has no culture, as we all know … it’s a trade, not a lifestyle. I know techs that love opera and some that read books voraciously. Others like the outdoors or golf and tennis. Watch the laughable portrayal of auto techs perpetrated

by Hollywood and you’ think the trade is run by tattoo covered foul-mouthed outlaw bikers or morons instead of skilled craftspeople. It’s lazy writing and it works because it’s been so ingrained into the public that it’s the only vision of auto repair that they’ll accept, on TV at least. Industry associations should be monitoring the way popular culture portrays technicians and should lobby production companies and networks to get it changed. We can help by sending an e-mail or letter to CBC, CTV or Global as needed to protest … and maybe the CRTC too.

The pay issue is harder to correct. Somehow, kids used to seeing twentysomething software billionaires have developed the idea that is they get a job in the computer industry, they’ll be rich before the first grey hair appears. Of course, nothing could be farther from the truth. Ironically, a really achievable route to financial independence is often through small business ownership by way of a skilled trade. Millionaire plumbers are a lot more common than computer code writers, despite what people think. By the time young people find out, it’s often too late to change course. Naturally, if the trade cannot competitively pay a living wage, then there will be perpetual labour shortages and poor skill levels; but outside of the expensive housing locations like Toronto and Vancouver, it is possible to have a comfortable lifestyle … and the low standard of living in the big cities isn’t a problem for just trades people.

The final issue, propaganda, is really an issue that starts in middle and high school. Auto shop classes in high schools are disappearing and many that are there are decades behind the current technology. Every signal sent to an intelligent high school student is that auto repair is where you end up due to lack of success, not where you aspire to be. One fix? Integrate entrepreneurial skills training into marketing and management and rebrand “shop” as a holistic auto business program.

Of course the real problem is the lack of progressive change of any kind in Canada … and that’s a bigger problem than any skills shortage.

What do you think?

Have your say and speak your mind! letterstotheeditor@ssgm.com 36 SSGM May 2012

p 36 Jim Rant.indd 36

www.ssgm.com

11/05/12 10:20 AM

SSGM BAYWATCH New Products

Fel-Pro PermaTorque MLS Performance Head Gaskets Federal-Mogul’s Fel-Pro PermaTorque MLS performance head gaskets are now available for a significantly expanded range of performance engines based on the popular LSX block from GM Performance. Each of the new PermaTorque MLS head gaskets features the Fel-Pro brand’s exclusive LaserWeld stopper layer technology proven in NASCAR, NHRA and IHRA competition. Federal-Mogul now offers 10 Fel-Pro PermaTorque MLS performance head gaskets for the LSX family of engines. Gasket bore sizes are 4.100" and 4.200", with available compressed thicknesses of .041" and .053". Each PermaTorque MLS head gasket features the brand’s LaserWeld stopper layer, which helps maximize combustion sealing by precisely controlling the compression of each gasket’s layers. This helps reduce head lift, prevent gasket damage and ensure a superior combustion seal over a broader range of operating conditions.

Federal-Mogul www.FMe-cat.com

The Right Choice is the Smart Choice!

Corsa Cat-Back Exhaust for 2011 Camaro Coupe, Convertible It all comes down to the wheel end.

Smart technicians know this is no place to cut corners.

For more than 125 years, FAG premium bearings have set the standard for quality, durability and performance.

Premium exhaust system manufacturer Corsa Performance Exhausts offers its cat-back systems for the 2011 Chevrolet Camaro V8 coupe and convertible. The dual rear exit exhaust systems for the Camaro feature a straight-through, 2.5inch nonrestrictive design to maximize airflow, improving performance and fuel economy. Boasting airflow increases up to 44 per cent over stock, the Camaro exhaust systems have an average performance increase of 6HP and 7ft.-lbs. of torque.

They are available with sleek 3.5-inch or four-inch polished ProSeries tips laser etched with the CORSA logo.

The Corsa Camaro exhaust systems feature the company’s patented Reflective Sound Cancellation (RSC) technology that delivers a bold performance sound outside the vehicle without unwanted interior drone. The benefits of RSC technology are clearly showcased in the 2011 Camaro convertible L99 6.2L V8, which has an automatic transmission and Active Fuel Management. Corsa’s Camaro exhaust systems include the XO pipe and feature easy, bolt-on installation. Hardware and detailed installation instructions are also included.

Corsa Performance Exhaust www.Corsaperformance.com www.ssgm.com

p 34 38 42 44 Baywatch.indd 37

Built to the same exacting standards as our originalequipment products and engineered to thrive under pressure, FAG Hub & Wheel Bearings deliver everything you’d expect a company that supplies O.E. manufacturers around the world: • • • •

Quality engineering Original-equipment fit Integrated sensors (where applicable) Fully-integrated rolling units

FAG brand hub and wheel bearings: Anything less just isn’t intelligent.

Schaeffler Group USA Inc. 5370 Wegman Dr. Valley City, OH 44280 Phone: 800.274.5001 Fax: 330.220.6529 www.Schaeffler-Aftermarket.us Certified to ISO 9001:2008

May 2012 SSGM 37

11/05/12 10:18 AM

SSGM BAYWATCH New Products

Rancho Level Suspension Performance System for 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 Rancho has released a new four-in. suspension system that includes several components designed specifically to lift and level the new 2012 Dodge Ram 1500.

Delivering exceptional strength and maintaining proper CV and drive shaft angles to minimize vibrations, the new Rancho system includes a one-piece reinforced sub-frame, constructed from high-strength, low-alloy drawn-over-mandrel steel. The kit also includes a pair of extended length, CNC-machined steering knuckles that maintain track width and provide proper steering geometry. The system is fully compatible with the truck’s Electronic Stability Control System. The kit fits up to 35-in. tires and allows for re-use of stock wheels.

Trimming or modification for the tires may be required during install. New rear springs (RS821B) also are included in the suspension kit. The system includes all necessary Rancho brackets, constructed from high-strength, low-alloy steel. Rancho engineers have included detailed, step-

by-step installation guides for a simple, fast installation.

Rancho www.gorancho.com

Magnum Gaskets Announces Limited Lifetime Warranty on MaxDry STL gaskets Magnum Gaskets has placed a limited lifetime warranty on its MaxDry STL intake manifold gaskets, which are designed for maximum durability on engines using extended life (OAT) anti-freeze. MaxDry STL gaskets feature chemical-resistant, ultra-premium FKM synthetic rubber sealing surfaces, precision molded to aluminized steel carriers. Coverage includes the most popular Ford, GM, Mazda, Nissan, and Toyota V6 and V8 engines, plus the GM Truck 8.1 Liter — a Magnum exclusive.

Beneath the edge-molded sealing beads on gaskets for the GM 3.1/3.4L V6 and 5.0/5.7L V8, the steel carrier’s coolant ports are scalloped to minimize stress concentration on the rubber sealing bead, and reduce the chance of beads splitting or crushing.

Magnum Gaskets www.magnumgaskets.com

Gates Offers 230 OEM-Quality Branched Hose Part Numbers Gates added 22 molded branched radiator hoses to its line of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) quality automotive aftermarket hoses.

Gates factory molded branched hoses are designed to fit popular applications such as 2009-10 Ford F-Series and 2009-11 Ford Focus vehicles. The complete line now includes 230 hoses, making it the most comprehensive line in the automotive aftermarket industry. All Gatesbranched radiator hoses are engineered to resist electrochemical degradation for increased service life, and most feature PowerGrip SB (shrink band) clamps that provide maintenancefree performance and never need re-tightening.

Gates www.gates.com 38 SSGM May 2012

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more Baywatch on page 42 www.ssgm.com

11/05/12 10:18 AM

2010 Canadian Brakleen Sell Sheet.qxd

2/24/10

10:58 AM

Page 1

Brakleen

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CRC Brakleen® is the best non-chlorinated, low VOC product on the market. This powerful formula removes brake fluid, grease, oil and other contaminants fast and effectively. Use on all brake related parts including rotors, cylinders, drums, linings, brake shoes, calipers, clutch discs and disc brake pads. Safe for ABS, disc and drum brakes.

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Part No. Package Type Net Wt. Units/Case Unit Dimensions Case Dimensions Brakleen® Non-Chlorinated Brake Parts Cleaner – Premium Non-Chlorinated Formula ▲ 75050 aerosol can 14 oz 12 9.25H x 2.63W x 2.63D 9.7H x 8.3W x 11.1D 75055 pail 5 gallon 1 13.8H x 11.3W x 11.3D 13.8H x 11.3W x 11.3D

CRC Industries is a worldwide leader in the production of specialty chemicals for the DIY and maintenance professional, serving the automotive, marine, hardware, electrical, industrial, and aviation markets. CRC is ISO 9001:2008 certified and adheres to the strictest guidelines for quality in all facets of research, development, and production.

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p 39 CRC ad.indd 39

CodePDF0210 ©2010 CRC Industries, Inc.

▲ This product is Extremely Flammable. Do not apply while equipment is energized.

11/05/12 10:21 AM

|| BMW Shop Profile

BMW

Sets the Bar High for Customer Service Independents can take a page from how dealerships work to keep Tom Venetis, Editor car owner coming back

L

et’s get one thing straight, a bit of hard-nosed honesty that should be stated right out front: the days of there being a natural enmity between dealer-based service operations and independents is over. There are too many cars on the road today for any one service operation to handle, regardless if your operation is an independent or a dealer operation. So everyone has to work together to make sure people are happy with their vehicles and with the service they receive

40 SSGM May 2012

p 40-41 BMW Shop Profile.indd 40

when they come into the bays, be it for something as simple as an oil change or for a major transmission repair.

Another bit of hard-nosed reality: we can all learn from each other, taking the best practices that we have and adopting them to our own service operations.

Charles Carvalho, director of fixed operations with Brian Jessel BMW in Vancouver, one of the largest BMW retailers in Canada, places a high premium on customer satisfaction; from

the moment the vehicle owner books a service appointment to when that owner receives the keys back from the service advisor and drives away. It sounds easy, until you find the service operation at Brian Jessel BMW handles on average some 135 vehicles every day across 19 bays, with an additional five-bay express operation on-site.

“I have a staff of about 170 people, with 100 falling under the parts and service department, and we have 39 technicians with 10 apprentices,” Carvalho said. “All of our technicians are Red Seal technicians and four are Master Technicians.”

Carvalho added the service department of Brian Jessel BMW also does a brisk business with many local independents that rely on the expertise and fast service his team can provide in supplying and delivering BMW OE parts.

Carvalho admits that today’s parts market is competitive, with an emphasis on price; and there is now a widerange of parts suppliers that people can source parts from, with some suppliers specializing in foreign nameplate parts.

But his operation has a winning edge: his team’s deep knowledge of all the parts categories in the BMW brand and his team’s ability to answer an often daunting array of technical questions that comes to them.

“And we have to be honest, there are parts and parts categories that we carry that others cannot get access to,” Carvalho added. “We deal in those areas that others can’t get from somewww.ssgm.com

11/05/12 10:23 AM

BMW Shop Profile ||

Charles Carvalho, Dir. of fixed operations.

place else. But this is the important thing: we want and work hard to keep people happy and satisfied with their BMW vehicle. One way of doing that is making sure technicians have access to the parts they need. For many vehicle owners, their vehicle came with original equipment and they want original equipment when their vehicle comes in for repairs or routine maintenance. And we also offer something many other aftermarket parts makes cannot, a two-year part warranty; and if the work is done in our shop, there is a two-year parts and labour warranty.”

Quality parts and warranties are just one part of the service operation.

It is the service a vehicle owner gets that is just as critical, maybe even more so; and it starts at Brian Jessel BMW with the booking of the apportionment, which can be done online.

The online booking allows people to even reschedule appointments and can provide, for returning service customers, a history of the service work on the vehicle. While online booking provides a great deal of flexibility to the vehicle owner, Brian Jessel BMW also places a high-premium on pre-booking appointments. Carvalho added the service operation uses a comprehensive customer relationship database to help vehicle owners know the service intervals of their vehicles and to match appointments with both the recommended intervals BMW has for its cars and with the driving www.ssgm.com

p 40-41 BMW Shop Profile.indd 41

habits of the owners.

“When they arrive their appointment is verified and they are introduced to the service advisor they will be working with,” Carvalho said.

“The service advisor will speak with them to find out what the problems are with the vehicle, will walk around the car with the owner to see if there is any damage that needs to be dealt with, and do such other inspections as checking tire wear.”

Once the vehicle has been inspected and the work to be done confirmed, it is taken by the service staff into the service bays and to the assigned technician. The bays are widely spaced with lots of natural light allowing the technicians to work in comfort, with easy access to all needed tools and diagnostic equipment. The bays are cleaned every day.

These 19 bays are reserved for service work that requires two-hours or more to be done. For work that requires less time, such as an oil change or fluid flush, the work is sent to the five express bays. This managing of appointments allows the operations to run smoothly and to return the vehicle back to its owner that much more quickly.

Carvalho said Brian Jessel BMW also places a high premium on the training of its technicians. Those wishing to obtain the Master Technician designation are actively supported by his team throughout the rigorous examination and training involved. The Master Technician designation can take up to seven years to complete and involves both online and hands-on training at BMW University. The hard work is worth it.

“BMW, as a car company, focuses very heavily on advanced technologies and we need highly skilled technicians and highly skilled certified technicians to help diagnose and fix the kinds of issues that can arise in their vehicles. When a technician achieves that Master Technician designation, we give them a travel voucher. It is a lot of hard work and a lot of time needs to be dedicated to achieve that designation and we want to reward them for that commitment.” SSGM May 2012 SSGM 41

11/05/12 10:23 AM

SSGM BAYWATCH New Products

Bosch Mastertech VCI Scan Tool Bosch’s Mastertech VCI (M-VCI) scan tool now provides greatly expanded, in-depth vehicle coverage especially for European vehicles with its new ESI[tronic] 2.0 diagnostic software, which complements the scan tools’ Mastertech Scan Test software. The M-VCI’s dynamic ESI[tronic] 2.0 diagnostic software features extensive coverage for Domestic, Asian — including Korean — and European vehicles, and includes a one- year subscription for software updates, while the Mastertech Shop Foreman Pro Scan Test software provides coverage for 1996 and newer Asian and Domestic vehicles. The ESI[tronic] 2.0 diagnostic software in the M-VCI provides technical support for tester operations via technical hotline, and a free one-year diagnostic software subscription with the purchase of the M-VCI scan tool. The software covers Chrysler, Ford and General Motors domestic vehicles, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Lexus, Scion, Acura and Infiniti Asian vehicles, and Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Volvo, Volkswagen, and Smart Car European vehicles.

Bosch www.bosch.com

Federal-Mogul Introduces Next Generation Ceramic Friction Technology Federal-Mogul has launched a broad new line of premium ceramic brake pads engineered specifically for today’s foreign nameplate and domestic passenger vehicles. Wagner ThermoQuiet CeramicNXT brake pads feature highly advanced, proprietary formulations that represent the next generation of premium ceramic technology. At the core of these formulations is Dynamic Noise Absorption (DNA) technology that is integrated into the pad to target and absorb vibration at the point of contact for even quieter braking. These proprietary formulations also feature thermal-sensitive properties that adapt to the wide range of temperatures encountered in everyday driving conditions.

Federal-Mogul www.TQBrakePads.com

Ken-Tool Introduces Mega AirBlast Bead Seating Tool Ken-Tool has announced its latest product for tire service technicians, the 31444 Ken-Tool Mega AirBlast bead seating tool, designed to properly and efficiently seat the bead of tubeless tires to the rim. This tool uses pressurized air to uniformly force the tire’s bead onto the rim before inflating the tire to the correct pressure. The Mega AirBlast tool is suitable for use on ATVs, autos, light and heavy-duty trucks, plus agricultural tractor tires. It has an operating maximum pressure of 165 psi (11 bar). A portable five gallon (18.9 liter) air reservoir tank is the center of the 31444 Ken-Tool Mega AirBlast tool. A heavy-duty, two-inch diameter tube with a ball valve carries the air to the insertion point between the bead and the rim. An air pressure gauge and a safety release valve are included for operator convenience and safety.

Ken-Tool www.kentool.com 42 SSGM May 2012

p 34 38 42 44 Baywatch.indd 42

more Baywatch on page 44 www.ssgm.com

11/05/12 10:19 AM

AT THE WHEEL...

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WIN OVER CUSTOMERS WITH RAYBESTOS® BRAND PREMIUM PRODUCTS You and your customers deserve the performance, safety and value of Raybestos® brand parts… the trusted choice of professionals, consumers and world-class race teams since 1902. As Your Complete Undercar Solution, you get products that match or surpass OE; full line coverage that’s first-to-market; and the marketing, training and technical support you need to grow your brakes, steering and suspension business.

Visit raybestos.com or call 800-211-1426 for more information. .

RaybestosB&C_JobberNews_Canada_Eng_AtTheWheel_FULL_Final.indd 1 p 43 Raybestos ad.indd 43

1/16/12 8:11 AM 11/05/12 10:24 AM

SSGM BAYWATCH New Products

Philips Debuts LED Worklamps Philips Automotive Lighting North America has just introduced a full range of LED Worklamps designed specifically for automotive service shops and professional service technicians. These LED Worklamps deliver a powerful, cool white and very intense light in a very compact, portable, and ergonomic design. While the Philips LED Worklamps’ light is very brilliant, the lamps remain cool to the touch. All of the lamps are LED-powered and require only a fraction of the power used by conventional Halogen and fluorescent work lamps. The new range incorporates three different worklamp models: Philips LED Penlight, LED Inspection lamp with 32.8 ft. cable, and LED Inspection Lamp with rechargeable docking station. The Philips LED Penlight has six powerful high-quality, long-lasting LEDs that project a cool, white, and very intense light. The LED Inspection Lamp with 32.8 ft. cable has a very slim design and 45 powerful LEDs that produce a wide angle of illumination. The Philips LED Inspection Lamp with rechargeable docking station has 15 powerful LEDs and is equipped with an integrated UV light for A/C leak detection.

Philips Automotive Lighting www.philips.com/automotive

The Best...

Service, Products, Value

Inductor Pro Max The Inductor Pro Max is a commercial-grade, highperformance induction heating tool with a two-year warranty and full-year on attachments. The Pro is capable of heating aluminum or steel when paired with optional Rosebud attachment.

It operates on convenient 120 volts/20amps.

Induction Innovations Inc. www.theInductor.com

Rislone Radiator Stop Leak Concentrate

NOCO is the #1 Mobil Distributor Official supplier to the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Belleville, Kingston, Cambridge, Niagara Peninsula, Stratford and surrounding areas.

Ask about our VIP Program!

orderdesk@noco.ca

44 SSGM May 2012

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noco.ca 1-800-414-6626

Rislone Radiator Stop Leak Concentrate seals coolant leaks in plastic, aluminum and other metal radiators, heater cores and freeze plugs. It was designed to be a reliable, inexpensive product for minor cooling system leaks and seepage. Rislone Radiator Stop Leak Concentrate (p/n 31197) can be used in any water-cooled vehicle, including cars, trucks, vans, SUVs and RVs. It is compatible with all types of coolant, including yellow, orange, pink, red, blue and green silicate-based and non-silicate-based (OAT/HOAT) antifreeze and/or water.

It is available to distribution in case packs of six 325mL bottles. Like all Rislone products, Radiator Stop Leak Concentrate is made in North America.

The label includes directions in both English and French, and is compliant with Canadian labeling requirements.

Rislone www.rislone.ca www.ssgm.com

12-08-31 6:30 AM

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11/05/12 10:24 AM

SSGM Service Station and Garage Management

.com

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 aross@jobbernews.com

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS & ACCESSORIES Aisin World Corp. of America, Inc. (AWA), a leading Tier One automotive components supplier and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of aftermarket parts. AISIN’s original equipment technology and know-how is used to ensure product quality and reliability.

To learn more about our products, request a catalogue today. www.aisinaftermarket.com 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”

AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS Carcone’s Auto Recycling and Wheel Refinishing www.carcone.com With over 32 years of experience Carcone’s Auto Recycling & Wheel Refinishing is your one stop for quality recycled products and wheel refinishing needs. Call today at 1-800-263-2022 or visit us on line at www.carcone.com

AUTOMOTIVE RECYCLERS Standard Auto Wreckers View Our Online Inventory @ www. standardautowreckers. com or call 416-286-8686. Experienced Shipping Department to Ensure Parts Arrive Safely.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT SERVICES The Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre Ltd www.aaec.ca AAEC - BEST - Business Evaluation Support & Training - Instructing and Coaching with the Proven Business Management Tools that drives a shop’s Bottom Line, Team Culture and Marketplace Credibility.

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.

REFRIGERANT Duracool Refrigerants

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”.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT AIR LIQUIDE CANADA INC. www.airliquide.ca Your one-stop shop for all your industrial gases and welding supplies.

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.

Go to www.ssgm.com to see the latest technical videos and tools tests with SSGM Magazine’s Technical Editor Jim Anderton.

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Advertiser

Page #

Website

ACDelco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48. . . . . . . . . . www.ACDelcoCanada.com All Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.alldata.ca Auto-Camping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13. . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.autocamping.ca BestBuy Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5. . . . . . . . . . . www.bestautosolution.ca BMW AG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.bmw.ca Cardone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.cardone.com CARS Essentials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.carsessentials.ca CRC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.crc-canada.ca Denso. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15. . www.densoaftermarket.com/ssgm Equus Products Inc . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.equus.com Ford Motor Company. . . . . . . . . . . 11. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.ford.ca Fram Group. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.framgrp.com 46 SSGM May 2012

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Advertiser

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Website

Mac Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.mactools.com NOCO Lubricants Company. . . . . . 44. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.noco.ca Philips Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34. . . . . . . www.philips.com/automotive Prenco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19. . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.prencocorp.com Raybestos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.raybestos.com Shell Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.shell.ca Tenneco, Monroe Brakes. . . . . . . . 23. . . . . . . . . . . www.monroebrakes.com Valvoline Oil Canada. . . . . . . . . 27,35. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.valvoline.com VL Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . 41. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.vlcom.com Wakefield Canada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25. . . . . . . . . . . www.wakefieldcanada.ca Walker Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21. . . . . . . . . . . www.walkerexhaust.com WORLDPAC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3. . . . . . . . . www.worldpac.com/2012ss www.ssgm.com

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99-5376-02 I Client: ACDelco I Project: ACDelco Battery Ad I Date: 12-05-10 I Trim: 8.125 x 10.875” I Bleed: 1/8” I Colours:

C

M

Y

K

I Ad# : ACD-Parts-12-4CF-744-EN

CMG MARKETING • 1125 Leslie St, Toronto, Ontario M3C 2J6 • T 416.646.3050 • F 416.646.3051

I Docket#:

1-800-263-3526 TechConnectCanada.com

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