Service Station, Garage Management December 2009 by Annex Business Media

Service Station & Garage Management .COM

SSGM READ BY AUTOMOMOTIVE REPAIR SHOP OWNERS AND TECHNICIANS SINCE 1955

2009 GARAGE OF THE YEAR Bento’s Auto & Tire Centre Ltd.

DECEMBER 2009

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December 2009

Vol. 39 No. 12

what’s inside

EDITOR Tom Venetis (416) 510-6790 tom@ssgm.com ASSISTANT EDITOR David Halpert (416) 510-6784 david@ssgm.com TECHNICAL EDITOR Jim Anderton jim@ssgm.com PUBLISHER Marc Gadbois

(416) 510-6776 marc@ssgm.com

CIRCULATION MANAGER Selina Rahaman (416) 442-5600 ext 3528 srahaman@bizinfogroup.ca SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES Roshni Thava (416) 442-5600 ext 3555 ART DIRECTORS Ron Taylor, Andrea M. Smith PRODUCTION MANAGER Steven K. Hofmann (416) 510-6757

See Page 12

PRINT PRODUCTION MANAGER Phyllis Wright

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

Feature: Garage of the Year 2009 Customer commitment gives Bento’s Auto & Tire Centre Ltd. SSGM’s top award . . . . . . . . 12

New Car Technologies What technicians should expect in the next few years from car makers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Tire and Wheel Jim Anderton puts an off-road and performance tire through their paces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Departments Editorial � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �6 News � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �8 CARS � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �21 Baywatch � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �24 Jim’s Rant � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �26 Advertiser’s Directory � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �27 Internet Directory � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �28 Crossword � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �29

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4 SSGM December 2009

HEAD OFFICE Business Information Group 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, Toronto, ON M3C 4J2 Contact us via one of the following methods: Telephone: 416-442-5600 Facsimile: 416-510-5169 Website: www.ssgm.com Service Station and Garage Management is published monthly by Business Information Group, a division of BIG Magazines LP, a leading Canadian information company with interests in daily and community newspapers and business-to-business information services. Subscription rates: Canada $51.95 + GST + applicable taxes per year; $82.95 + GST + applicable taxes for 2 years; single copy price $7.00 + $0.42 GST + applicable taxes. USA $91.95US per year; single copy price $10.00US. All other foreign in US $93.95 per year. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada. US office of publication: 2424 Niagara Falls Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY 14304-5709. Periodicals Postage Paid at Niagara Falls, NY. USPS #009-192. US postmaster: Send address changes to Service Station and Garage Management, PO Box 1118, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Circulation Dept., Service Station and Garage Management, 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, Toronto, ON Canada M3C 4J2. Postmaster: please forward forms 29B and 67B to 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, Toronto, ON Canada M3C 4J2. Printed in Canada. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in part or in full without the consent of the copyright owner. From time to time we make our subscription list available to select companies and organizations whose product or service may interest you. If you do not wish your contact information to be made available, please contact us. Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations Publications Mail Agreement #40069240 ISSN 0008-2872 Member of

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|| Tom’s EdiTorial

AAPEX finds the silver lining L

By Tom Venetis, Editor

The next few years will likely shake-up the independent landscape with vehicle owners demanding a higher quality of service, from repairs done right the first time to shops having to be more accommodating to tight home and work schedules.

ast year’s AAPEX show was a rather disappointing affair, with exhibitors complaining of poor attendance and fewer companies taking booth space. This year’s AAPEX event, while showing signs of improvement, was a low-key affair with companies displaying more modest booths and staff focused on renewing or building sales relationships, and foregoing anything like the old razzmatazz-sales and over-the-top product demos of years before. While exhibitors explained their more modest booths were in response to the continuing recession in North America, the mood was more upbeat at several of the industry seminars. The AAIA Town Hall covered several topics that should be taken note of by Canadian independents. In fact, the panelists said there were several forces that bode well for independents. The first is the aging vehicle fleet. As people hold onto their cars longer, they will spend more for ongoing maintenance and repair work on those vehicles. The rise in new vehicle sales, driven by the much-maligned ‘cash for clunkers’ program in the States, has an upside as well. Many of these new vehicles have very advanced technologies and the rising proliferation of diesel, hybrid and electric vehicles means independents have an opportunity to cash-in on the service and maintenance work these vehicles will need. It will require that independents invest in upgrading the skills and technical knowledge of their technicians and front-line counter staff, but it is an investment that will pay-off handsomely in the long-run. As well, the panelists also put a lot of importance on independents working to improve shop efficiencies through better shop practices and communications, and through developing stronger relationships with suppliers. This will be important as competition will increase, not only between independents, but with the remaining dealership service operations. This is something I and various other studies of the aftermarket have been saying for some time now. Success will depend on investments in training, shop communications and processes to improve efficiencies, and relationships with suppliers who can help drive sales by quickly and accurately filling parts orders. The next few years will likely shake-up the independent landscape with vehicle owners demanding a higher quality of service, from repairs done right the first time to shops having to be more accommodating to tight home and work schedules. Consumers will reward quality and honesty with loyalty; they are just as quick to take it away when they believe an independent has failed to meet the expectations of customer service and quality of work. And the Internet’s ability to make or break a reputation should not be forgotten. Excellent work is rewarded with strong word of mouth promotion online; a smudge of grease left on the car’s dash or a surly attitude by a service writer or technician can just as quickly be used to sully a shop’s reputation. Not every independent will be able to meet those challenges or make the necessary investments needed for them to succeed, but the ones that do will see more customers and profits as a result.

What do you think? Have your say and speak your mind! letterstotheeditor@ssgm.com 6 SSGM December 2009

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|| News Briefs Bosch announces KTS 670 scan tool

Bosch released its latest scan tool, the KTS 670, which is the successor to the KTS 650 model.The new, simplified ‘Easy Connect’ adaptor system ensures that manufacturerspecific diagnostic connections are detected automatically and reliably by the control unit diagnostic software. The pins for communicating with the control unit are switched according to the adapter being used, thus avoiding faulty connections. Another feature of the KTS 670 is the integration of the ISO-CAN exchange adapter as an ‘Integrated Box.’ This switches the communication line to the relevant pin of the OBD diagnostic connector, increasing efficiency and preventing diagnostics errors. The ESI[tronic] ECU Complete package is available for the KTS 670. This package includes comprehensive European, Asian and Domestic (General Motors in 2010) Diagnostics Software.

8 SSGM December 2009

Quiet-Flow mufflers integrated under Tenneco’s Walker brand

Tenneco Inc. has completed the integration of the Quiet-Flow stainless steel mufflers into its Walker emissions control product line. Available for domestic and foreign-nameplate applications, the Walker Quiet-Flow SS mufflers feature 409 stainless steel heads, shell, bushings, louvered tubes and partitions. Each muffler is manufactured in the same facility as premium original equipment units and is offered with a limited lifetime warranty and a 90-day “Safe and Sound” guarantee at no additional charge. The Quiet-Flow SS product line is now available through leading North American replacement parts distributors.

Competition for Excellence reveals Canada’s top BMW technician

The best of BMW’s factory trained technicians were competing in the Aftersales Competition for Excellence (ASCE) national final for the title of the nation’s best technician. The competition brought together over 170 technicians from across the country in a series of preliminary tests in their respective regions. The top two technicians from each region, as determined by a previous set of tests, (and in one case, a tie-breaking face-off) were sent to the BMW Group University in Whitby to compete for the national title and a chance to go to the World Championships in Munich next year. ASCE competition entailed a series of closed-book, written tests. In addition, the final required technicians to complete six 1-hour modules during the course of the day. The final tests were timed as technicians had 60 minutes to diagnose and repair a planted and relatively uncommon ‘fault’ on a BMW. The winners of the competition were unveiled at a reception dinner ceremony that evening. David Laliberté of BMW Laval was declared the first place winner of the 2009 ASCE competition and will go on to represent Canada in the World Championships in Munich next year.

Second and third runners-up were, respectively: Benjamin Fallis of BMW Toronto and Peter Blesse of Town + Country BMW, followed by Stuart Weeks of Calgary BMW, Bryon Ruttle from Edmonton BMW, and Eric Charron of Park Avenue.

Fiat details Chrysler turn-around plan, Reuters

Fiat SpA Chief Executive Sergio Marchionne delivered a long-awaited plan intended to turn around Chrysler over the next five years. The plan, according to Reuters, was presented by Marchionne and other Chrysler executives at the automaker’s headquarters, includes changes to Chrysler’s design, manufacturing, parts supply operations and brands. It also included the first set of financial projections for the U.S. automaker since it exited bankruptcy in June. Several of the plan’s highlights include sales projections that have Chrysler projecting increases in U.S. sales from 950,000 to two million, with U.S. auto sales recovering from 10.5 million in 2009 to 14.5 million in 2014. Other highlights from the speech included the news the Jeep brand will get all-new Grand Cherokee in 2010. In 2013, new vehicles on the Fiat platform will include a small SUV, a replacement for the Compass and Patriot models and a new version of the Jeep Liberty. The Dodge brand will get a new Charger by 2010 and a new full-size crossover vehicle in 2010.

KYB.com wins two awards

KYB America was recently recognized with two Automotive Communications Awards during the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Week in Las Vegas, Nev. The Automotive Communications Awards are presented annually by the Car Council Women’s Board and are supported by the Automotive Communication Council. These awards recognize companies who best provide automotive information through various media outlets. This year, KYB America’s new website www.kyb.com was recognized with the “Best Website” in the Business to Business Category and the “Best in www.ssgm.com

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|| News Briefs Show Award,” also in the Business to Business Category. “We have worked hard and smart to create an effective, interactive website for our distribution partners and loyal service provider customer customers,” commented KYB vice-president, Mike Fiorito. “Being recognized by the industry for our creative efforts is certainly an honour. We will continually add new content to ensure kyb.com remains a valuable source of information,” Fiorito added.

SAE International releases test results for low GWP refrigerant

A Cooperative Research Program conducted through SAE International announced the successful completion of its research. The study was aimed to investigate the safety and environmental performance of a new refrigerant for mobile air conditioning systems.Based on these results, the sponsors of the SAE CRP1234 have concluded that HFO-1234yf can be used as the global replacement refrigerant in future mobile air conditioning systems. From the evaluation and test results it has been concluded that HFO1234yf can be safely accommodated through established industry standards and practices for vehicle design, engineering, manufacturing, and service. The report is the third SAE report to evaluate the new refrigerant. The recent two-year long global research program was to determine the safety and environmental characteristics of HFO-1234yf. These investigations have confirmed that HFO-1234yf is an environmentally friendly refrigerant suitable for use in direct expansion Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC) systems. HFO-1234yf is a non-Ozone depleting substance with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 4. In comparison, the current refrigerant, R-134a, has a GWP of 1430. Extensive testing was supported by multimillion dollar (USA) funding and in-kind support for SAE CRP1234 projects has been provided by 15 vehicle OEMs (from China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Sweden, the U.S., and U.K.) and 18 Tier one suppliers (from Asia, 10 SSGM December 2009

Europe, and the U.S.). The results from the CRP1234 programs that investigated the new refrigerant for use in mobile air conditioning systems (cars and light trucks) are available on-line at www.sae.org/standardsdev/tsb/cooperative/crp12343.pdf.

AAPEX panelists predict aftermarket growth, new products showcased

This year has been particularly brutal for the aftermarket. The downturns in the world economy, high unemployment and the troubles with the domestic automakers have caused a raft of downsizing at many aftermarket companies and a slowdown in sales. It might be expected that this year’s Town Hall meeting at the annual AAPEX show in Las Vegas, Nev., hosted by the AAIA, would continue the doom-and-gloom theme. Instead, this year’s Town Hall event focused on recovery and resilience. Bill Rhodes, chairman and president of AutoZone, suggested regardless of falling car sales, there are opportunities in the aftermarket. With vehicles aging and people holding on longer to their vehicles, owners will invest more in the care and maintenance of their vehicles. “Consumers want to protect their investment by maintaining it,” said Jim Dykstra of Dykstra’s Auto Service. The panel discussion also emphasized the need for improved shop efficiencies in order for service providers to stay ahead of and effectively service the increasing number of vehicles that will come into the bays. The AAIA presented research that in 2006 there were 193 vehicles per bay. In 2009, that had increased to 205 vehicles per bay and by 2010 that will increase to 215 vehicles per bay. The increasing numbers of foreign nameplate vehicles also are an opportunity for independent service providers as they have an opportunity to educate those vehicle owners that independents have the tools, education and expert technicians to maintain and repair those vehicles. AAPEX featured several new prod-

uct announcements. Trico Products showcased a new line of wiper products, the Trico Universal Steel Frame Blade and Trico Tech Universal Beam Blade. The Universal Steel Frame Blade is an all-steel/all-natural rubber construction blade that is designed to be aerodynamic and to have improved strength and durability. The Trico Tech Universal Beam Blade features the Memory Curve Steel Beam and the SWIFT connection technology. Bosch used the AAPEX show to launching a new brake program and introduced its QuietCast Premium Disc brake pads. The QuietCast brake pads program offers installers platform-specific ceramic, semi-metallic and non-asbestos organic formulations, rubber-core shims and Molded Shim Technology (MST) on selected applications.

Canadian among pair named to APRA’s Distinguished Service Award

Voika Loukanov, president and CEO of D & V Electronics in Woodbridge, Ont., and Eugene Neugebohr of International Automotive Trading of New York and Michigan have been awarded the Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association’s Distinguished Service Award. Loukanov was hired as a consultant by Dixie Electric in 1994 to create an automated alternator tester to deal with the complexity of the new alternators. After he developed the alternator tester, he developed testers for starters, regulators and solenoids that could be easily used by production remanufacturers. Loukanov has been a strong supporter of APRA and has provided training at clinics and conventions and has opened his plant for tours by APRA members. Neugebohr began his aftermarket career with Lucas Israel in 1965. Shortly after he came to the U.S. where he started its Reman Division at a time when Lucas was a dominant force in imported parts. In 1979 he started his own rebuilding operation in Southfield, Mich. and co-founded International Automotive Trading in New York. www.ssgm.com

|| GaraGe of the Year

Bento’s Auto & Tire Centre Ltd. Forty years of continuous service, community ties pay off with customer loyalty, respect By Tom Venetis, Editor

ento de Sao Jose still remembers the day he took possession of his first automotive service operation at Bathurst and College in Toronto, a Shell operation that had a car service centre as part of its gasoline sales business. He remembers the day because it was also the day his son Philip was born. He still laughs about it, saying he never forgets either event. That first operation was the start of what has become a forty-year career as an independent service provider in Toronto, a career that would, at one point, include four service operations around the city, pioneering 24-hour auto repairs and service for the city, and running a new-and-used vehicle sales operation and bodyshop.

Commitment to the Customer

Bento de Sao Jose Bento de Sao Jose is a whirlwind of activity. He effortlessly moves between his office and the service desk, working with his staff to answer cus cus- respect. When asked what is the most important thing the tomer’s questions to help them understand what is wrong customer looks for from an independent service provider with their vehicles and what needs to be done to main- like himself, he does not hesitate to say that it comes right tain and fix them. What strikes even the casual observer down to honesty. after a few minutes is the dedication Bento de Sao Jose “We need to be honest with the customer,” he told and his staff have to their customers, treating each ques- assembled press and local community dignitaries and politition asked without condescension and with the upmost cians who came out to honour him when he was presented 12 SSGM December 2009

www.ssgm.com

GaraGe of the Year || the child is really happy with a toy, we let them keep it. Sure, we have to later go out and buy a replacement, but it’s worth it if it keeps everyone happy and coming back.”

Commitment to the Community, to the Future

(Above) Bento de Sao Jose receives an official recognition from local MPP Cheri DiNovo of Parkdale-Highpark for his years of service to the community and his success as an independent service provider.

with the Garage of the Year award from SSGM. “Today’s customer is more informed than ever, using the Internet to gain knowledge about their vehicle, its proper maintenance and about the independent shop they will take their vehicle to. Because of that knowledge, it is critical to be open [and] honest with customers and to share our knowledge with them so they leave us satisfied and returns once more.” Leaving the customer satisfied means also working to make the service experience a pleasant one. Bento de Sao Jose’s current location on Dundas Street West — which he first used as a vehicle dealership before transitioning the location to a fullservice operation in 1992 and now uses as his main service operation — has a spacious waiting area with lots of natural light, carefully placed tire displays from various manufacturers along with displays for batteries and other vehicle maintenance-related educational materials. The service writers have their own desks at the main entrance with flat-screen computer monitors and systems which communicate seamlessly to the bays in the back on the Lankar software system from Autogence Inc. As well, the waiting area features a large-screen television along with comfortable places to sit. “People remember the little things,” Bento de Sao Jose says. “We have an area where small children can play with toys and games. It does not seem like much, but people do remember something like that, as they remember fresh coffee or our staff coming out and greeting them, talking to them about their day as we work to find out what is wrong with the vehicle. Even the kids remember us. Sometimes, if www.ssgm.com

Many independent service operation owners know the value of community involvement. Investment in the community, in supporting various worthy charities and sponsoring school and local children’s sports, bring dividends of increased business to a service operation. People, on the whole, support business that show support for the community. Bento de Sao Jose for many years has involved himself directly in the issue of immigration and helping recent immigrants settle and succeed in Canada. He has worked directly with provincial and federal officials on matters covering immigration reform, refugee issues and improving the educational prospects for newcomers. He is especially proud of his work with the Ontario ombudsman in the 1990s that helped bring about better programs

Philip de Sao Jose (Right), manager at Bento’s Auto & Tire Service Centre, speaks with a vehicle owner about what needs to be done with their vehicle that is up on the hoist. December 2009 SSGM 13

|| GaraGe of the Year for new immigrants to the province. He believes strongly that helping new immigrants successfully integrate into Canada, helping them find work and helping their children navigate the school systems has long-term benefits to society as a whole, as well as for the immediate community. Many new immigrants, he says, will go and start their own businesses which help the local community prosper. Bento de Sao Jose also makes it a point to open his shop up to new immigrants looking for their first job. “We have technicians and apprentices here who are from Iran, Iraq, China and Kuwait,” he adds. “I really believe in helping newcomers learn a trade, to get the skills needed to succeed. There is another advantage as well. I have many people come here to my shop whose first language is not English and when they see someone from their community working there, they feel comfortable coming here and we have someone who can speak with them and help them with their problems.” Bento de Sao Jose (Left) receives the Garage of the Year award from Marc Gadbois, Cheri DiNovo, MPP for Parkdale-Highpark, publisher of SSGM, and Liz Probert, territory manager, automotive and heavy duty with spoke of Bento de Sao Jose’s work on immigrant Total Lubricants Canada, sponsors of this year’s award. issues and how important his business is for new Canadians. Philip de Sao Jose also makes sure the shop has a ready“What it says to a number of immigrants — my husband supply of parts available on-site as operating 24 hours means is second-generation Portuguese and my parents are Ital- parts have to be at-hand at a moments notice to meet cusian — is there is hope here in Canada and you can make a tomer’s expectations. successful life your yourself,” DiNovo says. “I’m also a small “Customers rely heavily on their cars,” he adds. “Therebusiness critic and come from a small business background, fore, having parts in stock or the ability to get them quickly and I know that businesses like Mr. Bento’s are responsible to our shop, means we can get a customer’s car ready sooner for 90 per cent of new jobs in Ontario.” rather than later. Being open 24 hours appeals to them. “What sets him apart is his wealth of knowledge and his They are able to leave their cars with us whenever it is concommitment to the automotive industry,” says Errol Wil- venient for them. Often times, this means leaving their car liams, AARS field representative, automotive services, CAA with us after work and picking it up in the morning.” South Central Ontario. “We are going to be releasing a Bento de Sao Jose believes in leaving a strong legacy of new program and we are going to approach him about that quality of service and expertise, which is why he continues program and we are confident that he will join us on that to invest heavily in ongoing technical training for all of his program.” staff. He recently paid for their education on hybrid vehicle Bento de Sao Jose also believes in investing in the future. technology and encourages every technician to help each His shop, the effort of forty years of work, is a legacy he other learn more about new systems and tools. Bento De wishes to pass onto his family, his son-in-law and his grand- Sao Jose is also well known in the industry for his support on children who he holds out hope will take the business for- the Right-to-Repair. Two years ago he had 150 technicians ward. His son Philip works as a manager at the shop, and come to a special presentation by AIA Canada and MP for handles the day-to-day operations of the shop and manage- Windsor West Brian Masse on Right-to-Repair, and helped ment of the staff. spur grass-root support for the proposed legislation. Bento “Today, one of the biggest challenges is new technol- de Sao Jose was able to later present 5,000 signatures for ogy,” says Philip de Sao Jose. “As vehicles evolve, so must the legislation. the machinery to repair them. This in turn means we must But where he wants to see more emphasis placed upon by keep purchasing new equipment to keep up. Independent the industry as a whole is developing more effective business shops like ours must remain competitive and we must training for shop owners. Technical training is important, constantly invest in new machinery. We want to assure our he says, but knowing how to balance the books, manage customers that we have the best tools when we repair their accounts, deal with human resource issues and the like are vehicles. By combining great tools with knowledgeable just as important, and need to be taught to many first-time SSGM mechanics we are able to guarantee our work.” business owners. 14 SSGM December 2009

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|| New Car TeCh

What’s New in

Automotive Technology? What technicians can expect from OEMs in the near future By David Halpert, Assistant Editor

lthough exceptional training is the cornerstone for any independent service centre, one thing that is constantly changing is OE technology from automakers. Knowing what to expect will not only ensure technicians will be prepared for the technology when it arrives in their shop’s bays, but it will also guarantee keeping a repair job that might be lost to a dealership service operation.

Spark Ignition Direct Injection (SIDI)

In the wake of new environmental legislation from the U.S., new model vehicles released after 2011 will have to meet new, stringent fuel efficiency standards before they can be released into the market, somewhere around 45 miles per gallon. The move towards spark ignition direct injection (SIDI)

engines (also known as gasoline direct injection) has resulted in auto manufacturers finding innovative ways to cut down on greenhouse gases and less energy waste. “They’re squirting [fuel] right into the combustion chamber. With an internal combustion engine, they really waste a good portion of the thermal energy that’s available in gasoline,” says Dave Vollmer, a technical instructor for the Canadian Automotive Repair and Service (CARS) Council. “You’re looking at 13 per cent of that energy propelling that vehicle. However, the losses can range from 10 per cent for friction and 45 per cent for thermal dynamic loses. When you can use a smaller displacement engine, you can reduce these friction loses. So engine displacement is reduced by 30 per cent and the friction can be accrued, result-

ing in 10-15 per cent fuel efficiency.” SIDI injection injects fuel via a common rail fuel line directly into the combustion chamber of each cylinder, as opposed to conventional multipoint fuel injection that happens in the intake tract, cylinder port. The petrol/gasoline is highly pressurised, and—in addition to more precise timing from the vehicle’s ECU—SIDI can increase a fuel injector from 50-70 psi with conventional injection to 500-750 psi, allowing for drastically improved driveability, reduced pumping loses, better breathability in the engine (volumetric efficiency), and overall reduced emissions. “I don’t know if it’s going to be [in all cars], but it’s definitely going to take place with certain manufacturers’ product lines. General Motors is saying that one in six vehicles they produce (over 40 per cent for the year 2010) is going to be equipped with a SIDI system,” continues Vollmer. Expect to see these spark ignition direct injection systems in a wide range of vehicles, from low-end cars, like a 2.0-litre four cylinder in a Chevy Cobalt to a 3.6-litre four cylinder in a GMC Acadia.

Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT)

Another popular technology technicians are already seeing in their shops is the use of Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT). Such vehicles as the Ford Focus, Toyota Highlander and various hybrid/imports vehicles have made the switch to CVT. These changes include a different CVT chain configuration as well as drives that 16 SSGM December 2009

www.ssgm.com

Performance You can TrusT Customers demand quality and reliability, and for years Goodyear Engineered Products has been there. Dependable performance in every aftermarket product and service provided including Gatorback Poly-V belt.

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The GOODYEAR (and Winged Foot Design) trademark is used by Veyance Technologies, Inc. under license from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. Goodyear Engineered Products are manufactured and sourced exclusively by Veyance Technologies, Inc. or its affiliates. The Gatorback trade name is licensed to Veyance Technologies, Inc. by The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. ÂŠ2009 Veyance Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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|| New Car TeCh

switch from low to high gear more easily during engine operation. “The whole idea behind it is sort of along the same lines as trying to meet emissions standards again by having a transmission that can have infinite gear ratios,” continues Vollmer. There are two different designs utilized for this transmission, a variable diameter (sometimes referred to as a Reeves Drive) or a toroidal drive (sometimes referred to as a Roller Drive). By having infinite gear ratios you have an engine that does not have to work as hard to keep within a perfect optimum range. A CVT allows the vehicle’s drive shaft to maintain a constant angular velocity over a range of output velocities, which results in improved fuel economy with the added benefit of allowing the engine to run at its most efficient RPM over a range of speeds. It sounds complicated, but much of the technology is being discussed in-depth online and a savvy technician can get up-to-speed on the technical aspects of this technology pretty quickly.

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18 SSGM December 2009

use of camera technology in today’s vehicles has led to many Creative Director breakthroughs when it comes to safety, ______________ and it’s likely these systems (dubbed avoidance’ or ‘crash avoidArt‘collision Director ance’) will ______________ become standard as more new model vehicles are released into Copywriter the market. ______________ Some of these new features include, but not limited to, backup cameras, Account are Director adaptive cruise control, infrared night ______________ vision, blind spot object detection, lane Account Manager warning systems, automated departure parking systems, pre-crash systems, and ______________ adaptive high beam assist. Production Managertechnicians and shop owners What ______________ are likely going to see is a trickle-down effect, where this technology will first McGill appear in higher-end cars but after DB ______________ a time will migrate to a larger range of Buddy commercial and more moderatelyProof priced vehicles. _____________ “It’s usually the higher-echelon type vehicles, the upper-end ones that see these luxury items first: Cadillac,

New cruise-control systems will use radar to help make the ride not only smoother, but supposedly safer by ensuring a safe distance is maintained between vehicles.

Lexus and other similar vehicles,” says Vollmer. “I think most of this stuff is going to hit all vehicles from one end to the other. They can prevent that statistically-proven 40 per cent of accidents that happen while making a lane change. If they can cut that down to 35 per cent, that would be a huge step.” One of the more exciting systems to come out of collision avoidance is adaptive cruise control, designed so a car owner can drive along and have a radar-based cruise control system that’ll either keep a set distance or timed interval from the car driving in front. As a result, many systems such as the electronic throttle, anti-lock brakes and stability/steering systems will be seamlessly integrated for a more effective cruise control-based ride. OEMs and technicians alike, however, are already seeing problems with some of these advanced systems on the road. For instance, lane detection systems don’t work well on gravel and snow-covered roads. Similarly, right/ left lane object detection and park assist systems are more difficult to operate in Canadian winters where snow mounds are an issue. It should also be noted that the range or field of these monitoring cameras varies from www.ssgm.com

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63 kilometres of commuting daily. That’s hundreds of kilometres a week, in all kinds of weather and often in stop-and-go traffic. It’s not a NASCAR race, but you still drive your engine hard. That’s why you need Mobil 1 technology. From the road to the racetrack, it’s proven to withstand some of the most extreme conditions. In fact, over half of all NASCAR teams choose Mobil 1 technology. So put some NASCAR in your car. Learn more at mobil1.com.

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20 SSGM December 2009

|| New Car TeCh one automaker to another. The greater question from a safety standpoint is will motorists become more complacent while driving on the road, opting for the computer, for example, to check blind spots rather than the driver looking over their shoulder. “It’s not going to take the place of what we’ve been trained to do,” said Vollmer. “It’s like ABS and air bags, all of the sudden people think they’re invincible, but if we drive that vehicle beyond its limits we can still have a roll- Fuel injection systems are about to change radically in over and we can still die in order to meet new fuel-efficiency standards to be adopted the vehicle. The idea of all of by the U.S. these safety components is to take into consideration what we’ve thermal energy from the heat sink been taught through drive training and which now becomes the cold side. experience on the road. These are just When the electrical current is reversed secondary devices here to assist us.” the electrons will move to a lower energy state and will release the heat to the heat sink, and so that becomes Thermo Electric Devices the hot side.” (TEDs) As a result of the Peltier circuit, the While heated and cooled seats, for example, have been around for several back rest and bottom seat can work years technicians might be surprised to independently temperature-wise, makfind out that many new model vehicles ing it possible to get a cool back-rest are using the same technology plug-in and a hot bottom seat operating on the coolers use to keep foods and drinks same seat. Also, since temperature is delivered by electrical current, little to cold in summer. “Each seat is going to have a heated no A/C lines or plumbing is required or cooled ventilation module, a blower and only a small amount of power motor, a temperature sensor, and the (7-10 amps) is needed to keep the unit thermo-electrical device (TED) itself. operational. “[With the Peltier circuit] you What that consists of is two ceramic wafers and a bismuth-teluride semi- have to maintain a temperature range conductor that is sandwiched between between 37 degrees centrigrade all the the plates, so the ceramic wafers act way up to 65 degrees centigrade. It’s a as a heat sink,” Vollmer added. “The lot smaller, it is cheaper to design, and Peltier circuit is a series of P-type and it’s more compact. I think the systems N-type semiconductors and they’re all work fantastic in what they’re expected connected in series. So all we do now to do. It’s very easy to achieve with is apply current to that TED on one something so small.” side and allow it to release that energy Keep in mind, these technologies as heat while the other side will absorb represent a partial list of what’s comenergy and get cold. ing out of OE in the near future. In “By reversing the polarity of the fact, CARS-Council is uploading 60 current, the hot and cold sides are new courses for the coming 2009reversed. It all has to do with elec- 2010 covering these and other new trons moving from positive to nega- technologies, so be sure to also check tive. Through that electrical conduc- their website for the upcoming training tor the electrons will jump to the schedules (www.cars-council.ca). higher energy state and will absorb SSGM www.ssgm.com

Gasoline Direct Injection Systems Author: Tom Hamilton; Curriculum Developer, CARS Innovat ions to cont rol the f uel entering the combustion chamber and producing the maximum output of energ y—without increasing emissions—has progressed substantially in the past couple of decades. Gasoline direct injection is the latest system that is finding a common place on passenger vehicles to meet these standards. These systems have been used in various racing and prototype vehicles for years and have been proven to be efficient in both power and fuel economy. Gasoline direct injection systems use highly pressurized fuel, which can be as high 25,000 psi that is injected directly into the combustion chamber. This has a great advantage over multiport or sequential fuel injection systems that inject f uel before the intake valve. By spraying directly into the combustion chamber, a cooling effect will take place—increasing power and reducing oxides of Nitrogen (NOX). Since the fuel pressure is so high and forced through the small orifices of the injector, the size of the fuel droplets are reduced dramatically. When mixed with the incoming air, a more complete burn of the air/ fuel mixture can be achieved. Due to the extremely high fuel pressures, the fuel injectors used must be able to actuate quickly and have sealing abilities that prevent leakage when the injector closes. Injectors traditionally seen on passenger vehicles use electro-magnetic solenoids to lift the injector pintle from its seat allowing fuel to flow into the intake manifold. This style of injector can also be found on direct injection systems but they use 65 volts to initially open the injector and 12 volts to hold it open. The 65 volts is supplied by a boost capacitor incorporated into the ECM. The initial high voltage is used to reduce the time it takes to lift the injector pintle off its seat. Many manufacturers have now moved to using piezo electric injectors on their direct injection systems due to their higher www.ssgm.com

speed and the reduced current needed to actuate them. Piezo electric injectors use a stack of piezo crystal plates that expand when an electric current is applied. The expansion of the piezo crystal plates causes the needle to move off its seat and allow the fuel to flow through the small orifices of the injector. The expansion of the piezo cr ystals is more precise and can be repeated over and over with a minimal increase of the internal temperature compared to a conventional injector. This allows for a more precise fuel metering for lower consumption and reduced emissions. Since these injectors are so fast, there is the possibility of multiple injections occurring during a single intake stroke. To produce the high fuel pressures needed for these s ystems, some direct injection systems have a primary fuel pump in the fuel tank to feed a mechanically driven fuel pump that increases the common rail fuel pressure above the compression pressure in the cylinder. Having such a high fuel pressure and precise control of fuel delivery, more aggressive ignition timing curves can be utilized to achieve a more complete burn of the fuel mixture. Due to the accurate control of fuel delivery and timing, some systems can control engine rpm under various loads without the use of a throttle plate—much like a diesel engine. Some manufacturers using direct injection systems have developed an ultra-lean burn mode used for lightload or cruising speed conditions.

This mode can have air/fuel mixtures as high as 60:1 or more. This ratio can be achieved by injecting a small amount of fuel into the combustion chamber before the piston reaches top dead centre on the compression stroke. This process allows for the stratified charge to be surrounded by air which keeps the flame front centralized and away from the cylinder walls to reduce emissions. The gasoline direct injection technology has also found its place on two stroke engines. On a traditional two stroke engine, both the intake and exhaust ports are open simultaneously at bottom dead centre. This allows a portion of the air-fuel mixture, from the intake port, to travel over the top of the piston and out the exhaust port without being burned. By introducing a direct injection system and having only air being drawn from the crankcase, fuel can be injected directly into the cylinder after the piston has closed off the intake and exhaust ports on the upward stroke. The application of this system on a two-stroke engine can greatly reduce emissions and increase fuel economy. Being that the gasoline direct injection systems operate in a similar fashion to the fuel systems found on diesel engines, we may see the ignition of the air-fuel mixture without the use of more “traditional” components in the future. For more information on automotive technology visit CARS OnDemand training at: www.cars-council.ca

December 2009 SSGM 21

|| Tire & Wheel

Molson and Merlot Goodyear’s Wrangler DuraTrac targets a wide range of LT consumers By Jim Anderton, Technical Editor

oodyear (and the industry in general) isn’t short of aggressive-looking, off-road LT product … so how do you target a new tire? For Goodyear’s Wrangler DuraTrac, the trick is to perform well enough in a wide enough range of vehicle fitments and driving conditions to cover most, if not all, of the LT tire market’s ever widening consumer base. Does it succeed?

What’s Inside

The Wrangler DuraTrac is a true LT tire and uses Goodyear’s familiar dual polyester sidewall plies with another two under the tread along with two steel belts. Deep at the bottom of the tread grooves is a sort of mini-tread, a technology Goodyear calls TractiveGroove, designed to enhance mud and snow traction. I’ll say more about snow below. An integral rim protector covers the curb strike issue while zigzag sipes reduce tread squirm and buttressed tread blocks resist chip and tear injury in heavy use. Visually, the tire is closer to Goodyear’s MT/R hardcore off-roader than Fortera, and it aims toward the sport/off-road side of the segment while retaining enough road manners to appeal to the “urban offroader.” How do we know? Goodyear offers the Wrangler DuraTrac in 26 sizes from LT21685R16 to LT32560R20, with the notable addition of 31X10.5 R 15LT and 33X12.50R15LT which is approved for rim widths from 8.5 to 11 inches. Can the tire appeal to both the Molson and Merlot set? We drove a set extensively to find out.

How It Drives

Tire & Wheel Canada tested the Wrangler DuraTrac on paved road, off-road and dirt road conditions and learned some interesting things about the tire. The test vehicle was a late-model Chevrolet Silverado using the stock LT 265/70 R 17 size. Off-road, which was tested in Northern Ontario on a mixed surface of dirt, rock with tree roots and forest duff mixed in, the tire dug in well and showed good flotation in the odd sand pit and boggy areas, 22 SSGM December 2009

as would be expected for an aggressive, open-treaded tire. The tread bleeds to the sidewall a little like Goodyear’s Wrangler MT/R, but with a more modest “Greek key” scallop, notably split by a groove at the tread shoulder. This tire likes to approach obstacles with a little more steering input than single-purpose off-road rubber, and sets well when the inner edge of the shoulder is allowed to grab the surface before transferring the load outboard. You won’t “hang” a heavy truck on the sidewalls, but driven intelligently, the Wrangler DuraTrac is hard to tell apart from many dedicated pure off-road tires. It’s relatively easy to build grip and toughness in a pure off-road tire, where enthusiasts will give up everything to summit that rock, but for occasional off-roaders, hunters, anglers or backwoods cottagers, the tire will spend most of its life on a prepared surface. On dirt roads the tire is quiet, and rejects a wide variety of stones well, from irregular debris kicked up by graders to crushed gravel. On the pavement, however, the DuraTrac is most surprising. All tires in this category are noisy, but Goodyear’s engineers have tuned out many of the harmonics at the high and low end of the spectrum, altering the tire’s noise profile by moving it into the range where the truck’s chassis engineers have designed for noise reduction. Put simply, on the test 4x4 Silverado, the Wrangler neither sings nor rumbles at highway speeds; the tire effectively “hides” behind the GM engineers’ sound deadening technology, making the tire acceptable for daily pavement use. This is especially tuneable with tire pressure, so don’t blow these to the maximum 50 psi and advise your customers to avoid under inflation. On the Silverado, plaquard pressure is 35/35 front to back, and the DuraTrac worked well at these pressures empty. The tread is moderately sided, is symmetrical and uses the expected large-void shoulder blocks so rain isn’t an issue … which brings us to winter. See Goodyear, page 27 www.ssgm.com

Tire & Wheel ||

Great Expectations Yokohama’s new ADVAN Neova AD08 has a heritage that includes some of the first UHP tires ever … does it uphold the tradition? By Jim Anderton, Technical Editor

n the performance tire arena, Yokohama has a unique issue: The originator of the now legendary A008, with its semi-slick tread and high grip, branded the firm as an enthusiasts’ manufacturer, meaning a consumer base that’s both discriminating and demanding. Yokohama may be the tire manufacturer that uses word-of-mouth more than any other performance player and acceptance by early-adopter consumers in expensive sports cars is the key to getting new products under the millions of performance sedans and GT cars whose owners read and understand the importance of tires. Into this charged climate, Yokohama has launched a new performance product, the ADVAN Neova AD08, tested recently by Tire & Wheel Canada/SSGM in the beautiful wine country of the Niagara Peninsula in Southern Ontario. The venue was appropriate, as that coveted early adopter sub-segment is definitely a wine and cheese culture, notoriously demanding and often surprisingly price conscious if two or more brands offer similar performance. As the replacement to the AD07, the new ADVAN AD08 features a new casing shape to improve the contact patch and steel inserts in the sidewalls to resist lateral deflection when cornering. Steel belts are also used in the under tread area, along with the expected nylon cap in this performance application. The top cap and chafers are jointless. The AD08 uses a tread compound that uses a proprietary nanotechnology silica-polymer material that increases material density and allows a five to 10 per cent increase in effective contact area without an increase in tread size. Another material addition is “Hyper Density Carbon,” a tread compound component that increases dry and wet grip with improved tread wear. The pattern is an evolution of the AD07, with a straight centre groove, two prominent wavy centre ribs and a tread-to-void ratio that puts lots of rubber on the road. The tread also reduces pattern noise. Irregular wear is a frequent issue with UHP tires

www.ssgm.com

and Yokohama addresses this with a series of tiny slits (not sipes) in the sides of the groove walls, which distribute internal stresses more evenly. Water evacuation is handled by “HydroARC Channels” which eject water laterally at their exit point on the tread shoulder. How much does the AD08 improve upon the 07? According to Yokohama, dry and wet braking distances are shorter, wet skid pad speed is up seven per cent with a three per cent improvement in lateral “g’s” and a 1.2 dB reduction in pattern noise. While Tire & Wheel Canada/SSGM hasn’t confirmed these numbers independently, they look reasonable for the level of additional technology. While sport sedans will be the majority of the market, the major “halo” application will likely be Porsche, and Yokohama thoughtfully brought along a 911 to the test. With its rear weight bias and legendary (some say notorious) handling, rear-engine Porsches are a natural test for the ADVAN AD08. In our informal testing the tire does have sharp turn-in and excellent traction and braking, but perhaps the most important feature, for this tester at least, is the shape of the tread shoulders. The shoulder of the AD08 is rounded with a decreasing radius, starting well into the contact patch. Square shoulder designs put more rubber on the road on a rear, live axle fitment, but the intended vehicles for the AD08 are IRSs, and incorporate a significant amount of negative camber, either statically or as the suspension articulates. Even without the excessive camber often added by enthusiasts, the shoulder design keeps lateral grip up as the tire “sets” in cornering and keeps the grip level consistent and predictable, especially during the odd errant steering input midcorner, a reasonable expectation in powerful cars driven on typically irregular road surfaces. The “poster child” for all these handling issues is the 911. The 911, historically a car that punishes ham-fisted drivers See Yokohama, page 27 December 2009 SSGM 23

SSGM BAYWATCH New Products

2009-2010 Corvette C6 exhaust system from Corsa Performance Corsa Performance Exhausts announce it has developed a full range of premium exhaust systems updated to match design enhancements for the 2009-2010 Corvette C6. Available for both the manual transmission and automatic A-6 paddleshift Corvette C6, the new C6 exhaust systems feature the company’s exclusive Reflective Sound Cancellation (RSC) technology to deliver a bold performance note with no interior resonance. CORSA offers enthusiasts three distinct catback exhaust systems to choose from, depending on their sound and performance requirements.

Corsa’s 2009-2010 Xtreme C6 exhaust system gives Corvette owners a powerful, bold sound during acceleration. This 2.5-inch cat-back exhaust delivers a 64 per cent gain in exhaust flow versus the stock muffler, according to Corsa’s flow bench tests, and produces an increase in power of 13 hp and 10 lb.-ft of torque. The manufacturer’s second sound level, the C6 Sport exhaust system, is engineered for a crisp, aggressive exotic car sound, while the C6 Touring exhaust is designed for highly modified engines or those seeking a milder tone. Each exhaust system features Twin 3.5-inch Pro Series Tips laser etched with the CORSA brand. Corsa Performance Exhaust www.corsaperformance.com

Smoke Wizard meets OEM requirements Global Leak Detection’s GLD-40 Smoke Wizard’s microprocessor manages pressure/ vacuum-decay monitoring that meets current OEM EVAP testing specifications. The highly sensitive, easy-to-read flow meter measures down to the newest .010 in. for EVAP testing. The unit also includes OEM-approved UltraTraceUV dye, shop air or inert gas capabilities and a lighter weight design. Global Leak Detection www.smokewizard.com

Cardone introduces remanufactured turbos, superchargers Cardone Industries introduced Cardone’s remanufactured Turbos and Superchargers to its line of automotive products. Cardone’s initial product release of 51 Turbo SKU’s and nine Supercharger SKU’s covers 90 per cent of the current U.S. gasoline and diesel market, and includes over nine million vehicles in operation. Due to their efficiency and fuel savings, the number of turbocharged vehicles on the road is expected to increase significantly in the next few years. By 2013, an estimated 1 in 3 vehicles produced worldwide will be turbocharged. Cardone Industries www.cardone.com

Matco Tools introduces INT5000JT – INT5000 Trade In Kit Matco Tools introduces the NT5000 Trade In Kit, the INT5000JT. Features include the INT5000JT Interceptor Diagnostic System and Trade-in Option, USA Domestic/Asian Vehicle Subscription (12 Months), USA European Vehicle Subscription (12 Months), plus two months of on vehicle demo capability without starting the subscription ABS included with vehicle software. Also includes Direct Hit Technician and J2534 Reprogramming software, Scan Diagnostic Information (Pathfinder) (Repair-Trac) Vehicle Cable Sets, OBD II Cable USA Domestic and Asian OEM OBD I Cables and USA European OEM OBD I Cables. Matco Tools www.matcotools.com 24 SSGM December 2009

Walker brand stainless steel replacement muffler Tenneco Inc. has completed the integration of QuietFlow SS stainless steel mufflers into its Walker emissions control product line. This new product offering enables automotive parts distributors, jobbers and service shops to provide a significantly longer-lasting repair solution at the same price as Walker’s premium aluminized-steel mufflers. Available for a vast majority of top-selling domestic and foreignnameplate applications, Walker Quiet-Flow SS mufflers feature 409 stainless steel heads, shell, bushings, louvered tubes and partitions. Each muffler is manufactured in the same facility as premium original equipment units and is offered with a limited lifetime warranty and a 90-day Safe and Sound guarantee at no additional charge. Tenneco Inc. www.walkerexhaust.com www.ssgm.com

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|| Jim’s Rant

Three Safety Tips

By Jim Anderton, Technical Editor

A doctor once told me that 15 minutes is a good amount of eye wash for a solvent splash . . . and 15 minutes will seem like an eternity if you’re running cold water into your eye. You gotta do it.

When it comes to safety, there are lots of ways to break the rules in a repair shop environment. Many of you have carpal tunnel, strained ligaments, sore backs, etc.; and I know that a few of you have broken bones or worse in your careers. I’ve been relatively lucky: just a few broken ribs (Turbo-Hydramatic 400’s were heavy) and a dozen stitches courtesy of the razor sharp rocker panel flange common to so many cars and light trucks. In both cases, I could have avoided the pain with a little common sense. In the first case, trying to move a light truck automatic transmission onto a cart by myself over an oil-soaked floor wasn’t a bright idea, especially since lots of help was available just by asking. At 17, of course, you never ask for help, preferring to screw up royally by yourself . . . in the second case, I wasn’t wearing safety glasses so when I zipped off that rusty clamp, the inevitable happened and the rust flew into my eye. I then jerked my head back (no hard hat, of course) and split my scalp wide open. The doc in the ER had no sympathy whatsoever. Nor should he have. Hanging around the hospital does, however, let you pick up a tip or two concerning safety. Here are three:

Know when to put on and take off, gloves

Today’s nitrile gloves are skin tight and durable, meaning there’s not much excuse for not wearing them. Yes, you can get enough “feel” and you can get used to them; but while they protect your skin form the various nasty chemicals used in every shop, there is a time to take them off: when they’re split or punctured. Tear the gloves, and then get into oils or solvents, and the fluids are held against the skin, worse than wearing no gloves at all. At the smallest tear, take it off and put on a new one. They’re cheap and your hands won’t look like roast

Response to Letter to Editor for Jim’s Rant “Are You Sick?”: Jim replies: Hey, Linden, it’s still a free country (for now!) and you have an inalienable right to refuse the jab.... I agree, it won’t kill the virus, but out here, kids have died from this thing, and although I’m a very low risk (I was 26 SSGM December 2009

beef by the time you get home for dinner.

When you’re cut, flush with water

This one is intuitive, but it’s now backed by science. Recent scientific studies of wound care to prevent infection have determined that flushing with fresh water is as effective as using antiseptic in treating a cut or burn. The key is to flush the wound, which means running water and lots of it, for at least a couple of minutes. In fact, antiseptic solutions have been shown to slow healing of a clean wound, so think about lots of clean water, dry, then a clean bandage or dressing. Naturally, if it’s serious, get medical help, but if your shop is like most, it has to be a bloodbath before a tech will take a cut seriously.

Know how to flush your eyes

These days, every shop has one of those plastic squeeze bottle eye wash stations and by the way they’re designed, they’re easy to use. Just put your eye in the cup ands squirt away. The thing they don’t tell you is that the human eyeball is like a sponge . . . flush the surface with one shot and you’ll think you’re done, possibly damaging your eyesight. A doctor once told me that 15 minutes is a good amount of eye wash for a solvent splash . . . and 15 minutes will seem like an eternity if you’re running cold water into your eye. You gotta do it. A good way is to use a rubber hose attached to a clean faucet (you can find one of those, right?) allowing you to hold your head over the sink while you flush out the gunk. Don’t assume that because if feels better, it’s clean. For a really bad exposure, again, get to a clinic or ER and tell them at triage what happened. I’ve seen good techs with 8 or 9 fingers, but it’s hard to read a code when you’re blind.

exposed in ’76) I don’t want to be down any longer than I have to.... and I don’t want to infect anybody else if I can help it. Sounds to me that your family is tough and can stand it; some other kids, especially with other health problems, can’t. And the World Health Organization says that this virus is different from past flus: http:// www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/

frequently_asked_questions/about_ disease/en/ As far as corruption in the finance ministry, that stock connection needs to be exposed, so I hope you’ll E-mail your MP and MLA, too. And thanks for taking the time to E-mail us here at SSGM! We love letters…. letterstotheeditor@ssgm.com www.ssgm.com

Tire & Wheel || Goodyear, from page 22

Yokohama, from page 23

Taking On Winter

with gobs of fence-bashing trailing throttle oversteer, is extremely drivable on ADVAN AD08’s, with the tire taking full advantage of the Porsche’s modern chassis design. Amateurs can drive quickly on this tire without nasty surprises. Available sizes reveal Yokohama’s strategy for the ADVAN Neova AD08. 31 sizes are available, from tuner 205/50R15 86V to super car 295/30R10 100W for the well-heeled. There’s no downward reach into mainline sedans, or poser “donk,” “box” or “bubble” applications in outrageous diameters. On the tire wall, the AD08 has a contemporary scalloped look that should show very well and on the street, Yokohama can expect the enthusiast press and word-ofmouth/Facebook/Twitter etc. to do some “pre-selling” of the tire for the dealer network. In Canada, a fall rollout for a performance tire seems odd, but Yokohama is a global company and with instant global communication, it’s a good thing that Canada gets the product without delay … in fact the tire should be available as you read this. Can you sell the Yokohama ADVAN Neova AD08? Probably more easily than you can pronounce it. SSGM

The Wrangler DuraTrac is snowflake-rated and pinned for #16 studs, making it a true all-season LT tire. The ability to sell the product into the cold-weather season and maintain turns on your inventory is significant for dealers, and for moderate (read southern/coastal) Canadian climates, it would be an excellent choice, although dedicated winter product is still best. The other advantage of the snowflake rating is the ability to fit customers who carry heavy loads year-round. By avoiding the often lower load rating of pure winter tires, it’s possible to add a margin of safety for heavy haulers. Curb appeal is something between Baja 1000 and Sussex Drive, with the outline white lettering mercifully appearing on one side only of these non-directional tires. On the Silverado, the “Wrangler” branding looked great; on your customer’s Range Rover, the black wall is probably the way to mount. Remember to point this out at the tire wall, since most shops display these tires with the OWL side out. We’ll keep these tires on the test truck and check winter performance … stay tuned! SSGM

Advertisers’ Index Advertiser

Page #

website

Advertiser

Page #

website

Bend Pak . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,27 . .www .rangerproducts .com/canada

Lankar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .lankar .com

BMW Canada . . . . . . . . . 30,31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www .bmw .ca

Robert Bosch . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 . . . . . . www .boschdiagnostic .com

CARS Council . . . . . . . . . . . .20 . . . . . . . . . . .www .cars-council .ca Deon Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 . . . . . . . . . .www .deonsupply .com GE Nighthawk . . . . . . . . . . . .5 . . . . . . . . . . . www .gelighting .com

Sayco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www .canbuilt .ca Shell Canada . . . . . . . . . . . .11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www .shell .ca

Goodyear Canada . . . . . . . . .17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . www .goodyear .ca

Walker Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . .9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . www .walker .com

Imperial Oil . . . . . . . . . . . 18,19 . . . . . . . . . . . . www .imperialoil .ca

WORLDPAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 . . . . . . . . . . . www .worldpac .com

Solutions to November’s puzzles

www.ssgm.com

December 2009 SSGM 27

Automotive Internet Directory Visit these companies directly at their web addresses or check out the growing list of Hot Links at www.autoserviceworld.com. To find out how your organization can be included in this directory and on the web, contact Brayden J C Ford 416-510-5206

HAND CLEANERS

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS & ACCESSORIES Goodyear Engineered Products www.goodyearep.com/aftermarket www.goodyearbeltsandhose.com The officially licensed belt of NASCAR. Gatorback, the quiet belt. You can never replace Goodyear quality. NGK Spark Plugs Canada Limited www.ngksparkplugs.ca The World Leader in Spark Plugs, Oxygen Sensors and Ignition Wire Sets. Used by 87% of the World’s OE Manufacturers S.B International Inc. www.sbintl.com “We keep engines humming” ZEX AC Compressors Division of Mister Starter

www.misterstarter.com Remanufactured/New A/C compressors and Turbochargers/Superchargers for complete line of cars and trucks, DOMESTIC & IMPORTS. Custom Rebuilds also available for your needs.

COLLISION REPAIR Masters School of Autobody Management www.masters-school.com Masters offers a number of education programs and implementation follow-up programs designed to take bodyshops to the next level of success.

ADVERTISERS INDEX Company

SUDOKU

GOJO Industries, Inc. www.automotive.gojo.com GOJO is a leading manufacturer of skin care products and services for many marketing including automotive and manufacturing. GOJO continues to pursue a commitment of creating well-being through hand hygiene and healthy skin.

LUBRICANTS & ADDITIVES Empack/emzone Automotive Care & Maintenance www.emzone.ca The high performance emzone product line is specially formulated for your detailing and maintenance needs. For maintenance: Lubricants, Brake Cleaners, Degreasers, and Coatings. For detailing: Glass Cleaners, Carpet Foams, Tire Shines and Auto Fresh.

REFRIGERANT Duracool Refrigerants Inc. www.duracool.com Nationally Distributed by: Deepfreeze Refrigerants Inc. The Leaders in Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Technology Guaranteed In writing not to harm any Mobile A/C System You can feel the Difference that Quality Makes “Our Formula Never Changes”.

Marketplace Page #

by Store Myles Mellor and $899 Parts Software

Susan Flanagan • Reliable. Users have run daily for 8 years without calling us for help. • Fast. Make invoices in seconds. 1000s of charge statements in an hour. • Automatic. Updates inventory, charge Each Sudoku puzzle accounts & core tracking. consists of a 9×9 • Recall & reprint invoices from earlier grid that has been today or any time up to 5 years ago. subdivided into nine • Use locally available hardware. smaller grids of 3×3 • Up to 37 user stations. squares. To solve • There is nothing else you must buy. the puzzle each row, • Optional Wrenchead cataloging. column and box • No contract to sign. must contain each of • Get our free video & demo disk.

REFRIGERANT Empack / emzone Refrigerants www.emzone.ca Eco-friendly, non-ozone depleting and system safe. The emzone quality A/C Refrigerant product line includes stop leak, system conditioner, oil charge, UV dye leak detection, and dryer offering colder vent temperatures, improved system efficiency, lower head pressure and greater gas mileage. Ideal for cars, trucks, SUVs and tractors.

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT AIR LIQUIDE CANADA INC. www.airliquide.ca Your one-stop shop for all your industrial gases and welding supplies. Rotary Lift www.rotarylift.com World Leader in Lift Productivity

WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTORS & BUYING GROUPS Bestbuy Distributors Limited

www.bestbuyautoparts.ca Independent buying group and warehouse distributor that allocates its profits to member shareholders and provides unbeatable value for independent jobbers. The E.R.I. Group www.theerigroup.com Canada’s Premier Machine Shop Buying Group Kerr Machine Shop Group Inc.

www.kerrmachineshopgroup.com Buying group for machine shops and performance shops.

the numbers 1 to 9. Mib Puzzles come in three Box 3367, Espanola, NM 87533 USA grades: easy, medium 505-293-8640 and difficult. Serving you since 1977 with honesty & integrity.

Level: Medium

28 SSGM December 2009 JOBBER NEWS / NOVEMBER 2009

www.ssgm.com

Puzzles || CROSSWORD by Myles Mellor

Across 1 Fix 5 Body 10 Pull 12 Craft 14 Car fixer 15 Steering ____ 16 Loud, like a horn 17 French for this 19 College, for short 20 Speed trap technology 23 Car defect 26 Veyron 29 Neutral, for one 32 Humbug 33 Lotus model 37 Upholstery 38 Skirt of BMW? 39 Kia model 40 Key executive 42 Dodge model 43 ____ LS 46 Pro driver 47 __-lingual 48 Important spacial feature in a vehicle 50 Environmental colour 52 Gnawed 53 The, in Montreal 54 Popular Toyota www.ssgm.com

55 Volvo rival 56 Glow Down 1 Dodge truck 2 Company that built the Colt Runabout 3 Alfa Romeo’s nationality 4 “A Beautiful Mind” director, first name 6 Laughter sound 7 ___ welder 8 Road sign 9 Largest manufacturer of medium to heavy duty trucks 11 Gull ____ 13 They make a Q45 16 Chevy SUV 17 Kind of coupe 18 E-address ending 21 It’s a factor in resale value 22 Sun god 24 __ bend (double curve) 25 Tangent, for short 27 Journeys 28 Truck weight

30 Catchall abbr. 31 Remain 34 Roman 51 35 A Saturn 36 Car size 41 Lotus made it 44 1970 Ford subcompact 45 Test version 46 Electrical measurements 47 “Let it __”: Beatles advice 48 Quebecois lake 49 Masterpiece 51 Several periods 53 Measure of weight

You know where to turn

Fax this month’s crossword answers to David Halpert at (416) 510-5140 and be eligible for a $50 gift certificate from Canadian Tire December 2009 SSGM 29

OUR PARTS. YOUR SERVICE. ONE PASSION. BMW is your partner in excellence. Our common goal is a smooth, efficient repair, using Original BMW Parts. To find out how we can help you service and satisfy more BMW customers, faster, contact your local BMW Retailer or enquire at partnersinquality@bmwgroup.ca.

BMW Canada

Original BMW Parts

The Ultimate Driving Experience.速

SSGM has great figures and we are not afraid to show them! These numbers are just too good not to share.

Did you know… SSGM has the largest circulation in the Canadian automotive aftermarket.

104,064 people read each issue of SSGM due

to average pass along readership!

96.7% of readers rated SSGM Excellent / Good

overall!

95.9% of our readers indicate they have direct

purchasing influence within their organization!

89.6% indicate SSGM meets the needs of

their industry!

Reader Comments: “This magazine is a TRULY EXCELLENT addition to any Repair facility’s reading list. It is also VERY INFORMATIVE for a customer to read and be brought up to speed on Industry / Repair standards. I THOROUGHLY enjoy reading this magazine and hope to be reading it for MANY, MANY YEARS to come and LEARNING from it as well.” Statistics are based on responses to our September 2009 readership knowledge survey.

▼ To learn more about data from our readership insights program, contact:

Marc Gadbois Publisher Email: marc@ssgm.com Phone: 416-510-6776