“Pete, I saw your post on the ASOG Facebook page, and I'd like to submit a question for your article. What is the optimal ratio of bays per tech for a modern diagnostic and drivability shop? - Matt, Louisiana" …
I have seen so many owner/managers make common mistakes that destroy employee morale and their effectiveness and then they point the finger at staff instead of looking in the mirror. Take a hard look…
A multi-store shop owner writes the following: Dear TJ: Although I have a written policy that I only allow technicians to work on their own vehicles during off hours, my service manager allowed my tech to work on his “girlfriend’s”…
The recent elections moving democrats to control the U.S. House of Representatives could lead to policy change for the automotive repair industry in the new 116th Congress.
The deadline to meet the AMi CE requirement and remain an active AMi professional designation holder is Dec. 31.
Lately I’ve been focused on the topic of automotive education to the extent that this column is beginning to trend toward that topic every issue.
In the years since founding AutoWorks of Tampa, I’ve seen my fair share of ups and downs. Initially I started the business out of the side of my house, working on neighbor’s cars, my friend’s cars, and the cars of other, word-of-mouth customers.
Question: I run a one-man shop in a very rural area. I was a good tech before becoming self-employed, but fear I’m losing the edge on new technical/service data. Do you have any suggestions for continuing education that I can…
At one of the darkest times of my life, after just losing my business partner, who was also my beloved husband and best friend, I chose to take my first solo trip to an industry convention. …
We are about to move into a new year. It’s time to “refocus” to achieve great results in 2019. I would like to challenge you to commit to this for the next 90 days as it will really bring clarity…
I own a shop in a small town and have a great reputation. Recently we had one of our regular customers bring us a 2000 Toyota Camry with over 200,000 miles on it. The…
EDITOR’S NOTE: Two technicians – Isaac Rodell and Johnathan Dickerman – were interviewed for this article. We appreciate their input. Time has proven that American drivers love SUVs. But do technicians who have to fix them feel the same way?…
During the 1970s, concern about the impact of ozone depleting substances reached a feverish pitch. Although there was much interest in those substances that likely depleted the ozone, the use of the chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-12, used at the time in motor…
Vehicle repairers have watched a slow hemorrhage of state vehicle safety inspection programs for a number of years. These programs go back to 1926 beginning with a voluntary program in Massachusetts, and increased to 31 states plus the District of…
I’ve been experimenting with specials to be used in direct mail, boosted Facebook posts and other such advertising mediums. One such special is a summer kickoff special, which is an air conditioning inspection and service for only $139. The wording…
"They” say new car dealers are feeling aggressive and confident. Car dealerships are also looking at aggressive methods to keep the purchasers of their used cars in their bays. Dealerships want the lucrative aftermarket business, they are going after it,…
A multi-store shop owner sends in the following situation: We recently had a 2015 Ford F150 V8 with 46,000 miles brought into one of my shops with a check engine light on, as well as a drivability problem. My technician…
I just couldn’t resist. It was just the detective in me. “Yes, I will take a look at it,” I said to a new customer when she said her car would stall but only occasionally. Why would I do such…
