The Fine Print
What’s the worst that could happen if you don’t read it? I think we’re all guilty of checking the “I agree” button at the end of a full-page disclaimer, just to get an app on your phone or sign up…
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Are You In Trouble?
To move forward as an independent shop owner in today’s business environment, it’s time to get your attitude in order. Here’s how. With all the daily pressures of running an automotive service or collision repair business, it’s amazing how the…
When a customer requests a refund for her inconvenience after the shop replaces a damaged gas tank … ... What would you do?
The following scenario was sent in by Andy Daniels of Frank’s Automotive in Tulare, Calif. “A first-time customer had her 2008 Hyundai Sonata V6 towed in for a no-start condition. We ran several tests and determined that the fuel pump…
Serviceability Report: Ford Fusion Hybrid
The 2017 118-hp, 2.0-liter model looks good, but is it? Ford Motor Co. saw the light in hybrid technology with the introduction of the model year (M/Y) 2005 Escape hybrid. Since then, they’ve made many improvements and gained market share.…
Julie Moreno-Blount Anchors Membership Financial Services
In the course of her normally busy day, Julie Moreno-Blount wears a lot of hats at ASA. As the Membership Services Department’s accounts receivables specialist, Moreno-Blount supports and manages a variety of responsibilities that are crucial to successfully maintaining ASA’s…
Position Yourself to Succeed
If you work in this business you either embrace change or change leaves you behind. You’ve heard, or read, that technology is growing at an alarming pace, and it seems that every time I attend a connected-car event the countdown…
NHTSA Releases Federal Automated Vehicle Policy
Increase in traffic fatalities prompts interest in preparing guidelines for federal and state policymakers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released policy guidelines for automated vehicles. Although NHTSA has communicated with the automotive industry and other manufacturers, states…
How’s Your Business?
AutoInc. asked ASA member-shops to complete a questionnaire about how their businesses were performing through the first six months of 2016. Here are some select figures that represent the highlights of what they told us. This year’s “How’s Your Business?”…
Steps Toward New Relationships
If you follow ASA’s press releases or Facebook page, you’re probably aware that we have made some groundbreaking announcements in the past few months. If you don’t follow these channels, let me catch you up on a few things as…
A Special Addition to This Shop’s Family
Greg Buckley, owner of Buckley’s Auto Care in Wilmington, Del., proudly describes his eight-member staff as “all very important to the success of the business.” Building Maintenance Manager Sean Maloney fits right in. For the past four years, Sean has…
A Hard-Start Mystery
This 26-year-old Jeep Cherokee requires a bit of investigation, but if you follow the clues you’ll reach a solution. If you’ve been working in an independent shop for a while, you’ve seen your share of Jeep Cherokees come through your…
Recalls Cited in Support of Vehicle Safety Inspection Programs
Pennsylvania legislature considers bill requiring consumer notice. State vehicle safety inspection programs have seen good times and bad since the Highway Safety Act of 1966. This law mandated that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) prescribe uniform standards for mandatory…
If timing is everything, this shop’s ‘trained’ service adviser apparently didn’t know everything
A well-respected ASA shop had the following dilemma: “I just hired a new service adviser and thought I had him trained, but he made a huge mistake. “A customer dropped off his vehicle to have some service work performed, including…
Supplier vs. Partner?
Don’t work for free! Follow these 5 easy steps to pay yourself for time spent at the front counter. EDITOR’S NOTE: The labor rates mentioned in this article are fictitious and should not be considered industry standards. Successful shop operators…
Cheerleaders Welcome
As more Millennials enter the auto repair workforce, managers need to adopt a different leadership style. As a leader, I know a great leader’s traits must be learned. While there are many traits associated with effective leadership, I find that…
Changing a Stubborn Perception
A recent email from a member spurred this particular message. He was concerned that, as an independent repair professional, he has no clout. He told me he lacks confidence in the parts he’s getting and automakers are out to get…
Cardone’s Service Guide is Really a Solution Guide
CARDONE Industries, an ASA corporate member, published its 2016 service dealer guide, “Solutions from the Bench.” It is full of new products and installation-tip videos that the company promises “make technicians’ lives easier.” The guide features a mix of more…
Cracking the Codes
In Colorado, two cars with failed (I/M) 240 tests suggest the vehicles’ owners must seek help. In Colorado – and elsewhere, I’m certain – P0442 codes can be counted on to bring cars into our service drives. But in Denver…
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