Tech Tips: Identifix’s 'favorite fixes'
Every week, Identifix gets hundreds of new confirmed fixes submitted to Direct-Hit by technicians across North America.
Features
Colorado TV Report: Auto mechanic shortage may mean more expensive car repairs
By KDVR.com DENVER, Colorado - A national shortage of auto technicians may make it more expensive to get your car fixed. The Colorado Department of Labor estimates the demand for auto technicians in our state will increase by 12.5 percent…
Tech Tip (by ALLDATA): Dodge Caravan develops 'intermittent stumble'
TECH TIPS (courtesy of ALLDATA) Vehicle: 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan, V6-3.3L, Flex Fuel, Automatic Transmission Mileage: 106,007 Problem: The vehicle starts and runs fine, but after 40+ miles, it develops a very intermittent, quick stumble and sets p1128. At times, the customer has driven up over 100 miles…
Used vehicle market slows for 5th consecutive month, J.D. Power finds
In the February 2019 Used Car and Light Truck Guidelines Industry Update, analysts at J.D. Power Valuation Services note that the used vehicle market slowed once again in January, marking the fifth consecutive month of decline.
45 'World Class Technicians' announced for 2019
By Auto Care Association BETHESDA, Maryland (Feb. 27, 2019) – The Auto Care Association on Wednesday announced the latest recipients of the 2019 World Class Technician award. In partnership with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the two…
Auto associations oppose Missouri legislation repealing vehicle safety inspections
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 27, 2019 – Automotive industry trade associations have joined to oppose legislation (House Bill 451) in Missouri aimed at eliminating that state’s premier vehicle safety inspection program. The Auto Care Association, Automotive Service Association and Tire Industry…
Tech Tips (by ALLDATA): 'Simple Fix' for Sentra 'no start'
TECH TIPS (courtesy of ALLDATA) Vehicle: 2013 Nissan Sentra, L4-1.8L, Automatic Transmission Mileage: 48,345 Problem: The battery went dead overnight. The owner tried to jump start the vehicle but the engine would not crank over. It was towed to the shop. PHOTO GALLERY: FUN,…
ALLDATA: Recruiting & retaining exceptional automotive techs (Part 2)
By Rich Diegel, ALLDATA Tech-Assist Team Supervisor During the early years of my career, I noticed that many dealership owners or general managers thought the service department was just a necessary expense that was required by the manufacturer. The sales…
Lang Aftermarket iReport: More 'products per mile' ups aftermarket
"Car and light truck 2018 product sales increased at several times the annual pace of light vehicle mileage growth. This reflects the increase in car and light truck product use per mile traveled during the year. "The escalating average age…
Awards honor 'Most Innovative Technologies & Features' available in dealer showrooms
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Feb. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The car shopping experts at Edmunds today announced the newest winners of this year's Edmunds Tech Driven Awards. The second phase of the 2019 Tech Driven Awards specifically honor the automakers that have done the…
Porsche Macan will be electric in 'next generation'
ATLANTA, Feb. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The next generation Porsche Macan will be fully electric, the company announced today. Production will begin early in the next decade and will take place in Leipzig at the same facility as the current Macan. PHOTO GALLERY: FUN, INTERESTING & COOL…
Enterprise expands 'Exotic Car Collection' with 2 new Aston Martin models
ST. LOUIS, Feb. 26, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- From the Golden State to the Empire State, you can now add a sense of luxury to your next big outing. Enterprise Rent-A-Car has acquired 15 Aston Martin vehicles - six DB11 Volante convertibles and…
TechForce Foundation & FASE team to bring 'Hydrogen Fuel Cell' Car Competition to schools
Students from nine elementary schools across multiple school districts will participate in the challenge, building a small fuel-cell DIY kit car.
ALLDATA: Recruiting & retaining exceptional automotive techs (Part 1)
By Rich Diegle, ALLDATA Tech-Assist Team It’s a common problem that affects many industries – and the automotive repair industry is certainly not immune. It keeps business owners and managers up at night. That problem is trying to hire and…
Tech Tips (by ALLDATA): GMC Canyon with intermittent 'brake lockup'
TECH TIPS (courtesy of ALLDATA) Vehicle: 2005 GMC Canyon, 4WD, L5-3.5L, VIN 6, Automatic Transmission Mileage: 198,003 Problem: This vehicle came in to the shop with the antilock brake warning indicator on. The technician connected a scan tool and pulled the codes listed below. They test…
ASA launches new ‘Garage Challenges’ video series
ASA is partnering with an auto repair industry leader to produce a series of videos aimed at building an online dialogue to help business owners solve everyday challenges in their shops.
Repair Shop Success: Mapping out hiring process & establishing goals crucial
How do you select the best and brightest? Introduce a process that taps the resources of your current team members? Successfully integrate your new hire into your organization? Blogger Bruce Howes shares his thoughts.
Consumer Reports: Independent repair shops preferred over dealerships
A survey of more than 40,000 Consumer Reports members found “consumers who go to independent mechanics have a more satisfying experience and are more successful at negotiating a discount than those who go to car repair chains or dealerships."
