Advice: Empowering Service Writers
There’s only so much of a shop owner to go around.
Features
Survey: Half of respondents say they avoided speeding tickets by giving an excuse
In a third annual survey of driver’s habits, CarInsurance.com finds the excuses that are most successful when stopped for exceeding the speed limit and explains why and by how much drivers speed.
Report: Despite chip shortage, profits are to be made in connected vehicle sales
New vehicle sales contracted by 15 percent in 2020, a lower drop than initially anticipated given the dismal prospects in the third quarter of last year.
New Release: Position statements from Ford (and Lincoln) regarding front bumper fascias
Two new position statements have been released from Ford (and Lincoln) regarding front bumper fascias.
Lang Aftermarket iReport: Parts proliferation, COVID-19 & eCommerce
The number of products required to repair the diverse, aging, and increasingly complex population of cars and light trucks on U.S. roads is expanding at an exponential rate, causing the aftermarket proliferation problem to grow in size and scope.
5 ways to find the technicians you’re looking for
One of the challenges that shop owners have faced for years is finding and hiring qualified technicians. Here are five of the most successful techniques that I used to find the superstars when I was still operating shops.
Tech Tips (by ALLDATA): Ford Crown Vic won’t shift out of park
The vehicle was towed into the shop because the transmission could not be shifted out of Park.
Tech Tips (by ALLDATA): Durango cranks, no start
Vehicle was towed in because the engine would crank over but not start.
Tech Tips (by ALLDATA): F-150 lacks power, rough idle, black smoke from exhaust
The F150 was brought in for a rough idle and lack of power concern. The owner also noticed black smoke coming from the exhaust and it smelled like fuel.
AAA: Gas prices jump 6 cents on week, likely to climb higher
On the week, the national gas price average jumped six cents to $2.96. If the trend continues, an increase of three more cents would make the national average the most expensive since November 2014 –the last time we saw average prices at $2.99 and higher.
AAA: Safety groups create 'automated enforcement' checklist to encourage well-designed programs
Red light and speed cameras are powerful enforcement tools that have been shown to reduce crashes, but programs must be carefully implemented to maintain community support.
FTC releases report on Anticompetitive Repair Restrictions
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a report this week entitled “Nixing the Fix: An FTC Report to Congress on Repair Restrictions."
Electric vehicle charging station legislation introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives
Congressman Levin (D-Mich) introduced a bill, the Electric Vehicles Freedom Act, that would establish a nationwide network of public electric vehicle charging stations.
Maryann Croce's Coach's Corner: Culture - your competitive advantage
Most owners and leaders are so busy with the day to day of their business, it leaves little time to work on their business. I get it because it happened to Tony and me in the early years of owning our shop. No words of wisdom suddenly made us see the light. We were simple tired. Tired of going at hectic pace and how it was affecting our relationship.
4 interviewing tips that will help you hire superstar techs
We all know it’s getting harder and harder to find the superstar techs, but finding those stars is just the beginning.
Report: Most & least expensive cars to insure for 2021
A new report by Insure.com, “Ranking the most expensive and cheapest cars to insure for 2021,” finds the Chrysler Voyager minivan in first place this year, with the lowest national average insurance premium of $1,272 annually.
ASA Podcast (Episode 94): ASA welcomes Mark Mills back as the Advance Auto Parts SBP representative
Change is a constant in the automotive service industry, with roles and responsibilities shifting on a regular basis.
Lang Aftermarket iReport: More vehicles but fewer service bays
Big changes are rumbling through the service bay populations of the seven major types of light vehicle repair outlets across the U.S., reflecting competitive market trends and the impact of COVID-19.
