Common Fuel System Diagnostic Mistakes

For full article, see Auto Service Professional: http://www.autoserviceprofessional.com/
Article provided by Airtex Products, LP 30 Nov/Dec Issue

1. Replacing without diagnosing
   -Don't treat the car like a previous car who had the same problem.
   -There are 1,000 components in a vehicle, and there could be 1,000 different problems associated with it.

2. Not enough juice
   -Low voltage/poor ground can cause low pressure and flow.
   -Make sure that the battery is fully charged.

3. Jumping to conclusions
   -Make sure you understand fuel system before diagnosis, even if you have treated similar vehicles.
   -Faulty driver module can affect fuel pressure without fuel pump being the cause.

4. Same problem, different day
   -You "fixed" the problem, but the car is still not up to par. You need to start the diagnostic process over,      or the customer will come back.

5. Grounds, grounds, grounds
   -An electrical current must have a signal (power) & a return ground wire to work.
   -Installing a great system where there is poor ground will ultimately have the customer returning, it simply          will not work.

For more tips and tricks of the trade, log onto www.autoserviceprofessional.com! :)

http://gentlecar.tumblr.com/ FOLLOW-GREAT PICS!!!! Stole these two:

Singer Porsche 911 in NYC

1974 Lamborghini Urraco

Hippie Van Is Gratefully Dead

OH NO, Say it ain't so, the Volkswagen Bus is ending production today, after 63 years of adventure. What is called, "the iconic hippy bus" has been kept alive, with over ten million produced since 1950. The Volkswagen Bus is almost identical to the 1967 models, rarely fluctuating in taste, interior, and make.
For awhile, Brazil has been the only company to manufacture these vans. The country's upcoming safety regulation changes are a huge factor with the production of the Kombi-the universal term for the Volkswagen Bus. The Kombis once came customized as campers, passenger bus, sleeping utility vehicles, the ultimate adventure wagon for cross country travelers. Usually, the vans are sold for $22,000, but the final edition will sell for around $36,000.
We will forever treasure this iconic vehicle as a reliable, fun, and wonderful roadie. Many lovers of this vehicle have commented, and here are just a few:
"End of an era, to be sure!"

"If you thought Hippies were sensitive before......wait till you see the down pour of tears at this news! They definitely have their following though, I let a friend store her old one at my place and at least three people a year stop buy begging to purchase it.
  Imagine how many kids with names like Star, Moon and Sunshine were conceived in a cloud of Maui Wowwy in these old tin cans?"

"I hope someone gives one to the Smithsonian In DC. That thing is as much a part of our History as the Model T,, Pontiac, and General Motors"

"I've had a couple of them, One was a 1978 champagne edition..Large sunroof, corduroy seats, and a fuel injected Porche engine, that had plenty of power on hills or anywhere. It was a wonderful vehicle, and though Volkswagen never advertised them as being good off road, they should have.. I redesigned mine for camping and took it anywhere... High clearance and a very low 1st gear, it was the perfect camper. It also had a factory gas heater.. I never should have let it go.."

News provided by MSN Autos see full article here: http://editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/post--volkswagen-bus-production-makes-final-stop-in-brazil

9 Notable Cars in 2013

As the 2013 year closes, General Motors has created a list of the ultimate, the beautiful, and the most futuristic cars on the market. Half of these, sadly, are worth over 1.3 million dollars, so I won't be purchasing any of these on the list. As you will see below, vehicle engineers are now mixing retro with futuristic, bringing back swing up doors, large front grills, and classic Hollywood hoods, but increasing horizontal lines, flat top and backs, and large, sleek wheels. For the complete 26 car list, you can find it here:
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/most-significant-cars-of-the-2013-auto-shows?icid=autos_4993

1. 2014 Chevrolette Corvette Stingray Convertible (My Favorite-I am a convertible girl, what can I say)

2. McLaren P1-Genvea

3. Porsche 918 Spyder

4. Acura VSX Concept

5. 2014 Chevrolet Camaro

6. Ford Atlas Concept

7. 2014 Jeep Cherokee

8. Giugiaro Parcour

9. Ferrari LaFerrari

Now, for the average joe, thankfully MSN Auto also came out with a 2013 best used car list!

This can be found here:

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/best-used-cars-2013-1

Happy car hunting to all, and to all a good night! 

Speedboys: A Fantastic Blog, Among Others

Stumbled upon this Italian blog today and cannot stop looking at all of the vintage pictures. THERES SO MANY OF THEM!! Anything from fashion, bikes, trucks, motor bikes, surf, art.... the culture side of the automotive industry at its coolest. Take a look here at:

http://thespeedboys.blogspot.com/search/label/motorcycles

Other fantastic ones that I found today? I am posting them here and on My Blog List. Please comment if you find better!!!

http://www.thegasbox.com

http://www.clevelandcyclewerks.com

http://bubblevisor.blogspot.com

Friday Fab Fotos

EEEEyyyy it's 2:30 pm, time to dish out another two point five hours of work before clock out time! I did a little digging, and thanks to www.stanceiseverything.com blogger Dave, I thought I would pull up a few items. Enjoy!

Cleaning Supplies are Back for the Shop Saver Customers!!!!

ShopSaver Express has returned to offering cleaning products for shop owners to easily purchase professional products.
We offer the following:

PRE PREP 7 Surface Prep for Adhesive Wheel Weights

• Specifically formulated to clean the wheel surface in preparation for applying adhesive wheel weights. It's fast drying and leaves no surface residue.
• More effective than citrus based cleaners
• Safer to use than brake cleaners-can be used on all wheel finishes
• Cleans in seconds
• Works in both warm and cold conditions
• Only a few drops are required to clean most wheels

Tire Shine

• A unique emulsified silicon formula makes this product easy to apply that result in an even, glossy wet finish.
• Professional grade formula
• Long lasting and durable, dries crystal clear
• Can be used on vinyl tops and trim

Wheel & Tire Cleaner

• This professional grade cleaner contains a special polymer surfactant that breaks the bond of road soil and brake dust residue from all types of wheels.
• Removes brake dust
• Compatible with all types of wheels
• Cleans white letter and white wall tires

Check out www.shopsaverexpress.com for these amazing tried and tested products!!!

Wakin Up in That Ol' Bugatti

Checked our tumblr today for pretty pictures, especially when this Ohio weather ain't so pretty, neither is a Monday after a four day weekend!!!! But look at this beautiful Bugatti circa 1932, posted by @CarsOnTheRoad. This bugatti, also known as the Bugatti Royale and the Coupe Napoleon, compare with the Rolls-Royce Phantom, after Ettore Bugatti received some criticism from an English woman.

NEWS: The Shop Saver Express 2014 Catalogs are HERE!

Hot off the printing press, we have created a new and improved, and larger, Shop Saver Express Catalog for the 2014 business year. Shipping nationally, this catalog features more electrical parts, brake repair products, cleaning products, and TPMS care. We have added two pages to the six-page spread, and have paid much attention to shop owners voices from previous years, making all of our best selling items stand out for an easy read. Our products and prices have stayed the same however, maintaining amazing quality for the market's best bargain. 

Shop Saver Express Features:

Auto Interior Protection Products

Service Reminder Stickers

Service Manager Supplies

Service Department Supplies

Tire Repair Products

Brake Repair

Cleaning Solvents

Oil and Fuel Filter Wrenches

Fuses

Fuse Assortments

Brake Lines, Domestic and Foreign

Brake Line Coils

Brake Repair Parts and Accessories

Cable Ties

Battery Repair

AND MUCH MORE!!!! 

Call 1.888.773.2772 for a catalog today!

Shop Owner Tips For The Holiday Season

By Bob Cooper, Elite Worldwide Store.com November 20, 2013, Web.

What to do when you still need to drive up productivity, even when the holidays are coming up!!!

1. End of the Year Performance Bonuses
 Set sales goals and productivity goals for staff & technicians, providing them with motivation and the holiday spirit while working.

2. Schedule a Holiday Season Charity Drive
  Emotionally entice customers and visitors to your shop through advertising charity work. Its the best way to meet people who would otherwise not know about your shop, as well as give back to the community! Pick a charity such as Toys For Tots, Wounded Warriors, St. Judes, Local Humane Societies, Coats for Kids, Battered Womens Shelter, Food Pantries, etc. The list goes on and on!!!

3. Greeting Cards
   Identify regular customers, hand write, sign personally if you can through nicely decorated holiday cards.

4. Place constant reminders to your staff to wish customers a Happy Holidays, whether on the phone, via email, or with a consultation in-person.

1001 Car Things To Do Before You Die

Autoblog's 1001 Car Things To Do Before You Die Video Broadcasts: Bring on Crazy, Wild, and Free

Video Blog Hosts: Jesse & Patrick
Jesse is a diehard roadstar who likes to take the wheel and show the automotive world that cars are definitely a chick magnet, but for other reasons! She has starred in Mythbusters, Xtreme 4X4, and All Girls Garage. Follow her on www.jessecombs.com
Patrick is best known for his work on Mission Improvable. He has a long stated career in automechanics, and with Jesse, they have come up with the best and most adventurous list for automotive journeys and entertainment.

My favorites on the list include:
#0555 Drive A Monster Truck
#0147 Escape A Car Underwater
#0071 Compete in a Demolition Derby
#0011 Drive to the Arctic Circle
#0035 Drive the German Autobahn

Watch on: http://www.autoblog.com/the-list/#sn-//the-list/page/2/

More SEMA Photos

Courtesy of our friends at: Best Wheels of Ft Myers  

http://www.bestwheelsoffortmyers.com/

Best Wheels of Ft. Myers is your one stop shop for luxury wheels, high performance tires for passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks, exhausts, and accessories. 
Located in the Sunny State of Florida, Best Wheels services all of Southwest Florida with 6 locations.

Our Pictures from SEMA

Our team had an amazing time in Las Vegas, and met many local Shop Owners, all who had great things to say about Shop Saver Express products! 

SEMA 2013

Called the "World Series of the Automotive Aftermarket," SEMA is the greatest show for companies to display their latest and greatest products. The event is presently going on in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the creators of Shop Saver Express are there as well to promote and see what's new out there. 

Watch what's going on at livefromsema.com !!!!! Instagram, twitter, and facebook page available on website.

READ THIS!

http://www.eliteworldwidestore.com/blog/2013/10/30/how-much-is-your-business-worth/

How to Broadcasting

I call this Lego-chanic work.

Howcast.com is pretty much what it states-a video uploading site that explains everything thing from How to Diagnose Problems in your vehicle, to how to purchase the right vehicle. It's a great site to not only help your customers, but to also can help refresh your auto shop's systematic ways of checking and problem solving vehicles.

Check out this video cast here:http://www.howcast.com/videos/10736-How-to-Diagnose-Problems-with-Your-Car#

Tattoo Tuesday

How much more of an automobile can you get? I know...... all he needs is four wheels and a gear. 

Upload Mondays: Automotive Art-Beautiful Photos

http://moisseyev.com/

As a graduate with a fine arts degree, the automotive world so far (for me) has been very separated from any art world that I am familiar with. Sure, cars are beautiful, and sports cars/vintage mobiles/bikes/racing all have creative ways of kicking ass, but thinking about cars and painting, or trucks and installation? Never. However, this photographer's photos make the car look beautiful. Rather, the moment-car and landscape, vehicle's interior and exterior are absolutely stunning. Amazing complete photographs-not just a great ride. Check her portfolio out!! 

The Most Expensive & The Cheapest States for Car Repairs

(extracted from article: http://www.nbcnews.com/business/most-expensive-cheapest-states-car-repairs-6C10287974 by Paul A. Elsenstein)

Fun facts for the Automotive Repair Businesses and information for your customers-the most expensive states and the cheapest states for taking your vehicle to the mechanic.

In 2011, studies show that automotive repair costs rose by 10% from the previous year, with a huge variation in averages across the country.

Take a look at where your state lies- (mine is Ohio, thankfully, getting my car fixed is quite cheap compared to the rest of the nation)-on this list. I find it interesting, the states with the lowest average repair cost are Iowa, South Dakota, Delaware, and West Virginia. The highest, some surprising and some not-so surprising,  are New Jersey, California, D.C. and North Carolina.

According to this article, the "local mechanic's" pay varies greatly with each state. Colorado has the highest paid mechanics, and Vermont pays their auto repair technicians the least amount of money.

Why the change in repair costs? The answer depends on several factors that vary from state to state. Vehicles are subject to natural disasters, different types of roads, varied average distance commuters drive, climate, average vehicle cost within state households, etc. Depending on the type of repair, the types of vehicles coming into the auto shops, and the weather most are facing, prices will fluctuate.