Advising a Customer on Replacing a New Vehicle

I received a call from my most trusted mechanic telling me frankly that my beloved car was not going to last too much longer. After many years behind the wheel, I am caught between buying a new one or to keep on trucking through, especially because this car is so sentimental.
Before I cash in on a new car ( I am thinking something bigger than my 2-door) I am going to take it to a few other mechanic-friends to have them look at it. If you have customers who are debating, friends, family, perhaps even you!, here are a few articles that help weigh out the pros and cons of owning a beloved yet conflicting vehicle.

http://lifehacker.com/should-i-repair-or-just-replace-my-old-car-484335393

http://community.cartalk.com/discussion/2290904/when-do-you-it-is-time-to-buy-a-new-car-and-stop-repairing-your-old-one-buy-or-repair

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2013/04/25/is-your-car-worth-repairing

http://www.mrmoneymustache.com/forum/ask-a-mustachian/at-what-point-do-you-stop-repairing-a-car/

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/under-the-hood/diagnosing-car-problems/mechanical/should-i-replace-or-repair-my-car.htm

http://genxfinance.com/should-you-repair-or-replace-your-old-car/

http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2010/02/03/when-to-replace-your-car/

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:

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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!!!

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.

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.