Automotive A/C systems, once a stand-alone and relatively simple design, have evolved and continue to evolve, offering greater efficiency and reduction of atmospheric pollutants.

A number of potential problems can easily result in operational issues and/or customer complaints following brake system service. Here we’ll discuss a few points that will help to avoid these concerns and help give your customers a “sweet” ride.

Quite often, vehicles enter your shop which feature a trailer hitch (bumper hitch, frame-mounted hitch receiver). This should alert you to that fact that the customer may, on occasion, be using their vehicle to tow a recreational or commercial trailer.

Judy’s Automotive is located in historic San Rafael, Calif., in the North Bay region of San Francisco. The one-person shop opened in 2005 and offers maintenance and repairs for all Asian and American cars, light trucks and SUVs.

Do you fear the engine cover? Of course not. You work on late model vehicles every day, and you’re accustomed to popping them off in order to gain access to a variety of vacuum lines, spark plugs, sensors, etc.

Likely the leading cause of system failures lies with the condition of the sensor batteries. Sensor batteries are expected to last around six to 10 years, with newer sensors lasting longer due to battery improvements.

Our industry is made up of dedicated people who share a passion for all things automotive. Technicians who service vehicles on a daily basis routinely discover solutions for various repairs that go beyond what a service manual provides.

Who among us doesn’t smile when we watch the classic 1973 movie “Magnum Force,” as Clint Eastwood, playing his iconic character Detective Harry Callahan, walks slowly away as the corrupt Lieutenant Neil Briggs’ (Hal Holbrook) car explodes and he mutters his infamous line, “A man’s got to know his limitations”?

Cunningham’s Automotive Repair is located one mile north of the historic town of Ottsville, Pa., in picturesque northern Bucks County, 50 miles north of Philadelphia and 24 miles southeast of Allentown.

The decision-making process involved in purchasing a new lift involves a number of factors in order to suit your specific needs.

Airbag deactivation procedures differ among makes/models/years, so always refer to the appropriate service manual for the correct method. NEVER assume that any specific deactivation procedure is correct for all airbag-equipped vehicles.

As you know, a diesel engine differs from other liquid fuel engines in one major respect: the fuel/air charge is ignited by cylinder pressure and resulting heat, instead of via an electrical ignition system (diesel-fueled engines don’t use spark plugs).

Brentwood, Tenn., is a suburb of Nashville, located due south of Music City, and is known for its rolling hills as well as being one of the wealthiest cities in the U.S. relative to the average cost of living. Population is roughly 41,000.

Faulty inflators are fueling concern for airbag service safety. According to reports, this includes approximately 34 million vehicles in the U.S. and over 85 million individual airbags, when we consider steering wheel, passenger and side airbags.

I hope I’m not alone in this. One of my pet peeves is the all-too-common misuse of the term “turbocharged.” It seems as though manufacturers of just about any product feel that they can freely apply the term to promote the benefits of a host of consumer offerings.

The state of Tennessee boasts a variety of iconic wonders, not the least of which is a shop that’s nestled just west of the incredibly majestic Blue Ridge mountain range. American & Import Auto Repair is located in Johnson City, a town steeped in the state’s legacy.

The most common cause for power steering noise is low power steering fluid level. The resulting noise will likely be a whining that is heard when turning the steering wheel. A high-pitched or “screeching” noise is usually caused by a worn or misadjusted power steering drive belt.

Generally speaking, a 50/50 mix of water and “antifreeze” is the recommended norm. However, when mixing concentrated antifreeze with water, avoid using tap water, as this may contain excess calcium or other materials which can promote corrosion. Use only distilled/deionized water for the mix. Granted, some coolants are available as 50/50 pre-mix that eliminates the need to add water.

Located in the southeast area of historic Cedar Falls and immediately northwest of neighboring Waterloo, Iowa, the Mad Hatter Auto Service shop’s market area encompasses the northeast section of the state.

Rather than covering programming and relearn procedures, a subject that has been addressed in select previous issues, this article focuses on common (and uncommon) concerns that a technician may encounter, along with tips to avoid mistakes. Here, we’ve enlisted the expert advice from some of the leading tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensor and tool makers.

New equipment acquisition represents both a substantial investment as well as an enjoyable experience. After all, who doesn’t love the look, feel and smell of new equipment? Plus, staying current in terms of features and operating condition makes the shop more efficient and more profitable.

Ah, the lowly fender cover. It was born with a single life mission: to protect the painted surface of a front fender from nicks and scratches while underhood work is being performed.

Updated Automotive Repair is in Northeast Ohio, a scant 20 miles southeast of Cleveland. The shop caters to both customers who own daily-driven commuter vehicles as well as enthusiasts who own occasional-use street rods, and has gained a reputation for quality work on a wide variety of vehicles.

Vehicles enter the shop. Some customers require routine maintenance. Some customers complain about driveability issues. The brakes squeal. They hear a clicking noise on turns. The engine cranks but won’t start. The tires are wearing out fast. The car pulls to the left under braking. The engine is leaking oil. The list goes on.

Let’s take a look at various suspension parts inspections, including ball joints, wheel bearings, wheel hub units, control arm bushings and more.