Michelin North America, Inc., launched a new accessory kit for automotive technicians and “DIY” enthusiasts. This new kit is available on Amazon, and it bundles Michelin’s  serpentine drive belts with the appropriate idler and tensioner.  

The new Snap-on TRITON-D10 diagnostic tool allows technicians to dig deep into the systems of a vehicle and evaluate performance with comparative data to make accurate and efficient decisions on every complex repair.     

Milwaukee Tool unveils the next generation of grinders with their newest M18 Fuel 4-1/2” / 5” Grinders.

Mahle Aftermarket Inc. is introducing its Aftermarket Video Warehouse, a centralized digital platform that includes product and training videos related to all Mahle Aftermarket products, services and educational tools. 

The new app allows users of AccuAir Suspension e-LEVEL and Air Management System products to control the ride height of their car or truck from a smartphone, eliminating the need for a secondary control source.

The 5 Micron Compressed Air Filter provides point of use filtration of liquids, oils, and other contaminants.

Hunter’s HD Elite helps eliminate wheel-related vibration and increase truck tire life.

Cardone Industries has more than doubled its New Window Lift Motor and Regulator Assemblies coverage.

Robert Bosch, LLC announced the release of its medium and heavy duty part cross-references in the web-based Motor FleetCross tool.

EuroVent Vehicle Exhaust Extraction announced the addition of its new 4”- 6” Fixed Motorized Hose Reel System to its product line.

Autel US has released Total Care Program subscription cards for its latest tablets in the advanced diagnostics line.

Milwaukee Tool has introduced a new accessory product to its socket lineup.

Shock absorber and strut service is certainly nothing new to your shop. However, for newly-hired technicians who may still be learning the ropes, this article is intended to help provide basic service tips regarding these essential elements of vehicle ride control.

When it comes to customers and their vehicles, the few things that seem to matter most to them is that the entertainment system is working correctly and their HVAC system is doing its job. Customers rely on their creature comfort amenities to get them from one place to the other. It seems that most customers don’t mind spending the money on these items as they feel they are getting more for their money as opposed to say repairing that leaking water pump or an axle boot that has a split in it. If the radio or the air conditioning stops working for whatever reason they notice it immediately as they will feel “inconvenienced.”

Today’s modern ignition system normally will use a single ignition coil per cylinder, mounted directly or very close to the spark plug: the Coil On Plug (COP) design. Some systems use an individual coil and a small ignition wire in a Coil Near Plug (CNP) setup because the location of the spark plug in the cylinder head won’t allow enough room to directly mount a coil on the spark plug, I consider this a version of COP.

Current ADAS systems not only help in the decision-making process for drivers. They also force shop owners and service technicians to make decisions. Edwin Hazzard explains more in this Auto Service Professional exclusive.

Some consider this a myth while others are plagued by this on a weekly basis. We’re talking about the often unsolved mystery of the missing tool.

How many times has someone told you to take care of your hearing?  Anyone who works in a busy shop is subjected to a range of noises every day....pneumatic wrenches and impact guns, drills, air compressors turning on, vehicle horns, vehicle alarm system screeches, hammers striking metal, etc. Some of these noises, especially repeated exposure to certain noises, can damage your hearing. We all know how important it is to wear eye protection to save your eyeballs from fluids or metal chips, and to wear reinforced work shoes to save our toes from being mashed by heavy objects and gloves to protect our skin from certain chemicals or from handling hot and/or sharp objects,  but many of us tend to ignore ear protection, often assuming that “the noise only lasts for a few seconds, so it won’t matter.”

With the ever increasing technology on today’s vehicles comes with ever increasing electrical demands.  You would think that electrical failures would be more prevalent than ever on today’s vehicles.  

“My engine blew a head gasket and now it overheats.” That’s a fairly commonly heard knee-jerk diagnosis. However, it’s wrong. When an engine overheats or if the gasket allows coolant or combustion gasses to escape, do not automatically blame the gasket. Cylinder head gaskets can be viewed similar to a fuse. If the gasket “fails,” this is a symptom that something other than the gasket itself caused the failure.