NOLN - February 2018

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NATIONAL OIL & LUBE NEWS’

32ND YEAR

OF SERVING THE QUICK MAINTENANCE INDUSTRY

DISASTER. RECOVERY. RESPONSIBILITIES.

February 2018

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NATIONAL OIL & LUBE NEWS, THE QUICK SERVICE EXPERTS

inside this issue Features

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THE 2017 DISASTER SEASON AND THE AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET’S ROAD TO RECOVERY

Hurricanes and fires devastated significant portions of the country during 2017. We catch up with those affected, check in on recovery and look to learn from their experiences.

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HELPING HANDS ACROSS THE INDUSTRY GIVE BACK

Many across the industry gave back in 2017’s times of need.

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WATER: WE LOVE IT AND HATE IT

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Excessive amounts of water can do serious damage to lubricants and the parts of the vehicle they are protecting.

SURVIVING A NATURAL (OR MAN-MADE) DISASTER

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A destructive event of some sort in your business is all but inevitable. The key to minimizing that risk is a well thought out plan of action in the event that disaster strikes.

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GIVING OTHERS A HAND UP: ASSESSING YOUR CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

When the heart of your brand personality is caring about others, your customers will notice.

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GOOGLE’S CHANGES AND HOW THEY AFFECT YOU

As Google has been working to enforce security on sites, you may have noticed some changes across the Internet.

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IGNITING YOUR TEAM TO NEW LEVELS OF PERFORMANCE

Whether you are seeking to create a high-performance work team or a highperformance culture, there are six steps for creating an environment where high performance and teamwork can thrive.

HOW VALUABLE OF A TARGET IS MY COMPANY TO CYBERCRIMINALS?

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Cybercriminals have figured out an important new angle to their business model: Companies that don’t have information that is valuable on the black market still have information that’s valuable to the company itself.

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SEVEN METHODS TO PUT MANAGEMENT PILLARS INTO PRACTICE Proven methods to help improve your team or organizational bottom line.

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inside this issue

IN EVERY ISSUE

10 AROUND THE INDUSTRY 40 RECALLS 46 TECH SPEC 54 PRODUCTS & SERVICES 56 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING 57 ADVERTISER INDEX

Viewpoints

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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When Disaster Strikes

by Steve Hurt

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THE UNIQUE DIFFERENCE

Saved by the Cajun Navy

by Pat Burrow

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february 2018

Calendar of Events Feb. 12-14

NOLN Quick Nashville, Tennessee www.nolnquick.com

April 26-28

The Car Wash Show Las Vegas, Nevada www.thecarwashshow.com

AAPEX Las Vegas, Nevada www.aapexshow.com

Join the Conversation /OilLubeNews

NEWS’

32ND YEAR

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Oct. 30-Nov. 1

2017 was a year of natural disasters. Pictured on the cover is a fire near Los Angeles, California.

Photo courtesy: Brian C. Weed

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

When Disaster Strikes Like most of you, I remember where I was when disaster struck. For me, it was May 11, 1970, when an F-5 tornado ripped across my hometown. This was years before the instant news access like we have now, so it was in the days that followed we learned the news of how devastating the storm had been. The May 12, 1970, headlines in our local newspaper read, “City Digs Out of Tornado Damage.” Then, in bold print “20 are known dead.” Our community came together and did what people do when disaster hits — we came together. We came together and implemented the plan our city planners had in place for recovering after a disaster. Block-by-block, we removed the debris scattered everywhere and started to rebuild our community. During that time, we all helped each other, and slowly, we started to recover. Although, we still mourn the loss of life from that day, we did rebuild and recovered as a community.

2017 seemed to be a year of Mother Nature’s wrath. But as we have always done, each affected community came together as caring and compassionate people and started to rebuild. The fires, the flooding from the hurricanes and the tornados generated from these storms have been tremendous. The monetary loss is astronomical, and the loss of life is heart wrenching; but we will rebuild, we will recover and we will never forget those who have been lost. After seeing these natural disasters over the last year, the staff at NOLN decided to take action on what we need to do as an industry. After all, most of our shops are located in urban areas where people live. Often, it is our shops that are on the front lines of creating a place where people can come for help. A critical point of recovery is reliable transportation. Who knows better than our industry what needs to be done to maintain these vehicles that play an important role in the recovery and rebuilding of our communities?

This issue is full of inspiring stories, what our responsibilities are and, of course, the importance of servicing these vehicles that have gone through various disasters. For those who have not gone through disasters, there is something for you also. What are you doing to prepare for a disaster? What are your responsibilities? Unfortunately, if you haven’t experienced a disaster, you just haven’t lived long enough. As my community learned a long time ago, having a plan of what to do is critical to recovery and rebuilding.

Until next time keep on lubin’. S

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NATIONAL OIL & LUBE NEWS, THE QUICK SERVICE EXPERTS

Publisher

Steve Hurt

steveh@stevehurt.com Chief Operating Officer

Ragan Holt

ragan.holt@noln.net Senior Director, Creative Team

Tammy Neal

tammy.neal@noln.net Senior Director, Business Operations

Sheila Beam

sheila.beam@noln.net Creative Team, Graphic Design

Eric Cisneros

eric.cisneros@noln.net Circulation

Nikki Held

nikki.held@noln.net Advertising Sales & Marketing

Brian Ashley

brian.ashley@noln.net CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

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Bryce Austin Tiffany Fowler Magi Graziano Ray Hoenesien William Lynott Jan Makela Peter Suciu Steve Swedberg

PUBLISHER Published twelve times a year (along with an additional Buyers Guide) by TKO Multimedia 2345 50th St., Lubbock, TX 79412-2336. Postage Paid at Shepherdsville, KY. Postmaster: Send address changes to National Oil & Lube News, 2345 50th St., Lubbock, TX 79412. Editorial Information: info@noln.net. Annual subscription rate to U.S. destinations is $39. Subscriptions to Canada and Mexico are $70. All other foreign destinations are $130 for postage. Prepayment is required on all foreign orders, paid in U.S. funds. ©Copyright National Oil & Lube News 2017. Reproduction is allowed only with permission of publisher. Views expressed by columnists and guest writers do not imply National Oil & Lube News endorsement. Every attempt is made to provide accurate and reliable information described or offered herein, nor can NOLN verify accuracy of advertising claims made herein. The purpose of NOLN is to open an active line of communication between lube shop owners and managers and to provide a link between lube shops, manufacturers and suppliers throughout the country.

Authors — We welcome editorial proposals and submissions. Contact Tammy Neal for more information.

Advertisers — Advertising rates are available upon request. Please contact Eli Torres for display advertising deadlines, Internet advertising and other information.

Contact Nikki Held for classified advertising information.

FEBRUARY 2018 Volume 33 s Number 2 ISSN 1071-1260 All correspondence and inquiries should be directed to our business offices: 2345 50th St. Lubbock, TX 79412 Phone: 800.796.2577 or 806.762.4464

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AROUND THE INDUSTRY VIOC Raising Funds to Fight Cancer More than 80 Southern California Valvoline Instant Oil Change service centers offered point of purchase donation opportunities to benefit the American Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery Program, which provides free rides to patients who otherwise might miss their potentially life-saving cancer treatment. Customers who made a donation had the opportunity to display their donor cards at the automotive centers, creating a visual wall celebrating VIOC customer generosity.

The campaign ran November 24 through December 17, 2017, as part of the American Cancer Society and VIOC’s growing partnership. VIOC has donated free oil changes to Road to Recovery drivers and has committed to raising funds for this critical program helping patients in need.

Road to Recovery drivers are volunteers who drive their own cars on their own time to take cancer patients to treatment and back all over Southern California.

Each year, hundreds of rides are provided in the area.

“Thank you Valvoline for recognizing Road to Recovery drivers. This is a program near to my heart, and it is great to see such a trusted brand helping this holiday season,” said Stephanie Deagle, an eight-year veteran of this program. As a small thank you for her volunteerism, she received a free oil change at VIOC’s Huntington Beach location.

“We are excited at the opportunity to build a partnership with American Cancer Society. They are a wonderful organization who are on the front lines of fighting cancer both locally and nationally,” said William Smelley, director of Marketing at the VIOC franchisee.

“Funds raised through the VIOC campaign will support our mission to save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer,” said Jane Barnes, senior manager in Corporate Relations for the American Cancer Society. “Specifically, the donation will support our free patient services programs like Road to Recovery, our world renowned cancer research program, and education and outreach.”

Quality Lube Oil & Auto Center Spreads Hope

For its 15th annual toy drive in 2017, Quality Lube Oil & Auto Center worked with House of Hope to donate toys to children in need living in the Orion Lakes Mobile Home Park in Orion Township, Michigan, near Quality Lube’s Auburn Hills location. Quality Lube Oil & Auto Center helped provide Christmas for 24 families in 2017 — approximately 106 people.

At the beginning of December, families who needed assistance filled out wish lists that included sizes, favorite toys, ages, genders and favorite colors. Quality Lube collected gifts and worked with House of Hope to match donations to each individual wish list. Gifts were delivered to

homes a few days before Christmas so families would have presents to open on Christmas morning. Many of the toys donated by Quality Lube Oil went to families through this route. There was also a Christmas party for the children in the park, and around 35 children attended.

The party included cookie decorating, a hot chocolate bar, crafts and time to leave your worries at the door and just be a kid.

At the party, personalized stockings were distributed to each child, and more donated gifts were given out in these stockings.

In 2017, there were more families in need than in 2016, so all donations were greatly welcomed and appreciated. Quality Lube Oil customers who donated also received $7 off an oil change service.

“It is such a personal joy to collect and deliver these gifts each year,” said Jennifer Braun Lauhoff, vice president of Quality Lube Oil & Auto Center. “The holiday season really comes to life when you can bring joy to a community and see a glowing smile on a child’s face. It’s nice to know that we can make a difference in someone’s life, and we couldn’t do it without our many generous customers and staff members.”

Delivering a truck load of donations. (Left to right) Alyssa from House of Hope; Liliana Lauhoff, Jennifer Braun Lauhoff and Austin Braun from Quality Lube Oil.

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TRY OUR PROGRAM WITHOUT GETTING NICKEL AND DIMED

up-front costs hidden fees long-term contract hardware or equipment

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WE CAN HELP, WHETHER YOU USE OUR PROGRAM OR NOT

February 2018

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Man Shot During Midday Carjacking at Repair Shop

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Cleveland.com reported that a Cleveland man was shot in late November during a midday carjacking at an auto repair shop, Earl’s Car Care.

A 28-year-old man and his 20-year-old girlfriend were inside their car at the shop waiting on their car repairs, police told Cleveland.com. A gunman walked up to their car with a gun, according to police reports.

The woman got out of the driver’s side door and said, “Please don’t shoot me,” police told Cleveland.com.

According to police reports, the gunman opened the passenger door and pulled the 28-year-old man out of the car. The gunman then rummaged through the man’s pockets and stole $900 and the car keys.

The gunman shot the man with a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun. He then ran east on Clark and drove off in a dark green Toyota.

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The woman flagged down a passing car that took her boyfriend to a local hospital, Cleveland.com reported.

SEMA Accepting Scholarship Applications

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is now accepting applications for the 2018 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund for students preparing for careers in the auto or auto parts industries at: www. sema.org/scholarships New this year, high school and parttime students can apply for a scholarship.

The change is part of an effort by SEMA’s Scholarship committee to start students down the automotive path and support their efforts at an earlier stage.

“SEMA is dedicated to activating the next-generation automotive workforce by providing financial support and career resources to students enrolled in various high schools, universities, colleges and/or vocational schools in the United States,” said SEMA chairman-elect Tim Martin.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship program offers financial assistance of up to $5,000 to help foster the next generation of automotive aftermarket industry leaders and innovators. Students can apply for the scholarship at: www.sema.org/ scholarships Deadline for the program is March 1, 2018. Scholarships are available in a variety of categories, such as accounting, sales and marketing and engineering.

Dozens of awards ranging from $2,000 to $3,000 will be given out, with a $5,000 award going to the top student.

The program also includes a loan forgiveness aspect that offers financial awards to employees of SEMA member-companies who have completed and are paying off a loan for a program of study at an accredited university, college or vocational/technical program within the U.S. S

RROSIVE

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The 2017

Disaster Season and the Automotive

By Peter Suciu

Aftermarket’s Road to Recovery

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W

hen it comes to disasters, it is always best to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Those located on the Eastern and Gulf Coastal regions know that late summer and fall storms can be truly destructive, while the West Coast lives in fear of earthquakes and fires.

2017 was notable in that there were all-time heat records in several states that helped create the conditions that lead to more than 100 large fires across the country. Of course, the most intense fires arrived after what has been an extremely active hurricane season that included 17 named storms, including three that made landfall and left a path of destruction.

photo courtesy: FEMA, Eliud Echevarria

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THE STORM SURGE It is actually rare that a single hurricane will hit the United States in a given year, but 2017 saw three powerful storms make landfall – one after another.

It began with Hurricane Harvey, a category 4 hurricane that hit Texas in late August, followed by Hurricane Irma that hit parts of Florida just days later, and, finally, there was Hurricane Maria, which practically destroyed much of Puerto Rico.

In total, the storms resulted in some 900 fatalities and caused nearly $370 billion in total damage, making this the costliest tropical cyclone season on record. Much of this destruction was from Hurricane Maria, which could exceed more than 1,000 people killed and accounted for $103.45 billion in damage.

That storm formed on September 16 and hit the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico on September 20. The coastal La Perla neighborhood of San Juan was largely destroyed, while the community of Cataño was also extensively damaged. The hurricane completely devastated the island’s power grid and left nearly all 3.4 million residents of the island without electricity for many weeks. Even by early December, parts of the island were still without power.

Getting back to business has been slow to say the least, and the storm impacted the quick lube business directly. All 14 Autocare locations in Puerto Rico were affected in one way or another, Pepe Betances, the company’s vice president, told NOLN. This ranged from some minor damage to much more serious issues.

“Obviously, the landscaping suffered a lot, but the most common damage was the signage. We had pylon signs that fell down or were ripped out,” Betances said. “We also had from six to 12 feet of flooding in most of the basements.”

Two of the Autocare locations saw much more significant damage, with one losing a 12 by 5-foot section of the roof — while the other had damage to its acrylic sky lights, which further caused the bay doors to be ripped off.

“The wind and rain that got in caused damage to the inventory and some of the equipment – computers in the bays, menu signs, air and cabin filters, wipers and spark

plugs,” Betances added. “We also had water damage in the waiting area and manager’s office.”

All of the Pep Boys’ locations in Puerto Rico also suffered some sort of damage.

A Pep Boys company spokesperson told NOLN that all the stores faced challenges, and the storm impacted practically all of the company’s associates and customers on some level. The island territory is still recovering, but all of the Pep Boys locations were open and operating by the Christmas holiday, yet many of the brand’s commercial customers have not reopened yet.

Betances was also happy to report that most of Autocare’s shops were back and operating far quicker than might have been expected given the destruction that Maria brought — yet to get there meant investment in new equipment.

“We were up and running in most stores in two to two and a half weeks,” Betances explained. “Some of the stores were fully operational, but in others we had a lot of trouble with the computers, and the damage was attributed to power surges.

“We had to order three new lube servers,” he added. “While we waited for the servers, all invoices had to be done manually and with price lists printed prior to the hurricane.”

One particular location did not have an electric generator, so techs were only able to service cars with plastic oil quarts and a minimum number of employees.

“We did this in order to provide our employees with some income in this difficult time since we were barely breaking even,” admitted Betances, who added that many of the employees were affected, some of whom literally lost everything when their homes were destroyed.

This was a familiar tale unfortunately this year with many shops reporting that at some point employees were sleeping at the shop.

Moreover, just as it is likely that large sections of Puerto Rico will never be the same, neither will parts of Houston, the fourth largest city in the country, after the August arrival of Hurricane Harvey.

That storm caused $198.63 billion in damage – making it the costliest tropical cyclone on record. It took the lives of 91 people directly or indirectly; and left more than 300,000 people without electricity, while some 30,000 people were displaced because of the storm.

“Parts of Houston are still devastated, and there are huge swaths in parts of the city that had water to the roofs,” said Chuck Stasny of Houston-based AAMCO Total Car Care.

“We had about half a million cars just taken off the road,” Brian Johnson, owner of Honest-1 in Copperfield, Texas, told NOLN. Johnson added that he saw up to a 25 percent decrease in sales from the storm.

“Car dealerships are doing well,” he remarked, adding that it took months for daily volume to return. “Now we’re staying steady again, but we did see a decrease in business.”

Houston will likely take years to recover, yet because of other storms, the spotlight moved on. In fact, the water from Harvey had barely receded when the attention turned from Houston to Florida as a second major storm barreled down on the continental United States.

Hurricane Irma, which had already devastated several Caribbean Islands as a Category 5 hurricane, hit the Florida Keys in early September, where it destroyed up to 25 percent of the islands’ buildings and significantly damaged up to 65 percent of them.

“We were closed for two weeks from the storms,” said George Quintana of Zip Automotive in Key West, which was hit hard by Hurricane Irma. “Everybody was closed because of the hurricane. It took a bit of time for us to get back up to work.”

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photo courtesy: FEMA, J.T. Blatty

photo courtesy: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Sgt. Jose Diaz-Ramos

(Above) A disaster survivor plants an American flag on the grounds of his former home that was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in Big Pine Key, Florida.

(Right) Carolina, Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria.

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A home in Puerto Rico with the word help painted on its roof is seen a half-mile from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter Sept. 24, 2017. photo courtesy: U.S. Department of Defense, Kris Grogan

Even those who weren’t in the direct path of Irma as it made its way to mainland Florida still lost business as a result of the storm.

“The week of a hurricane no one takes their car in for servicing unless they have time to prepare for a drive out of town,” explained Dan Morris, of Honest-1 in Daytona Beach, Florida, who estimated that the storm resulted in about $20,000 in lost revenue.

“We closed up the shop before the storm on Friday at noon, and the hurricane hit on Monday,” Morris said. “We lost a few days getting back after the storm, too. Fortunately, we’ve rebounded as customers needed to deal with their cars.”

The one bright spot was that for much of Florida there was actually time to prepare, but following Harvey, the waiting took an emotional toll as it wasn’t clear where Irma might strike.

“Everyone was affected emotionally,” explained Amber Kossak, CEO of industry vendor Solid Start of Lakeland, Florida. “When you have to prepare for something that you are not sure of the outcome, there is always a level of fear and uncertainty.”

Much of Florida was lucky in that the storm turned out to sea.

“Physically, we made it through safely,” added Kossack, who explained that the damage was mostly downed trees and power lines.

The one-two punch of Harvey and Irma did impact Texas and Florida enough that U.S. employment declined for the month of September, the first time since September 2010. This hit the leisure and hospitality industries especially hard, but also affected total vehicle sales for the month.

Yet, the resilience in both regions has been strong, and for the auto service industry, it really was back to business as soon as the skies cleared.

“Over all, recovery went well and our team handled things like a champ,” Kossak said. “No. 1, we made sure our team was OK and healthy, and then No. 2 we checked on our warehouse. Our company was out of power for four days, but we were in the office and shipping product the day after the hurricane, making it happen.”

However, for many operators, the cleanup and recovery could be years in the making. While his shop didn’t suffer much damage from Hurricane Harvey in August, AAMCO Total Car Care’s Stasny told NOLN he knows other operators who weren’t so lucky.

“There were a couple of shops that were closed for two months or more,” Stasny added. “Even if they were ready they had to deal with the red tape from the city to open.”

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FIRES IN THE WEST Last year was truly one like no other. Even as Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico dried out, another wave of disaster was unleashed on California, where dry was the last thing anyone wanted.

Despite the fact that much of the state finally saw significant late-winter and spring rains in early 2017, which ended a record drought, the 2017 fire season in California was in a word, devastating. It affected much of the state in the final three months of the year.

In fact, 2017 saw not one series of fires, but two almost equally destructive fires that were felt in both the northern and southern parts of the state. No doubt residents would truly welcome a return of the caustic floods that now must seem like a distant memory.

The October fires in Northern California, which lasted from the 8th until the 31st of the month, affected at least 245,000 acres.

In total, there were more than 250 individual fires and some 8,900 buildings were destroyed across four counties. The human toll, sadly, was even greater, as at least 44 people were killed and nearly 200 people injured. Estimates are that it could take five to 10 years for the region to make a full recovery.

Hard hit in the October fires was Sonoma County, known for its scenic beauty and world famous wineries.

“We are very fortunate that downtown and surrounding shopping areas were not affected by the fires, however most businesses did close due to evacuation of these areas,” said Brenda Beal, spokesperson for the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce. “We are saddened by the loss of homes and life that was suffered by those in our community and have worked hard these last few months to help everyone in our community with recovery.”

Local businesses, including those in the quick lube and auto service industry, were especially hard hit.

“It affected us greatly,” said Mark Reece, manager of Benedetti Tire Service. “Our shop is only about seven miles from the main area that was affected by the fires in Santa Rosa, so I can say that all our employees and many of our customers were affected directly by these fall fires. It was a difficult time for us.”

Reece’s shop may have lost a solid day and a half of business — something few small operators can easily overcome — but he added that several employees were displaced for weeks.

“One employee was out of his house for three weeks,” Reece added. “It was a tough time for him, and he had to sleep at the shops.”

For Reece, it will be a slow recovery.

“Things are slowly getting back to normal, but we’ve seen a downturn in car count,” he explained. “We’ve had so many customers come in who admitted they lost something.”

The Golden State was hit by a second punch as 22 additional fires broke out in Southern California, fueled by unusually powerful Santa Ana winds. A state of emergency was declared in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, followed by San Diego County. In total, more than 276,000 acres were devastated and, as of press time, one firefighter and one civilian had lost their lives.

The Thomas Fire, which started on December 4 about 60 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, was the largest and has caused 50,000 people to evacuate, destroyed at least 794 structures and burned roughly 234,000 acres. Fortunately, no life has been lost in this fire, and the impact to many businesses has been manageable.

“There has been minimal impact to Jiffy Lube service centers in Southern California,”

explained Jiffy Lube spokesperson Jennifer Friedmann. “A service center closed for half a day but otherwise, all stores have remained open for business. One employee in the Santa Barbara area was evacuated but otherwise, everyone appears safe.”

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Oilstop Steps Up in California Fire Recovery At the most tragic of times, good often shines through. This was noted in the efforts by Oilstop, which had been impacted by October’s Northern California fires. Oilstop is doing its part to provide relief to communities suffering loss from fires in Northern, and now Southern, California.

The fires that swept through Northern California were especially personal for Oilstop, as one staff member at the Petaluma location lost his home, while another employee at the Rohnert Park location had family members who lost their homes. Oilstop is now helping each with financial assistance.

While all six Sonoma County Oilstop locations were closed for several days at the height of the fires, all employees were paid for those days. In addition, Oilstop announced that it would take a key role in the region’s recovery efforts, and from November 1-15 asked its customers at all of its locations nationwide for a $1 donation. That donation was matched dollar for dollar with all funds being donated to Redwood Credit Union North Bay Fire Relief.

During the same time, all six Sonoma County Oilstop locations offered customers who may have been affected by the fires a complimentary cabin air filter at the time of an oil change. This program, which ran from November 1 to 15, was a way to help customers deal with filters that may have been affected by particulate matter or smoke. In total, the company gave away and installed 2,118 cabin air filters, which were provided by Service Champ and S&E Distributing.

Several Oilstop locations in Southern California were forced to close early due to the hazardous air conditions, but, as of press time, no staff had been as adversely affected as those in the October fires. To support local recovery efforts, six additional Oilstop locations stepped up fundraising efforts for fire relief in support of the fire recovery efforts in Southern California.

“In spite of the catastrophic devastation the fires caused, the response to it by local organizations and people was nothing short of a miracle,” said Larry Dahl, president of Oilstop.

With the fires in Southern California mostly under control by the middle of December, it was a season of miracles. Now the recovery can begin. S

(Top Left) Burned-out cars and chimney stacks cover the landscape in Santa Rosa on Oct. 14, 2017, after the wildfires that spread across Sonoma County, California. photo courtesy: Army National Guard, Capt. Will Martin (Far Left) The southern California wildfires could be seen by the International Space Station crew. NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik photographed the plumes of smoke and shared the images with his followers on social media, writing, “Thank you to all the first responders, firefighters, and citizens willing to help fight these California wildfires.” photo courtesy: NASA/Randy Bresnik (Left) Northern California fire crews set fire to back burn in an effort to stop the Poomacha fire from advancing westward. photo courtesy: FEMA, Andrea Booher

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BUSINESS AFTER THE DISASTER Whether it was the rains from the hurricanes or fire damage, there could be one silver lining in that auto service businesses can pick up almost immediately as people seek to have their cars checked out and issues resolved.

“We were closed one day for the storm and back at the shop the next day, but we had no customers so I told everyone to go home,” Houston-based Stasny noted.

“The third day, we were up and running, and it was light work for a few days. Then, the cars came pouring in,” Stasny said. “We’ve seen a lot of flood damaged cars, and I think we’ll be finding contaminated systems for years to come. The storm was unfortunately good for auto repair, and it will likely stay that way for years.”

This uptick was even being seen in Puerto Rico by mid-December.

“Most stores are servicing 30 percent and up to 40 percent more vehicles per day,” said Autocare’s Betances. “Customers became more conscious of the importance of proper maintenance after dealing with their electric home generators.”

However, part of this increase in car count has been due to the fact that many competitors in the quick lube industry have still not recovered.

“We are happy with the new business but believe this number should taper off as more stores continue to open in the first months of 2018,” Betances added. “ But with good customer service and our facilities, we should retain a good number of them.”

PREPARING FOR NEXT TIME The takeaway from the storms and fires is that preparation is important — and that is more than just nailing boards over the windows. A disaster plan is something all businesses should have in one way or another.

“A proper insurance package is key,” Betances said. “If the store is in a flood hazard area, flood insurance is a must-have. Also, a two to three month business interruption clause is important. That was a life saver for us.”

When possible, most operators would agree that a cash reserve for operating expenses, covering at least two to three weeks, should be in place. There should also be a plan in place to get up and running should community services be cut off.

“Electric power generators with a diesel reserve for at least five operating days is super important,” Betances said. “Diesel got very scarce the first two weeks. Suppliers could not assure delivery, and gas station lines could take up to 10 hours with a fixed maximum per person.”

For Mike Humphrey, master franchisor for Autolab in Texas, the preparation plan is 25 percent getting ready and 75 percent getting back to business.

“We knew the storm was coming, so we had the time to get ready,” Humphrey told NOLN. Communication is another issue to consider.

“It is a small thing, but we made sure our emergency contact list was up to date,” said Honest-1’s Morris.

“We made sure, too, our crews were tied together with phone, texting and social media,” Humphrey explained. “Through texting and social media, we were able to check on our guys and know they were safe. But the other part is that from social media and email, we were able to quickly get information out to our customers. We could let our customers know we were open and back in business. We offered suggestions on how they could work with insurance companies to deal with the damage to their cars. We explained we’re here to do what we can to get your car in here and dried out.”

Of course, the situation can be different when there is massive power loss — that can make communication a bit more challenging.

“There are definitely things we learned and now have in place to make sure we will be up and running faster or not go down at all,” said Solid Start’s Kossak. “When you lose phones, email and power you understand you have to get up and running as fast as possible in order to communicate with your customers.”

“We had three generators that worked our offices the four days we went without power,” explained Crystal Mathews, vice president at Solid Start. “We also went and purchased a cellular hot spot since all internet was down. We highly recommend companies hosting an off-site server; that way you do not lose any needed information or emails.”

A good plan should also be made prior with employees to establish communication after an incident.

“We would tell employees to show up in one or two stores at a set time a couple of days after the hurricane and to try and spread the word with any other employees they could reach,” Betances explained.

“Since communication by cell phone the first couple of weeks was very difficult, if not almost impossible, What’s App was very helpful when Internet could be found.”

Proper maintenance should also be key to making sure that your business can be up and running quickly, too.

“A stock of all important parts should be kept including oil, air and diesel filters, belts, oil and coolant,” Betances said. “These were nearly impossible to get for the first month. When suppliers started delivering again, any item ordered was four of what was usually ordered.

Inventory became very scarce and is still not at what it was prior to Hurricane Maria.”

When you know disaster is coming — which the hurricanes may allow — move what can be moved out of harm’s way either for storage or supplying another location.

“With hurricanes if you are in low laying areas it is about going to high ground,” said Honest-1’s Johnson. “We moved as much as we could to get if off the ground. Literally anything that wasn’t bolted to the floor was moved.”

“Our shop didn’t flood, but the water came within six inches of reaching the building,” Morris said. “We were prepared, and whatever we had outside we moved it indoors.”

Morris added that the tanks of both old and new oil were drained and moved. This was done as the staff boarded up the windows and prepared for the worst, which, he added, took a full half-day.

Devastation spread heavily across the country in 2017. No matter where your shop is located, you could be threatened with a hurricane, wildfire or flood. Let the lessons learned in 2017 live on, so you can be prepared if devastation ever comes knocking at your door. S

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Stay Calm, But Prepare Before the Storm: Wisdom Learned from Hurricane Katrina With hurricanes, it pays to take advantage of the “calm before the storm,” which, with the rush at grocery stores and gas stations, not to mention the mad dash out of town, the prep time is anything but calm.

“It is very true that hurricanes can give you many days notice,” said Lenny Saucier, director of training at Take 5 Oil Change. “The course of the storm changes every few hours, making you feel more confident or less confident about the storm track.”

Many Take 5 Oil Change locations were impacted by Hurricane Katrina back in 2005, and learned firsthand what it means to prepare for the worst and how to recover from it.

“Your stores will become busier as the cone remains on your general area,” Saucier told NOLN. “It is absolutely imperative that you take the warning seriously. Your employees themselves not only need to take care of the customers, but they have their lives, and they need to board up and pack up, too.”

This is a big balancing act of work and life that not only has to be attended to, but can alter every few hours, Saucier added.

“The magic trick — and yes it is purely magic — is ensuring your customers have safe vehicles, your employees have safe families and, lastly, that your shop is safe. I put the shop last, as your insurance will typically take care of a shop in a disaster. Human life cannot be replaced, no matter how much money is awarded,” he said.

If anything good did come from Katrina, it was that it taught some operators in hurricane-prone regions how to prepare for a major storm. First, take the threat seriously.

“Plan, communicate, evaluate your plan, communicate, change your plan as needed and communicate,” Saucier explained.

“Our Risk Manager, David Warren, has always done a superlative job of ensuring proper communications and safety of all of our employees that could be in harm’s way,” he addphoto courtesy: twitter @take5_OilChange ed. “Have a plan, and make it known. Make it so known that you get tired of hearing about it. The plan doesn’t stop at the anticipation of arrival of a hurricane, the plan of making sure your team made it safely, your shop is in good standing and getting back open for the needed public is the other part of the plan.”

When the storm passes often comes the hard part, the road to recovery.

With a hurricane, this can take days, weeks, months or even years. In many cases, the rains may stop but the worst comes with the flooding, which was certainly the case with New Orleans back in 2005.

Even now, a question often asked is, how long was the recovery from Katrina?

“There are so many ways to answer this. Some would say that we never did,” Saucier said. “But when you look at the great city of New Orleans, the beautiful Gulf Coast and our wonderful company of Take 5, we didn’t recover; we prospered. This disaster showed the nation — and more importantly each other — that prospering is done by the leaders, the strong willed and the dedicated. After the waters drained from many of our shops and out of our cities, it became very obvious what type of company and community we were to become. You can see it by looking to the left and to the right of the great men and women standing next to you rebuilding what was thought to be lost.” S

A man pushes his bicycle through flood waters near the Superdome in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina left much of the city under water. photo courtesy: AP, Eric Gay

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Surviving a Natural (or Man-Made)

DISASTER How to Prepare for and Bounce Back from a Crisis in Your Business

By William Lynott

Depending on the location of your shop, the odds of you being the victim of a catastrophic loss from wind, water, fire, earthquake or hazmat spill may be greater or lesser than average.

Several cars sit under the collapsed roof of an Express Oil Change after a tornado touched down destroying several businesses, Thursday, June 22, 2017, in Fairfield, Alabama. photo courtesy: www.timesfreepress.com, Butch Dill 24 NOLN | www.noln.net

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However, a destructive event of some sort in your business is all but inevitable. It may take the form of an employee or customer accident, a computer crash or power outage that shuts down your operation or one of those increasingly common, dreaded natural or man-made disasters that puts you out of business long enough for your customers to seek out a competitor — and never return.

The key to minimizing that risk, according to the experts, is a well thought out plan of action in the event that disaster strikes.

Your plan doesn’t necessarily have to be in writing. Even if it isn’t formally written down, every business owner needs to consider how to continue operating if disaster strikes.

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Planning For Disaster Here are nine steps you can take now to help your business avoid or recover from a catastrophic loss:

Prepare a Disaster Preparation and Recovery Plan

“Every shop needs to have a disaster preparation and recovery plan, even if it’s located in a relatively low risk area for natural disasters,” said Gene Fairbrother, an expert in disaster planning.

Your plan shouldn’t be a cumbersome project, according to Fairbrother.

“To be effective,” he said, “it should be a model of clarity, fully understood by every employee.”

Whether it’s in writing or not, it’s important to refresh your plan periodically.

“Some basics of a disaster plan seldom change,” he said. “For example, your evacuation destination or the first things you’d grab on your way out if you had to evacuate in a hurry. However, other things do change, like contact information on customers and suppliers and places to find replacement equipment. Review your disaster plan at least once a year to make sure it still works for your shop.”

Make Your Disaster Plan Company Policy

“It’s important to make your disaster plan a permanent part of your business philosophy,” Fairbrother said.

“However, it often takes another set of eyes and ears to point out the cracks in a plan or to spot missing components. That’s why you should share it with someone else, especially your employees. They may find a flaw or an important step that you missed.

“Beyond the possibility that you might owe some employees a pay check, a business owner has little or no legal obligation to employees if the company closes due to a disaster. Still, you need to make your employees part of your disaster plan. Failing to do so will hinder your ability to get the business back up and running.”

Follow these steps to prepare for a natural disaster: Maintain an Off-Site Backup of all Computer Records

According to one estimate, 90 percent of all business records are now electronic. That makes protection and recovery of vital business information easier, provided a careful system of backing up is in place.

Most business owners have learned the importance of backing up the information on their computers, but not everyone does a complete job.

Stefan Dietrich, Ph.D., co-author of the book, “Contingency Planning and Disaster Recovery: a Small Business Guide” stresses the importance of maintaining an up-to-date backup copy of critical data at an offsite location.

“Unattended automated backups are better than using CDs or thumb drives,” he said. “Typically, most people don’t follow through with creating backups. For that reason, automated online backups to a remote location via the Internet are much better.”

Safeguard Your Most Precious Business Asset

Your lists of customers, insurance companies and vendors are the foundation for the continued health of your business. Of all your business assets, these lists are among the most valuable and irreplaceable. You must do everything possible to make certain you have access to them in the event of any form of disaster.

“If you are out of business for a few days — or longer — you need to let all of your important contacts know what is happening,” Fairbrother said. “This means having an easily accessible list of all contact information.

As with other business records, it’s best if copies of this are stored offsite.”

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Review Your Insurance Coverage

“Carefully review your insurance policy to make certain it is appropriate for your needs,” said Donna Childs, CEO of Childs Capital LLC and co-author of “Contingency Planning and Disaster Recovery: a Small Business Guide.”

“You should have business interruption insurance to replace lost revenues if your operations are disrupted due to a disaster.”

According to Childs, the failure to include business interruption insurance is the most common error in disaster planning for small businesses.

Childs suggested that you take digital photographs of your major physical assets and preserve them online where you can access them remotely.

“Scan critical documents, such as your insurance policies and lease and have digitized copies available online for the same reason,” she said.

Provide for Backup Power

“Consider the use of a backup power generator,” said management consultant Isidore Kharasch, “so if a disaster strikes, it is not made worse by not having lights and power to at least get people out to safety. In addition, having a backup battery for your computer should be part of your plan. Even if it lasts for only two to three hours, it will give you time to close out servers and shut down the system with your critical records intact.

If Disaster Strikes

In the unfortunate event that your business is fully or partially wiped out by a natural or man-made disaster, your plan should include guidance on how to get it up and running again as quickly as possible. These basic suggestions should be part of your plan:

Provide Physical Security

In the aftermath of any natural disaster, security of business assets is almost certain to have been compromised.

As soon as it is possible to do so, you should put any parts of your plan dealing with physical security of your shop’s equipment and other assets into effect.

Know Who is There to Help You, and Let Them Know You Need Their Help

“If you are involved in a major disaster, you should be prepared to make early contact with any organization that may be able to offer assistance,” said Ernest Vendrell, Ph.D., assistant professor of Emergency Planning Programs at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida. Some of these agencies include:

• • • •

Local offices of emergency management The Small Business Administration Local police and fire services The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) • Your insurance carriers “In addition to a variety of educational and training guides,” Vendrell said. “FEMA also offers a number of disaster planning courses that are typically offered free-ofcharge.”

“It’s important, too, to maintain ongoing contact,” Fairbrother said. “During a major disaster, there is always much confusion, and you don’t want your business to be the one that falls between the cracks.”

Keep Your Customers Updated on a Frequent Basis

If you have protected the information on your customers as recommended above, you can send emails with updates, or you can put the information on your website.

“Remember, too, that your suppliers have businesses of their own to run; they and your customers will appreciate knowing how and when you expect to be back in business,” Fairbrother said. “In most cases, they will work with you in your time of need. However, don’t lose sight of the fact they have needs of their own and must continue to take care of those needs.

“Maintaining contact with your customers will increase the likelihood that they will stick with you instead of straying off to a competitor.”

Don’t Wait Until the Aftermath

You will, of course, want to consider other necessary disaster preparation steps unique to your specific situation.

Unless you are located in one of the hurricane or floodprone areas, preparation for a possible disaster may seem like an unnecessary demand on your time, but every year, thousands of unsuspecting business owners around the country find themselves victimized by a disaster of one form or another. That’s why investing a little of your time in preparing a disaster preparation plan now will be a wise business investment.

It is absolutely critical for you to have a disaster recovery plan for your business. Disasters come in all sizes and shapes — not just hurricanes like Harvey and Irma. Fires, flood, ice storms, earthquakes and tornadoes can all take their toll.

All of the experts interviewed for this story agree with that opinion. The last thing you will need if disaster should strike is to be caught unprepared. S

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Giving Others a Hand Up: Assessing Your Corporate Social Responsibility

By Ray Hoeneisen

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non-profit, your customers may go elsewhere. When you support a non-profit, the customers from those that don’t could consider switching to you.

In fact, customers share their experiences with others. What will they say about you that will make you stand out from another service center? Will they leave your shop thinking this service was OK, or will they leave feeling that you’re special? If your customers feel you are special their awareness of your service will increase, along with your sales. When you care about others, your customers will feel safe with you and trust you. This safe feeling will lead to a higher trust in your recommendation rather than a feeling that you are only trying to sell them more services. When they know you care about those in need, they will trust you. When you suggest additional services for their vehicle, that trust will let them know you are protecting them from future costly repairs or breakdowns and not trying to sell unnecessary services.

Now that I have your attention, the question is: what can you do or how can you help others being just a small lube shop?

alifornia was on fire; Houston, Florida, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and other areas were affected by hurricanes.

You’re asking yourself what does all this have do with my service center? I hope this is a question we all ask ourselves, because if we are asking ourselves, the answer is clear. Everyone needs to be involved even if these terrible weather events did not strike you directly.

Assessing Your Corporate Social Responsibility Is corporate social responsibility already a part of your brand personality? If not, consider a study by Cone Communications that found 84 percent of global consumers seek out responsible products when possible. You are probably thinking: I’ll let the large national brands, or my franchisor, take care of those issues.

Many of the large brands do support some of the major issues.

But even if you have one store, you are not too small to develop a policy of social responsibility. When the heart of your brand personality is caring about others, your customers will notice. You will stand out from other service centers that only concentrate on their short-term profits. If your business doesn’t support a 28 NOLN | www.noln.net

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First, think about your brand personality as if your brand was a person. Would you like this person, what would he/she look like?

If you do not like them, how would you change this person? Can you count on your close friends, or are they selfish, self-centered friends? Do they really care about you, or are they only reaching out to you when you are in need?

Since you want your customers to be loyal customers who keep coming back to you, you must demonstrate that you care for them. They are more than just another sale. To accomplish this, you must gain their trust. Your customers will trust your store over another because you have demonstrated your support for others, not just yourself.

Getting Your Team Onboard & Evaluating Non-Profit Partners I hope you are considering giving social responsibility a try! If so, the first item for discussion is, with so many options available, how to choose which one is right for you.

The first step is to tell your team members what you are planning. Get their input, and seek their suggestions. Everyone has some experience where they needed some outside help. Listen carefully to their suggestions. Give each member sufficient time to tell you their entire story. Ask them for suggestions on how their store team can help. You can invite the different organiza-

tions you are considering to a team meeting to discuss how they are helping those in need. Ask them how they think you can be the most help.

Be sure to pick a cause you will be passionate about. When you and your team truly care, you will make a difference.

Get your customers involved and let them know how you are helping others. Produce in-store point of sale materials that tell your story. Add your cause to all your print materials, even if it’s just one line. Use social media to tell your story, and ask others to join your efforts.

Let’s discuss a few possible considerations that might be a good choice. What possible causes relate to your business?

We are all in the oil business, so environmental concerns or recycling issues are good examples. Promote the recycling you are already performing. Look for other ways to recycle products, and reach out to the community to use your expertise in leading other environmental and recycling issues.

Get your team involved in community service. Encourage them to participate. It could be as simple as packing weekend lunches for kids who do not to have food when they don’t have school.

Contact your local churches and community service clubs asking their suggestions for service opportunities. Consider offering your team members incentives or asking them to accept allocatFebruary 2018

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ing a certain amount of their work hours to volunteer. The salary cost for these hours could be part of your commitment to make a difference in your community.

Add your support to fundraisers that are already established.

Donate special gift certificates to support donations from different causes. Create a coupon book to sell your customers with special coupons. Use the book revenue for your cause.

There are many other ways to help those that are in need. Just do something.

Natural Disasters Creating More Need So far, we have discussed how and why you should help those in need in your local communities. Those needs will always be there and deserve your attention and support.

The natural disasters of 2017 created many communities with needs far beyond their local abilities to solve.

Several years ago, I worked in Houston. During that time, I developed many close friends. Through email and social media, they shared their pictures of the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.

They also told me their personal stories; some lost everything.

My heart was broken, and I knew that I must do something.

But what? With so many needs, what could I do from here? Just as I was trying to answer that question, Hurricane Irma came through Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Florida and up the East Coast. In addition, fires were raging in California. How will our country be able to assist these communities without help from all of us? Now, my decision-making started, what could I do?

Finding My Cause Just as you should do before you make your decision, I began researching community needs along with the organizations that were helping with those needs.

I not only wanted to help those communities that were the victims of these disasters, but also find a long-term need I could serve here locally.

After researching worthwhile organizations, I found a deserving organization that surprised me — being a male from the automotive industry. I became emotionally connected to one organization after discovering a few startling facts. The local group I’m supporting is Babycycle Diaper Bank, who is a member of The National Diaper Bank Network and Baby2Baby National Network. As I said, a surprising answer that I was not looking for nor did I expect.

After extensive research, I discovered the following statistics for diaper need.

• Baby2Baby is a non-profit organization providing low-income children, ages 0-12 years with diapers, clothing and all necessities that every baby deserves.

• Low-income families pay up to 14 percent of their after-tax income on diapers.

• Disposable diapers cost $70 to $80 per month.

• •

•

Infants require up to 12 diapers per day; toddlers about 8.

Childcare centers often require a six-to-eight-day supply for children to attend or enroll. This creates a barrier for parents to re-enter the workforce and perpetuates the cycle of poverty.

Many parents are struggling to afford diapers and must make choices no parent should ever have to make — like buying food or diapers for their baby.

The natural disasters of 2017 created many communities with needs far beyond their local abilities to solve.

The above statistics are before this year’s national disasters.

Just imagine what they will be now.

The above information is an example of research I went through before I became associated with an organization. Most of this information was available on its website: baby2baby.org/ national-network Upon completing my research, I then met with the local founder and director to understand how my retail background would help them right now. What they needed was additional inventory. I volunteered to call on retail stores to ask them to become collection centers for diapers and other needs. These stores were very receptive to providing a small display space with some signage asking for hurricane relief donations. This is an example of something you might be able to supply!

There are many worthwhile groups joining in relief efforts for these national disasters. My suggestion is that you do your homework and go online to see what others are saying. Gather information from their websites. Will you and your team be emotionally connected to this need? Share your findings with your team, and get their input before you ask them to support a choice. Will this decision connect with you and your team? If it doesn’t, your efforts will fail.

You are needed; now, get started! What else will make you feel good about yourself and improve your business at the same time? S

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Cybersecurity breaches are frequent, frustrating and becoming more massive with each new headline. The worst data breach in healthcare history was the Anthem breach of February 2015.

More than 78.8 million records were stolen by a foreign government that does not have strong diplomatic relations with the USA. Those records included the names, birth dates, Social Security numbers and home addresses of the individuals that ever did business with Anthem — or even applied for a policy. The more recent Equifax breach has dwarfed that number, with 145.5 million people impacted.

By Bryce Austin

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Some companies know they are in the crosshairs of the best cybercriminals in the world.

• Do you have a database of HIPAA data that would be valuable on the black market?

• Do you process over one million credit card transactions per year?

• Are you in the payroll or money-transfer business?

• Are you developing a technology that foreign governments would be interested in?

• Are you in a business that a hacktivist group or Nation State may find ethically questionable?

• If you can answer yes to any of the above questions, congratulations, you are in the highest-risk group. Most companies are not in the highest-risk category. The remaining companies fall into three large groups, including those that have: • A significant regulatory environment to operate within (healthcare, banking, insurance, etc.).

• Data that others could monetize (trade secrets, credit card numbers, personally identifiable information, data on publicly traded companies that has not yet been made public, etc.).

• Data that is important and necessary for the company to operate.

Before the proliferation of ransomware, the third category would not have been included. Many in the cybersecurity field used to lambast salespeople selling cybersecurity tools that said, “Everyone is a target.” The problem is that cybercriminals have figured out an important new angle to their business model: companies that don’t have information that is valuable on the black market still have information that’s valuable to the company itself. The bad guys are finding a way into a company, encrypting as much data as possible and then extorting money from you to get your own data back.

In today’s world, everyone is a target. From hospitals that need their enterprise resource planning system to treat patients, to accounting firms needing tax engine software to process their clients’ tax returns, every company wants to prevent business disruptions.

Ransomware attacks are designed to disrupt your company’s ability to do business until you pay up.

That begs a common question, “How can I assess my actual cybersecurity risk?” The truth is you can’t. This is similar to assessing your risk of contracting a certain disease or of having a tornado damage your home. These things happen infrequently, and as such, it’s impossible to say that a given company will experience a cybersecurity incident of X dollars in total damage every Y years. A better plan of attack is the following:

1. Accept that your company is a target of cybercriminals that would hope to profit from your success, either by stealing your valuable information, or by encrypting your valuable information and ransoming it back to you.

2. Assess your relative risk. The areas to take into account include company size, your industry, the number of countries you do business in (especially those known to support government-sponsored hacking) and the strength of your cybersecurity defenses.

3. Assess your own risk tolerance, assess the potential damage to your company that a hacker could inflict and assess what cybersecurity countermeasures you currently have employed. If you employ strong countermeasures, your risk will be far lower than many of your competitors, even if putting an actual number on it is challenging.

One of the best ways to quantify your cybersecurity risk is to get quotes for cybersecurity insurance. For example, if your building’s fire insurance policy costs $10,000 per year for $1 million in coverage, then the insurance company thinks you will have a large claim on that policy less than once every 100 years. Otherwise they would lose money selling you the policy. In fact, they are probably guessing that you will have a large fire once every 500 years, so they make a good profit on the policy. If it costs $250,000 for the same coverage, your risk of having a fire is much higher than that. The cost of a cybersecurity insurance policy will help you determine the relative risk of a cyber incident in comparison to another type of business incident, such as a building issue (fire/flood), an operational issue or a liability issue of some sort.

It’s imperative to realize that regardless of size, reach and financial level, your company is a target for cybercrime. All that really matters is if a criminal feels there is a good return to be had on their investment of time and money. If your defenses are poor, then their effort level is low. If you have strong defenses, then the return must be high for the adversary to expend significant effort to breach your systems. Many attacks are non-specific. They search for a particular vulnerability across many companies and report back success. If you are found to be vulnerable, you will probably be attacked. Criminals will try to monetize their efforts in many ways. Your data is valuable to you, and they can monetize this via ransomware.

Thankfully, ransomware and the cybercriminals who use it can be stopped. They are looking for easy targets. All companies are susceptible, but with the right cybersecurity defenses, such as multi-factor authentication, a strong antivirus package and a solid data backup routine, cybercriminals will deem your company too much effort to hack. This is your opportunity to make cybersecurity a competitive advantage for your company! S

BRYCE AUSTIN is the CEO of TCE Strategy, an internationally recognized speaker on emerging technology and cybersecurity issues, and author of “Secure Enough? 20 Questions on Cybersecurity for Business Owners and Executives.” With over 10 years of experience as a chief information officer and chief information security officer, Austin actively advises companies across a wide variety of industries on effective methods to mitigate cyber threats. For more information on Austin, please visit: www.bryceaustin.com

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By Tammy Neal

Helping Hands Across the Industry Give Back

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ith widespread devastation across the country in 2017, it’s no surprise that many from across the automotive aftermarket stepped up to offer a helping hand. Corporate donations alone for hurricane relief in 2017 is estimated at more than $300 million. The Redwood Credit Union North Bay Fire Relief fund had raised nearly $18 million as of the beginning of November. Here’s how a few of our industry partners have helped.

Shops Pitching In Driven Brands The Driven Brands Charitable Foundation, parent company of Take 5 Oil Change, Pro Oil, Econo Lube N’ Tune and Meineke Car Care Centers, partnered with the retail brands of Driven Brands Inc. to help raise funds for Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma relief through the American Red Cross.

“Our thoughts are with our franchisees, their staffs and families in the storm zones and the millions of people whose lives have been disrupted by rain, wind and

floods and who are now facing a lengthy clean-up and restoration,” said Noah Pollack, executive vice president and general counsel for Driven Brands in a September press statement.

Franchisees, employees, vendor partners and customers were encouraged to visit the Driven Brands Charitable Foundation site or any of the participating brand websites to donate. Proceeds benefitted the American Red Cross relief efforts in both regions affected by the hurricanes.

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Grease Monkey Garage One Pennsylvania shop pitched in when Hurricane Harvey hit Texas. Grease Monkey Garage in Swoyersville packed its shop with supplies — so much so that employees were not able to work on vehicles for several days. Instead, they had another focus.

“We’re collecting medical supplies, triage stuff, feminine products, hygiene products,” Heath Rusinko said in a pahomepage.com article.

Pahomepage.com reported that Grease Monkey employees helped fill more than a half dozen trailers that took donations to Texas.

Mighty Auto Parts Rob Gilbreath, general manager of Mighty Auto Parts in Dothan, Alabama, drove a truck full of donations down to Florida on September 18, 2017, to bring supplies to hurricane-devastated areas.

He encouraged his community to help, asking for donations of bottled water, canned goods, pet food, cleaning supplies, diapers and baby wipes — some of the most-needed items.

Gilbreath is a former resident of Jacksonville and Tampa, wtvy. com reported, and said he knows all too well the destruction a major hurricane can leave behind.

“It’s sad to watch others go through devastation and just stand back and not do anything about it,” Gilbreath told wtvy.com. “And I just think it’s our obligation to step in and help when we can.”

Corporate Donations Soared BP (Castrol) BP and the BP Foundation donated $750,000 to assist with hurricane relief efforts. The contribution was split equally among the Red Cross, the Community Foundation of Greater Houston and the United Way of Greater Houston.

The company also matched employee contributions.

Chevron Chevron contributed $500,000 from the Chevron Global Community Fund to the American Red Cross in support of relief efforts for the wildfires in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and San Diego counties.

“Chevron, like others in California, wants to help with the response to these devastating wildfires,” said Mike Wirth, Chevron’s vice chairman and executive vice president. “Our heartfelt thoughts are with the people affected by the fires, including the brave firefighters working so hard over the holidays to contain them.”

Chevron, based in California for more than a century, makes it a priority to provide support to the communities where it operates.

Chevron will match any qualifying donations to wildfire relief efforts made by its employees and retirees.

The contribution from the Chevron Global Community Fund follows a similar donation in October for California wildfire relief efforts in Northern California.

In addition to its wildfire relief efforts, Chevron donated $1 million back in August to the American Red Cross to aid in hurricane relief efforts.

ConocoPhillips/Phillips 66 ConocoPhillips made a $1 million donation to the Red Cross. Employees and retirees in the US can request to have their personal contributions matched.

Phillips 66 contributed $1 million to the Red Cross. The company also matched employee contributions up to $15,000 per person.

Exxon Mobil Exxon Mobil donated $500,000 to Red Cross organizations along the US Gulf Coast to aid with hurricane relief efforts. The company also contributed $500,000 to the United Way of Greater Houston.

Royal Purple Royal Purple Raceway, site of the annual NHRA SpringNationals, suspended all drag racing activities from September through December 2017 to help in Hurricane Harvey relief efforts.

Located in the Houston suburb of Baytown, Royal Purple Raceway became a temporary storage facility for cars, trucks, boats and construction equipment, dragzine.com reported.

“Some things transcend racing and when you see half of our city under water, you obviously have to prioritize your energies and resources,” vice president and general manager of Royal Purple Raceway, Seth Angel, told dragzine.com back in September. “Our focus and priority over the next few months will be on helping our community rebuild and get back on its feet. There are literally tens of thousands of vehicles all around Southeast Texas that are completely flooded out and inoperable. We have 400 acres here capable of storing a large quantity of vehicles, and we collectively made the decision to do what we could to help. Additionally, Royal Purple Raceway is making a $10,000 commitment to the American Red Cross.”

Shell & Joey Logano Shell made an initial $1 million donation to the American Red Cross’ Hurricane Harvey disaster relief fund. Joey Logano, one of Shell’s sponsored NASCAR drivers, also made a $25,000 donation to the American Red Cross and opened a donation portal through the Joey Logano Foundation to collect funds on behalf of the American Red Cross for Hurricane Harvey disaster relief, NBC Sports reported.

Shell went with a Red Cross-inspired red-and-white look on Logano’s car in the regular-season finale at Richmond Raceway in hopes to draw more attention to those affected by Hurricane Harvey, according to NBC Sports.

“Our roots run extremely deep in Houston, and we are committed to doing our part to help the city move on in the aftermath of Harvey,” said Bruce Culpepper, Shell US President, in a statement to NBC Sports. “Shell employs nearly 20,000 people in the US, and nearly half of them are being directly impacted by Harvey.”

“Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast have suffered a disaster of historic size — one that is going to take months if not years of recovery,” Logano said in a statement to NBC Sports back in September.

“In the last couple of days, we have seen sports icons and organizations step up for Texas and the Gulf Coast. With our strong ties to Shell and the community, we wanted to rally the passionate NASCAR base for this cause, as well.”

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Total Total made a $250,000 donation to the American Red Cross to assist in the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in the Gulf Coast region.

“Our hearts go out to those affected by this unprecedented natural disaster. We remain committed to helping rebuild the communities where we do business. That’s why we’ve partnered with the Red Cross.

Our donation of $250,000 will provide assistance to those in our community who have been hardest hit by Harvey,” said Christophe Gerondeau, US country representative and CEO of Total Petrochemicals & Refining USA, Inc. With operations all long the Texas Gulf Coast, Total is also supporting its employees who have been affected by the storm.

Helping Others Every Day Few companies are built on the basis of helping others. One of these companies is Throttle Muscle.

Throttle Muscle was started by Jiffy Lube operator Sean Porcher after he had the chance to have dinner with Abbey Umali, the National Goodwill Ambassador for MDA. Porcher and his partners created Throttle Muscle with an intention to do everything they could to help Umali and the others who lived with one of thousands of muscle diseases.

“Abbey touched our hearts. From her humor to her grace, our entire team was touched beyond words,” Porcher said. “I knew that what I could accomplish in my 41 Jiffy Lube stores was not enough. I wanted to do more. I wanted to give more.

This would become a mission for me and my life!”

Throttle Muscle has gained steady market share over the last few years, proving that being charitable in your business can actually help drive customers. Here’s some advice from Porcher on how to do just that!

“For a moment, let’s look at something that is the easiest to analyze: giving in a time of tragedy or need,” Porcher said.

“One of my first true experiences with a charitable giving event was following the September 11th attack on America. I don’t

need to spend time talking about the despair we all felt or the vulnerability we felt as a Nation. I remember sitting in a manager’s meeting and discussing some ideas with the team. As a company, at the time, we could have just sent a check to the Red Cross and had the feeling we contributed to a cause. The more we talked about it though, the more it occurred to me that my team, my managers, my employees and my customers all wanted to do something. Not everyone can afford to mail in a check or make a sizeable donation. So, we embarked on this all-encompassing endeavor to create a fundraiser for the 9-11 Red Cross Fund, where employees who chose to participate contributed their time, our suppliers contributed product, we supplied the facility and our customers came in and got their services for whatever they wanted to pay. 100-percent of that payment went to the Red Cross.

“The lasting impact of that type of event is immeasurable. However, charitable giving goes far beyond specific fundraising events. The goal should be no different, though: engage employees and customers in the giving experience. The success of any charity drive, or charity program, is in the engagement of employees and their ability to communicate the program to the end customer. The more buy-in at the team level, the more successful the program will be. We’ve all been to the checkout stand at the local super market when the checker asks, ‘Want to donate a dollar to xyz charity?’ Most consumers would say, ‘no, not today.’ But imagine if that checker was more engaged and asked, ‘I don’t know if you’ve heard, but we are trying to raise $X for xyz charity, and we can really use your help, could you spare a dollar today to help us make a difference?’ That level of engagement makes a big impact.

“It is a proven fact that consumers will pay more for a product or service when the purchase of that product benefits a charity. I encourage you to find ways to engage your employees and customers in a way that benefits both the charity and your business. After all, the more successful your business, the more you can benefit the charity.” S

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Water We Love It and Hate It

By Steve Swedberg

I

t would be pretty safe to say that 2017 was the year of natural disasters. Houston, Florida and Puerto Rico all had monumental levels of rainfall that created havoc for automobiles and trucks. On the flip side, California and the West had fires that caused untold millions in damage and not a drop of water left to put them out. One recent fire, the Thomas Fire on the California central coast, is the largest fire in California history.

What happens to lubricants under such trying conditions? In the case of fire, it’s doubtful that any lube will survive, let alone the equipment in which it was being used. Water contamination is a lot more complex.

We’ve all been taught that water and oil don’t mix.

That would be generally true except for the fact that almost all oils have additives in them that change the water/oil relationship. This is the result of the fact that oil tends to not want to mix with water due to the interfacial tension between the two materials.

Simply stated, they don’t mix because there is a physical barrier preventing it. Additives tend to remove, or at least modify, that barrier. Allowing for the fact that it is virtually impossible to keep all water out of any automotive system, most used oil analysis reports will react to water at levels above 100-200 ppm, no matter what type of oil (engine, transmission or gear) is being evaluated.

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When a vehicle is submerged in water, there are many lubricated parts that are impacted. Water has a way of getting into places you wouldn’t believe. Wherever it contacts lubricants, some pretty serious things happen.

Looking at the various systems in a vehicle, here are some of the problems.

The engine crankcase is a prime candidate for contamination. Surprisingly, water in the crankcase is not uncommon, even in normal operations.

Exhaust blowby collects in the crankcase and contains a small amount of water. However, the level of water from blowby is measured in parts per million (ppm). Water from contamination due to flooding is measured in percent.

Engine oils are a pretty complex mixture of base oils, viscosity improvers and performance additive components. Among the additive components are a number of materials that affect water separation properties.

These include dispersants, detergents, friction modifiers, oxidation inhibitors, antiwear and antirust agents, pour point depressants and antifoam agents. Although this sounds like a large percentage of the oil, it actually is no more than about 25 percent for the most sophisticated product.

However, the mix of materials gives a tremendous boost to the oil’s performance.

What does water in large quantities do to oil? Given the additive impacts on oil, the oil could emulsify making it look like mayonnaise, which incidentally is one type of oil/water emulsion.

That usually happens when about 40 percent water is mixed into the oil.

Water in oil will also separate additives from the oil or cause reactions between the additives. None of these situations are a good thing for the engine. Corrosion and rust will be the result, as well as reducing the ability of the oil to lubricate the engine properly.

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It’s been reported that water and oil in a crankcase that has been submerged is probably a death sentence for the engine and certainly for the oil. Your only hope is to drain it all out, flush with a new charge of engine oil, then drain and repeat. If the engine hasn’t been under water too long, you may be able to get it to start and operate but the impact on bearings, lifters, cams and other moving parts is sure to reduce the life of the engine.

Transmissions will suffer a similar fate, and it is more likely it will be fatally damaged. Transmissions have a very complex set of valves, clutches and friction plates that do not respond well to water contamination. The tolerances are quite small in transmissions, and the frictional properties are very crucial. If any of these properties are affected in any way, the result will be, if it even operates, sticking in gear, clutch slippage that you can feel and even hear or an inability to change gears. Since transmissions are even more costly than engines to repair or replace, the prudent buyer should steer clear of these problems.

Gear oils can also suffer from water contamination. Gear oils, including transfer cases and manual transmissions, have distinctly different metallurgy from engines and transmissions. There is a lot of iron and brass in a gearbox from synchromesh gears to limited slip axles. Both of these metals are very susceptible to water contamination. Iron will rust, and brass will corrode. By the way, corrosion is the proper term for all of these phenomena, but over time iron/water interactions have come to commonly be called rust.

Rust will cause gears to wear very rapidly and not mesh very smoothly. Corrosion on yellow metal parts will cause pitting and lead to poor performance in the gearbox. However, because most gearboxes are relatively much simpler in design, it is possible to repair and reuse them. That is, if you need a gearbox — the vehicle it is in is probably not salvageable.

You may think that engines, transmissions and gearboxes are the only systems to worry about, but you’d be wrong.

Don’t forget the power steering, brakes and other lubricated units on the vehicle.

Grease is another lubricant used on vehicles. One feature of grease is that it is used, in many instances, as a seal to prevent water from entering wheel bearings. A proper wheel bearing grease is washout resistant. If the wheels have been submerged, it would be a good idea to check the wheel bearings to see if they are still clean. If so, you can re-grease them and things should be OK. The grease used in constant velocity (CV) units is also pretty water resistant. It would make sense to re-pack the units with fresh grease to be sure.

We’re not done yet. Vehicles today have a number of lubricated systems that are relatively unknown. Door locks, power window switches, airbag systems and so forth are all very important to the proper operation of modern automobiles.

These systems use very small quantities of mostly grease lubricant, but they are very special lubes. For instance, door lock lubricants must be functional from -40 F to over 120 F. If door locks were not properly lubricated, it would be impossible to get into your vehicle. At -40 F, that would not be a good thing!

If grease lubricated systems on vehicles are contaminated with water, what can you do? In some cases, all that is needed is to re-grease and move on. However, in many cases it will be necessary to get the old grease out, check the system for any damage and then decide what to do.

It may be difficult to tell whether or not grease has been water contaminated. Most greases actually need water to properly form the soap that thickens the product. Grease is a mixture of soap formed by reaction of selected fats, a neutralizing material (for example: lithium) and base oil plus additives to provide EP properties, oxidation resistance and rust prevention. When grease gets excessively wet, the structure or thickening efficiency of the grease may be altered. Generally, that means it becomes thinner and may even run out of its proper location. It can also turn cloudy, even though it doesn’t necessarily fall apart. Naturally, when that happens, the grease needs to be replaced.

So the bottom line to all of this is, excessive amounts of water do serious damage to lubricants and the parts they are protecting. Should you encounter a vehicle that has sustained flood damage, be very careful what you do with it.

All of the operating systems need to be completely rebuilt.

That could mean cleaning them and putting in new seals and gaskets before adding new oil. It could mean replacing them completely, in which case the cost of such an overhaul is probably more than a customer is willing to spend.

Always be on the lookout for the telltale signs of water damage. You’ll be doing your customers a big favor. S STEVE SWEDBERG has over 50 years of experience in the oil industry. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and graduate work in business administration. He also has extensive training in petroleum products technical service as well as total quality management. His work experience includes lubricants research and development with ARCO and UNOCAL, oil additive marketing at Edwin Cooper (now Afton) and Chevron Oronite and lubricants marketing with Pennzoil. He managed technical groups related to oil marketing, product quality and technical services.

Swedberg has also been involved with several industry organizations including STLE, NLGI, ASTM and, most notably, SAE, where he was Technical Committee 1 (Engine Oils) chairman from 1992 to 1996. While in that position, he was able to help influence industry direction as well as make many valuable industry contacts. Swedberg is currently consulting on lubricating products and additives and is a technical writer.

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Automotive Recalls As a service to your customers, please note the following vehicles that have been recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or by their manufacturers.

Note these recalls apply only to items that could affect vehicle occupancy safety.

Items listed under separate manufacturer technical service bulletins are not always covered by warranty.

2011-2017 Honda Odyssey Honda is recalling certain 2011-2017 Honda Odyssey vehicles. The second-row outboard seats can slide sideways to one of two positions. If a seat is placed between either of the two positions when attaching the seat to the vehicle floor, the seat will not latch properly to the seat striker, allowing the seat to tip forward unexpectedly during braking.

2017 Honda Odyssey

terpret vibrations such as those from poor road conditions or a flat tire to be a sensor error thereby disabling the air bags from deploying in a crash.

The instrument cluster may intermittently go blank. A blank instrument cluster will not show important information like vehicle speed, increasing the risk of a crash.

2018 Mitsubishi Mirage 2018 Jaguar F-Pace

Air bags that do not deploy as designed in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the SRS-ECU software, free of charge.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover, Range Rover Sport Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC is recalling certain 2017 Land Rover Range Rover and Range Rover Sport vehicles.

2017 Land Rover Range Rover

Jaguar will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge.

2017 Ford F-150 Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2017 F-150 vehicles equipped with tenspeed transmissions. The pin that attaches the transmission shift linkage to the transmission may come out, preventing the transmission from responding to movement of the shift lever.

2017 Ford F-150

If the seat tips forward during braking, it can increase the risk of injury.

The remedy for this recall is still under development. Honda will notify owners of the safety risk in an interim notification and provide detailed instructions for installing/positioning the second row outer seats and confirming that they are securely latched. Once a final remedy is determined and the necessary parts are available, Honda will send a second letter to the owners to have them visit a dealer and have the condition remedied, free of charge.

The instrument cluster may intermittently go blank. A blank instrument cluster will not show important information like vehicle speed, increasing the risk of a crash.

Land Rover will notify owners, and dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge.

2014-2018 Mitsubishi Mirage Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. is recalling certain 2014-2018 Mirage vehicles. The internal acceleration sensor in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can misin-

2017-2018 Jaguar F-Pace, XF; 2018 Jaguar XE; 2016-2017 Jaguar XJ Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC is recalling certain 2017-2018 Jaguar XF and F-Pace, 2016-2017 Jaguar XJ and 2018 Jaguar XE vehicles.

The disconnected linkage may cause the vehicle to not move forward or backward as selected by the driver with the shift lever. Additionally, despite selecting “Park,� if the parking brake is not applied, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the roll pin with an updated part, free of charge.

2018 Jeep Cherokee, Compass Chrysler is recalling certain 2018 Jeep

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Cherokee and Compass vehicles equipped with 2.4L engines. The engines may have cracked oil pump housing that can result in oil pump failure.

can enter the tow modules and corrode the wiring causing issues such as rapidly flashing turn signals, loss of instrument panel display, an electrical short and possibly the deployment of seatbelt pretensioner.

2018 Jeep Cherokee 2017 Ford Transit

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If the oil pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the oil pump, replacing it as necessary, free of charge.

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2018 Ford F-150 Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018 F-150 vehicles equipped with a 3.3L engine, a six-speed transmission and a column mounted shift lever. Quickly moving the shift lever from Park to Drive may cause a loss of gear indication on the instrument cluster display and a momentary selection of an unintended gear, such as Reverse or Neutral before the vehicle achieves Drive function.

An electrical short can increase the risk of a fire. Turn signal, instrument cluster or seatbelt pretensioner problems can increase the risk of a crash.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will add a drainage hole in the driver’s door stepwell and incorporate a fuse into the vehicle’s wiring harness, free of charge.

2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500; 2011-2015 GMC Sierra 3500 General Motors LLC is recalling certain 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. The low fuel level sensor for the front tank may stick, causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.

2018 Ford F-150

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Unidentified or unintended gear selection may cause the vehicle to move in a way that was not intended by the driver, increasing the risk of crash or injury.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the powertrain control module, free of charge.

2015-2017 Ford Transit Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2015-2017 Ford Transit vehicles, equipped with a trailer tow module. Water

If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.

GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear tank fuel pump or update the fuel-level sensor software, as well as inspect the front tank, replacing it as necessary, free of charge.

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2016-2017 Nissan Rogue Nissan North America, Inc. is recalling certain 2016-2017 Nissan Rogue vehicles. The recliner joints on the lower seat frame for the rear seats may have improper welds. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 207, “Seating Systems,” and No. 210, “Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages.”

Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected inner taillight assemblies, free of charge.

2016 Toyota Prius Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing is recalling certain 2016 Prius vehicles.

A capacitor within the hybrid system may not have been properly bolted to the inverter housing.

2016 Toyota Prius

2017 Nissan Rogue

2016-2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV Mitsubishi Motors North America is recalling all 2016-2017 iMiEV vehicles, equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperatures cycling.

2017 Mitsubishi i-MiEV

The insufficient welds can increase the risk of injury to the occupants in the event of a crash.

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat frames and replace any defective lower seat frames, free of charge.

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. is recalling certain Tiguan long wheel base (LWB) vehicles. The back-up lights in the taillight assemblies may not be bright enough. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices and Associated Equipment.”

If the capacitor was not properly secured, vibrations from driving the vehicle may damage the capacitor, shutting down the hybrid system, causing a loss of motive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the inverter, free of charge.

2012 Nissan Versa Nissan North America, Inc. is recalling certain 2012 Versa Hatchback vehicles that were sold or ever registered in the District of Columbia, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

2012 Nissan Versa

2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag inflator, free of charge.

2018 Ford Expedition Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2018 Expedition vehicles. The second row outboard seats may have excessive forward adjustment capability and/or may have an improperly installed bolt that secures the seat back to the seat base. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 202a, “Head Restraints,” No. 207, “Seating Systems” and No. 210, “Seat Belt Anchorage System.”

2018 Ford Expedition

If the back-up lights are not bright enough, other drivers may not see the vehicle reversing, or the driver may back into an obstacle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.

If a front coil spring fractures, it may contact the tire, possibly puncturing it, increasing the risk of a crash.

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front coil springs, free of charge.

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If the seat back is not adequately secured, and/or the seat occupant is improperly positioned, there can be an increased risk of injury.

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the second row outboard seats for proper seat adjustment travel, replacing the seat frame assembly if necessary.

Dealers will also inspect the bolt attaching the seat back to the seat base for the proper installation, correcting it as necessary.

These repairs will be made free of charge.

2012-2014 Kia Forte, Forte Koup Kia Motors America is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.

2014 Kia Forte

switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.

2014 Hyundai Elantra

If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not

retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Hyundai will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge.

2008-2018 Freightliner Cascadia; 2008-2018 Western Star 4700, 4900, 5700, 6900 Daimler Trucks North America is recalling certain Freightliner and Western Star trucks.

After hard brake applications, the brake light pressure switch may not activate the brake lights with a light application of the brake pedal. If the brake lights fail to illuminate, there would not be a signal to other motorists that the vehicle is slowing, increasing the risk of a crash.

DTNA will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles, free of charge.

For a complete list of this month’s recalls, visit: www.noln.net

UNILUBE If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to the following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping.

Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of Park without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge.

2013-2014 Hyundai Elantra Hyundai Motor Company is recalling certain 2013-2014 Elantra sedan, coupe and GT vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light

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NUTS & BOLTS

Tech Spec: 2018 Chevrolet Equinox

Engine oil: dexos1 0W-20 (gas), dexos2 5W-30 (diesel) Chevrolet recently introduced an all-new 2018 Equinox.

The 2018 Equinox offers purposeful technology that helps keep passengers safe, comfortable and connected. The new Equinox has a richer, more detailed design featuring chrome trim on all models. The interior takes advantage of Equinox’s all-new architecture to offer a down-and-away instrument panel, while a low windshield base provides a commanding outward view. It also offers a comprehensive suite of available active safety technologies and adaptive crash-avoidance features that provide ease of use and peace of mind on the road.

Available advanced safety features to enhance driver awareness on the road include radar- and camera-based adaptive technologies that can provide alerts to potential crash threats, allowing the driver to react and make changes to avoid them, including: safety alert seat, surround vision, forward collision alert with following distance indicator, low-speed forward automatic braking, lane keep assist with lane departure warning, rear seat reminder, lane change alert with side blind zone alert and rear cross traffic alert.

The Equinox comes with a choice of three turbocharged engines — 1.5L turbo, 2.0L turbo or a 1.6L turbo-diesel, offering an estimated 40 mpg hwy. A new nine-speed automatic transmission is paired with the 2.0L turbo engine.

An available switchable AWD system en-

hances efficiency by disconnecting from the rear axle when not needed.

The 2018 Equinox is offered in L, LS, LT (1LT/1.5L, 2LT/2.0L and 3LT/diesel) and Premier (1LZ/1.5L, 2LZ/2.0L and 3LZ/diesel) trims.

An entry-level L 1.5L turbo Equinox carries a starting MSRP of $24,575. A top-of-the-line, fully loaded Premier 2.0L turbo AWD with a nine-speed automatic transmission will run a buyer just north of $40,400.

Servicing the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox When the “Change Engine Oil Soon” message displays, the engine oil and filter should be changed within the next 600 miles (1,000 km).

If driven under the best conditions, the engine oil life system may not indicate the need for vehicle service for up to a year. The engine oil and filter must be changed at least once a year, and the oil life system must be reset. On vehicles with diesel engines, it is recommended to drain the diesel fuel filter of water when the oil is changed or when the “Water in Fuel Contact Service” message displays.

STANDARD ROUTINE MAINTENANCE Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km): • Rotate tires • Check engine oil level and oil life percentage; if needed, change engine oil and filter, and reset the oil life system

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

• • •

Check engine coolant level Check windshield washer fluid level Visually inspect windshield wiper blades for wear, cracking or contamination; replace worn or damaged wiper blades Check tire inflation pressures Inspect tire wear Visually check for fluid leaks Inspect engine air cleaner filter Inspect brake system Visually inspect steering, suspension and chassis components for damaged, loose or missing parts or signs of wear Check restraint system Visually inspect fuel system for damage or leaks Visually inspect exhaust system and nearby heat shields for loose or damaged parts Lubricate body components Check starter switch Check parking brake and automatic transmission park mechanism Check accelerator pedal for damage, high effort or binding; replace, if needed Visually inspect gas strut for signs of wear, cracks or other damage. Check the holdopen ability of the strut; if the hold-open ability is low, service the gas strut Check tire sealant expiration date, if equipped Inspect sunroof track and seal, if equipped Drain diesel fuel filter of water (diesel only)

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ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES - NORMAL Every 22,500 miles (36,000 km) or every two years: • Replace passenger compartment air filter

•

Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every two years — or as indicated by the driver information center: • Replace fuel filter (diesel engine only)

Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or every four years: • Replace engine air cleaner filter

Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km): • Inspect evaporative control system; visually check all fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper attachment, connection, routing and condition Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km) or every four years: • Replace engine air cleaner filter Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km): • Replace spark plugs • Inspect spark plug wires Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km): • Replace rear axle fluid Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or every five years, whichever comes first: • Drain and fill engine cooling system Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or every 10 years, whichever comes first: • Visually inspect accessory drive belts.

Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking or damage; replace, if needed Every five years: • Replace brake fluid

ADDITIONAL MAINTENANCE SERVICES - SEVERE Every 22,500 miles (36,000 km) or every two years: • Replace passenger compartment air filter Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or every two years — or as indicated by the driver information center: • Replace fuel filter (diesel engine only) Every 45,000 miles (72,000 km):

•

Inspect evaporative control system; visually check all fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper attachment, connection, routing and condition Change automatic transmission fluid

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km): • Replace spark plugs • Inspect spark plug wires Every 75,000 miles (120,000 km): • Replace rear axle fluid Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or every five years, whichever comes first: • Drain and fill engine cooling system

Every 150,000 miles (240,000 km) or every 10 years, whichever comes first: • Visually inspect accessory drive belts.

Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking or damage; replace, if needed Every five years: • Replace brake fluid

Fluids and Capacities Engine Oil (diesel): dexos2 5W-30; capacity is 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters) Engine Oil (gas): dexos1 0W-20; capacity with filter is 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters) – 1.5L AWD, 4.2 quarts (4.0 liters) – 1.5L FWD, 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) – 2.0L AWD, 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) – 2.0L FWD Coolant: Dex-Cool; capacity is 7.0 quarts (6.6 liters) – 1.5L gas, 7.9 quarts (7.5 liters) – 1.6L diesel, 8.2 quarts (7.8 liters) – 2.0L gas Brake Fluid: DOT 3 S

DOUBLE-WALL CONTAINMENT For all your automotive oil and lubricant storage needs.

• Designed to store diesel and bio fuels, motor oil, used oil, ATF, DEF and heating oil, class II and class III combustible fluids • Outer tank holds 110 percent of inner tank for maximum protection • Up to 50 percent lighter than conventional steel tanks • Easy to install • Compact design • Exceeds industry standards • UL2258 Certified • Compliant with NFPA 30 & 30A • Low-cost • 30-Year warranty • Leak-proof and will not corrode

Contact Roth today for more information. www.RothLubeTanks.com 1.888.266.7684 www.RothLubeTanks.com 1.888.266.7684 February 2018

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By Tiffany Fowler

“Not Secure” Messages

Changes and How They Affect You It’s possible you may have noticed some websites looking a little differently late last year. Maybe you’ve encountered some unexpected “not secure” messages.

Google released some new changes that impact a large number of websites across the World Wide Web. Google has been working to enforce security on sites, particularly those with any kind of input or form field.

This security is achieved through a secure sockets layer (SSL) certificate. Sites utilizing an SSL certificate are fairly easy to spot. The website address begins with “https://” or you will see a closed lock icon when you look at the browser address bar.

To enforce this change, Chrome browsers are beginning to show a “Not Secure” message by the website address when visiting any site without an SSL. Other browsers may give similar messages, particularly when any code for the site, which you probably won’t see, utilizes out-of-date web addresses. For example, if you use a third-party system or site to collect emails or customer info, you will want to verify your collection form is still working correctly. If the third-party site was not utilizing https before, they likely are now, and their change may require an update on your site.

How a site’s security, or lack thereof, is displayed is dependent on the browser and its version. Though, we can expect to see these messages become more prevalent and prominent.

Search Engine Results If you do not have an SSL certificate installed on your website, the security concern for visitors to your site is not the only downfall. It also negatively impacts your search engine optimization (SEO) through Google. SEO determines where you show up in search results. If your site has not been secured, you will be knocked down the list below secured sites. This change is not limited to Chrome browsers, and given the vast majority of the population uses Google for their searches, this impact could be huge.

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Getting an SSL There are several options for SSL certificates, and they certainly can be confusing. Some web hosting companies will try to upsell you on services you may not need to install an SSL. Your options may also be limited by your web hosting company.

Geekflare.com has outlined a variety of options to secure your site that are either free or free for a trial period. You can read about them at https://geekflare.com/ free-ssl-tls-certificate/ For smaller and some medium-sized businesses, many of these options may be sufficient, so take a look. Try not to be overwhelmed by terms you don’t know. The writer outlines acronyms at the beginning to help.

As mentioned before, your web hosting company may not support some of these options. A quick search with your hosting company name and the method of security should yield an answer. You can also contact your host directly.

For companies utilizing subdomains, you may need something called a wildcard SSL

There are benefits to having a dedicated IP for very large businesses with a lot of traffic and vital email correspondence handled through their web host. However, most small and mid-sized businesses should not need one.

to secure your subdomains. This is when you have a word or name and period before your regular domain. For instance, a regular domain may look like domain.com, but a subdomain may look like shop.domain.com or blog.domain.com.

The vast majority of businesses use shared hosting for their websites. This used to cause an issue for those trying to install SSL certificates. In the past, SSL certificates required

dedicated IP addresses, which was an additional expense. There are benefits to having a dedicated IP for very large businesses with a lot of traffic and vital email correspondence handled through their web host. However, most small and mid-sized businesses should not need one. If your hosting company requires a dedicated IP – especially at a steep price – it may be time to shop around. Be aware that the cheapest option is not always the best. Look for a hosting company that offers the security you need as well as the bandwidth you need. Website hosted on overcrowded shared servers are at greater risk for downtime, which could cost you sales.

Simple SEO Tips Depending on who you ask, there are a lot of different theories as how to improve the SEO for your website. For three easy tips on how to improve your SEO and take advantage of Google’s latest changes, you can read the rest of this article on the NOLN blog: www.noln.net/blogs S

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Igniting Your Team to New Levels of Performance

When it comes to constructing a team of people who work well together to create winning outcomes, knowing “how to” and understanding “how to” are two very different phenomena.

The strong and astute organizational leader is one who is committed to optimizing their resources and maximizing their return on their investment. Given the people expense is often the largest investment in any enterprise, creating this kind of culture is simply smart business.

As a leader, empowering your workforce to unleash their strengths and encouraging people to collaborate and innovate leverages people’s ability to act as a team and produce results.

In work cultures where people focus on only their piece of the puzzle, it leads to silo mentality and, ultimately, breeds ineffectiveness and inefficiency. A high-performance team cannot exist in an environment where competition and one-up-manship prevail. When people on the team focus on each other’s limitations and detriments — and why things cannot be done — they all too often miss opportunities to make the organization better. Additionally, teamwork is adversely impacted when the people on the team feel the need to focus on fighting and jockeying for authority or power. This need to be “better than” decreases collaboration and limits innovation. It is a recipe for stagnation and conflict — neither of which drives long-term results. As leaders, it requires rewiring our minds and our teams to repair an absence of trust — however before you can rewire, you first need to be aware and responsible for the absence of trust in the first place.

Whether you are seeking to create a high-performance work team or a high-performance culture, there are six steps for creating an environment where high performance and teamwork can thrive.

1. Identify and Clarify the Purpose for the Team People must understand the why behind what they are doing. Once the purpose for the team is crystalized and talking points are clearly outlined, it is the initiator of the team’s role to connect the dots for people to see how they connect to it. Communicating an inspiring vision for the people on the team and mapping what success looks like when it is achieved is a foundational element for congealing a group of people together and getting them geared up to work together in unison.

By Magi Graziano

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2. Select a Leader The team’s leader does not have to be the person who invents the possibility and purpose for the team; it does need to be a person who accepts the responsibility for shepherding and guiding the team to success. The leader’s job is to be present — to be there for the team. The best leaders select the right people, inspire them toward a vision and back out of the way during the planning stage — unless they are specifically asked for guidance.

3. Establish Rules People need to know what is expected from them and from the team. People need to know and understand where the boundaries are regarding decision-making, autonomy and performance. Giving people the rules of the game before they agree to play allows for people to opt-in or opt-out of the team and the game. Advanced clarity of expectations also reduces unnecessary problems, reduces ambiguity and confusion and serves to mitigate poor performance and unwanted turnover on the team.

4. Select the Players It is crucial you select the right people for the right roles, for the right reasons. When this happens, people join the team for the right reasons, which is the baseline team engagement. When people are engaged, they have a strong desire to bring value — to be a contributor. They enjoy the type of work they are doing and are able to connect their work to the bigger picture.

The best team dynamics happen when there are a variety of people who bring their uniqueness to the team. Beyond competencies and skills, it’s important to consider unique traits that each team member brings to the table and how those unique traits can be leveraged for optimal creativity and innovation.

5. Planning The best approach for a leader during planning is to be a source for inspiration, questions and guidance. Leaders who step too far in to planning create teams that are dependent on the leader and lack creativity. If the leader notices a problem with the plan, rather than pointing it out, it is much more empowering to ask questions that provoke the team members to activate their critical thinking skills to answer and think potential challenges through.

6.Check in, Track Progress, Celebrate Success While knowing and understanding are two very different distinctions, doing is the link that shifts knowing to understanding. For the impatient leader, doing may be a challenge because progress is most often only experienced incrementally.

Building a high-performance team is not about exponential breakthroughs, if they happen great; however, if sustainability is your goal, impatience is your enemy. Teams respond best to a system that allows them to learn, move forward, fall, learn from mistakes, move forward again and sustain progress over time. When high concentration and effort is celebrated, and low momentum is acknowledged and genuinely appreciated, teams build confidence and fortitude to stay the course. S MAGI GRAZIANO, as seen on NBC, is the CEO of KeenAlignment, a speaker, employee recruitment and engagement expert and author of “The Wealth of Talent.” Through her expansive knowledge and captivating presentations, Graziano provides her customers with actionable, practical ideas to maximize their effectiveness and ability to create high-performing teams. With more than 20 years’ experience as a top producer in the recruitment and search industry, she empowers and enables leaders to bring transformational thinking to the day-to-day operation. For more information on Graziano, please visit: www.keenalignment.com

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Seven Methods to Put Management Pillars

into Practice

P

eople management has drastically changed since earlier decades, where the corporation was king and people were just workers to serve operational efficiency. The operational model for today is mission, purpose and sustainability. Today, teams and team leaders are kings.

How can you improve your team or organizational bottom line? Here are seven proven methods that will help.

By Jan Makela

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1. Vision and mission

5. Treat everyone fairly but not equal

7. Celebrate success

In his book “The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People,” Stephen Covey wrote, “Start with the end in mind.” What is it that you want? What is in it for others to follow you? There has to be something bigger than you that others can grasp and buy in to. Why does your organization exist? It is not to make money — that is a result.

Workers today want to work for organizations that can show a purpose or cause.

Google’s mission, for example, is “to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.” Today Google dominates 75 percent of the U.S. online search market.

The people you work with are all unique individuals, and although you need to treat each one fairly, that does not necessarily mean equally. They have different values, wants, backgrounds, skillsets, experience and, most likely, are at different stages of their careers. One size fits nobody. Great managers play chess; average managers play checkers. In checkers, all of the pieces move in the same direction. In chess, all of the pieces move differently, and the key to success is knowing the differences between the pieces, how each piece moves and how to create a strategy that maximizes the moves for all of them. Another key piece of the puzzle is showing your team that you genuinely care about them. They need to know you have their interests at heart; people want to know that someone at work cares about them as a person.

What do organizations do when they accomplish a big thing? Well, they usually move on to the next big thing. It is important to stop and celebrate with your teams. Allow people to share the memory of what has been accomplished. Simple things like handwritten notes are important too. Write notes to your people — yes, the old fashioned hand-written notes, saying thank for what they did and how their contribution led to the overall achievement of the group.

2. Goals Everyone sets them in January. Whether it’s to lose weight or exceed your sales forecast, most people begin setting and evaluating their goals at the first of the year. And then what happens? The goals go in a drawer or are hidden in an electronic file never to see the light of day until someone asks. Put your goals on display, so you and your team can see the goals on a daily basis. Why? Out of sight means out of mind. Keep your goals in front of the people in charge of accomplishing them and ask them about their progress on a routine basis — preferably on a weekly basis. Ask them how they are doing and what can you do to make the goals easier to accomplish. Watch what your team does.

3. Expectations Only 30 percent of employees know what is expected of them at work. Your goal is to get people to work and perform together.

People will live up or down to the perception of your expectations of them. If they think you believe in their abilities and expect them to do well, they will. Remember, if people don’t know what you expect, don’t be surprised by what you get.

6. Provide tools and resources to do quality work Most people don’t wake up in the morning and say to themselves, “I think I will go to work today and do a bad job.” Most people want to do quality work. Part of that is having the tools and resources to do a quality job. Ask your people what you can do to make their jobs easier. Reaffirm your commitment and caring to them. If they say, “I need a new widget maker,” get it. Provide them with the resources they need to succeed. If they say they don’t need anything, your response should be, “I guess I can expect quality work.” You want to take away any and all reasons people can conjure up for failure. You only leave a path to success.

These seven pillars can help separate your organization from the competition in your industry. If you are team leader, it can help you and your team stand out. People who are working in organizations with purpose are much more likely to be promoters of their employers and managers. Not only do they come to work to do quality work, but they are also less likely to leave and go elsewhere for employment. S JAN MAKELA is an executive coach, highly-sought after speaker and best-selling author of “Cracking the Code to Success” and “Be the Manager People Won’t Leave.”

Makela has a long and successful history of working with companies to ensure quality hiring and training practices. His specialty revolves around strength-based leadership development, with a particular focus on working with senior and mid-level executives, business owners and professionals. For more information on Makela, please visit: www.strengthbasedleadership.net

4. Feedback All employees crave feedback — not just high performers. Positive feedback grows, and negative feedback stifles. Catch your employees or team members doing the job right and watch when they continue. They will do more of what generates positive feedback.

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PRODUCTS & SERVICES Reformulated Synthetic Line Amsoil has launched a new formulation of its OE Synthetic Motor Oil line to meet the emerging demands of advanced automotive technology. It is specifically designed to deliver maximum wear protection, fuel economy and emissions control for the longer drain intervals recommended by original equipment manufacturers.

OE Synthetic Motor Oil has achieved 100-percent protection against low-speed pre-ignition, and it provides 47 percent more wear protection than required by the GM dexos1 Gen 2 specifications. Amsoil OE Synthetic Motor Oil has a 100-percent synthetic, pure chemical structure engineered to remove harmful contaminants and provide long-lasting engine protection and performance. It features an advanced detergent and dispersant additive package designed to protect against sludge and deposits to deliver maximum engine cleanliness.

Amsoil OE Synthetic Motor Oil is available in the following viscosities: 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30.

For more information, call 800.777.8491 or visit: www.amsoil.com

Tough Cleaners Penray recently unveiled its new line of Tough Max multi-purpose cleaning products.

Penray’s Tough Max cleaning products are offered in two variations to meet the diverse cleaning needs in shops. Mechanics will find Tough Max Multi-Purpose Degreasing Wipes especially convenient

for cleaning tools and parts, as well as for cleaning dirty hands. These wipes will quickly and easily clean off stubborn materials like grease, tar and ink, yet are gentle enough to be used on leather, vinyl and even dirty hands.

Penray also offers Tough Max Purple Multi-Purpose Cleaner in a stronger concentration that provides additional power for clean-up jobs. This industrial-strength purple compound provides exceptional cleaning power for quickly penetrating grease, oil and other stubborn stains. It is suitable for use on nearly any non-porous or semi-porous surfaces, including machinery and tools, as well as floors and walls, tile, porcelain, aluminum, counter tops, wood, vinyl or leather. It is powerful enough to remove tar, dirt, wax, ink, wet paint, most lubricants and adhesives and even some stubborn scuff marks. However, it is formulated to be non-corrosive so it can be used on aluminum surfaces without fear of pitting or discoloration.

Tough Max liquid concentrate is available in 32-ounce trigger spray bottles, as well as larger bulk quantities — five- and 10-gallon pails or a 55-gallon drum.

For more information, visit: www.penray.com

Diesel Oils for Modern Engines Phillips 66 and Kendall have added new oils to their heavy-duty product portfolios. The new 5W-30 full synthetic oils deliver additional benefits to diesel trucks by increasing fuel savings without sacrificing engine protection.

The new CK-4 5W-30 Phillips 66 Triton Euro and Kendall SHP Euro Diesel Engine Oils meet API CK-4 performance requirements for use in modern low-emission engines designed to meet 2007 and later EPA on-highway exhaust emissions standards and are backward serviceable for use in older diesel engines. Both oils meet ACEA E6, MB 228.51, CES 20086, DFS 93K222 and other OEM specifications.

They are specially formulated for compatibility with exhaust after-treatment systems using diesel particulate filters, diesel oxidation catalysts and/or selective catalytic reduction. Both oils are full-synthetic formulations and SAE 5W-30 viscosity, providing excellent low-temperature properties for better performance in harsh winter climates.

For more information, visit: www.phillips66lubricants.com

Where Tire Inspection and POS Meet Bartec USA’s new Tech200Pro is designed to work with existing point-of-sale systems (POS) or Bartec’s Service Center System, making it easy, fast and accurate to inform customers of their tires’ condition.

The Tech200Pro combines tread depth, TPMS and digital pressure measuring, capturing the correct safety information.

The Tech200Pro is quickly set up for specific make, model and year by simply accepting the vehicle lookup from your POS. There is no scanning or looking for the bar code; rather, the vehicle data that’s already in your POS is sent directly to the tool.

Once the inspection is complete, the

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data is then sent wirelessly to the POS or tablet, so the data can be presented to customers to help them make an informed decision, knowing the condition of their tires, TPMS, alignment or suspension.

A color report can be printed, and on it are the key safety items like gauge tire pressure, TPMS tire pressure, remaining tread, tread wear and TPMS sensor battery state.

For more information, call 855.877.9732 or visit: www.bartecusa.com

New Battery Partnership Advance Auto Parts, Inc. and Interstate Batteries recently announced a strategic partnership to better serve the changing needs of the automotive aftermarket with premium quality products, expanded availability and enhanced customer service. Interstate Batteries will become the exclusive automotive and specialty battery brand to Advance Auto Parts stores and customers in the spring of 2018.

Advance Auto Parts will debut a comprehensive battery program featuring Interstate products at its locations and will offer free battery testing and installation in stores. Interstate products will be available initially at Advance’s company-owned

stores and at independently owned Carquest stores. In the future, wholly owned Advance Auto Parts subsidiaries Worldpac, Autopart International and Carquest Canada will also offer Interstate products.

For more information, visit www.advanceautoparts.com or: www.interstatebatteries.com

New Filter Part Numbers Mann-Filter recently introduced 44 new part numbers available for immediate order. The new part numbers include air, cabin air, oil and fuel filters, as well as air oil separators.

With the announcement of 44 new part numbers, Mann-Filter has increased its coverage of the European passenger vehicle market to more than 98 percent.

The new part numbers provide OE fit, form and function for popular makes such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and Fiat.

For more information, visit: www.mann-filter.com

Headlight Restoration with No Tools Required E2 Lens Re-New is a new, easy-to-apply headlight restoration kit that renews headlights to a like-new appearance without the use of sandpaper or power tools.

E2 works to restore both headlights and taillights by removing the yellow, hazy and cloudy coating that occurs from oxidation and exposure to the elements.

E2 Lens Re-New removes the yellow cloudy buildup on the lens surface and adds a clear coating for long-term protection. E2 Lens Re-new is proven to effectively remove buildup that can be a driving hazard.

The all-in-one kit, featuring a non-abrasive proprietary cleaning formula, is composed of a cleaning solution, clear coat, white cleaning cloth, blue buffing cloth, a clear coat applicator pad, stirring spoon, plastic gloves and step-by-step instructions.

For more information, call 615.431.1060 or visit: www.e2lensrenew.com

New Leak Detectors Robinair recently introduced new A/C leak detectors that are compatible with nearly all refrigerants used today, including R1234-yf and R-134a.

The leak detectors, LD3, LD5 and LD7, meet all industry standards and are now available in North America.

Each of the new A/C leak detectors feature an audible alarm with a stable, long-life sensor that lasts up to ten years.

Equipped with an automatic calibration and the ability to reset to ambient, the new Robinair leak detectors also include three adjustable sensitivity levels and a low battery indicator.

For more information, visit: www.robinair.com S

February 2018

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Classified Advertising employment opportunities

fast lubes wanted

DISTRICT MANAGERS AND STORE MANAGERS WANTED

Super-Lube is looking for experienced district and store managers for our Florida, Wisconsin and Illinois locations. We are looking for motivated people who are self-starters with experience in managing people.

Salary and benefit package available based upon experience. If you are interested in joining the Super-Lube team, please send resume to Tom Chambasian: fax 850-222-5152 or email tchambasian@superlube.com

Send resume to Ken Lehman Virginia Lube, Inc. PO Box 6818 Charlottesville, VA 22906 email: klehman@valube.com Cell: 434-546-1172 Fax 434-974-4605

CLASSIFIED ADS IN PRINT & ONLINE

A small, family-owned Jiffy Lube franchise in southwest Virginia.

We have great stores in good locations. We offer excellent pay, bonus, outstanding benefits and opportunities for advancement. We offer a sign-on bonus and assistance with your moving expenses.

We need your professionalism, customer service, technical skills, experience and leadership.

CALL NIKKI AT 800.796.2577

MANAGER/ DM TRAINEE

equipment & supplies for sale

CLASSIFIED ADS IN PRINT & ONLINE fast lubes for lease

CALL NIKKI AT 800.796.2577

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ADVERTISERS/PRODUCT INDEX February 2018

AMSOIL INC._____________________________________________ 13_____________715.392.7101_____________________ www.amsoil.com Auto Data, Inc. _____________________________________________ 7______________800.767.7580________________ www.autodatainc.com Comgraphx (Formerly Communication Graphics)_________________51_____________800.331.4438_________________ www.comgraphx.com Devon Industries___________________________________________36_____________800.468.1970__________________www.devonlube.com eGenuity, LLC - eLube.net ____________________________________31_____________800.296.0177___________________ www.egenuity.com Integrated Services, Inc. - LubeSoft - Modulube__________Outside Back Cover_____800.922.3099________________________www.ints.com International Car Wash Association____________________________ 5______________888.ICA.8422____________ www.thecarwashshow.com Kafko International Ltd. - Oil Eater/Degreaser____________________12_____________800.528.0334_____________________www.oileater.com M & M Service - Deep Blue Windshield Washer Concentrate____________53 _____________800.657.9834__ www.windshieldwasherconcentrate.com Mighty Distributing System of America____________________________ 9 _____________800.829.3900______________www.mightyautoparts.com National Oil & Lube News____________________________________49_____________800.796.2577________________________ www.noln.net North American Bancard_____________________________________43_____________866.481.4604_____________________ www.nynab.com PM Attendant, Inc.__________________________________________11_____________866.576.8957_______________ www.pmattendant.com Roth Industries__________________________________________ 47____________ 888.266.7684______ www.rothlubetanks.com/benefits Sage Microsystems, Inc. - Quicktouch__________________ Inside Front Cover______800.724.7400__________ www.sagemicrosystems.com Service Champ___________________________________________ 41_____________800.221.0216______________ www.servicechamp.com Smart Blend Synthetics/Phillips 66 Spectrum Corporation__________ 3______________ 888.422.9099_________________ www.smartblend.com Solid Start – True Brand______________________________ Inside Back Cover______877.290.3950____________________ www.solidstart.biz StokAir Tire Inflators______________________________________ 42______________________________________________ www.petroy.com Throttle Muscle_____________________________________________19_____________855.738.9687______________ www.throttlemuscle.com TOTAL Specialties USA_______________________________________27_____________800.323.3198______________www.totalspecialties.com Unilube Systems____________________________________________45_____________800.326.1711____________________ www.unilube.com February 2018

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The Unique Difference

VIEWPOINT

Saved by the Cajun Navy

by Pat Burrow

It’s not often I enter a new year so profoundly affected and influenced by the events of the previous year as they pertain to what I do and the people I do it with. Because we live in a world of changing values and emerging technologies that turn our lives around so quickly, it is reassuring to discover some of the values we hold closest as Americans, and business owners and operators, are no different when things take a turn for the worse. What I am specifically referring to is the way regular working-class Americans in all of their varieties, came together when mother nature threw catastrophic storms and record-setting rains at the Gulf coast of South Texas and Florida.

One group of these rescuers, which I was fortunate enough to know personally, are my local automotive service center employees and repair shop owners that quickly decided on their own to make sure there was help on its way days before government agencies were on the scene. They took it upon themselves to round up as many tow trucks and mobile repair trucks as possible and stuck a boat on a trailer behind each one. They packed every bit of available space with fresh drinking water and emergency supplies, they convoyed down to the areas hardest hit by flooding on the Texas Gulf coast and then spent the next 10 days rescuing people and vehicles with no thought of any compensation other than the gratitude of those being helped.

Being in Texas, I didn’t personally experience the same thing happening in Florida, but my friends in the industry who live there were quick to point out that generosity and humanity from the automotive sector played out the same way. The thing that truly surprised me was the immediate response that simultaneously occurred nationally when the storm hit. There was no waffling or excuse making — everyone pitched in: businesses let their employees take emergency leave or vacation and sent their assets and employees into a disaster area without a second thought because people were in need of help.

After 30 years in this business, this was what I personally took away from the recent events, how they played out and the perceptions I noted from my community when I started asking others how they felt about what had happened.

When I first started out in the automotive aftermarket and service industry there was a common perception that our industry was one based on greed and opportunity, taking advantage of naive vehicle owners and selling them services they didn’t need or products and oils that were substandard. It was common to see sting operations involving customers or reporters trying to catch shops being shady. Because this was not a typical representation of what was happening in the real world, trying to go after well-managed, professionally run service centers and repair shops became a thing of the past, and over time, the public began trusting the value and convenience that these types of businesses brought to them. With the price of new vehicles rising every year, it has become a necessity to maintain older vehicles as long as possible, giving way to a new mission and expanding opportunities for the owners of shops and service centers.

Because we have learned the value of service and community, the future for the automotive service aftermarket is better than

it has ever been. The incredibly speedy response this past year when disaster struck has endeared the automotive repair and service industry in South Texas and Florida to anyone who was able to witness the sacrifice and strength that people took to the disaster areas. Personally, I feel like a proud parent. I can’t remember a time when I saw so much truly selfless behavior from a bunch of mechanics and wrecker drivers.

As a side note, most of those boats they towed down to rescue people and their possessions with were their weekend bass boats and personal pleasure boats. Twelve to eighteen hours a day was spent pulling people to safety and rescuing the few possessions and pets they still had. I must also say that I am proud of the “Cajun Navy” and feel the need to pass on their story. If you ask anyone in my town about their automotive service provider, you get a big smile and a thumbs up! Next time you see your service provider, give them a big hug! They deserve it. S PAT BURROW is the technical director for International Lubricants, Inc., the parent company of Lubegard branded products. He can be reached at: pat@lubegard.com To learn more about Lubegard products, call 800.333.LUBE or visit: www.lubegard.com

photo courtesy: @rigney_jim

photo courtesy: @tomscutillo

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CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FREE SAMPLE! TRUTH: “Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers.”

- Stephen Covey

Call Crystal Toll-Free: 877.290.3950 www.SolidStart.biz

#TRUEBRANDTOUGH

Every time you start your vehicle your oil is at the bottom of the oil pan. As the temperature outside drops, your oil thickens and, therefore, takes longer to reach and protect your engine’s friction surfaces.

True Brand Engine Treatment & Oil Stabilizer is formulated with frictionreducing PTFE technology that protects your engine from cold start damage. True Brand bonds to the friction surfaces and protects your engine year-round by helping prevent friction wear & oil breakdown.

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© 2018 INTEGRATED SERVICES, INC.

February 2018

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