Canadian Technician August 2007

Canadian Mail Sales Product Agreement #40063170 Registration 10833. Return postage guaranteed. Newcom Business Media Inc., 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, ON M9W 5C4

AUGUST 2007

Building Better

RELATIONSHIPS Five ways to keep clients coming back

ALSO:

• Belts and hoses under fire • Toronto Right-To-Repair event • The evolution of suspension systems www.canadiantechnician.ca

Are you interested in increasing your sales of Chassis Parts while improving your margins and profitability?

Then Supreme Chassis Parts from Mevotech are for you!

Supreme Chassis Parts are designed to meet the needs of the most discerning professional shops.

Improve profitability, without sacrificing quality, and let the Supreme Chassis Line turn your vision from Red to Blue!

ONLINE

www.mevotech.com 1-888-883-7075 CATALOGUE : http://partsonline.mevotech.com

AUGUST 2007

VOL. 12 NO. 6

Departments Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Reader Rides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 From Our Forum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Out & About . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 EyeSpy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Product Central . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 Havoline Auto Puzzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

12

13

Columnists Management S.O.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

By Kelly Bennett The Greenwood Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

By Bob Greenwood The Car Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

By Rick Cogbill

Features

23

Customer Retention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 It’s cheaper to keep an existing customer than to find a new one… but what’s the best way to do that? Here are five ideas to keep clients coming back.

Magnetic Suspension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 The technology that uses magnets to change liquid to a near-solid is more than simply impressive… it’s revolutionary.

Show your customers you’re on top of it.

Belts & Hoses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Heat has always been a factor under the hood, but new engine designs are making life even hotter for rubber products.

30

EARN POINTS. GET SHOPPING. ACDelco ACD elcoREALREWARDS REAL REWARDS PROMOTION.

QUALITY PARTS – REAL REWARDS IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER

Here’s how it works*: • Buy ACDelco parts during July and August, 2007 • Participating ACDelco Distributors will notify ACDelco of your purchases • Qualifying participants will have their ACDelco Real Rewards AMEX card loaded with their points!

Make sure you are registered.

Register for the ACDelco Real Rewards promotion 1: Online at www.ACDelcoCanada.com Or 2: Fill out and mail or fax in a registration form If you did not register during 2006 or first quarter, register now at www.ACDelcoCanada.com. Deadline August 31, 2007.

*Open to Canadian Independent Service Centres. ACDelco TSS members do not qualify. See your ACDelco Distributor for additional TSS promotions and complete Real Rewards rules & regulations.

If you have registered for any previous 2006 or 2007 Real Rewards Promotions, you do not need to re-register.

Questions? Or to find a participating Distributor, call the ACDelco Info-Line at 1-800-26-DELCO (33526) or visit www.ACDelcocanada.com

Editorial VOLUME 12

NUMBER 6

PUBLISHER Mark Vreugdenhil mark@canadiantechnician.ca (416) 614-5819 EDITOR / ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Allan Janssen ajanssen@canadiantechnician.ca (416) 614-5814 NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Dale Patenaude dale@canadiantechnician.ca (416) 614-5829 CIRCULATION MANAGER Lilianna Kantor lkantor@canadiantechnician.ca (416) 614-5815 DESIGN & PRODUCTION Tim Norton production@canadiantechnician.ca (416) 614-5810 CONTRIBUTORS Kelly Bennett, Rick Cogbill, Larry Dickison, Will Enns, Bob Greenwood, and Claire Newman DIRECTOR, QUEBEC OPERATIONS Joe Glionna PUBLISHED BY Newcom Business Media 451 Attwell Drive Toronto, Ontario M9W 5C4 Phone: (416) 614-0955 Fax: (416) 614-8861 www.canadiantechnician.ca PRESIDENT Jim Glionna Canadian Technician is published monthly except for January and July by Newcom Business Media, Inc., 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, ON M9W 5C4. The magazine serves the Canadian automotive repair and service industry.

Subscriptions are free to those who meet the criteria. For others: single copy price: $5.30; one-year subscription in Canada: $36.04 ($34.00 plus $2.04 GST); one-year subscription in U.S.: US$40; one-year subscription in all other countries: US$65. Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written consent of the publisher. The advertiser agrees to protect the publisher against legal action based upon libelous or inaccurate statements, unauthorized use of photographs, or other material in connection with advertisements placed in Canadian Technician. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising which in his opinion is misleading, scatological, or in poor taste. Postmaster: Send address changes to Canadian Technician, 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, ON, M9W 5C4. Printed in Canada. Second class mail: Postage paid at Toronto.

Canadian Publications Mail Sales Agreement #40063170. ISSN 1710-7644.

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program toward our mailing costs. PAP Registration No.10833.

“Old Friends”

By Will Enns Phone (250) 404-0411 www.canadiantechnician.ca/covers AUGUST 2007

Class of 2007 Are this year’s high school grads being pushed into academia… or into the trades?

By Allan Janssen

You may be one of the hundreds of thousands of parents considering what their child will do this fall, now that they’ve graduated high school. I can guess where they’re being pushed. They’ve been advised to set their sights on a degree of some sort. A B.A., or a B.Sc., or an MBA. High schools in Canada seem bent on pushing as many students as possible into the university stream.

And in the United States, I’m told, some high school guidance departments are rewarded based on the number of graduating students who go on to university. In other words, there’s a financial incentive to steer kids into post-secondary academics – as opposed to skilled trades.

The unintended consequence has been a diminishing workforce for specialized trades – trades which address the most fundamental needs of our society, trades which are not mastered in the halls of higher learning.

Without doubt, academia has become big business. Just look at the swirl of controversy that has accompanied the publishing of Maclean’s annual university guide. Registrars know that they have a lot of competition in the education business.

In order to keep their classrooms full and their campuses growing, they try to reach out to as many students as possible. And there’s a place for everyone, it seems.

Academic standards are no longer a significant hurdle. When the elite schools – the Carletons, the McGills, the Simon Frasers – are full, there are still plenty of other universities to shoot for.

Everyone who wants to will get in. The university system’s motto appears to be ‘no kid left out.’

What does that say about the value of

the core products they’re selling: their certificates, diplomas, and degrees? I would argue that we’ve seen a steady watering down of the value of a university education.

There are very good reasons to ensure that the university stream is not the only one overflowing its banks. The colleges and trade schools, where real-life practical skills are taught, and where trades people of all kinds are produced, provide an attractive alternative.

When you consider the value of the work to Canadian society, you see skilled trades such as automotive repair as not simply a consolation job for drop-outs, but as a vital, demanding, and well-rewarded career alternative for people with specialized and valuable skills.

Listening to a radio program recently, I heard an ‘expert’ in education describe the skilled trades stream as an avenue for students who couldn’t chin the bar of academic excellence. In other words, skilled trades are for dummies. I couldn’t disagree more.

I wish governments and teachers – and parents, too – placed a higher premium on skilled trades. They’re not for everyone, but for those who fit the profile, they can offer a fast-track to an incredibly rewarding job.

And neither is university for everyone.

A B.A. or an MBA can no longer be considered a magic ticket to a fulfilling career. It sometimes takes years, if not decades, for some who have graduated with a piece of paper to find their niche in society. Trades people are productive, profitable, and appreciated almost immediately.

You can reach me at 416-614-5814. Or e-mail me at ajanssen@canadiantechnician.ca.

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN 7

LARRY DICKISON

LETTERS Best shops wouldn’t want to win Castrol contest RE: Pimp Your Garage, May 2007 I saw the ad for Castrol’s Pimp Your Garage contest. It brought back memories of my first shop. It was a small, rundown, two-bay shop about 750 square feet. When I bought it, it took a full day to clean it up and about 25 garbage bags! It would be interesting to see some of the ugliest shops in Canada (I know of at least six places in my area that have a good shot at winning). As for me, though, I’d rather not win. I’ll just keep my place clean and let somebody else enjoy their five minutes of glory.

Bob Stathis Status Automotive Inc. Toronto, ON

Shop make-over doesn’t address underlying problems RE: Show Off Your Shop, May 2007 I felt compelled to write about the conflicting contests in the May issue of your magazine. I like the one I found on page 13 (“Show Off Your Shop”) searching for the best-looking, and most functional repair facilities. This promotes the industry’s efforts to improve the independent garage image. It gives our peers in the independent sector an example of an improved garage and offers innovative ways it can be accomplished. But the contest on page 25 (“Pimp Your Garage”) left me confused. Castrol is inviting garage owners to send in pictures of their ugly shops… and the worst one wins? Do they think this will

improve the public’s perception of independent garages? Won’t this simply provide another tool for new car dealerships to attack us with? This does nothing to address the poor business practices at these ugly shops. Castrol should consider different ways to help our industry – ways that won’t further tarnish our public image.

Rob Brouwer Precision Automotive Orleans, ON

Castrol responds: Wakefield Canada/Castrol has a long history of promoting the image of the inde-

pendent automotive repair and service industry. The ‘Pimp Your Garage’ campaign was designed as a unique way to get shop owners to consider the visual appeal of their businesses – particularly the ones that need help creating a professional workplace.

Far from being a tool that dealerships can use against independent shops, we believe it will demonstrate the ongoing commitment to excellence that has made the independent sector so successful and vibrant. We’re pleased to report that a significant number of shop owners have expressed their approval of the concept and support for its objectives.

RIDES

Reader

Johnny Mignelli, a technician at Parkway Pontiac Buick in Montreal, QC, sent in this shot of his 1970 Dodge Challenger 440. He says he gets teased a lot for driving a Mopar, given where he works. But he insists, “they’re only jealous and wish they owned one!” His Challenger was fully restored over eight years – just in time for his wedding.“It looks great in the wedding pictures!” he writes.“It’s an automatic, 3:55 rear end, real 6-pack car, but different engine set-up. I built a 451 stroker with the 6-pack, running about 500 horses.”

You can see more “Reader Rides” on our web site at www.canadiantechnician.ca. And if you have a photo of your hot ride, feel free to send it in.We’ll put it up!

8 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

AUGUST 2007

Thanks for promoting our industry RE: Top Tech! June 2007 The center spread of your most recent issue brought back great memories of a great weekend, with the LinderTech North training conference and the wrapup of the Canadian Technician of the Year competition. I’ve had a few local shops call to extend congratulations to me for making it to the short list. Thanks for your role in promoting our industry!

Dennis Frey CTOTY finalist, Lloyd Frey’s Garage, Floradale, ON

could follow this article up with more CAN systems troubleshooting techniques.

Steve Shergill Main Road Contracting Surrey, B.C.

Greenwood hit the nail on the head in May column RE: Who Do You Want To Work For, May 2007 I really enjoyed Bob Greenwood’s column in the May issue, especially the part about the emergency consumer. It was right on

the money, and well put. We – as human beings, not just shop owners or techs – get a chance to step up to the plate and treat someone as we ourselves would want to be treated if we were put into the same situation.

If you choose to take positive action, it doesn’t only reflect on who you are as a person, but who we collectively are as an industry.

Doug Lowther Doug’s Mountainview Auto Service Penticton, B.C.

The Canadian Technician of the Year RE: Top Tech! June 2007 Great article on Simon Manintveld – the Canadian Technician of the Year for 2007.

He sounds like a real asset to our industry.

We need all the positives we can find in this trade, as we face the challenges of the future.

Chuck Armstrong Anderson Motive Power St. Mary’s ON

Bad shops don’t seem to disappear… they just fester RE: A Wild Ride, May 2007 I enjoyed your editorial on the self-serving promotions that some shops put out – ignoring the damage they do to our industry. I thought I was the only one mad about these ads. Poor independent shops use price to attract customers and unethical business practices to beat their competitors. They are wreaking havoc for the rest of us. I wish they’d just get out of the trade. But it seems these bad operators don’t disappear. They keep surviving… and festering.

Pat St. Pierre Pat St. Pierre Autopro Lancaster, ON

CAN systems were baffling… until now RE: CAN Do, May 2007 I got a lot out of Claire Newman’s article on CAN computer systems. I could never understand it before, but this time I did.

Thank you for clarifying the subject for me! I would really appreciate it if you AUGUST 2007

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN 9

From Our Forum

Recent postings on www.canadiantechnician.ca/forum

How much should I be making?

Technician wages are a moving target in this country… it all depends on your geography and your skill.

I was wondering what the average wage out there is for a third-year journeyman with eight years experience (including apprenticeship).

I’m from Southwestern Ontario, and I realize things will be different out west, but I’m still curious as to what it is.

Posted by fmwiebe / 04-10-2007 That’s tough to peg. Wages are all over the map. I know some guys that are pretty poorly paid. I also know some that are fairly well paid. And at some shops there’s a big discrepancy between the lowest and highest paid. As much as $6 or $7 an hour.

Posted by cooter / 04-10-2007 Out in my little neck of the woods, I see licensed guys range from $16 to $30 per hour, straight time. Flat rate (mostly dealers) are $22 to $30. Apprentice wages are a percentage of the licensed wage (the percentage depends on skill level).

Posted by hoff / 04-10-2007 The journeymen at our shop get half the door rate. I’m a third-year apprentice and I get paid $30 an hour.

Posted by barbaric / 04-11-2007 Where are you? And, if you don’t mind, what’s your door rate? That sounds almost too good!

Posted by sbchevfreak / 04-12-2007 At $30/hour, you’re almost at half our door rate ($70).

Posted by carnutz / 04-13-2007 Hey, carnutz, I think maybe our boss should raise our door rate. We’re just 45 minutes

10 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

away from you, and our door rate is $40 an hour.

Posted by novascotiatech / 04-14-2007 How anyone can keep a shop open at $40 an hour is beyond me. Our shop is at $76.95 per hour for general, and we’re looking at raising it. We’re just above the average for independent shops around here.

Posted by hoff / 04-14-2007 Speaking of low rates, there’s a new shop opening in town here with a door rate of $55/hr, and an introductory offer of 25 per cent off parts and labor. I think they’ll be out of business soon. One of my scan tool updates this week was $1,800. Another was $1,600. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. How do you pay for this stuff with a low door rate?

Posted by msog / 04-14-2007 A door rate of $55/hour here and you’d go broke the first month. My door rate is $80/hour, and I’m not the highest indy shop in town. A couple are up at $87 and $90 an hour. The rumor around town is that most shops are going up again in May. A third year wage?

I’d say it would be around $16 to $18/hour.

Posted by mvar03 / 04-14-2007 There are three shops in my area. One is $44/hour. We’re at $40/hour. And the last one is $35/hour.

In town, the VW dealer is $62, Honda is at $60. If we raised our door rate to $60, I’m sure we’d lose half our business.

I’m a third year apprentice and I just got a raise to $13/hour from $12. I’m going to get a whole $14/hour when I get my papers.

Posted by novascotiatech / 04-23-2007

Apprentices I know in Nova Scotia range from $9 to $20/hour. It really depends on how much experience you have and what you can accomplish. Most third years around, if they’re on the ball, and if they stay with a shop, not jump around, make between $13 and $15/hour. If it makes you feel any better, I started at $3.90 an hour (minimum wage when I lived there). And the journeymen wage was around $8 to $10.

Somehow you get through.

Posted by carfixr / 04-23-2007 Wow. This is not quite the response I expected. It’s no wonder it’s tough to get new people to join the trade if that’s all that we think we’re worth. Looks like I should get out before I’m old and my knees and shoulders don’t work anymore. That’s not a lot of money to be paid for all the chemicals we have to endure, the skinned knuckles and, oh yeah, the $30,000 of tools that we have to have just to do our job. I think our trade is way out of date as far as pay and respect goes.

Posted by fmwiebe / 04-23-2007

Join the discussion!

Log on to www.canadiantechnician.ca /forum and see what everyone’s talking about.

If you’ve got an opinion to share,we’re looking forward to hearing it.

AUGUST 2007

Out

&About

Industry rallies in time of need A Saskatchewan shop owner is facing a major health crisis – but he’s not going through it alone.

By Allan Janssen

T

he days when Billy Bentley could run the 18 kilometers from his home in Saskatoon, SK to his nine-bay shop in Clavet are over for a while.

Despite a healthy lifestyle that dates back to his days as a first-string national gymnast, the 39-year-old owner of Clavet Service Station got sick this year – real sick.

In April, he was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. Without a transplant of compatible stem cells, doctors told him, he would inevitably succumb to cancer.

The biggest hurdle he faces in the short term, is finding a donor. Only one in 1,000,000 people have matching body chemistry. And when a match is found, the preparation, surgery and recovery will take months.

It was devastating news for Billy and his wife Dinnette who have two young children. But they have been overwhelmed by an outpouring of support from employees, customers, suppliers and peers. And, buoyed by such a caring community, they are looking upon this health challenge as a learning opportunity.

“To say the industry is supporting us would be something of an understatement,” says Dinnette, who left a career as an independent contractor to the Canadian Space Agency in 1998 to join her husband’s business. “I don’t know if that happens in other industries, but the support has been absolutely overwhelming.”

“So many people are pitching in,” agrees Billy. “I don’t think I’d be in as good shape as I am right now without the support of my friends, family, and peers – and, believe it or not, that includes my jobber.

Eric Knogler, the owner of Sutherland Automotive, has known Billy for years. He has gone above and beyond the call of 12 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

duty to help the Bentleys. Meals were delivered to the family so Dinnette could be with Billy at the hospital. The Bentley’s lawn and garden have been carefully tended. Frequent deliveries and pick-ups have been arranged – even to and from competing suppliers. And he’s helping to organize “Billy’s Bash” – a fundraising dinner with entertainment and a silent auction to help pay the family’s inevitable travel expenses when Billy goes for treatment in Calgary or Seattle.

Billy and Dinnette Bentley in front of their nine-bay shop in Clavet, SK.

Billy says the support means the world to him because he has long believed in the importance of developing personal relationships in business.

“We committed years ago to purchasing 98 per cent of our parts from one jobber,” says Billy. “When I got sick, Eric stepped it up beyond belief because we had more than a working relationship, we had a friendship. And it was because he knew that I was committed to him, and I knew he was committed to us.”

“That’s what it’s all about,” says Eric.

“The better shops, the top-tier shops, think that way. They value relationships, both with

the customers and their suppliers. In our case we really do share a friendship. Billy knows that when he’s down, he can come in and talk. If nothing else, we can talk.”

Billy says his health crisis has also taught him the importance of preparing for an uncertain future.

“Our whole industry has to learn how to charge properly for our work,” he says.

“I keep reading about mechanics not getting paid enough and shop owners making $50,000 a year. How would these guys survive if something happened to them? How would they protect their staff? I was lucky enough to have good disability insurance program, and a bit of life insurance, and a growing business with the net profit in place in order to develop and grow programs like that.”

Billy says he’s committed to raising awareness in the auto repair industry of the importance of building relationships and planning for the future.

“I’m going to give this thing one hell of a fight,” he says, “And if I beat it, I will be an advocate for our industry. I’d love to see us develop some type of a trust fund that can bail out families that are facing a crisis in the future.”

In the meanwhile, he is focusing his attention on staying healthy. It seems he doesn’t have to worry about the business too much. In the month of May, when he was out of commission, Clavet Service Station had record sales and net profit.

“He was a little disappointed that he wasn’t there to see it happen,” says Dinnette, “but I think he’s come to see it as a real testament to how well he’s trained his staff that it ran so smoothly in his absence.”

His staff – and the entire industry – hopes he won’t miss any more milestones.

AUGUST 2007

OUT & ABOUT

Toronto shops attend lively R2R meeting

C

all your member of parliament… send a letter to the government of Canada… sign a petition… just make your voice heard.

That was the predominant message in a Right To Repair information evening held in Toronto last month.

About 160 independent shop owners, technicians, and jobbers gathered to learn more about a private member’s bill tabled in the House of Commons designed to guarantee them access to automotive repair information.

Organized by Bento de Sao Jose, owner of Bento’s Auto & Tire Centre in Toronto, the event featured a number of high profile speakers, including two MPs, and the chairman of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada.

“Some of you may think coming here tonight is a waste of time,” Bento said as he kicked off the evening at a cultural community centre in North Toronto. “I can assure you, my friends, tonight is not a waste of time. It is the start of our future.”

He said he was alerted to a growing threat to his business when he had to start sending customers’ cars to dealerships.

“This was against my will,” he said, “so I decided to fight for my rights.”

The fight has been picked up in the House of Commons by Windsor-West MP Brian Masse, the NDP’s industry critic. He

AUGUST 2007

sponsored a private member’s bill, Bill out of the loop.”

C-425, which would amend the Competition “If we don’t get this, we might as well Act and the Canadian Environmental Act to close our doors,” agreed technician Peter ensure carmakers allow independent shops Gomes. “I mean, if you’re only going to to have the information, training, and tools lose money tomorrow, you might as well they need to fix today’s sophisticated cars. close down today.”

“If this were a football game, we’re right Chris Borson, co-owner of Castle Auto now starting on the 30 yard line, and we Collision and Mechanical Service, said the have to carry this right to the finish,” Masse said. “You (independent shops) have been part of the history of the automotive industry for years and years. I think it would be a shame if you would disappear from the competitive landscape because we didn’t address this issue.”

He believes his private member’s bill has a good chance of About 160 independent shop owners, technicians, succeeding, since all parties and jobbers gathered in Toronto to learn more about the Right To Repair campaign. have expressed support for it.

“What you’re really asking for here is fairness,” he said. “That’s all Right to Repair initiative is good, but the you’re asking for. You want a set of rules challenge is to get industry insiders to that is understood by industry, by youractively work for a solution. selves, and the customer, so you can com“A lot of people want to keep turning pete to service their vehicles.” wrenches, let the chips fall where they The message appeared to be very well may, and then complain about it after the received by the audience. fact,” he said. “They need to be proactive.

“It’s good to get together to talk about Start researching this issue on the interthings we all face,” said technician Victor net, draft a letter to their MP, talk to their Esteves of Inline Automotive in Toronto. customers. Getting the involvement of “If we don’t get the information, we’ll be shops is difficult.”

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN 13

Supplier News New address for Maremont Canada The Maremont Canada office has moved into the Tubex location in Brampton, ON.The new address is 155 Orenda Road, Unit #4, Brampton, ON, L6W 1W3. Main phone: 905-453-6582. Main fax is 905453-7083. Email addresses for Maremont Canada employees have not changed.

Four high school students win $1000 scholarships from Castrol High school students participating in Wakefield / Castrol’s High School Synthetic Oil education project got a chance to win $1,000 to aid in their future studies. The program, which reaches 17,000 technical students at high schools in a number of regions across the country, sends educational materials and oil to auto shop classes. Four student who passed a supplied test earned the scholarships. The program will expand into more areas of the country.

Mevotech sells clutch and water pump divisions Mevotech’s new water pump division has been sold to ASC Industries of Akron, OH. Its clutch division has been sold to Perfection Hy-Test

OUT & ABOUT

Canadian Technician wins silver at magazine award

C

anadian Technician earned a silver award at this year’s Kenneth R. Wilson Awards – the national competition for excellence in business-to-business journalism.

The award was given for Robert Rooney’s profile of the Calgary-based training company Motive-Action. Judges said the piece, which appeared in the February 2006 issue of Canadian Technician magazine, is “more than just a feel-good story; it is a practical case study of an innovative employment initiative that can reap significant dividends for industry members.”

In addition to the silver award, several other Canadian Technician stories won distinction from this year’s panel of judges.

Management S.O.S. by business train-

er Kelly Bennett, and a technical article by Claire Newman both earned Top-5 Citations in their respective categories.

Allan Janssen’s profile of an Edmonton shop and Rick Cogbill’s popular Car Side column earned Top-10 Citations.

Judges at this year’s Kenneth R. Wilson Awards waded through more than 700 submissions from trade magazines throughout Canada. More than $30,000 in prizes was handed out at a gala presentation in June, hosted by Cheryl Hickey of ET Canada.

In previous years, this publication (under the name Canadian Technician, as well as its previous title “Automotive Parts & Technology”) earned numerous Top-10 and Top-5 Citations. In 2000, it won the Gold Award for a technical article entitled “Facts & Friction.”

Company of Timmonsville, SC. Mevotech says the move was critical to the company’s future direction, allowing it to increase its focus on its

Shad’s Fundraiser tops $3,276,00

suspension, steering and driveline category.

AIA president to retire The search is on for an executive to succeed Ray Datt as president of the Automotive Industries Association of Canada. Datt has led the association through a number of strategic changes during his tenure. The association’s Executive Committee has struck a search committee, led by

For the 34th year in a row, the aftermarket teed it up to help in the search for a cure to muscular dystrophy. Shad’s R&R one of the top single-day fundraisers for MD research, was held in June in Kleinburg, ON. This year’s total was $150,000 donated to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

Chairman John Cochrane, to find a suitable replacement to take the helm of AIA.

GBS names new district manager Shawn Whiffen has joined the Grant Brothers automotive sales team. Shawn has accepted the position of district manager for the Newfoundland territory. Shawn has most recently been working as a business manager at an automotive dealership.

Grote appoints category manager Barry Duff has been appointed to the position of Category Manager, Safety Systems (Canada) at Grote. In his role, Barry’s primary responsibilities are to manage and maintain Grote’s portfolio of lighting and safety products and market solutions.

14 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

The owner of this vehicle pulled in to Denham’s Crystal Chrysler in Fort Saskatchewan,AB for a quick oil change.His new ‘camper’– a 2003 Jeep Liberty 4x4 equipped with a 3.7l V6 – was loaded and ready for the open road.Service manager Robin Lenney notes that the topper was strapped onto the factory roof rack with nylon straps pulled very taut,and hardwood wedges under the outside edges to help reduce sway.“Now I have just one last question,”he writes.

“Would you consider this safe for highway driving?’

Have an interesting picture to share?

Send it to Eye Spy,c/o Canadian Technician,451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, ON, M9W 5C4.

Or e-mail your high-resolution image to the editor:ajanssen@canadiantechnician.ca AUGUST 2007

©2007 Tenneco

Every vehicle has its own unique ride profile.

But not every company has the right technology to match it.

Monroe’s full line of application engineered shocks and struts provide the coverage and OE-style performance you and your customers demand.

®

monroe.com

MANAGEMENT

S.O.S. Thinking like a

READER

Dear Erol: You know, I felt the exact same way when I was in the transition stage from renting to owning. I kept wishing I could hit the “undo” button. I can tell you though, it was worth it! Just try to look past the current problems and focus on your vision for the future. That’s what great leaders do.

For now, though, you really need to make peace on the home front your first priority. I know you’re busy, Erol, but I think you need to get away with your family. Your kids are out of school and you 16 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

In this series of fictional letters from a new shop owner to his former boss, management trainer Kelly Bennett discusses basic business principles that apply to the automotive repair industry.

Summer’s the time to refocus... with some time off and a good book or two.

have three weeks before you can move in.

How perfect can it get? You have saved up those airlines miles from your credit card purchases. It’s time to cash them in!

Now, I know what you’re thinking. You can’t get away, right? How’s this for a plan?

I’ll come and look after things for a couple of weeks. It would be my pleasure. And before you protest, let me just remind you of what you did when my mother had cancer a few years back. You completely took over so I could be with my Mom, and go to all of those appointments. I’ve never for-

gotten your generosity – and neither has my mother (she always liked you, and was disappointed when you quit to start your own shop). You’re not only a business associate and a former employee, you’re a great friend. It would be an honor to do that for you, your family, and your team.

It also gives me a chance to do something I encourage other independent shop owners to do – cooperate and work together. We tend to be a little too independent for our own good. Remember, we’re all in this together.

AUGUST 2007

always beneficial, and this is a great read.

Bennis maps the terrain of leadership with a rare sense of wisdom and authority. It has some great stories of inspiring leaders. The chapter on knowing yourself is quite helpful. It’s bizarre that we have “known ourselves” our whole lives and yet still discover new things. This is one of the most rewarding and challenging things about reading. It is so incredibly practical.

Go Put Your Strengths to Work

Larry Dickison

by Marcus Buckingham ISBN: 0743261674

I thought it was really cool when one of the members of our management group stepped up to help another member who had to go to Italy to bury his father. They both run the same systems – appointment schedule, time card, and work flow – so there were no hiccups or learning curves.

It’s really nice when someone can step in for us so we can tend to the other important things in our lives.

So let me worry about the shop while you reconnect with your family.

And I have another suggestion to help you refocus. Why not use some of your downtime to do a little studying. You must have noticed by now that I almost always recommend a book to read. I’m a big believer in learning from other people’s experience. I’ve put together a little reading list that addresses some of the things you’re going through.

Love and Respect

by Emerson Eggerichs ISBN: 1-59145-246-5 Maybe this needs to be your first priority. It will really help your marriage. Hey, it helped Kerry and me. Whether you’re a business owner or an employee, work can have a huge impact on our home lives. We bring home a lot of the stress and aggravation. This book explains why work is so important to us and how we can better understand each other in our relationships. I would suggest that you and Sharon read each chapter separately and then discuss it afterwards. I think it is the most helpful book Kerry AUGUST 2007

and I have ever read.

Choosing to Cheat

by Andy Stanley ISBN: 1-59052-329-6

Weird title, I know – but this book will have a profound impact on your family life. It is very convicting. It suggests that if we stayed at work as long as a job needed us, we’d never go home. If we stayed at home as long as our family needed our time and attention, we’d never go to work.

Somewhere along the line, someone is going to get cheated. We need to choose not to cheat our families.

Body For Life

by Bill Philips and Michael D’Orso ISBN: 0060193395 It is too easy to get caught up in the trap of having coffee and doughnuts for breakfast, fast food for lunch, and then something quick for dinner. I woke up when I saw a video of myself at in a bathing suit at a water park. I turned to Kerry and said, “Wow, when did that happen?” I started putting protein bars in the break room (I buy them in bulk and pick lots of different flavors) and I stock the staff fridge with water and Gatorade.

Pop’s out. The afternoon drop in energy and productivity that I’d gotten so used to is now a thing of the past.

On Becoming a Leader

by Warren Bennis ISBN: 0738208175

Of course a great book on leadership is

Buckingham is my favorite author and speaker, and his latest book goes way beyond ‘Now Discover Your Strengths’ (which is another great book if you haven’t read it yet). It shows step-by-step how to play to your strengths on a regular basis, and it offers plenty of suggestions on how to develop your strengths and maximize the benefit and reward from them.

If you want the full list of my top-10 books, just e-mail me at kellythecoach @aol.com and I’ll send it to you.

I’m really looking forward to working at your shop while you’re on the beach.

This is going to be a lot of fun!

By the way, I should warn you that I am bald now. That’s right, I’m bald! My mother is back in treatment for her cancer and she lost all of her hair. In honor of what she’s going through, I had my mom and three brothers shave off all of my hair. I’ve been told it actually suits me.

So find a place to go and when you book it, let me know. And remember, I’m only an e-mail away.

–Kelly

Kelly Bennett is a certified management trainer with 15 years experience coaching automotive repair shop owners. You can reach him at kellythecoach@aol.com.

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN 17

Price isn’t the only way to get the attention of potential clients.

By Bob Greenwood

T

SMART marketing

here seems to be much discussion among shop owners lately about innovative ways to market their businesses.

Unfortunately, too many owners fall into the trap of marketing by discounting their price. They put on specials to lure customers into the shop and increase their car count.

They forget – or perhaps they never knew – that the math just doesn’t work this way. Sure, it might create some traffic, and sales might go up. They’ll certainly be busier. But if they stopped to calculate what is needed to create additional net profit, they’d never go down the pricecutting path.

Busier isn’t always better. And marketing based on price is not the answer.

Is it time to consider alternative ways to market your independent shop?

I believe there’s a very good alternative that creates a better long-term culture for our sector of the industry, is profitable for the shop, and creates a better client.

We are in a very technical and complex business... and getting more so.

Let’s face it. We’re now in a knowledgebased business. We are judged by our technical abilities and the competence of our front counter and management.

So now, who’s going to educate the consumer about how their vehicles have AUGUST 2007

changed, and how their care of the vehicle must also change? That’s part of our job.

We must explain the technical complexity of their vehicles, and we must stress the importance of on-going maintenance.

Not for our own benefit – but for the clients’ benefit.

Each independent shop must take this new role as public educator very seriously. It is our responsibility. And in educating consumers we are not only helping ourselves but the entire independent sector of the aftermarket.

It is true that consumers have access to unlimited information via the world wide web – and a lot of people are using it daily to make themselves better consumers. But unless they’re looking for a new car or they have serious concerns about the performance of their vehicle, they’re not likely to do much research about automotive maintenance.

That’s where we come in.

At the counter and in the waiting area, we have an excellent opportunity to give them some much needed information about how to care for their very expensive four-wheeled investment.

What educational tools do you have to teach them?

There are many available through aftermarket associations, parts distributors, manufacturers, and trade publica-

tions like this one.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada, for example, has an excellent “Car Care Guide” available at a very reasonable price through their web site at www.aiacanada.com. These booklets were designed in cooperation with their sister association in the United States, and contain a wealth of valuable information that promotes preventive maintenance to consumers.

AIA has also developed a series of related ‘tools’ under the Be Car Care Aware program, to help you educate your clients. At the very least you can display the Be Car Care Aware logo to spur their curiosity about the program. When they ask, you can tell them that a well-maintained vehicle makes the roads safer, prolongs the life of their investment, and is environmentally responsible.

All the details are at the Be Car Care Aware web site (www.carcarecanada.ca).

If you’ve got a spare computer, open that site and leave the monitor turned around to face your clients. Let them explore while they’re waiting. The site is designed with the consumer in mind, to educate them on the important details of preventive maintenance. This is third-party information which says exactly what you’d be telling them yourself.

Consider also showing them the CANADIAN TECHNICIAN 19

THE GREENWOOD REPORT

“Consumer’s Right to Repair” web site at www.righttorepair.ca. This is a professional, informative site designed to educate the consumer on a major issue which impacts their right to choose where they get their car repaired.

You don’t have to use a computer screen to get that message across. Be Car Care Aware brochures are available, as are Right to Repair brochures (visit www.controlledautorepair.com to get more information). Get some and leave them out for people to see.

Another excellent item to use as an educational tool is the “Canadian Car Owner” magazine published by this magazine, Canadian Technician. That’s not meant to be an infomercial; I think it is a fantastic piece of literature for the consumer. It comes out twice a year, April and September. You get one with your copy of the magazine but for a small cost, you can buy additional copies to put in your waiting area or send to everyone on your client list.

I recommend it. How better to let your clients know you’re committed to looking after their vehicle? How better to put your shop at the top of their mind. It’s a winwin situation.

The manufacturer you buy from can also help you educate your client. They have a variety of tools from educational counter mats, to informative posters, to illuminated signs which describe how automotive systems work, to hands-on demonstrations that allow consumers to truly understand why it’s time to replace their oil, or shocks, or brakes. Talk to your jobber about getting something in your shop that will turn your client into an educated motorist who understands preventive maintenance, and the complex responsibility you have for their vehicle.

Your service advisor can use these tools for reference purposes. A client is much more likely to be comfortable with the job you’re doing if they understand exactly what it is you’re doing.

At the same time you’ll be promoting the independent sector of the aftermarket as being pro-active, competent, and concerned. You’ll be raising the image of the entire independent sector.

And what about highlighting to your client the kind of ongoing training you and your technicians receive. Or explain how the complex equipment we use in the bay 20 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

works. We keep the equipment story a pretty good secret from the consumer. I think it’s time they knew the complexity of the equipment and training required in order for you to do your job professionally.

To that end, many progressive shops are starting to design and print their own corporate brochures and flyers that outline the value they bring to the client.

These can be sent by direct mail to a targeted audience. They’re speaking to the people the shop wants to attract.

Take the time to describe the value you bring to the table for your clients.

Write it down. The independent sector has to start differentiating itself from the new car dealer.

At the counter and in the waiting area, we have an excellent opportunity to give clients some much needed information about how to care for their very expensive four-wheeled investment.

Your educational marketing efforts should focus on the fact that your shop develops trustworthy relationships, provides comprehensive individual vehicle counseling, keeps a comprehensive vehicle maintenance history, deals with people in a convenient and personal way, employs highly skilled technicians who are trained to work on all makes and models using the most up-to-date equipment, and maintains vehicles in such a way that all manufacturing warranty claims can be honored.

Your clients will be impressed to know that your shop is willing to take responsibility for all their car-care concerns, and will actually manage the maintenance of their vehicle by advising them when recommended service intervals are due.

You’ll use your in-house technology to print out the manufacturer’s current and next service interval details, and provide a copy for their records. Furthermore you’ll book future appointments for vehicle maintenance in a convenient time frame that works for the client.

Wow. Who wouldn’t be impressed with that level of support and commitment?

Today’s business is built on one-on-one relationships. It’s about developing long-

term clients.

That’s a far cry from price-based marketing!

Many independent shops have always utilized price as a way to go to market… and then they are frustrated when a price conscience consumer shows up at the door.

How you market is what you attract.

Progressive shops have started to slow their business processes down enough to educate and inform their clients. And they’re finding this is their best marketing tool. They’re attracting the type of consumer who appreciates value, who is looking for a facility to rely on, who wants a shop they can trust.

Over time, these shop owners develop a loyal clientele, have become exceptionally profitable, enjoy less stress, can pay their staff top wages, and are building a career not just sustaining a job.

The culture at these shops is at a whole different level than the average independent shop.

Your fall marketing campaign is coming up. Perhaps it’s time to look at your internal business processes. Decide if you’re going to stick to the same-oldsame-old. Are you going to abandon the kind of price marketing strategies that do nothing to build and sustain a profitable long-term client loyalty. Isn’t it time to move to a better strategy that focuses in on a client base you really want to attract?

The choice is yours.

The tools are available, but it still takes will, discipline, and competency to format and execute the plan, change your marketing techniques, and build a long-term, loyal, profitable client base.

Bob Greenwood is president of E. K. Williams & Co. (Ontario) Ltd., a management consulting company specializing in independent automotive service and repair shops (www.ekw.ca).

He’s also president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre, a business management resource for shop owners (www.aaec.ca). Bob can be reached by phone at 800/267-5497; by fax at 613/836-4637; or by e-mail at greenwood@aaec.ca.

AUGUST 2007

OUR MOST IMPORTANT STOP OF THE DAY. You need the parts to complete the job NOW! We understand. We also understand that our trucks travel the same streets as your spouse or your child’s school bus. Our professional Delivery Representatives are committed to getting you the parts as quickly and safely as possible.

We e deliverr whatt ourr customerss need:: qualityy parts,, competitive e prices,, knowledgeable e people.

V

SAFELY

CARQUEST.ca

“Since introducing ‘Ride Control Solutions from KYB’ we’re selling almost 10 times as many shocks and struts.”

– Darryl Croft OK Tire Store, Ontario

“Ride Control Solutions from KYB helped us increase our average sales from 4 to 30 shocks a month.” “ For the first time a manufacturer actually came into our shop to teach my team how to better inform our clients about shocks and struts. ‘Ride Control Solutions from KYB’ allows us to properly identify worn shocks and mentor our clients with confidence about ride control.

This is an exciting process! Our goal has always been to provide our clients with the best in ride control, and KYB has always been known for high quality products and trouble free installation. This quality, combined with Ride Control Solutions and the continuing KYB support, ensures that our team and clients are better informed and can make educated choices about ride control.” – Darryl Croft Ride Control Solutions from KYB’ is the industry’s most effective way to sell shocks and struts.

Earning loyalty Five ways to build relationships with customers… and turn them into clients.

By Allan Janssen

Carlo Sabucco of Sil’s Auto Diagnostics in Mississauga, ON, chats with clients Cam Davreux and Peter Wells.

Y

ou’re not in business to make friends… but making relationships makes good business sense.

Relationships are what turn customers into clients. Relationships breed trust, confidence, and loyalty.

The question is, how do you establish and build a relationship when some consumers aren’t even looking for one? They show up on your doorstep only when they’ve got an obvious problem with their car. If you can solve it for the right price, great. Otherwise they’ll go down the street.

Unfortunately, that’s the attitude of a AUGUST 2007

lot of consumers out there. And that makes it tough to see them a minimum three times a year, which should be your goal. In fact, if they’re following recommended oil-change intervals, it would be four times a year. In most cases, oil should be changed every 5,000 kilometers or every three months, right? Well, the average Canadian motorist drives more than 20,000 kilometers per year. No matter how you slice it, they’re looking at four oil changes a year.

So, how do you communicate your willingness and ability to help them with all their car care needs? The wrong

answer is to discount your price. Not only does that create an unrealistic expectation in the minds of consumers, but it’s going to kill your business in the long run.

Having a clean and inviting facility is the most obvious first step. Offering creature comforts like doughnuts and coffee, the daily newspaper, and updated magazines is good. A place for the kids to play while the parent waits for the vehicle to be completed… A place for adults to work – with Internet access… Washing the cars before they go out… Giving out loaner cars… Making those follow-up CANADIAN TECHNICIAN 23

phone calls… There are lots of ideas out there for connecting with your clientele.

Here are five ideas, gleaned from recent conferences and trade show seminars.

1. Be a listener.

If it was easy, anyone could do it...

NAPAFIX.com is the most comprehensive source for your quick fix and troubleshooting challenges. Our online database draws from nearly 3 million calls received by our repair hotline, with nearly 1000 new repair problems and solutions added online each week.

Call us, or visit the NAPAFIX website to find out how to subscribe and start Finding your Fixes Faster today – your customers will thank you for it.

We make it easy.

This is probably the most important skill you can possibly develop in business.

Consumers are justifiably annoyed when they’re ignored or not given a chance to communicate their concerns properly.

Even when you’re extremely busy, take the time to hear why they’ve come to you, and exactly what they want. Don’t rush them. Be interested and attentive. Not only will you be able to better assess the job, but you’ll get a sense of what they’re looking for, long-term, from a repair facility. Never assume you know their situation or their preferences. Customers have a way of surprising you with unusual expectations and requests.

In your discussions, always be watching for those subtle ‘buying signals’ – leading questions, grunts of agreement, even little nods of the head – that indicate they’re ready to make a decision about their vehicle’s maintenance.

2. Be a talker.

Don’t make people guess about your motivation or your vision for your business.

Take the time to sit down with every firsttime customer to explain your philosophy.

Tell them, for example, why you believe in preventive maintenance, and then outline the benefits it can bring them. Explain how you can eliminate all their concerns about their vehicle. Talk about your default position on installing quality parts. Break your labor rate down for them. Show them you’ve got nothing to hide.

If you’ve got a mission statement, display it prominently.

3. Be a local.

www.napafix.com 866.698.1955 24 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

Unless you do a lot of fleet work, you’re likely drawing from a specific community for the bulk of your clientele. Making a local connection – through things like sports sponsorships, special events, and local politics – is going to be enormously beneficial to your business. People like to deal with neighbors.

And while you’re at it, your business can reflect community values, like environmental awareness, or cultural heritage. Show what you’re doing to fit in.

A wall of plaques from the local chamber of commerce, or thank you’s from school groups and sports teams sends a powerful message. You’re saying, ‘We help make good things happen in this community.’ That’s something you can be proud of.

4. Be a teacher.

Remember, you’re the expert. Don’t shy away from the responsibilities and opportunities that brings.

People are largely ignorant of the workings of their modern, sophisticated vehicles. When they come in with a problem, take the time to explain it to them.

They’ll feel so much more comfortable approving work when they know exactly what you’re doing, what that involves, and why it should be important to them.

There are many visual aids out there to help you explain your job. There are demonstration kits, brochures, and car care publications. Use them.

Once in a while, hold a clinic to explain the basics of maintenance. You’d be surprised how many will come out if they’re invited.

Finally, display your credentials.

Lawyers, doctors and dentists do it. They worked hard for their diplomas. So did you. Show your clientele that you’re welltrained. It speaks to your credibility.

5. Be confident.

Ultimately, consumers are attracted to confidence. They want to deal with someone who can solve their problems. And you’re a problem solver.

Don’t be embarrassed about an industry that is sometimes regarded with skepticism. Don’t apologize for the bad apples out there. When you’re dealing with people one-on-one, tell them what you can do for them, and state your price with confidence. If you can make their stress go away, they’ll be more than happy.

This industry is built on personal relationships, but often we get wrapped up in our work, instead of involved with our clients.

Ultimately, making personal connections is what builds businesses.

AUGUST 2007

TM

SUSPENDING

the law of attraction Ten things you probably didn’t know about magneto-rheological fluid suspension systems.

By Claire Newman

H

ere’s what you probably already knew: magneto-rheological (MR) fluid is used in some suspension systems in place of normal hydraulic fluid. When a magnetic field is introduced, it changes the viscosity of the fluid, causing dramatic changes in the characteristics or “feel” of the suspension.

But there’s much more to it than that.

And an understanding of the system could pay dividends with your customers.

First, a bit of history. MR fluid was developed in the 1940s but was little more than a neat lab trick until the 1980s. That’s when researchers got serious about finding applications for the stuff—and making money from it. And they did. Today, there are more than half a million MR devices in use today.

AUGUST 2007

Some may roll into your shop occasionally, with curious owners who may have questions when it comes time to have it serviced.

The typical MR demonstration at trade shows and training courses usually involves a water-based fluid infused with tiny iron particles (3-10 micron in diameter). A plunger moves freely back and forth in the system until a magnet is brought near. Then the plunger barely moves. Remove the magnet and the plunger easily slides back and forth again.

It’s a pretty neat trick, actually.

So since you may need to explain the technology to your customers, here are 10 interesting things about MR fluid, technology and its applications to keep the discussion going.

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN 27

1. The technology is used in higher-end GM vehicles.

Certain Cadillacs and Corvettes have MR fluid in the primary suspension systems and use electromagnets to change damping force. The system looks at input from the sensors monitoring wheel and body position and responds by adjusting the suspension to suit driving and road conditions. The system keeps the tires in contact with the road

and keeps body motion under control, just what a suspension system is supposed to do, no matter what technology is involved.

2. Its popularity is spreading.

Europeans are using it too (Audi and Ferrari are among the manufacturers using MR technology on certain models). As the applications for the technology expand, and its limitations are bet-

“If you’re really SERIOUS about improving your business there’s NO BETTER tool to help you. It covers EVERYTHING.” – John Cochrane, a member of the Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre

FOR ONLY

95

5. Diagnosis is relatively simple.

/month *

* Minimum subscription of 12 months required.

“In this industry you have to be focused on continuous learning. Any garage operator who works with the E-Learning Centre and goes through each

AUTOMOTIVE AFTERMARKET E-LEARNING CENTRE the Online Business Management Resource DEVELOPED BY BOB GREENWOOD

module diligently will definitely

Learn How to Effectively:

improve his business. There’s

• Reduce Stress in Managing your Business

no doubt about that.”

• Improve Business Profitability

– John Cochrane, Cochrane Automotive, Toronto, Ont.

The system consists of four shock absorbers, some sensors, wiring and a control unit. In order to read any DTCs, you’ll need to use a scan tool. You won’t need to disconnect an air compressor before raising the vehicle. And, as with other suspension systems, leaking shocks should be replaced and the components should never be heated with a torch.

Common sense still applies.

6. The system is maintenance free.

• Improve Expense Control • Improve Labour Productivity • Realize the Potential of your Business • Manage the return you are making on your Investment in your Business • Experience an Improved Lifestyle Bob Greenwood

For More Information: Visit us at www.aaec.ca, or e-mail us at info@aaec.ca Register now at www.aaec.ca/canadiantechnician

28 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

The change in fluid viscosity takes place in “real time” which means milliseconds.

The change is nearly instantaneous at each of the four dampers, allowing the system to adapt to conditions as seamlessly as possible without any unwanted harshness or excess movement. A CAN bus is the ideal communication device for such responsiveness.

Even though the change in viscosity is quick, the system can’t anticipate road conditions before they occur. The control module isn’t psychic, so road conditions must be experienced – albeit briefly – before the MR fluid does its job.

Customers who drive aggressively may also need to be reminded that the system won’t compensate for poor driving habits. The technology works well but the vehicle still needs a competent human behind the wheel for optimal results.

JOIN TODAY AT

19

3. The change happens really quickly.

4. The system can’t anticipate road conditions ahead of time.

www.aaec.ca/canadiantechnician

$

ter understood, it’s likely that more vehicle manufacturers will come on board as well.

There haven’t been major problems with MR systems. Remember, they don’t have many moving parts. Most malfunctions seem to be related to collision or impacts, rather than manufacturing defects. Still, a thorough diagnosis of the system (including power, ground and connector integrity) will eliminate unnecessary replacements.

AUGUST 2007

7. The fluid is relatively benign.

It’s not considered extremely hazardous.

Which doesn’t mean you can drink it. But if you get the MR fluid all over yourself or the shop, treat it as you would any oil or coolant spill. The fluid does not need to be returned to the manufacturer for disposal.

8. New applications are constantly being developed.

If all goes well, there will be MR fluid and technology locking the driveshaft to the drivetrain in 4WD applications. Or controlling components in fan clutch applications. Or making electronic steering systems feel better to the driver by mimicking road feel. Or being used in other applications which need precise control and minimal drag. It can also be used in a vehicle’s occupant protection systems.

MR fluid’s viscosity varies to adapt to meet many conditions and MR technology is relatively compact. Add to this the fact that the system doesn’t use much power (each shock absorber typically peaks at 20 watts) and you’ll surely be seeing the technology turning up in other applications quite soon.

If you haven’t been exposed to suspension systems using magneto-rheological technology, it probably won’t be long.

Don’t be intimidated. MR fluid and technology are reliable and maintenance free.

Understanding a few simple things about the technology and knowing a bit more about its uses will help you explain the system to your customers.

And hopefully this will help your customers appreciate just how much tech-

nology is going into their vehicles – and just what it takes to keep up to date with all the changes so you can work on modern vehicles.

ASE certified technician Claire Newman has been licensed since 1994 and has attained GM Grandmaster status since 2001. She has worked at a number of dealerships and independent repair shops, including a specialty race shop.

A “bargain” lift that’s waiting for repairs drains the profit right out of your business.

9. You can buy a demonstration device.

LORD Corporation sells demonstration devices on its web site at www.lord.com.

You’ll find the MR story under Products & Services / Vibration, Shock and Motion Control Products. They’re relatively inexpensive and really drive home just how the technology works. Sometimes a small demonstration does more than any explanation ever could.

10. The stuff is just really cool.

MR fluid changes from a liquid to a solid instantly (okay, semi-solid) and back again over and over without deteriorating – how cool is that? The technology has been applied to a variety of industries. It is used to lower noise and vibration in laundry machines. It’s used in prosthetic joints to make them feel more realistic. It may even be used to prevent earthquake damage to buildings and to prevent resonance problems to bridges and tall structures. There are many potential applications for the stuff… and we’re just seeing the beginning.

AUGUST 2007

At about $400/day for lost revenue when a lift is down, downtime is the most expensive part of owning a lift. And that’s why a lift’s purchase price and its total cost of ownership are two different things.

A lift is the center of profit in a service bay, but only when it’s operating. That’s why a lift with the best track record for dependability will also help ensure the lowest total cost of ownership while protecting your profit stream. Your investment checklist: Product. Buy a lift specifically engineered, designed, tested and certified for years of dependable income production. One with a long track record of safe, consistent productivity, and a strong warranty to back it up.

Support. Buy a lift supported by a network of factory-trained professionals who will be there when you need them – for specification, installation, parts and service.

Total cost of ownership. All the reasons a Rotary ® lift is not just a lift. It’s a profit center.

For a free copy of our special report, “What to Know Before Buying a Lift,” call us at 800-640-5438 or visit rotarylift.com.

© Bank of Canada - bank note images used with permission.

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN 29

Cranking UP THE HEAT

I

t’s always been hot under the hood of a vehicle, but it can be even more so with aerodynamic designs and, more recently, new more-compact engines that run hotter than before.

To cope with higher temperatures, most engines now require extra cooling that can put a greater strain on hoses and belts. Meanwhile, with consumers wanting to keep vehicles longer, installing premium products is a sensible strategy.

As the engine compartment started to shrink, aftermarket manufacturers of underhood parts realized they had to improve their products to cope with higher temperatures. Engine cooling systems are getting better at carrying away more heat, but operating temperatures are higher than ever. And despite more powerful fans, special baffles to direct air to hot spots, and heat shielding to protect sensitive parts, the engine compartment is a veritable oven, cooking anything that isn’t sufficiently resilient to heat.

Hoses The demands of thermal-cycling put a particular strain on coolant conduits, such as the radiator upper and lower hoses. And hoses carrying exhaust gases can see extremely high temperatures.

In some applications, EPDM (ethylene propylene dienemonomer) hoses are popular because they cost less than silicone hoses, but still resist coolant loss from permeation of water molecules through the hose walls. Silicone hoses are known for their longevity, but EPDM hoses can last a long time if secured by spring-type or constant-tension clamps.

Silicone hoses are worth some extra money in certain applications and in highheat locations, like near a turbocharger, or somewhere that’s hard to get to. The silicone – a hard material made of granite 30 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

Higher temperatures under the hood have created new challenges for rubber parts like belts and hoses. and beach sand – gives hoses extra strength. However, silicone hoses are sometimes prone to ‘co-coolant’ leaks and seepage where the hose is attached to a metal stem due to the two materials cooling off and contracting at different rates.

Belts Drive belts have evolved in recent years from the narrow deep-V type to flat, ribbed types wrapped serpentine-style around two or more accessories. A typical flat belt has six to 14 grooves to handle high power and dissipate heat. They’re kept in proper tension by sprung pulleys and thus offer superior life. But they won’t live forever without a little care and attention.

Among the factors that will affect belt life are more frequent cycling of fan clutches and the higher power demands of larger fan blades. To avoid premature belt failure, pay particular attention to belt condition and tension.

A good belt-drive system, properly maintained, should give 60,000-mile V-belt life and 150,000 miles with the new Vribbed belts. Automatic belt tensioners should go for 350,000 miles. Maintaining factory-recommended belt tension is critical, as is proper belt alignment, especially on ribbed drives. Belt tensioners should be checked regularly to see if they spin free and are wobble-free. A properly maintained belt drive system should be noise and vibration-free.

Clamps When you run through your cooling system checks, take an especially close look at your hose connections for evidence of ‘cold leaks.’ These happen when hoses contract slightly as the engine cools, leading to coolant loss.

Here’s a strategy to help you tighten up your clamp inspections: 1. Clamps must be of the correct size, which means both circumference and width.

2. Clamps that are too long or short can lose their grip and allow the hose to blow off.

3. A clamp that’s too narrow can cause the hose material to split under pressure.

4. A clamp that’s too wide can extend over the raised bead near the hose’s end, causing it to lose its grip as the hose heats and cools.

That raised bead must also be avoided when positioning the clamp on the hose.

The clamp should be close to or against the edge of the bead, but not on top of it.

Nor should the clamp be very close to the hose’s end, because it can let the hose slip off and coolant blow out.

Band-type clamps, including the screw kind – not wire-type – should be used with silicone hoses. Clamps should be of stainless steel, and any rust means the clamps are cheapies. Replace ’em.

The screw on a metal clamp should be torqued to a certain value. Manufacturers publish torque specifications in lb-in., usually ranging from about 4 up to 75 lbin. depending on the type and size of clamp and hose. Find out what torque value should be used and follow it. Then re-torque it, or at least tighten it, after a short time to make up for ‘setting’ of the new hose and clamp.

AUGUST 2007

)NTRODUCING /N$EMAND ,IVE

7ELCOME TO THE

.EIGHBORHOOD Automotive RepairSolutions Solutions Automotive Repair

Shop Management Solutions

Business Performance Services

Commercial Vehicle Group

The OnDemand Live feature provides an integrated tool to match real-world information with OEM data. Now, technicians can share and benefit from their collective experience. OnDemand Live provides an easy way for technicians to find an answer, share tips, and navigate timesaving techniques regarding repairs - all designed to increase productivity and expertise.

OnDemand5.com Features: • New OnDemand Live - View & Share Tips • Video Training • Full Color Wiring Diagrams

• Redesigned Search • Automatic Monthly Updates • 99.9% Reliable

• No Software to Install • Vintage Information

866.710.5032 x6313 mitchell1.com/od © 2007 Mitchell Repair Information Company. The Mitchell 1 name is used here in by permission from Mitchell International, which has no ownership interest in Mitchell 1.

SO WHAT’S DAVE GOT TO SMILE ABOUT? Since his shop was accredited by the Motorist Assurance Program, he’s enjoying: • Increased sales in fluids, tires, and suspension work • Rising repair order values • Higher customer satisfaction • More repeat customers

Using the process and standards provided by MAP, Dave has achieved consistency in vehicle inspection and in customer communication. Says Dave: • Customers love the written estimates and the clear choices between REQUIRED and SUGGESTED work • The shop owner and I love it because MAP enables us to present a professional, consistent image that attracts referrals and brings people back • Technicians love it because it’s easy to communicate the trustworthiness of their recommendations

Whether you’re a network or an individual shop, the Motorist Assurance Program can help grow your business, delight your customers and make you smile like Dave, too.

MAP SUPPORTS THE FOLLOWING PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE:

1. Check oil level every other fill-up.

Regular oil & filter changes are the most important way to preserve engine life. For best results, follow the “Severe Service” interval recommended in your owner’s manual, usually between 5 000 to 8 000 km.

2. To maintain tire life, handling and braking, check the inflation pressure in all tires, including the spare.

When the tire tread wear indicator becomes visible (when tire tread depth is 1.5 mm) the tire no longer meets design specifications and replacement is required.

Find out how you can join the Motorist Assurance Program and become accredited. Visit www.mapcanada.org, email mapcanada@sympatico.ca or call 905 726 8886.

3. Suggest replacement of OEM shock and strut ride control units with 80 000 km or more for improved vehicle performance.

Shocks and struts improve your car’s stopping and handling ability, giving you up to 3 additional meters of stopping power.

Ford truck exhaust

Spark plug socket set

Ratchet extension

The new SP6897 three-piece Spark Plug Socket Set from Matco Tools is designed with extensions as part of the socket for recessed spark removal and installation. They’re

DynoMax has unveiled a unique, full line of exhaust systems and accessories for 20032006 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty diesel trucks. The performance exhaust brand of Tenneco now offers two complete exhaust systems, an on- and off-road accessory kit and 4-inch cutouts for the popular diesel truck model. The #19439 system is comprised of 4-inch all-mandrel bent aluminized tubing and maintains a consistent pipe diameter throughout to deliver unrestricted exhaust flow. Both DynoMax Ultra Flo welded systems are designed to help increase torque and improve towing performance by reducing backpressure.

Tenneco – For more info, go to www.aptmag.ca/products/46021

AUGUST 2007

chrome plated, and the set includes 9/16” for Ford vehicles, 5/8” for most GM applications, and 13/16” for most Chrysler and some import vehicles. All sockets are 3/8” drive with soft rubber inserts to protect the spark plug.

Matco – For more info, go to www.aptmag.ca/products/47009

Snap-on Tools describes its new Variable Length Ratchet Extension as a real knuckle saver. The extensions (FXKV4, and FXKV7) are spring loaded into a socket base so the tool remains in contact with the fastener. As the recessed bolt is ratcheted out and the clearance behind the ratchet is eaten up, the extension automatically compresses. They feature precision cold-forged construction and chamfered drive ends. The 3/8-inch, nickel/chrome plated extensions are compatible with all Snap-on 3/8-inch ratchets and sockets, but are also knurled for hand turning.

They’re available in either a four-inch or seven-inch length and are sold individually or as a set.

Snap-on – For more info, go to www.aptmag.ca/products/49013

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN 33

Ignition coil boots

Beck/Arnley’s ignition coil boots allow technicians to replace the boot only on “coil-onplug” technology engines. Currently, replacing the complete coil is the only option available from OE dealers. Beck/Arnley’s ignition coil boots, some including the resistor, are available at a fraction of the cost of new coil and boot assemblies.

Beck/Arnley – For more info, go to www.aptmag.ca/products/481018

Tire changer accessories Hunter’s new TC3500-SS-HP high-performance tire changers offer a variety of accessories to enhance overall wheel and tire service. The HP accessories ease wheel clamping, bead loosening, and tire mounting. They

also ensure the safe handling of difficult combinations, such as high-performance reversed drop-center wheels and custom alloy designs matched with run-flat or lowprofile tires.

Hunter Engineering – For more info, go to www.aptmag.ca/products/48004

tions and diagrams, and also procedures for connection to external voltage regulators.

Robert Bosch – For more info, go to www.aptmag.ca/products/48005

Wide drawer roll cab

Alternator brochure A new brochure from Robert Bosch speeds installation of the company’s universal alternators for agricultural, off-road, and industrial equipment. Intended primarily for maintenance and repair facilities, the six-panel, fullcolor, easy-to-read brochure includes detailed procedures for installing the AL9971N and AL9972N universal alternators in virtually any applicable vehicle. The two Bosch part numbers can replace more than 500 SKUs of OE alternators. The brochure incorporates both general installation direc-

The new Super Wide Drawer Roll Cab (KRL1033) from Snap-on Tools Company is designed to meet even the biggest tool storage needs. Drawers are 67 inches wide, with a 5-inch and 3-inch depth. The roll cab features Snap-on’s exclusive ISO-Ride caster design, which lasts up to twice as long as the previous spring-loaded version and has tested to an additional 200 pounds of weight capacity. The new caster design makes it easier to move around the shop.

Snap-on – For more info, go to www.aptmag.ca/products/48010

GET YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION – FILL IN THIS CARD! ❏ Yes, please send (continue to send) CANADIAN TECHNICIAN magazine – FREE! ❏ No... do not send CANADIAN TECHNICIAN magazine to me.

Signature

Date

Please Fax Back To:

416/614-8861 or mail to

Name: Company Name: Company Address: City:

Province:

Telephone:

Fax:

Postal Code:

IMPORTANT!

You must answer all questions

e-mail:

2. I am provincially licensed to repair vehicles: ❑ Yes ❑ No

3. I specify, select, approve or influence/recommend the purchase of automotive replacement parts, tools, or equipment (check all that apply): ❑ Specify ❑ Select ❑ Approve ❑ Influence or recommend ❑ None of the above 4. The type of work we do here includes (check all that apply): 1. ❑ Oil / filter / lube service 2. ❑ Battery sales / service 3. ❑ Brake service 4. ❑ Engine repair / overhaul 5. ❑ Engine performance / emissions / tune-up

6. ❑ Electrical service - chassis 7. ❑ Electrical service - engine 8. ❑ Exhaust / muffler / catalytic converter 9. ❑ Shock / strut service 10. ❑ Steering / suspension service 11. ❑ Wheel alignment / wheel service 12. ❑ Transmission / transaxle service or overhaul (automatic) 13. ❑ Transmission / transaxle service or overhaul (manual) 14. ❑ AC service 15. ❑ Cooling system / radiator service 16. ❑ Emission control service 17. ❑ Clutch service 18. ❑ Fuel injection service 19. ❑ Diesel engine service 20. ❑ Tire sales / service

Have a comment to make about Canadian Technician?

We’re listening. _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________

❏ Please call me, I have a story idea for Canadian Technician.

34 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

MY JOB TITLE IS (CHECK ONE ONLY): ❑ Shop owner / Shop manager ❑ Administration ❑ Service writer / Service manager ❑ Lead technician / Shop foreman ❑ Technician ❑ Apprentice ❑ Other (specify):_________________ 5. Average number of vehicles serviced at this location per week: _______________________________________________________ 6. Number of service bays at this location: _______________________________________________________ 7. Number of mechanics/technicians employed at this location: _______________________________________________________ 8. Number of apprentice technicians employed at this location: _______________________________________________________

What would you like to see more of in Canadian Technician?

❏ Human interest stories and profiles ❏ Technical articles ❏ Business management articles ❏ New product information ❏ News about supplier companies

August 2007

1. This location is a (check one only): A. ❑ General service and repair shop B. ❑ Specialized service and repair shop C. ❑ Service station with repair facilities D. ❑ Automotive rebuilder E. ❑ New car/truck dealer F. ❑ Body shop with repair facilities G. ❑ Fleet owner with repair facilities H. ❑ Other (specify): ________________________

451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, ON M9W 5C4

AUGUST 2007

7KH XOWLPDWH WRRO VWRUDJH VROXWLRQ IRU WKH VKRS·V JR WR SURIHVVLRQDO WHFK 1RWKLQJ FRPSDUHV WR WKH V 6HUHLV MXVW OLNH QRWKLQJ FRPSDUHV WR WKH ZRUN \RX GR

:KHQ \RX·UH JHWWLQJ PRUH ZRUN DQG DFTXLULQJ PRUH WRROV \RX QHHG PRUH WRRO VWRUDJH 7KH V 6HULHV FDQ JURZ ZLWK \RX DV \RX FRQWLQXH WR JURZ DV D SURIHVVLRQDO WHFK

352)(66,21$/ 7(&+1,&,$16 $7 (9(5< /(9(/ ,7·6 70( )25 $ 0$7&2 722/%2;

7KH V 6HULHV LV WKH SHUIHFW WRROER[ ZKHQ \RX UHDOL]H WKDW EHLQJ D SURIHVVLRQDO WHFKQLFQ LV \RXU FDUHHU

0DWFR·V QHZ V V DQG V 6HULHV WRROER[HV RIIHU \RX GLIIHUHQW RSWLRQV IRU ZKHUH \RX DUH LQ \RXU FDUHHU %XW WKH\·UH DOO EXLOW IRU 3URIHVVLRQDO 7HFKQLFLDQV OLNH \RX :KHWKHU \RX·UH MXVW VWDUWLQJ WR PDNH \RXU PDUN LQ WKH JDUDJH RXWJURZLQJ \RXU FXUUHQW ZRUNVWDWLRQ EHFDXVH \RX·UH JHWWLQJ WKH EHWWHU MREV RU HDUQHG \RXU VWDWXV RYHU WKH \HDUV DV WKH ´JR WRµ JX\ RQ WKH VKRS ÁRRU « \RXU 0DWFR 'LVWULEXWRU ZLOO KHOS \RX ÀQG WKH WRRO VWRUDJH VROXWLRQ WKDW ÀWV \RXU GDLO\ ZRUN ÁRZ ÀQDQFLDO SLFWXUH DQG \RXU FDUHHU JRDOV DV D SURIHVVLRQDO WHFKQLFLDQ 6R ZKHQ LW·V \RXU WLPH IRU D QHZ ER[ «PDNH LW D 0DWFR $VN \RXU 'LVWULEXWRU IRU RXU QHZ WRROER[ FDWDORJ RU FDOO 0DWFR DW

1 4 6 8 9 10 11 13 15 16 17

3

4

6

5

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

ACROSS Honda nameplate.

Maker of the RX7.

Portion of tire between tread and bead.

Portion of tire that comes in contact with the road.

Discarded material.

Manufacturer of heavy duty trucks.

Opposite of macro.

“Come on,baby,let’s do the_______.”

Opposite of tightening.

0.02957353 liters.

Louisiana delicacy.

DOWN 1 Pie-______.Type of graph.

2 Ciphered.

3 Sign of regime change at a repair shop: “ Under _____ _____(two words).

4 A marathon measures 26.2 _______ long.

5 What you take your car on in the summer (two words).

6 Dubious.

7 The opposite of expanding.

11 Geo nameplate.

12 The layer of Earth’s atmosphere most threatened by hydrocarbons.

13 That _____ You Do.Tom Hanks movie,1996.

14 Discontinued Ford nameplate.

April 2007 Auto Puzzle D E S R A H G U Y O D N R M A C U A L R O I B C O N I S

I G N T R F E A D L A A W I R E E E Z D A S G S E X T R O L E A R A O M S A N B

U N E A M P S E S L U E P I C R T A I V N C E E R O N

U P R O S P E L E S T I E R E C O

Congratulations to John Hassefras of Windmill Automotive in Brampton,ON,winner of ChevronTexaco racewear for solving our April 2007 puzzle.

Win $100!

Name:

Send your solved puzzle to Canadian Technician.We’ll draw a winner on Oct.17, 2007.Send to 451 Attwell Drive,Toronto, ON M9W 5C4.Or fax to 416-614-8861.

Workplace: Work address: Phone:

AUGUST 07

2

email:

Question of the Month: Are owners of particular types of vehicles easier to deal with than others? Which ones are the best? Who are the toughest?

Add More Life To Your Car Havoline® has entered a new century of adding more life to your car.

Moving forward, we will continue to embrace vital new technology that translates into value-added solutions for your business. We’re looking towards the future, but we’ll never outgrow the world-class performance and solid technical expertise that got us here in the first place. © 2007 Chevron Lubricants Canada Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of Chevron Intellectual Property LLC. © 2007 Chip Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates. All rights reserved.

AUTO PUZZLE

1

For more information call 1 800 465-2772 or visit www.Havoline.com

A Chevron company brand

continued from page 38 compressor still refused to engage.

“Better start following the flow of power through the circuit,” I suggested. “It’s got to be a bad connection, blown fuse, or a burnt relay.”

“Before I do that,” he growled, “I’m calling up my old buddy, Don, at the Cadillac Car Club; he and his boys know these land yachts inside out.”

When he got off the phone, Tooner was puzzled. “Don says you can have trouble if you put the orifice tube in backwards. If you don’t put the end with the short screen towards the evaporator, it will move when you charge it, and take out the low-side temperature switch.” He glared at Buck’s car. “I know I put that new orifice tube in just like the old one came out; I’d lay money on it.”

I clapped him on the back. “Well, I believe you, but you’d better check it out anyway. We’re running out of options.”

It turns out Tooner did have the tube installed correctly, but it was slightly smaller in diameter than the original. As a result, it slid inside the line and damaged the low-side temperature sensor, just like Don had predicted. A new sensor and orifice tube from the dealer put us back in business.

Buck came by to pick up his car, and when he saw the bill he began to overheat.

“Hey, enough with the ranting and raving,” I said. “I gave you a quote before we started; what are you belly-aching about now?”

Buck glared at me as he pried his wallet out of his hip pocket. “Whether I agreed to the quote or not is immaterial.

It’s my constitutional right to complain any time money leaves my bank account, and a bill this large entitles me to more belly-aching than I’ve got time to produce!”

It just goes to show you that cars and clothes don’t make the man; it’s the character that matters. And Cool-Caddy Buck is one heck of a character.

Rick Cogbill is a licensed technician and former shop owner in Summerland, B.C. Send your Car Side story ideas to rick.cogbill@shawcable.com.

AUGUST 2007

ADVERTISER INDEX Advertiser

Page

Website Address

Phone

6

www.acdelcocanada.com

1-800-26-DELCO

ASC Industries 2100 International Parkway North Canton, OH, 44720

11

www.asc-ind.com

1-330-899-0340

Beck/Arnley 11 Laird Road, Unit 3620B Mississauga, ON L5L 6A9

9

www.beckarnley.com

1-888-go4-beck

CARQUEST Canada 36 Worcester Road Toronto, ON M9W 1K9

21

www.carquest.ca

Contact local rep

Chevron Global Lubricants 6975A Pacific Circle Mississauga, ON L4T 1A1

36

www.texacohavoline42.com

1-800-465-2772

Gates Canada 225 Henry Street, Building #8 Brantford, ON N3S 7R4

18

www.gates.com

1-519-759-4141

Goodyear

25

www.goodyearbeltsandhose.ca

1-888-275-4397

KYB America LLC 140 North Mitchell Court Addison, IL 60101

22

www.kyb.com

1-630-620-5555

Matco Tools 25 Karissa Lane Holland Landing, ON L9N 1R6

35

www.gomatco.com Franchise Opportunities

1-866-BUY-TOOL 1-800-368-6651

4

www.mevotech.com

416.783.7800

Mitchell1 14145 Danielson Street ext.6313 Poway, CA 92064

31

www.mitchell1.com

1-888-724-6742

Motorist Assurance Program of Canada

32

www.motorist.org

905-726-8886

NAPA 7025 Ontario Street East Montreal QC H1N 2B3

24

www.napaonlinecanada.com

1-866-GET-NAPA

Pennzoil 1101 Blair Road Burlington, ON L7M 1T3

33

www.pennzoil.com

1-800-263-6200

Permatex Canada 6711 Mississauga Road, Suite 302 Mississauga, ON L5N 2W3

27

www.permatex.com

1-800-924-6994

Plasti-Kote 7655 Tranmere Drive, Mississauga, ON L5S 1L4

13

www.plastikote.com

905-671-8333

Rotary Lift 7145 West Credit Ave., Suite 105, Bldg.2 Mississauga, ON L5N 6J7

29

www.rotarylift.com

1-888-256-4195

Snap-on Tools 2325 Skymark Avenue Mississauga, ON L4W 5A9

2, 3

www.snapon.com

1-800-734-2676

OTC Tools of Canada 5695 Whittle Road Mississauga, ON L4Z 3P8

40

www.otctools.com

Contact local agent

Tenneco Automotive 1 International Drive Monroe, MI 48161

15

www.monroe.com

Visit our website

26, 39

www.wakefieldcanada.ca

1-888-CASTROL

ACDelco

Mevotech 240 Bridgeland Ave. Toronto ON M6A 1Z4

Wakefield Canada Inc. (Castrol) 3620 Lakeshore Blvd.West Toronto ON M8W 1P2

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN 37

The Car Side

By Rick Cogbill

Buck Pincher’s problems start with his wardrobe… and extend right down to the orifice tube in his new car.

An un-cool caddy “Is it hot or what?” Tooner dragged himself over to the vending machines in search of cold refreshment. “I’m gonna start wearing my shorts to work!”

The mental image of Tooner’s boney knees being unleashed on an unsuspecting community was too much for Beanie.

“Toon, I think there’s a bylaw against wearing indecent clothing in public.”

“Well, it can’t be any worse than what just walked through our front door.”

We looked up to see Buck Pincher standing at the front counter, dressed in a Hawaiian shirt that was open to his navel, Bermuda shorts and tire-tread sandals.

“Whoa there, Buck; have you got a permit for that thing?” I gasped, fumbling for my sunglasses.

He looked himself over. “You mean my new outfit? It goes with my new wheels, Slim. You see, it’s like this. Ever since we moved into our new house, Dolly’s been after me to upgrade our vehicle – she don’t like the rust stains on the garage floor after it rains. So I traded in my Ford Escort for this beautiful, low-miles Cadillac.” He leaned closer and raised an eyebrow. “Looks good on me, don’t it!”

I glanced at the 1995 Seville parked outside the front door. “I’ll agree the car’s an improvement, but I’m not sure the world is ready for the new you.”

“Well, get used to it; it’s how we Caddyowners dress.”

Buck was having trouble with his air conditioning, so I had Tooner run a quick check. I returned to the office with a repair estimate. “Knowing you, Buck, you got this car cheap, and here’s the reason why; the AC compressor is seized 38 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

solid. You’re looking at some serious dollars here.”

The only thing Buck Pincher fears more than spending money is falling out of his wife’s good graces, so he had no choice but to go ahead with the repairs.

“Dolly’ll hound me to death if that AC ain’t working!”

Tooner gave the system a good flush, and installed a new compressor, accumulator, and orifice tube. But when he tried to refill the system, the compressor clutch refused to lock in. We talked the problem over at lunch.

“I tried jumping the low pressure switch, but nothing happened. So I powered up the compressor right from the battery. I managed to get a couple pounds of refrigerant in that way, but it still won’t

run on its own.”

Basil munched on his sandwich for a few minutes, washing it down with some iced tea. “If memory serves me correctly, it’s very important to clear out any ACrelated diagnostic trouble codes from the BCM. As long as there’s a DTC in memory, the compressor will stay offline.” He got up to retrieve a manual from the bookshelf behind him and handed it to Tooner. “Usually unhooking the negative battery cable for 30 seconds will alleviate the problem, but if that doesn’t work, use the climate control panel in the dash to clear the codes. You’ll find the procedure in here.”

Tooner followed Basil’s advice, but the

continued on page 37 AUGUST 2007

WITH SYSTEM

2.0

FREE TPM

3833 OTC Tire Pressure Monitor Included with your purchase of the Genisys 3670C Genisys 3670C

■ System 2.0 software Installed ■ New, software TPMS compatible ■ New, Automated System Test software ■ New, OBD II Smart Cable

■ Path 06, Asian 06 installed ■ ABS/ Air Bag 04 with cables ■ InfoTech 2006 Installed

Receive Coupon for IDENTI-FIX: FREE for two months

VISIT US ONLINE AT www.genisysotc.com

© 2006 SPX Corporation, SPX and OTC are registered trademarks of SPX Corporation. Genisys, Pathfinder and InfoTech are trademarks of SPX Corporation.