Canadian Technician March 2013

White sludge?

No, you’re not seeing things!

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It’s the result of flex fuels and some interesting new chemistry

ALSO: ■ Why storing tires makes so much sense ■ Slow down… and make better decisions ■ Solving industry challenges, page 20

MARCH 2013

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The Bloody Starter

contents

Canadian Technician – March 2013 – Vol. 18 No. 2

FEATURES Turning tires ...................................................................19 Top shops have learned that the three keys to success when it comes to tires are Sales, Service, and Storage.

Stop all the whining!......................................................20 Our forum members have been busy thinking about ways to improve the automotive repair and service industry.

White Sludge? ................................................................22 That white stuff you sometimes see on oil filler caps and valve covers is the product of flex fuels and some interesting new chemistry.

COLUMNISTS

22

It’s Your Turn by Lorenzo Pellicciotta ................................13

DEPARTMENTS

Management S.O.S. by Kelly Bennett ..............................14 The Car Side by Rick Cogbill ..............................................30

30

Service Notes.................................................5 Letters ............................................................7 Out & About .................................................10 Eye Spy.........................................................11 Products.......................................................25 Ad Index .......................................................29

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SERVICE NOTES

How Jim Bob got the job

VOLUME 18

NUMBER 2

Unlicensed backyarders have new ways of getting people’s attention… even if they can’t deliver real service!

451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ont. M9W 5C4

By Allan Janssen ou can find almost anything you need online these days.

Auction and barter sites, like eBay, Craig’s List, and kijiji, are putting buyers in touch with sellers every single day.

And they’re not just trafficking in used sofas and hard-to-find books.You can locate professional services of every conceivable description, including automotive repair and service.

Want an amateur tech to replace the ball joints on your 1998 Ford Escort?

Piece of cake!

Problem is you can’t be sure who you’re hiring until the job’s done. And if the job wasn’t done properly? Well, you live and learn, right? At least you saved some money.

This incredibly short-sighted philosophy is so flawed it defies belief.

But there is ample proof that millions of consumers are willing to spin the wheel of chance when it comes to hiring skilled workers.

Not long ago, someone told me about an ad on kijiji for discount auto repairs. They were being offered by a fellow named “Jim Bob,” a local mechanic who does work on the side “at your place or mine.”

Jim Bob makes no bones about the fact that he uses his boss’s service information subscriptions, and borrows shop tools to keep his cost low “so I don’t have to charge you too much.”

He is also very upfront about not having very much training, a business license, or any liability insurance. “Don’t worry, though,” he writes.“I haven’t had a wheel come loose on a customer in over a year!”

And, if he doesn’t have the right part or tool, he’ll get it and finish the job “within a week or two.”

Jim Bob describes himself as “a good guy” who will find a way to make

Y

things right if things go horribly wrong. Just don’t ask for a warranty… or a receipt.

Sounds like a joke, right? Well it was!

It was posted by an automotive technician who would never dream of doing backyard work. He just wanted to see what kind of response he’d get.

Are you sitting down? Within days of posting this admittedly “ridiculous” ad, he got more than 20 emails for quotes.

Clearly there are many people out there who have no idea how expensive it is to run a properly licensed, insured, and equipped shop. They don’t care about quality parts that fit and function properly. They barely care that the technician they hire is trained!

Two things reassure me, though.

First, the people that answer an ad like this are not the kind of people you want to have as customers. They’re motivation is only to save money, not to properly maintain their vehicle.

Secondly, if you run a proper shop, you can take pride in the quality of your work and the fact that you are making Canadian roads safer.You can hold your head up high and know that you’re doing the best thing for your customers… and the public at large.

Backyarders have always been a problem in this industry, and, yes, they have a new way to advertise their services. But let’s keep educating consumers about the importance of proper vehicle maintenance. Eventually the message will get through.

And even if the government never steps in to shut them down, our professional approach will ultimately put them out of business.

I’d like to hear what you think.You can reach me at allan@canadiantechnician.ca.

EDITOR Allan Janssen allan@newcom.ca (416) 614-5814 PUBLISHER Martyn Johns martyn@newcom.ca (416) 614-5826 CIRCULATION MANAGER Lilianna Kantor lily@newcom.ca (416) 614-5815 DESIGN & PRODUCTION Tim Norton production@canadiantechnician.ca (416) 614-5810 GENERAL MANAGER Joe Glionna PRESIDENT Jim Glionna PUBLISHED BY Newcom Business Media 451 Attwell Drive Toronto, Ont. M9W 5C4 Canadian Technician is published monthly except for January and July by Newcom Business Media, Inc., 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ont. 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: $42.00 ($40.00 plus applicable taxes); one-year subscription in U.S.: US$60; one-year subscription in all other countries: US$90. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication september 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, Ont., 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 Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Kenneth R. Wilson Award Winner Member

Canadian Business Press

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LETTERS THIS IS A GREAT CAREER FOR YOUNG PEOPLE I thoroughly enjoyed the story “Shop Class” in your December 2012 issue. I have had first-hand experience with apprentices, and I know how easy it is for them to lose interest in this trade.

It is imperative for us to find ways to keep these young people working in our bays.

Automotive repair may not be an easy trade, but it is most rewarding in my opinion. Every day we get to see a great diversity of folks and vehicles. It really gives me a kick to know I’m helping individuals and families get where they need to be with a smile.

I want young people to find the same kind of satisfaction in their own work.

I’d be very happy to help this project grow. I live in St-Hyacinthe, Que., which has a very adequate trade school.

I’d be most willing to lend a helping hand to young adults in my area.

Let’s not let the kids down! Maybe together we can lower drop-out levels in secondary level schools right across the country!

Anik Breton St-Hyacinthe, Que.

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAM I enjoyed the article “Shop Class” in Canadian Technician. Readers may wish to visit www.lalonderaceteam8.com to see another successful automotive program for high school students. We’ve been sponsors of this high school race team for several years, and we’re very proud of their accomplishments. Marc and Josse Lalonde have done a great job getting kids interested in the automotive trades.

Michel R. Dupuis Dupuis Ford Lincoln Casselman, Ont.

HOW ABOUT AN UPDATE? Wow, what a great story about the shop class in Quebec! It’s good to read something uplifting like this once in a while.

Any chance of getting some pics during the rebuild or of the finished project? I’d love to see how this turns out!

Brian Sokolowicz Member, CT Advisory Panel, Leroux Auto Parts Sudbury, Ont.

would win and the garage would win.

There are always those jobs that, no matter how hard you try or how much training you have, just don’t go well.

These need to be the exception, rather than the rule. And if we’re charging properly for every job, we can handle it when a problem job strikes. Hopefully shop owners will get this figured out soon, before they lose more clients to the dealers!

I’m glad so many of you enjoyed the story.

I’ll keep in touch with the people running the program and see if we can get an update from time to time.

—Allan

Joe Hasson JMH Auto Sales & Service, Guelph, Ont.

CHARGING A PROPER FEE FOR SERVICES RENDERED

I received a letter from a reader, Brian Ostermeier, who asked for average age of vehicle stats, following my story about AIA's Outlook Study. Funny enough, those stats have recently been amended. Here are the updated figures from AIA. —Allan

Why is it that garages don’t have a problem charging for the time they spend replacing brakes or front end parts – the so-called gravy jobs in our industry – but won’t charge a proper fee for diagnostic work?

The diagnostic work, in most cases, requires your best tech, and your mostexpensive equipment. Yet most garages seem afraid to charge properly, so they end up losing money.

That makes it harder for them to invest in proper training and equipment, and so they lose even more money on these jobs. If they charged a fair price for the time spent diagnosing, they’d have the funds to invest in equipment and training, and they’d get better and faster at fixing these problems. The customer

FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR AFTERMARKET: STUDY

AVERAGE AGE BY PROVINCE 2006 2011 British Columbia 10.1 Northern Territories 8.9 Alberta 9.3 Saskatchewan 12.3 Manitoba 10.5 Ontario 8.2 Quebec 8.2 New Brunswick 9.3 Nova Scotia 8.4 Prince Edward Island 9.8 Newfoundland 8.4 Canada 8.9

11.1 9.1 10.1 11.9 9.9 8.6 8.3 9.2 8.3 9.4 8.0 9.3

2015F 11.1 9.3 10.2 12.3 10.3 8.7 8.4 9.5 8.7 9.9 8.3 9.4

LETTERS

TECH FACES CHARGES AFTER FATAL CRASH In December, we reported on the case of technician Joseph Romano of Scarborough, Ont., who was charged with criminal negligence causing death after a fatal crash. Just a month earlier, Romano had certified one of the vehicles as being safe.

Understandably, a lot of readers were shocked and concerned by the news. We’re still following the case as it makes its way through Ontario courts. Here are just some of your comments and questions.

A tragic situation like this should come as a wake-up call to all of us.We need to remember that our customers did not help us get our licenses, and we should never lower our standards to keep them happy. We should always be thinking about our customers’ welfare when making judgment calls about their vehicles.

Bob Ward Autoguys St. Thomas, Ont.

My questions are: what were the defects?

Did the defects cause the accident? And what is the mileage difference on the truck since the safety was issued?

Ed Pink McWeeney’s Service North Bay, Ont.

We believe that every vehicle on the road must be safe. If it’s not, then as a shop owner or a tech we have to do something about it. It may not make us very popular to call the police about a dangerous vehicle, but we have to think of everyone else on the road too.

Clara Hooper Member, CT Advisory Panel Bunys N’ Bugs Auto Repair Chilliawack, B.C.

It would been interesting to know if it was something serious that did not meet regulations or something simple like a brake light or a headlight.

Rod Gillies Member, CT Advisory Panel Gilltech Auto Repair Red Deer, Alta.

The truck may not have passed safety and had a certificate it did not deserve… but were the items that failed the cause of the accident? It wouldn’t be the first time a shop was left holding the bag.

8

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN MARCH 2013

Ted Locke OK Tire Greenwood Greenwood, N.S.

I’m not here to judge the tech, driver, or shop.What this article brings home to me is the importance of keeping up with the latest safety standards. A simple miss could spell death and ruined lives. My sympathies to all involved innocent or guilty.

Scott Faris Member, CT Advisory Panel Canadian Tire Osgoode, Ont.

My husband and I were very interested in your article on negligence because we bought a 2008 Jeep Liberty Sport that took the life of our son on Aug. 10, 2012, outside of Orillia, Ont. We had only had it for three months. We’d bought it used from a local dealer. It was certified and had a safety check, and we were told it was fine, but there were problems with it right from the beginning. We took it back several times, and the dealer said it had been thoroughly safety checked and we shouldn’t worry.

They said that perhaps we were used to driving cars, while this vehicle handled more like a truck. They laughed at us.

And now our son is dead. The vehicle ended up on the opposite side of the road for 200 meters and struck a hydro pole. He was only 24 years of age.

Cindy and Ralph Moore Orillia, Ont.

How to reach us We love to hear from our readers. Please send along your opinions to editor Allan Janssen at allan@canadiantechnician.ca

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OUT & ABOUT repair shop and car owners.

“The aftermarket must recognize this trend and develop innovative ways to communicate with the driver in much the same way the OEMs have, ” he said.

The good news is that telematics does not have to remain a commercial tool for the exclusive use of new carmakers and dealers.

Indeed, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) handed out its very first Telematics Challenge Award to Delphi Product & Service Solutions during AAPEX for its efforts to harness new technologies that will anticipate the needs of their customers, and ensure Technologies like oil-change indicator lights are a real boon to they bring their cars in for service.

Delphi’s “connected car solution” shops that are ‘connected’ to their customers. links consumers to the independent

By Allan Janssen model year cars and light trucks. By the aftermarket service channel, and allows 2011 model year, that percentage had independent car repair shops to take The growing popularity of oil-change risen to 56% – a compounded annual advantage of telematics technologies. indicator lights in new car models is an growth rate of nearly 36%.

Lúcia Veiga Moretti, president of example of a growing challenge to the “If you look at the trend, it’s pretty Delphi Product & Service Solutions, independent automotive aftermarket, acimpressive,” Seng said. called telematics an evolution of the cording to analysts at R.L. Polk.

And the danger to the aftermarket aftermarket business model.

The company, which compiles an becomes apparent when you consider “(It) connects the car owners to annual list of the five most important that most repair opportunities are repair shops, distributors, manufacturers, trends in the automotive world, says discovered during routine maintenance fleet customers, and other industries, telematics has huge ramifications for like oil changes. increasing business loyalty and shop independent repair shops.

Polk president Tim Rogers described profitability,” she said.

At several workshops and speeches the oil-change indicator light as an Aftermarket telematics solutions give during the Automotive Aftermarket traditional independent shops the Service Recommendation by Indicator Light - by Model Year ability to compete with OEMs on Parts Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas last year, Polk executives connected the 8,000,000 a level playing field,” said Seng.

56.7% 60.0% 53.3% dots between the latest telematics 7,000,000 “We think it is really important Number Percentage umb mbber of of ccars 50.0% with oil-change cars in that 46.5% technologies and increased service 6,000,000 ofmodel for the aftermarket to understand 44.1% 44.3% year indicator light with oil-change opportunities for new car dealerships. this technology, embrace it, and 40.0% indicator light 35.2% 5,000,000 “The issue is how often the not allow it to simply be an OEM28.8% 29.1% 30.0% OEMs are using the indicator light as 4,000,000 installed solution. The aftermarket the only means of recommending 3,000,000 needs to do what it does best – 20.0% service,” said Mark Seng, Polk’s vice devise innovative commercially2,000,000 president of aftermarket and viable solutions for these next10.0% 7.6% commercial vehicles. “In other 1,000,0000 5.8% 2.7% 2.4% generation vehicles,” he said.

0.0% words, it’s not in the owner’s manual, “We have a lot of advantages in 2000 2001 2001 2002 2002 2003 2003 2004 2005 200 005 2006 2006 2007 2007 2008 008 200 20099 220 2010 10 22011 011 and they’re not putting next-service Data source: R.L. Polk & Company the aftermarket, one is our stickers in customer windows anymore. engine-related technology that the afterrelationship with the car owner. We Drivers are being conditioned to market must react to in the next few years. want to be the ones sending the right respond only to the indicator light.”

“As the OEMs move to the use of message to the car owner so we don’t With the use of telematics, OEM indicator lights, the aftermarket must lose contact. dealerships are on track to being the determine how this could impact repair first and best influencers of motorists at Web exclusive: volumes coming through its shops,” he oil-change time, he said.

Polk Reveals Five Key Trends for the said, suggesting that this technology, and Oil-change indicator lights were a Automotive Aftermarket, go to the growing use of telematics, could www.tinyurl.com/ct-FiveTrends feature on only 3 per cent of 2002 drive a wedge between the independent At the Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas last year, Tim Rogers, president of R.L. Polk & Company, highlighted five key trends that will affect the automotive aftermarket in the coming years.

The telematics trend

10

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN MARCH 2013

U.S. to put bittering agent in antifreeze In an effort to reduce the number of accidental poisonings of children and animals, U.S. manufacturers of automotive antifreeze and engine coolant have voluntarily agreed to add a bitter flavouring to their products.

The action stems from an agreement between the Humane Society Legislative Fund and the Consumer Specialty Products Association in the U.S., affecting antifreeze and engine coolants manufactured for sale in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The groups said children and animals have too often consumed the products, particularly when the products inadvertently spill in driveways or are left in open containers in garages.

“After years of battling over legislation addressing this important issue, the manufacturers of antifreeze and engine coolant have been working with animal advocates to pass state laws with mutually-agreed on language,” said Sara Amundson, executive director of the Humane Society Legislative Fund.

“Now, the Humane Society Legislative Fund applauds them for taking this important step to help protect our pets, kids, and wildlife in every state.”

HSLF estimates range from 10,000 to 90,000 animals poisoned each year after ingesting ethylene glycol, the

highly toxic substance used in auto antifreeze and coolant. Ethylene glycol’s sweet smell and taste make it attractive to animals as well as children.

The manufacturers are now adding bitter-tasting denatonium benzoate – a common agent in anti-nail biting formulae – to antifreeze and coolant sold directly to consumers across the country.

A single teaspoon of antifreeze or engine coolant can kill an average-sized cat.

“Partnering with the Humane Society Legislative Fund in passing these laws in 17 states has shown by finding compromise and working together we can develop sound public policy. It is vital that consumers continue to read the labels and follow label instructions on the proper use, storage and disposal of antifreeze,” said Phil Klein, executive vice president, legislative and public affairs for CSPA. Seventeen states currently require the addition of the bittering agent to antifreeze and engine coolant: Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

Oregon passed the first state law and it has been in effect since 1991.

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EYE SPY So that’s where that went to!

Mike Boyes, owner of Airdrie Automotive Services in Airdrie, Alta., and his tech, Dave, got a kick out of finding this G-Clamp hand tool under the hood of a Dodge Neon that came in for an oil change. “The customer said he didn’t know how it got on there,” Mike reports. “But he wasn’t surprised when we told him about it… and he was a little shocked that we were so concerned about his safety.” It’s hard to say how long the clamp had been there, but obviously long enough to cause a little reactive corrosion. “I’m surprised the car never burnt down!” Mike says.

Have an interesting picture to share? Email a high-resolution image to: allan@canadiantechnician.ca

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ITS YOUR TURN

Encouraging the next generation Automotive repair is a great trade for kids who have the passion to be the best they can be.

By Lorenzo Pellicciotta It was a rainy day in 1977, and my mother had come to my school for a parent-teacher interview.

The vice-principal, Mrs. Skuthe, was telling my mother how poorly I was doing in school.

“Big deal!” I huffed. “I don’t see how good grades will help me when I’m out of here!”

She turned to me and asked what I wanted to be when I grew up.

“I’m going to be a mechanic, like my father,” I said, figuring that would put an end to the argument.

“All right,” she said. “That’s good.

But tell me, what kind of mechanic do you want to be? Do you want to be the kind that works in a cold, dark, dingy garage, living in a small apartment, making enough money to buy a case of beer once in a while? Or do you want to be the best mechanic out there, working in a big, clean shop, making enough money to live in a big house and own a couple of beautiful cars?”

I’d never really thought about that.

Her question really sunk in… and stuck with me over the next few years.

Suddenly it was important for me to do everything to the best of my ability. I made it my mission to be the best I could be. Along the way, I won many trophies and medals. I graduated from high school with good grades in 1983, and I enrolled immediately in an apprenticeship program.

Three and a half years later, I was a licensed auto mechanic.

Over the years, I’ve worked at three different import dealerships. In 1991, I won first place in a regional service technician competition. Moving on to the nationals, I placed third in all of Canada.

Being on top of my game and wanting more, I eventually decided to start my

own business. In September 1995, I opened a 12,500-square-foot facility, doing both collision and mechanical repair. In April 2003, I opened a second location: a 19,000-square-foot collision shop. I now have 24 employees.

This industry has been very, very good to me. It’s paid for my home, cars, motorcycles, holidays… and all the other comforts people aspire to.

Despite what some people say, I believe you can still make a very good living fixing cars. That will never go away. If a kid’s passion is to fix cars, then let’s encourage him or her to be the best they can be. If they go for it the way I went for it, they will succeed.

It really bugs me when I hear a parent say there’s no way they’re going to let their kid become a mechanic.

They want to send their kid to university. But I know a lot of kids who’ve gone through university and end up taking starter jobs making 30k a

year. They could have done so much better in the skilled trades, if that was their passion!

Parents need to stop discouraging their kids from becoming automotive technicians. And we in the industry need to do more to welcome them into this wonderful trade.

If that’s where their passion lies, they’ll be a great addition to someone’s shop.

As long as there are cars, someone will have to repair and maintain them.

And if they’re smart and have a passion for it, they’ll make a very good living while they’re at it!

Lorenzo Pellicciotta is the owner of Autopro Oakville and Carstar Oakville, in Oakville, Ont.

MARCH 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

13

MANAGEMENT S.O.S. 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.

DECISIONS, DECISIONS, DECISIONS! Put a little extra planning into every decision and your business will run a lot smoother.

DEAR KELLY: This has been a tough week! As you know, Sergio gave his notice two weeks ago. He’s moving away. But today, I had a meltdown and ended up firing Luke. It was a long time coming… but now I have two openings! And hiring is one of the most stressful parts of my job.

I’m also having regrets about putting in a new lift. With all the extras, this is turning into one expensive workstation! I hate to even think what’ll happen if the revenue doesn’t follow close behind.

It seems to be one thing after another around here! I’m frustrated that the decisions I make keep coming back to bite me! —Erol

DEAR EROL: How many decisions do we make in a day? Or in an hour?

It sometimes seems like running a business is all about making decisions as fast as possible.

I swear that by the time I get home I’ve made so many decisions my head feels like it’s ready to explode. When somebody asks me what I’d like for dinner, I sometimes just say,“Surprise me!”

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CANADIAN TECHNICIAN MARCH 2013

I’m sitting at my favourite Starbucks.

I get a lot of work done here, away from all the decisions at the shop. I can read in peace and respond to emails with a hot cup of Americano beside me.

The woman at the table near the window just wrapped up a job interview.

That’s not unusual around here. I’m surprised how many job interviews take place over a cup of coffee. Anyway, I overheard her mention the fact that this was actually the third time she was meeting with this particular person.

At first I thought that was a lot. I mean, three meetings to figure out if someone can do the job? Sounds like overkill, right?

But then I started thinking about the investment we make in our employees.

Dustin, for example, has been with me since day one.When he started with me he was making $25,000 a year, but he’s gotten a raise every year and now he makes $50,000 a year. Would you believe I’ve paid him almost a million in the last 26 years? And that’s before EI, CPP, WCB, holiday pay, statutory holidays and bonuses! That’s a crazy amount of money, but he’s been worth every penny of it. He was definitely one of my best hires.

But I’ve hired some duds, too. And they can be costly mistakes – not just in money but in terms of frustration and aggravation. When you think about how much time we end up spending with coworkers, it makes sense to find

leaves their job – or is fired – there’s a good chance they were a bad fit for the job in the first place. It all stems from a poor hiring decision. It proves the point of how important decision-making is.

When we buy a piece of equipment – say for $40,000 – we’ll take our time to shop around, compare prices and features, and then we’ll do the math to figure out how we’ll pay for it, what it’s going to set us back per bay, or per month, and how we can charge our customers for it.

I can see that you’re having regrets.

We all have some regrets in business.

Regrets, for the most part, are the product of poor decisions. Yet, when it comes to making a decision on an employee which, over the years, could cost us 20-30 times what a piece of equipment costs, we tend to make snap decisions after a 45-minute interview.

happened to notice a large whiteboard with the words “NOW HIRING.” It listed every department in the store, with a number beside each one indicting how many positions were open. One department alone had four openings!

They were looking for a total of 14 new employees. I felt like turning around and heading out the door. Would anybody there have any idea how to answer my questions? Talk about turnover! I wanted to suggest they use an etch-a-sketch rather than a white board.

To me, employee turnover is a reflection of leadership. When someone

All of this brings me back to the very first business management workshop I ever attended. It was called “Starting a Successful Business” and the instructor was talking about the success rates for a business start-up. I don’t remember the exact percentage of businesses that make it past five years, I just remember I felt discouraged. I wondered if it is even worth the effort.

Fortunately, the instructor did not leave it there. He then told us that there is a huge difference in the success rate for women starting a business than men.

Women have a much higher chance of

Larry Dickison

people who fit in well and improve the working environment.

If a second or a third interview helps weed out the duds, I think that’s worth it. We tend to make important decisions too quickly.

Ironically, some of the trivial decisions we have to make take us way longer. Have you ever seen people agonize about their dinner choices at a restaurant? Or what size of coffee to get?

And yet they’ll make snap decisions about hiring a new employee. Crazy, eh?

I spent way too long looking for a new laptop last week.There were lots of things to consider, including the basics like make, model, capacity, and features.

But of course I also had to decide whether I want the extended warranty.

And there must have been 36 different carrying cases or sleeves.

While I was mulling it all over, I

hitting that fifth anniversary mark. The instructor told us this just before we broke for lunch. I think he just wanted that thought to percolate for an hour or so.

Maybe the old battle of the sexes would heat up while we were all having lunch.

There was a lot of talk about it at our table. A few of us speculated that maybe men tend to start bigger businesses, which are more complex. Women tend to start cottage-industry businesses, which have fewer moving parts. We found out after lunch that while there was some truth to that notion, the real difference was in the planning. The average woman spends nine months planning a business. For them it is like a pregnancy, and they spend lots of time considering as many aspects of the business that they can.

Do you know how long the average man spends planning a business venture? (Someone called out, “Over a beer!”) Two months, our instructor said. Just two months!

Would you rather let your business planning go to full term? Or birth it prematurely? Our son Scott was born seven weeks early. I know first-hand the stress of caring for a “preemie.”

So, as I sit here finishing my Fiveshot Americano, you’ve got me thinking about how many premature hiring decisions I’ve made over the years. Or, for that matter, how many other big decisions I’ve made that could have used more planning during my self-employed career.

Want to reduce staff turnover, Erol?

Make sure your next hiring decision goes to full term!

Well, I’m heading out of Starbucks.

I’ve been planning our summer vacation and I’ve got it narrowed down to a choice of eight different places. I think I’ll take the dog for a nice long walk and give myself some extra thinking time. I really do want to make the right decision!

As always, I’m only an email away.

Kelly Bennett is a certified management trainer and has been coaching automotive repair shop owners since 1990. You can reach him at kelly@kellythecoach.com.

MARCH 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

15

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GENUINE TECHNOLOGY

INSTALL

Why store tires?

There’s no better way to ensure repeat visits to your shop.

By Allan Janssen Without doubt, tires are an important service at any auto repair business.

Tires wear, get punctured, need to be aired, repaired, balanced, and rotated.And when we’re going into or coming out of winter, they need to be switched out.

If you’re not storing your customers’ off-season tires, you’re missing a tremendous opportunity for your shop.

Here are some things to keep in mind as you consider expanding your tire service.

1 Remove objections

More Canadians than ever are investing in a separate set of tires for the sole purpose of navigating winter roads. Others are just one skidding near-collision away from taking the plunge. But there are still plenty of people who dismiss the idea in part because they’re not sure where they’d keep the summer tires during winter months, and their winter tires during summer months. By offering to store their tires for them, you’re removing that objection.

2 Increased visits

Cars are better made, and carmakers are trying to outdo each other in increased service intervals. No wonder the average number of visits per year that a consumer makes to a repair facility has been

tires (usually on a next-day basis), but some will wash the tires and rims, and inspect them for damage and wear.

5 Evens out the ebbs and flows

declining steadily over the past couple of decades. But if you’re holding onto your customer’s off-season tires, you’re guaranteed to see them at least twice a year.

And pulling the wheels gives you an excellent opportunity to check chassis, suspension, and brake components. Build trust and confidence and you should be able to capture all of their repair and service business.

3 The right customers

Shops have reported that the average annual spend of their tire-storage customers is significantly higher than non-storing customers. Like, double.

Clearly the kind of customer that stores tires is the valuable kind. They tend to be forward-thinking consumers who are not unwilling to make an investment in their vehicle.

4 You can outsource it

If you don’t have the space to store tires in your own facility (or don’t want to put a container out back), you can still get in the tire-storage game. There are some amazing companies, like Tire Hotel, that make tire storage incredibly easy. Not only will they pick up and deliver the

Tires are a notoriously seasonal business. You’ll be run off your feet for about two months and then have nothing to do for the next four months.

Storing tires gives you a chance to use those quiet periods to work through your client list and find out what their intentions are for their tires.

If the stored tires are damaged or worn, do they want to replace them?

If they don’t have a second set of rims, does that make sense for them?

You can certainly tell them about the impact that frequent changes has not only the rims but on the tires themselves.

You can also offer them an incentive to book their tire work ahead of the peak times when you and your staff will have trouble keeping up.

A recent U.S. study (by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association) shows tires are among the most important replacement categories for any age of car. Over a third of all cars have had at least one tire replaced in the last 12 months. Tires rank behind only oil (and oil filters), air filters, and scheduled maintenance as the most purchased items at repair shops.

You can put your shop in the best position to capture some of those sales by offering to store off-season tires for your customers.

MARCH 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

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I

n early December, I started a thread on the Canadian Technician Forum.The frustration I was feeling may have been evident in title. “Shut up and do something!” I called it.“All the whining needs to stop!”

I’m not new to this trade. I’ve been a shop owner for 30 years. I started out as an apprenticeship and I worked as a licensed tech for years. Eventually I got the chance to become an owner, and I’ve been running my business the best I can ever since.

I’d be the first to admit there are some serious issues in this industry.

No matter where you are in this country you have to deal with backyarders – unlicensed do-ityourselfers who work out of their garage or driveway, taking our customers without offering real value or paying their fair share of taxes.

There’s a growing need for quality training – both the management kind and the technical kind. The cost can be prohibitive and the availability is a real challenge for shops in remote areas.

There’s also a new imperative for shops to tool up with the latest equipment, which is a true financial burden in our industry. I mean, we’ve always had to have good equipment, but today’s scanners and computer-based tools are particularly expensive, and every year or so there are more to acquire. Buying them means figuring out how to charge our customers for their use, which is an unfamiliar and scary proposition for some shops.

The perception by the public that people in the auto repair trade lack business ethics is a lingering problem.

There are definitely some bad apples out there, but I know that the vast majority of owners and technicians are fair-minded and professional. They run reputable shops, delivery quality service, and offer excellent customer service.

And, as if these challenges are not enough, we have a growing problem of finding and keeping good skilled workers. Our technicians complain of

P U T SHU HING! AND

T E M O DO S

stice and ju in t u o b ing a s to stop. d e All the whin e n y r t s in this indu ! inequities me action o s is w o n eed What we n zin

By Dan La

20

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN MARCH 2013

low wages, poor working conditions, and a chronic lack of respect. And with today’s high-tech vehicles, we depend on their expertise more than ever.

So, yes, we have some serious challenges that need to be addressed – hopefully soon, before they grow beyond any control!

But on forums like the International Automotive Technicians Network (iATN), Flat Rate Tech, and the Canadian Technician Forum, I hear a lot of complaints, and very few suggestions on how we can improve things.

The thread I started was just a chance for us to figure out what are the most pressing concerns of owners and techs. And maybe in doing that we could try to identify some strategies to solve them.

Within a few weeks, the thread had been viewed thousands of times.

Hundreds of people from around the country weighed in with a wide range of responses, representing an even wider variety of views.

Some technicians insisted that everything boils down to money. They suggested technicians join the ranks of the Canadian Auto Workers so they’ll have some bargaining power when it comes to establishing wages and benefits. Of course there are others who want to have nothing at all do to with unions.

Shop owners, meanwhile, have compared notes on how they operate – with an eye for sharing tips and ideas.

I’m thrilled that shop owners want to make changes, but if we all work individually, making small changes one at a time, it will take decades before our industry as a whole begins to exhibit real change. Perhaps we can figure out an industry-wide strategy that will speed our collective success.

In my opinion, that strategy needs to get techs and owners on the same side of the fence.This is perhaps one of the biggest hurdles facing our industry.

We’ve been divided for too long.

Success for one group does not have to come at the expense of the other. I think if we were truly on the same

team, with the same goals, we would quickly see dramatic improvements.

Techs would get the training they need, and would be invested in their own ongoing education. Owners would gladly pay the freight and make it as convenient as possible for their workers. Owners would equip the shop properly, and techs would understand the importance of using the latest equipment and repair information to their fullest extent. Wages would reflect the value of technicians, and technicians would understand the importance of professionalism in everything they do.

Together we would offer fantastic customer service and fair pricing.

Learning how to charge fairly for the work we do, by the way, is no small matter. Our business has changed over the years but few shops have changed with it. At many facilities, pricing is still done the oldfashioned way, with a quick look at the clock and no real understanding of the cost of doing business.

NEXT STEPS We’d like to get your feedback on what our industry needs to focus on. We’ve created a survey designed to identify the most pressing issues you face. Go to

tinyurl.com/ct-nextstepsurvey and help us figure out next steps for our industry!

The true cost of undercharging our customers is reflected in the financial health of the business. It leads to poor pay for employees, out-of-date equipment, and run-down facilities. To operate professionally, a shop needs to charge a fair price for a fair job.

Automotive maintenance can no longer be done at cut-rate bargain prices.

One thing that gives me hope, as I read the postings, is that it’s clear there are still many people who truly love this trade.They thrive on the challenge of maintaining and repairing today’s sophisticated vehicles with the latest

technology. And they truly love interacting with their customers.

The shop owners and techs that are the happiest – and who are making a reasonable income – are those who have come to terms with the fact that we have to modernize the way we do business. We have to be extremely professional, extremely capable, and extremely smart about how we charge for the work we do.These are the shop owners and techs that educate their clients about the training, tools, and equipment that are required to diagnose today’s cars.

The ones who are most frustrated by this business are those who compare our incomes with other trade workers, like electricians and plumbers. I think the grass-is-greener phenomenon is at work here.There are a lot of advantages we have over other trades.

For one thing, an awful lot of people in this trade were attracted to it by their love of cars. We get to work with some pretty cool technology, taking apart these wonderful machines, and making them work again. Despite everything, we will continue to attract some new workers for that reason alone!

Another thing in our favour is the importance of the vehicle in our society. People need their cars.Whether they like it or not, they have to rely on them. We can help them protect the sizeable investment they’ve made in their wheels. We allow them to have faith that their car will get them from point A to point B. We save them money in the long run.

We work in an exciting, everchanging field. It is not perfect, but no job is.What we need to do is figure out what we can fix and then roll up our sleeves and fix it.

Just like we would fix a car!

Dan Lazin is the owner of Advanced Auto, with two locations in Cambridge , Ont.

MARCH 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

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WHITE SLUDGE

O

We’re starting to see it on oil filler caps and valve covers… isn’t oil sludge supposed to be black?

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CANADIAN TECHNICIAN MARCH 2013

il is one of the most vital fluids in a vehicle.

But it’s something most customers take completely for granted.They rarely give it a second thought. The average customer probably spends more time deciding what type of oil to put on their salad than what type of oil to put in their vehicle.

For decades, automotive technicians gave oil about as much thought. To them, motor oil was just a low-tech commodity that they used every day. Viscosity was the only variable, and that was a pretty simple concept to master.

But oil is low-tech no more. And for some technicians, a refresher course is definitely in order.

As other components and fluids have evolved over the years, so have the properties of modern engine oil. These days, before you select the oil you’re going to use, you have to consider what type of fuel the engine burns. I’m not talking about just knowing whether it’s a gas engine or a diesel engine. These days, a lot of gasoline vehicles run on a blend of gas and ethanol, and you have to understand the effect the ethanol has on motor oil.

Have you ever noticed a white substance on the oil filler cap? What is that stuff? And where does it come from?

Well it’s sludge… not the black stuff you’re used to seeing, but a new modern kind of sludge that is the byproduct of some interesting new chemistry.

Engine oil sludge isn’t new; it’s been a problem since the internal combustion engine was developed. It is created when engine oil starts to thicken. If you leave it long enough, it can become like jelly.

Sludge can be formed a number of different ways. One way is when the engine oil overheats. If the temperature of nonsynthetic oil gets above 250°C, it will start to oxidize. This oxidation causes a thickening of the oil – ultimately to a tar-like consistency.The hotter the oil gets, the faster this happens.

Another way that sludge is formed is through neglected

service. As fuel is burned, it leaves behind a number of substances, including soot and acid. These byproducts of combustion attach themselves to pistons, valves, and piston walls. When it gets scraped away by piston rings, particles can become suspended in the oil. The more particles the oil contains, the thicker it becomes.

When oil-change intervals are not observed, this can become a real issue.

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Toyota, Chrysler, VW, and Audi all had issues with the formation of sludge in some of their engines.

In a perfect world, the byproducts of combustion would be simply water and CO2… and they’d go out the tailpipe.

But this ain’t a perfect world. Some combustion gases blow by the piston and the piston rings, and end up in the crankcase. Now if we add to this mix a fuel that readily absorbs and retains water – like ethanol – we have a situation that could be catastrophic.

The amount of ethanol in gasoline can be anywhere from 5 to 85%. Even at the low-end of that scale, an increased amount of water will get into the crankcase of the vehicle.

Cold weather, cold starts, and repeated short trips already result in

water ending up in the crankcase. Now the ethanol in fuel is boosting the amount of water, which gets mixed into the engine oil. If enough water is present, the oil undergoes what chemists call “phase separation.” When this happens, we get a layer of water on the bottom, a milky layer of white sludge, and then the actual oil.The water on the bottom of the oil pan could freeze up and will restrict the inlet screen for the oil pump. If the pump can’t draw in any oil, it won’t be too long before a catastrophic failure takes place.

Hard to believe? Start watching when you first pull the drain plug on a vehicle – particularly ones that you know are most often used for short trips.You’ll be shocked at how much water comes out before the oil starts to flow.

The average oil pump sump is really close to the bottom of the pan and as little as 3/8” or 95mm of water is enough to block the oil flow from entering the oil pump.

The increased amount of water in the crankcase causes other issues too. It will cause metal parts to rust.This is bad enough on moving parts of an engine, but if water gets into a closed or dead ended part such as a lifter, it can cause it to stick or malfunction.

The white sludge that is the product of ethanol, water, and engine oil is not just a problem in the crankcase. It also causes issues with the emission controls of the vehicle. This white mess can clog the PVC systems and, because it is just thick enough that it won’t flow or drain back into the crankcase, it will collect in the cylinder heads and oil separators.

And, yes, once again it has the potential to cause significant engine damage.

So, what can techs do to prevent the formation of this white sludge? Well, not much. The use of ethanol-based fuels is likely to increase in the future, because ethanol is better on the environment than gasoline. Many vehicles are designed to run on fuel that contains up to 85% ethanol. So water- or alcoholbased remnants will continue to enter the crankcase. But with the proper oil, the damage can be kept to a minimum.

The newer ILSAC GF-5 and Dexos lubricants (developed and put into service in late-2010 and the start of 2011) have an additive package that is meant to deal with this situation. It is designed specifically to minimize the negative affects of ethanol fuels. This additive package has been carefully formulated to prevent – or at least slow – the formation of white sludge. It also helps deal with the rust that ethanolbased fuels can cause.

We’re all servicing the newer flex fuel vehicles now, and a great number of shops have had bulk-oil systems installed, so there’s no bottle to read when we pour the oil into the crankcase. How do we know we’re using the correct oil? First, know what oils you carry. Second, know what oil the car needs. There are some pretty significant differences between GF-4 and GF-5 lubricants.Take the time to know which one meets your customers’ needs.

Jeff Taylor is senior technician at Eccles Auto Service in Dundas, Ont.

MARCH 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

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PRODUCT CENTRAL

Steering stabilizer Jeep exhaust Tenneco’s DynoMax performance exhaust brand has added off-road coverage for 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 3.6L V6 platforms (Part no. 39522). The kit provides additional space and flexibility to run an off-road suspension system. It includes 2.5-in. all 409-grade stainless steel, mandrel bent pipe for extended protection against corrosion, and two stainless steel 2.5-in. band clamps, and all other necessary hardware and instructions for an easy, bolt-on installation. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-409

Replacement parts Beck/Arnley added 1,680 new part numbers to its line of premium quality, genuine foreign nameplate products last year. The new part numbers fall within the following categories brake and chassis, clutch and driveline, cooling, electrical, engine management, engine parts and filtration, and OE fluids. Details on the new part numbers and their applications can be downloaded from Beck/Arnley’s website. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-396

Rancho performance suspension and shocks has launched new Rancho steering stabilizers under its Rancho RS7000MT monotube product series.

They were designed to help enhance vehicle performance and provide im-

proved ride and handling when towing or driving on or off road. They allow for faster dissipation of heat and providing exceptional resistance over other types of shocks to overheating during extreme use. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-410

Automotive belts Gates Canada has unveiled a new line of carbon CVT belts. The G-Force C12 Neoprene belt is said to offer original equipment technology with trapezoid and rounded cog design. Gates says this new technology boasts superior flexibility and heat dissipation.

The company says edge cord pullout is virtually non-existent. And there is minimal to no stretch under load for optimal power transmission. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-405

MAF sensor Bosch says it has vastly expanded its line of mass air flow (MAF) sensors with new features reflecting new technology, new coverage, and new cataloging.The newly expanded line features more than 120 part numbers covering popular vehicles in operation (VIO) in North America, including domestic, Asian, and European models. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-388

Milliamp clamp meter Milwaukee Tool Corporation has expanded its Test and Measurement line with a Milliamp Clamp Meter. According to the company, it can measure milliamps 10 times faster than a traditional multimeter. The tool features a long clamp wire and narrow jaw profile for easy clamping in tight spaces. It also has secure, on-board clamp storage and a rugged over-molding to protect the meter if dropped and make it easier to use with greasy or gloved hands. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-407

Ball peen hammers Snap-on says its HBBD Ball Peen Hammer Series Set is a comfortable, balanced and tough tool that offers maximum striking force with minimal rebound, creating a ‘sweet spot’ that helps you strike the surface hard with minimal effort. They offer a variety of features and are available in a range of sizes. Applications include: rear drums, ball joints, tie rods, U-joints-rounded end, track barrounded end, rounded end – rivets and punch and chisel applications. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-392

Steering and suspension Moog has expanded its line of steering and suspension components with nearly 750 new parts. Included among the new parts are upper control arms with Moog ball joints for several popular Audi and Volkswagen passenger vehicles, model years 2004 through 2011, and nearly 20 Dodge light truck and van models. Also available are lower control arms with Moog ball joints for Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Oldsmobile models. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-386 MARCH 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

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PRODUCT CENTRAL Transmission service machine

Tie rod ends and boots

BG Products has introduced a touch screen, automated transmission service machine. BG says the PXT Performance Exchange for Transmissions will perform transmission exchanges quicker and more effectively than most other service machines. It features two seven-gallon fluid tanks that allow it to perform multiple services on one fill. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-417

Beck/Arnley says its new line of inner tie rod end and boot kits provide professional technicians with everything they need for a complete repair. The company offers 62 part numbers for 745 applications. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-400

LED work light

Rotary barrel pump

Hand lotion CAIG Laboratories says its Hand-EGlove Barrier Lotion was designed for auto technicians. It forms an invisible shield, which protects hands from lube grease, grime, and oil, and is washed off with plain soap and water. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-420

Gates Canada has introduced a new rotary barrel pump from Plews & Edelmann. The new pump (part # 55-155) fits all 19-208 litre (5-55 gallon) pails/drums with standard bung. Using Ryton construction, Teflon and Viton seals, delivers 26 litres (7 gallons) per 100 revolutions. Gates is the official distributor of Plews & Edelmann products in Canada. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-415

Thread repair Auto-Camping is offering a new threadrenewal system. Time-Sert allows technicians to permanently and easily repair stripped or damaged threads. Metric Kits for European vehicles are now available.

Auto-Camping also has a variety of other kits available, including a VW & Porsche M10 Case Stud Kit, BMW

Head Bolt Repair Kit, Land Rover Head Bolt Kit, and VW Touareg Drain Pan Kit. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-418 26

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN MARCH 2013

Magnalight has released a new 40-watt magnetic LED work light for automotive techs.

Designed to provide output comparable to 250-watt metal halide fixtures while being lighter and producing less heat, it features a shatterproof polycarbonate, and a waterproof and vapour proof sealed assembly for full protection against rain and damaging conditions. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-371

Software upgrades Progressive Automotive Systems, Inc. has added a number of new features to its R.O. Writer Shop Management Software. The new features allow the user to accurately identify required parts and labour to build an accurate estimate and maximize margins. Its enhanced parts sourcing through NAPA PROLink allows the user to compare pricing and automatically calculate profit margins. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-341

Brake pads ‘First Aid’ CRP Automotive has developed a variety of Rein “First Aid” kits that focus on components with high incidents of replacement or failure on certain vehicles. Specifically designed for European vehicle applications, they include shaped breather hoses, axle boot kits, fuel, oil and coolant caps, dipsticks and dipstick funnels, power steering and oil cooler hoses, switches, sensors and relays, and power steering fans, and boot kits. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-412

Wagner ThermoQuiet CeramicNXT brake pads are now available for 2013 Chrysler Town & Country minivans, and Ford F150 light trucks.

Manufactured by Federal-Mogul, ThermoQuiet CeramicNXT pads feature proprietary formulations and an exclusive Dynamic Noise Absorption technology, which targets and absorbs vibration at the point of contact for quieter braking. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-411

PRODUCT CENTRAL Mustang exhaust DynoMax Performance Exhaust has added horsepower, torque, and drone-free performance to a pair of new systems for the two editions of the 2010 Ford Mustang. The kits include an axleback system (Part no. 38488) for 2010

Repair additives Rislone says its three newest products form a convenient family of repair solutions for owners of aging vehicles. Rislone Engine Repair (P/N 34110) treats the most common problems found in high-kilometre engines. Rislone Power Steering Repair (P/N 34650) conditions seals to prevent leaks and reduces friction to quiet noise. And Rislone Automatic Transmission Repair (P/N 34540) includes a premium high-kilometre fluid with detergents for cleaning internal parts. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-374

Ford Mustang GT 4.6L V8s and a catback system (Part no. 38503) for 2010 Ford Mustang 4.0L V6s. Each DynoMax kit includes OE-quality hangers, brackets and accessories plus detailed installation instructions. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-370

GE Nighthawk™ Platinum headlights.

Suddenly, 11 PM looks a lot like 11 AM. Help your customers put 90% more light on the road* with GE NIGHTHAWK™ Platinum headlights.

Make sure your customers have every advantage. With GE NIGHTHAWK™ Platinum, your customers will get up to 90% more light on the road compared to GE’s standard halogen headlights.

They’ll see more of the road, and you’ll look great, too.

Alternator puller kit Snap-on says the new Blue-Point 30-Piece Alternator Puller Kit (ADT30KT) was designed for the millions of vehicles on the road today that have over-running alternator decouplers (OAD) rather than a conventional pulley. The BluePoint 30-Piece Alternator Puller Kit provides an assortment of tools needed to service OADs and OWCs efficiently. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-331

For more information, visit gelighting.com

*GE NIGHTHAWK™ Platinum halogen lamps produce up to 90% more light in an area illuminated with more than 15,000 candelas in light intensity compared to a standard halogen headlamp bulb. Specific light levels vary by bulb type and headlamp assembly.

GE NIGHTHAWK™ Platinum is a trademark of GE. © 2012 GE

MARCH 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

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PRODUCT CENTRAL MAF sensors Delphi has added three new MAF sensors to its engine management portfolio, covering more than 8.3 million Toyota and Nissan vehicles from 1997 to present. The new part numbers – AF10062 and AF10141 – are built with all-new components, not remanufactured parts. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-381

Brake pads

Filtration products

NAPA-Rayloc’s premium line of disc brake pads are said to offer the most extensive line of friction materials in the industry. The new pads combine friction materials composed of ceramic, semi-metallic, and non-asbestos organics with Napa’s SilentGuard technology, a new fiber-reinforced, vulcanized rubber shim material. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-404

Mahle Clevite has developed a comprehensive line of aftermarket oil, fuel, air and cabin air filters for most European imports. The company says the growing European import market represents an opportunity for general repair shops. Its oil filters feature an elastomer gasket by-pass valve to ensure proper lubrication on cold starts, embossing bumps to prevent the filter from clogging and reducing filter efficiency as it ages; and an inner filter pack tube constructed of heavy gauge steel to keep the filter media from collapsing from the pressure of the oil system. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-348

Control modules Cardone has released new transfer case control modules and fuel injector control modules. The TCCMs are for popular GM trucks from 1998 to 2005.The fuel injector control modules are available for Ford 6.0L diesel engines.They’re completely remanufactured and computer-tested to ensure proper engine performance and fuel economy. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-401

Belts, hoses, tensioners Dayco Products has released more than 500 new parts for the automotive, heavy duty, ATV, and snowmobile markets, including 10 Poly Rib belts; 99 radiator/heater hoses; 27 tensioners; 18 pulleys; 6 timing belts; 20 hydraulic timing tensioners; 27 timing kits; 248 hydraulic couplings; 55 hydraulic hoses; and 10 ATV and snowmobile belts. The release increases Dayco’s vehicles-in-operation coverage by over 61 million. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-402 28

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN MARCH 2013

Steering and suspension Federal-Mogul has introduced 98 new Moog steering and suspension components for millions of popular late-model foreign-nameplate and domestic passenger vehicles. Among the new Moog components are premium replacement sway bar link kits for 2012 Scion iQ, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna and 2008-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer models, and tie rod ends for 20112012 Ford F250 and F350 Super Duty trucks, and 2009-2010 Infiniti G37 and Nissan 370Z passenger cars. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-416

Antifreeze

Pickup suspension

CRP Automotive now offers three formulations of Pentosin OE-quality Antifreeze to cover a wide range of European vehicles. Pentosin Antifreeze is described as an environmentally-friendly, nitriteand amine-free concentrate for multipurpose applications in water-cooled engines.

Formulated for year-round use, Pentosin Antifreeze protects the material used in cooling systems by preventing lime formation, protecting against corrosion, cavitation, and resists foaming. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-403

Rancho has introduced a 4-in. sport suspension system for 2011-2013 Ford Super Duty F-250/F-350 diesel trucks.

Compatible with 37-in. tires, it includes a newly engineered forged pitman arm to enhance ride and handling while maintaining proper suspension geometry. Each kit includes a highly detailed, full-color product installation guide. A new front coil spring kit and rear block kit is required to finish the installation. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-399

continued from page 30

“Here goes nothin’,” murmured Baldy as he turned the key in the ignition. But the Toyota started just fine, and with shouts of victory and extreme relief, we barreled down the dusty logging road towards home.

Once in town, Baldy headed for the car wash. “Bailey never cleans this thing,” he explained,“so I’m gonna surprise him.”That sounded commendable, so I wandered over to the pop machine while Baldy lathered up the beast. Fifteen minutes later, we climbed back inside to leave, but the truck wouldn’t start. It just cranked over and over, grunting in protest as if the timing was out.

“I don’t understand it; there’s not a cloud in the sky!” cried Baldy. “This truck always starts on a dry day!”

I looked down at the carpet squelching under my feet.

“Apparently the water doesn’t have to come from the sky.

Maybe that’s why Bailey doesn’t wash his truck.”

He nodded glumly. We got out and checked the oil; the dipstick smelled strongly of raw fuel, and was reading overfull.

An hour later, the Toyota was sitting in my shop. The crew stood stone-faced in a silent semi-circle around it. Finally Beanie spoke. “Haircut, eh?” I nodded.

Tooner studied the wet spark plug in his hand. “She’s flooded for sure,” he muttered. “Could be the coolant sensor or a stuck cold start injector.” He scowled. “Catch yer limit?”

I nodded again. Basil huffed indignantly; I think he was sore that I hadn’t invited him along. “Well, let’s get this over with. I think I know what the problem is.”

We stared in wonder as Basil removed the passenger side kick panel. Next, he unbolted the ECM and held it up for all to see.

“Holy rust buckets!” cried Beanie. “That computer’s sopping wet!” And he was right. The metal case was streaked with rust marks, and when we opened it up, there was green slime growing on the circuit boards.“Where’s all the water coming from?”

Basil pointed to a patch of rusty metal at the bottom of the windshield on the passenger side. “My guess is there’s a hole right through to the passenger compartment. Whether it’s a rain shower or the car wash, water is dripping onto the ECM and shorting it out.” Further testing revealed that the damp conditions were turning on the injector drivers for all cylinders, which ultimately flooded the engine.

A new ECM and some ingenuity on our parts solved Bailey’s starting problem, and Baldy was overjoyed when I called him up with the news.

“Sorry about the spoiled fishing trip,” he said. “Look, I’ll make it up to you. Let’s go hiking up Polecat Mountain on Saturday, at 3 a.m.”

“Why then?” I asked.

“The forecast says that’ll be our coolest night. I’m gonna borrow my sister’s Honda, and it doesn’t run so good if it’s hot outside.”

This time I really did hang up the phone!

Rick Cogbill is a freelance writer and former shop owner in Summerland, B.C. You can read more Car Side adventures in his book “A Fine Day for a Drive” available at www.thecarside.com.

ADVERTISER INDEX AIA Canada ............................24 www.aiacanada.com 800-808-2920 Bars Products – Rislone............8 www.rislone.ca

Blue Streak-Hygrade .................3 www.bluestreak.ca

Federal Mogul – Fel Pro ..........18 www.federalmogul.com

Federal Mogul - Moog ...............9 www.moogproblemsolver.com

GE Lighting.............................27 www.gelighting.com

Havoline ...................................4 www.havoline.com

®

ProMax Auto Parts Depot ........11 www.autopartsdepot.ca 1-866-573-9889 Snap-On Tools of Canada ..........2 www.snapon.com 1-800-734-2676 Tenneco Automotive .................6 Monroe - www.monroe.com

Total Lubricants......................12 www.total-lubricants.ca 800-463-3955 Valvoline.................................31 www.valvoline.com 1-800-TEAM-VAL

WORLDPAC

WorldPac................................32 www.worldpac.ca 800-463-8749 MARCH 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

29

The Car Side

By Rick Cogbill

Water, Water, Everywhere…

When you’re stuck with a mysterious no-start, sometimes you gotta go fishing for answers.

Ever get the hankering to just go fishing? I don’t, but Baldy does. That’s fine by me, except he’s convinced I want to go along.

“Aw, c’mon, Slim; it’s the perfect day!

Whaddya say we nip out to Darkly Lake and see what’s biting?”

My first impulse was to hang up the phone. Baldy’s a good friend, but the parking lot was jammed with cars. The last thing the boys needed was for me to duck out with my fishing pole – which reminded me…

“I can’t go fishing, Baldy. I don’t even own a rod!”

“No problem,” he replied. “I’m borrowing my son’s 4Runner, and it’s loaded with fishing gear. All we gotta do 30

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN MARCH 2013

is buy some bait and hit the road!”

In the end, friendship won out over business sense. “Going for a haircut!” I hollered as I slipped out the back door.

“Ain’t this the perfect day?” Baldy grinned as we headed for the hills. “Just look at that cloudless sky. And it’s warm, and it’s sunny, and did I mention there’s no rain in the forecast?”

“About a dozen times,” I replied.

“What’s with the fixation on weather?”

He looked up at the sky before replying.“Oh, it’s nothing. Bailey’s truck just doesn’t like the rain.”

I was startled. “Your son owns a 4x4 that doesn’t like water? What happens when he goes mud bogging?”

Baldy grimaced. “He doesn’t. He’d

never make it home if he did.”

The ’95 Toyota 4Runner SR5 had seen better days. The paint was faded, and there were tell-tale signs of rust in all the usual places.It dawned on me that friendship wasn’t the only reason Baldy had invited me along.

“Okay, what happens when it rains?”

“It won’t start.” My friend laughed nervously.“But I’m not worried; got my favourite mechanic with me!”

We arrived at Darkly Lake without incident, but I couldn’t relax. Out in the hills the weather can change in an instant, so instead of watching my line, I found myself glancing up at the sky at regular intervals. I was glad when we finally caught our limit and rowed back to shore. continued on page 29

2000

1965

Valvoline launches MaxLife®, the first motor oil for high mileage engines

Valvoline introduces the first & best selling racing oil of all time

1866 Dr. John Ellis invents motor oil

1939 Valvoline develops X-18, a single grade oil which could be used in place of 18 different specified automotive lubricants

1996 Valvoline launches DuraBlend™, the first synthetic blend motor oil

2012 Valvoline launches NextGen™, the first national branded recycled motor oil

Valvoline invented the engine oil category almost 150 years ago – and we haven’t stopped pushing new innovations since.

NextGen™ motor oil is the latest in a long line of category-changing introductions.

Made with 50% recycled oil, NextGen™ delivers 100% Valvoline engine protection. NextGen™ motor oil is great for engines and better for the environment, it exceeds industry specifications with reduced environmental impact compared to non-recycled motor oil.

Naturally, NextGen™ is supported by the full force of Valvoline’s innovative marketing programs.

Welcome to the Next Generation in motor oil.

Learn more about NextGen™ at NextGenMotorOil.ca © 201Î, Ashland Inc. TM Trademark of Ashland or its subsidiaries in various countries.