Canadian Technician October 2013

Publication Mail Agreement #40063170. Return postage guaranteed. Newcom Business Media Inc., 451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, ON M9W 5C4

Top of the shop Blaine Boutin of Edmonton is our Canadian Technician of the Year ALSO: Q The evolution of power tools Q AIA’s Western Canada forum Q Keeping bad cars off the road

OCTOBER 2013

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contents

Canadian Technician – October 2013 – Vol. 18 No. 8

FEATURES Top of the shop .................................................................27 Blaine Boutin, lead hand at Dyneco Automotive in Edmonton, Alta., is not only a true ambassador for our trade, he’s our Canadian Technician of the Year.

Properly equipped.............................................................30 Modern alignment machines, tire mounting equipment, and wheel balancers have advanced features to make your work better, quicker, and more accurate.

The evolution of power tools ............................................35 How the latest battery technology is transforming cordless tools, making them much more suited to the repair bay.

COLUMNISTS It’s Your Turn by Rick McMullin ........................................... 19 Collective Wisdom by Alan Beech ...................................... 21

27 DEPARTMENTS

The Car Side by Rick Cogbill ................................................ 46

Service Notes .................................................. 5 Letters .............................................................. 6

46

Out & About ...................................................10 EyeSpy ...........................................................14 From Our Forum ............................................17 Products.........................................................41 Ad Index .........................................................45

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SERVICE NOTES

Stubble in fall Next month is Movember. Will you join the hairy throngs in raising awareness about men’s health issues?

VOLUME 18

NUMBER 8

451 Attwell Drive, Toronto, Ont. M9W 5C4

By Allan Janssen For the past few years, the picture on this page always shows me wearing a rather crude goatee… or a Van Dyke, as I’m told it is properly called.

But those who know me personally will say I’m not fully committed to my facial hair. I shave it off without the slightest provocation and grow it back again a few weeks later out of sheer idleness.

It is not connected to my sense of self in anything but a temporary way.

I usually shave it off when my kids say I look old, or my wife threatens no more kisses until the chin is clean.

I usually let it grow again when someone remarks that I look more distinguished when I put the razor away for a while.

Over the next few months, however, there will be a greater sense of purpose in my choice to first shave and then refrain from shaving. Like thousands of men across Canada – indeed, across the globe – I will grow a Movember moustache.

This kind of bathroom activism will not be new to many of you. In recent years, I have heard from several automotive repair shops who embrace Movember with bearded passion.

They have put their “Mo Bro” faces on their websites and Facebook pages.

And they’ve raised thousands in the fight against prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health issues.

Here’s why Movember is a great fit for the automotive repair and service industry.

1. It’s a team effort.

Even though each Mo Bro is responsible for his own chin, this is best done as a group. Put a team together and have some fun with it.

Last year, 1,275 Auto Mo Bros from 185 different teams raised $248,379 for Movember Canada. That was just the

automotive guys. This year I think we could pass that number by a whisker or two.

2. It’s all about education.

And, boy, do we know about educating people! Cars have changed so much over the years, that we’re constantly conducting impromptu classes on how a modern vehicle works.

For a full month, raising awareness about men’s health issues will be as easy as locking the razor in a drawer. And raising awareness saves lives.

According to a recent research study, 69% of Movember participants had a general checkup with their doctor, 79% discussed their health with others, and 67% recommended that someone else see a doctor.

3. It’s all about preventive maintenance.

Like an automobile, our bodies benefit from periodic inspections and routine preventive maintenance. This is a concept we in this industry understand all too well. Early diagnosis of trouble is key to keeping any finely-tuned machine running well – whether it’s a car or a human body.

So if you plan to join the hairy brigade next month, let us know about it. We’ll be updating our Facebook page with reports from the field. Tell us your stories. Send us pictures – with your newly shorn faces or the new growth that emerges.

We want to celebrate your efforts to raise funds for men’s health and increase awareness about the importance of regular check-ups.

I know I’ve scheduled an appointment for myself. Have you?

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 CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Sarah Voigt sarah@canadiantechnician.ca 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.

:H DFNQRZOHGJH WKH ÀQDQFLDO VXSSRUW RI WKH *RYHUQPHQW of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

Kenneth R. Wilson Award Winner Member

Canadian Business Press

“Top of the Shop”

by Mick Coulas 1-866-574-9998 OCTOBER 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

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CANADIAN TECHNICIAN OCTOBER 2013

I don’t agree with NAPA president Robert Hattem’s comments about staying open later into the evening and on weekends (Consumers demanding extended hours, August 2013).

I can remember working on Saturdays at a dealership. It was all quick and rush oil changes. There was little money to be made.

Some customers have such busy schedules that they rely on us to be open into the evening and weekends.

Unfortunately, however, they don’t have enough time to allow us to take care of their cars properly. These are the customers that break down. Only then are they forced to stop for a minute and get their vehicle fixed properly.

Matt Martel Lebrun Service Centre Ottawa, Ont.

in your shop, it’s not so easy. How do you maintain full strength during the regular work week? Is your jobber open for parts and delivery during extended hours? Will the client that you booked for a diagnostic AC service for 8 a.m. on Saturday show up at 8? Or are they more likely to sleep in and arrive at 10? If you can’t finish the job, your name is mud because the client is without the car on Sunday and at least part of Monday.

Do the math before you go down the road of extended hours. A shuttle service is a much better way to keep your clients happy.

— Web comment

EXTENDED HOURS MAY BE NECESSARY I enjoyed the article on extended hours. Mr. Hattem is well connected with reality.

Yvon Lanthier

WEEKEND WORK BRINGS REAL CHALLENGES

OPENING ON SATURDAY WAS A GOOD MOVE

It’s one thing for a shop with 10 to 20 technicians to be open extended hours.

You bring in one or two to work those extended hours and give them compensating time off.

But if you only have four technicians

We have been working Saturdays for almost two years now. Now we are extremely busy six days a week, instead of just five. Anyone want a job?

Trinity Repair Berwyn, Alta.

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LETTERS first-time or emergency-repair customer. If this were a regular client, and you have let the car get to this stage, you are doing a huge disservice to both your client and to everyone else on the road. Granted, the economy is not great, but your client’s life and those around him are definitely worth more than the few bucks that might be made by keeping this piece of junk on the road. They do euthanize animals… and this car should have been put down long ago!

— Web Comment

“STORY OF NEGLECT” PROMPTS OUTRAGE We got a lot of feedback about the EyeSpy pictures sent in by David Fenton of Lakerange Service in Port Elgin, Ont. The pictures told a story of neglect that rivals many we’ve seen.

The 1992 Buick Roadmaster wagon that limped into his shop seemed to be held together by rubber bands, twist ties, and bent wire! (To see it, go to

WORKING WEEKENDS CUTS INTO FAMILY LIFE Well, I have to say that staying open Saturdays is a regular ritual for us where I work and it definitely cuts into family life. Due to the shortage of mechanics, it puts a lot of pressure on us and on our families. That’s why we, as mechanics, look for establishments that only make us work one Saturday a month. In the winter, it’s not a problem. But the more they make us work, the more mechanics will want to leave for a five-day-aweek job.

—Web comment

IT’S UP TO US TO KEEP THE JUNK OFF THE ROAD Thanks for the update about the technician who was charged with criminal negligence over a safety inspection (August 2013). My guys were wondering.

They were very interested in the story and brought it to my attention. It sparked 8

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN OCTOBER 2013

www.tinyurl.com/eyespy224). Someone went to an awful lot of trouble to keep that car on the road. Here’s just some of what you had to say:

Wow! That is very crazy… and unsafe! Not only could the driver end up dead or with serious injuries in an accident, but this could harm innocent people as well. It doesn’t look like there’s enough material in this auto to make a container that would actually hold water!

This is insane! This vehicle should not be on public roads.

— Grant Nikiwski

—Manfred Wicht

With annual mandatory provincial safety inspections this would not be an issue.

We’re often confronted with this kind of situation when we meet a

a lot of discussion as you can imagine.

You see, in provinces where there are motor vehicle inspections, there can sometimes be grey areas. Where one day a vehicle will pass inspection, a few days later it can have a major problem.

Here in N.S., the D.M.V. can only go back 30 days or 1500 kilometers. Well, we all know a lot can happen in that period!

We all have a vested interest in keeping junk off the road. As I always say, my mom uses the same road!

Dave McKenna Service Manager, Midas Halifax, N.S.

IS IT TIME FOR A PENSION PLAN FOR TECHNICIANS? I love the repair trade and it’s going to be tough to roll my toolbox out of the shop at the end of next year. But I have to say the pension situation for me – and most techs – isn’t all that rosy. In 90 percent of

— Gary Smith

service shops there are no perks, no medical, no dental, and no retirement plan.

My wife is a bank manager – a position that offers the moon in benefits. She will retire in five years with a pension that will rival government service. My benefits, with a couple of brief exceptions over the years are nil. My retirement plan was set up on my own but with the way my investments are performing, it looks pretty bleak. And CPP? Well, we all know we won’t be able to count on that. Is it time for us to start thinking about a solution so the next generation of technicians has a better experience?

George Stringham Taber Diesel Service Taber, Alta.

How to reach us What do you think? 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

AIA panel tackles HR issues Service providers and jobbers gather in Saskatchewan for Western Canada forum.

Employers need to be more receptive to the idea of bringing apprentices into their businesses if Canada’s skilled trades needs are going to be met, an audience of jobbers and auto repair shop owners was told recently.

Speaking at the Western Canada Automotive Service Providers Forum in Saskatchewan last month, Andreas Hofstaetter, manager of the Sectoral Initiatives Program at Employment and Social Development Canada, said the government is “moving the yardstick slowly down the field” when it comes to meeting labour requirements, but employers are the current sticking point.

“A fairly hefty investment was made (in ads to promote skilled trades to

10

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN OCTOBER 2013

young people),” he said. “And, frankly, it worked. The stigma around young people entering trades and pursuing trades training has changed dramatically.”

It was so successful, in fact, that it created a temporary bottleneck at the institutional level as a swell of young people decided to enter trades training.

“We’re past that hump. The hump we’re at now is finding an adequate number of employers to take these apprentices on as employees,” he said.

Hofstaetter was representing the federal government view on a panel discussing human resources issues at the event organized by the Automotive Industry Association of Canada. His provincial counterpart was Penny Summervill, a regional director with Canada-Saskatchewan Labour Market Services.

She said the province faces a number of demographic challenges as the strong

From left, Penny Summervill, Andreas Hofstaetter, and Billy Bentley discuss the state of the labour market in Canada.

economy spurs continued job growth.

Both Hofstaetter and Summervill referred to a plethora of government programs aimed at helping employers find and retain workers, as well as helping unemployed people find jobs.

But Billy Bentley, owner of Clavet Automotive Services in Clavet, Sask., said repair shop owners are still having

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OUT & ABOUT trouble finding skilled workers suited to work in automotive facilities.

“People are applying for jobs because we have a job to offer, not because they want to pursue a career in this industry,” he said. “There is Rui Martins still a shortage of individuals who are the right fit for our facilities.

12

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN OCTOBER 2013

The kind of skilled worker we need is very different and hard to find.”

Like the other two panelists, Bentley encouraged shop owners to be more proactive about finding their own solutions to their present and future labour needs.

“As an industry, we have to

look to ourselves, rather than look to government for direction,” he said. “I think we have a spectacular industry. For most of us, it’s eight to five, Monday to Friday, weekends off.

Salaries are coming in line. There’s reasonably good pay. Most of the shops, even the smaller ones now, are starting to offer health and retirement benefit packages. We have to make an effort to improve our industry from the inside.”

He said government can help, but it is really up to the industry to let potential workers know that there’s a lot of opportunity in the automotive world, and it is rewarding.

The panel was moderated by Sean Corcelli of Uni-Select.

In a subsequent presentation, Rui Martins, a trainer with the Automotive Aftermarket E-Learning Centre, also discussed HR issues. He focused on finding and hiring the right people for the job.

“It’s all about standards,” he said.

“We as an industry are afraid to raise the standard to where it needs to be because of all the conversations we have about how we don’t have people, we can’t find people, we have huge HR issues. We keep our standards low to retain people. We keep them around, even when we shouldn’t.”

He stressed that automotive shops need to start hiring individuals who fit their operations, rather than just filling empty spots.

“Matching people to opportunity has been badly broken over the last 30 years,” he said. “There are very few companies out there today that match the human resources side of the game to their profit-and-loss statement.

They’re not effectively matching widgets to holes.”

He outlined a number of ways to evaluate potential hires to make sure they’ll not only be able to do the job but fit within the organization.

“The question you need to ask yourselves, in your businesses is, ‘Do I have enough people on the bus? Are all the seats filled?’” he said. “And then, if you have the seats filled, do you have the right people on the bus?

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OUT & ABOUT

B.C. launches review of Industry Training Authority The Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training in British Columbia will conduct a full review of the province’s Industry Training Authority (ITA).

The authority, which is responsible for apprenticeship programs, has been criticized by some for not addressing growing labour shortages in the province – particularly in northern communities.

Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, and the minister responsible for labour, appointed Jessica McDonald to examine the role and function of the ITA and ensure that it is meeting its mandate.

McDonald has already begun meeting with ITA board and staff, as well as government, educational, industry, and labour stakeholders,

seeking advice and input on trades training. Part of her review will include examining best practices in other jurisdictions.

The ultimate aim is to make recommendations that will “strengthen the current system without creating undue disruption to the ongoing recruitment, training and credentialing” of skilled workers.

The province predicts that over the next decade, there will be more than a million job openings in British Columbia, 43 per cent of which are expected to be trades or technical occupations.

There are currently about 35,000 registered apprentices in the industry-training system (including youth) – an increase of 1,000 over last February, and more than double the number of apprentices registered when ITA was created in 2004.

McDonald served as a deputy minister in the B.C. government for six years and has held a number of other posts in government beginning in 1991.

EYE SPY End of the road

Chris Hemke from South Trail Auto in Calgary sent in a collection of pictures of one of the worst cases of caliper breakdown he’s ever seen. The owner of a 2001 Intrigue was taking his life in his hands when he drove the car to the shop. “I have never seen a caliper this bad, in over 30 years of experience!” Chris writes. “Of course, according to the customer, it just started making noise yesterday!” To see more pictures, go to tinyurl.com/eyespy306.

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

14

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN OCTOBER 2013

UAP opens new Ontario facility UAP Inc. has opened a new logistics facility in Long Sault, Ont. The 200,000 sq. ft. facility will hold more than 30,000 parts in stock, including chemical, accessories, hardware, tools and equipment, as well as paint, body and equipment products.

The distribution centre will supply eight large centres across the country and a network of 580 NAPA Auto Parts Stores and 15 CMAX stores.

“This new facility is a key component of a process aiming at improving our distribution operations in order to better serve our customers across the country,” said UAP president and CEO Robert Hattem.

Matco launches ‘Tools for the Cause’ campaign Matco Tools has announced that its second annual breast cancer awareness campaign will feature a new assortment of special edition pink products available for the next 12 months. As it did last year, when it surpassed its $100,000 fundraising goal, Matco will donate 15% of the sales of these prod-

ucts to Susan G. Komen For the Cure – a foundation dedicated to beating breast cancer.

To date, the tool company has donated more than $250,000 for breast cancer research.

“We welcome the opportunity to raise awareness and funds that help support finding a cure,” said Tim Gilmore, president of Matco Tools.

Carquest golf tournament raises $15,000 for charity Customers, employees and suppliers helped Carquest Canada raise $15,000 for the Carquest-WORLDPAC Charitable Foundation at the company’s annual charity golf tournament this summer. The foundation raises funds that are used for a variety of charities in Canadian communities.

“In the seven years that we have been running this charitable tournament we have raised close to $150,000,” said Steve Gushie, president of Carquest Canada. “We are very pleased to present a cheque for $15,000 out of this year’s funds in support of the Children’s Breakfast Club.”

Mevotech receives AAIA Head of the Class Award Toronto-based Mevotech was one of six companies to be recognized with the prestigious Head of the Class award at this year’s AAIA Fall Leadership DYS event in Dallas, Texas.

“We are honoured and humbled by being recognized for the award,” said Scott Stone, the company’s vice president of sales and marketing.

The Head of the Class award was given to Mevotech based on their exceptional investment in employee education and training as well as its enthusiasm for future goals.

OCTOBER 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

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FROM OUR FORUM

Sticking your neck out Our forum members debate the potential liabilities involved in doing safety inspections.

In the most recent issue of CT there’s an article referring to an Ontario technician charged with criminal negligence causing death. That’s quite disturbing, especially considering the consequence that could follow a conviction. We have no control of how an owner drives or what happens to a vehicle after it leaves our shop, and I’ve learned the hard way that there seems to be no time limit to our liability. I was fined five months and 50,000 kilometers after I signed a certificate. I no longer do safety inspections. The liability is too great.

—Relic

I can’t see why you’d give up doing safeties. It’s a huge revenue generator and if done correctly, there’s little liability. By “properly” I mean it should take you about 1.5 hours.

Keep in mind, when you’re doing a safety you’re basically acting like a sub-contractor to the government.

You have to do it to their standards.

How many guys have actually sat down and read carefully, word-byword, the safety guidelines? I, too, was charged months after writing a safety.

It was because of three tiny, silly things, and after two days in court it got tossed. Even so, it was an eye opener and a good reminder that safety inspections should not be taken lightly.

—dantheman

I’ve done safeties for about six years now, and I’m always worried that I will miss stuff. I have even called the MTO with questions but they don’t often have the answers. For example, I once had an SUV with shaved door handles. The only way to

open any of the doors was using the remote or the driver’s door with a button in the mirror. I called twice about this but got no answer. I’ve had people threaten to report me because I am too strict. But I always stick to the brown binder as my bible.

—Lostmechanic

A safety done by the book is the only way and if done so, we need not worry.

—MMARTEL3

I can understand the concerns around performing safety inspections and the related liability and stress that surrounds it. However the solution is simple. Documentation is the key. Simply document everything. Tires… brakes… suspension…

Record all measurements and keep it all on file with the work order. You are the expert in this situation.

Should a concern arise, I can tell you from experience that things go much smoother if you followed the rules and documented everything.

—saltech

I think that brown bible everyone is talking about is about as old as another Bible we sometimes read or get to swear on in court. It’s about time it was brought up to date. We bitched about it 10 years ago and it is the same now. Canada has had federally mandated day time running lights for years but to pass a safety they don’t have to work. Explain that one!

—canuck623

I asked an inspector about this once during a routine inspection.

Technically speaking, you can pass a

vehicle with only the prescribed lighting operational, but the ministry does not encourage it. If you follow their rules, they’d have a difficult time in court. A good lawyer would clean their clock! Common sense should always prevail, but if a customer challenges your reason for a fail, they can take you to court for ‘overselling.’

—pfr

Well, I beg to differ on the lighting issue. The “bible” also states that all systems must function “as intended.” Therefore if it came with lights that worked, they need to work.

The shaved door handles are the same issue, in my opinion. They must function as intended. If there were an accident, how would anyone open the door to help the people inside?

—dantheman

I agree that one should document everything that is noted on a vehicle. But the cost of doing a safety inspection will have to increase if one has to note all the particulars of the vehicle. I can see digital pictures having to be taken and stored for a long time (maybe a year) to protect oneself.

—DRAULICO

The general rule of thumb (and this is very general) is “If it came with it, it needs it.”

—Nathaniel 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 want to hear it!

OCTOBER 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

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ITS YOUR TURN

Unsafe for the road New website with pictures of dangerous vehicles might inspire governments to establish much-needed safety inspections.

By Rick McMullin I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: annual safety inspections are long overdue in this country!

I’ve talked to a lot of shop owners and we’re all just sick of seeing cars coming into our facilities with tie-rods falling off and bald tires.

Earlier this year, a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck came into my shop for an e-test and an oil change. The vehicle was in pretty rough shape. The brakes were dangerously bad and we told the owner it was not safe to drive.

Nevertheless, he drove away, against our recommendation, without letting us fix the brakes.

Today that same vehicle was towed to our shop. The frame had buckled when he slammed the truck into the porch of his own house. He must have been flying to do the kind of damage we saw! When he needed the brakes the most, they weren’t there for him.

That car should not have been on the road. We can tell people that until we go blue in the face, but it’s up to them if they want to listen to us. I see vehicles all over town that have been in my shop, and that I know they’re not fit for driving. I’ve told the owners of these junkers that they need to take them off the road. Obviously they didn’t agree!

I don’t have the authority to pull the plates… and I’m not looking for that kind of power. I don’t want to be

a police officer. But neither do I think that guy should have had insurance coverage for his truck. His insurance company should have known what they were insuring. I’m sure if they had known it wasn’t fit for the road they

would have denied it coverage. What if a kid had been playing in front of his house? What if a person happened to be walking by when he lost control and slammed the truck into his home?

This is nuts!

So, I’ve set up a website called UnsafeCars.net where shop owners and technicians can post pictures of the cars they see that shouldn’t be on the road.

I think UnsafeCars.net could be a great resource for insurance companies who might be surprised to find pictures of their clients’ vehicles posted there. It might open the eyes of other motorist who will be shocked to see what they are sharing

the road with. There’s even the chance that some politicians will see it and act.

I’m a firm believer that annual safety inspections are not only justified, they’re of critical importance in this country.

Vehicle owners that thumb their noses at our recommendations are not thinking about any one else’s safety. It is the height of selfishness and insensitivity. In some cases, it is criminal behaviour.

They’re not just endangering themselves. They’re endangering the people beside them on the road, as well as those coming in the opposite direction.

Sometimes technicians leave at the end of the day feeling a little deflated, knowing that the car that was just in the bay is not ready to be back on the road. Well, here’s something they can do about it: Take a picture of the vehicle and post it for the world to see.

This issue needs a voice. I don’t need any of the glory, and I’m happy to do the legwork. It will all be worth it if the right people see it and do something about it!

Rick McMullin is the owner of Ricky Ratchets Auto in London, Ont.

OCTOBER 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

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COLLECTIVE WISDOM A management feature that explores the lessons learned in peer groups.

Marketing your shop There are a lot of pressures on auto repair shops.

Sometimes increasing profitability means increasing your car count.

So where do you start? By Alan Beech DEAR YANIC

per g hours in s a e r c in rticle on … but it ur last a t advice o a y e r r g fo e s m Thank gave so er. You d r I o ir o a rep esti ns. o I think y good, s some qu tt h it re p w s s is e left m per RO y busine ge hours rder for m o in t u B My avera t down. cars! t concep eed more n I l, 2005. e have tha v tors, in next le o e M th o to tr ess, Me to move ount has my car c my busin d d e c te ti r o ta n e Is rs, but years I’v custome w fe w t e s n la e nd Over the gain som V ads, a io and T I’d love to . d d a r e u n a th u r . In e plate it costs to e money t th a h th w r o n ts w I’ve see onal par would be h a nati it ot sure it w n s t s s w e ju in as sin I’m brought d my bu e it d s n s a e r b in s past, I dded bu ew. ut the a b , m ething n a r m g o cation. s pro y tr ess is lo like to in d s I’ u . b e y g we rm not hu city, and hurdle fo ig t b s e a g f ig The b l area o ecialize industria s. We sp d n a a o r in in MW, y ma We’re ork on B w from an ly y it in il a ib m lack vis to reach and we nostics, be able g o ia t d e o k r li d ’t very in Eu sches. I’ ere aren r o th P t u d b n Audis a wners… se car o e th f o e about rhood. mor ou talk eighbou y n o r D u o ? t d es many in What kin ou sugg ? y p u ld o u r o g end?

What w ur peer recomm at in yo u h o t y e k ld li u o things tegies w ting stra e k r a m of —Yanic

LAN, DEAR A

Thanks for your email. This is absolutely the kind of thing that comes up in peer groups. Marketing a business is a major challenge. I’ve faced it myself, so I know you’re not alone!

Even with a good average of labour hours sold per RO, some shops still require more cars per day to achieve their targets. But, before we talk about marketing your shop, let’s take a moment and understand some of the external trends in the automotive world that are impacting shops today.

The fact is that most aftermarket shops in Canada don’t have enough cars coming into the service bays. Here are some of the reasons: 1. Car dealerships are working extra hard to hold on to the customer longer.

In the past, the typical customer came to the aftermarket anywhere between two to three years, when warranty runs out. Today, some customers never leave the dealership.

2. Dealerships are a lot more competitive in their service pricing.

3. New car companies are not recommending the amount of scheduled maintenance they used to. If the customer has a 25,000 interval for an oil change service you may see them every year to year and a half. This will be a topic for future discussion.

4. New cars today are built better than ever. So they don’t require the amount of repairs that they used to.

So, clearly there are some pressures on the modern automotive repair shop.

For you to take your business to the next level, you may find you need to add another technician. Maybe even OCTOBER 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

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two. And to do this, you’re absolutely right: you need more cars.

So given these external factors, how do we increase our car count?

I’ve heard of Metro Motors, and I love the business model of your shop. Your passion to work on Porsche, Audis, and BMWs is amazing.

The customers love your expertise and how you care for their babies. It sounds like the problem is that not enough customers know about your shop. This awareness is vital for your future success.

You’re an expert on what makes your business unique and exciting. Now you need to play it up!

What I’m suggesting will cost a fraction of the price of a traditional advertising program.

First, promote your unique story: What makes your shop different? What other types of cars do you work on?

At this point you can’t turn away any customer, but down the road when your bays are full and you can’t keep up with the work, then you can tell your customers that you only work on a particular brand. I know this is only a dream at this point, by why not dream?

Next, you’ll need a unique and memorable logo. A logo that captures what Metro Motors is all about. This is the start of any brand. Trust me, this will be some of the best money you ever spend! You can use this logo everywhere – on invoices, uniforms, shop vehicles, business cards, and the signs out front.

Everything you do will feature this logo.

Perhaps most prominently, it will be on every page of your website – the site you will build to tell your unique story.

Given the type of vehicles you work on, it makes sense that your website – and your Facebook page – will feature lots of pictures of these cool cars. And because this kind of car owner can relate to other owners, your website should feature plenty of testimonials 22

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN OCTOBER 2013

about the great work you do. You need to start now by asking your customers to write reviews. These reviews will populate your website.

You know, a website is a bit like your facility. You want it to be clean and inviting. We’ve all seen bad websites that are cluttered and difficult to navigate.

They give you a headache just trying to figure out basic information! Your website needs to present your shop in the best possible light. People who come across it while surfing the Internet for a repair shop to take their car to will be impressed. They’ll start to understand that Metro Motors could be the solution to all of their vehicle problems.

This website becomes the platform that you use to talk to your customers – through blogs and tweets that will then end up on other social media platforms.

Another tactic that you could use to find new customers, done at a very low cost, is simply to ask existing customers to recommend Metro Motors to their friends and family.

You’ll have even more success if you formalize the process with an incentive referral program. A referral card gives all the typical information a customer will need to find you – but on the reverse side, it features a $40 incentive that can be redeemed by any new customer.

Your existing customers can sign the

card, so you know the referral came from them, and they could receive some kind of value-added service. It’s a win-win-win! Some shops have found that these cards have become their number one source of new customers.

This may all sound like a huge project, but it doesn’t have to be done overnight. First build your brand. Take the time to really understand all that is truly great about your shop.

Develop a professional logo. Then tell the community all about it on a clean, professionally developed website. Use all the social media you’re comfortable with, and ask your customers to tell their friends and family.

This won’t cost you a lot of money.

It’s a fraction of what you’d spend on TV or radio advertising.

Best of all, you can really have fun as you define your story, promote your shop, and move the dial on the performance of your business. I’m impressed with your determination to make positive changes in your business.

One of my favorite books, The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, speaks to the power of making small positive changes in one’s life, and how these changes lead to personal success over time. Much like a bank account that grows with compound interest.

Thanks again for your email, I hope this advice helps you plan an effective marketing strategy.

Alan Beech is the owner of Beech Motorworks in Hamilton, Ont. He also has a consulting business, advising shop owners on modern management principles. Want to know more about peer groups? You can reach Alan at alan@beechconsulting.ca.

We have a Winner!

OF THE YEAR

2013

Congratulations to Blaine Boutin, lead hand and foreman at Dyneco Automotive Service in Edmonton, Alta. He’s the Canadian Technician of the Year for 2013.

Blaine was awarded this prestigious award and the prizes that go with it at the LinderTech North Technical Training Conference in Toronto.

The event – sponsored by Snap-on Tools of Canada, Federal-Mogul, and Total Lubricants –

was the culmination of a nationwide call for nominations. In keeping with the mandate of our magazine, we were looking for a well-rounded person who is highly skilled, dedicated to customer service, a leader in the shop, involved in his community, and actively working to improve the image of our industry.

We found it in Blaine!

As Canadian Technician of the Year, Blaine wins $10,000 in prizes, including: ■ a Solus Ultra Full-Function Scan Tool from Snap-on Tools of Canada, with 13.4 software update; ■ a BK8000 Advanced Wireless Digital Video Scope from Snap-on Tools of Canada; ■ a $750 spending spree from Total Lubricants; ■ a 64 GB Apple iPad with Retina Display, updated with iOS 7 from Federal-Mogul; and ■ $5,000 in cash.

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors:

Premium Sponsor

www.snapon.com Award Sponsors

www.total-lub.ca

www.federalmogul.com

Media Sponsor

Association Sponsor

We’re already looking forward to next year’s Canadian Technician of the Year award!

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DIAGNOSTIC SPECIALIST Edmonton’s Blaine Boutin is the OF THE YEAR

2013

By Allan Janssen

His boss says he could have been a surgeon if he’d put his mind to it, but Blaine Boutin insists he was born to fix cars.

“It sure seems that way,” he says.

“I’ve always been doing repairs.

Growing up on the farm, we always did our own repairs. We fixed everything there, just learning as we went.”

Blaine has spent the best part of 25 years developing his skills as a diagnostic technician, and working his way up to foreman and lead technician at Dyneco Automotive in Edmonton, Alta.

Now the 43-year-old technician has been named the Canadian Technician of the Year.

The award comes with $5,000 in cash plus an assortment of prizes from sponsors Snap-on Tools of Canada, Federal-Mogul, Total Lubricants, and

AIA Canada.

Blaine originally considered electrical engineering as a career after doing audio installations at a stereo shop.

“I was really interested in that and I started doing electronic repairs. That’s what made me think of getting into electronic engineering,” he says. “After a while, though, I figured out that wasn’t really what I wanted. If I stayed with it, I’d end up building computers at a desk.”

Instead, he took what he learned at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology into the automotive bay.

“I transferred it right into this,” he says. “I learned a lot about electrical; I learned a lot about electronics; and I learned how the systems in electronics and computers work. To this day that really helps me.”

Now he supervises three other licensed techs and two apprentices.

His success in the bay is unquestioned, and it led his boss, Dyneco co-owner OCTOBER 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

27

Mark Stevens (left) and Dave Meunier (right) with their diagnostic guru, Blaine Boutin, at Dyneco Automotive in Edmonton.

Mark Stevens, to nominate him as the Canadian Technician of the Year.

“Blaine’s dedication to the trade is unbelievable,” says Mark. “The guy is a stand-up technician as far as educating, and diagnosing, and trying to explain some very complicated repairs to our clients.”

He says Blaine excels at the kind of work that mechanically-oriented technicians are not the best at.

“Whether it’s intermittent electronic problems or drivability problems related to noise and vibration, he just doesn’t get stumped.”

Part of that is because Blaine loves a good training course.

“Most techs just show up for the meetings,” says Mark. “Here’s a guy who prepares for them and helps to lead them!”

Mark co-owns Dyneco Automotive with Dave Meunier, a well-known management trainer. He says Blaine is a

textbook example of a technician who has gotten “on board” with management principles, even though he spends most of his time in the repair bay.

“Blaine’s intelligence and his intuition are impressive,” says Dave.

“He puts things together in a hurry.

I’m telling you, he could have been a surgeon if he’d wanted to be, but he definitely has a passion for cars.”

Dave and Mark both say Dyneco’s reputation for quality work has a lot to do with Blaine.

“We always knew what we had in Blaine,” says Dave. “There were lots of people that started sending vehicles from other shops for Blaine to figure out. He was always our go-to guy to solve the toughest diagnostic problems that no one else could solve.”

I think a lot of people come into this industry thinking it’s going to be easy. It’s not easy.

THANK YOU, JUDGES! The Canadian Technician of the Year award celebrates those who demonstrate leadership in the industry, their shop, and their community.

Finalists were judged according to their skills in general repairs, diagnostics, and customer service, as well as their commitment to training, improving the image of the industry, and projecting a positive attitude.

Special thanks to the industry judges who gave their expert opinions: Matt Armstrong – Licensed technician at Sussex Corner Service Cen-

28

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN OCTOBER 2013

“That’s not to say it’s always easy,” Blaine laughs. “Everyone gets humbled now and then!”

But those who watch him work are amazed at the depth of his focus and skill. He is a meticulous technician.

“I won’t accept sub-par work, and I absolutely hate comebacks,” he says.

“I’m kind of a stickler to get things done right the first time. If you work at our shop, I expect you to do your very best work.”

He says Dyneco maintains its low come-back rates by employing strict quality control procedures.

“We train the guys so that when they’re done a job, they go over their work again, and then road test it. I do a lot of road testing to just make sure it’s been done right. You have to go

ter, Sussex Corner, N.B. Rod Gillies – Licensed technician and owner of GillTech Auto Repair in Red Deer, Alta.

Allan Haberman – Trainer and diagnostic troubleshooter with ACA Mobile Diagnostics and ACA Training in Winnipeg, Man. Clara Hooper – Owner of Buny’s ’N Bugs Auto Repair in Chilliwack, B.C. Dan Lazin - Licensed technician and owner of Advanced Automotive in Cambridge, Ont. Matt Martel – Licensed technician and owner of Lebrun Service Centre in Ottawa, Ont. Michael Smith - Technical writer for CPCPA in Montreal, Que., which develops training courses for automotive technicians.

OF THE YEAR

the extra mile to make sure every job is done right. Spend an extra 10 minutes rechecking things, because if it comes back, you’ll probably have to spend hours on it. That just kills productivity.”

He enjoys working with all the guys in the shop, but particularly the apprentices. He tries to show them that automotive repair can be a collaborative job – something he learned years ago from his own mentor at Canadian Tire, Marc Bourret, now a trainer for the Edmonton Rush lacrosse team.

“He didn’t give me the answers. He wanted me to think. He wanted me to understand what I was doing,” says Blaine. “And I still do the same thing.”

He says flowcharts can lead technicians “down the garden path” and force them to spend more time than they should, testing things that aren’t really relevant.

“I try to get the guys to first think about how things work. Look at the big picture.

When you think of things that way it makes it a lot simpler,” he says. “Everyone thinks diagnostics is so complicated. But it’s all signals; it’s all electrical. You just have to think about what the component is trying to accomplish.”

Blaine says he won’t be turning wrenches until he kicks the bucket.

“Oh no! I couldn’t! This job is too hard on the body!”

But he has given some thought to teaching. He has plenty of good advice for young apprentices.

“You need to listen. You need to ask a lot of questions and listen to the answers,” he says. “I think a lot of people come into this industry thinking it’s going to be easy. It’s not easy. You can’t just grab some wrenches and become a mechanic. It’s not that simple anymore. It’s way more technically advanced than it ever has been. And you have to be willing to learn.”

He’s already taken a baby step into the teaching world by getting involved with the provincial apprenticeship committee, which recently rewrote the

Blaine is active in automotive ice racing, stock car dirt track racing, and go-kart racing with his son Rylan. He also enjoy dirt-biking, sledding and camping with his family and friends.

THE FULL SLATE FINALISTS Jeremy Allen, Scotia Hyundai, River Hebert, N.S. Chris Baughman, Chris Baughman Automotive, Bancroft, Ont. Josh Booy, Steve’s Automotive, Woodstock, Ont. Michael Briggs, Grant Street Garage, Ottawa, Ont. Duke Chafe, Chester Service Centre, Chester, N.S. Carl Hutman, Get-About Auto Repairs, Winnipeg, Man. Doug Nuspl, Pat Gibbons (Ford) Ltd., Neilburg, Sask.

NOMINEES Brian Barber, Roy Barber Services, Ottawa, Ont. Dan Bowman, Sherwood Park Service, Edmonton, Alta.

Robert Burchard, Midas, Timmins, Ont. Christopher Burns, Burns Racing, Strathroy, Ont. Ken Butts, Wrenchmasters Autopro, Red Deer, Alta.

2013

apprenticeship curriculum.

“I really enjoyed that. We just did a complete overhaul of the curriculum for apprentices in this province. We took out what is outdated, what is no longer relevant, and we added in all kinds of new technology,” he explains. “We had to get back up-to-date, because it hadn’t been overhauled in over 10 years.”

Part of that included incorporating some maintenance procedures that hadn’t been covered before. Blaine is a big believer in preventive maintenance, proving the value of that model with his own 1998 Chevy truck.

“It’s got 418,000 clicks on it with the original engine, tranny, and differential.

There are no leaks on that truck, because it’s been fully maintained from day one.

The maintenance schedule is the reason it’s still running,” he says. “The maintenance schedule is going to save you money in the long run. I’ve seen the numbers.”

There’s something appropriate in Blaine’s driving a 15-year-old vehicle that is kept on the road with a combination of muscle, preventive maintenance and TLC. “This is the find of stuff that’s fun to work on,” he says. “It’s one of the reasons I love this job. It’s definitely not boring!”

We’d like to congratulate everyone who was nominated as Canadian Technician of the Year.

Barry Chant, Canadian Tire, Halifax, N.S. Kevin Cordner, Kompressors Auto World, Stoney Creek, Ont. Jean Denis, Crysler Automotive Center, Crysler, Ont. Robert Dillingham, Valks Auto Centre, Edmonton, Alta.

Ryan Drysdale, A&B Ford Sales, Perth, Ont. Brett Fitt, Allfitts Auto, Airdrie, Alta.

Frank Kouwenhoven, Lakeside Autocare, Peachland, B.C. Steve Letourneau, Mecanique Expert, Inc., Mont St-Hilaire, Que. Danny McDonell, Kingland Ford, Yellowknife, N.W.T. Brian McGowan, Kingston Nissan, Kingston, Ont. Daniel Morrison, Dieseltech Truck Repair, Burnaby, B.C. James Mulholland, Jim Gauthier Dodge, Winnipeg, Man. Ellen Paquette, Fix Auto Ottawa Central, Ottawa, Ont. Brandon James Pilkey, DCB Automotive, Toronto, Ont. Mark Richmond, Q. Cove Auto Repair, Quadra Island, B.C. Aaron Van de Kemp, Cleanline Automotive, Invermere, B.C.

OCTOBER 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

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y l r e Prop ped p i u q e Modern service machines, like alignment machines, tire mounting equipment, and wheel balancers, make your work better, quicker, and more accurate.

By Jeff Taylor Shop equipment is not the kind of thing most techs think too much about… until a job rolls in that requires machinery they don’t have.

Maybe the shop doesn’t have that particular tool. Or maybe the equipment’s on the fritz. Either way, it means the technician can’t perform the task he or she was hired to do. And that can get frustrating.

Having the right shop equipment – whether it’s a scanner, a TPMS tool, or a lift – is a prerequisite to servicing modern vehicles. Not only do they make repairs possible, but if we can keep them busy enough, we’re sure to be very profitable.

Let’s take a closer look at three critically important pieces of equipment for any full-service repair shop: alignment machines, tire changers, and wheel balancers.

Alignment machines

Doing a basic vehicle alignment is like everything else in our industry, it’s changing fast! Technology is moving forward at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, there are shops out there that are not keeping up. They’re still using straight gauges and chalk. And while, yes, they’re able to per30

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN OCTOBER 2013

form basic toe and camber settings, their idea of a fourwheel alignment involves doing the front wheels and then backing the car onto the rack to check the rear-end.

This is not the way it should be performed. All four wheels need to be checked at the same time to ensure they give the best performance.

Today’s alignment machines use technology that makes this incredibly easy. They’re fully electronic, and they’re very accurate. I’m not going to go into how they work because each manufacturer has its own proprietary technology (and they all believe theirs is much better than the other guys!).

What I want to talk about is some of the issues that an alignment can cause, and the most common mistakes being made by guys that already use a good alignment machine.

Believe it or not, an alignment can cause a series of dash lights to come on, and can reveal problems that were not there before the alignment was done.

Yes, steering angle sensors will have to be reset. Many can be reset manually by simply having the vehicle running and turning the steering wheel full lock a couple of times and doing a road test

When you see wheels like this, a thorough front-end check is definitely warranted. Not only does this customer need a new set of tires, but the vehicle is going to require a proper alignment as well.

Setting up the steering sensors after an alignment or steering service is fairly straightforward… as long as you have the right scan tool to prevent unwanted warning lights from coming on when you’re done. This is on a Subaru. “VDC” stands for vehicle dynamics control, Subaru’s proprietary term for stability control.

and cycling the key. But for others you’ll have to use a scanner to tell the applicable controller that the steering angle has been reset and the steering wheel is now in the straight-ahead position.

This is definitely something that you need to be aware of… especially if you’re changing a steering rack on an electric-power steering vehicle. In some cases a generic aftermarket scan tool will suffice. Other times, you’ll need the proper factory tool. Either way, this should be built into your alignment price. Whenever you pull out a scan tool, you should be paid for it. It’s only fair since you had to lay out the cash for the tool. You should be reimbursed for using it.

The last thing you need after performing an alignment is to have the customer drive away only to discover

a ‘Check Steering,’ ABS or a stability control warning light is lit on the dash.

Now they have to come back in to have that light turned off. They may also complain about their cruise not working anymore, due to a collision avoidance issue. Stay ahead of these potential problems by using your information system properly, and charging accordingly. Many shops that do regular alignments are guilty of underselling the whole job.

According to Brad Moffat, of Hunter Engineering Company, most shops don’t build in the cost of rear adjustments that are often required. Neither do they bill for the extra time and pieces required for a full alignment in

rust-belt parts of the country.

To do a proper alignment, the equipment has to be in tip-top shape, or else you could get into trouble. Turn plates have to be free and not binding, and the rear slip plates have to be working just as smoothly.

Moffat says he’s seen situations where the rear slip plates were seized or binding to the point that even the best alignment equipment would not work properly. He says many shops will skip the rear adjustment if the rear plates are not functioning. This is not a big deal on a pickup truck or other vehicle that has a non-adjustable rear end, but these days just about every other vehicle has some sort of adjustment in the rear.

OCTOBER 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

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Mounting equipment

Like alignment machines, tire-mounting machines have become very sophisticated in recent years.

I started in the trade working on an old manual Coats 20/20 tire machine that required lots of physical strength, and a bubble balancer that worked great at the time. Many vehicles now have 20” wheels, run-flats, painted rims, protective coatings, unusual tire pressure sensors, or the dreaded reverse drop center. To work on these wheels, you need very different techniques, and a top-quality machine.

And it doesn’t stop there! This isn’t a job for the grunt guy or the shop’s designated “tire buster” anymore. Sure you need brute power, but most times you need two or even three people to perform the job without damaging the wheel assembly.

Any old tire machine can change an ugly old steel wheel, but unless your customer is blind, they’re going to notice any little mark you left.

Visible scars could be the least of your concerns. You could also damage the wheel in some invisible way that affects the balance? Trust me this can happen.

Follow the dots Colour dots are found on the sidewall of most tires these days. They’re designed to help you when you’re installing and balancing.

The red dot indicates the highest point of the tire. When the tire is spinning, the centrifugal forces won’t be equal all the way around because the tire isn’t perfectly round. There will be “high” and “low” spots that set up a harmonic or wave effect. This can cause tire-wear issues as well as road force variations due to radial run out.

(That’s a fancy terms for “vibration.”)

Steel wheels tend to have the same issues and are usually marked with a dimple so that the red dot will line up. The dimple is the lowest spot on the rim, and if you match that with the highest point on the tire the forces should cancel each other out.

The yellow dot is the lightest point on the tire. Just as a tire is not perfectly round, it isn’t perfectly balanced all the way around either. So in theory the yellow dot should be lined up with the heaviest point on the rim, which is usually the valve stem. This can be difficult on many new alloy rims or custom wheels where the valve stem is not mounted on the outside for aesthetical reasons.

Which dot should be used? Well the red dot should be used first but if the wheel isn’t marked, start with the yellow dot at the valve. If it still takes too much weight, mark the tire and wheel and rotate the tire 180 degrees on the wheel and try rebalancing. This is different if using a road force balancer. You should ask your sales rep for proper instruction and training to line up the red dot with the first harmonic for the best balance.

Wheel balancers

Tire balancers are now a must for every shop that works on wheels. They’ve come a long way from the old bubble balancer I was trained on… and for good reason. Today’s vehicles have much tighter suspensions and steering, which are able to transfer more road feel and tire imbalance to the driver.

Without the correct tire machine, proper tire installation is tricky.

Besides that, many wheels now need tape weights because there are no lips on the rims. There are also centerless wheels now too that require a proper electronic balancer – one that has been carefully installed, accurately leveled, and recently calibrated.

Road force (RF) balancers are now capable of applying simulated driving forces to the wheel assembly so you’ll know ahead of time how a tire will perform. It helps you determine exactly how the tire needs to be mounted. If 32

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN OCTOBER 2013

there’s a problem, it can determine exactly how severe it is.

All of this can improve productivity by allowing you to know even before the road test if the car is going to pull to one side or the other.

Profitability

The increasing use of winter tires in most regions of the country has led to more frequent mounting and balancing of tires. This provides us an opportunity to get a vehicle up on a lift to inspect the brakes and suspension systems. It also lets us provide information to the customer on the current state of their vehicle, and suggest services that it’s going to need in the future.

Alignment checks, and tire balancing allow us to address handling concerns immediately. They also help to prevent tire damage, which

ultimately saves your customer money.

Like it or not, service intervals are getting longer and longer. Your customers are coming in fewer times than they used to. That means you have fewer opportunities to make sure their vehicles are operating like they should.

Modern equipment allows you to provide critical services quickly and accurately.

So make sure you’re capable of doing a complete job correctly the first time… and without creating a problem that wasn’t there before you started.

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

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Cordless, battery-powered tools are more powerful than ever… and with advanced battery technology, many technicians are embracing them in the bay.

By Sarah Voigt

ool technology is ever evolving, and one of the latest trends in automotive power tools is an increase in popularity of cordless, battery-powered tools.

While traditional pneumatic tools and air compressors will likely forever have a place in the shop, more and more technicians are opting for the portable, cordless versions of their favourite air tools.

Still, many technicians are convinced that electric power tools don’t compare in terms of sheer power and torque, but many manufacturers’ electric tools are exceeding expectations with their latest technology.

With the progressed development

OCTOBER 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

35

of lithium-ion, the latest battery-operated tools can pack just as much of a punch as their traditional competitors. Jody Baker, product manager at Matco Tools explains, “Our cordless line is very powerful. Our quarter-inch cordless impact is more powerful than our quarter-inch air impact.”

Baker says Matco’s three-eighth-inch and half-inch cordless impacts are comparable in strength. The brand’s 18v three-eighth-inch impact wrench can deliver up to 325 ft. lbs. of breakaway torque, which isn’t far behind the air tool comparison at 370 ft. lbs.

Lithium-ion, the platform that just about all battery-operated power tools use these days, has dramatically changed the market. It has a number of advantages over older battery technologies, such as nickel cadmium, like a substantially higher power density – or power to weight ratio. This has resulted in smaller, lighter battery packs that offer up to twice the run time, along with a longer lifespan and better operating characteristics.

Walter Booth, director of IC national account sales for Milwaukee Tools explains, “We’ve re-invented lithium every year since 2008, so some of the performance we’re getting out of our battery-operated tools today outperform even corded tools in the market. The technology has really sort of leapfrogged itself all the way up there so in some cases you could actually get rid of your cord and go straight to a cordless platform.”

Lithium-ion tools also eliminate the “battery memory” issues associated with ni-cad. In the past, if you charge your ni-cad tool after only using 80 percent of its capacity, 80 percent would become the new maximum.

The same goes for charging cycles.

If you consistently charge a ni-cad battery to only 80 percent, the battery “remembers” and 80 percent becomes the new max. Tools that utilize lithium-ion technology can be re-charged at any time, regardless of its state of discharge.

36

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN OCTOBER 2013

Coming technology:

brushless motors You don’t see brushless power tools in too many automotive repair bays… but that could change as the technology matures and costs go down.

The expectation is that brushless technology could extend motor life by a factor of 10 while delivering 50% more run-time between charges, and about 25% more power.

The “brushes” they’re doing away with are not the soft bristly kind you might imagine. Instead they’re small carbon (or other soft material) components, designed to deliver electricity to the revolving part of the motor. Spring-loaded against the commutator, they create a fair bit of friction and sparking, so they wear out with use.

Brushless motors, on the other hand, use a permanent magnet positioned inside the motor. Internal circuitry creates a revolving magnetic field in the stator that causes the shaft to spin, friction free. This results in less energy loss, less heat build-up, and longer motor life. And brushless motors can also be made to be more powerful. Because the copper windings are on the outside of the motor configuration, there’s room to make them larger.

It’s not new technology. Brushless motors have been around in a number of applications since the 1960s, but have only recently been put to use in power tools.

As for when you’ll see them for automotive repair applications, there are still some cost barriers to clear. Frankly, it takes more electronics to manage the motor.

Even though brushless motors bring significant performance improvements, that has to be balanced by how much people will pay for it. And, as the technology matures it will likely come down in price.

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Delphi fuel pumps deliver fast-pressure rise for quick engine starts and feature internal guide rod springs and an integrated OE fuel vapor pressure sensor. What does that mean? Reliable fuel pumps you, and your customers, can trust. Providing you with the benefit of more than 100 years of OE heritage, we are the company that makes the parts cars are born with.

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Lithium-ion also never “leaks” energy. If you set aside a fully charged ni-cad tool for a day or two, it will need to be recharged before you can use it again. With a lithium-ion battery pack, a fully charged battery will never lose its charge without use.

Lithium-ion also offers a considerable environment benefit at the end of its life, unlike its heavy metal predecessor, it’s not going into landfills.

An important factor in battery technology that’s changing the game is charging time versus running time.

In the past, technicians that opted for battery-powered tools would find themselves frustrated when the battery drains faster than the battery can charge. In order to fully utilize battery-powered tools, the purchase of several additional batteries and chargers was required in order to have full power for a full day. Now, because of advancements in charging time and running time, these lithium-ion tools will last much longer than it takes one battery pack to charge.

“Charge times for our 12-volt batteries are anywhere from 25-30 minutes to fully charge. If you get into an 18-volt technology, you’re closer to 45 minutes to an hour to charge,” says Booth. “The nice thing is technology is so advanced that you can get through the full performance of that battery prior to that battery expiring, and your other battery is ready to go.”

Now that these tools are equipped with the latest in battery technology, technicians are able to truly benefit from the convenience and accessibility of a cordless tool. Most obviously, when it comes to mobility and ergonomics.

Compared to pneumatic airline tools, cordless, battery-powered tools are lighter to hold, and they eliminate the need to drag around (and potentially trip over) a clumsy airline. Not to mention you can drastically reduce the amount of time you spend wrapping, unwrapping, detangling and cleaning

your lines. Cordless tools also broaden your technician’s mobility when the cords do not restrict them.

From a safety standpoint, cordless, battery operated tools also have the advantage. Aside from being lighter and therefore easier on the wrists, elbows and shoulders, battery-operated tools are also much quieter than the traditional pneumatic versions. An automotive shop is a noisy place, and while many noisy tools are essential, you can reduce the noise pollution in your shop by opting for some batterypowered tools where possible.

The final hurdle when comparing cordless, battery-powered tools and its pneumatic versions is pricing. While on average, cordless tools are more expensive than pneumatic because of the additional expense of batteries and chargers. However, most manufacturers offer “bare” cordless tool options. Once you’ve purchased the charger and a battery, you’re able to buy any compatible cordless tool itself.

Booth explains, “If you take out the cost of two batteries and the charger, and you just buy the tool itself, you can use that on your existing platform.

So, that helps to reduce the cost, and ultimately the barrier of entry for technicians out there.”

The same applies for Matco’s line.

Its “bare” cordless tools are actually less expensive than the air versions.

Many manufacturers want to push their cordless tools into the market.

As a result, these products often go on sale, and the reduced price is often very comparable to a pneumatic version, battery and charger included.

While a total domination of cordless tools may not be in the near future, as younger technicians enter the trade, many of them are embracing new technology and steering away from pneumatics.

When it comes to power tools in the shop, cordless, battery-powered options are more appealing than ever before.

PRODUCT CENTRAL

Cabin air filter Cordless impact wrench Snap-on’s new 3/8-inch Drive 18 Volt Cordless Impact Wrench (CT8810) features a slender design, balanced ergonomic control, and 230 ft. lbs. of torque output. It has an 18-volt lithium battery with a digital fuel gauge and micro-controller to sense temperature and amperage, cutting off power to the motor before it can overheat. It also features alloy steel, heat treated, helical gears for maximum durability. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-549

Cleaner and degreaser Mean Green Industrial Strength Cleaner & Degreaser is detailed in a four-page, full-colour brochure. Available in spray bottles, gallons, 5-, 30- and 55-gallon

containers, and new 275-gallon totes, Mean Green dissolves grease, grime and stubborn stains. It is ideal for routine or periodic cleaning, maintenance, machinery rebuilds, for use in dip tanks and parts washer tanks, as well as removing stubborn floor stains on concrete. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-542

Cleaner for buffing pads Shurhold Industries has introduced a Serious Pad Cleaner, designed to keep the company’s buffing pads in top shape. The scientifically formulated powdered cleaner is environmentally friendly and biodegradable. This cleaner dissolves compounds and waxes from wool, foam, and blended buffing pads. It also removes caked on and saturated product. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-541

Bosch has expanded its line of Workshop Cabin Air Filters to include 23 new part numbers that cover 17.6 million additional vehicles in North America – domestic, European and Asian.

Two types are available from Bosch – standard particulate filters and activated charcoal filters. Particulate filters feature specially engineered mold-resistant media for optimum performance. Activated charcoal filters also provide maximum absorption of foul smelling gases such as ozone, nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and hydrocarbons. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-540

Long-handle ratchet Apex Tool Group says the handle on its GearWrench 84-Tooth Long-Handle Ratchets is over 25 percent longer than standard ratchets, offering increased reach and greater leverage. The 84tooth gear offers a 4.3 degree swing arc

making it easy for technicians to start fasteners in the most confined spaces.

They’re available in either full-polish or cushion grip in the following drive sizes: 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-539

Rebuilder’s cast finish PlastiKote Rebuilder’s Cast Finish has a fast-drying formulation that retains colour up to 300F and resists oil, brake fluid and gasoline.

PlastiKote Rebuilder’s Cast Finish in Aluminum (#282) can be used on alternators, transmission housings and water pumps, and Cast Gray (#285) is designed for brake master cylinders, engine blocks, idler arms and brackets and many more cast-iron parts. The 360-degree valve on the aerosol can makes it easier to achieve even coverage. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-538

Suspension kit Rancho now offers a brand-new “Level It” performance suspension system designed to easily lift the front of 2003-2012 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 diesel trucks.

The Rancho Level It Dodge Ram system (P/N RS66450R7) fits up to 35” tires, and includes sway bar relocation brackets, a set of front Rancho RS7000MT monotube shocks and variable rate front coil springs. It also includes highly detailed, full-colour product installation guides. Aftermarket wheels can be used (trimming may be required). tinyurl.com/ct-prod-537

Bits for impact drills and drivers Irwin has launched the Impact Performance Series line of screwdriving bits, nutsetters, socket adapters, and bit holders for use with impact power tools. The bits are forged rather than milled for more precise fit. Nutsetters are designed to drive the fastener from the side, rather than forcing the corners to turn, maintaining the shape of the fastener and dramatically reducing breakage and damage from stripping.

Bit holders have a C-ring design with an external clip that fits into the retaining ring notch of the insert bit. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-536 OCTOBER 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

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PRODUCT CENTRAL Micro-V component kits

Management software update

Gates says it has made it easier to replace drive belts and automatic tensioners and pulleys at the same time with the introduction of Micro-V Component Kits. Designed to help keep accessory belt drive systems operating at peak efficiency, the kits make it easier to meet the recommended 1:1 tensioner-to-drive belt replacement ratio. The recommended replacement interval is 97,000 km. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-532

Diagnostic equipment

Extra-long ratchet Snap-on says its new extra-long 3/8inch ratchet (FLL80) allows technicians to access hard-to-get-at areas on a vehicle, offering seven extra inches of reach. It includes the exclusive Snap-on Dual 80 ratchet design that features an 80-tooth gear with dual pawls, and the sealed ratchet head keeps dirt out and lubrication in. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-535

ContiTech’s Power Transmission Products Group is offering a full line of products and services designed to help automotive technicians easily detect and repair faults in belt drives.

The ContiTech Belt Wear Tester detects the level of belt wear and tear by checking the profile geometry of individual ribs. The ContiTech Laser Tool measures whether all the pulleys in the belt drive are aligned. And the Belt Tension Tester Hz uses frequency to measure the tension of timing belts and multi V-belts. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-533

Mitchell 1 has given the Maintenance Module of its ProDemand repair, diagnostic and maintenance information program a new user interface so customers can more easily understand and access maintenance services. The ProDemand Maintenance Module update includes a complete redesign of the maintenance overview. Mileage- and indicator-based maintenance items have been placed in a carousel format with panels that slide horizontally to present the information in an easy-to-read graphical view. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-530

Emissions control Tenneco continues to expand its Walker emissions control line, with nearly 270 new catalytic converter, muffler and exhaust assembly part numbers now available for popular domestic and import models. The new parts include Walker Ultra EPA-compliant converters, Walker CalCat CARB-compliant converters, and premium Quiet-Flow SS stainless steel mufflers and assemblies.

They were designed for easy installation and exceptional late-model coverage. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-701

Wiper catalogue

Steering and suspension MAF sensors Delphi has launched a new MAF sensor (AF10142) covering almost five million GM applications from 2005 to 2011.

The sensors are designed to overcome contamination issues that often lead to sensor failure. Delphi says its MAF sensors are built with all-new components, not remanufactured parts, and all parts are tested and calibrated to OE standards using OE equipment. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-534 42

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN OCTOBER 2013

Moog has expanded its steering and suspension line to include nearly 40 innovative new control arm assemblies, stabilizer bar link kits, and other components for millions of late-model foreign nameplate and domestic vehicles. The new Moog Problem Solver parts include premium right and left rear upper control arm assemblies, rear upper ball joints, right and left front lower control arm assemblies, abd stabilizer link kits. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-531

Federal-Mogul has released a comprehensive new Anco Wipers master catalogue featuring a dramatic expansion of late-model coverage across the brand’s entire premium offering of OE-quality replacement wiper blades. The new catalogue (No. 3095) also features a highly user-friendly format designed to help drive wiper sales through faster, easier lookups.

Anco says its line now covers 99.9 percent of 2013 passenger vehicles and more than 99 percent of vehicles manufactured since the 2000 model year. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-529

How Dirty Do You Get?

Oil pan gasket Fel-Pro says its new Problem Solving One-Piece Gaskets are the ďŹ rst to address repair issues on 2009-2012 Hyundai, and Kia engines.

The new design – available in complete oil pan and conversion sets – provides a reliable seal on engines that feature an RTV silicone bead, rather than a conventional gasket, along the oil pan ange surface. The new one-piece Fel-Pro oil pan gasket is manufactured from a die-cut high-density ďŹ ber sheet that is fully encapsulated in a black latex rubber coating. The latex coating prevents engine oil from wicking through the gasket body to provide a long-lasting, leak-free seal. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-501

Hydraulic uids Beck/Arnley announces it has added two premium Hydraulic Fluids for European vehicles to its line of genuine OE quality uids. The fully synthetic uid, FS11 HF, is part number 252-0028, while the mineral based uid, MB7 HF, is part number 2520027. Beck/Arnley says they’re compatible with other branded central hydraulic uids of same speciďŹ cation, and feature outstanding aging and oxidation stability, due to carefully selected base oils. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-489

Almost everyone brings something home from work.

Dirty hands shouldn’t leave the shop.

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Wear indicator Auto-Camping Ltd. says its new suspension wear indicator bar (part number SE432910) is easy to use and helps to indicate all kinds of axle space. It can also be used for diagnostic fault ďŹ nding, whether it is visual, auditory, or by touch. The new part can assist technicians when diagnosing problems with wheel bearings, suspension joints, suspension strut supports, axial joints, stabilizer bars, silent blocks, or steering gear. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-488

Brake pads Federal-Mogul has introduced the ďŹ rst aftermarket replacement front brake pads for the 2013 Ford Fusion and the ďŹ rst rear pads for 2013 Dodge Dart passenger cars. The new Wagner ThermoQuiet CeramicNXT pads are among several new pad sets now available for leading late-model foreign nameplate and domestic applications. Wagner says its ThermoQuiet CeramicNXT brake pads represent the next-generation of automotive ceramic friction technology, with proprietary formulations and other features that help ensure quieter and more consistent braking performance. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-487

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43

PRODUCT CENTRAL Speed wrench

Mobile column lifts Timing belt kits CRP Automotive says it offers a range of ContiTech Pro Series Plus Timing Kits that solve special service problems by providing technicians with all of the components needed to perform a proper timing belt and water pump service. CRP includes additional components in the packaging to help technicians handle specific application issues that are typically encountered during the service. These Problem Solver kits are said to have been developed through extensive field research with input from professional service technicians. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-486

Rotary Lift says independent shops now have a new lift option to help them expand beyond their light-duty capabilities. Its new MCH413 mobile column lift allows shops to service ambulances, dump trucks, step vans, and other work trucks. The MCH413 is sold in sets of two, four or six columns, each of which has a 13,000 lb. capacity. Two columns fitted with fore and aft adapters can lift a standard pickup truck. With a total lifting capacity of 52,000 lbs., four MCH413 columns can pick up most vehicles on the road, from Class 8 trucks down to passenger cars. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-466

The new Snap-on 10-piece Ratcheting Open End Box Wrench Set (SRXRM710) provides a quick ratcheting-like action as well as easy access to hard-to-reach fasteners. Snap-on says the open-end design of these unique SRX wrenches features a patented speed wrenching configuration that delivers more speed and accessibility while also providing comfort and balance. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-480

Diagnostic tablet Matco Tool says its new Maximus diagnostic tablet provides the automotive industry with a unique solutions-based tool, capable of everything from pulling codes to diagnosing the most complex problems.

Released earlier this year, the Maximus recently won a “Top-20” award from Motor Magazine in the U.S. It allows technicians to quickly navigate through menus, access repair databases, and run multiple applications while diagnosing vehicles. It is also compatible with optional enhancements, including a 4-channel Lab Scope, a Sensor Simulator, J2534 Passthru Device and a Battery Tester. . tinyurl.com/ct-prod-558

Filter catalogue The Fram Group has released its 2013 Fram Filter Catalogue. The 1000+ page catalogue features the company’s complete line of filters for motorcycles, passenger cars, and light trucks. There is a section on high-performance filters, and a cross-reference guide. Products covered include oil filters, air filters, and transmission filters. tinyurl.com/ct-prod-465 44

CANADIAN TECHNICIAN OCTOBER 2013

ADVERTISER INDEX continued from page 46

He’ll never know the difference, and everyone who enters gets a ribbon.”

“Which category?” I asked. “Growing zucchini or hatching baby chicks with a light bulb?”

Basil frowned. “I know one of the organizers. I’ll go have a talk with him.”

On Friday we told Tooner the good news, and after work we all drove over to the arena together to collect his prize. Tooner was wearing his one and only necktie, tied in a lopsided knot. He looked around at the displays of squash and pumpkins as we approached the prize table. The stick from a candy apple was stuck to the bottom of his shoe and he kicked the ground to dislodge it. “You know, Slim, I was kinda lookin’ forward to going somewhere fancy to pick up this award.” I grimaced. “…but I suppose the magazine guys figured I’m a man of the people.”

“And they were right,” I agreed.

Rover Dangerphrase from the local newspaper was there taking photos of all the winners. “Okay, Tooner, big smile and hold your award way out in front… so I can see it.” Rover glanced at me and lowered his voice. “Pretty small ribbon. What was the category again?”

I kept a fake smile pasted on my face. “Best display of antique tools,” I muttered without moving my lips. “Just take the picture so we can get out of here while he’s still in a good mood.”

As soon as the flash went off, Basil and Beanie grabbed Tooner by the arms and whisked him over to Rolph’s Diner for a celebration dinner. Tooner’s eyes bugged out when the food arrived. “Holy cow, real meat and everything! Man, those media types sure know how to throw a party!” He emptied the ketchup bottle onto his pot roast. “Say, d’ya think I’ll get my name in the magazine?”

“Who cares?” I poked gingerly at the mashed potatoes. “What matters is that you’re a winner. In fact, as far as we’re concerned, you’re top of the heap.”

“To Tooner,” Basil said as our plastic drink tumblers clicked together dully. “There’s nobody else like him, and there never will be.”

“Hear, hear!” chimed in Beanie.

Tooner studied his ribbon again. “You know…. now that I’m famous, people are gonna expect big things outta me.” His eyes widened. “Maybe that magazine will ask me to write columns or somethin’! In fact, I’ll have to start a speaking tour and…”

Basil gave me an exasperated look. “I think we’ve created a monster,” he whispered. “I’m all for building up morale, but you have to make sure you’ve got good material to work with first!”

AIA Canada ..............................................................40 www.aiacanada.com 800-808-2920 Auto Value ................................................................39 Contact Local Representative Bars Products – Rislone ..........................................14 www.rislone.ca Blue Streak-Hygrade..................................................3 www.bluestreak.ca BMW.........................................................................47 Contact Local Retailer Bridgestone Tire ......................................................16 www.bridgestonetire.ca Cardone Industries ..................................................33 www.cardone.com Delphi Products .......................................................37 www.delphi.com De-On Supply ............................................................43 www.deonsupply.com 800-824-4115 Federal Mogul - Wagner ............................................7 www.federalmogul.com Federal Mogul – Fel Pro ..........................................11 www.federalmogul.com Federal Mogul - Moog ...............................................9 www.moogproblemsolver.com Federal Mogul – Anco .............................................13 www.ancowipers.com Imperial Oil – Mobil .................................................34 www.mobil.ca 800-567-3776 KYB America ............................................................18 www.kyb.com Mevotech ................................................................23 www.mevotech.com 416-783-7800 Mitchell 1 .......................................................... 12, 15 www.mitchell1.com NAPA ........................................................................20 www.napaonlinecanada.com 866-GET-NAPA Permatex..................................................................10 www.permatex.com

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ProMax Auto Parts Depot........................................38 www.autopartsdepot.ca 1-866-573-9889 Shell ...........................................................................4 www.shell.ca Snap-On Tools of Canada ..........................................2 www.snapon.com 1-800-734-2676 Tenneco Automotive .................................................6 Monroe - www.monroe.com

Rick Cogbill 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.

Wix Filters ................................................................26 www.wixfilters.com WorldPac........................................................... 44, 48 www.worldpac.ca 800-463-8749 Worx .........................................................................43 www.worx.ca

OCTOBER 2013 CANADIAN TECHNICIAN

45

The Car Side

By Rick Cogbill

A just reward In a long career of fixing cars, Tooner has certainly distinguished himself… but is that a good thing?

I was almost falling asleep – not a good thing, since I was driving.

The training seminar had gone overtime and I badly needed some conversation to keep me awake.

“Well, that was an interesting evening, eh?” I glanced at Tooner. He was riding shotgun, but hadn’t spoken for the past 20 minutes or so. It was unusual for him to go that long without complaining about something.

He stared out the windshield. “Best Diagnostician, huh? Can ya believe that? Old Tom Dorsey won an award from his transmission franchise.” He turned to look at me. “I ain’t never won an award.”

I gulped and looked back at the road. I wanted conversation, not true confessions. “Nothing? Not even in school?”

“Closest I ever got was a gold sticker for participatin’ in a three-legged race. My sister and I came dead last.” He sighed.

“I’d sure like to win something before I die.”

By the next morning, I’d forgotten the whole thing. But Tooner hadn’t. “Hey, would ya look at this!” he exclaimed, waving a trade magazine in my face. “These guys are holding a contest for top mechanic of the year.” He scanned the article quickly. “Says here all I need is a sponsor.” He looked at me pleadingly. “How ‘bout it, Slim?”

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CANADIAN TECHNICIAN OCTOBER 2013

I must confess that I knew about the contest, but never even considered throwing Tooner’s name in the hat. “Are you sure you qualify, Toon? I mean, it’s not all based on technical skills. You have to be good at other things, too, like projecting a positive attitude, customer service, mentoring others – you know, people skills.”

He glared at me. “And what’s wrong with my people skills?”

I spread my hands helplessly. “What about the other day when you chased Buck Pincher out of the shop with a tire iron?”

“That cheapskate was trying to borrow my tools,” he said defensively. “I was teaching him some manners! And if that ain’t mentoring, I don’t know what is!”

He had me there. So in the end I sent his name in to the magazine. Don’t get me wrong; Tooner is a great mechanic, but I really didn’t think he had a chance. And when he didn’t even make the top ten, I began hiding the magazine so he wouldn’t become depressed.

“Look, guys, we have to do something. Tooner’s gonna find out sooner or later,” I told the others.

Basil had an idea. “I see that the Fall Fair is coming up soon.

Why don’t we enter Tooner in one of the categories there? continued on page 45

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