Service Station & Garage Management April 2009

Service Station & Garage Management .com

SSGM APRIL 2009

Managing

Shop Operations: Energy Audits Air Conditioning Land Remediation

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April 2009

Vol. 39 No. 4

what’s inside

Editor

Tom Venetis (416) 510-6790 tom@ssgm.com Assistant Editor

David Halpert (416) 510-6784 dhalpert@ssgm.com Technical Editor

Jim Anderton jim@ssgm.com Art Director

Ron Taylor Publisher

Marc Gadbois (416) 510-6776 marc@ssgm.com Circulation Manager

Selina Rahaman (416) 442-5600 ext 3528 srahaman@bizinfogroup.ca Subscription Inquiries

Gail Page (416) 442-5600 ext 3549 Production Manager

Steven K. Hofmann (416) 510-6757

See Page 11

Print Production Manager

See Page 18

Phyllis Wright

Vice President Canadian Publishing

Cover Story: Energy Audits

Alex Papanou

President Business Information Group

A professional audit can help manage a shop’s energy usage, costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Air Conditioning Supplement 2009 Hot air A/C diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 MAC showcases success of auto A/C repair market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Tips for avoiding common A/C maintenance mistakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

CAT A gnawing problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Property Remediation Ontario offers to help independents tackle costs of reclaiming land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Departments Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Garage of the Year Nomination Form . . . . . . . . . .16 Jim’s Rant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Baywatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Advertiser’s Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Solutions to March Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Crossword/Sudoku . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Internet Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Last Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada, through the Canada Magazine Fund, toward our editorial costs .

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Publications Assistance Program towards our mailing costs .

PAP Registration No . 11028

4 SSGM April 2009

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From time to time we make our subscription list available to select companies and organizations whose product or service may interest you. If you do not wish your contact information to be made available, please contact us via one of the following methods: Phone: 1-800-668-2374, Fax: 416-510-5148 E-mail: jhunter@businessinformationgroup.ca Mail to: Privacy Officer, Business Information Group 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, Toronto, ON Canada M3C 4J2 ISSN #0381 548X “Postmaster: Please forward forms 29B and 67B to 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800 Toronto, ON M3C 4J2 Return Postage Guaranteed” Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069240 Return Postage Guaranteed.

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|| TOM’S EDITORIAL

Managing the long-term fixed costs of your business

By Tom Venetis, Editor

There are numerous firms that can do the audits and it takes less than a day for the audit to be completed.

The result is an actionable plan to help reduce energy costs and thereby overall business operating costs.

E

very business has fixed costs, ones owners have to factor into the monthly operating budget. These include taxes, labour, insurance and energy costs.

With economic times as tough as they are right now, every business — especially independents — is looking for ways to put a lid on those costs.

In this issue of SSGM, David Halpert and I look at various ways owners of independents can better control or reduce some of those fixed costs. Halpert takes a closer look at the issue of remediation and the new framework the Ontario government, OCETA and CPPI have developed for garage owners. This is an issue more owners have to deal with as many now are reaching retirement age and are looking to sell their businesses or are looking to move existing operations to new locations as leases come up for renewal. With stricter environmental laws, many owners discover if they wish to move, sell or alter their properties (such as removing underground fuel pumps and tanks) there are costs involved in reclaiming the land, costs the owner may have to take on themselves. As Halpert rightly points out, not everyone is going to be lucky in finding someone, say a condominium developer looking to build a luxury property, to take on the cost of reclaiming the land when you are trying to sell the business.

I have taken a closer look at energy audits. Most will know of energy audits offered to home owners, with the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia offering rebates to owners who take on the cost of such an audit, in addition to the ecoENERGY grants provided by the federal government. Lesser known is the availability of energy audits for small- and mid-sized businesses. There are numerous firms that can do the audits and it takes less than a day for the audit to be completed. The result is an actionable plan to help reduce energy costs and thereby overall business operating costs.

Like investments in new equipment and technologies to help the business run more smoothly and profitably, an energy audit is a similar investment in the long-term operation and profitability of the business. A good audit will pinpoint savings and make recommendations on investments in new equipment and technologies that in the long-run will reduce operating costs by reducing the amount of energy used by the business. It is the same with the issue of land remediation.

With a proper environmental assessment, a business can budget accordingly for the cost of reclaiming the land if there comes a time to sell, move or to alter the site in any way. With times as tough as they are right now, managing such costs is critical. David and I sincerely hope that our stories can offer some guidance and ideas to help our readers remain successful.

Do you agree? Disagree?

Let us know! letterstotheeditor@ssgm.com 6 SSGM April 2009

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|| News Briefs Redesigned Web site for Fountain Tire

Fountain Tire Ltd., headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta, is launching a new, redesigned Web site (www. fountaintire.com) that enhances the customer’s online experience through easier navigation, and quick access to information.

A variety of features have been added to make it easy for visitors to navigate the Web site. Frequently used applications in a more prominent location, as well as robust sorting and filtering tools in the “Request for Quote” section, facilitate access to information and decision-making. In addition, the Mechanical Services section now features subsections on services offered, as well as provides information on different mechanical components of the customer’s vehicle.

“We wanted to offer visitors a useful site that simplifies the process of gathering information prior to making a purchase,” explains Nelson Tonn, vice-president of marketing, Fountain Tire. “The new design is a part of our ongoing commitment to our vision as a company, to be the best tire dealer in Canada. This is one more step in the process.”

To celebrate the launch, Fountain Tire is offering an online contest, the “Fountaintire.com Goodyear Tire Giveaway,” running from March 16th to May 9th, 2009. Users can enter online to win a set of four Goodyear tires, with a set of tires given away per week for the duration of the contest. Customers can also earn Air Miles reward miles on purchases at Fountain Tire.

$7 Billion U.S. aftermarket sales due to dealer closings

With a predicted 2,000 U.S. car dealers to close in 2009, Lang Marketing has estimated a US$7 billion windfall in parts and service for the independent automotive aftermarket.

Calling it “part of the greatest restructuring of the automotive aftermarket competitive landscape since World War II,” Lang Marketing president Jim Lang says the dealer closings will have a multi-faceted effect on the aftermarket.

8 SSGM April 2009

“With at least 2,000 dealers closing in 2009, over US$5 billion in dealer bay parts and service sales will be abandoned along with more than US$2 billion in product sales through dealer parts departments and dealer redistribution of OE parts to independent service outlets,” he says.

He estimates that car dealer closings in 2009 will shutter over 32,000 dealer service bays, but the dealer casualty count could climb much higher under severe circumstances. The researcher estimates that up to 51,000 dealer bays in the U.S. could be closed if the dealer network suffers a traumatic shock, such as the bankruptcy or dramatic downsizing of a U.S. automaker. The exact number of dealer bays closing in 2009 will depend on how many new car dealers convert to used-car outlets with service bays.

“Counting all dealer parts and service sales (bays, counter sales, and redistribution volume), 2,040 dealer closings in 2009 will potentially shift US$5 billion in parts volume, primarily replacement parts, at user-price toward the independent aftermarket plus another US$2 billion in service billings,” says Lang.

Replacement parts are parts necessary for vehicle operation, as opposed to accessories and other discretionary automotive product purchases.

New ACDelco belts, hoses product coverage

ACDelco announced the addition of 185 all-makes parts to the Belts and Hoses product line. The expansion includes these categories: Alternator Decoupler Pulley, Dual Sided V-Ribbed Belt, FleetRunner V-Belt, FleetRunner V-Ribbed Belt, Idler Pulley, Moulded Heater Hose, Moulded Coolant Hose, Automatic Belt Tensioner, Timing Belt Tensioner, Timing Component Kit, V-Ribbed Belt Kit and V-Ribbed Belt.

AAIA study finds Customers pay more for dealer repairs

Vehicle repairs cost an average 34 per cent more at new car dealerships than at independent repair shops, resulting in US$11.7 billion in excess costs

annually to consumers, according to a debut study just released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA).

While the study does not reflect Canadian service stations and garages, it does reveal dramatic differences in the costs of parts and labour between domestic and import vehicle nameplates and from city to city in the U.S. Consumers in Los Angeles pay as much as 46.8 per cent more at dealerships than at independent repair shops for repairs. The cost to consumers of specific repairs also varies widely. For example, the average cost for radiator repair for a foreign nameplate vehicle, including parts and labour, is US$325.99 higher at a dealer than at an independent shop; and the cost to purchase and install front brake pads on a foreign nameplate vehicle is US$138.92 more at a dealer than at an independent shop.

AAIA’s Vehicle Repair Cost Analysis, which compares new car dealerships against independents looks at the parts and labour costs of 10 vehicle repair jobs for domestic and foreign nameplate vehicles in six cities across the country, including Boston, Newark, Atlanta, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Seattle.

“In response to repeated requests by congressional leaders studying the merits of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair legislation, AAIA commissioned a study to once and for all provide a comprehensive analysis that validated the contention that it costs consumers more to repair their vehicle at new car dealerships than at independent repair shops,” said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO. Highlights of the study include vehicle repairs for parts and labour averaged 34.3 per cent more at new car dealers than at independent repair shops. Foreign nameplate repairs performed at dealers averaged 36.8 per cent more than at independent repair shops while repairs performed on domestic nameplates averaged 31.5 per cent more at dealerships than at independent repair shops. Total 2008 cost difference for consumers having repair work performed at car dealers rather www.ssgm.com

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|| News Briefs than independent repair shops for the 10 jobs equaled 11.7 billion.

Meritor Suspension to close coil spring operations in Milton, Ontario

Meritor Suspension Systems Compa­ ny (MSSC), a joint venture between ArvinMeritor, Inc. and Mitsubishi Steel Manufacturing, announced last month that it plans to close its coil spring operations in Milton, Ont. The com­ pany met with union officials of the Canadian Auto Workers Local 1067 to discuss the closure plans which will impact all 165 employees.

“We are experiencing unprece­ dented economic pressure within the global automotive industry,” said Ger­ ald Anderson, president and general manager, MSSC. “This closure reflects actions we are taking to reduce fixed costs in response to significantly lower vehicle production volumes.”

The company is currently evaluating the transfer of this business to other MSSC facilities in North America. The phased closure is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2009.

Wix Filters launches online media centre

InnovationsWix Filters’ technical ser­ vices and customer training group has launched the Wix Filters Media Cen­ ter at www.wixfilters.com, featuring brief educational videos developed to inform technicians and counterpersons about the distinctive characteristics of the company’s new products and tech­ nologies.

The Wix Filters Media Center fea­ tures videos that explore innovative technologies and installation instruc­ tions for newly designed filtration products. Included in the current list of videos is a closer look at the recently released Wix 49184 air filter for Chev­ rolet Silverado and GMC Sierra with 6.6L Duramax diesel engines, and an explanation of the refinements to the lid design of the new 33818 fuel filter for Ford trucks and vans with 7.3L diesel engines.

“The new Wix Filters Media Center is an extension of the training materi­ als we develop for each new product 10 SSGM April 2009

launch,” said Paul Bandoly, manag­ er of technical services and customer training at Wix Filters, who oversees Wix Connect, the Wix Institute for Fil­ tration Technology and the Wix Filters eLearning Center. “We plan to add new videos to the media centre regu­ larly — eventually making the media centre an extensive library of Wix filtra­ tion technology overviews.”

Bestbuy Distributors appoints VandeSande president

Jeff VandeSande, most recently general manager of Ontario Region for NAPA, has been appointed president of Best­ buy Distributors Limited.

VandeSande has many years of experience in the aftermarket, most recently with NAPA where he oversaw its Ontario distribution centre, mem­ ber growth, sales force, and customer relations. Prior to this position he was the president of Grant Brothers Sales’ Heavy Duty and Traditional Divisions.

VandeSande fills a position that had been vacant prior to his appointment.

VandeSande will report to Best­ buy’s board of directors through the chairman of the board, Howie Mac­ Kenzie, and will be responsible for the day to day operation of the Canadian automotive aftermarket distribution organization.

March Synthetic Oil Mythbusters winner

The March Synthetic Oil Mythbusters Quiz winner is Randy Visser of Foun­ tain Tire in Pincher Creek, Alta. Visser’s name was drawn from entries. Visser will receive a Castrol Prize Pack from presenting sponsor Wakefield Canada.

The Synthetic Mythbusters Quiz runs in Jobber News and SSGM Magazines.

Winners are chosen each month.

Auto-Camping opens new Calgary centre

Auto­Camping Ltd. recently announced the opening of its newest distribution branch in Calgary, Alberta. Working in combination with the call­centre and distribution warehouse in Edmon­ ton, Alberta, ACL Calgary establishes Auto­Camping Ltd. as a key supplier to the Euro import repair network in

Alberta. The March 26 grand opening of the facility was celebrated with mem­ bers of the local service network, and representatives from Total Lubricants, Blue Chem Service Chemicals, V.A.D. Pro Diagnostic Tool, Hella Lighting, Bosch and Exide Batteries. Attendees were also treated to product knowledge seminars from Total Lubricants and V.A.D. Pro, as well as door prizes and special offers. The distribution centre’s order contact number is 888.740.1340

Mahle Clevite adds new coverage for 3406E engines

Mahle Clevite announced the release of new pistons and gaskets to support the complete engine kit program for 3406E. Mahle Clevite has expanded the coverage for the 3406E Caterpillar engine which includes four new forged steel crowns and two skirts to accom­ pany these crowns.

The patented Mahle Ferrotherm piston design, which uses forged steel crowns and a separate aluminum skirt, is employed in these new pistons. This innovative design serves to increase the piston crown durability resulting in a longer engine life. Clevite pistons from Mahle are the only forged steel crown available in the Aftermarket for this application.

Clevite heavy duty engine parts have been packaged to specifically meet the needs of the engine rebuilder. They can be sourced in complete cylinder kits, separate piston crowns, pistons with skirt and pin or individual skirts.

In support of the extensive Mahle Clevite engine kit program, 30 new gasket sets have been added includ­ ing head sets, lower sets, front and rear structures and injector o­ring kits.

The addition of these gaskets increases the coverage for this model of engine.

New engine kits can be viewed at www.heavydutyenginekits.com. These new kits can be found by using the new serial number and arrangement number search features.

Our “Great Parts for Great Engines” brochure (MC­4­209A) is available in PDF format at www.mahleclevite.com.

This brochure includes specific part numbers and OE reference informa­ tion. www.ssgm.com

ENERGY AUDIT ||

How much are you paying for running that light bulb?

Energy audits can trim operating budgets by finding energy savings

By Tom Venetis, Editor

www.ssgm.com

E

nergy audits are quickly becoming one of the many tools in an arsenal aimed at controlling costs and reducing operating expenses, especially now when more businesses are feeling the pinch on revenues in this recession. Energy audits, when done correctly and by professionals,

can save a business anywhere between 10 to 20 per cent on energy bills. “Over the past two to three years, we have seen a big turn-around in the market (for energy audits),� says Derrick Finn, president and founder of the Toronto-based Finn Projects, specializing in providing energy solutions to

April 2009 SSGM 11

|| EnErgy Audit

institutional, industrial and commercial properties. “People are now becoming very aware of how much they spend on energy costs for their business.”

Energy costs are a surprisingly manageable part of a business’ operating costs. They are often overlooked because they are mistakenly thought of as being fixed business costs, much like taxes. You may not like paying your taxes, but you do so because that is the price of doing business. It is the same with heating, lighting and other energy costs. You may grumble about the air conditioning bill each summer, but it is either pay the cost or enjoy the sweltering heat inside the office and the bays.

“People are now becoming very aware of how much they spend on energy costs for their business.”

— Finn

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The way an energy audit works is rather simple, according to Finn. His company, like many others that offer such services to businesses, will first ask the owner to provide two years or more of energy bills, everything from electricity to heating, water and the like.

This is to establish a baseline of energy costs on a month-to-month basis and to take into account any unusual seasonal variations. That might include, for example, a spike in heating costs because of a particularly cold winter or a spike in electrical usage because of unusually high summer temperatures.

Once this baseline of costs is determined, the more intensive part of the energy audit begins: someone from the firm will come onto the premise and meticulously go over the entire site, examining everything from lighting and equipment, to the physical structure of the building, and taking a range of measurements in order to determine

where energy is being used and where it is happening.

Lighting: More than simply turning off a light bulb

Remember those public service announcements during the energy crisis of the 1970s, where people were told to turn off errant light bulbs? The message was explicit: turning off the bulb saved money. The sentiment is a good one and still very true. But what about the light that is left on?

Dennis Landsberg, president of L&S Energy Services in Clifton Park, New York says he finds many businesses still rely on conventional incandescent lamps or older T12 fluorescent lamps, both of which are very energy inefficient.

T12 fluorescent lamps are an older lighting technology, first introduced in the 1970s during the energy crisis at that time. While hailed as a cost-effective way to light areas using less power than conventional incandescent lights, they are now much less efficient than more modern fluorescent lights. If one were to replace this older lighting technology with the newer T8 technology, significant savings can result as the amount of energy used is less with the T8 lamp, the T12 using some 37 watts of power to produce 2,376 effective lumens of light as compared to the T8 using 29 watts to make 2,668 effective lumens per watt.

“So if you go to newer technology, you can cut your energy use by up to about 40 per cent and you get about the same amount of light,” adds Landsberg.

Another lighting technology is LED for such things as exit signs.

These signs need to be kept on at all times to comply with safety regulations. Older models use a standard incandescent lamp for illumination.

Switching to signs using LED technology, while a higher cost up-front, pay for themselves quickly as LED technology uses significantly less power than other kinds of lighting.

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|| EnErgy Audit

Savings Program (http://www.torontohydro.com/electricsystem/residential/power_saving_blitz.html) is made to help small- and mid-sized businesses make the switch to more efficient lighting, by offering a $1,000 subsidy for retrofitting the new lights. According to the Toronto Hydro, retrofitting to new, more energy-efficient lights can save businesses save up to $400 a year on electricity costs.

Checking your equipment; how it is used

Another crucial part of an energy audit will be a careful examination of the equipment in shop and how it is used.

A lot of energy can be expended and a lot of money wasted with old equipment. An older air conditioning system, for example, can be a huge drain on a business’ bottom line, which is the reason an energy audit will look at the system’s Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratings (SEER). Newer equipment will look for a very high SEER rating, as it has to work at peak efficiency during the season where it will be working most.

An energy audit will look at how equipment is used. A surprising amount of energy is wasted by equipment being misused or poorly maintained. Consider the compressors used in many automotive shops. They are a common tool and used all the time, but the question is, “How are they being used?” Are the shop employees maintaining and correctly using them, thereby lessening their impact on energy usage?

Dr. John Kelly Kissock, director of the industrial assessment centre with the University of Dayton, in Dayton, Ohio says it’s common for him to see compressors not properly maintained or being misused, the compressor used to blow things about to help in cleaning the floors, for example.

“That is a very energy-inefficient way of doing things,” Kissock says.

“And I would tell them not to use the air hose as a broom; that is what the broom is for. We always look to see the end-use of the tool being used…

14 SSGM April 2009

and after we minimize all of what we think are inappropriate uses and putting nozzles on things that do not have to be in continuous use, we then look for any leaks and pressure drops. We would also look to see if the (compressor) pipes are too small and then we would look at the compressor itself, making sure the compressor is the most efficient kind for the work and tool the shop is using.”

Dr. Kissock says the most common type of energy wastage comes from shops running their compressors at too high of an operating pressure, more than what is needed for the tool being operated. This causes the compressor to work extra hard and wastes energy, effectively raising the electrical bill.

“Most pneumatic equipment use about 90 psi of pressure to operate,” Kissock says. “But you go to the compressor and you will find it set for 120 psi. It takes a lot more energy to compress air to 120 psi than it does to compress air at 90 psi or 95 psi. So we are telling people to reduce their pressure and doing so will produce energy savings.”

Another piece of advice is to avoid going for an oversized compressor.

Most compressors have poor parts/ load efficiency and if a shop takes on

an oversized compressor they will pay for it with increased electrical bills.

It is recommended shops take on smaller compressors or multiple units and stage them to get the necessary pressures, without resulting in a huge energy spike if a single, large compressor is fired-up.

In the end, an energy audit should produce a detailed report on these issues and many others. Derrick Finn says a good audit will have a detailed and itemized report on every place in the facility and on all equipment and where savings can be had, including a set of recommendations on achieving those savings.

“The produced report will have each of the energy efficiency measures recommended; the savings attainable in kilowatt hours and in dollars; and the estimated capital cost and the payback,” Finn says. “The report is very site-specific and very specific in the SSGM opportunities to be had.”

What do you think?

Have your say and speak your mind! letterstotheeditor@ssgm.com www.ssgm.com

2009 SSGM Garage of the Year Presented by:

?

I Nominate: _________________________________________ Garage Name ________________________________________ Owners Name ________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________ Phone (_____) ________________________________________ The reason I believe this nominee deserves this award is: ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ My Name: __________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________ Phone (_____) _______________________________________

Nominate your choice online at www.autoserviceworld.com or complete and mail this form at left to: SSGM Garage of the Year 12 Concorde Place, Suite 800, North York, ON M3C 4J2 or fax to: 416-510-5140

Who has the best shop in Canada?

The 2009 SSGM Garage of the Year, presented by Total Lubricants, seeks to recognize the very best independent service provider in the Canadian automotive aftermarket.

Anyone can nominate an automotive service provider. The award recognizes excellence in the areas of good business practice, training, customer satisfaction and community involvement.

Make copies and simply ask your customers, suppliers, members of your community or even competitors to complete this form. Return all your nomination forms by fax or mail to SSGM by September 21st, 2009, or be nominated on-line at AutoServiceWorld.com.

The finalists will be identified in the October issue of SSGM and the winner will be announced in the December issue.

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2009 A/C special report

SOMETIMES A/C DIAGNOSTICS IS ALL

HOT AIR

Focus on Airflow in Automatic Temperature Control Systems

By Andrew Ross

W

hen it comes to effecting a/c repairs, most professional shops would agree that diagnostics are at the top of the list. But diagnosing a problem with an automatic temperature control system, not just the refrigerant circuit, may lead to fewer post-repair letdowns.

“Most of the time we don’t think about the effect of air distribution on temperature,” says trainer Glenn Young. “Usually we look at everything in the refrigerant system first, and then we look at airflow. We should be thinking of airflow right up front. I really feel that your diagnostic challenge with aTc is not the refrigeration system; it is airflow control.”

Even experienced a/c techs understand how demoralizing it can be to execute a repair—diagnosed as a low-refrigerant problem, for example—only to have the car blow hot air despite a return of strong cooling system performance.

Looking to airflow problems may be the solution.

Young’s automatic Temperature control Diagnostics presentation at the Mobile air conditioning Society Worldwide convention earlier this year emphasized that controlling airflow is more complex than techs ever encountered with the old vacuum systems or cable-operated mechanical systems.

The number of blend doors has expanded to provide an increasing number of options for passengers, from the dual zone to three- and four-zone systems, and the number of failure modes has expanded in kind. a self-described “code junkie,” Young warns that because the 18 SSGM April 2009

HVac system is not covered under the same federal regulations as those mandating emissions repair code standardization and component naming, there may or may not be codes set in a failure. In full knowledge of the trouble this can cause, he says, manufacturers often have a “symptoms list” or a “no-code list” that can help immensely with diagnostics.

“This is absolutely crucial to use when we don’t have a code.”

Young says that among the biggest challenges are the sophisticated five-wire actuator systems with logic found on controller area Network (caN) vehicles. “a lot of systems are not only using voltage to operate the door; they are also using amperage to know what position that door is in.

“The most advanced type of actuator has a logic module built directly into the actuator itself. The logic module has direct control over the door motor. The logic module in the actuator decodes the signal for the control head and positions the door.

“Generally any problems detected will set a fault code, in memory. any problems with the motor movement, or the inability of the circuit strategy to see what it is programmed to do, is going to cause problems.”

What can happen, he says, is that a mechanical failure— stripped gears, for example—can cause a door to get stuck.

The system will know that it’s not in the right position and try repeatedly to move it to the correct position, causing a knocking sound. www.ssgm.com

And then the world ahead, he says, is going to get more complicated.

There is a proliferation of sensors to monitor temperature and humidity, in multiple zones, and pressure switches that hold much more authority over system operation than in the old days. Seemingly unnecessary items such as windshield condensation sensors and, from Lexus, an exhaust gas sensor make things even more complicated.

“This is essentially a five-gas sensor. Now, I know how much a five-gas costs. I don’t know what this costs, but I know it can’t be cheap. When a car is in traffic and the car in front is a polluter, it shuts all the windows and changes everything to recirculate. Who is controlling the HVAC? It certainly isn’t the driver.”

Young says that as systems become more complex, taking a proper diagnostic approach is more important than ever.

It is useful, he adds, to remember that you don’t just have to diagnose the problem today; you might also have to diagnose the failed repair from yesterday.

As computer controls proliferate, a tech cannot assume that the last repair was performed properly, or that the computer was programmed properly for the car in which it was installed (e.g., with or without sunload sensors).

“If you get a hard car to repair, you have to embark on some forensic diagnostics. A decision tree can tell you a lot, but it doesn’t say to check to see what the last idiot did before the car got to you.”

Information in this article was adapted from Glenn Young’s presentation at the Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide Convention.

Young is a veteran trainer offering courses through a number of organizations, including Carquest, which sponsored his MACS presentation. Young can be contacted at youngsauto2003@yahoo.com.

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Most sunload sensors are the photodiode type, which provides increased resistance as the light intensity increases, so the signal from the sensor drops as the sun shines brighter. The operating range is between zero and five volts. As the sun load increases, the voltage decreases. The signal is sent to the unified meter and A/C amp, which provide instructions to the system to adjust blend doors and fan speed.

Bright sunlight conditions can result in the fan speed increasing, and blend doors opening to improve cooling.

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espite the admittedly challenged economy, attendance at the annual Mobile Air Conditioning Worldwide Convention and Trade Show in February was virtually identical to what it was in 2007.

Held at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Tex., considered the capital of the mobile air conditioning business, the event welcomed some 1,600 attendees who were treated to an excellent assortment of technical and business presentations, a few inspirational words, and more than a little pure entertainment.

“Our first data check shows the decline in attendance (about 150) to [have come] from the manufacturing side, with many of our companies sending fewer representatives to attend the show as their budgets tightened and travel was restricted,” explained Elvis L. Hoffpauir, MACS president and chief operating officer. “The attendance from our service members was consistent from prior years, with strong attendance in all of the many hours of training sessions.

We even had 50 people stay for a late Saturday afternoon training session by John Anello on scan tool usage. So the hunger for knowledge remains strong.”

First-time attendee Christopher Reynolds, a technical educator from Southern Illinois University, said, “I would like to mention how enjoyable the MACS convention was to attend.

This was my first time attending, and I was thrilled to meet so many technicians, educators, engineers, and other attendees that were enthused enough to attend such a conference.”

The MACS trade show featured 115 exhibitors in 187 booths. Karl Matis, an exhibitor from Hecat, said, “As a longtime member and exhibitor, and given the current economic climate, it was fantastic to see the number and calibre of exhibitors and attendees.”

Kevin Burton, director of marketing and integrated business development at Four Seasons, reviewed the show this way. “MACS is one of the few remaining organizations where you can see and be seen in a forum specializing in the mobile HVAC industry. This alone makes the experience and investment worthwhile.”

Despite economic conditions, shop attendance at the MACS event was on a par with 2008.

This speaks volumes for the quality of sessions attendees experience year after year.

Grace Davis, president of Omega Environmental Technologies, sells into many global markets and remarked on the show’s attendees, “To see so many friends and colleagues from 25 different countries, many of whom were Omega customers since the beginning, is very valuable to our business.”

While strong technical presentations made up the vast bulk of the conference, one notable exception was the luncheon keynote speech by noted industry writer Mitch Schneider, who spoke on the basics of business: lessons, he said, he had learned from his father.

Aside from strong points on positioning, marketing, customer service, and knowing your competition, Schneider made the simple note that the road to success starts with a single decision: to act.

“By approaching every aspect of your business proactively, you are in a position to act instead of react. By making decisions, we have been able to tolerate adversity better.”

Taking action is the first, middle, and last step to success, he said.

“The keys to survival in the automotive industry are ultimately the keys that will unlock the doors to success.”

The MACS Worldwide 30th Annual Convention and Trade Show is scheduled for January 19-21, 2010 at the Rio Hotel and Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nev. Visit MACS’ website at www.macsw.org. www.ssgm.com

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2009 A/C special report

UNDER PRESSURE WITH

A/C SYSTEMS Taking a look at air conditioning systems as we head into spring

By David Halpert, Assistant Editor

W

hat can be said about automotive air conditioning that has not been said before? The fact of the matter is A/C systems haven’t changed a whole lot since they became commonplace in cars nearly forty years ago. However, it never hurts to brush up on the basics as we head out of the fall/winter season and into the hot and humid weather of the spring and summer months.

When you stop and think about a car’s A/C system, it’s actually quite astounding. All it takes to receive cool air into passenger cabin is one simple push of a button. Air conditioners are also pretty reliable and it is rare for new vehicles to have problems with the A/C systems; and as the car ages, the system tends to work just fine, often for the lifetime of the vehicle.

Avoiding misdiagnosis

Because of their overall reliability, and the fact that a failed A/C system does not endanger vehicle’s normal operation, maintenance on the system is often not a part of a technician’s regular inspection/repair routine on a vehicle. Automotive air conditioner experts say this reality often has technicians falling into certain routines and habits when problems do arise, ones that can cause even an experienced technician to misdiagnose the situation.

For example, take this situation: A car comes into the shop and the owner says, “My air conditioning isn’t working.” Now, a technician might do a quick inspection and say “You need a compressor,” because the head pressure is either too high or is on the low side.

“But in fact, the problem in a lot of cases is the condenser fan,” says Warren Willingham, owner of A/C Source (www. acsource.com), a supplier of A/C systems and related components operating out of Phoenix, Arizona. “If that fan quits working, then the head pressure on the compressor in the system will go up. Until it blows, it starts to blow warmer air because the pressure’s too high. A lot of technicians don’t understand that it’s not a compressor.”

With over 35 years in the business, Willingham knows a thing or two about air conditioning systems, both on the supply side and the service side of the business, having operated a service centre of his own for more than a decade.

“The key to all of it is diagnosis,” he says. “The biggest problem is a lot of systems are diagnosed incorrectly. And it starts with gauges and knowing what to look for. A lot of people that work on vehicles start guessing because they don’t know how to use them properly. It all depends on the guy diagnosing it and getting [the diagnosis] right.”

22 SSGM April 2009

He goes on to recall one such instance of a misdiagnosis that could have cost a customer an unnecessary outlay of money. Willingham had a friend who was visiting from Mexico and was experiencing problems with his car’s air conditioning. Taking it into a shop, he was given a US$1,500 estimate on what was first believed to be a faulty compressor. Offering to give it a look, Willingham soon discovered that a wire had detached from the compressor’s terminal inside the boot and out of view. It was this faulty connection that was causing the problems with the air conditioning, but which was mistakenly diagnosed as being a problem with the compressor itself.

We all know there is no one-design-fits-all A/C system across all vehicle makes and models. Each OEM is designed to their own specs. As a result, Willingham warns about the hidden details of A/C system that can lead to a misdiagnosis.

“The radiator and cooling fans are on the front,” he says.

“Cars that have electric fans will have a radiator fan or a radiator fan and a condenser fan. Hondas are famous for having two fans where one’s hidden. Oftentimes, they’ll check to see the fan is working without having checked the one that’s hidden underneath.”

Also, keep in mind that in warmer weather the ambient temperature inside a garage is usually cooler than it is outside the garage, which plays a factor when diagnosing A/C systems.

“On a hot day you have to account for different pressures underhood,” he adds. “The hotter it gets, the higher preswww.ssgm.com

sures will go because the gas is getting hot and it’s trying to release all this heat from inside the cab. You have to watch your gauges to account for how hot it is outside and what kind of load you have on it. If it’s 70 degrees your gauge will show 70 and if it’s 100 degrees it’ll show higher. Refrigerant is also relative to the outside ambient temperature. So, again, it’s harder to diagnose.”

How to prevent comebacks

“What I’m finding with A/C components is they’re actually starting to last a lot longer,” says Steve Perusits, owner of Wally Clayson’s Master Mechanic Auto Service in Toronto, Ont. “You can actually see the technology change as the vehicles get newer and newer.”

Comebacks are an especially contentious issue with air conditioners and their repair. While no customer enjoys returning to a garage for a repair that should have been done right the first time, there’s nothing more frustrating than not receiving cool air on a sweltering day once your car hits the asphalt. Some people who do a lot of highway driving in winter are surprised to find their air conditioners not functioning once spring rolls around.

“Usually your air conditioner should run up to snuff when you put it to bed in the fall. However, the air conditioning’s condenser is right out front behind the grille,” continues Perusits, “There’s no guarantee it’s going to work come next spring because it’s possible a stone could come up and hit the condenser [as a result of highway driving]. While everything else is more or less hidden, if you do puncture a hole in the condenser what it does is basically shuts down the system because they are switches incorporated in there to make the compressor shut down if it detects a problem.”

Difficulties with air conditioners are likely one of two things: either there’s insufficient cool air coming through the vents or there’s no air at all. If you’re working on an older car and its A/C system doesn’t seem to be working properly, here are some general troubleshooting tips the experts recommend to keep in mind.

Difficulties with air conditioners are likely one of two things: either there’s insufficient cool air coming through the vents or there’s no air at all.

The air-conditioning of a car is (with the exception of the serpentine belt) an enclosed system made up of six parts: the compressor, condenser, receiver-drier, thermostatic expansion valve, the evaporator, and, of course, the refrigerant. If one part fails or is sluggish, the A/C won’t work properly. It also means there are only a limited number of components to check if the problem persists.

If there’s no cool air felt from the air vents it means a component is loose, broken, defective, or blown. A leaking component in the A/C system or in one of the A/C lines, hoses, or seals can also result is no air flow.

Now an insufficient cool air flow is harder to pinpoint, but not. Unless there’s a low refrigerant charge, your lack of cool air is the result of a loose drive belt, slipping compressor clutch, clogged condenser or evaporator, a slow leak in the system or a partially clogged filter or expansion valve.

“Back when there was R12 all you had to check for were oil stains,” continues Perusits. “Now with the R134 you can’t see any of the leaks. All you can do is to listen for the compressor and while it may sound okay, it may be broken internally. So you would have to put some gauges onto the system to see what’s happening pressure-wise.”

When a problem surfaces, a lot of the time it’s never just one leak, or one component that’s the cause. Oftentimes there is more than one leak or one defective part that puts strain on the entire system.

Tips for Your Customers Two traits that a customer looks for when choosing their service centre are honesty and quality of services provided. To that end Warren Willingham of the A/C Source offered these tips to give to your customers to make sure their air conditioning systems run properly without a need for more service.

1. Don’t leave your vehicle idling with the A/C running longer than necessary. This runs up head pressure and can cause hoses to blow or compressors to lock up. This will usually happen when the temperature is very high. Just use common sense and you’ll be fine.

2. Always keep your unit in the max (re-circulate) mode when the temperature is high. Thirty-degrees is a good guideline. In the normal mode you are trying to

www.ssgm.com

cool down the hot air from outside. It is okay to put it on normal for the first minute or two because the outside air at that time is cooler than the air inside, but change it to max (re-circ) as soon as it feels a little cool. In max mode you are cooling the cool air from inside the vehicle and the system doesn’t have to work as hard. Also, remember that the lower the fan speed, the colder the air from the vent.

3. The human body feels the difference in coolness of the air when it changes approximately 2.5- to three-degrees. If your air conditioner has warmed up enough for you to notice it, it is a good practice to shut it off. This has saved many compressor replacements and a slight inconvenience that could save hundreds of dollars.

April 2009 SSGM 23

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No ’Mo Mopar?

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By Jim Anderton, Technical Editor

Will Obama’s shotgun marriage between Fiat and Chrysler do the trick? By the time you read this, we’ll know.

y the time you read this, time will be up for the Chrysler Corporation. Hard as it seems, there’s a possibility as I write this column that the venerable Detroit automaker may be in Chapter 11, with a strong possibility of their disappearance as a mainstream automaker. If that’s the final outcome, I’ll be sad; not just for my fond memories of Chrysler vehicles I’ve owned in the past, but also because it’s so unnecessary.

This isn’t the first time that the Mopar folks have needed a bailout. In the late Seventies, Lee Iaccoca, (the father of the Mustang at Ford) turned the wayward company around with the “K-car” series of small sedans and wagons, but the fundamental problem remained: the North American market could really only support two major players, a problem that became acute as government crash and emissions regulations made new product development lengthy and expensive. As the smallest of the “Big Three” Chrysler did the logical thing: badge engineering. Small cars were brought in from Rootes in Britain (Plymouth Cricket) and Mitsubishi in Japan (Dodge Colt, etc.), but neither could make a significant impact in volume terms. Mitsubishi would have been a logical buyer, but chose to establish its own dealer network and cut the link with Chryco.

Without major overseas engineering assets to draw from, by the Nineties the writing was on the wall. What did they do? The only logical move was to “hit ’em where they ain’t” by exploiting gaps in the market and doing some remarkable innovation in body styles. The Voyager/Caravan minivans were an obvious home run, cementing Chrysler’s reputation in that segment to the point where they build them for Volkswagen. The PT Cruiser was another major hit, establishing the “retro cool” market with a package that’s enjoyed a nine year run without a major restyle. The excellent 300C replaced an underrated 300M and changed the image of big Chryslers from grandpa’s car to the choice ride of rappers across America. The Dodge Ram with the Cummins diesel rejuvenated the weakest light truck line of the Big Three with minimal development cost and created a new cross marketing strategy that enhanced the whole Dodge truck brand. The AMC takeover was widely criticized by many (myself included) as a deal to put two losers together, but the SUV craze was around the corner and Jeep was the gold standard in four-wheel drive brands. So why are they in the doghouse?

Chrysler has needed a strategic partner for years and in their desperation, jumped into bed with an incompatible company called Daimler-Benz. That fiasco is history, but valuable time had been lost. Without a credible entry-level model to compete with Civic or Corolla and nothing at the other end against Cadillac and Lincoln, mistakes like the Pacifica and Aspen are too expensive for a weakened Chrysler. Will Obama’s shotgun marriage between Fiat and Chrysler do the trick? By the time you read this, we’ll know.

Do you agree? Disagree?

Let us know! letterstotheeditor@ssgm.com 28 SSGM April 2009

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A Gnawing Problem

By Jim Anderton, Technical Editor

W

hen is a problem not a problem? When it doesn’t affect the vehicle’s reliability, drivability or convenience … but that doesn’t mean that we can ignore trouble when it’s brewing. There’s an old saying that if you live long enough, you’ll see just about everything and this issue is a classic: Chewed up plug wires. Not “chewed up” in the slang sense of damaged, but literally gnawed on by small animals! Canadian critters like porcupines and bears have been rumored to chew on tires occasionally, and birds’ nests in air cleaners as well as spiders in throttle bodies are seen occasionally … but how often do they go after the ignition secondary? The following pictures show how a small animal damaged the plug wires on a Ford V-6, both at the coil pack and along the wire length.

Perhaps as surprising as the extent of the damage is the lack of degradation of the ignition’s performance. This was caught at an oil change; the car ran well and stored no codes as a result of the shredded insulation. SSGM tested the

Teeth marks are unmistakable on the caps at the top-mounted coil pack.

Note that the black cap closest to the camera has been eaten away right to the wire jacket. Apparently, the animal moved on to the next cylinder before finishing his meal.

32 SSGM April 2009

internal resistance of the damaged wires and compared them to new replacements and found no electrical issues with the chewed wires. We then used a laboratory high-voltage insulation tester and ran 3.5kV across the wires with the same result. What did we learn? That the outer jackets of modern plug wires are not the most important part of the electrical properties of the cable, at least in a healthy engine, when tested at typical running coil voltages. The actual running coil voltage is key here. The voltage developed by the coil is the minimum necessary to jump the spark plug gap and is rarely close to the maximum possible voltage that the coil can deliver. Why?

The two main reasons are:

1

Clean, properly gapped plugs, especially modern rare metal types like platinum, require lower voltages to spark, all other cylinder conditions being equal. Harder electrode and ground strap materials also wear much more continued on page 34

The culprit leaves a clue. The nut hidden in the upper A-arm mounting suggests that this is a squirrel issue. www.ssgm.com

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If you tell them that their car has rats, they’ll likely be shopping for a new vehicle.

slowly, keeping the gap closer to the correct spec longer. In addition, modern computer engine control allows the spark to more completely burn the fuel mixture, reducing the fouling deposits that can provide a leakage path for spark current.

2

In older engines with distributors, the laws of physics make the magnetic saturation time of ignition coils a factor at high rpm. The shorter relative saturation time between firing events, the lower the peak voltage available to drive the firing current. Weak high rpm spark was one reason why early electronic ignition systems were often rejected for racing or high performance street applications.

that this is necessary service even though the vehicle is running well. It’s a good idea to keep a couple of damaged wires around as a demonstration tool, and offer to show the owner the old wires when they pick up their vehicle.

And if the owner has a sensitive personality, remember that squirrels are a nuisance, but they’re cute … if you tell them that their car has rats they’ll likely be shopping for a new vehicle.

What does this mean? From a service perspective, it means that wire service shouldn’t wait until the engine misfires or shows drivability problems or trouble codes … if the outer jacket is damaged, replace the set preventively. Service writers and techs will have to convince motorists to accept

This is trouble waiting to happen. The woven heat shielding sleeve covers an EGR tube which is itself exposed to heat from the nearby exhaust manifold. The plug boot is perilously close to both; as the heat resistant sleeving wears and chafes with age, the wire and plug boot will experience higher and higher temperatures. The same applies to the oxygen sensor leads; its harness is retained by the plastic T-strap which is taped to the outside of another under hood wiring bundle. The same exhaust heat degrades the tape and the result will eventually lead to a sensor code. Tie it up out of the way with something other than tape, such as nylon “zip ties,” leaving enough slack to account for engine vibration.

Although the rubber compounds are different between the cap and the wire jacket, they’re just as delicious. Note that the glass mesh reinforcement weave ultimately defeated the animal’s teeth, at least while there were easier pickings around the engine compartment.

34 SSGM April 2009

Add your knowledge, expertise and experience. letterstotheeditor@ssgm.com www.ssgm.com

d r a d n a t Gold S

The

in Recycled Parts

A D V E R T O R I A L

Professional automotive service providers are turning to Standard Auto Wreckers for high quality recycled parts.

“Automotive service providers have come to rely upon the extensive inventory of high quality recycled parts Standard Auto Wreckers has to offer”, said David Gold, Owner of Standard Auto Wreckers. David Gold was named the Automotive Recyclers Association’s member of the year for 2006. “Whether it is a front-end component, a motor or a transmission our products are fully tested and come with a 30 day warranty”, says David Gold. “An unbeatable deal for our customers is our extended warranties that takes the fear out of buying recycled auto parts and can even include labour warranties!”

Service providers can access the extensive inventory of automotive parts that Standard has to offer by either calling one of our professional customer service advisors or by searching our web site at www.standardautowreckers.com. In fact Standard’s on-line search engine enables professional service providers to search by make or model or by VIN number.

C u s to m e r s c a n a l s o search by product images or even by the ever popular feature “Fresh Road Kill”, which shows all vehicles with model years of 1998 and newer acquired in the last ninety days.

“Recently,” owner David Gold said “we introduced head light and tail light refinishing services. Using state of the art technology plus quality craftsmanship, plas-

tic head and tailli g h t s th a t a r e scratched, blasted or tarnished can be refurbished to their original state. The results are like a new OEM headlight at a fraction of the cost.”

Customers can even track deliveries of their orders on line to effectively plan their service schedules within their facilities.

Established in 1979, Standard Auto Wreckers is a leading environmental auto parts recycler. The recent expansion into Niagara Falls, NY where they have an indoor dismantling system unaffected by weather, utilizing the latest in fluid-recovery systems and environmental procedures.

Standard is a proud supporter of the Green Vehicle Disposal network of Auto Recyclers and their Charity Car Program. Green Vehicle Disposal is North America’s largest network of self-regulated auto recycling facilities whose purpose is to provide customers, with an EcoFriendly solution for the disposal of their End of Life Vehicles.

“At Standard Auto Wreckers, whether it is tires, undercar components, motors, transmissions or body parts we are committed to provide the automotive service provider with quality recycled automotive parts, readily available and fully guaranteed,” said David Gold of Standard Auto Wreckers.

arriving daily

www.standardautowreckers.com

Call ! y Toda

416-286-8686

1216 Sewells Road, Scarborough, Ontario, M1X 1S1

|| HEALTH AND SAFETY

A NEW

Redevelopment Framework What the Province of Ontario is doing to help independents with property remediation

By David Halpert, Assistant Editor

S

FIND YOUR FUTURE IN OUR FRANCHISE. Together, with our recognized name, state of the art business systems and operations support, we can help you get into a business of which we believe you can be proud.

Find out today about becoming a Certigard franchisee.

Call us at 1 888 541-7632

TM

Trademark of Petro-Canada

36 SSGM April 2009

teve Perusits, owner of Toronto-based Wally Clayson’s Master Mechanic Auto Service, recently moved his service centre from its long-time Mount Pleasant Road and Eglinton Area location to one a short distance away.

“Our 99-year lease on the land was ending and we had only found out about it within two years of closing,” says Perusits, “And we only knew of it through the word-ofmouth of our customers. So we were in a crunch to stay in the area and find a new facility.”

Fortunately, they were able to purchase a Master Mechanic franchise less than a kilometer away on Laird Drive.

What’s even more astonishing is they were able to complete the move in only two days, basically hauling the equipment from one site to the other. So how were they able to move so quickly? The developer who purchased the land was building a high-rise condominium on the property, easily offsetting any possible remediation costs to follow.

If a service centre owner one day decides to sell his property or retire, you might be surprised to learn that it may not be just a matter of a simple land transaction and hauling the equipment out the door. You might also be surprised to learn that unless the property owner decides to find new management to run the existing service centre, the cost of remediating the land can outweigh the current value of the property should the land be redeveloped in the near future.

Land remediation is simply providing a remedy to the land. Environmental remediation deals with the removal of pollution or contaminants from environmental media such as soil, groundwater, sediment, or surface water for the general protection of human health and the environment, or for a site intended for redevelopment. If your service station has been prone to either oil spills or leaks in the past, or has fuel pumps to sell gasoline, then it’s likely to require some sort of remediation. This involves digging up any underground storage tanks or pipes and completely replacing the soil so See Health & Safety, page 38 www.ssgm.com

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To become a franchisee or for employment contact us at:

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|| HealtH and Safety Health & Safety, from page 36

that it is once again free of contaminants.

In Canada, most standards for remediation are set by the provinces individually, but the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment provides guidance at a federal level in the form of the Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines and the Canada-Wide Standard for Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Soil.

So how does this relate to you, the service centre owner thinking about selling the property in a few years time?

The reality is unless your property sits on a prime piece of real estate (such as the example with Steve Perusits) most developers will not cover the costs of an environmental assessment. In most cases, all associated costs regarding remediation falls upon the shoulders of the current property owner, not the future developer.

In recent months, the province of Ontario, alongside the Ontario Centre for Environmental Technology Advancement (OCETA), and the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute (CPPI) have developed a set of guidelines designed to help garage and service centres owners get a better idea of what’s expected of them (and their municipality) should remediation, and eventually redevelopment, take place.

The “Redevelopment Framework for Former Service Stations” (www.aboutremediation.com/servicestations/) is an online decision tool meant to aid, not just the property PROOF owners of these sites, but also municipalities, developers, and

#

2

Client ______________

See Health & Safety, page 40

Creative Director

Interim Use: An Alternative Measure

______________ Even under

Engineered in Canada, Mobil Super 2000 is recommended for high mileage vehicles with over 120,000 km and provides guaranteed oil drain protection for 10,000 km or 6 months, which ever comes first.* www.MobilOil.ca

the redevelopment framework, remediation, even at its most streamlined, can take years before it’s Art Director fully achieved. This presents a problem in urban centres ______________ where space is at a premium and land areas years away from being redeveloped are fenced in or otherwise barCopywriter ricaded to prevent access. One such alternative that is available for some during this latency period is called ______________ ‘interim use.’

Account Director “There are steps along the way of things that can be done ______________and one of the suggestions that was brought forth was interim uses. Interim uses can be a successful tool or Account Manager a step in the process to full redevelopment,” says Tammy Lomas-Jylha, vice-president of remediation and brown______________ field services for OCETA. Production Manager

So what is an interim use?

It could be a parking lot. It could be a plant nursery. It could be a farmer’s market. It’s a piece of land used to McGill benefit the community prior to it being redeveloped for ______________ another use. Contractors are hired to regularly maintain the site, performing grass and weed control, snow Proof Buddy removal and other monitoring as required. Interim uses _____________ are usually determined by how well the site fits the needs of the community. They are also a mutually beneficial option for both the developer and the land owner. ______________

DB

*Excludes severe service applications involving: racing and commercial use; frequent towing or hauling; extremely dusty or dirty conditions; or excessive idling. While under warranty change oil at the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Mobil, Mobil Super, Mobil 1 and the Pegasus design are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. Imperial Oil licensee.

38 SSGM April 2009

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How healthy is your vehicle’s engine?

A healthy car depends on a healthy engine. And a healthy engine depends on the right motor oil. From the makers of Mobil 1, the official motor oil of NASCAR, come 2 new motor oils – Super 1000 for newer vehicles and Super 2000 for high-mileage engines. Each specially engineered to enhance performance at specific stages of your car’s life. Premium performance and protection for the vehicle you drive every day. Ask for the Mobil product that’s right for you at your next oil change. www.MobilOil.ca Mobil, Mobil Super, Mobil 1 and the Pegasus design are trademarks of Exxon Mobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries. Imperial Oil licensee. NASCAR is a registered trademark of The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Inc. Chevrolet and Corvette are trademarks of the General Motors Corporation.

|| HealtH and Safety Health & Safety, from page 38 other stakeholders who have a hand in the land or property. In instances where a garage owner wants to close shop or retire, selling the property land can become a lofty burden as the cost of remediation (that is the cost of cleaning up these sites for potential reuse) outweighs the current property value if, for example, gas fuel pumps had been previously installed on the land and now have to be removed along with underground fuel storage tanks, and the land reclaimed.

To municipalities these strips of land are referred to as “brownfield sites” and often redevelopment of a property is hindered by either real or perceived environmental contaminations. These contaminants can range anywhere from solvents, pesticides, and hydrocarbon spillages, and asbestos, to heavy metals that can be found in paints and other oil-based products. While there is potential for reuse once these lands are cleaned up, the reality is gas/service stations are among the most common brownfield sites in Canada.

“We wanted to figure out what the current practices were, whether they were mandatory (such as regulations) or whether they were simply best practices or suggestions. And then from there we looked at some of the possible solutions to breaking these barriers,” says Tammy Lomas-Jylha, vice-president of Remediation and Brownfield Services for OCETA. “What we did was we set up a stakeholder group, experts from all different areas … we wanted to make sure we had developers, we wanted munici- OCETA collaborated with the Province of Ontario and the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute (CPPI) to develop the Redevelopment Framework for Former palities at the table, we wanted provincial staff that Service Stations in the Province of Ontario. The Framework clarifies and streamworked on the frontlines of district offices but also lines the process of redeveloping a typical service station site in Ontario. It is had those that were developing standards, guidance anticipated that an effective Framework will result in more sites being returned pieces, and regulations.” to safe use in a timelier manner and at a reduced cost. The Redevelopment FrameIt’s safe to say that the standards for fuel tank work for Former Service Stations is available for free on OCETA’s web site, www. storage and underground insulation weren’t as rigor- aboutRemediation.com. ous in the past as they are today. Older tanks periodically leaked from excessive corrosion and rust and, as a result, underground. However, it is the contaminants of concerns eventually impacted the surrounding land. It’s also worth (COCs) that exclude many service stations from the ‘greennoting that prior to the introduction of automatic overflow field’ category. These include Petroleum Hydrocarbons shutoffs for fuel pumps, oil would often run into nearby soil (PHCs); Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene, and Xylene (BTEX); and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). or into sewer grates.

Soil contamination is usually an issue as well.

Is your shop a brownfield site?

Conventional petroleum hydrocarbon contamination What qualifies as a service centre according to this new cleanups (more commonly known as “dig and dumps”) can framework? range in costs anywhere from $75,000-$125,000 while land For starters, the size and location of the site would have values, especially in rural areas, can be as low as $25,000/ to leave a relatively small environmental footprint. It would per hectare. It’s easy to see how the costs outweigh the have to account for less than 2,000 tons of impacted soil. gains. It’s also easy to see why 80 per cent of used service The site would also have to be adjacent to major roadways, stations in Ontario are left not remediated and otherwise intersections or other service stations. In addition to this, abandoned. there would have to be a source of contamination such as The basis for the Redevelopment Framework involves an underground storage tank (UST), waste oil tank, or some four stages: Setting the Stage, Evaluation and Planning, other type of distribution piping and dispensing system Implementation, and Management. These stages have 40 SSGM April 2009

www.ssgm.com

HealtH and Safety || been grouped into four streams of a Redevelopment Project. These include finance, technical, land use planning, and external communication.

The genesis for this framework came about four years ago when OCETA along with the Canadian Urban Institute, National Roundtable for the Environment and Economy (NRTEE), the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, FedNor and the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing created the brownfield remediation toolkit, an online guide for the redevelopment of all types of brownfield sites. This was followed by four training sessions in 2006 where various municipalities came in and gave feedback to the remediation toolkit as well as said training sessions. What they really wanted was something specific for redevelopment of the most common type of brownfield site: service stations.

“The discussions around [the framework] really came from not only the barriers but also from the current brownfields redevelopment toolbox for Ontario municipalities. It was really helping get early starters in the brownfields game, an information source on how to get brownfields redeveloped based on some of the best practices,” continues Tammy Lomas-Jylha, vicepresident of remediation and Brownfield Services for OCETA. “The idea was to create something specifically for service stations. We took the discussion to the province of Ontario and the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute and we went from there.”

Currently, the framework is only available for former service centres within Ontario. However, there are discussions in the works for other provinces (as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) to adopt similar design models. To date this framework

remains the only remediation strategy specific to service stations in North America.

Aside from the assessment and remediation costs, experts say there’s no reason why former service stations couldn’t be as competitive as those natural greenfield sites.

It should be stressed that these are not mandatory legislative guidelines set forth by the government of Ontario, but rather timed-tested strategies collaborated by both public and private sectors to streamline working with municipalities. OCETA basically wanted to create a standardized approach that was clear, transparent, and above all user-friendly. In addition to the vast amount of information provided on its Web site (www.aboutremediation.com/servicestations/) they also offer several case studies, flow charts, technical information, equipment contacts and other valuable resources to help reduce approval delays as well as misunderstandings between developers and municipalities.

“The plan gives a structure for everyone to follow so [remediation] is no longer a black box. It gives you a path. And before you had this path many things appeared to be very, very complex,” continues Vincent. “There are also auxiliary tools in there that talk about COCs, remediation technologies that are available, and alternatives depending on the economics of the site.”

For those even considering selling their service centre or retiring soon, do yourself a favour and go to the website.

SSGM You’ll be glad you did.

Original™ Work Gloves

Special thanks to George Vincent, Chair of the National Contaminated Sites Committee for the Canadian Petroleum Products Institute, for his help on this article.

What do you think?

Have your say and speak your mind! letterstotheeditor@ssgm.com www.ssgm.com

The New Originals

Mechanix Wear Canada TollFree 877.278.5822 email: info@mechanixwear.ca mechanix.com

April 2009 SSGM 41

SSGM BAYWATCH New Products

Bosch introduces Hybrid Multimeter Bosch has introduced the MMD 540H Hybrid Multimeter, a professional grade CAT III 1000V safety rated, auto ranging digital multimeter designed for use in diagnostics of electronic circuits. This tool, when properly used following appropriate safety measures, offers the technician maximum protection for high-voltage applications, as well as versatility for conventional applications, at a very reasonable price. The meter is sold as a complete kit including necessary accessories, and all of these accessories are important to safely service hybrid vehicles. The Bosch MMD 540H kit includes: MMD 540H Multimeter (CAT III, 1000 V rated), extra long, 54-inch test leads (CAT III, 1000 V rated), inductive RPM Clamp (CAT III, 1000 V rated), additional fused diagnostic test leads (20A; for ATC and Mini fuses), K-Type Thermocouple for temperature measurement, 9-volt battery, CD based tri-lingual users guide and a zippered Bosch carrying case.

The accessories are also available separately.

Bosch www.boschdiagnostics.com

Bosch releases portable nitrogen tire filling system Bosch Wheel Service is pleased to announce the introduction of the fully automatic NTF Nitrogen Tire Filling System. The NTF is user-friendly and quickly fills four vehicle tires simultaneously. The fully automatic Bosch NTF 715 is easy to use – the technician simply hooks the hoses up to the vehicle’s tires, programs the unit and the machine can quickly deflate and then fill four vehicle tires with nitrogen. And, with the optional “dually” hose installed, the NTF 715 can fill even more tires at the same time. To ensure long machine life and optimal nitrogen purity, the Bosch NTF 715 has four filters – a water separator, oil separator, carbon filter bed and fine particulate filter – all help reduce contaminants reaching the 5.1 CFM, fully-aged, large bore membrane.

Bosch Wheel Service www.boschdiagnostics.com

42 SSGM April 2009

ACDelco offers rear wipers ACDelco has released an addition of eight rear wiper blades that are now part of the company’s Performance Blade line. In addition, three new Winter Wiper Blades were added to the ACDelco offering that fit the newer pinch tab wiper connector design.

ACDelco www.acdelco.com

www.ssgm.com

SSGM BAYWATCH New Products

BRM releases honing tool for brakes Brush Research Manufacturing (BRM) has released a ballstyle honing tool, the FlexHone that allows rebuilders and service shops to give gives brake cylinders and rotors a smooth, “nondirectional” finish that eliminates braking noise and extends service life.

The Flex-Hone uses abrasive globules called “dingle berrie,” mounted to nylon filaments to de-burring, plateau hone and deglaze, and to easily remove microscopic metal shards and fragments.

BRM also makes a special line of these ball-type hones for use on brake system rotors.

Brush Research Manufacturing www.brushresearch.com

Cardone ships transfer case motors Cardone Industries USA has begun to ship the A1 Cardone Transfer Case Motors (TCM) for trucks and SUVs. Cardone’s TCM’s are available for over 220 domestic and import applications, and cover more than 48 million vehicles in operation. Applications are available for Chevy/GMC, Ford, Mazda, and Isuzu. All products undergo several levels of quality control and testing to meet or exceed OE specs.

CARDONE www.cardone.com

SUDOKU by Myles Mellor and Susan Flanagan

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9X9 grid that has been s grids of 3X3 squares. To solve the puzzle each row, colum the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, m Level: Difficult

Advertisers’ Index Advertiser

Page #

website

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Advertiser

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website

NGK Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . 25 Petro Canada Certigard . . .36,37 Robert Bosch Inc . . . . . . . . . .IFC Sayco Distributors . . . . . . . . . 33 Thermofluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Total Petroleum Lubricants . . . 9 VISA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Wakefield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Walker Exhaust . . . . . . . . .12,13 WORLDPAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

. . . . . . .www .ngksparkplugs .ca . . . . . . . www .peterocanada .ca . . . www .boschdiagnostics .com . . . . . . . . . . . . www .canbuilt .ca . . . . . . . . . . . .www .redtek .com . . . . . . www .total-lubricants .ca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www .visa .ca . . . . . . . . . . .www .wakefield .ca . . . . . . . . . . . www .walker .com . . . . . . . . . www .worldpac .com

Solution

Solutions to March’s puzzles

www.ssgm.com

April 2009 SSGM 43

|| PUZZLES CROSSWORD

by Myles Mellor

You know where to turn

44 SSGM April 2009

Across 1. Stick shift cars have one 5. Type of car shop? (2 words) 9. Beef alternative 11. Car collision sound 14. Computers that are connected to networks 16. You may have this type of shifter in your car 18. ___-flap, aka a truck’s splash guard 19. Little bit 21. Spanish yes 22. “Back in Black” band 24. Battery size 26. Luxury vehicle division of Toyota 29. Snake pet 31. GMC model that was sold as a companion marque of Cadillac from 1927-1940 (2 words) 33. British, for short 34. Heredity unit 36. Ford failure 38. Pop 41. Volcano 42. Internet provider 43. Makes holes 45. Kia model 46. Toyota’s crossover utility vehicle 49. Tire woe 51. Dorothy’s Aunt 53. Wheel parts 54. Pontiac model that is a compact hatchback and it a joint venture between GM and Toyota 56. Solo song 57. Epic story 60. College degree 61. Hospital room 62. Refreshing summer drink (2 words) 63. Road cover 64. Musical Hyundai?

65. Pa’s mate

66. Legend maker Down 1. Extra compartment in a truck 2. Roman pot 3. Certificate, for short 4. Element maker 5. Auto maker who’s motto is “Innovation through technology” 6. ___-drive, pre-purchase driving experience 7. This updated Volkswagen has a built in flower vase in the interior 8. Toyota model that has it’s own Myspace profile 10. Field Officer, abbr.

12. 4-down model 13. Yukon, is one of their models 15. Long periods of time 17. Arizona State university, for short 20. Total amount 22. Famous Road?

23. Leonardo’s middle name 25. Pub purchases 27. First born description 28. Colorless, odorless element in the noble gas group, abbr.

30. Phone type 32. Type of car protection

system 34. Small GM car 35. Against 37. The name first applied to Pontiac’s version of the 2-door Nomad station wagon 39. Stringed instrument 40. Act 44. Hearing aid?

45. Putin’s nation 47. Baseball stat 48. Nissan model that was named after a series of off-road triathlon races 49. Little Italian cars 50. Princess crown 52. Aka Mazda MX-5 54. “___ ___ Voom!”

55. Yogi or Booboo 58. Car’s temperature control 59. Diamond, e.g.

60. Country sound 63. “Et __, Brute”

Automotive Internet Directory Visit these companies directly at their web addresses or check out the growing list of Hot Links at www.autoserviceworld.com.

To find out how your organization can be included in this directory and on the web, contact Brayden J C Ford 416-510-5206

AUTOMOTIVE PARTS & ACCESSORIES Goodyear Engineered Products www.goodyearep.com/aftermarket www.goodyearbeltsandhose.com The officially licensed belt of NASCAR. Gatorback, the quiet belt. You can never replace Goodyear quality.

NGK Spark Plugs Canada Limited www.ngksparkplugs.ca The World Leader in Spark Plugs, Oxygen Sensors and Ignition Wire Sets.

Used by 87% of the World’s OE Manufacturers S.B International Inc. www.sbintl.com “We keep engines humming”

HAND CLEANERS GOJO Industries, Inc. www.automotive.gojo.com GOJO is a leading manufacturer of skin care products and services for many marketing including automotive and manufacturing. GOJO continues to pursue a commitment of creating well-being through hand hygiene and healthy skin.

LUBRICANTS & ADDITIVES Empack/emzone Automotive Care & Maintenance www.emzone.ca The high performance emzone product line is specially formulated for your detailing and maintenance needs. For maintenance: Lubricants, Brake Cleaners, Degreasers, and Coatings. For detailing: Glass Cleaners, Carpet Foams, Tire Shines and Auto Fresh.

REFRIGERANT ZEX AC Compressors Division of Mister Starter

www.misterstarter.com Remanufactured/New A/C compressors and Turbochargers/Superchargers for complete line of cars and trucks, DOMESTIC & IMPORTS. Custom Rebuilds also available for your needs.

Duracool Refrigerants Inc. www.duracool.com Nationally Distributed by: Deepfreeze Refrigerants Inc. The Leaders in Hydrocarbon Refrigerant Technology Guaranteed In writing not to harm any Mobile A/C System You can feel the Difference that Quality Makes “Our Formula Never Changes”.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING CARS COUNCIL www.cars-council.ca Smarter hiring, better personnel assessment, and training accessible 24/7. We are the CARS Council, a not-for-profit organization, delivering tools developed by industry for industry. www.cars-council.ca

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT AIR LIQUIDE CANADA INC. www.airliquide.ca Your one-stop shop for all your industrial gases and welding supplies.

Genius Tools

www.geniustools.net Genius Tools provides a complete line of hand tools, as well as power tools, tool storage, and other solutions for the toughest jobs in automotive and industrial markets.

Premium quality at competitive prices.

Rotary Lift

www.rotarylift.com World Leader in Lift Productivity

Empack / emzone Refrigerants www.emzone.ca WAREHOUSE DISTRIBUTORS SUDOKU

by Myles Mellor and Susan Flanagan Eco-friendly, non-ozone depleting COLLISION REPAIR & BUYING GROUPS and system safe. The emzone Masters School of Autobody Management quality A/C Refrigerant product Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9X9 grid that has been subdivided into nineAutomont smaller Distributions Inc. www.masters-school.com line includes stop leak, system conditioner, oil Masters offers a number of charge, UV dye leak detection, and dryer offering grids of 3X3 squares. To solve the puzzle each row, column and box must contain each of www.automont.com Importer & Wholesale education programs and implementation colder vent temperatures, improved system the numbers 1 todesigned 9. Puzzles grades: medium and difficult.

Distributor of German, follow-up programs to takecome in three efficiency, lowereasy, head pressure and greater gas Swedish and Asian Auto Parts. bodyshops to the next level of success. mileage. Ideal for cars, trucks, SUVs and tractors.

Level: Medium

SUDOKU

Bestbuy Distributors Limited

by Myles Mellor and Susan Flanagan

Each Sudoku puzzle consists of a 9×9 grid that has been subdivided into nine smaller grids of 3×3 squares. To solve the puzzle each row, column and box must contain each of the numbers 1 to 9. Puzzles come in three grades: easy, medium and difficult.

www.bestbuyautoparts.ca Independent buying group and warehouse distributor that allocates its profits to member shareholders and provides unbeatable value for Independent Jobbers.

The E.R.I. Group www.theerigroup.com Canada’s Premier Machine Shop Buying Group Kerr Machine Shop Group Inc.

www.kerrmachineshopgroup.com Buying group for machine shops and performance shops.

Level: Medium

Solution

April 2009 SSGM 45

|| L AST WORD

Investing in customer service Even in tough economic times, people will take their business to those shops that put a premium on serving their customers

By Anthony Cheung, general manager for parts and service with Kingscross Hyundai Scarborough, Ontario

T

hese are challenging times. With the tightening of the credit markets, rising unemployment and a shrinking economy people are cutting back on many things. They are cutting entertainment budgets, holding off on major, big-ticket purchases and family vacations — except if it is somewhere local and inexpensive — and curtailing personal, impulse purchases, from a Starbuck’s coffee to new clothing. Automotive service and repair, even that provided by dealership operations, are feeling the effects of people’s economic anxieties.

It is now common for a person to bring their vehicle and to question in great detail each recommendation from the service writer and technician.

The customer will ask if the recommended work is necessary or whether it can be deferred safely; or if there is a way to have multiple quotes on the price of the part needed in order to save more money. Other customers are holding off on work which is not urgent or affecting the immediate

safety of the vehicle, fearing continuing economic turmoil might well result in a job-ending layoff, and every penny will have to be pinched even more.

One can hardly blame customers for this; these are tough times, with no clear end in sight right now.

The challenge for any service and repair business, independent and dealership-based both, is maintaining a level of service and quality in order to keep people and their vehicles coming into the bays. They expect their questions to be answered fully and will demand an explanation for each recommended piece work for their vehicle. To meet this challenge, investments have to be made in customer service training for service writers and technicians. One’s staff must be able to answer all customer questions and to explain the work to be done on the vehicle to maintain and keep it safe. If a customer arrives with an overheating engine and the technician produces a report outlining the problem, the repairs needed and the parts required, the service writer

must be able to explain the report to the customer clearly, without a lot of technical jargon. The owner of the vehicle is looking to make sure they are getting full-value for the investment they are going to make, and the first thing they are looking for is excellence of customer service: are you answering their questions, are you explaining everything clearly, how do you handle the challenges they make about cost, parts needed and other such matters.

Do all of those things right and business will continue to come into the shop, even during this recession.

The other big investment that needs to be made is hiring qualified technicians and their on-going training.

Vehicles are becoming ever-more complex and technicians must have a highdegree of mechanical and computer expertise to work on them. Finding qualified technicians and apprentices right now is a challenge; keeping them is another. Once you have them, investments in ongoing training for the technicians will be essential to making sure they can keep up with the complexities of vehicles in order to maintain a highlevel of customer service. Without this, it will be difficult, almost impossible, to keep people coming to your service operation. These tough times mean customers will be demanding a lot from their service providers, whether independent or dealership-based. Success will only come from those willing to make the investments needed. SSGM

Have something to say to our industry?

Let us know with the Last Word! tom@ssgm.com 46 SSGM April 2009

www.ssgm.com

Want to meet Dale Earnhardt Jr. at Daytona?

Or spend time at the Indy 500 with Dan Wheldon?

Or check out the Auto Club NHRA Finals with John Force?

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YOU CAN.

And it’s easy! Just go to www.delphi.com/victorylane. We’re sending 3 Technicians to the 2009 Auto Club NHRA Finals, the 2010 Daytona 500 or the 2010 Indy 500. We’ll also be giving away more than 1,000 instant and weekly prizes. Plus, you can access our special racing section with free downloads, post-race video footage and much more! No purchase necessary.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE CHANCE OF WINNING. VOID IN PR & WHERE PROHIBITED. Subject to Official Rules at www.Delphi.com/VictoryLane. Open only to legal residents of the 50 U.S./DC & Canada who are 21 or older. Starts 2/4/09 at 12:01 a.m. ET, and ends 10/2/09 at 11:59:59 p.m. ET. Internet access required. To enter, log on to www.Delphi.com/VictoryLane and register for promotion. Odds of winning GP depend on number of eligible entries received.

Odds of winning instantly depend on the number of attempted internet participations and the time of your Internet participation. Limit one entry per person, per email, per day. Sponsor: Delphi Corporation, 5820 Delphi Drive, Troy MI 48098.

All trademarks are used with the permission of their respective owners. © 2009 Hendrick Motorsports, LLC. © 2009 JR Motorsports. © 2009 Panther Racing, LLC. ©2009 John Force Racing, Inc.

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