-
Government technician licensing? The existing ASE certification program would be hard to beat
By Elliot Maras - Wednesday February 27, 2013
Assistant Editor Craig Truglia recently made a case for technician licensing in his blog, “Mandatory technician licensing: it’s a matter of public safety.” Craig, who is an ASE-certified technician and a shop owner, argues that the importance of the auto technician’s role calls for mandatory licensing. Craig correctly notes that auto technicians, because they service automobiles, play a big role in supporting public safety. I know how strongly he feels, and I agree with Craig that technician training is important, not just for the benefit of the automotive trade, but to the public at large. Where I take a different view is what the government’s role should be in verifying a technician’s competence. The automotive... -
Research into fuel-saving pavement
By David A. Kolman - Monday February 25, 2013
You have to wonder where in the world researchers come up with their ideas. I just learned that researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are looking in how changing road properties can help vehicles consume less fuel. This investigation came about through MIT's Concrete Sustainability Hub (CSH) - an organization that is working to "revolutionize the scientific basis for evaluating the environmental impact of Portland cement concrete, for optimizing the use of present materials and for modifying present materials and developing new materials designed to achieve a fully sustainable physical infrastructure, including uses in ever more demanding environments." Impressive. Did you know that more concrete is produced... -
Ever been through a retread tire plant?
By David A. Kolman - Friday February 15, 2013
Seems everyone has an opinion about retreaded tires. I do, and mine comes from my time working in the tire industry and from using retreads on trucks I have owned. I'll just say this: Retreaded tires have improved considerably from what there were years ago. But don't take my word for it. You can see for yourself. The Retread Tire Association (RTA) is offering, at no cost, a DVD titled, Reputable Retreading . It contains a tour of a modern truck tire retread plant in which viewers see what is involved in the retread process. RTA is a member-owned, non-profit international organization whose mission is to promote the environmental and economic benefits of top quality retreading and proper tire repairing. The tour starts at... -
Mandatory technician licensing: it's a matter of public safety
By Craig Truglia - Monday February 11, 2013
Yes, again we're going to argue about automotive repair licensing, but for the sake of full disclosure I will reveal the following: I not only support licensing, because it would make the roads safer, but also because it will help increase the salary of technicians. I voted for Michael Badnarik, Chuck Baldwin and Virgil Goode in the last three Presidential elections. If you do not know who they are, chances are that you are not as serious about reducing the size and scope of government as I am. However, let's get back to automotive. The following is a synopsis of criticisms of a previous blog where I suggested that DIY auto repairs were making the roads less safe . "Keep government out!" "I believe that more people have... -
What’s in a sign?
By David A. Kolman - Monday February 11, 2013
I was on the Pennsylvania Turnpike the other day, driving back from the City of Bridges (Pittsburgh) when I spotted a rig parked in one of the rest areas. What caught my eye was the large graphic on the driver’s side of the rig’s white van trailer. In very large, dark blue letters was the message: “Our most valuable resource sits here.” To the left of the message was a sizable arrow pointing to the rig’s cab. It was an impressive sight that instantly conveys a strong message. That got me to thinking. Why don’t vehicle service and repair organizations do something similar on their equipment. Does your company? Do you know of a company that does? -
Aftermarket outlook
By David A. Kolman - Thursday February 7, 2013
Who wouldn’t like to know what the future will bring? Armed with such knowledge we could better prepare for what is to come. Thus far, however, no one has been able to reliably peer into the future. As Niels Bohr, a Danish physicist who made foundational contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum mechanics, observed: Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future. Nevertheless, businesses gather information, track trends and make forecasts, analyze all this and then make a “best bet” outlook. As part of this Heavy Duty Aftermarket Dialogue (HDAD), which took place in Las Vegas in mid-January prior to this year’s Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW), there was a session entitled, The... -
DIYers are causing increased highway fatalities
By Craig Truglia - Monday February 4, 2013
I was reading an article in another magazine that noted that in spite of cars being built safer than ever, fatal accidents have increased. Some have theorized the increase in fatalities is caused by customers putting off repairs. Others have asserted that the advent of "texting and driving" and other distractions are not the cause, because car accidents were up all around regardless of age. Let me offer my perspective as a shop owner: Most customers, when given the option to spend a little more for the better part, will spend the money. Usually, I tell them that the part is made in a "better" country, will last longer and that its better construction increases safety. Yet, my shop is off the main drag, so maybe I am more apt to... -
Automotive aftermarket research: What’s in it for you? Plenty.
By Elliot Maras - Friday February 1, 2013
If you’re like me, you probably don’t have time to participate in surveys. Whether they are online, written, or over the phone. But if the survey has something to do with my own well being, be it personal or business, I try to make time. Surveys allow researchers to develop reports that allow us to make better decisions. Financial research has been available for a fee to the aftermarket for some time. But as more research is being done, there are more opportunities for shops to participate in surveys and have access to the results. The research addresses how the overall industry is faring. Some research indicates what areas shops are investing in – tools, personnel, marketing, training, etc. If a survey happens to come your... -
Shops are fixing cat converters wrong!
By Craig Truglia - Tuesday January 29, 2013
My father, G "Jerry" Truglia, taught me about P0420s before I started full time in the automotive business. His advice? Test the oxygen sensors, try a burn off procedure and if the catalytic converter needs to be replaced get one from the dealer. So, I begin running my own shop and by "osmosis" learn that all the shops in town were swapping out converters and oxygen sensors as their P0420 repair. It struck me as incredibly wasteful for the customer and a "repair" that would increase the likelihood of comebacks. There are more comebacks for several reasons. First, most aftermarket converters that are sold by the majority of parts stores just don't cut it. They throw P0420s early or they don't even turn the check engine light off at... -
What thoughts does your company name bring to mind?
By David A. Kolman - Monday January 28, 2013
With so many choices confronting a business’ prospective customers and clients, the question is: Why should they choose you? One way is to recognize and promote your true competitive advantage while building a category-leading brand identity. That was the message David Avrin, a marketing professional known as the Visibility Coach, delivered in his presentation to SOLD (Service Opportunities and Learning Day) - a day-long program especially designed for the owners and managers of shop operations in the parts and service industry. SOLD was held the day prior to the opening of Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week (HDAW) - North America’s largest gathering of the independent heavy duty aftermarket - which took place in Las Vegas, NV...