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Fuel Control vs Fuel Trim Understanding the differences ... and how to use them

Itâ€™s Your Turn Why techs should be allowed to pull plates from dangerous vehicles JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018

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JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2018 | VOL. 4 NO. 1

CANADIAN AUTO REPAIR & SERVICE MAGAZINE

FEATURES

The CARS Jobber Survey

In what will be an annual exercise, we reached out to your suppliers to find out how they’re prepared to help shops in challenging times.

Profile: Staying focused

K&A Autopro in Cobourg, Ont. set their sights on a year of continual improvement… and the experiment paid off handsomely!

COLUMNS Service Notes

5 13

Robust auto sales today will lead to full repair bays tomorrow.

It’s Your Turn

The argument for allowing technicians to become “critical defect inspectors.”

Greenwood’s Garage

14 22 30

What will the ‘shop of the future’ look like?

The Car Side

Slim finds out that not every vacation is relaxing.

Talking Tech: Fuel Trim

Looking at fuel trim values can be a valuable diagnostic tool to finding drivability issues and restoring a vehicle’s emission controls.

DEPARTMENTS Letters................................................................... 6 Eye Spy ................................................................. 6 In the News ........................................................... 8 By the Numbers ................................................. 12 Baywatch ............................................................ 25 Advertiser Index ................................................ 29

Our new international calling card. by

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January / February 2018

SERVICE NOTES CANADIAN AUTO REPAIR & SERVICE MAGAZINE

EDITOR | Allan Janssen (416) 614-5814 allan@newcom.ca

The sky is not falling

CONTRIBUTORS | Rick Cogbill, John Fraser, Bob Greenwood, Jeff Taylor.

Robust new vehicle sales feeds the pipeline of future work for the aftermarket.

ART DIRECTION | Tim Norton/Janet Popadiuk (416) 614-5810 tim@newcom.ca MANAGING DIRECTOR, AUTO DIVISION & NATIONAL SALES | Kathryn Swan (416) 510-5221 kathryn@newcom.ca NATIONAL SALES | Peter Bulmer (416) 510-5203 peterb@newcom.ca QUEBEC & EASTERN CANADA SALES DIRECTOR | Denis Arsenault (514) 947-7228 denis@newcom.ca ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER, PRINT/DIGITAL | Alicia Lerma 416-442-2003 ext. 6772 alicia@newcom.ca PRINT PRODUCTION MANAGER | Phyllis Wright (416) 510-6786 pwright@annexnewcom.ca CIRCULATION MANAGER | Lilianna Kantor (416) 614-5815 lily@newcom.ca CARS magazine is published monthly except for January and July by Newcom Media Inc., 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9. The magazine serves the Canadian automotive repair and service industry. Subscriptions are free to those who meet the criteria. For others: single copy price: $7.00 plus tax; one-year subscription in Canada: $53.95 plus applicable tax; 2-year subscription in Canada: $84.95 plus applicable tax; one-year subscription in U.S: US$95.95; single copy price: US$10.00; one-year subscription in all other countries: US$97.95. Copyright 2018. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written consent of the publisher. The advertiser agrees to protect the publisher against legal action based upon libelous or inaccurate statements, unauthorized use of photographs, or other material in connection with advertisements placed in CARS. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising which in his opinion is misleading, scatological, or in poor taste. Postmaster: send address changes and undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Dept., CARS, 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9.

VP, PUBLISHING | Melissa Summerfield VP, EDITORIAL | Rolf Lockwood PRESIDENT | Joe Glionna CHAIRMAN | Jim Glionna CORPORATE OFFICES HEAD OFFICE 451 Attwell Dr., Toronto ON M9W 5C4 Telephone: 416-614-2200 Facsimile: 416-614-8861

REGIONAL OFFICE 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 Telephone: 416-442-5600 Facsimile: 416-510-5169 Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations Newcom Media – Publications at 80 Valleybrook Customer Number: 4006214 Publication Mail Agreement #40063170 Print edition ISSN 2368-9129 On-line edition ISSN 2368-9137

By Allan Janssen Canadians bought more than 2 million cars in 2017 – a stunning achievement for automakers and a happy fact for anyone in the business of selling repairs, maintenance, or parts. Two million new cars on Canadian roads means plenty of new business for the aftermarket – maybe not immediately, but certainly after 2021 or so, when they start coming off warranty and break free of the tenacious grip of the dealership. These two million new cars are feeding the pipeline, as they say. Many of them will still be coming into our bays well after 2030. This is a welcome thought for an industry that, let’s be honest, has become a little nervous about the future. I’ve heard from more than one concerned shop owner that the sky is falling. For one thing, there has been much talk of late about the coming explosion of electric vehicles, with their radically reduced service needs. The alternative power camp is working feverishly to reduce the cost of battery kilowatt hours. When it reaches a golden threshold it is expected to largely and suddenly replace traditional internal combustion engines and today’s fleet of proto-hybrid vehicles. Autonomous vehicles constitute another threat on the horizon of the independent repair shop. Will these wheeled robots be programmed, as it were, to drive themselves to an independent bay? Will aftermarket technicians be ready for them? Will car sharing change maintenance habits? What will happen when larger fleets are owned by fewer companies and there are fewer individuals responsible for their upkeep?

Attendees at this year’s Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas were told that the cost to operate a vehicle drops precipitously if it is connected, autonomous, and shared. A traditional vehicle owned by a single individual costs $0.97 per mile to maintain. A shared autonomous vehicle costs only $0.31 per mile. The idea of vehicles that cost a third of today’s dollars to operate is sobering indeed. Clearly our industry faces pressures on a number of fronts. But the news that a record number of vehicles were purchased this year offers an optimistic view of the future. For one thing, Canadians still very much rely on personally owned transportation. There are no real signs yet of that changing. And our population is going up. Canada grows at a rate of about 1.2% a year. That represents about 435,000 people – all of whom will continue to need and demand transportation options that are convenient and reliable. We may not continue to hit new records of vehicle sales, but there’s little doubt they will continue to be robust for the foreseeable future. And robust sales feed a pipeline that already contains some 27 million light vehicles that are now in operation on Canadian roads. Each year of solid new car sales portents 15 to 20 years of stable automotive repair and maintenance. Yes, things are changing. Yes, we have to stay on top of new technology. But we are up to the challenge. And, no, the sky is not falling. Please tell me what you think. You can reach me at allan@newcom.ca.

January / February 2018

LETTERS What’s with the U.S. spellings? I enjoy your magazine very much. It always has something that is informative and relevant to our business. But I do notice that you use American spellings, rather than Canadian spellings. Perhaps this is because some articles were originally published in the U.S. Although I realize not all information can be 100% from Canadian sources, it would be great to see “labour” spelled correctly. It would make patriotic grammar watchers happier! Nicole Winterhalder Coast Mountain GM Smithers, B.C.

Hi Nicole. You’re not the first to write in about this. You’ll be happy to know that starting with this issue, we’re going back to Canadian spellings. By the way, I want to assure you that all of our content is Canadian. We don’t source U.S. articles. — Allan

Tech of the year and finalists are to be commended Congrats to Rui Silvestre, a deserving recipient of the Canadian Technician of the Year award. In fact, all of these techs who were finalists are to be commended for their level of commitment to our trade. They bring a high level of professionalism to an often underrated trade. Bob Ward Auto Guys Woodstock, Ont.

Commitment to training is important Congratulations to all the fine people who earned distinction in the annual Technician of the Year award. We totally agree that training is a huge component in staying current and up-to-date in this industry. Keep up the great work! Steve & Cheryl Butterworth Butterworth’s Service Centre Ingersoll, Ont.

EYESPY Between a rim and a hard place The folks at OK Tire Moosomin, in Moosomin, Sask., got a chuckle out of this attempt to protect a vehicle’s rims while changing a tire. The work-experience student, Kaleb, got it mostly right… but when he blasted the tire, the vacuum underneath sucked the rags into the rim. “The funny thing is the tire actually held air,” says Chelsey Hattum, who sent the picture to us. “We laughed for hours!” Have an interesting picture to share? Send a high-resolution image to allan@newcom.ca

Pictures and video helps build customer trust I enjoyed the article ‘Just Watch This!’ (December 2017). I totally agree with Ronney Goulet’s approach of using video and pictures in the shop. I’ve been doing that for the last three years. It has helped me gain the trust of my customers and has made it easier to explain the work that is needed on their vehicles. Best of all, I get zero confrontation or misunderstanding. Yannick Labonte Mechyannick Automotive Clinic Squamish, B.C.

Providing relief to our newest workers is important The idea of providing some relief to apprentices is definitely worth considering (“Ontario Shop Owner Looking for Funding for Apprentices,” October 2017). Back when I was in the apprenticeship program, we had assistance from Manpower. But by 1980, when techs were laid off, they had to apply for benefits, which sometimes didn’t show up until they were back at work. Of course when the cheques started coming in, the government clawed the money back because the tech was now back at work. We took some of those issues to our Member of Parliament and got some of it reversed, but there was still a massive gap. Now a lot of shop owners just keep the tech on the payroll, with the promise that the tech will give the shop a minimum of two years before looking elsewhere for employment. Most of those shop owners have reported reasonable success. George Stringham Taber Diesel Service, Taber, Alta.

What’s on your mind? We want to hear from you about anything you read in CARS magazine. Send your email to allan@newcom.ca

6 CARS

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NEWS

The annual Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo is held in Las Vegas every November.

Annual AAPEX show sets sights on the future Scores of educational sessions focus on how the industry is changing and where the new opportunities for growth lie. By Allan Janssen The recent Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo (AAPEX) took a determined look at the future of the auto repair industry. Keynote speeches examined ongoing transformations in vehicle technology and consumer behaviour, and expert

panels discussed anticipated changes in the way automotive parts are made, sold, and installed. According to the Auto Care Association – cohost of the annual event with the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association – the $740 billion global automotive aftermarket is a high-tech industry being reshaped by new products, technologies, and services designed to satisfy consumer appetite for increased mobility, automation, and connectivity. “There are disruptive consumer, economic, and technology trends that

“With the changes coming, this industry is on the verge of huge value creation that we have not seen in decades,” said Neal Ganguli, automotive supplier consulting leader, Deloitte Consulting LLP.

8 CARS

each of you have been dealing with for many years,” said keynote speaker Neal Ganguli of Deloitte Consulting LLP. “What is unique right now is that several key ones that drive transformation – consumer preferences, regulatory forces, economics, and technological advancement – are converging together, and that has the potential to drive huge transformation.” Among many other predictions, Ganguli said mobility sharing by consumers and fleets will lead to increased vehicle utilization, more frequent maintenance visits and parts replacement, and more service visits. “With much higher use cycles, you’re going to have greater maintenance and service opportunities,” he said. “This does not just impact the volume of parts, but the way vehicles are serviced. Aftermarket services have tremendous potential for growth going forward. You have to determine where is the opportunity? Put on your creative hats, your new business model hats. There are ways for you to innovate in these new segments.” For example, he said the plethora of onboard data that is now being generated on vehicles opens the possibility for predictive maintenance modeling. “New business opportunities are opening up and you’re going to have to figure out how you can play in this new space. There are some risks, but the opportunities are really three to four times the size of that risk,” he said. “With the changes coming, this industry is on the verge of huge value creation that we have not seen in decades.” Mark Seng, the global aftermarket practice leader for British-based data consulting company IHS Markit, offered his annual “Five Trends in Five Minutes” overview. The trends he identified this year were robust new vehicle sales (and their impact on future service needs), increased variation on body styles, a changing aftermarket ‘sweet spot,’ ongoing engine transformations, and the pending arrival of autonomous vehicles. www.autoserviceworld.com

The first-ever AAPEX Mobility Park featured underhood training, a scan tool theatre, and an electric vehicle display. Pictured, Dave Hobbs of Delphi explains the intricacies hybrid-electric charging technology.

“I don’t think necessarily that the aftermarket sweet spot is shrinking. Rather, it is changing. More of our repairs have to be coming from older vehicles,” he said. “The aging of the fleet is a good trend for the automotive aftermarket, any way you look at it.” Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association, said changes in society and in the automotive industry dictated the need for more educational opportunities at AAPEX, including forward-looking topics such as the future of the vehicle, the future of the buyer, and the future of the shop.

Canadians took time away from the AAPEX show to wish Uni-Select executive vice president Gary O’Connor a happy retirement. O’Connor, who started his career in the automotive industry in 1983, described the surprise party as “a very humbling moment.” Connor (right) is seen here with Scott Stone (left) and Dave Illes.

“Education is more important than ever before,” he said. The trade show itself was sold out, with 5,433 booths, 2,515 exhibiting companies. It drew 49,382 targeted buyers from around the world, and approximately 162,000 automotive aftermarket professionals.

Available January 2018 www.autoserviceworld.com

January / February 2018

NEWS

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Total celebrates 10 years in Canada More than 200 guests helped the Total Canada team celebrate their 10th anniversary at the Montreal Science Centre in January. Company president Franck Bagouet (right) told guests at the gala event that Total’s growing line of SKUs are made “in Canada for Canada.” He is seen here with vice president for North and Central America Ernst Wanten, and Valérie Limoges, who drives the Total #220 car in the Nissan Micra Cup.

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Members of the public have until March 22 to submit comments on the federal government’s proposed regulations on the importation and use of asbestos. The draft legislation specifically mentions the automotive industry, saying it will be “expected to comply by switching to imports of asbestos-free products.” Asbestos, which was once commonly used in a number of automotive components including brake pads and clutches, has been linked to serious

health concerns. The government says it is estimated that about 4,300 workers in the automotive repair and maintenance industry could be exposed to asbestos due to the removal of friction materials containing asbestos. Approximately 333,000 brake pads containing asbestos were imported into Canada on an annual basis in recent years. A link to the proposed regulations can be found at www.autoserviceworld. com/asbestos-deadline/

Skills Ontario names new CEO

“Ian’s history with Skills Ontario, and the extensive industry and government experience he brings, makes him a natural fit to lead Skills Ontario,” said current board president Ray Lavender. Howcroft said he and the board would continue to work “to strengthen and support the next generation of skilled trade and technology professionals in Ontario.”

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Ian Howcroft has taken over as CEO of Skills Ontario, replacing Gail Smyth who retired in August. Howcroft served on the Skills Ontario board of directors from 1999 to 2015, including a term as board president from 2004 to 2006.

www.autoserviceworld.com

AIA releases study on connected car Consumer attitudes toward telematics systems, vehicle connectivity, and automated cars came under scrutiny in the latest publication by AIA Canada. The study, by Quorus Consulting Group, is part of the AIA’s Consumer Behaviour Series. Among other conclusions, it found that “while vehicle manufacturers are the current stewards of data transmitted by vehicles, there are a number of ways that access and ownership can be managed from an aftermarket perspective.” The report stresses that vehicle connectivity is a nascent field where issues of transparency, consumer choice, and data protection must still

be ironed out. It’s available for free to AIA members, and for purchase by non-members.

Sean Corcelli wins AIA Distinguished Service Award The AIA has presented its second Distinguished Service Award of the year. Sean Corcelli, a former chairman of the association and a retired vice president of Uni-Select, was honoured at the AIA’s 75th Anniversary Gala in Ottawa. A dedicated volunteer with various charities in his community as well as the AIA High Fives for Kids Foundation, Corcelli was instrumental in raising over $10,000 for the Justin Slade Foundation. Corcelli accepted the award with gratitude, telling stories of his early days in the industry, including one

time when he found himself in a job interview wearing one black shoe and one brown shoe. He still got the job. “When I retired earlier this year, I found that it gives you a chance to reflect on your career and thank a number of people,” he said.

Bosch and ASA to team up for webinar series The Automotive Service Association and Bosch are collaborating on a new diagnostics training series this year, covering major repair topics facing collision and mechanical shops. The series will cover diagnostic tool selection, pre- and post-scanning, module reprogramming, advanced driver-assist systems (ADAS) recalibration, and more. Each webinar will feature a 30-minute training session followed by a 15-minute Q&A session.

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January / February 2018

NEWS

By the NUMBERS Stats that put the North American automotive aftermarket into perspective.

2,038,798

Number of new vehicles sold in Canada in 2017 – a record high and the fifth consecutive annual increase.

17.2 million

DesRosiers Automotive Consultants Inc.

30 bays

Construction is underway on what will be the largest Toyota dealership in Canada. The 205,000-sq-ft, $50-million facility north of Toronto will include 30 service bays, two alignment bays, a full service café, two customer lounges, a children’s play area, a customer drive-through service reception, express service bays, two automatic car washes, and six detail bays. OpenRoad Toyota Richmond press release

9TH

Canada’s 2016 ranking on the list of vehicle producing countries. It produced 2.37 million vehicles (light passenger as well as commercial vehicles) that year. China led the way with 28.12 million vehicles, followed by the U.S. at 12.12 million, Japan, Germany, India, South Korea, Mexico, and Spain. Canada produced approximately 2.2 million units in 2017 International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA) and DesRosiers Automotive Consultants

1/3

Autodata Corp.

50%

Half of AASA members have begun preparations to offset the expected negative effects of increased vehicle electrification over the next 10 years. Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association Q3 2017 Supplier Barometer survey

60%

Percentage of Canadian vehicles operating on winter tires this season. Aside from Quebec, where use is mandated, Atlantic Canada has the highest adoption rate, at 83%. Manitoba and Saskatchewan are at 47% usage.

Tire and Rubber Association of Canada

Bob Greenwood, Congress of Auto Repair & Service, Las Vegas, Nov. 2017

Nearly one-third of drivers have never changed their headlights. Of those that have, more than half replaced them individually, rather than in pairs as is recommended. SYLVANIA Automotive Lighting Survey

“The average six-bay shop is understaffed by a minimum three people. They’re short one on the counter, one in the bays, and one in the back office.”

56.8%

Number of automotive aftermarket professionals, from nearly 140 countries, who typically attend the Automotive Aftermarket Parts Expo (AAPEX) in Las Vegas each November.

Percentage of Quebec survey respondents who reported high trust in autonomous vehicles. Ontarians followed at 51%. Manitoba and Saskatchewan trailed at 45.1%.

Auto Care Association

DesRosiers Light Vehicle Study

158,000

12 CARS

Number of light vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2017 – down 1.8 per cent from the record-breaking 17.55 million units sold in 2016.

www.autoserviceworld.com

IT’S YOUR TURN Got an opinion? We’ll happily give you a page to get it off your chest! Send your rant to allan@newcom.ca

Why can’t we pull plates?

Ontario technicians can play a vital role in keeping the public safe… if we only had the authority to do the job! By Tom Brown, 310S/T, BSc

The floor felt soft on this ‘88 Chev pickup when it was brought into Svendsen Bros. Automotive in Kingston, Ont. The tech lifted the floor mat and found there was no floor at all! There comes a time for all vehicles when they need to be pulled from the road.

In Ontario there is some automotive service work that can only be performed for compensation by a qualified automotive or truck technician (license 310S or 310T). Licensed technicians are also the only ones authorized to sign safety standards certificate. The Highway Traffic Act states that “no person shall permit… the operation of a vehicle… that is in such condition as to be a danger to any person.” All Ontario technicians and apprentices received an email in late September reminding them of the Ontario College of Trades’ “Professional Misconduct” regulations. They state that a journeyman is guilty of professional misconduct if he or she “fails to prevent a danger to the public.” Clearly the province pays lip service to safe roads. In fact, we have two pieces of legislation that compel technicians to prevent dangerous vehicles from www.autoserviceworld.com

being operated on public roads. The only problem is that the province forgot to give technicians the authority to pull plates from those dangerous vehicles, or in any other way prevent them from being driven on public roads. I’ve personally seen situations where a dangerous vehicle has been driven away by the owner, even after being warned that the car is unsafe. In these cases, the official direction from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is to inform the owner, document the situation, and in special circumstances, call the police. Only the police have the authority to actually remove the plates from the vehicle. There are other trades where licensed workers have the authority to protect the public from danger. Recently my family called a gas fitter to install a gas line to a stove. While inspecting other appliances within the home, he found the gas

fireplace to be defective and he locked it out as dangerous. We could not use it until it was fixed by a qualified gas fitter. Similarly, if a commercial motor vehicle is found to have a “critical defect,” a certified inspector is authorized to remove the plates. So how is a leaky brake line on a commercial vehicle any different than a leaky brake line on a passenger car? It’s my position that automotive technicians must have the right to remove license plates in order to prevent dangerous vehicles from being driven on public roads. I’ve proposed to provincial authorities that the HTA regulations concerning Critical Defects in Commercial Motor Vehicles be extended to all vehicles. Further, that a 310S/T technician be permitted to earn a “critical defect inspector” qualification, which would allow them to remove plates. The Minister of Transportation, Steven Del Duca, and the provincial registrar of motor vehicles, Sean Doucette, seem willing to listen to this argument. I’m asking for your help in bolstering my case. Please send in examples where a technician deemed a vehicle to be unsafe but the owner insisted on driving it anyway. I want to present cases where public safety was threatened by a dangerous vehicle. Together, we can fight the good fight to keep our families safe on public roads. Please send your reports to professorofautolaw@gmail.com. T Tom Brown is a professor of automotive technology o aat Centennial College in SScarborough, Ont. You can rreach him at ttbrown@centennialcollege.ca.

January / February 2018

GREENWOOD’S GARAGE

The

shop of the

Vehicle calibration services will have an impact on bay design. We’re going to see bays as wide as 32 to 35 feet that give adequate room for this specialized service. Vehicle software platforms will become the new training models as many high-end technicians transition to the role, essentially, of software engineers. Shops will have secure high quality connections to the Internet – both for client use in the waiting area, and for staff use in the office, back rooms, and bays. Tablets will replace clipboards and paper. And accessing technical information, vehicle service histories, and management information will all be done online. Similarly, parts ordering will be done instantly with the touch of a button instead of a phone line. Shop web sites will be managed by outside firms, and will be used not only for marketing purposes but as a reference tool for clients seeking information about their vehicles. Making service appointments will be streamlined, with everyone’s calendars automatically synced and updated. And as your shop evolves, so will your workforce. Your well-paid and highly trained staff will be committed and fully engaged, with a clear understanding of your vision for the business as a whole and their role within it. Management and staff will establish a close, professional relationship. This will be a “career” not just a “job” for everyone in the shop. The business will offer them unique opportunities for personal growth and job satisfaction. Challenges will be met with enthusiasm, and be rewarded with handsome compensation and financial stability. I believe professionalism is going to be even more necessary in tomorrow’s shop environment than it is today. The emphasis will be on developing highly tuned management skills and ethical relationships with coworkers, clients, and affiliate companies. Only suppliers that are committed to the success of the shop will have the privilege of interacting with it. This includes everyone from the jobber, to the accountant, to the equipment sales person, to the third-party marketing company. Say goodbye to the “trade” days. We’re entering an era of true professionalism, with a culture of respect and cooperation where everyone has each other’s back. The result of this “team” approach will be greater trust and

future

As we enter a new year, it’s worth looking at how state-of-the-art auto repair facilities are likely to operate.

f you’re a progressive shop owner today, your future looks very bright indeed. New opportunities are about to open up for you if you continue to maintain a positive attitude By Bob Greenwood, AMAM and a focused commitment to your business. Your prospects are in stark contrast to the fate of those who fail to prepare for advancing vehicle technology, the growing shortage of competent technicians, and a new generation of educated and plugged-in consumers. Shop owners who do not keep up with the times will pay a steep price as the business landscape changes. Thousands of independent shops will disappear in the next few years, but I believe the ones that are left will be terrific businesses to be a part of. These thriving shops will typically have eight to 10 hoists, and two or three “diagnostic only” bays in a meticulously clean facility.

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loyalty from clients, as they see how professionally their vehicle maintenance is being managed for safety and reliability. High-functioning shops will earn valuable permissions from their clients to access the full range of vehicle information available through telematics. This will allow a level of vehicle care that exceeds the highest client expectations. The relationship between the shop and client will reach a whole new level. The impact on you and your staff will be dramatic. You’ll become a fully operational team, enjoying a professional wage based on the talents you individually bring to the operation. The most progressive and successful facilities will take a profit-sharing approach, where everyone benefits from the shop’s success. The days of offering a simple bonus are rapidly coming to a close. Individual bonuses tend to be a divisive force in a business. Profit sharing creates a unified team. As I’ve discussed before, shops will have a minimum of three labour rates. Some will have as many as five different labour rates to handle the unique challenges of advanced technology. These rates will no longer be set around multiples of an hourly wage, but will reflect the need for operational efficiencies which affect the true cost per billed hour. This new reality will truly reward the shops that “get it” because achieving efficiencies will be the key to remaining competitive in a marketplace that requires elite skills. You have to attract those top-performing techs and compensate them fairly. Inefficient shops will price themselves out of the market. I believe the tension and animosity between the independent sector of the aftermarket and OE dealer will start to subside. Both sides will need each other more than ever. With future vehicles working their way up to 500 million lines of software code, the potential for more vehicle recalls is very real. High-end independents are very likely to be solicited by dealerships to give them a hand making sure consumers are taken care of in a timely manner. The best technicians – the ones www.autoserviceworld.com

reaching engineer status – will see each other more frequently at high-end training sessions and industry conferences. This will allow them to share information more easily and build stronger relationships. These professionals will embrace a culture of continuous learning – something that is already happening in other industries and is long overdue in ours. Independent shop owners will also start to work more closely together, as the need to specialize in specific vehicle models emerges. The days of working on all makes and models will come to an end. The amount of information, training, and tooling will be prohibitive, forcing shops to start working together to meet market demands. This potentially is one of the most exciting changes coming to our industry. Professionalism and cooperation will reach a whole new level within the aftermarket.

As I’ve said before, we don’t get paid for what you do. We get paid for what we know. This is the new aftermarket reality. Does this sound a little too farfetched for you? Well watch out. It’s already starting to happen. I’m confident you’ll see – or read – about businesses that have embraced the new aftermarket within the next year and a half. Will yours be one of the shops that truly excels in this new reality? Or will you be one of the unfortunate statistics that everyone will read about? The alarm is being sounded. Are you hearing it loud and clear?

Bob Greenwood is an Accredited Master Automotive Manager, specializing in the automotive repair and service industry. You can reach him at greenwood@aaec.ca.

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January / February 2018

How would you describe your role in keeping their businesses healthy? 7.5% 19.4%

38.8%

34.3%

to help

A new nationwide survey of jobbers reveals their willingness to assist repair shops in challenging times.

I’ll offer advice if I’m asked I am eager to roll up my sleeves and help I can connect them with management experts I have no role, I’m just a supplier

Do ASP shops take the need for management and technical training seriously enough?

28.6%

30.2%

41.3%

I can count on the best shops being there No, they say they’re too busy to go to classes They say they do, but they don’t show up for events

Do you find that more ASP shops are asking for low-cost parts?

36.8%

48.5%

14.7%

Demand for low-cost parts is about the same as ever No, shops are steering their customers away from cheap parts Yes, more shops are saying that their customers demand it

16 CARS

Ready

By Allan Janssen Jobbers across the country want their five (19.4%) said they were prepared to shop customers to know they can count connect their customers with manageon them in difficult times. ment help. That was the overwhelming message Only 7.5% said that, as suppliers, they from a jobber survey conducted by have no role in their customers’ success. CARS magazine. As suppliers to numerous repair shops, Nearly 70 parts stores participated in many jobbers say they can discern best what will be an annual questionnaire to practices that are likely to lead to success. gauge prevailing attitudes in the jobber Among the most common errors they community on a wide range of industry see in the field are a lack of management issues. The topic of the first survey was understanding (34.8%), focusing on how jobbers can offer management help installing cheap parts (17.9%), giving to their automotive away labour or knowledge service provider (ASP) “Time spent on (16.3%), and failing to look customers… and the for all the repair work on keeping bad results were clear. Jobbers consumer vehicles (9%). want repair shops to customer is time Unsightly facilities and thrive. poor people skills also lost to gaining limit success, they “If our shops fail, we fail,” one jobber wrote, better customers.” pointed out. summing up the views of Jobbers offer a wide many. range of solutions to help get shops So how do jobbers see their roles? back on track, from facilitating group Well, they appear to have a tricky line meetings of shop owners (31.1%), to to walk. On the one hand, they want to regular management training classes lend a helping hand. On the other, they (39.3%) to one-on-one training (24.6%). are very cautious of offending. But delivering these solutions requires “I find that my customers know how eager students. they want to run their businesses,” one “Many simply do not seem to want wrote. “Advice that is not asked for is help,” one jobber wrote. “I have tried not appreciated.” and no one showed interest.” Another jobber described himself as This was a common refrain among simply a “consultant” who was available respondents. While about a quarter if needed. said they could count on their best Some 38.8% of jobbers feel the same customers to show up for management way, indicating that they’ll offer advice and technical training, more were met only when asked. Slightly fewer (34.3%) with resistance. Some 30.2% of responsaid they were eager to roll up their dents say shops tend to pay lip service sleeves and help, while about one in to training opportunities but then don’t www.autoserviceworld.com

Do you carry a wide range of qualities, including so-called “white box” parts?

22.7%

77.3%

I only carry the most popular brands with decent quality Yes; I’d rather not sell the cheap stuff, but some customers insist on it

show up, while 41.3% of jobbers found that shop owners say they are just too busy to go to classes. “Most think of training as an expense,” said one jobber. “They should include the cost of training in their labour rate.” “The top 20% are ‘all in’ on training,” said another. “Unfortunately, the majority still don’t know what they don’t know, and they fail to recognize how much they’re hurting themselves and their businesses. Many old dogs still refuse to learn new tricks.” One of the biggest take-aways from the survey was the importance of promoting, buying, and installing quality parts. Despite the added cost to consumers, they offer longevity, greater performance, and higher satisfaction rates. More to the point, they enhance a shop’s reputation for doing quality work and saving customers money in the long run. Nearly half of respondents to the CARS survey said shops ask for the cheapest parts possible because that’s what their customers want. About a third said the demand for cheap parts is the same as it has always been. Only 14.7% found that shops have started to steer their customers away from cheap parts. Because of the demand, jobbers feel they have to make cheap alternatives available to their ASP customers. Fully 77.3% of jobbers say they’d “rather not sell the cheap stuff ” but customers insist on buying it. Only www.autoserviceworld.com

22.7% say they only carry the most popular brands that are reliable. The reliance on cheap parts says a lot about a repair shop, they insist. Repairs will cost less, but will probably not last as long (17%), they attract the wrong type of customer (29.7%), and they reduce a shop’s profitability (28.1%). “Quality parts are easier to install, fit better and require less labour, resulting in more profit for the shop,” one said. Vehicle age should be the only reason for employing cheap, or second-line parts, jobbers say. “A lot of older vehicles are still on the road,” said one respondent. “Shop owners suggest cheaper parts for these vehicles.” Some believe shops are caught by a changing consumer mindset. “We all prefer to sell premium parts, but the mentality of the car owner has changed,” one jobber wrote. What does a customer’s insistence on cheap parts tell you about their business? 17.2% 25.0%

29.7% 28.1%

Their repairs will cost less, but will probably not last as long They’re attracting the wrong type of customer They’re sacrificing profitability when they do that They’re trying to keep the cost down for their customers

“Consumers look at their vehicle as a depreciating asset the second they purchase it. They don’t want to put more money into it than they have to. If their intention is to hang onto the car for several years, it’s easier to convince that consumer to purchase premium parts, but for the individual that is always looking to upgrade to a new vehicle or drive their vehicle into the ground, it’s a hard sell.”

What is the most important trend in the sale of automotive maintenance? 3% 11.9% 35.8% 14.9% 14.9%

4.5%

Advanced technologies All of the above Cost of tools and training mean average repair costs must go up Customers are more knowledgeable and more demanding Decline in the pool of skilled trade means labour costs must go up Modern business requires buttoned-down management processes

The changing consumer mentality is one of the more significant trends in the world of automotive maintenance. Our survey showed that 15% of jobbers cite more knowledgeable – and demanding – consumers as a real challenge for shops. The biggest change, however, is changing automotive technologies (35.8%), followed by the cost of tools and training (15%), and the decline in the pool of skilled workers (12%). All of these, in fact, suggest that the cost of automotive repair and maintenance should be trending upward – probably faster than it actually is. “The players in our industry need to keep up with the ongoing changes in technology and society. We need to prove that our industry is as technologically savvy as the computer industry,” said one jobber. “This comes from understanding the high value of continuous learning – both management and technical.” Automotive repair shops are facing unparalleled challenges these days. It’s no exaggeration to say they have had to reinvent their approach to customer service and vehicle maintenance. They have had to become mobility experts. According to our poll, jobbers are standing by with an array of resources designed to make them achieve that goal. January / February 2018

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PROFILE

Focused on the goal The three-person team that runs K&A Autopro in Cobourg, Ont. would never let size stand in the way of success. By Allan Janssen

K&A is Autopro’s shop of the year for Ontario. From left, Andy McDonald, Kevin Surerus, and Steve Harris.

small shop’s win as Ontario Autopro of the Year was the result of a year-long campaign by its owners to achieve peak efficiency in 2017. Andy McDonald and Kevin Surerus, owners of K&A Autopro in Cobourg, a quiet lakeside community east of Toronto, were determined to improve their bottom line and win recognition for their three-bay shop. After twice being recognized as an Autopro “gold level” shop in Ontario, they set their sights on being podium finishers in the annual shop of the year award. The impetus was seeing videos on www.autoserviceworld.com

the three top shops in the province at Autopro Ontario’s 2016 conference. “That really appealed to me,” says Andy. “I said, ‘Let’s try to be one of the shops that gets a video next year. Let’s see if we can do that!’ And from that point on, we were focused on the goal.” Along with technician Steve Harris, they looked over the list of requirements for gold level status in 2017, and started knocking them off one by one. “We started checking the list every two weeks or so,” he says. “We just kept going through it and looking for other things we could do to improve. Taking tech training… offering more roadside assistance… getting our customers to

fill out surveys… we looked for anything we could do that month to keep the goal alive.” Their effort paid off when a video team was dispatched to their operation. They knew they’d clinched a podium spot, along with Glenn Colling’s Eastside Automotive (Chartwell Road location in Oakville, Ont.) and Mike Hinbest’s Highway 10 location in Mono, Ont. (Roy’s Service Centre). But it got even better for K&A Autopro. At the Ontario convention in October, they were named the top shop in the province. “We were up against a couple of great shops, so we were really thrilled to be named the shop of the year,” says McDonald. “That was amazing!” Martyn Johns, Autopro director for Ontario and the Maritimes, says the team at K&A Autopro were clearly 100% committed to their goal, capturing 119 out of a possible 120 points to earn the distinction. “Getting to know Kevin and Andy throughout this process just reaffirms that they truly deserve this award,” he says. “They symbolize what the gold level standard represents. We’re happy to have them as part of the family, and we’re a better network as a result.” Andy (an accountant eager to start his own business) and Kevin (a trained technician with an entrepreneurial bent) were ideal partners. They rented a few bays from a collision shop in an industrial area, and started K&A in 2009. Andy’s accounting background gave CONTINUED Æ

January / February 2018

PROFILE

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20 CARS

him a good idea how a business should run. But the specifics of the automotive repair business sometimes eluded him. He had to figure out how much to charge for each service, and how to talk to customers in a way that built trust. “It was all trial and error,” he says. “Some things really put a customer’s guard up. Some things reassure them. You learn that stuff on the fly.” They took turns attending ProShop meetings, mostly as observers – not participating very much but soaking up the years of professional experience and advice that was in the room. Then finally they shut the shop down and went to a three-day Shop Improvement Program (SIP) together. “We were already at a running start, but that helped us big time,” says Andy. “If we didn’t go and if we didn’t get to know (ProShop business coach) Murray Voth, we probably wouldn’t be in business right now.” He believes the shop’s small size is both an advantage and a disadvantage. “On the one hand, we’re small, so we can only do so much. But on the other hand, two of the three of us are owners so when we implement something it goes pretty seamlessly,” he says. He likes not having to fight through layers of objections from reluctant employees who don’t want to give management’s latest idea a chance. “When we make a decision to try something, we just do it,” he says. “And if it doesn’t work exactly as we need it to, we might tweak it a bit.” Ultimately, their size is not a limiting factor in their success. “If we hit our targets and the margins are good, we do very well. The trick is to keep hitting that target and squeeze the numbers as much as we can,” he says. “We take our time and make sure our customers’ cars are fixed right and well maintained. We slow things down and instead of doing 20 cars, we do eight… but we do them right. Our customers love it, and we love it.” In fact, he wouldn’t wish for a bigger shop. www.autoserviceworld.com

Steve Harris, who just celebrated 25 years as a licensed tech, puts a new air filter into a 2005 Ford 500. Andy and Kevin say Steve is like an artist in the bay, working at 125% efficiency, with zero comebacks.

“Working is important, and making a living is good, but I have a lot of other interests,” says Andy. “There are lots of things I want to do.” In fact, that’s the approach he and his wife, Laura, always took to life. She had been diagnosed with cancer

Kevin Sureras works to resolve an intermittent no start on a 2012 Town & Country. The quiet-spoken tech loves the challenge of troubleshooting engine conditions.

shortly before he met her in 2009, and they made sure to accomplish the things that were important to them, and enjoy the things they loved. She passed away in September. “It sucks that she’s gone, but we lived fully for those last eight years,” he says. He had to take some time away from

the business for a while, but when he came back, being focused on the year’s mission was a good thing. “I was able to channel all my energy into something,” he explains. “I was busy, and it took my mind off the loss. Time was the only thing that was going to make it better, and this helped me fill that time.” Andy says Laura – a tax accountant who knew the shop’s numbers and enjoyed hearing everybody’s stories – had always been a great cheerleader for the company. “She would have loved that we did so well,” he smiles. Last year’s accomplishment still resonates with the whole team. They don’t feel a driving need to repeat that level of effort and vigilance. “We don’t have a stated goal for this year,” says Andy. “We kind of feel like we’ve done it, and I don’t know if we’d have the energy to do it again. We’re just aiming to be solid this year.”

Thinking about retirement? We’ll buy your shop! We’re interested in: • Purchasing independently owned and operated shops. • Franchisee/banner shops with their own head lease agreements.

We offer sellers: • An efficient acquisition process, minimizing disruptions to your business. • The ability to complete a transaction within 30-60 days of signing an initial confidentiality agreement. • Retention for all employees with material employment benefits as part of the CAR Holdings’ team. • A future annuity stream from a long-term lease agreement on owned real estate.

Please call Frank Romita at 416-543-8561 or email acquisitions@CARHoldings.ca Great opportunuties don’t just come along... We create them

www.autoserviceworld.com

January / February 2018

TALKING TECH This Mini Cooper engine – like many vehicles today – has an integral PCV that is part of the valve cover.

Fuel Control vs Fuel Trim Understanding the differences… and how to use them. By Jeff Taylor A customer doesn’t generally care whether his vehicle is in fuel control or not. But he most certainly will care if it’s not running correctly or the service engine soon (SES) light is on. When gasoline is the fuel being used, the optimum (or stoichiometric) air-fuel ratio is 14.7:1. That’s 14.7 parts of air to 1 part of gasoline. This AFR will change with the fuel type. E85 fuel has a stoichiometric AFR of 9.75:1, if the gasoline contains 10% ethanol, the stoichiometric AFR is 14.04:1. Today’s powertrain control module (PCM) is going to try to maintain the AFR as close to stoichiometric as possible in order to keep the catalytic converter at optimal efficiency, limiting

22 CARS

emissions, and providing the best drivability to the driver. Catalytic converters function most efficiently when the exhaust gases coming from the engine are within about 4% of stoichiometry. But the perfect AFR isn’t always best for proper engine performance and operation. Acceleration requires a richer mixture (anywhere from 12.5:1 to 14:1). And the PCM may also request a richer mixture in order to prevent detonation under certain conditions. To maintain ideal AFR, the PCM will use a set of fuel “maps” or values stored in its database that will detail how much fuel should be injected for a given load, or RPM, or temperature. The PCM will operate in two distinct fuel control modes: open or closed loop. During open loop, the PCM has limited feedback to achieve the proper AFR. But when it is in closed loop, the PCM will work continuously to stay as close as possible to the proper AFR. The PCM uses sensors in the exhaust that will report whether the desired AFR was attained (this is fuel control) when it’s in closed loop. If the desired AFR wasn’t achieved, the PCM will decide what corrections are needed to correct the AFR (this is fuel trim).

The goal of the PCM is to maintain the appropriate AFR. By using its fuel maps as a starting point, it will calculate the specific amount of fuel to inject. But engines eventually wear, faults develop, and part issues can occur… and when this happens it will affect these calculations. So adjustments need to take place. Fuel trim is the PCM’s adaptive strategy that allows it to deal with these issues by adjusting the amount of fuel that is injected into the engine – but only after it’s in closed loop operation. Fuel trim’s adaptive strategy consists of two components: short term fuel trim (STFT) and long term fuel trim (LTFT). In Europe, STFT is known as additive and LTFT is known as multiplicative. On V-configuration engines, there will be two complete sets of STFT and LTFT data that will pertain to each individual bank of cylinders, even some four-cylinder and inline six-cylinder engines will have two sets of data separating the cylinders into groups or pairs. Doing this provides better fuel control but also aids in diagnostics. STFT is the direct result of the feedback that the oxygen or air/fuel ratio sensors provide to the PCM. This real-time information is used by the www.autoserviceworld.com

This is the PCV diagram and spring that is inside the corner of the valve cover. At the bottom you can see the split and hole in the PCV diaphragm that was causing a major vacuum leak.

PCM to adjust the amount of fuel injected into the engine. STFT adjustments happen almost immediately, but these changes are just temporary. LTFT is the accumulated information recorded over time. This historical information, gathered from the STFT information, is stored in a data file system known as fuel trim cells. These cells hold fuel trim information over a wide range of RPMs and engine loads and are used by the PCM to make quick decisions when the engine load changes. LTFT is a slower reacting PCM-based calculation that has no direct relationship to an exhaust sensor. Fuel trim numbers are displayed as either a positive (+) or negative ( – ) value. They reflect the amount of change that the PCM is applying to the amount of fuel the engine receives as the PCM attempts to maintain the stoichiometric value of 14.7:1. Fuel trim information is of enormous value when it comes to many diagnostic decisions. OBD-II fuel trim data can provide us with a starting point to diagnose issues and correct them, if we properly interpret the data and understand how fuel trim reacts to different situations. Lean codes and the drivability issues that accompany a lean-running condition would be reflected with positive fuel trim numbers. They indicate that the PCM is adding fuel. In this situation we need to concentrate our efforts on why the lean condition exists. Things like vacuum www.autoserviceworld.com

The ECOTEC engine used in many GM vehicles suffers from the same issue as the Mini: an internal PCV design that can rupture.

leaks, improper fuel pressure, false air, or skewed sensor data should be considered. Rich codes and the drivability issues that accompany a rich-running condition would be reflected with negative fuel trim numbers. They indicate that the PCM is subtracting fuel. Leaking injectors, broken fuel pressure diagrams, leaking purge solenoids, improper fuel pressure and skewed sensor readings could be the cause of a rich-running condition. When observing the fuel trim data of a vehicle for diagnostic purposes, the total fuel trim of the vehicle must be calculated. Total fuel trim is an additive value: STFT+LTFT=Total Fuel Trim. On V-style engines, there will be a total fuel trim for each operating bank

The GM ECOTEC is also highly susceptible to vacuum leaks or unmetered air through the dipstick, its O-ring, and improperly installed oil filler caps.

of the engine. Total fuel trim spread should also be looked at and should not exceed 10% (-5% STFT to +5% LTFT constitutes a fuel spread of 10%). That’s the spread that has always been the rule of thumb for European vehicles with traditional O2 sensors. But for most North American vehicles, the rule of thumb used to be +/-10% total fuel trim. The values tightened up with the use of air-fuel ratio sensors that provide faster, more accurate results on exhaust gas oxygen levels even during acceleration and deceleration. Today a better rule of thumb is tighter: +/-5% total fuel trim. It is worth noting that many manufacturers are also using rear fuel trim to further fine tune their fueling strategy. This information may show up in scan tool data and can affect overall fuel trims but the base STFT and LTFT need to be addressed first. The point, of course, is that using fuel trim can assist in the diagnostic direction and repair. This was proven recently when a 2013 Mini Cooper 1.6 was brought into our shop with 172,000 kilometers on the dial and the SES light on. The complaint was a rough idle and stalling at stops. The car ran OK on the highway, but for obvious reasons, the customer wasn’t happy about the idle and stalling issues. A scanner was connected and OBD-II data observed; it showed only a P0171. The freeze frame fuel trim data showed that the engine had been running lean when the code was set. The STFT was at +22% and the LTFT at +20%. These trims were occurring at idle on a warmed up engine. Adding STFT +LTFT = +42% of total fuel trim when the code was set; it was obvious the PCM was adding fuel to compensate for an issue. A thorough visual inspection was performed; there were no vacuum lines that were cracked, broken or missing, and the engine’s snorkel was attached and not cracked, leading from the MAF sensor to the throttle body. At idle with the engine running in closed loop, the STFT and LTFT were CONTINUED Æ

January / February 2018

TALKING TECH both in the +20% area and the engine was missing, bucking and running rough to the point that the SES light was flashing (it hadn’t set any misfire codes). But both the STFT and LTFT returned to almost normal values when driving and accelerating, just as the customer had described. The information I gathered was leading me to believe that I had an issue with unmetered air in the form of a vacuum leak. Why? Because the fuel trim data was pointing me in that direction… but it also depended on the type of induction system the engine uses. So how does a vacuum leak affect a non-turbo engine’s fuel trim values? During idle when the throttle plate is closed, the vacuum in the intake manifold is high and very little air flow is entering into the engine, so even a small amount of unmetered air will have an effect on fuel trim. This forces the PCM to react to the lean condition with positive valued fuel trim readings. The fuel trims will return to almost normal during cruise and wide-open throttle when the throttle plate is open and there is little vacuum in the intake but lots of air flow into the engine. The small amount of unmetered air creating an idle vacuum leak is hidden or masked when the engine’s airflow increases, so the effect on fuel trim is less evident. And how does a vacuum leak affect a turbo-charged engines fuel trim values? The use of turbo charger changes the

VW and Audi have a replaceable PCV assembly on some of their engines.

24 CARS

This screen capture is from a 2015 Cadillac STS, the data indicates a rich condition, but the problem turned out to be a vacuum leak. The canister purge solenoid was leaking, but it was providing extra fuel to the mixture at idle.

way an intake leak will affect fuel trim. If a turbo charged engine has a vacuum leak after the throttle plate, the fuel trim numbers will be positive at idle (like a non-turbo engine) when there is no boost and a vacuum in the intake. But when the engine is in boost mode and positive pressure in the intake, the vacuum leak will allow boost air to escape. This causes the fuel trim numbers to become negative during a boost situation. This happens because the PCM is supplying fuel for the amount of air the MAF sensor measured. But because all that air isn’t being supplied into the cylinders, the PCM is supplying too much fuel, creating a rich mixture. The fuel trims will react with a negative value. Suspicious of an intake leak, I installed my smoke machine, but the intake was not the issue. Neither was the brake booster or the hose. I tried to remove the dip stick to check the integral PVC in the cam cover for an issue... and that’s where the cause of the problem was uncovered. The diaphragm in the PVC oil separator assembly had ruptured, allowing full manifold vacuum to enter the engine. Some manufacturers will supply a crankcase pressure or vacuum readings for diagnostics. Mini doesn’t do that for this particular vehicle. The PVC is integrated into the valve cover and is not serviceable, so a replacement valve cover was ordered and installed. I reset the fuel trims (using a factory scan tool… although disconnecting the battery will do the

same) and gave the car a road test. The issue was fixed. Fuel control drivability complaints and the issues that accompany them are a frequent concern in most shops. The complaint may be accompanied by a trouble code and an illuminated SES light, a performance concern, or a combination of both. I’ve experienced far more lean-running conditions than rich conditions recently. False air from internal valve cover PCV systems especially on European cars has become a frequent issue, but I have seen it on GM engines too. I’m starting to see purge solenoids that will leak vacuum after they’ve passed the actual OBD-II purge leak test, and will be closed when you’re testing them. A leaking purge solenoid supplies unintended fuel vapors, skewing the fuel trims to look like a leaking injector or a contaminated MAF sensor. Verifying that a vehicle is in fuel control is important, and looking at the fuel trim values can be a valuable diagnostic tool to find drivability issues. Using total fuel trim and fuel spread can point you in the proper direction for a successful repair that will bring back the vehicles drivability and restore its emission controls.

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

www.autoserviceworld.com

BAYWATCH BA Right-angle screw gun

Suspension kit

A new, lightweight, two-in-one Screw Gun / Drill from Snap-on has a nine-position clutch, cushion grip handle, paddle-style trigger, and easy access forward and reverse buttons. The new CDRR761 offers up to 150 in-lb. of torque, and the 14.4 volt batteries will go the distance screwing in various materials, such as under dash and exhaust work, drilling out stripped fasteners, rivets and spot welds. The CDRR761 drills at 450 RPM for higher torque and 1,550 RPM for steel drilling. www.snapon.com.

Motor oil CRP Automotive now offers Pentospeed 0W-20 motor oil, an advanced SAE all-season engine oil specially formulated for use in gasoline engines. Pentospeed 0W-20 motor oil features smooth cold start behaviour, protects against engine sludge, and ensures fast engine lubrication. It helps to protect critical engine parts across a broad range of temperatures. Pentospeed 0W-20 is ideal for popular Asian vehicle applications including models from Acura, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota. www.crpautomotive.com

Software enhancements Mitchell 1 has enhanced its ProDemand auto repair information software with the addition of 1Search Plus, a new interface that streamlines the user experience with an easy-to-use graphical design and intuitive workflow. The new interface features advanced search technology that scans the vast database of Mitchell 1 content and returns only the specific information the technician needs. OEM and SureTrack real-world information are more tightly integrated and returned together in a single location, with no switching between tabs or scrolling through long lists of articles. www.mitchell1.com www.autoserviceworld.com

Mobile column lifts Rotary Lift has expanded its extensive product line-up to include the new Mach 14 Flex powered by RedFire, a wireless, remote-controlled mobile column lift with a rated lifting capacity of 14,000 lbs. It is available in configurations of two, four, six or eight columns, providing a lifting capacity of 28,000 lbs. per axle and up to 112,000 lbs. total. All Rotary Lift Mach Series mobile column lifts feature built-in forklift pockets and a spring-loaded steering and braking system. Easy-to-move adjustable forks improve set-up time without the need for reducer sleeves. www.rotarylift.com

Diagnostic platform Alldata has launched a new product that turns a tablet (Android, Windows 10, or iOS) into a powerful, professional scan tool. Alldata Diagnostics is described as the only scan tool solution with Alldata Repair or Alldata Collision built in, which means that codes link directly to relevant OEM-direct articles, as well as Alldata’s new interactive colour wiring diagrams. Instead of housing scan tool software in a bulky, hand-held unit, Alldata Diagnostics has a Vehicle Connection Interface (VCI) device that attaches to the vehicle’s OBDII port. www.alldata.com

The Rancho brand’s offering of performance suspension systems for the Jeep Wrangler JK now includes a 3- to 3.5-inch progressive sport kit for right-hand-drive 2017-07 models (Part No. RS66111BEXP). It includes progressive rate front and rear coil springs to provide enhanced onand off-road ride characteristics; adjustable track bars that allow for precise centering of front axle, easing fit and improving overall performance; and exclusive, maintenance-free Rancho D2 high-articulation bushings that selfcenter and are completely grease free. www.GoRancho.com

Quick-Strut numbers Last year was a record-setting year for the Monroe Quick-Strut assembly product line from Tenneco Automotive. The most recent line expansion saw the release of 12 new premium strut assembly part numbers representing more than 1.1 million new strut replacement opportunities, including Ford Five Hundred, Ford Freestyle, Mercury Montego, Subaru Forester, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Venza, Subaru Outback. Also introduced were Monroe OESpectrum rear shock absorbers for Chevrolet Spark and Suzuki SX4 models, as well as OESpectrum front struts for Honda CR-V and Toyota Camry models. www.monroe.com

Heavy duty catalogue MAHLE Service Solutions has introduced its 2018 “Commercial Vehicle Ser vice Tool and Equipment Product” catalogue (No. MSS-HD-18), published for the first time, highlighting the company’s full portfolio of heavy duty products. It includes product information on its ShopPRO, TechPRO HD, ArcticPRO, and FluidPRO line of products for the heavy duty aftermarket. www.servicesolutions.mahle.com January / February 2018

BAYWATCH BA Electronic torque wrench

Automotive filters

Snap-on says its new ATECH1FS240 and ATECH2CS240 Flex-Head TechAngle Micro Torque Wrenches pack the same electronic features as larger ATECH series tools, but in a slim, compact steel body. The 1/4” and 3/8” Micro Torque Wrenches weigh less than a pound each and are 11.6” L and .90” in diameter with a 72-tooth ratchet gear. A knurled handle makes the grip more secure, and four alert modules indicate by LCD, LED, vibration and sound when the desired torque is reached. www.snapon.com.

Tire-pressure sensors Schrader Performance Sensors is introducing a new TPMS sensor with unique 90-degree stem options. This new addition to the EZ-sensor product line makes it the only TPMS sensor that properly fits into aftermarket wheel applications with 90-degree valve holes. This new innovation allows shops to service more vehicles with TPMS. Shops have the opportunity to increase TPMS sales, rim manufacturers will be able to offer more TPMS compatible rims and drivers will have more aftermarket rim options if they also want a working TPMS. Schrader plans to officially offer the new 90-degree EZ-sensor in mid-2018, accommodating two stem types: a straight valve and a bent valve to adapt to even more rim types. www.SchraderSensors.com.

New part numbers Purolator has announced the introduction of 76 new part numbers with a focus on covering both new and late model applications. The addition to the Purolator, PurolatorONE and PurolatorTECH product lines include 21 oil, 39 air, and 16 cabin air filters. The new part numbers fit a wide variety of vehicles, including many 2017-18 models such as the Honda Civic, GMC Acadia, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Sonata. www.pureoil.com

26 CARS

LED lowbeam headlights Sylvania Automotive has launched a new line of LED low beam headlights for the Canadian market. The line of LED bulbs, including the 9006 LED Headlight, H7 LED Headlight, and H11 LED Headlight, are the first line of Sylvania LED low-beam headlights commercially available in Canada. The new line of LED low-beam headlights boasts a durable design that includes an active-cooled heat sink designed to maximize the performance of the LED system, allowing the bulb to hopefully last the life of a vehicle. Delivering 6000k of cool white light, the LED headlights offer a longer-lasting light, compared to halogen bulbs that typically deliver 3200k. www.sylvania-automotive.com.

Transmission adapter accessories OTC has announced new transmission adapter accessories to increase ef f i ci enci es w h en working on transmission fluid changes. The Transmission Fluid Fill/Extract Kit comes equipped with a universal adapter as well as 14 OE-style adapters to cover most vehicles. A six-litre reservoir bottle, permanently sealed for safety, extracts or dispenses transmission fluid with a simple control valve and easy press-on connection for one-handed setup. The kit is powered by shop air and has a PSI safety relief valve. www.OTCTools.com

Mann-Filter has introduced 44 new part numbers, including air, cabin air, oil, and fuel filters, as well as air oil separators. With the announcement, the company says it has increased its coverage of the European passenger vehicle market to more than 98 percent, with a comprehensive offering of industry-leading filtration products. The new part numbers provide OE fit, form and function for popular makes such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, AUDI and FIAT. www.mann-filter.com

Wheel balancers Hofmann says its new line of geodyna wheel balancers are a game changer for shops looking to improve and increase their wheel balancing business. The new digital balancers are easy to operate, provide exceptional results and will help shop owners see an instant increase in efficiency. The line includes the geodyna 7500S, 7500L, 7300S and 7100 – with a wide range of features and benefits depending on shop needs. ca.hofmann-equipment.com

POP display Gabriel (Ride Control, LLC) has designed new educational interactive Point of Purchase displays, which invite consumers to learn about ride control. The display simulates realistic traveling characteristics encountered by shocks in everyday use. It’s designed to provide customers with understandable and useful information on shock absorbers and struts and their important role in automotive comfort and safety. The interactive displays also include additional signs that indicate worn or failed ride control, and provide details on how stopping distance is affected by bad shocks. www.gabriel.com www.autoserviceworld.com

PowerDrawer A Snap-on Masters Series Roll Cab becomes a powerful workhorse with the addition of an integrated PowerDrawer for rechargeable tools and devices. For the first time, Masters Series Roll Cabs will offer a five-outlet, two-USB port power strip in a dedicated PowerDrawer for charging power tool batteries, cell phones, tablets and more. The KMP1163 Masters Series Roll Cabs are the latest addition to Snap-on storage options to offer charging capabilities, and come in a variety of configurations and colours. www.snapon.com

Chassis parts MAS Industries has introduced 97 new part numbers which cover over 46 million vehicle service possibilities. MAS says its premium chassis parts and control arms deliver OE+ parts to the automotive industry. The company also aims to be first-to-market with full line coverage for American, Asian and European vehicles, supported by outstanding, innovative cataloguing. mas-industries.com

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Axles and drive shaft assemblies TrakMotive has released 88 new CV axle numbers covering over 6 million vehicles in operation and 78 new drive shaft assemblies covering over 28 million vehicles. The new offerings bring the CV axle line up to 2,048 SKUs, providing what the company describes as the most comprehensive new CV axle market coverage in North America. The drive shaft assemblies feature forged three-layer sealed U-joints that can handle higher torque loads. A durable coating protects the shaft from premature corrosion, and stainless steel band clamps provide better resistance to deformation and stretching www.TrakMotive.com

Tube nozzles Permatex has just introduced a Gasket Maker Nozzle Pack to help customers deal with the frustration of clogged nozzles and broken nozzle heads. The extra nozzles also allow for multiple uses of each gasket maker tube and help avoid product loss. The Gasket Maker Nozzle Pack includes four nozzles that fit a wide variety of Permatex Gasket Makers including its line of Ultra, High-Temp, and Optimum silicones. www.permatex.ca

January / February 2018

BAYWATCH BA Specification guide Lumileds, a global lighting solutions company and the exclusive supplier of Philips automotive lighting products, offers a new, informative automotive lighting specification guide. The guide features highly detailed information on Philips headlight,

miniature, sealed beam, and specialty bulbs. For ease of use, the specification guide is organized by bulb type, family, and lamp number index. The guide presents all of the relevant bulb configuration and performance figures needed for proper bulb selection and replacement. www.philips.com/automotive

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Cleaner degreaser Permatex has just launched a new and very powerful parts cleaner and degreaser that combines the functionality of a traditional spray degreaser with the flexibility and compatibility of being used as a parts cleaner solution in water-based parts washer systems. Spray Nine Grez Off Parts Cleaner and Degreaser incorporates an innovative Carbon-Cutting Technology that completely removes tough carbon, oil, and grease without the need for petroleum solvents, abrasives, or acids. It features a proprietary corrosion inhibiting formula that prevents flash rusting. www.spraynine.com

Blower motors

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