August 2021
We're bringing back the magic!

In 2019, we took 50 technicians and their families on a magical trip to Orlando, Fla., for five days of fun. The trip was such a hit that we're going back! Win a spot on the trip of a lifetime to Orlando in June 2022, or win a chunk of the $45,000 cash pot! Get started next month by purchasing from MyPlace4Parts.
CSC Profile: A Winning Culture

Knowledge, according to Albert Einstein, is primarily derived from experience. So, when your car starts making a frightening sound under the hood, who better to ask for help than a award-winning racers and well-established mechanics? That's exactly who's there to help at Confidence Plus CSC Barnes Auto Service.
Congratulations to our 2021 Technician of the Year Finalists!

Auto Value and Bumper to Bumper are proud to announce their 2021 U.S. Technician of the Year finalists! These professionals have been recognized as some of the industry’s top technicians for their superior knowledge, attention to continued education and training, and commitment to their valued profession. Interested in participating next year? Contact your parts supplier today.
S! E! O!

If you haven't already claimed your GMB listing or if you don't even know what that is, Brandify can help you optimize your presence. If you're already actively managing and responding to, Brandify can simplify with a dashboard that enables you to manage it all in one place. Regardless of where you are in the process, Brandify has the tools you need to take the next step.
{NOTE: Brandify was recently acquired by SOCi, but your program will be unaffected.)
ASE summer registration opens

Summer registration will remain open through September 30, with more than 50 ASE certification tests available.
Those registered will have 90 days to schedule an appointment to take selected ASE tests at nearly 450 secured, proctored test centers.
How does Repair Shop Websites help increase car count?

They're all about helping you be found and chosen on the web, which is critical because that's where consumers are looking for local businesses and services. They particularly focus on the local pack and organic search.
Gas prices are climbing

In case you haven't noticed, gas prices are going up, and some customers want the most fuel-efficient vehicle. Properly-maintained engines and brakes are both critical to that goal. There are two main myths in the hyper-miler community. Do you know what they are?
What's your plan to attract top talent?

Change is inevitable. Whether it's with technology, customer expectations, or employee turnover, it doesn't have to catch you off guard. Will you be ready when one of your key techs or advisors steps into your office, closes the door, and says "Hey boss, do you have a minute to talk?"
PPP direct forgiveness portal

The  U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is launching a streamlined application portal to allow borrowers with Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans $150,000 or less through participating lenders to apply for forgiveness directly through the SBA.
Tekmetric Business Tip: Selling more work and boosting AROs

Train your technicians to use a digital vehicle inspection on each and every job. Why? Because your technicians will be able to find any and all work that should be done on the car, not just the work that the customer brought the vehicle in for. When service writers share that information transparently, customers will associate your shop with trustworthy advice.

Find out more information on the newest MP4P integration - Tekmetric!
Diagnosing Brake Drag

A vehicle is brought into the Garage Gurus service shop. The owner says it refuses to go over 25 mph, and a test drive reveals the vehicle slows down on its own every time the gas pedal is released, leading the tech to focus on the brake system. Discover how he found the problem in the newest Garage Gurus video.
Faulty belts and tensioners will shorten the life of the alternator clutch pully

When a vehicle has a loud, constant squealing noise while driving, it is essential to check both the belt and tensioner. If the belt and tensioner are both good, the issue may lie with the alternator pulley. Read the full Part Smart piece here.
POP QUIZ: The fixed orifice tube is removed from the high side of a CCOT air conditioning system. Metal debris is clogging the inlet screen. This metal debris is MOST likely caused by:
A.) A ruptured desiccant bag
B.) The evaporator core
C.) A worn compressor
D.) The condenser