Our prescription for healthy reopening practices
As the country begins to reopen, we remain optimistic that the automotive aftermarket will remain as essential as ever and that Auto Value, Bumper to Bumper, and Confidence Plus Certified Service Centers will continue to stand out among competitors for their top-notch parts and service.
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Reopening Resources
Although your auto repair shop most likely didn't shut down during COVID-19, it may still be affected by reopening policies.
For guidelines from the Center for Disease Control on how to reopen during the pandemic,
click here.
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TRAINING WEBINARS
If you haven't had a chance to catch one of our product or marketing training webinars yet, fear not - we've got another stellar lineup scheduled for this week!
Click on the links below to register:
Click here for the full schedule of registration links and recordings.
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Calzia's score of 94 out of 100 possible points on the exam earned him $2,500 and a trip to the ASE Awards Ceremony in Clearwater, Fla. this November.
The finalists traveled to San Antonio for the Technician of the Year trip in March, just days before the coronavirus took hold of the U.S. They enjoyed four days of fun, camaraderie, and a custom ASE test to determine the winner.
Congratulations to all 20 of the finalists! Contact your parts supplier if you would like to compete to be the 2021 Technician of the Year.
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When
Empire Auto Care
in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, opened its doors in July 2016, the business “took off like gangbusters," according to co-owner Brooks Farrar.
Farrar's business has continued to expand since then, but his success is not just a stroke of luck. He's been strategic in recruiting excellent technicians and serving his customers well.
For instance, when customers are waiting for their vehicles onsite, the shop will engage them in a "show-and-sell."
"The technician shows them what they found on their car, hands the customer their $200 flashlight so they can get involved and get their hands dirty," Farrar said. "The idea is to "get them involved so they can understand what they're spending their money on and why they should be coming here, because we do care."
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We want to know what you're doing to support and protect your community, your customers, and your employees during COVID-19. Whether you're donating free services to frontline workers, upping your safety precautions, or responding in another way,
let us know. We'd love to share your story on social media or in the press!
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Tara Topel, owner of Bumper to Bumper Certified Service Center Topel's Service Center in Lake Mills, Wisc., is focused on keeping people and their needs at the core of their decisions, from increased safety protocols in the shop to reaching out to essential personnel in the community to ask "How can we help you while you are helping others?" As a business owner, Topel is also reaching out to other business owners to share resources and encouragement.
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Even the most successful shops occasionally experience slow days - particularly during a global pandemic. What sets them apart are the strategies they use to get the shop humming again, with the least amount of downtime.
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In a time of social distancing, social media has become even more prevalent to businesses. If you're not already on Facebook, Instagram (the 'gram) and other social media outlets, now's the time to begin. Get started with some free
COVID- or
car care-related templates.
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ENGINE PERFORMANCE POP QUIZ
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Test your knowledge on engine performance by answering the questions below.
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1.) An EFI engine is running rough and stalling at idle. The MAP sensor's vacuum hose is loose and cracking. Technician A says this sensor measures air mass to establish the base pulse of the engine's fuel injectors. Technician B says this sensor measures changes in intake manifold pressure. Replacing this hose will restore its path to manifold pressure. Who is correct?
a.) Technician A
b.) Technician B
c.) Both A and B
d.) Neither A nor B
2.) A vehicle has a momentary hesitation only during acceleration. The MOST likely cause of this condition is:
a.) A faulty exhaust gas recirculating valve (EGR)
b.) A faulty oxygen (O
2
) sensor
c.) A faulty positive crankcase ventilation valve (PCV)
d.) A faulty throttle position sensor (TPI)
3.) Two technicians are discussing turbochargers. Technician A says the boost pressure sensor provides the intake manifold's boost pressure to the PCM. Technician B says a leaking wastegate diaphragm affects exhaust flow through the turbine wheel. Who is correct?
a.) Technician A
b.) Technician B
c.) Both A and B
d.) Neither A nor B
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4.) A vehicle with an enhanced EVAP system is scanned and a code indicating a small evaporative emissions leak is detected. A loose or cracked gas cap is suspected. Technician A says the cap contains a vacuum and pressure relief valve, a small crack in the cap will not illuminate the check engine light. Technician B says the tank contains a sensor. The PCM will sense low tank pressure, set a code, and illuminate the check engine light. Who is correct?
a.) Technician A
b.) Technician B
c.) Both A and B
d.) Neither A nor B
5.) Technician A says an AF (Air/Fuel) sensor is designed to reach and keep an engine at stoichiometry. Technician B says stoichiometry is 15.7:1 air to fuel mixture. Who is correct?
a.) Technician A
b.) Technician B
c.) Both A and B
d.) Neither A nor B
6.) A four cylinder EFI engine has an engine code indicating insufficient EGR flow. The EGR solenoid has been tested and found to be faulty. This faulty solenoid will result in which of these conditions:
a.) High CO emissions
b.) High HC emissions
c.) High CO
2
emissions
d.) High NO
X
emissions
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