We love what we do because of customers like you. Wishing you and yours a happy Valentine's Day!
Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, We offer our hearts, and MyPlace4Parts ;)
Speaking of parts... did you know that MyPlace4Parts users are automatically entered into our spring sweepstakes promotion? Now, that's a VIP-cherry-on-top type of Jackpot!
Get Ready for the 2022 Spring Promotion
Aftermarket Jackpot VIP Sweepstakes
Gear up for the 2022 Aftermarket Jackpot VIP Sweepstakes - High Roller Edition! 10 lucky winners and their guests win a VIP trip of a lifetime to the 2022 Aftermarket Jackpot Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, hosted by Auto Value & Bumper to Bumper. Enter for a chance to win in the months of March and April 2022.Professional technicians receive automatic entries into the VIP High Roller Sweepstakes with each qualifying invoice made through MyPlace4Parts. For more information, visit www.aftermarketjackpot.com/VIP
Big News on Right To Repair!
United States Rep. Bobby Rush recently introduced the "Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act". His advocacy for this piece of legislation will ensure the preservation of consumer choice, a fair marketplace and the continued safe operation of the nation's 288 million registered passenger and commercial motor vehicles, 70% of which are maintained by independent repair facilities, like you!
Have a story? Let us spread the word!
CSCs like you are the cream of the shop crop, and we want to make sure your news makes it into the trade publications. We've got contacts at magazines like Shop Owner, Auto Service Professional, and Ratchet & Wrench, and we'd love to share your news with them. Email us if you have a story to share: marketing@alliance1.com
Earn an industry scholarship
Now is the time to apply for a scholarship! By applying for an Auto Value or Bumper to Bumper scholarship through the University of the Aftermarket, you or your children may be eligible for a variety of other industry scholarships, including specific scholarships for Minnesotans, women, and others.
February Maintenance IQ:
Are the shocks damaged or just not primed? Some fresh-out-of-the-box shocks and struts have an inconsistent feel when they are first compressed or extended. This can be normal because the nitrogen gas is distributed in the tubes. We cover how to check it and prime the units in this month's Maintenance IQ.
Technician of the Year 2022
Save the Date: July 10 - 15, 2022 in Detroit, MI. We're going to Motor City!!
Think you've got what it takes to be Technician of the Year? Ask your Parts Supplier for more information on the 2022 program today!
February Tech IQ:
Why OE Cooling System Plastic Parts Fail. This information comes from sources at Fel Pro and Rein. They are seeing an uptick in the replacements of plastic cooling system components like thermostat housings and intake manifolds because the EPDM rubber in the gaskets is swelling and causing the plastic to crack. Tune in to learn more.
Improve the Customer Waiting Area Experience
Automotive service is a mystery to many vehicle owners and you’ve got a captive audience in your waiting area—ensure that your customers absorb media that explains the importance of your maintenance and repair services. AutoNetTV’s Lobby TV program informs your customers why these services are important and educates while they wait. It’s like hiding your kids’ vitamins in their ice cream—it’s enjoyable and beneficial.
Maintaining Google Reviews
Did you know that Google is the largest repository of business reviews? Do you ever wonder how Google helps maintain the integrity of your online reviews? This short video walks through the steps they take to combat fake reviews and any other suspicious content that could potentially harm your business. Learn more about the importance of reputation management through our partners at SOCi.
Why Facebook is a Bad Substitute
Are you using your Facebook page as a substitute for a website? If so, you may want to rethink this setup for your shop's benefit. Repair Shop Websitesexplains why Facebook is a poor substitute in this recent blog post. Some reasons include consumers using Google to find auto repair shops near them, restrictions on the Facebook platform, and the ownership of your own domain.
What Keeps You Up at Night?
Only shop owners know how it feels to be a shop owner. Every day there are challenges and struggles to running the business, even after years of trying to perfect every aspect. This can lead to less sleep, more worry and an even bigger headache! Not to worry, you're in good company and there are ways to help put your mind at ease when not in the "office".
Inflation Rate Accelerates to 7.5%
With the U.S. inflation rate at a 40-year high, you may be wondering how is this going to affect my shop business and what can I do to combat any further complications as strong consumer demand and pandemic-related supply constraints continue to push up prices. On that note, as used car and truck prices continue to rise, that means more opportunities to keep your bays busy and makes servicing vehicles a higher priority for many consumers.
Need some help with Social Media?
Take a look at some of the social posting ideas we've published for the month of February! Jumpstart or amplify your existing online presence with fun and engaging posts.
POP QUIZ: A cylinder power balance test indicates two adjacent cylinders are underperforming. All of the following would cause this result EXCEPT:
