Tech Tips

Retired shop owner: Discounting doesn’t add up

By David Bry When the phone rings and there is a potential repair customer on the line, you have a choice. You can offer a price quote and hope...

‘Car Doctor’ offers advice for thriving in tough times

By Sheryl Bussard Since 1991, Ron Ananian has informed, educated, and entertained millions of listeners through his nationally syndicated radio program, “The Car Doctor.” Broadcast live every Saturday, Ananian...

Digital battery testers make it easy to check them all

By David Bry Digital micro-load “conductance” testers are becoming increasingly popular. They’re small, light, inexpensive, and quick. Here’s a breakdown on why you should be performing these tests on...

Getting started diagnosing coil-on-plug ignitions

By David Bry The internal combustion engine is a marvel of reliability. If it has air, compression, fuel and ignition in the proper quantities and at the correct time,...

Now is a great time to reduce comebacks

By Richard Diegle During and after the pandemic shut-downs in many states, essential services like automotive repair shops have had the new challenge of how...

Troubleshooting vehicle A/C problems can be no sweat

By David Bry Air-conditioning work is common this time of year, so here are some diagnostic tips. Keep in mind that air-conditioning systems operate under high pressures and extremes...

Cooling systems: Proper maintenance and pitfalls

By David Bry A previous article discussed the heat transfer in modern vehicles and the importance of choosing the proper coolant. Now here’s what can go wrong with cooling...

Understanding cooling system intricacies

By David Brye There’s a lot to consider when it comes to the automotive cooling systems used to control the heat produced by the internal combustion engine. Three-quarters of...

Quick summaries help with vexing mechanical issues

By ALLDATA Tech-Assist Team Here’s a compilation of some of the “Tech Tips” ALLDATA compiles as its Tech-Assist Team helps technicians tackle vehicle issues. More detail on these tips...

More tips on unlocking the secrets of sensor testing

By David Bry A previous article explained how technicians can look at a vehicle’s wiring diagram, develop an understanding of how the circuit works, and do a few simple...