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ORPORATIN
NC
G
I
+
Picture this!
Readers offer a snapshot
PLUS: of our industry
Q NAPA names Ontario Autopro of the year
Q The advent of extended service intervals
Q Succession planning… your future depends on it
DECEMBER 2016
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CANADIAN AUTO REPAIR & SERVICE MAGAZINE
DECEMBER 2016 | VOL. 2 NO. 10
21
FEATURES
16 Shop: Picture This!
We asked you to document the crazy,
unexpected, funny, and poignant moments that
make up your day. Here’s what you sent us.
21 Talking Tech: Oil
Extended service intervals are becoming
16 the norm. It’s a trend that has been building for a
while now… and we’d better get used to it.
COLUMNS
24 Product Feature:
Gaskets
There’s been some recent news in the gaskets world.
We’ll catch you up on what you need to know.
5 Service Notes
Allan Janssen on the value of
continuing education. DEPARTMENTS
Letters................................................................... 6
13 Collective Wisdom
Alan Beech on the final phase
of your career.
EyeSpy .................................................................. 6
In the News ........................................................... 9
By the Numbers ................................................. 10
Baywatch ............................................................ 25
13 30
The Car Side
Beanie finally ties the knot. Advertiser Index ................................................ 29
Rick Cogbill has the details. Main cover image by Dominic Willsher.
Our new
international
calling card.
by www.bluestreak.ca
December 2016 3
SERVICE NOTES
CANADIAN AUTO REPAIR & SERVICE MAGAZINE
EDITOR | Allan Janssen
(416) 614-5814 allan@newcom.ca
Learning as you go
CONTRIBUTORS | Alan Beech, Murray Voth, Continuing education is key to success in this
Camille Casse, Jeff Taylor, Rick Cogbill, industry. Fortunately, opportunities are all around us.
John Fraser.
ART DIRECTION | Tim Norton/Janet Popadiuk By Allan Janssen AAP
(416) 614-5810 tim@newcom.ca
In the automotive industry, you can If you’re unfamiliar with the University
MANAGING DIRECTOR, AUTO DIVISION
& NATIONAL SALES | Kathryn Swan
never say you know it all. of the Aftermarket, you really should
(416) 510-5221 kathryn@newcom.ca Technicians will be the first to agree check it out. Based at Northwood
NATIONAL SALES | Juan Diez
with that sentiment. With the accelera- University in Midland, Mich., it offers
(416) 510-5203 juan@newcom.ca tion of automotive technology in recent degree programs for people entering
QUEBEC & EASTERN CANADA SALES years, they’ve had to devote many off-duty the aftermarket and continuing
DIRECTOR | Denis Arsenault hours to research and training just to keep education for aftermarket professionals.
(514) 947-7228 denis@newcom.ca up with the latest developments. It also audits aftermarket conferences
ADVERTISING PRODUCTION MANAGER, These days, shop owners also face and awards learning credits for the kind
PRINT/DIGITAL | Alicia Lerma similar challenges – to implement new of seminars so many of us take on a
(416) 442-5600 ext. 3588 alicia@newcom.ca management concepts designed to regular basis.
PRINT PRODUCTION MANAGER | ensure profitability, and to meet the Those credits add up, eventually
Phyllis Wright (416) 510-6786 demands of fickle modern consumers. leading to the professional designation
pwright@annexnewcom.ca
I’ve written before about the process of Automotive Aftermarket Professional
CIRCULATION MANAGER | Lilianna Kantor of learning and how invisible it is. Facts (AAP).
(416) 614-5815 lily@newcom.ca
build on facts and skills on skills. You The University of the Aftermarket
CARS magazine is published monthly except for January and July by can’t really feel yourself getting smarter, sent me a transcript detailing the many
Newcom Business Media Inc., 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B
2S9. The magazine serves the Canadian automotive repair and service
but that’s what’s happening. The courses I’d taken, and let me know that
industry. Subscriptions are free to those who meet the criteria. For evidence comes out when you start I’d earned enough credits to put “AAP”
others: single copy price: $7.00 plus tax; one-year subscription in
Canada: $53.95 plus applicable tax; 2-year subscription in Canada: doing effortlessly the things that were behind my name.
$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: once a challenge. Our industry has invested a lot of
US$97.95. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. The contents of this
publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part,
In this industry we’re all learning as effort in recent years to rehabilitate a
without prior written consent of the publisher. The advertiser agrees to we go. Every day, with every new task, once-sullied reputation. We’ve improved
protect the publisher against legal action based upon libelous or
inaccurate statements, unauthorized use of photographs, or other we increase our expertise and shore up our customer service, cleaned up our
material in connection with advertisements placed in CARS. The
publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising which in his
the foundations of our professional skills. shops, and become much more trans-
opinion is misleading, scatological, or in poor taste. Postmaster: send Thank goodness for industry confer- parent in our inspections and service
address changes and undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation
Dept., CARS, 80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9. ences where concentrated learning recommendations. The University of the
sessions give us a chance to take giant Aftermarket’s widely recognized and
leaps forward in a single weekend. We gain respected designation program is yet
VP, OPERATIONS | Melissa Summerfield new perspectives on our constantly another way to prove to consumers that
VP, EDITORIAL | Rolf Lockwood
changing industry, learning and we’re dedicated professionals.
PRESIDENT | Joe Glionna
CHAIRMAN | Jim Glionna networking with like-minded people from We should display our accomplish-
CORPORATE OFFICES similar companies around North America, ments proudly. The courses we take
HEAD OFFICE and taking advantage of the access to show our dedication to excellence. The
451 Attwell Dr., Toronto ON M9W 5C4 leading experts in a variety of fields. framed certificates posted behind the
Telephone: 416-614-2200
Facsimile: 416-614-8861
Like you, I’ve gone to plenty of confer- front counter prove our commitment
REGIONAL OFFICE
ences over the years. ASA events, Global to honing skills. The designations we
80 Valleybrook Drive, Toronto, ON M3B 2S9 Automotive Aftermarket Symposiums earn represent our commitment to
Telephone: 416-442-5600 (until that ended), Industry Weeks, Heavy continuing education.
Facsimile: 416-510-5169
Duty Aftermarket Weeks, CARS/NACE I would encourage you to seek out
Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulations
Newcom Media – Publications at 80 Valleybrook
shows, and innumerable webinars… these designations and certificates. They
Customer Number: 4006214 they’ve all started to run together in my speak volumes about your professional
Publication Mail Agreement #40063170
Print edition ISSN 2368-9129 mind. But I know I learned something aspirations and they show your customers
On-line edition ISSN 2368-9137 new at every single one of them. that you're serious about what you do.
We acknowledge the financial support of the
Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Recently the University of the
Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.
Aftermarket reminded me just how Please let me know what you think. You
much I’d learned over the years. can reach me at allan@newcom.ca.
December 2016 5
LETTERS
Air bags should be part of Why are we still facing a asbestos, you should look into the
Ontario vehicle inspections threat from asbestos? matter a little more closely.
While I’m delighted that Ontario’s I’m curious if any other shops are Guy C. Breton
Regulation 611 on motor vehicle concerned about asbestos in “white
inspections has been updated box” second line brakes coming in from Brake dust is an
(“Ontario’s New Standard,” August 2016), offshore sources (“Importing the environmental issue
I’m shocked that air bag checks are not Unacceptable,” October 2016). Whether comprised of asbestos or not,
part of the new inspection. How many It seems crazy that asbestos is brake dust is a true concern. It contrib-
more people have to be injured before banned in the construction trade but utes as much to environmental pollution
something is done about defective air is allowed in ours. If it is banned in one as exhaust emissions do. Research has
bags? Perhaps the automobile manu- trade, why not all trades? shown that during heavy braking new
facturers’ lobbyists have the Ontario Locally, both my MP and my MPP materials are formed, some being
government wrapped around their were shocked to discover that asbestos cacogenic (causing degeneration) and
little fingers! is still being imported at all. mutagenic (causing mutations). Also
Ed Mizzi Wayne Quigg particle sizes less than 2.5nm are
Waterdown, Ont. Art Quigg’s Service released into the atmosphere, and can
London, Ont. penetrate deep into the lungs. The real
The new inspection standard does solution to the problem of brake dust is
involve checking if the air bag malfunc- Is asbestos really in an “on-vehicle” system that allows the
tion indicator lamp is on. But there’s all that bad? dust to be collected at source and not
really no way to check the functionality With all due respect, I do not share your released into the environment.
of an air bag without deploying it. And, opinion on asbestos used in automo- Joe Gelb
of course, once it has been deployed, it biles or other products. I’m a native of President of Brake Pad Waste
needs to be replaced. Many industry a mining area (Thetford Mines in Collection System
watchers believe the solution to the air south-central Quebec). My father, Designer of the Clean Brake
bag tragedy is at the manufacturing uncles, and grandfather worked there Performance Module
level, not in more rigorous inspection all their lives and nobody died of
of vehicles being sold or brought into asbestos disease. There are people who
the province. still live in that area, and even very close What’s on your mind?
—Allan to these mines. We want to hear from you about
I believe the negative publicity about anything you read in CARS magazine.
Success in tire market asbestos began with a mine strike in Send your email to allan@newcom.ca
demands expertise 1975. Before publicly denouncing
When you look at “where the tire
business is” (May 2016), you can’t
overstate the importance of education
and training. Our expertise is what we’re
selling in this very competitive market.
EYESPY
Knowledge of what you’re selling is the
number one reason why consumers will Good thing
purchase from you. Not only do you have
to train your technicians on how to look we checked!
for problems, you have to train your The owner of this 1997 Grand
service advisors on how to educate Marquis came in because he noticed
consumers about what they need. Shops a brake fluid leak… but he told
who have addressed this will sell more the guys at Eccles Auto Service in
products and services… plain and Dundas, Ont. not to look at anything
simple. Consumers are looking for else. He changed his mind, however,
knowledgeable shops to do business when they reported that the left rear brake rotor was missing completely
with. If you can be that for them, you’ll and the right was so thin it was actually starting to fold over!
gain good and loyal customers.
Bob Ward Have an interesting picture to share? Send a high-resolution image to
Owner, The Auto Guys, allan@newcom.ca
St. Thomas, Ont.
6 CARS
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NEWS
comes in the shop, he pointed out.
“Every morning when you get to
work, you just don’t know what’s going
to happen. It’s always exciting,” he said.
“An antique car might pull in looking
for service. Or we’ll get a brand new
car, which gives us a chance to take a
close look and really study the new
technology.”
The Wonderland Road shop is one of
four VIP Autopros in the London area.
Runner-up status in the Ontario
Autopro of the Year race went to Terry
Bernard at Bernard’s Quality Cars in
Flesherton, Ont., and Rob Ingram at
Eldon Ingram Ltd. in Stratford. (Eldon
Ingram Ltd. shared the top prize in
2015 with Thomas & Kelly St. Pierre
Autopro in Lancaster, Ont.)
The Ontario Autopro of the year award was handed out at the recent Ontario Autopro NAPA’s regional director of opera-
convention in Collingwood, Ont. From left: banners and major accounts coordinator tions Kevin Paterson said Ontario
Sarah Voigt, NAPA regional vice president for Ontario Chris Kinghorn, VIP Autopro Autopros have embraced the new ‘gold-
Wonderland owner John Butkus, and NAPA national director, banners Chris Thorne. level’ certification created by the
Ontario banner co-ordinators. The
London shop named top evaluation process involves gauging
levels of commitment to 17 different
business strategies deemed to be
Autopro in Ontario for 2016 critical to success.
“Shops are participating, not because
48 shops earn ‘gold’ “The customer interaction here is they have to, but because it helps them
status this year. great,” he said. “I can’t tell you how set a goal, and it’s one they want to
many baked goods we get from achieve going forward,” he said. “A lot
By Allan Janssen customers at Christmas time. It’s really of you achieved it in your first year of
nice to have those meaningful trying, so congratulations! You rank
VIP Autopro on Wonderland Road in connections.” among the very best of the very best,
London, Ont. has been named the NAPA Smith believes a national warranty so you should be very proud.”
Ontario Autopro of the Year for 2016. and roadside assistance program are Gold-level shops automatically
It topped an impressive list of 48 particularly attractive to modern became the pool of candidates for the
Autopro shops that earned “gold” status consumers who want peace of mind Autopro of the Year.
in this year’s review of Ontario Autopros. about their vehicles.
Owner John Butkus accepted the “People like the familiarity of a
award at the banner’s annual conven- national brand with a professional
tion in Collingwood in October. image,” he said.
“I have a really great staff and they To ensure that his techs can work on
take care of everything,” he said in a late-model cars, the shop invests in
video that played at the gala dinner on continuous training and modern
the final night of the Autopro equipment.
convention. “Staying current and staying up to
The shop, led by store manager Matt date with the technology in the new
Smith, is near a large commercial cars is really important,” he said. “When
shopping area with a diverse client base, you stop learning, you can’t service new
including new Canadians, established vehicles.” John Butkus is congratulated by Chris
families, senior citizens, and young Success in today’s market means Thorne, NAPA’s national director for
drivers with their first vehicles. being able to work on anything that banner programs
8 CARS
Premium Coated Brake
Rotors
Latest ‘Outlook Study’ offers positive
forecast for aftermarket shops
A surge in new-car sales over the last variety of industry issues such as skilled
five years should bring long-term labour, emerging technologies, and
benefits to the auto repair and service market trends. Premium Coated Brake
shops, according to the Automotive Shop owners, managers, or techni- Drums
Industries Association of Canada’s cians who wish to take part should
latest Outlook Study. send their request to AIA Canada,
Independent which will play an administrative and
shops can expect support role for the council.
continued growth
over the next few Canadian among tire
years as those new industry's hall of famers
vehicles work their The late Charles “Husky” Sherkin has
way into the after- been inducted into the Tire Industry ProMax Premium Coated Rotors and
market stream for maintenance and Association’s Hall of Fame during Drums are engineered:
repairs, the report says. Automotive Aftermarket Industry • for superior braking power
Indeed, the aftermarket has already Week in Las Vegas. • to fit and perform as
started to see the benefits, with retail Hailed as a Canadian pioneer in the good as or better than OE
sales (excluding collision repairs) in the tire business, Sherkin was honored specifications offering better
Canadian light vehicle aftermarket with three other tire industry veterans: quality and value
totaling $21.0 billion in 2015, up 2.6% Dan Brown, Dick Gust, and Fredrick • with no machining required
over 2014. Kovac.
Sale of parts totaled $12.24 billion He began his career in ProMax Rotors and
(three-quarters of that professionally the industry at the age of Drums
installed, one-quarter sold to DIYers), 15, working at his brother’s
while the labor component totaled company, United Tire. He
$8.75 billion. later became a part owner
The study projects the Canadian in the company, which
aftermarket will grow to about $23 rode the mining boom of the mid-20th
billion by 2019. The full report can be Century.
found at the www.aiacanada.com. Sherkin retired in 2000, was inducted ProMax Rotors and Drums benefits:
into the Ontario Tire Dealers • Best quality and value
AIA reinstates Service Association Hall of Fame in 2010, and • Superior braking power
• Non-directional finish
Provider Council passed away in 2011.
• No-turning required
The Automotive Industries Association • Wide range of
of Canada says two spots on its reani- Worldpac boss named applications
mated Automotive Service Provider Advance’s new VP of
Council will be held for working techs commercial business
and shop owners. Worldpac president Bob Cushing, has
The ASP Council was revived, after been promoted to a newly created
falling into dormancy several years ago, position of executive vice president of Precision Brand
“in an effort to ensure that the entire commercial business at parent Precision Engineering
aftermarket industry has a voice in company Advance Auto Parts. Precision Performance
AIA’s government lobbying efforts.” Worldpac had been part of Raleigh-
The council brings representatives based General Parts International
from regional and provincial service before it was acquired by Advance Auto
provider associations, as well as major in 2014. His promotion was announced
retailers, and business information by Advance Auto Parts CEO Tom Greco, ®
groups of major warehouse distribu- during a conference call with investors www.autopartsdepot.ca
tors together to offer their views on a and analysts.
December 2016 9
NEWS
By the NUMBERS
Stats that put the North American automotive aftermarket into perspective.
23,050 Number of
$8.75
billion
automotive repair and
maintenance shops in Canada in 2015. That
includes general maintenance, collision, glass,
and specialist shops. The labor
Automotive Aftermarket Industries of Canada, 2016 Outlook Study component of
repair bills in
$21 BILLION
Canada in 2015.
Automotive Aftermarket Industries of Canada,
2016 Outlook Study
Value of retail sales in
388,100
the Canadian automotive aftermarket – excluding
collision repairs in 2015. That’s a record high, a 2.6%
increase over 2014 sales.
Automotive Aftermarket Industries of Canada, 2016 Outlook Study Number of
people
$27,710
employed
The lowest sticker price (for in the Canadian
the Hyundai Elantra) on the automotive
new WardsAuto list of vehicles offering the best user aftermarket – up
experience. Other winners: Audi Q7 ($72,875), BMW 2.2% from 2014.
7-Series ($128,445), Chrysler Pacifica ($48,455), Ford Automotive Aftermarket Industries of Canada,
Escape ($35,370), GMC Acadia ($52,285), Honda Ridgeline 2016 Outlook Study
($42,270), Infiniti Q50 ($57,475), Lexus RX ($56,845), and
Mercedes E-Class ($72,995).
WardsAuto, 10 Best User Experiences 2016
60%
According to thousands of vehicle $518 BILLION (USD)
47 million
Number of vehicles on U.S. roads
with at least one unrepaired safety
checks in regions throughout North The annual cost of road crashes recall.
America, the typical percentage of around the world, costing individual Automotive Warranty & Recall Report 2016,
cars that are driving around in need countries from 1-2% of their Stout Risius Ross
of a wheel alignment. annual GDP.
Hunter Engineering Association for Safe International Road Travel
$26.3 BILLION (USD)
The market for automobile sensors in 2016. It’s expected
$7.4 BILLION (USD)
to reach $43.4 billion by 2021 as the number of
automotive sensors doubles with the advent of Advance
Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). That would be a five-
year compound annual growth rate of 10.6%. Projected value of online auto parts
Electronics.ca Publications, Global Markets for Automotive Sensor Technologies, sales in the U.S. by the end of 2016.
October 2016. Hedges & Company
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WWW.VLCOM.COMCOLLECTIVE WISDOM
Planning for Hi Dwayne
tomorrow
I commend you for giving thought to
your future… even though retirement
may still be 15- 20 years away.
Succession planning is not a simple
process. It’s best done when time is on
It’s never too early to start thinking about your future… your side. Beginning to plan early will
both in business and after business! help to ensure you have the better of
the two outcomes you described.
By Alan Beech My first word of advice for you is to
always be “sale ready.” That means
running your business so it will attract
buyers. Of course the best way to attract
buyers is to run a profitable business.
Hi Alan So many owners just buy themselves a
I’m 40 years old and have owned my shop for the past 15 years. While I’m ex- job. But a business must produce
tremely proud of how well it’s done, I’m concerned about what comes next. consistent and measurable profits – on
Recently, two shops in my city have had dramatic changes of ownership. The top of the owner’s salary.
owner of the first shop is 68 years old and he was just getting tired working so If this first step is holding you back and
hard. I hope he’s able to enjoy his retirement but I heard he’s having financial causing you concern, don’t worry. Help
troubles. is out there. Join a group, become a
The owner of the second shop sold his business to a young technician. He student of the industry, get training, find
got a great price for it, plus he signed a 25-year lease for his property and a mentor, hire a coach… there are plenty
building so he’ll continue to receive a monthly rent check. of resources available to guide you and
I don’t want to be in the first guy’s situation, with nothing to show for after a your business forward. If your concern
lifetime of hard work. Can you help me to position my business to do what the is whether you can afford to take
second guy did? advantage of these resources, then maybe
—Dwayne you should ask yourself if you can afford
to run an unprofitable business.
If you’re producing a decent profit, it
December 2016 13COLLECTIVE WISDOM will be evident in your financial state- letting it grow without me was one of of the candidate is much higher when ments. Having a proper point-of-sale the best decisions I’ve ever made. It this carrot is dangled. system with an integrated accounting opened up many opportunities that I If you don’t have any internal candi- system is an absolute necessity in never would have thought were possible. dates in mind and you can’t bring in a today’s shop. Prospective buyers need Be willing to take a chance and listen possible replacement, it’s time to start to be able to see your shop’s track when opportunity comes for you. The looking at external candidates. It could record for the past few years. oft-quoted business writer Idowu be someone you know, such as a In addition to running a verifiably Koyenikan says, “Opportunity does not member of your business group or a profitable business, you need to be as waste time with those who are unpre- successful shop owner in your area. It ethical and transparent as possible. I pared.” Are you prepared for what could may also be a franchise group, who have seen shop owners make the come next in your life? wants to grow their chain of stores. foolish mistake of running a cash At some point you’ll leave your Know what’s going on in the industry, business in an effort to save money on business. It’s a natural progression. But and be willing to talk to everyone about taxes. This is a mistake for two reasons. it should be of your own free choice the future of your business. First, when you hide income, you’re and only after a lot of work has been Finally, it’s really important that you not only hiding it from the taxman but done to maximize the long-term value structure your business properly from also from your prospective buyer. of the business. This puts you in a an accounting and legal perspective. Without proper documentation no one position of power when it comes to Good legal and accounting advice is will know your true income. negotiating with the next owner. worth paying for… and I strongly Secondly, you’re not really saving all suggest you seek it out before moving that much anyway. Canada’s corporate forward. tax rate is the lowest among all the G8 Always be 'sale-ready.' If you own the property that the shop countries. Is what you save truly worth That means running sits on, separate the business from the the risk? property. One company should own Your annual tax return proves the your business so it will the operating business, while the value of your business and when you attract potential buyers. property is kept by a separate holding pay corporate tax, it authenticates that company. This allows you to sell one you own a business worth buying. without affecting the other. The Another selling point will be clear The alternative – leaving a business best-case scenario would allow you to and organized records about your due to bankruptcy or ill-health – will sell the operating business but still keep customers. A database that includes not have a happy ending. Often it ownership of the property to maintain name, address, phone number, email causes a mess that families and lawyers monthly rent checks – just as the address, and a complete vehicle repair have to clean up. second guy you mentioned in your history is like gold. Records like this So who would be a likely candidate letter is doing. This will provide security will prove to a prospective buyer that to take over your business? This search in retirement. they’ll be able to earn back their can be broken down into two broad I want to conclude by saying that I’m purchase price. categories: internal candidates, and impressed by the fact you’re already Always keep your eyes open for external candidates. considering succession planning at 40 someone who might be interested in Internal candidates could be any of years old. I know I’ve covered a lot of purchasing your business. As a your employees. It may be your lead ground in this article, but that’s the reality prospective seller, you must be willing technician or service advisor. Have you of succession planning. It takes time. to sit down with anyone who wants had any discussion about the possi- If you start thinking and planning to talk. Even the shortest chat could bility of one of them taking over the now, the future direction of your lead to a sale. business? It’s best to have this conver- business will be your choice and the I can remember having a simple sation sooner rather than later, as it financial outcomes will be under your discussion at the front counter of my may take years to get them ready. control. shop that lead me down the path of If there’s no one around you who’d be starting a new business. My new interested in taking over, you might have business grew at such a rate that I to hire someone with that end-goal in Alan Beech is a manage- was forced to begin working at it full mind. During the interview you can ask ment consultant and the time. Good thing I had the right targeted questions to discern whether COO of Canadian Auto people in place to give me the freedom or not a specific candidate would be Repair Holdings Inc. You to do that. interested in taking over the business can reach Alan at Stepping away from my shop and one day. You may find that the quality alan@beechconsulting.ca. 14 CARS
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www.aprilsuperflo.com Your One-stop SolutionPicture this! YOUR INDUSTRY IN MOTION
We asked you to capture a day in the life of our industry.
This was October 12, 2016.
Every day is different in the automotive repair and service world.
You never know who’s going to walk through your door or what you’re going to be
working on. There’s no telling what kind of unique challenge you’ll face, or what surprising
twist lies in store. Many service advisors and technicians thrive on this kind of variety.
On October 12, we asked you to document the crazy, unexpected, funny, and poignant
moments that make up your day.
Here’s what you sent us.
1st
prize
$200
This 1958
Cadillac
convertible
came into Cochrane Automo-
tive in Toronto, Ont. for a no
start, non-functioning wipers,
and weak brakes. But for our
Picture This! contest, tech-
nicians Gary Aitchison (left)
and Tony Palermo pretended
to do a little reprogramming
using today’s MDI technology.
Technician Ju Chen captured
the moment on his Samsung
Galaxy S7 Edge.
16 CARS2nd
prize
$100 Chelsey Hattum, a
fourth-year apprentice
at OK Tire in Moosomin, Sask., proudly
holds up a stubborn evap canister
pulled from this GMC Sierra. Lisa
Charney, the shop’s tire salesperson,
captured the moment on her iPhone 6.
Here’s a unique perspective on a common job.
Dominic Willsher of Xquisit Communications
Bob Ward of The Auto Guys in St. Thomas, used a Canon 5D Mark II to take this shot of
Ont., sent in this photographic proof that technician Scott McClymont completing front-
his technicians Steve Stadnik (left) and end repairs at Dunrobin Auto Sales & Service
Mark Gurney never turn away a job! “We fix in Woodlawn, Ont. The photo was sent in by
everything,” he wrote. The picture was taken on shop owner Carrol Tremblay.
an iPhone.
December 2016 17Picture this!
YOUR INDUSTRY IN MOTION
Jeff Taylor,
lead tech at
$50
Eccles Auto
Service in
Dundas, Ont.
3rd
Miranda Broomfield, (and a regular
an assistant at Doug’s contributor
prize Repair in Alexis Creek,
B.C., managed to sum
to CARS
magazine)
up the industry with this couldn’t
picture of technician wait to take a closer look at this right-
Doug Gritner’s hard- hand-drive Suzuki Carry. “Google that
working hands forming and you’ll see that it’s a really special
the shape of a heart. The picture was taken vehicle!” he writes. The picture was
with her iPhone. taken by shop owner Bruce Eccles, using
an old Samsung S4 phone.
Kevin Suttorp, owner of Elec-Tech Auto Repair in
Winnipeg, Man. had more than a few PCM options
while trying to reprogram a 2005 Ford Escape. He
used a timer to take the picture with his iPhone 6+.
Sometimes when you’re doing Third-year apprentice Sean Peterson
a transmission job, it’s hard looks simultaneously surprised and
to know when to stop! Carlo thrilled that the battery he was testing
Franzoi, owner of Diamond at BCAA in Penticton, B.C. passed
Transmission in North York, the load test. Technician Carmine
used his Samsung S5 to take Mandaione captured the moment on
this artsy shot of the 4R100 his LG Stylus.
transmission that took up most
of his workday on October 12.
Monica Van Berlo of Tapp Auto in Ottawa, Ont.
used her LG G3 phone to capture this photo Check out all of the entries in our first-ever PICTURE THIS! contest.
of licenced tech Keith Nichols doing a cam You’ll find them at
replacement on an Audi A4. www.autoserviceworld.com/picturethis
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Extended
service intervals
The 5,000-kilometer oil
change interval is largely
obsolete… but we still have
lots of service opportunities.
By Jeff Taylor
For decades the basic engine oil change lifetime fluids in differ-
was considered a mandatory service entials, transmissions, and
every 5,000 kilometers. transfer cases. Most electric
Though it started way back in the power steering systems don’t
1960s, that interval is still firmly rooted ever need a fluid change.
in the minds of many older techs and
shop owners. Technology
It is not as firmly stuck in the minds Today’s vehicles enter closed loop
of today’s consumer… or today’s auto- faster than ever before, thanks to
motive engineer. With recent techno- wide-band or air fuel sensors and
logical changes, the 5,000-kilometer started to lengthen slowly. And while close-coupled catalytic convertors. In
interval has become largely obsolete. it wasn’t immediately accepted by the fact, closed loop can be achieved in
We’re now in the era of extended service public or the service industry, wider seconds – even on a very cold engine.
intervals, and the distance vehicles stretches between oil changes are now In previous years it would take several
routinely travel between oil changes commonplace. minutes or longer to enter closed loop
often exceeds 24,000 kilometers. Technology is partially responsible mode. And when the vehicle isn’t in
Carmakers say this interval is suffi- for this trend. But that’s not the only closed loop it’s typically being over-fu-
cient as long as the proper oil is used reason service intervals are being elled in order to run properly.
and all the manufacturer’s recom- extended. There are many factors, Carburetted vehicles were notorious
mended requirements are met. including environmental responsibility, for this. During a cold start, unburned
The average vehicle today will easily engine design, manufacturing proce- fuel was everywhere in an older
– and safely – go 7,000 to 14,000 kilo- dures, lubricant improvements, engine engine, waiting on the backs of the
meters before the oil-life monitor management, and the manufacturers’ intake valves in port or throttle body
(OLM) triggers an indicator lamp on desire to lower operating costs. injection or on the floor of the intake
the dash to let the driver know that an And it’s not just oil that is performing in a carbureted engine. All this
oil change is due. longer with reduced service attention. unburned gasoline would get by the
The basic oil change service interval Numerous manufacturers now tout piston rings and enter the engine's
December 2016 21TALKING TECH
The OLM is designed to reduce
operating costs and lessen the vehicle’s
environmental impact (by reducing the
amount of used oil produced), while
still retaining the engine durability and
This Mitsubishi was low on oil and in desperate need of an oil change… but the dash performance as if an oil change was
showed it still had another 13 months before it required a service (left). After servicing being done every 5,000 kilometers.
and resetting the service, the dash showed almost two years till the next service (right). But certain requirements have to be
According to definitions in the service manual, this vehicle is clearly being driven under met to achieve this. For one thing, it’s
severe conditions, which requires an oil-change every 6,000 kilometers. imperative that the oil meet or exceed
all of the manufacturer’s requirements.
It must be the proper viscosity. And the
lubricating oil and cause dilution. have changed; the oil that is used to proper oil level must be maintained
But today’s gasoline direct injection lubricate them has changed immensely, throughout the entire service interval.
(GDI) engines enter stoichiometric and significant enhancements in oil Allowing the level to drop can lead
balance so soon that little unburned quality are happening every three to to premature failure of the oil’s additive
fuel is ever left over to cause this four years now. package. Without the crucial additives,
dilution. That doesn’t mean it can’t
happen. Water vapor, engine blow-by Oil life monitors
gases, and unburned fuel all enter the The use of an oil-life monitor to extend
engines oil (primarily at start-up) and, the useful life of engine oil has been
overtime, exposed to the engine’s heat, around for some time. GM started
these contaminants combine to form using it in the 1980s. These days more
sludge. That’s an engine killer. than half of the vehicles being produced
From a cold start, it takes a full 20 will have some form of OLM.
kilometers to sufficiently warm up an Today’s monitors use complex algo-
engine's oil so it can begin to vaporize rithms which take into consideration
contaminants like water and unburned the amount of time driven, distance
hydrocarbons. The process of removing travelled, operating temperatures,
them completely takes another 20 kilo- speed, and vehicle loads to decide when
meters. So driving less than 40 kilome- an oil change is required. The new
ters allows oil pollutants to build up. Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM)
Over time even the best synthetic oil from Ford even knows how long the
will become overwhelmed and its vehicle has idled, how hot the oil and
additive package will start to fail. coolant temperatures have reached,
The first effect these contaminants and (if the vehicle is a diesel) how many
have on the oil is to cause it to thicken. cleaning cycles have been performed A new Subaru dashboard that the
Thicker, more viscous oil travels slowly, on the particulate filter. It will note if customer (or a technician) can set to the
leaving parts vulnerable. it has been a year since the last IOLM proper time and oil-change interval after
But it’s not just engine technology reset… in which case an oil change is consulting the manual.
and engine management systems that due.
22 CARSengine wear is accelerated. The damage GM realized this was an issue. You’ll around with a false sense of security,
might be subtle at first, but it will be notice that the new 2015 V8 gas-pow- assuming that their vehicle’s engine oil
catastrophic in the long run. And these ered pickup truck engines now hold only needs to be changed in conjunc-
days when there’s an engine failure, the over 8 litres of oil. That’s to protect the tion with the OLM request. They
OLM and extended service intervals engine and extend the service interval. haven’t checked their manuals to
are among the first things to be blamed. Consumer education is important. identify their driving style or what that
But the root cause could well be low The problem is the average vehicle means for their oil life. Most have no
oil levels or improper oil. owner won’t ever read their manual. clue that stop-and-go traffic, short
Despite the sophistication of modern Ford doesn’t recommend an oil change trips, towing, and northern climates
OLMs, vehicle owners often fail to heed in theirs (unless the IOLM is acciden- all add up to “severe driving.” Their
its warnings, preferring to believe that tally reset or stops working). Rather, misconceptions about oil life and
all is well under their hoods. Many it points out that the oil level should engine durability threaten the
times, a customer that comes in for a be checked once a month and explains long-term health of their vehicles. It is
check engine light (CEL) will refuse an when to expect the IOLM to turn on, up to us to educate them and help them
oil change because the OLM indicates based on the type and style of driving. keep their vehicles longer.
they still have 65% oil life left. They’re Honda doesn’t have a severe service Ford’s IOLM is an attempt to address
shocked when the tech reports back recommendation any more but still this situation and help people make
that the CEL is on because of low oil. wants the oil level checked every fuel better oil service decisions. You can
stop and changed at least once a year. help yourself and your customers by
taking a couple of extra minutes to
Education explain oil facts to them.
Don’t think that all of this is taking The idea that started in the 1960s,
away our opportunities to service the that an oil change is required every
vehicle more frequently. The fact is 5,000 kilometers, cost customers a lot
many car and truck owners are driving of money and wasted a lot of perfectly
good oil. That interval will eventually
disappear from common memory,
following in the footsteps of carbure-
tors and ignition points.
With a little education, we’ll still be
able to take proper care of our
customers’ vehicles.
Jeff Taylor is a former
ACDelco Technician of the
The proper oil has to be installed and This BMW shows the CAS estimated oil Millennium winner and
the level checked regularly to extend the service life; again this can be modified the Canadian Technician of
service intervals and still get the dura- after consulting the customer and the the Year for 2005. He’s the
bility and longevity out of a vehicle. owner’s manual. senior tech at Eccles Auto
Service in Dundas, Ont.
December 2016 23PRODUCT FEATURE
Gasket
developments
Victor Reinz comes home to Dana. Mahle
launches new line of “Originals.”
Victor Reinz Gaskets are once has maintain ed To give the gasket line a push,
again being marketed in ownership and contin- Henning and other Mahle executives
North America by its manu- uously driven product were joined at AAPEX by a true
facturer, Dana Inc. innovation while NASCAR “original,” racing legend
For the past decade, the manufacturing the Richard Petty. Technicians in the
Victor Reinz brand was product portfolio.” United States are eligible to enter the
distributed in North America Meanwhile, Mahle Mahle “Drive with the Original”
by Mahle Aftermarket Inc. has launched its own promotion, which will offer a custom-
Throughout this period, Dana Mahle Original gasket built, twin-turbocharged Mahle Mustang
remained actively involved in manu- brand to replace the Victor Reinz built by Petty’s Garage as the top prize.
facturing, product development, and portfolio it had been distributing. The In other gasket news, CRP
technical support in North America company launched its Mahle Original Automotive has developed a special
and it handled distribution to other line with nearly 9,000 part numbers, Ajusa gasket kit said to solve leak issues
parts of the globe. covering 900,000 applications. on Nissan 2.5L engines.
The Mahle distribution agreement The new kit (part number 01024500)
ended Nov. 1, 2016. was designed to eliminate oil cooler
In resuming distribution in North leaks on Altimas, Frontiers, and Sentras
America, Dana has introduced more from 2007-2015.
than 3,300 SKUs to the market – repre- “The oil cooler on Nissan’s 2.5L
senting 95 percent coverage, by sales engine is quite susceptible to leakage,”
volume, for the typical warehouse said Todd Ciccone, CRP Automotive’s
distributor. Ajusa brand manager. “Whether the
Dana executives announced the cause is the oil cooler’s internal seal or
resumption of Victor Reinz distribution “The only thing that has changed is its mounting gasket at the block, the
with a “homecoming” celebration the outside package – our gaskets are problem can potentially affect millions
during the recent Automotive now in a Mahle Original branded box,” of cars currently on the road.”
Aftermarket Products Expo (AAPEX) said Olaf Henning, CRP Automotive recom-
in Las Vegas. executive vice-president mends replacing both gaskets
“This homecoming is significant for and general manager of on the oil cooler assembly
Dana, the Victor Reinz brand, our Mahle Aftermarket. “What during engine service. The
customers, and the aftermarket this means for the after- company says its Ajusa kits
community,” said Doug Wolma, vice market is that the company contain both gaskets and
president and general manager of the that has been behind this deliver the proper fit, form,
Dana Aftermarket Group. “Since the gasket line is now the brand and function to solve the
Victor Reinz brand’s origination, Dana that is on them.” Ajusa gasket kit. problem.
24 CARSBAYWATCH
BA
comfort, and incredible torque. The Brake washer
GearWrench 81 Series Air Impact Oil Eater says its new
Wrench line includes: SKU 88130: 3/8” professional brake washer
Drive Air Impact Wrench; SKU 88150: is an energy-efficient
1/2” Drive Air Impact Wrench; and SKU washer that needs no elec-
88170: 3/4” Drive Air Impact Wrench. tricity to function.
All three models feature a powerful Powered by air, it thoroughly cleans
twin-hammer impact mechanism that through the gunk and dirt found on
operates at reduced sound levels due brake parts. Included with the washer
Air impact wrench to the highly effective muffler. The new is a cover that catches any debris that
GearWrench has expanded its air 81 Series GearWrench Air Impact might otherwise fall on the floor while
impact wrench line with the new 81 Wrenches come with a two-year washing. It’s designed for use on
Series Air Impact Wrenches, combining warranty and 60-day risk-free trial. alignment lift ramp lifts or on the floor
compact, lightweight design, optimum www.GearWrench.com and can also be used as a portable parts
washer. Eco-friendly Oil Eater Original
cleaner/degreaser is included. It is
Leak sealer Battery fuse non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-flam-
Tracerline Cool Seal AC Dorman now offers a mable and biodegradable.
Leak Sealer is a unique direct replacement www.oileater.com
additive that seals slow battery fuse that is
leaks in compressors, easy to install and Cordless
condensers, evapora- restores power to various electrical rotary hammer
tors, accumulators, components throughout the vehicle. Milwaukee Tool has
O-rings and hoses. The non-polymer, It promises a proper fit every time. The introduced the M18 Fuel
oil-soluble formula is safe for AC fuses are easy to install. No special tools SDS Max Rotary Hammer for more
system components and recovery are required. And every part has demanding, heavy-duty drilling and
equipment and is compatible with all undergone quality testing to ensure chipping applications. It has a 1-9/16”
popular refrigerants, including trouble-free performance and confor- drilling capacity and the power to chip
R-1234yf (requires TP-9831CS adapter). mance to product standards. continuously for up to 20 minutes. The
It is non-flammable, has no storage-re- www.dormanproducts.com M18 Fuel SDS Max will also be among
lated issues, no need for system pump the first Milwaukee products to be
down, and allows the technician to see Cooling kit powered by the new M18 RedLithium
the contents injected into the system. US Motor Works has High Demand 9.0 battery pack, which
www.tracerline.com introduced the Max is said to deliver up to 5X more run-time,
Co olin g Kit, 35% more power, and run 60% cooler
Torque chart combining two than standard lithium-ion batteries.
Properly applied of the company’s www.milwaukeetool.com
torque on oil drain most popular
plugs and sump plugs is products: the water pump and fan Reman drive axle
crucial to protect the oil pan and prevent clutch. This kit was designed for vehicles assemblies
oil leaks. Technicians can check the where the fan clutch is mounted to the Cardone Industries
recommended OE plug torque on a water pump and operates on the water has released reman-
single chart released by Smart-O. The pump shaft. Reinstalling a worn fan ufactured Drive Axle
company says it has simplified the use clutch on a new water pump can Assemblies, offered as a complete
of correct toque, with a patented sealing damage and destroy the new water assembly and priced significantly lower
and locking mechanism. The O-ring pump, and vice-versa. The intercon- than new. Cardone Drive Axle
creates prevailing torque that prevents nected nature of these two components Assemblies are remanufactured using
the plug from coming loose. Also, it’s are often overlooked during the replace- the most stringent quality processes
not necessary to apply excessive torque ment process, but the Max Cooling Kit to deliver smooth, consistent perfor-
on the plug anymore to safely seal it. allows stores, mechanics and DIY mance in any driving condition. Each
Technicians are, however, advised to consumers the opportunity to restore unit comes installation-ready, saving
always use a torque wrench for accurate the engine cooling power to maximum precious labor time while providing
installation. efficiency in one step. peace of mind.
www.smartoplug.com www.usmotorworks.com www.cardone.com
December 2016 25BAYWATCH
BA
Vehicle pusher Air actuators
Manually pushing a vehicle into a service Continental Commercial Vehicles
bay is not only labour-intensive and incon- & Aftermarket now offers a robust
venient, it is non-productive time. Power program of VDO OEM Direct Air
Pusher allows you to move disabled vehicles quickly and easily, Actuators and Electronic Throttle Valves for popular, late
without suffering back and leg injuries. It saves shops money, model Audi, BMW, Mini, Mercedes-Benz and VW vehicles.
boosts employee morale, and builds a better image with These VDO parts are the exact OEM part as supplied to
customers. Built in Minnesota, Power Pusher features two 12-volt European carmakers worldwide. They are identical in fit, form,
RV batteries and its own onboard 10-amp charger). As an added function and OE quality. The line currently features 49 SKUs
feature, optional eight-foot long heavy duty jumper cables are with excellent coverage for over 11 million vehicles in operation.
available to jump-start vehicles with dead batteries. www.vdo.com/usa
www.powerpusher.com/automotive
Strut system
Premium filters OTC has introduced the new Strut Tamer II Extreme,
Mann-Filter has introduced 102 new part available with stand, to assist technicians when
numbers with coverage to reach more replacing struts. The new units, a replacement for
than 2.6 million new European vehicles. the Strut Tamer Extreme, feature forged locking jaws
These significant introductions increase as well as larger pads and offsets to clamp onto and compress
Mann-Filter’s coverage by 2.5 percent in the oil filter category, springs even tighter than before. To provide additional strength,
6 percent in the air filter category, and 2.9 percent in the stability and safety, the compression arms are thick 5/8” steel.
cabin air filter category. The new part numbers provide OE Locking trunnions allow for optimal stability during spring
fit, form and function for popular makes such as BMW, compression. Additionally, arm-locking rings eliminate the need
Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Subaru, Volkswagen and Toyota. for tools to adjust. The 6637-ST Strut Tamer II Extreme includes
www.mann-filter.com a stand with wheels for moving easily around the shop.
26 CARSYou can also read
