http://local.counterman.com/ Counterman Magazine: For Jobbers, Retailers & WDs 120 en-us Articles@DirectoryM.com Articles@DirectoryM.com http://local.counterman.com/ Counterman Magazine: For Jobbers, Retailers & WDs http://local.counterman.com/Images/Image.aspx?Site=customDarkBlueWAdSense_en-US Multiplexing addresses several drawbacks to adding multiple computers to a vehicle chassis. These drawbacks include maintaining “keep-alive” memories in computers, increasing the wiring size bundle between the computers and establishing a prioritized communications system that allows various computers to perform their functions without interference from other computers. http://local.counterman.com/The_Complexities_of_Multiplexing_Birmingham_AL-r1351014-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/The_Complexities_of_Multiplexing_Birmingham_AL-r1351014-Birmingham_AL.html Verify coolant level and condition. If the system is low, the heater core is the first to lose coolant flow, causing a lack of heat in the passenger compartment. Old coolant can cause corrosion and scale buildup that can restrict coolant passages and reduce flow to or through the heater core. http://local.counterman.com/Wintertime_Heater_Operation_Guidelines_Birmingham_AL-r1351013-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Wintertime_Heater_Operation_Guidelines_Birmingham_AL-r1351013-Birmingham_AL.html Dealerships service departments are pretty serious about gaining more parts and service market share, and they are using more motorist-friendly hours to help grab it. http://local.counterman.com/Wanna_Work_Third_Shift_Birmingham_AL-r1351011-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Wanna_Work_Third_Shift_Birmingham_AL-r1351011-Birmingham_AL.html Many aftermarket friction suppliers today offer a premium line, a standard line and, in many cases, an economy line of replacement brake linings. The least expensive brake linings are typically offered in a "value line" and are targeted primarily at the retail, do-it-yourself market. http://local.counterman.com/Friction_Materials_Selling_Premium_vs_Standard_Linings_Birmingham_AL-r1351010-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Friction_Materials_Selling_Premium_vs_Standard_Linings_Birmingham_AL-r1351010-Birmingham_AL.html If a jobber delivers brand "A," they're happy. If a jobber delivers brand "B," he'll likely face a complaint. But what about the latest studies that indicate many techs now demand private-labeled parts? And why do techs choose the brand name in one instance and demand the private label in other instances? To answer these questions, let's examine several different aspects of the parts selection process. http://local.counterman.com/Whats_in_That_Box_Birmingham_AL-r1351009-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Whats_in_That_Box_Birmingham_AL-r1351009-Birmingham_AL.html Surprisingly, many parts store owners, store managers, or department managers don’t know their break-even point. Yet, calculating a break-even point is a common tool in most businesses. Read on to know how to calculate the break-even point of your companies. http://local.counterman.com/_Do_You_Know_Your_Breaking_Point_Birmingham_AL-r1351007-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/_Do_You_Know_Your_Breaking_Point_Birmingham_AL-r1351007-Birmingham_AL.html Most people think the Check Engine Light comes on if an engine has any kind of problem whatsoever. But guess what? They’re wrong! If you want to know the right answers, read on please. http://local.counterman.com/Engine_Management_Birmingham_AL-r1351006-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Engine_Management_Birmingham_AL-r1351006-Birmingham_AL.html Warehouse distributors are focusing more on the critical links between their distribution centers and their customers in order to improve both supply chain efficiency and customer service levels. In order to improve customer satisfaction, warehouse distributors are implementing techniques that improve order flow efficiency by concentrating on the connectivity within their networks. http://local.counterman.com/Warehouse_Distributor_Logistics_Efficiency_Birmingham_AL-r1351005-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Warehouse_Distributor_Logistics_Efficiency_Birmingham_AL-r1351005-Birmingham_AL.html Counter professionals actually complain that posting lost sales, even electronically, is troublesome. While traveling on business recently, I had the opportunity to chat with a store owner who happened to be sitting next to me on a flight. http://local.counterman.com/Posting_Lost_Sales_Is_Your_Store_Losing_Business_Birmingham_AL-r1351003-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Posting_Lost_Sales_Is_Your_Store_Losing_Business_Birmingham_AL-r1351003-Birmingham_AL.html Many companies are adept at sourcing products from around the globe. The question then becomes, at what point are they all comfortable with sourcing products directly from manufacturing plants overseas, rather than relying on others to do it for them? This is an intriguing scenario, and is worthy of dialogue and debate. http://local.counterman.com/Outsourcing_the_Brand_Birmingham_AL-r1351002-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Outsourcing_the_Brand_Birmingham_AL-r1351002-Birmingham_AL.html In the real world, most chassis parts hold up pretty well in spite of all these factors. A lot of vehicles end up in the salvage yard with many of their original chassis parts still in place. That doesn't mean these parts are not worn because many of them are. It's just that chassis parts are often overlooked. http://local.counterman.com/Smooth_Sailing_Steering_Suspension_and_Ride_Control_Birmingham_AL-r1351001-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Smooth_Sailing_Steering_Suspension_and_Ride_Control_Birmingham_AL-r1351001-Birmingham_AL.html Brake linings are a wear item, and the more miles a vehicle is driven, especially in city traffic, the more the brake linings wear. Brake pads and shoes are rarely replaced for preventive maintenance. http://local.counterman.com/The_Best_Recommendation_Selling_and_Pricing_Brake_Pads_Birmingham_AL-r1350999-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/The_Best_Recommendation_Selling_and_Pricing_Brake_Pads_Birmingham_AL-r1350999-Birmingham_AL.html The concept of running a lean organization is certainly not new. The automobile manufacturers of the world have been in a constant battle to gain or retain market share, and as anyone watching this manufacturing sector knows, the last ten years have been just brutal. http://local.counterman.com/The_Path_to_an_Efficient_Store_Birmingham_AL-r1350998-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/The_Path_to_an_Efficient_Store_Birmingham_AL-r1350998-Birmingham_AL.html What do you really need to know about starting, charging and ignition systems? Two things, basically. Electrical and ignition problems are often difficult to diagnose and replacing parts until a problem goes away creates a lot of unnecessary (and expensive) returns and warranty issues. http://local.counterman.com/Ignition_Blast_Off_Birmingham_AL-r1350996-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Ignition_Blast_Off_Birmingham_AL-r1350996-Birmingham_AL.html Creating your own buying group to source import cars means simpler sourcing procedures and effective cost. If you want to know the benefits of group buying, read on. http://local.counterman.com/Growing_the_Benefits_of_Group_Buying_Birmingham_AL-r1350995-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Growing_the_Benefits_of_Group_Buying_Birmingham_AL-r1350995-Birmingham_AL.html The task of marketing and advertising can be difficult and disconcerting to some parts store owners because of their lack of understanding as to what should be done, how it should be done and why it should be done. An independent parts store owner may get some help from his WD or program group, but in general he is on his own. http://local.counterman.com/Improve_Your_Store_Marketing_Birmingham_AL-r1350994-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Improve_Your_Store_Marketing_Birmingham_AL-r1350994-Birmingham_AL.html All gasoline-fueled engines have a spark ignition system to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the cylinders. The spark is created by a high-voltage surge from an ignition coil. Read on to know more about ignition system. http://local.counterman.com/ASE_Test_Prep_Ignition_System_Birmingham_AL-r1350993-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/ASE_Test_Prep_Ignition_System_Birmingham_AL-r1350993-Birmingham_AL.html There are a lot of ABS-equipped vehicles on the road today that will eventually need ABS replacement parts as they age. Keep on reading to know more about ABS. http://local.counterman.com/Antilock_Brake_System_Birmingham_AL-r1350992-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Antilock_Brake_System_Birmingham_AL-r1350992-Birmingham_AL.html It's a fact of shop life: dealing with various parts supplier sales representatives is a day-to-day process for an independent shop owner. Sometimes, the relationship between a parts rep and shop owner is good - although it can often be better. http://local.counterman.com/Making_the_Outside_Sale_Birmingham_AL-r1350991-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Making_the_Outside_Sale_Birmingham_AL-r1350991-Birmingham_AL.html One of the more common problems faced by jobbers when dealing with electronic powertrain control modules is the relatively high number of defective returns, exchanges or warranty claims demanded by customers. http://local.counterman.com/High_Tech_Returns_Your_Store_Can_Avoid_Birmingham_AL-r1350990-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/High_Tech_Returns_Your_Store_Can_Avoid_Birmingham_AL-r1350990-Birmingham_AL.html They are designed to have very low resistance so the maximum amount of energy is transferred. This transfer of energy can be interrupted by several factors. In this article, you will know what these factors are. http://local.counterman.com/Spark_Plug_Wire_Inspection_Birmingham_AL-r1350989-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Spark_Plug_Wire_Inspection_Birmingham_AL-r1350989-Birmingham_AL.html Main bearings and rod bearings are typically available in standard size and .010,” .020” and .030” undersizes for passenger car and light truck engines. Undersize means the inside diameter (I.D.) of the bearing is smaller to accommodate a crankshaft that has been reconditioned by grinding the journals to a slightly smaller size. http://local.counterman.com/Keeping_Your_Bearing_Engine_Bearings_Engine_Kits_Birmingham_AL-r1350988-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Keeping_Your_Bearing_Engine_Bearings_Engine_Kits_Birmingham_AL-r1350988-Birmingham_AL.html All batteries have a number/letter date code that indicates when the battery was manufactured. The number indicates the year, and the letter corresponds to the month (A = January, B = February, C = March, etc.) Fresher is better. Batteries should be stocked so the oldest are sold first and the newest are sold last. http://local.counterman.com/ASE_P2_Test_Prep_Electrical_System_Birmingham_AL-r1350987-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/ASE_P2_Test_Prep_Electrical_System_Birmingham_AL-r1350987-Birmingham_AL.html What is a multiplex system? First, each vehicle accessory in a conventional system has its own control wire or wires. But when we add options like a safety-controlled rear hatch door complete with redundant lock sensors, interior lighting controls, defroster grid and rear wiper operating system, we're increasing the wiring bundle size far beyond the ability of the average chassis to accommodate it. http://local.counterman.com/OE_or_Aftermarket_Birmingham_AL-r1350986-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/OE_or_Aftermarket_Birmingham_AL-r1350986-Birmingham_AL.html We always suggest that you don't replace parts without confirming first that they are faulty. It tends to muddy the waters for further diagnostics and often leads to the kind of situation you have now. Replacing parts on good-running vehicles as preventative maintenance or mileage-related replacement is a good thing, guessing is not, when it comes to repairing drivability problems. http://local.counterman.com/Transmission_Problems_in_a_1998_Mercury_Mountaineer_Birmingham_AL-r1350985-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Transmission_Problems_in_a_1998_Mercury_Mountaineer_Birmingham_AL-r1350985-Birmingham_AL.html There are two distinct markets for performance exhaust upgrades. One is the youth market. These tend to be younger males who drive tricked-out Honda Civics, Acuras, Mitsubishi Eclipses, etc. Japanese cars are the most popular models, but others include Chevy Cavalier, Ford Focus, Volkswagen and even Hyundai. http://local.counterman.com/New_Markets_in_the_Aftermarket_Birmingham_AL-r1350984-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/New_Markets_in_the_Aftermarket_Birmingham_AL-r1350984-Birmingham_AL.html If performing in vehicle service, the engine should be allowed to cool before removing the head or warpage may occur in deck flatness. The cylinder head and block decks should be cleaned before performing a flatness check. Dark metal stains below the surface of the metal are normal. Do not attempt to polish off the stains with grinders or scrapers. http://local.counterman.com/Cylinder_Head_Oil_Leak_or_Weepage_Found_on_Some_4_6L_and_5_4L_Engines_Birmingham_AL-r1350983-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Cylinder_Head_Oil_Leak_or_Weepage_Found_on_Some_4_6L_and_5_4L_Engines_Birmingham_AL-r1350983-Birmingham_AL.html The Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system prevents fuel vapors from the fuel tank and fuel system from escaping into the atmosphere. Fumes are vented to a charcoal-filled storage canister to be reburned later in the engine when the canister purge valve opens. http://local.counterman.com/ASE_P2_Test_Preparation_Guide_Emissions_Birmingham_AL-r1350982-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/ASE_P2_Test_Preparation_Guide_Emissions_Birmingham_AL-r1350982-Birmingham_AL.html Conventional brass radiators and heater cores present problems of their own because the anti-corrosive package in the coolant dissipates with age and use and erodes the solder joints that fasten the cores to the header tanks. Modern radiators, which usually consist of aluminum cores clamped to plastic tanks and sealed with rubber gaskets, also tend to deteriorate with age. http://local.counterman.com/Stop_Leaving_Money_on_the_Table_Birmingham_AL-r1350981-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Stop_Leaving_Money_on_the_Table_Birmingham_AL-r1350981-Birmingham_AL.html Engine hard parts are slower moving parts than many other items such as filters, ignition parts, gaskets, belts, hoses, water pumps, fuel pumps, alternators and so on. Because of this, many parts stores don't even stock engine hard parts and rely on their warehouses to provide these parts when a customer needs a set of bearings, rings or pistons. http://local.counterman.com/Engine_Hard_Parts_Still_a_Hard_Sell_Birmingham_AL-r1350980-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Engine_Hard_Parts_Still_a_Hard_Sell_Birmingham_AL-r1350980-Birmingham_AL.html Unlike the many automotive parts that a jobber sells, replacement wiper blades aren't expensive, their replacement frequency rate is high, and many manufacturers have simplified the installation process. In fact, more than half of the wiper blades that are sold are now replaced by the vehicle owner rather than a professional installer. http://local.counterman.com/Visibility_Helping_Your_Customers_See_and_Be_Seen_Birmingham_AL-r1350978-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Visibility_Helping_Your_Customers_See_and_Be_Seen_Birmingham_AL-r1350978-Birmingham_AL.html Maintaining backups however, is only part of the strategy. Running a good antivirus program is absolutely essential these days. If you have Internet access and you swap e-mail with anybody, you will encounter a virus. In my experience, this is not just likely it is inevitable. http://local.counterman.com/Is_Your_Store_Safe_from_Viruses_Birmingham_AL-r1350977-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Is_Your_Store_Safe_from_Viruses_Birmingham_AL-r1350977-Birmingham_AL.html The clutch disc is a flat plate with friction facings on both sides that allows engine torque to drive the transmission. The disc is mounted between the flywheel and pressure plate and is connected to the transmission input shaft with a splined hub. http://local.counterman.com/ASE_P2_Test_Prep_Manual_Transmission_Birmingham_AL-r1350974-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/ASE_P2_Test_Prep_Manual_Transmission_Birmingham_AL-r1350974-Birmingham_AL.html Newspapers also provide the perfect opportunity to use co-op advertising dollars because most vendors supply ready-made ad slicks for use. All you have to do is determine the budget and add your address line and other information, and your newspaper rep takes it from there. http://local.counterman.com/Advertising_Strategies_Choosing_Your_Media_Birmingham_AL-r1350973-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Advertising_Strategies_Choosing_Your_Media_Birmingham_AL-r1350973-Birmingham_AL.html Its been my experience that people in this business are very traditional folks, and a lot of times more of a blue collar demographics and ive seen how it can be a little scary to jump into an electronic world when a lot of them have never used a computer for more than looking up parts, as the software and user interfaces keep getting fancier and more helpful, i have to say that paper catalogs should not be obsolete but technology is the future and eventually everything gets replaced and it seems to be an inevitable faith for the paper catalogs as well. http://local.counterman.com/Get_Rid_of_Paper_Catalogs_No_Way_Birmingham_AL-r1350971-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Get_Rid_of_Paper_Catalogs_No_Way_Birmingham_AL-r1350971-Birmingham_AL.html Most cooling system parts, except for antifreeze, are not sold until the original parts have failed. Though most belt and hose manufacturers recommend replacing belts and hoses every four or five years for preventive maintenance, these parts are seldom replaced until they fail. http://local.counterman.com/Prevention_is_Always_Cooler_than_the_Cure_Birmingham_AL-r1350970-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Prevention_is_Always_Cooler_than_the_Cure_Birmingham_AL-r1350970-Birmingham_AL.html Iron corrosion products tend to float, not sink, in OAT coolants with 2 ethylhexanoic acid such as Dex-Cool. Some claim the material can prevent the radiator cap from sealing so the system does not pressurize. http://local.counterman.com/We_are_Counterpros_Not_Numbers_Birmingham_AL-r1350969-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/We_are_Counterpros_Not_Numbers_Birmingham_AL-r1350969-Birmingham_AL.html There are a variety of reasons for price differences in the marketplace. Most “premium” grade pads incorporate features as chamfers, slots and built-in shims to control noise and vibrations. These features increase manufacturing costs. http://local.counterman.com/Brake_Friction_Birmingham_AL-r1350968-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Brake_Friction_Birmingham_AL-r1350968-Birmingham_AL.html Caliper piston seals don’t last forever, and once they start to leak, it’s the end of the road for the caliper and the pads. Fluid leaks are dangerous because they can lead to a loss of hydraulic pressure in the brake circuit that may cause the brakes to fail. Brake fluid leaking from a caliper can also contaminate the brake linings and cause them to grab or pull. http://local.counterman.com/Locked_and_Loaded_Calipers_Birmingham_AL-r1350967-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Locked_and_Loaded_Calipers_Birmingham_AL-r1350967-Birmingham_AL.html If the fluid in the system is badly discolored and contains a lot of rust or sediment, the whole system should be replaced. Also, if the fluid has been accidentally contaminated with any liquid other than the recommended hydraulic fluid, the master and slave cylinders may have to be replaced because oil can cause the seals to swell excessively. http://local.counterman.com/Sales_Tips_Clutches_MasterSlave_Cylinders_Birmingham_AL-r1350965-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Sales_Tips_Clutches_MasterSlave_Cylinders_Birmingham_AL-r1350965-Birmingham_AL.html As the pads wear, the caliper pistons gradually move outward, exposing more of the piston to potential contamination and corrosion from dust or moisture. If an old corroded piston is then shoved back into the caliper when new pads are installed, the piston seal will be riding on a rough surface. It won't be long before the seal fails and the caliper starts to leak. http://local.counterman.com/Calipers_Brake_Parts_Birmingham_AL-r1350963-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Calipers_Brake_Parts_Birmingham_AL-r1350963-Birmingham_AL.html For the purposes of this article, we’ll look at one of the most common lines you deal with — brakes. They are the lifeblood of most automotive parts distributors in today’s aftermarket. The largest segments in the brake category are disc brake pads, rotors and calipers. The supply and sale of pads and rotors is relatively straight forward because they are disposable products. http://local.counterman.com/The_Economics_of_Cores_Birmingham_AL-r1350962-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/The_Economics_of_Cores_Birmingham_AL-r1350962-Birmingham_AL.html The battery is one of the most important components on a vehicle today. It provides the amps needed to crank and start the engine, and it stores the voltage that runs everything from the ignition system and fuel injectors to the vehicles lights and all of its electrical accessories. http://local.counterman.com/Battery_Science_Birmingham_AL-r1350960-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Battery_Science_Birmingham_AL-r1350960-Birmingham_AL.html Electrical system parts include large rotating electrical components such as alternators and starters, solenoids, relays, batteries, battery cables, wiring, fuses, bulbs and small electrical motors for things such as power windows and seats. http://local.counterman.com/ASE_Test_Prep_Electrical_Systems_Birmingham_AL-r1350959-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/ASE_Test_Prep_Electrical_Systems_Birmingham_AL-r1350959-Birmingham_AL.html The demand for A/C parts is obviously seasonal and goes lockstep with the weather. When the first heat wave hits, people seek relief and flip on their air conditioners for the first time in months. It's then that some discover that their air conditioner isn't cooling properly. http://local.counterman.com/Climate_Control_Systems_Selling_AC_Parts_Birmingham_AL-r1350958-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Climate_Control_Systems_Selling_AC_Parts_Birmingham_AL-r1350958-Birmingham_AL.html A shop may love oil changes because they increase customer loyalty and provide an opportunity to sell needed repairs and maintenance. On the other hand, a shop may hate oil changes because, in today’s competitive market, they have become a “loss-leader” service that can quickly devour bottom-line profits. http://local.counterman.com/A_Love_Hate_Relationship_Quick_Lube_Services_Birmingham_AL-r1350957-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/A_Love_Hate_Relationship_Quick_Lube_Services_Birmingham_AL-r1350957-Birmingham_AL.html Automatic transmissions and transaxles fall into two categories: mechanical and electronic. Older vehicles with mechanical automatics use engine speed, throttle cables, governors and valves to shift gears. Newer vehicles with electronic transmissions use engine RPM and sensor inputs to operate solenoids that route internal fluid pressure to shift gears. http://local.counterman.com/ASE_Test_Prep_Automatic_Transmission_Birmingham_AL-r1350956-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/ASE_Test_Prep_Automatic_Transmission_Birmingham_AL-r1350956-Birmingham_AL.html Getting Control of the Ride Suspensions are pretty rugged and can take a lot of punishment without any ill effects - at least for a while. http://local.counterman.com/Getting_Control_of_the_Ride_Birmingham_AL-r1350955-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Getting_Control_of_the_Ride_Birmingham_AL-r1350955-Birmingham_AL.html The ever-increasing challenges of inventory management, customer connectivity, advancing technology and never-ending business and logistical demands have made cutting-edge store management systems a necessity for today’s successful distributor. http://local.counterman.com/Managing_a_Moving_Target_Birmingham_AL-r1350954-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/Managing_a_Moving_Target_Birmingham_AL-r1350954-Birmingham_AL.html Technology and the global economy are forcing the industry to ask some fundamental questions about the way suppliers and distributors address the products they make, buy and sell. In part four of a five-part series, Dave Caracci continues to look at some of these questions and offers some possible answers. http://local.counterman.com/The_Evolution_of_Aftermarket_Product_Lines_Birmingham_AL-r1350953-Birmingham_AL.html http://local.counterman.com/The_Evolution_of_Aftermarket_Product_Lines_Birmingham_AL-r1350953-Birmingham_AL.html