sometimes a good sticker is really helpful ??

Sometimes a good sticker/label can make life easier and your shop more money or just save time

Here are two examples - if you want the Mark-Up to Margin sticker -- explain Mark-up to Margin sticker download in .doc
-if you want the VIN year code sticker ------ 10th Digit VIN sticker download in .doc

These are designed to print on 4" x 2" avery labels - here is just one place where you can buy these stickers ...click Staples.ca labels

What other stickers/labels would help you in your day to day work?

Mitchell1 shop management - options for training

Mitchell is asking how users of their SHOP MANAGEMENT program how they would like to receive EXTRA training and help -- now that is a nice gesture -- if you use Mitchell ( or where thinking about a shop management program like this ) -- why not check this link out ... Click here ! to see options from Mitchell for shop management training

More on Tire Pressure Monitor Systems

In Jan we have a ONE DAY course for Tire Pressure Monitor Systems ... on Thur Jan 25th. Want to get a head start - check out this pdf download here >>>> Tire Pressure Monitor Info sheet (2mb pdf)

There is also another mention of TPMS earlier in this blog

TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEMS - 4 - - 6:30 pm Thur Jan 25( 1 Day ) #320
Tire Pressure Monitor Systems are being installed on all light vehicles in the US. By 2008 all vehicles must be equipped with a system that warns the driver of a tire pressure safety issue. The initial versions of this technology were many and varied but fairly simple to service. However the new technologies require a process to be installed in the service facility that will ensure the profitability of the repair. If a customer comes in to your shop for any tire repair or service and you don't test the sensors before the service, you will be responsible for any faulty sensor. This could cost you hundreds of dollars. Learn to properly service and repair TPMS systems profitably.

Your competition comes in many forms

Here is an interesting article -- on your newest competition .. . attempting to take your business from YOUR shop.

Encourage your boss to have a maintenance scheduling program. See your CARQUEST rep or fellow tech's on boards like i-ATN for more info

onStar handles maintenance needs

gasket training for new apprentices ?

Check out this site Solutions for Gasket problems

Home page is here ... see the new intake manifold sets -- included additional gaskets to speed up the job CARQUEST Gaskets

Show the new guys there s a world of helpful knowledge out there for them. Training on the 'nuts and bolts' is important, too

the CARS --they keep a changin

General Motors Corp. may begin development work soon on a new rechargeable battery-electric motor hybrid car that would use an onboard internal-combustion engine as a generator to produce electricity to extend the range of the vehicle's power cells, GM Vice Chairman Robert Lutz said in an interview with auto industry trade publication Automotive News this week.

The car may be unveiled as a prototype next year and will not be an emissions-free vehicle, unlike GM's defunct EV1.

The prototype will run initially on power provided by rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and will switch to electricity provided by the onboard gasoline motor or diesel-fueled generator when the battery charge runs out, according to a knowledgeable person within the company. The car would need to recharge twice per day and probably would have a battery range of 20 to 30 miles before needing to switch to electricity generated by the motor.

Ready for our HYBRID course latter this year?

NOV is FREE month for Mitchell Labour trial

If you have WEB-LINK --there is a free trail for Mitchell Labour data and Service Internal data. On Dec 1 this service will cost $15.00 if you want to extend it.

Is it worth the $15 to you? Can better data easily pay back that this cost? Or Not?

30 Second training ....

Do you have a WEB-LINK account so you can look up and order parts thru the internet ( if you don't - ask your salesman -it is free and very helpful - open 7-24 ) ...when you are in WEB-LINK the next time --click on the 'MyCARQUESThomepage' link on the top -- news items - just one could save you $$ or make you just that little bit smarter ...try it ...tell us your comments

Helpful Links

EK Williams current newsletter

You can subscribe to Bob Greenwoods monthly newsletter - here is thecurrent one --all training is good training ... and this one is free

Hybrids - how to keep up to date

the upcoming training session on Hybrids -- want to see some more info on general info for Hybrids ...click here

WIRED mag blog on Hybrid's

or this general 'green site on enviro friendly vehicles and news

AutoBlogGreen

Got a great site --share it with us all - post a comment

Dates posted for CTI courses

Dates set f or CTI courses ---

First one -- Wed Nov 29th & Thur 30 th

The pdf copy has been updated --see further down the BLOG and click on the link to download the full page

#2 Jan 24 & 25 ALL DATES are WED & THUR
#3 Feb 21 & 22
#4 April 18 & 19
#5 May 30 & 31
#6 June 20 & 21

We are awaiting confirmation of the exact business development course

Tire Monitoring Systems ??

This is a new line for all of us -- expect more data to be available from your CARQUEST jobber salesman or counterperson in a reasonable time ... in the mean time here is the company web site for more info

Schrader TPMS questions

There is a ONE DAY course on this scheduled for Jan in CTI - here is course outline ...

TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR SYSTEMS - 4 - - Jan (date to be set soon) ( 1 Day ) Room #320
Tire Pressure Monitor Systems are being installed on all light vehicles in the US/Canada. By 2008 all vehicles must be equipped with a system that warns the driver of a tire pressure safety issue. The initial versions of this technology were many and varied but fairly simple to service. However the new technologies require a process to be installed in the service facility that will ensure the profitability of the repair. If a customer comes in to your shop for any tire repair or service and you don't test the sensors before the service, you will be responsible for any faulty sensor. This could cost you hundreds of dollars. Learn to properly service and repair TPMS systems profitably.

Other options on Training ?

Hey - CTI is NOT the only way to lean ... but it is sure one good way. There are other ways to get smarter as well. Check out this site

Linder Tech - past archives

If you have another special site you like-- post a comment for others to share and learn.

See you tonight at CTI intro course

Rough course schedule posted for CTI

A rough schedule of the CTI courses is available - please click on this >>>>>CTI Course offered at St Clair for 2007

The exact dates will be set on Tue Oct 31st and will be updated here and copies to area store salesmen.

Note - we are asking for a vote on intro course night to see if a sample SATURDAY to replace two evening courses is an option. You have the power to tailer your training.

training PAYS -- not costs

The value in improved training is faster job completion, fewer come backs -- less guessing and 'hoping'. We feel that the value of CTI is only LIMITED by your attitude to want to learn more ....

The value is again reinforced at the old price of $1250 for a FULL SHOP ( up to 6 tech's ) or a $700 for a one man shop. At 6 techs for 6 seminars ( 12 nights ) ---thats $17.36 each man each night --- value -- you bet -- . Even the one man shop at $700 divided by 12 night s = $58.33 -- still a value for the knowledge.

Can a BLOG work - to help tech's on CTI training

Hello - the first of hopefully many posts to make the CTI training in Essex County/ Windsor better for the techs. Randy from Central Ave and Lary Goudge have been invited to join along with Chris Chesney from Raleigh. Watch to see how this grows.

Yes --Lary spells his name with only ONE 'R'