Updated CTI class & Dates for 2013-2014

Re-schedule date for Nov CTI Class

Please contact all your CTI enrollees about the date change on the upcoming course scheduled for next week. 
The new dates for the next  cti nights is dec 4 and 5 same time same place.Also course content is changed to: on the 4th it will be electric throttle control and the 5th is wide band sensors...note these were originally scheduled for april 23 and 24. 
Again please notify all your enrollees so they dont go up next week. thanks. 

What is TS16949 ...does it matter

You will see more of the companies we deal with say they are TS16949 ...but in many cases you have NEVER heard  of them before ... that is because they are OEM suppliers ... not the Monroe's of the world who are know for selling most or all of their items only in the aftermarket ...

click here  or  click here  -- for a brief ( but dry ) overview of what TS16949 means to an auto parts manufacturer...

SAME AS what come on the car ... only at a better value ....  so you can offer better value

sample of our new supplier ...

VIN Decoders Apps for smart phones

Here are links for CARQUEST   VIN DECODERS

CARQUEST - Apple Iphone ............................ Android   -click on links to go to download - one expects regular updating and this app to continue to get better over a short time ...

Walker Cat Clinic - again

Hi

another of the same clinic ..the people who have gone have said they liked it ...  Thur Oct 24 in London --click on image for more details

We have also posted ( see July 25 2013 ) a 30 min youtube video based upon this clinic ...  scrool down to see

CTI Class Change ....

Be advised that the oct class has been changed to asian security systems as there was no interest in the planned course...the replacement class will be added at the end. 

Neil Heinrichs
Sales Rep. 
Pete's Paint & Parts

The above was just received ( Randy in Windsor is key to helping change this ..)  if oyu care to voice an opinion ..leave a comment or talk to your sales rep from your CARQUEST store ...

What does a GOOD Web Site for for a Shop ???

The BEST web sites in USA for a shop ??  That is pretty high praise ..but if you want a look ...check out this article

http://www.autoinc.org/archives/2013/jan2013/top10.htm

It might be hard to say you have to be this good ...but ...

And just what should a good web site do ...

Sure - we are asking more questions than we could ever answer ...

The Next Generation: Industry and Educators Need To Work Together

Next generation - any idea's ?   Was this worth the time to listen and think ?

Battery & Starter-Alternator testing

http://youtu.be/7UAVc4Z2lhY

Taking The Heat: Cooling System Service Tips

Taking The Heat:  Cooling System Service Tips


hosted by:   Pete Meier, technical editor for Motor Age magazine  & Jerry "G" Truglia, president Technicians Service Training

Registration Information

The third of our Motor Age/TST technical webinars for 2013 will focus on the engine's cooling system and offer a variety of tips and techniques you can apply immediately to help your customers maintain their vehicles in peak condition.

Topics to be covered include:
*  Testing the coolant's state of health
*  Outside factors that can reduce the expected coolant service life
*  Testing for electrolysis using a Digital Multimeter


CLICK HERE for registration ....  FREE ....   

When   August 22, 2013
                                      Time     8:00 PM - 9:00 PM 

Reminder - iATN is a well priced option ...

Just a reminder that iATN is a well priced option for tech's ... if it has been a while ( or never ) --go check them out --click here --

Dorman adds more NEW products

  Dorman Dealer Only Products 2013 #2 edition by GregGGH

Got two minutes --check out this video ... can it help you to explain why that repair is required ... ?  See your CARQUEST salesman or call the store manager in Virtual Vehicle MD ...

http://www.virtualvehiclemd.com/user_guide/Navigation.html

What Drives Business

a recent e-mail had this image....  how do you see it for your business ??

Somehow I think that we all lack re-inforcing the positive customer reviews ...how do we get those on the internet ( social media e.g.:Facebook likes but even more important for Google+ or yellow pages.ca  similar reviews ...

Get your customers comments on the internet and promote that.

CTI On Line

http://ctionline.com   try it out

Walker Cat Converter - 30 minutes of good training

( a 30 minute training video in case you missed the regional classes held by Walker )

*** UPDATE ***   Metro Detroit class ( Oct 9,2013)   & London On class scheduled ( Oct 24, 2013) ....in case you are interested and missed the most recent Windsor, On class ....click here for details

proposed class schedule for 2013 - 2014 -- see dtauto.ca for any updates

2012-13 class dates

NOTE --there have been a change --the original sheet showed the first class as Oct 10-11 --changed to Oct 24-24 ...

TACS

Virtual Vehicle MD -- helping explain the need for a repair

If you can EXPLAIN yourself better to the customer -- you can help them decide why the repair is needed

Click on these link below to see a sample of virtualvehiclemd.com

5-4l-3v-broken-spark-plug-(broken-sleeve)

Note the image - click on the changing box to see the next step in the illustration

See your CARQUEST salesman for more info on this service.

EXCELLENT article on good & bad phone habits

Try this link .. . to read and to click on the audio links to HEAR actual examples and see how you stack up --can we all learn something from this article - I hope so.

leave a comment if you liked or hated it.

2009-2010 proposed courses

Here are proposed courses for 09-2010 year

Click on to enlarge

Comments ?

May make up class

The Jan class was cancelled -- so after a couple of swaps - here is the original class dated April -- will happen on May 13 & 14 2009

Note -- the Right To Repair bill is being VOTED upon on May 13th --call your MP !!



OBD-208 REPROGRAMMING STRATEGIES
One of the most critical decisions a shop makes today deals with reprogramming the PCM on today's vehicles. While it is
necessary many times to reprogram a PCM, the shop must make the decision whether to purchase the tooling necessary
to do the job in house or to farm it out to the dealer. In many cases the J-2534 reprogramming standard which was meant
to make it easy to reprogram vehicles, has led to much confusion in the field. This course focuses on delivering the truth
about reprogramming including both OE and J-2534 methods. You will come away with specific J-2534 procedures to
make this strategy successful. You will also understand the limitations of J-2534 and the advantages of using the OE scan
tool to reprogram. At the end of the day you will be able to make the best decision for your shop.
8

April - change of items

Reminder - that April 22 will be "new vehicle technology"

and that April 23 will be "Air Conditioning" --a revision to the schedule

ps- want to know more about CVT . *** ...click this link ***

Testing more batteries - prevents problems latter

The Importance of Testing Batteries

Handheld Testers

• Accurate – provide reliable, repeatable results.
• Safe and easy to use – very little training required.
• Fast – test batteries within seconds.
• Portable – light and easy to carry, internal battery means no power cord.
• Digital display to guide user and provide instant results.
• Results are printable for review with customers.


Why a Battery Tester Might Fail a Battery Even If It Still Starts the Vehicle


As you can see, the colder the temperature:

• The lower the amount of starting power the battery can provide.
• The more starting power the engine requires.

On a marginal battery, even a small drop in temperature could easily cause a battery to fail, stranding the customer in a potentially dangerous situation.

Therefore, it is important to look at the battery’s tested CCA and compare it to the public rated CCA, even if the tester has passed the battery.


Once the battery’s CCA drops below the public rated CCA, you should council the customer to think about a battery replacement.

Should they decide not to do replace their battery immediately, recommend that they get their battery retested in two or three months, and sooner than that if cold weather is approaching.


WHY TEST?

1. Inventory Maintenance
• Battery manufacturers place a date code stamp on the battery case so you can check when the battery was manufactured.
• A quick check of product 9-12 months old will help you determine which batteries may need recharging to avoid future problems.
• CARQUEST batteries are calcium/calcium construction (calcium is used in both positive and negative plates), which means they have a one year shelf life.

2. Warranty Control
• Most warranty inspections arrive in a discharged state. Carbon pile testers will not give accurate results unless the battery is fully recharged before inspection. Otherwise, an incorrect diagnosis might be made.
• A handheld tester will allow you to quickly determine whether a battery is defective or simply needs to be recharged, regardless of the state of charge of the battery.

3. Sales Tool
• Allows you to sell batteries on a preventative maintenance basis just like you do all other automotive components.
• The average lifespan of a battery in Canada is 4.5 to 5 years. A battery’s condition and performance level deteriorate with age, particularly when used under severe service conditions.
• Installers should recommend to customers that they replace weak batteries before they fail and leave them stranded in a potentially dangerous situation.
• Printout of battery test gives credibility to Installer’s recommendation.

RECENT INSTALLER STUDY
PROVES TESTING SELLS MORE BATTERIES

• Prior to test
o 7 batteries sold per 100 transactions
• During test
o 21 problem batteries identified per 100 transactions
o 14 batteries sold per 100 transactions
• Result
o Battery sales were doubled.


4. Battery Accessory Sales Tool
• Many battery testers also do complete electrical testing of starting and charging systems. Problem starters and alternators will be identified.
• A visual inspection of the battery can identify other battery related sales opportunities, such as hold downs, cables, battery trays, etc.

Jan cancelled class re-set for May 13 & 14

Hi

the class cancelled (sickness) from Jan is re-set for May 13 & 14 - - same room - # 320 - St Clair

Take Feb off -- see you all in March

Got time -- make a list

the start of a new year is the best time to make a list ... in case you need help - comment on this list -- 50 WORST CARS EVER by Time Magazine

click here

-- click here--

Cans to run on .... 'air' ...?

check out this BBC video - on cars that can run on ... air ....



click here

smoke is good

click here for video training for redline smoke machine - time to update our knowledge ?

Pegisys scan tool training

Here is link to main web page


Here is link to eLearning site -it is easy to register & free

GGOD or BAD Waiting Room ?

CLICK HERE
for article on the shape of waiting rooms ... are you in the good or bad ? What will it mean for your future?

Software for the Garage industry

while we are on a roll with ASA publications -- click here for .... a list of shop software. This is the most extensive listing we have seen anywhere.

How well are you using your shop management software ...

top web sites for Garages ...

click here article from Auto Inc ( a publication from ASA ) on top 10 garage web sites ... idea's ??

Value of iATN

I was trying to find discard limits for brake drums on a 1979 Mini 1000 yesterday. I couldn't find anything through traditonal channels or on the internet.
I decided to post a question on iATN and had an answer from two different fellows from Australia within two hours.
iATN can be a very helpful site.
Barry

Internet allows us to read US publications

It had always been a real struggle to read the US magazines that USA shops received free ... the internet changes this


Click this link to see articles from Motor Age ...

fire hazard from Ethanol ??

Click this link to read article on hazards the shops face from OLDER VEHICLES using e-85 ethanol

Setting up enviro fees

We have called both Lankar & Mitchell1 ... here is what they say ,,,,

Lankar .... Hi Greg,
Great talking to you today.
Please instruct your customers to click on the word Help in the Main Menu, Lankar on the world wide web, Autogence Support Cue.

The support cue will come up, click Open New Case.
Enter your name,
Enter the reason for the call. Have them write, new Supplier Tax
and click Submit Case.

Our support department will then contact the customer and make sure that they are set up properly.

Thank you,

Brigette :)
Sr. Account Representative/
Sales Manager
Autogence Inc.
(800) 446-3087 Ext. 205

=============================================================

Mitchell1 ...... John Dwulet writes .... Adding taxable or non-taxable fee to a part will do the trick I believe... which is supported by the application ( see image --click to enlarge )

Forwarded by Karl Coleman - National Account Manager for CARQUEST accounts

==============================================================

Hope this helps ---comments appreciated

Enviro Fees

MHSW seems to creep up on us at amazing speed - by the time we heard something about it was in May and the tax starts in July - not much time. In fact an e-mail we sent to AIA in May about this was just replied to on 6-18-08 and we are using some of their links below

MHSW = Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste (MHSW) Program

Companies at the START ( like importers or manufacturers ) are required to PAY the fee - they in turn charge the next company in line - and so on - until the end consumer finally pays.

This fee is shown as a separate line on the invoice. The example is a Quebec invoice -- on our CARQUEST invoice it will show "SOGHU / EHC" to cover both provinces name for the similar enviro fee

Here is a summary of what is effected ....
AUTOMOTIVE FILTERS:
LESS THAN 203MM (8") $.50 per Filter
GEATER THAN 203MM (8") $1.00 per Filter

MOTOR OIL CONTAINERS: $.045/ per LITRE

SOLVENTS CONTAINERS $.196/ per LITRE

ANTIFREEZE CONTAINERS $.073/ per LITRE

PRESSURIZED CONTAINERS:
NON-REFILLABLE $.334/ per UNIT
REFILLABLE $.366/ per UNIT

SINGLE USE DRY CELL BATTERIES $.125/KG

Here are links to AIA web site for more info --- click on links to open


What YOU Need to Know about the MHSW Program
Waste Diversion Program Comes into Effect July 1st, 2008
Stewardship Ontario Auto Sector FAQ's

Business Mgmt Course- May 14 & 15

Advanced Workflow Systems – May 14 & 15/ 2008-

INSTRUCTOR – ALBAN BENNETT

Alban has been in the Business Management Training industry for over 7 years. He is recognized as one of the top automotive industry trainers and is an approved AMI instructor. Alban has instructed and coached CARQUEST customers in hundreds of cities throughout North America. Alban’s unique presentation style and real world knowledge of the automotive industry will pre- pare you to take your business to the next level

CARQUEST welcomes you to a business management class designed to give you the critical skills necessary to develop a comprehensive business plan that will maximize the profit opportunities for you, your employees, and your company. Improved labor management skills will allow your service center to better manage and sell all of its available time every day. However, you will only realize benefits from that if you have people and systems in place to move the additional work through your shop effectively. In this workshop you will acquire workflow skills to:

Learn an Effective Appointment Scheduling System •
Master Control Center •
Effective Labor Inventory Management •
Detailed Customer Needs •
Accurate Customer Contact Information

The 4 “C’s” of Effective Workflow Management

Accurate Production Tracking

Implementation/Action plan

Service Consultant Workflow Skills •
Reception
Maintenance
Diagnosis
Inspections
Estimating
Completing the Sale
Customer Follow-Up

Service Consultant Workflow Tools
Forms and Questionnaires
Repair Orders and Repair Order Racks
R/O Tagging
Menu Boards
Repair Kits/Shop Supplies
Environmental Fees

Last tech course for year

Well--the last tech course for the 2007-08 is coming this April ( 23 & 24 ) .... with only a shop management course to round out the year. We thank you for your co-operation and attendance and hope that you have found these courses helpful in making you a better tech ....

ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC CHALLENGE 2 nights Apr- 23,24

This course will challenge you to apply the skills you have learned or the processes you currently use to solve case
studies of documented broken vehicles. CTI MINDS-ON TRAINING techniques will be used to display the data from each
vehicle so all students have access to the information needed to solve each problem. By practicing problem solving in the
classroom, the technician is better able to recognize the patterns in data when faced with a similar problem in their bay.

Mark your calendar

EVAP Course -- March 2008

With EVAP course coming soon-- time to dust off your ALLDATA or Mitchell1 or in this case the CARQUESTDIRECTHIT (powered by Identifix ) and try some cars that have caused you a problem -- to see how these internet based help tools can save you time and trouble.

If you would like a demo on DIRECT HIT - click here and - or call call 866-698-1976 and ask for Jeff Meyer - the guy who is responsible for Ontario -- he has hosted a few clinics in the area with the most recent at the Harrow Transportation Museum on Feb 25 -the shops whom attended had a good time. Jeff does an excellent phone demo to give you an idea of how this ( or similar systems ) can save you LOTS of time in finding that problem --- how much is your time worth ?

Click on the image to make larger

http://www.carquestdirecthit.com/Corp/try_direct.asp

Some prices up - some down

While many prices continue to drop to reflect the stronger Cdn doll;ar --some things are tied to items like COPPER and LEAD and --well -- PLATINUM

See the chart for a huge increase in Platinum prices ... what kind of catalytic converter can work without Platinum? Cheaper units scrimp on Platinum --and you know what that does - a marginal cat that can fail on your e-test

Some commodity prices are on a real roller coaster ride .... eh? Most suppliers has contracts to limit short term swings-- but you can see that some sort of price hick is coming.

EVAP course for March ....

Ready for March 26 & 27 ??

Details on Course ........Most manufacturers have recently migrated their EVAP monitors from those that run during a normal drive cycle to those that run while the vehicle is parked overnight. This course covers these systems which can be somewhat confusing and difficult to diagnose. Some of these systems require over 16 hours of testing data to be captured before making a decision for pass or fail. These systems also consist of small leak tests of 0.020" which are challenging current technology leak test methods. You will learn how to use new technologies to find these leaks as well as understand how these monitors run so you can duplicate the process in your bay

LED Headlights are coming

LED Headlights are coming - nclick here for article

Linder North

There is a hi level tech course offered thru AIA - click here for details. Register now to take advantage of Early Bird Savings - register before March 4, 2008 and pay only $449 (plus GST) for the Regular Courses! After March 4, 2008, the cost is $509 (plus GST).

Longer Cars ?

Car lasting longer?? ...what will this mean for you? It should help your business!!!!!!

Video link for article

WPARA info

Thanks to Terry Jarvis for forwarding this

.....F Y I .... the Windsor Professional Automotive Repair Association (WPARA) is currently the largest ASP/Independent Repair Shop association in Ontario, and possibly in Canada, numbering 30+ members - they are most of all of the 'top shops' in the Windsor area, and some of them fly a national banner program. Their monthly meetings always have a high ratio of turnout - when I was there last week there was 27 members in attendance - they are a member of AIA Canada, and they have a national voice with a seat on the AIA-ASPA Council.

WPARA holds an annual open golf tournament and, as attached, they also have an open Christmas Party. Just recently they donated $1800 to a local charity "We Care For Kids".

If you don't know this group then this is an excellent opportunity for you, and/or one of your local associates, to become acquainted - so feel comfortable to pass on this info.

**** And take my word, they are a lot of fun.

Merry Christmas! Terry.

top 20 tools

Every year MOTOR Magazine runs a contest to find the top 20 tools.

Motor's top 20 list in pdf -- click here

BTW --the magazine MOTOR is not offered free in Canada - but is an excellent magazine -- you can see it here .... Motor web site -- but since they use an odd layout--we can't give you the link -- you need to work your way thru

1) click on MOTOR Magazine on right hand
2) click on ARTICLES & FEATURES - this gets you the current issue
3) click on BACK ISSUES on blue bar to see past issues

Winner is ....

The winner was Vandui Bui the owner of Bavarian Auto Service ---special thanks to NGK Canada for donation of wide band o2 sensor tuning kit -- some racer will be very happy. Draw was pulled by instructor - Lary Goudge.

Again --thanks to NGK. You broke many hearts from guys who wanted to be the lucky one.

See you all at the next class Nov 28 & 29

CTI classes start Wed Oct 24 & Thur Oct 25

Hello

well-- it is that time of year again -- CTI class training ....

Click this link --to see a SPECIAL DOOR PRIZE we will be awarding some lucky participant. Enter your name and e-mail adress on Wed night --and we will draw a lucky winner on Thur night during the Tim Horton coffee break. This prize is courtesy of NGK -what a fitting prize to make that tuneup on that special vehicle just that much better ...

http://www.ngk.com/more_info.asp?AAIA=&pid=20509

NGK Prize --- NOTE --this is NOT even stocked in Canada !!!!! --- wow .....

Identifix turns 20

Identifix started life as a call in help center - then as the internet adapted and grew - they added a web site side of things as well. CARQUEST has an affiliation with them and offers a discount to join thru CARQUEST as a national program

Here is article of 20 years

aftermarket article - 20 Years of Identifix

Here is the web site CARQUEST DirectHIT

You can have a free no obligation demo over the phone at your convenience - just call Jeff Meyer at 1-866-698-1976 x 2055 and please -- mention you saw this on the CTI blog --thanks

TPMS info

This is a test to see how we can link to uTube video's

The KTI-71990A tool currently on sale at CARQUEST is the same tool as the TIPS shown in the video

----TIPS home page---
----KT Tool home page---



If you do NOT see the youTube video - then you are being blocked by WebSense (done for corporate JV stores and Warehouses) --copy this link and play on your computer

-link to You Tube Video here -

still need shop enrollments - 2008 course posted

The new 2008 courses have been posted --see to the RIGHT HAND link -- along with many other links that are very helpful for shops to grow and prosper. Know another shop who you are friends with -- encourage them to attend as well. Knowledge doesn't cost - knowledge pays.

Download this and POST

The SHORT answer ---

click HERE and post this for your customers

The LONG ANSWER -----

Market research conducted by AIA Canada has identified an alarming misconception among Canadian motorists which is costing the aftermarket $1.3 billion in lost revenues annually. 41% of motorists in Canada believe that it is mandatory to take their vehicle to a dealer for maintenance services in order to maintain warranty coverage. This confusion limits freedom and convenience for consumers, while aftermarket companies miss out on service opportunities for newer vehicles.

Currently there are $3.2 billion spent annually in maintenance work on vehicles under warranty in Canada. If 41% of these owners believe they HAVE to take their vehicle to a dealer for their maintenance work, it translates to $1.3 billion in potentially lost business for the aftermarket.

New car dealers are increasingly aggressive in advising consumers that they are the only choice for service and maintenance while the vehicle is under warranty. Informing consumers about the aftermarket alternative is imperative to protecting consumer choice.

AIA Canada’s Retail Council has developed an industry-endorsed statement assuring Canadian vehicle owners that aftermarket shops are equally qualified and capable of maintaining a vehicle while it is still under the manufacturer’s original warranty or an extended warranty.

The Notice to Consumers, now available as a printable PDF document at www.aiacanada.com, tackles two key issues. It confronts the dealer assertion regarding who is allowed to do the work and its impact on warranty coverage. It also addresses the issue of qualifications and the ability of aftermarket shops to provide service and repair during the warranty period.

AIA Canada’s Right to Repair efforts as well as our ASP accreditation initiative are two ways the Association is working as an industry to address this misconception. Both initiatives will help improve consumer confidence in the aftermarket and improve viability of the independent repair facility. To learn more about how to take advantage of this opportunity to educate your clients join AIA at this year’s AXIS event on Friday, November 23rd. Dave Meunier, President of TACT, will talk about his Warranty Manager software and process which allows shops to build a relationship with existing customers who purchase a new vehicle to keep that customer coming back even while the vehicle is under warranty. And John Watt from Petro-Canada Certigard will discuss the merits of the MAP Canada program and how it can improve your customer satisfaction levels.

TPMS Catalog

Here is a PDF of the 2006 TPMS catalo -- there is a NEW application guide out very soon -- with even MORE parts and applications -this is a rapidly changing market

click here to see and download TPMS Catalogue

Watch for more items to help you understand the TPMS 'stuff' -- great clinic last night -- eh!

Sample e-learning courses available

You have access to sample courses >>>

click here

for CTI participants. Note -- if you are also a TECH-NET shop -- see your sales rep- as you have some of these courses paid for thru Tech-Net.

See your CARQUEST sales rep for more details

TPMS stand alone clinic offered Wed Sept 19th

a repeat of the course offered last year - tire pressure monitoring systems ( TPMS ) is offered as a stand alone course. perhaps you have a new tech who missed the course last year - now they can get up to speed.

We have other items on the blog for TPMS - do a search

Here is the flyer --click to make larger

engine video

Try this ..... enjoy

engine assembly screensaver

2007-08 course line - up

The first draft for the 2007-08 CTI classes is available.

Click here to download .pdf copy >>>> 2007-08 Advanced Course

training for smoke machines

If your shop still doesn't have a smoke machine --here is a link to view video's on operations -- many shops are finds a wide variety of uses to make smoke machines make the shop good money and to really save time in finding the problem THE FIRST TIME.

This smoke machine is $1200 ( stripped down machines start less - but 99% of all units are this one) and uses baby oil - so the price on the machine and the refills are most sensibly priced.

REDLINE video's

Horizon shop management forms

here is link to Horizon's web page

from last shop management class

they sell forms and site offers links to other management courses they offer - just in case you need an excuse to go south or west for a combo vacation and training.

Horizon website

Pricing Matrix for parts -- just a suggestion

At the recent CTI shop management class - Alban mentioned the parts matrix pricing -- here is a TEST -- you have to look at the pieces and set your own -- but this might get you thinking along these lines ...please leave a comment if you like or dis-like

Mark up - vs - Margin

Alban mentioned how many ( darn near everyone !! ??) gets the difference between mark-up and margin wrong at some point in their life --- see the post from Thur Dec 7th 2006 -- time for a refresher? Download the sticker template and print off for your staff? Make more money?

What is AMI ?

From Day one of Alban Bennett's management course - Alban mentions credit for course from AMI - Automotive Management Institute ....here is web site link ....... AMI

Go explain and see what else you can learn. Use the internet to grow your business and expand your knowledge.

For example --- Instructor blog

alumni blog info

student blog info

re-post of June 20 & 21 management course

last course of the year ..........


same location -- Location: St. Clair College, Room 320


BMC-601 Maximizing Your Labor Opportunity 6/20/07 & 6/21/07
CARQUEST welcomes you to a Business Management class designed to
give you the critical skills necessary to develop a comprehensive business plan that
will maximize the profit opportunities for you, your employees, and your company. As
part of our FOCUSED Business Solutions program, "Maximizing Your Labor
Opportunity" is the first critical step to success.

Labor is the single largest source of revenue in your service center and the one
least understood and often mismanaged. In this workshop you will learn to measure:

!" Understanding what you sell
!" Calculating your labor opportunity
!" The Nature of time
!" Measuring time
!" Proficiency
!" Productivity
!" Efficiency
!" Realizing full labor potential
!" Impact of not selling all your time
!" Gross profit / sales demand
!" Labor rate calculations
!" Service Consultant labor skills
!" Service Consultant labor tools
!" Time keeping systems
!" Plan for improvement
!" Implementation / Action plan

Instructor: Horizon Management Instructor Albain Bennett ( not the tech instructor Lary Gouge )

CARQUEST Direct Hit ( Identifix )

as requested - here are details for CARQUEST Direct Hit

If you want to book it directly with Identifix $129/ mth ( first 3 months special for $99/ mth )

If you want to book thru CARQUEST as a customer of CARQUEST Direct Hit CARQUEST ... $124/ mth ( 3 mths for $94/ mth special)

If you are a TECH-NET shop ... you are $114 /mth ( all prices in US Funds -- but our stronger dollar is helping ) ( 3 mth special $84/ mth )

And as another special --for any shop who is NOT a current Identifix hot-line subscriber -- you will get unlimited hot line support for the 3 months-- included in the introductory price --some restriction apply --so call for details ... 866-698-1976 --this hot line is a great back up for when all else fails.

jeff Meyer is the sales rep for the Ontario area -- call Jeff at 866-698-1976 extension 2055 9:00 to 5:30 est - he can set up demo's for your shop

scholarships

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Deadline approaching quickly!



Marion Roberts Memorial Scholarship

· Applicants must be the dependent child or spouse, of a full-time employee in an active AIA member company in good standing. Confirmation of the parent's/spouse's employment must be provided by the Member Company and be sent along with the scholarship application.

· Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time post secondary program leading to a degree, certificate or diploma at an accredited university, college, technical school or C.E.G.E.P. (Quebec).

Application Deadline: July 31st, 2007


Hans McCorriston Motive Power Machinist Grant Program

· For students pursuing careers as motive power machinists.

· Applicants must be enrolled in the AIA Motive Power Machinist Training Program or a college-level machinist training program within Canada.


Application Deadline: October 15th, 2007

Visit www.aiacanada.com for detailed information or contact

Lisa at (800) 808-2920 ext 227

Email: lisa@aiacanada.com

Completed applications can be faxed to (613) 728 -6021 or mailed to:

Automotive Industries Association of Canada

1272 Wellington Street West, Ottawa, ON K1Y 3A7

apprentice rebates

this was copied from an e-mail received from CIIA -- if you have any additional info -- please call Greg at 519-322-2558 or Randy at 519-948-4107 and we can update for the benefit of all
==========================================================================
WARNING ISSUED - COLLISION REPAIR SHOPS DO NOT
NEED TO PAY A FEE TO ACCESS CREDITS

www.ciia.com says solicitation asking for $500 per apprentice is not required

April 3, 2007

The Collision Industry Information Assistance (www.ciia.com) web site is warning shops that attempts to convince them to use a company to obtain dollars owing to them in apprenticeship credits is not needed.

Tony Nigro of www.ciia.com advises that a number of shops have been contacted recently and told that for a 25% contingency fee or $500 per apprentice per year, a private company will obtain a cheque owing to them for apprentice credits.

"The incentives and credits available to hire and retain apprentices are often not know to shops. Receiving a call from a company who will handle that credit for you is inviting, but the fees are not. Shops can easily fill out and send in the forms themselves, without paying contingency fees or a large percentage of the monies owning to them, said Mr. Nigro, President of the Hamilton district Autobody Repair Association (HARA)

Starting May 18, 2004, an apprenticeship credit was available for employers who would be eligible to receive a refundable tax credit of 25 per cent on salaries for apprentices paid after May 18, 2004. Smaller businesses - those with payrolls under $400,000 - would be eligible for a tax credit of up to 30 per cent on salaries for apprentices. For additional details on the tax credit: www.trd.fin.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_3_42486_1.html .

In addition, the 2004 Budget also included a new $1,000 Apprenticeship Scholarship and $2,000 Employer signing bonus initiative to encourage employers in the trades to register new apprentices in sectors where there is a high demand. This initiative will assist employers to hire and register as apprentices young people under 25 years of age who have left school prior to completing the minimum academic requirements for apprenticeship registration. Youth applicants must first complete their academic upgrading in order to become registered apprentices.

A package to assist collision shop owners in obtaining their credits themselves is available at 1-866-309-4272 or e-mail at info@ciia.com

For more information on how to become a collision repair apprentice see: http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/stepstoapp.html

For warnings on solicitation for environmental fee scam please see:
http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/march05.html#scam

For warning on scams and outrageous fees see:
http://www.ciia.com/provinces/ontario/february06.html

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update !!!! courtesy of John from MSJ - thanks John

Hello I can tell you that there are 2 tax credits for auto technician apprentices. Up to $5000.00 annually from province for 3 years, $2000.00 annually from federal tax credits. Check links below, every accountant should be applying for this at year end. Shop owners should not leave this money with the government. I have received tax credit cheques. It will take a few months after applying.

http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/whatsnew/apprenticeship-e.html
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/employers/taxcredit/calculator.asp
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this space reserved for additional updated and comments on apprentice rebates ---

ODP re-qualify rules change

Late breaking news -- we are still trying to get all the pieces -- but here is a nut shell

No re-exam for renewal -- you will "be required to update their information and renew their certification every five years upon payment of a renewal fee"

Further .... if you let your certification LAPSE --then you will need to take the one day test all over again like a new tech -- watch for more details ....

Hot off the press

Air Conditioning Chemicals

This line of excellent compressor chemicals by Super Cool Super Cool will soon be available in E-Cat that you can access thru WEB-LINK ( see your CARQUEST salesman for details on WEB-LINK if you haven;t already )

In the mean time you can click -- click here to download 2.5mb file

June Management Course Details

CTI Season Line-up
Windsor
Region #: CAN-61026-5
Location: St. Clair College, Room 320
Course # Course Name and Description Hours Dates
BMC-601 Maximizing Your Labor Opportunity 8 6/20/07 & 6/21/07
CARQUEST welcomes you to a Business Management class designed to
give you the critical skills necessary to develop a comprehensive business plan that
will maximize the profit opportunities for you, your employees, and your company. As
part of our FOCUSED Business Solutions program, "Maximizing Your Labor
Opportunity" is the first critical step to success.

Labor is the single largest source of revenue in your service center and the one
least understood and often mismanaged. In this workshop you will learn to measure:

!" Understanding what you sell
!" Calculating your labor opportunity
!" The Nature of time
!" Measuring time
!" Proficiency
!" Productivity
!" Efficiency
!" Realizing full labor potential
!" Impact of not selling all your time
!" Gross profit / sales demand
!" Labor rate calculations
!" Service Consultant labor skills
!" Service Consultant labor tools
!" Time keeping systems
!" Plan for improvement
!" Implementation / Action plan

Instructor: Horizon Management Instructor Albain Bennett ( not the tech instructor Lary Gouge )

Right To Repair - article of interest

PLEASEEZZZZZZZZ HELP !!!!!!!!!!! ( click on image to enlarge )

AC Course Wed April 18 & Thur April 19th

Reminder for all - of the change from the original outline -- the Air Conditioning course ADDED to this spot Wed April 18 and Thur April 19th ( and the GM DuraMax course moved to May 30th &31st )

Lary Gouge has an 'soft spot' for Air Conditioning and has a wealth of tips and tricks that will benefit even the most experienced of tech's.

OF SPECIAL NOTE -- there will be an extra 20 spots for this two day course made available at $150 for the two day event. Tickets are limited and Randy Thomson will be the 'ticketmaster' .... if you know of someone who would like to attend contact Randy at 519-948-4107 or fax to 519-948-3232 or e-mail to CARQUEST@mnsi.net.

There will NOT be any extra tickets available for the GM Dura-Max course - but there will be tickets available for the Shop Management Course in June 20th and 21st. Ticket info will be posted later as the June course approaches -- you can reserve a early spot if contact Randy. That extra ticket will be $150 for the two day event as well.

#5 picture - go fast

Click here to download full size image -- use it for screen saver or whatever ... enjoy -- --- #5 --- >>> #5 <<<

This year Kellogg's and CARQUEST rotate logo's on the front hood - will try to get image of 2nd paint scheme as well.

April 18th & 19th Air Conditioning

Some techs have been saying --just what can anyone teach me about air conditioning ... hmmm ... you will be challenged at the class change for April 18 & 19 with the air course ... it would be a shame if you thought you really knew it all --- come and pick up a few tips that will save you time & money. After the course -- tell us if you learned anything -- we need the feedback.

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AIR CONDITIONING DIAGNOSIS AND SERVICE -8

Diagnosis and service procedures are covered for today’s advanced AC systems. The AC industry is flooded every year with parts failures caused by improper diagnostics and service procedures. The course covers the latest diagnostic techniques and service procedures for import and domestic vehicles to ensure your success and profitability during the air conditioning season .
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Lary also notes ... "The AC course is aimed strictly at diagnosis and repair. The newer technologies have created many diagnostic headaches and repeated component failures. It is our aim to spend as much time on diagnostics and new technology, not how a basic system works."

So - if you have a new tech -- have him refresh on basics BEFORE the class -- he won't have any time during the class on basics .... be ready to hit the road running ....

source of Information -- try message boards

Need some info on how to be a better shop -- check out some message boards ( sometimes called discussion boards or forums - al the same concept )

Mitchell1's shop manager software forum

The above link is specific to the Management program that Mitchell1 offers - but you can see what others are asking and sharing.

Does you shop have hand written invoices? Time to put a more professional image? What else can a computer system do for your shop? Hmm ....

Service Advisor Tips ( shared from New Car Dealers )

Here is a summary that Mitchell1 sent users of their shop management program .... a link to the complete article is at the bottom - enjoy -- learn -- KEEP your customers coming back to you --- IMPROVE your image and reputation -- get more customers to become fans and they will refer more of their friends ...

Top 10 Ways to Maximize Your Investment in Service Advisor Training
By Lee Harkins Ward's Dealer Business, Nov 1, 2006

No. 10. Stop looking for the magic pill! There is none! It's all about relationships!

The service advisor has only minutes to project an image to a client. This is more important than selling the business. Our objective should be about long-term clients. A good relationship establishes creditability. A retained service client is an opportunity to sell another vehicle. And we are in the car selling business, right?

No. 9. Improve your “non-verbal” communications. Your advisors are “the dealership” to your clients. Their words are often drowned out by their body language. Place a video camera in the service lane for a day. When you play it back, ask yourself, “Is this the level of service I want to offer?” Do your advisors look like the kung-fu fighters from the movies with all the movement? Are they really showing a genuine interest in the client's concern?

No. 8. Don't try to change the basic belief structure of advisors. We often hold beliefs instilled from childhood. Trying to change someone is difficult. Learn the behavior and basic personality of the advisors, then design a presentation to maximize the skill sets of each individual, while still accomplishing your objectives.

No. 7. Stop using “cookie cutter” presentations. Your service-sales process must be designed for you and your dealership. It must be based on your products and your business philosophies. These are key components of a successful process.

Your trainer should develop with you a customized process. You don't need them to force feed your people a process they will not believe in. Otherwise, the first chance the advisors get to stop using it, they will.

No. 6. There are no “advanced techniques” or “advanced levels,” just the advanced application of the basics. The basics have not changed. Cars need repairs and maintenance. The needs of the client have not changed, the way we perform these services has, and they require a thorough explanation to the client. An active delivery process is mandatory with every client, every time.

No. 5. The highest level of selling is when someone is being sold and doesn't know it. Can you recall a place where you felt undue pressure to make a purchase? Do you remember the negative impression you had when you left? In most cases, you will not return to that place of business.

We will buy from people we like. Consider this: How much selling is required to sell someone an oil change? As the consumer, I already know I needed it. If the client is in your service department, 60% of the decision to buy is done. Don't screw up the other 40% by pressing the client to buy unneeded services.

Focus on hitting singles, not home runs with every client. Establish creditability and recommend only the services or repairs the clients need.

No. 4. The advisors must know when to stop talking and start listening. One of the hardest lessons is to know when to shut up. I have seen countless advisors talk themselves out of a sale because no one has ever taught them to listen to the client.

A dealer gave me a saying that has stayed with me for years: “The devil is in the details.” If your advisor misses one little detail of a client's needed service, you run the risk of losing the client.

No. 3. The dealer/general manager must get involved. Most dealers and general managers are very comfortable in getting involved in a vehicle sale on the showroom floor.

But how comfortable are you with writing a repair order with a service customer? It's worth doing. Look at your financial statement and see what percentage of your net profit came from your service department.

What if you got involved with service and became as comfortable with it as you are with the sales side of the house? The results will be enormous.

Sit in on the training provided to the advisory staff. Become comfortable with the service-sales process and, from time to time, interact with service clients. You don't have to know how to fix a car to write detailed service orders. You just need a process that you and your staff are comfortable with.

No. 2. Stop focusing the advisory staff on selling business. If they are focused on selling the business only, you'll run off a lot of service clients. Our business is about convenience. Sell the effort to accommodate the client based on their agenda, not ours. An accurate work completion time is a must every time. The advisor must be trained to meet the time promised. Technicians must do their part to support this.

No. 1. Service-sales management must be involved, too. Often, the management of the process is the part that is first to stop working. As an advisor, if I'm uncomfortable using a new and improved process, I stop using it, given the chance. Management must monitor the process daily. The first excuse offered by management is: “I don't have time.” Make time. A minimum 30 minutes in the morning and 30 in the afternoon can provide great returns. It must be made a priority in the daily work plan. The dealer and general manager must expect it to happen and they must follow it up as well.

In addition, service managers must be capable of providing supplemental training to their advisory staff. Once a week follow-up training on each step of the process is beneficial as well.

Service operations should have two focuses. First, they should build personal and friendly relationships with clients. Second, they should provide convenient service, based on client needs, not ours.

Wards Dealer - Train the service advisor article

can you name the use for these bolts ?

Hello

Can you figure out what bolt is used for what special job?

For example the first ( upper left ) is a pair of special bolts used for an offset hole.Below that on the left is a ''reverse taper" and a neat bolt for when you mis-drilled the first hole just a bit to the left or right of where it needed to be.

Can you name the rest? While CARQUEST carries quite a selection of bolts --not all these are yet available thru CARQUEST and you need to improvise. Now - where did I put that wrench.

Course change !!!

At yesterdays class the tech's agreed with Lary and voted for a change

The Hybrid class will be rescheduled for next year - and will be made an even stronger topic

The GM DuraMax Diesel class will move to May 30th and 31st

An Air Conditioning class will take the April spot -- April 18th and 19th --

We will update the course sheet asap.

Time for an AC update course ?

Hello

Need more AC training --- listen to this MP3 clip -- and then ask ...

----AC Training - do I really need an update ?? ----

check this web page out

The customers on web-link have a link to this ...... click here


Try it out -- learn and have fun

Your VOTE counts

You will be asked to vote on a possible change -- your vote counts -- but only if you are at the class this week -- See you there --on Toyota tips -- see you on Wed & Thur

Daylight savings dates change this year

Daylight saving time starts earlier this year - March 11, 2007 and runs LONGER -- changing at Nov 4th ....we will see how many computers get this right ...:-)

Be Ready

see this link for more info .... daylight saving time changes

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?