Counterman

Your customers may be using air tools in a variety of circumstances for an even wider variety of jobs. Here’s how to help them understand why they need to buy the right fitting for the application. View Full Diagram Here There are multiple different sizes and styles, and what one shop uses may not be the same as another. The size and style affect the volume of air they can deliver, a critical point because air tools require a specific pressure and volume for proper operation, and restrictive fittings can limit their performance. Here’s a look at the most common sizes and styles found in most automotive shops, and how you can identify them. For more ToolIntel training, visit TechShop. The post Tool Intel – Understanding Air Tool Fittings and Couplers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The digital edition of Counterman’s April 2024 issue, part of AMN/Counterman magazine, is available for viewing on the Counterman website. The April issue features tech articles on rotating electrical assemblies and components; explaining the importance of a coolant flush; timing chains; and understanding the key differences between OHV, SOHC and DOHC valvetrains. The issue also features Tom Dayton’s popular “Counter View,” focusing on minding your Ps and Qs (price and quality). To view the April 2024 digital edition of Counterman, click here. Or, browse back issues in the Counterman archive. The post Read the April Digital Edition of Counterman appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The ASE Education Foundation, International Truck and IC Bus have partnered to provide what they said is a unique training opportunity for 10 outstanding instructors from ASE-accredited post-secondary medium/heavy truck training programs. The following instructors were chosen to attend a five-day, hands-on training session at the Navistar OEM state-of-the-art training center in Woodridge, Illinois, and received a $1,000 scholarship to underwrite travel expenses. Nathan Berry, University of Alaska Anchorage Wayne Carpenter, Auto/Diesel Institute of Michigan Brad Conklin, Pennsylvania College of Technology Justin Conway, Lehigh Career and Technical Institute Robbie Lindhorst, Southeastern Illinois College Shannon McCarty, Ashland Community and Technical College Chad Parsons, Laramie County Community College Joe Valora, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College Brad Wake, Francis Tuttle Tech Center Lane Yarbrough, East Mississippi Community College To be eligible for the scholarships, instructors had to be nominated by their supervisors and submit an application, explaining how their program and students would benefit and why they should be selected. Representatives from the ASE Education Foundation, International Truck and IC Bus reviewed the submissions and selected the 10 winners whose programs would benefit the most from attending the hands-on training. The post ASE Education Foundation Partners on 10 Training Scholarships appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

JNPSoft OptiCat, a provider of solutions to support aftermarket auto part suppliers with the mapping, maintenance, development, validation and publishing of their catalog data in industry standards ACES® and PIES, has launched DataLive, an innovative tool that transforms the way manufacturers manage their product data. With DataLive, manufacturers can now automatically track when their products reach a go live state on the various distribution sell platforms. “As part of our commitment to pioneering new and effective products for our customers, we are thrilled to launch DataLive to the Aftermarket Industry”, said David Williams, CEO of JNPSoft OptiCat. “DataLive gives our partners the ability to strategically follow up with distributors and retailers, perform reviews and accurately forecast supply chain management.” “DataLive was designed to determine why sales may not be happening as projected,” said Bryan Thueson, COO JNPSoft OptiCat. “DataLive has flexible packages based on search volume making it an effective tool to help you sell more parts”. DataLive aims to automate a process that is currently manual, saving manufacturers time and allowing them to allocate valuable resources to other critical operations. For more information about DataLive visit JNPSoft OptiCat. The post JNPSoft OptiCat Unveils DataLive Product Tracking Tool appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In this aftermarketNews Executive Interview, Johannes Crepon, PDM Automotive Co-Founder & CEO, discusses the company’s platform, how it helps parts suppliers keep their product data up to date, how the use of AI technology makes e-commerce easier for suppliers and distributors, what the company has planned for this year, and more. aftermarketNews: PDM Automotive provides commerce software for auto parts suppliers, manufacturers, resellers and distributors. Give us a brief overview of how aftermarket companies have found partnering with PDM most beneficial. Johannes Crepon: The genesis of PDM Automotive was rooted in my own experiences and challenges as the founder of Velocity Automotive, an ecommerce company that sells parts for American cars throughout Europe. At Velocity, we faced difficulties connecting with suppliers, managing product data, and ensuring brand visibility. Recognizing these industry-wide issues, I started PDM Automotive to increase efficiency in the automotive aftermarket through seamless connectivity between suppliers and retailers. The PDM Automotive platform bridges the gap between auto parts suppliers, manufacturers, resellers and distributors. Manufacturers gain unprecedented transparency into where and how their brands are sold, enabling effective brand management and strategic decision-making. Resellers benefit from expedited access to up-to-date product data, reducing hurdles in acquiring and maintaining catalogs and allowing for agility in responding to market trends. At its core, PDM Automotive fosters connections and streamlines information flow across the automotive aftermarket. By providing a platform that enhances transparency for manufacturers and accessibility for resellers, we’re creating an ecosystem that elevates the entire industry. AMN: One of the hallmarks of PDM’s technology is allowing for a “seamless exchange of accurate and timely content across every facet of the automotive industry.” Tell us how PDM assists parts suppliers in keeping their product data up to date. How can the company help suppliers better adhere to ACES & PIES standards? Crepon: While ACES & PIES has become the most relevant data standard in the Americas, its implementation across the industry has not been without challenges. The standard itself, although comprehensive, does not fully address the intricacies of data exchange, with many resellers interpreting and implementing the standard differently, leading to a fragmented array of data requirements. Recognizing these challenges, our platform goes beyond merely supporting ACES & PIES standards; we enhance the standards with our proprietary connectors and algorithms, tailoring product data to meet the needs of every receiver. Suppliers can manage their data from a centralized platform, and we tailor this data to comply with the diverse interpretations and requirements of resellers across the industry. This process saves significant time and resources for suppliers and ensures that their product information is accurate, consistent, and easily accessible by resellers and end-users alike. Our technology “puts ACES & PIES on steroids,” ensuring suppliers’ data is always optimized for every channel, leading to a more efficient supply chain, increased product visibility, and a better customer experience. is a testament to our commitment to innovation and efficiency in the automotive aftermarket. Our ongoing development of proprietary connectors and algorithms signifies PDM’s dedication to continuous improvement. As the industry evolves, so do the standards and requirements for data exchange. PDM is at the forefront of these changes, ensuring our partners have the tools and support necessary to navigate the dynamic automotive aftermarket effectively. AMN: PDM allows brands to sell parts anywhere—from Amazon to national retailers and local parts suppliers. How is the company creating sales opportunities for brands while minimizing channel conflict? Crepon: Historically, brands struggled with over-distribution, diluting the brand image and causing inconsistent product presentation due to the lack of a cohesive strategy regarding distribution and authorized reselling partners. The rise of online marketplaces has further complicated this scenario, making it imperative for brands to actively manage how their products are represented across all channels. PDM addresses these challenges by offering a platform that guarantees high-quality listings on marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart, while adhering to Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policies. This strategic approach allows brands to protect their interests across all channels, including traditional channels, which are often jeopardized by price dumping on online marketplaces. By ensuring that products listed on these platforms are presented in a manner that reflects the brand’s standards and pricing policies, PDM helps maintain the integrity of the brand across the digital landscape. Additionally, our platform gives brands tools to actively manage their distribution, image, and product presentation, particularly important as consumer preference shifts towards online shopping. This allows brands to maintain control over their narrative and pricing. With PDM’s technology, brands can navigate the complexities of modern retail, ensuring that their products are distributed in a way that supports their overall sales strategy while protecting the channels most valuable to them. This holistic approach to channel management is vital in today’s market, where visibility across a multitude of platforms is not just an advantage but a necessity. AMN: The company uses AI to generate SEO titles, descriptions and marketing copy for products based on keywords and inputs in just seconds. In what other ways is PDM looking to use AI technology to make e-commerce easier for suppliers and distributors? Crepon: While our use of AI to generate SEO-optimized titles, descriptions, and marketing copy in mere seconds showcases our commitment to leveraging technology for efficiency, it’s just the tip of the iceberg regarding our AI applications. Our approach to AI technology is both strategic and discerning. Recognizing that AI’s strengths lie in its ability to process and optimize large sets of data quickly, we are mindful of its limitations, particularly when it comes to the precision required in our core data set—the richest automotive parts catalog in the industry. Accuracy is paramount, and while AI offers many opportunities, it is not inherently accurate. This understanding shapes how we integrate AI into our operations, ensuring that the reliability and accuracy of our core data are never compromised. One key area where we leverage AI is in the normalization of complex, non-structured data that has accumulated in the industry over the last century. This task, daunting for human teams due to the sheer volume and variability of the data, is where AI shines. Our engineering team utilizes AI algorithms to sift through and organize this data into a coherent, structured format. This normalization process improves the quality of our catalog and enhances the efficiency and accuracy of data management for our customers. Once we have perfected the data within the PDM catalog, we use AI to optimize it for specific channels. This optimization process involves adjusting product data to meet the unique requirements and standards of various e-commerce platforms, ensuring accurate presentations of our customers’ products, regardless of where they are sold. In doing this, we enable suppliers and distributors to maximize their online presence and sales potential across multiple channels. We’re exploring other ways to integrate AI into our solutions to further simplify and enhance e-commerce operations. These include predictive analytics for demand forecasting, AI-driven recommendations for inventory management and automated customer service solutions to improve buyer engagement and satisfaction. AMN: PDM was founded in 2017, and since it has grown exponentially. What does the company have in store for 2024? What can we expect from PDM in the next five years? Crepon: In 2024, we’re set to expand our reach and capabilities. Our recent investment in upgrading our system’s underlying infrastructure has positioned us to take full advantage of the opportunities that lie ahead. This strategic enhancement ensures our platform is scalable, resilient and capable of supporting our future ambitions. Our strategic priorities include developing more connectors, forging new partnerships, and expanding our catalog. Developing more connectors will broaden the scope of our network, making it easier for our customers to reach new markets and ensure accurate and up-to-date product information flows efficiently between manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and retailers. We will add more partnerships; collaborating with other industry leaders and innovators is essential for driving collective progress and delivering comprehensive solutions to our clients. Another key focus is the ongoing expansion of our catalog. Our goal is to offer the industry’s most comprehensive and detailed automotive parts catalog, serving as the single source for all our clients’ data needs. This growing catalog, enriched with accurate and detailed product information, will empower our clients to make informed decisions and optimize their operations like before. Our vision for the next five years is to remain at the forefront of technology adoption in the industry, constantly exploring new ways to leverage technology to solve the unique challenges of our customers. Whether it’s through AI, machine learning, or other emerging technologies, our focus will be on providing solutions that make e-commerce easier, more efficient, and more profitable for suppliers and distributors. AMN: What do you want the automotive aftermarket to know about PDM Automotive? Crepon: PDM Automotive is not just about managing product data; it’s about increasing our customer’s market share in a $300 billion industry. While we are widely recognized for our Product Information Management (PIM) capabilities, our vision extends beyond managing rich catalog data; it includes a far-reaching ambition to connect every parts manufacturer with every buyer who needs or wants a part. Our vision to connect every parts manufacturer with every buyer drives every innovation and decision at PDM Automotive. We aim to streamline buying and selling auto parts by facilitating connections and creating a more integrated and cohesive industry ecosystem. We are constantly exploring new technologies, developing new solutions, and forging strategic partnerships to enhance our platform’s ability to connect manufacturers and buyers in the most effective and meaningful ways possible. We believe that achieving this goal will unlock the full potential of the aftermarket, creating opportunities for growth, innovation, and success for everyone. We invite you to join us on this journey, as we work to realize a future where every part finds its place effortlessly, benefiting manufacturers, buyers and the automotive community. Read more AMN Executive Interviews here. The post AI Technology Puts ACES and PIES on ‘Steroids’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Women in Auto Care is introducing its revamped Connection Circle, Women of the World. The event will take place the first Wednesday of every month beginning in May. “Join Dunya and Ellonyia as they host this engaging connection circle to discuss ways in which women can strengthen their visibility and amplify their roles within the automotive industry! The goal of this connection circle is to break barriers and challenge global stereotypes,” the announcement on LinkedIn said. The goal is to unite women from every corner of the globe to inspire, support, and network. Together, we’ll amplify voices, break barriers, and forge meaningful connections, Women in Auto Care posted. The first event will take place on May 1at 12 p.m. CST. The post Women In Auto Care Introduces ‘Women of the World’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

ZF Aftermarket announced the launch of 33 new part numbers in March for SACHS Continuous Damping Control (CDC) shock absorbers for approximately 1.6 million passenger vehicles in operation in the U.S. and Canada (USC). The new products expand ZF’s line of SACHS CDC shock absorbers by more than 70 percent, reflecting growing demand for advanced damping technology in the aftermarket, according to ZF. The CDC part numbers cover a variety of BMW and Audi models, among others. The CDC electronic damper system has been in large-scale original equipment production since the mid-2000s and is offered for many vehicles, from luxury cars to SUVs to compact cars. ZF said it has produced more than 35 million CDC dampers globally and plans to release additional CDC part numbers in the USC region throughout 2024. “Demand for continuous damping control shocks is skyrocketing in the USC aftermarket, so we’re very excited to deliver more of this advanced damping technology to our customers, and to continue building the SACHS CDC product line,” said Mark Cali, head of independent aftermarket, USC for ZF Aftermarket. The post ZF Expands SACHS CDC Shock Line for U.S., Canada appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

This is always an important topic to discuss, because I consider excellent customer service one of the most important tools you can have to earn trust, respect and repeat business from the customers that come through your door. Whether that customer is do-it-yourselfer from across town or the professional repair shop across the street, your business depends on a solid relationship. It’s a subject that I am passionate about, and it’s one that many people are losing touch with. Whether you are communicating to someone in person, on the phone or using some type of social media, good customer service and bad can both exist. You can’t afford the latter, so this is the first in a series of topics which can and should be shared from the front of the shop to the back. No matter which role you hold, you represent the shop and yourself. Customer service should be your number one priority. First on the list is the greeting. From the second a customer walks in the door, they need to know you appreciate them coming in and how important they are to your business. First impressions are everything and here’s the correct way to do it each and every time: look them directly in the eye, smile and say hello! Of course, you can say “Good morning” or “Welcome to Joe’s Autocare,” but it should be a formal greeting and the most important thing is that you have smiled, looked them in the eye and recognized that they have walked through the door. You should always retain a formal greeting until you are on a first-name basis with a customer. Only once you have established that level of relationship is it OK to use the less formal greeting of “Hi,” followed by the person’s name. This greeting does more than just indicate respect and appreciation for someone walking through the door. Most likely there are customers both new and old who are in earshot of your conversation. For newer customers, this continues to build rapport and reinforce their positive view of your shop; they see that you demonstrate respect and treat everyone in the same manner. For repeat customers, even ones that have been coming for years, the greeting is important because the way you treat them is the reason they continue to come. And when a long-time customer comes in and you greet them with “Hi [First Name],” this indicates your appreciation for them and that you’re glad to see them as a person, more than just a customer. New customers that witness this will see that your repeat customers are comfortable enough to be on a first-name basis, another indication of the trust they have in you. If you impress someone with remembering their name and what you did last to their car, you just built a skyscraper of rapport. There are certain situations where you will always greet someone by Mr., Mrs. or Miss., and that is usually after you have seen them often enough to remember their name, but before you know them on a first-name basis. Many people will say, “Just call me [First Name],” letting you know it’s OK, but until then it’s a sign of respect to use a formal greeting. In some cases, you may always use the formal; it can vary from person to person. When thinking about the greeting, keep in mind that many people are uncomfortable walking into an unknown situation. They are probably already stressed because their car is broken, and they know it’s going to cost them money. And they may have never been to your shop or been there too often. Your greeting puts them immediately at ease and indicates, especially if there are other people waiting (and this is very important), that you have acknowledged they are there. They’ll be comfortable knowing that you’ll get to them as soon as possible. It’s going to happen, often enough, that you will either be on the phone, right in the middle of explaining something to a customer or have your back turned at the moment someone walks in. If you’re on the phone, it’s easy. Simply smile and wave. That’s all it takes. Don’t use a phone call as an excuse to ignore and not initiate a greeting. You’ll probably even have coworkers that do this, hoping they won’t have to wait on this person. Advice for you: don’t. It’s a sign of weakness. Once you’re off the phone, be sure to make an audible greeting and let them know how long it will be until you are available to help. If you’re currently talking to a customer when someone walks in, you don’t have to stop abruptly or cut them off to make a greeting, but don’t take too long. Wait just until you finish a thought and squeeze in a quick audible greeting, such as, “I’ll be with you in just a couple minutes, sir.” One of my favorite tricks as a service writer is to always be alert and pay attention to cars as they pull up. Try to jot down the license if possible. There’s a good possibility that you will recognize cars before you remember someone’s name. You may remember that the car was in and you may recognize the person, but that’s it. If you’re quick on the fingers, before they get in the door, you can do a license plate search and bring up their name and also see what was done last. If you impress someone with remembering their name and what you did last to their car, you just built a skyscraper of rapport. They’ll never know you “cheated.” Heres’ another trick, even if you only had time to jot down the license number and you greeted someone, “Welcome to Joe’s Autocare, I’ll be right with you,” this indicates to someone that you are finishing something up and will let them know when you are ready. Even if you buy yourself 10 seconds, you can look up the license plate, then you can say, “I can help you now Mr. Smith. We did brakes just last month, right?” Perhaps the most critical is that you always smile and greet your customers, no matter what. I don’t care how bad a day you are having, or if you had a difficult situation with the last customer. It doesn’t matter. Let it go and concentrate on whomever just walked in the door. Your greeting is your first impression. Just like a strong handshake, dressing nicely and being on time for a job interview, this is your chance. Don’t blow it. You are, for all practical purposes, walking into a job interview. You are looking for a job and your customer is doing the hiring. Customer service. That’s how it’s done. The post Customer Service: How It’s Done appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Over the past couple of months, MEMA has been building on momentum to try and get the REPAIR Act passed the organization said. Now, it’s announcing the next step in a campaign called the “At Home REPAIR Campaign,” asking aftermarket suppliers to get involved. “Members of Congress will be back at home frequently in April, May, June, and July. These recesses provide the perfect opportunities to meet with legislators and urge them, face-to-face, to pass the REPAIR Act in 2024,” MEMA said. MEMA’s goal: Suppliers schedule in-person legislator meetings and facility visits during these recesses to advance the REPAIR Act. This is after MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers completed their Washington D.C. fly-in to try and build momentum behind the REPAIR Act, also known as H.R. 906. The post MEMA Launches At-Home REPAIR Campaign appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Byrl Shoemaker/ASE Education Foundation Instructor of the Year. The award recognizes a high school or college instructor from an ASE accredited automotive, diesel/truck or collision repair program who demonstrates excellence through their personal dedication and commitment to the young men and women who have chosen to pursue a technical career in the automotive service industry. The winner of the Byrl Shoemaker/ASE Education Foundation Instructor of the Year will receive a plaque, an $1,000 award, and an expenses-paid trip for two to attend the ASE Instructor Training Conference held July 15-18 in Minneapolis and ASE’s fall board of directors meeting to be celebrated at the annual technician of the year recognition banquet on Nov. 20 in New Orleans. Candidates must be nominated by an administrator such as a principal, program director, dean, department chair or CTE director. Finalists will be contacted by ASE Education Foundation field managers to verify their information and eligibility. To nominate an outstanding instructor, administrators should complete the form at https://form.jotform.com/Michael_Coley/byrl-shoemaker-award by April 30, 2024. Dr. Shoemaker was the state director of vocational and adult education at the Ohio Department of Education from 1962 to 1982. He was a major contributor to education, including the development of the system of career technical education programs in Ohio and the development of the two-year post high school technician education centers that have grown into the system of community colleges across Ohio. Dr. Shoemaker was also instrumental in the development of VICA (now SkillsUSA) in Ohio as well as nationally and the development of NATEF (now ASE Education Foundation) accreditation, ensuring entry-level automotive repair training programs meet standards set by the automotive service industry at the national level, according to the ASE Education Foundation. “There are many individuals within the automotive service education field whose contributions continue to influence and inspire long after they are gone. Such an individual was Byrl Shoemaker, Ph.D.,” said Mike Coley, ASE Education Foundation president. “Few have done as much to advance technician education as Dr. Shoemaker. Each year, the ASE Education Foundation honors his memory with the presentation of an award in his name. It is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement for those outstanding instructors whose work reflects the same dedication to technical education modeled by Dr. Shoemaker.” The post ASE Education Foundation Seeking Outstanding Instructor appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

What appears as one of the most basic tools in your custgomers’ tool box or in your tool corral is far from it. Screwdrivers come in many shapes and sizes, and they are not created equal. The differences in design and manufacturing can add up to a valuable tool you own for life, or one that just takes up space. View Full Diagram This downloadable document features a collection of “screwdriver tips,” including the most common types, things to consider when buying them and ways to get the most out of your tools. The post Tool Intel: Why Are There So Many Screwdrivers? appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

MEMA announced Collin Shaw has officially assumed the role of president of MEMA’s Original Equipment Suppliers group, succeeding Julie Fream who served for 10 years in the position. Shaw’s commencement provides a continuation of leadership that ensures MEMA’s support of the supplier community’s evolution toward embracing emerging trends and strategies that will redefine the automotive supply chain’s future, the organization says. “Our strength lies in our collective voice and actions of all diverse members across both light- and commercial-vehicle sectors. As we welcome new supply chains, evolving technologies, and changing geographics, MEMA is committed to creating an environment where the supplier’s voice is heard and we, together, enable a profitable ecosystem,” said Bill Long, president and CEO of MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association. “We are fortunate to have Collin’s passion, energy, and vision in further advancing the business interests of the original supplier community.” “For the past 120 years, MEMA’s vision has been to foster a profitable, innovative and influential ecosystem for its supplier members. As I look forward to the future, the vision remains consistent,” said Shaw. “Myself and the MEMA OE team will remain focused on; helping suppliers navigate the significant paradigm shift in vehicle architecture due to electrification and software defined vehicles, adopting and leveraging technology such as AI, and embracing the fresh perspectives brought by new leadership demographics to drive our industry forward.” As Shaw embarks on this journey, his message to members and employees is clear, the association says: “We are on the brink of transformative change. Your insights and feedback are invaluable as we navigate this journey together. We will continue striving to represent the automotive and transportation supply base with the dedication and excellence it deserves.” The post Shaw Assumes Leadership of MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

On modern vehicles, overheating is a rare occurrence thanks to high-quality hoses, thermostats and better engine management. Unfortunately, the weak point is still the coolant. Whether it’s a 100,000-mile or 150,000-mile coolant, eventually it will break down and lose the ability to protect the components with which it comes into contact. Coolant at 100,000 miles may look the same as coolant with zero miles, as the real difference between good and bad coolant can’t be seen with the naked eye; it is in the chemistry and based on mileage. Coolant contains additives called buffers that keep it at a neutral pH but these buffers are meant to last forever. When these chemicals become depleted, the pH can’t be controlled. It rises dramatically in a short period of time the moment the buffers are fully depleted. This is why replacing the coolant at the recommended interval is critical. Coolant has two specifications that can be used to justify replacement — the condition of the additive package and the freezing point. The additive package is the secret sauce for a coolant. Its main function is to control corrosion. Other components of the additive help with heat transfer and cavitation reduction. Some additive packages use seal conditioners to extend the life of the gaskets and plastic carriers. The freezing point is measured by the overall specific gravity of the coolant, which has a direct relationship to the coolant/water mixture. This test can help spot coolant that has been compromised by the owner topping off with water. This measurement works well on systems that do not have pressurized reservoirs. The strength or freezing point of coolant can be measured with a simple hydrometer. This device uses a calibrated float or plastic balls (not as accurate) to show the specific gravity of the coolant. This, in turn, shows how much freezing/boiling protection the coolant offers. You must remember to compensate for temperature because the specific gravity (density) of the coolant is lower when the coolant is hot. The more professional tool for this purpose is an optical refractometer because it is very accurate and automatically compensates for temperature. Be aware: these are not simple, inexpensive tools. A refractometer can cost up to $300 or more because of the precision optics in its lens. Ethylene glycol (EG) and polyethylene glycol (PG) antifreeze have slightly different densities, so you have to use a hydrometer or refractometer with the appropriate scale (or one with a dual scale) for accurate test results. Color-coded chemical test strips that are dipped into the coolant can be used to quickly and easily reveal the condition of the coolant. These strips of coated capillary paper react to the presence of certain dissolved minerals in the coolant and change color to give a good, marginal or bad indication of the coolant’s pH condition. Some test strips also show the concentration of antifreeze in the coolant. The added benefit of test strips is that the results can be shared with the owner by attaching the used strip to the inspection form. But, mileage is the gold standard for any coolant replacement recommendation. Engineers and chemists spend a lot of time formulating the coolant to match the engine and interval. If you are performing a water pump, heater core or hose repair, recommend a full coolant flush. Just topping off the coolant can lead to a mixed bag when measuring the pH and freezing point. Also, check the specific gravity before a repair. Many customers know how to top off their coolant with water that could dilute the coolant concentration. Selling any fluid maintenance service is difficult these days. But, if you document and educate customers on the importance of coolant, it becomes more than just an “add on” service. The post Why Does Engine Coolant Need Replacement? appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The Automotive Aftermarket Charitable Foundation (AACF) announced the launch of its 65th-anniversary fundraising initiative. Running through July 1, 2024, the campaign aims to raise $65,000 through 1,000 donations of $65 each. This impactful effort highlights the industry’s commitment to taking care of its own, the AACF said. From sudden illness and death to natural disasters, the foundation has provided assistance to industry professionals and their families during their darkest hours. As AACF celebrates its 65th year of service, it remains steadfast in its mission to provide financial support and resources to those in the automotive aftermarket industry in need, the organization said. In honor of this milestone, AACF is calling upon automotive aftermarket industry professionals, as well as compassionate individuals eager to lend a helping hand, to join forces in raising $65,000. By making a symbolic donation of $65, supporters can contribute to a fund that offer vital assistance during a time of greatest need. “Over the past 65 years, AACF has remained unwavering in its commitment to supporting members of the automotive aftermarket community during their most challenging moments,” said Joel Ayres, AACF executive director. “As we embark on this historic fundraising initiative, we are inspired by the generosity and compassion of our supporters. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of those facing adversity, demonstrating the industry’s unwavering dedication to taking care of its own.” The post AACF Launches 65th Anniversary Fundraising Initiative appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Dayco said it is adding coverage to three of its product lines: serpentine-belt kits, belts and hoses. The 29 new part numbers will be available by the end of March for distributors interested in adding to their product coverage. The following is a breakdown of the part numbers by product category: Four serpentine-belt part numbers – For ’18-’22 Camrys, Rav4s, Accords, Altimas and Rogues as well as ’20-’22 Silverado and Sierra Duramax trucks Five serpentine-belt kits – Adding 3 million in VIO coverage to the Dayco serpentine belt kit line that now covers over 150 million cars in operation 20 hoses – Including curved, branched and heater hoses for millions of vehicle applications “These new product introductions are part of a strategic effort at Dayco to ensure coverage across a broad range of makes and models, especially those we are seeing entering the sweet spot,” said Jerry Reeves, manager of product management for Dayco North America. “Expect to see more line expansions in the months to come as we continue to look for new applications to bring to market.” The post Dayco Adds 29 New Part Numbers to Portfolio appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article