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The Most Neglected Part of the Cooling System

Cooling system jobs are, by and large, gravy repairs. Sure, we get the occasional hard-to-bleed system or the heater core that’s buried. But for the most part, the work is straightforward plumbing. And selling the stuff is easy! Even the most price-conscious customer...

When Selling a Job, Get It In Writing (Not an Emoji)

This one’s for anyone who interacts with customers directly: service writers, small shop owners, and even techs who do some moonlighting or side work. Be careful when using text abbreviations, slang, or emojis with your customer, and that goes double when a customer...

The Stories Spark Plugs Have to Tell (VIDEO)

Description In the days of carbureted engines, mechanics would always take a moment to examine the spark plugs they were replacing as part of a routine tune-up. The plugs often provided valuable information as to how well the engine was performing and whether there...

Service Managers: Buy Brake Fluid by the Pint

If you’re in charge of ordering the supplies for your shop, volume discounts are great when they come along. Sniff them out where you can. But brake fluid is different! Buy it in bulk, but buy it in the smallest containers you can get away with. The reason? Brake...

Six Ways to Best Protect Yourself from Keyless Car Theft (For Now)

In 2023, a record number of vehicles were stolen in the United States; 1,020,729 vehicles to be exact. While that number has declined over the past couple of years (850,708 in 2024 and 659,880 in 2025), car thieves haven’t given up. In fact, they’re finding more...

Don’t Forget to Season the Automobiles, Mechanics!

I guess after you watch the following video, you won’t need much commentary. I thought this was common knowledge, but as I’ll explain in a moment, I may be wrong.I thought it necessary because a good friend at an independent repair facility recently bemoaned the fact...

Coolant Service – ASE Practice Question (VIDEO)

Description Technician A and Technician B are discussing proper cooling system maintenance. Technician A says that time and mileage should be considered but are not the only factors to consider when recommending a cooling system service to a customer. Technician B...

What are Frits? (And Why Does Almost Every Car Have Them?)

It’s a pretty safe bet that most younger techs haven’t heard of frits before. Not one single customer, ever, has come into your shop looking for some help with a frit problem. So while this article won’t help you turn bays faster or improve your diagnostic skills,...

October Automotive Horoscopes

by | Oct 6, 2022

Aries: You will be where you are supposed to be, even if you aren’t there now. When you’re undercar, rely upon intuition—and don’t forget the importance of timing. Keep the faith, because your goal is closer than you thought. Avoid Leo. This service writer is bound to make trouble for you. Keep a set of ratcheting wrenches at hand. You’re gonna need ‘em.

Taurus: Problems others can’t solve will be regarded as easy for you, but don’t get too big for your britches. Take it easy on the impact, metaphorically speaking. Some situations require finesse, not force. A Scorpio figures into an unusual shop scenario. Lunar position emphasizes success in romance, so make sure you use extra Gojo or Zep before you punch the clock.

Gemini: Financial difficulties arise in connection with payments. Be mindful of your accounting, and don’t assume all flagged time is correct, but don’t assume it’s wrong, either. Make concessions where they make sense, but don’t disregard your principles—if you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.

Cancer: You’ve got a tough row to hoe for a while. Your reputation is at stake—comebacks are just the beginning. Entertain business offers and simultaneously batten down your romantic hatches, because you’re going to be weathering a storm for a bit. You’re not alone; an Aries will figure prominently as this act unfolds.

Leo: Have some fun when the boss is out of the shop. Lunar position emphasizes clandestine arrangements and romance—now might be just the time to form that ill-conceived alliance that keeps nagging at you. Your popularity increases as result of some important service information you dug up for a friend in a bay.

Virgo: People who doubted your methods and course of action are proved wrong. A fresh start might still be necessary; it’s not clear if you are where you are supposed to be. Let your creative juices ferment a bit. Love is not far away. Another Virgo makes a mess out of your bay. Grin and bear it.

Libra: Contrary to opinion, you’re doing the right thing. Don’t be the shop rag (or doormat). Make travel arrangements but have a tow truck at the ready. Your soul mate awaits, but you can’t lose focus on fitness, and employment. Aries plays an exciting role in things. Follow your heart for the considerable future—it’s gotten you this far already.

Scorpio: Is spirituality important in the shop? You’re about to find out. Your actions are about to be guided by a higher power. State your terms. Ask for what you need and you shall receive. A Taurus makes a declaration of loyalty. Mind the small stuff—now is no time to send a car out with loose lug nuts.

Sagittarius: There’s a snake in the grass, and the deception is likely to slip right by you. Fight for your legal rights. Insist on going through your ROs line-by-line; there’s hidden flag time you are missing. Questions concerning your inheritance arise; it may be time to address the head of the house, so to speak.

Capricorn: The sword of Damocles is removed! You’ll pay your bills and meet the obligations that have been hounding you. A long-term project moves out of the shop. You’ll become aware of your own worth, which is considerable. You’ll have a visitor in your bay who compliments you on your housekeeping.

Aquarius: The lunar phase highlights production and processes you’ve been working on; credit you should have received months ago finally materializes. You’ll get a material reward. Romantically, something is badly amiss—a longtime lover brings things to an end. Take your grease gun out of its drawer; a squeaky wheel at the parts store needs some attention.

Pisces: Stay flexible. Itineraries do you no good now. Start putting away money; a grave financial mistake is on your horizon. Take charge of your own destiny. Keeping in mind that flexibility, know that your relationship depends on your ability to travel. There’s an Aries involved.

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