Eastern Automotive Warehousing/Auto Machinery - Autosphere

In Extreme Temperatures
Do You Manage Crises, or Your Shop?
We all know that customers only pay attention to the cooling system when it’s not working
properly, which can result in you, the shop owner, with a crisis to manage—the whole
process of getting the car into the shop, repaired, and ready for pickup ASAP is a juggling
act for everyone.
For an automotive technician, cooling
system verifi cation or maintenance
involves many steps, which
include product knowledge. Many elements
or components are integral to a
system. Properly maintaining and servicing
your customer’s cooling system
should be added to your existing scheduled
program. In less than an hour, you can
identify minor, inexpensive problems that
will keep your customer safe on the road
and have him returning for more preventive
maintenance.
Maintenance schedules eliminate most of
the need for crisis management and your
customer will thank you for this.
Frank Tonon is Product Training manager for Spectra Premium and
he develops training courses on the components linked to automotive
cooling systems and air conditioning.
Frank Tonon
tononf@spectrapremium.com
A BIANNUAL INSPECTION PROGRAM
1. Visually inspect underhood components.
a) Radiator cap pressure test—to prevent over or lack of pressure
b) Coolant level, density, and Ph level—if out of specifi cation, replace the liquid
c) Belt and Tensioner—a belt spins approximately 4 million times in a year
d) Hoses and clamps—for deterioration
e) Thermostat—replace if over 2 years old
2. Bring the engine to normal operating temperature and…
a) With the scan tool, observe the temperature and match to instrument gauges.
b) Inspect electric or clutch cooling fan operation for proper engagement.
3. In the vehicle, go through all air distribution selections:
a) To ensure proper controls operation (vacuum or electric motors).
b) Check for loss of air distribution at different positions.
4. Temperature—move the temperature selector knob from cold to hot.
a) Observe travel to identify a binding temperature cable.
b) Measure temperature output as per manufacturer’s specifi cation.
c) You can identify a defective water valve.
5. Operate the blower motor from low to high speed.
a) Ensure all speeds are working properly.
b) Inspect for noise or chirping sounds.
| www.autosphere.ca | December 2009 | CarCare Business | 29