Servicing Antilock Brake Vehicles
Consumers demand it. Here’s how ABS is kept up and running.
I’m thinking of buying a mom & pop independent auto parts store and would be interested in your take on this idea.
I’m thinking of buying a mom & pop independent auto parts store and would be interested in your take on this idea. I see that NAPA, Autozone, Pepboys (and RockAuto online) seem to be taking over. Knowing what you know from your experience in the parts business, would you even consider investing in a small independent parts shop? Can these
small shops survive? What things would I have to do to be successful? Or is it a lost cause and all small shops will be out of business in the near future? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Why is more than one oil filter listed when I’m looking up particular vehicles? (ex: SAE thread or metric thread). What’s the difference and how can my customer or I tell the difference? Is the information within the VIN? If so where?
Did you try the manufacturer tech line? How about their Web site? Of course with an oil filter, there is almost ALWAYS a number on the old filter you can cross reference if you want to be certain and have the time or no other choice. Harris Steinberg Morris Auto Parts Inc. Philadelphia, PA
I understand that we are an “auto parts ” company, but the customers tend to think that it should cater to both auto parts and plumbing / hardware.
I understand that we are an “auto parts ” company, but the customers tend to think that it should cater to both auto parts and plumbing / hardware. Customers come in and ask for plumbing glue, PVC piping and elbows along with lag bolts, etc. Is there a reason that we don’t cater to both? If we are to be dominant, shouldn’t we?
I have a 2004 Ford E350 with a V10 6.8L gas engine. I need a Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor.
I have a 2004 Ford E350 with a V10 6.8L gas engine. I need a Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor. Motorcraft does not list it. My local (large) Ford Dealer parts counterman concluded the engine must not have that part. But, there definitely is one on my engine. How can I get the part number (and part) when my Ford contacts say there isn’t such a thing?
Is universal antifreeze really universal?
Universal anti-freeze in general terms is only supposed to be used for topping off a system, to my knowledge. Always best to use what is recommended by the car manufacturer. Read everything on the label on any product you are recommending, as well as err on the side of caution. Call the manufacturer if you
The Super Stores
O’Reilly makes largest store count leap with purchase of CSK.
Let’s Find a Cure for This Virus
Gerald Wheelus, manager of Edgewood Auto Parts in Edgewood, Texas, and a Counterman contributor recently told me, “I’ve been in this business since 1986 and our business always does better when the economy is bad. We always thrive when car dealerships can’t sell new cars.” You haven’t read that in the news have you? For
‘Bored’ With Your Job?
How can you be bored when there is ALWAYS a challenge of the hour? Here’s my take on just some of the challenges we face every day.
Exploring Life’s Market
My own life, even up to this point, has not been stationary, and so it goes. This will be my last column for Counterman magazine. I am moving on, choosing to take a different path in the market of life.