SpencersAuto
Forum Replies Created
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We have Auto Shop for Windows also known as WinWorks. Though we have not switched when you purchase you own it not lease it which is one of the reason we like and keep it. If you wish updates there is a yearly fee that includes support. If you don’t wish the updates it will continue to work as normal. It you have a need for support then you pay as you go.
Spence
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For those of you that don’t believe in rotation of tires I hope you like buying transfer cases on all wheel drive vehicles. All of the AWD vehicles built since the 1990’s can be damaged by a .5 inch differential in rolling circumference from the largest to the smallest tire on the vehicle. Many of the active AWD systems built since the early 2000’s can be damaged by as little as a .125 inch differential from larges to smallest tire. I have personally rebuilt/replaced transfer cases that have burned up clutches in as little as 15,000 miles because the customer failed to have the tires rotated causing excessive differential in rolling circumference. Not selling a rotation at every oil change on an AWD vehicle is doing your customer a disservice.
Tall assumption on your part how you think of those that understand the difference. We check LOADED diameter and have yet to have a single transfer case failure due to tires. Sets that don’t meet our loaded diameter tolerance are brought to the customers attention. You may wish to revisit your specs.
Thanks for your comments none the less.
My specs come straight from Chrysler engineering. Loaded or unloaded circumference makes no difference in the real world.
This is real world. Here’s a thought for you… Let 20 psi out of a tire… Does it have the same rolling circumference as the other three? Yet if the tire is hanging on your lift it has the same circumference. So loaded is different.
As far as the rest of your comment I think we are closer then you realize. I will agree mismatched circumference could create an issue if above spec. We have our road force balancer setup to flag the issue if it is above spec. rotation or not.
Have a good day!
Spence
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For those of you that don’t believe in rotation of tires I hope you like buying transfer cases on all wheel drive vehicles. All of the AWD vehicles built since the 1990’s can be damaged by a .5 inch differential in rolling circumference from the largest to the smallest tire on the vehicle. Many of the active AWD systems built since the early 2000’s can be damaged by as little as a .125 inch differential from larges to smallest tire. I have personally rebuilt/replaced transfer cases that have burned up clutches in as little as 15,000 miles because the customer failed to have the tires rotated causing excessive differential in rolling circumference. Not selling a rotation at every oil change on an AWD vehicle is doing your customer a disservice.
Tall assumption on your part how you think of those that understand the difference. We check LOADED diameter and have yet to have a single transfer case failure due to tires. Sets that don’t meet our loaded diameter tolerance are brought to the customers attention. You may wish to revisit your specs.
Thanks for your comments none the less.
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Don’t believe in rotating tires. Can cause more issues and comebacks. My customers are educated to this fact. Most understand it and for those that still wish we do it with that understanding.
Do believe in balancing with road force including lateral force. This every 10,000 or once a year.
Spence
YES! I was just going through this thread and began to wonder if there was anyone else that thought like me on this. We have a road-force balancer. Once you see how many tires are out there with excessive road force, or have unacceptable lateral pull, you will never feel good about rotating tires in a conventional manner.
Comebacks are to be expected with symptoms the client legitimately never had until you switched things around!
One example: We’ve seen tire shops adamantly insist the vibration is NOT caused by a NEW set of tires because they are perfectly balanced. The balance was true, but the tire on the LF had 35lbs of road-force. Mimicking an out of balance assembly at 55 mph.
Would never sell or rotate tires without that machine again.
Naaaaaaa… You’re not alone but just one of the few that has knowledge to back up their reason.
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FWIW, I’d say you’re way too low – and the place she had it may also be too low.
+1
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Don’t believe in rotating tires. Can cause more issues and comebacks. My customers are educated to this fact. Most understand it and for those that still wish we do it with that understanding.
Do believe in balancing with road force including lateral force. This every 10,000 or once a year.
Spence
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Our pay scale is based off their certs. If they don’t have them current they don’t get paid as much.
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If you are going to specialize in FCA then I would say the FCA OE tool is a must.
We have the OE tool and the Autel Maxisys 908pro. The Autel will do most of what we need to do.
Spence
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Yelp is a scam period . Yelp lets any and all bad reviews to post while they do not allow most good reviews to get posted . I called them and they say that Yelp sees negative reviews as more beneficial to the general public .
I have had the same experience as you Jeff with Yelp. I have seen them pull three of my 5 star reviews off. I have no time for them nor would I spend a cent with them. Be nice to be able to review them in public EH?
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Yelp sucks… Of course that’s just my opinion. 🙂
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vdepot, I don’t understand your comment about ‘killing’ you. Do you want something sugar coated? From a quick review, I really don’t see a difference. You’ve taken pretty much the same stuff and moved it around. rhm1020 made some excellent comments. I outlined a huge (and simple) change that you should make to testimonials. Only makes sense – people don’t read – they scan. But you want people to read.
And then… what about video? People would rather watch than read. So what part of the comments don’t you agree with?I think Matthew is spot on! The new and the old site look almost the same. To cluttered up for my liking.
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We are using Autoshop for windows also known as WinWorks since 1999
I would rate is a 4 -
Doug Fentiman wrote:
> So What Is A Website Good For?
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> I too have been questioning the value of websites for pure search marketing. I forecast that very soon websites will play a very different role in small service business marketing (auto repair included). I feel auto repair search marketing will have three essential parts: 1) a company website to communicate who you are and the “benefits” you offer (not just a list of services…); 2) public reviews (e.g. Google Reviews) to create the trust people need (want) to see before doing business with you; 3) and paid ads from Google AdWords or Microsoft AdCenter to attract your new customers.
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I wanted to bring to attention your #2 “public reviews”. I am starting to see an issue with this. You mention below spammers and what I am seeing is on two sides of this. It may once exposed make this worthless to the educated consumer.
> Like a three leg chair, if any one “leg” is weak, the chair will not “perform” as it could. So to answer my question of what a website is good for, your website should provide the background and details about you that people want to know. Your website is your brand evangelist and the only content and SEO needed is to support your business name (brand). Once your website is setup correctly you won’t need to spend on expensive organic search SEO. All your website needs to rank for is your business name.
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> Search engines, especially Google, are rapidly and radically changing how they rank and position websites (yes the spammers and con artists are spoiling the web. Oh, and don’t forget the greed of search engines . With search engine’s growing emphasis on keyword focused website content and off website SEO for search ranking the average small business will find it increasingly difficult to afford the expense of getting AND maintaining the top search positions required to attract new customers with organic search. In comparison paid ads will be the only way to get the results you need. And if you like conspiracy theories maybe that is Google’s plan… since they do make the bulk of their profits from their paid ad networks…
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Above you mention spammers. I have witnessed three businesses attacked by bad reviews by people that have not used the services of the place they are reviewing.
Next in one week I am received two calls from two different services that monitor a company’s reviews and pumps them up (for a fee) with good reviews when a poor review is posted and/or it’s been a certian length of time since your last review.
My wife and I have started to put a lot less weight on reviews in light of what I just mention. How sad…
> At first glance Google AdWords looks expensive. But if you nail down the lifetime value of a new customer, and what it costs to attract each customer, it makes spending on these ads so much easier. There are a number of shops here on the forum that are experiencing great success all thanks to paid ads. Its sad that more people aren’t investigating their use.
It came to mind when I read your post and felt the need to share my thoughts.
Spence
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Tom Piippo wrote:
> I would like to have the dealer techs explain to me how a loose air filter could foul the fuel injectors. We see very few injector issues with all the ethanol in the fuel these days (tends to keep things clean!) I would also insist on knowing the REAL reason the car would not start. (Unlikely ALL the injectors failed at once)
I would like some answers to the questions I asked…
Now for this post… Why would it have to be a dealer tech? I am an Indy, would that be ok?
Spence
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Doug Fentiman wrote:
> Some very good points about paid ads Larry. The disturbing part is that no one has payed any attention to your post in over six months…
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There were(and still are) some good points but I mainly wanted to comment on the over six months. That is sad and it would be nice if things were more active here.
I’ll comment on some of your other comments soon.
Enjoy
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tim parys wrote:
> customer called to complain, march 28 we changed oil on her 08 nissan rogue, we supposedly left the air filter housing loose, after 6 weeks car stalled, was towed to dealer, sevice writer at dealer said because we had left housing loose, that this caused car to stall. towing, diagnose, & injector cleaning $450.00, she wants to be reimbursed, after 6 weeks & 3,000 miles, what would you guys do?
Is the customer a regular customer?
What kind of services do you perform at your shop?
Did the customer call you before having it towed to the dealer?
Did the customer call you before having the dealer do the work?
Have you spoke with the dealer about this issue either prior to or after the service was performed by the dealer?
I would like to hear the answers to these questions before I give an opinion.
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Andy Cotey wrote:
> This is a tough issue.
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> Several years ago, we made the decision NOT to work on vehicles that we would not make money on, just because we were slow. Many times those cars will bite you in the behind when you get busy. If you would not take it when you are busy, you probably should not take it at all. I know it is a tough call, especially when you need some cash flow to keep the doors open.
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> Consider it give it some thought. We have not been sorry that we made the call.
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> Andy
Andy’s thoughts was where I was headed as well. I would only add look at why you may not be able to make money at the job. From there decide if some training, tooling or something else may be worth looking into to make it work.
Spence
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But could the thought be the government is going to lose those tax dollars with more fuel effient and electric cars?
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Jeremy Ryans wrote:
> I have a trailblazer in the shop that has an electrical issue that my best tech, that usually can fix anything especially electrical, has about 5-6 hours into.
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> The customer is being billed by the hour, but at this point we have been thru everything, the interior is in a million pieces, and are starting to believe we can not fix this car.
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> What is the best way to handle a situation like this?
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> The car has been there for 4 days, and now I have much better easier more profitable work in the shop that i need to focus on.
Jeremy… You started this thread a week ago. Three responses to your opening post and none back from you. There is a box that can even email you when someone responds to let you know. I just felt the need to make another post in hopes of continuing the dialog. I think there is much to be learned and I thank you for starting it I would just like you to stay with what you started.
Have a good day
Spence
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Daniel Fenti wrote:
> I bought a used unit last year that has seen some hard use. I wanted to test out the market before I went all-in for a new machine, but with HO 1234YF on the way I think I may make a move soon. Snap on wants 5-8 grand for theirs, but is it worth it?
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> What machines are you using, why, and what do you like about it??
Don’t buy much from SnapOn except hand tools. Do not like their scan tools or equipment. I feel HO 1234YF is still way off before we see it if at all.
Have had thre Robinair and they were ok at best. Just purchased the new RTi because of the new spec and we also opted for the Hybrid option. So far it has been very good.
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Dale Stroebel wrote:
> We give them 10 min. and give a call. Some forget, some just blow you off. 2 no show/no calls and customer no longer gets the opportunity to make a appointment. (just drop it off and we will get to it when we have time).
We go at it a little different. We also give them twice and note each in their customer file. This way when we pull their file up when making an appointment is shows. After two then they need to leave a non refunable deposit that will be applied to their bill in order to make an appointment. No show… No problem… That normally puts a stop to the issue.
Give it a try. When we say we need a deposit it is with a smile in our voice, never any anger. It’s just our company policy and when would you like your appointment. Rolls off our lips like honey.
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Cheryl Lindbeck wrote:
> Do your customers appreciate you telling them that you have time set aside for their job? Some of our customers would be offended if I told them that.
Appreciate it… They feel special! We set aside time just for them. It’s in the presentation and concern so we can have enough time to have their car done on time without being russed to do so.
The ones that get offended I would have to seek out why. Seems I might not want them if this is an issue.
Just my take on it
Spence
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Brian Bruesewitz wrote:
> Does anyone use the phoenix systems maxpro reverse brake bleeding system and if so is it worth it? Are there better options?
We have this and like it. Not really a big need for it as the vacuum bleeder works with 95% of what we need to bleed out. The Phoenix works great on hydrolic clutches. We see a lot with the performance cars such as Corvettes.
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Jeremy Ryans wrote:
> I have a trailblazer in the shop that has an electrical issue that >my best tech, that usually can fix anything especially electrical, >has about 5-6 hours into.
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Were these 5-6 hours spent productively?
Does the tech have the tools needed to perform the tests necessary?
Is he trained in the system and/or circuits he is testing?
> The customer is being billed by the hour, but at this point we >have been thru everything, the interior is in a million pieces, and >are starting to believe we can not fix this car.
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Can not fix it or can not find what the issue is?
> What is the best way to handle a situation like this?
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I would need more info such as what I listed above to give you an opinion.
> The car has been there for 4 days, and now I have much better > easier more profitable work in the shop that i need to focus on.
I think I know where this is heading but from what you are asking and the little info you have given… I read a vehicle is in your shop for 4 days but only 5-6 hours spent on it. Customer wants a vehicle back that is in pieces and no idea where to head. I would feel you have a certain responsablity to the customer even though you have other work. The reason this one is not profitable is where I would look real close at. Seems something needs to be changed but need some more answers being as I am not standing in your shop seeing all that is going on.
Jeremy I look forward to seeing your response
Spence
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Tom Ham wrote:
> What is it that you are trying to diagnose/fix?
Tom from how I read it I don’t think he is looking for help in trying to figure out what is wrong with this vehicle. Though I would like to know what the customer concern and the info of what the vehicle and tests done, I think he is asking how to bow out and be paid.
Spence
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I have attended some of his classes and purchased some. As with most things you get more out when you put in first. He seemed to have solid ideas. A bit high charged for me on presentations but would still recommend. To answer your question I have not signed up and would be interested in hearing thoughts from someone that has.
Spence
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Hi Ashley, checking to see if you still have the LineSPi. I’ll get a chance and call next week.
Have a good weekend
Spence
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Administrator wrote:
> Survey – Alignment Equipment
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> 1: What brand of wheel alignment equipment do you have now?
Hunter
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> 2: How old is it?
Less then 5
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> 3: When do you plan to replace it?
When needed but don’t feel that would be anytime soon
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> 4: What brand(s) are you considering next time?
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Not sure at this point in time. When it is time then I would research. We did look into the Hawkeye but do not feel it is accurate enough for the quality we are known for as well as need. Maybe when they improve it we will re consider.
