Category: Automotive repair

A fraud tale: Misdirection of parts

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Image credit: Depositphotos. comOne type of fraud a shop can fall victim to is a misdirection of sales part. A red flag for any shop would be a discrepancy between what the shop thinks it’s making on parts and what is actually being realized. Hunt Demarest, a senior accountant who specializes in working with automotive repair shops with Paar, Melis & Associates, had a client suffer through this kind of scheme. The client’s books were a mess. In the process of cleaning it up, parts margin data was compared to the shop management software. In Demarest’s eyes, so long…
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Skilled trade shortages affecting wait times for automotive repair

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Vinnie’s Mr. Fix-It suggests booking in advance whenever possibleThe skilled trade labor shortage across Ontario is having an adverse impact on multiple industries, and the automotive industry is definitely one of them. Finding skilled automotive technicians willing to work for both national repair shops chains and independent operators is becoming a challenge, and that means one unfortunate reality for vehicle owners in need of repair. “The shortage of technicians is leading to longer wait times for vehicle repairs,” said Vince Klimkosz, owner/operator of the two area locations of Vinnie’s Mr. Fix-It. “I find that many customers think they can…
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How can I find a mechanic I can truly trust?

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You’ve heard a funny noise in your car, so you go to the repair shop. But you’ve got a nagging feeling the estimate you’ve gotten is higher than it should be. This week’s In Your Corner attempts to answer the question: “I think my current auto repair shop is bothering me. How can I find one I can trust?” George Iny, director of consumer advocacy group Automobile Protection Association, said there are a few basic steps you can take to reduce the chance you’re getting ripped off. The first one is a bit counterintuitive: Ignore recommendations from your friends and…
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What To Consider Before Buying Tires for Your Subaru

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What should a Subaru owner consider before buying new tires for their vehicle? We offer some helpful tips and advice for Subaru tire buying here. Does your Subaru need new tires? before you buy tires for your Subaruexplore our list of things to considerfrom the primary use for your Subaru to the weather conditions of your region. How You Use Your Subaru The first thing Subaru owners should consider when deciding on new tires is the vehicle’s primary use. Is it your daily driver for getting to work, picking up the kids from school, and going to the store? Or…
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Quality Automotive has a new owner

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Ready to head into retirement, Mark Sheppard has sold his business, Quality Automotive Repair of Sault Ste. Marie. Mike Lynn of Sault Ste. Marie, who has an extensive background in the automotive industry, is the new owner, according to a news release. Lynn previously owned and operated Lynn Auto Parts, Inc., which features over 10 locations across Northern Michigan. Sheppard founded Quality Automotive Repair in 1997. The company is a certified AAA Professional Auto Repair Center and Gold Certified NAPA AutoCare Center. It has 11 employees. Sheppard approached Small Business Deal Advisers to assist with the sale of the company.…
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I oversee car repairs at a dealership. Here’s what you need to know about maintenance and how we do our job.

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Mike Wilhelm is an auto-dealership service director in southeast Michigan.Mike WilhelmMike Wilhelm is a service and parts director at a car dealership in Michigan.He says drivers have some misconceptions about car repair and how EVs differ from gas-powered cars.Here’s his advice for car repair and maintenance, as told to the reporter Alexa St. John.Mike Wilhelm is a 44-year-old parts and service director at Tamaroff Honda and Jeffrey Automotive Group in southeast Michigan. Wilhelm has held various auto-service advisor roles in the industry for more than 22 years and has spent six years with his current employer.…
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5 Most Common Car Repair and Maintenance Services, Including the Most Expensive

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Regular car maintenance is essential to keep your vehicle running smoothly and prevent costly repairs. With the prices of new cars higher than ever, it’s helpful to know what you’ll be paying for before hand. No one wants repairs to sneak up on them. Therefore, review five of the most common car repair and maintenance services. 1. Oil changes: $30-$150Oil changes are crucial to routine car maintenance, replacing the engine’s lubricant to reduce friction and prevent wear and tear. Over time, the oil will become littered with nearly-microscopic metal shavings and lose its ability to lubricate effectively. Also, if…
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