Friday, September 30, 2005
Long Commutes
According to the American Community Survey (ACS) released by the U.S. Census Bureau, Americans average over 100 hours a year commuting to work, exceeding the two weeks of vacation the average employee takes each year. The daily commute for the average American worker was 24.3 minutes in 2003. The 10 cities with the highest average commuting times are New York (38.3 minutes), Chicago (33.2 minutes), Newark (31.5 minutes), Riverside (31.2 minutes), Philadelphia (29.4 minutes), Los Angeles (29.0 minutes), Miami (29.0 minutes), Baltimore (29.0 minutes), San Francisco (28.5 minutes) and Washington D.C. (28.4 minutes). States with the lowest average commuting times are South Dakota (15.2 minutes), North Dakota (15.4 minutes), Nebraska (16.5 minutes) and Montana (16.9 minutes).
AAA Supports Updated Fuel Efficiency Tests
The American Automobile Association (AAA) plans to use real-world fuel efficiency tests to prove the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is overestimating the miles-per-gallon (MPG) rates posted on dozens of new vehicles. AAA endorses the "Fuel Efficiency Truth-in-Advertising Act of 2005," requiring the EPA to update its fuel efficiency tests, which fail to account for air conditioning, traffic congestion and the fact that many trips are too short to fully warm the engine. After performing its own fuel efficiency testing on hundreds of new vehicles, including tests with stop-and-go driving, steep grades and vehicles full of groceries, AAA discovered dozens of models with overestimated mileage, sometimes as much as 10 MPG.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
Preventive Maintenance Presents Opportunities for Repair Shops
Vehicles have generally increased in quality through the years, causing warranty work to decline and preventive maintenance to become a top source of income for repair shops. Opportunities for preventive maintenance are plentiful, becoming important as both a profit building and customer retention tool.
According to Dave McKallagat, advertising/marketing manager for BG Products Inc., between $60 and $70 billion in revenue is lost per year due to unperformed light repair and preventive maintenance, and the reasons are both lack of consumer awareness and failure to offer additional services. Audits of repair orders indicate an abundance of one-item repairs, suggesting that other necessary maintenance is being ignored.
Engine oil, transmission and differential lubes, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid top the list of potential fluid maintenance opportunities, while fuel and air conditioning systems often require maintenance work as well.
It must be clear to all repair shop personnel what services are recommended at what intervals. Integrating a professional, well-thought-out customer menu into the selling process can help increase business, acting as a focal point for the customer and the service personnel, while also demonstrating the shop's understanding of the customer's vehicle needs. It is a good idea to provide space on the menu for a stamp each time a service is performed.
Because lack of training or poor training can lead to irreversible customer alienation, proper ongoing training and accountability is important. Proper selling skills can also dramatically increase a shop's profitability.
Repetitive maintenance reminders are key to a quality preventive maintenance program. Evaluate current direct mail programs, use of reminder stickers, appointment setting systems and reminder call procedures to ensure they are being carried out as they should be.
A lot of potential revenue is being left on the table simply because customers are not being advised of the availability of extra services. Creating and implementing a well-thought-out plan can add significant profit to a shop's bottom line.
The AMSOIL XL Oil Change Program presents shop owners with another excellent way to increase profits, while providing customers superior protection and performance for extended drain intervals. Busy shops that are currently working at capacity can potentially service twice as many customers since they only need to see them half as often to make the same or greater profit.
AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oils are specially formulated to deliver 7500 miles or six months between oil changes, and may be used longer where stated by the vehicle manufacturer or indicated by oil monitoring systems.
According to Dave McKallagat, advertising/marketing manager for BG Products Inc., between $60 and $70 billion in revenue is lost per year due to unperformed light repair and preventive maintenance, and the reasons are both lack of consumer awareness and failure to offer additional services. Audits of repair orders indicate an abundance of one-item repairs, suggesting that other necessary maintenance is being ignored.
Engine oil, transmission and differential lubes, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid top the list of potential fluid maintenance opportunities, while fuel and air conditioning systems often require maintenance work as well.
It must be clear to all repair shop personnel what services are recommended at what intervals. Integrating a professional, well-thought-out customer menu into the selling process can help increase business, acting as a focal point for the customer and the service personnel, while also demonstrating the shop's understanding of the customer's vehicle needs. It is a good idea to provide space on the menu for a stamp each time a service is performed.
Because lack of training or poor training can lead to irreversible customer alienation, proper ongoing training and accountability is important. Proper selling skills can also dramatically increase a shop's profitability.
Repetitive maintenance reminders are key to a quality preventive maintenance program. Evaluate current direct mail programs, use of reminder stickers, appointment setting systems and reminder call procedures to ensure they are being carried out as they should be.
A lot of potential revenue is being left on the table simply because customers are not being advised of the availability of extra services. Creating and implementing a well-thought-out plan can add significant profit to a shop's bottom line.
The AMSOIL XL Oil Change Program presents shop owners with another excellent way to increase profits, while providing customers superior protection and performance for extended drain intervals. Busy shops that are currently working at capacity can potentially service twice as many customers since they only need to see them half as often to make the same or greater profit.
AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oils are specially formulated to deliver 7500 miles or six months between oil changes, and may be used longer where stated by the vehicle manufacturer or indicated by oil monitoring systems.
Thursday, September 01, 2005
Ford Oil Leak
According to Ford, some of its 1999-2002 vehicles with V8 engines may leak or weep oil from the right rear or left front of the engine. Affected vehicles include 1998-99 Navigators; 1999-2001 Econolines, Expeditions, F-150s & F-Series Super Dutys; 2000-01 Excursions and 1999-2002 Crown Vics, Grand Marquis, Mustangs & Town Cars. Add a trace dye to the crankcase and use an ultraviolet or blue light inspection lamp to find the leakage point. It will most likely be found emanating from one of both cylinder head gaskets. Ford attributes the leak to either metal chips between the head gasket and block, chip debris between the cylinder head and gasket or damage to the head that occurred during manufacturing. The affected cylinder head should be removed and closely examined. If chips are visible, but the head isn't damaged, they should be blown away with compressed air, the head and block cleaned and the head gasket replaced with a revised service designed. If the cylinder head is damaged, it must be replaced.
Drum Storage Tip
According to Lubrication Fundamentals, when lubricant drums must be stored outside, it is best to place them under a shelter, leanto or waterproof tarpaulin to protect them from rain or snow. According to the book, "Drums should be laid on their sides with the bungs approximately horizontal. In this position, the bungs are below the level of the contents so that breathing of water or moisture is greatly reduced, and water cannot collect inside the chime. For maximum protection, the drums should be stood on end with the bung ends down on a well-drained surface."
Fuel Management is Top Fleet Concern
Truck fleets are searching for ways to lessen the impact of rapidly escalating fuel expenses.
According to First Fleet Corp. survey of private fleet managers, fuel management is the top issue facing the nation's trucking fleets. In attempts to help manage escalating fuel expenses, 48 percent of survey respondents indicated they use on-site fueling stations, while 36 percent provide their drivers with credit or debit cards to be used at stations where they have negotiated rates with oil companies. The remaining 16 percent pay for fuel with a regular credit card or cash.
"The hottest topic in the trucking industry is finding solutions to reduce fuel consumption and ways to lessen the impact of soaring prices on fleet profit margins," says John Flynn, First Fleet Corp. president and CEO. "In the ongoing cost control war, private truck fleets are constantly looking for ways to rein in operating expenses. Based on extensive research, First Fleet is advising customers to review operating methods to lower current fuel consumption and adjust specs on their new truck orders to counteract the impact new engine emissions standards will have on their fleet operating costs."
According to XATA Corp., a provider of onboard fuel management technology, considering the following factors can help improve fuel economy:
Idling: Five minutes of engine warm-up is adequate and cool-down can occur when the vehicle is pulled in for parking.
Speed: Reducing speed to a reasonable level and eliminating unnecessary stops improves fuel economy. Every mph increase over 55 mpg reduces fuel economy by 0.1 mile/gallon.
Shifting/Accelerating: Shortshifting at 1,100 to 1,200 rpms in all the low-range gears minimizes fuel consumption while still moving the vehicle. The step to high range requires more revs and consumes more fuel.
Trip Management: Find the most economical and efficient routes that still enable drivers to meet delivery deadlines. Pre-planning trips can eliminate out-of-route miles, unnecessary stops, excessive fuel use and lost time.
Tools: Onboard fuel management technology measures such factors as idling, speed and driver habits, helping drivers monitor and take steps to improve fuel economy performance.
According to the First Fleet survey, another major concern for fleet managers is maintaining vehicles at optimum operating conditions. The survey indicates 34 percent have on-site maintenance facilities, 23 percent outsource maintenance and repair services and 43 percent use a combination of on-site maintenance and outside facilities.
Thirty-three percent of respondents indicated trouble recruiting and retaining qualified service technicians. "Our biggest issue is downtime," says Associated Materials fleet executive Mike Hatfield. "It's almost impossible to get same-day service on the road. There are 24/7 shops that close at midnight. Why? Lack of techs."
A question regarding the reliability of new trucks purchased over the past two years produced mixed results, with 38 percent believing newer trucks are more reliable than older trucks, 38 percent indicating newer and older trucks are equally reliable and 15 percent saying older trucks are more reliable than newer ones.
AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are ideal for fleet owners looking to reduce fuel expenses, improve equipment performance and reliability and reduce downtime. Independent tests show the use of synthetic lubricants can increase fuel efficiency by two to five percent, while many AMSOIL customers report even larger gains. The extended drain intervals offered by AMSOIL synthetic motor oils keep trucks on the road longer between oil changes, reducing downtime and maximizing productivity.
According to First Fleet Corp. survey of private fleet managers, fuel management is the top issue facing the nation's trucking fleets. In attempts to help manage escalating fuel expenses, 48 percent of survey respondents indicated they use on-site fueling stations, while 36 percent provide their drivers with credit or debit cards to be used at stations where they have negotiated rates with oil companies. The remaining 16 percent pay for fuel with a regular credit card or cash.
"The hottest topic in the trucking industry is finding solutions to reduce fuel consumption and ways to lessen the impact of soaring prices on fleet profit margins," says John Flynn, First Fleet Corp. president and CEO. "In the ongoing cost control war, private truck fleets are constantly looking for ways to rein in operating expenses. Based on extensive research, First Fleet is advising customers to review operating methods to lower current fuel consumption and adjust specs on their new truck orders to counteract the impact new engine emissions standards will have on their fleet operating costs."
According to XATA Corp., a provider of onboard fuel management technology, considering the following factors can help improve fuel economy:
Idling: Five minutes of engine warm-up is adequate and cool-down can occur when the vehicle is pulled in for parking.
Speed: Reducing speed to a reasonable level and eliminating unnecessary stops improves fuel economy. Every mph increase over 55 mpg reduces fuel economy by 0.1 mile/gallon.
Shifting/Accelerating: Shortshifting at 1,100 to 1,200 rpms in all the low-range gears minimizes fuel consumption while still moving the vehicle. The step to high range requires more revs and consumes more fuel.
Trip Management: Find the most economical and efficient routes that still enable drivers to meet delivery deadlines. Pre-planning trips can eliminate out-of-route miles, unnecessary stops, excessive fuel use and lost time.
Tools: Onboard fuel management technology measures such factors as idling, speed and driver habits, helping drivers monitor and take steps to improve fuel economy performance.
According to the First Fleet survey, another major concern for fleet managers is maintaining vehicles at optimum operating conditions. The survey indicates 34 percent have on-site maintenance facilities, 23 percent outsource maintenance and repair services and 43 percent use a combination of on-site maintenance and outside facilities.
Thirty-three percent of respondents indicated trouble recruiting and retaining qualified service technicians. "Our biggest issue is downtime," says Associated Materials fleet executive Mike Hatfield. "It's almost impossible to get same-day service on the road. There are 24/7 shops that close at midnight. Why? Lack of techs."
A question regarding the reliability of new trucks purchased over the past two years produced mixed results, with 38 percent believing newer trucks are more reliable than older trucks, 38 percent indicating newer and older trucks are equally reliable and 15 percent saying older trucks are more reliable than newer ones.
AMSOIL synthetic motor oils are ideal for fleet owners looking to reduce fuel expenses, improve equipment performance and reliability and reduce downtime. Independent tests show the use of synthetic lubricants can increase fuel efficiency by two to five percent, while many AMSOIL customers report even larger gains. The extended drain intervals offered by AMSOIL synthetic motor oils keep trucks on the road longer between oil changes, reducing downtime and maximizing productivity.
Lubricant Handling Guidelines for Employers
According to Lubrication for Industry by Kenneth E. Bannister, the following guidelines should be followed when handling and disposing of lubricants:
1) Wear goggles and viton/butyl rubber gloves whenever pouring or handling lubricants.
2) use a respirator if pouring or handling lubricants in a confined or poorly ventilated space for prolonged periods of time.
3) Store used lubricants in proper containers and avoid mixing them with volatile or hazardous liquids.Such mixing will increase disposal expenses.
4) Locate a reputable, licensed carrier to dispose of used lubricants.
5) Post MSDS sheets regarding any special lubricant handling instructions.
6) Wash hands before handling food.
7) Create a spill action plan.
8) Never use a dispensing pump for different products unless it is thoroughly cleaned and purged between uses.
9) Never pour used lubricants directly into the sewer or ground.
10) Never siphon lubricants by mouth.
1) Wear goggles and viton/butyl rubber gloves whenever pouring or handling lubricants.
2) use a respirator if pouring or handling lubricants in a confined or poorly ventilated space for prolonged periods of time.
3) Store used lubricants in proper containers and avoid mixing them with volatile or hazardous liquids.Such mixing will increase disposal expenses.
4) Locate a reputable, licensed carrier to dispose of used lubricants.
5) Post MSDS sheets regarding any special lubricant handling instructions.
6) Wash hands before handling food.
7) Create a spill action plan.
8) Never use a dispensing pump for different products unless it is thoroughly cleaned and purged between uses.
9) Never pour used lubricants directly into the sewer or ground.
10) Never siphon lubricants by mouth.
Vehicle Customer Satisfaction Survey
Asking vehi9cle owners to rate how their personal vehicles compare to their ideal vehicles, the annual American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) recently released by the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business indicates that about half the vehicle brands showed improvement, one-quarter stayed the same and one-quarter saw their scores decline over previous years. While the average score was 80, Toyota led the pack with a satisfaction score of 87.
To see the other brands score Click Here
To see the other brands score Click Here
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