Multiple Fixxes
Lubegard recently introduced Seal Fixx. Lubegard’s Seal Fixx LG-205 is an industrial strength and cost-effective stop-leak that works quickly. It lubricates and revitalizes worn, dried out seals safely without causing harm to internal components. It is compatible with conventional and synthetic ATFs, motor oils, power steering fluids, diesel and gasoline engines and automotive and hydraulic fluids, such as jacks, lifts, etc.
For more information, visit: www.lubegard.com
Growing Service Revenue
LubeNinja is a customer-loyalty platform designed specifically to help automotive service locations and franchisees acquire and retain service customers. LubeNinja specializes in facilitating the transaction of customized prepaid maintenance packages — specifically oil changes and related ancillary parts and services — for automotive service facilities. LubeNinja’s proprietary technology provides facilities with a powerful customer retention platform that can drive traffic, improve customer retention and significantly grow service revenue. The program is extremely easy to setup and use, and very cost effective to run.
The majority of retail installers realize a 50-percent retention rate (to the next oil change). Selling prepaid oil change and ancillary packages gives you an 80-percent retention rate to the fourth service. Just by selling 5 percent of your customers a prepaid oil change and/or ancillary service package, you can increase your bottom line customer return rate by 7-11 percent within 18-24 months.
For more information, call 855.458.2364 or visit: lubeninja.com
Summer Filter Promotion
Purolator launched a national mail-in rebate program across the United States to help automotive retailers and installers drive additional sales in the engine air and cabin air filter categories. The promotion runs through August 31 for all Purolator air and cabin air filters.
Customers at participating automotive retail stores qualify for a $5 rebate on the purchase of any two Purolator air or cabin air filters, while customers at participating repair shops qualify for a $5 mail-in rebate on the installation of any single Purolator air or cabin air filter.
Cabin air filters are the fastest growing segment in the filtration category, and more than 80 percent of vehicles on the road today are equipped with them. While there continues to be excellent growth within the category, cabin air filter replacement is still one of the most underperformed maintenance items on a vehicle.
To help generate consumer interest and drive sales, Purolator is providing participating retail and repair shops with complete point-of-sale kits. The kits include informative cover letters explaining the program, rebate tear pads and in-store/in-shop promotional materials such as posters, window clings and shelf-talkers.
Products must be purchased or installed by August 31 to qualify for the savings, but customers have until September 30 to redeem the rebate.
For more information, visit: pureoil.com/rebates
Next Evolution of Car Washing
ITW Global Brands recently launched a state-of-the-art, exterior car cleaning product — Rain-X Waterless Car Wash & Rain Repellent. This new product cleans entire vehicles without water or a bucket, and applies the Rain-X proprietary water repelling coating to all surfaces, including glass.
The ITW Global Brand’s team spent two years developing, testing and perfecting the Rain-X Waterless Car Wash & Rain Repellent to provide superior performance in auto aftermarket care. The application process is simple. Formula Drift Driver Alec Hohnadell has an application guide on YouTube.
For more information, visit: www.rainx.com
Portable and Pressurized Fluid Reclaim Systems
Graco Inc. recently expanded its Oil Ace family of portable and pressurized fluid reclaim systems to include 24-gallon, vacuum-assisted used oil evacuation packages. These large-capacity collection systems are invaluable when oil and automatic transmission fluid drain plugs are not easily accessible or available. This technology reduces the threat of costly damages caused by over or under-torquing, or cross-threading common drain plugs.
Graco’s new line of used oil evacuation systems are available with an optional transparent collection chamber for inspecting the quality and verifying the amount of oil extracted. The Oil Ace evacuation systems can be purchased with a large, offset collection bowl for shops that also want to utilize gravity-fed evacuation, making the Oil Ace evacuation systems multipurpose.
All packages include vacuum probes and adapters that allow technicians to easily and safely extract oil from the topside of the engine, and only require standard shop air supply to power.
For more information, visit: www.graco.com
Brake Pads with 88% Euro Coverage
Continental Commercial Vehicles & Aftermarket offers a line of ATE Original Brake Pads that deliver 88-percent coverage for European vehicle applications. Featuring leading brake technology, ATE Original Brake Pads are formulated to original equipment friction specifications and built and tested to meet or exceed manufacturers standards.
ATE Original Brake Pads instantly deliver maximum braking power without fade, squeal or judder. They are engineered for low heat transmission to prevent pedal failure. All brake pads are equipped with under layers and noise damping sheets to minimize noise during braking.
ATE Original Brake pads are available with more than 160 different pad mixtures to ensure ideal application. They provide coverage for European vehicles including Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Porsche, Range Rover, Renault, Saab, Smart, Volkswagen and Volvo.
For more information, visit: www.ate-na.com
TPMS Tool Kit
Snap-on recently introduced its new Tire Pressure Sensor System Tool Kit, which tests tire pressure monitoring sensors, captures sensor data and relearns tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). An all-in-one tool for multiple vehicle applications, the TPMS4 features vehicle-specific prompts and reset procedures following tire rotation and sensor replacement.
The Snap-on TPMS4 quickly diagnoses TPMS sensor problems and is unlike any other tool in the marketplace. It works in concert with other Snap-on diagnostic platforms and comes standard with software to program aftermarket sensors. The software also contains vehicle-specific relearn procedures on board for quick lookups, which makes it a beneficial tool for any shop.
The streamlined user interface on the TPMS4 features a daylight-readable, high-resolution display for reading PSI, ID, temperature, battery status and more. It quickly determines whether a replacement sensor is needed, provides quick registration of new sensor locations after tire rotations and tests key fobs for proper signal strength and battery condition. Running on a Lithium Ion rechargeable battery, the kit also includes TPMS connect software to print sensor information, as well as to access new software updates as they become available.
For more information, call 877.762.7664 or visit: www.snapon.com
Additional Availability
Tenneco recently announced the availability of 14 new Monroe Quick-Strut part numbers, extending coverage of the company’s replacement strut assemblies to more than 3 million additional late-model passenger vehicles. With the latest expansion, Tenneco this year has introduced more than 150 Quick-Strut part numbers covering a combined total of approximately 16 million vehicles.
The latest Monroe Quick-Strut part numbers offer coverage of 28 popular foreign nameplate applications, including: 2006-2008 Honda Pilot (front); 2012-2014 Hyundai Accent (front); 2004-2006 Lexus RX330 (rear); 2007 Lexus RX350 (rear); 2007-2010 Mazda CX-9 (front); 2005-2010 Toyota Scion TC (rear); 2009-2013 Toyota Corolla (rear); 2004-2007 Toyota Highlander (rear).
Monroe Quick-Strut assemblies feature precisely engineered components for a high-quality strut replacement. These include a premium Monroe strut technology tuned and tested for OE-style ride and handling; vehicle-specific coil spring technology featuring U.S.-grade steel and corresponding OE-equivalent spring design; premium, OE-style upper strut mount and bearing plate; and other high-quality components.
Tenneco also introduced Monroe OESpectrum premium rear shock absorbers for 2014-2016 Kia Soul sedans and Monroe Strut-Mate strut mounting kits for 2011-2014 Honda Odyssey vans and 2009-2014 Honda Pilot SUVs.
For more information, visit: www.monroe.com
Imaging Wheel Alignment System
John Bean recently introduced the John Bean V2280 imaging wheel alignment system. The V2280 provides the essential tools for any alignment. Combined, the XD targets, video speed cameras and intuitive software deliver an imaging wheel alignment system that provides powerful capabilities with a low investment in both cost and training.
The John Bean V2280 features high-resolution cameras for accurate alignment readings and industry leading fault diagnosis. Other features of the V2280 include target tracking cameras, where a camera beam automatically follows as the vehicle is raised with any lift by tracking the targets; video speed cameras, which constantly monitor the alignment and provide critical fault detection alignment information to get the job done right the first time; a new user interface which streamlines workflow, enhances productivity and ensures the alignment repair information from Mitchell 1 is always one click away; XD targets, which are lightweight, durable and impact resistant, with a self-centering AC200 clamp that ensures accuracy and allows measurement of track width wheel base, off-set and set back; EZ-Toe, eliminates the need for a steering wheel holder and supports adjustment of toe with the steering wheel turned; and guided adjustments, which are automated help for vehicle with single tie rod, drag link and cradle adjustments.
For more information, call 877.482.4866 or visit: www.johnbean.com
Engine Oil Database
The Institute of Materials (IOM) online database provides the lubricant industry with unprecedented access to engine oil data available by geographic region or as a custom configured dataset. The 2017 engine oil database is now available online.
The IOM engine oil data has numerous uses including comparing crucial competitor properties, auditing blend consistency, monitoring formulation changes, assessing oil quality in the marketplace, discovering trends in technology and using the data for technical or marketing presentations.
New features and benefits include: increased collection of low-viscosity oils, such as 0W-16, 0W-20 and 5W-20; additional emphasis on collecting heavy-duty diesel engine oils; and more local market brands collected and analyzed.
The IOM website allows 24/7 access to browse thousands of engine oils collected from the marketplace with each oil tested according to a test matrix of over 30 industry standard tests. Data sets collected from the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Africa and European regions for any year back to 2005 can be purchased online as Regional Databases. The IOM database website can also be used to purchase Custom Datasets that can be filtered by year, brand name, supplier, SAE grade, service class, oil type, engine type, country or region.
For more information, visit: instituteofmaterials.com
API SN Plus Awareness Campaign
Petro-Canada Lubricants has launched its API SN Plus awareness campaign, Expect More, confirming its Supreme product line is set to meet the new interim passenger car standards.
The Expect More campaign will educate the industry on the additional protection API SN Plus will provide and how Petro-Canada’s Supreme premium passenger car motor oils will meet the spec.
As part of the Expect More campaign, Petro-Canada Lubricants has launched a new section on its website that will act as a comprehensive guide to the new SN Plus category and upcoming ILSAC GF-6 category. Additionally, a customer outreach program has commenced, offering clear and concise information on how SN Plus differs, the technology behind it and the impact for car manufacturers globally.
Petro-Canada Lubricants’ line of Supreme Synthetic products already meet the API SN Plus specification, following the dexos1 upgrade in September 2017. Petro-Canada will soon be launching a new viscosity grade, SAE 0W-16, that will act as an additional interim solution for customers ahead of ILSAC GF-6.
For more information, visit: lubricants.petro-canada.com
Aftermarket Key for Ford, Lincoln, Mercury
Car Keys Express recently announced the release of a consumer-programmable, universal aftermarket key for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles. The key, with integrated remote, has the same functionality as standard OEM versions.
This key is the second device to be released in the company’s new product line, Simple Key. Each key in the unique product line allows retailers to offer consumers a simple, DIY solution for replacing modern car keys. These consumer-friendly, self-contained products include a universal key and, if required, an EZ Installer, allowing customers to pair the key to their vehicle. Once cut, consumers follow simple instructions to pair the key in just a few minutes.
The universal key controls the remote keyless entry systems for a variety of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models. At the touch of a button, the key performs the same functions as the vehicle’s OE counterparts, such as locking and unlocking doors, panic, opening the trunk and remote start.
For more information, visit: ckesimplekey.com
Increase Shop Efficiency
Bolt On’s Mobile Manager Pro software gives shop technicians a new way to communicate with customers. This software allows technicians to take photographs with the tablet while they are inspecting the car and text pictures and inspection reports in real-time to the customer.
The easy-to-use software is helps increase revenue by creating efficiencies and building a stronger relationship with customers by being able to educate and show the customer what is happening under the hood, instead of telling them. Along with the SMS inspection reports, Mobile Manager Pro also lets technicians auto-schedule appointments, scan VINs, print lube stickers and more.
Bolt On offers online training for shop owners and technicians using Mobile Manager Pro.
For more information, call 610-400-1019 or visit: boltontechnology.com
Fight GDI Carbon Deposits
Bluelake Enterprises Inc. recently unveiled Biocleans Gas and Gas Rapid PCV.
Gas Rapid PCV is a new product specifically engineered with new chemistry to rapidly clean up carbon build-up in gasoline direct injection (GDI), turbo and other gas engines.
Biocleans Gas Rapid PCV will attack, sizzle away and significantly clean up potential carbon build-up in newer engines, thereby reducing the poor drivability symptoms that are occurring in today’s gasoline engines.
For more information, visit: www.biocleans.ca
New Branding, Website and Social Media
JohnDow Industries recently launched a new branding campaign including their new JohnDow.com website, new product branding, cataloging and the launch of its multiple social media channels.
The website and social media channels include JohnDow’s new branding strategy designed to communicate the strength of the multiple product lines marketed and sold under the JohnDow brand name.
JohnDow.com was relaunched with multipled benefits including a mobile-responsive design; related parts listings; constantly updated news and events information; and product user manuals.
JohnDow also launched its Facebook and Twitter channels to help its customers to stay up-to-date with the latest product information and industry news while following the JDI team at trade shows around the country.
For more information, call 800.433.0708 or visit: www.johndow.com
Slim Profile Ratchets & Sockets
Milwaukee Tool recently introduced Ratchet & Socket Sets, engineered for better access in tight spaces and maximum strength. Each of the new sets feature a slim profile 90-tooth ratchet and wrench-compatible sockets uniquely designed with four parallel flats to deter rolling.
Whereas most ratchets are equipped with 72 teeth, the ratchet in Milwaukee’s new Ratchet & Socket Sets is designed with 90 teeth for four degrees of arc swing. This ratchet also has a slim profile and flush directional lever which allow it to conveniently access the most hard-to-reach applications. Each wrench-compatible socket features a unique design with four parallel flats to deter rolling, and geometry optimized to reduce rounding and stripping of nuts or bolts.
Because socket sizes can often be hard to see, labels are engraved on two of the flats to enable easier identification and readability from multiple angles. For added convenience, each kit comes in a carrying case for ultimate portability. All sets also include accessories such as 3- and 6-inch extensions. They are available in both SAE and metric sizes.
For more information, visit: www.milwaukeetool.com
7-in-1 Nut Driver
Klein Tools recently introduced the 7-in-1 Nut Driver, which provides easy, one-handed driving and seven sizes in one tool. This heavy-duty, multi-nut driver exceeds the torque performance of standard nut drivers, delivering more power for the tough jobs tradespeople face every day.
The 7-in-1 Nut Driver features hollow shafts for driving nuts deep onto bolts or threaded rod; the ½-inch socket conveniently stores in the handle while using the ¼-inch socket; the heavy-duty handle and shaft exceed the torque performance of regular nut drivers; the wrench-assist on the handle adds torque when working on tough jobs; the cushion-grip handle provides all-day comfort; and color-coded bands help professionals easily identify needed sizes.
For more information, visit: www.kleintools.com/new-products
