Mitchell 1 Enhances Wiring Diagrams in Latest ProDemand Software Release
Mitchell 1 announces the latest release of ProDemand repair information software includes enhanced wiring diagrams featuring intelligent navigation that takes users directly to the
specific component diagram -- with the related wires automatically highlighted. This makes it faster and easier than ever for technicians to find the exact wiring diagram they need for an efficient and accurate diagnosis and repair.
The new “smarter wiring diagrams” contain the content that ProDemand users are familiar with and appreciate, but with enhanced navigation that improves the user experience and speeds up the search process.
ProDemand now opens the diagram for the specific component searched without the need to scroll through multiple pages of engine performance diagrams. The diagram not only opens at the component level, but also automatically highlights the traces.
“With the latest software update, we have expanded the functionality of Mitchell 1’s renowned wiring diagrams to help technicians work more efficiently,” said Gary Hixson, marketing manager for ProDemand, Mitchell 1. “These improvements take our wiring diagrams to a whole new level of intelligence and convenience for technicians to streamline the diagnostic process to help them maximize accuracy and productivity.”
Additional features of the enhanced wiring diagrams include:
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The ability to toggle highlighting of associated wires for each component without having to click each wire separately.
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A simplified view of complex diagrams with highlighting that extends across all the pages until the wire reaches its termination point.
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Zoom and orientation are maintained across multiple pages, streamlining navigation.
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When performing a deep dive into a wiring diagram, hidden wires appear faded but do not disappear entirely, providing detail while preserving the big picture view.
Robinair announces new wireless add-on kits for A/C recovery machines
Robinair has introduced the 80211VCI and 80211TMP wireless add-on kits that provide feature and performance enhancements to all existing new platform A/C recovery machines. Both kits give technicians enhanced service capabilities when documenting or confirming an A/C service diagnosis and repair. A SD card included in the contents of each kit enables Wi-Fi functionality and the ability to receive OTA software updates on connected Robinair NI, NI-H and AC1234-4 machines.
The 80211VCI kit features a wireless module, VCI and capacities database that allows technicians to wirelessly gather vehicle year, make and model and engine (YMME) information and read generic OBDII diagnostic fault codes to identify potential issues causing vehicle A/C problems. The Wi-Fi/VCI Master Kit links the vehicle in service and automatically includes vehicle charge amount contained within the capacities database, as well as oil type and oil capacity for various A/C system components. An additional feature of the 80211VCI adds the YMME and capacity information to maintenance reports, documenting to the customer, and for the shop, that the correct service was performed.
The 80211TMP kit includes a Wi-Fi/Bluetooth dongle and two Bluetooth temperature probes designed to be placed inside, defroster and face vents to capture duct temperature during a vehicle’s A/C system service. The temperature probes seamlessly communicate with compatible Robinair A/C recovery machines to provide technicians with added before and after service capabilities like testing vent versus outside air temperature when diagnosing a vehicle, or after service temperature when refrigerant has been replaced and the system is running.
One of the biggest benefits is that the 80211TMP adds before and after service vent temperatures to maintenance reports, confirming to the customer, and for the shop, that an improvement was made to the A/C system and the proper repair was performed.
TBC Brands Introduces the Sumitomo HTR Z5 Tire
TBC Brands, one of the largest distributors of private brand tires in North America, introduces the successor to the HTR Z3, the Sumitomo HTR Z5, which outperforms its predecessor with major improvements in wet braking, wet handling, dry braking and ride comfort.
The Z5 provides drivers of modern sports cars and performance sedans responsive high-speed handling with free defect replacement for the life of its usable tread. The tire features widened circumferential grooves for advanced hydroplaning resistance and an increased shoulder and contact patch to prevent irregular wear. This maximum performance summer tire is available in 54 Y-rated sizes with rims ranging from 17” to 20”.
“The HTR Z5’s size lineup captures the trend and popularity amongst the 18+ inch fitments as the market continues to shift toward larger diameters,” said Jon Vance, Senior Vice President of Product Marketing for TBC Corporation. “This tire is a great addition to Sumitomo’s full product line-up offering dealers a high-value, high-profit alternative to higher priced top and mid-tier products.”
Red Line Synthetic Oil’s Additives and Brake Fluid Ensure Vehicles are Performing at their Peak
In addition to the company’s renowned motor and gear oils, Red Line Synthetic Oil, a leading manufacturer of performance lubricants, has a number of fluids and additives to keep brake, cooling and fuel systems performing at their best. These products include the company’s RL-600 brake fluid, WaterWetter and SI-1 Fuel System Cleaner.
“Here at Red Line, we’re known for our high-quality motor and gear oils, but we also have one of the best high-performance brake fluids and a full line of performance additives that are some of the best in the world,” said Michael Andrew, Director at Red Line Synthetic Oil. “We believe our customers’ vehicles should perform at their maximum potential, from the brake system to the engine, and our entire product line is dedicated to this pursuit.”
A properly maintained brake system is extremely important for both safety and performance. Repeated hard stops generate heat and place the brake fluid under immense pressure, both of which are detrimental to the operation of the brakes, often leading to brake fade. With a dry boiling point of 604 degrees Fahrenheit (318° C), Red Line’s RL-600 Brake Fluid is a DOT4 fluid developed to resist these issues and maintain lubricity, compressibility and viscosity under even the most extreme conditions. Additionally, brake fluids are subject to moisture absorption which can reduce the fluid’s wet boiling point, lowering the brakes’ overall effectiveness. Red Line’s RL-600 combats this problem with its use of components designed to reduce moisture absorption.
In hot weather or under extreme track use, coolant temperatures can rise considerably, causing overheating and potential engine damage. By lowering the surface tension of water, Red Line’s famous WaterWetter has proven to lower engine temperatures by up to 20°F, allowing for greater heat transfer from the engine’s metal components to the coolant. This method reduces the chances of overheating and the formation of harmful cylinder head hot spots, while also protecting against corrosion by forming a protective film inside these parts.
WaterWetter doubles the efficiency of water and provides crucial rust and corrosion protection in water-only cooling systems. As an added benefit, WaterWetter may also allow for more spark advance and subsequently increased torque. Street cars using 50/50 ethylene or propylene glycol/water solutions benefit from the use of WaterWetter’s cooling power even under normal driving conditions, such as stop and go traffic, which can overburden a vehicle’s cooling system and cause overheating.
Vehicle’s fuel systems are often overlooked because standard maintenance intervals can be lengthy and the work itself can be time consuming and expensive. Due to inadequate octane capacity on the part of modern oil refineries, additives to pump gasoline often have a negative effect on vehicle engines by choking fuel injector tips with deposits, causing the engine’s fuel economy and overall performance to suffer. These deposits can occur in just a few thousand miles. In order to return engines to peak performance, Red Line created SI-1 Complete Fuel System Cleaner designed to clean injector tips and eliminate harmful lean misfires. Approved for use in both fuel-injected and carbureted gas engines, users can simply pour the product into their gas tanks, no mechanic required.
Quick-changes made up to 80 percent faster with new Snap-on Series Snap Ring Pliers
Feel like your snap ring pliers are always in the wrong configuration for your current job? Stop wasting time in the bay twisting and turning them into the position you need with the new, patent-pending, push-button convertible design of the Snap-on SRPCR Series Snap Ring Pliers. This latest Snap-on innovation offers speed and precision, allowing technicians to easily switch between internal and external rings up to 80 perent faster with the literal push of a button, while the longer 45º and 90º jaws allow for easier access to hard-to-reach retaining rings.
"These pliers can cut the time it takes to install and remove rings on transmission repairs, AC compression clutches, starter and turbo chargers in half," says Rik Hopper, a Snap-on product manager. "They are lighter and less bulky than competitor products and really accelerate aviation work on seating mechanisms, hydraulic and lighting systems. Techs can use them to more quickly power through heavy duty truck applications like installing and removing semi-floating rear axle bearings on the WARN M254 Dana 50/60 Hub Lock."
The wide cushion grip of the tool offers more comfort and control, while its cold-forged steel contains a higher alloy content that makes the pliers stronger and more durable. The tool features a natural steel finish with a protective clear coating to defend against corrosion. Technicians can feel confident their tools will be safely stored away with the complete SRPCR112 Master Kit, a molded case with foam inserts and the full available line of new snap ring pliers.
Bolt On Technology Launches New Website
Bolt On Technology, a technology-driven service company for the automotive aftermarket, has launched a dynamic new website with tools and features designed to better educate and arm automotive repair shops with information and products they need to improve operations and enhance profits.
The website is designed to put the repair shop owner in the driver’s seat with a full array of
helpful user-focused content including easier access to Bolt On’s full range of products, peer success stories, training programs and calendar of events. For example, shop owners can select the different goals for their business or areas of improvement – such as the need to generate repeat business or build stronger relationships with customers – and the website will automatically recommend which Bolt On products and services are best suited to address their needs.
The biggest new feature is a Customer Login product. Accessible from the homepage, the new portal allows shop owners as well as technicians and mechanics to access their customer
account through the Bolt On website. This new account management platform allows owners
to change account settings, add or update contact information, purchase products, review
payment history and evaluate how each product is being utilized through a unique Usage History page. Additionally, customers can access training and thought leadership material via e-books and other business management content.
“Our customer portal gives shop owners complete control over their business from within the Bolt On ecosystem,” says Michael Risich, founder and CEO. “With a ‘bird’s-eye view’ of their team’s overall usage, owners can evaluate specific areas of their business that are underperforming and, using data not previously available, to quickly determine their specific needs, such as whether they need to reinforce internal procedures with their team, add additional products and services or ask for a training consultation from our team in order to maximize the success of their existing products.”
Other new sections include Why Bolt On, featuring custom videos that show how digital technology tools and ‘best practices’ benefit shop owners, service advisors, techs and drivers alike. Essentially a snapshot of a day-in-the-life of a shop, this section includes a helpful calculator that allows owners to enter their current shop data including daily car counts, AROs and how many days a month the business is open, and automatically calculates what a typical increase in AROs using Bolt On would look like. On average, shops that utilize Bolt On’s award-winning software correctly typically see a 39-percent increase in average repair orders. The hands-on analysis allows shop owners to see how digital technology can enhance their business performance, using their own figures.
Another new section, Success Stories, profiles shop owners who have employed digital technology with positive results for their business. The short videos give business owners the opportunity to hear directly from their peers.
New PRO-LOGIX 100A Flashing Power Supply from SOLAR
Clore Automotive introduces Model PL6100, a new 12 Volt 100A Flashing Power Supply and 60/40/10A Battery Charger, from SOLAR. The PL6100 is designed to provide stable power, on demand up to 100 amps, to a vehicle electrical system to support module reprogramming. It also provides full service battery charging capability from 10 to 60 amps, to service everything from small vehicle batteries to Group 31 batteries.
In power supply mode, the PRO-LOGIX PL6100 provides power to maintain vehicle electrical system voltage at a preset level, increasing its output in response to system load increases to maintain a stable power environment for successfully reprogramming. It features a voltage output range of 13.1-14.9V, adjustable in 0.1V increments. allowing the operator to dial the output in exactly as specified by the supplier of the vehicle under service. It features fast load responsiveness for ultra-quick recovery from system demand increases. It also delivers its massive power with minimal voltage ripple, providing a clean flow of power to the vehicle without risk of programming interference.
In charging mode, the PL6100 utilizes advanced microprocessor-controlled logic to precisely deliver a fully automatic charging routine designed to optimally charge and maintain each battery or battery pack serviced. The PL6100 features the ability to properly charge a wide variety of lead acid battery types, including Conventional, AGM, Spiral Wound, Start-Stop, Deep Cycle and Marine batteries – for virtually any lead acid battery type installed in a vehicle, the PL6100 can deliver a proper, beneficial charge.
In charging mode, the PL6100 adapts its approach based on the needs of each battery or battery pack it services. Such adaptations can include activating a soft start mode on deeply discharged batteries, a battery repair mode on older/distressed batteries and temperature compensation when charging in extreme temperatures. It also incorporates numerous features to make charging safer for the operator and the vehicle/battery being charged, including over-voltage protection, reverse polarity protection, smart clamp technology and battery fault detection.
