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rack: noun 1. The linear component of a rack and pinion gearset. 2. The short name given to a rack and pinion steering assembly for an automobile. This is one of those times when the same word is used over and over to describe two things that are related but different. When I first learned about rack-and-pinion steering, it was anything but new. Nonetheless, in my world, I was used to traditional. I was among the guilty who shunned things that in no way could ever be better than a carburetor, points, condenser and crank windows. When it came to steering, if it didn’t have a steering box, pitman arm, idler arm and a center link, it probably wasn’t a real car. You laugh, but now, so do I. Automotive technology always has changed for the better, and rack-and-pinion steering just made sense. It was simple, less expensive, lighter-weight and simple to maintain. The term “rack and pinion” describes a type of gearset that transfers rotational motion into linear motion. In the case of an automotive application, the rack-and-pinion gearset is housed in a unit that we simply refer to as the steering rack, or rack for short. So, a steering rack transfers the rotational motion of the steering wheel into the linear motion required to move the tie rods left or right for steering. They initially became commonplace on small economy cars and were additionally well-suited for front-wheel-drive applications due to the limited space they require. Now, almost every new car, SUV and light truck on the market has rack-and-pinion steering. A simple design and low maintenance are benefits of a steering rack, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t caused a headache or two over the years – and there are many questions you’ll still field about these systems. While they’re too difficult to describe, the service aspect is where you’ll get most of the questions, and this is where your customers will benefit from your knowledge. After all, as a counter professional, you’re in the business of answering questions. Many early steering racks on small cars were simple manual racks with no hydraulic assist. These were my favorite. They rarely developed any problems and, in many cases, would last the life of the vehicle. Then, cars got heavier, people got softer and hydraulic power steering for the most part became standard. Today, electric power steering is taking over, and in many ways with the lack of a hydraulic pump, hoses, lines and leaks, it has brought back the simplicity of the original manual rack. Although many aspects are the same regardless of the type of assist, in this article I’m going to focus on hydraulic power-steering racks. They’re still going to be around for some time, and service considerations are where you’ll get most of your questions. Making sure the job is done right is important for not only safety and efficiency, but it also helps prevent unnecessary warranty hassles. First and foremost is power-steering fluid. It’s commonly overlooked and neglected. The valving and seals inside a hydraulic power-steering rack rely on clean fluid for proper operation, and just like any other fluid service, ignoring this can shorten the life of the steering rack. When replacing a rack, fluid should be drained and flushed as best as possible, and it’s a good idea – as well as a good upsell – to install an inline filter. Most of these types of filters work with a magnetic mesh that’s especially beneficial to trap small metal particles. One of the most common problems to arise is a torn rack boot. These rubber bellows-style boots expand and collapse every time you turn the wheels, and it’s just unavoidable that they eventually wear out. There are two immediate problems with this. One, the inner tie-rod ends will collect dirt in the grease that lubricates them, and two, dirt and debris will be drawn into the rack seals every time you turn, eventually causing damage and leaks. Torn boots should be replaced as soon as possible when they’re discovered, and the vast majority of them require the removal of the outer tie-rod end. An alignment is required afterward – no ifs, ands or buts. Worn inner tie rods are another common problem, and while “technically” not part of the steering rack, service procedures can affect the integrity of the rack. Many new racks come with new inner tie rods and boots pre-installed to prevent damage from incorrect installation, so the boots keep everything sealed up from the start. Most of the time, replacing the inner tie rods requires a special tool, kind of like a deep socket on steroids – deep enough to reach over the length of the tie rod and access the inner end where it bolts to the rack. On the end of the tool is a half-inch square drive. The factor to be aware of is that by-the-book service procedures call for holding the rack (the actual internal component) in a soft jaw vise when removing or installing the inner tie rod, so you don’t twist it and risk damaging the pinion gear. The problem is in practice, this is rarely done because there’s no way to do it with the entire assembly installed in the car. There’s simply no access to get any type of holding fixture onto the actual rack. For fun, I looked up the top videos on the internet for installing inner tie-rod ends, and none of them mention holding the rack. Perhaps because they don’t want you to know they didn’t do it, or they don’t know the solution because there really isn’t a good one – at least not one I’ve learned of yet. You might be able to get locking pliers clamped onto the rack to hold it, but that would gouge the machine-finished surfaces and tear up the rack seal, so that’s out. So, how serious is the problem? Most inner tie rods don’t require very high torque, and many of them use a type of thread locker, a locking nut or a type of retainer to prevent loosening. The bottom line is, if you use hand tools to loosen and tighten the inner tie rod, and slowly torque it to the correct specification during installation, the pressure against the pinion is going to be minimal, and damage is unlikely. Whatever you do, use hand tools. Do not use an impact wrench on the end of the inner tie-rod tool. This will transfer a series of blows directly into the pinion and the valve assembly inside the unit, and you could be asking for trouble. As mentioned before, any time the rack or a tie-rod end is replaced, an alignment will need to be performed. But, just as important is any time the rack is being replaced, the steering shaft will be disconnected. Always make sure the steering wheel isn’t allowed to spin free, or the airbag clock spring will be damaged. Also, make sure the rack is in its centered position before initially disconnecting the steering shaft and before reinstalling it. Quite possibly the most useful tip for new steering-rack installation involves cleaning the splined steering-shaft connection. It’s a precision fit. In other words, both sets of splines need to be perfectly clean. If they are, they’ll slide right together. If not, you’ll fight it forever. Many new (or remanufactured) racks are painted, and it’s not uncommon for overspray to get on the splines. This may seem inconsequential, but the thickness of the paint is enough to cause a nightmare. There are many opportunities for upsells with steering racks and related services. Outer tie-rod ends are often replaced one at a time and, in many cases, this is all that’s needed. Still, it’s a good reminder to check the rack boots and other ends closely. Since an alignment will be required, it’ll save money in the long run to take care of any pending issues now. If you’re replacing an inner tie rod, you’ll already have the outer and the boot off. It’s often much easier to replace them too. Brake/parts cleaner is a good solvent for cleaning out reservoirs and lines, but make sure they’re allowed to completely dry before sealing the system up. I like to use clean power-steering fluid as a final flush to make sure any trace of solvent is gone, so selling a little extra is a good idea. Tool upsells can include the inner tie-rod tool, an outer tie-rod separator and a grease gun if grease fittings are included on any of the front-end components. The crowning touch is service information for torque specifications and bleeding procedures. Everyone should have a manual, and you’ve got them on the shelf, right? This is the perfect job to recommend one. The post A Closer Look at Rack-and-Pinion Steering appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Counterman’s “Guess the Car” contest challenges our readers to solve an automotive riddle, for a chance to win $100. And each month, we receive hundreds of responses from aftermarket professionals trying to guess the model of the vehicle depicted. The correct answer for the April/May contest is the Dodge Hornet. The winner is Miles Cross, a commercial parts pro at Advance Auto Parts in Colonial Heights, Virginia. Now, let’s get to know the “Guess the Car” champion. CM: How long have you been working in the auto parts business? MC: I’ve been with Advance for 28 years full-time. CM: What do you like most about your job? MC: I like helping the customers find the parts they need. … I live in the same town that I grew up in, so everybody that I deal with I grew up with. Now that the younger kids are starting to take over their parents’ businesses, it’s pretty interesting to see the different styles of how they lead their business and how some of it’s the same as their parents. CM: What’s the strangest question a customer has asked you? MC: I’ve had a lot of them over the years. The most recent one was an older gentlemen who came in and asked how much tire shine was. I told him it was $9.99 for the can that he had. He said, “Can I just spray my tires with it and bring it back to you?” CM: What’s the coolest car you’ve ever owned or worked on? MC: I had a ’77 [Ford] LTD. I brough it from a guy who worked with my dad when I was in high school, and it needed an engine. We were into the big cars in my area that I’m from, so we put about $9,000 worth of engine and transmission under the hood, and rear gears. It was one of the fastest cars in town for a long time, and all my friends still talk about it. CM: Do you have any interesting hobbies? What do you do for fun? MC: Me and my wife like to go to different places and enjoy the different areas. We drive to Williamsburg a lot and take the ferry that goes across the James River. CM: What’s your dream car? MC: I can’t fit into it, but I would love to have a Ford GT. The post Meet the ‘Guess the Car’ Champ: Miles Cross appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

AutoZone reported net sales of $4.1 billion for its fiscal third quarter, a 5.8% year-over-year increase. The quarter ended May 6. Domestic same-store sales, or sales for stores open at least one year, increased 1.9% for the quarter. “I would like to congratulate and thank our entire organization for delivering solid earnings in our third fiscal quarter,” AutoZone CEO Bill Rhodes said. “The hard work of our AutoZoners and their dedication to providing superior customer service, again drove our quarterly performance. While weaker-than-expected sales for the month of March meaningfully affected our results this quarter, we are excited about our initiatives and believe we are well-positioned for future growth.” Operating profit increased 9.3% to $858.5 million. AutoZone said its inventory increased 7.4% over the same period last year, driven by inflation and its growth initiatives. During the quarter, AutoZone opened 22 new stores in the United States, six in Mexico and two in Brazil. As of May 6, the company had 6,248 stores in the United States, 713 in Mexico and 83 in Brazil for a total store count of 7,044. The post AutoZone Fiscal Q3 Sales Jump 6% appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The more time I spent behind the counter, the more I noticed the diversity of customers coming into the store from one day to the next. My theory is that cars are a uniting force in our world. Put simply, they may be the one thing we all share in common. To some of us, cars are simply a way to “get from point A to point B.” Then there are the enthusiasts who look at their car not only as transportation, but also as an extension of their passions, and sometimes, their personalities. I’d say that I fall into the second category. I love cars for a number of reasons. The snarling sound of a European V-8 compared to the rumble of an American V-8 – both are music to my ears! I also tend to make at least some sort of modification to every vehicle I own. It may not be a big upgrade, but something to either add a bit of my own style, or a touch of added convenience. I’m not the type of person who is only interested in horsepower, but I know when a car feels like it’s lacking in that department. However, there are customers out there who want to boost horsepower as much as possible, and they’re willing to shell out some serious cash to make it happen! It’s probably safe to say that you’ve had at least one experience with a customer who is looking to boost their car’s horsepower, even just a little bit. Let’s take a look at what sort of parts this type of customer could be interested in, and what you can do to make the sale. Air Intake High-flow performance filters are a common upgrade. These filters come in a variety of colors. The color is from a dyed oil that’s soaked into the element. The elements typically are a cotton weave, held in place by a wire mesh. The weave is looser than a standard paper air filter, which allows a greater volume of air to pass through. Since the loose weave can’t filter out the smaller particles, it’s soaked in oil, and the particles will, in turn, stick to the oil. Dye is used in the oil so there’s an easily noticeable contrast between the oil and the element, allowing you to ensure that all areas are saturated. These types of filters can flow more air, and drivers may be able to feel a small change in performance. But they do require regular cleaning and re-oiling to maintain their level of performance. You can be confident about selling them and touting the increased flow, but I do warn people that when they clean and oil them, be sure to heed the instructions, and don’t over-oil them. There always have been “rumors” of these types of filters damaging mass airflow sensors, but they’re largely unfounded, and over-oiling them is the only thing that could possibly contribute to this. At the higher end, the customer may choose to install a new intake system. An intake system swaps out the factory air box for a heat shield, or a redesigned air box for better air flow. Power-Adders This next category steps things up a notch. Power-adders are upgrades that are designed to add horsepower, or possibly free up ponies that are being lost along the way. Thanks to the widespread use of turbocharging in modern-day engines, there are plenty of tuning possibilities with these forced-induction engines. Bigger, more efficient intercoolers will help to keep those intake-air temps low. Cooler intake air is denser air, and this means better power and efficiency. There are plenty of opportunities to maximize airflow and efficiency in a turbocharged application. Small gains can be seen by upgrading the charge pipes that carry the charge air from the turbocharger to the intercooler, then from the intercooler to the intake manifold. The small, restrictive stock turbo inlet pipe can be swapped out for an upgraded cast aluminum for better air flow. These may be small gains, but they will start to add up. For the best possible power gains, they may want to consider having the ECU tuned by an aftermarket tuner. High-End Upgrades or Retrofits Our final category comes in at the highest price point, but some of them can bring tremendous power gains. The exhaust system is responsible for carrying away exhaust gases after combustion. The real problem – at least in a car enthusiast’s eyes – is that stock exhausts are quiet. An upgraded downpipe can make a huge sound difference on a turbocharged engine. Aftermarket headers can have a similar effect on naturally aspirated engines. And a cat-back exhaust system (from the catalytic converter back) can benefit any vehicle with a livelier exhaust note. But it’s wise to urge your customers to always adhere to local ordinances and emissions regulations. We already talked about modern engines that are turbocharged from the factory, but what if their vehicle isn’t turbocharged? Well, it’s possible, of course, to retrofit a turbocharger or supercharger onto a naturally aspirated engine, but that brings a whole new level of complication and cost. And let’s not forget our customers with supercharged engines, such as the Pontiac Grand Prix GTP, Audi S4 and Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. There are a number of vehicles out there with supercharged engines. One of the easiest ways to gain power in these applications would be by installing a new supercharger pulley. This smaller-diameter pulley causes the supercharger to spin faster, increasing the amount of boost it can generate. After this, the crankshaft pulley can be replaced with a larger one, increasing the amount of overdrive to the supercharger. Speaking from experience, with both of these pulleys and the required ECU tune on a 2013 Audi S4, the difference is night and day! The car went from being quick to snapping your head back into the headrest. These are just a few examples of upgrades that can be used to boost horsepower. I would urge you to spend some time looking through your catalogs and familiarizing yourself with the offerings inside. Chances are you’ll have an opportunity to sell upgraded parts to a customer soon! The post Aftermarket Upgrades for More Horsepower appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

KYB has announced a newly updated video training series. The 2023 Service Professional Video Training Series provides technicians, shop owners and service providers detailed information to help increase shock sales and better maintain their customers’ vehicles. “In our efforts to provide service professionals with the best training in the aftermarket, we are excited to announce the release our new service professional online training course,” KYB National Training Manager Erick Kinnunen said. “This course is designed to show the value in maintaining shocks and struts, and the importance of restoring or improving a vehicle’s original-designed handling and control by using the correct KYB part.” The KYB Service Professional Video Training Series consists of six short videos, each being followed by a short quiz. Professionals will learn the importance of including shocks and struts in regular vehicle maintenance, how shocks work and wear, identifying worn shocks, making the proper recommendations and installing the correct part. Each user who completes the video training series will receive a newly designed KYB Training short-sleeved t-shirt. Service professionals who completed the original version of the KYB Video Training Series are still eligible, can use their previous sign-in and receive the new T-shirt as well. The interactive, self-paced KYB Video Training Series can be found at www.kyb.com/training. The post KYB Announces Updated Video Training Series appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

More than 2.5 million vehicles that have been tagged with “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside” safety recalls remain unrepaired as of May 1, CARFAX data shows. Ten states have more than 70,000 of these vehicles driving on their roads, with California leading the way. California: 245,000 Texas: 242,000 Florida: 237,000 New York: 118,000 Pennsylvania: 106,000 Ohio: 101,000 Georgia: 96,000 Illinois: 92,000 North Carolina: 85,000 Arizona: 71,000 “Despite efforts by state and federal governments – and the auto industry itself – too many consumers are driving in vehicles that have been deemed too dangerous to drive, or that shouldn’t be parked in or near a home for fear of a fire,” said Faisal Hasan, general manager for Data at CARFAX. “Officials and communities need to break through consumer recall notice fatigue and drive home the message: We can save lives today by getting these recalls fixed.” “Do Not Drive” and “Park Outside” notifications are recalls issued by automakers and federal safety officials. A “Do Not Drive” recall advises drivers not to operate their vehicles because a serious safety issue could lead to an accident or physical harm. A “Park Outside” recall is issued for vehicles with a high risk of causing a fire, and owners are advised to park these vehicles outside of garages and parking structures, and away from buildings. These recalls are rarely issued. There are about 200 separate models from various automakers, over multiple model years, for which “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside” safety recalls have been issued. See that list here. Consumers can check – for free – to see if their car has any open recall at Carfax.com/recall. The post CARFAX: Number of Cars with Recalls ‘Alarmingly High’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The AAM Group presented awards to eight supplier partners at its recent annual membership meeting held May 9-11 in Frisco, Texas. Highlighted by the Partnership and Group Impact Awards, the categories also included Data Quality, Fastest Growing, Manpower Excellence, Marketing Excellence, Product Innovation, Profit Generator and Shipping Excellence. Supplier Partner Winners For the second-consecutive year, Lippert accepted the Partnership Award, which honors the supplier that demonstrated outstanding overall performance across all the award categories. AAM brands under the Lippert umbrella include ARIES, CURT, LUVERNE, Ranch Hand and UWS. The Group Impact Award went to the Warn Industries family of brands for its contributions to the success and growth of AAM headquarters, members and resellers. AAM brands under the Warn Industries umbrella include Fab Fours, Fabtech, Factor 55 and WARN. Presented with the Data Quality Award, BedRug earned special recognition for the quality and completeness of its product data. DECKED took home the Fastest Growing and Marketing Excellence Awards for achieving the largest sales growth as measured as a percentage over the previous year and for exceptional marketing concepts and execution, respectively. Retrax accepted the Manpower Excellence Award for fielding the most robust outside sales presence, including actively maintaining strong relationships with retailers and warehouses. Go Rhino won the Product Innovation Award for its E1 Electric Running Boards. The Profit Generator Award, presented to BAK Industries, recognized the supplier partner that generated the greatest opportunity for profit across distribution and retail. The Shipping Excellence Award went to ARC Lighting, which demonstrated the best overall purchase order fulfillment rate. ARC repeated as a winner in this category. Ambassador Award Winners AAM also named three recipients of the Ambassador Award, given to key individuals who provided unique and extraordinary support of member distributors over the last year. Patrick Cripe (Lippert) Chris Greer (RealTruck, Inc.) Matt McShane (Fab Fours) The post AAM Group Honors Top Suppliers, Contributors at Annual Meeting appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) recently introduced ProProctor, a remote testing option available for all ASE recertification tests, except for the L1 and L2 tests. ProProctor makes it more convenient for service professionals to take recertification tests without visiting a test center. All tests must be scheduled in advance, and test takers are continuously monitored by multiple live proctors during the testing process. ASE offers five helpful tips to make the ProProctor test-taking process easier and less stressful: Consider selecting a test date more than four days in the future to allow time to download and install the Chrome browser and ProProctor application, complete the system readiness check to confirm that your computer or laptop meets system and resolution requirements, and connect a movable web camera. Read the appointment confirmation email or registration ticket to confirm that the selected date, time including AM/PM, and test(s) are accurate and for important need-to-know information. Before the day of your scheduled appointment, select a room in your home or business that is well-lit with solid walls (no window walls or window doors) and a solid door that can be closed. Ensure the room and workstation are clutter-free. Read the remote testing rules to adjust the testing environment accordingly. Be sure that no person or pet is present in the testing environment or enters the room once testing has begun. Review the remote testing user guide before the day of your scheduled appointment. The guide link is included on the appointment confirmation email and registration ticket. Click here to view a fact sheet about remote testing and to learn more about the ASE remote testing option, visit ASE.com/proproctor. The post 5 Tips for ASE ProProctor Testing appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Advance Auto Parts, official auto parts retailer of NASCAR and entitlement sponsor of the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series (NAAPWS), announced the five NASCAR short tracks moving into the final round of fan voting in the third-annual Advance My Track Challenge. The following tracks will be part of the final round of voting took place May 9-15. Each of these tracks received the most votes in their region during the first round of voting, which took place April 4 through May 5. The final round includes an additional track that received the next-highest number of votes among all regions. • West: Alaska Raceway Park (Palmer, Alaska) • Midwest: Adams County Speedway (Corning, Iowa) • Southeast: Florence Motor Speedway (Timmonsville, S.C.) • Northeast: Autodrome Granby (Granby, Quebec, Canada) • Fifth finalist: Fonda Speedway (Fonda, N.Y.) Each track finalist will receive $5,000 while the track with the most votes will win $50,000. Tracks can use their winnings to support facility enhancements or to establish local community-based programs. Fans can show their support and vote for their favorite track by visiting AdvanceMyTrack.com. “Since the Advance My Track Challenge first launched in 2021, we have seen the enthusiasm and passion race fans across North America have for their local tracks,” said Jason McDonell, Advance’s executive vice president of merchandising, marketing and eCommerce. “It’s clear that tracks can use their prize winnings to truly make a difference and improve the overall experience for race teams and fans. We’re proud to be part of a program that advances the sport of local racing, and we look forward to continuing our efforts by crowning this year’s winning track.” This year’s Advance My Track Challenge featured 25 NASCAR-sanctioned home tracks across the United States and Canada participating in the program’s first round of voting. Previous winners of the Advance My Track Challenge include Berlin Raceway (Grand Rapids, Michigan) and Jennerstown Speedway (Jennerstown, Pennsylvania). Berlin Raceway won the inaugural program in 2021 and used the $50,000 grand prize to build a new spectator deck and upgrade its main concession stand. Jennerstown Speedway was last year’s winner, and their winnings went toward the construction of a family friendly, ADA-compliant restroom facility. The post 5 Tracks Vie for $50K in ‘Advance My Track Challenge’ appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

FleetPride has acquired the assets of Zender’s Truck & Equipment, Parts & Service Inc., based in Bellingham, Washington. Zender’s has been providing parts and service to the heavy-duty trucking industry for more than 20 years. This acquisition is part of FleetPride’s strategy to continue expanding its presence in the heavy-duty aftermarket. “We’re delighted to welcome Bruce and the entire Zender’s team to the FleetPride family, with their wide-ranging expertise, outstanding service, and loyal customers,” said Mike Harris, FleetPride president of parts and service. “Zender’s Truck & Equipment has a strong culture, which is reflected in their talent and robust customer following that fits very well with our vision and values. We look forward to supporting the Zender’s team.” Bruce Zender, owner of Zender’s Truck & Equipment, Parts & Service, added, “Joining FleetPride is a tremendous opportunity for our team and customers. This move will help us to continue to provide superior customer service and support for our customers.” This acquisition gives customers in northwest Washington access to FleetPride’s advanced supply chain and provides future employees with career development opportunities, including FleetPride Tech University. In addition, it marks the company’s first service location on the West Coast. “Establishing a comprehensive parts and service national footprint maximizes our ability to support customers with technical expertise in local markets we serve,” added Harris. “It also enables large regional and national fleets to leverage our scale for greater uptime, and lets them access our broad assortment of products, and e-commerce solutions on FleetPride.com.” More information on joining the FleetPride network is available at FleetPride.com/acquisitions. The post FleetPride Acquires Zender’s Truck & Equipment appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

In August of last year, NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.), Inc. announced the intention to change the company name. On its face, a name change may seem pretty straightforward, but for this iconic global ignition and sensor specialist, this rebranding brings a whole host of new opportunities. The new name – Niterra North America, Inc. – which became effective on April 1, is a combination of the Latin words “Niteo,” for shine, and “Terra,” for planet Earth. The company said the new branding reflects its future vision and expanding portfolio of products and services. According to Tracy Neil, corporate communications manager, the new logo features a yellow dot signifying a torch shining on the earth, while the green color, uniquely named, “Earth Green” is a depiction of what the earth looks like from space. “Together it conveys our message that we will continue to contribute to society and the environment in the future,” Neil explained. While a new name and logo have been introduced in English, the Japanese language corporate name will not change, the company said. And, more importantly, the well-known NGK and NTK brand names and logos will still be utilized in the marketplace for spark plug- and ceramic-related products. “It is an exciting time in the long and storied history of NGK Spark Plug, LTD.,” said Michael Schwab, president and CEO, in making the initial announcement. “We are becoming an increasingly progressive corporation as we strive to meet our vision for the future. A future where we expand our core ceramic technologies, explore capabilities beyond our traditional areas, and challenge ourselves to develop solutions and services that use technologies to resolve social issues while contributing to a sustainable society.” That future includes quite a bit of change, explained Brian Norko, senior vice president – commercial business operations. “What it boiled down to in the conversations that have been taking place for several years now, was what was going on with internal combustion engines,” said Norko. “At the time, Mr. Odo, Representative Director Chairman of the Board, made an announcement to all the NGK/NTK employees worldwide – which is around 16,000 employees – that NGK Spark Plugs will create and transform their business portfolio to deliver new value in the face of an ever-changing future. So, they worked on a name change. And, the name change was really [intended] for investors, as we have these meetings upstream in terms of mergers and acquisitions, and downstream in terms of platforms and technologies that get us closer to the customer.” The name change also was intended to represent the numerous other opportunities the company is stepping into with the launch of the Niterra Group Venture Lab, which aims to nurture startups and develop competitive technologies in the mobility space as well as the medical and utilities segments – utilizing the company’s core competence in ceramic technologies as its foundation for growth. “We want to do things with Niterra that meet large-scale global environmental changes, while addressing society’s issues and challenges through our products and technology to contribute to a sustainable society,” said Norko. Four-Pillar Structure To that end, Niterra will do business under what Norko described as a “Four-Pillar Structure,” that will focus investment and business opportunities in Mobility, Energy, Communications and Healthcare. “Niterra is focusing on four strategies that when people think of NGK Spark Plugs, they have no idea that we’re into medical. People think of sensors as ADAS. But right now, we’re working with a company in Japan to use our sensing technology for shrimp farming. Our sensors can track the water temperature, the pollutants in the water, when it needs fresh water, and when food is needed for the shrimp. Again, our sensing technology is what we do at our core, but people would never realize that we’re doing that outside of automotive, as well.” Norko added that today roughly 20-30 percent of Niterra employees are working on new business, and he’s seeing their customers transitioning their employees to do the same – particularly the automakers with their increasing focus on EVs. “I think it’s important to note that this reflects a turn beyond mobility, beyond just the automotive, OE and aftermarket space,” said David Varady, Sr., marketing manager, brand & creative, Aftermarket Division, who worked closely on the rebranding initiative. “This is really going to broaden the space that we can play in and represents our vast technological capabilities.” Norko added that given Niterra’s history, strong customer relationships, extensive engineering capabilities and strong financial foundation, the company is in an excellent position to help some of these young startups that have great products and great technologies but perhaps not the other assets to get their products out to the OE and aftermarket sectors. “Niterra has the ability to do that with our customer-facing engineering expertise, our manufacturing expertise, and the overall health of our company,” said Norko. “We’re already through the door and all this equity can be used to help bring them to market.” Planting New Seeds Like the old Chinese proverb goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” Niterra officially launched its new name and branding with a celebration aptly coinciding with Earth Month. At its Wixom, Michigan-based U.S. headquarters, the company hosted a celebration for employees that partnered with One Tree Planted, a nonprofit organization focused on global reforestation. As part of the festivities, each Niterra associate was given a tree kit to plant at home and a tree gifted in their name. An initial donation was also provided to a representative of One Tree Planted, contributing nearly 7,000 trees to the partnership. Additional fundraising and employee engagement activities will continue supporting One Tree Planted reforestation efforts throughout the year, including an associate tree planting event. At the event, employees also were given Niterra-branded lunchboxes made entirely of recycled materials. “We are thrilled to be partnering with One Tree Planted,” said Schwab. “Every organization needs to think about their effects on the planet and give back to the environment to ensure a sustainable future. Trees are vital to our environment, and this organization is making a tremendous environmental impact with their reforestation projects.” The post Meet Niterra North America appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

When you fix cars for a long time, you hear some crazy stuff – like putting cornmeal in the radiator to stop a leak. It’s true. That used to be one of the “backyard” remedies floating around. I hate to earn the “Captain Obvious” nickname, but I’m willing to take the chance. So just in case, before I go any further, let me be clear: Do NOT do that. Another old falsity that used to float around was that if your thermostat was stuck, causing engine overheating, all you had to do was simply remove it. In an emergency, this would at least get you home, but again, not an acceptable repair. This one, however, is at least understandable as we get into the evolution of thermostats. The majority of early automobiles utilized a cooling system known as a thermosyphon system. There was no thermostat or water pump. The hot coolant would rise upward through the engine, out through the upper radiator hose and into the upper radiator tank. Water becomes denser as it cools, and as it did, it would fall downward through the radiator, into the lower tank and then back into the engine. This type of system worked fairly well for the time, but heavy use often caused overheating, and the use of a thermostat and water pump was a necessary advancement as cars got heavier and more powerful. Bellows-Style Thermostats Leaving out a few obscure short-lived designs, early thermostats utilized a bellows system (see Figure 1). Inside the bellows was a liquid that, when heated, would change into a gas. As the liquid boiled and changed to gas, the bellows would expand, opening the valve to allow coolant to flow. These were susceptible to failure, and they also were affected by pressure changes. This was not a problem early on, because early cooling systems were not pressurized. Once we began to utilize pressurized cooling systems, the pressure built in the system sometimes would force these shut and cause overheating. Figure 1 The solution was the wax-style of thermostat (see Figure 2) in which the wax changed from a solid state to a liquid, eliminating the pressure effect on the previous liquid-to-gas style. A piston in the wax pushed a rod that opened the valve. A spring was utilized to force the valve shut as the wax cooled and returned to a solid. This style of thermostat became the standard thermostat of the time, and by the 1960s was the primary thermostat in use for new cars, as well as direct replacement for any that still had a bellows-style. Figure 2 Double-Valve Thermostats While this overall design stood the test of time, there was one evolutionary change to it with the double-valve thermostat (see Figure 3). The double-valve thermostat, in conjunction with cooling system design, allowed more precise temperature control. To understand this, you first have to understand thermostat bypass. It is beneficial for coolant to flow through the engine when the thermostat is closed – to eliminate hot spots, allow the engine to warm up evenly, improve fuel vaporization and allow sufficient warm coolant to flow past the thermostat so it opens when needed. Figure 3 Although various different bypass designs were used on early thermostat-controlled systems, most American cars in the 1960s utilized an open bypass (a whole other article) along with the traditional wax thermostat in Figure 2. Fuel injection, fuel economy and reduced emissions demanded more precise temperature control, and that’s where the double-valve thermostat came into place. When the thermostat is closed, it allows all the coolant to circulate back through the engine to provide an even warm up. As the thermostat begins to open, it allows some coolant to flow to the radiator, yet some to circulate back into the engine. When the temperature rises above a certain point, the thermostat opens fully, blocking the bypass and sending all coolant to the radiator. This overall operation allows the engine to remain at a very consistent operating temperature by preventing a drastic hot/cold change each time the thermostat opens. A review of what a thermostat does is the best way to understand why they’re so important on today’s engines. By blocking coolant flow to the radiator, it allows the engine to warm up quickly, which is important for drivability, heater performance and emissions. The thermostat opens fully at a specified temperature to allow coolant to flow into the radiator. A thermostat rating is part of cooling-system design because they also must give the coolant enough time in the radiator to cool off. Installing a cooler thermostat doesn’t always mean the engine will run cooler. Even more critical as engine-management technology continues to advance, extremely precise control of engine temperature is necessary to maximize fuel economy and minimize emissions. Electronically Controlled Thermostats This need for this precision brought about the latest thermostat in the evolutionary chain: the electronically controlled thermostat (Figure 3). Fuel economy, power output and emissions all are affected by engine rpm, load and temperature, and to obtain the highest efficiency possible under all operating conditions, we must have infinite control over temperature. With the electronically controlled thermostat, the vehicle computer now has that control. Their operation is almost exactly what we’re already used to. They’re still wax-operated but designed to open at a failsafe temperature to keep the engine from overheating. The electronic part is a heater that heats the wax to cause the thermostat to open or close exactly as needed. If the electronic circuit fails, the thermostat still will open in time to prevent overheating. An electronic thermostat requires a scan tool for circuit monitoring and control during diagnosis. Coupled with other cooling-system advancements such as electric fan control, variable-flow coolant pumps and active grille shutters, it’s safe to say modern cooling systems are dialed in. It’s a far cry from throwing the thermostat out and dumping in some cornmeal. The post Automotive Thermostats Through the Years appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

On May 1, MAHLE Aftermarket officially launched its first-ever “Powered by MAHLE” engine giveaway sweepstakes. The social media-driven promotion offers participants the chance to win a brand-new Chevy LS engine. The sweepstakes will be conducted through the MAHLE USA Facebook and Instagram social media pages. Participants just need to share a photo of their current engine, repair or maintenance project and tag MAHLE’s social account in the post. Full program details are available on the MAHLE Facebook and Instagram pages. “We thrive as a vehicle aftermarket supplier because of the unwavering support we receive from our loyal enthusiasts. That’s why it’s so important that we find opportunities to reward our followers through fun and unique contests that reflect their interests,” said Jon Douglas, president, MAHLE Aftermarket North America. “We especially love to develop programs that bring together our sponsors and business partners to be a part of these promotions and bring them to life for our followers.” The Chevy LS engine will be built by Tri-Star Engines and Transmissions, located in Baldwin, Wisconsin, featuring all applicable premium MAHLE components. This is the first in a series of four engine giveaways that will be a part of the “Powered by MAHLE” social media-based sweepstakes throughout 2023, with additional engines being provided by MAHLE engine-building partners up for grabs in the months of July, August and October. At the conclusion of the month of May, the first winner in the promotional giveaway will be selected at random from among all entries. A formal announcement about the winner of the inaugural “Powered by MAHLE” engine giveaway will be made in June. In addition to the engine, winners will be provided entry to the Performance Racing Industry show in Indianapolis in December and a one-night hotel stay featuring a dinner with Team MAHLE professionals. Additional engine builders will work with MAHLE to build the other three engines that will be awarded throughout this one-of-a-kind program. All entries received during May will be eligible for the additional months’ sweepstakes drawings. For more information about MAHLE Aftermarket and its brands, visit the MAHLE Aftermarket website or contact your local sales representative. No purchase is necessary. The post MAHLE Aftermarket Launches ‘Powered by MAHLE’ Giveaway appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

On May 1, MAHLE Aftermarket officially launched its first-ever “Powered by MAHLE” engine giveaway sweepstakes. The social media-driven promotion offers participants the chance to win a brand-new Chevy LS engine. The sweepstakes will be conducted through the MAHLE USA Facebook and Instagram social media pages. Participants just need to share a photo of their current engine, repair or maintenance project and tag MAHLE’s social account in the post. Full program details are available on the MAHLE Facebook and Instagram pages. “We thrive as a vehicle aftermarket supplier because of the unwavering support we receive from our loyal enthusiasts. That’s why it’s so important that we find opportunities to reward our followers through fun and unique contests that reflect their interests,” said Jon Douglas, president, MAHLE Aftermarket North America. “We especially love to develop programs that bring together our sponsors and business partners to be a part of these promotions and bring them to life for our followers.” The Chevy LS engine will be built by Tri-Star Engines and Transmissions, located in Baldwin, Wisconsin, featuring all applicable premium MAHLE components. This is the first in a series of four engine giveaways that will be a part of the “Powered by MAHLE” social media-based sweepstakes throughout 2023, with additional engines being provided by MAHLE engine-building partners up for grabs in the months of July, August and October. At the conclusion of the month of May, the first winner in the promotional giveaway will be selected at random from among all entries. A formal announcement about the winner of the inaugural “Powered by MAHLE” engine giveaway will be made in June. In addition to the engine, winners will be provided entry to the Performance Racing Industry show in Indianapolis in December and a one-night hotel stay featuring a dinner with Team MAHLE professionals. Additional engine builders will work with MAHLE to build the other three engines that will be awarded throughout this one-of-a-kind program. All entries received during May will be eligible for the additional months’ sweepstakes drawings. For more information about MAHLE Aftermarket and its brands, visit the MAHLE Aftermarket website or contact your local sales representative. No purchase is necessary. The post MAHLE Aftermarket Launches ‘Powered by MAHLE’ Giveaway appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Pick a parking lot, any parking lot, and you can tell what spaces get used the most by the number of oil spots. It’s easy to think of it as just a mess, but the unfortunate reality is it’s a bigger cause of pollution than meets the eye. Who remembers the Exxon Valdez? It was huge news in 1989 as the damaged oil tanker spilled almost 11 million gallons of oil into the ocean. If that seems terrible, think of this: It’s estimated that in America alone, we contaminate our water supply with approximately 180 million gallons of oil every year, and it comes out of our cars! When an engine is running, oil is everywhere inside. It splashes and runs all over the place, so just like a rainstorm will find a leak in your roof, if oil can find even the tiniest of holes, it will seep out. Aside from the environmental affects, it tends to coat the outside of the engine and the engine compartment, making it difficult to pinpoint the source. Most of the time, oil leaks aren’t discovered until there are drops in the driveway, or when a look under the hood discovers the problem – which means it’s already had plenty of time to make a mess. Professionally, they sometimes can be hard to find, but generally speaking, there are only a few common causes that make up the majority of the leaks “on the road.” Starting From the Top Valve-cover gaskets are one of the most common leaks. They’re on the top of an engine (the majority of the time), and when they leak, the oil runs down over everything. The big problem with this is if there’s another source of an oil leak, it will be hard to identify because it will be overrun by the oil from the cover gasket. In addition, oil can be very damaging and when it comes from the top down, it gets on hoses, wiring and other components that can slowly degrade from continuous exposure. This leads me to another point. Often, cleaning is the first step to finding a leak and to prevent it from damaging other components. Engine degreaser, cleaning brushes, shop towels and some form of oil-dry are excellent upsells. Valve-cover gaskets also are a common culprit for causing hidden leaks. A vast majority of the vehicles on the road feature a combustion-chamber design that locates the spark plug in the center of the combustion chamber, meaning access is through the valve cover. This requires spark plug tube seals to prevent oil from getting into the plug well and on the plug-wire boots. Regardless of the type of ignition, the plug-wire boots will be damaged if oil gets on them. If someone is replacing this style of valve-cover gasket, it’s a perfect time to sell plugs and wires while they’re in there, or if they’re doing plugs, why not sell a new cover-gasket set to prevent these leaks before they happen? Pressurized Leaks Most leaks are oil that simply finds a way out due to an aged gasket or seal, but some have a little extra help. Pressurized leaks (at least that’s what I call them) originate from a component that is directly connected to the oil-pressure circuit, such as an oil-pressure switch or the oil filter itself. Filters are easy to see, but switches, oil-galley plugs and filter flanges often are buried. An indication of a pressurized leak is one that starts to drip shortly after the engine is started and continues dripping at a consistent pace. Common Mistakes One of the most common service mistakes in general is not replacing the oil-pan drain-plug gasket during an oil change. Sure, you might get away with it once, but they’re designed to be replaced every time, and the telltale drop of oil that always hangs off the bottom of the drain plug is the giveaway. Who knows how many gallons a year this mistake alone could add up to! When replacing the oil filter, it should be routine to clean the filter flange and make sure the old seal isn’t stuck to it. But many people still ignore the practice. A dirty flange will prevent a good seal, and if the old seal is stuck to it, you’ll be faced with a major leak. Another common cause of leaks originates from using the incorrect gasket. There’s something to be said for quality, but there’s something to be said for the original design of a gasket too. Cork and cork-rubber gaskets are old news and old technology, but in many cases, they’re still the best for their application. This generally is a reference to vintage automobiles. The easiest way to know is to look up what the original style of gasket was. If a cork variation was original, and the engine still features original components, then stick with cork. Many of these engines featured rough cast surfaces on which a cork gasket would conform. In some cases, a rubber replacement will work, but generally, many new rubber seals are designed to work with smooth, machined surfaces. I’ve seen the most advanced gaskets in the world leak like a sieve, only to have an original cork seal it up in an instant. If you stick with the OE style of gaskets, it’s an easy way to ensure success. Shaft Seals Shaft seals, referring to crankshaft, camshaft and/or intermediate shaft seals, are common leak sources when an engine starts to get some miles on it. These seals see a lot of abuse due to the fact that the shaft is continuously rotating inside it when the engine is running. A thin film of oil keeps the shaft from instantly gripping the lip of the seal and ripping it to shreds, and on most seals, a small spring on the inside keeps the lip tensioned against the shaft. When these begin to leak, the oil has a tendency to get on the timing belt, if equipped, which can spell disaster. Often, the leaks can be seen originating from the area of the shaft, and if oil is present after removing the timing-belt cover, you can bet one or more is leaking. These seals can harden and leak with age, but lack of oil changes creates acidity in the oil that will damage them and shorten their life. This is yet another reason that regular oil changes are important. Installation Any gasket or seal is only as good as the installation. Many gaskets or seals are designed for low-torque applications, and some have very specific spots to apply a sealant. Following manufacturer instructions is the only way to do it. Too high or too low a torque can ruin the job, and “more is better” is not the slogan of any sealant company I know of. Since many gaskets call for small amounts of sealant, this also is another great upsell. When it comes to shaft seals with a spring-tensioned lip, a common practice is to use a small amount of grease to hold the spring in place, preventing it from falling out during seal installation. A good engine assembly grease should be used for this, since it will dissolve in engine oil. Fixing oil leaks is good for business. You sell parts. But it’s even better for the world and future generations. The post Common Causes of Oil Leaks appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Photo caption: GM ASEP students from Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny, Iowa, Joseph Njue (left) and Tyler Tessman (right) work on an engine donated by GM in October 2022. (Photo courtesy of Des Moines Area Community College) In recognition of National Skilled Trades Day, celebrated on the first Wednesday in May each year, General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales (CCA) is recognizing the vital role that the more than 40,000 skilled auto technicians across GM dealerships bring to the GM owner experience. Through “Bring Us Your Talent,” GM’s marketing initiative to help GM dealers recruit and train new talent to fill the technician gap, unique career stories and journeys will be shared across several GM platforms including: The future of automotive talent – A video highlighting GM Automotive Service Educational Program (ASEP) students sharing their journeys with Dale Earnhardt Jr., who knows firsthand the importance of under-the-hood expertise. What GM-certified automotive technicians are saying: Stories from automotive technicians at all levels on why they chose their career path, life on the job, advancement and more. These stories, along with information on pursuing career opportunities as an automotive technician at a GM dealer through GM ASEP, are live on BringUsYourTalent.com. GM brand social channels will also be featuring content honoring the experts who help keep us on the road. “With the progression of automotive technologies and the shift to electric vehicles, there is an ever-growing demand for skilled technician talent,” said John Roth, GM global vice president, Customer Care and Aftersales. “Not just today, but every day, we appreciate our dealership technicians who bring us their skills and continue to advance their training to take care of our customers.” “Bring Us Your Talent” launched in May 2021 to coincide with National Skilled Trades Day and targets potential talent with educational content on automotive technician career opportunities. The initiative also provides marketing and advertising assets to dealerships to help them drive technician recruitment and industry awareness in their markets. These efforts have helped to attract and build a pipeline of talent. Enrollment in the 51 ASEP schools across the United States is the highest it has been in 10 years. The post GM Celebrates Automotive Technicians on Skilled Trades Day appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Peterson Manufacturing announced the hiring of Bryan Dempsey as director of fleet sales. In this new position, Dempsey will build strong relationships and strategic partnerships, assess customer needs and recommend product solutions, and drive revenue growth and customer satisfaction, according to the company. Dempsey comes to Peterson with eight years of industry experience as manager of fleet maintenance for FedEx Ground, leading a talented team responsible for oversight of all fleet-maintenance categories nationwide. “Throughout his career, Dempsey has been responsible for specifying and maintaining the safest equipment possible, a perfect fit for the Peterson philosophy and strategy,” the company said in a news release. “His extensive knowledge of the complex challenges facing fleets and understanding of the importance of maintaining equipment to the highest safety standards will ensure the growth of Peterson’s fleet customer segment and play a pivotal role in supporting the needs of our current fleet customers.” Dempsey was an officer in the U.S. Air Force prior to FedEx Ground. He holds a B.S. in manufacturing engineering from Robert Morris University in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Sarah, currently reside on their farm in Eastern Ohio. “In today’s environment, our customer’s needs are constantly changing,” said Al Anderson, vice president of sales & marketing for Peterson Manufacturing. “At Peterson, we believe that one of the best ways to understand those needs is to have someone working with our customers who knows firsthand about their pain points and just how important it is to reduce downtime and increase efficiencies.We believe that with Bryan on board, we can truly engage with our fleet customers and offer fully customizable solutions.” The post Bryan Dempsey Joins Peterson as Director of Fleet Sales appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

The popularity of turbocharged gasoline engines has surged over the past 20 years. According to the Department of Energy, approximately 1% of all 2000-model-year light-duty vehicles were turbocharged. Fast-forward to today, and more than one-third of all light-duty vehicles are turbocharged. So, why the rapid change? That’s simple: fuel-economy standards. Current CAFE standards call for automakers to increase the average fuel economy of their lineups to 54.5 mpg by 2025. To meet these regulations, automakers have needed to innovate. This innovation has led to the advent of new technologies that have changed the entire industry. Today, automakers are building vehicles that are safer than ever before, with more creature comforts. They’re more powerful despite the fact that the engines are smaller in displacement – yet the average customer doesn’t realize that anything has changed. Two of the key technologies that have helped to boost fuel economy and horsepower with less displacement are gasoline direct injection and turbocharging. Direct Injection These systems are able to measure and control the amount of fuel entering the combustion chamber more accurately, boosting fuel economy and maximizing power output. The low-pressure fuel pump is mounted inside the fuel tank, and it sends fuel through the fuel lines and up to the high-pressure fuel pump. This pump is mounted on the engine and is driven by a special lobe on the camshaft. The fuel pressure then is increased to extremely high pressures; some applications may see 3,000 to 5,000 psi. The fuel then travels to the injectors that are mounted inside the cylinder head and injected directly into the combustion chamber. Why does the fuel pressure need to be so high? Port fuel injectors spray fuel in a vacuum, and that vacuum draws the fuel vapors into the combustion chamber. Direct injectors need to be able to overcome the higher pressures seen inside the combustion chamber, so the fuel pressure needs to be much higher compared to port injection. The increased fuel pressure has another benefit: The fuel is able atomize much better compared to port fuel injection. The more atomized the fuel is, the better it burns, and the engine can run much more efficiently. Turbocharging Turbocharging allows automakers to build engines that produce more power with less displacement, and sometimes with fewer cylinders. How does a turbocharger work? Let’s talk about it in simple terms. Gasoline engines burn a mixture of air and fuel. The engine can only draw in a fixed amount of air on its own, so the ECU controls the amount of fuel added to the combustion chamber to maintain the optimum air and fuel mixture. Turbochargers increase the air flow into the engine. This means that more fuel can be added, and the engine can make more power. Inside the turbocharger you’ll see a shaft with a turbine wheel on one end, and a compressor wheel on the other. The turbine is driven by exhaust gasses leaving the engine. This spins the compressor wheel that forces more air into the intake manifold. This increased air flow and pressure is known as boost, or charge air. The charge air typically passes through an intercooler or heat exchanger; this removes some of the heat and makes the air denser. The air then travels to the combustion chamber. A Winning Combination GDI and turbocharging each have their advantages, but when combined, they offer even more. In many late-model vehicles, lower-displacement engines with GDI are able to produce 20% more power with 20% less displacement when compared to bigger engines from a decade ago. Everywhere you look, it seems that engines have gotten smaller in displacement. Ford has its EcoBoost four-cylinder and V-6 engines, Nissan/Infiniti has its 3-liter VR engines and Chevrolet recently started offering a 2.7-liter turbo in the Silverado. Ford and Chevy also offer three-cylinder turbo engines in some of their smaller offerings. These smaller-displacement engines offer better fuel economy than the engines they’re replacing, but without turbocharging they wouldn’t be able to offer the same sort of power. This is where smarter boost comes into play. Smaller-displacement engines can use smaller turbos to fill in gaps in the powerband. Smaller turbos are able to spool up faster, leading to better response and more predictable power delivery. Modern turbos are mounted closer to the engine than ever before. This means the exhaust gasses don’t have to travel as far once they leave the combustion chamber, and the turbo can spool up faster. Add-On Sales Opportunities As parts professionals, it’s our job to know how these systems work, and what our customers need to know whenever they’re replacing components in the system. Here are a few tips and tricks to be aware of next time you’re selling GDI or turbocharger parts. The fuel system needs to be depressurized before starting a repair. There are a number of ways this can be achieved. Your customers could remove the relay for the supply pump inside the fuel tank and crank the engine. With no supply of fuel, the HPFP won’t have anything to pressurize. However, a better alternative is to use a scan tool to depressurize the system. This method typically redirects the fuel back to the fuel tank, so it won’t put any strain on the system. They can confirm that the fuel system has been depressurized by checking the reading from the fuel-pressure sensor. Your customers should pay close attention to the seals on the injectors. In most applications, the seal ring that seals the injector to the combustion chamber cannot be reused. These seals often are made of materials such as Teflon and will require special tools to install them. The seal needs to be carefully and uniformly stretched as it slides into position. Then it’s resized to fit into the groove on the end of the injector. It’s best to check the OE service information whenever servicing the injectors. The high-pressure fuel line is another component that may not be reusable during service. In many applications, the fittings on the ends of the line will have a sealant applied inside the threads, or the fitting may stretch or crush during install to form a tight seal. You also might see a yellow tag or sticker on the fuel line that says, “HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LINE, DO NOT REUSE,” or something similar. During turbocharger service, it’s important to avoid some of the most common installation errors. An example would be failing to properly clean gasket surfaces, neglecting to replace gaskets during service or failing to clear out debris from a previous failure. A restricted or blocked oil-supply line can quickly lead to oil starvation and turbocharger failure. Your customers always should clean the area where the engine-oil supply and return lines connect to the engine crankcase, being sure to prevent any debris from entering the engine oil or crankcase. Oil contamination can lead to additional engine damage. Always remove and inspect the engine-oil supply and return lines for blockage or restriction, or replace them entirely. Finally, always replace the crush seals on banjo-bolt connections. The post Turbochargers and GDI: A Winning Combination appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

From its humble beginnings as a piston-ring supplier to Toyota in the 1940s, Honda now is the world’s largest manufacturer of internal combustion engines. Aside from automobiles and motorcycles, Honda also makes engines for lawn and garden equipment, generators, ATVs, personal watercraft and outboard engines for boats. That may skew the numbers a little, but it still adds up to more than 23 million units annually. Bigger than Harley-Davidson, Honda also is the largest global manufacturer of motorcycles, and the company remains the No. 2 Japanese automaker, right behind the company that gave founder Soichiro Honda his start! In the automotive market, Honda has the distinction of introducing the first North American hybrid vehicle (the 2000-model-year Insight beat the OG Prius to market by about six months), as well as being the first Japanese manufacturer to offer a luxury brand. The Acura nameplate debuted with two models (the Legend and Integra) in 1986, four years ahead of the first Infiniti (Nissan) and Lexus (Toyota) models. When it comes to decoding the past 20 years of Honda VINs, most of the standard rules apply. The first character of the VIN will identify the country of origin, with “J” identifying Japanese-built Hondas. North American-built vehicles will display “1, “5” or “7” for the U.S., “2” for Canada and “3” for Mexican-assembled units. The lead “7” is a relatively new addition to the list of U.S.-built WMI codes; in this case the WMI “7FA” is assigned to the Indiana SUV plant. Other U.S. companies with “7” VINs include Tesla and Rivian. Honda maintained an assembly plant in the United Kingdom through 2021, so there are some Civics and CR-Vs with a VIN that begins with “S” – the identifier for the U.K., more commonly seen on Jaguar and Land Rover VINs. VIN positions 4 through 6 are combined to identify the model line and engine type. For example, the 2017 Civic came in two-door, four-door and five-door configurations, with either a 1.5-liter engine (codes FC3, FC1 and FK7) or 2-liter engine (codes FC4, FC2 and FK8). There is no single digit to identify the engine, but oddly enough, the seventh digit repeats the body information (two-, four- or five-door) and states the type of transmission (manual, automatic or CVT). With a limited number of engine and transmission combinations, one would think that these could have been encoded into a single digit, rather than repeating body configurations! Once we get to the eighth digit, where so many manufacturers encode the engine, Honda provides the trim level (EX, EX-L, LX, Sport, etc.). Once again, the relevant information is obscurely tied to the body configuration. If the eighth digit of our 2017 Civic is a “5,” that could decode as a two-door or four-door LX or Si, or a five-door EX. See? Clear as mud! Things go back to normal for the remainder of the VIN, with a ninth-position check digit; model year decoded in the 10th position; and assembly plant and production number in places 11 through 17. The assembly plant has special significance when it comes to referencing Honda paint codes. Modern Honda paint codes are broken down into three parts: a letter prefix to identify the basic color family; a three-digit number; and either a “P” or “M” suffix if the color is a pearl or metallic. Automotive refinish companies often will call out the assembly-plant code in addition to the basic paint code, in an effort to color-match the paint as accurately as possible. Alternate mixing formulas exist for many colors that are applied at more than one assembly plant, to account for any minor differences in color resulting from manufacturing or application variations. Touch-up pens generally don’t require this level of color-matching, but our body shop customers often are called upon to blend repairs seamlessly, and these details make all the difference! By turning piston rings into a global engine-manufacturing dynasty, and making a successful transition from motorcycles to automobiles, Honda has shown just how powerful and influential a small company with forward-thinking engineers and global vision can become. Honda makes some of the most innovative products within its many categories, and seems to find success in each. You would think the company that engineered something as brilliant as V-TEC could figure out a way to encode some relevant information into a 17-digit VIN! The post Decoding Honda’s VINs appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

KYB Americas Corp. has promoted Ryan Dickerman, KYB’s East region sales manager, to national sales manager. The newly created position will allow Dickerman to utilize his background and experience to guide the KYB sales teams in the East, Central and West regions. KYB Americas said it will announce several internal promotions in the coming weeks, including two newly created positions. “KYB Americas Corporation is committed to the growth and development of our associates, which includes promoting from within whenever possible,” the company said in a news release. Dickerman has been with KYB for nearly 16 years. He started as a customer service representative in 2007 and has advanced through the organization. His KYB resume includes roles as customer service manager, territory sales manager and the most recent position of regional sales manager. In that role, Dickerman oversaw sales efforts in 23 states and Puerto Rico and managed six territorial managers. “Ryan is a bright and energetic person that is highly regarded by customers and has earned the respect of the entire KYB organization,” Business Director Mike Fiorito said. “We look forward to Ryan leading our traditional sales team in the USA market.” Dickerman will report to Paul Kratzer, director of sales for Canada and USA. “Ryan will do a great job managing our sales team,” Kratzer said. “Ryan’s past roles at KYB have prepared him to take on the next level of responsibilities. His commitment to our customers and associates will lead him to success.” “I’m thrilled to continue my career with KYB and I look forward to exploring all this new role has to offer,” Dickerman added. When he’s not playing soccer or keeping in shape through CrossFit, Dickerman attending his children’s sporting events or following the New York Mets. KYB has not named a replacement for the position of East region sales manager. More announcements regarding KYB promotions will be forthcoming, according to the company. The post KYB Americas Promotes Ryan Dickerman to National Sales Manager appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

FCS Automotive recently announced the release of 88 new part numbers. The release includes 20 complete strut assemblies, 34 shock-absorber assembly kits, 11 shock-absorber and coil-spring assemblies, 14 heavy-duty fleet shocks and nine bare struts and shocks. All of the units are in stock and ready to ship. “FCS remains committed to be first to market with new numbers, while providing the most comprehensive market coverage in North America,” the company asserted in a news release. “Many of these numbers are not available from the competition.” The new numbers cover some of the most popular applications on the road today, including the Buick LaCrosse, Chevrolet Silverado, Chevrolet Suburban, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, Ford F-250, Ford Transit, Jeep Cherokee, Mazda CX-9, Tesla 3, Bluebird, Ford F-750, Freightliner, International and more. “As a global supplier in more than 40 countries, FCS products are always produced to meet strict OE quality processes backed by extensive in-house testing and IATF16949 and ISO14001 certifications,” the company said. For more information about FCS products, contact FCS at 866-708-4554 or visit the FCS website. The post FCS Introduces 88 New Part Numbers appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Genuine Parts Co. (GPC) reported record first-quarter sales of $5.8 billion, up nearly 9% over first-quarter 2022. Net income was $304 million, up from $246 million in first-quarter 2022. “We are pleased with the continued strength and momentum in our business and excited to report results that exceeded our expectations for the quarter,” said Paul Donahue, chairman and CEO. “Our performance was a clear example of how our multi-year strategic transformation to a global automotive and industrial company is a competitive advantage that distinguishes GPC in the marketplace. We benefited from our business mix and the geographic diversity of our operations with continued strong performances in our international automotive businesses and in the industrial segment. We are extremely proud of the outstanding work by all our GPC teammates.” Global sales for the Automotive Parts Group, which includes NAPA Auto Parts, were $3.5 billion, up 7% over first-quarter 2022. A 6.6% year-over-year increase in comparable sales and a 3.5% benefit from acquisitions contributed to the number. Industrial sales were $2.3 billion, up nearly 12% from the same period in 2022, and reflecting a 12.1% increase in comparable sales. “Global Automotive sales were driven by the strong performance of our businesses outside the U.S., which helped to partially offset a slow start to the year in our U.S. automotive business,” said Will Stengel, president and chief operating officer. “In the Industrial segment, however, our broad-based strength in sales drove our eighth consecutive quarter of double-digit sales comps. The Industrial team is also operating well, posting the 11th consecutive quarter of margin expansion. Our first-quarter performance is a clear reflection of our balanced portfolio and One GPC approach to executing our strategic initiatives and taking care of our customers.” “We are pleased with the solid start to 2023 and continue to expect another strong year of profitable growth,” Donahue said. “Our updated outlook for the full year reflects the confidence in our strategic plans and ability to execute through continued economic uncertainty. We believe GPC is well- positioned with the financial strength and flexibility to support our growth plans and provide for disciplined capital allocation and enhanced shareholder value.” The post NAPA Auto Parts Parent GPC Reports Record Q1 Sales appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Let’s face it: We all spend a LOT of time at work. Based on a 40-hour schedule, a little over one-third of our waking hours is spent behind the counter each week. In reality, many counter professionals and managers regularly exceed that 40-hour figure, covering missed shifts, performing opening/closing duties and the various “after-hours” commitments that arise here and there. In our “off-hours,” we try to recharge and relax in preparation for the next workday. It’s not only our job duties that can drain our internal batteries each day. Sometimes, the environment itself (and the way we interact with it) can be just as tiresome as being overly busy, understaffed or dealing with difficult customers. Ergonomics can play a big role in your personal comfort at work, enhance your time off and have a lasting impact on your overall mental and physical health. Many of us are on our feet for the majority of our workday, and our choice of footwear can have a direct effect on more than just our feet. Shoes come in a wide range of styles, but many types of footwear are task-specific, and often are associated with a particular job or role. You don’t see nurses rushing around the ER in stiletto heels, and you don’t see cowboys on horseback wearing Air Jordans. Have you ever seen a diesel mechanic wearing Crocs on the job? Functional footwear choices don’t have to be extreme like these examples, but given the amount of time we spend on our feet, a comfortable and well-fitting shoe can only make our time at work more pleasant. Whatever your personal style, a good work shoe should offer arch and ankle support, cushioning and protection for your feet. Composite or steel toes may a good choice if you’re regularly lifting or moving heavy objects. Good shoes also promote better posture, reducing leg, back and neck fatigue! Counter staff might stand in one position for long periods of time, so a cushioned mat behind the counter can alleviate some of the discomfort commonly associated with standing on hard concrete all day. We often find mats or rugs on the customer side of the counter, along with stools for the customer to have a seat while they wait. These stools may make for a more comfortable customer experience, but aren’t necessarily the best choice for counter staff. Store policies may prohibit any type of stool or chair behind the counter, but if allowed, an adjustable office-type chair offers a more comfortable option for a wider range of body types than a traditional fixed-height stool. Whether sitting or standing, your workstation should be arranged in such a way as to make typing, mouse-clicking and reading your screen as natural as possible. Ideally, your keyboard and mouse should be at elbow height, and your monitor(s) arranged slightly below eye level. Stretching your arms to type and bending the neck to view a screen create an imbalance in posture and unnecessary fatigue. If you have enough counter space, placing your (cordless) mouse between yourself and the keyboard also can minimize reaching or stretching. Otherwise, keep that mouse as close to the side of your keyboard as practical! Parts countertops tend to be higher than an office desk, and lend themselves well to the standing position. Very tall or short employees may find that traditional counter heights don’t work well for them, so additional modifications to monitor and keyboard positioning may be necessary to create a comfortable workstation. Many of us require some sort of glasses (prescription or otherwise) to see things clearly or close-up. I prided myself for years on being able to read tiny part numbers, but these days I often wear glasses, and occasionally break out a magnifying glass when all else fails! The recommended distance between your eyes and the computer screen is approximately 24 inches, with a monitor tilt of 10 to 20 degrees. This is generally further away than the 18 inches common when reading printed catalog material, so if you’re wearing glasses and often switch between media, you may find that one or the other is a bit fuzzy. Detailed work and smartphone use also require different depths of vision, so those “cheater” glasses aren’t really a “one-size-fits-all” solution. If you find yourself struggling with your vision in any situation, it’s better to consult an optometrist rather than the cashier at the dollar store! The post Staying Comfortable Behind the Counter appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

Niterra North America Inc., formerly NGK Spark Plugs (U.S.A.) Inc., announced that the company is introducing 20 new part numbers for its O2-sensor line. The new part numbers, sold under the company’s NTK brand, represent an increase in coverage for more than 4 million domestic, European and Asian vehicles in operation, according to Niterra North America. “These 20 new part numbers fit a variety of late-model domestic and import vehicles and range from entry-level economy cars to luxury cars to cargo-vans to sport-utilities,” said Matthew Bickford, NTK product manager, aftermarket. “NTK is committed to application coverage leadership and providing service providers the latest OEM technology and we are excited to be able to extend our latest sensor technology into the aftermarket with these applications.” For more information about Niterra and the NGK Spark Plug and NTK product brands, visit ngksparkplugs.com. The post Niterra Adds New Part Numbers to NTK O2-Sensor Line appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article

MotoRad kicked off the first quarter of 2023 by introducing more than 100 new products in nine categories. The new products include closure caps, knock sensors, coolant housings, coolant-temperature sensors, thermostat assemblies, oil-filter caps and water-pump thermostat assemblies. Manufactured in Tier 1 OEM facilities “with top-quality certifications, the new products undergo comprehensive testing to ensure uncompromising quality,” according to the company. All of the new products are ready for order. “With MotoRad’s global fill-rate average of 97.81% and category management expertise, they can ensure your shelves are stocked with the right parts for optimal product availability,” the company said in a news release. For more information, reach out to your MotoRad sales rep or visit the MotoRad website. The post MotoRad Lauches 100 New Products in Q1 appeared first on Counterman Magazine. View the full article