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This newsletter is provided to share information about our users, their shops, automotive industry news, things going on at Mitchell 1 as well as tips for using the OnDemand5.com and ShopKey5.com products. If you have questions or comments about this newsletter, or ideas for what you'd like to see in it, please .
Missed a previous edition or want to read an article again? Just go to the Newsletter Archive page for a list of links to past headlines.
NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Synthetic Oil Effects on Maintenance Schedules
Synthetic oil is essentially a lubricant created by synthesizing different chemicals, modified petroleum components and or other raw materials, and used as a substitute for refined crude oil lubricants. Origins are said to have been motivated from a lack of resources during WWII but with more recent requirements for improved low temp engine performance, better chemical stability, decreased evaporative loss, resistance to oxidation, oil sludging and thermal breakdown, the oil industry has embraced the science of synthetics and has reacted with expanding availability.
As a result of synthetic oils and depending on driving conditions, oil change intervals of 10,000 to 15,000 miles are being noticed as the "recommended change" interval for some newer cars. Some exceptional examples include certain BMW models with up to 19,000 miles between changes and some Volkswagen diesels at up to 30,000 miles.
So how does this effect oil change intervals or the oil change monitor light on the car you are working on? It doesn't. Despite the increased availability and usage of synthetics and whatever benefits may be had as a result of usage, the vehicle manufacturer's oil replacement requirements at the time of production still apply.
Substituting synthetic for petroleum based oil during oil changes, may yield the benefits listed above but will not alter the algorithms used by the vehicle's onboard monitoring system to calculate time to change oil, it was not considered when they were written.
Bottom line the substitution of synthetic for petroleum based oil does not alter drain interval, that duration was determined during the engineering origins of the vehicle.
Volkswagen TDI Diesel Technology
Diesel technology is becoming more common as the vehicles spread across the country.
Motor Age -- The diesel-powered passenger car has had a rough go here in the United States. While the idea gains momentum from time to time, many OEMs that sell diesel cars (and lots of them) in Europe would not even consider introducing one to the U.S. market. Numerous factors have contributed to this, including the high cost of diesel relative to gasoline, tough emission control standards and the fickle nature of the American consumer in regards to diesel technology.
Despite all of these issues, one manufacturer that has not suffered a diesel identity crisis is Volkswagen. Its Turbocharged Direct Injection (TDI) engine is an industry icon and has a dedicated following in a diesel market that could be termed ambivalent at best. Starting with the Rabbit diesel in 1977, Volkswagen has made a name as the torchbearer for diesel passenger cars in North America. Case in point: There were years where VW was the only manufacturer selling diesel automobiles in the U.S. This tradition continues today with its series of 50-state diesels such as the Golf, Jetta, Passat, Touareg and more on the way. If a diesel passenger car makes its way into your service bays, chances are good that it will be a Volkswagen.
Have you wanted to learn OnDemand5.com or ShopKey5.com in more depth? Mitchell 1 has been holding online training sessions every other Thursday so that you can become more proficient at using your product and finding the information you need. The meeting is led by Jim Hawes, Managing Editor for Mitchell 1, and Gary Hixson, Product Manager for Mitchell 1 Repair Information. Jim has spent 20 years as a technician in addition to the 20 years he has spent with Mitchell 1 in the Editorial Department.
The session takes approximately one hour, with 45 minutes to cover all aspects of product navigation including an overview of every module (repair, estimating, maintenance, etc.). The majority of the time is spent doing an actual look-up for repair information, just like what would be done in the bay. Jim and Gary show you three ways to find the information including by category, through Quick Look-Ups, and by search. The final 15 minutes of the hour, Jim and Gary answer any questions that you have about the information or the product.
Please check the schedule and register for a session at www.repaircertification.com. The session is free to attend, and all that you will need is a computer with an Internet connection to view the presentation and a phone to call into the meeting.
Internet Explorer 9 Compatibility
Before installing or upgrading to Internet Explorer 9, please read our page of information detailing what to do and issues that may occur with this update.
Parker Brake and Alignment has been a family owned business serving the Grand Rapids Michigan area for over 50 years. We started out as a brakes only repair shop, and have expanded into 2 shops that are complete car care centers. We have a full brake service machine shop that turns drums, rotors and flywheels. The machine shop also does custom relining of all types of brake shoes, machine clutches and heavy machinery brake bands.
Our technicians are ASA certified and have over 100 years combined experience.
We offer early bird drop off, senior discounts, fleet discounts, pick up and delivery and courtesy shuttle service.
We offer Valvoline oil changes while you wait.
We also have our own in house Parts department and warehouse that also sells discount auto parts to the general public and other local repair shops.
We have expanded to 2 shops to serve our customers better.
Contact us:
Parker Brake and Alignment
729 Burton SW
Grand Rapids, MI
P:(616)243-7769
F:(616)243-4275
Parker Brake Auto Center
2549 Ivenrest Ave SW
Grandville, MI 49418
P:(616)530-2216
F:(616)530-2235
Would you or one of your techs like to be profiled in the newsletter? How about your shop? We're looking for techs and/or shops to feature in this spot. This is an opportunity to let other techs know about you and your shop. You can share information on what your specialties are, what special conditions you have to deal with in your area, anything interesting about your shop or even what you like to do in your free time.
We will also list your shop's information such as location, phone number, web site, or any other information you'd like to provide.
Send your story and photos for consideration to . Please also include your account number.
You can use the "hand" tool in the SVG color wiring diagrams to move them around the screen. This is helpful when you are zoomed in on a diagram. You can also just hold down the "Alt" key on your keyboard while moving the wiring diagram around with your mouse with the left-click button held down. Go to the Wiring Diagrams help page for more information.
Click here for more hints on using OnDemand5 and ShopKey5.
Mitchell 1 is running a tip contest for a limited time in OnDemand5.com and ShopKey5.com. Below are the latest winners of the contest. Each of these tips earned the tech a $100 prize. Click the links below to see the complete tips and for more information on how you can enter.
Mitchell 1 and Motor Age Team up on Monthly Tech Tip Contest
FEBRUARY 2012 IS THE LAST MONTH TO GET YOUR ENTRIES IN
NOTE: The following contest is in addition to the contest listed above. Winning tips from the regular contest will automatically be submitted to the Motor Age contest.
"Necessity is the mother of invention," and techs can be real mothers when it comes to inventing ways to make life in the shop easier. Motor Age now gives you the opportunity to share those ideas with your fellow techs with a chance for monthly prizes on its Motor Age Tech Tips page.
Motor Age and Mitchell 1 have teamed up in this monthly contest for our readers. Just fill out this form with your best tech tip. Each month, Motor Age editors will select the best tip and feature it and you in the magazine and online. Not only that, but Mitchell 1 has great prizes for each monthly winner. Readers will choose the grand prize winner at the end of the contest year.
In the shop, it's all about helping your fellow techs earn their livings a little easier, a mission we share with you. Submit your tips today and help out your fellow techs all across the country!
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Would you or one of your techs like to be profiled in the newsletter? How about your shop? We're looking for techs and/or shops to feature in this spot. This is an opportunity to let other techs know about you and your shop. You can share information on what your specialties are, what special conditions you have to deal with in your area, anything interesting about your shop or even what you like to do in your free time.
