Quantcast
Jump to content


What New Tools Have You Purchased?


Recommended Posts

  • 2 months later...


  • 5 years later...

The Bartec TPMS tool is the best I have seen so far. My Techs love it and its user friendly.

 

Is the Bartec TPMS tool the best for re-programming TPMS sensors? Also, which brand would you recommend to replace TPMS sensors that are damaged or broken?

 

Vehicles used on will be mostly Mazda, Land Rover, Ford, Mercedes, Tesla, Toyota type vehicles.

 

Thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wenxing W333l key duplicator... Gotta really advertise that you have this to your customers, but once word gets around, it can pay off in a hurry.

http://www.lockpicks.com/w333l-sidewinderkeyduplicator.aspx

 

I'm a few key cuts away from it paying itself off, all in just a few weeks of having it. And you would be absolutely amazed at how many people have only one key for their car... I'm guilty of it myself! Plus, if you know how much of a pain it can be on newer cars to add keys once someone has lost all of them, it's an easy sell to the customer.

 

 

Edit : Holy cow!!! 2007-2008-2013! :unsure: This thread was started one year after I graduated High School!!!! Thumbs up to AutoFantic for using the search function!

Edited by mmotley
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow, that duplicator is great, Motley.

 

I believe I posted this already on another thread, but I want updates on this thread too, so I'll just post it here: Ross Tech's vag-com ... A VW / Audi dealer level scan tool for under $400. I see no reason why any shop would not have this tool ... It is unbeatable for the price. Heck, even VW dealership techs will use this tool over the official software. Highly recommended. It does literally everything the dealer tool does other than program keys.

 

http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCHUC.html

 

Also got a pair of auto-setting wire strippers from Radio Shack the other day. They're pretty sweet too. ;)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wes Daniel, do you work on a lot of VW/Audi's? My lead tech talked to me the other day about the Ross Tech VAG-COM software. He said the same things as you, for the price you just can't beat it. The only reason we haven't already purchased it was because we don't really do a ton of VW's or Audi's. On a side note, we haven't really purchased any new tools but we did upgrade our flash lights from the battery operated ones to Stinger Stream Light LED rechargeable flash lights and they are GREAT!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wes Daniel, do you work on a lot of VW/Audi's? My lead tech talked to me the other day about the Ross Tech VAG-COM software. He said the same things as you, for the price you just can't beat it. The only reason we haven't already purchased it was because we don't really do a ton of VW's or Audi's.

VW Group only represents around 5% of the US market, so unless you are known for it, you will not see too many. However, in looking at scan tools, I compared auto market share by cost of the dealership-level tool, and the VW tool came on top for $400 and 5% of the market (another example, Ford's IDS will get you 16% of the market for $1600 plus $700 yearly, a much worse deal).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I stumbled upon this website the other day and Wes reminded me of it. http://www.vag-info.com/ Might be of some help to someone out there.

 

From their site:

"Edilock Ltd company specialize in developing of car diagnostics software, key programming and immobiliser pin code reading devices, odometer correction software and devices for bypassing the immobilizer of petrol and diesel cars from VAG Group. All our products are genuine and we do not sell chinese copies. Most popular products are BMW Key Programming Device for CAS 3 module via OBD II for all E - series 2003 - 2012, AVDI hardware and special software functions , Toyota Key programming via OBD II, TANGO Programmer, OMEGA - ORANGE Programmer, TAG Key Tool, BMW EWS 3 Key programming Device, VAG Pin Code Reading, DASHCODER - Odometer programming tool and more... "

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

         5 comments
      I recently spoke with a friend of mine who owns a large general repair shop in the Midwest. His father founded the business in 1975. He was telling me that although he’s busy, he’s also very frustrated. When I probed him more about his frustrations, he said that it’s hard to find qualified technicians. My friend employs four technicians and is looking to hire two more. I then asked him, “How long does a technician last working for you.” He looked puzzled and replied, “I never really thought about that, but I can tell that except for one tech, most technicians don’t last working for me longer than a few years.”
      Judging from personal experience as a shop owner and from what I know about the auto repair industry, I can tell you that other than a few exceptions, the turnover rate for technicians in our industry is too high. This makes me think, do we have a technician shortage or a retention problem? Have we done the best we can over the decades to provide great pay plans, benefits packages, great work environments, and the right culture to ensure that the techs we have stay with us?
      Finding and hiring qualified automotive technicians is not a new phenomenon. This problem has been around for as long as I can remember. While we do need to attract people to our industry and provide the necessary training and mentorship, we also need to focus on retention. Having a revolving door and needing to hire techs every few years or so costs your company money. Big money! And that revolving door may be a sign of an even bigger issue: poor leadership, and poor employee management skills.
      Here’s one more thing to consider, for the most part, technicians don’t leave one job to start a new career, they leave one shop as a technician to become a technician at another shop. The reasons why they leave can be debated, but there is one fact that we cannot deny, people don’t quit the company they work for, they usually leave because of the boss or manager they work for.
      Put yourselves in the shoes of your employees. Do you have a workplace that communicates, “We appreciate you and want you to stay!”
  • Similar Topics

    • By Joe Marconi

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By carmcapriotto
      Insights to the Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo 2024 Class “Which Scan Tool Should I Buy?" on Thursday, February, 29, from 1pm-5pm. Our panel discusses the importance of tailoring scan tool recommendations to a technician's specific needs, including the car lines they work on, their budget, and the features they require. Don't sit on the value of seeking advice from experienced users and trainers to make informed decisions. Justin Morgan LMV Bavarian Technical Support and Trainer, ASE-Wave Technical Ambassador. Justin’s Previous Episode HERE. Tanner Brandt, Autodiag Clinic. Tanner’s previous episodes HERE. Scott Shotton, The Driveability Guys. Scott’s previous episodes HERE. Show Notes
      Vision Hi-Tech Training & Expo: https://visionkc.com/ Which Scan Tool Should I Buy? Thursday, February 29, 2024, 1pm-5pm Importance of proper training (00:01:18) The need for proper training in understanding the capabilities and limitations of scan tools. Factors to consider when recommending a scan tool (00:04:35) Questions to ask when recommending a scan tool, including car lines, functionalities, and budget considerations. Impact of feedback on scan tool development (00:06:08) Discussion on the importance of feedback from users and the impact of feedback on the development and availability of scan tools. Remote access and networking (00:10:02) The benefits of remote access for professional tech support and peer-to-peer networking among technicians. Understanding the capabilities of scan tools (00:13:34) Discussion on the importance of understanding the capabilities and limitations of scan tools before making a purchase. Importance of Proper Training (00:19:42) The importance of proper training before investing in tools and the impact of buying from industry-connected vendors. The Value of Support (00:22:04) The significance of having support when using tools, illustrated by a story about receiving support for a scope issue. Learning Methods (00:25:30) Discussion on different training methods, with a focus on the effectiveness of hands-on and in-person training. Virtual Training Challenges (00:26:51) The challenges of virtual training and the importance of in-person training to understand diagnostic processes. Hybrid Training Approach (00:32:08) Exploring the idea of a hybrid training approach combining virtual classes and hands-on sessions for better learning. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Join Our Private Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734687266778976 -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections            
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By Transmission Repair

      Premium Member Content 

      This content is hidden to guests, one of the benefits of a paid membership. Please login or register to view this content.

    • By carmcapriotto
      In this episode of "Business by the Numbers," Hunt takes a look at the current state of government spending, the intricacies of the debt ceiling, and how this affects businesses and taxpayers.
      • Current State of Government Spending and Debt Ceiling: The ongoing negotiations and potential outcomes if a spending deal isn't reached.
      • Impact on Businesses and Taxpayers: Important fiscal policies like the Child Tax Credit, Employee Retention Tax Credit, and R&D Credit, and how they affect U.S. businesses and individual taxpayers.
      • Political Dynamics and Future Projections: Analyzing the political landscape, including key figures and parties, and predictions on the government's fiscal direction.
      • Practical Implications and Advice: Hunt’s insight on navigating the uncertainties in government policies and their impact on financial planning and business strategies
      Thanks to our partners, NAPA TRACS and Promotive
      Did you know that NAPA TRACS has onsite training plus six days a week support?
      It all starts when a local representative meets with you to learn about your business and how you run it.  After all, it's your shop, so it's your choice.
      Let us prove to you that Tracs is the single best shop management system in the business.  Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at NAPATRACS.com
      It’s time to hire a superstar for your business; what a grind you have in front of you. Great news, you don’t have to go it alone. Introducing Promotive, a full-service staffing solution for your shop. Promotive has over 40 years of recruiting and automotive experience. If you need qualified technicians and service advisors and want to offload the heavy lifting, visit www.gopromotive.com.
      Paar Melis and Associates – Accountants Specializing in Automotive Repair
      Visit us Online: www.paarmelis.com
      Email Hunt: [email protected]
      Get a copy of my Book: Download Here
      Aftermarket Radio Network
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio
    • By carmcapriotto
      Ready to dive into the critical topics of safety and compliance within the automotive service aftermarket? Tom Herrmann shares valuable insights on maintaining a safe work environment, including hazard communication, safety data sheets, labels for chemicals, and the importance of employee training and clear safety policies. Tom emphasizes the role of safety as a form of salesmanship, advocating for selling the importance of safety to employees rather than focusing on potential fines and violations. The episode aims to instill a sense of responsibility in listeners, highlighting the importance of safety to prevent accidents and maintain a productive workforce. Tom Herrmann, Small Business Safety & Compliance Company, LLC.
      Show Notes
      Tom's background and experience (00:01:28) Tom shares his experience as a safety officer for the federal government and a compliance officer in the dealership network. Hazard communication and safety data sheets (00:06:42) Tom explains the importance of hazard communication and safety data sheets for chemicals in the workplace. Training and safety policies (00:05:37) Tom emphasizes the importance of training employees and having clear safety policies in place. Labels for chemicals and emergency action plan (00:13:50) Tom discusses the necessity of proper labeling for chemicals and the importance of an emergency action plan for workplace safety. Hazard Communications (00:15:04) Discussion on the importance of hazard communication and the need for updated safety data sheets for chemicals. Lockout Tagouts (00:15:32) Explanation of lockout tagout procedures for equipment safety, including a real-life incident and the importance of proper training. Equipment Safety (00:16:44) Importance of tagging and locking out malfunctioning equipment for safety, with examples of floor jacks and bench grinders. Bench Grinders and Eye Protection (00:17:37) Discussion on the necessity of eye protection when using bench grinders and the importance of following safety standards. Safety Inspections (00:19:37) Importance of regular safety inspections to identify and address potential hazards in the workplace. Eyewash Stations (00:20:11) The significance of eyewash stations and their compliance with safety standards for emergency eye flushing. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (00:21:28) Discussion on the responsibility of shop owners to provide and enforce the use of personal protective equipment for employees. Respiratory Protection (00:23:36) Importance of respiratory protection, medical evaluations, and fit testing for employees working with hazardous chemicals. Life Safety and Lift Safety (00:26:55) Overview of life safety measures, including the certification of automotive lifts and the importance of proper vehicle positioning on lifts. Certifications for Lift Installation (00:28:37) Discussion on the certification process for companies that install lifts and the availability of qualified and certified lift inspectors. Proactive Safety Measures (00:30:09) Emphasizing the importance of proactivity in safety measures, including monthly inspections, resources available, and reaching out for assistance. Safety Specialist Training (00:31:19) Exploring the idea of having a safety specialist in the shop and the training options available through OSHA education centers. Equipment Maintenance and Compliance (00:31:55) Focus on the importance of maintaining equipment, including lockouts, respiratory protection, PPE, and machine guarding, as well as the significance of checking fire extinguishers. Finding Safety Consultants (00:32:28) Tips for finding safety consultants, including searching for safety consultants online and reaching out to OSHA for assistance. Importance of Safety Compliance (00:33:16) Highlighting the significance of prioritizing safety compliance to prevent work-related injuries and ensure employee safety. Thanks to our Partners, AAPEX and NAPA TRACS Set your sights on Las Vegas in 2024. Mark your calendar now … November 5th-7th, 2024. AAPEX - Now more than ever. And don’t miss the next free AAPEX webinar. Register now at http://AAPEXSHOW.COM/WEBINAR NAPA TRACS will move your shop into the SMS fast lane with onsite training and six days a week of support and local representation. Find NAPA TRACS on the Web at http://napatracs.com/ Connect with the Podcast: -Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RemarkableResultsRadioPodcast/ -Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/carmcapriotto -Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmcapriotto/ -Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkableresultsradiopodcast/ -Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/RResultsBiz -Visit the Website: https://remarkableresults.biz/ -Join our Insider List: https://remarkableresults.biz/insider -All books mentioned on our podcasts: https://remarkableresults.biz/books -Our Classroom page for personal or team learning: https://remarkableresults.biz/classroom -Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/carm -The Aftermarket Radio Network: https://aftermarketradionetwork.com -Special episode collections: https://remarkableresults.biz/collections      
      Click to go to the Podcast on Remarkable Results Radio


  • Our Sponsors










×
×
  • Create New...