Hybrid Service: Nissan Altima While the Toyota Prius dominates most of the hybrid discussion, the Nissan Altima Hybrid warrants some attention too. More

News Technologies For Safer Driving: Adaptive Lighting, Night Vision, Backup Cameras & Blind Spot Detection Conventional headlights provide illumination for seeing the road ahead, but they have limitations. That’s where new technologies such as adaptive lighting and night vision come into play. More

Active Safety Technology: Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning & Collision Mitigation Braking A vehicle that stops itself may sound like something out of a futuristic sci-fi movie, but the technology is here and now. From collision mitigation braking to adaptive cruise control, find out how many of today's next generation active safety systems come into play. More

Tech Tip: Toyota Prius Master/Hybrid MIL On/DTC P3125 Under certain driving conditions, some 2001-'02 Prius vehicles may exhibit a Master, Hybrid and MIL Warning Light "on" condition where only DTC P3125, information code 287, has set in the Hybrid Vehicle Control Unit (HV ECU). Use the following procedure to identify whether the HV ECU or inverter/converter assembly should be replaced .... More

Tech Tip: Prius Brake Actuator Noise Some 2004 - 2007 model year Prius vehicles may exhibit a squeak-type noise when pressing or releasing the brake pedal. This noise may only be audible when the vehicle is in "READY" mode and the vehicle is not moving. Brake system performance is not affected by this noise. Use the following procedure to address this concern .... More

Tech Tip: 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Safety Precautions As vehicle manufacturers strive to meet or exceed fuel economy standards, alternative vehicle designs incorporating new materials and systems will be produced to accommodate consumer demand. One such vehicle that may roll into your repair facility is the 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. Questions will arise when this vehicle arrives .... More

Electronic Brake Distribution: Emerging Technology Offers Service Opportunities Say goodbye to mechanical brake proportioning valves, and say hello to Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD). This new technology is yet another electronic enhancement that’s being added to many late-model vehicles. With conventional hydraulic brakes, a mechanical proportioning valve is used to reduce pressure to the rear wheels when the brakes are applied. Inside the proportioning valve is a spr... More

Tech Feature: Fueling the Future - Can You Fill Up with Alternative Fuels? Currently gas prices have stabilized at around $1.83 a gallon, a price at which most Americans feel comfortable driving their SUVs, trucks, race cars, tow vehicles and other motorized toys. But when gas hits $4 and $5 a gallon, driving guzzlers becomes a challenge for many. It was only a few months ago that a barrel of crude oil was well over $100, a price that seemed to embed itself into the minds... More

The Impact of Telematics on Independent Service Shops Telematics is not only shaping the future of automobiles, but also that of the aftermarket. After a lackluster debut more than 12 years ago,the telematics landscape is experiencing a surge that is redefining automobiles as we know them today. The following interview with Delphi’s Frank Ordonez on the topic of telematics is courtesy of Automotive Distribution Network's (Parts Plus and IAPA) Network... More

Cleaning Carbon from TDI Intake Systems Volkwagen has been selling diesel-powered cars in the U.S. for almost 30 years. Turbocharged versions have been available for 25. That is a lot of experience and a testament to the development of a reliable, efficient and durable powerplant. The introduction and development of the TDI (turbocharged direct injection) brought the VW diesel into the new century with a big head start on any competition... More