Does the use of engine dye really help locate a fluid leak?
"There are various companies out there that manufacture dye to check for automotive fluid leaks. I remember it was first introduced for A/C systems to locate leaks. This was during the time you couldn't "top off" systems if they contained R-12. The dye concept worked so well—even better than the electronic leak detectors—that the product line morphed into a plethora of dyes for various types of automotive fluids.
"And this stuff is accurate. Using today's version of the portable black light (I remember my first A/C black light was almost the size of a megaphone and had to be plugged into a wall socket.) you can easily locate the source of the problem. Also, fix it right the first time. As we say at my shop: 'One and done.'"
I have been a service writer for several years at a "mom and pop" shop. I get along with everyone except a new mechanic. No matter what I do, by the end of the week the two of us are ready for fisticuffs. It's getting old, and I was wondering if you had any ideas to make my week better.
"There are millions of different personalities out there, and sometimes you get two that don't match. You can't continue on like this, so it's time to be a professional.
"You take the first step. Ask the tech to give you a list of items that he/she would like to make their job a little easier (on both of you). Make sure that these requests comply with shop policy. Then, work on these items that the tech deems important to a successful repair and professional relationship.
"Remember: you ask, and they give you a list. If the tech does not want to participate, it sounds like he/she would rather be miserable than productive—no matter who's behind the service desk. If that's the case, concentrate on being the best service writer you can be for your employer."
Have an automotive service-related question for Pam? Email it to [email protected].
ASE-certified technician Pam Oakes is the owner of Pam's Motor City Auto & Tire Center, an award-winning automotive service business in Fort Myers, Fla. She also is the author of the book series Car Care for the Clueless and hosts a weekly radio talk show by the same name on CBS Radio's The Sky.