Dan Marinucci [email protected] See All Staff Page Recent Stories Marinucci: Finesse and patience prevent thread damage Auto service columnist Dan Marinucci said "practical precautions and old-fashioned patience often prevent costly thread damage during fastener removal." Marinucci: Excessive RTV silicone sealer may crack castings Here are some points tire dealers and service shop operators should remember about applying RTV silicone sealers and neatly organizing hardware during a repair job. Marinucci: Self-awareness fuels self-improvement Some automotive professionals may improve their careers and their work environment with a keener awareness of their own behavior. Marinucci: Previewing testers' instructions pays off Regardless of their physical size, some diagnostic testers are more user-friendly than others. Marinucci: Simple steps improve in-shop photographs Whether the challenge involves a broken vehicle or failed tools and equipment, a picture really is worth a thousand words toward a prompt solution. Marinucci: Parlay job fairs, career days into new hires Prudent, progressive bosses recruit new employees via vocational school events such as career days and job fairs. Marinucci: Advisory committees seek pros' feedback Automotive professionals who join advisory committees serve their own interests as well as those of the industry at large. Marinucci: Focus on one customer at a time Successful owners and managers of automotive service facilities have stressed that handling one problem at a time makes dollars and sense because it improves customer relations. Marinucci: New techs require coaching Savvy bosses anticipate the need to familiarize techs with all aspects of their automotive service facilities, acclimating them to their people, policies and preferred procedures. Marinucci: Personal traits compliment technical skills The less time company personnel spend replacing lost workers — especially technicians — the more time they can invest in urgent obligations such as selling tires and service. Marinucci: Unreasonable demands undermine staff respect Impulsive, unreasonable demands undermine workers' respect at any business, including automotive service facilities. Marinucci: Printed test results build trust, boost image Diagnostic printouts benefit automotive service providers by building trust and boosting the image of their businesses. Marinucci: Fast and simple does not mean free Grossly simplifying a technical procedure for a prospective new customer may backfire if it undermines the value of your technicians' knowledge and skill. Marinucci: Selling diagnosis decades-old challenge Marinucci: Good questions gauge worker attentiveness The response to a straightforward question may gauge an employee's attentiveness and ability to follow directions. Load More