Dan Marinucci

Auto service columnist Dan Marinucci said "practical precautions and old-fashioned patience often prevent costly thread damage during fastener removal."

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.

Some automotive professionals may improve their careers and their work environment with a keener awareness of their own behavior.

Regardless of their physical size, some diagnostic testers are more user-friendly than others.

Whether the challenge involves a broken vehicle or failed tools and equipment, a picture really is worth a thousand words toward a prompt solution.

Prudent, progressive bosses recruit new employees via vocational school events such as career days and job fairs.

Automotive professionals who join advisory committees serve their own interests as well as those of the industry at large.

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.

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.

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.

Impulsive, unreasonable demands undermine workers' respect at any business, including automotive service facilities.

Diagnostic printouts benefit automotive service providers by building trust and boosting the image of their businesses.

Grossly simplifying a technical procedure for a prospective new customer may backfire if it undermines the value of your technicians' knowledge and skill.

The response to a straightforward question may gauge an employee's attentiveness and ability to follow directions.