Tire dealers and service shop operators have told me that some otherwise-competent employees seem clueless to the basics of successful human interaction.

Always connect auxiliary power to a point on the vehicle that is electrically active all the time. Here's why.

Solving major industry issues requires more ongoing effort than tire dealers and service shop operators may realize.

A boss may establish interim deadlines for technicians based on the time elapsed or on the actual procedures performed. Some experimentation would determine which approach is better suited to a particular service department.

Automotive service personnel can boost customer confidence and loyalty by establishing interim deadlines on diagnostic procedures and repair work.

My columns in recent issues of Tire Business describe the potential perils of disconnecting a battery from a vehicle without providing auxiliary power to it beforehand. Some readers have responded to these topics with interesting questions.

Technicians should tailor electrical terminal cleaning methods to the specific condition and application at hand. Experience has shown, after all, that there's no single, standard method suitable to every condition and application.

Applying auxiliary power to a vehicle before disconnecting its battery may save untold time and aggravation for all service personnel in your business.

Disconnecting a vehicle's battery may create costly, unpleasant surprises for tire dealers and service shop operators.

Silicone paste helps electrical connections withstand the elements, thereby minimizing the risk of weather-related electrical comebacks.

AKRON — Releasing a frozen nut from a bolt or stud may require carefully slicing through that nut with the proper cutting device. Here's how to do it.

The induction-heating technique saves technicians time and money during the crucial-but-challenging task of loosening frozen fasteners. Here's how it works.

Never underestimate the value of unbridled enthusiasm in a potential new hire. Ultimately, the person possessing the passion for a career may be the one who exceeds every boss' expectations.

A savvy battery expert may save a useful piece of testing equipment — such as meters, scan tools and oscilloscopes — from premature extinction by creating an effective replacement battery for it.

Tracking shop productivity and technician efficiency is intrinsically valuable to all automotive service providers.