So how are things in the market?

I am hearing a lot of rumblings from friends in the capital equipment industry in the automotive aftermarket that the rash of dealership closings (more hope and change!) is dumping a lot of used equipment on the market. Of course, this has only made their severely contracted market even worse.

I wonder if people that buy used equipment realize that quite often a license is involved in purchasing equipment like frame racks, alignment machines, and other products that need updates for new vehicles and procedures. Guess what, the licenses are usually not transferable!

Considering the danger in using much of the capital equipment, I would stay away from buying second-hand. I would assume you are taking a lot of the liability on your shoulders when you buy used. To me, that is not worth saving $500.

Government Motors

I thought I would put in my two cents on GM (we can leave Chrysler for another day). Will what the Obama Administration work?

I doubt it. I have read that the President sees small cars and hybrids as GM's future. Perhaps he might have not noticed that sales of these items are cratering. See here:

http://articles.latimes.com/2009/mar/17/business/fi-hybrid17

Unless the feds want to push gas up to $4 a gallon (Candidate Obama did not have a problem with gas prices last year), this strategy will not work. Of course, it President Obama allows or forces gas up to $4 (taxes, inflation from spending, restriction of supply), he might only get 4 years to work on this.

I do know a lot of good people at GM and drive (2) of their vehicles. They can make it back, I hope that they get the chance.

the new refrigerant R1234yf

Well, it seems that the various government agencies that are in charge of vehicle emissions have settled on a the replacement for R134a, which is in itself a replacement for R12, which is in itself a replacement for rolling the windows down in your car.

The new refrigerant is 1234yf. You can learn more about it here:
http://www.motor.com/article.asp?article_ID=1458

What will the A/C dye and tool people do? First appearances are that the existing dyes and tools will work just fine. Of course, the reputable companies are working right now to test to be sure this is the case. I guess we will have to wait and see.

Sometimes it is better to trust professionals with your car

Don't do this at home.


http://www.wptv.com/mostpopular/story/Car-loses-all-four-wheels-on-highway/QJScGiw6_kCheJ38xa0USQ.cspx

I wonder how often this happens here in the US?

Snap-on's new Innovation Center

I have seen several news reports about the opening of the new Innovation Center at Snap-on.

Here is a story from Aftermarketnews.

http://www.aftermarketnews.com/Item/48458/snapon_unveils_new_corporate_innovation_center.aspx

Good for them. Many people in the manufacturing part of the business do not understand that no one cares about existing (i.e. old) products. New products drive the business. Profits, growth, etc. Old products (more than 2 years old) keep the lights on.