IQ Auto Blog

Industry insights, best practices, and expert guides for auto repair shops

Categories:
Business Operations9 min read

Why Your Team Misses $900-$3,000/Month in Legitimate Revenue

Discover why auto repair shops miss thousands in monthly revenue—not from dishonest upselling, but from incomplete inspections and poor DVI communication. Learn the five training gaps costing you money and how to fix them this week.

Chris Rader
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Best Practices18 min read

Tire Inspection and Tread Depth Guidelines: Complete Technical Guide

Master tire inspection standards including tread depth measurement, wear pattern diagnosis, DOT date codes, and replacement criteria for safe, profitable tire service.

Chris Rader
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Troubleshooting8 min read

Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking? 7 Common Causes Explained

Discover why your steering wheel shakes or vibrates while driving or braking. Learn the difference between wheel balance issues, warped rotors, tire problems, and suspension wear—plus when it's safe to drive and when you need immediate repair.

Chris Rader
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Best Practices18 min read

Steering and Suspension Inspection: Complete Professional Guide

Master comprehensive steering and suspension inspection with this detailed guide covering ball joints, tie rod ends, rack and pinion systems, and wheel alignment. Learn inspection procedures, failure modes, and safety criteria.

Chris Rader
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Business Operations8 min read

Shop Owners: Stop Calling It Upselling—It's Revenue Recovery

Auto shop owners: Learn why your techs confuse legitimate revenue recovery with pushy upselling—and how this misunderstanding costs you $900-$3,000/month in services your customers actually need. Includes real shop data and training scripts.

Chris Rader
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Best Practices16 min read

Exterior Vehicle Inspection: Professional Walk-Around Guide

Master comprehensive exterior vehicle inspection with this detailed guide covering windshield damage, headlamp operation, body condition, and lighting systems. Learn inspection standards, repair vs. replacement criteria, and fraud prevention.

Chris Rader
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Troubleshooting9 min read

Check Engine Light On? Here's What to Do First (Step-by-Step Guide)

Learn exactly what to do when your check engine light comes on, how to tell if it's an emergency, what the light means, and whether it's safe to keep driving. Includes common causes and cost estimates for repairs.

Chris Rader
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Maintenance Tips7 min read

5 Warning Signs Your Brake Pads Need Replacement (Don't Ignore #3)

Learn the critical warning signs that your brake pads are worn out, from squealing noises to brake pedal pulsation. Discover when to replace brake pads before it becomes a safety hazard and costs you more money.

Chris Rader
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Best Practices15 min read

Brake Inspection Standards: ASE-Certified Complete Guide

Master brake inspection standards with this comprehensive guide covering pad thickness, rotor condition, fluid testing, and ASE certification requirements for professional technicians.

Chris Rader
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Best Practices16 min read

Battery and Charging System Inspection: Complete Technical Guide

Master battery testing and charging system inspection with this comprehensive guide covering voltage testing, CCA measurement, terminal inspection, and professional diagnosis techniques.

Chris Rader
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Best Practices20 min read

Automotive Diagnostic Scan Best Practices: Complete OBD-II Guide

Master OBD-II diagnostic scanning with this comprehensive guide covering code categories, freeze frame data, readiness monitors, and professional diagnosis techniques.

Chris Rader
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Quality Control10 min read

Shop Owners: 10 DVI Red Flags That Signal Tech Training Gaps

Auto shop owners: Learn the 10 warning signs in your DVIs that indicate technician training gaps costing you revenue and reputation. Includes real DVI examples, what each red flag costs you, and how to fix it with targeted training.

Chris Rader
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