Thursday, March 08, 2012


Reduce Engine Cooling System Problems
Increase Customer Satisfaction With The New Gates Power Clean™ Tool

The engine cooling system is one of the most critical elements of engine performance and reliability, but periodic flushing of the system is often neglected or done incorrectly. Proper cleaning of the radiator, heater core and engine block ensure optimum cooling system operation and customer satisfaction. Improper maintenance can lead to coolant contamination and premature failure of water pump seals, which can void manufacturer warranty. To help eliminate these problems, Gates developed the new Power Clean™ Flush Tool, which utilizes pulsating technology to ensure a completely clean cooling system.  

The Power Clean tool uses water and compressed air to safely remove accumulated sludge and scale deposits without the use of harsh chemicals or solvents. The tool’s patented process allows pressurized air to scrub deep into corners and crevices, and it automatically regulates the pressure to a safe level if a hard blockage exists, eliminating the possibility of cooling system damage.

In tests, the Power Clean tool flushed cooling systems thoroughly, while other methods left unacceptable levels of contaminants in the system, especially in neglected vehicles.   Watch the video comparing results from flushing with Power Clean to those from flushing with a garden hose.


The easy-to-use Power Clean tool offers technicians an alternate way to properly care for the cooling system of any make and model vehicle, ensuring that engines run more efficiently and reducing customer comebacks. Read the Power Clean Brochure for more information.  

Thursday, February 23, 2012


Proper Tire Repair
Recently, several high-profile lawsuits have brought the topic of tire repair to the public’s attention. In the past, the seemingly mundane task of tire repair was typically handed off to the C-level tech. Today, with the added risk of liability, proper tire repair requires proper tooling and training. Here are just a few tips for a successful tire repair.

  • Always dismount the tire prior to attempting a repair – driving even a short distance on an under inflated tire can cause significant damage that may not be visible externally.
  • Never attempt to repair a puncture outside the designated repair area – if there is any question of damage to the shoulder or sidewall, the tire must be discarded.
  • A plug or a patch alone does not constitute a proper repair – The puncture must be completely filled with a suitable rubber stem and a patch must be applied to the inner liner to prevent air loss. 
  • There is no such thing as a “temporary” repair – there is a legal liability to perform the repair correctly.
  •  For speed rated tires, the tire manufacturer must be contacted for its individual repair policy – some manufacturers will void the tire speed rating if the tire has been repaired.

Brought to you by CARQUEST Technical Institute

If you are a professional technician and need more information about proper tire service techniques, inquire at your local CARQUEST Store about CTI course: WTT100 Wheel and Tire Technology.