AOCA.ORG - AOCA News

Millennials Want Hybrids - But May Not Buy Them

2012-01-27 10:45:45

Challenges targeting newest generation of buyers. [Read Article]

AOCA Members Supporting Their Communities

2011-08-22 07:50:10

AOCA Members continually strive to support programs in their community whenever possible, serving as good business citizens.

AOCA Member Fast Lanes Carwash, Detail, & Lube Center in Norman, Oklahoma is doing just that in a fundraising event they are hosting on Saturday, August 27, 2011. Fast Lanes is teaming up with BancFirst and United Way to raise money for their local United Way relief funds.

Fast Lanes will be donating 10% of their sales for that day in addition to all monies collected in their ongoing program, "Drinks for Charity" (they offer free drinks to customers and ask only for a donation to go towards local charities).

Amber Harris, Office Manager at Fast Lanes Carwash, Detail & Lube Center said, "The funds will be used locally in times of need, which we are very excited about. Here, in Norman, OK, you just never know when disaster might strike in the form of a tornado or other natural disasters, so being able to help insure that the money is there when our community is in need is very important to us here at Fast Lanes."

For more information about this fundraiser, please visit:

Fast Lanes Carwash, Detail & Lube Center
1235 W Main Street
Norman, OK 73069
405-321-5260
www.fastlanesnorman.com

Cutting drivers a little slack

2011-06-24 13:37:19

Read Article

QR Codes and Customer Service

2011-08-17 12:17:04

Innovative Combination of QR Codes and Customer Service

JMK Computerized Tire Dealer Information System has created a free smartphone app for dealers that leverages QR codes to help serve as customer service reminders. (Read more)

Fresh From the Fire, Five Reasons to Attend

2011-06-08 16:28:47

Discover how to increase profitability at our on-target educational sessions
At our social and networking events, develop your group of go-to peer advisors who can help you save time and money
Get you and your managers out of the daily grind, gain new perspectives and a renewed enthusiasm that you can take back to your shop
Stay up-to-date on industry issues and regulations that impact your business
Find vendors, products and services at iFLEX and watch your business grow and prosper

Oil Change Caveats

2011-12-29 13:37:49

Is it once every 3,000 or once every 10,000? [Read More]

Maintaining High-Mileage Vehicles

2011-07-27 12:23:45

AutoMD.com gives expert advice to the 90% of car owners with 75,000+ miler vehicles. Read more

Million-Dollar Fender Bender

2011-07-29 08:12:41

A blonde woman driving a Bentley crashes into an Aston Martin, Ferrari, Mercedes and Porsche. (Insert punch line here)
Read more . . .

Summer Can Be Tough on Cars

2011-08-02 07:55:54

The dog days of summer can be tough on vehicles as high temperatures can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. Read more.

The Internal Combustion Engine Still Has Some Miles Left In It

2011-07-20 11:00:32

How next-gen engines are going to squeeze every last drop of energy from their carbon fuels (Read article)

Brake Safety Awareness Week

2011-07-22 11:17:27

MAP Brake Safety Awareness Week Set for August 20-28

Summer heat brings unexpected car problems

2011-07-22 12:15:01

It's never a good time to be a broken down motorist on the side of the road, but in this heat, it's practically unbearable . . . Read more

FTC Seeks Comments on Warranty Act

2011-09-02 06:49:53

Earlier this year, a coalition including the Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association, Valvoline and the Automotive Oil Change Association asked the FTC to investigate alleged anti-competitive and deceptive practices by General motors . . .read more

AOCA Education and Training

2011-09-06 09:55:21

The Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) understands the importance of education and training to the success of its members and their businesses. Education is the cornerstone of the AOCA and the association offers a broad range of educational opportunities. Whether you want to educate customers; train technicians, managers, and aspiring managers; or even update your own knowledge base, we have what you are looking for at AOCA . . . read more

At Frankfurt Auto Show, electricity and . . . oil

2011-09-19 10:39:26

We’re changing. Transition is in ample evidence here at the 64th iteration of the Frankfurt Auto Show . . . [read more]

Oil Can Henry’s donates more than $92,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®

2011-09-19 11:22:48

Breast Cancer Survivor Accepts $92,000 Donation from Oil Can Henry's on Behalf of Others Battling with the Disease . . . [read more]

Firefighters track down foul odor

2011-09-19 15:02:03

SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - According to San Diego firefighters, the strange odor that permeated the air . . . [read more]

Crash and Burn

2011-11-28 10:05:49

GM forms engineering team to work with NHTSA on Volt after fires

[Read More]

Jiffy Lube contest pits 1,500 crews to find oil change champs

2011-09-26 09:50:14

Jiffy Lube contest pits 1,500 crews to find oil change champs . . . [read more]

Shell Program Encourages Americans to Drive Smarter

2011-09-26 10:09:46

Motorists share how they stretch their fuel purchases for a chance to win big . . . [read more]

Debit Card Swipe-Fee Reform Update

2011-10-03 07:21:54

New Rules Started October 1, 2011

Outrageous bank swipe fees averaged 44 cents per transaction, but now that amount is capped roughly in half at 21 cents. Although the banking industry spared no expense in their effort to derail swipe-fee reform, the Federal Reserve finalized rules—effective October 1, 2011—that mandate this significant reduction in the amount banks can charge per debit card transaction. AOCA maintains that this reduction, while a positive improvement, should not be the end of retailers’ and consumers’ fight against unsupportable banking charges.

In the meantime, AOCA encourages fast lube operators to take a moment to appreciate those senators who courageously voted down the powerful banking lobby’s attempt to destroy swipe-fee reform altogether via legislative amendment: Barrasso (R-WY), Bingaman (D-NM), Blumenthal (D-CT), Boxer (D-CA), Brown (D-OH), Brown (R-MA), Burr (R-NC), Cantwell (D-WA), Cardin (D-MD), Casey (D-PA), Chambliss (R-GA), Collins (R-ME), Conrad (D-ND), Durbin (D-IL), Enzi (R-WY), Feinstein (D-CA), Franken (D-MN), Graham (R-SC), Grassley (R-IA), Harkin (D-IA), Inouye (D-HI), Isakson (R-GA), Kerry (D-MA), Klobuchar (D-MN), Kohl (D-WI), Landrieu (D-LA), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Leahy (D-VT), Levin (D-MI), Lugar (R-IN), Menendez (D-NJ), Merkley (D-OR), Murray (D-WA), Pryor (D-AR), Reed (D-RI), Reid (D-NV), Rockefeller (D-WV), Sanders (I-VT), Shaheen (D-NH), Snowe (R-ME), Udall (D-CO), Udall (D-NM), Vitter (R-LA), Whitehouse (D-RI), and Wyden (D-OR).

Donate Life America Announces Significant Milestone

2011-10-11 10:50:17

Donate Life America Announces Significant Milestone Achieved with 100 Millionth Organ, Eye and Tissue Donor Registered in the U.S. New national goal set to register 20 million more by the end of 2012.

According to Donate Life America (DLA), a key goal set by the donation and transplant community in 2006 was achieved this October. The United States can now boast that 100 million Americans -- roughly 42 percent of the adult population --are registered as organ, eye and tissue donors in state donor registries.

Growth in the number of registered donors is vital because the need for transplants continues to rise. More than 112,000 people are currently waiting for lifesaving organ transplants. Thousands more await tissue transplants to resume their normal lives. Last year, more than 28,000 people received organ transplants, more than 40,000 received corneal transplants and hundreds of thousands received tissue transplants, yet 6,590 died awaiting organ transplants. A surge in the number of donors is necessary to save more lives. Therefore, as the donation and transplant community celebrates the accomplishment of registering 100 million people, work has already begun to reach the new national goal of registering 20 million new donors by the end of 2012. Twenty million additional donors would result in saving thousands more lives each year. The public is encouraged to register by visiting www.donatelife.net.

âAt a time when we as a nation have difficulty finding common ground on many important issues, 100 million people have agreed on their desire to save lives by registering as donors. They are hope for all of the men, women and children in need of lifesaving transplants today. For that, we say thank you,â says David Fleming, President & CEO of Donate Life America. âWhile this achievement speaks volumes about the generosity of human beings, more work needs to be done to motivate Americans to register and save the lives of those in need.â

In 2006, DLA launched the Donor Designation Collaborative (DDC) as a nationwide effort to improve organ, eye and tissue donation rates. A main tactic for achieving the DDCâs goals is ensuring that each state has an effective system for allowing individuals to legally designate themselves as donors. Since the DDCâs launch, there has been a 45 percent increase in the number of designated donors in the United States.

On average, nearly 8 million people join a state donor registry each year; a majority (97 percent) joins through state departments of motor vehicles (DMVâs). Therefore, DLA builds strong relationships with many DMV officials throughout the nation to encourage education and training of their staff to help them better advocate for organ, eye and tissue donation.

âI am proud to witness meeting such a milestone in organ and tissue donor history,â says Jesse White, the Illinois Secretary of State. âOur ultimate goal is to see that all Americans become registered organ and tissue donors.â

As the DDC works to increase the number of donors, the high percentage of registrations through DMVâs poses a new challenge to overcome. The majority of state donor registries were created nearly a decade ago. Once a registry goes through its first driverâs license/ID card renewal cycle (ranging from every 4 to every 12 years depending on the state), new designated donors come from only three sources â first-time drivers, new residents, and current residents who previously elected not to register. This maturity factor decreases the ability to sustain high donation rates through DMV efforts alone-- a fact that necessitates new strategies to promote registrations.

âAs we lay the foundation to register an additional 20 million people by the end of 2012, we are developing strategies to overcome the obstacles presented by maturing registries. We are not deterred by the challenges ahead,â says Donate Life America Chairperson, Helen W. Bottenfield. âOur primary goal is to preserve human life and improve the quality of life for those in need of organ, corneal and tissue transplants. We will remain focused and find creative ways to reach, educate and motivate those who have not yet registered as donors.â

As of June 30, 2011, data reported by Donate Life America state teams revealed 42 percent of U.S. adults (age 18 and older) are registered as organ, eye and tissue donors. States with the highest percentage included: Alaska and Montana (78 percent each) and Washington (74 percent).

The public is encouraged to join the 100 million individuals already registered as organ, eye and tissue donors by visiting www.donatelife.net and registering today.

Another Reason to use AOCA Member Lube Centers

2011-10-11 11:18:29

Used Engine Oil Gets Recycled by 95 Percent of Auto Repair Shops and Parts Stores . . . [Read More]

Change Your Car's Engine Air Filter Regularly

2011-10-20 14:07:27

Consider this: Your engine ingests about 10,000 gallons of air for every gallon of fuel it consumes. If your gas tank holds 18 gallons of fuel, your engine will ingest 180,000 gallons of air for every tank full of gas it uses. [Read Article]

Ghouls and Goblins Make Halloween Driving Spooky

2011-10-25 07:05:19

For motorists, the spookiest part about Halloween is that little ghouls and goblins often dress in dark colors and in costumes that cover their eyes, and some get so excited they simply forget road safety rules. To help keep trick-or-treaters as safe as possible, drive slowly, especially through neighborhoods, be extra careful when entering or exiting driveways or alleyways, and make absolutely sure your vehicle’s brakes and lights work properly. [Read Article]

AOCA URGES FTC TO STOP BIG AUTO'S WARFARE ON CONSUMER RIGHTS!

2011-11-02 06:47:54

The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is supposed to protect consumers from unscrupulous manufacturers’ attempts to tie the use of expensive “manufacturer-authorized” products to warranty coverage, but several automakers have found a way around it. So far, it’s been pretty easy. Few consumers have expertise in Magnuson-Moss, and there are plenty of tactics available to convince them to do what the automakers want without parrotting statutorily-prohibited language. The strange part is the Federal Trade Commission’s lack of action.

Over the past decade, automakers have increasingly utilized (1) unilateral declarations of their absolution from warranty responsibility without regard for the manufacturer’s burden of proof under Magnuson-Moss, (2) references to ultimate warranty-controlling authority without regard for the anti-tying prohibition under Magnuson-Moss, (3) unsubstantiated aftermarket product comparisons, (4) command form direction, (5) phrases that give rise to unavoidable negative implications regarding aftermarket products and services, (6) non-synonymous alternative descriptions of the manufacturer’s burden of proof that erode the Magnuson-Moss standard, and (7) stonewalling on the production of proof required by Magnuson-Moss prior to warranty denial based on the use of an aftermarket part or service.

Here’s a perfect example courtesy of General Motors (GM):

Unlicensed products have not gone through GM's rigorous testing process, are not monitored for quality, and are not approved or recommended for use in GM vehicles. Unlicensed product quality and suitability for GM vehicles cannot be guaranteed and, therefore, use of unlicensed products may result in lower levels of performance and engine damage not covered under warranty. (www.gmdexos.com)

In order for GM’s communication to not deceive consumers as a reference to ultimate warranty-controlling authority, consumers would have to first know the text of the MMWA and then understand that no matter the authority-provoking words employed—in this case ‘unlicensed,’ ‘approved’ and ‘recommended’—the automobile manufacturer’s claims do not supersede the anti-tying prohibition under MMWA. Consumers would also have to recognize that GM omitted any reference to its burden of proof regarding ‘engine damage not covered under warranty.’ The likelihood of an average consumer making this kind of ivory tower analysis is unlikely. Authority-provoking language is used for a very specific reason: because it is very effective at promoting compliance regardless of accuracy. AOCA’s recent fast lube industry survey shows consumers agree: New GM vehicle car counts at fast lubes have dropped eighty percent since GM began issuing communications like the one cited here.

GM’s statement also contains an unsubstantiated negative product comparison regarding non-GM-licensed motor oil not being “monitored for quality.” Of course, GM cannot vouch for other manufacturers’ practices, but would the average consumer recognize the problem and know that they should ignore GM’s assertion? No.

Why are those automaker tactics so effective?

Unlike automobile manufacturers, the average consumer has no legal department providing ready advice for navigating the intersection of [Magnuson-Moss] requirements, caveat emptor, and potential trade libel. Nor does the average consumer have access to product development data in order to scrutinize automobile manufacturers’ proprietary product claims or an automotive services department to challenge their allegations of engine damage when the consumer rightfully chooses not to use proprietary products. Add to this the burdens associated with America’s current recession and the result is millions of consumers unable to withstand the manipulative, often fear-based tactics designed to pressure them into using manufacturers’ expensive proprietary products. The average consumer simply can’t afford to lose warranty coverage for major repairs and the automobile manufacturers know it.

In comments to the Federal Trade Commission’s current review of the Magnuson-Moss rules, the Automotive Oil Change Association (AOCA) urged the Commission to update its rules to require automakers to include a plain English anti-tying disclosure in warranties, and put warranty denials in writing, including any Magnuson-Moss-required proof associated with the specific reason for denial. This isn’t asking for much. After all, Magnuson-Moss already places the burden of proof on automakers to show that an aftermarket part or service caused engine damage before they can lawfully deny warranty coverage. They’ve simply been ignoring it, and consumers aren’t in a good position to challenge them. Consumer Joe versus GM? Good luck.

Click here to view AOCA's comments to the FTC

Daylight Savings Time Ends November 6th, Check Vehicle Lights

2011-11-02 08:21:54

The end of Daylight Savings Time happens in most parts of the United States on Sunday, November 6th and creates unfamiliar driving conditions that can be hazardous without proper vehicle lighting. Vehicle lights should be checked before the clocks “fall back” to help ensure safe driving, especially during dusk and peak evening traffic hours. Click here for the complete article.

Honda unveils next-generation engines

2011-12-01 11:15:19

TOKYO -- Honda Motor Co. unveiled a lineup of four- and six-cylinder engines and a family of continuously variable transmissions that will reach the market over the next two years.

[Read more]

Be Aware of Aggressive Drivers

2011-12-13 12:36:38

Aggressive driving habits, such as tailgating, flashing headlights and unpredictable driving speeds can put motorists at risk for a collision. Aggressive drivers can divert the attention of other motorists from their own driving; raising the likelihood a collision could occur.

Studies show that drivers between the ages of 18 and 25 have the highest aggressive driving tendency. Estimates are that one out of five accidents, resulting in injury, has a direct link to aggressive driving.
Click Here for the complete article.

Local employees surprise Veterans

2011-12-23 07:19:30

Local Employees Pleasantly Surprise Local Veterans On Friday, December 16, 2011, Rick Breen and Matt Talbert of Rick Breen's Rapid Lube & Wash visited the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home's Annual Christmas Party to distribute gifts to seven Veteran residents. Since 1985, the employees of Rick Breen's Rapid Lube and Wash have taken up a collection to buy the company owners, Rick Breen and Rachel Patterson, a Christmas gift. General Manager, Matt Talbert decided to take a unique approach and do something different as the company celebrates their 27th Christmas together. "Being an Army Veteran, I wanted to do something special for the Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home. I talked it over with Rick, who is an Air Force Veteran, himself, and Rachel. We decided to see what we could do," said Talbert. The Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home gave Rick Breen's Rapid Lube & Wash the wish lists of seven Veterans. In addition to the various activities planned for the party, Talbert and other Rick Breen's employees were given the opportunity to distribute gifts to the Veterans. "We bought items on their wish lists and a few extra things. When we were done handing out gifts, I got a chance to thank the Veterans for their service to our Country. It was a rewarding experience, giving back to those who gave so much of themselves for our freedom," Talbert added. The Northeast Louisiana War Veterans Home in Monroe is coordinated by Veterans' Affairs and is located at 6700 Highway 165 North. Rick Breen's Rapid Lube & Wash operates four locations in Monroe, West Monroe and Ruston. For more information, please contact Matt Talbert (318) 381-4832 or matt@rickbreens.com

Oil change turns into strange encounter

2012-02-02 10:33:03

Rick Johnson had a car on a hoist Monday when he removed an oil filter and noticed something out of the corner of his eye. [Read More]

Hybrids in U.S. Lose Appeal to Gas-Efficiency

2012-01-17 12:12:14

Carmakers are realizing they can give buyers what they want and avoid the expense of electric motors and batteries by shrinking cars and wringing better fuel economy from traditional gasoline engines. [Read Article]

Average age of U.S. light vehicles reaches record high

2012-01-17 12:19:49

Mark Seng, global aftermarket practice leader at Polk, said in a statement that the increasing age of light vehicles on U.S. roads and the increasing length of vehicle ownership should provide growth opportunity for the automotive service and parts business. [Read More]