Jim Taddei
Jim Taddei has been in the automotive field since 1975 and has over 25 years of experience with General Motors products, achieving the designation of GM Master Technician. He is also currently certified as an ASE Master Technician, and holds an Advanced California Smog Check License. He has been the lead technician and team leader at a multi-line dealership. After leaving the dealership he spent a couple of years working in an independent shop and now uses his experience and expertise to help verify the quality of RepairPal Certified shops.
Posts by Jim Taddei
Everyone in my generation (fifty-something) and older grew up with cars that required a tune-up as often as every year or 12,000 miles. There were moving parts (ignition points) inside the distributor to wear, and additives in the gas (lead) that left deposits on the spark plugs.
Everyone in my generation (fifty-something) and older grew up with cars that required a tune-up as often as every year or 12,000 miles. There were moving parts (ignition points) inside the distributor to wear, and additives in the gas (lead) that left deposits on the spark plugs.
For many years, the oil change recommendation was every 3,000 miles/3 months and the filter was replaced every other oil change (6,000 miles/6 months). A couple of factors combined to make these frequent oil changes necessary.
For many years, the oil change recommendation was every 3,000 miles/3 months and the filter was replaced every other oil change (6,000 miles/6 months). A couple of factors combined to make these frequent oil changes necessary.
Since we started using synthetic oil, the quandary has always been how often to change it. There is no question synthetic engine oil lasts longer than conventional mineral-based oil.
Since we started using synthetic oil, the quandary has always been how often to change it. There is no question synthetic engine oil lasts longer than conventional mineral-based oil.
Everyone knows what an engine is, right? It’s what makes your car go! But how does it work? Let’s take a closer look; it’s not as complicated as it seems. .
Everyone knows what an engine is, right? It’s what makes your car go! But how does it work? Let’s take a closer look; it’s not as complicated as it seems. .
When you get right down to it, the reason car repairs are so expensive is because everyone involved is trying to make a living. The parts supplier must manufacture the part.
When you get right down to it, the reason car repairs are so expensive is because everyone involved is trying to make a living. The parts supplier must manufacture the part.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) works to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. Today, more than 350,000 professionals hold ASE certifications, and work in every part of the automotive service industry.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) works to improve the quality of vehicle repair and service by testing and certifying automotive professionals. Today, more than 350,000 professionals hold ASE certifications, and work in every part of the automotive service industry.
Do our cars have too many warning lights? A lot of us may think so, but for years, warning lights were the best way vehicle designers had to inform the driver of a potential fault. .
Do our cars have too many warning lights? A lot of us may think so, but for years, warning lights were the best way vehicle designers had to inform the driver of a potential fault. .
As we begin 2012, I am reminded how our cars have become more and more complicated with each passing year. This added complexity can make repairs very difficult for our service technicians.
As we begin 2012, I am reminded how our cars have become more and more complicated with each passing year. This added complexity can make repairs very difficult for our service technicians.
Due to safety and fuel mileage concerns, in the early 2000s, the Federal government began to look into mandating on-board vehicle systems that would monitor tire pressure and alert the driver when one or more tires dropped 25 percent below the recommended inflation pressure. By 2008, this mandate went into full effect for all cars and light trucks.
Due to safety and fuel mileage concerns, in the early 2000s, the Federal government began to look into mandating on-board vehicle systems that would monitor tire pressure and alert the driver when one or more tires dropped 25 percent below the recommended inflation pressure. By 2008, this mandate went into full effect for all cars and light trucks.
What is an intermediate shaft? The steering intermediate shaft connects the steering wheel to the steering gearbox, or steering rack. The intermediate shaft has a universal joint at each end, which allows for the angle between the steering shaft and the steering gear.
What is an intermediate shaft? The steering intermediate shaft connects the steering wheel to the steering gearbox, or steering rack. The intermediate shaft has a universal joint at each end, which allows for the angle between the steering shaft and the steering gear.
Last week I explained why our vehicles are equipped with a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS). This week, let’s look at how these systems work.
Last week I explained why our vehicles are equipped with a tire pressure monitor system (TPMS). This week, let’s look at how these systems work.
While the RepairPal blog is a great place to find out why our cars are the way they are and work they way they do, you may not always find what you are looking for here. If you haven’t found what you’re looking for, you might want to check out the newly revamped RepairPal Encyclopedia.
While the RepairPal blog is a great place to find out why our cars are the way they are and work they way they do, you may not always find what you are looking for here. If you haven’t found what you’re looking for, you might want to check out the newly revamped RepairPal Encyclopedia.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a wide array of automobile, travel, insurance, and financial services and is the largest provider of emergency road services in the world. Founded in 1900, AAA is a not-for-profit, fully tax-paying federation of fifty-seven motor clubs serving more than 52 million members throughout the U.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) offers a wide array of automobile, travel, insurance, and financial services and is the largest provider of emergency road services in the world. Founded in 1900, AAA is a not-for-profit, fully tax-paying federation of fifty-seven motor clubs serving more than 52 million members throughout the U.
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is a not-for-profit trade association for the automotive aftermarket that represents suppliers, distributors, retailers, service providers, educators, and publishers. Its 23,000 members manufacture, distribute, sell, and install vehicle parts, tools, accessories, equipment, materials, supplies, and services.
The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) is a not-for-profit trade association for the automotive aftermarket that represents suppliers, distributors, retailers, service providers, educators, and publishers. Its 23,000 members manufacture, distribute, sell, and install vehicle parts, tools, accessories, equipment, materials, supplies, and services.
Founded in 1999, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) is a national association that represents the automotive service industry. The AASP works to strengthen its regional affiliates by promoting common business interests, forging alliances, and monitoring federal legislation and regulations.
Founded in 1999, the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers (AASP) is a national association that represents the automotive service industry. The AASP works to strengthen its regional affiliates by promoting common business interests, forging alliances, and monitoring federal legislation and regulations.