AutoVitals

New and improved EIS in the App Store!

Uwe — Mon, 06 May 2013 04:59:19 +0000

Users of the EIS on an Android tablet have experienced it already.

Our new version V1.2.7. with new and improved features is now available in the App store.

We have implemented new features so technicians increase their productivity even more.

Check it out!

The EIS can be used outside of data connectivity (wireless or cellular connection)
The strength of the data connection is shown to detect best location for upload
If the tablet is equipped with cellular connectivity, it can be switched on/off (See settings)
All statuses defined are immediately visible to technicians
Creating motorist and shop reports has been made easier

Check it out and let us know by replying below if we can make the EIS even better.

The Time Has Come

Uwe — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 06:23:48 +0000

We are incredibly excited to announce the release of the

Electronic Inspection Sheet.

After incorporating the feedback of our charter shops, we are proud to present the first official version. You can download it from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Just scan the QR code below and it will guide you to the right store.

Use your tablet device (the EIS is optimized for 9 inch and larger screen sizes) to boost technician and service advisor productivity as well as motorist satisfaction. How does it work? Use your first 50 FREE inspections to find out!

Auto Service Recommendation Library

Patrick Egan — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 07:07:48 +0000

New Auto Service Recommendation Library Leverages the Power of Video to Educate Motorists About Auto Repairs

SANTA BARBARA, CA – April 10, 2013 – AutoVitals Inc today announced the availability of the AutoVitals TV Service Recommendation Library. The video series is positioned to uniquely educate motorists about specific repair topics by answering the three questions they are most likely to have; What is this service about, Why should I have this work done, and What if I don’t do it now?

People are increasingly more likely to watch a short video about a topic that interests them than they are to read about it. In fact, over 105 million Americans now watch online video each day, which is up 43% since 2010, and much of this trend is due to the increase in smart phone ownership. According to BI Intelligence 80% of affluent Americans ages 25-34 have a smart phone.

By leveraging both the popularity of video and the prevalence of smart phones, auto shop owners can provide their customers with a short educational experience about a specific service or repair right at the time they want to know more, and in a form that is easy to obtain. Motorists have immediate access to the video information when the repair shop informs them that they might need service, and they can watch it right at the counter, in the shop or at home.

The AVTV Video Library is designed to support the primary goal of every shop owner. Increase customer retention by providing education to the motorist from a trusted source.

A subscription to the Standard AVTV Video Library gives auto shops unlimited access to continually updated video content on a wide variety of auto repair topics. And according to AutoVitals CEO Uwe Kleinschmidt, “ By choosing to upgrade to a PLUS or PRO package, a shop can have the entire library customized with personalization ranging from static imagery at the shop to full audio and video professionally edited by the AutoVitals TV crew. “

The new AutoVitals TV Service Recommendation Video Library is available online at AutoVitals.com with subscriptions starting at $45 month. A Sample PRO Video upgrade can be viewed on the Westside Auto Pros YouTube channel.

About AutoVitals

Founded in 2009, AutoVitals is the automotive industry’s leading provider of integrated solutions for Internet marketing, motorist engagement and customer retention. AutoVitals focuses on providing high-value management and engagement service for the Independent Automotive Aftermarket. For more information contact AutoVitals at +1(866) 949-2848 or visit on the web at www.AutoVitals.com

Contact

Patrick Egan
AutoVitals
Patrick.Egan@AutoVitalsinc.com
+1(805) 403-3462

Windshield Wiper Service Recommendation

Craig Karpovich — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:35:26 +0000

have you ever wanted to know more about your auto repairs but were afraid to ask your mechanic? This brief video provides you with information designed to help you make the the right decisions about your auto repairs. Windshield wiper blades are designed to remove rain, snow and dirt from the windshield of your car, and to do it quickly at the push of a But they are required to endure temperature extremes from sub zero winter weather to scorching desert sunshine.

Normally operating for hours at a time. Wiperblades Wiper blades should be changed every twelve to twenty four months depending on weather conditions and the quality and material of the blade. over time wiper blades lose their ability to clearly remove rain, snow and other debris from your windshield.

Environmental factors like UV and ozone cause wiper Blade to age. When a blade is passed it's physical prime. It will began to crack or come apart. If un changed, a crack wiper blade. Will eventually come off completely. [xx] allowing the metal wiper arm to permanently scratch the window. Being able to see the road ahead clearly is the most important safety aspect aspect of driving.

Faulty wiper blades could leave you blind in a sudden downpour or at any times bugs and other debris may obscure your vision. From an environmental point [xx] there is no impact of driving with old wiper blades.

Water Pump Service Recommendation

Craig Karpovich — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:34:21 +0000

Have you ever wanted to know more about your auto repairs, but you were afraid to ask your mechanic? This brief video provides you with with information designed to help you make the right decisions about your auto repairs. Your vehicle's water pump is one of the most important parts of your car's engine.

To keep you car running, it is crucial maintain engine temperature. It is the job of the water pump to continually circulate coolant through your vehicles engine, and back through the radiator doesn't overheat. We recommend that your engine's water pump be replaced when the timing belt is serviced, or immediately when a leak or malfunction is detected.

Refer to the owner's manual for belt service intervals. When a water pump fails, either by leaking or the inability to circulate coolant, the result is engine overheating. If ignored, driving a vehicle with an overheated engine will result in engine failure, requiring very costly repairs and even complete engine replacement.

From a safety standpoint, a water pump failure won't likely pose a problem for other motorists, but could leave you stranded with no warning. From an environmental point of view, there is significant impact because leaking engine coolant is poisonous and could be ingested by children, pets and other animals.

Serpentine Belt Service Recommendation

Craig Karpovich — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:28:14 +0000

Have you ever wanted to know more about your auto repair, but were afraid to ask your mechanic? This brief video provides you with with information designed to help you make the right decisions about your auto repairs. The serpentine belt, also known as the multi-vee or multi-rib belt, is a single continuous belt used to drive multiple devices in an automotive engine, including the alternator, power steering pump, water pump, air conditioner and others.

Without the serpentine belt, there is no way to drive power to any of these devices. A serpentine belt should be replaced as soon as it shows sign of fraying badly cracked, or is contaminated with oil. Most manufacturers also recommend replacement every four years, or 50,000 miles for preventative maintenance serpentine belt breaks, all drive power to whatever it turns is lossed.

that means the water pump stops circulating coolant through the engine, the alternator quits producing power, the power steering ceases to assist steering and the air conditioner quits cooling. Continued driving without power to your water pump will result in engine overheating, and engine failure, requiring costly repairs and even engine replacement.

Ignoring serpentine belt replacement has a high safety impact most likely be stranded with no warning when the belt breaks, and if your power steering fails, you could lose control of your vehicle. There is no environmental impact of ignoring serpentine serpentine belt replacement.

Coolant Service Recommendation

Craig Karpovich — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:24:34 +0000

Have you ever wanted to know more about your auto repairs but were afraid to ask your mechanic? This brief video provides you with information designed to help you make the right decisions about your auto repairs. Coolant is the generally accepted term for the liquid that absorbs heat from the engine and releases it through the radiator.

As the coolant circulates through the system it transfers heat to the radiator and into the air. The liquid is cooled, fed back to the engine through the cooling system, and the cycle repeats. Coolant should be checked for both Ph levels and strength at regular intervals and serviced accordingly. Even so called long-life coolants have been known to lose their effectiveness prematurely.

See your owners manual or call one of our service advisers for more information. Low and used coolant also causes your vehicle to be less fuel efficient. In some cases this can decrease your miles per gallon by up to 10%. If your coolant is left unchanged for too long may result in a chemical condition known as electrolysis, this can result in costly repairs or even an engine replacement.

From a safety standpoint an overheated engine won't pose a problem for other motorists, but could leave you stranded with no warning. From an environmental point of view, there is significant impact. Because leaking engine coolant is poisonous and could be ingested by children, pets and other animals.

Cabin Air Filter Service Recommendation

Craig Karpovich — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:22:53 +0000

Have you ever wanted to know more about your auto repairs but were afraid to ask your mechanic? This brief video provides you with information designed to help you make the right decisions about your auto repair. The cabin air filter is generally a pleated paper filter placed in the outside air intake to the passenger compartment, and is designed to remove dust pollen, mold, spores and other contaminants as the outside air enters your vehicle.

A clogged or dirty cabin air filter can significantly reduce air flow cabin vents, increase the load on the blower motor, and allow allergens sent to the cabin air stream. We recommend changing the cabin air filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles or whenever necessary. Refer to your owner's manual for specific intervals.

Failure to change a clogged cabin air filter can greatly reduce the effectiveness of the vehicle's air conditioning and heating system and could cause premature failure of other system components. Replacing the blower motor could cost $300 or more. Running your A/C with a clogged filter won't cause any vehicle safety issues, but it could significantly affect the quality of the air your passengers breathe and might make them even more uncomfortable if the system does not adequately heat or cool the cabin.

From an environmental point of view, failure of your cabin air filter will lead to higher levels of allergens inside the passenger compartment.

Brake Pads Service Recommendation

Craig Karpovich — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 23:17:12 +0000

Have you ever wanted to know more about your auto repairs but were afraid to ask your mechanic? This brief video provides you with information designed to help you make the right decision about your auto repairs. Brake pads are a key component in your vehicle's braking system. As the brakes are applied their contact with the brake rotors are what allow you to stop.

Over time, this interaction causes the brake pads to gradually wear down, reducing your braking ability. We recommend replacing your brake pads after they have worn less than 1/8th of an inch, often signaled by a squealing wear indicator embedded in the brake pad. Brake pad wear beyond this point will dramatically increase stopping distance.

Further neglect will lead to severe damage and replacement of the brake rudders as metal components of the brake come in contact. Having your brake pads serviced as soon as reach minimal thickness, will extend the life of your braking system, and prevent the need for costly rotor replacement. From a safety standpoint, deteriorated brake pads will dramatically increase the distance required for you to stop, possibly causing an accident, endangering your life and those of others.

Neglecting brake pad maintenance has no environmental environmental impact.

Air Filter Service Recommendation

Craig Karpovich — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 22:08:09 +0000

Have you ever wanted to know more about your auto repairs, but were afraid to ask your mechanic? This brief video provides you with with information designed to help you make the right decisions about your auto repairs. The air filter is an important part of the vehicle's intake system. It allows the engine to breathe without the threat of contamination.

An engine needs a precise mixture of fuel and air in order to run efficiently air enters the system through the air filter, which catches the dirt and other foreign particles, preventing them from entering the system and possibly damaging your engine. Changing your filters on a regular basis can have a significant impact on the engine life and performance.

Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended intervals. But depending upon where and how you drive, a good rule of thumb is every 12 months or 12,000 miles. As air filters get clogged with dirt, grime, and debris, the volume of take air is restricted, decreasing performance and engine power.

If ignored long enough, a contaminated air filter can cause your engine to work harder negatively impacting both efficiency and economy. There's little safety risk, just decreased power and performance, but neglecting your air filter can have a big impact on the [xx]

The air filter is an important part of the vehicle’s intake system. It allows the engine to breathe without the threat of contamination. An engine needs a precise mixture of fuel and air in order to run efficiently. Air enters the system through the air filter, which catches the dirt and other foreign particles, preventing them from entering the system and possibly damaging your engine. Changing your filters on a regular basis can have a significant impact on the engine life and performance.

Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended intervals. But depending upon where and how you drive, a good rule of thumb is to change your air filters every 12 months or 12,000 miles.

As air filters get clogged with dirt, grime, and debris, the volume of take air is restricted, decreasing performance and engine power. If ignored long enough, a contaminated air filter can cause your engine to work harder negatively impacting both efficiency and economy.

There’s little safety risk, just decreased power and performance, but neglecting your air filter can have a big impact on the