Content provided in partnership with

Tools of the Trade

SmartWeight balancing technology is a new wheel balancing method purported to minimize correction weight usage and maximize productivity, saving money on both material and labor costs. This new method computes correction weights by measuring and evaluating the "absolute" or pure static (shake) and couple (shimmy) forces that cause vibration. Unlike traditional balancing, which judges balance condition based on correction weight values, SmartWeight balancing uses the actual static and couple forces, which directly addresses the source of vibration problems, resulting in the best possible balance, according to the manufacturer. Hunter Engineering

Most Popular Articles in Autos: Service Slants; 2007 utility vehicle buyer's guide: Side-By-Sides are popular; here's who ...; Transmission considerations: beyond the manual gearbox; Buell Motorcycle engineering, innovation, & dedication: in an industry ...; 100 + 10: America's oldest automotive magazine celebrates its 110th year ...; More »

Circle #150

No-Remove Fuel Gap

The InStant Fill fuel cap features a convenient trap door mechanism that accommodates the gas nozzle and eliminates the hassle of removing and replacing the cap when refueling. The fuel cap meets on-board diagnostic (OBD) emissions specifications and is available for a wide range of popular vehicle makes and models. Stant Manufacturing

Circle #151

Value-Priced Scan Tool

The Maclnspect (EST300) multifunction scan tool offers independent service shops an affordable answer to performing diagnostics on the key systems of European vehicles, according to the maker. In addition to troubleshooting, air bag, ABS and climate control systems, technicians can also reset oil and service indicator lights on vehicles from most of the major European makers, including Audi, BMW, Volkswagen, Mercedes, Land Rover and Mini Cooper. The tool is CAN-enabled and comes standard with Spanish-language support for all diagnostic functions. Mac Took

Circle #152

Flexible-Head TIG Welding Torch

The SF-225 Modular Flex Head Torch Package is designed primarily for shop use on water-cooled operations, allowing welding operators to customize a single torch into multiple configurations for welding various applications and angles. The tool gives welding operators the flexibility to work on many different applications by changing only the torch head instead of the whole torch. This minimizes downtime and the need for additional torches, says the manufacturer. Weldcraft

Circle #153

Mirror-Removal Tool for Fords

The Ford Mirror Removal Tool (Part No. 8200) is said to save significant shop labor time and costs by allowing technicians to remove and replace side-view mirrors on a variety of 1996-2004 Ford models without damaging or removing the entire mirror assembly. The two-sided tool is designed to easily slide into the mirror assembly to pry the mirror out. It's also designed to work on many newer models' interior rearview mirrors that have detachable (screwless) mounts. OTC

Circle #154

High-Performance Flashlight

The SL-20X-LED flashlight features a 10-watt, 6-volt halogen bulb with three high-intensity white LEDs in a single reflector unit to maximize the brightness and beam pattern of both types of light, says the maker. It's also said to offer up to 38,000 peak beam candlepower (200 lumens) of incandescent halogen light for 1.3 hours, or 40 hours of LED light. It has a machined aircraft-grade, O-ring-sealed aluminum case, unbreakable Lexan lens and anodized finish, and is backed by a limited-lifetime warranty. Streamlight

Circle #155

Octane Boosters

These two new five-additive formula 104+ Octane Boost products use a cpmbustion catalyst to increase octane levels while they clean and lubricate the complete fuel and combustion systems. The red-labeled bottle is said to offer dramatic increases in octane and horsepower while the formula in the black-labeled bottle maximizes power and acceleration with twice the amount of octane boost as the red-labeled product. Gold Eagle

Circle #156

Ceramic & Metallic Brake Pads

With more than 800 part numbers covering a broad range of popular late-model domestic and import passenger applications, Monroe Ceramics and Monroe Dynamics brake pads are now available through leading parts suppliers. According to the company, each set of pads is engineered to produce less noise and dust and provide better stopping performance than competing products. They're shipped complete with all required hardware and related materials, including noise elimination clips and electronic wear sensors (where applicable). Tenneco

Circle #157

Technician Gloves

These CLC Pit Crew gloves, which are branded with the Goodyear name and . logo, are made to the highest standards of fit and function for durability, dexterity and comfort, says the manufacturer. They feature padded palms, fingers and knuckles, double stitching at key stress points, Lycra binding for a secure fit and Velcro wrist straps. The gloves are washable and come in five styles. Custom LeatherCraft

Circle #158

Fuel System Cleaner

One bottle of synthetic formula TECHRON Concentrate Plus Fuel System Cleaner is claimed to improve engine performance for up to 3000 miles by cleaning deposits from fuel injectors, carburetors, intake valves, ports and combustion chambers. The maker says it can help restore lost power, lower exhaust emissions and reduce engine knock, ping and run-on. It's also designed to relieve cold start-up problems. Chevron Products

Automotive Industry

Tools of the Trade

Motor, Jan 2006 by Nash, Tom

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Arts

Most Popular Articles in Autos

Most Popular Publications in Autos