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Posted

The Bartec TPMS tool is the best I have seen so far. My Techs love it and its user friendly.

 

Is the Bartec TPMS tool the best for re-programming TPMS sensors? Also, which brand would you recommend to replace TPMS sensors that are damaged or broken?

 

Vehicles used on will be mostly Mazda, Land Rover, Ford, Mercedes, Tesla, Toyota type vehicles.

 

Thanks!

Posted (edited)

Wenxing W333l key duplicator... Gotta really advertise that you have this to your customers, but once word gets around, it can pay off in a hurry.

http://www.lockpicks.com/w333l-sidewinderkeyduplicator.aspx

 

I'm a few key cuts away from it paying itself off, all in just a few weeks of having it. And you would be absolutely amazed at how many people have only one key for their car... I'm guilty of it myself! Plus, if you know how much of a pain it can be on newer cars to add keys once someone has lost all of them, it's an easy sell to the customer.

 

 

Edit : Holy cow!!! 2007-2008-2013! :unsure: This thread was started one year after I graduated High School!!!! Thumbs up to AutoFantic for using the search function!

Edited by mmotley
Posted

Wow, that duplicator is great, Motley.

 

I believe I posted this already on another thread, but I want updates on this thread too, so I'll just post it here: Ross Tech's vag-com ... A VW / Audi dealer level scan tool for under $400. I see no reason why any shop would not have this tool ... It is unbeatable for the price. Heck, even VW dealership techs will use this tool over the official software. Highly recommended. It does literally everything the dealer tool does other than program keys.

 

http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCHUC.html

 

Also got a pair of auto-setting wire strippers from Radio Shack the other day. They're pretty sweet too. ;)

Posted

Wes Daniel, do you work on a lot of VW/Audi's? My lead tech talked to me the other day about the Ross Tech VAG-COM software. He said the same things as you, for the price you just can't beat it. The only reason we haven't already purchased it was because we don't really do a ton of VW's or Audi's. On a side note, we haven't really purchased any new tools but we did upgrade our flash lights from the battery operated ones to Stinger Stream Light LED rechargeable flash lights and they are GREAT!

Posted

Wes Daniel, do you work on a lot of VW/Audi's? My lead tech talked to me the other day about the Ross Tech VAG-COM software. He said the same things as you, for the price you just can't beat it. The only reason we haven't already purchased it was because we don't really do a ton of VW's or Audi's.

VW Group only represents around 5% of the US market, so unless you are known for it, you will not see too many. However, in looking at scan tools, I compared auto market share by cost of the dealership-level tool, and the VW tool came on top for $400 and 5% of the market (another example, Ford's IDS will get you 16% of the market for $1600 plus $700 yearly, a much worse deal).

Posted

I stumbled upon this website the other day and Wes reminded me of it. http://www.vag-info.com/ Might be of some help to someone out there.

 

From their site:

"Edilock Ltd company specialize in developing of car diagnostics software, key programming and immobiliser pin code reading devices, odometer correction software and devices for bypassing the immobilizer of petrol and diesel cars from VAG Group. All our products are genuine and we do not sell chinese copies. Most popular products are BMW Key Programming Device for CAS 3 module via OBD II for all E - series 2003 - 2012, AVDI hardware and special software functions , Toyota Key programming via OBD II, TANGO Programmer, OMEGA - ORANGE Programmer, TAG Key Tool, BMW EWS 3 Key programming Device, VAG Pin Code Reading, DASHCODER - Odometer programming tool and more... "

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  • Have you checked out Joe's Latest Blog?

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      It always amazes me when I hear about a technician who quits one repair shop to go work at another shop for less money. I know you have heard of this too, and you’ve probably asked yourself, “Can this be true? And Why?” The answer rests within the culture of the company. More specifically, the boss, manager, or a toxic work environment literally pushed the technician out the door.
      While money and benefits tend to attract people to a company, it won’t keep them there. When a technician begins to look over the fence for greener grass, that is usually a sign that something is wrong within the workplace. It also means that his or her heart is probably already gone. If the issue is not resolved, no amount of money will keep that technician for the long term. The heart is always the first to leave. The last thing that leaves is the technician’s toolbox.
      Shop owners: Focus more on employee retention than acquisition. This is not to say that you should not be constantly recruiting. You should. What it does means is that once you hire someone, your job isn’t over, that’s when it begins. Get to know your technicians. Build strong relationships. Have frequent one-on-ones. Engage in meaningful conversation. Find what truly motivates your technicians. You may be surprised that while money is a motivator, it’s usually not the prime motivator.
      One last thing; the cost of technician turnover can be financially devastating. It also affects shop morale. Do all you can to create a workplace where technicians feel they are respected, recognized, and know that their work contributes to the overall success of the company. This will lead to improved morale and team spirit. Remember, when you see a technician’s toolbox rolling out of the bay on its way to another shop, the heart was most likely gone long before that.
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