No longer are aftermarket shop owners, mechanics and technicians dependent solely on manufacturers and other vendors for their technical data. They ve sanctioned their own independent, unbiased tests on everything from coolants, belts, hoses, pumps, refrigerants, radiators, heaters, evaporators, condensers, etc., and will make appropriate buying recommendations. Most importantly, laboratory tests will be supplemented by field-testing input from participating member shops. However, owners are keeping their vehicles longer than ever before in history. Since the OEs are long gone trying to sell the new stuff, it s up to the aftermarket specialists to keep up with the service requirements of these neglected vehicles.
Lowest bidder wins.
Because as diligent as the best product and application engineers are, behind him, or her, is a bean counter with a sharper pencil. Back to 2001. This scenario sounds farfetched, but it is achievable. Within aftermarket service is a wealth of knowledge. To tap that knowledge requires a focused organization.