Total Automotive Blog

UAW Strike Update - All GM and Stellantis PDC`s walking out

Fri, 22 Sep 2023 15:54:07 Z

The UAW just announced that all (38) GM and Stellantis Parts Distribution locations would be going on stike today at noon eastern. Because of the high demand of parts related to the strike, certain products may have ordering limits and or price changes due to supply constraints. Call or email your sales rep for the most up to date information on ordering terms and return policy changes while the strike is ongoing.

Temporary Return Policy During the UAW Strike. All parts purchased during the UAW Strike by affected manufacture lines are not returnable due to non use / need. Our normal return policy stiil applies and will remain in affect. Due to the high demand on some parts categories we cannot allow returns on affected lines from dealers ordering excessive stock.

Closed Monday Sept. 4th for the Labor Day Holiday

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 20:40:44 Z

This coming Labor Day weekend on September 4th, 2023, it’s time to take a break from your hard work and enjoy the company of family and friends. While most important holidays revolve around religious or political events, Labor Day is a celebration of American workers and their achievements. Thank you to our customers on this Labor Day! We are grateful for your business and support.

Temporary Web Order System Maintenance

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 20:32:34 Z

We have an upgrade to our web order processing that is taking longer than expected. You may experience an order error message, that is a temporary alert. Orders placed online will still process. The system will be back online without the alert shortly. Sorry for any inconvenience, you may call directly with any questions 1-800-450-7750

Independence Day, July 4th Holiday 2023, Limited Staff and Hours Monday, July 3rd

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 18:15:39 Z

Total Automotive will be open on Monday July 3rd with limited staff. Total Automotive will be closed on Tuesday July 4th to Celebrate the Independence Day Holiday! We wish you and your famlies a Happy and Safe Holiday! Any orders placed on the website over the weekend (July 1st - 4th) will be processed and shipped on Wednesday July 5th. Call or email your sales rep directly with any questions or call 1-800-450-7750 email online@totalauto.com Thanks for your continued business.

Memorial Day Weekend

Thu, 25 May 2023 20:32:18 Z

Top Tools Your Shop Needs to Have

Wed, 19 Apr 2023 20:24:38 Z

Your shop’s success matters to us, which is why we have created a list of the top 10 tools that every repair shop owner should have. Whether your shop is just starting out or has been in business for decades, these are items to keep on your radar.

Diagnostic tools: True to the name, diagnostic equipment is used to diagnose and identify electrical and mechanical problems inside of a vehicle. The most common examples include OBD-II scanners, multimeters, and oscilloscopes.
Impact wrench: This specific type of wrench is used to remove and install lug nuts and other bolts quickly while ensuring a secure fastening for long-term results.
Torque wrench: A torque wrench is used to tighten bolts to a specific torque specification, ensuring that they are tightened to the correct level and preventing over-tightening.
Air compressor: An air compressor is used to power pneumatic tools, such as impact wrenches, air hammers, and sanders.
Lifts: Lifts are used to raise vehicles off the ground, allowing mechanics to work underneath them. Popular types of lifts include two-post lifts, four-post lifts, and scissor lifts. Make sure that your shop has the lifts needed to suit all sizes of vehicles that your team may service.
Brake lathe: A brake lathe is used to resurface brake rotors and drums, ensuring that they are smooth and flat for optimal braking performance. We recommend this due to the extensive nature of brake failure and other issues.
Wheel balancer: This tool is used to balance wheels and tires, preventing vibrations and ensuring a smooth ride.
Battery tester: A battery tester is used to test the voltage and health of a vehicle's battery, helping mechanics determine whether the battery needs to be replaced.
Welding machine: A welder is used to join metal components together, allowing mechanics to repair and fabricate parts as needed.
Creeper: A creeper is a low-profile board with wheels that allows mechanics to slide underneath a vehicle and work on its underside comfortably.

Get started building your shop inventory today! Here at Total Auto, we have more than just basic car parts. Help check off your list by starting with our hinge kits. Visit our website at totalauto.com to browse OEM products that allow your mechanics to perform their best quality work. Every shop has unique needs and Total Automotive is here to meet yours!

When and Where to Offer Warranties

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 13:52:19 Z

Warranty policies are a large concern in the auto industry and here’s why! It’s what gives customers a sense of trust. Although it’s not a guarantee, a warranty can protect your shop against pesky lawsuits that result from simple misunderstandings or feelings of frustration on behalf of vehicle owners. There are 3 key areas where shops should always offer a warranty plan.

Parts: When a customer purchases parts from the shop, the shop should provide a warranty for those parts. The warranty should cover any defects or malfunctions that occur with the parts within a specific time frame. This may happen with a non-OEM part or a used replacement.
Labor: We recommend that your repair shop provides a warranty for the labor involved in basic repairs or services. The warranty will cover any issues resulting from the mechanical work involved, such as an improper repair due to time constraints on an understaffed day. It covers the work completed at the hands of your employees.
Maintenance and collision repairs: If your shop performs maintenance work, such as a tune-up or brake replacement, you should also provide a warranty for the fixes. Ideally, this warranty should cover any issues that arise from the additional work done. It covers you and the client in case of an improper fitting or faulty result, which could result from a variety of factors including an incorrect part or poorly fastened component.

Although it may seem like common sense, there are many auto shops that do not include warranties so by doing so, you are setting your shop apart. Even in the case of a shop mishap, the warranty provides your customers with a greater sense of understanding and loyalty when something does go wrong, they are at peace knowing they aren’t responsible for those additional costs. It’s important for mechanics to have clearly written warranties that communicate their level of coverage and provide a sense of security for both the customer and the shop. This will vary by shop and usually requires the utilization of your past experiences to create.

Here at Total Auto, we provide warranties on our parts to ensure that our partners feel the same sense of appreciation that we recommend to others. Many warranty policies require the use of OEM parts to guarantee quality outcomes. To reduce your risk of needing to cover additional parts on your warranties, visit our website at totalauto.com to browse genuine parts that meet OEM standards.

Major Winter Storm Alert ~ Modified Business Hours and Shipping Delays

Tue, 21 Feb 2023 17:18:34 Z

Historic Winter Storm should lead to impossible travel by Wednesday evening and early Thursday. Two primary rounds of snow are expected with total snow accumulations of 15 to 25+ inches with higher totals in some areas. Extreme winds and blowing snow expected to close many roadways. Total Automotive will be closing early on Wednesday Feb. 22nd and remain closed for the day on Thursday Feb. 23rd.* All orders placed during this time will process and ship in the following business days.*

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Twin Cities/Chanhassen MN 327 AM CST Tue Feb 21 2023

...HISTORIC WINTER STORM SHOULD LEAD TO IMPOSSIBLE TRAVEL BY WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND EARLY THURSDAY...

Two primary rounds of snow are expected. The first will arrive this afternoon, moving from west to east, and tapering off early Wednesday. Accumulations of 3 to 7 inches are expected with round one. Round two is more widespread, and will begin Wednesday afternoon and continue into Thursday with an additional 10 to 20 inches expected. Total snow accumulations will range from 15 to 25 inches, with the best chance for the higher end totals across east central Minnesota and west central Wisconsin. This is expected to reach the top 5 heaviest snow storms.

The worst conditions will be Wednesday evening through Thursday, and a Blizzard Warning was issued for several counties in western and central Minnesota during this time frame. Heavy snow will combine with northeast wind gusts of 35 mph across the region, to near 50 mph in western and central Minnesota. This will lead to significant blowing and drifting snow with whiteout conditions in open areas. Some drifts may be several feet deep, making travel nearly impossible.

5 Steps to Help your Shop Avoid Hidden Costs

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 19:16:47 Z

Avoid these 5 common mistakes that cause auto shops to lose money in the long run! Hidden market costs are prevalent, the good thing is that they are unnecessary and avoidable when you know where to source.

Here are the 5 main areas where we commonly see auto shops losing money:

Inventory Sourcing

Sourcing parts is commonly an area where auto shops are ineffective. Having a proactive approach instead of a reactive one is key, there is always room for improvements. Don’t wait until your inventory gets too low before filling your next order. By keeping detailed records of your inventory, you are able to gauge which parts need to be ordered ahead of time.

Scheduling Inconsistencies

When shops are ineffective at scheduling, it creates idle time for your team and limits their ability to service customers. Having an excess of vehicles waiting to be serviced or a part to be delivered creates a hurdle for accepting new jobs, you simply don’t have enough space in the shop. Effective scheduling is important when it comes to inventory sourcing, job availability and working around your operating hours.

Tool Inventory

When auto shops have poor planning, it limits the possibility to take on new work. Your team of employees should be busy but not overwhelmed. Creating a strategy that aligns mechanics to the right number of scheduled jobs is key. Organizing the right number of tools per job is an overlooked step. Your shop should maintain enough tools to service jobs without having them be disorganized throughout the service area, leading to idle time spent searching for equipment and being unable to service jobs effectively.

Poor Training Practices

Poor training can lead to job inefficiency and a loss of revenue. If your mechanics are not properly trained on your customer base (such as collision repair, maintenance jobs, or refurbishing), your results will be slower and outcomes will be worse. In some cases, this ends up leading to additional unpaid work when the quality wasn’t executed from the start which takes your focus away from other sources of revenue. Keeping your mechanics up to date on the changes in vehicle models is important! Utilizing online manuals is a great way to keep your mechanics up to date on the latest advancements, such as electronic or battery-operated features.

Legal Recourse

When shops do not complete quality work, the legal implications can cost your business revenue when the outcomes of your repair don’t meet the market standards or legal requirements for collision repairs. Poor quality parts that do not meet OEM standards can malfunction, making your shop vulnerable to diminished value claims.

5 Tips to Stay Dependable and Set your Shop Apart

Thu, 19 Jan 2023 15:09:21 Z

Dependability is the key to gaining long-term customers and developing strong business relationships.

Dependability is the key to gaining long-term customers and developing strong business relationships that last for years to come. Choosing the right supplier actually plays a role in building a positive reputation in the market, along with customer-focused business practices. We will also discuss how OEM parts can help you get there. Here are our top 5 tips to developing a dependable shop:

Be Available

Vehicle issues arise at unexpected times. People want a reliable mechanic to provide stability and a sense of direction when emergencies pop up. By being that face and prioritizing easy communication, you will become adaptable to more customers and signify that your shop cares.

Increase the longevity of your repairs

Choosing the right parts will set your job apart from the rest, ensuring a quality outcome. It also shows your customer that you care about the functioning of their vehicle, not just making a quick profit. Using OEM parts is a great way to show the market that your shop is educated, experienced, and has integrity. OEM parts allow for:

Quality customer service - The communication process is much smoother with OEM parts because they are easy to track down and identify
Durability - They are made with higher quality materials that suit the vehicle’s specific needs, providing longer usability
Warranty factors - Both you and your customer are better protected with OEM parts and the safeguards they provide

Stay up to date on the regulations

“Lemon laws” don’t only apply to used vehicle sales. Be sure to check your state’s guidelines for vehicle repairs and stay up to date. In some states such as Alabama, the use of non-OEM parts must be disclosed to the customer. Many insurance companies only cover OEM parts and failure to disclose this information has the potential to cause headaches for your customers. Abiding by these regulations protects your business while letting customers know that you value integrity.

Utilize Reviews

Reviews are another great way to give your repair shop the recognition it deserves. By using the voices of satisfied customers, you show prospects that your services work and your team provides quality results with a great experience, firsthand voices go a long way!

Continue to visit our blogs to learn more about the auto industry and how to set your shop apart on the market when it comes to quality, service, and more. Don't forget to shop our wide inventory of products at totalauto.com.

Holiday Hours 2022 ~ Closed Friday December 23rd & Monday December 26th

Thu, 15 Dec 2022 16:40:17 Z

We appreciate your business this year. We wish you a wonderful holiday season and look forward to working together in the new year.

Seasonal Changes and the OEM Parts you need!

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 19:18:06 Z

The snowy season comes with issues for drivers and repair shops alike. Statistics show that 17% of car crashes occur in snowy conditions and this doesn’t even touch on basic malfunctions that people experience in the mornings when they are trying to start their car or leave work in a blizzard. For shop owners in colder climates, winter brings an increase in demand for several unique repairs. Here’s our industry advice for prepping your shop and staying on top of the snowy season with quality OEM parts.

SLIP-N-GRIP Seat Covers:

Winter weather means it’s hard to keep your customer's vehicles clean and protected from the elements. Total Automotive knows there’s only one shot to make a first impression. We offer SLIP-N-Grip plastic floor mats, seat covers, and interior protection kits. Make sure you offer your customers the best experience when working with you by stocking up with winter deals at Total Auto!

Key Cutting Machines:

When providing service to your customer you may need to cut them new keys for their vehicles. Total Automotive has you covered with the Gymkana Key Cutting Machine and all the tools you need to make sure you can get the job done right. We have universal cutters for your key-cutting machines as well as the clamps you need to ensure safety when working on the task. Come see what Total Automotive can do to make sure your business stays ahead of the needs for your clientele!

Don’t be overwhelmed with seasonal changes and come visit our website today! Browse our wide selection of OEM parts to get your shop through the snowy season and make sure your business can meet all your client's needs!

Closing Early Dec. 1st

Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:07:51 Z

Thanksgiving week hours and more

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 20:34:50 Z

Thanksgiving may be America’s most beloved national holiday, but its history is all over the place. Even the details of the famous feast between the Plymouth Colony settlers and the Wampanoag Native Americans in November of 1621 are sketchy. The best account we have is a letter from English settler Edward Winslow that never mentions the word “Thanksgiving,” but tells of a weeklong harvest celebration that included a three-day celebration with King Massasoit and 90 Wampanoag men “so we might after a more special manner rejoice together.”

Over the centuries, that briefly-mentioned feast week has taken on a life of its own, with each generation adding its own take on the fall tradition. We’ve pulled together some little-known trivia so you have something to talk about (other than politics) around the Thanksgiving dinner table this November.

More on Thanksgiving History Facts and Trivia - HISTORY

How OEM Parts Help Combat Diminished Value Claims

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 13:05:33 Z

What is a Diminished Value Claim?

A diminished value claim will cause a drain on your business. This is when a car loses value after a collision or repair and the owner files a lawsuit in an attempt to compensate for the damages. Within the collision repair industry, it’s often related to poor repair work but the quality of parts used will impact the longevity of the fix. This is just one area where OEM replacement parts can save you. They improve the quality of the end result. This gives a better name to your business and saves you money in the long run.

How Claims Hurt your Shop

Diminished value claims hurt repair shops because the owner of the vehicle has the ability to make a claim against the business if they can prove a decrease in value as a direct result of the repair work. This is most commonly seen in collision repairs, when the shop does not fully restore the vehicle to its previous condition. Auto shops are putting themselves at risk when they:

Use low quality or off-brand parts to complete repairs
Perform poor quality repair work, such as rushing the repair or not putting the parts in correctly
The end result of the repair looks obviously different than the car’s finish when it was purchased

Insurance companies can determine the extent of damage and if it has been proven that the repairs diminished the vehicle’s value, your shop can be found at fault and expected to compensate for those damages. This causes issues in more ways than one. Not only does the lawsuit create a financial burden but your repair shop will also gain a negative reputation.

Why OEM Parts?

OEM parts offer the highest quality on the market, which means that the chance of a repair causing damage to the vehicle is significantly lower. Additionally, OEM parts are made by the manufacturer of the vehicle so that they won’t create an obvious difference between the before-and-after. OEM parts are made to suit the vehicle, containing materials that withstand the elements and don’t interfere with the vehicle’s performance.

Here at Total Auto, we specialize in OEM parts of all kinds, offering a wide selection that work perfectly for repair shops. You won’t have to worry about purchasing off brand parts when you order with us. Visit our website today and browse our selection!

Tire Pressure Prep For Seasonal Changes

Thu, 20 Oct 2022 09:59:13 Z

Stay on Top of your Tire Pressure this Fall

Checking your tire pressure is an important part of vehicle maintenance and Total Auto has all the tools you need to make sure your client's needs are taken care of this fall. As seasons change and we move into chilly weather, it becomes even more important to be aware of your tire pressure and to make sure your company has all the items your team needs.

Why is it Important?

Of course, being aware of your tire pressure gives the driver better overall handling of their vehicle. The ideal tire pressure ranges based on tire brands and models. The preferred number for your tire will usually be listed on the side of the tire itself and tends to average out around 35.

When tire pressure is low, you will get fewer miles per gallon than what is optimal for your vehicle, and over time, the costs of this inefficiency will add up. Having less-than-ideal tire pressure also puts your vehicle, and even driver safety at risk. Poor tire pressure increases your risk of tires heating up and causing damage to your car.

Common causes for tire pressure change include:

Temperature

Sudden changes in outdoor temperatures remain one of the most common causes for a difference in tire pressure, as air expands and contracts inside the tire. When a significant amount of air escapes from the tire, it can cause a drop in pressure.

Punctured Tires

A puncture in the tire can cause a drop in overall tire pressure, this is one of the warning signs that you may have a hole in your tire from something like driving over a nail or a sharp tool.

Wheel Malfunctions

Sometimes, a change in tire pressure indicates that your vehicle's wheels are not in tip-top condition. This may be because the wheel is bent or has another form of damage from the normal wear and tear that occurs from the roads or a collision.

So, how can you be sure that your tire pressure is within the acceptable range? Total Auto offers a wide range of tire pressure sensors that will allow you to gauge the pressure in your tires, quickly and efficiently. If you find out that your tire pressure is too high or too low, you can move on to fixing the issue, which may include:

Inflating the tires
Releasing air from the valve
In more extreme cases, getting new tires or replacing the wheel

Here at Total Auto, we have the tire pressure sensors you need! Search by part or model number above to find what you need for your vehicle today!

Collision Repair Guidelines with OEM Parts

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 09:35:54 Z

Collision repair guidelines impact the efficiency of your business. If you are a mechanic or shop owner, it is well known to you that car manufacturers have guidelines for how to fix vehicles made by that specific company or under a model name. Guidelines like this are also implemented into law, with different states having regulations for what parts can be used in repairs and how customers are supposed to be informed on the practice. Failing to implement the standards could risk your business falling into trouble with “lemon laws”. Off Brand parts made outside of a trusted manufacturer fail to meet safety standards more often than name-brand parts.

These guidelines may seem pesky, as they usually require a part made by the specific assembler of the vehicle rather than an independent company. This is done to ensure the safety of the drive and proper functioning of the car because manufacturers do know how to create parts that are consistent to the car’s mechanical systems, but it can cause a dilemma when it comes to repairing them…especially given supply chain issues and shortages of parts.

Mechanics may be faced with the difficult decision of either repairing the vehicle with a less-than-ideal part or waiting weeks to months in order for the correct part to arrive. When it comes to collision repair, it’s a bad idea to cut corners because it will risk the safety of a vehicle along with your business's reputation. Quality collision repair services don’t have to be a hassle! Ordering OEM parts remains the most important key to following the correct guidelines. With Total Automotive, mechanics and shop owners can provide the ideal outcome for their clients when it comes to repairs and replacements. Our supply of OEM car parts ensures that you can get a wide range of equipment that other suppliers don’t stock. When you browse our website, the cost of following collision repair guidelines is minimized and you won’t experience the long wait that you would with other stores. We can help you follow the procedure! Be sure to check out our website and stock up on what you need.

Custom Packaging & Easy Stock Ordering

Thu, 18 Aug 2022 08:30:27 Z

Total Automotive provides custom packaging and labeling on some of our products. We can also package products in custom bags imprinted with your logos on them.

Packaging is an underestimated aspect of the automotive industry. Because parts are often distributed from large manufacturers overseas or across the country, it can be hard to set your products apart from those of other retailers, sell similar or exact parts for the same cars. Custom packaging allows you to brand your repair shop or auto parts store in ways that make your business recognizable. It helps create a name for yourself that customers feel a sense of familiarity with.

Custom packaging also has practical benefits. Here at Total Auto, we individually package our products to improve the longevity of items. Batteries last longer when they are individually packaged. This is an all-inclusive benefit we bring to our clients when they order from us. This is one way we can help our customers save on cost while providing a higher quality return. Selecting the right materials for your packaging goes a long way. Something as simple as smaller boxes or more padding can save you money and improve the ordering process of your products, ensuring that your parts will retain their value during long transit times. It’s a small price to pay when ordering expensive, fragile equipment.

We can help you deliver too! We provide packaging for custom requests. This option will help you categorize products with your own logos and colors, one of the best ways to streamline your brand and create a cohesive line of products. Another packing service we provide is custom labeling, allowing you to receive your parts already organized, this saves you time and headaches when it comes to large orders of many miscellaneous parts. Your inventory will arrive easily, with minimal stocking needed, saving you more time and effort. Custom packaging will also allow you to expand your services, providing you with more opportunities to grow your business to new markets online, out of state, or even overseas!

Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you streamline your products with custom packaging!

Confronting Supply Chain Issues

Thu, 28 Jul 2022 14:51:36 Z

Total Automotive truly has parts you can't get elsewhere. Just go to our site and search our extensive inventory by product, vehicle, hinge kits, manufacturer, part #, and more. As global supply chain issues continue to affect all markets, we can help you navigate your supply chain challenges. We are continuously working with our warehouse operations teams to increase our capacity to ensure we can help you fill the gaps in your supply chain. Total Auto has grown our internal OEM parts specialists division to include more staff and an increase in parts for all on-time orders. For the past 30 years, we have provided quality parts and affordable products for our customers and we will continue to do so for you and your team's needs.

Here at Total Auto, we have been working proactively to ensure your business doesn’t suffer from shipping delays. We suggest increasing your business's stock of your most in-demand products to make sure your business continues to run at peak capacity. When you find yourself looking for that part your team needs rest assured that Total Auto will help you find the best part for your customer's needs and provide you with the continued quality that you have come to rely on when working with Total Auto.

Independence Day, July 4th Holiday

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 14:18:10 Z

Total Automotive will be closed Monday July 4th in observance of Independence Day. All orders received over the holiday weekend will process on Tuesday July 5th. Have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July.

The Torch of Freedom "The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Days Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not."

John Adams July 3, 1776

This quote is an excerpt from John Adams’ letter to his wife Abigail on July 3, 1776. The emotions of this sharp-witted founding father speak of the momentous occasion. Adams believed that July 2, 1776, would be the date to mark and celebrate forever our Declaration of Independence. Although the official date comes later, Americans have celebrated their country’s birth date, and have followed Adams’ advice ever since. Adams bore witness to, and was part of, the American dream for freedom. He was an example of how the new nation would carry on after the war by becoming our first vice-president, and our second president. Adams’ eloquent words put the historical significance of American independence, and the consequence for failure if it was not achieved, into focus.

Although the Second Continental Congress made its decree for freedom on July 2, 1776, no one signed the Declaration of Independence. Congress did sign the Lee Resolution, named for Virginian Richard Henry Lee, on July 2. This resolution contained three parts: separation from the British Crown, a call to form foreign alliances, and a plan for confederation. Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence two days later, July 4, 1776, and the alarm for freedom was sounded at Independence Hall with the Liberty Bell. Americans rejoiced as word spread throughout the newly declared independent states. Although independence had been declared, delegates of the Continental Congress had not yet inked their signatures onto the document. On August 2, 1776, when most delegates signed the Declaration of Independence, it became official.

Excerpt from https://www.nps.gov/subjects/nationalmall4th/history-of-independence-day.htm

Temporary Additional Processing Time On Orders

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 17:16:21 Z

Notice to all customers of additional processing time on orders. Do to the huge increase in order volume it is taking longer then normal to process shipments. We are working with our warehouse operations team to increase capacity. In the last 6 months we have added additional staff and increased our warehouse footprint. Currently we are the only distributor in North America with stock on many fast moving products. With all the current supply chain issues we have part numbers selling out immediately as they arrive at our loading docks. We are diligently sourcing more high demand products and have containers arriving weekly. We will continue to provide quality, affordable product as we have for over 30 years. Please allow for additional processing time when placing stock orders. Contact your sales representative for order specific questions.

Limited Shipping Hours January 3rd - 5th Warehouse Renovations

Mon, 27 Dec 2021 17:36:15 Z

We will have limited shipping January 3rd through the 5th as we are renovating our warehouse operations. Please call 1-800-450-7750 if there is an order or items you need expedited. We will resume regular shipping by Thursday January 6th. Thank you for your patience while we streamline our operations to better serve our customers.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ~ Holiday Hours

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 14:47:33 Z

We will be closing early on Thursday Dec 23rd and closed Friday Dec 24th. All of the staff here at Total Automotive would like to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas. May your time be spent taking in all of the joys that the holidays bring.

Gymkana 994 Key Machine

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 13:42:55 Z

Gymkana 994 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. WHAT TYPE OF KEY DOES THE GYM KANA 994 DUPLICATE? A. The Gymkana 994 duplicates both high security and double-sided edge cut automotive keys with the standard universal clamp.

Q. WHAT CLAMPS DO I NEED TO CUT KEYS? A. The Gymkana 994 requires the universal U clamp for high security and edge cut keys and the new K clamp is required for the Honda stainless steel key.

Q. WHAT ADAPTORS DO I NEED? A. No adaptors or tip stops are needed.

Q. HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO CUT THE NEW HONDA STAINLESS STEEL KEY? A. It's easy with Gymkana. It is the ONLY key machine on the market that deburrs the new Honda stainless steel key while cutting the key! Keyline has safety in mind. When the key is completely cut, the key is completely deburred.

Q. HOW DIFFICULT IS IT TO CHANGE TO THE NEW CLAMP? A. Simple, loosen the setscrew on the carriage using the wrench that is provided, and slide out the U clamp, insert the NEW Honda K clamp and tighten the setscrew. It only takes a couple seconds.

Q. DO I HAVE TO RECALIBRATE THE GYM KANA EACH TIME I CHANGE THE CLAMP? A. NO. Once the clamps are calibrated the Gymkana 994 retains the information.

Q. WHEN I WANT TO CUT A KEY FOR A DIFFERENT VEHICLE HOW DO I KNOW WHICH CLAMP TO USE? A. Once all clamps have been calibrated, Gymkana 994 will inform the operator when to remove the current clamp and what clamp to install for the selected vehicle.

Q. IS THERE BE A VACUUM ATTACHMENT AVAILABLE A. A vacuum attachment will be available in the near future.

Q. WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON THE GYM KANA 994? A. The Gymkana 994 come with 2 years of warranty, except consumables.

Q. IS THERE TECH SUPPORT IF I NEED HELP? A. Keyline USA has an excellent, highly trained service team based out of Cleveland, OH for all Keyline product support, including the Gymkana 994. We assist all our customers through the phone, Skype, or Team Viewer. Our phone number is +1440716 8006.

Q. HOW DO I GET SOFTWARE UPDATES? A. Software updates are done via USB memory stick or Internet. Keyline USA is proud to provide 2 years of free software updates.

Q. HOW MUCH THE SOFTWARE UPDATES COSTS? A. Software updates are free for the first 2 years (24 months). After 2 years (24 months) you will have the option to purchase a Software Subscription to access any new code series or cards that are added to the Liger Software.

Q. DO I NEED A WIFI NETWORK TO OPERATE THE GYMKANA994? A. The machine is operated through our Keyline industrial console. The Keyline console works through direct connection, rather than relying on a wifi network.

Q. WHO IS IT DESIGNED FOR? A. Gymkana 994 is designed for all automotive dealers who wish to streamline their everyday operation with the fastest, easier and more reliable machine ever conceived by Keyline.

Watch the Gymkana 994 in action at the following links:

Gymkana 994 Info Video

Gymkana 994 Video

Deep Dive Into all the Gymkana 994 Operations

Outdoor Dream Foundation Fall Hunt 2021

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 18:21:40 Z

Outdoor Dream Foundation Total Automotive is a proud supporter of the Outdoor Dream Foundation and they just had their fall hunt in North Central Missouri. Ron Lehner the President of Total Automotive had the honor of guiding Justin on an epic successful whitetail hunt. Justin had passed on 7 bucks on Saturday prior to taking this 12 pointer on Sunday, making this truly a hunt of a lifetime. The Outdoor Dream Foundation provides hunting, fishing and other outdoor adventures to children who have been diagnosed with terminal or life-threatening illnesses ages 5 through 21. Congratulations Justin!

Learn more about the Outdoor Dream Foundation