Common Power Window Problems

Power windows or electric windows are being commonly used in automobiles today as they are highly convenient for the driver as well as the passengers. But these windows can also cause a great deal of trouble when they breakdown or malfunction. Considering the electrical components that make it, repairing the power window can seem very expensive. But if you shop around properly, you are sure to find an auto glass repair company that charges reasonably for all types of auto glass services, including power window repair and replacement.

How Power Windows Work

Although they seem complicated, power windows use a simple technique that enables window control with the press of a button. The main components include - a window regulator, a window motor, the control switch and the window frame. The motor uses electrical current to push the widow glass up and down inside the frame, depending on which way the control switch is pressed.

Power Window Troubles

At times, one or all of the power windows in your car may stop functioning due to power connection failure, loose or broken wires, or a problem with the motor or the regulator of the window. In general, power window repair is necessary when you face one of the following problems.

Blown Fuse

A fuse blow-up is one of the most common problems caused in power windows. To identify if the problems is caused by the fuse or any other component, try to operate the windows individually, using the individual control buttons on the doors. If none of the windows function, and there is no noise from the motor either, it could mean that there is a blown fuse. If such is the case, it is better to go to a skilled technician who can diagnose and repair the exact problem, rather than trying to fix the problem by guessing it.

Jammed Window Glass

A jammed window may be a small but annoying problem that has a simple solution. Usually, the window glass stops moving in one or both the directions because of some foreign object blocking its path. This usually happened during freezing temperatures when icecaps are formed in the window frames, or when too much dust is settled in the gaps. This can be solved by cleaning the blockage in the frame, but at times needs the intervention of a professional auto glass technician.

Motor Malfunction

A burned out motor is a major factor that causes trouble with your car power window. While a power failure or jammed window can be rectified by repair, a motor burnout usually ends in replacement of old motor with a new one. This can be done by buying either a new window motor or a used one from the internet or the junk yard.

A number of vehicle owners make this mistake of buying cheap spares and replacing the motor themselves, with the help of DIY guides on the internet. But to really save your money and time, it is best to use only OEM spares and let an expert technician handle the job.

The Importance of Changing Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles

Despite what you may have heard, it's very important to remember to get an oil change every 3,000 miles. The health of your oil is affected by many things, including heat, cold, and the severity of your driving conditions. Though oil does have a better lifespan now than it ever has, our driving habits are worse than ever, keeping our oil's lifespan at right around 3,000 miles.

What Does Motor Oil Do?

Cars use motor oil to prevent metal to metal contact within our engines. Engines contain dozens of moving parts that should not connect with one another. Should these metal parts come in contact, friction and wear become issues. If there is enough friction and wear to your engine's parts, they will warp, distort, and eventually stop working together. Motor oil keeps everything in your engine properly lubricated, as well as permits easy starting, cools the moving engine parts, keeps surfaces clean, prevents rust and corrosion, and seals tiny gaps between piston rings and cylinder walls.

Why Change It

Oil works a lot like water when it passes through your car's engine. It picks up debris as it goes, and it becomes dirtier the more it's used until it finally starts to leave dirt behind because it's more filthy than the things it's trying to clean. The dirt begins to accumulate, preventing the oil from being able to lubricate your engine properly, which increases friction, operating temperatures, and ultimately engine wear. When you increase the wear and tear in your engine, you shorten the lifespan of your engine dramatically. It's significantly cheaper to change your oil than it is to replace your engine, so regular oil changes are essential to keeping your car going.

Severe Driving Conditions

While many manufacturers may recommend that you get an oil change further down the road than 3,000 miles, there's always a warning attached to that: if you drive under severe driving conditions, you will need to change your oil more frequently, at around 3,000 miles. But what exactly are severe driving conditions? You might be surprised. "Severe" driving conditions are the ones most of us face every single day. They include stop and go driving, short trips, time spent idling, towing other items, and very hot or very cold temperatures. Sounds like an average commute! In fact, it's estimated that more than 80% of American consumers regularly drive in some variety of severe driving condition.

So, what does that mean for your oil? Severe driving causes your oil to get dirtier more quickly, giving it a less useful life. The dirt in your oil also wears down your oil filter more quickly, filling it with gunk and severely shortening its life.

Replace Filters

When you go in to have your oil changed every 3,000 miles, you should make sure to have your oil filter replaced as well. As we already mentioned, the severe driving most of us do every day makes our filters less efficient and fills them with gunk. You may assume, though, that you can still go without changing the oil filter when you change your oil-but that would be a huge mistake. Dirty filters automatically dirty up the clean oil you've just put into your car. They also run the risk of actually clogging with dirt thanks to their already gunky status. If your filter clogs, you run the risk of damaging the engine. Filters have an emergency bypass valve that will allow oil to enter your engine without going through the filter if it's clogged. If your filter is clogged, your car will have no choice but to use that bypass valve, flooding your engine with dirty oil that can end up shortening your engine's lifespan. It is usually a standard practice to have a filter change included in your oil change, but it is vital to ensure that your mechanic does include this in the price of their oil change.

Tools You May Need to Repair Your Car

Let's talk about some tools you will need when repairing your car. Where do I get them, and what do I need? These are good questions. If you are doing basic things, oil change, air filters, wipers, then a basic hand tool kit would be fine when doing these type of repairs. By this I mean, wrenches, sockets, ratchets, and extensions. Also some screwdrivers both phillips and flat heads too. Where to get them can be up to you. Your local automotive store or home improvement store sell some basic tools like this. They are usually in kits or sets. Power tools or air tools are one of those if you are going to use it a lot questions. Well again if you are doing the basics, then no, you do not need these right now. Remember your just starting out, no need to go crazy. Keep the repairs simple.

What about a tool box? Well if you have a lot of tools already, then chances are you have a box of some sort. The cases (if they come in one) the tools came in would be fine for now. But, as you start to get more tools, then yes look into something. No need to go all out here either. Most technicians who work on cars for a living have some massive boxes, I still do. These can cost a pretty penny. You do not need one of these, just keep it simple.

Wrenches come in different sizes, from metric to standard. The best thing I can say here is get both. You never know what type of bolts will come up when repairing. Standard size sets are 1/4, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16 and 7/8 in. As were metric size sets are 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22mm. Get a set which has combination wrenches. These have a boxed end and an open end, and are usually the basic wrench. If you find you need a different size while doing the repair, not in the set. Just get that certain wrench size. No need to get a set that has it in it.

Sockets, ratchets, and extensions can come in a set or tool kit too, usually there all in one box. The thing to look for here would be different ratchet heads. There are a few different sizes here 1/4, 3/4, and 1/2inch's. The littlest size 1/4in. is for like interior trim repairs, or small bolts. The 3/4in. size is more the size you are going to use often. Under trays, filter boxes, repairs like these you will want to use the 3/4in. size. Try not to use the 1/4in. on these; you will end up breaking them. The 1/2in. stuff are going to be the big bolts, like suspension and tires. The socket sizes will depend on the set or kit you get. They will most likely be the same sizes as the wrenches but, with the different ratchet head usages. The extensions come in handy when you can not reach a bolt or nut. You just place the extension between the socket you need and the ratchet head.

Screwdrivers come in different sizes. They can range from large phillps head to small one, same with the standard or straight head ones. They also make a all in one screwdriver that has change-able heads, so you do not need several pairs. I would recommend not getting an all in one, unless it is for around the house use. You will sometimes need the leverage of a single size to remove screws.

Stay within your budget here. You can go crazy with all the different types of tools out there. If you do not have the money, ask around. I am sure a good friend will lend you some tools. Try to get tools that you will use often when doing repairs. They will be worth the money in the long run.

Download a Factory Auto Repair Manual Online - Do it Yourself

How you can benefit from do it yourself factory auto repair manual.

Cars have become so technologically advanced in today's automotive marketplace that mechanics, repair shops and dealerships are faced with the difficult task of maintaining current and up-to-date repair guides to match the ever-changing service needs of their customers. Gone are the days of simple and basic repair jobs as contemporary mechanics face an ever-changing barrage of hard to master vehicles and their intricate mechanical systems. Additionally, the outdated repair manual has become another dinosaur of the automotive repair industry as most repair shops are opting to incorporate online factory repair manuals into their arsenal of tools.

Automotive manufacturers, parts suppliers and repair procedure publishers all have adapted their traditional methods of providing repair documentation to include computer-based and online solutions. Original Equipment Manufacturers, (OEM) are the best source for providing timely, accurate and up-to-date repair manuals as well as Technical Service Bulletins, (TSB). The dilemma arises when attempting to find just the right computer-based provider of online repair manual documentation. Evidence has shown that switching the repair shop to a computer or web-based solution, increases productivity and lowers total cost of operation over the old paper based manuals.

An effective online or computer-based repair manual solution is optimal for increasing time management productivity as the manuals and information are made available to any computer worldwide. Additionally, the information provided by an online repair manual can be updated quickly and easily, in real time, thus making the most current information available to everyone in the organization.

This timely information will include specifics such as year, make, model and also intricate elements of automotive repair like wiring diagrams and engine schematics. Also, advice and tips on how to accurately perform the repair job are made readily accessible to the mechanic making use of these efficient, computer-based methods. Factory part numbers and typical labor times are also provided and updated regularly via the online repair manual product. This has proven itself invaluable to smaller repair shops and private mechanics by allowing them to more accurately provide bids on labor and parts.

Industry-specific information like diagnostic flowcharts, maintenance schedules and procedures, vehicle identification numbers, exploded diagrams and specific information pertinent to make, model and year of the car, are at the fingertips of the service manager or mechanic. Also, tech and repair articles specific to most any possible car are made available through these time-saving, online repair manual options. This is important as advice and training can be made readily available to mechanics and managers of service operations.

It's plain to see that having a computer-based technical manual at the ready can actually pay for itself in a short period of time with the increased productivity and quality control benefits they inevitably provide. In these modern times a company that relies on efficient, accurate and technologically sound information would definitely benefit from an online repair manual software package.

Car Paint Restoration Tips and Techniques - Paint Stripping and Sandblasting

Auto body Repairs Using Sand Blasting Equipment:

A restoration requires you to make a choice as to which method you are going to use. In order to do this you really need to categorize the levels of restoration.

Category One - Light to Medium fix ups
Mechanical repairs and repainting
The basic mechanical work is done first to ensure safety of the vehicle components. This followed by minor body works and refinishing touch ups.

Mechanical repairs with replacements and refinishing
Some mechanical parts are replaced as needed. Little more detail is required in the bodywork.

Category Two - In Depth Restoration
Similar to the mechanical repairs with replacements with the refinishing more in depth. Some taking apart of the vehicle is required to attend to rust and corrosion of key parts. Items have to cleaned, refurbished or replaced such as drive train parts, suspension and underbody parts. Close color match of body is required and trim may need replacing. Cars restored under this category are often pampered and not used on a daily basis.

Category Three - Just off the Assembly Line
Restoration here entails making the car look like it's just been manufactured. Showroom quality. No body fill can be used in these restorations as well as fiberglass body panels except for some Corvettes.

Category Four - Show Piece
This is the museum category and is really not applicable because they are those that are only found in the Museums.

Getting Down to Sandblasting
Sandblasters work off of compressed air and are either pressure feed or suction feed which are the cheaper of the two. The only drawback is that part of their energy goes into drawing up the material however; they don't require an expensive pressure tank. Pressure feeds do require a pressurized tank, but they work extremely well.

Sandblasting is effective cost saving and messy. Should only be done outdoors. With the right grade of sand the results taking it right down to the metal and removing the rust pits. It works effectively on other parts as well. Make sure you apply a flash rust treatment to prevent rust till you get the primer on.

The one thing to remember about sandblasting is do not over do it. As soon as you hit the bare metal stop.

You can use silica sand for various other grades just be sure to be careful with what you use. For light touches, you can use the ground or English walnut shells.

The siphon blasters are a lot less expensive than the pressure blasters. Remember to remove the hardware and trim before blasting and make sure you wear the proper body protection as well ensuring you have a proper hood and gloves. Preferably, a supplied air hood would be ideal.

Sandblasting can be extremely effective provided the right techniques, tools and materials are used in a safe environment. Many individuals are against sand blasting because of the damage it can cause. They are right it can work against you but only if you go beyond what is required. The whole key to success is stopping when you hit the bare metal.

How to Make Your Car As Safe As Possible

According to a recent research by the National Highway Department, 92 people are either injured or killed in minor and major accidents everyday after being badly ejected onto the road from their car. This is all due to one or the other way faulty mistakes in the car. Periodically change the engine oil, and check your seat belts, engine and windshield in your car.
Even though the government has brought in laws regarding safe driving like "drive with seatbelts" and "tampering with or removing airbags", the road users give least importance to these rules and regulations.

Once you get the call from the service station, never insist on a free door delivery. Instead, personally visit the station and make an effort to carefully inspect the car before signing the delivery documents. A normal inspection is enough to find fault if any. If it is there, then do inform them to look at it urgently before you finally drive away in the car.

Most importantly, check whether the windshield and window glass flush with the car's body. Do check whether the molding is broken or are there any visible gaps in it. Do personally inspect the molding, which tightly fits around the entire circumference of your car's windshield. Do check whether the molding is flat or whether it resembles a roller coaster. In case it is uneven, then get it rectified immediately.

While shopping for a better auto glass repair and/or replacement service for your car, you should be more quality conscious. You should never give importance to offers like coupons, discounts and after sales incentives while availing the service, particularly when it comes to safety service. Instead, insist on the use of best tools and latest technology for your car.

Teaching An Up-And-Coming Auto Mechanic About A Concrete Oil Stain

Isn't it funny how an up-and-coming auto mechanic in the family can take a certain amount of pride from the concrete oil stains that he or she causes? Young auto enthusiasts believe that getting dirty in this way is part of the attraction. Whenever they tinker with the car, the inevitable oil drips and drops are simply okay and almost supposed to happen to. They might think this way, but you know how difficult those concrete oil stains can be to remove, once they are set!

You have to establish the playing field whenever you have an up-and-coming auto mechanic in your family. If you don't set ground rules, you won't be able to protect your investment. By all means encourage them to get active, but ask them whether they want to contribute to those expensive cleaning bills, or whether they will listen to what you have to say?

Just because your garage is also a utilitarian room with a workbench, it doesn't mean that it has to be treated poorly. Concrete oil stains will be very difficult to remove as the consistency of the oil blends with the porous nature of the concrete. Of course you could opt to have all your surfaces sealed, but few go to that length.

Whether you have a young auto mechanic in your family or not, over time you will have issues associated with aging vehicles come what may. Suddenly, the dripping oil issues have caused concrete oil stains to appear without warning. It's unfortunate that you often don't get to see underneath your vehicles anyway, as they are either covering the problem or you are driving them somewhere else!

If you find concrete oil stains on your garage floor, or somebody else points them out, you don't need to panic. However, you do need to take action as soon as you can. If you find that the problem is relatively new, try using a simple household product such as baking soda, cat litter or even soda.

If you have sprinkled kittie litter or baking soda onto a concrete oil stain and left it to set overnight, try sweeping it all away and seeing what is left. Unfortunately, it is likely that there will be some kind of discoloration, even if most of the serious stain has been removed. Remember that your best course of action is to avoid the stains in the first place.

Prepare for the worst and you won't have to spend a lot of time repairing. By putting oil mats or pads beneath your cars you can be ahead of the game. The axle, transmission and engine areas are the most vulnerable for your attention and remember that these mats are specifically designed to contain anything that falls from underneath, to keep your garage in top shape.

Being busy families, we often have more cars than can fit in our garage. Consequently, this might lead to concrete oil stains forming on your driveway. In these cases, just put oil mats out here as well and remember that they are a far more pleasant option to look at for your guests and neighbors than those glaring stains.

How to Install a Car Body Kit

Fitting a car body kit

Knowing how to install a car body kit sounds a bit DIY, however, unless you have had some personal experience, or are blessed with special capacities when it involves DIY jobs, the actual installation is most likely better left to an expert, or at the very least an amateur who has previous jobs that you have actually looked over and been impressed by.

Regardless if you choose to take it to a workshop and have the specialists to undertake the job, or get an enthusiastic amateur who really understands exactly what they're doing, is ultimately up to you.

That being said, if you are after someone to do the job for you, where are you going to get a person that's willing to install your car body kit?

The truth is, that fitting a body kit, regardless of which sort of automobile you are going to be installing it on, is not for the faint at heart. This process is not a job intended for your typical hobbyist.

An obvious idea, would be to ask a person who already did have a body kit installed, in recent times.

There are other resources at hand, one of which may not be such an obvious area to find your body kit installer. This would certainly be at one of the plentiful custom auto fairs, events that are enjoyed all over the place and in many towns, at fairly routine intervals.

The explanation for suggesting this choice, is due to the fact that you are going to come across a ton of automobiles that have actually had body kits fitted, yet a lot more important, these car or truck fairs are frequented by custom auto fans and enthusiasts.

If absolutely nothing else, you can expect to most likely be deluged with suggestions and referrals from all and sundry at these shows, as everyone has their personal inclination on ways to go about the project and, who is the best to have everything done by.

Car body kits are always part of the discussion on the custom car forums and message boards. The net is a key source for data in the custom car landscape, because custom fanatics like to talk about their prized projects.

Take a couple of hours to look around on the web, as you will not just find graphics of the various types of body kits, but you will likely also find vital details on any troubles, modification techniques, tips and pointers about installation, as well as the names and business numbers of professional kit installers.

The obvious areas to start looking, would definitely be the yellow pages, or the web. Make sure to also ask your body kit manufacturer for the highly recommended dealerships in your region or, recommended workshops that might do your job. A decent mechanic will definitely understand what kind of body kit suits your vehicle.

Be certain that the workshop you decide on, has substantial knowledge of this type of job and, can do a excellent job at spraying the kit at the same time. Ask for any pictures of past works that the workshop has done.

Also, you need to find out what exactly the body kit consists of, as well as what material the sections are constructed from. It can be fiberglass, carbon fiber, FRP Composite, Polyurethane, or Duraflex.

The kind of composition will certainly make a difference, regarding the vehicle's function is, the places you mainly drive the car, the spraying of the kit, info on patches and repairs, and the like. We will go over such matters in another article.

If you already have the kit, unpack everything in the package, to be sure it's the correct kit. This point pertains to making certain it is going to fit your particular auto's year, make and model.

Be sure to check for installation instructions, or even a guide with the kit. if there isn't one, talk to the manufacturer about providing one, before you start. This is important, because blunders do happen and, in cases where some element doesn't fit, it is never going to. At the very least with a manual, you should easily find the reason for the problem prior to continuing and trying to force the issue.

You will definitely need to know if it's important for pre-existing factory parts to be removed before the kit will fit. Keep away from investing in body kits that demand factory pieces from your vehicle's frame to end up having to be taken out, as this just makes the job more complicated, more protracted, and even more costly.

In the end, no matter how you decide to have your car body kit done, it is the one certain way to a speedy character modification to your car.

Local Car Repair Shops In Detroit, MI

Detroit, MI has been the international hub for all things automotive for some time now. Recently Detroit has seen some rough times economically, but as usual, people in Detroit don't tend to let that stuff get to them. Instead Detroit has been innovating, and working hard to be on the cutting edge of the car industry. With all the ties to the Automotive Industry, you would think the Car Repair in Detroit would be second to none, and you would be right. With all the retired GM and other manufacturers workers, there are a host of great shops for Detroit Auto Repair. The following are the Auto Repair Shops in Detroit we recommend the strongest.

Dearborn Auto Tech

Dearborn Auto Tech has been providing top notch service to the Detroit and surrounding areas since 1996. They are a family owned business with a focus on the customer and their satisfaction. Dearborn Auto Tech uses the latest in technology to service and repair any vehicle foreign or domestic. None of their employees are paid based on commission, so you will enjoy a comfortable, low pressure environment. Dearborn Auto Tech also provides a local shuttle that can take you anywhere you need to go while they are working on your vehicle. For Auto Repair Detroit, look no further than Dearborn Auto Tech.

Ren Cen Mechanical Services

Ren Cen Mechanical Services has been a leader in Detroit Auto Repair since 1993. They are a small shop that focuses on Customer Satisfaction. Ren Cen Mechanical Services are known for their fair estimates, and competitive pricing. They take pride in performing the work right the first time, and getting your car back to you in a timely manner. If it's a friendly and trustworthy atmosphere you're after, Ren Cen Mechanical Services is your best bet for Auto Repair Detroit.

We know how hard it is to find a good mechanic these days. This is why we have put together the resource for the best Auto Repair Detroit, MI. The shops that are listed above are more than capable of performing all of your Factory Scheduled Maintenance services, as well as any mechanical repair your vehicle might need.

Remember, when you are looking for local car repair facilities, take your time and be thorough. Deciding on the shop that you will use, is one of the most important decisions you will make during the life of your vehicle. Cars are far too expensive these days to trust them in the care of unqualified individuals.

Detail Cars for Fun and Profit

Car maintenance is a lucrative business, something that can be done full time or as a side gig. The market is a big one with some people specializing in oil changes and tune ups and others in body repair, modifications or some other aspect of the business. Car detailing is an important subcategory of automotive maintenance, one that can be both fun and profitable. Read on for some tips on car detailing and how you can make a go of this business option.

Who your customers are. Anyone from your neighbor to a fleet business can use your services. One-off customers can pay the most, given that they may want your service only on occasion. With a fleet, you'll need to discount your rates, but you'll also get access to many more cars and have a steady source of income. Mix up your customer base to ensure steady profits.

What you can provide. We're not talking a simple wash and wax service here. With car detailing, you'll get down to the nitty gritty by working on car bodies, windows and tires. But, that is only the outside. Inside, you can vacuum and shampoo carpets, remove stains, apply carpet protector, clean windows and condition seats. Essentially, you'll bring a car to "showroom new" condition or as close to it as possible. Offer details of your services for customer inspection.

When your services are offered. This is where you need to decide how much time you'll invest in your business. Don't quit your full-time job unless you have a steady and deep supply of customers. Consider doing this business on the side first or, if there is a business you can take over, then do so. Run a cost analysis to determine the value of any business you plan on buying. Know who your competitors are, where they are located and what they charge. Then, work toward offering the best value for the lowest prices.

Where your business takes place. There are several places you can "do business" as you launch your car detailing enterprise. If your business is a sideline hobby, you may be able to detail cars from your yard without running afoul of local zoning requirements. You can also set up shop and run your business from a commercial location. That can involve buying a car wash or simply setting up a location where cars come in, be hand-washed and detailed. Finally, a mobile service means you can take your business where people park their cars. This may mean taking someone's car at work to the car wash, detailing it and returning it clean before the end of the work day.

Why customers want your business. Quite simply, people who want to hire car detailers are either too busy to do the work themselves or just prefer to have someone handle the work for them. Typically, you'll attract people who know that their cars need special attention. This might be once per year after a hard winter or just before they market their car for sale. A detailed car looks better and commands a higher price. You'll need to clearly demonstrate to customers why car detailing is the way to go and market accordingly.

How to have fun and make money. The fun part of this job is knowing that you have completed a "job well done." You can make money by setting your prices competitively, maintaining a low overhead and only hiring people when the workload mandates it. Consider hiring contractors first -- people you can pay per gig with no promise of permanent employment. When you're ready to grow your business, hire employees. Your best workers may qualify for management, overseeing your staff and letting you take on other responsibilities.

Like any business, car detailing is hard work. The profitable part comes by working hard and managing your money wisely. Fail in either department and your business won't be successful. What you put into your business will ultimately determine whether the work is profitable and if it is fun or a drag.

Transitions of Transmissions

Early automatic transmissions had just two speeds. Today's modern transmissions have up to eight speeds and now match the fuel economy and performance of a manual transmission. Through the changes that have taken place over the years, one thing remains true - taking care of your transmission extends the years and miles it will give you. Good driving habits, routine maintenance and service, and other important habits will keep your transmission working at its optimal performance for as long as possible. For the purpose of this article, most of the information discussed is related to automatic transmissions unless otherwise noted.

Getting power from the engine to the wheels of an automobile has provided a seemingly endless challenge for rear-wheel-drive, front-wheel-drive, 4-wheel-drive, front-engine, rear-engine, and mid-engine cars, longitudinal, transverse, vertical, slant, and flat engines, plus an amazing array of hardware in between. At the heart and center of the drivetrain is (and always has been) the transmission. Because gasoline engines develop their torque over a very narrow speed range, several gears are needed to reach useful road speeds. (Steam engines and electric motors can be used in cars with no transmissions.)

The modern transmission was introduced by a pair of Frenchmen -- Louis-Rene Panhard and Emile Levassor -- in 1894. Rene Panhard and Emile Levassor were partners in a woodworking machinery business, when they decided to become car manufacturers. They built their first car in 1890 using a Daimler engine.The engineers had invited the press to a demonstration of "the most revolutionary advancement to date in the brief history of the motor car industry." Unfortunately, the engine in their demo vehicle died, and they were reduced to giving an oral presentation on multi-geared transmission theory to the press who were less than enthralled.

According to one website on automobile history, "Cars of the time transmitted engine power to the wheels in a simple fashion that was easy for non-engineers to visualize. The engine drove a set of bevel reduction gears that drove a shaft and pulley. Leather belts extended between the pulley and geared wheels on an axle. One wheel, the small one, got the car going by meshing with a ring gear on one of the driving wheels. The big wheel then took over to get the car to hustle along at a top speed of 20 mph. If the car encountered a hill that it did not have the power to climb, the driver would come to a dead stop so he could engage the small wheel." The basic parts of a modern transmission are the bell housing (the cone shaped metal case that you can see when you peek underneath your car. If you have a front-wheel-drive car it's stuck on the side of the engine under the hood. If your car is rear-wheel-drive, the tranmission will be mounted underneath the car behind the engine), the gears, transmission fluid (which is very important to an automatic transmission. All of the magic happens in the fluid. Most cars come with red transmission fluid, good to know if you are looking for a leak), and the filter.

There are different types of transmissions, as most people know. Manual transmissions require the driver to use a stick to shift between the car's gears, while the car does this on its own with an automatic transmission. There are advantages to driving either type. As explained by eHow, "many more cars come with automatic transmission over manual. Manual stick shifts are found in very few models outside of compact or sports cars and a few pickup trucks. Furthermore, cars with automatic transmissions are simpler to operate, as the driver doesn't have to worry about operating the clutch pedal and switching gears every 2500 rpm. They also explain that "An automatic can be a good choice for young drivers learning to operate a vehicle. However, the added control of a stick shift can be an advantage in areas with sharp turns and inclement weather."

There are other pros and cons too like fuel economy, although recent trends have the playing field more even. Historically, cars with manual transmissions tended to get better gas mileage than those with automatic transmissions. Tests by consumer organizations indicate that manual transmissions can result in two to five more miles per gallon. There are multiple reasons for this, but it is generally because an automatic transmission is more complex and requires more energy to automatically shift gears as opposed to when the driver controls the gear shift. Cost is another different between manual and automatic transmissions. Cars with automatic transmissions often cost more than ones with manual transmissions (an average of around $700 more.) This can be seen as a small percentage for a vehicle costing more than $20,000. However, the lower gas mileage will also increase the cost of operating an automatic transmission.Performance and maintenance also has it's advantages as explained on their website. For example, cars with automatic transmissions generally require more maintenance than their manual counterparts. Due to the complexity of an automatic, there is a greater risk of parts within the transmission breaking down.

According to former Indy car mechanic Dave Bowman, regular fluid and filter changes are the key to keeping your automatic transmission trouble free. Bowman says that, ideally, the fluid and filter in the transmission should be changed every two years or 24,000 miles, particularly if the vehicle is over five years old. He points out, however, that many newer cars and trucks need scheduled service less often and some new vehicles have transmissions that need no service for the life of the car. He advises that all car owners check their owner's manual to see what the service interval on their vehicle's transmission is. According to Peter D. du Pre, "Bowman and other industry experts also warn that by-the-book service may not be adequate if your vehicle is driven hard, tows a trailer, goes off-road, or carries a camper. Under these conditions, changing the fluid and filter every 12 months or 12,000 miles is important because dirt and moisture buildup in the fluid can cause internal damage. Heat buildup can also be a problem. The harder the transmission works, the hotter the fluid gets." According to Ron Sessions, author of the Turbo Hydra-Matic 350 Handbook (HP Books), the ideal operating temperature for transmission fluid is between 175 and 225 degrees Fahrenheit. "Anything other than light-duty use will raise fluid temperature beyond this. Next to regular fluid and filter changes, installation of an automatic transmission fluid cooler can go a long way towards increasing transmission life, particularly if you tow a trailer."

The transmission oil is critical for lubricating the transmission and reducing friction. When the fluid breaks down and loses its viscosity, it no longer effectively lubricates the transmission. This causes premature and excessive wear and results in transmission failure. After 30,000 miles, transmission fluid begins to show its age as it turns brown in color and oxidizes due to the combination of time and heat. Deposits begin to form around the transmission's many moving parts, resulting in valves that stick and gears that slip or are sluggish and chatter as they shift. Transmission flushes have been at the center of debate for a long time. It is important to find an auto repair shop that will properly flush your transmission and service it completely. Rather than just removing the fluid found in the bottom of the pan, the entire transmission should be cleaned and replenished with the use of special equipment. The transmission and its torque converter need all of their old contaminated fluid removed while new fluid and premium conditioners are added. This will make one of the hardest working parts of your vehicle shift smoothly and effortlessly for many more miles to come.

Checks and changes of fluid are an important part of transmission care, but so are driving habits. According to Bowman, one common practice that really hurts the transmission is shifting from drive to reverse while the vehicle is still moving. Always make sure your foot is on the brake and the vehicle is stopped before shifting into reverse. Manual downshifting into low range can also be damaging. Many vehicles aren't designed for low range driving except under certain conditions. Check your owner's manual. Another habit that shortens transmission life is to park without using the parking brake. This is an especially bad practice when the car is parked on a slope since it puts all the vehicle's weight on a tiny metal catch inside the transmission.

Other tips from auto repair shops all over the country include avoiding sudden stops and sudden acceleration. When you stop your car, no gear should be shifted. Frequent shifting might cause transmission problems, which would require you to go for transmission repair. Give time for your engine to get warmed before driving because the fluid needs to be warm enough to help the transmission work properly. Always go for your brakes instead of your gear shift when you want to stop your car. Drive in the gear most appropriate for your speed - simply listening to your car can tell you where it is most comfortable.

Noticeable transmission problems may include either it won't go, or it won't go easily. Your fluid level could be incorrect, your transmission could be leaking, the filter could be clogged, or you may need a rebuild. The important thing is checking any other possible causes to your problem before you take the transmission apart, which is very expensive. If you haven't replaced your filter yet, do it! This fixes a nice percentage of transmission problems. Otherwise, a rebuild can cost quite a hefty amount of money.

If and when the time come that you need to have your transmission serviced, follow these beneficial tips for choosing a trusted repair shop: First, be cautious of choosing a shop that offers cut-rate specials. This could also mean cut-rate service. Second, check a shop's credentials before you allow them to tow your car and have to deal with that part of the issue. Make sure they have some type of a clear guarantee before the hook you up. Third, check for certifications. Good shops always have their training certification and memberships on the wall. These should be from ASE (Institute for Automotive Service Excellence), ATRA (Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association) or other nationally recognized trade organization. If they are not posted, you could ask to see the certificates. Fourth, don't be mislead by the warranty claims. A good shop will back up its work for at least 12 months/12,000 miles. If you are asked to purchase an extended warranty, compare costs against benefits. Remember, you are buying repairs, not a service warranty. Fifth, call the Better Business Bureau. They can't recommend a repair shop but they can tell you if there are outstanding complaints against a particular shop. Lastly, Buy experience. Shops that have been in business a long time generally have good reputations.

Easy Availability of Auto Repair Manuals

Whenever you buy a car or any other vehicle you will fix it for sure sooner or later. Well, instead of going to the work shop or store physically to fix the problem there is another solution to avoid these unnecessary trips to the store, which is an auto repair manual.

The auto repair manuals are like guidebooks or manuals which guide you about all the regular problems that are usually going to occur in the machine and their easy solutions. These manuals also provide you the information about the basic parts and tools of the vehicle. They are very helpful in fixing small problems at your own and save money spent on trips to the workshop.

Since you go to the store and buy some best auto repair or service manuals, here are some other better free alternatives for you. As we know since free is better than buying something, there are some useful tips for you to get the best and free auto repair manuals online. All you have to do is go in the simple search engine and type much specified information about your vehicle and the affected part. There you can find thousands of resulted searches pick the best suitable one for you, take prints of those instructions and bind them together, this way you can make your own auto repair manuals quite easily at home as well.

There are basically four types of auto repair manual description documents which are needed to be chose when start a repair:

• General manuals


• Diagnosis descriptions


• Repair manuals


• Maintenance manuals

General manuals provide step by step guidance about the repair of the vehicle; it is a simple method for everyone to easily fix small problems. Diagnosis descriptions are made according to make and model but they usually focus on the specific part which is needed to be fixed only. Repair manual like other regular manuals are very instructive and provides complete information in web articles and documents but you need to sub divides the part of the vehicle which is going to be repaired.

Maintenance manuals usually provide information about the general maintenance of the vehicle it can also be specified according to the make and model. Now, along with these manual also keep this thing in mind these web base information and videos are not going to be the best and greatest solution but they might give you an idea to start. If your still having problems and don't get their solution online so you just need to go the store to get the auto repair manuals yourself.

Tire Mounting Without A Machine

Tire mounting without a machine may be difficult, but it is not impossible.For those times when you need to mount tires on your wheels quickly and efficiently especially when you don't have immediate access to an auto body shop. For those do-it-yourself mechanics who want to learn how to mount tires like a professional without a tire mounting machine. Review the basics on how you can do it manually by hand even though it may take a little longer. As a side note, it will be much more difficult if you have a low profile tire such as a performance racing tire.

Tire Mounting Step Number One:

Carefully lay down your wheels on a flat and stable surface. Next, take one of your tires and lean it on one of the wheels. A good thing to do here is to have the tire just touching the surface of the ground on the side that is directly in front of you. Make sure you always thoroughly lubricate the bead of the tire since this is the section of the tire that is in contact with the wheel itself. A variety of lubricants can be used such as oil, water, soap or any other slick lubricant that will aid in helping the bead pop onto the wheel easier therefore making the task to mount tires much less labour intensive. Now crouch down and place your knees close to the bottom of the tire and maintain a straddling position to the wheel. Then put both your hands on the top of the tire which is opposite of your knees. Apply pressure with your knees and then start pushing down with your hands using a rocking motion. If you continue to do this with enough force the tire will eventually pop down onto the wheel. Once you've succeeded in this first step of how to mount tires you should now have half of the tire on the wheel.

Tire Mounting Step Number Two:

To properly mount the other half of the tire onto the wheel will not be as easy and require more work. You will find that, when attempting this next step to mount tires onto all of yours wheels, the hardest part is actually getting it started. One method of this tire mounting process can be for you to simply stand on the tire and try to force the bead down onto the wheel. On the other hand, it is highly recommended that you try to take a solid piece of metal, such as a crowbar, and use it to pry the tire onto the wheel instead. You can also utilize an 'L' shaped tire iron to mount tires onto your wheels. Take the tire iron, or crowbar, and place the flat part of the end over the edge of the wheel. Make sure that it is properly down about ?翻 inch into the wheel. If done correctly the tire iron will be slightly inside the wheel. Next, carefully pry the tire iron back towards yourself. This will result in forcing the bead of the tire over the edge of the wheel. Begin working your way around the tire with your hand pushing down on the tire to get it fully on the rim of the wheel. If you begin to have difficulty in getting the tire to seat this way try placing your foot on the tire, where the tire iron is, to hold the tire down where the bead is seated. Use the tire iron to work your way around the tire, prying the tire down onto the wheel, and at the same time be extra careful not to let the previously seated part of the tire pop out.

Tire Mounting Step Number Three:

After you have completed the task to mount tires on all your wheels, the final step is to pump air into each of the tires. This last step can be actually quite dangerous so pay extra attention. When you are pumping air into the tire, the bead begins to seat on the tire and the pressure or the force can shoot the tire and wheel straight up into the air. This is because you are using compressed air for this task. Compressed air is necessary to have the amount of force and pressure needed to seat the bead correctly. The best thing to do in this step of tire mounting is to strap the tire and wheel down securely to prevent any damage or accidents. Commence inflating the tire and you will notice that the bottom bead will usually seat first. You will hear a popping sound when this happens. After that you will then see the sidewall of the tire start to bulge and then the top bead starts to come up around circumference of the tire. After about ?職 of the bead is seated you need to stop inflating the tire. Pause for about a minute, as a lot of times the pressure being applied by the air to the unseated part of the tire will cause it to seat. If it doesn't then you can slowly add more air and then stop and pause for a moment again. A significant thing to note on this last step of how to mount tires is that it is best to have some distance between you and the tire every time you stop and pause. Even though most of the time it will only pop up a couple of inches, you do not want to be the unfortunate person standing over the tire when it accidentally shoots up with tremendous force. Safety is always a key component when tire mounting and it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Insist on OEM Auto Body Parts

One of the easiest ways to get ripped off in the automotive world is by having a body shop use cheap, third-party auto body parts on your car repair. Like all auto parts, body parts have a tremendous markup, and if you don't know what you are doing, it can be easy to be taken advantage of by unscrupulous repair centers. Insisting on using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts will secure that your repair job comes off perfectly, and you wind up with a vehicle that is "as good as new."

Unfortunately, fender-benders and accidents can happen, and at these times car owners can become understandably flustered and confused. The entire process of dealing with insurance companies, filing police reports, and seeking estimates from body shops can be a bit overwhelming. It's not surprising then, that many people just want to put the entire experience behind them, and they rush through the process of having their auto repaired.

But this can be a big mistake in several ways. For example, unless you specify the type of parts you would like to use on your repair, and are prepared to oversee the repair to make sure it is to your satisfaction, many body shops will use cheap, third world quality replacement auto body parts, lowering the value of your vehicle.

Why would a body shop knowingly do this? As usual, the answer comes down to money. If your insurance company reimburses the auto shop $2000 for the job, and they can buy a cheap "knock off" auto body parts for one third the cost of standard quality parts, this results in a great deal of profit to the body shop!

But while this may be wonderful for the body shop's bottom line, it is terrible for the car owner. You can easily wind up with substandard auto body parts on your car, or even parts that do not fit perfectly.

Of course, the best way to avoid all this is to use OEM car parts. You never have to concern yourself about either the quality or the fit of your auto body parts if you insist upon OEM. And if a body shop mechanic should attempt to talk you out of using OEM body parts, you should be very skeptical. The odds are, they are simply trying to lower their expenses in order to increase profits. Don't fall for it!

Other times, body shop mechanics will ensure you that they only use OEM body parts, but you still need to be diligent and examine the final work. Unfortunately, somebody shops will claim to use only OEM parts, but in reality they are substituting cheaper "knock offs" that wind up on your car. Besides being unethical and disreputable, this is also illegal and it is called fraud. If you discover a body shop misrepresenting the parts they are selling you, it is recommended that you contact both the police and the Better Business Bureau.

In general though, most body shops will gladly use OEM parts when requested. If you have any doubt about the reputation of the body shop, be sure to also get it in writing. That way you will have documentation if it should be needed to prove fraud or other wrongdoing in the future.

Insisting upon OEM auto body parts for your car repair will ensure your vehicle is returned to you in "factory new" condition.

How to Know If Your Tie Rods Are Bad

If your steering is loose and hard to control then your tie rods are probably bad. It's dangerous driving your car and can cause a terrible accident hurting or killing yourself and others. Your steering should be tight and when you take your hand off the wheel for a second, it shouldn't sway to one side more than a few inches.

The steering is made up of tie rods, struts, a center link and other parts. You need these parts in good condition to control the steering. If you drive an older car these parts are getting worn. Cars on the east coast wear out faster due to the snow and ice from salt put on the roads.

The salt rusts out the under-parts and exterior of a car unless they are rust-proofed. Take your car to a repair shop and have them look underneath it for loose or rusty parts. Make sure the mechanic shows you the wear and tear on your vehicle.

If a tie rod breaks while you're driving, you can't control the steering and it wobbles fast and hard and can end up head on with another vehicle. There are many accidents due to this type of problem. There is no warning except for the loose steering and maybe someone telling you your tie rods are bad.

You can be driving down the road and all of a sudden the car spins out of control, so get your tie rods and the complete front end checked out. A good mechanic will show you in detail what's causing your steering problem. Having tie rods replaced is reasonably priced, depending on where you go.

It's best to stay away from the franchises because the guys they hire are not considered qualified mechanics. You are putting your life in the hands of a young person working his way through college. Look for a good independent mechanic shop that is ASE Certified with several years experience.

If you have a friend or a family member that knows about cars, have them look at it and get their advice before taking the car in. You should get three different opinions before letting them work on your car. Don't settle for the first one unless they were recommended by someone who had work done and was pleased.

It is recommended that you check the price for parts yourself to compare with the repair shop, that way you'll know how much they mark up the parts. Ask them why their parts are more than the retail cost when they are charging you for labor as it is. The best auto repair shops with a good reputation won't do that. If you believe you have bad tie rods, get them replaced for your safely.

Types of Tools That Are Helpful in Car Cleaning and Maintenance

Automobiles demand regular cleaning, inspection and maintenance to continue their smooth operation on road. However, even a small visit to the garage or service station may cost a lot. Having automobile tools at home is beneficial to avoid these expenses. One-time investment in them can prove to be advantageous for long term. Needless to say, the modern car wash equipment and repair tools are designed to be user-friendly.

Many car owners also realize that having car inspection tools can avoid situations like failures and damage of various parts. In addition, having do-it-yourself kits and using them is an exciting task for many. Find out some of the most required car cleaning and maintenance tools for car owners as well as mechanics and garage owners.

Car Cleaning

Car wash equipment is a portable and mobile device used for effectively cleaning various areas of the cars. Low moisture steam car washer is one good example which helps in effortlessly removing dirt, dust, oil and grease spots and bugs. The traditional pressure washing machines too can be used for this purpose. Electric pressure washers in particular are popular for offering both hot and cold water operations.

The additional car cleaning accessories include washing brushes that can be used along with different types of detergents and cleaning solutions. For more effective cleaning, the items like squeegees and sponges can also be considered. Another category is that of car polishes and waxes that help in maintaining the gloss of cars' exteriors. It is worth mentioning that special products like alloy wheel cleaners and upholstery cleaners must be purchased for complete cleaning.

Car Repair, Inspection and Maintenance

Just like car washer and cleaners, it is wise to invest in car maintenance tools that may be required frequently. Lubrication is an important process in the direction of car maintenance and there are tools like oil spray cans and grease guns available for the same. Work lights and inspection lamps are quite handy to locate defaults and to carry out repair procedures. These tools are designed with LEDs and have easy grip handles for convenient usage.

Tools like car door removers and trim clips removers too are useful for the purposes they serve. For those, who have enough knowledge about car repairs can buy complete automotive tool kits. Hand riveter, tinman shears, pliers' sets, screwdrivers, crimping tools, wrenches, magnetic pick tools and many such tools are included in these kits.

The car lifts and jacks are other important tools that help to access the difficult-to-reach areas of the cars. For example, these tools help in effectively using car wash equipment to clean the bottom areas of the automobiles. In the category of car service tools, the items like electric testers, engine diagnostic tools, oil changing tools and gearbox tools. Based on the type of cars, there are diesel and petrol engine service tools available for the mechanics.

The best way to obtain quality car tools is using the internet. The manufacturers from different countries can be contacted online to obtain the supply of these products.

Skills You Need to Restore a Classic Car

Restoring a classic car can be a scary topic for some people. There are a lot of different types of work that goes into a classic car restoration and most people are not skilled at all of them. When you break the process down into the types of repairs that go into your classic car restoration, it's easier to come to grips with what you really can or can't do yourself.

An accounting of your skills can help you decide how much work you can do yourself, and how much of the restoration work you should get done by a professional.

Your classic car restoration can be broken down into a few repair categories.

• Knowing your car,
  


• Mechanical repairs


• Electrical repairs


• Interior or upholstery work


• Sheet metal or rust repair


• Surface preparation and refinishing


• Auto body and painting


• Trim or molding repair and refinishing

Some of these categories are self explanatory. Allow me to clarify the ones that aren't so obvious.

Knowing your car

Cars have always been available with options like sport trim packages, air conditioning, V8, 6 cylinder, or 4 cylinder engines, and the list goes on. As the car gets on in years, some of these options get removed from the vehicle, replaced with something substandard, or never replaced at all. Option codes and shop manuals are generally available for most American classic cars that detail this information.

Mechanical repairs

This covers a lot of what makes up a car and would be most of the moving parts. You'll find the engine and transmission will need rebuilding, as well as all the regular maintenance repairs like brakes and suspension, and rebuilding components parts like starters, water pumps, and generators. Other components that rarely get considered are the under dash parts like heater or vent controls, window parts inside the doors, hinges, and latches. I'm only touching on the subject, but you get the idea.

Electrical repairs

Electrical can be the scariest of them all. On an old vehicle the sheathing on the wiring can be dry rotted, and cracked and brittle creating the risk of an electrical short. Switches wear out and even fall apart. On some vehicle where these parts are impossible to find, you'll need to be creative and improvise by using parts from another vehicle make.

Interior or upholstery work

Cloth, vinyl, leather, threading, and stuffing or padding materials all dry rot over time and need to be replaced. Colors fade really bad as well.

Sheet metal or rust repair

Any metal made with iron will rust, even aluminum will oxidize and even disintegrate under the right conditions. The body sheet metal will need to be replaced or patched. This means knowing how to work with sheet metal, how to weld, and even how to shape metal.

Surface preparation and refinishing

Other than the exterior of the car body, there is a lot of sheet metal surface that will need to be stripped of old paint and surface rust, then prepared so it won't rust anymore, then painted again. This includes the car frame, suspension parts, differential, fasteners and more.

Auto body and painting

Aside from the sheet metal work the exterior of the car body will need to be smoothed and painted. This is an enormous amount of work which is why it can be so expensive.

Trim or molding repair and refinishing

Classic car trim and molding was made mostly from metals. There are steel chrome plated parts, chrome plated pot metal parts, aluminum, stainless steel and even brass or copper. until recently, some parts can't be fixed and re-plated, pot metal is on of those. In extreme cases, you'll need to weld new metal into your trim or moldings, grind and sand them down, polish them and get them ready for re-plating.

That's a lot to know how to do.

Luckily there are some really good how-to DVD's available that cover all these topics. Even still you might want to specialize in only 2 or 3 of these skills, and get a professional to do the others.

Learning how to do something like this can be entertaining. Even you if you don't plan on doing some of this work yourself, you'll want to know how the work is done so you can recognize a job well done.

New Trends in Mechanic Training: Demystifying the Electric Car

Mechanic training is expanding to include information on the maintenance and production of electric vehicles. Here is a quick look at some of the concepts that students entering mechanic schools today may eventually have to master.

Types of electric vehicles

Students at mechanic colleges will have to learn about the different types of electric vehicles:

• hybrid electric automobiles, which combine an electric motor with a conventional internal combustion engine


• battery electric automobiles, which rely solely on an electric motor - no conventional internal combustion engines


• plug-in hybrid electric automobiles, which combine an electric motor with a conventional internal combustion engine, but that can only run on electric power for short stints


• neighbourhood electric automobiles, which are battery powered vehicles that can only be used for lower speed limits, i.e., city driving, no highways. (As most students enrolled in mechanic training programs will already be aware, electric automotbiles are, in general, slower to accelerate than their conventionally-powered counterparts.)

Parts of electric vehicles

Students at mechanic colleges will also have to familiarize themselves with electric systems. Mechanic training will include an explanation of the different parts that make up an electric car, including:

• battery


• fuse


• manual power switch - enables graduates of mechanic training to turn off the power in order to carry out repair work


• shunt - enables graduates of mechanic colleges to measure how much energy is being channeled through the system


• motor controller - determines how much of the car's energy should be applied to the motor


• throttle


• key - just as in a conventional car, ignites the system

Particularities of electric vehicles

Even students of mechanic colleges who have no intention of specializing in electric automobile production or repair will have to pick up some basic information on electric cars.

What kind of information might students in mechanic training have to learn?

• that parts for electric cars can be more expensive than for conventional cars


• electric cars have quieter engines than conventional cars


• a car battery can usually be charged over night


• some provinces, states and municipalities feature charging stations in commercial parking lots


• electric cars have lower top speeds than their conventional counterparts


• electric cars emit less CO2 than their conventional counterparts (even when adjusted for different sources of electricity)


• electric cars require less frequent maintenance than their conventional counterparts (as students in mechanic training learn, they don't require oil changes, but it is still necessary to rotates the tires, maintain the air conditioning, repair the brakes, etc.)

These are just some of the new concepts related to electric cars that mechanic schools can expect to be adding to their curriculums in the years to come.

Tinted Windows - DIY Instructions, Tips and Secrets

Looking to tint your own windows? Window tinting is a relatively difficult endeavor, but with patience and proper coaching, you can achieve your desired results.

Start by working in a clean and dust free environment. Start cleaning the glass with window cleaner and a lint free cloth, working from the top downwards. It is important to get the window glass exceptionally clean for the best finish.

Next, remove anything from the vehicle that will obstruct your workspace. Remove the door panels, and the rubber wipes and seals from the doors. These may already be attached to the door panels. Once these are removed, clean any areas of the glass not yet clean. If you are fortunate enough to have a hatchback, remove the rear hatch to make the installation easier.

Start with the rear window first. It is always the hardest to do due to the limited space and its shape. Many rear windows have a compound curve to them, which is very difficult to cover correctly. We will alleviate this problem by creating our window tint film pattern on the outside of the window. If you have removed the rear hatch, this is not necessary. Lay out a couple of long strips over the outside rear window that overlap at the edges. Carefully cut the outside form of the rear window as close to perfect as possible, being sure to radius (or round) any pointed edges. You can do this by placing a coin in the corner and carving around it. Radius edges tend to not peel as easily as a pointed edge.

With the form cut out for the rear window you can transfer the film to the inside of the car. Spray the glass with the window film solution and apply the pieces exactly as you did on the outside of the car, leaving the edges of the pieces to overlap slightly. Squeegee the air bubbles and solution from the film, starting in the middle of the center piece and working your way outwards. Then move to the top, and work from the top down, being careful to squeegee any air and solution from the overlapping seams.

Once the film is applied and all solution and air bubbles have been removed, take an exacto knife or razor blade and cut the overlapping pieces where they overlap. You can be sure to get a straight cut by using a straight edge like a ruler. Take care not to cut into any rear defroster wires when doing this. If done correctly, this method will give you a seamless looking back window. You can again take the squeegee or cloth and (carefully) go over the area again for smoothness. Wipe it dry with a lint free cloth.

The other windows will be a little easier than the rear window. You can create a template for these windows by cutting the window shape out of freezer paper or wax paper. Take the template and cut out the exact shape of the remaining windows and apply the window tint as before, being sure to radius the edges.

Window tint is relatively inexpensive, so if you mess up a sheet or a cut, just replace it. Your finished product will look as good as the effort you put into it. Good Luck, and stay TUNED!

Auto Sales College: Your Express Lane to New Secrets of Success on the Dealership Floor

"And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow." Gilbert K. Chesterton

The North American economy has changed drastically in the past ten to fifteen years. There is one industry, though, that may have changed more than any others and that is auto sales. College curriculums, fortunately, are keeping pace with the changes, preparing prospective dealers and sales staff for a new reality affected by the 2008 market crash, the Japanese tsunami and other factors that at first glace, may sound impossible to overcome.

Indeed, according to one recent article in Automotive News, it's harder than ever for first-generation car dealers to set up shop. But harder doesn't mean impossible. It just means that prospective dealers and salespeople need to work differently - smarter! That's why so many curriculums at mechanic colleges now include sales courses. Students who study the evolving landscape before they set foot on a dealership floor have a competitive advantage impossible to be parted from: knowledge.

Auto sales college equips students with strategies for dealing with five aspects of the new reality.

1. Stock market crash

The past four years have seen stock prices fall for most automotive manufacturers. As a result, many people who aspire to careers in auto see more of a need to study specialized programs at mechanic colleges to increase their chances of success.

2. Social media tools

Auto sales college programs teach prospective salespeople about the importance of social media. Increasingly, people with careers in auto sales are reaching out to their prospective clients online. Some dealers report that most customers have narrowed their choice down to two or three vehicles before coming in person for a test drive. Increasingly, decisions about whether or not to purchase a new vehicle are being researched online.

Some dealerships outsource their social media campaigns to communications professionals. A sales person who has learned social media skills in auto sales college may help their organization save time and money.

3. Tsunami

Japan's tragic 2011 tsunami has had an enduring effect on the North American car market. North American dealers have had difficulty stocking their lots with new Toyotas, etc. This had an impact for graduates of auto sales college working in used car sales, who have experienced an increase demand for used Japanese cars. (The used car market is one of the careers in auto that has enjoyed a boost in recent years.)

4. Rising gas prices

The North American auto manufacturing industry had been focusing its efforts on producing more trucks and SUVs, when fuel prices suddenly rose, and household incomes fell, leaving a market flooded with over-sized vehicles and customers seeking more fuel-efficient models. Mechanic colleges today that prepare sales people for careers in auto teach students to pay attention to the changing demands of their target market.

5. New technology (hybrid, etc.)

Mechanic colleges are also uniquely placed to prepare students for new niche careers in auto sales, such as specializing in new electric vehicle technology.

The changing landscape in careers in auto sales presents new challenges, but also new opportunities, opportunities that auto sales college can help aspiring salespeople grasp more quickly.

The Best Auto Engine Tuning Basics

Engine tuning is called for by a car, after some years of driving it. As you stay with your car for longer,its power and efficiency decreases over time. This will call for some action from your part.

If you are not happy with the performance of your car, you would consider performing an auto engine tuning to have the car of your dreams without buying a new car. The tips in this article on tuning an engine best suit such interest. They are the simplest things you can do to have the car of your dreams.

Engine tuning is the basic step of upgrading a car. Cars with higher mileage normally have reduced horsepower as time passes by since the engine wears out. You can tune the engine of your car yourself if you have a garage and tools.

In rebuilding the engine, you will need a new set of rings camshaft, valves and pistons. These will greatly improve the performance of your car. Go to a good auto shop and request to have the cylinders of the engine honed and the heads milled. The crankshaft should also be machined.

One important question you should keep asking yourself when tuning an engine is: "Was your car all that you ever wanted when it was still new?" This will greatly help you in making choices on what you need to consider when tuning an engine.

You can request slightly larger cylinders from your auto machine shop to increase the size of the engine. This will be an upgrade to the cylinder heads. It will be imperative to buy new heads to increase the capacity of airflow. The result of these in engine tuning will be increase of fuel and air into the cylinder.

When the tuned engine is reassembled, the power your car possesses can make you go crazy. To allow more fuel and increase the power, you will need a camshaft which can lift and open the valves for longer. Your auto engine tuning process will also need compatible pistons and rings. One should not forget about upgrading connecting rods as well as wrist pins, depending on the changes made when tuning an engine.

Your auto engine tuning process will also call for the installation of performance items which will be a boost. The cheapest and most common are the free flow exhaust system as well as intake system. Another component of engine tuning to consider is a cold air intake system. Cold air produces more horsepower compared hot air since cold air is denser.

With all these put in place, you can consider your process of tuning an engine complete. However, you need not to forget about the brakes. If you upgraded your car to be more powerful and faster, your brakes should be upgraded too.

Brake failure is a risk you wouldn't want to stand with your car. In speeding cars, it is normally caused by excessive heat. Over sized vented rotors on the four corners minimize the chances of heat building up. To optimize the stopping power of your upgraded car, you need to have four to six piston calipers. These will impressively reduce the stopping distance significantly.

How to Set Up a Windshield Repair Mobile Tent

The windshields made up of safety glass have been in use since 1927. The windshields are actually laminated automotive safety glass, where the plastic known as polyvinyl butyral which is transparent is sandwiched between two layers of glass. So when there is an impact, the windshield breaks down into very small pieces and stick to this middle plastic layer. The flexible plastic layer prevents the glass from scattering and causing injuries to the passengers as well as the public. Thus, if there is rock chip damage to the windshield it is very easy to repair it using windshield repair kits. Mobile fixing is the ideal place to deal with any such repairs.

They set-up these mobile units or even a reasonable size canopy tents in the parking stall on any of the working days like Monday to Saturday and are open throughout the day till about seven in the evening. These mobile tents will be visible from even the busiest roads. Besides a few 'A' frames signs setup along the path to the parking lot will help on to locate their service using professional windshield repair kits as well as become aware about the days and timings the service is going to be available. These mobile tents using professional tools would have to comply with all the city, state and insurance regulations when they set up these signs. On an average a fix using a professional windshield repair kit would take about 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish and the windshield will be as good as new because the resin used to fill up and bond with the glass will be dried out using ultra violet radiation and the whole area buffed, cleaned and polished such that the cracks are no longer visible to the naked eye.

When a damaged windshield is repaired using a professional windshield repair kit, not only is the glass patched but the plastic layer sandwiched between the two glass sheets is also repaired. Repairing the fine cracks using a professional windshield repair kit will stop them from spreading. This is especially true for minute cracks or star-shaped and bulls-eye chipping. On an average a new windshield would cost anywhere between three hundred dollars to five hundred dollars. While repairing the small chip using a professional kit would be well under hundred dollars. Ideal way to repair the rock chip is using a professional windshield repair kit and even better would be using a professional windshield repair kit working out of mobile tents. As these professional windshield repair kit service providers will access your auto insurance service provider; seek endorsement from them under the category of 'no fault' and the insurance company will pay the guy.

How to Choose an Auto Body Repair Shop

Getting your vehicle repaired is a great choice in our uncertain economy. It can actually save you time and money. However, knowing where to take your vehicle for repairs is a hard choice. You want to be sure that you are getting quality repair at a fair price. There are many things to look for when choosing an auto body repair shop. If your vehicle is in need of repair find out how to choose an auto body repair shop for your vehicle.

There are many different services that can be performed on your vehicle as far as auto body repairs are concerned. Many auto body shops offer a variety of services that include paint touch up, paintless dent removal, bumper repair, wheel rim repair, windshield repair and much more.
You should start looking by asking around or dropping into local auto body repair shops in your area. Ask to see what kind of work they perform, how long it will take to complete the repairs, how much it will cost you to get the work completed, and the kind of process they use to repair vehicles, and anything else you feel is important to your specific needs.

Here are a few more things to look for:

If and when you are looking to get your vehicles auto body repaired you should take the time to select a great auto body shop for repair. You will want to choose a shop that offers a wide variety of services. That way all of your auto body needs can be met at the same place and handled by the same qualified professional. It will save you time and money getting it all done in one spot.

One thing to check is how long the shop has been in business for. This is not a sole indicator, but if the shop has been in business for some time chances are they are reliable and should do a good job on your vehicle. Don't choose a shop that has secured a bad name for their shop. Also, if you were to have any problems down the road you want to be sure that they will be around to uphold any warranty or guarantee that they will most likely give you.

Also, make sure that you approve of the quality of work that the auto body shop produces. You want to get the repair done the right way the first time. It is perfectly acceptable to ask the shop to see examples of the work they have previously done. This will give you the best idea of what to expect.

Even though quality is one of the biggest things you are looking for, you will want to get a good deal. Don't just choose the first shop that you like. Look around at others and compare all aspects of them and then choose the one you feel is right for you and your vehicle.

Take the time and find the right auto body shop for your vehicle!

What to Do If Your Windscreen Cracks

When you're in a rush and you notice you have small damage to the windscreen on your car, it's tempting to just continue driving as normal, especially if the damage is as such that it doesn't obstruct your vision. Because a damaged windscreen can drastically reduce the structural strength of your vehicle, it's actually very dangerous to stay on the road, even if the damage is simply a chip.

The nature of a car's windscreen is multi-functional. It protects the driver from wind and debris as they speed through streets and along motorways, but it also plays a large part in keeping your vehicle safe to drive in. Not only does it protect you from objects in the air in front of your car as you drive, but it provides extra structural strength to your vehicle and, if that strength becomes compromised, so does your safety.

Even just a chip in the windshield can prove extremely dangerous. Glass tends to continue breaking once the damage has started and, while a chip may seem to be a fairly safe issue, the damage is actually putting you in great danger. A simple knock over a pothole could make the chip splinter into a crack, and a crack means your windscreen's strength is greatly reduced. If your windscreen has a crack in it, you should have the glass replaced immediately - even if it's on the other side of the car from the driver's line of vision. The crack won't just obstruct your view - it will make the glass weaker, more likely to shatter and far less capable of protecting you if you got into an accident.

Depending on what the damage is and where it's located, you'll need to either repair or replace the damaged windscreen. If you're lucky, you may not have to get an entire replacement. If the damage is fairly insignificant and easy to deal with, such as a small chip, there is a chance you can simply have the damage sealed and repaired, bringing your windscreen back up to full strength. Many glass repair companies have windscreen repair supplies with them as they respond to calls, so you could get yours fixed immediately. If the damage is larger or the chip is immediately in front of the driver, however, you will probably need a windscreen replacement. Even if this is the case, it's worth knowing that you will be driving in a far safer vehicle.

Finding a Good Auto Mechanic

Good Utah auto repair can be tough to find. Some auto mechanics cannot be relied on to get the job done in a timely manner. Whether your car needs a service or a repair, you need to find a good auto mechanic to take care of the situation to save you money and energy later on.

Find a reliable auto mechanic first by referrals. Friends will let you know straight up whether their mechanic has been doing a good job or not. Referrals can give you a good starting place when searching for a reliable and qualified Utah auto repair mechanic.

An auto mechanic should be able to service or repair your car. They should have the skills and training necessary to properly service your car. Check what training they got, or education they received, before letting them start work on your car.

Find an Utah auto repair mechanic who tells you the best ways to keep your car from needing repairs. Regular automotive maintenance is the best preventative measure a car owner can take. It will preserve your cars life and save you thousands of dollars with auto repairs.

A reliable Utah auto repair mechanic will let you know the time period or maintenance intervals that are recommended for your car. It is a good idea to keep your vehicle's manual so you can compare their recommendation for proper service intervals for your automobile. Educate yourself when your car needs to be brought in to the shop.

Auto mechanics can work with dealers or independently. Independent auto mechanics can be a cheaper alternative to dealerships. They should be able to offer dealership auto quality, but at a less expensive price.

Keep a record of any services or repairs that you do. Keeping them handy can help you when taking your vehicle in to an auto mechanic. If you know it has been a while since you've had it in the shop, you are going to be more likely to take the car in if you are questioning a problem than if you took it in a month prior.

These are only a few things you can do to find a reliable Utah auto repair mechanic. Choosing a mechanic wisely can save you a lot of money in service bills. Continue to keep on top of your auto repairs and maintenance so you can save money further down the road.

Starting Your Own Auto Glass Company

Truth be told, it doesn't take very much to crack a windshield. That being said, the average Joe typically isn't very qualified to fix it. Cracks that are left alone will eventually grow in size, becoming a distraction to the driver. It is pretty safe to say that there will always be a demand for auto glass installation. If you are looking into starting your own auto glass company, you've got to have a plan of action. In this article, we will outline a few tips to help you get your feet on the ground.

Step 1 - Figure out just how to obtain financing for your new business venture. If you are lucky enough to be afforded the space at home, you may be able to run the business out of your garage. However, if you're lacking in space, you will have to look into various leasing options. Also consider how you will purchase the necessary tools, permits, insurance, and pay for staff and advertising.

Step 2 - Get certification as an auto glass technician. Certification requires at least six months of experience in the field. In addition, those who already have three years experience, and have already become certified, have the option of becoming a certified master technician.

Step 3 - Choose your location. Check around for areas that are properly zoned and have high visibility. If you plan to make property improvements, you should be sure to contact your local building department to learn more about the various building codes.

Step 4 - Obtain your federal tax ID, business license, and sales tax permit. You will also want to look into your options concerning worker's compensation insurance, comprehensive liability, and general liability.

Step 5 - Decide which services you will ultimately offer your customers. You and your employees should have the knowledge and skill to repair a variety of glass types. Will you offer mobile service? What about warranties? Are you interested in branching out into residential and commercial repair?

Step 6 - Becoming familiar with the bidding process. As a certified technician, you are able to bid on city projects. This can really add to your profit margin.

Step 7 - Get informed as to the local and national insurance companies. Most repairs are generally covered by insurance companies. Typically, it will be the business owner dealing with the insurance agents and assisting customers with their specific plans.

Step 8 - Get in touch with car dealerships and various other types of businesses in regard to switching to your company. Keep an eye out for those who have yet to contract work to any specific business. Advertise locally, and encourage satisfied customers to write reviews online.

First Rate Facilities Equal First Rate Auto Mechanic Training

There are some significant differences in getting an education to prepare yourself for a real-world career as opposed to a more academic-style education. Perhaps this is best defined as the difference between pure education and educational training. With the exception of becoming a university professor, most pure academic education does not directly convert the student into a professional in the same was as technical training does. Whether you're in culinary school learning over a hot stove or carpentry school studying with a buzz saw, what sets technical training apart is the emphasis on good facilities to learn the trade.

If you are set on a career as an auto mechanic and working on cars and trucks, then choosing a school with excellent facilities should be one of your primary determining factors. Especially today, as the rate of engine technology rapidly increases, it is crucial for a future mechanic to get an education with the latest technology. Whether dealing with electric hybrid gars or alternative fuel sources in newer cars, or digital and wireless analysis equipment in the garage, obtaining an early mastery of practical equipment is a guaranteed way to land that first job.

One could easily expect a serious automotive education to keep plenty of cars and engines on hand to train with. But automotive training should also have some of the latest equipment for locating problems and fixing them. Here are several modern tools used in today's top mechanic stations and schools:

Brake Lathes

Brakes often need to be repaired or changed due to a chipping or other forms of wearing down of the brake disk. A brake lathe is a machine used to remove thin layer from the outer-most layer of the break disk, giving the layer a renewed smoothness and uniformity.

Chassis Dynamometer

Dynamometers are measuring devices used for engine power and torque. They can identify problems related to horsepower, overheating, and speedometer inaccuracies. They work by mounting the car on the device and letting it drive in place, while analyzing the engine-to-power performance.

Wireless Wheel Alignment Analyzers

Wheel alignment is key to ensuring the long-term functionality of a car's suspension, as well as preserving the integrity of the tires. Wireless analyzers have the advantage of spatial flexibility, allowing the automotive technician to perform measurements from multiple angles.

Between precise equipment like the brake lathe, heavy machinery like the chassis dynamometer, and wireless tools like the wheel alignment analyzer, the range of facilities at the disposal of the auto mechanic industry is always demanding of better-trained students. No matter if you want to work at a licensed dealership or open up your own private garage, the more background you have with such equipment, the grater your prospects will be as a professional.

Looking For a One Stop Auto Body Repair Shop?

Being in a collision can be a stressful experience, nobody plans to get involved in a car accident. It is not on someone "to do" list at the beginning of their week. Nevertheless, it does happen and when it does you want to be able to get your vehicle repaired to its original condition in a timely manner. It is often frustrating to encounter any form of car trouble, especially if you require its utility on a daily basis and moreover if you have shelled out a heavy sum of money to own your dream car. Even the slightest damage or a mild scratch can go about ruining the beauty of your cars exteriors so in order to save yourself from such trouble you should timely select the finest options available for quality collision body repair facility at a fair price.

Vehicle owners should mandatory undertake a level of research to seek out for the best auto body repair shops. Normally, the best and genuine collision repair shop uses the latest technologies to offer the excellent finish and car paint service according to different body parts. This should be the absolute criteria of any good auto repair shop. If you can find a good auto repair shop that you are happy with, it makes sense for you to stick with them and build up a working relationship with them.

A proper auto body repair shop will be equipped with all the diagnostic machinery to work on any make and model as the cars of today have a lot of computer components in them. They are also more advanced and thus need to be diagnosed properly before work can even be started on them. If you are not too sure about the options available to you then you can instead spend sometime browsing over the internet to choose the right one depending upon the ratings and reviews given in the web page. You would be amazed how the right auto body phoenix repair shop can act like a one stop shop by helping you get your vehicle restored to its accidental form extremely easy. The right shop with all the manpower, tools, and departments are crucial to everything from start to finish running correctly.

A collision body repair shop has the job of not only fixing your vehicle so that it looks like new but making the entire process easy on you. They should handle issues with the insurance companies, tow your car to their bay, and get you a rental car. Going the extra mile is the key to earning new customers and keeping them.

How to Become an Auto Mechanic With Grace

Learning how to become an auto mechanic is an exciting time. But the smart student will keep their long-term goals in mind to guide their choices.

1. Find a healthy way to relax.

Becoming a mechanic is to assume a physically demanding job. Graduates of auto mechanic college are subject to certain aches and pains, notably carpal tunnel syndrome and lower back pain. To protect themselves from these kinds of repetitive stress injuries, students must learn to relax as they learn how to become an auto mechanic. This may involve taking regular breaks to stretch one's legs and roll one's shoulders while in the garage at school. Or it may mean taking advantage of college activities, like swimming or yoga classes.

2. Look for a niche

Use your time in auto mechanic college to soak up as much information as you possibly can about your chosen industry. The more you know about becoming a mechanic, the easier it will be for you to find your way.

Ask yourself, are you becoming a mechanic so that you can:

- become a mechanic for the new breed of electric vehicles?

- overhaul classic cars?

- inspect vehicles for emissions?

- repair heavy machinery on work sites?

Other questions that you may want to contemplate while still in auto mechanic college:

- Are you becoming a mechanic so that you can one day go into business for yourself? If so, what steps are you taking to make this dream come true, e.g., taking business courses on the side as you attend auto mechanic college.

- Are you willing to relocate temporarily or permanently to secure additional training - in the form of an apprenticeship on a racetrack or a course from a manufacturer - or employment?

- Do you have a sense of what your salary goals are? How long will it take you to pay off any student debts? (Your auto mechanic college may have an employment counseling service that can help you answer these kinds of questions.)

3. Forge lasting relationships with your fellow students.

Enrolling in auto mechanic college is a way for you to immerse yourself in your chosen profession. Your fellow students will be your future colleagues, and it is in the best interest of all to foster good relations. Taking the time to build a strong professional network with other students learning how to become an auto mechanic can buffer you in the future, when it comes time to find a new job or seek new employees or service providers.

4. Treat your professors with respect

Is there a professor at your auto mechanic college whose class you particularly enjoyed? Find a way to thank them. Invite them out after class, or simply drop them a line, explaining how much they helped you on your journey to becoming a mechanic. The more you treat your professors with respect, the more willing they will be to help you when it comes time to write recommendations letters for you as you seek employment. And, who knows, one day when you are running a garage, race track or work site repair shop, they may send their best graduates our way.

What Auto Body Repair Shops Will Not Let You Know

The auto body business is an interesting one. Most people think auto body technicians are the same as auto mechanics but they are not and the business of both are completely different.

These companies work with insurance companies. All the rates, labor and parts, are usually pre-set. The standard hourly rate for auto body work is marked in stone and everyone has to follow it if they want any work. The auto insurers have most collision repair businesses "by the balls" and do everything they can do nickel and dime them.

Many shops want to be honest and do a good job but are literally strong armed to work with insanly tight margins and are forced to sqeeze every dollar they can out of a job.

It is for this very reason why local auto collision repair businesses (even in Kent, WA) are motivated to cut their costs whenever they can. Some of these cost-cutting methods may include failing to align the wheels or using plastic filler (Bondo) in a dent rather than replacing the sheet metal.

Another common way to reduce a job's expenses is failing to use the appropriate original equipment manufacturer parts on your vehicle. These parts are designed by the company who made the car and will match up perfectly. Unfortunately they are very expensive to purchase and sometimes the shipping for these parts is more expensive than the actual item.

In order to cut cost many auto body shops will use aftermarket parts because they can be 2-3 times cheaper to obtain and can be bought locally. However, this can be dangerous because aftermarket parts, no matter what anyone says, do not have the precise structural integrity as genuine OEM parts.

Who knows if these inferior parts will hold up in case of another accident down the line?

When a damaged car comes into their bay they are told exactly how much they can bill for fixing it. Lets say the parts will cost more than expected or the price for an item was is outdated. Even if the estimate is wrong and it will cost more to properly repair the body, and alignment of a car, the major insurance companies rarely budge. Crap rolls downhill and usually the consumer ends up paying.

To prevent this from happening you need to ask questions, check, and double check. I am not implying that you mistrust the auto body repair shop you bring your vehicle to but I am saying make sure everyone is staying in line and doing what they promised.