Are Do-It-Yourself Auto Repairs Safe?

Before you start trouble shooting and deciding to repair your automotive, be sure that you observe personal safety standards. Safety extends beyond the time of repair. The results of your project should not lead to more exposure to danger as usage continues. When a problem is not listed in the available DIY manual, refrain from attempting to correct it, unless you have prior knowledge of the solution.

Most car owners know that keeping their vehicles in good conditions saves them from incurring repair expenses. Many go a step further and acquire do-it-yourself repair manuals and equipment to diagnose problems in their vehicles in order to repair them. In many cases, the need for repair is straightforward and easy. For example changing tires is easy. However, when it comes to dealing with the auto transmission service or other complicated components, it is better to call in car experts instead. The points below are notable safety concerns brought about by DIY practices.

1. Failure to follow instructions

The equipment used for D-I-Y jobs maybe of good quality; however, failure to follow instructions of use and safety is the most common cause of accidents. Another danger arises when you follow the wrong instructions; you must follow the car manufacturer's manuals when attempting to fix problems in your vehicle. When you do not know the cause of a problem, do not attempt to fix it.

2. Poor handling of equipment

More than 160 injuries in Australia occur because of poorly handling of jacks. When one is under a vehicle, and the jack falls off due to improper placement, the vehicle can crush the person. Often, injuries associated with the accident lead to amputations, fractures and even death. When handling equipment, the common mistake to avoid is that of omissions, make sure to put on the recommended safety wear always.

3. Ignorance of vehicle systems

When the person conducting a repair or modification is less knowledgeable, he or she may bring in more trouble. Working with electrical systems when you have insufficient knowledge of your vehicles circuitry could lead to further damage.

4. Bad advice from user groups

Sometimes, people rely on forums and discussion for advice on how to undertake do-it-yourself auto repairs on their vehicles. Unfortunately, there are very limited ways of verifying the qualifications of forum contributors. In addition, what works for one person's car may not be the solution you seek for your car. You can get conflicting suggestions to the same problem. If you go ahead with the help, you may expose yourself to hazards or damage your vehicle. It is important to rely on professional advice, which is appropriate for your given issue.

5. Violation of insurance terms and warranties

While it may be cost effective to undertake D-I-Y for your vehicles, the same could expose your to legal risks with insurance companies. For example, many accident covers require that the cause of the fatality be due to natural factors. If the insurer has any reason to believe that the vehicle owner orchestrated the event, then they can refuse to pay for damages.

Sometimes, working on your vehicles is not advisable, as you are not a certified mechanic. If you damage parts or tamper with their installation, your vehicle will not qualify for repairs under warranty agreements.

Car Upholstery Repair Is Best Left to the Professionals

Car upholstery repair can extend the attractive looks of your car for many years. Whether you have a late model SUV or a pristine, restored 1947 Lincoln Zephyr Convertible, the upholstery is what makes the inside what it is. All you need to do to maintain its good looks is to keep it clean. But, if it becomes damaged by a puncture or tear, you have a serious problem. If not fixed, it will become worse.

You may have cloth, vinyl, or leather upholstery. The techniques used to repair each of these are unique. Should you be considering doing the repair yourself, there are a variety of repair kits available at automotive supply stores and on line. These car upholstery repair kits vary in quality. Some of them are not very good, while a few will do a reasonable job when used by a skilled individual. Keep in mind that the skills involved require a lot of practice for most people. It is an art, not just a mechanical repair.

If you have never used one of these kits before and you elect to try to do your own repair, you should know that most do-it-yourself car upholstery repairs are not very successful. If you don't care too much about the looks, but you just want a functional repair for your work vehicle, then go for it. If you really are concerned about the appearance, you might only want to try it if the repair is going to be in a relatively inconspicuous place.

Car upholstery repair kits should only be used for very small rips or punctures. They are not designed for larger tears. Repairs made with these kits sometimes come out okay, but just as often, the end result looks like a repair. For larger damage, it's always best to have it done by a professional upholstery repair technician.

If the appearance of your vehicles interior is really important to you, then you should probably take it to a car upholstery repair professional right from the start. The damage done by unsuccessful do-it-yourself repair attempts often results in a much bigger repair job for the professional. This will cost more than if you had just brought your car to them in the first place, plus you will be out the cost of the repair kit and all the time you wasted trying to fix it yourself.

Before you commit to fixing your own car upholstery, stop by and visit an auto interior repair shop. They'll give you a free estimate for the repair that you need. You can see some examples of their repair work while you are there, and they may even be able to show you a sample of some "gone wrong" do-it-yourself work that they are going to fix. While a lot of satisfaction comes from doing a good job fixing your own stuff, car upholstery repair is one area that is best left to a professional.

Aging Vehicle Population Bodes Well For Service Shops

In a development that can only mean well for auto body repair shops, a recent news article revealed that the average age of cars and light trucks on the road in the U.S. has increased to 10.8 years. Although the increase in the age of these vehicle categories were slight from 2010, over five years, the increase has been observed to be more rapid. For passenger cars, the average age is actually 11.1 years. This analysis was based on vehicle registration data gathered from around the U.S.

An analyst from the survey firm Polk noted that, "The increasing age of the vehicle fleet, together with the increasing length of ownership, offers significant business growth opportunity for the automotive aftermarket. Dealer service departments and independent repair facilities, as well as aftermarket parts suppliers, will see increased business opportunity with customers in need of vehicle service." What this means for auto body repair and other service shops is that the market size for vehicles needing repair is growing larger, which means more opportunities and business for auto body repair shops. Needless to say, a shop has to be known to offer quality and reliable service to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Although automobile manufacturers are looking forward to a rebound in new cars sales in 2012, the length of ownership of a car will not necessarily change and may even lengthen it. For example, the success of crossovers and SUVs in the market mean that the owners could hang on to their vehicles more, given their more rugged construction and variety of uses, compared to passenger cars.

Another interesting development which affect auto body repair shops directly is the increasing number of vehicles on U.S. roads. Since 2008, it had been observed that the number of passenger cars on the roads had been steadily decreasing. At that time (July 2008), the total number of passengers and light trucks on the road numbered 242 million. In July of 2011, it was 240.5 million cars and light trucks, which was 500,000 vehicles more than for the previous year. For automotive service shops, this number of cars and light trucks represents a number that can only inspire confidence in the viability of their business. Of course, a lot of other factors in the success of their business will come into play, but in terms of market size, the numbers are simply huge.

Become an Automotive Collision Estimator in 13 Weeks

Every year, cars get safer and safer. But while the overall accident rate in Canada may decrease, the sad truth is that there will always be accidents... and so there will always be a need for auto body collision estimators. In this field, students learn how to use manual and computer systems to develop accurate estimates for automotive repair shops, garages, insurance companies, and other automotive-related establishments.

If you have an interest in the automotive industry, and want to learn more about cars and earn a respectable salary, an Auto Body Collision Estimator program may be right for you. These programs teach students all the basics of collision damage repair and repair estimating. Graduates enter the workforce quickly and can expect to earn $40,000 a year plus benefits on average - or more depending on the type of employment they find.

Perhaps one of the most interesting things about the program is its compressed timeframe: students can expect to complete most Auto Body Collision Estimator programs in 13 weeks, which means a swift return to the workforce. Throughout the duration of their studies, students learn the key elements of labour, repair, and painting times for auto repair. They also learn how to identify auto body structures and damage. Students are also exposed to the industry-standard software that will help them create computer-generated estimation reports.

Courses are typically given by experienced auto body collision estimators who are always ready to share their know-how with students. Typical courses for the program would cover the following topics:

繚 Automotive industry basics

繚 Procedures related to material damage

繚 Vehicle construction

繚 Analyzing damage

繚 Principles of estimation

繚 Mitchell flat rate estimating

繚 Basic paint estimating

繚 Body shop operations basics

繚 Preparing estimates

繚 Automated estimating basics

繚 Introduction to Audatex estimating

An interesting study option for many students of Auto Body Collision Estimator programs is "distance" or online learning. With that option, students can study from the comfort of their homes, while still covering the same material as the standard program. Learning, testing, and instructional support are all done online, ensuring that graduates have all they need to be employable immediately upon graduation. This option is of particular interest to students who live outside of large cities, where schools may not exist, but where jobs for auto body estimators will often exist.

If you love cars and are interested in starting a career in the automotive industry, you may want to consider enrolling in an Auto Body Collision Estimator program. You'll get the technical and practical knowledge you need to enjoy a rewarding job, and you'll go from classroom to paid employment in a relatively short period of time.

Car Repair Prices: Are Manufacturers to Blame for Excessive Auto Repair Costs?

In the ongoing effort to shed light on excessive car repair prices, we can't discount the manufacturer's role. During a spirited discussion in an automotive forum, the comments below from Ray Fast highlight the role the manufacturer plays in taking money from the repair customer's wallet.

The discussion revolves around the difficulty of replacing an alternator in an Acura. The Acura, like all front wheel drive vehicles, has a transverse mounted engine. Transverse engines are the ones mounted sideways. Because of this "sideways" design, the alternator is mounted low and behind the engine, making it difficult to remove and replace on the year and model we discussed.

Front wheel drive has some good features, but is it better than its rear-wheel drive predecessor? Front wheel drive has created a host of additional repairs, none of which were necessary in years past. These repairs have been costing you, the service customer, a fortune.

Ray writes:

The shift to transverse engines and front wheel drive was a major marketing coup for the automobile industry. Vehicle manufacturers managed to dupe the market at large into believing that the new standard was somehow better than the previous convention of rear wheel drive.

[In reality] vehicles with transverse mounted engines and front wheel traction systems are less reliable mechanically, less stable, and less efficient than their traditional counterparts.

Advanced technology has compensated for these downfalls considerably; however, vehicles with traditional power and traction systems using similar technology are more reliable, safer, and more efficient. This is why high performance vehicles that are designed for applications requiring maximum stability "still" utilize inline engines and rear traction systems.

The answer to the question [Why is the alternator in such hard to reach place] lies in this fact: cars with transverse engines and front wheel drive are much less expensive to build.

By assembling the power plant and traction system as a complete module, then dropping the whole thing as one unit into the car, automobile manufacturers save gobs of money. The fact that the vehicles are considerably less serviceable (for instance, certain components are virtually impossible to access without removing the engine and transmission) is obviously of little, if any, concern to the manufacturer.

For that reason, anyone shopping for a new or used automobile should carefully evaluate the design, arrangement, and complexity of a potential purchase with regard to serviceability. The expense of owning a car is not confined to the sticker price. If you drive it, you're eventually going to need to fix it.

Ray's comments speak to the rising costs of car repair. Gone are the days of actually "fixing" cars. Now we frequently spend extra time throwing hard-to-reach, expensive parts in them.

Importantly, we need to remember that manufacturers have two primary objectives: selling cars and selling parts. How long it takes, how much it costs you, or how frustrated one gets removing and replacing components, means very little to the manufacturer. It doesn't affect their bottom line.

Fortunately, most manufacturers have moved away from "low-mounted" alternators (such as the Acura in our discussion) as the elements: rain, snow, dirt cause them to fail prematurely. However, the remaining cons of front wheel drive and a whole plethora of new manufacturer technological breakthroughs will continue to cost the service customer significantly in repairs.

(Comments from Ray Fast reprinted with permission from the author)

Prevent The Most Common Auto Repair Problems

Your car breaking down while you are on the road is never a good thing and it never happens at a time that is good for you. Most of the common problems that may cause your break down can be prevented; however, by having the right maintenance done on your vehicle to keep it in good shape.

Engine Misfire: Because spark plugs run your engine, your engine is powered by them and if they are not set right, your engine will not be able to operate with enough power. A misfire occurs when the engine does not fire right. This could happen if the one or more spark plugs have blown, the wires are bad, or there is a leak in the system. This problem can be avoided by getting your engine tuned up according to your vehicle's instruction manual.

Evaporative Emissions Failure: This occurs when fumes have become trapped in the gas tank due to leaks in the system caused by corrosion. This often happens because the purge valve is not working properly and fresh air cannot get in to help the engine burn the fumes, as it should. This problem can usually be fixed by finding the leaks, which can be expensive. This problem can be avoided by making sure you put the gas cap back on tight after filling up and by having your mechanic put on some anti-rust coating to minimize the possibility of rust and corrosion in the engine.

Lean System: This means that there is likely a vacuum leak, an injector problem, or possibly old software. Your car's computer checks the air and coolant as it goes in and out of the system, the vehicle's temperatures, and the throttle's position. When the mechanic at your auto repair shop is determining the problem with your vehicle he will connect it to the vehicle's computer, which lets the mechanic know what is wrong so that it can be fixed. This problem can be avoided if you have your oil changed and tune-ups performed on a regular basis.

Catalytic converter: leaks from converter corrosion or carbon plugging up the engine can cause problems in the catalytic converter. Because not all gas can be processed in the engine, the rest of it is burned by the converter, which cannot perform properly if there is something wrong with it. Often it leads to replacing it, which can be quite costly. This is usually solved by flushing the system, but may be able to be avoided if you have the recommended tune ups performed by your auto repair technician.

An auto repair specialist can usually help you prevent any of these problems by inspecting your vehicle on a regular basis and performing tune-ups and oil changes regularly.

13 Simple Steps to Fix Your Car's Corrosion and Rust

Over many years' time and constant exposure to rain, sleet, snow and ice a car or truck's body panels can begin to suffer from corrosion and eventually may become punctured. Of course these punctures or holes can really look ugly and lower the value of your car at resale, as well as possibly cause the actual car structure to weaken.

Before this happens there is a product that you should use that will repair the holes, stop the corrosion and help you restore the body panels to like-new condition.

Bondo is the name of that product, and Bondo putty can serve as the filler you need to repair the holes and form a nice, tight new seal over any of your car or trucks damaged panel areas. Bondo putty is usually sold as a 'kit' with the supplies and basic tools you need to accomplish small repairs. However, if you want a finished product that looks like an expert did it, you should follow the procedure below:

1. First, before starting any car or truck repair job, thoroughly wash the vehicle and get all your tools and supplies ready.


2. Mark the damaged area with a thick marker, allowing extra space for rust or other damage that has weakened the metal.


3. Using a 'rat tail' file bore into the edges of the hole using back and forth strokes along the entire perimeter. Grind down the rusted areas until you have reached good, solid metal, removing all the rusted or corroded areas completely.


4. Nest, attach a wire brush wheel to your power drill and sand the marked area until you reach bare metal, leaving no paint behind in the area you marked earlier. When finished wipe the area completely with some paint thinner on a soft rag to remove any grease or oil.


5. If the area to be repaired is small cover it from the inside with a piece of duct-tape making sure it adheres well. For larger holes or areas cut a patch using wire screen that is large enough to cover the hole, overlapping it at least two inches.


6. Next mix the Bondo putty as directed.


7. Apply a thick layer of putty to the underside edges around the damaged area using the spatula supplied with the Bondo. For smaller holes, smooth it nicely into the hole and feather outwards onto the metal. For larger areas, center the screen over the hole and use the spatula to smooth in the Bondo over the screen and then feather. Allow the putty to dry according to the directions.


8. Once dried, mix some more Bondo and apply a thin layer over the screen on the underside of the body panel. Let the putty dry according to directions.


9. With your third Bondo application apply a thick layer in an outward, fan-like motion using the supplied squeegee. You want a layer thick enough that it is higher than the surrounding metal. Let dry.


10. With a sanding block and 200 grit sandpaper, sand the putty in a circular motion, leaving some putty above the metal surface.


11. Using 400 grit paper, you next want to sand completely down to the good metal around the damaged area, using smooth motions and delicate force. You can switch to 1000 grit if you choose and the finish will be even better. Change your sandpaper when it clogs.


12. It's possible, if this is your first time using Bondo and repairing a body panel, that your first try might not produce the results you desire. If that is the case just mix up a little more Bondo, smooth it on, let it dry and try sanding it down again.


13. Once finished to your satisfaction the area is ready for primer and paint.

Windshield Repair Marketing - What Works, What Doesn't

Marketing is the key difference between living the life you dreamed of when you started your windshield repair business or hanging on by your fingernails as you struggle to hang on.

Having coached hundreds of windshield repair techs on the correct way to market their business I've discovered that the majority of them did not have a clue just how important the marketing side of the business was to their success.

When I first started my windshield repair business I was excited beyond belief. I was going to make $500 per day and finally live life on my terms. I'd be "CAPTAIN WINDSHIELD REPAIR," blazing a trail through my area, leaving all the other windshield repair businesses in my dust. Was I ever wrong.

The first lesson you must learn is critical to your success. Marketing done right does not cost you money, it makes you money. If you were to do a poll of windshield repair techs asking them how much they spend on their marketing, you'd find that most of them would laugh and say zero. They'd be proud of that. They'd brag how they wouldn't waste their money on marketing. They say word-of-mouth and knocking on doors is their marketing plan.

Now, ask them how their business is doing and how many repairs they're doing per day. You'll likely hear sob stories. They'll tell you how the economy is bad. That the recession is killing their businesses. They'll blame their slow days on too much competition. They sit around as their phone collects cob webs from a lack of use. They're being reactive, not proactive.

The smart windshield repair techs are using creative, strategic marketing programs and ideas. They're phones are ringing, they're staying busy and the best part is that they're not having to go door-to-door hoping to find customers. Think about it. When is the last time an appliance repairman came to your door asking if you needed a repair done? How about an AC guy? A Plumber? An Electrician? A landscaper? Probably never.

There's no need for you to have to drag yourself down to the business district in town and solicit business. Leave that for the hookers. You're a professional and with the right marketing you can make as much as any AC guy, any Plumber, any Electrician and any Landscaper. And if you're coachable and open to suggestions, you could make more than these guys.

Windshield repair techs come and go on a daily basis. The majority struggle to survive. Most fail. It's not that they're not good at what they do, it's not that they don't have the skills, it's not that they're not willing to work hard, it's their lack of MARKETING Training. That's the bottom line: It all comes down to proper marketing strategies.

Buying Used Custom Rims

Tires with rims look nice and flashy but quite expensive. This is why a lot of sources offer used rims to customers. Water and moisture exposure causes damage to the protective layer which leads to rusting. These sources remove rusts and polish it with mirror finish to revive the flashy look.

Some sources offer remanufacturing and refinishing used wheels. It includes inventory of used wheels and used rally rim from factory. One can also ask for used rims to be re-chromed or even gold-plated through a plating shop. The most affordable car rims are used ones. It is also important to know that the popular spinning car rims cost inflates as it gets old and become antique.

Ideally wheels can be fixed, but not all. Usually welding and grinding costs $150 while wheel straightening cost $125. Welded wheels must undergo a follow up Eddy test. The Eddy test detects cracks and weak areas to further improved quality. Generally aluminum alloy wheels are expensive but reparable. Steel wheels can suffer from hydrogen brittleness and can cause cracks. To remove scratches scraping up used tire rims is another solution to repair it.

When your wheel looks unaligned, it is not yet time to buy a new set. You can try wheel straightening first. This is done by heating, using metallurgical skills, hydraulic pressure and customized tools.

Used custom car rims are available in trade-in shops. It can also be found in auto salvage yards or auto wrecker yards. Pick a clean salvage yard, one not loaded with rusty vehicles. There are also custom car rims available in auto flea markets and swap, body repair shops and local classified ads.

When buying used custom car rims, look for a written quality assurance. It should be guaranteed and safe. Otherwise, faulty tires might cause serious accidents on the road.

Rims must meet or exceed the ACU-TRU Standard. ACU-TRU is the nation's first wheel and rim repair quality control system. Rim undergoes truing and wheels are double checked based on six categories: vibration, lateral run out, log port distortion to name a few. It must pass standard quality tests.

Check that the bolt pattern matches the vehicle and specifications of the car manufacturer. Make sure it doesn't have bends, nicks or scraps to avoid alignment problems. These defects are usually caused by accidents.

Ask about product warranty and return policy.

A rim is made of strong and sturdy material. It must possess ornamental value especially decorative rims. It is also essential to know how to properly polish and clean car rims to get the desired flashy look. Clean with high pressured spray and dry cloth.

Rims are not only decorative that make cars look chic. More importantly, rims are useful accessories that protect wheels from being damaged easily. However, these are quite expensive that most car owners can't easily afford them. Custom rims cater to this market. Although they are secondhand, custom rims can also work the same way as the brand new ones. Just be smart in sorting out the quality rims from the defective ones.

Auto Repair: What To Do While You Wait

The amount of time it takes for an auto repair varies based on the problems a technician finds. That could mean a short 20-minute wait or it could mean that the vehicle is going to be kept overnight. Either way, you could be in for a wait while the diagnosis is performed. If customers made appointments earlier in the day that you did, their vehicles will take priority. Instead of being unprepared for a wait, consider bringing along a few things to distract you.

Catch Up on A Good Book

Struggling to find time to read during the day? Take the opportunity to catch up on some enjoyable reading during an auto repair. You know that you have to wait for the diagnosis so why not sneak in a chapter or two. When the service advisor comes out to let you know what the technician found, you can make the decision to keep reading at wait at the shop or you can request that the shuttle take you home or to work.

Make a List

Feel overwhelmed by how much you have going on? Worried about the time you are wasting sitting at the auto repair shop? Try to make your time more efficient by making a list of the things that you need to get done. Just a piece of paper and a pen can be useful. Prioritize your to do list and come up with a plan for when you get your car back. If you have your phone or computer, you may be able to complete some of the tasks while you are waiting. Remember that you wait time will vary based on the problem you are having. There is a chance that you could get a lot or very little done while you wait. Either way, you aren't wasting your time.

Learn More About Your Vehicle

Do you have any idea what type of service and maintenance your vehicle requires? While you are at the auto repair shop, talk to your advisor or technician about any services that need to be taken care of in the near future. No one wants to find out at the last minute that his or her car needs a lot of work. Instead, be proactive and make sure that you can save for the future repairs and maintenance needs. It can't help to prepare for your next auto repair.

At the same time, take note of any promotions that may be going on. You may find coupons in the waiting room or posters all around explaining anything from tire rebates to incentives for free oil changes. While you are waiting, take a look around and see if there are any deals that you want to participate in.

Advantages of Tire Discounters and Auto Repair Service Centers

No Appointment Necessary

One of the major advantages of today's tire discounters and auto repair service centers over your dealership's service department is that no appointments are necessary. In reality, routine maintenance at your dealer's service department is usually scheduled at their convenience, not yours. And, while you might be able to quickly schedule an appointment by phone or even over the Internet, you might also drive miles more to have the work done. For example, in doing a little research for this article, I found the tire discounter I prefer has fifteen different stores conveniently located within ten miles of my home. The dealership where I purchased my SUV is also within that ten mile area. However, the dealership where we purchased my wife's German import is located over 20 miles away.

Service While You Wait

Service while you wait is another important advantage. While most tire discounters, auto repair service centers and dealership service departments now complete a multi-point inspection of your vehicle before it leaves the shop, having needed but necessary unexpected repairs done at the dealership may take much longer. That's because the service bay or equipment needed to make the repair may already be booked well in advanced. At many dealerships, it's not unusual to see a number of vehicles sitting outside overnight, waiting for necessary repairs. At most tire discounters and auto repair service centers your vehicle doesn't leave the shop before a service advisor reviews the multi-point inspection with you and gives you an estimate of how quickly any necessary service or repairs can be completed. In addition, service technicians also use state-of-the-art technologies and equipment to make certain your vehicle is serviced correctly.

Selection

By definition, the focus of your dealership's service department is service, not tires. So, it's probably not the best place to go when you need quality replacement tires at a competitive price. Most tire discounters offer an amazing selection of name brand tires at surprisingly competitive prices. Some also offer websites that allow you to select a tire by brand, size or price, view a photo of the tire and tread pattern, and also describe the full range of automotive services offered at that location. During a recent cyber-shop of one store's site, I was offered a choice of ten different tires from eight different manufacturers, at prices ranging from $80 to $202 per tire. In addition, if the tires you need are not in stock, they can easily be obtained in less than an hour from another nearby store or a conveniently located distribution center.

Money-Saving Tire Coupons

Some auto dealerships offer online coupons for routine maintenance such as oil and lube. However, I found a variety of money-saving coupons posted on virtually every tire discounter and auto service center web sites I visited. They included coupons for tires, routine maintenance, wheel alignment, shocks and struts, brake service and a battery checkup. Coupons can significantly reduce your annual operating cost, especially if you own multiple vehicles or if you've neglected routine maintenance because of the higher cost of having it done at a dealership or neighborhood service station.

Professionalism

Most tire discounters and auto service centers are also staffed by knowledgeable, highly-trained service advisors and ASE certified technicians. Their professionalism, in my opinion, rivals the high level you'll find at most dealership service departments. Many service advisors participate in training seminars and workshops, so their fully prepared to help you select the best tire for your specific vehicle. Many service technicians also participate in training workshops and annual certification training in areas such as wheel alignment, battery and brake service, steering and suspension systems, air conditioning systems and other vehicle systems.

So, your dealership may be the best place to go for great deal on a new car, truck or crossover automobile. Your local neighborhood service station may be a convenient place to stop for a late night snack. However, if you're in the market for quality replacement tires at a competitive price and no appointment necessary service while you wait, your local tire discounter or auto service center is the place to go.

Chilton Manuals and Repair Guides

Almost anyone who has ever worked on a car for any length of time has immediately realized the benefit of having a Chilton Manual on hand. Chilton repair manuals have the longest history of any repair guide in the automotive industry, and they have both earned and maintained their well-deserved reputation by providing both car owners and professional mechanics alike the most comprehensive information available on specific vehicles. Regardless of whether your passion for cars tends toward to the classic or runs fast toward the high performance, a Chilton Manual is an absolute must if you plan to be working on your own vehicle. In fact, newer cars are almost impossible to work on-and equally unsafe in certain instances-without the advanced electrical diagrams found only in a Chilton repair manual.

The Chilton Publishing Company originated in 1922 as a publishing house for automotive periodicals. Over the years, their publishing expanded to include other industries, earning a reputation as the premier authority on mechanical information and repair. The company has always prided itself on accuracy and reliability, and the trust their manuals have instilled in both laymen and professionals accounts for the wide demand of Chilton repair manuals throughout the automotive world. A Chilton Manual focuses on a specific line of cars during a set range of years (e.g. Buick Regal/Century 1975-1987). It covers all parts in the car, explaining size, feature, and function. This level of detail proves invaluable when something small on the car malfunctions, and the owner decides to purchase a replacement and install it at home. Without the specifics available through a Chilton repair manual, this would be virtually impossible. Furthermore, beginning mechanics find Chilton repair manuals useful as learning tools because they actually explain the cause and effect relationships of the automobile's mechanical systems. For the newcomer to home auto repair, the step-by-step instructions and the detailed diagrams and photographs teach the repair process as much as they assist in its completion. It goes without saying as well that high school auto shop teachers use Chilton repair manuals more than they do their auto repair textbooks, and they train their students in how to use the manual both for safety purposes and for knowledge of the craft.

Almost everyone who associates daily with automobiles either has on hand or frequently uses a Chilton repair manual. Classic car enthusiasts rely upon them for both parts and assembly instructions vital to the restoration process. Owners of older vehicles simply cannot rely upon anything other than a Chilton repair manual simply because the typical service chain keeps pace with newer automotive models and often tells the proud owner of a vintage car to take it to a special shop or buy a new car. As we mentioned earlier, students and first-time mechanics use Chilton repair manuals for everything from learning how to change the oil, replace spark plugs and check manifold intake systems, and troubleshoot electrical problems by using a Chilton manual's electrical wiring diagrams essential to understanding today's integration of computer technology into the modern vehicle. In fact, vehicle owners doing any type of electrical work on their vehicle need to strongly consider using Chilton as their guide, as much of today's sophisticated technology can actually pose a danger even to a mechanic skilled in traditional automotive repair but unfamiliar in new wiring and computer hardware. With a Chilton repair manual, even a professional can learn and grow as technology continues to evolve.

Windshield Repair Doesn't Happen by Itself

It would be nice if all problems or damage that happened to our cars would heal themselves. While miracles of science may not be far behind, to effect windshield repair, you still have to know who you're gonna call. It is very important when you are looking to repair damaged auto glass that you not only do it as promptly as possible, but that you make sure you get the best and most reliable service, so that your repair or replacement doesn't result in a bad gasket seal or other slipshod work.

All Damage Is Not Created Equal

There are actually bits that can fall off your car without it really being a problem. You should always get expert advice before you ignore that clanking sound and debris on the ground behind you - the fact that it's still running at the moment doesn't preclude billowing smoke five minutes from now. As a responsible driver and owner, it behooves you to have at least some working knowledge of whether a problem can be ignored for a while or not.

The problem with auto glass replacement is that it tends to be very easy to put off. Small chips will become cracks and will eventually necessitate total replacement. But when? This is the question most of us ask as we gamble that the next pothole won't render the car undrivable and quite possibly lead to an accident as our vehicle staggers like a wounded bird across the freeway.

Can You Afford It?

Ignoring a repair until it can be paid for is something we're all guilty of. The thing to remember is that small auto glass repairs cost a whole lot less than big ones.

Just think about it: the small ding begins to crawl its way across the windshield from the passenger's side to the driver's side and right across your field of vision. Heat, cold, time, and pressure are your biggest problems, not money or taking a thirty minutes out of your day to get the problem fixed while it's still small.

The excuse that we're waiting till we have more time or money is the same one that leads us to wait until the muffler falls off the back of the car entirely. The fact of the matter is that car glass repair, especially when you're dealing with a small chip or crack, can be remarkably inexpensive and certainly less so than the alternative. Having a window suddenly fall apart is not a good way to get an adrenalin rush to wake you in the morning.

Put Some Thought Into The Process

You can save both time and money with the right glass specialist. Most of them will come to you, at home or at your work, so that you don't have to lose a whole day like you do waiting for your cable to get fixed. Yes, a mobile glass repair expert may cost you a few minutes, but it's less than you'll spend waiting by the road for a tow.

Issues Regarding Car Repair Loans

Bought an expensive car and wondering how to deal with car repairs? Do not fret. You can take car repair loans. Car repair loans can be utilized for the funding of expensive car repairs, paying for insurance deductibles and bringing a car in a wrecked up situation back to form. It is pretty obvious that everyone who buys a car these days faces an automobile breakdown at least once in life. And I am sure it does not surprise you when I say that it can take some hundreds or even thousands of dollars to repair a car, depending on what exactly the problem is!

So here in arises the need for a car repair loan. Basically these car loans are different from personal unsecured loans as money here is being invested on repairing of a vehicle. Sometimes repairs are restricted to situation to keep the car in a running situation but in all cases it is not just due to that a car owner opts for car repairs.

We can notice that most policies need a well defined amount to be paid by the automobile owner, known as the deductible, and this is before the car insurance company pays anything for the repairs. Car repair loans can be needed to cover the deductible in case they do not have enough money to pay for it. There is not just one option when it comes to car loans! People have variety of options to meet their needs. The interest rate on lending of automobiles is taken as the current prime interest rate. In case there are some negative issues concerned with the borrower's credit, the lender in this case charges a higher rate of interest than the prime. These loans are basically known as the sub prime loans.

The amount loaned for the purpose of car repair will not be more than one or two thousand dollars. In fact it is best for the borrower if he or she can repay the loan within twelve to twenty four months or sooner. In fact it should be taken into account by the borrowers that in case it is feasible for them to afford the car repair all by themselves, they should not opt for car repair loans altogether! The reason being that it requires intense self- discipline to put money into savings and regularly pay back the car repair loan.

Automobile lending services can always make provisions for having an automobile repaired without having to diminish a person's savings. And it should be remembered that money should always be spent wisely. Obviously, car repair loans are no exception. So think before you leap!

Special Gas, Service and Brake Repair Make Owning a Foreign Car Even More Expensive

Foreign luxury cars have long been viewed as a status symbol. Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche are all foreign brand names people like to flaunt when they feel they've achieved the American Dream. The lofty price tag is often part of the appeal because many people feel it shows that they can afford a car that many cannot. But keeping and maintaining one of these vehicles often costs more than even their well-to-do buyers bargained for. Everything from filling up the gas tank to taking it in for a brake repair will hit your pocketbook just a little bit harder.

First of all, most high-end foreign vehicles recommend or even require that the driver fill the tank with premium gas. The premium gas option usually costs around 20 cents more per gallon. Premium gas is manufactured to be high-octane and less combustible. These traits don't necessarily make it any better than regular unleaded, but they do make it the only good fuel option for many foreign luxury cars because their engines are specifically designed to take this kind of gasoline.

People trying to save money by putting regular unleaded gas into these cars likely will find the vehicle's performance and gas mileage to be negatively affected. Furthermore, several American luxury brands, such as Cadillac and Lincoln are now manufacturing luxury vehicles that are engineered to run on regular unleaded gasoline.

Maintenance is another issue. Foreign automobile drivers typically have to go to their corresponding dealership to have an oil change or any other regular maintenance done. An oil change for these cars typically requires not only a pricier synthetic oil but also more of it than many domestic cars would need. An oil change for a BMW or Audi can cost anywhere from around $80-$130. The bright side to this is that many of these cars require less frequent oil changes. A Ford or Chevy owner might be instructed to have his or her oil changed every 3,000 miles. However, a BMW or Audi owner may only have to get an oil change every 10,000 miles.

Repairs can be expensive and time consuming for any automobile owner. But owners of European brands will often find that their repair rates are quite a bit higher than those of domestic car owners. This is true in part because the parts usually must be imported from the same place as the car. The parts themselves may be more expensive than domestically-manufactured parts. However, the price of shipping and the waiting involved if a part needs to be ordered all factor into an even greater headache. For example, a brake repair on a domestic vehicle can set your bank balance back a few hundred dollars, but the same brake repair on an imported vehicle could cost you closer to $1,000.

Sometimes even labor costs are higher because foreign cars are considered more labor-intensive, and fewer mechanics have the skills and knowledge to work on them - a fact they use to justify charging more.

4 Benefits of Using a Mobile Auto Glass Repair Service

Here are 4 of the most common benefits of using mobile auto glass repair service.

1. Cost

When comparing the cost of a mobile repair service to a traditional windshield replacement shop, a mobile service will be more inexpensive every time. A mobile service specializes in glass repair, which means they know how to keep costs low and affordable. With most windshield replacement shops, they would rather have you replace the entire windshield instead of repairing it.

2. Time

With a mobile repair service, there is no need to drive to a location, drop it off, leave, come back, and finally get your vehicle, unlike a traditional auto glass shop. A mobile auto glass repair service will come to you, which means that you do not need to set aside any additional time to get the issue resolved. Additionally, with a mobile repair service, your vehicle is the top priority as soon as they are on the scene. With a traditional windshield replacement shop, your vehicle will almost never be the first one in line to get fixed, which means more time waiting.

3. Convenience

The convenience of having the repair service come to you cannot be overstated. You can be at work, at home, or even at a friends house, and they will get you taken care of. This means that you do not have to schedule your day around your windshield being repaired. Instead, it can be done wherever you are.

4. Specialization

With a mobile auto glass repair service, you can be sure that you will be dealing with someone who knows exactly what to do and how to do it. On the other hand, there is a good chance that if you choose a traditional auto glass shop, the person who will be working on your windshield may not be a rock chip repair specialist. An added bonus is that when dealing with a specialist, their work will be guaranteed.

While there are a number of benefits to using a mobile auto glass repair service, these 4 benefits are easy to see. The reasons that these services are getting more and more common is that they offer: cost savings, time savings, convenience, and the specialists necessary to get the job done right.

Windshield Replacement - The Facts About Auto Glass and Insurance

A chipped windshield is inevitable no matter what or where your drive, making windshield replacement something that nearly everyone will have to be deal with sooner or later. While filing an insurance claim immediately comes to mind, the fear of higher premiums often deters drivers from making calling their insurance company. However, windshields may be considered a no-fault claim, which can mean coverage without the raise in rates. Residents in the four Zero-Deductible states also enjoy the waiving of their deductibles when windshield replacement is necessary. The one point to note is that comprehensive coverage is required for either of these benefits, as coverage limited to only liability does not cover glass replacement.

Does Insurance Cover Windshield Replacement?
If the auto insurance plan is limited to only liability coverage, then the answer to this question is no. Liability coverage rarely, if ever, covers glass replacement, meaning that the driver will have to foot the entire bill. However, if the current insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, then the answer is yes, as long as the cost is below the cost of the deductible. While high deductibles will lower monthly premiums, they can also mean that low-cost repairs will still have to be paid in full by the driver. However, if the cost of the replacement is more than the deductible, filing a claim can save a few dollars on the repair.

Will A Claim for Windshield Replacement Raise My Rates?
Believe it or not, most of the time the answer to this is no. This is because chipped windshields are generally considered a no-fault claim, as it is rarely the fault of the driver that the chip occurred in the first place. Keep in mind that there are exceptions, however, including chips obtained while deliberately driving off-road. How the chip occurred, the selected policy, and even the insurance company itself can make a difference in whether windshields replacement is a covered item.

What About The Zero-Deductible States?
There are only four Zero-Deductible states in the US, and these are Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, and South Carolina. For residents in these states, the Zero-Deductible law means is that the insurance deductible is waived for any auto windshield replacement. Florida and Massachusetts even go a step farther and cover all glass replacement under the Zero-Deductible law, rather than limiting the coverage to windshields only. Comprehensive coverage is still necessary, however, although like other states, premiums are usually not affected.

So How Do You File A Claim For Windshield Replacement?
Most glass replacement companies are familiar with working with insurance companies when it comes to windshield replacements. In fact, most of them will call your insurance company for you once their repair service is requested. Your insurance carrier and policy number are often all the repair service will need from you, and they handle the rest. This generally makes filing an insurance claim as easy as contacting a reputable glass company. However, if cost is an issue, either through deductibles or because it will be paid entirely out-of-pocket, obtaining price quotes from several glass companies can help determine who will provide the best service at the lowest cost.

Auto windshield replacement is an inevitable cost of car ownership, although insurance coverage for this is applicable only if a comprehensive plan is selected. The deductible may make an insurance claim irrelevant, however, as a high deductible can mean that the cost of replacement is less than the initial amount that drivers are required to pay. On the plus side, insurance rates rarely go up with a windshield replacement claim, as most insurance companies consider these no-fault claims. The four Zero-Deductible states even eliminate the need to pay the deductible for the repair. The best part is that filing a claim is often as easy as contacting a reputable glass company, as most of these companies are familiar with working with most insurance companies. A cracked windshield can happen to anyone, and understanding how insurance applies to these instances can make it a less stressful event, and lead to a smoother repair process.

Lost Value Claims After Your Car Is Repaired

You are entitled to diminished value if your car was repaired after being in an accident. Diminished value is the amount of money your car decreases in value because it has been in a wreck. When you go to sell your car, the car dealer or buyer can pull a report out of a national database using your car's VIN number. When they see your car was in an accident, it makes your car worth less. In most States, you have a legal right for the insurance company to compensate you for this lost value.

The amount of diminished value you may be entitled to varies wildly based on a lot of factors. To get started you should first make sure you "qualify" for a claim. You should have a claim if:

• Your car's fair market value prior to the accident was at least $5,000.


• Repairs exceeded $1,500.


• Your car is no less than eight years old.


• Your car doesn't have a salvage title.

Once you tell the insurance company that you want diminished value, they will get back to you with an offer. As with all offers in life, their first number is usually not the highest they are willing to go. It is a starting point to see if you will jump at it and to see if you are up to a negotiation.

If you decide to counter the insurance company's offer, you are going to need to present a dollar amount that you think your car lost in value. You just can't pull a number out of thin air. You need to find a diminished value appraiser who will run your car's numbers and give you an official report on how much value your car lost. You then send your adjuster this report and demand the diminished value amount the adjuster came up with.

If the adjuster does not agree to this higher amount, you will need to negotiate with him or her. Negotiating is a topic in and of itself. But at a high level, you need to get the adjuster to explain why their amount is right and yours is wrong. Then you will need to "debate" the adjusters reasons. A lot of times the appraiser who did your diminished value report can help you come up with good reasons for increasing the diminished value based on their report.

Finally, some insurance policies have an "independent appraiser" clause. You can tell the adjuster you want to invoke that clause, which costs them time and money. They will have to pay a third-party appraiser to analyze your car's diminished value. Many times the adjuster will increase their offer the amount of money it would cost to pay that third-party appraiser. So, this can be a quick way to get them to bump up their offer.

Cracked Windshields Near the Edge Have an 80% Chance of Cracking Out

Research departments found some interesting answers about where are windshields most likely to crack out from and this is what they discovered. Most rock chips are found in the lower half of a vehicle's front glass,which makes this interesting because from a structural perspective, it is the worst place for rock chips or a star break to be located as these will most likely crack out to the windshields edge.

The lower half of the windshield along with the outer two-inch black area at the edge is the weakest in terms of resistance to object impact and other stresses that may adversely affect your auto glass. This is why so many small rock chips are so quick to spread into large cracks forcing expensive replacement.

Other factors that can increase cracking are extreme temperature differences and neglect from the car owner to repair. Too many automobile owners procrastinate when getting their damaged windshields repaired, which only contributes to the likelihood of the damaged area getting larger.

Extreme temperature differences in a windshield increase the chances of rock chips leading into a crack by up to 80%. Temperature differentials are the number one reason star breaks and bull's-eye type breaks crack out, but most don't realize how likely it is until we understand statistics like this. 80% crack out rate from a small rock chip is not something to laugh about. All of these damaged windshields could be repaired. 80% crack out rate are not very good odds. Climate change is seeing higher summer temperatures and higher overall temperatures over most of the Southern United States. These higher temperatures and increased automobile air conditioner usage can increase the likelihood of chips spreading into large cracks.

With varying differences in the type of auto glass being used original equipment manufactured or after market glass and some auto manufacturers or repair shops switching to lighter windshields, most windshields these days weigh much less than our older ones did, partly because of the thinner glass being used.

Windshields of today are more prone to cracking from various stresses and a small rock chip is all it takes to impair the windshield's integrity and safety. Stress from being glued in place during installation or summers heat and winters cold to rough bumpy roads is all it takes to make that small repairable rock chip crack across the entire windshield. Every minute that chip spends without being repaired, increases the chances of the windshield cracking further, eventuality to the point where repair is no longer an option.

A lot of windshield replacements are from neglect of small rock chips. Most could be addressed quite easily by a skilled windshield repair technician. Procrastination often comes into play when it comes to repairing our chipped or cracked windshields. Automobile owners end up spending more money and time due to tardiness in taking action on small windshield breaks. You can save yourself some time, trouble and money by repairing your chipped or cracked windshield today don't wait! If you can't repair the damage quickly cover it with clear tape unless it is in your direct line of sight, and call a windshield chip or crack repair company as soon as possible.

Cheap Car Body Repairs

If you have ever had an accident and in the process damaged your body work you know how difficult it can be in getting quotes, sorting through the quotes and choosing a reliable service for the car body repair can be. It's a bit of a mine field choosing a car body repair service for it's not just the reliability that is the concern but the price also. Static repair centres or accident repair centres as they are also known can charge a small fortune for simple repairs such as a bumper scratch or key scratch repair; this is mainly down to their huge overhead and labour costs which they have to consider when working out a cost for a car body repair. Don't worry there is a new alternative, Mobile Car Body Repairs.

Mobile car body repairs are a scaled down version of the static site equivalent. They are specialists in repairing small light collision on cars such as a bumper scratch, stone chip, seat burns or dent repairs. They are significantly cheaper than a body shop or accident repair centre with up to 70% saving on most repairs compared to their static site equivalents. The most remarkable aspect of this type of car repair service is they are mobile, so they have the unique ability to come to your home or place of work to carry out your repair (basically anywhere as long as there is some access to a power supply). Another additional bonus of this service is that the repair time on average is only 2-3 hours per damage, so most repairs can be completed within a day.

This type of service was originally designed for the use within the car trade, the mobile repair service would mainly be used to touch up and refurbish cars bought from auctions and part exchanges before they were put up for sale on the garages forecourts. Mobile car body repair service still work within this field but have also branched out to the public. You will not get as good of a deal as a car showroom would due to the amount of cars they have to repair but they are still quite competitive.

As you can see the mobile car body repair service should be your first port of call if you have had an accident and require a repair, just remember that although they sound like the holy grail of auto repairs they are not able to repair larger scale repairs or damage such as full resprays or panel replacements.

Want More Customer Referrals for Your Auto Service Business? Avoid This Huge Mistake

So many times I see auto repair shop owners attempting to create a referral program so that they can increase their car counts, but they fall flat because of their offers and rewards.

The typical customer referral at auto repair shops offer discounts. As an example, a typical referral offer states that the customers who send a referral will get a discount off their next service. The offer to the new customer is pretty much the same. The offer goes something like "Get 10% off your next auto service".

Ask yourself, "Would you refer your family and friends for that?" Do you think your customers often wonder or ask themselves how they will ever know if they really got that discount? When it comes to your new customer, how do they even know if your pricing is competitive? You may be giving me a discount off an already inflated price!

Does that sound a lot like your existing customer referral program? To quote Dr. Phil, I have to ask "How's that working for you?".

Look, I know that you're obviously an honest and hard working shop owner and you're doing your best to grow your business and increase your car counts. But you simply are not going to attract new customer referrals without a solid campaign that offers real rewards and benefits.

Take Your Customer Rewards OUTSIDE of Your Business:

Make your rewards something that people want. It doesn't have to be expensive. After all, you're in business to make money, right?

But simple gift cards like $5 or $10 coffee shop cards go a long way to getting your customers to send you referrals.

If you really want to create a bigger program, create a contest around referrals. How many people would compete to get a chance to win a new Bar-B-Q? How about a new Flat Screen TV? What about tickets to an event or concert? You could even use simple 'Dinner for Two' certificates at good restaurants in your area.

The key here is that the reward is not about YOU and YOUR business. The reward has real value outside of your business and people will compete to get that.

Make Your New Customer Offer Clear:

Like I said, giving your new customer (being referred to you) a 10% discount off what they may be thinking is an already inflated price isn't going to get you many referrals. Your offer has to be clear. Your offer must answer the question "What am I getting?". Remember, customers listing to that radio station, WIFM (What's in It For Me?)

Consider clear offers like;

• Get Your Next Oil Change for $7.99


• FREE A/C Inspection


• Get FREE Unlimited Fluid Fills with Every Oil Change


• Create offers tied to Holidays - Buy 'This' and Get 'That'

Don't be afraid to 'test' offers. Because printing is dirt cheap, you can create customer referral cards with different offers. Besides, there isn't anyone on the planet that can tell you what offer is going to work best in your market.

When you're putting together your customer referral program, remember that you're not trying to attract a customer to get a sale; You're trying to get the sale to attract a customer! There is a difference!

You can get a lot more customer referrals for your auto service shop and really drive up car counts when you avoid these huge mistakes. Keep your customer rewards OUTSIDE of your business, no matter what the value and make clear offers to your new customers!

The Benefits of Paintless Dent Removal

When drivers want to fix dents, there are two ways to do so. This includes taking the car to a body shop or using paintless dent removal. The type and size will help determine which process is the best one for each individual driver. Taking your vehicle to a shop is better for larger dents, dents in which the paint is gone, and those that are related to accidents and similar incidents. On the other hand, smaller dents and those that are not related to accidents fare well with paintless dent removal or any dent in which the paint is intact.

If your dent on your car matches the dent type that paintless dent removal could help, then you will benefit greatly. First, using this process, the car's original finish will remain intact. Second, paintless dent removal is much cheaper. Third, this process means you can have your car back in as little as a few hours.

Paintless dent removal and repairs require the use of special tools made for the job including hammers and rods made from stainless steel. These tools are used to shape the metal so that it goes back to its original shape without damaging it further. This method can be used on many smaller dents by gently pushing on them from the inside of the body.

Myths While many people believe that this auto body process requires years of training to learn, this is simply untrue. In fact, anyone can do it easily as long as the right tools for the job are available. Other people hear about different methods of dent removal, but they never work, and are myths including using dry ice, or one of the "As seen on TV" devices. Using these methods can make the dents worse in some cases.

When Paintless Dent Removal is Not Recommended While this technique is effective for removing most smaller, non-broken dents, there are some that simply are not a good fit for the technique and require a professional's help. To help determine if the dent on your car qualifies as a dent that can undergo paintless dent removal, consider these factors:

Compromised Paint: If the paint covering the dent is broken, scratches, other otherwise compromised and is not intact, then this process is not recommended

Car Accident: If the bump happened because you were in a car accident, then you will need professional help. If the blemish is long, running along the length of the car, then you need professional bodywork. However, if you can say that the dent does not match these situations, then this process may be in your car's future, and you just might save yourself some money and frustration.

Windshields - What to Watch Out For On The Road To Prevent Cracks

While windshield chips may seem to be little more than an annoyance, fixing a chip in your windshield should not be put off. It is often easy and inexpensive to fix a chip, but an un-repaired chip can cause your windshield to crack out. If this happens, your windshield cannot simply be repaired. Once a chip causes it to crack out, the windshield needs to be replaced. Replacing an entire windshield is much more costly than repairing a chip.

There are things you can do while driving and caring for your car to help prevent chips:

o Don't follow big dump trucks or construction trucks. They are often carrying materials that can break apart and send small particles flying off the back of the truck. If you are behind the truck, the particles are likely to hit your car.

o Don't tailgate. Car's back tires kick up little rocks and sand particles from the road and send them flying behind the car. If you are driving too close to the car in front of you, those particles are likely to hit your windshield and cause a chip.

o Avoid parking on the side of the road. Try to park in a parking lot or driveway where other cars won't be speeding past your parked car.

o Check your wipers regularly. Windshield wipers that are torn, cracked, bent, or broken can cause a chip in the windshield.

o Only use plastic ice scrapers. Metal ice scrapers can scratch your windshield.

o Regularly check your windshield for any small chips and cracks

o Don't use hot water to remove ice from the windshield. This will cause any chips to instantly crack your windshield. Instead use table salt to loosen the ice. Keep a salt shaker in the glove box during the winter.

If you do happen to get a chip in your windshield there are steps you can take to help prevent the chip from cracking the windshield until you can repair it:

o On the outside of the windshield, cover the chip with clear plastic tape. This will help keep out moisture and dirt.

o Try not to use the defroster. If it needs to be used, use the lowest setting possible.

o If possible, park in the shade. Leave the side windows cracked in order to keep heat from building up in the car.

o Don't use anything liquid to seal the chip, such as glue or nail polish.

o Don't wash the car. Pressure from the hose or the temperature difference between the water and windshield can cause the chip to crack out.

o Don't use sun shades. They cause the windshield to heat up, which can cause a crack.

o Don't slam the doors, trunk, or hood. Any extra vibration to the car could cause the chip to crack.

Always try to avoid a chip in your windshield, but if you happen to get one, be sure to immediately follow the steps to protect it and then repair it as soon as possible. While repairing a chip may seem tedious, it beats spending hundreds of dollars on a whole new windshield.

How to Fix a Scratch on Your Vehicle's Paint Job

There has more than likely been one time or another when you have experienced a scratch on the paint job of your vehicle. Did you know that there are ways that this can be repaired without the costly trip to the dealership or auto-body shop? The truth is, sooner or later - every car is going to get a scratch, so - use these tips to get rid of the unsightly marks.

If the car has been painted with enamel paint, than the vehicle repair may need professional attention, if not - than you can go ahead with these simple tips to repair a scratch on the surface of the vehicle. When repairing a scratch, it is important to lightly wash the surface of any material that would affect the bonding of the paint that is going to be applied to fix the scratch. Sometimes, when vehicles have been waxed, it decreases the ability for the paint to create a bond with the metal, creating an obvious paint line. A mild dish detergent or even a mild laundry detergent can be used to take off any wax, protecting or seal that is on the vehicle and could interrupt the scratch repair process.

Next, you will need to lightly sand the area where the vehicle is scratched with fine grained sand paper. When completing this step, it is most effective to do this by hand. This will ensure that the vehicle will not be over-sanded and damage the body of the vehicle, or even further damage the paint job of the vehicle. Never use an electric sander to repair a small scratch on the body or door of the vehicle; this will lead to unsightly marks being left after the scratch has been repaired. When sanding, go with the direction on the scratch, as this will not make it worse.

If there is rust near the scratch, than it can be easily removed with rust-cleaner and sandpaper treatment. When sanding, only be sure to grind down the area that is closest to the scratch. Before painting, tape-off the area of the scratch using newspaper, allowing a small cutout for the scratch. This will ensure that only the area required is painted. After all, the paint is more than likely not going to be the exact same tone, unless the vehicle is new and the exact paint is chosen.

How do you choose paint for your vehicle that is being repaired? Often, there is color swatches available from the dealership that the vehicle was purchased from, if not, than at the local auto-body supply store there should be a sufficient color. Remember, these colors may not go on completely flush with the current color. The more a vehicle has been exposed to the elements, the more the color fades - making it hard to determine the replacement color.

Next, the area should be sprayed with touch up paint, avoid brushing as it could cause unsightly marks to occur within the paint. Next, remove the paper and let the vehicle dry overnight to ensure it is not going to be effected by the elements.

Handling Windshield Repairs

Have you ever driven down a major highway behind a truck and had a rock fly back in your face? Thank goodness for windshields protecting us against the dangers of debris in the roadway! That's the good news. The bad news is that sometimes, the debris that flies up into your windshield can actually damage it, forcing you to have it repaired (since it is against the law to drive around with a damaged windshield). The damage may appear in the form of a small nick or dent in the glass; however, over time, this nick will grow and spread out, causing more damage to the windshield if it is not repaired.

Windshield repairs are necessary more often than many people realize. Small cracks often appear in windshields without any warning or after long drives behind trucks or large vehicles that can cause small stones from the road to fly through the air at great speeds. Since cracks in windshields tend to start out small and grow large quickly most people hurry to an auto glass repair shop without exploring the options.

Deciding which windshield repair shop to go to requires a lot of research. Windshield repair requires a specialist to ensure that the replacement is done correctly and safely. Since the windshield plays such an important roll in your vehicles performance it is important that the car owner chooses the best auto repair shop available. This is not a good time to attempt to cut down on price by contacting the cheapest repair company.

In order to avoid being responsible for the brunt of the charges contact your car insurance company to see if they will cover glass repair. Most insurance policies will cover this repair which will make it possible for you to choose a repair shop based on the quality of their service rather than their cost. Also, going through an insurance company will guarantee a hassle free repair. The auto glass company will know that they are going to receive prompt payment from a major company and, in most cases, the repair shop will be one recommended by the insurance company which means that they have previously provided satisfactory work for the insurance companies policy holders.

The next time that you have to get your windshield replaced, a good rule to remember is to never wait until the hole has spider veined out across your windshield because then you could be driving down the highway and suddenly have your entire windshield shatter in your face, which wouldn't be a good thing either. This could cause a serious accident for you or the people around you. On the other hand, you don't want to jump up and have your windshield replaced if all you have is a small nick in your windshield because it may take that nick a while to finally expand out into a spider vein. It may not even spider out at all, which would mean that you would've wasted all of that money.

Your Car Trade-In Pay-Off - Understanding How It Works!

It's very easy to get confused about how the pay-off is handled in a car deal. Almost everyone who trades a car into a car dealer on a new purchase has a pay-off on their trade.

The pay-off is how much you owe the lender for your trade. It in no way reflects how much your trade-in is worth, and most often the pay-off is higher than your trade-in's actual value.

When you buy a vehicle this is how the numbers break down:

Selling price of the new vehicle

+ Any Add-ons like extended warranty, protection package, etc.

+ Sales tax, title, documentation and registration fees

- Trade-in allowance

- Cash down and rebates

+ Pay-off on trade

_____________________

= Total Amount Due

Now adding the pay-off back on to the "Amount Due" tends to throw a lot of people for a loop! They have a hard time understanding why the pay-off has to be added back on once the dealer agrees to a trade-in figure.

You must remember, the loan on the trade-in is yours -- not the car dealers -- and it must be paid off so the dealer can get a clear title to the trade-in. In essence, the car dealer is buying the trade-in from you, and you can't sell it to him if there is an outstanding balance owed on it. So the pay-off gets added on to your "Amount Due," and then the dealer takes that money and pays off the loan. The lending institution in return sends the car dealer a clear title and everyone is happy.

Remember, the pay-off is your responsibility not the car dealer's. The dealer is actually doing you a service by simplifying the way you pay off your vehicle. It also allows the dealer to control the process so they don't get stuck with a trade-in that has a lien and an outstanding loan on it.

Now having said that, remember that most car dealers are honest and do business in a legitimate way, and they will pay off your outstanding loan promptly, or as soon as they get the funds on the car deal. It's to their benefit to pay it off right away so they can then sell the car. If they don't have a clear title for the vehicle they can't legally sell it.

However, there have been occasions when a car dealer waits to make the pay-off, or in rare cases doesn't pay it off at all. This is illegal and can get a dealer in a lot of trouble, but sometimes they are having cash flow problems or, in very rare cases you come up against a crook.

If the car dealer doesn't pay-off you loan within a reasonable amount of time (one to three weeks) the lender is going to be looking for you to make a payment when it comes due. I have even seen cases where the customer didn't know for several months that the pay-off hadn't been made, and it was actually causing late payment entries on their credit report.

Remember . . . I said this was a rare occurrence, so don't panic if you have a trade-in with a pay-off. There are steps you can take to protect yourself. If you trade a car with a pay-off get a written statement from the dealership signed by either the Sales Manager or the Finance Manager stating that they will in fact pay off your trade-in, and by what date. The statement should include the following information:

• The date of the document


• The amount of the pay-off


• By what date will the pay-off be made by


• How long the pay-off amount is good for (because the amount changes as interest accrues)


• The year, make, model, mileage and serial number of the car being paid off


• The name and mailing address of the lending institution


• The name of the person at the lending institution who verified the pay-off amount


• The signature of either the Sales Manager or the Finance Manager

Any reputable dealership should be happy to accommodate your request for this form. In fact, a professional dealership will have such a form as a routine part of their paperwork.

This way if anything goes awry you have something in writing to protect yourself, and to prove the car dealer agreed to make the pay-off. As I said before, most dealers are honest, but it's always a good business practice to protect yourself.

If a dealer refuses to give you a written statement on the pay-off you should not complete the deal. To me this would be a big red flag! Go do business with another car dealer who will accommodate your request. There are too many honest car dealers out there for you to waste your time with a questionable one.

Important Precautions to Take When Doing Auto Repairs

It is always important to be prepared just in case, so you should always have a fire extinguisher nearby while you work. You may not have to use it but it's important to have one there in case it is needed. The ideal fire extinguishers should be both B and C rated for liquid, grease and electrical fires.

If you are going to do any electrical repair work it is always important to disconnect a battery cable or a power fuse from a circuit. This will ensure that you do have shorts that can damage your wiring or start a vehicle fire. This is also important for vehicles that have air bags since crossing wires may cause the air bag to go off.

If you are working with a vehicle that has an integral ABS system then you should always remember to depressurize the system before you open a brake line or replace any components of the system. Depressurizing can be done by pressing the brake pedal twenty-four to forty times while the key is off.

Before working on a car two important things you should take care of. Minimizing your distractions and tell someone what you are going to be doing. You can reduce injury not only to yourself but to others. In addition, you will reduce the chance of making a mistake. So make sure small children, pets or other individuals who may distract you are not nearby when you work. Also by telling someone what you plan on doing you will have someone who will know to dial 911 if the need for it occurs.

How to Select an Independent Auto Repair Shop

A good way to comparison shop is to ask questions and look for estimates from a high quality, full-service repair shop. You will not save money by delaying or foregoing your routine vehicle maintenance. The longer you wait, you risk paying increased repair costs. In many cases you can help prevent vehicle breakdowns by focusing on keeping your smaller repair services on schedule.

Independent repair shops compete to charge less expensive labor rates than dealerships and can be more personable in aiming for high customer satisfaction ratings. It is easier to deal directly with the owner or the car technician at an independent facility, allowing you to have better communication with the experts who directly repair your car. You can expect more focused service.

You can ask to view their technology certifications and training certificates. In most cases their certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) are posted in the waiting area along with other manufacturer service training credentials. Collision repair shops often have certificates from training offered by the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR).

You can also ask about their repair equipment and technology. A good independent shop should be able to explain to you how they keep their service equipment and technology current. The amount of information necessary to repair various car brands cars can no longer be effectively contained in paper manuals. Quality Independent shops have Internet access to repair information or an on-site service information library of CD or DVD's.

Independent shops often offer discounts. If you are seeking to be a new customer, ask them if they can provide you with a first time discount.In some cases, if you are paying in cash instead of credit card and saving them processing fees, they may be willing to offer a better discount on your estimate. They may belong to certain car clubs and auto forums that also offer discounts to members.

A good warranty can often be a deal maker or a deal breaker. Before you choose a repair facility, ask for their warranty on the service or repair you are seeking. Compare the miles and timing of each. A Quality independent repair facility will stand behind their parts and labor.

An independent repair facility will buy quality parts and should be are able to pass down reasonable part costs to their customers. Ask to see the parts information and parts warranty so you can make sure they are using the best recommended parts on your car.

The tiny details matter. A clean customer waiting area and restrooms are all signs of attention to detail and quality. It is best to try out an independent shop with a small service first, such as an oil change or minor tire service, just to judge the experience before you invest more. See how they respond to your questions and view the operations to make a decision.

Cheap Auto Repair

Auto repair is a headache for motorists all over the world. Repair and replacement of parts have become so costly that motorists are looking for cheap auto repair as an alternative to regular repair.

Many auto repair firms advertise to repair vehicles at cheap rates but they do this by using inferior parts and employing unskilled workers. Generally, specialized shops, including transmission repair and old car repair shops, offer cheaper auto repairs compared to general shops. There are even general repair shops that provide you quality repair at cheaper rates.

It is imperative that you discuss the exact nature of the repair job and take time with the mechanic before you actually launch the repair. Most of the modern vehicles have computerized monitoring systems, which help mechanics identify problems easily. Auto repair manuals and guides call tell you details of each repair job and the normal time taken for each. These manuals can be bought from auto parts shops in your neighborhood.

Online you can find many experienced mechanics advertising cheap auto repair. They do brake jobs for as little as $50.00 and many other repair jobs just as cheap. There are also part-time mechanics who do most of their work at their own house and are ready to do cheap auto repair on request.

Cheap auto repair is usually sought by people who are money-minded. Cheap repair has many drawbacks too. It is not reliable, and often functionality is not guaranteed. Mechanics doing cheap auto repair generally do not give proper attention and, in many cases, inferior parts are used. Cheap auto repair can lead to long-term problems that may sometimes cost you much more money in the long run.

My Car Is Totaled - Now What?

If you have been in an auto accident and your insurance adjuster has determined that your car is totaled, you probably have a lot of questions.

How is it determined that your car is a total loss?

Typically, if the cost to repair the damage exceeds 70-80% of the pre-accident value of your car, the insurance company will call it "totaled."

Totaled Car Defined.

Several things are taken into consideration when determining if a car should be totaled:

• Current mileage
• Overall condition of the vehicle
• Cost of the repairs
• If the repairs can be safely executed
• The current value of the car (prior to the accident) as based on retail book value and other similar cars in your geographical area
• The cost of the repairs in relationship to the value of the replacement of the car
• Individual state regulations and definitions of a "totaled" car

Getting paid.

If your car is determined to be totaled and therefore beyond repair, your next question will be about money. How soon will you receive a check? How much will you receive? Will you be able to buy a new car? Will the insurance company buy you a car?

Most insurance companies will cut a check within a few days of examination of the car. The amount paid is usually enough to purchase a replacement vehicle of similar value, however, the specific amount of the check will be dependant on a few things:

• The amount of your insurance deductible
• The determined pre-accident value of your car
• The amount still owed by you to the bank for the original purchase of the car

Your deductible will be subtracted from the insurance claim amount. If you still owe the bank, most insurance companies will first submit a payoff check to the bank and then the remainder, minus your deductible will be sent to you.

For exact details in your particular case, please check with your insurance adjuster.

What if I don't agree with the settlement?

If you feel that your car is worth more than the insurance company deems, you will need to provide proof in the form of receipts that show added value (new tires, new engine, etc.) that you have done. Also examples of cars for sale in your area that are similar to yours, that have a higher price value.

You may also consider hiring an independent adjuster if you believe the settlement is unfair.

Can I keep the car?

If it has been determined that your car has been totaled and the cost to repair it exceeds its value, then the insurance company will take possession of the car and have a salvage company auction off the vehicle. Any monies collected from the auction would be the property of the insurance company.

If you have a strong attachment to the car or feel you can repair the car yourself, state your desires to keep the as soon as possible to your insurance adjuster.

Each state has different rules as to the legalities of keeping a totaled car - so again, rely on the expertise of your insurance adjuster.

Remember that if you do take possession of the car, most states require the title of the car be changed to a "salvage" status. You will not be able to register your car until you can provide the necessary documentation to resume the title to a (previous) salvage title.

How long do I have to find a new car?

Your insurance adjuster should work with you to provide enough time for you to find a replacement vehicle. If your insurance policy allows for a rental, check with the specifics of your policy to see how long you can have a rental as you shop for a new car.

Most companies will only provide a couple of days rental to find a new car after the check is issued. If that isn't enough, you might consider paying a few additional days of car rental from your own pocket to ensure you make the best purchase.

The cost of the couple days of rental is worth the opportunity to make the right buying decision.

How To Repair a Front Bumper

Ok, it happened. Someone stopped too quickly on a wet road and now you are in need of help to repair a front bumper for your vehicle. Before you lose your patience fretting over whether or not you'll be able to afford a repair, and will have to drive round with a damaged car, lets take a look at what you can do to have a professional and cost effective repair.

The reasoning behind needing immediate painting of any exposed surfaces of your vehicle is that paint is the first line of defense for your car. It's not just there for style; it seals the metal underneath, and keeps it from rusting and corroding. With paint missing in areas you open your car up to further damage through weather and it will end up costing you more down the road than an immediate repair.

First you will have to examine how bad the damage is. For the simplest and smallest of scrapes and scratches you can usually find your colour of paint in handy little pen style paint applicators. These work like white-out sticks that you may be familiar with. While they are cheap and will quickly cover up damage to your vehicle in minor situations, they are not a long term solution, and will detract from the value of your car when a sharp eye buyer spots this cover up. It is also possible that they will not properly seal the vehicle, exposing it to further damage.

A better solution can be a body panel zone repair. This way of painting splits a panel into zones of repairs which allows for seamless repairs to the area on the single panel. This keeps costs down by not having to repaint the entire panel, which would make sense if there isn't damage to the entire panel.

For a bumper that has suffered a dent but no paint loss, try a company that offers paintless dent removal. This new style of dent removal does not disturb your paint through the use of specially designed equipment and procedures. This is a much more cost effective method of repair than replacement, and a much better way than beating it out with a hammer.

When your bumper is broken or cracked through a light collision, with a snow bank, barricade or minor fender bender, you should save all the broken pieces and bring them in for a zone repair. This service is offered by the most skilled professional auto body shops and will use your old bumper, and restore it to an appearance of being new. This is done through colour matching, blending, and traditional body work. These techniques can all come together in a way which repairs your bumper only in the area that is damaged, which keeps costs down by avoiding buying complete replacement parts.

When you're in a collision of any kind it can be a stressful situation. Your vehicle is one of your biggest investments, and proper care for it will determine its value for the duration of its life. To keep the value up, effectively repair your front bumper when damage occurs. It will keep your vehicle on the road for years to come.

Advertising Your Auto Repair Shop With Custom Business Cards

One way to introduce your auto repair shop to your prospective clients is handing them a copy of your business cards. These prints contain the basic information of your business such as its name, location and contact information. These cards don't act as reference for your business but also as means to market it. By creating your prints with unique and compelling design as well as including the benefits that your business offers, you've got persuasive advertising tools at hand. Here are some design ideas that you can use for successful marketing:

Business Card Design Ideas to Market Your Auto Repair Services

o Die-Cut - Take your prints out of the norms and use die-cut cards instead of the traditional rectangular prints. For your auto repair business, you can use cards that are shaped like automobile with a mechanic working on it. For repair shops that have specializations, you can highlight this in your card prints. For example, you can have an auto-shaped prints designed with the engine bay being attended by a mechanic if you focus mainly on engine repairs.

o Folded - These are also known as the tent cards or sometimes referred to as mini-brochures. The main advantage of these prints is that you have extra spaces to include vital information other than your company's basic information, tagline and the benefits offered. You can list your major auto repair services at one panel and include a map on the other. You can also feature a customization project (if any) that you have done with a client's car.

o Two-Sided - Take advantage of the space on the other side of your cards. Instead of leaving it blank, you can add information about your auto repair shop. You can list the services that you offer or include a map that your clients can use to find your shop. If you offer body repairs, showcase this using a before and after photo of the vehicle. You can divide the space into two and show the before photo at the left side while the after photo at the right. Include a short caption about these photos.

o Plastic - Should you want card prints that will not only stay in your client's mind but also stay with them longer, you may opt for plastic cards. Compared to paper stocks, plastics are more durable. Also, these offer vibrant colors and designs when printed. You can even have die-cut prints for your auto repair shop.

o Magnetic - Staying on top of your client's minds is important if you want your small business to stay alive. So, why not remind them that you offer great auto repair services by handing them magnetic business cards. These can be stuck on refrigerator surfaces where your clients can see them many times a day and be reminded of the services you offer.

Don't overlook the importance of using your cards as another means of marketing. Since they are your first contact to your prospective clients, it would be better to hit them with persuasive but subtle advertising. Include your auto repair shop's theme and benefits in your cards and use the ideas above to maximize on your business card marketing. Make your prints stand out - get people to notice your business.

Automotive Tip - Removing Haze or Film from the Inside of the Windshield

Question = " I bought a used car, & the windshield has a haze or film on it, that won't come off. I wash it & then it comes back, what can I do?

Answer = The haze or film is usually from cigarette smoke. That's right either the ex-owner of your car was a smoker or if the haze/film just became a problem someone while driving or riding in your vesicle is smoking. The bad news is you're stuck with it, the good there is help.

After 20 years of installing auto glass, I've seen people try everything, with no luck. It always comes back even if the glass is replaced. Why? The smoke gets in the A/C/Heat Filters, the dashboard, headliner, & upholstery. So, when you use your A/C or heater the smoke is recirculated especially on the windshield if you use the defroster.

The Cure is simple but has to be repeated often. First you'll need to get a couple items

#1. Paper Towels (thicker, the better),

#2. Glass Cleaner (any will work but the best to use is a foaming glass cleaner, comes in a spray can & can be purchased at your local auto supply store),

#3. A bottle of Rain-X Anti-Fog. The first step is to wash the interior of the windshield at least twice making sure to remove any/all signs of the haze/film (tip if you can remove the rearview mirror), then take a clean paper towel & apply the Rain-X Anti-Fog to the windshield be sure to keep adding more to the towel & to cover the entire windshield. It seems to work & last longer if you apply a fair amount(don't skimp or soak) Depending on the amount of time you drive & how often the A/C or Heater is used, will determine how often this process will need to be repeated.

Is the Economic Slowdown Good for Mechanic College Grads?

Recent studies by Polk, a firm that specializes in intelligence about the automotive industry, indicate that American consumers are keeping their cars for longer - information that could have more than one positive ramification for students currently enrolled in mechanic college.

Why should anyone enrolled in a mechanic program pay attention to this news? Because it could mean an increase in demand for the kind of automotive repair services that they are training to offer people.

The studies conducted by Polk track the age of vehicles currently in operation. The 2012 study found an increase in the age between 2011 as compared with 2010. But this is not the most important piece of information, from the perspective of anyone currently pursuing mechanic courses.

Mechanic college students would perhaps be more interested to know that the age of cars in use has risen very quickly and dramatically over the past five years.

Cars are getting older, and individual owners are owning them longer, meaning that they are more likely to seek the repair services of a graduates of mechanic college. The average amount of time that owners hold on to their vehicles, whether new or previously owned, is said to have increased by 23% since 2008. Owners are keeping their new cars and trucks for close to six years, more than 25% longer than before 2008. Many owners are taking advantage of longer-term financing so as to better be able to afford the monthly payments. And, as students may learn in mechanic courses, car use has been falling among specific segments of the population, particularly teens (a phenomenon that some have blamed on social media rather than on such economic concerns as the rising price of gas).

(Not all of this can be attributed to the slowdown. Some research suggests that this generation of vehicles has simply been built to higher, longer lasting standards, perhaps thanks to the ingenuity of former students in mechanic college.)

Consumers are spending less on buying new-to-them vehicles. This likely translates into more money spent on maintenance - good news for graduates of mechanic college.

Another piece of information from the same organization that may also be of interest to students in mechanic courses: the total number of cars on the road declined between 2008 and 2011. But some industry observers have suggested that car purchases will soon go up, as consumers replace non-existent or ageing cars, creating more potential repair work for those currently enrolled in a mechanic program. The pent-up demand is expected to drive sales as the economy recovers. And with those new cars will come the need for more repair services.

In conclusion, the economic slowdown has not destroyed the North American car industry Far from it. Rather, it has changed it in such a way as to have possibly even increased demand for graduates of mechanic college.