A Brief History of Windshield Wiper Blades

On June 18, 1903, Mary Anderson applied for a patent on her "window cleaning device."

This device closely resembled the windshield wipers of the early days of the automobile. It operated by the driver or passenger manipulating a lever or crank on the inside of the passenger compartment. A patent was granted on November 10, 1903, to Mary Anderson who tried to market the device to automotive companies but was unable to find anyone interested. She put the patent in a drawer and it expired.

Competition was almost immediate.

At about the same time, James Henry Apjohn patented a device in the United Kingdom in 1903 which moved a pair of brushes up and down on a vertical plate-glass windshield.

A lack of locations to use windshield wipers delayed interest.

Part of the problem with the earliest versions of windshield cleaning devices was the lack of windows on the cars of the day. For many cars, windshields were an option. In 1929, wraparound windows, available as an option, became a status symbol. But the problem of having to reach out the window with a squeegee was enough to spur on inventors long before enclosed cabin vehicles became standard.

A rainy location becomes a hot-bed of invention.

April of 1911 saw a patent registered for windshield wipers by Sloan & Lloyd Barnes, a patent agent of Liverpool, England, for Gladstone Adams of Whitley Bay. Claims of patents on the wiping device sprang up in the rainy United Kingdom by pianist Josef Hofmann and Mills Munitions, Birmingham, both claiming to have the first patent.

A car accident that bolstered the development of wiper technology.

The history of the windshield wiper received a major boost on a rainy night in 1917. John R. Oishei, who owned a theater in Buffalo, New York, was struck by a bicyclist while driving in his National Roadster. In spite of the fact that the injuries to the cyclist were not serious, Mr. Oishei became determined that this type of accident shouldn't happen again. He formed the Tri-Continental Corporation that introduced the first windshield wiper called the "Rain Rubber."

Again, competition creeps in like a vulture.

In 1919, William Folberth applied for a patent for the first motorized windshield wiper system. The patent was granted in 1922 for the vacuum powered wiper system. Vacuum is a by-product of the operation of the automotive engine and was tapped to power his design. Vacuum powered wipers were installed as standard equipment until approximately 1960. As the owner of the Folberth Auto Specialty Company of Cleveland, Ohio, a dispute arose between Folberth and the Tri-Continental Corporation.

An equitable settlement is reached concerning the vacuum powered wiper system.

As a means of settling the dispute, the Tri-Continental Corporation purchased the Cleveland company. Tri-Continental went on to become well known for their vacuum powered wiper systems. While they worked well to keep the windshield clean, they were known for not being fast and would slow down on acceleration of the vehicle.

The birth of TRICO.

Tri-Continental became known as TRICO and has become one of the world's leading producers of windshield wiper blades and refills. Another development of this company was the air-powered wiper systems for trucks, military vehicles and diesel powered boats.

A change comes in the late 1950's.

The late 1950's and 1960's saw the changeover to electric motor powered wipers. While an intermittent wash system was in use for vacuum powered systems, electric motors maintained their speed and allowed more versatility in various speeds and modes of operation and allowed for a larger wiper size and larger windshields.

The development of intermittent wipers.

Robert Kearnes, an engineering professor at Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, invented the modern intermittent wiper system which was offered for the first time on the 1969 Mercury line produced by the Ford Motor Company. Kearnes claims to have come up with the idea from the human eye lid action which sweeps across the surface intermittently.

Keeping the headlights clean and bright.

1970 was to see the introduction the most recent major advancement in wiper technology with the introduction of the headlight wiper by the Saab Automobile company. These have not seen a wide range of usage in the United States except on cars which come so equipped.

Why You Should Hire An ASE Certified Mechanic

How do you go about choosing an auto mechanic? Do you look for one that's close to you? Do you just open the yellow pages and see who has the biggest ad? If that's how you choose a mechanic, you may be in for a big surprise when you get your car or truck back. The most important thing to look for when you hire an auto mechanic is an ASE certification.

ASE certified mechanics have undergone extensive training and have been tested to prove that they know what they are doing. ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence. Since its inception in 1972 the National Institute for Automotive Excellence has certified over 400,000 automotive professionals. The Institute says that their mission is to "improve the quality of vehicle repair and service through the testing and certification of repair and service professionals." But how do they do this?

To obtain an ASE certification, mechanics must have 2 years of hands on work experience and pass at least one of their exams. Mechanics are required to renew their certification periodically to make sure that they stay up on the latest technology. This assures that the Institutes trademark "blue seal" remains meaningful.

To find an ASE certified mechanic, look for a blue seal with the letters ASE on it. Certified mechanics will proudly display it in their sop and on their advertisements. To locate an ASE certified mechanic, you can also visit the National Institute
for Automotive Excellence websites mechanic locator. You won't be disappointed.

Best Tips for Cleaning Your Wheels

At some point in an automobile's functioning existence, it will need some repairs or replacement for its parts. A visit to your mechanic is not always necessary, especially since you can take a hands-on approach and actually get the replacements done yourself which saves you money. Auto repair is not rocket science and you can learn the basics by consulting good auto repair guides freely found on the World Wide Web, which often provide detailed, step-by-step instructions on all sorts of auto repair. However, before you have to replace your parts, it is best to keep them in good condition so that they may last longer.

Proper cleaning of your wheels is one way of ensuring you get good performance for longer from them. For routine cleaning, using just a mild soap and water will be enough. However, when you want to carry out thorough cleaning, you need to know the type of finish used on your wheels so that you do not cause any damage on them. Different finishes require different types of cleaners, so you need to know what kind of finish your wheels are made of.

To properly clean your wheels and keep them in perfect shape, here are some key pointers you need to keep in mind;

繚 First ensure that the vehicle is parked under a shade so that the sun does not dry the soap faster than you can rinse it off, and remember to turn off the engine to cool the metal and the brakes around the rims. Don't let abrasive tire cleaners come into contact with your wheels, and try not to spray cold water on hot wheels. Using a mild soap and water, lather your wheels sufficiently.

繚 Rinse off the wheels. Depending on the coating on your wheels and the amount of dirt, you may use a pressure washer. Then, using cleansers that contain no additives like bleach add a few drops of the cleanser in a large bucket of water and properly mix it.

繚 After rinsing your wheels, choose a suitable polish and evenly polish them up. For clear coated wheels, use a polishing cleaner that is provided by the manufacturer. The main reason for polishing is to enhance the shine of the glossy rims after washing- and you can do this using a rag in circular motion until the whole area is evenly coated.

繚 Finally, if you have chrome-plated wheels, wax them until the wax is completely rubbed in and is not noticeable. If you have clear coated wheels, you may leave out this step. The wax will create a layer between dirt, debris, oil and even the rims, making it easier for you the next time you clean your rims and also prevents surface corrosion.

Following the above simple steps, you're sure to maintain the great look of your tires for a long period of time. Doing your homework in terms of knowing your needs, your budget and the best tire manufacturers in the market for your auto is very important to get the right quality wheels in the first place. Having a good routine maintenance on your auto will keep your wheels running for longer and save you money.

Fiberglass Filler - What is it and Why Use it on Auto Body Repairs?

What Is Fiberglass?

Raw fiberglass come in a soft fabric like material. When saturated with liquid resin and harder, it becomes hard and very strong. There are not too many fiberglass auto parts on modern day cars, as they have all started using other composites like SMC and Carbon Fiber. However, fiberglass was on early model corvettes, truck hoods, and many other parts. There are still aftermarket parts that are manufactured from fiberglass and it still used for boats and jet skis.

The Difference Between Fiberglass and Fiberglass Filler

Fiberglass filler comes in a can and is mixed with a cream hardener. It mixes a lot like regular body filler, but it is thicker and a little harder to mix. The filler actually has fiberglass mixed in it. It comes short hair and long hair. This is the length of the fiberglass that is mixed in the filler. Both provide excellent waterproof properties as they do not absorb water. Both fiberglass fillers are stronger than regular body filler. The long hair filler provides the most strength out of the two. However, these fillers are very difficult to sand. The filler is also thick, which makes it hard to level and smooth like regular body filler.

Why Use Fiberglass Filler If It's So Difficult To Sand

The reason we use fiberglass filler in auto body repair is not really the added strength, but for the waterproof properties. It is recommended to apply a thin layer of fiberglass filler over any welding that is performed. Body filler absorbs moister, which will leads to corrosion and rust. By using the fiberglass, we eliminate the moister absorption problem. Since our main purpose is to seal the welded area, the short hair fiberglass is sufficient for the application.

What Can Fiberglass Filler Be Used On

This filler can be used over bare metal or fiberglass.

Finishing The Repair

As I mentioned, fiberglass does not sand well. That is why I recommend only applying a small amount to the welded areas and rough sanding it. After this is done, you can apply body filler on the top of the fiberglass filler and finish the repair as you normally would using body filler.

Warning

You should always wear proper protective equipment when sanding any filler. However, extreme caution should be taken when sanding fiberglass products. It not only itches and irritate your skin, but it is extremely unhealthy to breathed the fiberglass. Be certain to wear an approved dust respiration, gloves, eye protection, and you may even want to wear a disposable paint suit. If some of the fiberglass does get on your skin, take a cold shower. This will help keep your pores small and allow the fiberglass to wash off.

Want to Catch That Crack Before it Spreads? Auto Glass Repair Might Be Your Answer

One lesson in life that everyone will learn is that anything that is breakable will eventually break. And when it comes to cars, that small little crack in the windscreen you notice one day will most probably break the next. Glass repair for a small crack might take the back seat for some but cracks can grow, and they can grow quickly. It is important, however, that you don't cry over broken glass. Having a cracked or shattered windscreen is illegal in many countries, including South Africa, so having your windscreen repaired as soon as possible is recommended.

Immediate glass repair is essential as cracks have the ability to grow. This happens when the moisture infiltrates below the outer layer of glass and then enters through the crack, expanding and contracting, which results in the crack getting bigger. It's possible to repair the glass in a small or medium crack, but when the crack becomes larger you may need to replace the entire windshield, leaving you with a considerably lighter pocket.

A good indicator of whether you will need auto glass repair or windscreen replacement is to measure the crack. If the crack on your window is longer than 15 centimetres it might not be possible to repair your car's glass, but this is just an estimate. Auto glass is a preferred method of repair as it saves you time, money and effort.

When you see that your window has been damaged, whether just by a small stone hitting the windscreen or by something more serious like an accident, you may not be too sure who to call. Many assume that a glass shop or an auto body shop will be able to meet their needs. There are, however, specialist auto glass repair companies that offer specialised services. They are experts in automotive glass repair and are familiar with any processes that should be followed when repairing or installing glass for windscreens and windows.

Windscreens are a vital component of a cars safety system. They help prevent the car roof from buckling in an accident, especially when cars overturn or roll. This is why no shortcuts should be made with windscreen glass repair.

How to Go About Repairing Your Fiberglass

Although fiberglass is considered one of the sturdiest materials available in the market, many people have a tough time protecting it from tears and fractures. This usually happens when the fiberglass is exposed to unwarranted stress for a considerably long period of time. If you have faced this problem yourself, you would know how tedious it can get to repair your fiberglass without wasting a lot of time. While it is true that there are a number of fiberglass companies that are providing repair kits to their clients, most of these companies do not give you a lot of options. So, you would probably end up with a duct tape or a paint brush that will not be of much use anyway.

If you want to get an all inclusive fiberglass repair kit that comes with all necessary tools and equipments to repair your damaged fiberglass look no further - hundreds of fiberglass solution providers have mushroomed all over the country to help you out. What's more, you don't have to turn to multiple companies to get your required materials. There are a number of specialized firms that will offer all the necessary tools and equipments to you at the right price and at the same time. It is therefore in your best interest to approach a specialized firm that has answers to all your quires and requirements. Such a firm will have a trained workforce to cater to all your needs in a time bound manner. As a result, you will get the solutions right on time.

Fiberglass is used by various people for different purposes. It is the best material for building boats and canoes. Alternately, it is also an extremely useful material used in doors and windows. Given its varied utilities, can you consider using the same materials to repair your damaged fiberglass? The answer is no. The severity of the damage will determine your plan of action. Unfortunately, most fiberglass companies fail to understand this and mislead their clients. The situation is not too different if you seek help from a fiberglass shop. At a specialized fiberglass store, the problem is first identified and then addressed in the best possible manner. So, you get multiple options to choose from and opt for the most suitable fiberglass repair kit without wasting money.

While buying a repair kit, do make sure that you have ample information on how to use it properly. There are some repair kits that do not come with instruction manuals, making it really difficult for a common man to understand the steps. However, there are also those repair kits that have a detailed explanation on each step involved in repairing the fiberglass without an expert's help. Most of these manuals have pictorial diagrams and other means that make it easier for anybody to get a fair idea on how to fix the damaged fiberglass without wasting anytime.

Warehouse Buzz Words - Dock/Deck Height, Rail Spurs, Incubators

If you currently invest or are considering investing in warehouses, here are some warehouse buzz words you should familiarize yourself with.

Dock Height

Dock height is 48 inches, so tractor-trailers can back up into them and have the deck of the trailer level with the warehouse.

However, for some types of businesses, you must have buildings with the right deck height or dock height access. Any kind of business that's going to be running a lot of product through with tractor-trailers needs to have this access. So, if you are dealing with this kind of property, you should be aware of the market of tenants with whom you are potentially trying to work and their requirements-if they're going to rent your property.

Deck Height

Deck height, is 24 inches, half that of dock height. Your users will be pickup trucks like UPS vans, which are at deck height. If you were thinking about trying to market this type of property, it would be a good idea to have both deck height and dock height ramps available.

Rail Spurs

A rail spur provides railroad access to your building, so that a particular company can have access to put railroad cars in there; they use a big loading ramp or dock with doors.

Chicago is a major distribution center for many different types of businesses, so the rail spur is more important in a marketplace like Chicago than it is in one like Orlando. Most shipments in Orlando come by truck.

Again, this is not information with which you need to be intimately familiar. However, you should be aware of this data, if you're going to be investing in these kinds of warehouse properties. If you are investing in the Chicago area, a rail spur becomes very important.

Tip: Each geographic area of the country may have unique or special markets like "rail spurs" for example, and therefore have unique specifications with which you should be familiar. Find commercial brokers in the specialized type of property you're looking at to help guide your research before making any investment in properties of a type you don't understand.

Incubators

This is a warehouse buzz word you should definitely know. An incubator building is temporary storage. The owner of the building is the incubator, who tries to incubate new tenants for a larger space to get more rent, which results in a higher rate of turnover. Many times, incubator owners own many other larger buildings.

The typical incubator building is usually located within a commercial area. It's often 'junky' looking and everybody who's a tenant there has about 800 to 1,500 square feet in the norm, There may be 30 or 40 units on the street side and possibly even more around the back.

Although incubator buildings require maintenance, it's usually a relatively low-level effort. Incubators do not maintain their buildings well. Most counties don't like this type of commercial enterprise- not just because of the poor appearance, but as it may attract transient tenants. The biggest issue with these kinds of commercial buildings is insurance- particularly when you have businesses with dangerous equipment on site like auto body and auto repair. If you are going to be renting to that type of incubator, you'll need to address those kinds of issues.

The strategy in this type of commercial real estate is, "We'll rent to you, as the owner of an auto body shop. You have a number of people who work for you and we're hoping that your business will grow to the point where you will want to rent another 10,000 square feet over here in this other building, at much more money."

Incubators are usually cash cows, producing very heavy- duty cash flow. However, owners still try to grow tenants to move into other properties so that they can keep this property full. It's easier to get tenants to come into the incubators.

Stay tuned for upcoming article with more "Warehouse Buzz Words" you'll want to know.

Auto Body Repairs For Every Car!

As we drive down the road today we notice that a lot of vehicles are in need of auto body repair. There are many different auto body repairs that can be completed on all vehicles now a days. Most are driving with a damaged vehicle because they don't realize what auto body repairs can be completed. Or they think that the auto body repairs will cost too much or take up too much of their time. However there are some many auto body repairs that are in fact affordable and can be completed quickly. Here are a few auto body repairs that should not be put off anymore on any vehicle.

If your vehicle has dents or dings you should consider getting paintless dent removal. Paintless dent removal can be completed quickly, usually in just under a few hours or less. Also it is very affordable. Paintless dent removal is where dents are massaged out using reflective sources, rods and other special tools. There are not paints or fillers used in the whole process, so the original finish of your vehicle will not be compromised. This is such a great repair solution that no one should be driving with dents and dings anymore.

If your windshield is cracked or chipped you need to get windshield repair. Most times people think they will need to replace the whole windshield. However if you get the repair completed soon after the crack or chip occurred, it can easily be repaired. It really takes no time for a repair specialist to repair, and sometimes auto body shops offer a mobile service where they will come to you and repair your windshield. As for cost, it is affordable, and most times your car insurance provider will pay for most of or the entire repair.

Also many people do not realize that most bumpers can be repaired. If your bumper is made of plastic, it can easily be repaired. And it can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of bumper replacement. Getting your bumper repaired is a quick repair and won't be too much money out of your wallet.

Paint touch up is also a repair that should be completed on your vehicle is your paint is cracked, chipped or scratched. If your paint is cracked, chipped or scratched you are leaving your vehicle open to getting rust. No car owner wants to deal with rust. Paint is acts as a sealant on your vehicle, so getting that little bit of paint touch up is important.

Also many interior repairs can be done to the inside of your vehicle. If your headliner is falling, if you have any rips or tears in the upholstery, if there are cigarette burns, if your dash is cracked or whatever else you should contact an auto body shop to complete that repair for a lower cost than replacement.

There are many repairs that can and should be completed on all vehicles to keep them safe and keep them looking great!

Some Tips on Replacing Broken Side View Mirrors

So, you've gotten a little too close to the Drive-Up Station at the bank and cracked that side view mirror? Or maybe your spouse got a little aggressive backing out of the garage and snapped it? Perhaps you were just walking around your car in the garage and whacked it totally off its axis? Or someone was nice enough to do it for you at the supermarket parking lot?

We've all probably been there at least once. The count at my house is currently 4 times. Only 2 different vehicles were involved, which might be good news, but still. The one car got both inside a week, as I bumped into the passenger side one, and before the week was out, my wife banged the other into a drive-through.

Fortunately, there are plenty of webstores out there selling Replacement Side View Mirrors. They also sell replacement rear view mirrors too, but those usually just fall off, and can be reglued for a lot less money! Unless it's happened for the 34th time and you tossed it out the window onto the highway and it got crushed by a semi!!

If you aren't the adventurous type and strictly want to replace what you broke with a new one, you can find them for sale everywhere. By entering your Car Make, Model, Year, and some other seemingly silly stuff, you get a picture of your mirror and a price. Shop around, because not all sites are low priced. You can find these mirrors for a lot less than you will at the local Auto Parts store or Dealership, for sure, and you will get them a lot sooner. And - if you're as klutzy as my wife and I, they are cheaper by the pair!!

If you ARE the adventurous type, you can upgrade your mirrors to some with lights, turn signal indicators, heated glass, or even a split screen mirror with close up / far away images. If you're already driving a car with mirrors like this, no problem, because they have factory replacement mirrors for yours too!

You can easily find mirrors for newer cars, but if you need a side mirror for that antique car you're restoring, or even a classic muscle car you're working on, the web stores will have what you need, too. You will find top name mirror manufacturers like CIPA, Kool-Vue, Muth, Cal-Vu, and others.

Now what if your mirror frame survived the attack, but you broke the glass. You can also buy just the glass. And if you don't have the cash for that, you can even get this stuff called Cut & Stick Replacement Glass for less than 10 bucks. You cut it out to match the size and shape of what you had, peel, and stick it in there. Personally, I'd wait another week or two and scrape up the extra dollars for a real one!!

You can also find a wide assortment of extension mirrors, towing mirrors, and even customized mirrors if you're wanting to take "looking back" to another level! There are some pretty cool ones out there. So don't despair friend, there is hope, and a better world. Take a little time and shop around for replacement mirrors for cars and find the one ( or ones ) you need - and at a good price. The installation is pretty simple and won't take much of your time. Maybe have a buddy hang on to the mirror while you hook it up! Just so you don't have to make a return visit! I'll be seeing you!

How to Find a Good Contractor For Your Next Home Improvement Project

You're thinking about making some changes to your house and what you're thinking about doing is more than you can do yourself.

You need a contractor, but with all of the home improvement scams out there as well as the contractors that aren't very good, how do you find that gem who will get your work done quickly and for a fair price?

Well, we just finished building a house so I've got some fantastic tips you can use to find the contractor that is perfect for the job and who will do the work for a fair price.

One way that you can find qualified contractors for any type of home improvement or repair project is to join Angie's List.

They are growing like crazy and their business model is well accepted by people around the U.S. They give everyday people the opportunity to speak out about their experience with every type of professional including auto body repair guys, HVAC companies, dentists, contractors and much more.

Angie's List is a website that lets people just like you find contractors in your area that have been approved by other people in your area who've had work done. Angies List lets homeowners "grade" contractors on their performance, quality of work and many other things. Angie's list doesn't just grade contractors they grade almost any type of service you can imagine, from dentists to plumbers, from cosmetic surgeons to electricians and everything in between.

One thing that you need to know about Angie's List is that it does have a small fee for joining, but the problems you avoid by choosing the wrong contractor or avoiding getting scammed are worth it.

One more thing about Angies List ratings of contractors that you need to know. Don't only rely on other people's ratings of a contractor to make your decision. Most homeowners don't understand the intricacies involved in doing remodels or renovations and often rate quality contractors poorly.

Its worth a phone call to visit with the contractor, have them give you a price and explain to you exactly how they would do the work.

Another Under the Radar Option to Find a Good Contractor

Another way to find a good contractor that almost nobody uses is contacting the companies who sell the contractor the supplies they need to do the work.

Let me explain.

If you are going to get a new roof put on your house, do a Google search for roofing suppliers in your area. Make a phone call to a couple of these suppliers and ask to talk to a salesperson to get some current pricing on the materials needed to do the work. You don't need to know how many bundles of shingles you need. You just want to get current pricing and get the opportunity to talk with a salesman.

When you are talking to the salesperson ask them who they can recommend that would do a good job at a good price. The salespeople at construction supply companies know who does good work and who doesn't and they don't have anything to gain by giving you the names of the contractors they sell to.

Why? Because no matter which contractor you use, that salesperson will get the order for the supplies needed to do the job since the contractors he recommended already have a relationship with him!

Pretty Sweet, huh?

Summary

The two best ways that I've found to get good contractors to do any project or repair around your home are:

Angie's List charges a fee to join, but the hassle you avoid is worth it. There's an annual fee but you also get ratings on other service providers than just contractors, you get ratings on dentists, air conditioning guys, plumbers, electricians, appliance repair companies and much more. Once you build your preferred list of repair people then you can not renew their service. So for a small fee, you can keep from getting poor service providers for almost anything that you might need to do in your area.

Calling salesmen who supply materials needed to do your project -Doesn't cost you anything, but you need to know a little about your project and what's involved to know which supplier to call. If you don't feel comfortable with your knowledge, you'll avoid trouble going with Angie's List.

Bad Mechanic Stories - Are They Really That Frequent?

When your trusty vehicle breaks down and you know it's time to pay a visit to a mechanic you almost shudder at the thought of what kind of money its going to cost you. What's even worse is if you don't have a mechanic that you can already trust that means you have to start shopping around for one. This can be the most difficult task but first of all you need to decide where to start and then you need to be able to know how to judge their qualifications.

Ideally, if you have a friend or neighbor that has a mechanic that they've used in the past then it's going to be easier for you. There are some things you need to look for when you start searching out your mechanic. First of all, you want to know that they're organized and that they can provide you with a written estimate for your auto repair. Nothing is worse than to bring your car in and have them verbally quote a hundred dollars to do it and when you go to pick up you're paying six or seven hundred.

Another thing that some people are doing is when they've had a car repair and a part replaced they ask for the old part. This way they have a little bit of assurance that at lease the work is done. There are several mechanic shops that are certified such as with the Better Business Bureau or the people from Triple A and this gives a little bit more credence to their credibility.

Unfortunately, car repair scams are on the rise and there are multitudes of dollars lost every year through it. Some believe that finding a good mechanic is just a hit and miss adventure and if it doesn't work out well the first time then you just don't go back a second time. That first-time visit can be detrimental if the repair is not done correctly, as it could be a safety issue.

There are different types of repair scams. There's the ones were they just plain rip you off and put in some faulty used-car part. Or there's the ones where they don't even change the part to begin with. Then there's the ones where you go in and they check out your car and then tell you that there's some really serious problems when there's really not that much wrong with that at all.

The other thing is that a lot of these mechanic scam artists have learned to read their potential clients. If the individual client looks like he doesn't know too much about cars that's just an open invitation for the crooked mechanic to take advantage of the person.

It's a really a good idea to keep yourself aware of all the possible potential scams that can be done when it comes to car repairs. At least when you have a little bit of knowledge by being aware of scams you may not fall prey to one.

Business Licenses Required For Starting A Car Painting Business In New Jersey

It is mandatory for any business to obtain certain business licenses if it chooses to operate legally. In order to start a car painting business in New Jersey certain licenses are essential.

Business Licenses Requirements:

The Motor Vehicle Commission of New Jersey issues the business licenses that are required to operate an auto body repair business such as a car painting business.

Requirements to Qualify For the Licenses:

o It is essential to be 18 years and above with no criminal record.

o The applicant must have the legal capacity to contract and assume liability for any debt that is incurred and must exhibit character and responsibility.

o If you have multiple locations, separate applications for each facility are required.

Document That Are Necessary To Be Filed:

o Certificate of occupancy

o New Jersey sales tax ID number

o Child support forms

o Federal employer ID number

o Proof of completed fingerprinting

o Written certificate of approval from the zoning clerk or municipal officer that the location, building and maintenance were approved.

o New Jersey Unemployment registration number

o Color photograph of all owners of the shop

o Color photographs of the facility displaying the advertised sign

o $350 Initial Fee and a $20 Non-refundable application fee

Other Essentials Requisites Include

o Federal Tax ID number

o Current certificate of inspection for building and spray booth

o Stack permit or letter of exemption from DEP for spray booth

o Hazardous waste disposal systems ensuring required state and federal government safety standards are maintained.

o Adequate insurance coverage such as:

1. General liability insurance minimum amount permitted being $300,000

2. Garage keepers liability insurance

3. Fire insurance for building and spray booth

4. Workers' compensation insurance

o Equipment necessary to safely raise and support vehicles for inspection during repair as well as structural repairs, four-wheel alignment, vehicle air conditioner servicing and mechanical repairs

o A metal inert gas welder

If You Spray Paint, Requisites Are:

o The enclosed area for refinishing must comply with all the applicable safety, fire, environmental and other regulations.

o Workers must have a supply of fresh air within the spray area.

o Adequate air filtration devices to reduce particles from air exhausted while spray-painting that comply with applicable standards set by state and federal government.

o It is necessary for at least one employee or 10% of the employees which ever is greater to have completed a recognized auto repair related training one year prior to the year of the license application.

These are a few facts about the licensing requirements to start a car painting business in New Jersey. You can also use the services and products that are used by several firms to help new entrepreneurs succeed.

Useful Address:

Motor Vehicle Commission, Auto Body Licensing Unit, P.O. Box 172, 225 East State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666-0172. (609) 292-6500 or toll free in NJ (888) 486-3339, TTY (609) 292-5120

Auto Repair Advertising - Direct Mail - The 5 Step Survivalists Guide

On the surface it would appear direct mail, as a staple auto repair advertising strategy, has long since seen its heyday. Twenty or thirty years ago, a shop owner could send out a few letters and actually expect a response. Today, amid the thousands of other advertisers, the return on investments has left many asking if their message was lost in the mail.

During our normal screening process we ask each of our clients: "What response do you typically see from your mailings?" The answers have become highly predictable, as almost 94% say they send out mailers every so often, or not at all, as they see almost no response.

That's not too surprising. Ask any group of business owners in any industry, and you will probably get roughly the same feedback.

What is surprising is that the remaining 6% report seeing anything from a 9% to a 22% return on their direct mail. What makes those repair facilities so special?

The answer is simple: They didn't stop at one mailing.

Repair facilities seeing the highest rate of return, in almost every case, use sequential mailings with a clear message and a time sensitive call to action.

Before I continue, I would like to clarify something: the direct mail I am referring to is for new business development. These are the letters shop owners send out to get the car count up. Mailings to existing clients are a completely different animal, and we will cover that category a bit later.

Auto Repair Advertising - 5 Steps To Breathing Life Into Your Direct Mail

1: Use Postcards. Postcards do not require opening. A letter requires time to open, unfold and actually read. Consequently, a letter will, almost 10 times out of 10, end up in the recycle bin. Unopened.

An even better advantage is that postcards cost less to make and mail. In some cases you can save over 75%!

2: Have A Clear Message. Use An Attention Grabbing Headline. With each mailing the message you communicate must be clear.

Remember K.I.S.S.? Keep It Simple, Stupid. Less is more when getting your point across.

Also, your headline should address some sort of concern your prospective customer has. Don't be afraid to be a bit extreme. People respond to the idea of life or death situations.

Example: "What Happens If Your Brakes Fail? Is Your Family Safe?"

3: Make 'em An Offer They Can't Refuse. Offer Value. Most people are starving for value. So many companies offer so little in return that when someone actually does, consumers are almost programmed to ask, "What's the catch?"

Don't have a catch. Be honest, open, and full of value.

A good idea would be to give them something free with no strings attached. But watch out! Never offer something that will eat up your time and cost more than it's worth. The trick here is to find that hidden value, that mysterious gem your new customers will flip over. It must also be easy and low cost to produce.

Example: I will never forget Les Schwab, the tire guy from my childhood in Oregon. This man was insane enough to offer "Free Beef With Every New Set Of Tires!" Who in his right mind would do that? To this day, I can't tell you how beef fits in with new tires. But even though I have not been back to Oregon in 15%2B years, I DO remember Les Schwab and always think of him when I see a set of tires.

4: Have A Call To Action. Make It Time Sensitive By creating a sense of urgency, you create a feeling of scarcity in the recipient's mind. And by having a call to action, you give them a clear message of what they must do to take advantage of what you offer. Example: "Limited Time Only: Free Brake Inspections For Every Car before (DATE)" Just remember to give your prospective clients enough time to pick up the phone!

5: Don't Pull The Trigger Once... You Need To Keep Shooting! Much like the scenes on C.O.P.S. where some guy is wigged out on crack and has to be shot 50 times before he goes down, the same can be said for the American consumer. In almost every advertising instance, frequency, clear communication, and repetition are the only 3 elements that will work. But they must be used together. Having a clear message and only sending it once doesn't cut it. (That's like a flesh wound to the crack head. He won't even feel it.) You must have a clear message and send it multiple times to the same people.

Try This Schedule:

1st Mailing - Have a special time-sensitive offer and an invitation for the person to call/come in (AKA Call To Action)

2nd Mailing - 15 days later. Have a "So sorry we missed you" feel to it, and maybe offer an additional incentive to coax stragglers out of hiding.

3rd Mailing - 15 days later. Be bold. State "Last Chance!" "Offer Will Expire Soon!" Don't be afraid to be a bit extreme.

4th Mailing - 3 to 5 days after the expiration date. This last mailing will have more of a "Congratulations! You won second prize!" feel to it.

Note: After each mailing you MUST remove those who respond from the list. Sending them advertisements for the same offer after they have already come in is not only annoying, it gets expensive. Why Does This Work? Multiple mailings tend to make people feel your offer is more valuable. A single mailing is easily dismissed as a potential fly by night gimmick, and will more than likely end up in the trash.

By repeating your offer, and adding an increasing, time sensitive pressure, you help emphasize the importance of your message.

Beyond even increasing your overall return, multiple mailings reinforce your facility's credibility in the eyes of local car owners.

Auto Repair Advertising Final Note: How Many Should I Send? If, for example, you are currently hitting 1000 homes and neither desire nor can afford to send that same number multiple mailings, consider shrinking your list.

You will do better sending 250 homes sequential direct mail rather than sending 1 mailing to 1000.

When Is It Too Late For Automobile Window Repair?

Car windows and windshields tend to be prone to break such as chips or scratches due to its exposure to various temperature, wind pressure, and pebbles that accidentally gets cast at the automobile. That's the reason exactly why, automobile owners are particularly cautious with regards to their auto windows and windshields given that having them fixed or swapped out can cost them a couple of hundred dollars. However, accidents cannot be stopped sometimes. It will eventually find its way to you and all you can do is only hope that it does minimum damage.

When this occurs, the most typical question that we hear from the one who owns the car is whether or not they should get a car window repair or to get an autoglass replacement. These two things tend to be different from one another. For one, automobile glass repair is definitely cheaper and it can be achieved faster too. Auto glass repair is conducted by inserting a glass resin that may work as glue that will keep the glass together. Nonetheless it has its limitations and not all damages in car glass can be mended through this strategy.

As soon as your auto's windows and windshield has minimum impairment, then the auto glass repair may work. When I say minimal damage, I mean just a little scratch or cracks which tend to be under four inches. More than that, then you'd really need it replaced. Now, unless you get into some serious vehicular accident, cracks on the windows tend to be often just a few inches in length. Nevertheless we seldom notice it till it deteriorate. By the time we note the damage, it is usually too late for a repair.

Though the vehicle glass utilized for your windshield and car windows are tough, we all must not forget which they can still break. To hinder them from being replaced too frequently, the secret's to be alert and regular checks on them. You don't need a professional to do that, you can do this on your own, in your garage (as long as there's correct lighting ) or in the outdoors on a bright bright day. These checks will help you in finding cracks which aren't too serious yet.

If the damage is too dreadful, then there's no choice but for you to have it replaced. Waiting for it to deteriorate is not a good idea because you won't ever know when you get into further accident. The car's windscreen and car windows is for your protection, if you around while they're damaged, then you are not correctly protected and is more prone to wounds.

MIG Welders - Why a 115 Volt MIG Welding Machine is the Best Way to Get Started Welding

Before you read this article on 115v mig welders, you need to promise that you will never weld a trailer hitch with anything less than a 230 v mig welder, or a 230 volt arc welding machine...Promise?  OK read on.

115 volt mig welders have some limitations but they are still an excellent way to get started welding. For way less than 500 dollars, you can order a good 115 v  MIG welder online and start practicing welding within a week. (sometimes shipping is even free) What can you get for less than 500 dollars?  You can buy the most powerful 115 v MIG welder available that will weld up to 1/4" steel.

I don't ever recommend buying a 115 v MIG welder that is a flux core only welder...(unless it is a smokin deal like a reputable brand for less than 200 dollars). A flux core only MIG welder is just not versatile enough. Once you add the ability to weld with bare wire, lots of options become possible.

For less than 500 bucks you can buy a Hobart mig welding machine that runs off of 115 volts and welds with bare wire or flux core.

What can you do with a 140 amp 115 volt MIG welding machine?

• Fix a lawnmower deck


• build up a lawnmower or bush hog blade


• make a set of shelves


• modify or build a custom bicycle


• fix a cracked exhaust manifold ( with a few tricks like preheat and adding a nickel rod with the other hand)


• make welding sculptures


• weld patches in auto body panels


• make shooting targets for your buddies


• make a mailbox guard


• build beam brackets for an outdoor deck


• modify the motor mounts in your brother in laws 1970 Chevelle Hot Rod

The great thing about a 115 volt mig machine is that if you ever decide you need to upgrade to a 230 volt mig welding machine, The 115 volt machine is still very useful because it will run .023" bare wire which is the best thing since sliced bread for welding thin auto body patches.

Oil Change - Should You DIY Or Choose a Mechanic?

Getting an oil change regularly is crucial to maintain the health of your vehicle. People often wonder if it is actually worth it to do it yourself, or take the easy way out by taking the car into the mechanic's shop or your local auto repair facility. With the economy the way that it is, people are looking to save money wherever they can and cut costs wherever possible. Changing your oil yourself can be a place where you save significantly without really having to sacrifice anything. While there are obvious pros to taking it to the mechanic, doing it yourself may actually be worth it when you look at the money you can save.

Let's look at some numbers. The average cost of an oil change at a mechanic's shop ranges from about $30. This price is for the conventional motor oil, not for synthetic or synthetic blends. For the purposes of this exercise, we will use conventional motor oil since it is what most people put in their cars.

You should get an oil change every 3000 miles or every three months (whichever comes first) as recommended by car manufacturers and mechanics. If you do this, and you put 15,000 miles on your car a year, you will get five oil changes a year, costing you about $150 a year. This may not seem like a lot of money, but what if you have two cars, or even three cars. This money can add up quickly.

On the other hand, say you decide to be handy and do your own oil changes. You will simply pay for the supplies, including oil and the filter. These items, depending on how much oil your car takes and what kind of oil you put in your car, will cost you about $13.00 for a 5.5 quart bottle of conventional motor oil, which is the amount that most vehicles will require. You will also need to change the oil filter and it will cost you less than $5. So you are looking at about $18 to change your own oil. So you will save at least $12 each time you change your own oil.

While the saving per year may not seem extraordinary, think about the amount of money you will save over the lifetime of the vehicle. If you keep a car for seven year and get oil changes five times a year. That will be 35 oil changes at $30 each for a total of $1050 over the life of your vehicle.

On the other hand, using the same amount of time, doing lubrication transfers on your own. It will cost you $18 times 35 times for a total of $540. This is almost half of what you would pay if you took it to a mechanic every time.

Think of the big picture. Think of how much you can save over your lifetime making small changes like doing this procedure yourself. Think of these numbers next time you go to bring your car to the local oil change shop, but also consider how much your time is worth.

Tips For Troubleshooting Car's No-Start Problems

A snapshot on how does a car start must have given you a better understanding of the causes of varied problems of starting system. Now its time to have a look at ways to troubleshoot these car start problems. I do not recommend that you should not take your car for repair incase of any such problem. Rather, this post is just meant to help you understand the different 'No-start problems' with the automobile starting system and know few DIY tips to troubleshoot them when in need. Let's discuss some of the ways to troubleshoot these problems.

What to Do When...

Key Does not Move or Turn - This is common as we know, but neither of us know why does it happen. Lets first focus on why it happens and then on how to troubleshoot this problem. This happens mostly when you have parked your car with its wheels that are turned towards just one side. Parking your car in such a position is wrong. When you come back to start your car, you will find that your car's key will not turn on inserting in the switch.

Cause - This happens because there is excessive pressure on the steering lock that prevents the key from turning.

Solution - What you need to do is just force the steering wheel slightly in one direction. Then do the same in the other direction. Make sure you do not exert a lot of pressure towards any of the sides. Try turning the key while doing so. This way the pressure on steering lock is relieved. Now you easily turn the key.

What to Do When...

Car's Engine Makes a Different Sound Cranks a Cranking Sound - You are definitely familiar with this. At times, while starting the car, you hear a different sound - either a cranking sound, a single or multiple clicks at a time.

Cause - Battery is the cause. Your car's battery might have died or become weak. Another possible cause is probably that the connection with the battery has corroded.

Solution - You need to test your battery in such a scenario. A simple way to do so might be to just switch on interior car lights. Dim interior lights when you start the car indicate the need to charge or change your car's battery.

If at all you find the lights working fine, then the problem is not related with the automobile battery or battery parts. Problem might be

- with starter motor or with starter solenoid.
- Or with clutch pedal switch.
- Or with ignition switch or connecting wiring.
- Or with transmission selector.
- Or with neutral safety switch - You may try again by starting the car again with transmission selector in neutral.

What to Do When...

The Vehicle's Engine Cranks But Does not Fire - While starting the car, the engine cranks but does not fire. You may hear the cranking noise but slowly mellows down when you release the key.

Cause - Car's engine is not firing because there might be very less gas or fuel. If the problem arises in a fuel filled tank, the other causes for this no-start condition might be fuel, compression or spark.

Solution - Get the above mentioned auto parts tested at a trusted and known auto repair centre.

What to Do When...

While in Gear, the Car Does not Move - You find everything fine and the engine also functions smoothly, yet the starting problem persists if you place transmission selector in gear .

Cause - In case the car does not move, there is something wrong with the transmission. The other possible causes might be some damage to the clutch.

Solution - First of all, check the fluid level. Now in case, the level of fluid is OK, you need to get the gear shift checked. A disconnected gearshift will cause this problem. If found low, you need to diagnose the problem behind it which might be a leakage. Get this leakage repaired as soon as possible.

If you release the clutch when the transmission is in gear and you vehicle does not move despite the fact that the engine is working fine, its time for you to get the clutch changed.

These were the causes & DIY car repair tips that would help you in a 'No-start condition'. Therefore, next time, when you are on you way to job in the morning and your car says - 'No-start', do not panic or be sad. Just inspect your car's auto parts and try these tips to troubleshoot the problems while starting a car. Remember, its always better to call a car repair mechanic if you find yourself confused.

DIY Auto Repair Troubleshooting

If there is something wrong with your car that needs to be fixed immediately, what do you do? Do you rush off to the mechanic to let him identify the problem? That is a good thing to do, sure.

Another smarter thing to do would be trying to identify the problem yourself. After all, we all know that our automobiles malfunction just for some minor problems.

You can try to identify the problem yourself before heading to the mechanic man to fix it by using some basic automobile troubleshooting strategy, just in case this could help save you expensive trips to the shop.

o Look For Information: Do some research on the internet to learn more about the usual kinds of automobile problems with your specific make and model so you can be prepared. Also check out maintenance issues and determine how often you should change the oil and other fluids, balance the tires, etc. And plan ahead with your vehicle's maintenance schedule.

o Talk to A Mechanic: Seek the advice of a mechanic either nearby or via the web who has time to reply. Note you might not find one at hand each time, though one may be able to email back or reply via an automotive forum or website. If you are given free advice, remember to reply with a note of thanks.

o Perform Simple Troubleshooting Procedures: Check with your local library and bookstores for an owner's manual for your make and model. These generally have a lot of basic info and steps to help you trouble shoot basic problems. Check the book's publishing company and automotive manufacturer's websites for help, too.

o Own a Basic Toolkit: Head to your local automotive store to piece together or purchase in full a good basic toolkit as these tools are those which will let you reach for the most hard to reach areas. They contain wrenches, screws, etc. sized for your vehicle. In case your car breaks down in the middle of the road, you can then use these tools to help you fix the car.

o Automotive Scan Tools: These days, specially devised automotive scan tools are available in the market to allow you diagnose the exact problem with your car. Earlier it would mean listening to your engine and waiting for the exact problem to get diagnosed through trial and error. Thankfully, we have come through that era now. Scan equipment isn't free, though, so expect to pay a reasonable fee for this service.

o Know More, Operate Better: The more info you have in your tool belt, the better prepared your car and you will be for major and minor mishaps. Get and keep up to date with info about your vehicle by joining local and / or online groups. Find groups by checking with the dealership and via search engines, for example, search "jeep forum" and find plenty of members registered for free at forums for Jeep enthusiasts.

With periods of recession or other economic slow downs, it's important for households to save up money for the management of all kinds of expenses. One such area is automobile repairs which can cost you lots of dollars. In these cases, it can be good to fix at least some of your problems relating to your car by yourself when possible. So see what you think and learn a little more about your car. Plus in the meantime, save a little aside regularly for your car's upkeep and maintenance with a local auto repair shop.

Differentiation Counts In Auto Body Repair

As an auto body repair shop owner, you'll have invested in the right tools, equipment, manpower and training to ensure that your business can provide the quality and output necessary for a healthy bottom line. The thing is, all your competitors will have done the same thing, and maybe even boast of more advanced equipment than you can muster. But as a service company, one can be a competitive auto body repair shop without needing to have the most up-to-date equipment.

Since time immemorial, customer loyalty has been gained not by fancy surroundings or slick-looking premises but by providing quality services with a personal touch. For an auto body repair shop, there are many opportunities to do this, such as:

• detailing the interior


• rotating the wheels


• washing the car


• cleaning glazed headlights

For a lot of auto body repair shops these days, there is a lot of competition in one's area of operations, and managers have to think hard about maintaining a customer service ethic that will attract and keep customers. Ask yourself what added value your collision repair shop offers in your area. Does the shop have a specialty (e.g. paint, brand specialization, value for money, fast turnaround)?

Come up with a list of things that differentiate your service from that of your competitors, and look at it from the customer's point of view. What benefits are you providing? Is there a particular hassle customers have to deal with every time they visit an auto body repair shop? Can you lessen that frustration? Are shop personnel willing and able to take that extra step to provide a positive customer experience?

With lots of collision repair shops and experienced competitors around, it may be difficult to find something that differentiates your shop from the rest. In that case, examine the way you go about your business instead of just differentiating your service. Maybe you can offer a unique guarantee, one that depends on how long the customer has been going to your shop. Or maybe provide a hotline that guarantees a response within the hour. This is specially important for people who find themselves in an accident at an unholy hour. Only the circumstances surrounding an auto body repair shop can give the shop manager the clues to how a shop can differentiate itself.

An important thing to note is that the shop must be able to consistently follow through with its differentiation commitments. Shop personnel must gladly cooperate the management's attempts to differentiate the business. Otherwise, you will just be making false promises, with would probably have a more negative effect than if you had not done anything at all.

Things You Need To Know If You Own a Mini Cooper

After years of saving and drooling over your dream car, you finally have it. The Mini Cooper is sitting in the garage, all in its glory. Working hard has finally paid off and you are crossing bucket list items from your list. It's been a few months and that Mini Cooper has quite a lot of miles on it and is making a little bit of a noise that it didn't before. What do you do now? The place where you got it from doesn't necessarily deal with that brand of car, but can you trust them? After all, you aren't just going to trust your dream car to just anyone with a wrench!

Certification Matters

And you shouldn't just trust anyone with a wrench who says they can fix any car. There are brands, especially ones that aren't domestic, that require a different knowledge base to work on. A Mini Cooper is one such car. This foreign brand is best handled by someone who is certified to handle the brand and the model. A person who is certified will be trained on handling problems specific to Mini Coopers.

When a person is trained on a certain brand or model, then there is less guesswork involved. And you know what else that means. You will have less down time with your car in the shop and the repairs will cost less. The mechanic won't be spending days trying to guess at what a problem is and changing you labor expenses when they aren't even doing anything. A certified Mini Cooper technician can go in and analyze the situation and offer a diagnosis faster than one who has never seen the engine of a Mini Cooper or even a BMW before.

A certified Mini Cooper technician will also save you the run around. When someone can't find a definitive problem in your car's engine or systems, then they might just guess and present you with one. After you pay to have this problem fixed and the original still isn't taken care of, you will probably be upset. Instead of going with the cheaper technician or repair shop, you realize that paying a couple of dollars more for the certified technicians could have allowed you to skip this whole mess.

Now, you are wasting time going in for a second visit to take care of the problem a certified Mini Cooper technician probably would have found and repaired in the first day. Unless the work is guaranteed or under warranty, switch who your auto mechanic is and get a certified one to get to the root of the problem. Deal with a certified technician and you can rest assured your problems will be found quicker and for less money than if done by a non-certified technician.

What It Takes to Become a Mechanic

Good mechanics are worth their weight in gold. However, becoming a good mechanic involves many different factors, from top notch auto mechanic training, to temperament. No one single aspect makes you good, but if the description fits you could be on your way to a great career.

Your Temperament

Patience, dedication and clear communication all matter. A mechanic is known for being a skilled technician, which is why you went to mechanic school. People trust you when you take over looking after their vehicle, knowing you have the skills to keep them safe and the car or truck roadworthy, but most people have a very poor understanding of cars. They need to know they can trust you, because if you decided that you wanted to fix or replace something, they will have to hand over what could even be thousands of dollars for parts and your time.

As far as retaining customers, people will be more likely to come back to you, time and time again, and even pay more, if they feel like you can be honest with them. Meanwhile on the job, it is dirty, hard work. You'll have grease under your nails and callouses from torqueing wrenches. Like a doctor, you'll need a near encyclopedic knowledge of common and uncommon problems, and the cleverness to figure strange issues out from symptoms.

Your Education

A good mechanic school is actually the first step on your education. If you want to become a mechanic you'll need to spend two years of classroom and hands on training and then start an apprenticeship with an actual garage. Excellent auto mechanic training programs have well qualified instructors and facilities that'll expose you to a wide range of situations. If you care about cars enough to make a career out of it, you probably are coming in knowing the basics, after spending many long hours elbow deep in the guts of your own car. Auto mechanic training is supposed to put the polish on what you know, and give you experience beyond what you can learn in your own driveway.

Planning your apprenticeship work should also be chosen with an eye to whether you want to be a generalist or a specialist. A racetrack pit mechanic rushing to roll a new tire on needs different practice than someone who wants to customize cars, but everyone needs a good general foundation. Most mechanics make their money on day to day problems: cracked wind shields, oil changes and rotating tires. It is also steady work if you get a job that way. Consider where you're going. A lifelong relationship with a dealership's garage takes different auto mechanic training than an independent truck stop service centre, so decide accordingly.

Vehicle Tune-Up Tips

The terminology "tuneup" is used to represent a combination of individual operation's rather than one specific procedure. If the routine maintenance schedule is followed as well as frequent checks of fluid levels and high wear items, as suggested will keep the engine in relatively good condition. Inevitable, however there will be times when the engine will perform poorly due to lack of regular maintenance. This will be especially the case when purchasing a used vehicle, which has not received regular scheduled and frequent maintenance checks. In some cases an engine tune-up will be necessary in addition to regular routine maintenance intervals.

The primary step in any tune-up or diagnostic procedure to help correct a poor performing engine will be the cylinder compression check. The compression check will assist in the determination of condition of the interval engine components. The compression check serves as a guide for tune-up and the repair procedures. For example, in the event a compression check reports serious interval engine wear and damage, the conventional tune-up will not improve the performance of the engine, but would be a waste of time, energy, and money. Due to it's extreme caution of importance, seek a automotive specialist with the correct equipment, tools, parts, knowledge and experience to assist in the compression check.

However, the following procedures are those most often necessary to service a generally poor performance engine back to proper state of tune.

Minor-Tune-Up

1). Check all engine related fluids

2). Clean and inspect the battery

3). Check all underhood hoses

4). Check and adjust the drivebelts

5). Check the air filter

6). Service the cooling system

7). Replace the spark plugs

8). Check the pcv value

Major-Tune-Up

1). Check all engine related fluids

2). Clean and inspect the battery

3). Check all underhood hoses

4). Check and adjust the drivebelts

5). Check the air filter

6). Service the cooling system

7). Replace the spark plugs

8). Check the pcv value

9). Check the fuel system

10). Replace air filter

11). Replace the spark plugs

12). Check the charging system

Fluids are vital part of the lubrication, cooling, brake and window washer systems. Because fluids slowly become run-down and/or contaminated during the normal operation of the vehicle, they must be replace from time to time. The vehicle needs to be on level ground when fluid levels are checked.

Engine oil level is checked with a dipstick that is located on the side of the engine toward the front of the vehicle. The dipstick pulls out through a tube and into the oil pan at the bottom of the engine. The oil level should be checked before the vehicle has been driven or about 5 minutes after the engine has been shut off. When oil is checked directly after driving the vehicle, some of the oil will stay on the upper engine components, resulting an inaccurate reading on the dipstick. Attach the dipstick back into the tube and pull out again.

Oil is added to the engine after removing a cap located on the valve cover. Don't let the level drop below the min mark on the dipstick or engine damage may occur. If you overfill the engine by adding to much oil, it may effect oil aeration and loss of oil pressure and could result in oil fouled spark plugs, oil leaks or seal fractures. A constant low oil level will indicate oil leakage through damage seals, defective gaskets or past worn rings or valve guides. The head may be cracked and leaking coolant and entering the crankcase.

Don't allow antifreeze to come in contact with skin or painted surfaces of the vehicle. Do not leave coolant around, where it's easily reached by children or pet's, they will be tempted by it's sweet smell. Ingestion of even a small amount of coolant can be fatal.

Replacement parts are available from many sources which generally fall into one of two categories-authorized dealer parts departments and independent retail auto parts stores. Our advice concerning theses parts is as follows.

Retail auto parts stores:

Good auto parts stores will frequently need components which wear out relatively fast such as clutch components, exhaust systems, brake parts, tune-up parts etc. These stores often supply new or reconditioned parts on an exchange basis, which can save a considerable amount of money.

An Authorized dealer parts department:

This is the best source for parts which are unique to the vehicle and not generally available elsewhere( such as major engine parts, transmission parts, trim, etc).

Warranty Information

If a vehicle is still covered under warranty, be sure that any replacement parts have engine and chassis numbers available and if possible take the old parts along for positive identification.

Car Interior Repair

A new car does not need any car interior repair but as it grows older, you will need to pay special attention. The dashboard, leather items, carpets, seat covers, door panels, etc. need to be either replaced or repaired.

Start the car interior repair from painting the dashboard. First of all, remove all the parts that you can and wash them in warm water with dish soap added to it. Use a soft cloth to clean the other interior parts such as steering wheel, door panels, dashboard, etc. Cover the other areas then rub the plastic parts and affected area with a fine-grade sand paper. Again clean up and apply good quality of primer on the areas you want to paint. Allow to dry and finally apply the proper re-paint color that is specially designed for your car type. A vinyl repair kit is the best option or dash cover is good choice in case of ample damage. Many dash covers are available that can match the carpet color in your car.

The loose headliner at times may be irritating and awkward. The fabric headliners in old cars were not a big problem, but the flabby headliner in modern cars may be disturbing at times specially while driving the car. If not repairable you need to change the whole set and it might cost you a big amount if done from a specialist. The headliner material and replacement kits are easily available in the market and you can easily fix the problem without hiring the professional.

The carpets in your car play an important role in car interior repair. The faded and damaged carpets in your car give a dull feeling inside the car. Replacing the whole carpet on your own can be a good option. Its easy job and many replacement carpets are available in the market that will perfectly fit your car model. You just need to remove the seats, door still plates, center console, and seat belts. The old carpet can be easily removed if not pasted originally. If bonded with some material it may take some time. Finally clean up the floor surface and install the new carpet. You can even follow the detail instructions in the manual provided while buying the carpet.

The car interior repair is incomplete without repairing the damaged leather seat covers. If the tear is small, the vinyl sealant can simply do the job. A vinyl repair kit is available for larger tear. These kits are provided with filler paste in a variety of colors that can match your interior. Also, you have the option of fabric repair kits for small holes in your seat cover. Protecting your seats is vital because it plays a major role while selling the car. The impressive and well-maintained seat covers can always add a great value to your car.

It is not always the case that you need a professional to do the car interior repair. The minor problems can be solved on your own. All types of company kits and manuals are available in the market. Well, one thing is sure the minor problem is the cause of major difficulty in future. Hence, it is important to detect them and repair in the first stage itself.

Servicing Your Car - The Holy Trinity

In an unscheduled and unwanted trip to the garage, the worse news you can possibly have is finding out that your 瞿900 engine re-fit could have been avoided had you just gotten your car serviced. As if to rub salt in your wounds, a lot of expensive repairs are easily preventable with proper maintenance and care of your vehicle.

But if you're anything like me, you put the job off. In much the same way that I avoid washing my car, I shun the important job of looking after it. Any number of procrastinations can keep you from the easy and simple jobs that could save you a painful outing to the mechanics.

I was originally dodging the job because I wasn't entirely sure on how to go about it, but when somebody showed me the way I've serviced my own car every six months for the past 5 years and I haven't experienced a problem since. Touch wood.

Servicing your car isn't the go to for all problems, if your power steering was on its way out then a new air filter isn't going to change that. But the holy trinity of car servicing (air filter, oil change and spark plugs) will alleviate many problems and keep your car in a healthy condition.

Oil Change

This is the messiest and probably the most mechanical aspect of servicing your car, so you can either do it first to get it out of the way with or leave it until last if you're lazy like me. You have two options for performing this, each with their own risks and rewards.

The safest option is to do this when the oil is cold and you haven't started the engine. This will avoid the chance of scalding yourself with burning motor oil, but you won't get the cleanest empty.

If you're confident enough in your ability to not get hurt, changing the oil of your car when it's hot is a more dangerous but more effective procedure. Due to the fact that the oil has circulated the engine, it has become less viscous and will have picked up any of the residue that has been sitting in the pits and pipes of your car.

Jacking your car or driving it onto a mechanic's ramp, you want to locate the sump which should be somewhere beneath the driver's seat. The sump nut will normally require an Allen key, but a socket set will be sufficient. Loosen the sump nut and get ready with a bucket or a tray to catch the oil, when you're in position remove the nut completely and watch the filthy oil cascade.

Once the sump is empty, you want to unscrew the oil filter located to the right of the sump (there will be a small amount of oil in here too) and replace it with a new one. When the new oil filter is on and the sump nut replaced, fill your car back up with beautiful clean oil.

Air Filter

This is the easiest job of them all. The air filter will often sit right at the top of your engine in a large plastic case which is connected to a tube. Remove the screws holding the casing down and take out the air filter; it will either be a cylinder like your oil filter or a round tube. The cylinders will unscrew whereas the tubes will just pull out. Pop in a new filter and replace the casing. Done.

Spark Plugs

This will be a different job for each car, and can be immensely tricky. Whilst not a difficult task, the position of the spark plugs indicate the complexity of the task. Little fingers will be best here (but don't get your kids to do it!) When the engine is cool, remove the air filter casing and search for the spark plugs. Most cars will have four, and you can trace electric wires to their positions. Pull the wires from the plugs, to a satisfying pop, and you'll unearth the metal of the plugs themselves. You want to dig out your socket kit and find the right size, hoping that you have the right angle to remove them.

Replace these one at a time, so you don't get the wires mixed up. If you've managed to get them out, you should have no trouble replacing them as the hard work is done.

Once you've performed these tasks, you can relax for six months and know that you've done all you can to ensure your car's health. All that's left to do is dig out the sponge and bucket and get to work cleaning it!

Make Windshield Replacement Less Stressful By Choosing The Right Glass Company

Auto glass replacement requires the services of a windshield company, and finding the right company is essential for a professional and stress free service. Usually, the cheapest company is not always the best deal. Professional service and excellent customer service should always precede convenience and low cost, and contracting a windshield company that has a solid reputation as well as experience can mean the difference between a hassle-free replacement and a stressful one.

While the local business directory and internet ads may be great places to start your search for a reputable glass company, both word of mouth and customer reviews can also provide useful information when searching for the right company. Always begin your search for the auto glass company by checking with the Better Business Bureau. This way, you will see the reviews and complaints field against each company. You may also check with your insurance company as windshield replacement claims are quite common and nearly every insurance carrier is familiar with a glass company that they can refer you to.

The best part of auto glass replacement is that once you have identified the right company, the replacement process will be nearly pain free. In fact, some glass companies will also contact your insurance company for the claim, leaving you to do no more than providing your policy number and your carrier's name. A good windshield company will work with your carrier concerning the payment process, and will even deliver the required documents to the carrier's office. Apart from making the process straightforward, this will also make it virtually hassle-free.

Windshield replacement is a necessary part of vehicle ownership as chips, cracks and even smashes can happen to anyone at anytime. While your insurance policy may include windshield cover, never forget that this cover only applies after meeting the deductible. The only exceptions to this rule are the states that have passed Zero-Deductible windshield replacement into law. Regardless of whether the deductible is applicable or not, finding a professional windshield company will be important. Contracting the right auto glass company will make your windshield replacement a lot less stressful.Car ownership comes with several inevitable costs. One such cost is windshield replacement. While most insurance packages cover all or most of the replacement cost, it is still up to you, the car owner, to contract a reputable glass company that will handle the job. Finding the best auto glass company will require some effort; however, the result will be worthwhile.

Oil Change: How To Know When You Need One

By getting an oil change on a regular and frequent basis, you can prevent a number of maladies from infecting your car and making costly problems where you don't need them. Oil is the lifeblood of your car; it is the lubricant that keeps everything running smoothly. If you've been without one for a while and are wondering if you should wait for your car to give you a hint before you do so, the answer is no. Mileage should tell you all you need to know, and the exact number of this mileage can be found in your car's manual. However, if you are looking for specific signs that your car needs to have a lube job, here are some to be wary of.

Experts recommend checking the dipstick every other time you get gas. Take a look around at your local gas station and you'll see that very few people adhere to this rule, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't. When you do so, look out for dirty oil. When it is good, it should look light in color. When it is dirty and old, it will become much darker and can take on an even more viscous nature. If you pull out the dipstick and see this kind of color on the end of it, you know that it is time for a change.

The dipstick can also tell you if you have low levels, which can also be a sign you are in need of an oil change. Don't get into the habit of refilling yourself, unless it is running out on a weekly basis (in which case you need to take the car in for repairs). Getting any amount of the old fluid out of the engine is important, even if it is just a small amount. If you have an older car, it is more likely to burn through the lubricant more quickly than a newer car would. Be vigilant when it comes to checking your levels, as an engine with little or no lubricant can seize up or overheat in a hurry.

If your car comes with a warning light and it comes on, that means it is time to take it in for an oil change. While you are there, you might ask the technicians why you are running low (assuming you have been following the manufacturer's guidelines for how often you should be taking it in) and see if there is something that can be done to fix the problem.

Car Repair: How to Change a Spark Plug

Many vehicle owners feel overwhelmed when something with their vehicle needs to be fixed. We neither have the experience or education to solve even simple problems. However, there are a number of car repair tasks that can be completed by the most inexperienced novice. Replacing spark plug wires is one of those car repair tasks that you can do on your own during an afternoon.

If your check engine light is on, it may be because you have bad spark plug wires. In fact, one of the most common causes of that light is a faulty spark plug wire causing the engine to run poorly. This is often the only time vehicle owners think about spark plug wires. However, they can be replaced regularly to avoid hassle or poor engine running before it happens. Many mechanics recommend new wires should be replaced every 30,000 miles. You can wait longer to replace them, but your engine may run inefficiently in the meantime or even cause problems that require more expensive car repair tasks. This task can easily be combined with installation of new plugs. Doing both at once is an efficient way to get two tasks done at the same time with a little amount of work.

The first step of spark plug wire replacement is to remove the engine's cover and analyze the task at hand. Most vehicles have easily accessible wires. However, quite a few newer vehicles have engine designs that require removal of several components in order to reach the plugs and wires. If there is a little extra work required, you may consider taking it to an auto facility at this point. They will be happy to do the work for you and charge your credit card appropriately.

If you want to invest the time and save the money, even the hardest-to-reach spark plug wires can be accessed with a little hard work. Disconnect electrical connections to the air box or intake plenum and remove it. Once you can see the spark plugs and wires, it's time to get excited! Take care to replace them individually and fully disconnect and reconnect each one before starting on the next. This will ensure that you don't get any of the connections mixed up and the installation will go smoothly.

While you're here, you might as well replace the spark plugs too. Each will come out easily and be replaced by the new one. Hook up the new wires and you're all set! Finally, replace the air box or intake plenum and reattach all of the electrical connections. If you did everything methodically and in order, it should all match up easily and go back together without any extra wires or confusion.

Changing your spark plug wires can help avoid costly car repair tasks in the future. Your engine will run better and your credit card bill will be lighter. If you are unsure about doing the job yourself, don't hesitate to contact a car repair location in your neighborhood. They will be happy to help.

Car Scratches And How You Can Repair Them

When most individuals get car scratches on their vehicle, they are left with the feeling of frustration, as their paint job is blemished, because of the negligence of some other individual or their own fault. There are numerous opportunities one can take advantage of when looking to repair a scratch on their vehicle, while several individuals simply choose to ignore those scratches. You can talk to any vehicle professional and discover why ignoring scratches will prove to be an extremely catastrophic decision made by any vehicle owner.

When you have a scratched car, the effect of the scratch goes way beyond simply altering a person's image of the vehicle, because of this paint imperfection. A scratch can usually create particular effects on a vehicles paint and surface, including discoloration and rust. Often when scratches are really prominent, its because of the sharp edges which can be found in the clear coat which would focus sunlight and result in a discoloring of your paint in that particular location. Deep scratches often results in rusting of the metal as it is exposed to moisture and air. There are a few treatments available in the market that avoids the rust to build, till you find time and money to completely re-paint your vehicle.

Because of the threats that are in existence with paint discoloration and rusting, it is wise for an individual to immediately address any car scratches they get on their vehicle.

When considering opportunities to repair scratches, many individuals instantly turn towards the possibilities which exist with a rubbing compound. While this may help in the elimination of scratches, it doesn't offer a car owner the greatest number of benefits, as you're just thinning the clear coat in other areas, so as to compensate for the area scratched.

An alternative that's available to rubbing compounds is discovered with wax, though this might not offer you the greatest opportunity either. When you wax your vehicle, you're just covering a scratch problem by filling the existing crack with wax, that will break away over time. This means that a person will be responsible for continuously waxing their scratched car, on a regular basis to avoid the risks of damage.

Instead of pursuing the conventional resources that are found with rubbing compounds and waxing, take advantage of a car paint fix opportunity, which can be found with a clear coat solution.

When you are able to utilize a product that's a clear coat itself, you'll be able to fill in any scratches and develop a long term solution to your vehicle damage. The clear coat will fill the scratch where it has been damaged, hardening and creating a protective layer over your damaged area, so that the scratch virtually vanishes, and the risks to your car become nonexistent.

Why Should an Auto Repair Shop Use Software?

Some auto repair shops that write invoices by hand often resist the idea that they would need computer software. Many do not see any reason to use software.

I would like to point out a few reasons why an auto repair shop, large or small, can benefit from using software designed to do repair orders.

One of the most important reasons for software is tracking invoice history. When a customer has work done and comes back later with a problem, past repair orders can be brought up in computer software in seconds. With an old file cabinet system it can take between ten and sixty minutes to find an old repair order. Why? The reason why is easy. The customer lost their hand-written invoice and thinks the work was done last month, when it may really have been done four months ago.

This history provides the shop owner with information about the parts used, labor done, and who worked on the vehicle, if they have someone else working with them. This can be very important on warranty work.

Another great reason for repair order software is the invoice itself. I had an engine replaced and was given a hand written invoice. On this invoice it said, "replaced engine." Nothing was said about the work that was done! A computer generated invoice would include much more detail about the engine replacement, giving the shop a much more professional look.

Since repair order software can store and retrieve labor entries, the owner can enter a detailed description of work done, and save it for future use. This makes writing an invoice faster and faster as they use the software, saving the shop owner valuable time.

Most software programs have a scheduler which will organize incoming work and keep their desk a little more uncluttered. Plus, it is another help to keep your customers satisfied.

It is so nice to work with a business that has computerized their operation. Many customers these days are pretty tech savvy. They expect the businesses they work with to be up to date on the latest technology, and at the very least, have an invoicing system that is beyond pen and paper.

We're headed toward a paperless world. Many customers like the invoices sent to their email address. This way they can store the invoice on their home or office computer. It's also nice to be able to text message right from your screen to the customer, to let them know the work is done. This is a great convenience for customers that in this day and age, live on their cell phones.

With the added benefits of tracking revenue, inventory, supply charges, taxes, etc., no automotive shop should be without computer invoicing software.

Helping Keep the Planet Clean With Proper Battery Disposal

All car batteries eventually will wear out and need to be disposed of. Unlike most products, you cannot simply throw away these types of batteries. The reason for this is that a 12 volt battery contains many hazardous chemicals and materials. There are also many environmental safety concerns associated with the disposal of these batteries. There are actually several ways to properly dispose of car batteries.

The most unique part of recycling is that all of the elements can be reclaimed and reused in new car batteries. The lead in these batteries is almost 100% recyclable. The plastic components of these batteries can also be recycled and used in future products as well. The sulfuric acid found in these batteries can be recycled and used in a number of different ways. For example it can be used in new car batteries, neutralized and then purified to be released as clean water, or it can also be turned into sodium sulfate. When turned to sodium sulfate it can be used in such products as fertilizer and dyes.

In most standard batteries heavy metals are found such as lead as well as plastic and acid. This is why if they are not properly disposed they can contaminate the air, water and soil of our planet.

Also it does not matter if the old recycled product is a 6 or 12 volt; both are classified as hazardous waste and need to be disposed of properly. With newer Hybrid cars NiMH batteries are used rather than traditional lead batteries. Although these batteries do not contain lead they still contain toxic components and need to be disposed of properly as well.

It is also important to handle these used batteries correctly, because they can be harmful to your health. Individuals should wear gloves as well as safety glasses when holding these batteries. When transporting the battery it should be placed upright in a position that is not going to tip over while moving.

When disposing your battery you do have more than one option. Most recycling centers accept car batteries, but it is in your best interest to call ahead to confirm this. The "Triple A" Great Battery Round Up has become a well known place to dispose of your batteries. The event is usually held in association with Earth Day and involves "Triple A" offices setting up a collection area for you to bring your used batteries to be discarded. Most automotive repair shops also accept used car batteries as well. Now that you know a little more about car battery disposal, make sure you take the legal and environmentally safe route when you dispose of your used car batteries.

Trying to Increase Car Counts? Here's the Best Mobile Marketing Strategy for an Auto Service Shop

Mobile Marketing (also referred to as SMS Marketing or Text Message Marketing) is the perfect solution for the auto service shop owner. Your messages will get seen over 97% of the time and users are hyper-active because mobile coupons or offers have a 10X higher redemption rate than any other format.

But how do you create a mobile marketing campaign that is going to work? Start with your strategy.

Like taking a long road trip, you map out the trip to your destination. Likewise, you need to map out your mobile marketing campaign. The 'destination' is really the purpose. What do you want the campaign to accomplish?

Mobile or text message marketing campaigns can be used for a number of reasons; They could be created to get new customers; retain existing customers, build brand awareness or just make offers to drive visitors (and customers) to you.

The best Text Messaging campaign starts with a great offer. Most think that a great offer is just about the price. In Text Message Marketing, your offer must also be relevant. For best results, it must provide an immediate solution to a problem or a deal that the user can't pass up.

As an example, for your auto repair shop, you could create a text message offer like: Text "799oil' to "54321" to get your next oil change for just $7.99 - Limited Availability - Expires on (date).

Ask yourself if that would inspire new customers to contact you? Do you think a $7.99 oil change would make people text in? Most likely it would.

What's so good about this type of text message offer is:

• There is a clear call to action


• There is a clear benefit or solution to your prospect


• You instantly build your list of prospects and customers so that you can continue to market to them with other offers


• Because you've stated "Limited Availability", you can stop the offer whenever you want (although my strong recommendation would be that if it's working... keep it going)

Still not sure about this strategy? Compare the cost of creating the Text Message marketing campaign including all the costs related to doing the oil changes at a 'crazy' discounted price to that $1,000 ad you placed in the newspaper last month that only brought in 2 customers. Each of those customers cost you $500. Your Text Messaging campaign and all the related costs is much more cost effective. And you still have all those customers on your list to continue to market to and turn them into repeat customers. Now that's where the money is!

How to Find the Right Auto Repair Shop

Accidents are what we all want to avoid unfortunate they do and then begins the task of finding an auto repair shop to fix your vehicle.

You want to be able to get your vehicle repaired to its original condition and without having to wait months for the job to be done. The difficulty is how to find the right auto repair shop, one that will ensure this gets done.

When looking for a shop check to see if they have the latest equipment. Many of the newer models vehicles have computer components and this advancement needs specialized machines in order to diagnose the problems properly. It is also crucial to get the parts for your car in a timely manner so find out if they have a wide network of quality parts suppliers because the larger their network the faster you will get your car back.

Enquire as to whether or not they deal with insurance companies and if they will take care of things such as getting the car towed, and obtaining rental car. The larger auto repair shops will usually have a separate customer service department that can handle these small details. Being in an accident is stressful enough so if the shop can help you out with at least one of these details it lessens your stress just a bit.

Finally ask around find out if anyone you know is familiar with the auto repair shop and what they think. You can also check online as there are many online review sites where people can post their comments regarding their experiences. Nothing is more reassuring than to know other people have had a good experience.

The right auto repair shop can make all the difference if you have any question contact www.collisiondenver.com more information

Auto Repair - A Guide for Families With Teenagers

Did the teenager in your household just get their driver's permit? Is the second family car going to see some extra driving time with your teen behind the wheel? After you add your auto repair mechanic to speed dial, it's time for you to teach your teen basic maintenance tips to help keep the car in good condition.

First, you should prepare the family car for your teen driver. After you have determined what car the young driver will be cruising around in, make sure the car is up to date with standard safety features. The car should have working airbags, seat belts and be in generally good condition.

Now it's time to teach your teen the subtleties of tire pressure. If your teen's car doesn't already have a tire pressure gauge waiting in the glove box, purchase a few gauges at your local automotive store. Explain the proper way to check pressure and point out where to find the manufacturer's recommended pressure. Generally, you can find this information just inside the door.

Another simple maintenance tip your teen may not learn anywhere else: how to read the tire's tread. Take the time to familiarize them with what healthy tire tread looks like as well as a worn tire tread. They also need to understand how to check for objects that may have gotten lodged in the tire. Lastly, it is very important that teenagers understand how to tell if a tire is wearing evenly and how to know when it needs to be replaced.

Of course, it's not just the tires that need attention. The car will eventually need to be taken in for an oil change. Go along with your teen during their first visit with your family auto repair mechanic. Explain to the teen what to ask for and then let them do the talking. It's important for your teen to be familiar with the kind of language used during oil changes and regular maintenance trips. This will help them be confident in what to ask during these visits.

Prepare the teen for possible auto repair scenarios. Start simple by going through the maintenance book in the glove box. Once your student seems comfortable with the general maintenance of the vehicle, discuss more complicated scenarios with them. Make sure they know, step-by-step, what to do in case of an accident or emergency. Your teenager should be extremely comfortable with this information.

Even the most cared-for cars need to go to the shop. Who will be responsible for the upkeep of the car? Who is in charge of paying for the oil changes, air conditioning services, tire replacement and miscellaneous repairs? As your teenager starts down the road of safe driving, it is equally important for them to learn responsibility and respect for the automobiles they drive. Automobile maintenance and repair are to be taken seriously. The more your teenager knows about automobiles, maintenance, auto repair, accidents and how to respond during emergencies ultimately make your teen a safer driver.