Dual Pane Window Repair Tips

While talking about energy efficient homes, we can not ignore the fenestration, including doors, windows and skylights. In each building, number of windows are more numerous than the doors. Therefore, the energy wasted through windows is a major concern and the energy loss is claimed to be as much as 30 percent of the total energy source. If you are considering replacing windows, make sure to analyze the pros and cons of windows before installing.

In recent decades, energy efficient windows with the latest technologies have been introduced in the market. The main purpose behind each window energy efficiency is to allow sunlight and block the cold winter. Among the many energy-efficient windows, glass windows are the most preferred option. Today, a single pane glass windows were replaced with energy saving double and triple glass windows, which consist of an insulating material between the layers. Between the panes, inert gases are pumped to increase their insulating properties. The crystals are coated with paint to reflect more heat reflection. Let's look at some tips on how to repair a double pane window.

Tips for Repairing Double-pane windows

Buy the correct size of a double pane window is as important as proper installation of the window. You need to measure the width, height, thickness and total thickness of the glass. The easiest way is to measure the dimensions of the image (from rubber rubber) and the note below. In case you want the same space, you need to give each of thickness of the glass units.

However, single and double pane windows are different structurally and functionally, the repair of the boards are almost the same, except for a few variations. Assuming that you have purchased the double pane window size, let's take a look at the steps to repair them.

First, maintain the necessary equipment for installation within their reach. Carefully remove the old glass, you may need to unscrew and remove the pieces one by one. Vacuum clean dust and pieces of glass (if any).

Squeeze and apply putty to the frame (which will install the new double-pane window). Make sure you apply the caulk evenly, so there are no gaps in air (to prevent the entry of cold air). Put the new drive with care and make sure it fits into the framework properly.

Once you are sure the unit is well, screw down tightly. Check the drilled holes in the frames and screws of the double window accordingly. After securing the screws, try to open, close and lock the unit. If the windows are working properly, install the new window frame. Put the screws or nails to secure a firm grip. Apply more caulk, where to find any air gaps.

While the purchase of double pane windows, always opt for one with a warranty. The best quality double pane windows takes about 15 years. It is found that the installation of soundproof windows, double pane windows with life expectancy increases twice. In case there is no accumulation of moisture between the layers of glass, you can caulk the inside and outside units. If you still accumulates moisture, replace the insulating glass unit (IGU). Even if you spend more on replacing the IGU, the energy saved to be worth paying.

Auto Body Shop Top Services

Do you know everything that an auto body shop can do for your car? Most people think of these establishments after an automobile accident, when damage to the car needs to be repaired, but there are many more services that they offer.

Painting cars is one of the most common tasks an auto body shop will undertake. While vehicles that have been in accidents usually need to be painted, the service center will also paint vehicles for other reasons. Sometimes the vehicle's owner is looking for a new color, and other times they are looking to customize the car with stripes, flames, or other decorations. Computerized paint mixing systems allow repair centers to carefully match a customer's desired color, allowing the company to do small touch ups that perfectly match the vehicle's existing paint.

Most companies have detailing services as well, which help restore a car's finish and brighten up its look, both inside and out. If you are getting ready to sell your vehicle, consider having it detailed. This will help it to truly shine as people come to look at it.

Dent repair is another task that these repair centers will handle. Small dings and dents greatly diminish the look of an otherwise nice vehicle. Most centers can quickly and easily mend these without the need to paint, restoring the vehicle to its like-new look. Similarly, repairing small paint scratches also falls in the list of tasks performed by a repair center.

Frame mending is also a service offered by an auto body shop. Vehicles that have been in a crash, even a minor one, usually need some form of frame or bumper restoration. Sometimes older vehicles need patch up just from the normal wear and tear of driving. In addition, some locations will offer wheel alignment after repairing the frame of the vehicle. Not only does this ensure that the automobile looks good, but it also ensures that it drives well, provided it had no damage to the internal parts.

An auto body shop can also help those interested in restoring classic cars to show-worthy condition. All of the services these locations offer apply in this situation. Usually classic cars need to be repainted, and detailing is essential to get them in good condition. Often the frame is in need of repair as well, and almost every older car out there has a few dents and scratches needing a fix.

The next time you look at your vehicle and bemoan the fact that it has a few dents and scratches, consider taking it to an auto body shop. For a small financial investment, you can have your car looking like new again.

Why Independent Repair Shops Are Better Than Big Chains

There are many reasons why you may want to consider looking into an independent repair shop instead of going with a bigger chain. An independent repair shop is one that has no ties to any dealerships and is only in one location. These are very common in smaller towns that do not have a lot of bigger named businesses nearby. You will find that while there are a lot of reasons why these types of shops can be a lot more beneficial, there are still a few things that you should keep in mind whenever you are trying to decide if they are right for you.

Price

You will find that the biggest benefit that comes with an independent shop is that they are typically less expensive. Bigger shops will end up having a set price no matter how big the job; you will normally have to pay a base amount just for bringing your vehicle in. With an independent shop, it is usually a case by case basis. Many of these independent shop owners will provide people that are loyal to them a better deal because they know they can keep them around by doing this. They may even be more likely to throw in something free later on. However, this is something that you cannot expect with a bigger chain.

Ask Around

Something that you should always make sure to do is ask around. This is something that is especially true whenever you live in a smaller area. Everybody at some point will need to have their vehicle worked on for some reason or another. What this basically means is that a lot of people will have experience on who is a better mechanic and who will end up charging more or less for something. You will need to make sure that you ask around to a few different people to see if they can tell you anything. Go to your local auto parts store and ask them if they can refer you to somebody. They most likely deliver to every single mechanic within a 10 to 20 mile radius.

Considerations

It is important that you pay attention to whether or not the mechanic that you go with is one that is ASE certified. This is something that you typically do not have to worry about whenever you are working with a bigger chain. Most mechanics that have an independently owned shop will be ASE certified, but it is still a good idea to make completely sure before you go with them. It is also important that you know what the prices are before you decide on them. Make a deal and talk about the price beforehand to make sure that they are not going to try to overcharge you for something that you are not comfortable with. Try to get it in writing before you have them do any work on your vehicle to make sure that they will not be able to overcharge you very easily.

How New Materials Are Affecting The Auto Body Repair Industry

Because of the industry-wide push toward lighter body weights and better fuel efficiency, auto body repair shops are finding that traditional methods of repair aren't applicable anymore. Brought about by economics and regulations, new car designs and materials are trending towards the replacement of assemblies or sub-structures when a vehicle is brought in for repair.

Apart from the benefits of fuel efficiency, these new materials like alloyed steel and carbon fiber also enable lighter amounts to be used in manufacturing, while ensuring that safety standards in the event of a collision is maintained. And for manufacturers, this is not an easy talk, using less materials while increasing safety in an accident. Designs are tested and verified by computer simulation and actual crash tests to determine those most suitable for manufacturing and cost efficiency. This is why auto body repair shops now need to understand design-based repair. It is best described as an understanding by collision repair shops of how a car is designed from a repair perspective. Shops also need to be cognizant of the processes and materials that will ensure that the vehicle is repaired correctly and that all safety and performance features are retained after collision repair. For this, the repair shop and the collision repair industry in general should work closely with manufacturers to identify which materials and components (exotic steels, plastics, carbon composites and sensors) are located in a vehicle to facilitate their removal, repair, replacement and disposal.

In terms of procedure, questions like sectioning, replacement or pulling of body structures must be correctly answered. Also, with electronics playing a huge part in today's vehicles, are there any components, sensors or systems that will be affected when a body part is affected by a collision? OEM data will be very important in these cases to affect a good repair. And in the case of special metals for example, are they heat-treated? Can they be welded? It is now known that the new high-strength steels are not as pliable as the mild steels of the past, and that squeeze type resistance welders are the recommended equipment to effect welds. To add even more complexity, carbon fiber reinforced plastics are now being used, first with exotics and very soon, in commuter cars. What adhesives or composites are required to repair carbon fiber structures? How to detect weakened portions? With the new materials, manufacturers are beginning to design structures as sub-assemblies that are clipped on to the main structure. In the event of a collision, the intention is simply to replace these clips.

All these new technologies don't mean that auto body repair shops have to retool or reequip themselves immediately. There will still be a significant demand for traditional repair and refinishing methods, and well-managed shops will have their loyal customer base to fall back on.

Possible Reasons Your Car is Spewing Blue Smoke

The exhaust blowing out of your car's tailpipe gives you clues regarding possible problems. Some are benign while others are serious. The latter can become much worse - and more expensive to repair - if the underlying issue is allowed to persist.

Unfortunately, most drivers are unfamiliar with their vehicles. They may notice exhaust coming from the tailpipe, but lack the knowledge to determine the reason. Hoping it will resolve itself on its own (these problems rarely do), they continue driving their car as the problem worsens.

White smoke is seldom an issue. It's usually caused by condensation in the tailpipe, and dissipates after you've driven your car awhile. Occasionally, it is caused by moisture or coolant in the cylinders. This may indicate a broken head gasket, which should be fixed as soon as possible.

Black smoke means that excess fuel is going into the cylinders, and not being burned efficiently. While this is a problem, it's less serious than white (potentially) or blue smoke. We'll focus specifically on blue smoke below. I'll explain the most common reasons it appears and describe how to resolve the problem.

What Causes Blue Smoke?

If you see blue smoke coming from your car's tailpipe, it's an indication that motor oil is somehow gaining access to the cylinders. During the ignition phase of your engine's 4-stroke cycle, the oil is burned along with the fuel. This produces blue smoke.

Identifying the root cause of the issue begins with figuring out how the oil got into the cylinder in the first place. Besides the head gasket, there are several other gaskets and rings that create a seal around each combustion chamber. Blue smoke means one of these seals has failed. The cost to repair the problem depends on which seal is affected.

With older vehicles, the issue can often be traced to one of the piston rings. This may be a signal that the engine itself is on its last legs, and will need to be replaced in the near future. It's important to have the broken seal fixed quickly. As it continues to deteriorate, more oil will gain access to the cylinder. This will foul the cylinder's spark plug and eventually lead to a misfire.

Having The Problem Fixed

If the oil leak is due to a failing seal around one of the valve stems, it can usually be replaced without extensive work. This means you can avoid the high hourly cost of labor. If, however, the leak is due to a piston ring, the mechanic will usually need to remove the engine in order to replace the seal. The job requires significant time to complete and therefore, will be costly.

An older vehicle with a high-mileage engine may not justify the cost of replacing a piston ring. In such a case, if you enjoy driving your car, consider having a replacement engine installed. Otherwise, your best option might be to retire the vehicle and buy a new one.

The Importance Of Ongoing Maintenance

Maintaining your car helps preserve the life of your engine. This is the reason your owner's manual recommends changing the oil every 5,000 miles (check your manual to find the exact interval). Oil provides lubrication for the engine's moving parts, which helps control heat and friction that would otherwise tear the assembly apart.

Oil changes by themselves will not prevent seals from eventually deteriorating and causing blue smoke to come from your car's tailpipe. However, auto technicians agree that engines that have been well-maintained are less likely to develop these type of problems. Make sure you're changing the oil on a regular basis. If you notice smoke coming from the exhaust - regardless of color - have a mechanic inspect your vehicle and resolve the problem. Doing so can help keep your engine and your car on the road years longer.

Should You Do Your Own Car Upholstery?

When you are considering an upgrade in your auto upholstery or need to make a repair to the existing upholstery, you might be thinking about doing it yourself. It is not easy, but a lot less expensive.

Although much attention is given to the engine and the exterior of your automobile, the interior is where you and your passengers actually come into contact with the automobile. The comfort of your ride can make or break the whole driving experience, and quality upholstery is the key to comfort. When you are thinking of upgrading your upholstery or are forced to replace or repair it due to interior damage, you can be in for an expensive situation.

The reason that auto upholstery repair is expensive is the skill and experience that is required to do the work. It is also true that many upholstery shops take advantage of their rather exclusive ability to perform the repairs and charge a bit more than really is consistent with the costs of materials and labor involved. Although you can shop around for a better deal and you can be lucky and find an extremely honest shop, there are some advantages to a do it yourself approach.

One of the advantages of any type of do it yourself experience involved with auto repair is that it makes you much more knowledgeable about the costs and labor involved. This is the general rule of auto repair. The customer who brings a car to a mechanic and shrugs and says, "I have no idea what is wrong", has put themselves in a very disadvantageous position. When you have done upholstery work yourself, you are able to evaluate the expected cost of having a job done for you by a shop.

Of course, once you have gained some experience in auto upholstery repair and replacement, you might find you no longer need a shop at all. In order to gain this experience, you should make your first attempts to replace, repair, or upgrade auto upholstery on a less expensive vehicle. This can either be a used car or a restoration project. This allows a bit of trial and error.

The repair and replacement of auto upholstery is not on the level of brain surgery, but neither is it a simple repair project. It is very much like furniture upholstery repair. After all the car seats are really just the furniture of the car's interior. Many people with skills in furniture upholstery repair can use these skills with an automobile job as well. There are a number of books and manuals that can walk you through the steps of an auto upholstery repair job. You should not be afraid to give it a try and the savings will be ample reward, but do not go into it thinking it is simple. It is a definite skill.

Keep Rust Away and Save Your Paint

A brand new car, with its sharp lines, sleek design and perfect paint job, can truly be a thing of beauty, a work of art. In addition, it can be a significant investment. So how can you protect your vehicle, whether old or new, from rust?

It is important to remember that all vehicles have certain components that are made out of steel. As such, all vehicles are susceptible to rust. While there are processes used in the steel industry to make the metal more resistant to rust, by no means is this guaranteed to prevent the problem. Depending on where you live, and the conditions in which you drive, the chances of developing rust may be significantly increased.

One big factor that contributes to the development of rust is salt. If you live near the ocean, for example, the high salt content of the humid air can hasten the development of rust. Even if you live far away from the ocean, however, salt can still be a factor. In many colder climates, salt is used in winter to help melt the snow and keep roads clear. As a result, as you drive over salt-coated roads, the underside of your vehicle is exposed to large quantities of salt and can start to develop rust.

The first step at keeping rust away, is to regularly wash your vehicle. Especially if you live near the ocean, or where salt is routinely used during the winter, the importance of washing your car cannot be overstated. The longer the salt sits in contact with the vehicle's metal, the greater the chance that rust will develop. When washing your vehicle, it is especially important to wash the underside to thoroughly clean the frame. This may involve taking it to a car wash that specifically offers undercarriage and steam cleaning. On the other hand, if you manually wash your vehicle, be sure to take a few minutes to spray the undercarriage. Remember that there are many nooks and crannies on the underside of your car, which may require several passes to fully flush out the salt.

The second step is to routinely inspect your vehicle for the early signs of rust. Look for bubbles on the paint, especially in areas of the body that are low to the ground. This could indicate that rust is developing underneath the paint. It is also important to check the frame, engine, trunk compartment and the exhaust system. All of these areas are more susceptible to rust due to their ability to retain salt and moisture.

If you see that rust is starting to develop, act quickly! The longer it is left alone, the more damage it will do. If it is treated quickly, however, rust can usually be eliminated before much damage is done. There are many do-it-yourself treatment options available from auto parts stores and body shops. If you are comfortable working on your vehicle, one of these options may suit you. On the other hand, if you are not comfortable tackling this problem alone, you may want to take your vehicle to a reputable body shop to have the issue addressed.

Can You Increase Car Counts With a Daily Deal Like Groupon? You Can If You Follow My Strategy

The Daily Deal Website Phenomenon has taken hold with consumers from every walk of life. Those sites and making a good offer could help you increase car counts in your auto service business!

The Daily Deal sites have thousands (if not millions) of subscribers that hunt down deals every day. The deals offered range from the typical spa visits and restaurant offers to just about any other service available.

The Daily Deal industry has spawned off-shoots too. Today, Daily Deal Site Aggregators make money on your deal too! They typically combine all the deals of many sites and entice subscribers by promising them targeted offers (for just their city or area) in just one e-mail from all the Daily Deal sites instead of subscribing to possibly hundreds of sites individually.

The benefits of posting an offer for your Auto Service Repair Shop on a daily deal website are that:

• They have huge amounts of subscribers


• Their reach is 'deep' into your city or community


• You get almost instant exposure (and customers)


• Good offers will draw hundreds of purchases and potential new customers.


• So you're thinking to yourself, "What could be better?" right?

The problems with the Daily Deal websites are that typically your offer must be at least 50% off your regular prices. On top of that, the Daily Deal website typically takes a commission of about 50%. (Ouch!)

Another problem most merchants posting offers talk about is the fact that only a very small percentage of coupon buyers actually return to the business to become long time or repeat customers. If the coupon buyer is simply 'looking for a deal', they just wait for the next merchants offer.

When you do the math, you're really offering your services for about 25% of your normal prices. Although at first look, you may be thinking 'no way', but there is a benefit to your Auto Repair Shop.

But believe it of not, this can still be profitable. First, get it out of your head that your Daily Deal itself is going to be profitable. Sure, you'll get a lump sum payment for your sales, but then you have to contend with a flurry of customers, all wanting first class service at the same time. You could 'sell your way into a mess'

The key to making money using Daily Deal website offers is to make it a requirement that buyers get their confirmation code from your website. Actually make that as part of the offer.

Once a buyer purchases the Daily Deal coupon, have them 'text' to your mobile marketing campaign. As an example, your offer could include 'Text the term MyGroupon to 54321 to get your Confirmation Code and Verify your coupon'.

The user will text to your short code and get a response with a link to a landing page. That landing page will have the code the shopper needs to redeem the coupon. Most importantly, you've got a new prospect on your Text Message Campaign. You can continue to market to them with other offers and deals.

Following this strategy will let you take advantage of Daily Deal offers and turn those customers into repeat customers to increase your car counts and grow your auto repair shop business.

Auto Glass Repair - How It's Done

Nowadays, great innovations have been done to make our life easier, faster, and economical. When your auto glass accidentally got damaged because it got hit by a stone or someone has attempted to break into you car, you need to have your auto glass repaired or replaced. Replacing an auto glass is an option if the damage is really large, however if the crack is minor, a glass repair would be your best choice. Glass repair today is very easy and for some, they can even repair your glass good as new.

When you are considering an car glass repair, you would first expect that all the glasses of your vehicle will be carefully inspected to check if there is any other damage aside from the ones you reported. The area to be repaired will then be cleaned and a special vacuum will be used to remove air. A liquid resin will then be injected to the crack or damaged area while applying pressure to make sure that the liquid resin will reach the finest cracks. The resin will then be cured using a UV light until it is clear and almost invisible. To make the work seamless, the area is then leveled and polished by the technician. The auto glass repair is now finish, your car's glass is now good as new, free of cracks, abrasions, or chipping.

The results of the repair varies depending on the size and location of damage, the type of liquid resin used, how the repair was done, and the type of damage your auto glass got. The larger the damage, the harder it is to repair; the price also depends on these factors. Glass repair is also an economical choice because aside from the fact that it is cheaper than replacing the whole glass, car insurance companies usually covers the cost of the repair unlike auto glass replacement. It is highly recommended to talk to your car insurance company regarding the coverage so you can decide whether to have an glass repair or a replacement.

BMW Repair and Maintenance: The Oil Change

Anyone who owns one should understand that BMW repair issues can't necessarily be lumped in with any other vehicle. These precision automobiles are not made the same way a Honda or a Ford is made. And as such, they should seldom be entrusted to a mechanic who has only the basic training needed to work on those general vehicles. Even when it comes to something as simple as an oil change, there is a lot of evidence to argue that you should take your car to a specialty shop. Next time you think about pulling your Beamer into the local 5 minute lube job shop, here are some things to consider.

Intervals

One of the basic concepts of BMW repair is that they don't need an oil change as often as most other vehicles. They run on synthetic oil, which burns cleaner and provides the engine with a ton of benefits. While you can get synthetic oil at any oil change shop (if you remember to ask for it), they are still likely going to slap that 3,000 mile sticker on your windshield. Ignore it if you must, but what you're looking at is a shop more concerned with doing business in one particular way instead of giving their customers specialized service. It may not matter that much by itself, but it is symptomatic of a larger problem.

Additional Maintenance

One of the best reasons to take your car in for an oil change in the first place (as opposed to handling it yourself) is getting the additional checks and maintenance that go along with the service. But the last thing you want is some oil change technician opining on BMW repair. He likely hasn't the slightest idea what he's talking about! By contrast, if you take your Beamer into an authorized mechanic, you can be sure that he won't start recommending things that have nothing to do with your maintenance plan.

The Right Tools

BMW repair, done properly, requires specialized tools that won't work on other vehicles. For that reason, most shops don't have them around. You can do plenty of things with a BMW with general car tools, but you're risking breaking something important in the process. Don't take the chance. You didn't pay a lot for a luxury automobile to have it pawed at by some guy who doesn't know the difference between a Volkswagen and an Audi. Take it somewhere that the craftsmanship that goes into one of these vehicles is respected.

Take Your Ice Off My Windshield

During icy conditions and snowy weather, one of the first things that could suffer from such cold driving conditions is your car's windshield. Of course, not only would your windshield be suffering but you would also be experiencing such hard times while driving.

When your car's windshield gets icy and filled with snow, the very first thing that you would experience is that your vision of the road ahead becomes much lesser. And you know what happens when your vision is obstructed. Your chances of getting and being part of accidents is greater because you cannot see what you are driving into or driving through.

Clearly, if you still can see through an icy windshield, that is actually considered to be one of the more fortunate things that can happen to you. Because, you see, the most extreme cases of icy windshields actually mean that the driver has no visibility at all of the road ahead, much less of the hood of his car. His view is completely obstructed. He is like looking into a concrete wall and not a window.

However, you can remedy this situation. Having an icy and snowy windshield is not a reason for you keep your car parked in your garage. You still can use it as long as you know how to de-ice your windshield. It should take no more than a couple of minutes of your time. And after that, you would be well on your way towards a safe drive to your destination.

To start the whole process, simply turn your car on and start up the defroster. Make sure that you put it to the hottest setting possible. Turn on your car's air conditioner as you turn on the defroster. Then, you should also set the defroster fan to low setting.

Get out of your car and start brushing any snow off your car's windshield. You can start spraying de-icing solution on the windshield. If you think it is much too expensive to buy those that are offered in auto parts stores, you can have your own de-icing solution. Simply take a mixture of half water and half vinegar. And that would be it. Once you have put on the solution, start scraping the ice off your windshield. You can use your ice scraper.

Know When to Repair or Replace Your Windshield

A windshield provides structural support, which means it makes you safe when you are driving. Seeing its importance, it is as well quite essential to keep it away from any damage. In cases of inevitable wear and tear or an accident, the windshield repair and replacement is highly recommended depending on the situation. The sooner it is done, the better it is for your safety and the quality of your vehicle.

But windshield repair and replacement are two completely different processes. Knowing which is which will help you get the best solution for your windshield.

You don't have to replace a windshield for every chip or a crack. As long as it can be repaired, you should fix it rather than getting a replacement. Usually solution providers repair chips and cracks that are as long as three inches. If you are not sure, you can refer it to an expert. It can worsen if you leave unattended so it is vital to fix it as soon as possible.

In repairing, the damaged portion is cleaned of dirt and moisture; then a strong resin is injected into that area of the windshield. It takes comparatively lesser time to get it done. Repairing can take as little as less than half an hour and replacement usually takes an hour. The decision to repair can be, in a way, environmentally friendly as well, because windshields are usually dumped once replacement is done, with no value for reuse.

Consult a well-experienced repair shop for information to help you make a better decision, whether the repair is enough or what kind of care you can take in the future. Repairing costs less and sometimes insurance companies also waive the deductible. They will cover the cost and you can do it almost at free of cost. Early repairing can also save you from unnecessary troubles as the chip develops into cracks and gets worse.

However when the damage is severe, replacement is the only option. In some other cases, repairing does not return your windshield to its original condition. Once you take it to the auto repair glass shop, there is always a mark or a scar. If it gets into your field of vision, repairing is not encouraged; rather the windshield should be replaced. Again, it is necessary to go to the most experienced repair shop. As the windshield is such an important structural part, there must be no compromise on the quality of the material or the replacement service.

Common Car Maintenance Mistakes

When it comes to vehicle maintenance and upkeep, it's important to be proactive, to take the initiative necessary to ensure proper functioning of your car or truck, but of course, it's also important to be wise and discerning, and ultimately to act not just out of good intentions, but also out of real knowledge. There is perhaps no car maintenance mistake more common than simple neglect, but even among those who strive to take care of their cars, there are certain pratfalls and common blunders that should and can be avoided.

One common mistake is to think that the only important thing under the hood of your car is the oil tank. Indeed, anybody who knows anything about car maintenance knows that regularly checking oil levels is important, and indeed it is, but there are plenty of other fluids located in the same neighborhood, and it's vital that you check and maintain all of them including brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant.

A related mistake is to fill your oil tank with the wrong kind of oil or, more specifically, oil with the wrong viscosity. Again, it is admirable when anyone takes the initiative to keep the oil tank filled properly, but it's crucial to make sure you're using the proper weight of oil, the one recommended in your owner's manual. Using the wrong kind of oil can ultimately lead to a lot of wear and tear in your engine.

Some of the most common car maintenance mistakes can happen while you're actually driving the vehicle. For example, slamming the brakes is a great way to ensure that your brakes fizzle out on you early. Of course we all encounter those emergency situations when slamming on the brakes is really the only option but making every stop an emergency stop is ultimately going to mean a much shorter life for your brakes, and possibly some very real danger to you, the driver.

And here's another, particularly major mistake that is far too often made by auto owners: Avoiding taking a trip to the mechanic. Of course, keeping your vehicle kept up to date on its routine maintenance will largely eliminate the need for a mechanic, but still, things happen, and the single best way to see your car fall apart on you is to skip out on the mechanic. If there is a problem you can't fix on your own or if your engine service light comes on you need to have it worked on by a professional. Delaying this will only make the repair more costly and major.

But again, this warrants repeating: The biggest car maintenance mistake of all is to avoid it altogether. Your car is an investment of both your money and your time, and neglecting the proper upkeep of your automobile is basically like squandering that investment. Stay on top of routine maintenance, and ensure that, when it comes to taking care of your car, you are both vigilant and well-informed.

Auto Upholstery Repair - Do it Yourself and Save

When you decide to upgrade your auto upholstery or repairing the present upholstery, do not skip the research phase. You may think of doing the repairs or reupholstering repair yourself. It most likely is not as easy a process as you think, so be ready to have a professional do the job for you.

Even though a lot of thought and work is given to the engine and the outer part of your car, the interior is where you normally come into contact with your auto. The upholstery is the main thing that gives you the comfort in your journey helping you to enjoy the experience driving to the fullest.

If you have any thought of upgrading your upholstery or have a need to repair or replace your upholstery due to wear or an accident, you will need to research all that is involved in auto upholstery repair. There are a wide variety of materials and special effects available that dramatically change the total cost and quality of the project.

Doing auto upholstery repair yourself will require you develop the skills and techniques that are involved in it. With a great deal of time and effort you can acquire these techniques. But because of the unique skill required and the speciality equipment involved, you should look for a reputable auto upholstery shop.

By now you are seeing that auto upholstery repair or replacement is not as easy as it looks. It requires a little interest and effort. This is almost like a repair done to furniture

There are dozens instruction manuals that are available in the market as well as on the internet. Make proper use of these manuals and follow the instructions to do this type of repair job. Just be willing to admit when the work is more than your ability and training and turn it over to a professional.

Broken Windshield - Questions to Ask Before You Get it Fixed

I never realized how important a tiny crack could be in a windshield. My friend procrastinated getting her broken car windshield repaired. Each day that went by the crack slowly became bigger and bigger. She never realized how much danger she was actually putting her and her family into.

A windshield makes up the car's integrity. A cracked windshield may fail to support the roof if the car flips over, causing severe injury or death to occupants. Never even think to procrastinate replacing one.

Just don't hire any repair center to do this important job. The safety of you and your family will be in their hands. Find a reputable company that has experience and use all the right materials. Ask friends and family if they have had a good experience with a windshield repair center.

Here are some questions to ask an auto glass center about broken windshields before you hire them:

1. What about inspection stickers -- do you replace those as well?

2. Do you have a mobile service in place?

3. Can you bill my insurance company directly?

4. Do you use OEM?

5. How soon can I I drive my car right away?

6. Do you give a Lifetime Warranty?

7. Are you affordable?

8. Are there any Hidden Charges?

9. Are you Available 24/7?

10. Will windshield replacement affect my insurance rates?

11. How long will it take to replace my broken windshield?

12. Can you replace my windshield or auto glass when it is raining or snowing?

Repairing Automotive Paint Damage Caused by Bird Poop in 5 Minutes

Every time you take your car out of the garage it's exposed to potential paint damage hazards. Some of the most common issues are acid rain, insects, battery acid and road stones. There is another hazard that's particularly messy and harmful, and that's bird poop.

Bird poop is essentially an acid. It can have a pH level between 3.5 and 4.5. That means it will burn delicate surfaces unless it's removed relatively quickly. On car paint, in particular clear coat finishes, bird droppings burn the surface, causing a permanent etch mark.

It's not at all uncommon for a large dropping to cause paint damage that's 2 mils deep, or more. To understand what that means to your car's clear coat, good laser printer paper is about 2 mils thick. More importantly, a quality clear coat finish is typically 4 to 6 mils. That means a heavy-duty bird bomb won't leave a lot of clear coat in the area that needs to be repaired. The good news is that paint etching from hard water spots and bird droppings is an easy repair you can make at home. Most repairs like this take less than 5 minutes.

Fixing Bird Poop Paint Damage

The only way to repair the paint damage caused by a bird is to polish the affected area with a fine cut rubbing compound. The basic procedure is to use the compound to cut away the damage and re-polish the surface so it looks new again. This is exactly the step taken by professionals and the factory when they remove painting defects. Your only concern is over-polishing. Be careful that you don't over do it and polish all the way through the top coat.

The best car polish to use is one that's formulated for removing paint scratches or restoring oxidized paint. The product I highly recommend is Meguiar's Ultimate Compound. It's available in most auto parts stores, and it works great by hand or with an electric car polisher.

If the damage covers an area larger than about 1 square inch, a polishing compound alone might not do the trick. For larger areas of damage you can make the repair faster and easier by first removing the damaged paint with 2000 or 3000 grit wet sanding paper, then re-polish the area with the compound. This may sound severe, but it's not. It's a safe procedure used by paint and body shop professionals.

Preventing Bird Damage

Although it's difficult to avoid being splattered with bird waste, it's not at all difficult to prevent the damage. The sooner you remove the mess, the less likely it will be that your paint will be damaged. Conversely, the longer the mess remains on your vehicle's paint the more damage it will create.

If you live in an area where you are prone to getting pooped on, I highly recommend keeping a small bottle of car detailing spray and a microfiber cloth or two in your vehicle. It will come in handy for all kinds of spills and emergency cleanups. The Meguiar's Quik Detailer product is very inexpensive and easy to find. When you need to clean up a bird mess, simply give the bird droppings a few shots of the spray, allow it to soak for a moment or two, then wipe it away.

How The Auto Mechanic Completes A Transmission Replacement

The automatic cringing that comes along with hearing the words "transmission replacement" seem to be something that many people are familiar with. No one wants to be stuck with her car in the shop for days while the dollar signs just keep on racking up. However, if the car owner has a trusted auto mechanic, the job will be done quickly, accurately, and cost-efficiently. When changing out the transmission, there are several steps that the auto mechanic must follow in order to complete the job.

Due to the location of the system, the best access to it is gained from underneath. The vehicle must be jacked up securely to prevent any injuries or damage from occurring. The first task the mechanic will complete is loosening the many cables and lines-link, fluid, and vacuum-that are in the vicinity and removing the drive shaft which is positioned next to the transmission since the two parts work together.

Once a few other parts are moved, the transmission can be taken out, and the auto mechanic will then have access to the bell housing. Once the bell housing cover is removed, he or she will then be able to accurately decide if there is a part that could possibly be salvaged in order to help keep costs down for the vehicle owner. If not, the entire transmission will be discarded in the safe, appropriate, and most environmentally friendly way.

Afterwards, the new transmission can be slid into place. All nuts, bolts, and screws will be put back in order to secure it tightly under the vehicle. The other parts, cables, and lines will be reinstated in their previous places, and the transmission replacement process will almost be complete.

Once the new transmission is put into place, there are still a few more things that need to be done. The first is putting all new transmission fluid into the system. The transmission fluid is extremely important. It helps keep all of those brand new parts well lubricated so no metal on metal contact occurs. This could mean big problems for the new system if the fluid is not changed or begins to diminish. The lines and cables that work with the transmission will be checked to make sure there are no holes or obstructions in them that could cause overheating. And, lastly, the car will be taken for a test drive.

After the transmission replacement, the effects of the hard work put in by the auto mechanic should be extremely obvious. Any grinding noises that occurred from a lack of good fluid in the system should be gone. Any overheating that was happening because of problems with the cooler lines or the filter should have disappeared. And, any difficult shifting or problems with slipping gears should be history. Having this often necessary repair done to a car can help to make it feel like it's brand new again and leave the owner happy and satisfied that their car's longevity has increased exponentially.

A Classic Car Restoration Is A Long Process Of Find And Repair

During my last restoration job I done, the owner of the cat said to me, you just keep finding things to repair, this car wasn't that bad when it came to you. Most people seem to think that their car is in pretty good shape, when in most cases a car that is 30 years, or older usually has quite a bit of problem areas, and things that needs to be fixed.

Usually these cars have had a lot of miles put on them, and been driven in bad weather, snow with salted roads, rock chips that turn to rust, bad repair work that has compromised the integrity of the car's body and frame, a collision that has been repaired with short cuts to save money, and number of things can contribute to the demise of a 30+ year old car, just think of the things that you went through during the first 30 years of your life, you car has had at least the same if not more.

A restoration is all about locating all the problem areas of a car and fixing them, to bring the car back to factory, if not better specs, most people restore a car for nostalgia, for a memory of the past, and just want their car to be like they remember it as it was when they first got it, they want it restored to it's original glory, of course some people want to take it a step farther and do some custom work to their prize possession.

Before the customizing can begin, the restoration needs to be finished, there are a lot of things to consider when restoring your car, and all of them should be looked at, I'm going to provide you with a short list of the top things that need to be looked at when you decide to restore your car, rather you have a shop do the work, or you do it yourself doesn't matter.

1.First look at the overall condition of the car, or just a good eyeball scan, get some paper and a pen and write down the things that stand out, the things that are highly noticeable right from the start.

2.After you do your eyeball scan, it's time to go a bit deeper, if you noticed any rust spots, or dents of the car take note of the locations of these areas with pictures, if your ready to start the restoration of the car, you can circle the problem areas with a sharpie before you take the pictures.

3.Now that you have completed a basic inspection of the body of the car, it's time to look at the engine compartment, and your going to be looking for the same things here, of course with a few additions, look first at the overall condition of the engine compartment, look for rust, dents, and all the same things that you looked for during the inspection of the body on the car, also you'll need to look at the engine, do a basic inspection for leaks, fire up the car if possible, and listen for knocks, rattles, clanks, clicks, and any sound other then the sound of a smooth running engine, be sure to note these noises on your note pad, or make a recording of the sounds that you hear, now we'll talk about the wiring in the engine compartment, here you want to look for wires that are just hanging, and not hooked to anything, you want to look for added wires, and redneck wiring jobs, look for things that don't belong, missing insulation, wires pulled for the harness, or just general wear on the harness, document this with pictures, and take notes on the problems.

4.More on the engine compartment, you'll need to look at the engine mounts to see if their broken, or damaged in any way, also look for redneck work here to, like mounts that have been welded to repair them, instead of replacing them, look for quick and dirty work, look for things that just don't belong, inspect the rubber in the engine mounts to make sure that it's not rotted out.

5.Look at the carburetor, check it for leaks and proper operation, if it's a four barrel make sure that when the throttle is all the way opened that the two back barrels are opening, make sure that the butterfly doesn't stick, check the carburetor for general cleanliness, and take a picture of it to document the problems with it, so you know what needs to be done.

6. Look at the radiator support, check it for rust, dents, and holes that don't belong, document what you find.

This is just a short list a a few things that you need to look at, I could not in an entire day write the whole list of things that you need to inspect, but you get the idea here, the job is not a small one, and if your planning to restore a car, make sure that you learn all you can about that particular car, it'll make that work a lot more enjoyable and fun.

What Is Auto Body Repair?

When it comes to auto body repair in Seattle many of us don't know what to expect or where to get it. We see commercials on TV and online offering various services but it is important to understand all that is involved when it comes to body work on your car or truck. Auto body repair is what happens when a vehicle is repaired and restored to its original condition. There are several facets to auto body repair including painting, mending frames, and the basic understanding of a vehicle's electronic, electrical, and mechanical systems.

Those who work in auto body use many processes and have to be trained in many areas such as welding, automotive body construction, painting and refinishing, and cost estimating, just to name a few. With all of this required knowledge those who work in auto body repair are skilled to perform the services they are offering. Because they deal with vehicles in many different conditions they have to learn what it entails to repair cars involved in a minor accident and those involved in a major accident.

Some of the problems that shops working in auto body repair in Seattle may face when working on vehicles in accidents are corrosion damage and the realigning and repair of the upper body and under frame structures. This entails knowing how to measure and then handle any sheet metal work necessary. They need to be skilled with all of the materials and tools that are necessary to complete the job and they need to be knowledgeable about how and when to use them. With so much equipment in a shop it is imperative that they know how to use it properly in order to keep them safe. It is also important that they are aware of the latest techniques available to them to improve the work they are doing.

It is becoming more and more popular to work in the field of body repair. There are several schools that offer programs that will teach the skills necessary for anyone to be successful at the job. There are even courses offered online that cover the basics of auto body repair and safety procedures. All students eventually work hands on performing various tasks including MIG welding, working with plastics and adhesives, and refinishing vehicles.

Once you have a basic understanding of what auto body work is then it is easy to see why it is so important. Although you may never be in an accident chances are you will still need the services of someone who provides auto body repair in Seattle eventually. Armed with the knowledge of what these professionals do you can be assured that your vehicle will be well taken care of.

Getting Factory Repair Manuals on CD-ROM

Realizing that a majority of people are turning to factory repair manual to cut down on costs of repair, more creative ways of ensuring that this information is accessed are being created on a daily basis. CD-ROM is one such method which is been employed currently. For instance, factory original shop manuals are available in the 3.0 version and inclusive in the factory repair manual program. One will find a list of the items that are officially licensed, information on how to repair antique and classic cars that fall in the years between 1909 and 1980 and they are all in a format that is easily compatible with all PC, and MAC formats.

In CD-ROM formats, it is also possible to find factory manual on where one can find classic repair parts that were are deemed extinct and get your old car running. The directories and books available in these CD formatted factory repair manual are guaranteed to be effective and include, body parts, engine parts and interior repair parts. This search is further simplified by a categorized list of all the dealers' names, brokers and the salvage yards that one can buy the products.

Factory manual on CD-ROM also include a step-by-step practical guide on how to go about with the repair procedure. For instance, if the manual you are looking for is about cars, then you have to buy a CD that has all the relevant information about that specific. This is a much more simplified version compared to having to read through all the information and it is especially handy for people who are new in the repair industry and do not have a clue on how to go about it. Factory repair manual on CD-ROM is not only innovative but it has changed the whole perspective about repair jobs and made it a triple easy for people to save and cut down on repair costs.

Things to Consider When Choosing an Auto Mechanic

There are many things to consider whenever choosing an auto mechanic, and unfortunately, you do not normally consider them until you are in dire need of a repair shop. It is always best to have time on your side when choosing services, though it is not always possible. Here are a few tips for finding a decent auto mechanic who is honest, reliable, and affordable, with quality service.

Referrals: Ask friends, family and coworkers where they go when they have car trouble. Referrals hold a lot of weight across the board, and if there was something wrong with the service, you are sure to hear about it from a friend or family member. Take their advice, but do so with a grain of salt, some people are difficult or extremely easy to please. Their referrals can pose as a jump off point for your search.

Dealerships: Many people are tempted to head right to the dealership's auto body shop, but that is generally the least affordable option. While these shops have mechanics trained in your specific type of car, the materials they use are more expensive, and they generally charge more for labor per hour.

Chains: The good thing about chains is that you will generally get a guarantee for your services. If they mess anything up, or fail to fix something properly, there is a chain of command to follow to ensure that you get compensated.

Independently Owned Shops: While it is harder to be certain that you will receive quality service from a smaller mechanic, they are generally much, much more affordable than your other options. This is where referrals truly come into play. If you get a referral to a small, independent auto shop, you are likely to get quality service at an affordable price.

There are a few other things to pay attention to when considering mechanics. You want someone that speaks to you in layman's terms, not someone who condescendingly throws jargon out to confuse you. A trustworthy mechanic wants you to understand what he or she will be doing to your car, rather than pulling the wool over your eyes to charge you extra.

Car Body Repair Work for a Vehicle That Rivals New

The scent of autumn is in the air, heralding a fresh back-to-school start that evokes yearnings for new clothes, new shoes and even new wheels. If the still battered economy has barred you from transforming that hungering desire for a new vehicle into a reality, a car body repair company can help you achieve the next best thing: a next-to-new automobile that you're proud to drive. As the Fallbrook / Bonsall Village News recently reported, that fantasy isn't as difficult to achieve as you might think. In fact, you can "get your car looking new with auto body repairs."

By engaging the services of a reputable auto body repair shop, you can affordably obtain that new car look and feel you're craving this fall. Even the repair or removal of the slightest dent or scratch can have you feeling like a brand new person behind the wheel. And if you've recently been involved in an accident, there's no need to let the lingering visual proof of that unfortunate incident serve as a constant reminder.

Before you start thinking that a car body repair specialist is going to cost you a lot of money or have your vehicle out of commission for days on end, rest assured that's not the case. As the Village News report pointed out, "A lot of breakthroughs have been happening in the auto body collision repair field" that can save you both time and money when it comes to car repair and reconditioning. Just one of the most popular of these new developments is paint-less dent repair. The newspaper explained the process in this way: "This quick technique involves removing all the minor dents without having to repaint the damaged portion."

Once you're ready to bite the bullet and get that aggravating dent or chip repaired, where should you turn? The Village News recommends, "It is important to find a collision repair facility with well qualified and trained technicians who can repair the vehicle and restore it to its original shape and make it look new once again."

Only a handful of car repair shops possess the I-Car GOLD Class certification, the highest in the industry. If your auto body technicians are equipped with this seal of approval, you can rest assured that your precious vehicle is in good hands. An international not-for-profit organization, I-Car exists exclusively to raise the quality, safety and efficiency of car body repair for the ultimate benefit of the consumer-YOU!

Aside from certification, inquire into the auto body shop's working style. A thorough step-by-step car repair process that encompasses estimation all the way through to out-the-door satisfaction clues you in to the professionalism of the service. Make sure your wheels will be handled by ASE certified technicians, and ask about the company's post-repair quality assurance track record. You'll want a car repair shop that implements complete teamwork to oversee each and every step from start to finish. Only in that way can you ensure that your repaired vehicle will be returned to you in the pre-accident condition you're seeking.

When to Visit A Transmission Repair Shop - Common Signs Of Problems

A transmission repair shop specializes in this particular area of the vehicle. Visiting this location means you can get repairs necessary to keep your vehicle running. You may need small repairs, flushing, rebuilding or even replacement of your current system. These technicians will tell you what you likely need to have done and why. Yet, how do you know to go there instead of another mechanic? How can you be sure the tranny is really the problem?

Key Symptoms of a Problem

To know you need to visit the transmission repair shop, simply consider the function of your car. The person or people who drive it most often should consider any changes that have developed. Most commonly, your engine light will come on to warn you of a problem. In other cases, you will notice strange noises occurring. When driving the car, do you notice any shifting that seems rough or even hard? Do you have trouble putting the car in reverse or into gear to drive? These are common indications that there may be a problem.

Consider the following typical symptoms of a transmission problem. If you notice these, report them to your mechanic right away.

- There is a liquid leaking from the engine area.

- You may feel a power struggle occur in which the engine seems to be going faster than the car.

- You may notice a knocking noise occurring.

- In some cases, there is grinding or the sound of grating occurring.

- Your gas mileage may be higher than it used to be.

- You may feel the car is struggling to shift from one gear to the next as your accelerate.

- In some cases, the vehicle will not move.

If you notice any of these problems, do not put off getting service to the vehicle. The longer the vehicle operates with the engine in this condition, the more profound the damage could become and the more expensive repairs will be for you. Ultimately, the only way to know for sure what is occurring is to visit an experienced technician who can inspect the vehicle and offer help. The technician should perform a visual inspection and even drive it to better understand the problem.

Visiting a transmission repair shop when you notice any of these problems and concerns is a must. Do not put off getting the help you need as it could further damage the vehicle's engine. In many cases, repairs can help to get the system back up and running properly. In other cases, you may need to replace or rebuild the current system. Let the experts guide you on what is the right decision for your system.

Auto Repair Saves Brakes And Saves Lives

When something begins malfunctioning in a car, the last thing anyone wants is for it to be related to the brakes. These devices in a car provide us with a safety net that is integral to keeping everyone in the vehicle safe, so we want them to work as efficiently as possible. In auto repair, malfunctioning brakes are one of the most common complaints that are received, because no one wants to take a chance and drive a vehicle that could have trouble stopping. During a checkup, a licensed auto mechanic will check the most vital components of the brakes to ensure everything is in optimal condition.

The first thing that will be checked during an inspection is the brake fluid. The fluid helps to transfer the force and weight of the brake pedal being pressed on the wheel hub. The fluid also acts as a lubricant that provides for smooth movements between the other components of the brake system. Brake fluid can dissipate if a car is running hot, because this causes the fluid to vaporize. Adding or changing brake fluid is one of the easiest and least expensive problems with the brakes to fix. Ensuring that the brake fluid is at an adequate level and of an adequate quality can help protect the other components of the brakes from possible damage.

Also, an easy fix is changing the brake pads. Brake pads help to provide friction in the brakes whenever the brake pedal is pressed. This friction is what helps to stop the movement of the tires. Brake pads wear away for a number of reasons, the most common one being excessive use of the brakes (due to stop and go traffic or quick, sharp stopping). The most obvious sign of needing to have the pads replaced is a squeaking sound or grinding sound coming from the brakes. During this repair process, the sensors that gauge the thickness of the brake pads will be inspected as well.

After visiting an auto repair shop to have the brakes inspected, the third component they will check is the brake line. The brake line is what moves the fluid through the braking system, and the fluid helps the car to stop. Essentially, if the line is damaged or broken to where fluid cannot travel through it, the vehicle will not stop whenever the brakes are applied, which isn't good for the car or the driver.

When going from one place to another, most people are preoccupied with what is going on in their lives or whether they are going to make it to Point B on time. They usually do not spend time thinking about the last time they had their brakes inspected. However, the many technicians that specialize in auto repair are all too familiar with what can happen when brakes fail, and it usually is not anything enjoyable. It is important to pay attention to this key automotive system and have an inspection performed if anything is suspected to be malfunctioning; it could save a life.

Planning on Using a Hitch Cargo Carrier? Read This First!

Planning to go on vacation? If your car is not big enough to handle all your baggage, then a hitch cargo carrier will answer your problems. Vacation-goers will find that cargo carriers are an important car accessory.

There are two main types of carriers: a hitch carrier is towed behind your car, and a rooftop version is strapped to the car's roof rack. Whatever kind, these cargo holders can increase the carrying capacity of your vehicle by as much as three times.

Hitch cargo carriers (sometimes called a hitch cargo basket or hitch mounted carrier) are towed using receiver hitches, square-shaped holes about 2 inches in diameter and are located under the back bumper. People who own vehicles without receiver hitches have the option of having them installed in an auto body shop, but this process requires a lot of time and money.

A hitch cargo basket or carrier has these advantages over its rooftop counterpart.

• They will not create wind resistance which would interfere with vehicle's aerodynamics and the amount of gasoline it would consume during the drive, as well as vehicle handling.


• Places with low head clearance areas, such as parking garages and fast-food restaurants, pose problems for vehicles with rooftop cargo carriers.


• Vehicles with limited rooftop space, like trucks and pickups, often use them. People who own SUVs find it hard to look for roof racks to fit their vehicle.


• Rooftop cargo holders are hard to load and unload, and can blow open or come apart during the drive.

However, there are a few things you need to remember if you purchase a hitch basket or carrier.

• Because they ultimately add to the vehicle's length by 2 to 3 feet, people usually get into accidents when parking or backing out.


• This type of hitch carrier, especially the large box types, can consume a lot of storage space.


• Using hitch carriers usually need adjustments to the rear vehicle lights and to the license plates.

Here are some things to consider when choosing the type of cargo basket or carrier to suit your needs.

• Are there other people who will help in lifting and loading heavy cargo like bags or tents? If you are limited in terms of this, a hitch cargo carrier, since it is closer ton the ground, is a better choice than a rooftop model.


• Is your garage high enough to allow a lot of baggage on the car roof? If you often go to places with low head clearances, rooftop carriers are a no-no.

Transmission Repair Is Important for Your Vehicle

Transmission repair is essential for your vehicle if you notice that it is having trouble. There are several types of repairs that might need to be done. A shop that specializes in these types of repairs can diagnose the problem and fix it. This is one of the most important components of your vehicle. If it is not working, it needs to be fixed. If the shop cannot fix it, they might need to re-build it or replace it.

You may begin to notice when your transmission is experiencing problems. These components can have problems in vehicles with standard transmission systems or automatic ones. One of the first signs you may notice is that the "check engine" light comes on. Some vehicles have an additional light that will come on when this particular component needs repairs. Another thing you will notice is that your vehicle is hesitating or having trouble going forward. It may eventually move forward, but there will be hesitation or lagging. You may also notice that the vehicle is shifting is very roughly or is not shifting.

Sometimes a transmission repair shop only needs to refill the fluid in the car. If the fluid is low, the system will not operate properly. If you think your system is leaking, look under your car for a reddish-colored liquid. If you think the fluid is low, you can add some to the reservoir. If this happens, you should always bring your car in to a shop that offers this type of repair because if the fluid is leaking, there might be a problem. Transmission problems can lead to other problems. One of these is bad gas mileage. Gas is very expensive, and if your car is causing your gas mileage to be worse, you should have the car serviced.

There are also many types of other minor problems that can occur. Many of these problems can be fixed without removing the actual transmission of the car. Sometimes the parts just need to be cleaned or some of them need to be replaced. This component of your car is made up of many other components. If any of these are bad or dirty, problems can happen. If the problem that is occurring cannot be fixed with the part left in the car, the repair shop may have to remove it. If this is necessary, the costs for repairs will be much higher. The shop may have to re-build this part, or the worst-case scenario is that you will need a new one.

A transmission repair shop will perform several tests to your vehicle if you are experiencing problems. These tests are designed to tell the mechanics what exactly is wrong with the vehicle. After the tests are performed, the shop will generally notify the car owner of the details. At this time, the shop will also offer a quote for repairs. If you are having troubles, do not wait. Make sure you bring your vehicle in as soon as the problems begin.

5 Must-Have Items for Car Dealership Service Departments

It takes a highly specialized inventory of supplies to keep automotive dealerships up and running at peak performance. In addition to maintaining an efficient sales floor, most car dealerships also maintain a full service facility, essentially running two separate businesses under one roof. Dealership service facilities require their own separate set of supplies to keep them well-organized and operating smoothly.

There are many forms, tags and auto body supplies auto dealership service departments depend on to keep business running. The following five car dealership service department supplies tend to be the most essential for dealerships in terms of both providing excellent customer service and maintaining an organized shop.

Dispatch Hang Tags

Service dispatch hang tags are simply numbers printed on sturdy tags used to keep track of repair orders and customer vehicles. Most dispatch hang tags have two smaller matching sets of printed numbers at the bottom along perforated edges; these can be torn out and placed on car key tags and used as customer dispatch tags. Depending on how the dealership's service department is organized, the dealership may choose to use colored dispatch tags or plain tags.

Plastic Seat Covers

For many auto dealerships, using plastic seat covers to protect customers' car interiors is a no-brainer. A small, simple step, placing inexpensive plastic film seat covers over car interiors before beginning work shows customers that their vehicles are well cared for - and that their business is valued. Most seat covers are single or double ply sheeted plastic which come in rolls.

Static Cling Write-In Oil Change Reminder Labels

In terms of customer retention, few items are more important for car dealership service departments and stand-alone auto service facilities than service reminder stickers. Placed in the windshield of the customer's vehicle after service has been completed, static cling service reminder stickers remind drivers of when their vehicle is due for its next oil change, routine maintenance inspection and so forth. Most service facilities choose to use customized reminder labels complete with their facility's name and contact information, reminding drivers of where their vehicle was last serviced and - hopefully - what an excellent experience they had having their vehicle serviced there.

Paper Floor Mats

Another body shop item used to protect car interiors as the vehicles are serviced, paper floor mats are not only a great opportunity to show excellent customer service, but also to increase customer retention and brand awareness. Standard paper floor mats display messages such as "Thank you for your business!", but service facilities can easily purchase customized paper floor mats displaying their business name, contact info and even a custom message. These mats remind customers that their vehicle is in good hands - and they further impress the service facility's brand name into customer awareness.

Night Drop/Early Bird Envelopes

Vehicles don't only break down during business hours - which is why having a good night drop system in place is key for any auto service facility. Using night drop envelopes (also known as early bird envelopes), customers can drop their vehicles off at a service facility during any time of the night or day, even on weekends and holidays, and know their vehicle will be serviced as soon as possible. Night drop/early bird envelopes provide critical information which protects the service facility or dealership from potential libel; this information includes labor rate disclosure and areas for the customer to indicate what services he/she wants to be performed (or not). Different states have different requirements about what information must be included on these forms.

Car Upholstery Repair Tips

If the interior of your car is not looking like it's seen better days it may be time for some car upholstery repair. Whether it's a stain in your seat from a spilled drink or a foul odor from one of your pets, there are some simple and easy steps to get the inside of your car looking and smelling new again.

The first step is determining what type of material your car's upholstery is. In most cases it will either be: cloth, leather, vinyl, or velour. Each material has its benefits and drawbacks. For example, it's easier to clean up a soda spill on leather or vinyl, but fixing a puncture is easier with cloth or velour upholstery.

The next step is addressing the type of problem you are trying to fix. Some of the more common repairs include: mud stains, spills, cigarette burns, holes, pet stains, etc. And, make sure before you get started to remove all trash in the vehicle and vacuum it out.

Always try to clean up spills as soon as you can. The sooner you get to treating them, the less there is that the stain will be there for good. Use a cotton rag or paper towels to dab at the spill and try to get up as much as possible. Then take a towel, damp with warm water, and dab at the area some more. If that doesn't remove it, purchase some upholstery cleaner at your local hardware store.

To treat holes and punctures, it's best to either purchase a kit or have it repaired by a professional. Holes in the upholstery aren't as easy to fix and there is also a good chance you could do even more damage if you don't know what you are doing.

Costs Associated With Paintless Dent Repair Startup

Paintless dent repair (PDR) is a relatively cost effective business to start.   Your most expensive investment at the beginning will be the tools and training.  I will show you later in this article how to save thousands of dollars in tool costs at the beginning of your career. 

ON A SIDE NOTE:  Research the snot out of training schools before you go anywhere to train, as this will be one of the largest upfront costs and if you end up going to the wrong school, you will have flushed however much you spent down the drain.

TRAINING:

Travel to and from school of choice.                  $250.00- $750.00

Lost income during training.                                 Varies

Lodging and expenses during training.             $250.00-$750.00

Cost of training.                                               $950.00-$10,000.00

Cost of tools.                                                   $750.00-$2,500.00

Business Registration.                                        $100.00  

Marketing materials.                                          $100.00-$300.00

As you can see the cost for starting a PDR business ranges from $2,500.00 up to $15,000.00.  Not bad at $2,500.00.  I can show you how to cut that cost even lower.

PDR SCHOOLS AND TOOLS  

Most schools want to sell you on whatever they believe will sell you into their training session.  ie:  We have the best tools, you need two weeks hands on training, the instructor is everything, etc etc.  So they will get you to believe that it is what THEY have to offer that will make you a good PDR tech.  NOT TRUE!   You will be a good PDR tech based on several variables, but the most important is you.  So if your deadset on training, because you believe you can learn PDR, you must choose your school based on what you can afford.  I personally had less than 12 hours of over the shoulder instruction.  But I was committed to becoming great at PDR, and did so. 

The key to saving money here is find a PDR tech in your area, ask him/her if you can shadow them for a week.  Tell them you will pay them $500.00 each week you are with them.  Then ask them a ton of questions as you are out and about with them.  Ask them about their training, how they learned, what techniques taught them the quickest. Learn that way first.

The key to saving money on tools is this:  DON'T BUY THEM!  You need to be sure that after you train you can genuinely see you have what it takes to learn PDR.  You need a PDR light, 2-3 tools and a tapdown.  That's it.  Practice the thing the PDR tech showed you and you will see within a week whether or not you should follow through with PDR training.

If you go to a school, tell them you do not want to purchase a toolset until you have completed training.  Why spend that money until you can see your improvement.  Then buy the beginners set.  As you progress in PDR skill, buy additional tools.

If you follow the instructions posted here you could save yourself 15,000 dollars!  Do it.  Save money. 

Auto Electrical Repairs - Handy Tips

The term of auto electrical repairs refers to the whole range of restorative and maintenance procedures carried out on a vehicle's electrical system. This is the system that is responsible for among other things, the car's lighting system, the car's automatic starting, the car's audio systems and so much more.

As long as the specific parts or systems causing problems can be easily identified, such electrical repairs tend to be quite easy. The real headache however occurs when the faulty parts or systems can't be easily identified; so that the whole process has to be carried out by 'trial and error.'

Sometimes, what people bother so much about turn out to be problems whose solutions are extremely obvious. This conversely means that checks for electrical problems in cars should start at the most obvious locations; the battery being a good example. Sometimes, a case of a car failing to 'start' or something of that sort could be simply as a result of an electrical contact breakdown at the battery. Here all that is required in the name of auto electrical repairs is something as simple as filing the terminals that connect the car to its battery.

Of course, in modern cars, there are battery charge indicators (in the same panel as the speedometer, fuel gauge and temperature gauge). Using these indicators, you can be able to know when your battery is developing problems, like when it is losing charge too quick, even without opening your car's bonnet. Naturally, these indicators only work for as long as the battery is at least 'basically functioning;' for it is the very same battery that powers them.

The commonest cause for electrical faults in cars is the 'short circuit' which typically is caused by the so-called 'clashes' in the wiring system. Unless you are professionally qualified in the field of auto vehicle wiring (or mechantronics), you are advised against attempting to carry out auto electrical repairs on faults emanating from 'short circuits.' Getting things wrong here could, in the worst case scenario, see your car up in fire!

There are also electrical faults in cars that are caused by gadgets in the cars, for instance audio and video systems, which consume too much power. As mentioned earlier, in as much as the exact trouble spot can be identified, repair of electrical faults in cars becomes a 'walk in the park.'

The cost of repairing electrical faults in cars varies considerably; from just a few bucks to what can turn out to be quite a fortune. It helps to ensure that these faults are rectified by the right people, and the regular mechanics may not be the ideal people here; unless they also have certifications and experience in automobile wiring.

In case you don't know who take your car to for auto electrical repairs, you can ask for references from fellow motorists; ideally friends and relatives who are unlikely to mislead you in this (potentially sensitive) matter. As long as they have faced such situations before, they are likely to guide you on which service providers to visit; or at least which service providers to avoid.

Increase Car Counts and Get Your Auto Repair Advertising Seen Over 97% of the Time! Here's How

Mobile or Text Message Marketing provides you, the auto repair shop owner (or just about any other business owner) the unprecedented opportunity to connect with your customers and prospects on a personal level and in real time. You can actually have your messages, ads and offers seen over 97% of the time.

That's because you're putting your message right in the palm of their hand - on their phone! Users have to opt in to receive your messages. That's telling you that they have an interest in what you're doing and want to receive your offers.

Why does text message marketing work so well? It works because you're meeting your customer and prospect where THEY are and they are mobile. Just look at some of the facts:

1) Right now, there are over 275 million mobile phones in the United States alone

2) Over 90% of text messages get read within 15 minutes of being received

3) Over 97% of messages get seen or read.

At no other time in our history has a technology has become so widely accepted and used by so many people in such an incredibly short period of time. There are billions of text messages sent every day. In fact, some consider text messaging their primary source of communications. So why wouldn't you market your auto repair shop to your prospects where they are. They're on their phones because they're mobile.

Although the general public has really only been text messaging for a few short years, texting has become a part of most people's every day lives.

When you can put your auto repair shop messages on their phone in a form of a message, you know you're getting seen. Statistics and surveys show that over 90% of them get read within 15 minutes of being received. Overall, over 97% get read. How does that compare with that ad or flyer you just put out to market your auto repair shop?

Besides, if you still are not convinced that people take their mobile phone seriously, it's been shown that (on average) It takes 26 hours for the average person to report a lost wallet while it only takes 68 minutes to report a lost phone. (Source Unisys)

If you're still wondering if text message marketing is for your auto repair shop, consider this. Mobile coupons and promotions get 10 times the redemption rate of traditional printed coupons. Now that's sweet!

Common Signs You Need Brake Repair Soon

It is easy to forget about handling a car's brake repair. The maintenance appointments, like oil changes, happen frequently enough and you may have a reminder sticker on your windshield so that you don't go over. However the braking system is a little different. While the manufacturer can suggest part replacements at different intervals, driving style varies from person to person so there are no concrete numbers to depend on. Instead, look for signs that it is time you made an appointment to have your braking system looked at.

Grinding or Screeching Noise

If you don't notice the grinding or screeching noise that occurs when you come to a stop, there is a good chance that those around you are picking up on it. This is one of the most obvious signs that you may need brake repair. There are times when certain pads will cause more noise so it is not a guarantee that your vehicle needs service. However when it comes to the safety of you and your family, it make sense to go through with an inspection just to be sure.

Pulling to One Side or Pedal Pulsates

When you attempt to come to a stop, have you noticed that your car tends to pull to one side or the other? If so, it could mean that something is wrong. Most of the time, it means that one of the pads is wearing down more excessively than some of the others. This is never good and means that you are looking at some part replacements. Brake repair is not the only possible solution. Your vehicle may also be out of alignment or your tires could be wearing unevenly. When you put your foot down to get your vehicle to stop, if you notice that the pedal pulsates there is a good chance that you have a problem.

Takes Too Long to Stop

One of the scariest signs that you need brake repair is having your vehicle take a long time to come to a stop. If you notice that you need to press down on the pedal harder than normal or you notice that the car's response time is unacceptable, call and request and inspection of the braking system. Most service shops will be able to take a look and let you know right away what is wrong. In fact, many offer free inspections so you are not out any money, but you can still learn if there is a problem.

Warning Light

Some vehicles make it easy for drivers to realize there is a problem. If a warning light comes on that involves your braking system, you instantly know that there is an issue that needs to be addressed by a certified technician. Take it in for brake repair right away.

Car Repair Prices: The Acceleration of Car Repair Scams

The phenomenon of price-gouging has a fascinating history. In the 1970's most service customers had at least a rudimentary understanding of automobile repairs, and thus there wasn't as much for a service center to hide behind.

In the 80's, with the increase of advanced emission controls and enhanced electronics, confusion set in. The rapid pace of technology kept everyone--technicians and customers alike, bewildered and guessing.

As the 90's came to a close, cars were full-blown computers on wheels. In addition to complex mechanics and electronics, the industry now encompassed advanced computer technology. Suddenly, sophisticated technical information and a solid understanding of the interactive theory between mechanics, electronics, and computers was critical to fixing cars.

The industry was not ready for this. It's still not.

With all the technical confusion from the 80's and 90's, price-gouging took a firm hold. Mechanics could easily hide behind complex terminology, and wax nostalgic with the client: "They just don't make em' like they used to." Suddenly your car needed $300, $400, $1400 computer sensors and gadgets.

What was really happening is that your mechanic was learning--he was practicing on your car! Costly computer devices were often replaced unnecessarily due to misdiagnoses. Or, they were damaged by improper diagnostic techniques and obsolete testing equipment. Even though you didn't need these parts when you dropped your vehicle off, you did by the time you left, AND you paid for them. This still happens today--every day.

Why $2,000?

With the Y2K scare of 2000, the reliance on computer technology was clear. Cars were no exception. Automobiles were no longer computers on wheels; they were now a "network of computers" on wheels. Today's cars think and adapt to the environment. Highly advanced fiber optic and infra-red technology is commonly used. Ultra low emissions and flexible fuel systems are increasing faster than gas prices. Hybrids are common! It is in this advanced environment of integrated computer technology that you will be price-gouged today.

It will leave you asking: "Y $2000 K?"

Know About Auto Glass Replacement And Maintenance

Most auto glass companies serve the vehicle owners for all kinds of problems ranging from small chips to major cracks. The auto glass business is quite competitive that have led to the emergence of various service providers handling a number of complex glass related issues of all types of vehicles.

Let's know more about the auto glass replacements and maintenance through this article. Go through these points:

Upkeep & replacements
Different kinds of issues with any part of vehicle demands certain system of motion. In terms of windshield, some revolutionary improvements can be identified and this is something that has made certain restore activities effortless. But, with the application of high tech tools and high intensity resin epoxy, any kind of chip or crack can be fixed in less time. It is an easy and quick way of restoring the auto glass back to its original shape and strength.

The auto glass fix specialists inject the epoxy in the affected area and is left to dry. When the epoxy bond dries up, a kind of apparent glow can be seen and it will become quite hard for one to detect where the crack had been. Therefore, it is an easy and quick way of repairing the cracks in the windshield.

As far as windshield substitution is concerned, it actually takes 24 or more hours. Unique adhesives are used in this regard and the drying time is dependent on the model and types of automobiles.

Upkeep solutions
A high speed, small pebbles and even temperature fluctuation result in cracks in the windshield. Moreover, the experts are known to keep a sequence of checks to examine the crack properly and find an appropriate solution. Considering checks help the experts to serve the clients with full satisfaction in terms of occupant penetration, roof crush resistance, windshield mounting, crash security and much more.

Extreme temperatures can lead to little cracks or chips that can speedily distribute throughout the portion of glass especially the windshield. In some conditions, a chip can turns into more significant. Here, the substitution becomes a need more than a choice as it is all about preserving basic security specifications as well as structural integrity of the car. Adding to it, car glass routine maintenance projects that incorporate repair and replacements can help one to remain protected on all types of streets.

The fact is that a safe car is one that comes featured with quality visibility, not just for the drivers but also for the passengers traveling on the road. Hence, one is required to always keep in mind that any sort of minor glass-related issue should be kept from getting bigger.

About Paintless Dent Repair

Paintless dent removing is increasingly becoming popular day by day as it is not only a time saving technique, but is also cost effective and efficient. These techniques are the best solution for minor dents and actually result in your car looking brand new. Even a trained eye will not be able to detect where the dented area was.

One of the most common reasons why PDR is used is to repair hail damage, minor body creases, door dings and minor bumper indentions. This technique can also be used to help prepare the damaged panel for paint repair. In such cases it is referred to as push-to-paint or push-for-paint. One of the limiting factors that ails PDR is that it cannot be used for paint repair and the amount of metal that can be stretched by the incurred damage. And so many times sharp dents and creases may not be repairable at least not without a paint job.

In the recent years there has been a conscious effort to bring a standard to this trade and even The National Alliance of Paintless Dent Repair Technicians (NAPDRT) was formed in 2006. The mission of this organization is to educate consumers and to enhance the industry standards through third party certification and mutual accountability. To date however there is no industry wide certification process in the field of Paintless Dent Repairs.

Methods of Repair:
One of the most common methods of paintless dent repair is to utilise body picks and metal rods to push the dent out from the inner side of the panel that is being repaired. Also glue might be used from the exterior of the panel in order to pull the dents out. In either of the cases fine tuning of these repairs requires "tapping" down the repair in order to remove the small high spots so as to make the surface flat. PDR may use both steel and aluminum panels.

Fluorescent lighting or in some cases even light reflection boards are used to see the shadows that are created by the deformation of the dent. This is an extremely important aspect of the repair process as without the paintless dent repair light or the reflector board the fine detail of the process is unseen and the technician then cannot choose their tool specifically and repair the damage effectively.

The process of paintless dent repair needs the technician to specifically push the metal in the exact location to a precise height which can be seen or witnessed with a PDR reading instrument such as the PDR reflector board or the PDR light.

This trade needs some special PDR training which can be availed at a number of schools Australia wide. But if you are interested in the best then head down to Dents R Us. For more info please visit http://www.dentsrus.com.au.

How to Heat an Auto Body Shop

What makes auto body shops so difficult to heat during the cold season? To shop owners, the answer is obvious. Auto body shops are characteristically dusty, breezy, high heat-loss environments. To make the indoor air more breathable and safe for workers, fresh air must be introduced through use of exhaust fans and/or raising overhead doors to help dissipate and eliminate contaminants. The problem is, as contaminants are pulled out, so is the heated air. Seemingly a "no win" scenario right?

So what's the most effective and efficient way to heat body shops?

Answer: Infrared radiant tube heaters.

Why Infrared?

To help answer that question, let's review what "infrared" is and how it works.

Infrared (IR) is electromagnetic wave energy that travels at the speed of light until it strikes an object. Upon striking an object, the IR energy converts to heat and is either reflected or absorbed. Dark and opaque objects (i.e. asphalt, concrete, etc.) readily absorb radiant IR heat energy, whereas highly reflective objects such as chrome and polished aluminum are poor absorbers and tend to reflect that energy away.

The most familiar IR emitter (heater) is our own sun. The sun radiates its IR energy through our atmosphere to the earth's surface, uninhibited by wind. As the earth's surface absorbs that energy, our air becomes warm.

During our North American winters the sun's rays are less dense due to the angle of the sun in the sky and our air temperatures are much cooler. But by summer solstice the sun's rays are at their peak angle and absorption is at its highest, resulting in warmer air temperatures.

Why use infrared tube heaters for your body shop?

1) Ceiling suspended infrared tube heaters mimic the warmth of the sun by warming up tools, machinery, floors and people directly, thereby warming the air indirectly.

2) Unlike forced air heaters, infrared tube heaters do not blow air throughout the space. That's a big plus in body shops where dust in painting areas is a problem.

3) Quicker heat recovery. As infrared energy absorbs into floors, tools, vehicles, etc., heat is recovered much more quickly when overhead doors are opened and closed again or when exhaust fans are cycled on and off periodically. That's because surfaces in the direct path of the infrared rays become a "heat sink". In other words, stored heat in objects re-radiates to warm the surrounding air.

4) Energy efficiency - an infrared tube heating system can save as much as 50% or more in fuel savings compared to conventional forced air. This is especially true in body shops where air exchanges are very high.

5) Infrared heaters can increase production. A carefully designed infrared tube heating system can be used to decrease drying times and enhance paint job quality. Placing vehicles in the path of infrared radiation warms cold metal surfaces. Paint applied to warm metal surfaces is less likely to run or drip than when applied to cold surfaces. And because infrared heaters don't move air around, there is less opportunity for dust particles to mix with newly applied paint.

We should note that gas infrared tube heaters are NOT to be used inside paint booths or paint mixing rooms. Tube heater emitters can reach 900 to 1100 Degrees F, well above the flash point of solvent-based primers and sprays. Spraying should be contained in a designated paint room with a filter bank and exhaust system to carry away potentially explosive fumes. Once spraying is done and the booth is ventilated with fresh air, vehicles and components can then be moved out of the spray booth to an isolated drying area where the infrared heaters are located.

Are some infrared tube heaters better than others for heating body shops?

Yes indeed.

That's where you need to do a bit of homework. A thorough review of the various infrared tube heater manufacturers can turn up some surprising differences between brands and product offerings. In your search, ask about burner design (are controls isolated from the air stream? They should be.), emitter tubing (heat-treated aluminized or cheaper hot-rolled steel?), reflector efficiency (50% efficient or 100%), and warranty (10 years is better than 5 years).