Repair Car Scratches - An Easy Way to Do It

Knowing how to repair car scratches is very important, because a lot of people, especially men, are particularly fond of their cars. What they love about them is their performance, the specific model they own, the special features, and their favorite aspect, their car's appearance. For car lovers, having a car that turns heads, is often their priority. You will want to know how to fix car scratches, or know what can effectively repair scratches for you. If you are able to repair a car scratch, you will be well prepared to deal with instances where your car's paint is damaged, as often occurs.

When you have a car scratch, it is essential that the repair be completed in a timely manner. When your car is scratched, you may learn of the damage immediately, or several days following the incident. It is important that you take care of this damage as soon as you realize it is there. Once you have located the car scratch, you should then ascertain the seriousness of the scratch. This diagnosis does not require any professional equipment or tools. You can determine the depth of the scratch by measuring with your fingernail, as you rub your finger across the scratch. The depth of the scratch will be the determining factor, in whether this is a challenging or simple repair.

Even the most extensive scratches can be repaired at home, and you will not need any costly equipment or tools. Spending money to hire a professional to repair your car scratches is not necessary. But you may want to purchase some of the specialty products that are available for this purpose, though, so that your repair will be made much easier and time saving. Be it a light scratch or a deep scratch, these products designed specifically for repairing car scratches will prove quite effective. Today, even a pen can repair car scratches with ease.

Starting A Car Repair Business In Miami

Miami is a major city of Florida in the U.S. It is an important international financial and cultural center, elevated to the status of a world city. Greater Miami is regarded as a cultural melting pot, with a large population of ethnic immigrants. The Hispanic population works mainly at automotive and car accessory stores. It is the right location to start your own car repair business. It has the potential to generate a tidy profit if managed well.

Starting a Car Repair Business:

1. As a Net-based car repair guide. You can start the guide business on the Internet. A car repair guide business on the Internet covers every kind of vehicle, from its make to the model. It is an essential part of a do-it-yourself lifestyle. Each guide is specific to a vehicle and includes detailed information and diagrams on how to get your truck, car, or SUV on the road again. The car repair guides have step-by-step instructions along with wiring diagrams and photographs, repair tips and specification charts. The ten most common repairs and tasks that people do themselves are changing the oil, replacing the air filter, fuel filter, spark plugs, battery, disc-brake pads, drum brakes, ignition coils, electric fuel pump, and jump-starting the battery. These repair tips help in saving money in the long run and help in increasing the life of the vehicle.

2. A car repair guide includes maintenance and troubleshooting tips to keep your car running like new and to figure out the problem when something goes wrong. It is a must for millions of motorists and has become a very popular industry.

3. As a franchisee car repair business. The other option is to be a part of a reputed franchise that will get you a lot of help to set up your business. The main aim of a car repair business is to build a large base of happy and satisfied customers. Car repair franchises fall into two categories:

o The first type is the mobile repair and assessment service, operated by mobile mechanics in vans. ChipsAway Company, established in 1987, is one such franchise. It specializes in on-the-spot repair to paintwork, plastic bumpers, windscreens, alloy wheels, and interiors. They even tune the engine onsite and service and carry out general repairs to keep your vehicle in good running condition.

o The other is the traditional car repair workshop. Mr. Clutch Company, established in 1978, is one such franchise. It specializes in clutch repair, brakes, and gear repairs. It also undertakes many other skilled tasks to keep your vehicle in great running shape.

Marketing Your Car Repair Business:
For effective marketing, list yourself on the local Yellow Pages. Also advertise by leaflets and give free demonstrations in supermarket car parks. Work for a few car dealers until you get a steady business. Word-of-mouth publicity of a job well done is the best means of promotion.

Miami is an ideal location to start your own car repair business. The business can be Web-based or run as a franchise. The franchiser will then help you set up the business.

Where to Find Wholesale Tires For Sale

If you are an auto body shop, car dealer, independent tire dealer, wheel manufacturer, exporter, or a retail auto shop, it's in your best business interest to forge a close relationship with a wholesale tire distributor. Opening an account with a wholesale dealer gives you access to an enormous source of inventory that you can use to expand your profit margins and find new customers.

There are a few places you can look to try and find wholesale tires for sale.

Referrals. Lots of businesses in the auto industry pass contacts along by worth of mouth, so see if you know anybody that can refer you to the distributor they work with. This is an easy way to find a reputable dealer that has wholesale tires for sale.

Yellow pages. Your local yellow pages should list a few different wholesale tire distributors in your area. Check in the "automotive" category as well as the "wholesale" category if your book includes one.

Online. The internet is a great tool that can put you in touch with wholesale tire dealers in your area very quickly. Run a simple search for "New York tire distributors" (obviously using your own location) to find the big players in your area.

Once you find the tire dealers in your area, call them up to see what their account application process involves. Most wholesale tire distributors will run a credit check and contact a few of your references before giving you access to wholesale tire prices.

Keep in mind that if you are not an automotive business, or if you don't stock tires or purchase them regularly, there is a good chance your account will be rejected or closed. To get the best prices on wholesale tires, work on cementing a close relationship with a single dealer you can send all of your business to. Wholesale tire distributors reward their best customers with deep discounts that benefit all parties involved.

The Importance of RV Glass Repair and Replacement

Recreational vehicle (RV) owners love to spend time on the open road. One benefit to these vehicles is the large windshield and windows that let the driver and occupants have a good view of the scenery they pass while traveling. When this glass gets damaged, it is necessary to find a local auto glass shop that is skilled at replacing and repairing RV windows and windshields.

When you purchase an RV, you are doing so because you want to travel and see the country. RV owners tend to take their vehicles out on the road for weeks at a time and travel hundreds or thousands of miles. Some drivers prefer to use large highways to get to their destinations while others enjoy smaller roads that take them more of a scenic route. No matter how you travel, debris can fly up from the road and cause chips, scratches, or cracks on your windshield or windows.

Just like your automobile glass, small chips on your RV glass can grow into large cracks. Changes in temperatures and rough driving conditions can cause a small chip to spread into a crack. If you seek assistance early, while the chip is still small, it can usually be repaired. Repairing a chip rather than replacing a windshield is much more cost effective. The repaired area will be virtually unnoticeable and your glass is restored to good working condition.

With so much time spent on the road, safety is of upmost concern for RV drivers. These vehicles are extremely large and take a lot of concentration and experience to drive safely. The windows, windshield, and mirrors on your vehicle are essential for a clear view of the road. Large cracks in the glass can impair your vision, putting you, your passengers, and other drivers in danger. Sunlight reflecting off of damaged glass can temporarily blind you, making it impossible to have a good view of your surroundings. All damaged areas on your RV glass should be repaired before you head out on the road to improve the safety of your vehicle. If damage should occur while traveling, you should stop and get it repaired as soon as possible.

Windows and other glass on your RV serve as a barrier against the elements. They help to regulate the temperature in the cabin and keep out water. Leaking windows can cause serious damage to your vehicle. Mold and rot can result from too much moisture. Be sure that all of your windows are properly sealed and repaired to keep your RV dry and comfortable.

Not all auto glass shops repair and replace RV windshields and glass. You need to find a reputable company in your area that is experienced in the unique skills needed to work on RVs. Be sure that the job gets done correctly the first time so that you are able to get back on the road without worry.

The windshield on a RV is considered to be an important part of the overall structure of the vehicle. The integrity of the glass is paramount to strength, safety, and quality of your RV. Keep your windshield and all of your glass in good condition for safe and comfortable traveling.

Interior Repair - Your Vehicles Seats Can Look Great!

So many people focus on cleaning the outside of their car. They may wash it, wax it, and clean the rims and tires, but they don't worry about the inside. They figure that the outside is what people see so why worry about the inside. However, when they go to sell their car, they quickly find that people do care what's on the inside. One of the biggest problems with a car's interior is its seats. And that is what people usually see first in your car as they go for ride or a test drive. So, here are some ways you can get your vehicles seats looking great!

Don't think that you can just buy a seat cover to cover up those spills, burns, rips and stains. Seat covers are really meant to protect your seats from getting damaged in the first place. They are not meant to be a cover up to your carelessness. Also, if you resort to this as your fix, it is only a temporary fix to the problem.

Start by giving your vehicles seats a good cleaning. The first step is to vacuum them, and get all the crumbs and debris off of them and out of the cracks. Buy an auto interior cleaning product that can be used on cloth. Make sure to do a test spot in an unnoticeable area before you do the whole seat. Then give the seats a good scrub paying extra attention to any badly soiled areas. This should help your vehicles seats look good already. If you do not have the time or feel that you cannot get them clean enough an auto detailer may be able to help you. They can do everything mentioned above and are trained on how to do this. Keep in mind that getting your car professional detailed will produce great results, but will cost more than doing it yourself.

If you have any cigarette burns, scratches or tears in the fabric you should get those repaired as well. They don't look good and will significantly hurt your resale value. If you take your car to an auto repair shop they should be able to repair your seats. Which will be much less out of your pocket than getting them replaced. It also will not take too long to get this done. Make sure you find a professional for the job to make sure they come out looking like new.

Getting your cars seats looking great will produce benefits for you. You will feel better if your car looks better. Also you will be improving your cars value if you decide to sell it or trade it in some day. And when you do take other passengers along for a ride in your car they will not feel like something is going to come out and attack them.

The process is easy, so get started today and your car's interior will look great with a simple improvement like repairing the seats!

Cold Weather Care Tips For Your Windshield

When people prepare their vehicle for winter driving, they probably worry about servicing their engine or tires. One important area that is often overlooked is the windshield. With proper care and maintenance, you can keep your auto glass in good condition and avoid a windshield repair or replacement. Here are some simple tips that you can follow this winter to prevent damage to your windshield and keep your auto glass in top working order.

Use an ice scraper to remove ice from your windshield and glass. If you find yourself without an ice scraper, you may consider using a spatula or some item you find in your car to remove the ice. This can cause scratches on the glass. A plastic scraper is very affordable and can be found in most stores you visit. Pick one or two up the next time you are out so that you do not get stuck without the proper equipment you need when your windshield is iced over.

Never pour hot water on your windshield. If you walk out and notice that your windshield is icy, you may consider pouring a large cup of hot water on the glass to melt the ice. This is actually a very bad idea. Large temperature changes can cause the glass to crack. It is best to turn on the car defroster and let the glass slowly warm up. The ice will melt away safely without damage to the glass.

Routinely replace worn out or old wiper blades. Over time, the rubber on your wiper blades begins to break down. As a result, the metal or plastic on the blades can scratch the glass, causing damage to your windshield. Replacement blades are very inexpensive and can save you money in glass repairs. You should replace wiper blades about every six months or more often if you notice the rubber is cracked or worn.

Spray on a de-icer. There are a number of sprays on the market that are designed to melt away ice on contact. In some cases, you may not even need a scraper.

Refill the windshield washer fluid. There are washer fluids available that are enhanced with an ice-melting component that is perfect for cold winter months. Do not fill with water, as it will freeze.

Park your vehicle in a garage or under a shelter. If possible, park your vehicle in an area where it will be insulated from the harsh environment. This will not only protect it from ice, but from falling limbs or other hazards this time of year.

Repair all cracked or chipped glass. Even if you have been driving around for months with a chip in your glass, the cold weather can cause that chip to spread quickly into a crack. It is much more affordable to have chips repaired before they spread. In fact, many insurance companies will pay the full price for a repair. Once the chip spreads into a large crack, the windshield will need to be replaced.

As you prepare for winter travel, do not neglect your windshield. It is an essential safety feature of your vehicle and should be given the attention it requires. With a little care and maintenance, your windshield should remain in good condition all season.

Auto Repair Services for Enhanced Performance of Your Vehicle

Nowadays the number of cars plying on the road is increasing with each passing day. With the increase in the number of cars, the demand for good auto repair services is also increasing rapidly. It's very important on your part to take your car for regular maintenance and check up to keep it in proper running condition. A large number of people go for maintenance and repairing only when there is some problem with their vehicle. It's a big mistake on their part as they should go for maintenance and repairing services at regular intervals even if there is no problem with the vehicle. It helps in enhancing the performance of your vehicle. Buying a car is a costly investment and you shall take all the measures for its proper maintenance. Nowadays there are many auto repair service centers which provide quality services when it comes to auto repairing and maintenance. Do some amount of research and opt for a service provider which you think is best suited according to your needs and budget.

Reading customer reviews and testimonials will help you a lot to gather information about the quality of services of various auto repair centers. A competent and expert such a service providing center will always have a team of well skilled and trained technicians who have the expertise and knowledge to take care of any problem that may arise in an automobile. A good such a service provider will always be certified and have all the required licenses that is required to set up an auto repair service center. They should have the license to carry out car repair and other maintenance of any given type of car. Having these licenses and certificates gives the customers the confidence to give their car for servicing. In today's technically driven world, you can simply go online and fix an appointment on a website of such a service center to carry out the required repairing services for your vehicle.

The technicians at a reputed service center are mostly ASE certified and have years of experience behind them. So, always check out whether they are ASE certified or not.

They offer an array of services to their customers. Whatever may be the problem major or minor, the needed repairing and maintenance services will be provided to the clients. They will keep a check of the emission of gases which will help you to meet the statutory conditions. In addition, they will offer services of car and brake repair which will help you to avoid the unwanted circumstances in the near future. You must be aware of the fact that the security of the car is directly related to the brake system of the car. Henceforth, these technicians give emphasis on the brake repairs to avoid any major problem. Therefore, additional services like oil checking, road test, inspect suspension, etc. are also provided to clients. Taking services from a well known service provider will surely help to raise the performance of your car.

Auto Body Shops - Bumper Repair Vs Bumper Replacement

Today's vehicles are made with many different types of fuel-saving materials like lightweight alloys and plastics. It is important for an auto body shop to be aware of the different materials and techniques used for repairing them.

Auto body shops and collision repair services refer to manuals for instructions repairing bumpers. The different material types require various finish materials, removal and installation procedures.

Bumper Repairs

When a plastic bumper is cracked or has a small hole it can be repaired to look as good as new. Replacing the bumper is wasteful and it creates unnecessary debris for our landfills. A good, eco-friendly auto body shop will only recommend replacing the bumper if the damage is severe enough that repair time would be considered unreasonable and quality of results would be unsatisfactory.

The cost of repairing small abrasions, cracks and holes in plastic bumpers is often much cheaper than replacing the part. Of course, many collision repair technicians would rather replace the part and charge a fee for their labor plus mark-up on the price of the part because they lack in cosmetic repair skills and it is easier to warranty the work.

Working with Plastics

The first step to repairing plastic bumpers is to identify the material in order to choose the method of repair. Auto body shops use ISO codes on the parts to identify the various families of plastics. They cross-reference the codes with charts from the suppliers or by accessing reference materials on the internet.

It is important that the collision repair technician determine the type of plastic they are working with so they know the proper welding procedure to use to avoid damage to the part.

Some plastics can be welded with an airless welder or hot-air welder; others require a hot glue type of procedure. Tests must be performed and welding procedures have to be done correctly to avoid adhesion failure. Some bumpers will melt with a slight color change and they will remain tacky in the area where they have melted.

Adhesive Repairs

The bumper repair technician must identify the type of plastic they are working with in order to be successful with adhesive repairs. Failure to properly identify the plastic results in adhesion-related problems.

Flexibility

Some repair materials are based on flexible and rigid plastics. Using the wrong material can cause cracking when the part is flexed or it may not provide the correct strength for the repair area.

Cleaning and Prep

Proper cleaning and prep is critical for proper adhesion and finish. Whether the technician is repairing or replacing the bumper, the part will need to be cleaned. The bumper being repaired is likely to be dirty from the road; the new replacement part can have contamination on it from the manufacturing process.

Auto body repair professionals should use a low-VOC surface cleaner or a special plastics parts cleaner to help prevent solvents from going too deep into the plastic. If solvents are too harsh, they go deep into the plastic and cause adhesion problems after repairs are done.

This is an overview of the process of working with plastics. Time is money in the auto body industry; therefore, many collision repair technicians choose to replace rather than repair plastic bumpers and other parts.

Technology allows us to repair many items that are often replaced. As resources become scarce and landfills become over-full, we really should consider repairing rather than replacing when possible.

Why You Need Dedicated Auto Repair Shop Customer Service Representatives

Hiring a CSR ensures that your auto repair shop is providing an exceptional experience by focusing on relationship-building tasks that are crucial for your business's success.

Have you ever tried to wear all the hats in your auto repair shop? You probably know the scenario. It's a busy day in the shop and your time is stretched thin so you treat one customer poorly because you have one or two problem cars lined-up and the phone starts ringing. Afterward, you fix what needs fixing but you completely forget to follow up with the first customer and you don't have time to mail Thank You cards.

Situations like these call for dedicated customer service reps, or CSRs. Industry leading auto repair shop experts recommend hiring a CSR to ensure that your shop is providing an exceptional experience by focusing on relationship-building tasks that are crucial for your shop's success For example, CSRs can:

•Greet walk-in customers and answer phone calls. You know about first impressions, but also know that a dedicated CSR can make customers feel special the second they connect with your shop by providing dedicated attention.

•Take care of all follow up calls and Thank You cards. Let your customers know they're important by having a CSR contact them regularly. Customers will appreciate the extra attention.

•Generate and send out service and appointment reminders. People appreciate news they can use. A dedicated CSR can keep your shop on your customers' minds (in a good way).

•Collect testimonials and run referral programs. Testimonials should be displayed in an obvious location so that first-timers can see honest accounts of your customer service in action. It's amazing how quickly testimonials can convert clients. Again, dedicated CSRs can speak with your customers and find out personally how your shop has solved problems.

CSRs can do all of these things so that you can focus on running your business and making sure other needs have been met. It's impossible to be everything to every customer in your shop, but customers have little sympathy for your busy schedule. They want exceptional service and to feel special. The great thing is, customers aren't picky about who provides exceptional service so as long as it happens.

After you've hired dedicated CSRs, be sure they know their first priority: to build relationships. It's a big job. Let your CSRs know how important they are in the entire process. CSRs help turn one-time customers into clients and clients into fans. Finally, be sure to select caring and charismatic characters for this line of work so that when customers think of your shop, they think of great people and good service.

How to Replace the Hood Release Cable on a Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Cherokee hood release is operated by a cable that connects the release mechanism on the hood to the handle on the kick panel. As the cable ages, it can become hard to pull and can eventually fray. If the cable breaks or becomes disconnected from the hood release, it is almost impossible to open the hood without damage.

To remove the old cable, begin by opening the hood. Place a cloth or block over the hood latches to prevent them from catching should the hood be accidentally lowered during the procedure.

Use a flat blade screwdriver or other pry tool to pop the end of the cable sheath out of the release mechanism. You may need to pry the mechanism away from the hood to get clearance. Rotate the end of the cable so that it aligns with the slot and slip the end pin out. Again, you may have to pry the mechanism away from the hood to get clearance.

Remove the cable from the clips on the hood. Use a screwdriver to pop the rubber grommet through the firewall.

Move inside the Jeep and remove the kick panel trim. It slips under the door sill trim, but you may be able to slip it out by removing only the front two screws rather than removing the entire sill panel.

The release handle is held in place by three number three Phillips head screws. If you try to use a standard number two Phillips you may strip the screw heads. I used a number three bit in a socket with a quarter inch drive ratchet to remove the screws as they were very tight.

If you have made the doors removable, it is helpful to get them out of the way when doing this repair. If the screws are corroded, you can gain access through the hole for the door wires and spray penetrating oil on the back side of the bolts.

There is not a straight path to pull the cable out, so it may be helpful to have an assistant pull the cable through the firewall while the other guides the end of the cable through the hole. When replacing the cable, it is helpful to have an assistant push the cable up while the other catches the end with needle nose pliers or a screwdriver.

Work the grommet into place and seat it in the groove. Have an assistant press from the inside while the other is pulling from the outside to press the grommet into place.

Pull the new cable through and attach it to the release mechanism by slipping the pin in the slot. Clip the end of the cable into its slot. I used a pair of vise grips to pop it into place. Attach the cable to the clips on the hood.

Align the handle with the screw holes and install the three screws. Reinstall the kick panel cover and tighten the screws.

Test the release action several times before closing the hood. Make sure that the end of the cable is properly seated and does not pop loose. Once you are sure of the release action, close the hood. Enjoy your new hood release.

Simple DIY Auto Maintenance Tips

Owning a car comes with the natural responsibility of maintaining it properly. Timely servicing and repairing jobs prolong the life of a car. You can always bank on your garage and workshop mechanics to do that for you, but there is nothing like knowing the basics on your own. You do not need to be an auto expert or too much mechanically inclined to learn how to maintain your car. There are a few simple auto maintenance guidelines that if followed to a tee can make your work a lot easier.

Read the company's manual:

After all no one knows your car better than the company which manufactured it! The manufacturer's guide has all the rules and instructions written in it that are specific to your car. Whether it is about a simple windshield crack repairing, replacing a flat tire, or adjusting the seat angle and air conditioner, you get it all there in the owner's manual.

What else is there in the guide? There is detailed information about the kinds of fluids that can be used in the machine, in which parts they are to be added, and which indicators are on when their levels are low. Plus, you get an entire list of dos and don'ts that help you maintain your car in cost-effective ways.

Change motor oil before it's too late:

Motor oil degrades over time. So, it is of utmost importance to change it for the sake of a prolonged car life. Follow recommendations by the manufacturer to renew it from time to time. Schedule an appointment with a staff from an authorized garage and get your vehicle checked as soon as your car's oil life monitoring system tells you that it's time you need new oil. You never know, some new issues may also come to light which you had no clue about as the mechanic proceeds to check your car.

Check your check engine lights:

Most of the modern day vehicles come fitted with a check engine light which signals when something is not functioning properly in your car's engine. Try to resolve it soon; otherwise, the results can be too costly. If your car does not have a check engine light, ensure there is an alternative monitoring system in the body. This will help you keep a tab on all emission and performance related functions.

Think twice before buying a car:

Your car should be a worthwhile investment or else, you may suffer a lot with it in future. Many people who buy re-sale cars to save money initially often face this situation later. They are forced to do too many servicing and repairing jobs back to back which ultimately add to their recurrent cost. These frequent visits to the workshop do not do any good to their vehicles either. So, when you buy a car make sure you start with a decent one. Check all its papers thoroughly and then proceed towards buying it finally. This will lessen the need for immediate maintenance.

Check your car's repairing history:

Do you keep a record of the repairing works done to your vehicle? If not, then start maintaining one right now. You should know how old is your car's battery, when the timing belt was repaired, or when the fuel was last renewed. Staying updated with all these information enables you to ask the right questions when a servicing job is suggested by your service provider, and that saves you a lot of money.

Follow these simple maintenance guidelines to prolong your car's life in a less expensive manner.

Why Scrap a Car When It Can Be Repaired?

Michael has a diesel saloon car in great condition with more than a hundred and twenty thousand miles on the clock. It had a full service only around 4 months previously and the engine is superb. Then one day out of the blue it was difficult to start so he called out the RAC and they suspected that Michael may have put petrol in the diesel tank. But this was not the case so the mechanic used some engine easy start spray and the car fired up without any problem. The vehicle ran as well as normal and travelled over thirty miles to get him home without any difficulty but failed to start the following morning.

On the same day Michael paid an appointed dealership one hundred and fifty pounds to carry out a manual fault check following a free diagnostic test that did not show any faults. Apparently small metal filings were discovered in the air filter and faulty fuel injectors were diagnosed together with fuel pump problems. The total cost to replace the parts amounted to more than three thousand pounds but the car was only worth about one thousand pounds in working order.

Michael researched the internet and the best offer he received to scrap his car was just two hundred pounds plus an extra ten pounds if he took his vehicle direct to the scrap car breakers yard. Luckily he was recommended to a fully licensed car breaker by a family friend and they were able to supply the parts needed for just a few hundred pounds. Also the car breaker arranged for the reconditioned parts to be fitted so mike is back on the road.

The lesson to be learned is that before you scrap a car, make sure that you have explored all the options and search for a trusted car breaker recommended by a friend or relative. Many treasured cars need not have gone to the breakers yard as used parts could have been sourced much cheaper than new ones.

However many people have no choice but to scrap their car. For example insurance and road tax may have become too expensive or the car has broken down and is too old to repair. Some old vehicles with large engines are very high on fuel consumption. This combined with increases in fuel prices and the cost of living sadly leaves little choice but to downsize and scrap an old car that nobody wants because it is far too costly to keep on the road. Now Michael has reported that his car performs better than ever before and he is getting about five miles more to the gallon.

Can't Find a Job - Should I Start a Mobile Auto Services Business?

Auto sales in the United States are starting to pick up again, and that's a good thing for the automotive sector. You would also think that it would certainly help by putting more auto mechanics back to work, but that doesn't seem to be the case right now. As more car dealerships are able to get back in business, they should be able to hire all those people who are currently unemployed. Indeed, that might also take a while, so what is someone to do with automotive maintenance experience? Okay so let's talk about this shall we?

Perhaps, now is as good a time as any to start a mobile auto service business. In other words, put all of your tools into a truck or van and go out and service customer's cars on site. Most mechanics these days, especially in the automotive sector do own their own tools. Since they own their own tools, they already have most of what they need to start a mobile maintenance auto business. Perhaps they might want to do routine maintenance, and simple things such as changing the oil, changing brakes, or minor repairs.

There are lots of services which are needed on a mobile basis for car customers. There are folks who do automotive detailing, mobile car washing, mobile oil changing, windshield repair, and auto maintenance. If you were in the auto service business, or have been employed in that sector all of your life, and you still can't find a job, at least not yet - and if you are tired of waiting and wish to find something to do to ensure some income, this might be a good time to start your own business.

If you already have a work van, trailer, or truck, and all the tools as well, then you are halfway there. All you need at that point would be some marketing, a few customers, and you'd be good to go. This doesn't guarantee your success, but it means you have the necessary tools to get started, and that would be a lot better than sitting at home wondering if you will ever find a job, or if this economy will ever recover to the point where your former employer will call you back, or a new automotive business will open in your town and need your services right away.

Indeed if you can't find a job, perhaps it is time to start looking at starting your own mobile service business in the auto sector. Please consider all this and think on it.

Importance of Windshield Repair and Replacement

Your windshield is one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. It is essential to keep your windshield and all of your auto glass repaired and in good condition at all times. Driving with a chipped or cracked windshield may put you and your passengers at risk for injury in the event of a rollover or collision.

The original purpose of a windshield was to keep road debris, wind, and rain from entering the vehicle. This is still an important function of a windshield, especially when traveling at high speeds that are typical of modern vehicles. Unfortunately, road debris, rocks, hail, and other items may collide with your glass as you travel from place to place. Often, these impacts can cause a small chip or crack to form. When this happens, it is important to have it fixed as soon as possible. Many times, small chips can be fixed so that a replacement is not necessary.

Another purpose of a windshield and auto glass is that they allow you to have a clear view of the road and traffic around you. Awareness of your surroundings is essential to driving safely and avoiding potentially dangerous situations. When your windshield is cracked or damaged, your vision may be obstructed, putting you and others at risk.

No matter how careful we are, accidents do happen. If your airbags should happen to deploy, your windshield is essential to absorb the impact of the passenger airbags. Once the airbag is engaged, it springs upward and bounces off of the windshield to shield the front seat passenger. If your glass is cracked or improperly installed, it may not be able to withstand this powerful force. As a result, your airbag may not protect your passenger as intended.

A well-maintained windshield may prevent passengers from being ejected from the vehicle during a collision or rollover event. A large number of fatalities occur when occupants are ejected from vehicles. Your windshield acts as a barrier to protect you and your passengers should an accident occur.

Your vehicle's windshield is designed to provide structural support to the roof. This is especially important in the event of a rollover or high-speed collision. A poorly installed or damaged windshield may crumble or detach, putting you and your passengers at greater risk for injury or death. Should your vehicle roll and come to rest on its roof, your windshield acts as a strong support to prevent the roof from caving in or collapsing. This could mean the difference in life or death for the occupants of your vehicle.

Chips and cracks may seem like nothing but a nuisance. In reality, any damage to your windshield should be repaired as soon as possible so that this important piece of equipment can function properly. If the damage is too large to be repaired, the glass should be replaced as soon as possible. Be sure to work with an auto glass company that is well trained and experienced in replacing all types of windshields properly. Ask for a warranty on all work and be sure that they use high quality glass made specifically for your type of vehicle.

Finding the Right Fleet Auto Body Repair Service for Large Organizations

Business owners who possess a large fleet of vehicles that require body repairs and regular maintenance may find it difficult to locate a high quality shop that is capable of fulfilling the tasks that their businesses require. To make the task of looking for a shop to help maintain your business's fleet of vehicles, we have compiled this list of tips and guidelines:

Fleet Tracking

One of the things that you will want to initially look for in a fleet maintenance company, is one that will keep detailed repair and maintenance records for each vehicle in your fleet. This information helps both you and your service company identify vehicles that require more repairs and maintenance than others in your fleet. This information is also invaluable when you are making decisions about fleet rotation and when to completely retire and replace a vehicle.

Scheduled Maintenance

As the owner of a fleet, you probably already know that keeping all of your vehicles in good working order is the key to success. A quality fleet maintenance shop will work closely with you to established regular scheduled maintenance routines and repairs for each vehicle in your fleet. Doing this ensures that at any given time, you should have the vehicle you need and that it will be in good working order. Upkeep is important in any business endeavor, and owning a fleet of vehicles is no different.

Progressive Repairs

Most fleets would prefer to schedule any necessary repairs such as brake inspections, tune-ups, and any cooling-related repairs on a progressive repair schedule as opposed to waiting for a break down maintenance issue to occur. This tactic not only lessens the amount of down time for the vehicle and company, but it also has the potential to save business owners money by taking care of any issues and not waiting for a more severe mechanical failure. Many times, by the time a driver notices any problems, damage may have already been done. And, of course, if a break down is going to occur, it will inevitably occur at the worst possible moment for your company. It can be avoided by knowing your stuff and hiring the right shop!

Quarterly Safety Inspections

Quarterly safety inspections are a very valuable and necessary service to businesses that want to shield themselves from any unpleasant liability and keep their fleets on the road. A good service and repair shop will perform this inspection service on your entire fleet on a rotating and alternating schedule. All major mechanical systems should be inspected, as well as, all safety-related parts and systems. Individual inspection reports should be made on each vehicle and kept on file for tracking purposes. Any necessary repairs can then be scheduled at the earliest convenience of the fleet manager.

Repair Cost Analysis

When major repairs are necessary, many shops only offer their clients the option of repairing the vehicle. However, in a commercial fleet situation, repairing a vehicle may not always be the best solution. Whether or not to repair or retire a vehicle should always be considered when faced with major damage and massive repairs. A quality shop will work closely with a fleet manager to determine the most cost-effective solution while considering all the factors that are important to the owner/manager.

Various Types of Car Repair Insurance Policies For Your Dream Car

When shopping for car repair insurance, it is important to note that there are many different types of policies. In order to get the best bang for your buck, you should take various factors into account. For example, what make, model, and year is your car? What kind of coverage are you looking for? What is the main purpose you would like to achieve by having car repair insurance? The informed consumer always does their research first. Initially, the buyer looking to buy insurance needs to consider the following:

Different Types of Auto Repair Insurance:

Automobile Liability - Liability auto repair insurance is actually available in two forms. You can purchase bodily injury liability or property damage liability insurance. These two types of car repair insurance are pretty self explanatory. Body liability insurance will cover any bodily injury (car passengers) only so while it is lumped in as a "car insurance", this would not cover any car repairs. Property damage liability insurance would cover damage caused to your car as well as any public property that is damaged in the case of an accident.

Collision Insurance - Collision insurance covers the damage repair to your car when you collide with another car or even an inanimate object. This is not for "general repairs" needed to your car however. This insurance would only come into play if you "hit" something with your car, whether it's another automobile or some kind of object / property. Regardless of the collision, this type of insurance will cover the repair (or replacement) of your car, even in the case of severe accidents such as a rolled vehicle. Collision insurance is one of the most common types of car repair insurance because it has a wide coverage blanket, meaning many more type of repairs are covered under this type of a policy.

Comprehensive Insurance - Comprehensive insurance covers solely repairs for damages that could have been incurred due to an elemental damage. This means any damage caused by another driver or the owner of the vehicle would not be covered. However, elemental damage would include any damage caused to the car from water, hail, vandalism, theft, animal collision, wind or fire. This coverage will cover any "natural" accident that is not caused by a car on car or car on inanimate object collision.

When deciding between types of policies, it is important to weigh your options and take all the aspects of your daily life into consideration. For example, if you live in an area that is prone to extreme weather conditions; comprehensive insurance might be a good idea. However if you live in a mild and stable climate, it might be a better idea to opt for a different more appropriate type of car repair insurance. Choose the best option for you and your family based on your location, car, and budget. Remember though, if you do spend just a little bit more money to get the best car repair insurance money can buy, then you will at least be safeguarding yourself against any unexpected accidents or unforeseen circumstances.

How To Tell If Windshield Replacement Is Necessary

Windshield replacement is a necessarily evil for a lot of people. This is particularly true for those that live in warm, dry climates, which is why Arizona always has a huge amount of repair jobs yearly. However, even if you simply drive on the expressway a lot, you can often incur damage.

How windshield damage happens

The vehicle's windshield is made up of 3 different layers. There are 2 pieces of glass that are separated by a narrow layer of polyvinyl butyrate (PVB). This PVB is the plastic film that basically keeps everything from coming apart. The damage to the glass from the impact of an object depends on the density of the outside layer. Usually the entire windshield will not totally come apart unless a serious collision occurs.

Generally, a tiny chip will be the result. Obviously these tiny chips do not look serious, which is why most people put off fixing them. This is particularly true if the problem area is not on the driver's side. However, they usually become a crack before long, and the majority of them will continue spreading over time. This problem can get further accentuated by driving in bad road conditions or exposing the vehicle to significant temperature changes.

Windshield replacement vs repair

Obviously everyone wants to know the age old question-whether to just fix the problem area or replace the entire windshield. That really depends on how soon you get it taken care of. Generally, chips that are 3 inches wide or less do not mandate an entire windshield replacement, and the problem can generally be brought under control with a simple fix. This is why it is so critical that you bring in the vehicle as soon as you notice a tiny chip. If a glass company tells you that you need to get it replaced, make sure you get at least a few other opinions before doing so.

However, as soon as a crack appears, windshield replacement will be your only option. This can often run you $500+, although the actual price depends on what kind of car or truck you have as well as the variety of windshield you get. For instance, windshields made by the original vehicle manufacturer are generally pricier than aftermarket options. Also, a lot of newer windshields come with heating options, sun coating, and other features that drive up the price. Therefore, getting a windshield without all the bells and whistles will save you money.

If you do decide that windshield replacement is your best bet, you have a few choices. First of all, make sure you check to see if your insurance covers it. In a lot of instances it does. The problem is that many policies have a deductible that is higher than the cost of the replacement or repair job. If that is the case, you will have to pay for it yourself.

How to pick the best glass company

If you do have to pay for it, then make sure you get a number of online price quotes before picking a company. Also, make sure they offer a good warranty. Some of the cheaper companies have very limited warranties because of their work is not very high quality.

Make sure you read reviews of the glass company you are considering. A lot of times a poorly installed windshield can result in problems with the factory seal. This is almost impossible to fix. This can result in leaking and even water damage, not to mention that the entire windshield could give out in the event of a crash. Therefore, reading about companies and making sure their feedback is good is important.

Conclusion

Windshield replacement can be very expensive, and you obviously want to be absolutely certain it is a necessity before doing so. If you can get by with a simple repair, go for it. If not, make sure you take your time and go with a company that will do a quality job. The windshield replacement could cost more upfront, but the long term benefits will be worth it.

Damaged Auto Glass Repairs

Repairing damaged auto glass has more to do with appearance - it has to do with safety. For example, having a cracked windshield could not only impair your sight on the road, but the crack is only going to continue to grow and further damage your windshield. When it comes to maintaining the look and safety of your vehicle, do not let your damaged auto glass go without prompt fixing.

You do not have to play a role in a car accident to experience a broken auto glass. Matter of fact, rock chips are one of the most common causes of cracked or chipped windshields. The troublesome part to rock chips are there that there is no way to avoid them - not to mention if the chipped glass goes without attention, the crack will spread. There is, however, a solution to this form of repair. Although each case is to its own, typically a crack or chip from a rock can be repaired without having the actually replace the glass. Additionally, insurance companies are known to wave deductibles for repairs, especially if the full glass did not need replacing.

The scary thing about breaking a window versus a windshield is that the glass can get trapped in the car door. This form of repair calls for a lot more labor and is not something that is normally covered graciously by an insurance company. Not to mention, how terrible is it not to be able to roll your window up and down in the middle of summer? True this is a more daunting task than a windshield repair, but it is just as "popular". Although it is sad to admit, there are always going to be break ins and car accidents or falling trees that leave you with a shattered window. This leaves car owners not only scared for their safety, but scared for their belongings! Broken or shattered windows especially should not go without instant repair because it leaves an open invitation for unwanted visitors rummaging through (or stealing!) your car. Plus, should weather take a turn for the worst, a car without a window is going to be in for a treat. Both automatic and manual windows can be fixed by any auto glass repair company, just like any new or used car can be treated.

When it comes to broken auto glass, it is best to give immediate attention to repairs. Not only are cracks an obnoxious car decoration, but they are not safe for the driver. Cracks spread and chips turns to cracks. In order to avoid putting you and your car in jeopardy, take your auto glass repairs to the professionals as soon as they happen.

Auto Repair Financing Benefits

Having worked in the automotive repair business, I have seen some pretty outrageous repair bills. One of the hardest things to see is someone having financial trouble, blind sided by an unexpected car expense. It's true the costs of automotive repair can be devastating, but with the help of auto repair financing, you can ease the strain on your wallet.

A car is most often the second largest purchase a person will make in their lifetime, the largest being their house. Just like a house, a car needs to be maintained in order to preserve it's functionality. As we all know, the costs of maintaining a vehicle over the course of it's lifetime, can sometimes add up to more than the original purchase price. It's almost impossible to plan for every single repair expense, so auto repair financing can be a convenient option.

I first discovered car repair financing when I first started out in the repair business. Our economy was going through some tough times, and so we implemented a payment plan into our services. The idea was extremely successful, and helped out a lot of people who were in serious need of assistance. Eventually there would come a time when I took advantage of loans for automotive repair, and benefited greatly from them.

Loans for car repair allow you to take your mind off of your inevitable repair bills, and focus on the more important things in life. It's always great to know that if you need help, someone or something is there to back you up. That's exactly what car repair loans will do, they ease your mind and more importantly guarantee your vehicle is in proper working order. There is no point in spending all that money on your dream car, just to have it sit in the driveway because you can't afford the repairs.

It should be known that auto repair financing is not the same thing as a vehicle warranty. A vehicle warranty is more like an insurance policy that you pay for up front. A loan for auto repair is much different, and in some cases better, because you don't have to worry about covered repairs. As most of us know, insurance companies and warranty companies love to find any reason they can think of not to pay. Even with the best coverage, you might find that your repair might not be covered. With loans for auto repair, it doesn't matter what the repair is, all that's required is that you pay back the money based on the agreed terms.

As you can see, auto repair financing can be the perfect choice for those of us with mounting auto repair bills. Like with any loan, it's best to do your research before entering into any type of agreement.

Proactive Auto Repair - 5 Steps to Extending the Life of Your Car

We all want to avoid unnecessary expenses and find ways to stretch our dollars further. One way to gain more control over your finances is to engage in proactive auto repair. In taking better care of your car and performing preventative measures, you will save money on costly fixes and possibly extend the life of your car. Read on for five steps that you can begin taking today toward a more efficient car.

1. Read The Owner Manual

Most people never even take their owner manual out of the plastic. But familiarizing yourself with the maintenance requirements of your car is the first step in extending its life. Some vehicles need certain additives or updates after certain mileage increments. You will find this information in your manual and be able to be prepared for them.

2. Get Regular Oil Changes

Routine oil changes are crucial to keeping your car running safely. Common opinion is that a vehicle is due for an oil change every 3,000 miles. But this does not necessarily apply to every model. Referring to your owner manual may prove your car can run for longer periods of time between oil changes and being aware of this will save you money on unnecessary maintenance. This practice is also helpful because the mechanics usually perform a check-up for your car and can alert you to any looming problems and ways to avoid them.

3. Always Check Tires

Regularly checking your tire pressure will help you keep track of any slow leaks or other tire problems that are more economical to fix early on than after time and wear exacerbates the problem. Your owner manual can be more specific, but generally, every 10,000 miles the tires should be rotated. If you have recently purchased new tires, chances are they have lifetime rotation included and the auto repair mechanic who installed them can tell you how often to perform the rotation.

4. Use Fuel Additives

The routine use of fuel additives can keep your fuel injectors clean and free of build up that hampers fuel efficiency. Your manual can clue you in as to how often to use them, or a visit to your local parts store and speaking with an auto repair specialist will shed light on the proper timing. You are advised to double check what is recommended on the label or packaging, to ensure that is the correct regimen for your make and model.

5. Refer to Online Forums

Online auto repair specialists and mechanics are available to answer general questions via email or chat room discussions. Just perform a search online to find one of these.

For more information on proactive auto repair and maintenance, contact your local parts store or mechanic or go online.

Getting the Most Miles From Your Vehicle

No one invests money in buying (or even leasing) a vehicle with the hopes that the vehicle will only last a short period of time. Between growing equity in your investment, to keeping the vehicle long after you have finished making payments, a vehicle is a good way to put your money into something useful. But as with any major investment, you must properly care for it and take the time and finances to ensure it is maintained in order to get the most out of it. Just as you would frequently add to a 401K retirement over time to ensure it is growing and you get the most out of your investment, you need to give your vehicle plenty of TLC and preventative maintenance over the span of it's life. If you follow a recommended maintenance plan or scheduled service intervals, you will have your vehicle much longer and it will cost you less.

The goal of a trustworthy auto repair shop shouldn't be to just "fix cars." It should be to maintain them in order to save you time and money in the long run. By diagnosing or recommending services based on routine checks every time the hood goes up in their shop, you can see what minimal services your vehicle could benefit from at that point in time. A vehicle properly maintained and kept three years after your payments end will save you $20,000 to $30,000. Checking vital fluids is a key tell-tale sign of possible problems. Recommendations should also be made based on the physical condition of the vehicle's parts, the odometer reading, and the time between service intervals.

According to the Car Care Council, the key to a longer-lasting vehicle is the extra attention and preventative maintenance that you put in. "Basic car care is the key to a long-lasting vehicle, improving it's safety, and dependability." "Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "Following a routine maintenance program makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road." The Car Care Council recommends 10 basic maintenance procedures to keep your car operating at it's optimal performance. According to their website, they are as written with additional information following:

1. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering, brake and transmission as well as windshield washer solvent and antifreeze/coolant. Maintaining proper fluid levels is an essential and easy maintenance task.

2. Check the hoses and belts to make sure they are not cracked, brittle, frayed, loose or showing signs of excessive wear. To prevent an emergency or inconvenience, have your belts and hoses checked every time you have your oil changed.

3. Check the battery and replace if necessary. Make sure the connection is clean, tight and corrosion-free. Your battery has important functions such as storing energy, providing power to the starter motor, ignition system, fuel system, and other electrical devices during engine starting. Also, it provides power to the electronic components as required when the vehicle is off (e.g. digital radios, clocks, door locks, alarms, vehicle computers, etc...)

4. Check the brake system annually and have the brake linings, rotors and drums inspected at each oil change. Your car brake is the indispensable device that enables you to stop the car and be in control. With a poor brake it may be difficult for you to stop the car. It is very important to inspect your cars brake system at least once a year. Your brake inspection should include a check on the brake lines and the dash warning lights. When it comes to your brakes, safety should be at the forefront of maintenance.

5. Inspect the exhaust system for leaks, damage and broken supports or hangers if there is an unusual noise. Exhaust leaks can be dangerous and must be corrected without delay. The exhaust system affects the way your car drives and the gas mileage that it gets. The exhaust system is kind of like the lungs of your car. It allows air to run through your engine and spits it back out.

6. Schedule a tune-up to help the engine deliver the best balance of power and fuel economy and produce the lowest level of emissions.

7. Check the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system as proper heating and cooling performance is critical for interior comfort and for safety reasons such as defrosting.

8. Inspect the steering and suspension system annually including shock absorbers, struts and chassis parts such as ball joints, tie rod ends and other related components.

9. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment. Tires should also be checked for bulges and bald spots. Taking care of your tires is an important part of vehicle maintenance and ensuring that you have the safest ride possible. Every year, people are injured and killed in tire-related accidents. While vehicle and tire manufacturer's can be responsible for defective tires, underinflated and overloaded vehicles are also often to blame for tire failures.

10. Check the wipers and lighting so that you can see and be seen. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving during precipitation.

This may seem like a great deal of information to remember and regularly have to take care of, however each aspect of vital to the health and safety of your vehicle. With the service intervals recommended by your manufacturer, repair shop, or from the Car Care Council, you can stay organized and on top of things easier. After all, won't a long-lasting vehicle be worth it? According to an online article from the Sacramento Bee, a recent national consumer poll reveals that most motorists hope to drive their vehicle to 200,000 miles. The survey showed that Americans are genuinely concerned about the longevity of their cars. According to a new national survey conducted by Kelton Research*, motorists on average estimate that a vehicle should go for more than 200,000 miles before sending it into retirement. In fact, those American car owners think that a vehicle doesn't get "old" until it hits around 147,000 miles, and nearly nine in ten (86 percent) vehicle owners are more concerned with engine upkeep than their vehicle's aesthetics on the inside or outside. Similarly, The survey also reveals that 85 percent of motorists are more concerned about the longevity of their vehicles, compared to their homes; and rather than using its actual age, 68 percent of car owners use their vehicle's mileage as the key indicator in determining how old it is. "With drivers wanting so much mileage from their vehicles, the potential for engine wear and tear is greater and the need for car owners to care for their vehicle's engine is most important," said Chris Hayek, Quaker State Global Brand Manager.

Results of vehicle inspections held at community car care events across the country during Car Care Months in April and October 2011 reveal that 84 percent of vehicles need service or parts, the highest percentage in five years, according to the Car Care Council. "The unsatisfactory condition of vehicles reflects the current economic climate and reinforces the continued need for consumer education about the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair." Another important statement from Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council is "during an uncertain economy, some motorists think they will save money by putting off needed vehicle maintenance." "What they don't realize is that neglecting routine maintenance can end up costing a lot more in the long run. These results demonstrate the importance of consumer education as the lack of proper vehicle maintenance can greatly impact highway safety, air quality, cost operation, and vehicle performance and dependability."

Data collected by an analysis of vehicle inspection forms submitted by volunteers who conducted a record number of car care events in 2011, found the top problem areas to be engine oil and fluids, air filters, battery cables, lights, belts and hoses. Nearly one out of 10 vehicles had the check engine light on and new air filters were needed in 19 percent of the vehicles. At least one belt was reported as unsatisfactory in 20 percent of the vehicles inspected, and 15 percent required at least one new hose. Battery cables, clamps and terminals needed maintenance in 17 percent of the vehicles inspected, while 10 percent of the batteries were not properly held down. These are many of the recommended maintenance services from the Car Care Council.

Years ago in research conducted by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), it was found that 78% of women interviewed think that regular preventative maintenance is either "extremely important" or "important," yet only about 68% of women are following through with this maintenance. There is still a need to reinforce the important and education of preventative maintenance and the message to consumers. It is important for all motorists to keep their vehicles maintained for safety, savings, and optimal performance. Get started today with your trusted repair shop.

Auto Body Collision Repair - Find the Right Shop

Nobody hopes to get into a car accident. Its not on someone's "to do" list at the beginning of their week. Nevertheless, it does happen and when it does you want to be able to get your vehicle repaired to its original condition in a timely manner. Finding the right auto body repair shop will ensure just that.

Here are some things to look for when you are selecting a collision repair facility:

1) Do They Have the Latest Tools

The cars of today have a lot of computer components in them. They are also more advanced and new to be diagnosed properly before work can even be started on them. Smaller auto body repair shops may not be able to afford all the expensive machinery needed to work on some of the newer vehicles. Make sure they are prepared.

2) What Does Their Repair Shop Look Like

Take a look at their auto body repair shop and make a mental note about what you see. Are employees wearing uniforms. Do you see a different variety of tools for different applications. Is it neat and orderly? You want to do business with a professional auto body company that is organized and a filthy shop with parts and tools all over place does not say that.

3) Do They Handle the Little Things

I would ask if they deal with the insurance companies for you and take care of things like getting your car towed and obtaining a rental car. Again, the bigger auto body shops usually have a customer service department that handles this "minor" details while the smaller auto body collision repair shops will not. You will be on your own and I can tell you, from firsthand experience, that an accident is already stressful enough.

4) What is their Current Parts Ordering System

If they cannot get the parts they need in a timely fashion your vehicle will just be sitting in their shop waiting. I have seen cars just sitting for weeks a because an auto body technician could not get the proper part he needed. Having a wide network of quality OEM parts suppliers is important and can be the X factor on how long your vehicle takes to get fixed.

5) Get Tons of Reviews

First, ask your friends family, and co-worker who they have gone with. This is an excellent place to start. They will not recommend someone who was not good to them.

Second, there exist a lot of online local review sites where people can post comments about their opinions and experiences about businesses they have done business with. The major search engines each have their own review places where you can look as well.

By following these five easy steps and asking a lot of questions you will be able to find a good and dependable local auto body repair shop. The whole accident process is stressful and hopefully the phase where you need to get your vehicle repaired will not be one of them.

The Art Of Blending: Getting Started On Your Car's Paint Job

When painting panels, one will find it is almost impossible to make a newly painted panel match the rest of the car's paint exactly even with the correct paint code in hand. Luckily, blending paint on a car allows one to achieve about as close to a perfect match as possible.

Blending paint on a car has become something of an art as of late, and with a little patience can be learned by even the most inexperienced DIY auto painter. While one can achieve a good paint blend using single stage paint products, a novice to the world of DIY auto painting would be better suited using base coat/clear coat.

Unfortunately, the actual color of the newly painted panel will not match the original paint job on the surrounding areas exactly. There will, however, be an illusion created that will cause the newly finished area to look brand new. This of course would be preferable to the alternative of a damaged panel.

The exact color for blending paint on a car can be found by allowing an auto body paint store to examine your car's VIN number. Sometimes there is errors in these numbers so be sure to inform the auto body store reviewing the VIN number of your vehicle's base color. Should this happen, request that the auto body store clerk confirm that this is the actual color you are looking for. Alternatively, you can employ a color spectrometer to determine the necessary shade.

This machine will not be available at all paint retailers and is somewhat costly. While painting panels, color blending and uniform paint feathering are an integral part of your refinishing project. The ideal aim of the DIY car painter is to apply the paint carefully and evenly, ensuring no definite edges are visible. The illusion created here will make the area appear visually flawless, as if it had just left the showroom floor.

Either side that is adjacent to the newly repainted panel may require a light spraying of feather coats of paint to ensure they appear similar in color. While the blending process may seem time consuming and costly, it is well worth it to ensure your repaired and repainted panel matches the area in its immediate vicinity.

Remember that you are attempting to create an illusion, and that any blend will not be 100% perfect. Nevertheless, you can achieve results that are as close as possible to the original.

Car Repair for Road Trip Fanatics

Every car owner fulfills a dream when they purchase their first car. Owning and driving the car is the easy part. Caring for the vehicle and having regular maintenance is the harder task. Regular service sessions, frequent wash & waxing, protecting the body from hot sunny weather and cold snowy temperatures are the best practices every car owner embraces.

A popular myth for car owners is that "driving is the easy part, where as maintenance is the serious part." Many people would agree, but this is none the less a myth. Actually, car maintenance is not such a herculean task, all that matters is keeping the car in top condition and performing consistently. Keeping this in mind you can take care of most of the maintenance needs of the vehicle by your self. Over time you can learn to service the basic needs of the car manually, once the functions are clear.

When you get your car serviced or repaired, do not compromise on quality spare parts and a good mechanic. Always use original auto parts and never use a cheap substitute, consider that it's cheap for a certain reason. Cheap auto parts will harmfully affect the performance of your vehicle especially in the long run. You should take care of minor issues immediately before they evolve into a major issue.

It's vital to clean or replace the air filter to keep the car's airflow functioning at optimum levels. There are multiple types of junk and particles that flies into the engine compartment, these can significantly affect on road performance. When the air filter is nearly clogged and dirty, a "check engine" light will glow up on the car's meter. It's best to replace the air filter if it hasn't been changed in a while, whereas, newer filter can be washed and re used.

When cleaning the engine, many people use water, which could have negative effects on the engine. It's not good to give the engine a shower with any kind of liquid. Water can get into the distributor cap which can cause ignition problems. If you are going to clean the engine by yourself then use proper instructions given by the company or simply use a mechanic.

Generally, you can worry less about the suspension and unless there are rattling sounds indicating worn out parts there is no need to go to a mechanic. A car that pulls to one side while driving is a clear cut signals that the suspension needs immediate calibration. Tire pressure and tire wear & tear are also very important since, deflated tires have an adverse effect on the performance making the engine haul the car with more power. Uneven tire wear & tear is a good indicator that the alignment and suspension needs repairs. Prescott alignment services provide computerized chassis and tire maintenance ensuring a complete formula to your car's foundation.

One last feature for minimizing maintenance and repairs is adopting good driving habits. Keep steady control on the accelerator, brake and clutch. Properly accelerating and braking coupled with proper gear timing has a direct effect on the mileage. You should make sure not to carry additional heavy items in the car, as time passes irrelevant items are accumulated in the trunk. You should remove any additional weight from the car that may cause the mileage to go down since the car is pulling more weight.

Hire A Mechanic To Fix Your Vehicle

Did you know that many people put off getting car repairs because they feel that they are being overcharged when they go into an auto repair shop? If you are one of those people, chances are you would rather have your vehicle repaired by a certified mechanic who works independently instead.

When your vehicle is in need of service and you don't know what the problem is, your best bet is to take it into an auto repair shop. They can take a look at your car and diagnose what the problem is. The best type of mechanic to have is one who is able to handle any type of repair your vehicle might need. It doesn't matter what type of vehicle you have. Even if your vehicle is a newer or older model, you still may need to have periodic repairs. You are still going to need maintenance, so it is best if you take your vehicle to a repair shop you can trust.

Since each and every auto repair shop is different, you may want to spend some time doing some research. You want to make sure that any mechanic you go to is fair and honest. They should be open and upfront about what is going on with your vehicle and they should be fair about any pricing they charge you for repairs. Before you have your vehicle worked on by anyone, you need to make sure that any person that touches your vehicle is a state certified repairman. They should have several years of general experience working on cars. You may even want to go as far as having taking your vehicle to a place where they specialize in working on cars that are the made by the same manufacturer that yours is.

You may not place much stock where you go when you are in need of minor repairs, however when you are in need of major repairs such as transmission and engine work, you need to make sure that your vehicle is in a facility where there is an engine or transmission specialist available to properly assess your vehicle's problem and fix it. By taking your car to a specialty facility, you are getting the best service possible. The employees are more knowledgeable about your engine and transmission problems than most repairmen are at any other auto repair shop. Since these facilities tend to see and work on a large amount of cars each month, they can often get any parts you need at cheaper prices, which means you will save some money. This makes it much easier for them to pass even more savings to you by charging less for engine and transmission repairs. The next time you are in need of a good mechanic, make sure they specialize in the brand of vehicle you have.

Buying That Nice Used Car - Has It Been Wrecked?

If you're like me, you don't buy new cars. While the new car smell and prestige is nice, to be sure, you pay more, and take an instant depreciation hit the minute the vehicle leaves the lot. After my last new car purchase nearly twenty years ago, I decided that it made more sense to buy a car that was a couple of years old, with 20 - 30 thousand miles on it. Somebody else has taken the depreciation, the car has been broken in, and you can still get into a nice ride for a decent price.

Of course the down side to buying a used car is that you do not know how it was treated by its previous owner, nor do you know its history as far as accidents or mechanical problems. A mechanic can certainly tell you if the car has had or still has issues, but a vehicle that has been wrecked can also become a headache.

Cars that have been in accidents, particularly serious ones, are never quite the same again. Their alignment might be off, making them reluctant to travel in a straight line. This also causes the tires to wear unevenly. Body panels may not fit correctly, and paint work may not match exactly from one panel to the other.

This is not to say that you can't or shouldn't buy a car that has been in an accident, merely that it is better to know and be aware of it before making your purchase. Many times it may mean nothing at all, and others may mean that the vehicle is going to have a very difficult life ahead of it.

So when you are looking at that shiny new prospect, dig a little deeper and look for some of the telltale signs of an accident in its past.

Check for paint over spray on the door hinges or weather stripping, as well a chrome accessories and lens covers. Overspray might also be present within the wheel wells, engine wells, and trunk. This is usually a sign of very poor body work.

Look to see if there are minute differences in shading of the paint from one body panel to another. If the paint doesn't match, there is a good chance the panel has been repainted or replaced altogether.

In addition, make sure the body panels fit together properly. The small gap between panels should be consistent over the whole car. If the gaps are too wide or too close in some areas, this may be a clue that the vehicle has been in an accident.

Listen for rattles in the dash, seats, and trunk. And check the glove box. Often, body shops and garages will leave their business card in the glove box, which is a surefire indicator of recent work.

See if the vehicle has a tendency to pull to the left or the right disproportionately. All vehicles will drift slightly, but sudden, obvious drift is a red flag.

Look for the manufacturer's logo, such as Chevrolet, on the windshield. If it isn't there, chances are it is a replacement piece.

Be sure to get the car up on a lift and access the undercarriage. In some cases, warped frames may be bent back into shape. The machine that performs this task will leave telltale "teeth marks" in the frame. If you see these marks, ask a lot of questions.

You should also realize what happens to vehicles that are "totaled". Too often we assume that these are the cars and trucks we see piled high in your local junkyard. This isn't always the case. Sometimes these totaled vehicles are sold off at salvage auctions. The buyers either use them for spare parts, or in some cases have them reconstructed. A totaled vehicle can be rebuilt and even driven, but it is the last car in the world you would want to buy.

You should always check the vehicle's title, as it will have an indication of whether or not the vehicle was ever sold as scrap or "salvage". I worked in the auto business for three years and I was amazed at some of the apparently very nice cars that came in, only to discover that they had salvage or "parts only" titles.

Take the time to check out the car thoroughly before making your purchase. Many people take prospective new cars to their mechanic, but far fewer take them to the local body shop. All the best to you in your automotive purchase.

Finding an Honest, Knowledgeable and Professional Auto Repair Shop

Finding and honest, knowledgeable auto repair shop that is properly trained can be a nightmare. The day's of having a brother in law or friend that is a mechanic seem to be in the past. Automotive repair needs to be seriously examined, I have experienced auto repair shop's that should not be in business, due to lack of training. This article will examine some automotive diagnostic strategies and auto repair knowledge.

Engine analyzers come in varying sizes:

-Big box

-Hand-held

An engine analyzer should be considered one of the essential tools for any type of drive ability diagnostics, not just intermittent. No other single piece of equipment can provide as much information about the basic function of the engine. The engine analyzer of today is typically hand-held, versus the big box of yesterday. I have owned a big box and they take up lots of space. Although there are some benefits to the hand-held such as portability; there are also draw backs, such as fewer features and smaller screens. To overcome this drawback, many hand held engine analyzers can now display directly on a PC monitor for easier viewing and greater clarity. I highly recommend setting up a display station.

similar features:

-Starting and charging system tests
-Ignition system analysis
-Cylinder balance test
-Relative compression test
-Cylinder time variations

Big box or hand-held, most engine analyzers offer similar features that are helpful in diagnosing intermittent problems. Since many drive ability related problems are still related to basics, the engine analyzer is a fast and effective way to pin-point drive ability problems in a wide variety of areas.

Late Model Vehicles are complicated:

In the past, there were two common methods of dealing with intermittent problems. First, we could wait until the intermittent problems becomes consistent or at least repeatable. Then we could apply standard diagnostic techniques to solve the problem. Second, we could start at the front of the vehicle and begin changing parts until either the problem goes away or, at the very least, becomes less of a problem. The first solution seldom works because customers need there vehicles to be ready for the daily commutes, nor do they want to drive a vehicle with a known problem waiting for it to break. The second solution is an even bigger problem, as the customer will end up paying for parts that we most likely don't need. Or worse yet, the unneeded parts end up costing a customer way too much money, therefore a good, knowledgeable auto repair shop is needed.

Automotive diagnostic strategies:

Barometric pressure, manifold pressure, intake air temperature, volumetric efficiency and exhaust gas recirculation these items are all involved along with modifiers like battery voltage, coolant temperature and throttle position. Of course you have to look at trim, short term fuel trim and the adaptive strategy being long term fuel trim. The most important input to the PCM needs for most any calculation is engine speed. This input comes from a sensor that is located in the distributor. The PCM must see what the engineer designed it to see of the vehicle won't run.

-Barometric pressure, when the key is first turned to the on position, the PCM reads the BARO sensor to determine the altitude the vehicle will be operating at. Higher altitudes have less dense air and less molecules of oxygen in a given volume of air.

-Manifold absolute pressure or (MAP) is the measurement of potential air. This measurement tells the PCM how much air is ready to enter the combustion chamber when the intake valve opens.

-Intake air temperature or (IAT) hot air is less dense than cold air. Volumetric efficiency, this value is stored in the PROM. It is a value measured by the engineer when the vehicle was developed that represents the amount of air that has the ability to enter the cylinder on the intake stroke at a given rpm.-

-Exhaust gas recirculation or (EGR) the PCM needs to know how much exhaust gas is being recirculated into the cylinders to effectively know the real weight of the air in the chamber. This action performed by the EGR system actually cools the cylinders to reduce NOX emissions and engine ping. Modifiers tweak the calculated values to compensate for operating conditions that always change. I recommend a good emissions repair shop for any repair EGR related.

-Battery voltage, the PCM looks at battery voltage as an input to modify parameters, which is important to all systems and will maintain fuel efficiency and catalyst. Therefore a good battery in is crucial to all operating systems!

-Coolant temperature, when cold the engine coolant temperature or (ECT) will cause the PCM to add time to the base pulse width or (BPW) to compensate for lack & fuel vaporization. The PCM will never subtract time for BPW, it will only add. The ECT is the main control sensor when the engine is cold or in closed loop. When the engine warms up, it remains in closed loop and the o2 or oxygen sensor takes charge.

-Throttle position sensor or (TPS) affect the BPW in two ways. The PCM looks at throttle position to determine which strategy to use (idle, cruise or wide open throttle). The PCM looks for rate of change from the TPS to effect BPW and cause either and accelerator pump effect or a fuel cut effect.

What If I Am Unsatisfied With My Auto Body Repairs?

There are many concerns when it comes to having our vehicles repaired, and especially with having the auto body repaired. You always want to your car to be finished looking great. However you don't want to pay a ton of money, especially in our economy. So you need to do what you can to prevent your vehicle from getting a bad repair completed. Unfortunately that is sometime unavoidable. So, what can you do if you receive a bad or unacceptable repair job on your vehicle?

If you feel that the repair that you had completed on your vehicle is not satisfactory you can do something. You should first talk to the manager of the shop or the shop owner. Calmly explain your problem to them and let them know exactly what is not right. Usually the shop owner or manager will be willing to fix the problem. Make sure that you tell them right away. It won't go over very well if you come back a week later to address a concern. Let them know what you feel is wrong and what needs to be fixed. In most cases you will get the problem handled. Auto body shops rely heavily on word of mouth, so they will not want any bad words to be said.

If that does not work and the manager will not help you, you should then find out if there is anyone above that manager. If so, you should ask to speak to them directly. You should explain your concerns to them and see if they can then help you.

If that doesn't work you can find out if they are a part of the Better Business Bureau. If so, you can contact the Better Business Bureau and submit a formal complaint. That auto body shop will need to address your situation or they could lose the backing of the Better Business Bureau. Also all complaints are listed on the public site so that others will see it. The Better Business Bureau will not resolve complaints between you and a business they will simply report the information that you provide as public knowledge and require them to try to resolve your complaint or complaints. It would be best that you choose a company that is part of the Better Business Bureau and that you have looked up to establish that they are the kind of auto body shop that you would want to conduct business with.

Make sure that you always do your research when choosing an auto body shop to repair your vehicle. Don't only check the Better Business Bureau. Have them show you the quality of work they produce. Also ask around to see if they have established a good reputation. Check to see if they have been in business for a while to establish credibility. All of these things are good to check out before dropping your vehicle off for auto body repairs. Don't be left with a repair that is just not right!

Audi A1 Quattro Is A Powerful Beast Wrapped In Small Body-Shell

The Audi A1 is an appealing car and has many fans. The New hardcore limited Quattro edition is nothing like the standard A1 apart from the body-shell and boasts hundreds of modified or new parts. It has aggressive 'in your face' looks and is powered by the A113 engine that have turned the Quattro into something of a beast. The 2.0litre turbocharged is 252bhp (the most powerful standard A1 is 180bhp) and returns 0-62mph value of 5.7seconds. As the name suggests, the Quattro is a permanent four wheel driven car so all that power is kept in check. There is no surprise, the Quattro is very fast. A light pressing of the accelerator paddle will unleash a fierce surge of throttle that sure will have you smiling. To get the best out of the Quattro, the engine needs to be revved at more than 3500rpm, but that doesn't mean that it is slow at low revs. The Quattro doesn't return an appealing sound.

The snarly engine note, produced under hard acceleration, is overtaken by the tense and unappealing sound of the turbocharger. Driving an Audi Quattro is without a doubt great fun. It has great grip on bends and the four-wheel-drive allows to transfer the engine's power to the road without any hassle. Its tall body and tiny foot print combine to make it stable on the twisty roads and you never worry about the Quattro topple over. However, you can feel the body weight shifting as the directions are changed very quickly. On road, Audi Quattro tends to follow the curves and that can swirl you away off your desired path through corners. The steering is also an issue as it has a slow reaction at the start, but reacts very quickly thereafter. So you have to adjust the amount of input. Another area where it scores less is ride comfort due to firm suspension. But being a hardcore car, the Quattro is not expected to return a comfortable ride anyway.

Though it takes a bit of hard work and concentration, but there is no denying that driving Audi Quattro is immense pleasure. Inside the dashboard is same as standard A1 and controls are easy to access. It boasts the same high quality materials and classy assembly as all A1's. At the front there is plenty of room but the rear space is limited. It is equipped with sports-seats, flat bottomed steering wheel, white needles ad red rev counter. All of these combine to give Quattro's interior a sporty character. If you are thinking of buying one it is nearly impossible. Only 333 units have been made worldwide and out of these only 19 were shipped to the UK market that are already snapped up despite of having a 瞿41,030 price tag attached to it. There are many other alternatives like Renault Sport Megane or BMW M135i that cost considerably less to buy and are easily available.

Writing Auto Estimates is Like Going to Walmart - Auto Estimator Training For Beginners

The Estimating Guide
Once we have all of the information needed from the vehicle we can take the estimate into the estimating office or area where we can complete and total the auto estimate. The estimating guide will provide a list of the parts with diagrams, the price of the parts, the flat rate labor to replace the parts (judgment time is not-included in the estimating guides, we'll discuss judgment time later) and the refinish flat rate to paint the parts if needed.

Parts and Abbreviations
It is very important to know the nomenclature of the parts and the abbreviations of the parts. You must also realize that parts may be called different things. A door outer repair panel may be how the guide describes what we know in body shop jargon, door skin. However, it is going to make it difficult to find the right parts if you do not have a clue what they are called. A couple of abbreviations that I am going to mention are R&I,which stands for remove and install. This is when you remove a part and put the same part back on. For example, there may not be any damage to a door, but it may have to be removed to gain access to the damaged area. Therefore, you will not have to remove the trim panel, glass, door handle, etc. This will be less flat rate than to replace the door.. If you replace the door that is called R&R, which stands for remove and replace. Now you will have to transfer all of the hardware from the old door to the new door, which is going to take more time. Many times on front bumper covers and other assemblies they have an O/H, which stands for overhaul. This basically gives you time to take the assembly completely apart and to put it back together.

P-Pages
Look at your P-Pages and to learn all of the abbreviations. This is something that will help you. You don't just want you to memorize what they stand for, but you want to understand what does each abbreviation includes or does not include in the tasks.

Think About Walmart When Writing Estimates
What is included and what is not included in each operation? This is something that you need to ask yourself every time you add a line to your estimate. This is where most mistakes are made when writing an estimate, which results in dollars lost for the shop. There are tons of non-included operations that go unclaimed on most estimates. Many times the estimator claims they do not put it on the estimate because the insurance company will not pay for it. There is some truth behind this story, but it is usually because they did not write it on the estimate correctly. You must itemize each procedure if you plan to get paid for it. It is like going to Walmart. Have you ever went to Walmart and gathered a bunch of items in your cart, then went to check out; then they give you the amount, which almost gives you a heart attack? Well, lets take this one step further, what if they gave you receipt with just the total amount on it? You would probably claim that they made a mistake. However, when you get the itemized receipt, you look it over and realize all of the prices are correct. It just added up to more than you thought it would. I don't know if this has ever happened to you, but it happens to me all of the time. Insurance adjusters are the same way. If it is not crystal clear what you are charging for, they want to claim that it is not right and they do not want to pay that amount...I sure wish I could do that at the store! However, if you have every item listed separate and not bulged together, they can see that your charges are legitimate. So to determine what non included operations you can add to your estimate look in your p-pages. This will list everything that is included and everything that is not included. I recommend that you take some time and study the p-pages and know them by heart.

by Donnie Smith

Why Dirty Oil Ruins the Engine to Your Car

Changing the oil is the most important maintenance needed for your car. The oil lubricates numerous parts and keeps the engine alive. The engine is the heart to your car and an engine replacement or overhaul is very expensive.

Many people especially women don't think about changing the oil, but once they start wondering why the car starts smoking, they take their car into the shop. Clean oil is needed to lubricate the pistons, among other components to the engine. Once the oil gets dirty and black and thick, it can no longer do the job to work the engine.

Then the parts start wearing down, causing lifters to knock and sometimes a cracked head. Gaskets get too tight and start cracking which create leaks where the oil runs out damaging the engine. At this point it is too late for the engine to survive.

It starts smoking causing a host of problems and now it takes several quarts of oil a day for the engine to barely run. It makes all sorts of weird noises, the smoke pours out and it finally quits running. You take it into the shop and you need a new engine or the mechanic will tell you the engine needs to be rebuilt.

You're looking at several thousand dollars all because of a cheap oil change and filter. If you're driving an old car, you need to find out what other problems it has so you'll know if it's worth investing the money for a rebuilt engine or to buy another car.

Old cars are built better than the new plastic cars, but you need to keep them up, so it's something you need to think about. If you're having engine problems, you need to find a good honest mechanic that won't rip you off.

You need to check out the smaller independent mechanic shops that are ASE Certified. They can save you lots of money compared to the bigger repair shops. Get three estimates in writing with a written guarantee before letting them work on your car.

The independent ones are more customer friendly and value their work. They cater to most service and repairs with experienced skilled mechanics. They do a better job than the big ones with lots of turn over. Make sure you change the oil in your car every three to five thousand miles for peak performance.

Keep your vehicle maintained so the dirty oil won't ruin the engine to your car. You'll save a ton of money and headaches with proper maintenance that won't empty your wallet.

Marketing Ideas to Earn Loyal Auto Repair Clients

In times of financial difficulties, it's going to be tough for small businesses like your auto repair shop. You need to have a steady stream of customers to keep your enterprise alive. But, finding new customers on these days would be hard. However, once you have already built your credibility among your clients, there's nothing to worry about. Providing your clients with quality repair services and great products is a strong foundation and reason enough for people to keep coming back to you.

You still need to turn those new clients into loyal customers, though. Here are some tactics to help you establish good relationship with them and keep them loyal to your business:

Tips on Keeping Customers Loyal to Your Business

o Get to know your customers. Create and keep a list of your clients with their names, addresses and birthdays (if possible). This way, it would be easy to communicate with them. You can send them news about product and auto repair service deals, arrival of new auto part replacement stocks and even greetings on their special days. These will make your customers feel that they are special and important to you. Sending them greeting postcards on their birthdays is also great.

o Give freebies and special discounts. Send your auto repair clients any items that will make them happy. You can send car key chains, dashboard organizer, car stuffed toys or any small accessories that your clients can display and use in their vehicles. These things will have your auto repair shop's name, address as well as contact numbers. The more your customers see and use these things with your business name on it, the more they are reminded about you. If you don't want to send these gifts directly to your clients, you can send them promotional prints with coupons that they can use for claiming. You can send in postcards, brochures or rack cards with tear-off portion.

o Be attentive to the needs of your clients. As much as possible, memorize the vehicles owned by your clients. With this, you can offer them any new products or services that will be great for their rides. For example, if a client owns an off-road truck that he usually drives to countryside and back roads, you may recommend a sturdy bumper cover and mud guard. You can also tell them when it is due for wheel alignment jobs or under chassis inspection. Sending postcards, flyers and brochures are ways to convey such messages. Your clients will feel and realize that you care for them and their vehicles.

o Keep your customers happy. Show your clients that you care for them and their vehicles like they are your real friends. Also, teach them of the things that they should know about auto repairs and maintenance. Let them know that you will always be striving hard to meet their demands as well as the demands of their vehicles. These things will all make your customers happy about your business, and therefore make them loyal to you.

If you are successful in doing any of the tips above, you don't even need to find new clients. People will be coming to find you instead. That's the best thing about having a business foundation that speaks of quality service and great customer service. Your business will become in-demand, thanks to word-of-mouth marketing.