Auto Repairs Should Be Done by Professionals

Most people, at some point in time have car trouble. It is a reality that many people dread having to deal with. They don't just dread this circumstance because of the inconvenience it causes, but this feeling is also the result of their seemingly limited financial supply. The last thing they want to do is spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars at an auto mechanic shop. Therefore, they try to go at it alone.

After attempting to fix the problem using their limited amount of expertise, they soon find themselves in worse shape then when they started out. They end up messing things up and creating even more issues. Besides the fact that they don't have the necessary skills, the average person also doesn't have the right tools to conduct auto repairs. On the other hand, professionals have everything they need at their disposal. Anything that they don't have readily available, they usually have the ability to get it.

There are also those who wouldn't think to try to fix their vehicle on their own. Instead, they go around shopping for the best deal they can find. They don't care if they use a professional mechanic or not. In their eyes, they are saving money. Little do they know, they may actually be putting themselves in a greater financial bind. Just because something costs less, doesn't mean it's always the better deal.

What if someone were to bring their car to the unlicensed neighborhood mechanic? They bring their car home and for about a week it seems to be working perfectly. However, they soon find that the work was done improperly and their car no longer runs the way it's supposed to. Unlike a professional shop, the unlicensed mechanic didn't offer them a warranty. Therefore, they are just out of luck and their money has basically been thrown down the drain. So, they are forced to go somewhere else and spend even more money. If they would have gone to a professional in the first place, they could have actually saved money.

Auto repairs should be done by specialists because it gives the customer a better chance of getting the quality results that they desire. Auto services usually have high quality workers, with years of background knowledge and experience. They have a proven track record, which allows the potential customer to know that they will be in good hands.

So, just because someone is offering a seemingly better deal, doesn't always mean they are the best option. Paying the price upfront for auto repairs is oftentimes the way to go. You may be concerned about the money that will be leaving your hands. However, those concerns will soon fade away as you realize that you came away with the results you were searching for.

The Different Primary Components Of Auto Air Conditioning System

Most of us like to travel at the same comfort level that we are accustomed to at work or even at home. You just slide a lever or push a button to change from high temperature to low temperature or vice-versa inside the car. Most US citizens, including those in cities like Tyler and Greenville, where the temperature is quite high prefer to use the cooling system in their vehicle whenever possible.

There are various components of an automotive air conditioning system which contribute in making the atmosphere inside the car pleasant. Some of the major components are:

1. Compressor: This part of the air conditioning system is primarily a belt driven pump which is fastened to the engine. The compressor is also most commonly known as the "heart of the cooling system". The main job of this unit is to transfer the compressed refrigerant air. The suction or intake side of the compressor pulls in the refrigerant air from the outlet of the evaporator. Then the air is compressed and sent to the condenser. Here the system transfers the heat, which was absorbed by the condenser from the within the vehicle.

2. Condenser: A condenser of the cooling system in your car will look almost the same like the radiator of the vehicle. The main function of this area is to radiate heat. It is very important that the air flow of the condenser works properly every time the air conditioning system is in operation. It has been observed very often that most US citizens, like those residing in Tyler and Marshall face cooling issues with their car since this part of the system fails to work if proper care is not taken of it.

3. Evaporator: This unit works as a heat absorbing component and is situated inside the vehicle. The evaporator helps to dehumidify the air inside the car. On warm days if you see water dripping from the bottom of your car then do not fear about anything being wrong. It is just the evaporator blocking out dust particles and pollen from entering the inside of the car. These particles get stuck to the wet surface of this unit and are then drained off to the outside of the vehicle.

In case the cooling system in your car is not working and you want help of an expert in auto air conditioning - Tyler, Sulphur Springs, and Kilgore residents are amongst those lucky ones in Texas who can seek assistance of mechanics from Gordy's Automotive Super Center. Their mechanics specialize in any mechanical issues with your vehicle. For further information about their service and products you may visit their website automotivesupercenterlongview.com.

What Makes Cars Rust?

Rust is the bane of all cars. From the decades-old classic to the newest hybrid, all cars have parts that are made of metal and are, therefore, susceptible to rust. Rust is so insidious that the smallest paint scratch can encourage it and strong enough to eat through the bodywork and chassis if not stopped. What is rust really, though?

Rust is iron oxide. The oxidation of iron is a chemical reaction requiring moisture and oxygen. The three types of iron oxide are black powder, expressed as FeO, reddish-brown powder, expressed as Fe2O3 and a hybrid of the first two, expressed as Fe3O4. Without moisture, rust is impossible. If you could seal an iron nail in a jar of pure oxygen, with no water present, the nail would not rust. If you put water in the jar, the nail would rust quite soon. Throw salt into the experiment and the "rust monsters" will soon eat up your nail.

When iron comes into contact with H2O, it creates a solution tension. The results will vary depending on the surface and its electron concentrations. On parts of the surface with a fairly positive electron charge, the iron dissolves and forms positive iron II ions. Electronegative portions of the surface form OH-, (negative hydroxyl) ions instead. The OH- ions then bond with the iron to create hydroxides. These bonds cannot be dissolved. When combined with hydrogen (an important component of water) iron II ions become iron III ions. The hydroxide ions and iron II ions react and create hydrated iron oxides. Let them dry and you've got rust.

Higher levels of hydrogen accelerate the rusting process, as does the presence of salt because it increases the water's electrical conductivity. This is one reason winter is so hard on cars, because the road salt increases the chance of rust. While rust can usually be prevented with proper maintenance, it sometimes gets the better of even very careful automobile owners.

If your car's body, wheels or chassis do suffer rust, you can sometimes grind it out and use a sealer to prevent the rust from spreading. If the rusting is sufficiently advanced to require replacement of the part, there are affordable options. Instead of paying an auto body shop an arm and a leg to fix the rust damage, you can often obtain affordable car parts from car breakers or a car salvage shop.

Searching online for car breakers. can save you a lot of time and money over going to an auto body shop or hunting through junk yards for the car part you need. By shopping online car salvage sales you have the advantage of looking through a wide selection of components without even leaving the house. Have your parts shipped to you and start restoring your car right away.

Finding an Auto Repair Shop That Treats You Well

When you own a car, it is a given that it will need fixing at some point during its lifespan. You want to find an auto repair shop that will do a good job on your automobile. You want qualified mechanics doing the work. But you also want other things too. You want a business that is reliable, affordable and will treat you in the right manner.

Finding repair businesses that are honest and ethical has become increasingly difficult in these economically hard times. Several reasons may be to blame for this. However, the main reason is because these businesses are focusing so much of their energy on reducing costs, to the point where customer service is often pushed to the backburner.

There are still businesses around that care about their customers. By doing a few simple things, you can find an auto repair shop in your hometown that will do excellent work and also treat you like the good customer that you are!

It may seem a little old fashioned in this day of information technology, but a personal referral is still one of the best ways to find a mechanic shop where the contractors will take care of every need that your car has. Whether it is a brake job, an oil job or bodywork your car requires, ask family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors where they take their vehicles. You might even find someone who will give you the name of a specific mechanic who works in an auto repair shop who is worth your time and money.

Lots of people use cars for their primary source of transportation so finding a few people to provide you with referrals should not be too difficult. They want to save money on repairs as much as you do so they will give you the names of the good places and steer you away from the bad. It is helpful to be aware of the bad experiences they have had too so you know what to look out for!

A trustworthy, reliable and ethical repair center is what you are on the hunt for. To narrow down the choices, you need to ask for as many details as possible about the motor vehicle repair facilities.

Ask what type of cars the auto repair company works on. There are some businesses that specialize in working on particular brands of vehicles or car manufacturers. This is one way to find a garage but it is also a means of spending more money on work than you need to.

Those who identity themselves as "specialists" will often charge more per hour for the work they do. If you are all right with this, that is fine but if not, keep looking for a more all-purpose type of company. Look for one that has up-to-date diagnostic equipment.

Opportunities Abound For Individuals And Businesses With Auto Body Repair Expertise

Collision repair is one of the largest sub-industries in the automotive industry today. With the continued increase in the number of motor vehicles on the road, the number cars and trucks damaged in accidents also continues to increase. This increase in the number of vehicles grows in line with the increase in the country's population. In this vein, business and employment opportunities in collision repair continues to grow. These business opportunities include support businesses like supplying paint, paint booths, spray guns, auto body repair tools, lifts, hydraulic equipment, auto body parts, metal sheets and not least of which are the insurance companies. As a customer, you would deal only with the shop you take your car to, but behind the scenes, there is a long supply chain working to put your car back on the road.

An auto body shop would do well to tie up with dealerships and insurance companies as these are a steady source of referrals. With insurance companies or dealerships, the key to gaining their business is to prove that you have the expertise and equipment to undertake extensive collision repair work. This means a substantial outlay in tools and equipment, as well as a good relationship with parts, auto body repair and paint suppliers so that you can get needed supplies through a credit line.

But investing in even the best tools and equipment means nothing if you don't have the skilled people to handle that equipment. And herein lies the opportunity for individuals who are interested in auto body repair and fabrication. Skills required in the auto body repair business include damage analysis and estimating, frame straightening, metal and body work fabrication and repair, glass replacement and painting and final detailing. If one invests in training and apprenticeship to gain the skills needed to become qualified, employment opportunities abound in the form of jobs at new and used car dealerships, independent repair shops, collision repair equipment manufacturers, insurance companies, paint and painting equipment suppliers, and even automobile graphics companies and manufacturers.

Auto body repair is not limited to knowing just the skills to effect collision repair. The best auto body specialists are totally dedicated to their craft and bring with them a passion to perform a thorough job each and every time. This means aligning gaps perfectly and ensuring that body lines and curves follow the original shapes to a tee. When you bring expertise and passion to this kind of work, it's only a matter of time before you, as a business or an individual, begin to turn away customers because of the reputation you will have built with your excellent work.

Types of Automotive Jobs

Numerous people have an ambition of getting an automotive school degree, but are confused about what type of jobs the automobile companies offer. If you also think the same way, no need to worry, as there are various types of automobile jobs available.

Since the car usage and ownership industries have tremendously grown in the past few years and continue to grow, anyone with an automobile school degree has an assured job.

Types of Jobs Available:

Below mentioned are some types of jobs, which a person having an automotive school degree may opt for:

1. Lube and oil technician: Cars need maintenance on a regular basis. Oil change is one-step involved in maintenance of cars. For maintenance of cars, many oil and lube store, garages, and workshops have come up. They provide jobs to persons, who have experience and knowledge to perform these maintenance tasks quickly. Graduates from such schools will easily get these types of jobs, since they are more knowledgeable and experienced in all these tasks.

2. Automotive Technicians: These people perform numerous tasks rather than just oil changing. Automobile technicians perform tasks such as air filter replacement and other such maintenance related tasks. They may also be hired for balancing wheels, mounting and dismounting wheels, changing brake pads and for performing tune-ups.

3. Mechanics: Mechanics require more education and experience compared to technicians. Mechanics perform more difficult repair works and may do the tasks of technicians too. A mechanic performs replacement tasks such as replacement of shocks and struts, alternators, drive shaft, and starters. Any person with an automobile school degree may apply for this job. Mechanics are given all the necessary hands-on training for this job.

4. Master Mechanics: A graduate from an automobile school will be proud of this particular job. This is a kind of job available at high quality automobile shop, garage or dealership maintenance workshop. The pay package of a master mechanic is higher than a technician or mechanic.

5. Auto Body and Paint Specialists: Persons who repair the damages on the vehicle are called auto body and paint specialists. These people are in great demand in recent times due to the high incidents of accidents. An auto body technician replaces exterior body parts and repairs damage. Paint technicians apply paint to the vehicle after repairing the damage.

6. Automobile Design and Engineering: This is the most esteemed job in the auto world. These auto expert persons design the look of a car. This job has very high demand because of the ever-changing technology and competition in the automobile industry. A person with a good understanding of auto theory as well as engineering practices may apply for this job.

These are some of the jobs available for automotive school graduates. Auto industries often require people for various jobs in diverse sectors of automobiles. The job may be for the creation or sales of new vehicles or it may be for repairs and maintenance of automobiles. To end, the auto world always has jobs for auto graduates.

Auto Repair Advertising - No Response + No Information = No Customer

If you partake of auto repair advertising, you may have noticed a downturn in effectiveness as a new breed of consumers emerges. They are armed not with phonebooks and word of mouth, but with Internet browsers and RSS feeds. They know where to check your information in the blink of an eye, and can find the perfect middle ground between price and quality faster than you can change oil. This new group of consumers ranges from 16 to 60, and they are looking for you. But are you ready for how they do business?

A recent study of consumers seeking auto repair quotes/information online showed extremely high levels of dissatisfaction with the speed and personalization received by local technicians. Beyond that, of the few facilities even offering email contact, virtually none of them chose to respond to the inquiry. Even more powerful is that the vast majority of these customers reported they took their business elsewhere. Some in just a few hours. A subsequent study, looking at the number of online searches for "auto repair" and all possible variations, found that in any given month between April 2006 and March 2007, there were well over 52.4 million inquiries nationwide.

What a fantastic opportunity for your auto repair facility! It seems the market is wide open for technicians who return emails. Somebody out there is getting this business... why not you? But here's the catch: Technicians choosing to tap into this massive stream of new customers will have to be prepared to focus on direct, personal communication and provide information before sales.

No longer is it enough to say: "bring it in and we'll take a look", or push credentials and experience now you must provide information along with a ballpark price or at least an explanation of why you are unable to estimate and a disclosure of your inspection fee. If you want to establish the kind of trust and credibility which leads to long term clients, you must do the following:

1: Directly answer the question/concern of the individual.

2: Offer, based on the information given, either a ballpark price or an explanation as to why you are unable to give this and quote your inspection fee.

3: Offer potential, lower cost alternatives to the full procedure (if possible).

4: Ask for the business, then provide an easy way to contact you.

Would you rather have a person come in once and never return, or endless times over the course of many years for $50 - $150 maintenance, while bringing legions of friends?

This isn't to say you shouldn't flout your credentials; it is always a good idea to include a sentence or two about your experience and certifications. But this initial online correspondence must be about offering information. There is no other way besides direct, value rich correspondence to build trust with today's net savvy consumer. Many auto repair facilities refuse to give any information at all over the phone or online. Unfortunately, this approach, in almost every case, backfires. Not offering some sort of info-rich response defeats the purpose of communication. This alienates your potential clients. While many technicians view these people as "price shoppers," the majority of consumers are only looking for a healthy middle ground between quality and cost.

At the end of the day, the auto repair facility responding appropriately to online buyers has a much better chance of landing a strong line of new clients. Not only will you establish your professional credibility, but you will have a major edge against the fierce local competition with a wide open door to new word of net business.

How to Repair a Scratch on Your Car - Paint Repair and Auto Spray Painting

Car scratches eventually appear in a way of almost every car owner. There are many methods of dealing with them however painting it over with an auto spray gives the best result. If you have enough experience you will be able to paint over even a big scratch but a beginner also can manage to repair imperfections on his vehicle. Here are the steps to follow:

First, it is necessary to clean metal from dirt and rust. Dirt is removed by washing the panel with soapy water. When dry, sand out the scratch and surrounding area with sandpaper. Then you need to apply putty on a surface. It should consist of two components (with a hardener). Do not choose epoxy putty otherwise, it will dry for 24 hours. Use rubber or thin metal pallet for alignment.

It will take 20 minutes to dry up with a temperature of 200C (392F). At this stage, you may also use auto filler primer that is specially designed to fill scratches and imperfections and perfectly replaces putty. It can be found in auto stores but if you are after budget repair - putty will work just fine.

Next step, condition the surface with sandpaper of different calibers starting with sharp and then moving to a fine one. The panel should be ideally smooth to the touch. To make it this way use ultrafine 2000-3000 grit sandpaper and running water.

Now it is time to apply a primer. When primer layer is dry, you can start painting. To make sure the colour will match your car, enamel should be selected under number specified in the service book of the car. If you will paint your car in garage, take care that dust and moisture in it would be as little as possible otherwise fine motes will definitely get on a fresh paint.

Use masking tape and thick paper to cover parts that are not going to be painted. Make several light applications of a spray paint on a surface. Paint is put in two layers. First - thin, second - thicker. Time interval before applying second layer is 6 to 8 minutes. Average time of drying is about 2 hours, and full fixing of paint takes 24 hours.

When paint is dry, you can remove paper and masking tape. If you notice some imperfections such as drips or rough edges, you can fix it using ultrafine sandpaper. When finished apply a top coat over the painted surface and let it dry. There is no scratch anymore!

Auto Body Repair Shop - Find the Most Reliable Shops

There are so many things in life that you don't find out until it is too late and knowing where the best auto body repair shop in your local area can be one of these things. If your car is looking great and running well, it may be a waste of time and effort looking into where to go to have it fixed but the minute you are in a collision, you will need the services of an auto collision repair shop. Not every auto body work outfit is the same and the level of quality and service can differ by a great amount so this is why being able to call on the services of the best in the business is vitally important.

Although any repair shop needs to be able to show they can work to a high standard and meet any specifications a customer may have, a good level of customer service would be expected. Being involved in a collision and then losing the services of their auto can be problematic for a customer and a good auto collision repair shop would assist with this. Reliable auto body work is one matter but being able to offer a free pick up and towing service helps set this repair shop apart from many of its peers.

Being a family run business with over thirty years experience in the industry has created an understanding of what customers need from their auto shop. A car is vital for everyday life and all your daily chores so we know how quickly you need it back. Our experience in repairing body work means that we will only have the car for as long as we need to. Customers can also relax from the fact that our workshops are fully alarmed and controlled so when your auto is with us, it is perfectly safe. This level of peace of mind is of great benefit to the consumer and is all part of the friendly, family service.

If you want to know more about our auto body repair shop and get a feel for the business yourself, we are delighted to have people visit us, so if you are in the North Miami Beach area, feel free to drop by or give us a call. If you need to find the best auto collision repair shop to meet your every needs including auto body work and customer service, we are confident you won't find anywhere better.

Simple Tips For Shaving Your Car Door Handles

Everyday, I do custom body modifications for cars since I work in an auto body shop. There was one day when I need to pull out a Limo out of a Ford Taurus. There have been many kinds of modifications which I do, including one of the most common ones, shaving door handles.

What is exactly you do when you are shaving your car door handles? Shaving your door handles means that you eliminate your outer door handles and then fill the area to create a smooth appearance. If you do this in the right way, then the result will last for a long time. However, if you do it incorrectly, it will come back and haunt you in no time.

When you shave your door handles, start with removing the inner panel of the door. The details maybe different for each car, but it will definitely contain removing screws and clips. In special cases, you will need to use special tool to remove the hidden screws and clips. They are usually attached in door handles or window crank handles.

After removing the inner panel, pull up the window fully so you are be able to get inside of the to the inside of the handle of the outer doors. When doing this, you will need a flashlight and a very skinny pair of hands. Most outer door handles in cars are attached to bolts that can only be accessed from the inside. You need to detach all the rods that are attached to the door handle so they will not interfere with anything inside the door.

Remove all the parts that may interfere with the movements in the inside including your door lock key cylinder. This will make you to put another extra key since the remote popper unit will be useless. Some people choose the cheaper way by modifying the door handle rod and attach it to the door lock cylinder. With this arrangement, you now can use your key to activate the door latch instead of the lock.

Whatever way you choose, the full shaving option or eliminating the handle and cylinder, you will have at least one whole day to work on. If you want the result to endure, then you should use metal and weld in some metal patches before. If you cannot do it, then you need to go to someone who can. This rule will not be applicable though, if the car has fiberglass body panels.

Next, you need to grind up the metal around the area, eliminating the paint, and roughening up the area. You can buy the products which are available in spray cans and apply the products on the metal. The products protects the metal from rust and fire during the welding process. After you have your metal patches applied, it is time to fill the area you already ground and cleaned before. Sand the fiberglass and use plastic body filler in thin coats when you want to do more shaping. You need to do this over and over again until you are sure that there are no more air bubbles trapped in the filler.

After all is done, then you need to apply a good quality primer to the repair area. You can use 220 grit sandpaper to make sure that the primer is smooth. When you finish with this step, then the next thing is to apply the last primer to the surrounding area and sand it with 320 or 400 grit of sand paper. Remember not to leave your car in primer for a long time since it may catches rust. Paint it immediately.

Painting is a very delicate matter, so if you never paint before, you will need to get a professional do it for you. Ask the painter you hired too whether the repair is good enough to be paint. If the answer is no, then ask your painter if he can do the final prep work and how much it will cost.

After the shaving is done, now you need to buy a remote popper kit and install it in your car so you can get in. The kits usually include complete instructions, yet if you are not good at electricity, you may want to pay an expert to do it. Since the popper is electronic and gets its power from electricity, you need to install a cable which manually activated and leads to one hidden point that only you who knows just in case the battery goes out.

Now after you understand all the steps, it is the time to decide whether you will shave your door handles or decide that it does not suit you after all.

Salvaging the Most Out of Your Dead Vehicle

If you have a car that is completely dead and would cost more to repair than what it is worth, then you can still make some money off of it. Even if the car is beyond repair, there are engine and body parts that are still functional and could be salvaged. There are auto mechanic shops, salvage yards, and many more who would be interested in buying those parts off of you. Don't just give up and send it to the junk yard. They are simply going to take the car and do exactly what you can do. They are going to sell the parts to any individuals who come there looking for what is on your old car.

The engine

Even though part of the engine is dead doesn't mean the entire thing is. The car battery may still be good, the alternator, air conditioning unit, belts, cam shaft, and so much more can be sold because these are items that are frequently sought out by individuals. So it is a good idea to take advantage of that by placing a sign in front of your yard or an ad in the paper. That is if you know how to safely remove the car parts on your own. If you do, then you can maximize your profit on the car because many individuals seek out salvage engine parts before they will go to the auto parts store and buy new ones.

The body

The body of the car is also a money maker for you. Just like engine parts break down and need replaced, body components are damaged for a number of reasons. A person can damage their car in a wreck, someone can purposely inflict damage on their car, or their car can become physically damaged during a natural disaster. In these cases, doors, hoods, trunks, side panels, fenders, and even the wheels and tires are needed to fix those damaged areas. They can easily have the spare body parts installed on their car and refinished to look like nothing ever happened.

Need some help?

If you do not know how to remove the parts yourself, then you can employ the help of someone who does. You may have to pay that individual, but you can still make money with the auto salvage parts of your car. Don't just simply sell it for a few hundred dollars. You can certainly get a lot more out of it if you sell it piece by piece. Then again, if you don't have the time to sell the parts, then it might be in your best interest to take it to a salvage yard and allow them to buy it off of you. They will rebuild the car and sell it as a whole under a salvage title in order to make a profit after buying it off of you and replacing the parts of it that were defective or damaged.

No matter which route you decide to take, you can make your dead vehicle a profitable one for you. Don't simply throw a "for sale" sign on it and hope that someone who needs spare parts will buy the whole thing. Selling it in pieces will prove to be more profitable. However, even selling it to a salvage yard is going to be more profitable than some of the other alternatives, such as dropping it at a junk yard for them to make a profit off of your junk. Go ahead and get yourself a piece of the pie. You bought the vehicle and you cared for it, so it is only fair that you are able to get something out of it in the end.

How to Rust Treat Auto Body Panels - After Painting Is Completed

Most rust starts to form inside a panel. There are various reasons for this: dirt and moisture, and lack of factory paint treatment are the major causes. Leaving your car outdoors without shelter, in rain and dew, will hasten the process.

Any observant motorist visiting an overseas city, located in a warm, dry climate, will soon notice the absence of perforation rust in the local vehicles. When you think about it, moisture is the problem. So, how do we solve this long term?

Consider how often you have seen a rusty steel gearbox or steering knuckle. When was the last time you heard of a car engine sump rusting through? Most likely never! But these parts are all subject to moisture, salt etc. and are unpainted.

Why then, do they not rust?

The answer is of course - oil! This is the basis of rust-proofing today. Oil repels water. Whether the oil is dirty or clean, it still has the property of repelling water, and sticking to metal. All we need do to ensure that our rust does not continue is to saturate the inside of rusting panels with oil.

Don't waste money buying new oil. The oil drained from the engine or transmission of your car will work fine. The thicker the better. Most garages will fill a can for you (free) if you do not like to change your own oil.

This stage must be left until the painting is completed, as oil continues to seep out of cracks and drain holes for days afterwards.

A paintbrush is usually all that is required for the insides of doors, panels etc. But some areas require a bit of ingenuity. A spray-gun is ideal. Don't worry about overdoing it. The surplus will find its way out. Saturation is the key word.

Sills (the two bottom panels that run along below the doors) are difficult to treat. Sometimes kick plates can be removed, and holes drilled, or cut with a chisel underneath these, to give the required access. If this fails, a professional rust-proofer can treat them for you.

Crevice rust

Deep crevices trap salts that can cause surface rust. This is especially noticeable in vehicles exposed to the sea, or in areas subject to heavy air pollution.

The simplest solution is to treat crevices with a smear of ordinary grease. This of course is done when painting is completed.

Welding in new steel

Many motorists believe the only effective way to rid their vehicles of rust is to weld in new steel panels. This has not been covered here for several reasons:

• It is highly expensive. Panel shops talk it up and charge appropriately.

• Without rust treatment, surrounding areas soon rust out.

• The skills required are beyond most home handymen.

• Permanent repairs are possible by filling and rust proofing.

Avoid Being Taken Advantage of by Auto Mechanics

Auto repair rip-offs, frauds, scams are a common practice inside the auto mechanic industry. That is not to say there aren't any reputable auto repair shops, but according to the Consumer Federation of America's "2007 Consumer Complaint Survey Report," the number one category among the top ten consumer complaints is auto.

To not be taken advantage of, here are a few tips to avoid unscrupulous auto repair shops.

Research and Get Repairs in Writing - Understand your car's problems. Know what needs to be done to improve your car's overall performance before you have the car repair shop begins any work on your vehicle. Make sure all the quotes worked on your car are in writing for you to know exactly what is done to your car with the complete service and labor cost.

Don't be Pressured into More Services - The California Auto Body Association estimates 40% of repair bills have some degree of fraud. It is the shops job to tell their clients what else needs to be done in their vehicles, but do not be pressured to have more services done if there is no need for urgency. Be aware of long list of repairs when you only brought the car in for only one service, get a second opinion if needed.

Go for a Drive with a Mechanic - A good mechanic would not mind taking a test drive of your car to accurately identify the car problem pertaining to noise or a problem that comes and goes. Be aware of auto mechanics not taking their time to identify the problem because they are probably wasting your time and money.

Look for Reputable Repair Shop Clues - Finding honorable repair shops might not be as difficult as it may seem. Look for signs that the shop is California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR), or "Triple A" approved. Other clues to look out for are professionalism, shop appearance, and personnel.

Get a Guarantee from Mechanics - Ask for the shop's guarantee of its work in writing if possible. Find out what the guarantee covers. By receiving a guarantee, no matter where you are, the work done on your car is covered under the warranty. If you do run into trouble though, try to work it out with the shop first. Most honorable mechanics should try to make it right for you.

Auto Body Shop Work Performance

The chances are that everyone would at least once in their lives make use of an auto body shop. Getting involved in a collision is frightening for some. Others find it extremely frustrating.

Mechanical services are not just provided for collision repair. They can also attend to any minor or major breakdowns or just regular maintenance services. Before taking a vehicle for a repair it needs to be made clear of what to expect from a mechanical shop.

Obtain references and see work done for former clients. The customer should know their rights and always ensure workmanship is guaranteed. Get quotations from various shops, this is normally offered for free. The place with the cheapest or even the highest price might not necessarily be the best suited. Get to understand mechanical terms and what a reasonable charge on parts is.

In the event a vehicle has to get repaired due to an accident. Confirm what the insurance will cover. If the vehicle is out of service for a few days, arrange alternative transport. Once again this must be confirmed if the insurance company will provide a rental vehicle. If no insurance was available, ensure that costs will be covered in full before signing any agreements.

Insurance companies will liaise directly with the mechanical company. They will follow up with the client if work was completed satisfactory. In the event that the clients were not satisfied, the matter will be taken up with repairer and payment could be withheld. Any defects or problems should be made known as soon as possible. This should be attended to immediately.

It is critical that the quotation is signed off before any work commence. Ensure that nothing else could be added to the pricing and that no alterations have been done on the paper. After completion of work, check the vehicle for any problems. A mechanic should run through the process of what was done and check if replaced parts are new. Old parts should be shown if requested.

Working with an auto body shop could be frustrating. If a good communication bases is established and there are no misunderstandings, work are to be completed within a set time as agreed upon without any problems. The customer should feel comfortable with the repaired to ensure services would be used again in future. One good idea is to ask the body shop how long they will guarantee their workmanship.

Choose Your Specialization After Mechanic School

Even people that have always known that they would like to become a mechanic still have some very important choices to make. Why? Because there are many different kinds of auto mechanics. Here is a quick look at three kinds: high performance mechanic, diesel mechanic and motorcycle mechanic.

Motor Sports Repair Specialist

Some people who say that they want to become a mechanic actually mean that they want to become a high performance mechanic, trained to service racing cars on and off the track.

People who become mechanics for the racing industry learn many of the same skills as normal mechanics. They are trained to work on:

• fuel systems


• exhaust systems


• transmissions


• engines


• brakes


• cooling systems

But people who go to automotive school to pursue a career in the motor sports industry also need to know about:

• in-car camera technology


• building custom engines


• gear set up


• cylinder head modifications


• turcocharging


• race car ignition coils


• modifying race cars

N.B. Race car repair specialists may also follow a different kind of schedule from conventional mechanics. They may also need to travel for their work.

Diesel Repair Specialist

Our freight industry in particular depends on the expertise of diesel repair specialists.

Diesel mechanics learn at automotive school about:

• fuel-injection systems


• starters


• rebuilding engines


• cylinder heads

To become a diesel mechanic, one can study diesel engine repair at a mechanic school.

In mechanic school, aspiring diesel mechanics learn how to service such vehicles as:

• tractors


• cranes


• bulldozers


• combines


• trucks


• buses

Like any kind of graduate of mechanic school, diesel repair specialists need both mechanical and electronic knowledge. An increasing amount of their work involves computers. At the same time, they still use the classic tools of the trade, including:

• hoists


• welding tools


• grinding machines


• screwdrivers

N.B. Those who specialize in diesel mechanics in automotive school may find themselves working shifts. Some commercial fleets are maintained on a 24-hour schedule.

Motorcycle Repair Specialist

People who go to mechanic school to pursue a career as a motorcycle mechanic can specialize even further by concentrating on a specific brand of motorcycle, including:

• Harley-Davidson motorcycles


• Kawasaki motorcycles


• Yamaha motorcycles


• Mistubishi Motorcs motorcycles


• Indian motorcyles


• Campagna motorcyles

Some people may be drawn to mechanic school to study motorcycle repair because rising gas prices and concern about emissions may make motorcycles and scooters, which are approximately two times as fuel efficient as most cars, more attractive with the general population.

In automotive school, aspiring motorcycle mechanics can learn about:

• different types of engines (four stroke engines, two stroke engines, etc.)


• brakes


• suspensions

Graduates of automotive school who become repair specialists to work on motorcycles may find work in the following environments:

• speciality motorcycle repair shop


• motorcycle assembly plant


• motorcycle dealership

If you want to become a mechanic, start honing in on a specialty today.

Computer Repair - Help For Your Computing Problems

The computer repairs industry has gained momentum during the last decade, as people are gradually growing dependent on the internet, laptops and computers for their daily work. Initially, computers were meant just for commercial and large scale enterprises for storing data, maintaining records and performing high end calculations. But with the passage of time, it has become one of the most critical tools in demand, globally. With this rise in demand, there is also a rise in problems. Computers when used excessively are prone to malfunctioning and crashing. Other than this, with the internet playing a crucial role in computing, it also brings with itself viruses, malware, spyware and many other dangerous elements. All these factors combine together to bring an average user's PC to a crashing end. And this is where Phoenix computer repair comes in.

Phoenix repair companies deal with computing problems of all kinds. Whether it is a virus attack, a hardware malfunction, a PC update or even PC maintenance, you can have all services availed here. Their services are divided into two major categories; average home based users and commercial enterprises.

Home Based Users

Home based users are often technically unaware of the pros and cons of the computing world. They do not know if their computers are at risk from the internet, or even if there could be some hardware problems. To help them with this, Phoenix repair also provides online or telephonic help, whenever customers call them with a problem. After determining the level of intensity of a problem, the user will be provided with the option of home service, where a technician would be sent over for fixing the problem within a short time period. If not, the device would have to be brought over to the company for an in-depth analysis. Other than simple repairing, you could also call them over for installing a network or fixing network cables.

Commercial Enterprises

Phoenix computer repair offers commercial enterprises diverse services in repairs. Companies can have their servers maintained, their networks maintained, and also get training for staff. When companies and servers face system crashes, their utmost need is to get it repaired within a quick time period so that there is no loss in productivity. Understanding this need, Phoenix computer repair services provide timely, speedy repair services to enterprise clients.

How To Reach Them

You can get to the nearest Phoenix repair by going through the computer repair directories, where you will find numerous services right next to your place. Moreover, you can also search online with specific terms, such as "computer repair Virginia", "computer repair Central Avenue", and so on. With each search term, you will be able to locate companies that deal with customers online, so you won't have to worry about going far. However, make sure that the online company that you visit is legal and authentic. Do not give out any credit payment, until unless you're sure of the services. Also do not forget to ask friends or neighbors, as such services are often well known through word of mouth.

Auto Mechanic's Tip - How to Locate Driveline Vibrations

Whether you drive a lot or a little, driveline vibration can be an irritating problem to deal with. For most auto mechanics, the most compelling challenge is to find the vibration's point of origin. It's usually a task that requires firsthand knowledge of a vehicle's driveline components.

Your vehicle's wheels, tires, axles, transmission, driveshaft, clutch or torque converter, along with engine parts, rotate at a high rate of speed. Any one of these components can be worn or out of spec and be the source of your vehicle's vibration troubles.

The first step in diagnosing the origin of the vibration is to try and determine the exact conditions under which the vibration occurs. There are three basic types of vibration to be on the lookout for.

Engine Related (RPM) Vibration

RPM-related vibrations will most likely occur when your car is placed in all gears, and is quite often attributed to the engine or any other engine components that turn at the same speed. The harmonic balancer, flexplate and transmission input shaft are several components to consider. If you are scoping the cause, and the vibration changes or disappears as speed is increased, you can eliminate RPM as the problem.

Speed-Related Vibration

A vibration related to vehicle speed will usually manifest when you've reached a certain speed and worsen if the vehicle's speed increases. Several possible sources might be the wheels, universal joints, axles or transmission output shaft. You can narrow down the problem further by maintaining the same speed and shifting into a different gear. If the vibration goes away, you'll know that speed is not the cause.

Acceleration/Deceleration-Related Vibration

If the vehicle vibration changes, whether you are accelerating, decelerating or maintaining a steady cruise speed, there could be numerous causes. Just keep in mind that your vehicle works as a complete system, and that the relationship between all the parts has to be understood when trying to diagnose any problems associated with driveline components.

If the problem becomes too much of a challenge to handle, there are always reputable vehicle repair shops with well-trained automotive technicians that can examine your vehicle. Just make sure any repairs suggested are warranted and within your budget.

Car Heater Not Working - Blowing Cold Air!

There are several reasons why your car's heater may be blowing cold air, instead of heat. It is important to understand how the heater works in your car before you can begin to try to diagnose why it is not working. First, there is NOT an electric heater element in the heater system in automobiles, like in portable heaters used in the home. The part that transfers heat into the passenger compartment is called a heater core. A heater core can be thought of as a miniature radiator. The car engine's coolant flows through the heater core while the fan (also called a blower), blows air through the heater core fins. When air blows through the heater core fins, it is warmed, therefore warming the passenger compartment.

Start by checking the coolant. As we already said coolant is what warms the heater core. So if the coolant is low, there may not be a sufficient amount of warmth to transfer heat to the air in the passenger compartment. Since it 's cold outside, low coolant may not effect the operating temperature of the engine significantly, so you won't be alerted to a coolant problem by the temperature gage on the instrument panel. Once the coolant is full, feel the heater hoses that go through the firewall. With the engine at normal operating temperature, BOTH of the heater hoses should be hot to the touch. If only one is hot, this indicates there is is a blockage in the heater core or there is air trapped in the heater core. Using a Lisle coolant funnel is helpful in purging the air from the cooling system. If the coolant is really brown, has been neglected, or if "stop leak" has been used at some point, the heater core could be stopped up. The blockage can sometimes be unstopped by removing the heater hoses and using a garden hose with a sprayer to flush the heater core out. If neither of the hoses are hot to the touch, there could also be a malfunctioning heater control valve, if used on the model you're working on. Check for presence of a heater control valve by following the heater hoses back to the engine. Sometimes, a vacuum line could have a break causing there to be no vacuum to operate the valve. Also it should be noted that if this is your first winter with this car (and you're unfamiliar with the car's repair history), the previous owner could have by-passed the heater core because of a leak. When a heater core leaks, usually they wet the passenger side floorboard. The labor cost to change heater cores is usually expensive, so sometimes people will loop the heater hoses and by-pass a leaking heater core instead of repairing it properly.

Next check for proper airflow. After you're sure the heater core is getting hot water flow, read the following information. Doors within the heater case are either controlled by electric actuators, cables or vacuum motors. Adjust the heat control to both extremes while listening for movement of the blend door. With a cable operated heater door it's easiest to hear the door thump when it closes. If the door is not operating, find the door that controls the airflow across the heater core. If there is an electric motor that controls the door, tapping on it can sometimes make it work temporarily for testing purposes. A vacuum operated motor needs vacuum to work, so using a handheld vacuum pump for testing is usually recommended. If the vacuum motor does not hold vacuum, the diaphragm is leaking requiring replacement. To go deeper into diagnoses of the control head's function and diagnosis, specific vehicle repair manual information is needed. But hopefully the basics laid out in this article has helped to get you started on the right track. 

Car Repair Loan - You Do Not Need to Miss Work Anymore

It is not easy to maintain a car and least of all to pay for a car repair loan out of your own pocket. A car looks so good to operate as long as it is working. The moment it breaks down and stops working, it looks like a white elephant who keeps on asking for more and more, every time. A major car breakdown can take hundreds of dollars for repairs. Sometimes, it may require some technical correction, which is not covered in the insurance. You can take a car repair loan to cover the cost of all kinds of payments to make your car fit to be on the road.

Your Prayers Are Answered

The insurance cover of your car requires you to pay the deductible amount initially otherwise; the insurance company is not going to give any claim at all. If you have not saved enough money to tackle such emergencies, then a car repair loan may be your only answer. There are many programs of car loans; you have to choose the program that is convenient to you. Usually it is advisable to take a car repair loan for a period of one to two years. Moreover, a car repair loan is never more that a couple of thousand dollars. All your repairs will be covered under these terms.

The next important thing that you need to check is the car loan rates currently running in the market. Usually, the prime lending rate will be charged from you. However, if you have bad credit rating then you may have to pay a higher rate of interest on your car repair loan than the prime lending rate. Do not waste too much time on thinking whether to take on a particular rate or not; sometimes a delay can cost you your job as well. A car repair loan can put you right behind the steering wheel, once again. Car rents are very high and if you decide to take that route initially, you may end up paying much more than what you would have paid on your car repair loan.

If you look at it, you will find that your car loan will be cheaper than a refinance car loan rate. Therefore, instead of looking for some friend or relative to bail you out of this untimely crisis, take a car repair loan for the uncovered part of your car insurance and pay a small amount of price towards the deductible amount. For those of you who do not have any consideration to pay, you can apply for the whole amount by the way of car repair loan. If you look carefully, you will find many online companies willing to give you car loans without charging any service fees for the first time. You have to repay the loan on the next payday date of your salary, if you apply for such a car repair loan.

Daewoo Leganza: Elegance and Power

This vehicle comes with an exterior that has been jointly designed by in-house stylists and Giugiaro's renowned ItalDesign operation. The latter is an Italian studio that has been the very reason for the Lexus GS300's façade. Daewoo claims that the name for this vehicle, Leganza, is a combination of two words taken from the Italian language - "Elegante", meaning elegant, and "Forza", meaning power.

The Daewoo Leganza made its way into the American automobile market as Daewoo's flagship small car. This midsize sedan is fairly cheap and holds loads of equipment. It is made from respectable quality materials. Statistics and sales show that the Daewoo Leganza is the largest and the most expensive vehicle model that Daewoo, the automobile company, has presented and introduced to the United States. This vehicle has been made available in three trim levels which comprise of the SE, the SX, and the premium CDX.

The Daewoo Leganza cries out with a confident styling as well as an advanced powertrain and suspension. Giving the vehicle a distinctive kind of look is its chromed radiator grille. This grille also gives the car more elegance. For a very affordable sedan, the Daewoo Leganza sports along with it a unique and creative style and design. Impressing its competition as well as the customers, the Daewoo Leganza holds high quality body parts, a range of options for comfort, and a variety of choices for paint finish and color. Available for the interior and cabin is a leather option and a nice wood trim. As per performance, this sedan comes with a modest body roll during cornering and light steering, a fully independent strut-type suspension, four wheel disc anti-lock brakes, and a rack and pinion power steering. It holds Daewoo's D-Tec engine as well as a five-speed manual for its base transmission.

Customers can choose from an array of body colors for the Daewoo Leganza. The available colors comprise of scarlet mica, poly silver metallic, olive silver metallic, midnight blue mica, harbost mist mica, granada black mica, and galaxy white. The available colors for its interior are gray and beige.

This vehicles comes with a variety of features. The list includes a front wheel drive, a front anti-roll bar, coil rear springs, front and rear mud flaps, a chrome grille, an illuminated entry, driver airbags, passenger airbags, dual power remote heated mirrors, a day/night rearview mirror, front bucket seats, a full cloth headliner, a carpet floor trim, front reading lights, an air filter, an AM/FM stereo with seek-scan, an auto-reverse cassette, six speakers, power door locks, an in-dash clock, a tilt steering wheel, power front and rear windows, a rear defroster, and a tachometer.

Auto Air Conditioning Repair 101

When your car or truck A/C is not blowing "cold air", the first thought is to panic. $$$$ signs are going through your mind. Your A/C is broken and the repair is going to be expensive. This article takes the mystery out of automotive air conditioning and serves as a primer so that you can make common repairs yourself and save MONEY on professional repairs.

A/C Principles

There are books and publications that contain volumes of information on the subject of air conditioning repair. This information is often too technical for the you to learn how-to fix your auto air conditioning system.

In the nutshell, here is all that you need to know about the fundamentals of refrigeration so that you can fix your auto air conditioning system yourself.

Air conditioning is the process in which air inside the passenger compartment is cooled, dried, and circulated. Heat is removed from inside the vehicle and transferred to the outside air.

All air conditioners whether, it is an auto A/C, household refrigerator or home HVAC, work on the same principles. Namely, a liquid refrigerant is changed to a gas and then back to a liquid. If a change-of-state of the refrigerant is to take place, heat transfer must take place. The two (2) rules that apply to refrigerant are:

1. Refrigerant in a gaseous state collects, absorbs, and holds heat.
2. Refrigerant in a liquid state releases that heat.

A/C Operation and Components

For your auto A/C to blow "cold air", R-134A refrigerant must pass through and change state in three (3) components, one (1) receiver-dryer, and one (1) expansion valve that makes up the closed auto air conditioning system. The components of the system are:

1. Compressor - A device that pressurizes the heated refrigerant..

2. Condenser - A radiator for refrigerant that transfers the heat that was absorbed in the passenger compartment to the cooler air.

3. Evaporator - Is a small radiator located under dash in the passenger compartment. Liquid refrigerant entering the evaporator creates a pressure loss. The liquid refrigerant absorbs heat from the air blowing across the evaporator. It then boils and changes state to vapor before it enters the suction port of the compressor.

4. Receiver-Dryer - Is a canister that stores the liquid refrigerant when the compressor is not running. It contains a desiccant that removes moisture from the system.

5. Expansion Valve - Is a metering device that controls the amount of refrigerant to the evaporator.

A/C Quick Check

A check that can easily be made to check the health of the A/C system is the "feel check". With engine running, turn the auto A/C control to "ON" and the blower on "high". Take a test drive to warm the engine until the A/C system pressures stabilize. Raise the hood. With the A/C "On", locate the large tubing connected and routed from the compressor (low side) to the expansion valve (inlet side) of the evaporator. Next, locate the small tubing that is connected to the discharge-side of the compressor and routed to the outlet side of the evaporator. When you feel these two (2) lines, you should observe these results:

1. The low-side line should feel "cool" to the touch.
2. The high-side line should feel "warm" to the touch.

If the high-side tubing is not warm and the low-side is not cool, further tests will have to be made as the system is not doing any work. There is an internal problem; such as, a defective component or a leak in your A/C system.

Testing A/C System

Before system temperature tests can be made, a checklist should be followed (below) to setup for testing the A/C system:

1. Set the A/C "ON-OFF" switch to "ON".
2. Set the temperature control to "maximum cooling".
3. Set the blower on "high" or the highest number on the control switch.
4. Temperature inside passenger compartment should be stable and getting cooler.
5. Engine speed must be a minimum of 1500 rpm's.
6. All windows should be be in the "UP" position.

Check Temperature

Your compact car or truck has a small capacity A/C system and a loss of "cooling" would be more noticeable than a larger capacity auto A/C system. If a noticeable loss of "cooling" capacity is noticed, a temperature check at the vent registers should be made. This check can be made with an instant read or digital temperature thermometer.. The discharge air from the vents in the passenger compartment should range from 38 to 42 degrees F.

A/C System Diagnosis

Assuming that the discharge air test measured at the vent registers is out-of-range, a system pressure test will have to be made. Professional A/C technicians connect a tool known as the manifold gauge set to the "low" and "high" side service valves of the system. For you to diagnose and look inside the A/C, it will be necessary to become proficient in the use of the manifold gauge set.

A manifold gauge set that is suitable for the needs can be purchased at most auto supply stores and Internet A/C tool and supply store fronts for less than $50.00. TIP: Look for a gauge set that has a built-in sight glass.

Locate the "low" and "high" side service valves.. Connect the hoses (they are a snap connector fit) to the service valves in the following manner:.

1. Connect the blue hose of the gauge set to the "low-side" service valve of the compressor.
2. Connect the red hose of the gauge set to the "high-side service valve of the compressor.
3. The yellow hose of the gauge set is connected to a vacuum pump or a refrigerant can to add refrigerant to the system. The yellow hose is not connected to the system at this time.

Static Test

If you find an out-of-range temperature reading, the manifold gauge set should be installed on the "low" and "high-side" service valves. With the engine "OFF" and the compressor and clutch not engaged, the blue "low-side" and red "high-side" gauges should show equal readings of approximately 80 to 120psi. These readings would indicate that there is a refrigerant charge in your A/C system. If the readings were 50psi on each gauge, this would indicate that there is refrigerant in the system but a LOW CHARGE. If the readings were 10 to 20psi on each gauge would indicate that there is little or no refrigerant in your A/C system.

Engine Running Test

Start the engine,.turn the A/C switch"ON" with the blower on "high" and run for a minimum of fifteen (15) minutes. Observe the reading on the manifold gauge set. TIP: A manifold gauge set with a built-in sight glass (mentioned above) will save you diagnostic time as most A/C systems do not have a sight glass built-in the receiver-dryer on the high side of the system.

With this feature, you look for bubbling refrigerant oil and refrigerant in the sight glass on the manifold. Oil moving through the glass would indicate that the compressor and clutch are engaged. Refrigerant is being moved from the low-side throughout the A/C system in the refrigeration cycle.

Low Charge

With the engine running, A/C switch "ON", and the manifold gauge set installed, a "low-side" pressure reading of 20psi over 150psi would indicate that your A/C system has a LOW CHARGE. The low reading of 150psi on the "high-side" gauge would be the tell tale that the system is doing very little work. A LOW CHARGE usually is an indicator that there is a refrigerant leak from a component on the "low" or "high-side" of the A/C system. A refrigerant leak in the system would have to be repaired for the A/C system to blow "cold air". TIP: REFRIGERANT DOES NOT WEAR OUT, IT LEAKS OUT. Some symptoms to look for a LOW CHARGE condition are:

1. Compressor clutch short cycling.
2. Clutch will not engage.
3. Little or no cooling.
4. Oily residue on hoses and components.

Leak Checking

For your A/C system to blow "cold air", refrigerant leaks will have to be found and repaired. Usually, leaks in an A/C system are minor and can be fixed with a screwdriver or hand tools. Most A/C systems use schrader valves for easy connection of the manifold gauge set. That said, these are no more than overgrown bicycle valves that use a valve core. When you are checking a system, the valves are the first place check for a leak. Other targets; such as, oil residue on hoses connected to the compressor is the second place that should be checked. TIP: When tightening the bolts to the suction and discharge ports of the compressor with hand tools, do not over tighten. Rubber 0-rings are placed on the suction and discharge ports of the compressor for sealing. The seals will create a leak when over tightened. Only tighten snug.

When your A/C system has a LOW CHARGE, a refrigerant charge will have to added to check for the leak. Refrigerant that contains a dye for leak checking a system is used for this purpose. The manifold gauge set, refrigerant, and a can tap valve will be needed to add refrigerant to check for a leak in the system.

Connect the manifold gauge set as discussed above. Connect the yellow hose to the can tap valve and front seat (turn clockwise) the valve. Close the blue gauge on the manifold gauge set. Open the valve on the can tap valve. Slowly open the valve on the blue or "low-side" gauge and let the refrigerant flow from the refrigerant can into the system until you see a reading of 60psi on the "low-side" gauge. TIP: Placing the refrigerant can in a pan of hot water will allow the vapor refrigerant to enter the A/C system quicker. WARNING: Do not invert the refrigerant can. Doing so will allow liquid refrigerant to enter the system resulting in a ruined compressor.

Professional A/C technicians use an electronic leak detector to find leaks in an system. Use a battery-powered UV leak detector kit and special UV glasses. This kit can be purchased at auto supply stores and Internet A/C supply store fronts.

The UV glasses should be worn when checking for leaks. Simply place the tip of the detector on a fitting or connection to each component to be checked in the A/C system. When a leak is found, a light greenish color will be seen through the UV glasses.

Air Flow

An often overlooked cause of your A/C system not blowing "cold air" is debris that clogs the condenser. Bugs, plastic bags, and leaves from city and highway driving will prevent air from passing through the fins of the condenser. The condenser should be cleaned with a cleaning solvent. Bent fins on the condenser should be straightened with a fin comb.

Restrictions

A restriction is a condition that is a blockage. Usually, it is traced to the outlet side of the condenser. Some form of debris has formed causing a restriction of refrigerant flow through the condenser tubes.. The passages in the tubes of most condensers that are used in compact cars and trucks are very small. An effective way to diagnose a restriction in your A/C system is the manifold gauge set. The "high-side" (red) gauge would move into the DANGER zone, over 300psi.

System Repairs

When a system has been opened, and a component removed, moisture has entered the system. For your A/C to blow "cold air", that moisture will have to be removed with the aid of a vacuum pump.

At this stage of the repair, you have two (2) choices to finish the repair of your A/C system. The first choice is take the car or truck to an A/C professional. At their shop, they will evacuate the system, check your work, and recharge the A/C system for a fee.

The second choice is to repair your A/C system yourself. You will need to borrow or buy a vacuum pump to finish the repair. A small 2-stage vacuum pump that is designed for automobile refrigeration systems is available for less than $100.00.

After replacing a component, moisture has entered the system during the repair. For the A/C system to blow "cold air" the moisture will have to be removed. Install the manifold gauge set to your car or truck service valves as described above. After repairs, your A/C system is evacuated and recharged by applying the below steps:

1. Blue hose to the "low-side" service valve.

2. Red hose to the "high-side service valve.

3. Yellow hose to the suction port of the vacuum pump.

4. Close the hand valve to the vacuum pump.

5. Back seat (open) the hand valves on the blue and red gauges of the manifold gauge set.

6. Connect the electrical power to the vacuum pump.

7. Open the hand valve on the vacuum pump.

8. Run the vacuum pump for three (3) minutes.

9. The needle on the "low-side" gauge (blue) show should be in a vacuum at 28.3hg.

10. A system with no leaks will pull a vacuum of 28.3hg in three (3) minutes.

11. If the needle of the blue gauge did not fall to 28.3hg, the evacuation will have to be aborted as there is a leak in your car or truck A/C system.

12. The leak will have to be found in the A/C system using the UV detector and UV glasses.

13. Once the leak has been found and repaired, continue the evacuation steps as described above for 25 minutes.

14. Front seat (close) the hand valves on the blue and red gauges and observe the needle on the blue gauge.

15. The needle should hold steady at 29hg, indicating a tight system with no leaks.

16. Any needle movement toward "0" on the blue "low-side" gauge would indicate a leak in the system and the evacuation would have to be aborted and conduct a search for the leak.

16.Look in the owners manual or service manual for the factory recommended refrigerant charge. It is usually from 16 to 28 ounces.

17.Attach the can tap valve to a can of refrigerant Make sure that the tap valve hand valve is front seated (closed).

18. Turn the A/C control switch to the "ON" position and blower switch to "high".

19. Start the engine and run at 1500rpm's.

20. Place the refrigerant can in a pan of hot water. Warning: Do not invert the can for this process as liquid would enter the system and ruin the reed valves of the compressor.

21. Continue this process until the factory charge (approximately 2 1/2 cans) has entered the system.

22. Shutoff your car or truck engine and let the A/C system stabilize. When the readings on the red and blue gauges are equal, remove the blue "low-side" hose from the service valve.

23. Restart the engine and remove the red "high-side" hose from the service valve.

24. Close the hood and take your car or truck for a three (3) mile test drive.

25. Place an instant read or digital thermometer in the vent register in the passenger compartment.

26. The temperature should range from 38 to 42 degrees F on a 90-degree day.

Tools and Materials

1. Manifold gauge set
2. Vacuum pump
3. Hand tools
4. Battery powered UV leak detector
5. Can tap valve
6. 134A refrigerant dye
7. 134A refrigerant
8. Instant read temperature thermometer
9. Digital temperature thermometer

The Importance of Vehicle Safety Inspections After a Collision

Navigating the auto collision repair process can be bewildering and frustrating, especially for car owners who don't know much about automotive repair. Not only do insurance claims need to be filed and negotiated, but the vehicle's repairs and overall safety need to be addressed. There are many issues which may influence a car's safety after it's been in a collision, and it's important that these issues not be overlooked during the repair process. To ensure your car's collision repairs are comprehensive and thorough, it's a good idea to have a post-repair vehicle safety inspection performed by a professional vehicle safety specialist.

Hidden Collision Damages

When a car is in a collision, the worst damage is often the unseen damage which happens to the car's frame and internal components. These components are often more difficult - and costly - to fix, and if the insurance company's repair appraisal is too low, some of these problems may get overlooked. Internal car damage may not be visible, but it can compromise a vehicle's safety significantly.

Vehicle frame damage is one of the most commonly overlooked collision repair issues, especially when the vehicle was in a moderate to severe accident. A crumpled, bent or fractured frame compromises the strength of the whole vehicle, diminishing the car's ability to safely withstand a second accident. Similarly, internal components such as frame rails are often damaged during a collision, but may be overlooked during fast, low estimate repairs. To restore the vehicle to its pre-collision safety, these internal damages need to be fixed.

Not All Collision Repair Shops Are Equal

Most collision repair shops offer the same set of services, but the quality and thoroughness of these services can vary widely from shop to shop. Some auto body shops work to complete repairs as quickly and cost-efficiently as possible. While this tends to make car owners and insurance companies happy initially, quick, shoddy repairs can lead to more severe problems down the road - compromised vehicle safety not the least.

Auto body shops which perform thorough, high quality collision repair are more likely to dig below the surface to address damages which might have gone unnoticed. These types of shops can often be distinguished from other, lower quality collision shops by their accreditations. NAPA AutoCare Collision Center, A.A.A. Approved Collision Center and Accredited Better Business Bureau certifications are good indicators that an auto body shop will keep your and your family's personal safety as their highest priority.

Post-Collision Safety Inspection Checklist

Before taking your car home from the collision repair shop, it's important to make sure all your vehicle's key safety features are working properly. Ask your collision repair shop to perform a 15 point vehicle safety inspection which covers the following:

- Fluid levels - need to be topped off and checked for leaks.
- Tire pressure - needs to be equal and at appropriate levels.
- Tire wear condition - excessively or unevenly worn tires are unsafe during inclement weather.
- Suspension - needs to be structurally sound, without any bent, fractured or missing parts.
- Belts - check to make sure these are all still flexible, properly placed and working.
- Engine coolant hoses - need to be secure and leak-free.
- Car battery - check for dirty connection or old battery in need of replacement.
- Windshield wipers - make sure these are not cracked or worn, to ensure good visibility during nighttime and inclement weather.

Auto Glass: Repair Now Or Replace Later

When something goes wrong with your car, there is usually a large bill involved. This can be daunting. Very often, when someone knows that a part really needs replacing, they will put it off later than they should simply because they know how expensive it will be. Thankfully, in the case of auto glass, this need not be the case.

Your windshield is actually one of the few parts that can often be repaired quite easily so long as it has only received minor damage. Glass and windshields replacement services may not be needed in many cases, which allows you to save a lot of money.

Repair Or Replacement?

Different kinds of damage to a windscreen can have different consequences. If a pane of auto glass has been totally smashed or deeply cracked, it is most likely that a total replacement will be necessary. However, this kind of severe damage is actually quite uncommon. Typically, the windshield will have been subtly damaged a long time before it cracks or breaks. Many windshields are composed of two panes separated by an inner layer of plastic. Typically, if both panes are cracked, a replacement is necessary. Surface cracks which affect only the outer layer can be repaired quite easily.

Quality Repairs

A good automobile glass company can repair minor windshield damage in less than half an hour. The process typically consists of using a clear resin to fill in the chip and cement the surrounding area in place. When this has been successfully applied, the windshield is no longer likely to crack further at the same place. A pane that is no longer compromised in this way will be far less dangerous. It is important to recognize the importance of fixing the problem quickly. If the chip or crack is allowed to spread, you may not have the chance to repair the glass anymore. It may require a full replacement.

Don't Miss The Opportunity

Auto glass is one of the few components of your car that can be repaired without the need for a total replacement. However, this is only true if you catch the problem early. If your windshield has suffered a chip or a crack, get it seen to as quickly as possible. Glass and windshields replacement experts should consider the type of glass and the severity of the damage before treating it, but the whole process rarely takes longer than thirty minutes. That minor investment will save you far more time and money further down the road.

How Much Do You Know About Auto Repair Insurance?

We all know what Auto Insurance is, but what is auto repair insurance?

A lot of people insure their car(s), but don't insure the repairs that their car(s) will invariably need. You're probably wondering why people miss this vital step. The answer is because the average American hasn't had enough exposure to this kind of insurance, and isn't well-versed on the advantages of owning auto repair insurance. You see, after the warranty on your car has expired, this policy will keep you from high repair bills.

How Auto Repair Insurance Works

Similar to other types of insurance, an auto repair insurance policy is a contract between a vehicle owner and the car insurance company which puts the responsibility of repair bill payment on the shoulders of the insurance company - not the car owner - during the insured time period.

Every state and every company has its own particular details of coverage and exclusions, and this kind of insurance isn't regulated nationally - so there is a lot of variation across state lines. This is precisely why it is so crucial to become familiar with all the relevant terms and conditions of.

What It Covers

A standard auto repair insurance policy covers the breakdown of your car Here is where we start seeing variation in coverage, for example, a portion of the policies are written such that they only covered expenses are parts that break-down, meaning they are only liable for expenses due to parts that broke. Should you also want a policy that will cover the slow breakdown of parts, you need to read the policy details carefully to make sure it covers parts that wear out over time. A lot of companies do not offer both coverages.

While there are also auto repair insurance policies that cover the engine, transmission, and other parts of a vehicle through which oil flows. However, this would be least preferable in terms of coverage, because most of the car's components aren't covered in this policy.

Bumper-to-bumper policies are also available from some car insurance companies, which cover nearly all the mechanical systems of a vehicle. An non-covered items would be specified. For instance, an auto repair insurance policy might not cover .

Another important consideration before purchasing - besides all the above-mentioned points about making sure you know all your auto repair insurance policy details - is to know how much you will be paying by way of deductibles.

Even if the manufacturer's warranty has lapsed, your car can be covered until it reaches the 100,000 mile mark. But keep in mind that as your vehicle clocks up the miles, your policy will also ratchet up in price

Something interesting to bear in mind: if you buy a transferable auto repair insurance policy, the policy can transfer to the next owner - so you can sell your car for a lot more money!

The majority of people understand the benefit of a well-rounded auto insurance policy, few truly understand how auto repair insurance {protects you from costly and sometimes untimely repair bills. Now you have a better understanding of how it works, you'll know if this is something you want to look into further.

Ways to Chip Ice Off of Your Car Safely

There are ways to chip ice off of your car safely and save yourself some time and aggravation out in the dark, cold wintery mornings. It is that time of the year again when you find yourself having to deal with old man winter.

The cold winter months are upon us. And once again you are faced with the task of clearing the ice from your windshield, so that you can safely get to work or get the kids to school on time.

So each cold morning, you bundle up to begin the all too long, cold journey to the car only to discover the glass-like ice on the windshield. You start the car, turn on the defrosters, lock the doors and head back in for another cup of coffee while your car warms up.

As the clock keeps ticking and the ice isn't melting...

Other ideas to melt the ice start racing through your mind.

Hitting the ice with a golf club probably isn't one of the better solutions!

So next best thing is to pull out the trusty ice scraper (or credit card if the scraper can't be found) to begin trying to break through the Antarctic thickness of ice.

There has got to be better ways to chip ice off of your car safely!

Wouldn't it be amazing to melt the ice away effortlessly and like magic?

What I'm about to share with you can make your cold winter mornings a lot easier.

Here are some solutions that can get you out on the road much faster...

Put in Rain X windshield wiper fluid in the washing fluid tank. If you want a do-it-yourself method along the same lines, try 50 percent rubbing alcohol in with 50 percent of your regular windshield wiper fluid.

This should clear the ice as well with speed and efficiency.

Another alternative would be to buy deicer sprayers available in auto parts stores; these will run you approximately $13.00 to $15.00 per bottle.

If you don't feel like paying that much you can create your own solution with the next Do It Yourself method.

Start by combining 1 Cup of water, 1 Cup of rubbing alcohol, and 1 Cup of vinegar into a plastic spray bottle. Spray this combination on the windshield the night before and the next morning. You'll be amazed as you watch the ice slide right off your windshield the minute you put on your defroster.

Another homemade remedy suggests using 75% isopropyl alcohol and a few drops of dish soap into a spray bottle. Here too, spray this on the surface the night before and start the defroster in the morning.

Presto, the ice will slide from the windshield like magic!

Still another cold weather expert suggests using a grainy salt, such as sea salt.

In the morning, sprinkle this on the windshield and with your gloves rub it over the surface of the ice prior to starting the vehicle. Wait a few minutes and the salt is supposed to break up the chunks of ice so they can be cleared with the wipers.

This next one really isn't my favorite solutions...

But it might work for you.

A much slower method is to use a waterproof extension cord and plug in your hair dryer, wave it back and forth on low heat and watch the ice melt away.

And if that's not enough ideas...

Another method that may be a little quicker than a hair dryer is an actual dashboard heater that you can plug into the 12 V outlet of your car. A downside to this gadget is that it can also turn the inside of your car into a sauna for you.

One of the best solutions and cheapest methods may be to cover the windshield at night.

Use a piece of cardboard cut closely to the shape and size of your windshield, cover your windshield when you arrive home and remove it before you go to work.

Something else you could use to cover the glass would be a double-layered sheet. Bungee cord it secure so it doesn't blow off during the night and remove it when you are ready to go in the morning.

So there you have it.

These are all ways to chip ice off of your car safely. I am willing to bet you can find one that works best for you.

How Much Integrity Does Your Auto Repair Shop Have?

You've been in an accident or your car has experienced some cosmetic/structural damage because of bad weather. Either way, you want the dents, dings and scratches fixed as soon as possible. Entrusting your prize vehicle to the first auto body repair shop you come across, however, could prove a regrettable mistake. Sad but true, not all auto body repair technicians have your best interest at heart.

Take for instance the recent "Sierra Vista Herald" news report declaring, "Auto repair shops to be watched." Seems Arizona's new attorney general is putting a sting operation into effect in the state that will "determine if those in the business of car repair are being honest with their customers."

What prompted the need for such undercover tactics? Turns out, some dishonest mechanics and auto repair technicians are telling consumers that their cars require expensive add-on services when they really don't. To make matters worse, they're dropping the costly bomb on customers after they've already lured them in with a lowball estimate.

In light of situations like these, it's no wonder recognition is being handed out by the Better Business Bureau and other watchdog organizations to auto body repair services that have their customers' best interests at heart. Recently, EMC Publishers reported that a "Local auto repair shop [had been] recognized by BBB for its integrity."

The auto repair shop was selected by a "panel of judges consisting of business and community leaders" who investigated business practices and anecdotal customer service stories to choose the winner. Honest and integrity in all areas of business by the auto repair service provider secured the win.

One of the ways in which the auto repair shop managed to treat its customers so well was by employing a team of long-term trusted staff to "make the right choices." An auto body provider's main objective should be getting you back on the road quickly and with the confidence that your vehicle has been restored to your complete satisfaction. ICAR Gold class certification also ensures that your auto repair technicians have obtained the highest credentials in the industry to get the job done right.

Another way in which the auto repair service walked away with the honor was by taking the time to explain to its customers, in plain, non-technical language, what repairs their car needed and what options were available to them. Your auto repair provider should be adamant in its pledge to use only original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and certified alternative components. Watch out for auto body shops that use knock-offs or cheap imitations but charge you just slightly less than a competitor that is committed to the real deal and backs it up with a guaranteed repair.

It's stressful enough when a vehicle is damaged without adding in the worry that you're being ripped off by your auto repair shop. A reputable car body team focuses on taking that stress out of the process with attention to detail from quote, to insurance agency document approvals, all the way through to finished product.

Do You Need Auto Body Repair Services?

If you drive a car then it is very likely that you have been at the end of someone else's mistakes at some point in your driving life. In fact, let's face it, we can all make a mistake, and that can be costly when it affects the bodywork of your car.

Accidents can affect just about any part of the car and even if there is only minor damage to your auto you should still have it repaired as leaving it or trying to fix it yourself can set it up for even worse problems to occur. For example, if there is damage to the bodywork and that is not correctly or competently repaired, your car can be at the mercy of the elements, allowing rain to seep under the inferior repair work causing unseen rust to occur. The first you may know about it is if a hole develops, and that will then cost a lot more to deal with.

If you have had a minor or major run-in with another vehicle, or wall for that matter, then you should take your car to an auto body repair shop that will assess the whole of the damage and advise what exactly is needed to return your car to its original condition. This professional advice is usually free and once you accept the quote for the auto body repair services then the work can be started. All work is usually guaranteed for a specified period of time. Clearly, if you are involved in another collision or accident in the guarantee period, this will not be covered under the auto body repair guarantee.

Sometimes you may only need slight alterations or replacements rather than full auto body repairs and good repair shops will help you with this too. Very often minor bumps with an obstacle or other car can affect the auto's bumper. This can range from a slight ripping to it hanging on for dear life. Clearly if it is not adequately attached to the car you will need to have it replaced. However, even for minor damage to your car's bumper, it is worth considering replacing it.

Your car is your pride and joy and once you know there is a problem on the bumper, this will affect the way you feel about it. Even if it is barely visible to others, you will be aware every time you look at your car. To remove this irritating feeling you can choose to have it removed and a new one attached. This is usually a quick and easy process, unless your bumper is specially customized or is in a specialized color to match your car. In cases such as this it will take a little longer, but the result will be worth it.

You may not be aware, but auto repair body shops will take care of minor damage as well as extensive damage to cars. So, you should not be worried if your auto only needs minor work to address any imperfections gained as part of its life on the roads.

Bloodborne Pathogens - Preventing Disease Transmission

Imagine receiving a call that an employee has been injured from a fall down a flight of steps at your facility. The caller tells you that 911 has been called and some of your fellow employees are tending to the victim. As a supervisor, you decide to respond to the scene.

You arrive just as firefighters and paramedics take over caring for the victim. These rescuers do their job well - the victim is stabilized, wrapped up for transport to the hospital and gently placed on the stretcher.

As you watch, you can't help but notice that the firefighters and paramedics are wearing medical gloves and goggles. As EMS (emergency medical services) personnel leave the area, you approach the employees who helped to thank them for their efforts. Almost immediately you become aware of a very frightening sight - both of the rescuers have fairly large spots of blood on their clothing and, even more upsetting, both are using paper towels to wipe the blood off of their hands. It is obvious that these employees did nothing to protect themselves from disease transmission and both have been contaminated with the victim's blood.

Wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) is an important part of professional rescuers' equipment. They know that protecting themselves from bloodborne pathogens is, in some ways, just as important as caring for the victim. But what about your people - do they know the risks associated with not wearing protective equipment?

If your company provides first aid kits for employee use or if your employees are required to respond to a medical emergency, they should have access to protective equipment and receive training on bloodborne pathogens.

ASSESS YOUR OPERATION'S RISK FOR EXPOSURE - I was recently asked to evaluate exposure risks for an association of tow truck operators, body shop technicians and auto mechanics. These people lacked training on bloodborne pathogens.

Tow truck operators wear thick, leather work gloves and routinely pick up bloodstained windshields or wrap contaminated airbags around steering columns. Body shop technicians pull contaminated seats from wrecked vehicles and then sit on them during their breaks or at lunchtime. Mechanics have a tendency to cut their knuckles or foreheads while repairing vehicles. They also share tools with fellow employees - tools that are contaminated with blood from their last injury.

I know you're not in the automobile repair business. The examples above are intended to get you thinking about your own operation's risks of exposure to potentially dangerous body fluids. Do you have a first responder team or people assigned to respond to an emergency? Are first aid kits available to employees? Do employees share equipment or tools that could become contaminated? Who is responsible for cleaning up body fluids after an accident or injury?

Without proper communication policies and training in preventing disease transmission, your employees could find themselves exposed to the same dangers paramedics and firefighters face while coming to their aid.

So what can you do to reduce the risk of exposure? Let's start with defining bloodborne pathogens and the impact that exposure to them can have on employees and employers.

CONTAMINATION PREVENTION GUIDELINES - Bloodborne pathogens are pathogenic microorganisms that are transmitted via human blood and cause disease in humans. They include - but are not limited to - hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

I know for many people (myself included) words like microorganisms, immunodeficiency and pathogens bring back thoughts of high school and health classes - the last places in the world most of us want to revisit. So before we go any further, let me put it in my terms: There's a lot of junk out there that can make us very sick, or even kill us if we become contaminated.

We need to constantly be on guard and be very careful so that we don't become contaminated. I've been teaching CPR and first aid training for over 25 years, and I'm often asked if I would do rescue breathing without a barrier on someone I do not know. I respond without hesitation: If I found someone unresponsive and not breathing, I would immediately call for help and begin chest compressions on the victim, but there is no way I would do mouth-to-mouth on the individual without a breathing barrier.

Emergency responders know the risks associated with coming in contact with bloodborne pathogens, and they know how to protect themselves. Unfortunately, far too many people in the workplace or good Samaritans on the street do little, if anything, to take the necessary precautions. Too often they realize they've been exposed to body fluids after the emergency, when it's too late to do anything about it.

EMPLOYEES - Here are a few simple rules to follow when faced with the possibility of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, or any body fluids for that matter. This information is presented as guidelines for both employees and employers. The American Heart Association calls it "Making a PACT, Know How to Act."

PROTECT - Protect yourself from blood or blood-containing materials. This includes wearing protective equipment such as gloves and goggles and using a breathing barrier if you are performing CPR. Consider your options if you find yourself with no protective equipment.

ACT - If you find you have come into contact with another person's blood or other body fluids, act quickly and safely. Wash the area immediately with hot, soapy water for up to a minute before rinsing. If your eyes have been contaminated, flush them with clean water for up to five minutes. If a flushing agent is not available at the scene, have someone get water for you. Firefighters or paramedics can assist you if they are still at the scene.

CLEAN - After an emergency, especially in the shop area or office, clean any areas contaminated with blood or body fluids. Wear protective equipment. Clean the area with a solution of one part Clorox and eight parts water. Completely flush the area and let the solution stand for at least three minutes. Be careful when wiping up the area, especially if you are dealing with broken glass or wood or metal splinters. Put all soiled items, including soiled cleaning materials, in a plastic bag and take it to the dumpster as soon as you are finished. If there is an injection device (such as a needle) involved, try to give it to the medics or firefighters before they leave; otherwise, get it in the dumpster and use extreme caution while doing so.

TELL - Report the incident immediately to your supervisor or human resources department. Ask for a dated copy of the report (even if it is only handwritten).

EMPLOYERS' RESPONSIBILITIES - Employers have a responsibility to protect their employees from exposure to bloodborne pathogens. Here are the specifics of this responsibility.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT - Any employee at risk of being exposed to bloodborne pathogens must be provided with the protective equipment necessary to keep them safe from exposure. This equipment includes gloves, goggles and, if required, breathing masks or barriers for CPR.

EDUCATION - Not all professions require bloodborne pathogen education and prevention training.

A call to OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) may or may not give you the answer you are looking for. It appears as though OSHA looks at a number of factors when determining whether an employer does or does not have to comply. For example, if you offer voluntary CPR/first aid training to your employees, they may not be required to take bloodborne pathogen training. If you have designated first aid responders within your organization, you probably fall under the training requirements.

Many of you know your employees' occupational exposure risk. If you have personnel who are routinely or even occasionally exposed to blood or body fluids in the execution of their duties, you may want to consider offering protective equipment and training to these employees.

ENGINEERING CONTROLS - Engineering controls help to protect employees from bloodborne pathogen contamination and prevent the spread of pathogens in the workplace. Here's an example of engineering controls: An employee using his leather work gloves realizes he has come in contact with body fluids and the gloves are contaminated. Two controls should be in place to protect the employee. First, knowing his exposure risk, the employer should have a spare set of gloves on hand so that the operator can complete his job. Second, the company should have a procedure for disposing of or cleaning the soiled gloves.

WORK PRACTICES - Setting standard practices for preventing disease transmission is a very important part of an employer's responsibility in protecting employees.

In the case of the body shop previously mentioned, good work practices would include establishing a policy requiring workers to wrap plastic around seats pulled from a wrecked vehicle and prohibiting them from sitting on the seats, even with the plastic cover in place.

Providing employees with their own toolboxes is another good practice. If they share tools, have a policy in place for cleaning and decontaminating tools, especially after an accident or injury. Moreover, make sure employees know the importance of disposing of or cleaning contaminated personal protective equipment.

Finally, offer a course in bloodborne pathogen training. It is an excellent way to communicate the importance of preventing disease transmission and protecting your company from a huge liability/workers compensation claim.

HAVE A WRITTEN POLICY AND REPORTING PROCEDURES IN PLACE - As I previously mentioned, implement policies related to bloodborne pathogens at your operation. Start small, then expand on the policies as new issues surface. Communicate with your people. Make sure they know the reporting procedures and the importance of reporting any possible contamination.

OSHA has templates for creating your own company bloodborne pathogens policy and/or procedure. Simply download the forms, fill in the blanks with your company name, etc., print them out and you're good to go. Additional information can be obtained by calling your regional OSHA office.

TRAINING, POLICIES ARE WORTHWHILE INVESTMENTS - I am a business of one, but if I did have employees, I can assure you - they would be trained on bloodborne pathogen risks and contamination prevention, and my company would have a policy in place. It's the right thing to do for a business, its employees and the employer. And just imagine how good it would feel to know that your operation is in compliance should OSHA officials decide to visit.

Invest an hour for setting up your program, distribute the information to your employees and arrange for a 30-minute bloodborne pathogen education and prevention class. The investment is small, but the dividends to you and your employees will be huge.