Transmissions and Auto Repair

Purchasing a car is one of the largest investments (next to purchasing a house) someone makes. It is their responsibility to seek auto repair whenever it is necessary to make sure their car remains in optimal condition and is able to perform all the tasks necessary to get them through the day. The transmission is responsible for many of the functions a car performs, from switching gears to knowing how fast the car needs to go. Problems with the transmission of a car can be detrimental to it and make the car owner want to run and hide from the problem. However, if something is suspected to be wrong with a car's transmission, they should seek immediate care with an auto mechanic. There are several ways to tell if a transmission needs the help of auto repair.

Noises that are out of the ordinary coming from underneath a car's hood are never a good sign. If something is wrong with the transmission of an automatic car someone can usually hear a grinding or whining noise. This grinding noise occurs a lot of the time whenever switching from one gear to another. Alternatively, in a manual transmission, small "bumping" noises in neutral mean that something is wrong. This can be a signal of needing to change the transmission fluid. However, hearing a lot of noise in neutral means that something more drastic needs to take place and possible transmission repair or replacement needs to occur.

Many people notice water coming off of the bottom of their car. This is not a bad thing, as it's usually just condensation. Noticing a pool of sticky, red, sweet-smelling fluid (as nice as that sounds) is definitely a problem. This means that there is a leak in the transmission and transmission fluid leaking out. When this occurs, someone is in need of an auto mechanic quickly, as the fluid is vital to being able to shift the car.
The one sign that many people overlook is their check engine light. Everyone has freaked out about their check engine light coming on, rushed to the repair shop or a local auto parts store that has the capabilities to diagnose it, and left feeling ridiculous because nothing was wrong with it. Many people ignore when their light comes on for this very reason. Yet, this is usually the first warning sign that something is wrong with a transmission. Whenever a check engine light comes on, it is always important to seek auto repair. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Cars help people in most aspects of their lives. They are responsible for getting their children to school, getting people to work on time, and aid in running errands. Auto repair is essential to any car owner and knowing when to seek it can mean the difference between a small problem and a large one.

How to Be an Auto Body Repair Technician

If you are fond of cars and have an eye for appreciating its body then you should consider getting into the auto body repair business which is turning to be a rapid growing industry ever since the invention of cars.

Being an auto body repair technician means that you are responsible for fixing the body of automobiles such as getting rid of dents, straightening bent parts in the car and replacing those that are beyond repair - some technicians also get to refinish car bodies and sometimes replace even the glass components of the body.

An auto body repair technician can work alone or on a team wherein the most experienced technicians can supervise apprentices. You can work for automobile dealers, private companies, collision centers and on your own.

It is not hard to start a career in the auto repair industry. A person with a high school diploma can easily get a job as an auto body repair technician but he or she will be required to undergo some specialized training. If you are interested in working on newer vehicles then you will have to go through advanced training.

Aspiring auto body repair technicians should pursue classes in chemistry, mathematics, physics, computers and electronics in order to be the best in the field. There are technical and trade schools that can provide training for auto body repair which would take about six months to two years. It would depend on the school and the type of training that you would want to pursue. You should take note that you are required to have 3 to 4 years of on the job training before you can be fully qualified to handle every aspect of auto body repair. The more areas you are able to cover - the more pay you can get.

The learning does not stop once you are able to get a certificate. Throughout the entire career you will be expected to keep up with the latest trends in the automobile industry and you will be required to study and take advanced courses in order to be able to keep up with the newest vehicle technologies and techniques in the field.

Ten Ways to Become a Mechanic

It has been said time and time again: the secret to realizing your goals is to get specific about them. For years, you have told everyone who would listen that as soon as high school was over, you would register in an auto mechanic course. Your goal has always been to become a mechanic. But do you know what kind? Here are ten career tracks to consider.

1. Become a mechanic to become an emissions inspector

Emissions inspectors are graduates of mechanic school who assess vehicles for their contribution to air pollution.

2. Become a mechanic to become a lube and oil change specialist

After you become a mechanic, you may want to provide your community with a quick, one-stop oil change service.

3. Become a mechanic to become a farm equipment mechanic

Some graduates of mechanic training school seek further specialization in a specific type of machinery or vehicle. Do you want to service compact cars or farm tractors?

4. Become a mechanic to sell auto parts

Parts dealers need experienced graduates of mechanic school to help provide customers with the parts they need to bring their repair projects to fruition.

5. Become a mechanic to service heavy machinery on a construction site, in a warehouse or in an industrial setting.

Some aspiring mechanics sign up for an auto mechanic course because they would like to repair and maintain such heavy machinery as fork lifts on job sites.

6. Specialize in tune ups.

It's also possible after school, to specialize in providing cars and trucks with tune ups. This kind of mechanic needs to remind his or her customers of the need for regular automobile maintenance.

7. Become a mechanic who specializes in electric car repair.

As different jurisdictions across North America make arrangements to install more charging stations for electric cars, demand for specially trained mechanics, who learned how to take care of electric cars while they were pursuing their auto mechanic course, could grow.

8. Become a mechanic instructor at school.

Typically this career path is pursued in conjunction with another specialty. Most teachers at these kinds of school have some real-life experience under their belt before they take a position in the classroom.

9. Become a mechanic who repairs one make of car or truck.

Those who specialize in the repair and maintenance of one make of car or truck may find employment in a dealership or a specialty repair shop.

10. Become a mechanic to become a transmissions specialist.

Whether you decide to specialize in an industry, type of vehicle or kind of repair, specializing is one proven way to nurture your career.

How to Adjust Car Tire Pressure

Having the right tire pressure is crucial to driving performance. It is as important as having water and oil in the car, but it is often neglected because it is out of sight and out of mind. There are no flashing lights to let you know when your tire pressure is too low or too high, so it is up to you to stay on top of it.

Failure to ensure correct tire pressure can lead to:

Decreased Fuel Efficiency

This can be a killer in today's economy. Adjusting your type pressure is a free way to make your fuel go further, and it only takes ten minutes at your local gas station.

Premature Wear

Unless you've got money to burn you're not going to want to buy new tires more often than you have to.

Accidents

A blowout, or a loss of grip caused by prematurely worn tires can lead to fatal consequences.

How To Check Tire Pressure

Step One

Ascertain what the correct pressure for your tires is. This information can be found on the side of the tyre. Tyre pressure is often expressed in an acceptable range of pressures rather than a single specific number. Filling your tires to the lower end of this number range will give you greater grip by making your tires a little 'softer'.

Step Two

Your tire stems will have rubber caps on them. Remove these before attempting to change your tire pressure.

Step Three

Set the gauge on the air compressor to your desired number.

Step Four

Connect the nozzle to the tire. You will hear a rush of air when it first connects. This should stop when a seal is formed.

Step Five

Let the air compressor do its thing. When your tire is at the correct pressure, remove the nozzle swiftly.

Step Six

Screw those rubber caps back on the stem, repeat three times, and drive safely.

Why Is Dent Repair So Expensive?

No matter how safely you drive or how well you treat your car, at some point you will need to have a dent repaired. It could be from road debris bouncing up onto your hood, Collision Repair, hail, or Auto Body repair due to an unforeseen accident but there is no way around it. There is, however, a way around paying too much for the repair work and getting a substandard result. It is a process called is called Paintless Dent Removal.

The standard way to repair a dent is to first remove the paint from the target area. Then the technician will make a small hole in the center of the dent and pull the metal outward. After that you have to fill in the hole and repaint the area. There are two problems with this system:

1. It takes a long time. The dent can be pulled out relatively quickly but the paint job takes time. In many cases the customer will want the entire car to be repainted because the new paint job will not match the manufacturers paint job so the repair will stand out. The manufacturers paint job is always of a much higher quality so local shops cannot match it exactly. Over time, the paint on your car has a tendency to fade.
2. The cars new paint job will not look as good as it originally did. Have you ever noticed how nice and glossy new cars look? The manufacturers have access to paint and machinery that local shops cannot match so if you have to repaint your car in order to fix a dent then you are taking a big step down in aesthetics. The only chance that the paint will come close to matching is if the auto stayed waxed really good and garage kept.

Paintless Dent Repair has quickly become the most popular alternative to use in Auto Body Repair. There are a few situations in which you cannot use Paintless Dent Repair though. As long as the paint has not been damaged and the metal is still flexible, Paintless Dent Removal can be used. In a lot of ways it is the opposite of traditional dent removal because tools are used to push the metal back into place from the inside of the car body. Then a small hammer is used to gently tap the outside of the metal and smooth out any wrinkles or inconsistencies in the metal body. Since it doesn't require a repaint you save a lot of time and money but the best part of Paintless Dent Removal is that you can retain your manufacturers finish. Be careful when choosing a Collision Repair tech to do Paintless Dent Removal. If they do not really know their craft then they can accidentally split the metal while trying to beat it back into shape. Check with your local body shop to see if this service is offered. It is a great way to go.

DIY Auto Body Repair Considerations

Say you're someone who's pretty adept with tools and has a pair of skilled hands. More than likely, you'd be an accomplished do-it-yourselfer who gets a lot of satisfaction in repairing stuff around the house. That would probably translate to your car as well, where you've done a little auto body repair such as scratches or even windshield nicks.

But what if you get into a fender bender? This is a pretty different situation from repairing those nicks and scratches. As an accomplished do-it-yourselfer, it would be pretty tempting to take on a new challenge and even look forward to gaining additional practical experience. But one has to take stock, first of all, of the extent of the damage as well as the skill, tools and supplies needed to put the car back into the shape and finish it was in before the accident. Even car guys well versed in the mechanical and electronic components of their cars are careful when it comes to working on their car's finish. They acknowledge that metalworking and paint retouching are types of vehicle work that require some pretty specialized skills and equipment, not to mention a proper working environment. Obviously though, if you're a body shop technician or even a metal worker, your skill set is right for doing do-it-yourself auto body repair. But even then, if you don't have the right equipment at home, approximating a finish that approaches OEM specifications would still be difficult to achieve.

In the old days, when cars were bodies on frame construction, or even those made from mild steel unibodies, it was possible for a guy skilled with his hands to put his car back together, sectioning parts of a bent frame and replacing it welded-in steel plates. Then he could go to a vehicle breaker to buy a whole fender for a very low price and then paint it. Nowadays, with the paints and alloyed lightweight steels that manufacturers are using more extensively, it's almost impossible to do this kind of auto body repair at home. The new steels require different procedures to repair, and heating them up actually causes the structure to weaken. Anyone in his or her right mind will see that this is a safety issue that should not be compromised on. In cases like this, you should not even consider DIY repair. But what about surface defects or small dents that in no way impact the safety features of the vehicle? When it's common for bumper dents or even deep scratches to cost 500 dollars and up to repair, it's very tempting indeed to just take a spray can to it and do it yourself. Just don't expect OEM quality or results with your handiwork.

Questions You Should Be Asking If You've Been Involved In An Accident

If your car is involved in an accident, whether it's minor or major, you need to find a dependable auto body shop that will bring your car back to the same condition that it had been in before the accident. An auto body repair shop will take good care of your vehicle without any problems. They should deal directly with your insurance company, and they should provide some sort of shuttle or car rental service. They should also treat your car with quality of work and deliver your repaired vehicle on time.

How to find an auto body shop for your collision repair?

There are many auto body shops to deal with, but the type of work you can get from any of them can vary significantly. You need to find someone that will treat your car the way you want to be treated. Most body shops will only fix your car without applying the best quality of paints, and their main concern is quantity of work.

Unlike when you are dealing with a top auto body shop, their main concern is the quality of work. You should be able find many reliable body shops in your area. Those are the types of body shops you want to deal with. They will take good care of all their customers, because their main objective is to satisfy you so you refer them to your friends and family members.

What are your responsibilities when the body shop is done repairing your vehicle?

Make sure to contact your insurance agent and inform them that your car is all done. They will arrange the release of your vehicle. Get all the necessary insurance documents and pay all required fees to the body shop. Fees such as your deductible, so you can get a release on your vehicle, will need to be paid at the time of pickup. Most of the time, your insurance company will be the one responsible for paying the damages on your vehicle. However, if you are hit by another person, their insurance carrier will be the one responsible for paying all of the costs for the repair of your vehicle.

How much do you need to pay before your body shop releases the vehicle?

If your car is hit by another driver, you don't have to pay a single penny, because the insurance of the person who is at fault will be the one paying for the damage to your vehicle. But if you are the one who is at fault in the accident, then you are responsible for paying your deductible. If your collision deductible is $500, you are responsible for the first $500, and the rest of your repair bill will be paid by your insurance carrier.

How can you determine the actual damage of your vehicle after the accident?

It will be hard for you to determine the actual cost of damage to your vehicle. That's why every insurance company has their own "adjusters" that will figure out all of the damages to your vehicle. They can tell you the exact features and costs of whatever the damages are on your car. They are trained to calculate and figure out the actual expenses needed to repair your vehicle.

It is important that you find a trust-worthy and reliable local collision repair business. It would be extremely inconvenient to go back and forth to an auto body shop that is not local to your home. Therefore, its advisable to take a little time and find a reputable collision repair shop before you are ever involved in an accident. That way, when you're involved in a collision, you'll know exactly where to tell the tow truck driver to deliver your vehicle, and be confident that your needs will be taken care of.

Auto Total Loss - Learn How to Negotiate and Argue the Fair Value of Your Car

If you have been in an accident where your car can be declared an auto total loss, then you can be under a lot of stress. However, if the insurance company starts intimating that they are withholding payments and dragging their heels on paying you the damages, and your stress levels are going to go exponentially up!

There are things you can do to protect yourself.

For so many of us, having a car is a necessity for basic living and not having the money to get a new vehicle can severely impair our ability to run our lives. If you are in this unfortunately common situation, remember that you do have options and resources at your disposal.

The first thing that you should be aware of is that having an auto total loss is that this process is a negotiation, not a final number given by the insurance company. The offer that the insurance company puts in front of you is not final (even if they call it that), no matter how much they imply that it is. The process towards getting a final number that you will both accept can be complex, but it is important that you know that you have rights to assert. Be aware of the fact that in this negotiation, as with any negotiation that you have with your insurance company, you will be able affect the final number.

Be aware of the fact that the body shop will receive no cash if the car is auto total loss, and that it is in the best interest of the shop to fix the car. Depending on your insurance company (and state), your car is declared a total loss only when repairs will come to more than 70%, 80%, or 90% of the car's value. Some of the factors that will affect the car's total value include the car's age, mileage, and general condition prior to the accident. This is all added up through the use of CCC Information Services Group, which is the company that most insurance companies will go through to determine the actual worth of your car. While some other third party firm might be used, this one is the most common.

If you find that the initial offer on a total loss vehicle is unacceptable, ask for a copy of the CCC report or the auto total loss report. This will tell you what your car is worth according the these companies. Do not allow your insurance company to deny you this report on a technicality; by law, they need to give you this report because it is the prime piece of information that they are using to determine your payment. Take a look at the factors that they used and see how valid they are. Did they take your low mileage into account, or the fact that the car had recently had repair or body work done? These are factors which should be remarked upon.

Remember that the report will frequently be incomplete. Many things can get overlooked, whether this is through corner-cutting or general error, but you can make sure that your insurance company can't ignore it. Be polite, but firm, and chances are, just knowing about the report can give you leverage. So few people actually contest the figure that they are given, and this can make your own company quite complacent!

You do have options when it comes to having your vehicle declared a total loss, so make sure you take them!

5 Signs That It's Time For An Engine Checkup

Just as you need to take yourself off to the doctor from time to time when your body isn't running as well as it should, you need to take your car to an auto mechanic regularly, and especially if it's trying to tell you that it needs a checkup! 'But how?' I hear you ask. 'Cars can't talk!'. Perhaps not in human language, but make no mistake, your car can and will communicate with you when there's a problem, and your job is to be able to successfully interpret what it says. Here are five signs that your car may be feeling a little under the weather.

1. Leaking Carbon Monoxide

Because carbon monoxide is odourless it's especially difficult to detect a leak. This is a situation in which you need to listen to your own body as well as your car. Carbon monoxide is toxic to humans, and therefore may cause you to feel drowsy, nauseous, or develop a ringing sound in your ears it could mean you're suffering carbon-monoxide poisoning from a leak inside the car. You must stop immediately if this is the case, because aside from the fact that your car is clearly in trouble, so is your health.

2. Squealing Brakes

If you hear a high-pitched squealing or whistling sound when you apply the brakes, or if your break pedal feels 'spongey' or too soft or needs to be pushed almost to the floor in order to stop the car, this means that you need to get your brakes seen to immediately. The squealing noise is most likely due to water on the brake pads or the brake pads are dangerously low.

3. Rattling, Clunking or Clattering

Your car isn't a percussion instrument. If you hear an abnormal clunking, clattering or rattling coming from the engine (or really anywhere in the car, providing you're not transporting a box of empty bottles!) it could be an indication that you've blown the head gasket. You need to stop and have your car towed to a mechanic or service station ASAP.

4. Difficult Starting the Engine

If it takes you several tries to get your engine to start or you hear a click when you try to turn the key but no ignition, it could be an indication that your battery is running low or that there is a problem with your alternator. Either way, you should have it checked out as soon as possible by a service station.

5. Oil Light

This seems like a relatively simple one - how obviously can it be if your car flashes the oil light? You'd be surprised, dear readers, at how often this light is ignored or simply overlooked. If any of the lights on your dash light up the first thing to do is determine what they mean, and then have the problem seen to immediately.

Having a regular car service is vital to maintaining car health. Even if your car doesn't show any signs of needing one, prevention is better than a cure so make sure you stay on top of it to ensure a long and happy vehicular life!

Foreign Car Auto Repair - What To Look For In a Repair Shop

Worried about expensive bills for your foreign car repair? If you are looking for a foreign car auto repair shop, look for premium care from knowledgeable and experienced technicians. Also it is a good idea to research repair shops before you need one so you are prepared for any vehicle emergency. Read on and find out more.

In order to retain maximum performance, cars need regular maintenance. Above all, it is crucial to find someone you trust to work on your vehicle, especially your foreign car, as they required specialized parts and service. It might be difficult to find a local repair shop skilled in imported car repair, but it is important that you find a certified repair shop for all your auto repair needs. It helps to find specialized auto shops so you can find a mechanic who is skilled to work on your car and can guarantee warranties on the parts, service, and continued performance.

Save Time by Finding a Technician Online

With a little research online, you should be able to zero in on the most qualified expert help for your car. Because their engines and electronics operate differently than American cars, servicing of these cars requires dedicated and specialized training. For instance, Audi has eight dedicated training centers located in the US and a number of auto repair technicians are taught to handle auto repair requests of Audi customers in the America. Other leading car manufacturers have similar centers so trained experts can handle all requests related to braking, safety, performance enhancement, and other maintenance needs of your foreign car.

You can find a wide range of foreign car repair shops online, plus compare rates and experience that will help you choose a professional who offers quality service at great rates. You could even check the reputation of the shop on review sites such as Kudzu and Yelp. These online tools are a great resource for honest and reliable imported auto repair professionals for your most prized possession. You can find a number of companies which will perform Supercharger / Turbo Kit Installations, Performance Tuning (ECU Chip Tuning, Part Upgrades) and even Performance Brake UpgradesSupercharger / Turbo Kit InstallationsSupercharger / Turbo Kit Installations at reasonable costs for your imported vehicles. You can even choose exhaust or manual fabrication based on your needs or have various systems of your car such as fuel injections, batteries etc tested at these centers.

Seek Honesty and Trust in an Auto Repair Shop

Buying an automobile is one of the major investments a person makes in his life. So it is equally important that it be given proper care and maintenance. Moreover, with each passing year the components used in them are becoming more hi-tech and complicated. That leaves most of us at the mercy of auto repair shops and the exorbitant money that they sometimes charge.

Keeping their vehicle running is one of the major worries of car owners. Almost everyone gets an uneasy feeling when they take their car in for repairs. Their main concern is whether they will be taken for a ride or be given their money's worth. So the most important thing after you purchase your car should be to find a good and honest auto repair shop. Finding a good auto repair shop or a good mechanic that you can trust can be difficult.

There are several steps to finding a good auto repair shop. Reputation is what counts in any service industry, so always make it a point to go around and check the reputation of an auto shop or a mechanic before taking your car there. Find out whether the auto repair shop provides all-inclusive and extensive service. They should have the experience as well as the equipment required for any problem that arises with your vehicle. A first rate auto repair shop should not only provide you with excellent service but should also use genuine spare parts. They should maintain modern premises and the technicians in the auto repair shop should all be ASE certified.

It is always better to get somebody you really trust to recommend a shop so that you will feel comfortable when taking your car there. Also make sure that you are provided with a proper estimate of the things that need to be repaired. If you do not understand what the mechanic is saying, make sure you free your doubts by asking as many questions as you need to. A good shop will require you to authorize or sign off on the work order before any work begins.

A good shop can totally ease any worries that you may have. Whether they have been in business for just a few years, or are a family owned enterprise going back a generation or two, they should be able to buff your bonnet, perform a detailed brake repair, or execute a complicated overhaul with equal aplomb. Honesty and trust are the two hallmarks that you should seek in the auto service and repair shop you select.

What Everyone Needs To Know About Windshield Replacement

If you operate a motor vehicle, the time will likely come when your windshield sustains some type of damage. This damage might be in the form of a small chip or scratch; however, it might also be something more damaging, such as a crack or the devastating effects of a major impact. Fortunately, there are many alternatives when it comes to fixing a windshield and with some of the minor problems, a complete windshield replacement might not even be necessary.

A professional glass company is often able to repair small chips and scratches. In fact, they can do such an incredible job, that you will not even be able to notice the area that was repaired. However, for larger problems, you will likely need to replace the windshield. When you are looking for a glass company to replace any type of auto glass it is important that you choose a company that has experience in this type of work. There are a number of important safety factors that must be adhered to, and a professional auto glass service will understand exactly how to make sure that these safety measures are in place.

For example, when you need a window in your vehicle replaced, it is crucial that you have the window replaced with OEM products. The use of an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) product ensures that the right glass, with the right safety features, is used for your window replacement. While there is certainly a difference between the glass used in windshields and the glass used for other glass in a vehicle, they each have their own unique safety features. A windshield is designed to withstand a significant impact without breaking; however, even when it does break, the glass is held together by a thin piece of plastic laminated between two sheets of safety glass.

Other auto glass, such as side or back windows, is made using tempered glass. The process of tempering creates a piece of glass that is much stronger than an ordinary piece of glass. Additionally, by heating, then quickly cooling the glass, the outer surface cools much faster than the inside. This creates a piece of glass that has both tensile and compressive stresses, the result of the surface contracting while the inside is expanding. While the science behind this might seem confusing, the ultimate result is a piece of glass that when broken, shatters into many small pieces that have dull edges. Of course, this is a major safety feature that can prevent serious injuries in an accident.

Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts and South Carolina Windscreen 0 Deductible Replacement Laws

If you have done any interstate driving then you know how easy it is to get that dreaded little star crack on your windshield. Usually, that star then proceeds to turn into a full blown crack spanning the entire length of your windshield. I know it has happened to just about every vehicle I have ever owned. Luckily, for FL, KY, MA and SC residents replacing that windshield does not need to be a burden on your finances. Why? Simple, legislators in these states decided that if you have comprehensive coverage on your car, truck or SUV then your insurance must pay to replace it. So how is that any different than any other state? The answer is, your car insurance company cannot apply your deductible to this type of claim! It does not matter how that star crack got there, your insurance is still obligated to pay for it with 0 deductible applied. Here are some of my experiences with Florida and Kentucky windshield laws.

A couple of years ago while living in Florida with my parents, my father sent me to run an errand for him one late night. It was something that I did not want to do so I got upset , hopped in his car and proceeded to punch the windshield! My fist didn't go through it like a Steve Segal punch or anything but to my horror, it made a huge crack in it. I had no idea these things were so fragile because I really didn't punch it all that hard, I mean my hand didn't hurt or anything. Anyhow, I finished his errand, parked the car, went inside the house and didn't say a word about it. The next day, he asked, what had occurred to his windshield? I shrugged my shoulders and said "I have no idea", I didn't feel good about it but didn't want him to go off either. Anyhow, he went to work and called our insurance company. They told him not to worry about it and that they would get it taken care of. He had a mobile windshield installer there within a few hours. They replaced the windshield without having to pay a dime. The insurance company wasn't concerned with what happened, they just got it replaced.

I have since moved to Tennessee and my wife's family lives in KY. Last year, my wife's sister was driving her Honda CRV and all of a sudden her rear view mirror decided to remove itself from the windshield. Sometimes, that is no big deal. You simply buy some special cement and put it back on. In her case, the rear view took a large chunk out of her windshield. She probably had no more than a couple of millimeters worth of glass left where the mirror fell off. She drove around like that for a while because she was not aware of the windshield law in KY. I told her she should get that replaced asap because that could be dangerous. So she called her insurance and found out about the windshield law. They had a glass repair person out within a few hrs and again had her windshield replaced at no cost to her.

So if you live in KY, MA, FL or SC, there is no reason you should be motoring around with a star cracked windshield when getting it replaced is a phone call away. Your insurance will either arrange the replacement or will ask you to get some quotes from a regional windshield dealer. Remember, driving with a cracked windshield is a safety hazard. A cracked windshield is extremely weak. The star crack can also obstruct your view. If that is not motivation enough to get it replaced, then the potential to get a ticket should. Most states have some sort of ordinance that prohibits cracks, chips, or star cracks beyond a certain size. So even if you don't live in a 0 deductible state, then it is a good idea to have that windshield replaced.

Career Showdown - Autobody Tech Vs Paintless Dent Repair Tech

Bodyman. Painter. Bondo bob..whatever is your monniker, wear it proud. A very noble profession, nonetheless.

And as you all know, this industry is going nowhere. There are damaged cars piling up daily, from semi twisted crunches to minor parking lot scrapes and dings..its all there, and will continue as long as man drives car. Period.

So, lets have these two Bodyman and Paintless Dent Repair professions do what we came to see them do here..

LETS GET-IT ON!

Bodyman:

Pros- job demand, skilled position..no automation likely to replace the profession any time soon.

Cons. Many painters and bodymen do not wear masks and gloves..the chemicals get into their bloodstream, and they live short lives, per capita. IN other words..make decent money, and die young. (ouch!)

Now, the defending champ:

Paintless Dent Removal Tech

Pros- passive, hand tool process. No threat to health, lifespan or longevity. Incredible income due to the nature of the specialized process, and demand is soaring.

Cons- you tell me! Great income, no health risks...incredible demand for the process on all levels..Cant find a fault with this profession.

Autobody Tech throws a jab at the Paintless Dent Removal Tech, PDR Tech ducks easily since Autobody Tech is slow and lethargic due to the chemicals he's ingested..then, the 15th round punch.. a haymaker from the top, since Paintless Dent Removal Techs are in good health due to no involvement with chemicals.

Result: Paintless Dent Repair winner by knockout in the 2nd round!

Three Steps To Resolve Car Insurance Company Disputes

Do You Need To Resolve An Insurance Company Dispute?

If you have owned a car, and paid for car insurance, for any length of time, you have probably had some issue you wanted to take up with your insurance company. There are any number of reasons that consumers become dissatisfied with their insurers. Sometimes, it is confusion over billing, or even an actual billing mistake. But more likely, people get upset when they do not feel like an insurance claim was paid fairly.

If you are having problems with your own insurer, you may want to look into finding another insurer with a better claims handling record. You are free to find a new company at any time. Of course, that will only help you next time you have an accident. You still probably want to address your current situation.

Call Your Insurer Or Agent

In my opinion, the first thing you should do is to contact your insurance company or agent to find out why the claim got settled the way it did. Sometimes a simple phone call can clear up the problem.

• The claim settlement could have been an error. A lot of communication goes on between many different parties. Somewhere, between a body shop, claims adjuster, and you, there could be an error.


• I have discovered that claims adjusters do have some discretion when they settle bills. I have called to protest the settlement for a car that was declared a total loss before, and actually gotten the adjuster to increase my payment.

You may be able to resolve your issue with a simple phone call, email, or letter. If you cannot get satisfaction, you can still get information. Find out how the claims decision was made, and be sure to take notes. Gather any documentation that you can.

Contact Your State Insurance Department

Each US state has an insurance department, and most insurance is regulated at the state level. If you contact your own state's department, they will listen to you, and they will look into the matter. You can expect to get a very informative reply back, and you may even get the problem handled if your insurer actually did clearly break a rule. These departments were set up to regulate insurers and protect resident consumers.

Call A Lawyer

In my opinion, this should probably be the last step, though you are free to take it at any time. Lawyers can get expensive, and you may be taking a big risk. However, many lawyers will work on a contingency fee basis. Most of them will also offer you a free, initial consultation and good advice about how worthy your case would be. After all, if the attorney intends to work on a contingency basis, they only want to take cases that they can have a chance to win!

The amount of the difference between what you think you should get paid, and what the insurer wants to pay, will determine how far you take your case. You should know that you do have rights, under the law, and you may be able to get a fairer settlement.

Car Title Loans - Why You Should Take One to Fund Auto Repairs

Has your auto mechanic just given you the bad news that you need to get a new transmission installed or get your engine rebuilt? The job is going to cost you thousands of dollars, but you have bad credit so you cannot get traditional funding. You have very few options. You can't rent a car because you don't have the cash, but you still need your car so you can get to work.

Well, you don't have to panic anymore. If you're strapped for cash and your auto mechanic refuses your credit, your best option to get quick cash is to apply for a car title loan. When major auto repairs surprise you and leave you stranded without money, a car title loan can provide the money need to get your car fixed.

Fund Auto Repairs with Car Title Loans
When major auto repairs leave you stranded, a vehicle title loan can provide the money needed to get your car fixed. Apply for a title loan, using your auto title, also called a pink slip, as collateral to get you a high-limit loan quickly. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to get your vehicle repaired in order to get to work, online lending companies in Arizona and other states can make it possible to have cash in hand in just a few hours.

If you don't have the cash you need or you have bad credit you cannot get a low-interest loan from a bank, you can use your automobile as collateral and providing you auto title. Loans, borrowers recommend, are ones that do not charge to repay the debt early. Once you get your vehicle repaired, you can continue working to earn money to pay off the debt.

What You Need To Know About Car Title Loans
A car title loan is a secured loan that has a higher rate than interest than bank loans. The higher charge is because they are given to subprime borrowers, usually those who have bad credit or no credit, and are considered a risky investment for the lender. In the event that you default on your loan payments, the lender has to recover the cost by repossessing and selling your vehicle.

However secured financial debts are always a better option than unsecured debts that charge exorbitant interest rates and come with extra charges. When using the car title as collateral, it's important to make payments on time and in full. You don't want to default on your payments and end up losing your vehicle.

When deciding on the type of car title loan, it's best to choose the shortest term you can afford, in order to pay the least amount of interest. Make sure you choose a lender that charges no prepayment penalties, which allows you to pay off the debt earlier, if you want to avoid additional interest charges.

Make sure you choose a reputable lender, not one that can bury you further into debt. If you intend to take a long-term loan, ask for flexible payment terms and competitive interest rates.

Auto Mechanic Services

Finding a mechanic that is going to give you a good deal on your broken car can be tough. If you don't know what to look for then you might end up spending more than you actually need to. There are mechanics that will give you honest service and do a thorough job keeping your best interest in mind.

If you go in for your breaks to be replaced, a good mechanic may tell you that you just need new pads and a good tightening. You might need less servicing than you think. Some mechanics will over-sell and tell you that you need more than you actually do. They might try to up-sell you on things to where you don't need them.

Of course, this could be a good thing for preventative purposes. Other things in your car could be on the way out and you could take care of it in one big shebang instead of going back three or four times within the year. Just simple up-keep and maintenance can save you money in the long run. A quality repair goes a long way. Everyone wants a mechanic that is skilled enough in his work that the job will last and not end up breaking again fairly quickly. That just means they do poor service.

Maybe you really DO need that wheel alignment and tire rotation to preserve the longevity of your tires. Things like that are important because you don't want to get a flat tire on the highway or experience a complete blow out. That can be dangerous and even fatal.

If you get in an accident you want to make sure that your mechanic is skilled in your model and make of car. BMW for example takes a specific certification to do repairs since they are built differently and considered their own kind. They have to know that the paint is specific to the brand so you don't have an off-colored bumper or a different model of rear view mirror.

Good companies also will tow your vehicle to their repair center and arrange a rental car for you. Sometimes they can even manage the claims process with the insurance company. They will have your car back to you in a timely fashion while giving you updates all along on the repair process and present you with a life time written warranty to ensure you that their repair job is the best. If you are feeling happy with the services they have provided you, then they will be happy too.

Brake Repair: Why Squeaking Occurs

When you stop your car at a light and hear loud squeaking, it's only natural to get an uncomfortable feeling. Some experts consider brake repair one of the most important forms of maintenance to keep up with on your vehicle. While there may be other things more essential to keeping your vehicle running and keep a hole from being burned into your wallet, it's hard to argue for anything being more important to your safety and that of others on the road. Of course, squeaking isn't always a sign of something going bad. Here's what you need to know about that sound.

Bad Noise
Squeaking and squealing sometimes occurs when your pads are worn down beyond a certain point. Most pads come with a metallic strip that begins to touch the rotors when they are worn beyond the danger point. This gives the driver an audible warning that it's time to replace the pads. It's not wise to drive for too long with that sound coming out every time you stop the car. Take it in to a good brake repair shop or head to the auto parts store if this is the kind of thing you like to do on your own.

Normal Noise
Not all squeaking is a call for alarm. Wet conditions, whether through a good rainfall or even humidity can cause your braking system to start making unwanted noise. This doesn't necessarily call for brake repair, even though you might prefer not to hear it. Dusty conditions can bring about the same issue. Some newer cars are fitted with semi-metallic pads that will give off a squeaking noise from time to time even when driving conditions are optimal. What causes these squeaks in the first place? It usually comes from the pads squeezing against the rotor, which causing a vibration. There are things you can do to reduce the noise, however.

Prevention
Some brake repair experts advise putting a milk spray or a specific kind of lotion on the backs of the pads, which can reduce some of the squeaking you hear. Others recommend using sandpaper to eliminate some of the surface hardening that can occur on the front of the pads. You may also want to play around with various brands of pads, as each of them has different proclivities as it pertains to squeaking. Unless you know a great deal about brake repair, however, it's advised that you leave any and all noise elimination solutions to a professional mechanic.

The Importance Of Properly Maintaining Auto Batteries

As a responsible car owner, you should always check the condition of your auto batteries when you are having a scheduled maintenance. Most car batteries must be charged every four years so that they can allow vehicles to run smoothly and properly. Like most car components, they also undergo the wear and tear process in the form of electricity. If your battery is already performing less efficiently, you need to get it replaced so that your car will function better again. Your auto mechanic should perform a load test every month so that you can determine whether or not you need a replacement. Cleaning your battery terminals should also be done on a regular basis. This will make sure that your battery is supplying your car with usable electricity effectively.

Common auto batteries are made from 6 battery cells that provide your vehicle with about 12.6 volts of electricity. The most common type of car battery is the lead-acid batter that is comprised of lead and lead dioxide plates. These plates are submerged in an electrolyte solution that is made from sulfuric acid and water in order for it to generate electricity. This concept is the most common problem that your batteries will encounter since there is a tendency that the separator between the positive and negative plates will fail and cause shorting. The cells will short out because of the buildup of shed plate material under the plates. The internal connections will also break due to corrosion. Battery connections will also break if not replaced. These problems will degrade the overall performance of the battery. That's why you need to check the condition and status of your car batteries every time you go for scheduled maintenance.

The charging state of your battery should not be severely overcharged since this will cause the voltage to fluctuate. Flammable concentrations of hydrogen will also build up inside the battery if the ventilation is inadequate. A little spark will ignite your battery and cause explosion that is very dangerous. Overcharging the battery is very common especially in uncontrolled scenarios. This must be avoided at all times since this will destroy your battery and possibly electrical devices that you have on car.

To keep your battery in good condition, make sure that its cables are secured tightly. This ascertains that the connections don't come in contact with each other while you're driving your vehicle. The body of your battery must also be tightly attached to its tray so that it won't damage your hood or engine. The temperature of your battery must also be checked. Extremely low temperatures will affect its performance and lifespan. If you live in an area where temperatures are often low, you need to have a battery meter so that you car will start easily; without having to waste power while doing so.

Auto Body Repair at Home in Five Steps

Fixing damage to the body of your auto is a repair that can be done at home or in a professional body shop. Body Auto Repair shops fix thousand of dents every day, from the large ones that prevent the vehicle from being used properly, to small ones that take only a few minutes for a professional. First, let us look at doing the job yourself.

It is not hard to justify an expensive professional repair with severe body damage to your car. However, small dents in your car can be fixed at home if you have the right tools and knowledge. To do the repair, body filler, also known as Bondo, is the best and easiest choice. The key to any auto repair is to take your time - if you do that, the body of your vehicle will look like new again. To do the Body Auto Repair yourself, you will need wet/dry sandpaper, some Bondo, putty to glaze with, plastic spreaders, and primer.

(1) Start by sanding the paint down until you see bare metal. This is necessary for the Bondo to stick. Sand a little further out than the actual size of the dent.
(2) The Bondo should come with a hardening agent that you mix once the surface of the Body is sanded. This hardener will set quickly, so once it's mixed, get to work laying it on the damaged area.
(3) When the Bondo has set, sand the area smooth and fill in any divots you might have missed. This can be done with glaze putty and a plastic spreader.
(4) Sand the puttied area smooth, and begin priming the area. Make sure to tape off a large area to avoid spilling over or repainting your car.
(5) Primer needs to be wet-sanded once it is dry. This can be done with a bottle of filtered water and the same fine sandpaper.

Body Auto Repair does not have to be hard, but the larger repairs are best left to a professional shop. As for that last step, the painting, getting it done by a pro will ensure your hard work does not go to waste.

Choosing a shop for your Repair is an important decision. A bad repair can leave your car looking damaged, causing its value to go down. The worst case scenario is that the repair will have to be redone. Have a list of shops before they are needed, and make sure they use the latest equipment, and warranty their work.

Taking Care of Your Car's Windscreen Properly

The windscreen is one of the most delicate parts of a modern car, despite the fact that it's usually made with durability and sturdiness in mind. It still requires a lot of careful attention during repairs and even cleaning jobs, and it's never a bad idea to familiarize yourself with the way a windscreen is built and how it works if you own a more expensive car. That way you'll be able to avoid some common issues that may arise if your car is ever involved in an accident that requires a windscreen repair.

Even if it's not about a repair, but a cosmetic fix-up like a tint job; you'll still want to be crystal clear about what a windscreen requires in terms of quality service, and how to find the best company to work with as well. The first feature to look for, obviously, is that the company can work on modern cars and their special windscreens. This might sound a bit redundant as you'd expect that every company on the market for windscreen services is like that, but the truth is a bit different. If your car's windscreen is a modern variant that features some strange, complex type of technology, you may find that not so many companies out there are willing to work on it.

Once you've found an appropriate company to do the job for you, you should also prepare your car accordingly. There are usually various things that you could do to make the vehicle more suitable for a windscreen repair or tinting job, and the company you've chosen to work with should be able to tell you all about that. Just listen to their advice and prepare the car accordingly, and make sure you let them know if there are any specific details about this car that they should know about before they get started (e.g. if you're using custom-made windscreens).

If you're tinting your windscreens, another thing to keep in mind is to obey your local laws and regulations. Most places have some limits to the amount of tint you can apply to your car's windscreens, and this varies from one jurisdiction to another. So before you get started, make sure you familiarize yourself with your local laws and the restrictions they place on you. The windscreen tinting company you've chosen should be able to help you out on that if you're feeling lost, as after all, they should be the ones that are most familiar with those regulations.

Don't be in a rush! You should set aside some time for your window tinting job and contact the company to get it done once you feel your schedule has cleared up a bit. You shouldn't rush them to complete the job faster, because that might compromise the quality of the final product a bit. And with window tinting, something that's more or less permanent, you really don't want to mess up the job. Once it's done, you can enjoy your new tinted windows for a long, long time!

How Does Servicing a Car Affect the Resale Value?

Resale value is a very important factor for many car owners. Many car owners do not plan to own just one vehicle throughout their entire lifetime. Often times, an owner will keep a car for a year or two, or until the car loan is paid off and then trade in that vehicle for something new. Resale values effect trade-ins as well as traditional sales.

Many factors affect the resale value. For one, the resale value of the car diminishes as soon as you drive it off the lot. This is unavoidable and owners will try to offset that loss by cosmetic improvements and changes. Another factor that may or may not be unavoidable is accidents.

The diminished value due to a car accident varies car to car all due to the damage incurred. There are several reasons why an accident diminishes the car's value; the most obvious is the damage. Of course, if the owner does not repair the exterior and the interior damage of the vehicle it will not be nearly as much as it was once worth. However, should the owner have the car in for servicing they may be in for a shock.

After an accident, the car will loose considerable amount of its resale value. Even if the owner or the Insurance company pays for top of the line parts for the car repair. This is because future buyers will see that accident as a black mark and even though everything was repaired, they will still be very wary of it.

This loss of resale value does not only affect cars that have been involved in an accident but with any vehicle that has been repaired for any reason.

Minor repairs, such as oil filters and the like will not really impact the resale value. Repairs that are seen as routine maintenance are regarded as common place are unavoidable. What will have a negative impact on resale value include replacements and repairs as a result of neglect and misuse.

In regards to servicing as a result of accidents, some insurance companies may pay for the diminished value of the vehicle. This is only true if the accident is not your fault, of course.

What can also affect a car's resale value are the types of parts used. OEM, or Original Equipment Manufacturer will not bring the value down as much as using LKQ parts will. LKQ (Like Kind Quality) are restored or recycled parts. Many Insurance companies will use the LKQ parts instead of OEMs since the restored parts are far cheaper. For car owners, this will mean an even greater loss of any potential resale value.

Car servicing, as long as it's routine like rotating the tires or changing the oil, will not necessarily affect the resale value. Only when that car repair is a result of an accident or neglect will owners see a diminished value for the vehicle.

Some ways to help improve the car's resale value can include:

* New Paint

* Clean Interior

* New Tires

* Clean Upholstery

* Everything in working order

While such visual improvements will not raise the resale value to where it was before a major servicing, it will help even slightly.

Regular Maintenance of Your Bike With Motorcycle Tools Is Essential for a Smooth Ride

When planning any motorcycle road trip, it is always good to plan and take along a set of motorcycle tools that can come real handy. Take time to research different motorcycle repair shops that may come along your route. But it is even better if you research online and get hold of a list of basic motorcycle tools and an appropriate tool storage bag that can be carried along in your motorbike. Take as many tools that you might need for any minor repairs since most of the times it does happen that your vehicle shows technical failures when there are no repair shops for miles. A Phillips and standard screwdriver, a pair of needle nose pliers, some cable ties, a couple of combination wrenches that fit majority of the sizes on your motorcycle, and a repair manual should all be included in your tool kit.

Apart from carrying such repairing tools along with you while traveling; keeping a handy set of tools at your home garage is also feasible. A vehicle owner is mainly responsible for the wear and tear of their vehicles and similar is the case with bikes. It is one of the most essential and priced possessions that you have probably purchased with your hard earned money. With regular usage, some parts of your vehicle might become partially inefficient and that again might lead to affecting its overall functionality. Therefore, it is important to ensure regular maintenance of your motorbike. By possessing a set of motorcycle tools, you can regularly maintain your bike and perform small repairs from time to time to experience a comfortable and smooth journey.

Many of us are skeptical about the services of automotive shops that are widespread over the market. People are mostly worried about their authenticity and credibility and at times it does happen that for very small repair jobs an automobile repair company usually charges a hefty amount. But yes, for big repairs you will obviously need to go to a reliable and professional automotive repair shop. Without timely maintenance, any vehicle will become completely useless and cause numerous problems for the owner. Therefore it is always better to have tool storage kits with the necessary motorcycle tools.

Beating the Heat With Your Car's Engine

Lately, it seems that the world has just been becoming more and more hot every year. There are many towns all over the world and different countries that are showing new record highs for temperature. While you may be able to beat the heat, your car may be taking quite a beating. If your car is subject to overheating then you can be sure that it will cause a lot of damage to your engine. Luckily, with knowledge, you will be able to take preventive measures to ensure the well-being of your car.

Many people don't realize the subtle problems that can accrue with your engine following bad habits. For instance, turning on your car and air conditioning before releasing some of that hot air inside the car puts some strain on the air conditioning unit and engine. Most people don't even check their car's levels of fluids on a daily, weekly, monthly basis, etc... You should use some sort of mixture of water and coolant about half and half. Make sure your radiator is always topped off, there are no leaks or cracks and that everything is in tact. Rinsing out the air conditioner condenser frees it from both dirt and insects that may have been unfortunate enough to get sucked in. Not only will this maintenance of the car help the cooling system run better, but it will also provide you a more satisfying life time.

Other problems that some people may acquire involve straining the engine by overloading it. For example, using a smaller car with a smaller engine to tow a heavier automobile. Heat not only affects the engine but the brake pads and calipers as well. During hotter weather the pads and calipers tend to stick more. This causes drag on your car's wheels unallowing the engine to work easier. This issue can lead to engine problems and overheating as well.

For those of you who drive a rear or four wheel drive automobile, shifting into park and/or neutral during heavy traffic can be a good idea. While in traffic slowly increasing your RPM's of the car to over 2k and holding it there for a good 30 seconds to a minute can help the radiator fan and water to pump faster. This helps during the heat to cool down the car and help prevent overheating.

People tend to take the temperature meter of their cars lightly. You should always be aware of your surroundings not only outside but inside the car. If you notice your temperature of the car rising and getting pretty high you should switch off the air conditioner and park. You should open the hood of the car and let that built up heat leave. Opening your radiator cap is very dangerous when the engine is hot so do not attempt it. If it is safe to do so you can drive after the temperature drops significantly but should be aware for any signs of overheating.

Engine repairs are not very fun or cheap to deal with. Being conscious of your fluid levels and gauges can help you prevent further damage during the heat. Using these couple tips you can help reduce the chance of problems with your car.

Marketing A Transmission Repair Shop On A Budget

Marketing a business can sometimes seem like a daunting task. This is especially true for business owners who are just starting out. They may look at the billboards, television commercials and magazine ads that other companies purchase and wonder how in the world they can compete on their limited budget. This is a legitimate fear. However, there is good news. A business does not have to break the bank in order to launch an effective marketing campaign.

Take a transmission repair shop, for example. If someone were just starting out in this particular industry, there are several things to get the attention of potential customers, without going broke or spending more money than absolutely necessary.

The first thing that a new transmission repair shop can do is to partner with other automotive businesses and host a community event. Now, some may be thinking that a large event would not be cheap. However, when putting on free events that benefit the community, there are ways to get donations from others. Imagine if the event is a health fest, for instance. There will most likely be health care professionals in the community who would be more than willing to give up some of their time to come out and conduct free screenings and checkups. There are also hospitals and clinics that would probably be willing to lend some equipment and supplies.

Some may be asking how in the world hosting a community event will help a transmission repair shop gain customers. Well, the way this is done is by the shop taking advantage of the fact that there will be a large group of people there. So, what the business could do is pass out flyers or even hand out some useful items that include the name and logo of the company. This includes things like pens or cups. The entity should also be sure to let everyone know that their business played a big part in the putting on of the event. This will let the community know that this particular company cares about others. It will also help to get people more familiar with the business. That way, whenever any of the people need transmission repair work done, they will automatically think about that particular entity.

Marketing a new business doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. It also doesn't have to cost a whole lot. All they need to do is come up with creative, unique and effective ideas that will impact a large amount of people. This includes transmission repair shops, grocery stores, clothing stores and all other businesses.

Distinguish Yourself After You Become a Mechanic

You know what you are going to learn about in auto mechanic training: you're going to learn about engines and diagnostics, drive trains and alignment... But if you are planning on going into business for yourself after you become a mechanic, then you may also want to brush up on some basic business techniques. When you finally do open your own garage, how are you planning on selling yourself? Each year, there are many new graduates from auto training schools. What makes you so special?

Host a drop-off point to encourage recycling of used tires

In auto mechanic training, you probably learned about the ways that car manufacturers have been trying to make their technology more sustainable. Customers, it seems, are very excited by the prospect of biofuels, low carbon vehicles, etc. You can show your support for this green turn by making it clear to customers that you care about the environment. You can encourage customers to drop off old tires with you so that you can see to their proper disposal.

Set up an electric car charging station on your premises

Different levels of government across North America have been introducing electric car charging networks that are implemented with the participation of local businesses. In some places, electric car drivers can plug in their cars in the parking lot of their local bank, favourite restaurant, etc. Why not make your parking lot more attractive by equipping it with a charging station? As you may have learned in auto mechanic training, some chargers are more powerful than others. Try to figure out what voltage of charger would be most convenient for your customers.

Position yourself as "the" garage for electric cars, a certain manufacturer, etc.

If you get the chance, you may want to specialize during your auto mechanic training. You can become a mechanic with a concentration on electric powered vehicles, on diesel vehicles, or on a certain make of car, truck or motorcycle.

Write a Q&A column in your community paper

Your first challenge after you become a mechanic will be to find customers. Build your reputation by sharing the lessons learned in your auto mechanic training with the readers of your local papers. What seems like common knowledge in auto training schools may seem like exotic information in the world at large!

Offer a group buying coupon online to bring in new customers

Once you do become a mechanic, the Internet will present a variety of interesting marketing opportunities for your fledgling business. Encourage new customers to take advantage of your auto mechanic training by offering a group buying coupon for a spring tune-up.

When you do become a mechanic, a playful, open attitude will go a long way to helping you grow your business!

7 Common Reasons for an Oil Change!

The lifespan of any vehicle revolves around several factors one of them is the maintenance of the vehicle. Most people neglect their vehicles and when they really need it the most, the vehicle might suddenly die. This can happen not only to old cars but to new cars as well and hence it's very important to make sure your vehicle is in for a scheduled maintenance check-up often. Consider these seven reasons why you should get your oil changed.

1. Longevity - If you are looking to increase the lifespan of your vehicle you will probably want to get this done. Getting your oil changed is not expensive and by servicing you would get a filter replacement with fresh oil that would keep your engine lubricated and perform optimally. You can either do it by yourself or you can visit a mechanic who would do it for you at a small price.

2. Sludge - Do you know that your engine parts are ruined because of dirty clogs and then an engine build up acidity which causes unnecessary damage to the internal parts of your vehicle? Damaging the engine would require a replacement or repair which is much more costly than a simple process of oil change.

3. Stress - If you are going on a long road trip or going through the mountainous terrain you will need all the possible power in the engine to get you through. Changing your oil regularly will not give you any problems and your car will run just fine. If you have not been doing a regular oil change you would find that the car will have a real hard time going up the hills and engine could get over heated.

4. Most vehicles especially during mild climate regions should have its oil changed every 3000 miles. And if you're living in an area that is particularly dirty or dusty you will want to take care of this more frequently. Do not delay, as this should not take long, especially if the mechanic is not very busy. This is a simple, inexpensive, and crucial service, so forgetting to keep up with it can lead to some serious setbacks.

5. Depending on whether you are an aggressive driver and drive in a lot of stop and go traffic, you will want to check your fluid level and regularly top it off as needed. This style of driving will necessitate changing out the engine oil more often than average drivers would need to

6. Oil constantly burns as we drive and simply adding fresh lubricant bought from a store is not good enough for your car's motor. Over time, the oil inside will turn black and accumulate dirt and other debris. After a while this will likely clog your engine and can lead to permanent damage. Once this fluid is contaminated, it can lead to some serious problems. To properly address the problem, a full oil change is necessary.

7. If you have any pinging in your engine or other unusual noises could indicate that the oil level is low or that it is dirty. Oil dampens noise and reduces friction, so when it is degraded your car will typically begin making different sounds.

The above are some of the main reasons why one should get their oil changed regularly, you can do so by having a scheduled maintenance plan with your mechanic. This will increase the lifespan of your vehicle and you will be at a lot of peace when you know you're vehicle is functioning well.

Garagekeepers Legal Liability Vs Garagekeepers Primary Liability Insurance

There are certain commonalities and dissimilarities between garage insurance and garagekeeper liability coverage. The key commonality, and possibly the only similarity, is that the two coverages are needed in the establishments that are associated with using vehicles. The dissimilarities are several, and to understand the differences we will begin with defining both terms.

Garage Liability. This is necessary to provide protection for bodily injury and property damage resulting from garage activities. Garage operations refer to actions connected with ownership, maintenance, and use of sites for garaging businesses. Garage Liability encompasses two major coverages:

1. Garage Liability - Covered Auto: This is probably the most critical coverage that a garage businesses must have. Garages have different auto liability exposure, and for that reason they must have to have different types of insurance. The insurance division came with a Symbol System for Auto Liability. This is a brief overview:

* SYMBOL 21 = Any Auto. This is the most broad symbol where coverage applies to any auto.
* SYMBOL 22 = All Owned Autos. Coverage under this code applies to any and all autos that are owned by the establishment, including trailers that are pulled by the owned autos.
* SYMBOL 23 = Owned Private Passenger Autos Only. Coverage affiliated with this symbol includes all owned private passenger automobiles.
* SYMBOL 24 = Owned Autos Other Than Private Passenger Autos Only. Coverage here applies to other than private passenger type vehicles owned by an insured, including trailers pulled by an owned automobiles.
* SYMBOL 25 = Owned Autos Subject to No Fault. This symbol is relevant to any auto which is owned by an insured in any no-fault jurisdictions.
* SYMBOL 26 = Owned Autos Subject To A Compulsory Uninsured Motorist Law. This applies to any auto that is owned by the insured in states where uninsured motorists is a compulsory coverage.
* SYMBOL 27 = Specifically Described Autos. Coverage is applicable to only certain autos that are specifically scheduled on the policy.
* SYMBOL 28 = Hired Autos Only. Coverage applies to vehicles that the insured leases, hires, rents, or borrows from any one who is not an officer, owner or employee of the business.
* SYMBOL 29 = Non Owned Autos Only. Coverage applies to vehicles that the insured does not own, lease, hire, rent, or borrow, but that are used in the business. This includes automobiles owned by own partners, staff, or any members of the business while these vehicles are used in the business transactions.
* SYMBOL 30 = Autos Left for Service/Repair/Storage. This applies to autos which are left at auto service businesses for maintenance or repair.
* SYMBOL 31 = Autos on Consignment. Coverage applies to any and all vehicles left at the location of the insured for sale based on consignment basis. This does not apply to autos left at car dealers.

2. Garage Liability - Other Than Covered Auto: This incorporates features of the Commercial General Liability, other than automobile liability. CGL coverages such as premises (ie slip and fall) are usually insured here.

Garagekeepers Liability Insurance. This is physical damage coverage on customers' automobiles that are left in the custody of the insured for repair or servicing. The coverage options are collision, comprehensive (any thing other than collision), specified causes of loss (fire, lightning, or explosion; theft; or mischief or vandalism).

Garagekeepers can be included as primary or legal. Garagekeepers Legal Liability (also called Garagekeepers Direct Excess, coverage applies to losses in excess of the vehicle owner's coverage. To put it differently, the policy will pay after the client's vehicle policy pays, and only if the insured is legally responsible for the damage of the vehicle. Garagekeepers Primary Liability (also referred to as Garagekeepers Direct Primary,) the garage insured would share the loss with the auto owner's insurer, regardless of who is at fault. Garagekeepers Primary Liability allows for more protection for garages.

Businesses Needing Garage Liability. The following are instances of businesses that need garage liability:

Towing Operations, Car Dealers, Mechanic Shops, Auto Body Shops, Valet Parking, Lube Shops, Car Washes, or any businesses that deal in the trade or service of with automobiles industries.

Lexus Collision Repair - Finding the Right Body Shop

Being aware of Lexus collision repair shops in case of collision is an essential thing which also makes sense. These cars are the most popular luxury cars. Basically Lexus is a collaborated division of Toyota Motor Company, Japan.

It is a subsidiary company which has a main focus in manufacturing sumptuous cars. The first priority that everybody should give before buying these luxury cars is the auto body repair shops located in your area. If your car is in a good condition, then you would never need to know but what if you meet an accident?

Many vehicle owners should undertake a level of research to seek out for the best auto body repair shops. Normally, the best and genuine Lexus collision repair shop uses the latest technologies to offer the excellent oven backed finish by using fiber glass body parts. This is the absolute criteria of a good auto repair shops. If you can find a good auto repair shop that you are happy with, it makes sense for you to stick with them and build up a working relationship with them.

Some Lexus collision repair shops even offer extra services, which normally includes free towing, pickup and delivery of your car. These are absolute free services rendered by these shops in order to give the customers extra benefits for using their other services. Make use of these services without fail to save your prudent dollars.

Normal myth that the customers are concerned about the auto body shops is the safety of their cars. It is a reasonable doubt that a customer usually possess. But there is no question of getting worried about any circumstances as these shops has a wide business all around the world and they promise to provide your car, the enough security as their work area is fully equipped with alarms. They take the mere responsibility in handling your car in a safe way.

If you are not sure about Lexus collision repair shop which is closely located to your area, do not take a risk in trying out. Instead you slog for few hours online and you can find numerous auto body repair shops. Choose the right one depending upon the ratings and reviews given in the web page.

Always keep in mind to work out the costing required for the repair by making use internet, before giving your vehicle for service. Hopefully, you will find the right and the best Lexus collision repair and best auto body parts suppliers in your area and make the most for your bucks.

Auto Repair Insurance

Basically, an auto repair insurance policy is an agreement between owner of the car and the insurance company from whom he has insured his car. The coverage and expenditures of repairing, strongly depends upon the policy and coverage package, the owner acquires by signing the policy of the company.

It means the insurance company is legally responsible to pay for the maintenance and fixing of the insured vehicle for a certain period of time, again depends upon the signed agreement between vehicle owner and the insurance company. Also, the time duration is different for different companies. Plus, the time period and rates also varies with States. So, one should be fully aware about the overall criteria of repair insurance in his/her State.

Before signing any such policy, one should be fully aware about the pros and cons of the certain policy. And, should ask every question to agent who is the representative of the company, and then accept the terms of policy according to his or her needs and budget. With good auto insurance policy in case of any breakdown, damage or malfunctioning of the vehicle, the insurance company is legally responsible and will pay for any kind of deterioration your vehicle is suffered from.

Depending upon the auto repair insurance policy, the insurance company may just pay you for the auto parts of your vehicle that are malfunctioning and needs service or for the stuff that functioning ability reduces with the passage of time, or it will either pay for both above mentioned scenarios. Plus, fixing of engine, leakage of fuel or gas, lubricant outflow, radiator malfunctioning and repairing of other auto parts along with out of order air conditioner, speedometer and inserted tapes in vehicles are also come under auto repair insurance policy of the company.

Different insurance companies have various auto repair insurance plans and strategies. So, choose that one from which you can take full advantage of. Like, some insurance companies also offer full coverage of each and every mechanical system existing in your vehicle.

Also, one should be well informed about the quality and warranty of the parts for which the insurance company is paying, so that you can save yourself to fall into the trap of cheap auto and spare parts which do no good to your vehicle. There are a few insurance companies that pay you for branded and excellent quality automobile parts, but of course then you have to pay high premium for that with low mileage values.

Auto repair policy is proved to be very helpful as it supports and saves you from unexpected repair bills, if chosen sensibly.

Auto Manufacturers Need an AI Predictive Software System to Suggest Car Repairs

The automobile repair industry associations and there are several of them often do PR campaigns explaining how many needed repairs go un-fixed, and just how much preventative maintenance goes unchecked. Not only does it hurt the industry's bottom line, but it also becomes quite costly to automobile owners, not only leading to break-downs of major components, but also in fuel costs as the car, truck, or SUV runs inefficiently.

Since today's automobiles have so many electronic sensors, they should be able to adequately predict the life span of various components of the car, based on a database of all the cars of that type, year, and model, with a similar motor, and accessories. Such an artificial intelligence system hooked up to predictive software could easily suggest Car Repairs which were more apropos than what is listed in the operations manual for car owners.

After all, how many times have you taken your car in to check the fluid level, or get a "check engine light" to turn off - only to find out that those repairs, or warnings, or fluid levels didn't need any servicing at all. As our cars get smarter, perhaps so too should the back-end system which runs the diagnostics, along with predictive software based on numerous points of data. You see, people drive their car differently, and some drive them harder than others.

Some people use the brake more, the clutch too much, or they drive in a very dusty or dirty environment. Others may drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic each day on their commute to work, while others put on mostly freeway miles, while driving the car in overdrive. It makes a big difference obviously. Some folks tow trailers, boats, or equipment in their business, while others never lend their car to anyone else and baby them.

Based on their driving, and other cars of the same type in the same type of environment we could easily create an artificially intelligent predictive software system to suggest the duly needed repairs, and which preventive maintenance items could be foregone for one or two more cycles - by doing this we could save money for consumers, and allow them to get more bang for their buck on their auto repairs.

A major auto company already has cloud computing and/or big data centers, with lots of IT personnel and computer systems. It wouldn't take much to add this to their program currently. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

How to Choose the Best Auto Repair Shop in Your Town

Whether you live in Bend Oregon or Virginia Beach, you will need an auto repair shop at some point in time. How do you find the best auto repair shop to work on your vehicle?

The first tip is to find a repair shop that's compatible with your vehicle. If you own an import, you need to find a shop that works on imports. If your import is fairly rare, you should find a repair shop who works on that make of car specifically. I own a Ford so I prefer to take it to a Ford dealer in my town. This dealer has a large repair shop, so it's a good fit for my vehicle. You do need to be careful not to be over-charged for the work, though.

For more complex and expensive repairs, you should always get a few estimates. Prices can vary quite a bit from shop to shop. It's even a good idea to get opinions about what actually needs to be done to fix your car. Like in the medical field, it's good to get second or third opinions.

Another tip in finding a good mechanic is to make sure they are ASE certified. Most larger shops hire only ASE certified mechanics, but it's a good idea to double-check. The ASE certification tests mechanics on their knowledge and skills. If they pass the tests, they most likely know their stuff.

Some shops are large, some are national chains, some have a handful of employees, and some shops are a single-operator type. It's probably not the best to use your brother-in-law's, cousins, friend of a friend. He may not be qualified to do the work.

Years ago I needed a major repair done on my pickup and I had a guy at my favorite gas station do the work. After spending a couple thousand dollars, the problem was not only not solved, it was worse! I learned then to make sure I hired a competent mechanic in the future. It pays to do your homework!

How to Get More Customer Referrals for Your Auto Repair Business to Increase Car Count

You've probably heard it before. The easiest customer to sell is one that you've already sold. That's because they already know, trust and like you and know exactly what to expect from your auto repair.

Then ask yourself, "What's the second easiest customer to sell?" The second easier customer to sell your auto services to is a referred customer. Why? Because your existing customer has really done all the marketing for you.

That's right. The customer that's referring their friend, colleague or associate has already done the 'heavy lifting'. They have already had a chance to explain your services and let them know why they are so happy with your auto repairs.

What's best about referred customers is that they don't cost a lot to attain. Think about it. What does it cost you to run an ad, flyer or do a val-pak? In most cases, it's hundreds of dollars if not thousands. What does it cost you to get a referral? Typically, it costs very little if anything. But now, if you make a few slight changes, you can get even more referrals and really drive your car count up.

First of all, you should understand why customers don't refer their friends now. The biggest reasons they don't refer family and friends are:

You take it for Granted:

You, as an auto repair shop owner, assume that because you're doing a great job and you provide honest service at a good value that customers will refer their friends. That doesn't work because your customs don't know they SHOULD be sending you referrals (and they usually won't without a gentle 'nidge').

Out of Sight, Out of Mind:

How often do you ask your customers for referrals? Above that, remember that they are not your 'trained' sales people. Do you give them the 'tools' to make it easy for them to refer? I am guessing that you don't tell your customers that you expect referrals. Above that, you don't remind them often enough. And to make matters worse, you don't supply them the tools they need. Simple referral cards (that are dirt cheap to print) should be given to each and every customer that leaves your shop. At least they have the tools to use. Then you just have to remind them.

Customers Fear a Bad Experience:

Sure your customers can send you their friends and family members, but what happens if that new customer has a bad experience? Your customer fears that it's going to reflect on them and they don't want to take that risk.

It's part of your job to let your existing customers know that you can handle the business and that you assure them that their referrals will get 'first class treatment'. Make them feel comfortable with referring family and friends.

Now, before you start asking every one of your customers for referrals, ask yourself this question. "Does your service exceed their expectations?" Do you really provide the best service available? Do you follow up with customers? Do you send out "Thank You" cards? Do you make 'follow-up' phone calls to be sure that everything was completed properly?

All of these so called 'small details' go along way to really make a great auto service experience for your customer. When they experience that, they won't have a problem sending all of their friends, colleagues and associates to you. That way, you can drive up your car count and start making more money!

Windshield Repair Kits - What Quality Can I Expect From A DIY Windshield Repair Kit?

There are sometimes cases in which you get a small chip in your windshield, or even a "bull's eye" from an impact that might obscure your vision. You might be skeptical of the windshield repair kits up for sale but they do actually work? If your windshield has a running crack you are going to have a very hard time getting rid of it, but smaller jobs are easily handled so long as you follow the instructions included with the kit.

Other than the included tools not being made to endure long-term repeated use, these kits are very much like those used by the professionals. The windshield repair tools work by injecting resin into the glass, which when hardened will be clear and in most cases blend perfectly. They are also surprisingly simple as long as you read the instructions. Just remember to never attempt this in direct sunlight, as the resin will harden much faster and is likely to make your work less than perfect.

You can find these kits in just about any store where auto products are sold. They are very useful for when you do not want to bother your insurance company, or know that the chip is too small for them to deal with. Most often these kits will be very inexpensive, making do-it-yourself windshield repair a very affordable option. You do not even have to be a handyman to use them - everything is simple and straightforward.

Just remember the most important step is going to be removing all pieces of glass before using your windshield repair kit. This is not something done by using glass cleaner. You will want to take a razor blade and carefully pick out any loose glass pieces. Windex can be used for cleaning an area the suction tool can fit onto. It cannot be stressed enough that you need to read the instructions very carefully before your start the repair. O簫簫簫nce the resin hardens there really is no going back.

Auto Glass Repair - DIY Advantages

For all those first time vehicle owners out there, this one is for you. If it so ensues that you are troubled of DIY car repair, then you almost certainly wish to have an expert manage all your cars as well as car glass troubles. On the other hand, the truth is that several small car problems like vehicle glass as well as mirror repairs can be simply fixed with a do it yourself fix kit that can be easily obtained in any car parts shop.

Sooner or later, it is almost certainly unavoidable for you to come in these stores. The vehicle windshield is one of the most ordinary trouble areas for a lot of vehicles. This is for the reason that little nicks and splits can simply appear if you are smack by a small rock or pellet flung by chance or otherwise. One can see a number of situations where this can happen to you. Maybe a moldy tree branch unexpectedly drops on your vehicle, or perhaps even a crop can do several damages.

Car glass repair kits can save you not only plenty of time, but as well as a lot of cash. And in reality, they are not so hard to apply to your vehicle. All you actually need is a small number of extra minutes, even some sunshine, and your car fix kit. Obviously, you will have to cautiously understand the directions in your car fix kit.

But it all essentially foes like this; initially, you pull out the pump that is built-in in your kit, set up the whole thing, clean the exterior of your auto glass that needs fix with a dry and spongy car rug or maybe a piece of cotton duster. Then basically put the resin in the pump as indicated and then apply the resin lightly by squeezing it out bit by bit.

After this step, all that is left for you to carry out is to drive your vehicle outside in the scorching sun or simply park it out so that the car resin will dried up fast in the heat. It takes actually no more than one or two minutes for this procedure to get done and there are no problems at all. Anybody with sufficient capability can utilize a DIY fix kit with no troubles.

So if you are actually one of those first time automobile owners, maybe you know nothing as regards to vehicles or maybe you are a young woman and are anxious that the technical matter concerning vehicles are out of your knowledge, just keep in mind that the only thing that preventing you from entering that automobile and vehicle accessories store and buying the exact DIY car glass repair kit is your self.

Auto Repair Estimates - Predatory Practices

When we get an auto repair estimate how do we know that it was done properly? Was it calculated according to manufacturer specifications and industry guidelines? The short answer is probably not. Manufacturer specifications and industry standards are not only not adhered to, but they are interpreted differently from repair shop to repair shop. This is a primary reason why auto repair estimates fluctuate so greatly. However, there is an automotive term that we can use to help us reduce any excessive car repair prices. It's called "overlap labor."

Many car repairs have multiple procedures. For example, if you need to replace a waterpump, the technician will have to remove the drive belts. The removal of the drive belts is called overlap labor. In other words, it was part of the original repair procedure in order to access the waterpump.

Now, most labor time guides (industry books and software that determine labor times) provide a break down of each auto repair. While this may seem convenient, this break down is often used incorrectly (intentionally or not). So, the replacement of a water pump by itself may have a labor time of 1.8 hours. Replacement of the drive belts on the same car may have a labor time of .7 hours. The service representative doing the estimate will often add these together for 2.5 hours. This is price-gouging. At $100.00 per hour, the additional .7 hours would cost you $70.00. There should be no extra labor, as the removal and re-installation of the drive belts is supposed to be included in the original 1.8 hours of labor.

This is a very minor example - it can get a lot uglier. What to do? Always ask if there is any "overlap labor" that may reduce the labor time. Just asking this question will help to ward off any predatory labor practices in general, as only an insider would know this information. Don't be surprised if your service representative doesn't know the answer (or the term), as he has likely only worked at your dealer for 6 months. If they don't know, ask for the service manager. If he doesn't know, ask for the service director just to let him know you'll be going to another shop.

Vintage Project Cars For Sale - Repairing Old Cars As a Hobby!

Vintage project cars are old cars that people buy to use in their car repair hobby. Usually, we are talking about cars from the fifties, sixties and the seventies. Cars prior to the fifties are very hard to find. Their parts broke much easier than car parts of later decades. For this reason, there are hardly any of those parts to be found. And that's why cars much older than the fifties are almost extinct. Sometimes, people will also refer to eighties and nineties cars as 'vintage'. Whether these cars are vintage or not, is up to you to decide. The most important is that these cars can very well be used for an automobile repair hobby.

Vintage Project Cars For Sale

When looking for a 'project car', you are looking for an automobile that is incomplete. In other words, it's missing crucial parts that keep the car from running. In some cases, the car will run but it's missing other elementary parts such as a steering wheel or a console. The great thing about project cars with missing parts, is that they cost much less than when you would've bought a complete vintage vehicle. When you buy a vintage car without an engine and you find, purchase and put in the right engine for this car, your total costs will be less than buying the same automobile with the working engine already in it.

This is what makes vintage automobile repair such a great hobby. You can get a lot of satisfaction from gathering all the car parts and then putting them back together again to come up with a drivable car. It's rewarding to take the vehicle for a spin. But many people also sell their working vintage vehicle for a profit. So not only can you get a lot of joy from this hobby, you can also use it to make a few extra bucks.

In some cases, people enjoy vintage auto repair so much that the whole hobby just gets completely out of hand and they turn it into a real business. If you're an automobile aficionado and you are looking for an opening in the market, you may want to think about taking this up as a hobby. The great thing about it is that you're not just another car garage that maintains modern cars. You'll be creating something exotic and you'll be obeying your own deadlines and nobody else's. After all, demand for these vintage muscle cars is so high... car lovers from all over the country will be coming to you with filled out checks in hand!

How to Fix and Repair Your Headlights

Basically, fixing and repairing your cars headlights is something everyone can do. You could take your car to your local car dealer and pay hundreds of dollars or you could repair them yourself for as little as $15. I would rather keep my money than make my local dealer rich with their outrageous markups and prices. Here is how to properly evaluate, fix and repair almost any automotive headlight problem.

First, determine what the problem is. Are they dim, not working at all, hard to see with at night, have water inside, failed inspection? If they don't come on at all either you have a burned out bulb or an electrical problem. An electrical problem can be expensive and very labor intensive to fix - but they are usually vary rare. So lets first look at the bulb. The bulb unscrews out of the back of the headlight lens on most newer cars (on older cars with glass headlights the whole lens is the bulb and you just replace it with a new glass replacement $10 - $20 at Walmart). After removing the bulb, look at it. Does it look burned out? Is it black, melted, discolored? If so, replace with a new one. You can purchase replacements at your local automotive store or Walmart for under $20. Insert the new bulb or bulbs and make sure not to touch the glass part of the bulb with your fingers - the grease we emit on our fingers will cause the bulb to wear more quickly or even blow. After installing the bulb try the lights. 99% of the time this is the reason they will not turn on. If it still doesn't light you have an electrical problem and this should be referred to your local mechanic.

If you have water in your lens this is caused by a leak, crack, or hole in the lens. With the newer plastic lenses you need to remove the lens and then carefully drill a small hole into the bottom of the lens (be careful not to hit the bulb. Let the water run out and then patch with silicone (easily obtained at Walmart or your local automotive store). Then find the source of the water. Usually the seals start to go bad after 3-5 years. You can cover the seal around the lens with silicone to reseal the lens. If the leak was caused by a crack a clear sealant like urethane can be used to seal the crack or small hole. If it is a large hole it would be best to replace the lens.

The other major problem is cloudy, yellow headlight lenses which can lead to diminished output, poor nighttime visibility and basically an unsafe car. There are now headlight repair, restorer and cleaner kits available to cure this problem. In the past you had to resort to replacing your lenses which can be very expensive - $200+ per lens not including installation and labor at your local car dealer. Now for under $20 you can fully restore your headlight lenses to like new optical clarity and greatly improve your nighttime safety. For more information on these kits please see the link below.

There you have it - the three biggest problems with automotive headlights and how to fix and repair them for greater safety for nighttime driving - and save big by doing it yourself. Please take the time to make your headlights and rest of your car as safe as possible. As having volunteered for a volunteer emergency squad for years I have personally witnessed dozens of fatal crashes that could have easily been avoided by just properly repairing and fixing the headlights. Be safe, drive safe - remember the life you save may be your own. Please pass this around so that it may benefit as many people as possible and increase the safety on our roads.