How to Avoid Auto Repair Fraud

Going to an auto repair facility is something many people would prefer to avoid. Not only is it expensive and inconvenient but there is also the risk of being a victim of auto repair fraud. This can be especially true in someone doesn't have much mechanical knowledge and don't know exactly what is happening to their car. However, you have to face the fact that if you own a vehicle you are going to have to take it to an auto repair facility at least once. If it isn't for fixing a problem then you will still need to take your vehicle to an auto repair facility for preventive maintenance.

When you go to an auto repair facility you are essentially paying someone to diagnose and repair your vehicle for you. Even if you have a company that has competent and honest workers you will still have to pay the high cost that comes with auto repair facilities. Today the average labor costs is between sixty and ninety an hour. Only half of what you pay goes to the actual technician.

One scam that is common in auto repair facilities is to charge you a standard "flat rate" estimate for your car. While this in itself is not bad, the problem is some companies will take less than the estimated flat rate time to work on your car and yet still require you to pay the flat rate. The flat rate is supposed to be determined by the year, make and model of your car and the estimated time it will take to do work on that vehicle. The best company will charge you only for the actual time it takes to fix the vehicle.

To make sure you get a good auto repair facility it is best to stick with a company that your family and friends recommend. If you find you are satisfied with their work then continue to work with them. Trust and a lasting relationship with your mechanic goes a long way towards reducing problems.

Should You Choose Dealership Auto Repair?

The last thing you want to wake up to in the morning is a vehicle that will not start. When you are dealing with a broken down vehicle, the first thing that you need to do is find a reliable auto repair shop that will help you get back on the road. Many consumers trust independent shops to repair their vehicle, just to find that the shop does not offer quality guarantees or warranties of any kind. If you the repairs done right the first time, it is in your best interest to choose dealership auto repair first.

Dealerships Are Required to Hire and Train Responsible Technicians

You would hope that the person diagnosing your vehicle is trained to spot to root cause of a problem. While some independent shops do hire professionally trained technicians, not all do. Dealerships have franchise licenses and they are required by the company to certify their technicians and pay for continued training. These repair shops are fully stocked with all of the latest auto repair equipment and each technician is trained to use all of the specialty tools. This means that your repairs will be done up to industry standards, and you will not have to wait as long as you might when hiring an independent shop to take on the job.

Dealers Have Access to Proprietary Information that Independent Shops Cannot Access

Most dealerships will only work on the vehicles that are manufactured by the brand. Because of this, they specialize in diagnosing problems with a specific vehicle make and model. When vehicles are new, the manufacturer may uncover major and minor problems that can quickly be diagnosed when a vehicle is brought in for repairs. Within the first year of sales, all of the proprietary information is only available to the dealer. This means that the dealership repair shop is the only party that can access the information that may make diagnosis and repair easier.

Quality Guarantees That Give You Peace of Mind

Some independent shops and repair retailers offer warranties on their work and the parts that they use during the repair. While this is true, the warranty is generally only valid at the shop where the repair work was done. When you trust a dealership to do your repair work, you will have peace of mind in knowing that the warranties are nationwide. This means that if you have your repairs done out-of-town, you do not have to go back out-of-town just to have your vehicle looked at if it breaks down again.

While some might stress that the cost of a dealer repair is higher than the cost of repairs at an independent shop, you do get what you pay for when you it comes to repair. All technicians are familiar with the latest technologies, equipment, and repair methods at a dealership. Their knowledge will benefit you when your repairs are done right and you do not have to worry about your vehicle breaking down on the side of the road.

Dent Repair - Hire an Expert or Do it Yourself?

Probably the most common dent you can get is from another car parked next to you. You neighbor opens their door to wide and your car gets damaged. Don't get too upset, because it doesn't take a very hard knock to pop a little dent. They may not have even noticed.

Other common ways you might have gotten it are from debris hitting your car at high speeds, such as rocks or gravel that get kicked up on the road, hail stones, and other falling or thrown objects. If the debris is thrown or falls with enough force, it can even cause a crack or chip the paint, which means repair is significantly more complicated. They are also possible from resting heavy objects against or on top of the car, so be gentle.

Should I bother getting it fixed?

Professional mending is very expensive and often people don't think it's worth the money. It does take only moments for a body shop to pop out a couple of superficial dents, but cracks, folds, and paint damage will take considerably longer.

A minor ding is probably best left ignored and can be fixed later before a sale or as more are acquired. However, large ones and those that are creased or show signs of damaged should be fixed immediately. Leaving these problems can result in large areas of damage or further cracking of the body.

Can I fix it myself?

Sometimes yes, but it also depends on how brave you are. If you're not good at DIY projects, this might not be the place to start to learn. You can greatly damage the car with many of the common methods used, which is why you'll just want to bring it to the professionals. Small dings on the doors or hood can often be popped out with your hands or a rubber mallet and small block of wood used on the opposite side to where the problem is.

Plungers can work on doors and there are kits, which work similarly by creating suction, can be purchased at most auto stores. If you have paint damage, unless you are experienced or plan on tackling the task of matching your factory job, you probably want to bring it to a specialist.

How much will it cost?

The repair isn't going to be cheap, but if you shop around you certainly can find a reasonable price. Contact a few different companies. Some specialize in paintless repair, which is usually a lot more affordable than those that will require paint and possibly even body work.

Paintless repairs will depend on the size of the ding, but usually the cost hovers near the area of $200 to $400. Changes that requires some body work can cost upwards of $1,000, at which point you might want to get your insurance involved to cut down on costs.

Auto Mechanic School or Local Shop?

These days, there's still a big argument over the more expedient course of action to take when learning about cars. Should you attend an auto mechanic school, or is it better to just apply for a job at any local auto shop and work your way up from the bottom?

At the end of the day however, it all boils down to preference and your needs. Depending on how hard you're going to work to reach your goals and how big the risks you're willing to take to get there, either option has the potential of getting you a secure job.

If you favor structure and security, attending an auto mechanic school might be the better choice for you. The United States is home to hundreds of high-quality mechanic schools, including WyoTech, Lincoln Tech, NADC and UTI among others. These schools not only provide you with invaluable training, they also allow you to choose a facet of vehicles you're comfortable with, whether it's diesel, motorcycle, marine, and even aviation. Whatever automobile or engine-related program you can think of, these schools will probably have it for you.

A credible auto technician training centers will normally have professional instructors tasked to teach you the basics, including the latest tech and the tools of the trade. These teachers are more than willing to help you succeed, provided that you're committed to listening and learning of course. Oftentimes, lessons aren't just about automotive matters; they're about life in general as well.

By getting a certificate after graduating from any accredited auto mechanic school, your chances of landing a stable job right after finishing are very high. Employers will also look to hire you, especially if your experience and credentials are impressive.

What is a SMART Repair?

SMART Repair Systems

Smart repairs have been developed to offer a quick, easy and cost effective way of repairing vehicle damage. The repairs are localised to the affected area only, as result they are far smaller and much less time consuming to complete. The real advantage of this is a massive reduction in cost; a SMART repair can be up to 80% less than a body shop alternative. A secondary advantage is that most SMART repair specialists offer a fully mobile service; this means that you will no longer need to put up with the inconvenience of living without your vehicle while it is at the body shop for repair.

SMART repairs cater for many different types of vehicle damage ranging from Bumper Scuffs to Interior Tears and Rips. In the following article I will attempt to explain the types of repair possible and the various methods used to restore your vehicle back to its pre-accident state.

Paintwork and Bumper repairs
Paintwork damage is the most common form of repair needed to a vehicle. As the paintwork is exposed to the elements on a daily basis and is usually the primary contact point for an accident most cars need some form of TLC in their lifetime.

Minor scratches can often be polished out using a very fine grade of Wet and Dry paper; this will cut back the top layer of lacquer to even out the finish. Once the paintwork has been cut back enough to removal the scratch a fine Rubbing Compound is applied to bring back the original shine. A final coat of Car Polish will then finish the job. Great care needs to be taken when cutting back a damaged area as it is very easy to rub all the way through the paintwork and down to the base coat resulting in a re-spray.

More serious damage will involve a localised paint repair. The SMART technician will firstly determine the colour code of your vehicle and then mix a very small amount of paint to cover the affected area. It will be necessary to cut back the damaged area in the same fashion as above however this time we can afford to be more aggressive to flatten the damage. If cracks or dents are apparent a combination of Panel Filler and Dent Removal will be necessary to re-form the area back to its original shape. Once the affected area is prepped the colour is applied, then a top coat of lacquer and finally a fade out lacquer which ultimately blends the repaired lacquer in with the original bodywork.

Alloy Wheel Refurbishment
Alloy wheels often get scuffed along a curb edge causing unsightly damage to the Alloy Rim. Using a SMART repair we can grind out the damaged area and blend it back in to look like new. Often the wheel will need a coat of paint in order to colour the damaged area back to its original state.

Corrosion of Alloy Wheels is also something a SMART repair will take care of. A Corroded wheel will need to have the corrosion completely removed to start with. This can be done by sanding and grinding but for the best result Sandblasting is necessary. Once all the corroded elements have been removed the wheel is coloured again and lacquered to return it to its original finish.

Interior Damage
Interior damage comes in many forms from Cigarette Burns in upholstery to Mobile Phone Cradles leaving mounting holes in the dash.

Upholstery repairs are usually undertaken by mixing up a fibre powder of colours to create a match colour for the interior trim. A damaged area such as a cigarette burn will be firstly cut out of the seat completely. The remaining hole is then filled with a packing material back to its original level. After the packing is glued into place a top layer of cloth is glued in to seal the repair and the coloured over using the fibre mix created earlier. A setting spray then coats the fibres and sticks them in place. The result is an almost un-noticeable repair.

Dashboard and interior plastic repairs are carried out in much the same way as an exterior repair however often the coating is much thicker than the outer paintwork and can be texturised to replicate the original finish.
These are the very basics a SMART Repairer has to offer. You should ultimately be aware that a SMART repair is more convenient, less costly and just as robust as a full body shop offering.

Bumper Repair - Why It's the Most Common Repair

There are so many cars on the road today and so many that are not up to par with safety standards. Many cars are in need of repair or replacements. However there is one repair that far outweighs that of other repairs. It is bumper repair. The most common repair that needs to be or is performed is bumper repair whether it be to the front or rear bumper. It is also an important repair that should not be put off for safety reasons. Check out why bumper repairs are so common!

There are many reasons why bumper repair is one of the most common repairs that are performed right now. Think about it, your bumper whether front or rear is what protects your engine and you. So, your if involved in any sort of accident it would make sense that your bumper would need repairing. However a few statistics will help you understand more about this problem.

The amount of cars on the road has been growing steadily at approximately 5% per year. That means there are a lot of cars on the road, which means more chance for accidents to occur.

Could you believe that 30% of drivers feel it's OK to "love tap" your bumper when parallel parking? I know I do not feel it is OK to tap my car's bumper at all and I surely don't want anyone else "love tapping" my car in the process either. This is one thing to leads to bumper repair.

Also, 79% of consumers claim their damage occurred in a parking garage. Usually this is bumper damage since 80% of bumper damage occurs during parking. This can be a result of misjudging a parking spot or backing into another car. It could be your fault or someone else's either way your bumper is affected.

Just looking at this statistic what part of your car do you think is affected most? Every 17 seconds a reported rear end collision occurs, and every 8.5 seconds an unreported rear end collision occurs. The most frequent accident on the road is the rear end collision, at almost 29.7%, and 75% of these accidents occur at less than 10 mph. You guessed it, YOUR BUMPER!

So, as you can see bumper repair is so common because many people today are careless drivers. Most of the repairs needed to bumpers are not because of major or even mild car accidents. They happen because there are many careless people who do not pay attention while parking, talk on their cell phones, or simply think its OK to tap your car with theirs.

To reduce this problem we all need to start drive with care and caution, especially in parking lots and garages. If we all do this there will be fewer accidents and less money out of your pocket for bumper repair. If you however find yourself in a situation where you need bumper repair, find a qualified professional to help you. Also, usually your bumper only needs repair not replacing!

Calendar Printing for Business

A custom calendar design is a wonderfully unique way to promote a product or service. Every year, thousands of companies pay to have calendars printed with their name, contact information, and promotional copy all over it. Often they are given away or sold below the cost of printing simply because of the thorough promotional value they contain. There may even be coupons or incentives placed within the calendar itself to hopefully bring customers back regularly. This can prove to be a priceless method of advertising. Many company owners are curious about the idea, but are not sure if it's affordable or easy enough for them to do.

There are many free or inexpensive calendar printing software programs that can be downloaded as standalone products. There are also calendar printing add-ons for some existing software programs. Someone with graphic design skills and graphic design software may find that it's easier to create the entire thing from scratch without the hassle that certain template programs can bring. Hiring a professional can ensure that the product will be of the highest quality, but it also adds to the overall cost involved with calendar printing which is generally not ideal. However, most of the calendar printing companies have provided their own basic online software that works well with their printing setup to avoid errors. Regardless of the approach, creating a personalized calendar has never been easier than it is currently.

One of the great things about calendar printing is that the subject matter can be entirely up to you. However, it's very critical that the subject matter relate to the business or cause that you are trying to promote. An auto body shop would do well with pictures of classic cars, a sports apparel store would be wise to have pictures of athletes and so on. Coupons that are perforated are great to include at the bottom of each month's page, and highlighting special dates of sales on the calendar in another great method of promotion. The calendar has to be big enough to catch people's eye and to also make sure that any extra coupons or designs are not jumbled together and fighting for space. Durable paper on the outside of the calendar will also make people feel comfortable hanging it up.

Instead of the bulky rings that often bind calendars together, consider having a simple stitch to combine all of the pages. Visually it's much more attractive and financially it lowers the cost of production materials, which always helps to maximize profits. Another great way to save cash with calendar printing is to print in the biggest bulk amount you think you can afford and handle. Price per calendar goes down quickly with every extra calendar you have printed. When the time finally comes to sell or give away these calendars, make sure that it is an appropriate audience to whom you are marketing. After all, you've worked hard and spent your hard earned money on these. Be diligent and resourceful and you'll do just fine.

How to Protect Your Car From the Sun

The hot sun and extreme heat we are experiencing this year, can wreak havoc with your car. It can cause the interior plastic on your dashboard to fade and crack. It can also fade and crack your leather or plastic seats.

To protect your seats and dashboard, clean them with a good polish. The polish will leave a layer of protection on the surface. Be careful, not to use a harsh chemical to clean the interior of your car. If you do, it may actually increase the likelihood that the interior will fade and crack. Parking in the shade and using a sun shade will also protect the interior of your car from damage.

The summer sun and heat can also fade and crack the paint on your car. Washing your car frequently will help to protect it. Washing it after it rains will keep the paint from being damaged from the acidity of the rain. Frequent washing will also remove tree sap, road tar, insects and bird droppings. The acid from bird droppings can eat through your paint. If it does, that area may rust. Also, washing the under carriage of the car will remove any accumulation of dirt and mud.

Waxing your car often will also help to protect its paint and finish. To keep the wax from drying before you can buff it, only wax it in the shade and when the temperature is below 85 degrees. Wax your car using a soft cloth to avoid scratching it. Also, use a dry rag to clean dirt, bugs etc. from your headlights so you do not scratch the lens.

There is a lot of road construction during the nice weather. That means your car is exposed to a lot of dust, gravel, tar, stones, etc. during this time. That debris can cause scratches, pits and dings in your car. Where you find them, you need to address them before they start to rust. Surface rust is unsightly and reduces the value of your car. To prevent it, just use a little polishing compound to clean the blemish and then some touch up paint to cover it.

A little attention will help to protect your car from the damage caused by the sun, heat, road construction, etc. The better you maintain the exterior and interior of your car, the better it will look and the more money you will get for it when you do decide to sell it.

Learn How A Windshield Replacement Is Carried Out

Even though many people believe that the process of replacing auto glass is a simple task, you should know that there are actually several steps involved in ensuring a windshield is properly replaced and no more problems will appear. Since drivers use auto glass or window replacement services when they need to have their windshields repaired or replaced, they do not realize the amount of work and responsibility associated with this particular procedure.

Any auto glass company will start by checking for other damage that may be present before they begin to install the new windshield. Then they set up the car for repair, covering the vehicle in certain places so that potential further damage is prevented while handling the replacement or repair. The next step consists in removing the original windshield from your car, including the moldings, wipers, trim and cowl. Moreover, since damaged auto glass does not always remove as easily as some may imagine, the glass company staff generally use special knives and tools to remove the glass in a safely manner, without inflicting additional damage to the vehicle.

Subsequently, the new auto glass has to be sized accordingly to match the slot on your vehicle. For a perfect fit, the service personnel will cut down the original urethane from the previous windshield fitting. Urethane is often used as a seal, designed to keep your auto glass in place in all kinds of circumstances. Debris from cutting is also removed by the staff, and then the new windshield is tested on your car without any type of seal applied to ensure it is the right size before it is installed. A urethane-based sealant is selected after that and the installation process can begin. The type of quantity of urethane depends on various aspects, such as the current temperature, humidity, how long you can wait for it to settle before using the vehicle again, and even where your air bag is placed. The windshield is prepared for installation by wiping and cleaning the edges with a special solution, and then urethane and primer are applied to the edges and the appropriate areas.

Lastly, the new windshield can be properly set in place and adjusted so that it is perfectly centered with your car. Next, the service staff will install new moldings in order to further ensure the glass is set in place correctly. The cowl and wipers are usually replaced, and finally the auto glass company personnel performs an inspection to see whether or not the windshield replacement task has been properly completed and if no air leaks are present.

5 Tips For Choosing an Auto Repair Shop You Can Trust

Let's face it, at one time or another we will always need some kind of auto repair, whether it is just to change out the brakes, or do routine maintenance, or even when something major happens.

With so many different auto repair shops to choose from, finding one that will do quality work and one you an trust is key not only for your peace of mind but also for your pocketbook. Here are some tips to make the process easier.

Tip #1: The first and biggest tip is never wait until your vehicle breaks down to find an auto repair shop, and this is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Their car breaks down, they get into a panic, and they pick the first shop the find in the book or online. Very bad decision.

You need to look around ahead of time in order to find the right shop, and that way you are not picking a shop that is going to take advantage of you in your time of need.

One obvious though good way to do this is to simply hop on to your favorite search engine and type in something like: auto repair blooming ton MN (if you live there), or auto repair (etc.) + your city and state and see what comes up.

If you find a good shop, and you break down some place close by, in many cases they have a tow truck that will come and get your car and bring it to their shop.

Tip #2: The next tip that you need is that you have to educate yourself about auto repair. Most people unfortunately don't know a lot on this subject, and wind up getting ripped off because shops can take advantage of your lack of knowledge.

One of the biggest things that you need to know is about labor.

Labor costs are one of the biggest variables and expenses when it comes to shops. While this differs from shop to shop, and average hourly labor cost should run in the neighborhood of $90-$120 and sometimes more.

Ask around in your neck of the woods to see what typical rates should be and if you encounter anyone who is outrageously more than that you may want to think twice.

Tip #3: Trust no one right away to do your auto repairs. Always check around for a price that will fit into your budget. A good rule of thumb is to call for several estimates, throw out the highest and the lowest one right away, and pick one in the middle that best fits in with what you can afford.

There are other tips to help you find the right mechanic as well.

Tip #4: One of the biggest things to look for when choosing an auto repair shop is the ASE symbol. This is a sticker that is issued by the National Institute for Automotive Service and Excellence, and there are strict rules and regulations that have to be met before one is issued. If you find a shop without one of these symbols, then you should leave immediately.

Tip #5: How an auto repair shop treats you is another indicator as to their quality of services. When you call, or go in, if they speak with you right away, treat you with respect, are friendly and listen closely to your problems, then chances are they are going to take good care of you.

If you are ignored, spoken to rudely or with indifference, then leave. If they try to help you discern the problem, give you an accurate assessment, an clear estimate of the costs to repair your vehicle, chances are you are dealing with a reputable shop.

How To Apply Car Window Tint

Applying window tint to your auto glass can help you in many different ways. Windshield tint provides privacy that you normally do not get with the windows of your car. You also receive protection from ultra violet rays. You can learn to apply tint to window yourself or have a professional do it for you. Either way, the steps outlined here will need to be followed by whoever works on your auto glass.

Whether you work on your windows or you let a professional do it, make sure that the person applying the windshield tint is prepared to be precise. With window tint, the smallest mistake can lead to a peeling or bubbling tint that does you little good. Whoever works on your auto glass should also know the laws regarding the windshield tint process. In some states, darkening your windows too much can get you into a legal trouble.

How To Apply Window Tint

• Get the right materials for this work. You will need some film for the windshield tint, a utility knife, razor blades, squeegees sponges, a bone tool, a blow dryer and a spray bottle filled with soapy water.

• Measure the windows on your car. Get exact measurements.

• Cut the window tint film in the shape of your car windows.

• Clean the window that you are going to work on first. Use the soapy water for this. If this does not get it clean enough, use some more powerful spray. However, make sure that you remove all traces of soap or cleanser so that the window is free of any substance that will interfere with the windshield tint process.

• Use one of your razors to remove any traces of soap, dirt or other debris.

• Now use the squeegee to on the same auto glass surface. The idea is to make the surface absolutely clean. Do not skip this part of the process as overly obsessive. Getting the windows clean is the most crucial part of the process.

• Place the window tint film gently on the auto glass. You should leave a margin about one-quarter inch wide at the top of the window.

• Push the windshield tint beneath the rubber lining at the edges of the window.

• Turn on the blow dryer and heat a portion of the window tint. Run the squeegee over the heated portion of auto glass. Press gently with the squeegee but firmly. You want to remove any air bubbles or moisture. There should not be anything between the windshield tint and the auto glass.

• Repeat these steps for all the windows of your car.

Tips And Warnings

• If you do not feel comfortable working with all these tools and being so precise with them let an auto glass professional work on your windows. If you do go to a pro, make sure that there is some kind of warranty. This work is expensive and you should not have to pay for window tint more than once.

• Review any state laws about windshield tint. Some states inflict very harsh monetary penalties for window tint that is too dark.

• Pay for quality work or do it well yourself. It is embarrassing to drive around with peeling, bubbling windshield tint.

DIY Kits

There are a number of DIY kits for window tint available on the Internet. You can also find brands for tinting house windows as well. You should only buy such kits that come with some sort of guarantee. Most kits will come with instructions for putting windshield tint on your auto glass. Some even have tutorial videos showing you how to apply window tint.

Auto Repair for Beginners

As a new owner of a vehicle, you must know about auto repair. This way, when your car breaks down, you what you have to do. Many automobile manufacturers and auto parts dealers provide their customers with tips on how to do basic auto repairs.

It is important that you familiarize yourself first with the parts and systems that make up your automobile. Knowledge about how these parts and systems work, and what their optimal performance levels help you master simple auto repair techniques. If you are aware of how your car functions, you will not have a hard time identifying where a strange sound is coming from and what part of your vehicle is affected.

By knowing the basics, you can perform simple troubleshooting procedures when your car breaks down, instead of sending it to a mechanic right away. You will not have to spend massive amounts of money just to hire a professional for a simple job you can do yourself, such as adjusting a few loose screws or cooling an overheating radiator.

As a beginner in auto repair, you must realize the importance of owning a basic service tool kit. This usually contains wrenches, screws and a jack. If your car stalls on the road, you will most likely need such tools to start it up again. Tools make auto repairs easier because they allow you to troubleshoot hard-to-reach areas.

If you want to learn more about auto repairs for beginners, you can try asking your favorite mechanic for some pointers. You can also try searching the World Wide Web for tips on auto repair. Through a search engine, you can access a wealth of information. Aside from research, you also have the option of signing up for short courses on auto repair.

Want to Get More Customer Referrals for Your Auto Repair Shop? Make an Offer They Can't Refuse

Building a constant stream of referral customers doesn't have to be difficult. You simply need a system to do that and provide your customers with the right tools to get the job done.

Of course, your customers are not looking for a job and not necessarily to be a sales rep for your business. They most likely already have a job. Secondly, they don't really know what to tell others about you.

Therefore, to make it easy, you have to give your customers the tools they need to make referrals. To do that, simple create a separate set of 'Customer Referral Cards'. Printing is dirt cheap. Create the cards so that the only thing your customer has to do is to 'hand them out' to friends, colleagues and associates.

Like any other offer you make, of course, the better the offer, the better the results. That means you have to create an irresistible offer for your new customer. Make that offer so good that they simply can't refuse.

As an example, you may create a customer referral card that offers 'Your Next Oil Change for Only $7.99". Now that's a great offer. When backed by a few kind words from your existing customer, it's sure to create new referrals for your shop.

But what about those who think 'If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is'? The people being referred to your shop may just look at that incredible offer that way. If they think it's too good to be true, then they will simply error on the side of caution.

Besides, wouldn't you wonder to yourself, "Why is that shop giving me this offer?" Sure you would. But therein lies the problem.

You haven't given them a reason why you're doing it. If you don't provide the reason, you're leaving it open for the person to try to figure it out for themselves. I guarantee, they won't get it right.

This is just like if you were to try to 'bud in' a line-up at the grocery store checkout. If you just walked up to a person and asked if you could go ahead, you would probably get a stern 'No!'. On the other hand, if you give them a reason, they'll probably let you in. As an example, if you were to say, "May I get in front of you because I only have these two items?" or "... because I am late for an appointment" or some other reasonable excuse, most people will let you in.

Same goes for your offer. Why are you giving me such a great offer? Is it your way of making my first visit virtually 'risk free'? Maybe you want to tell them that it's your way of showing your customers that you appreciate their business and want their friends to be able to experience the same great service.

The actual excuse isn't as important as the fact that you don't leave it up to the customer to decide or try to figure out why you're doing it. But adding a reason explaining why you are giving them such a great offer will eliminate them trying to guess. That will increase the results of your customer referral program and help to build your car count and increase your profits!

Make Your Car Stand Out With Auto Body and Paint Work

We all want our cars to look good, and sometimes we want our cars to look better. When we want our cars looking better, we get body and paint work done. Perhaps you need to repair a dent, or you want your car to have a different color. Either way, you need to find someone who will do the right amount of work for the right price.

When you buy a car, it may be the right type of car but you might not like the color. The color can mean a lot and even determine how you like the car. Perhaps you buy a car that has the perfect body but is pink. Therefore you will probably want to get the car painted. You can paint it yourself and can even buy what you need to paint it, but it is usually a better idea to have a professional paint it. Nothing looks worse than a bad paint job on a car. As well, under no circumstances should you paint your car with house paint or spray paint. This may be common sense but it is surprising how many people actually attempt this.

The type of paint you get will also have a lot to do with the cost of the job. If you get metallic paint that changes color depending how someone looks at it, you will be paying thousands of dollars to get it done. It looks great but it is highly expensive. If you get a normal paint job, you will pay much less. Some paints are also designed to be rust-proof or to limit the need for waxing, or limit damage from scratches. These are obviously more expensive. When you have your car painted, typically the entire vehicle is sandblasted to remove the old paint and then a new coat of paint is put on. A common misconception is that you can just paint over your old paint, this is not true.

Body work is also important for your vehicle. Dings will happen and so will dents. Nothing takes away from the look of a car than body damage. Thankfully it can usually be quite easy to make your car look like brand new with a company that does good auto body work. Depending on the damage to the vehicle, it will cost more to repair your car. There are some ways you can remove dents, like with a plunger, but more often than not you will need to take your car to someone who can repair it professionally.

Many car owners will buy an old car that runs great but has a bad paint job and structural damage. Within a few weeks of getting that car, they could be driving it down the road and no one would suspect it was rusted and severely dented thanks to the hard work of companies that do body work and paint jobs for cars in the Los Angeles area. There really is no better way to make your car look new again.

Auto Repair Costs - The Worst Time of Year For Car Repair

Are there specific times during the year when you're more likely to get ripped-off? The short answer is yes! While it is always important to keep an eye on car repair costs, it pays to be especially alert during the months of January, February and March.

The automotive repair industry can be quite turbulent, but it almost always experiences a slump from January to March - even April. There are a number of reasons for this, but the simple answer is that most folks service their vehicles in the spring and the fall - not during the icy cold months of a new year. For this reason, your mechanic, service advisor, and/or shop owner can get very aggressive in their repair suggestions.

There's nothing wrong with suggesting repairs and vehicle maintenance - provided the work is needed. The trouble comes when the work is being suggested because your particular shop is slow.

Here's how it plays out in real life at a car dealership, for example. You drop your vehicle off for an oil change. Your service advisor may make some service suggestions right away, or you may get a phone call that sounds something like this...

"Yeah, hi, Mr. Jones - this is So-and-So from So-and-So Chevrolet. I wanted to let you know that we have your car in the shop and the technician noticed that your front brakes are junk and that you need two new tires (they're badly worn) and an alignment (which is way out) - your car's not safe to drive. Do you want us to take care of this while it's here?"

Now, remember that you drove your car in and it probably felt fine. Nevertheless, according to the experts - you're in danger. It's important to note that your vehicle may indeed need work of which you are not aware; however, this example highlights the all-too-common story that few know about and NO ONE talks about.

Here's what really happened with your car on that cold February afternoon. The flat rate technician (someone who only gets paid when he produces) looked over your car extra carefully, looking for anything that will help fatten his paycheck. While it's true that your brakes are worn - perhaps 75% - they are far from "junk." They may even last until the spring. The tires, only "slightly" worn, may just be due to lack of rotation - not an alignment issue.

Should you agree to the above recommendations, the technician will add approximately 4.5 hours of labor to his pay check, the service representative gets his commission and you're out a grand - conservatively.

What to do...

First, ask questions. Do not assume that because your service representative sounds professional and/or authoritative that he or she is telling you the "whole" truth. Ask for alternatives.

For example, ask if they can just rotate the tires for now and come back for the brakes in the spring. Ask them to prioritize the repairs. Don't be afraid to get a second opinion from another shop, or ask to speak with the service manager. Also, watch out for vague language like "junk" or "way out." Get specifics.

Too often, car repair customers are bamboozled into doing work immediately when it could be spread out over months, or even years. Of course, there are many cases where the work wasn't necessary at all - except to profit the repair facility during the slow season.

Learning About Mufflers and Muffler Repair

Some people know all about cars. They know everything that goes on the inside, and outside, of their vehicle. Then there are those who simply don't know a single thing about cars. They would like to learn more, but they don't know anywhere near as much as they need to know. For instance, they may not know what a muffler is, what it does, or if it needs to be replaced. They may not even know that a muffler should be maintained just like every other part of the vehicle!

What Is a Muffler?

You find that you have to bring your vehicle in for muffler repair, but what, exactly, is a muffler? A muffler is actually a very simple device which is designed to reduce the amount of noise that comes out of the exhaust on your vehicle. Our vehicles are all created around internal combustion engines, which require a place for the exhaust to spit out of the engine. The muffler is where the exhaust gets blown out, and the muffler not only helps to guide the exhaust in the right direction, it also has a resonating chamber in it, which helps to quiet the noise of your vehicle. Have you ever heard a truck or car that has a really loud sound to it? The sound is likely because they are in need of muffler repair or because they have a special muffler which is designed to make loud noises.

Muffler Repair

That's the first thing that you'll notice if you need muffler repair: noise. The sound that your vehicle makes may suddenly seem much louder than you remember it, and if you don't get the vehicle fixed the sound will only get louder. It's important to note that having a loud muffler isn't only annoying, it's actually dangerous. If your muffler doesn't work correctly the fumes can get into the car, and inhaling these fumes can actually seriously damage, or kill, the person who is breathing them in. That's why it's so important, when you first hear that your muffler is getting loud, to look into muffler repair.

It's a good idea to have your mechanic check out your muffler on a regular basis. In fact, when you have your vehicle inspected every year, that is one thing that the inspector is looking at, the muffler. If they feel that the muffler is not in a good enough condition to do its job accurately, you may find that your vehicle does not pass inspection. Instead, you'll be asked to have your muffler repaired by a mechanic, which may involve either a simple fix or having to purchase a whole new muffler.

If you find that young children in the car are always falling asleep, even on small jaunts, or that people who get in the car have watery eyes, your muffler may be at fault. Make sure that you learn about your muffler and learn to recognize abnormal sounds, because the sooner a muffler problem is repaired, the better off you and every occupant in the vehicle is.

Professionals Should Handle Brake Repair Issues

Contrary to what some people may believe, there are some tasks that should only be completed by professionals. For instance, a licensed cardiologist is the only person that should be allowed to perform heart surgery. A dentist should be the only one allowed to perform root canals. A certified teacher should be responsible for teaching students, no matter what grade they are in. Now, there aren't many people who disagree with the aforementioned examples.

However, the disagreement comes in when the issue of vehicular repairs comes up. Some people believe things such as brake repair issues can easily be solved by a non-professional, inexperienced person. Because they see mechanics and auto shops as being overpriced, they believe that it's a good idea to solicit the help of an amateur in order to save money. In their eyes, it doesn't take certification to know how to perform something like a brake repair job. However, this way of thinking is far from the truth. Professional auto services are vital and essential, especially when it comes to fixing something as important as brakes.

As previously mentioned, one of the reasons professional help is needed in this case is because of how important this particular piece of equipment is to a vehicle. Having faulty brakes can be extremely dangerous. Imagine if you had to drive your car without brakes. The only way you would be able to stop your car is if you crashed into something. Now, take a second and imagine if you had brakes, but they didn't work properly. This scenario could be just as scary and dangerous as the first one. Not only could you run into a building and end up harming yourself, you could also run into pedestrians or even other vehicles. All of these scenarios could end up tragically.

Even if you don't end up causing deaths, you could still encounter some serious issues. Think about if you were to run into a bike rider who was in their designated bike lane, for example. Because they were in their lane, you would be responsible for their injuries. In other words, you would have to shell out a lot of money.

So, because brakes are so essential to every vehicle, it should be a no-brainer that brake repair issues should be handled by a professional. You don't want to run the risk of having a faulty brake job. Not only could this cause a financial burden, but you could also end up causing a serious injury or a tragedy.

Auto Repair and Care Experts Present - How to Verify an Auto Repair Estimate

You may know nothing about auto repairs but this does not mean that you can be easily scammed by mechanics and technicians who may only after your money. Even if you may not know what an alternator is, you can still be able to tell if you are given a fair estimate or not. Here are some tips on how to achieve this:

o Find out what repairs should be made to your car. Let the mechanic do his own diagnosis of the problem.

o If some parts have to be replaced, then learn the cost of replacing these parts. If the parts needed are original equipment / parts made by the car manufacturer, then you have to make sure that you do not pay more than the manufacturer's recommended price. Take note that you can save money by using used parts instead since they have a wider price range.

o Make sure that you understand what the mechanic plans to do to your car. If you only want a routine maintenance job, that is what you should get. You do not need to deal with tire rotation or oil changes when they are not necessary.

o When you get the bill make sure to check it out. Miscellaneous items may be used to cover the rags that have been used on your engine or fees for hazardous waste but they can also be used to add a few extra dollars to the total charge.

o If there is something in the bill that you do not understand - whether it is in small print or illegible hand writing or techno terms and services that you do not know existed - then ask questions and clear things up.

The best way to avoid being scammed or cheated out of your well earned money is to make sure that you are dealing with an honest and good mechanic. Ask your family or friends if they have any recommendations. And if you have an eligible candidate, do a background check by checking with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints filed against this mechanic or auto repair shop.

Transmission Repair You Can Depend On

If you take your vehicle to a reputable, full service repair shop, you may be offered a wide variety of options. Your knowledgeable vehicle technician can help you decide on the best solution for your problem after conducting a multi-point inspection service. Taking your vehicle to a full service transmission shop gives you the benefit of getting the service you actually need. If you were to take your vehicle to a car care center that only specialized in a certain area of transmission service, they might recommend a more expensive procedure, even thought it would be more cost efficient and necessary to get a less costly one.

Although it may be more common to replace a transmission than to get a transmission repair service, you should know that the cost of a full replacement might be costly. Take your vehicle to a reputable full service repair center so you can get the service that is best for your car. Your auto center may recommend a rebuild that consists of a complete tear down of the transmission, an inspection of all parts, and replacing the needed parts. The next step is to reassemble everything and place it back into your vehicle. If professional in auto repair performs this job, they will not cut corners and will complete a very successful operation of the need of your vehicle for you.

Taking your vehicle to a full service repair shop that has a history of being dependable and honest with their customers will give you the assurance that you never get unnecessary work done. Your problems may not end up being as complex as a new transmission or a rebuild, but may only call for a simple transmission repair service. In this case, the auto technician will go through a thorough inspection, find the specific problem, and will fix or replace the part that is failing. You usually require this type of service when you have a fluid leak, hear noises coming from under the hood, or smell a strange odor coming from the transmission.

You can consult with an experience auto technician at a reputable full service shop to see what the best option is for you. A transmission repair specialist will fix your vehicle effectively, and you can return to the road with the assurance you will be riding safely. Give the shop a call for business hour information, locations, pricing information, and if they offer coupons on their services.

Important Windshield Replacement Facts That You Should Know

If you understand the important role played by your car's windshield, then you can never let anyone handle your windshield replacement job. Apart from protecting you from flying objects and insects, the windshield also plays a crucial role in your vehicle's structural integrity as airbags rely on it to keep passengers secured in their seats during accidents.

Here are important windshield facts that you need to know.

1. Windshield and the car's structural integrity

Car manufacturers work hard to keep the vehicle's weight down while improving on its gas mileage. Even the auto glass is designed to ensure intact passenger compartments. During a rollover, the windshield absorbs nearly 60 percent of the car's weight without collapsing; hence keeping the top of the vehicle away from crashing on passengers. The windshield also provides up to 45 percent of the car's structural strength during a head-on collision. Therefore, if your car's windshield replacement is not done properly, then this glass will easily pop out during a collision, causing the roof to collapse while ejecting the occupants.

2. Windshield and airbags

During a collision, the airbags swiftly fill and take to the path of least resistance. This sudden motion hits the windshield and explodes towards the front seat occupants. Now, if you had a substandard windshield replacement, then the glass will simply peel off leaving the occupants with severe injuries and even death. Since there will be no protection, the occupants will slam into the dash or fly through the open space. To avoid these, only allow a professional and certified glass company to replace your windshield.

3. Special design

Since manufacturers design each windshield glass for a specific car model, substitutions are never welcome in the windshield replacement business. A part from fitting exactly in the opening, the windshield's special design also ensures that the occupants' compartments are kept intact. While close fitting substitutions may appear to work, they often fail during accidents. A professional glass company will never compromise the safety of your car by substituting a windshield.

Professional auto glass companies adhere to procedures outlined by Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) when replacing windshields. Before getting a quote be sure to ask about the company's windshield replacement policy as well as whether the company follows the recommended national guidelines. Also, be sure to find out whether the company is using certified technicians. Apart from offering protection from sun, wind, snow, rain and flying insects, a windshield also plays an important role in your car's structural integrity. As such, you should be more concerned about the glass company that you are contracting to replace it.

Car Servicing in Preparation for the Winter

Would you want to sit outside in the cold all winter, with no company apart from the wind, rain and possibly a generous helping of snow? Of course you wouldn't. Well sadly for our cars, that's their lot. Now let's not get carried away - they're just cars, you know... inanimate metal objects. But they still require a little bit of tender loving care to get them through the tough times ahead, particularly if they're getting a bit long in the tooth.

The very mention of car servicing can send a shudder through the spine of the average vehicle owner. Let's face it, it's pretty rare that you find yourself walking out of the garage thinking, "wow, that was cheap". Of course that very much depends where you go; shop around and you can find a good winter car service which will leave you with plenty of leftover pennies for a few festive ales once you get home.

Things a good winter car service should include...

• Tyres - although the minimum legal requirement for tyre tread depth is just 1.6mm, anything less than 3mm and the steering and grip of the tyres will begin to deteriorate. When conditions outside are dicey, you need all the grip you can get. Remember, it's not just compromising your safety, but also the safety of your passengers.


• Car battery and alternator - car batteries are far more likely to fail in the winter, which is exactly when you need them to work the most. The connections and condition of the battery and the alternator can be adversely affected by the cold, so having them checked before a cold snap can help avoid a frustrating few hours of tinkering out in the elements.


• Windscreen wipers - with the possibility of snow on the road along with the near-certainty of bucketfuls of rain and grit, it's important your windscreen wipers are not faulty, else you won't be able to see anything at all. In the dark winter months when the risk of accidents is greatly increased, you don't want the extra burden of battling against poor visibility.


• Brakes - it goes without saying just how important a part your brakes play in getting you safely from A to B; even more so in the winter months. A winter safety check will ensure your brake pads, discs and fluid levels are all up to scratch. In bad weather braking distances do increase greatly, even more so if your brakes have seen better days.


• Antifreeze - this check should really go without saying. Freezing of coolant is the most common cause of breakdowns during the winter months. This is a simple check which can save you much stress and inconvenience, as well as hundreds of pounds.


• Heated rear windows - we tend to forget about our heated rear windows during the rest of the year, so when winter comes you can sometimes be caught unawares, with potentially disastrous consequences. This simple check ensures that when your car starts to mist up, you can see clearly again with the touch of a button.

These are just a few ideas to keep you on the go during winter and right through to the new year. There will be plenty of other car service options available at your local garage, but make sure you get a quote before the work begins. Although ultimately you can't put a price on safety, you should make sure all these essentials are covered.

Importance of After-Sales Service in Imported Cars Segment

It is always a dream of people around the world to own imported cars like BMW and Mercedes-Benz models, because they are among the best in the business. Market has been thriving because they offer the best comfort and performance while driving. They are also safer and durable on all kinds of roads and terrains.

Driving an car inspires the rush other cars cannot deliver. These days, there are more consumers who prefer imported because of the safety features and after-sales service they provide. For every, the most important thing after buying that dream car is the after-sales service that a company provides. There are many people, who always want to buy an car, but after-sales service is what makes them think twice, and they opt for local cars.

Car manufacturers across the globe have realized after-sales service is the most important thing that will make their cars sell like hotcakes. Manufacturers, such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz, are providing the best after-sales service for their clients worldwide by establishing service centers across various cities where their cars are sold.

Imported Car Services can be easily found in many countries for BMW Mercedes auto repairs, as well as Mercedes repair, because both car manufacturers are widely known for their high-quality customer treatment. Mercedes and BMW provide genuine spare parts at company-owned service centers, in addition to authorized service centers for imported cars across the globe.

Authorized service centers (like BMW, Mercedes, Audi etc.) have increased their sales and profits because they are offer excellent repair and maintenance services for all premium cars. There was a time when owners had to face problems with servicing and repairing their cars in countries where these were not manufactured, and they had to shell out more money for getting their imported, repaired and serviced.

With increasing emphasis being laid on customer relationship management (CRM), all major manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes have now set up better delivery mechanisms for genuine spare parts to assure prompt service and repair for their valued customer's. Manufacturers have started outsourcing the manufacturing of parts in most countries; so there is no lack of parts in any particular country or region.

Auto service centers offering service and repair for imported cards has become a hub for servicing needs of all imported cars across the globe because they provide complete service solutions to imported car owners at very reasonable costs.

Auto Body Shops - What They Can Do For You?

If you've recently been in any sort of collision, your car has likely suffered some damage. From the inside out, you're probably worried about how everything is running and looking. If there was any internal damage, it is important to get that fixed first. You will want a licensed mechanic to be sure that all hoses are tight and that everything is running smoothly. After that, you will want to have your vehicle assessed.

Frame damage is common, especially in smaller cars. A simple run in with a telephone pole or another vehicle can damage the frame to the point that you can no longer drive or that your vehicle is making loud creaks and groans. An auto body shop is where you will want to go. These shops specialize in the structural and cosmetic parts of your car. It is important to differentiate between a body shop and a mechanic's skills, as they are two different things.

At a body shop, your vehicle will be assessed for damage. After that, the repair work will begin. They will first be sure that the frame and tire axles are all properly aligned and straight, so that the strength of your vehicle is not compromised. Often, in a collision, the metal is bent and twisted and this can make driving very dangerous. After correcting those problems and repairing or swapping out the parts, the cosmetics will be given attention.

Car hoods and sides can crumple under the stress of an accident. Sometimes small dents can just be popped out with a special tool. More often, entire pieces are taken off and completely replaced. This ensures that your vehicle looks as good as new. Once everything is replaced, a fresh coat of paint is needed so that everything is even. Then, your vehicle will be ready for use again.

Be sure that you look into the qualifications of those at the body shop. It is wise to go to a place where the less experienced employees work under the supervision of the more experienced ones. This is so that everything is done correctly, and because experience is a benefit to you. An experienced technician will know where to look for damage that isn't visible to the naked eye. Also, be sure that there is enough training to deal with the computer equipment in your vehicle. Most newer vehicles have computer systems that make them work properly and it is important that this is taken care of well.

Auto body shops are the answer to the damage to your vehicle from a collision. Having confidence in the employees will help make sure that everything is fixed well. Your vehicle will go from damaged to being as strong and appealing as before.

Effective Auto Repair Can Reduce Future Costs

Investing in smart auto repair can save consumers hundreds of dollars over the years they keep their car, truck, or SUV. While general maintenance such as regular oil changes, tune-ups, and diagnostic checks should be a given for car owners, investing in various repairs can reduce the long term costs of owning or financing a vehicle. Beyond this, consumers can expect to maintain the value of their vehicles if they should ever decide to sell or trade in the future.

Smart auto repair can include everything from replacing the brake systems, fuel lines, maintaining the catalytic converter, spark plugs, and other technical issues under the hood. Nevertheless, this also means repairing certain things on the external areas of the car that are found on the body. Replacing windshields break lights, mirrors, and dents and scratches can often decrease the decline of value in a car over time. This is especially important for valuable cars and vintage automobiles that require regular maintenance and repair to restore and increase their value.

Those interested in maintaining their long term investment in their vehicles should approach specialized auto repair shops in their area, especially if they own and maintain valuable, vintage models that they may wish to auction in the future. Those professionals in the business of appraising cars will take such repairs into consideration when they estimate the value and worth of an automobile. While the model, year, and type of vehicle is the primary concern when estimating the value of a car, working parts and performance are also of high concern. These can often only be achieve with specialized care, so it is important for owners to attempt to keep all of their vehicles in top condition.

While many companies specialize in general auto repair, some have specific expertise in maintaining and repairing custom automobiles. Non-American automobiles can often fall into this category as many of their parts are either difficult to find or take longer to arrive from foreign manufacturers. On the other hand, the automobile market in the United States is so large that it is rare that specific parts or repair needs cannot be met with most automobiles, even classics. This is good news for those owners who might one day wish to trade, sell, or auction a vehicle that they previously purchased or acquired. Nevertheless, staying up to date with an automobile's needs and repairs are essential.

Those looking for specific repair shops should pay close attention to reviews online. Classic car collectors often know the best locations for their types of cars, and because they are often so precious, can recommend highly skilled and professional service teams to help repair and maintain the integrity of a truly special automobile. Locating collector groups, classic car associations, or individual collectors might wield the best advice for getting a specific repair for a specific vehicle. With a little ingenuity and perseverance, those with an interesting in restoring, maintaining, and repairing their automobiles should be able to find a reliable service in no time.

Fixing Your Clear Coat

I love my car, but I've noticed that it has one major issue: Pealing clear coat. The car that I drive is an older model convertible. It's a beautiful car and parts of it still shine with that an incredibly deep and rich luster, but unfortunately other parts of it are dull and peeling. I've learned through trial and error what works and what does not work when attempting to fix your coating.

Just to make sure that everyone is on the same page let me take a second to define exactly what clear coat is: Clear coat is the invisible protective layer of material that covers the paint on your car. In fact you may not even notice you're clear coat until it starts to peel. Once it does start to peel however the process is basically unstoppable, and it is also very unsightly. The first, and the best method, for fixing your clear coat is to simply take your car to a body shop that specializes in this type of repair work. This is the most expensive option as the body shop will typically not simply fix small patches of missing clear coat, but rather they will sand down the panel in question and reapply paint and clear gloss. You might be able to save a little bit of money if you do decide to take your car to a body shop by sanding the car yourself. To perform this operation you need to make sure that you know what you're doing and that you have the right materials. If you fit both of these criteria then this may be a decent option for you.

Another option to fix your clear coating is to take a razor blade and start to scrape up the edges of where your coating is peeling. Again you want to take great caution when doing this so as to not scratch up the underlying paint. This can be a lengthy process but once you've scraped up the entire clear coating you can then begin the process of applying a new coat. To apply the new layer of clear coat you will need to find a quality panel of clear coat at your local automotive parts dealership. You will start by evenly applying a thin layer of clear coating to your car, you will let this initial layer dry and then proceed to apply two more layers, the last thicker than the first.

Concluding an Apprentice Mechanic Interview

It is essential that by the end of your mechanic apprentice interview you ask the interviewer questions associated with the position that you are trying to fill. When you get asked "Do you have any questions for me?", by no means say no! The manager interviewing you will feel that you aren't that excited about the position and your probability of receiving the apprenticeship drop significantly.

But what is proper to ask?

Steer away from questions about what the company or the shop does. You must have done your study prior to the interview and ought to know the answer to questions like that.

In case you are interviewing for a small auto repair shop then you could ask a specific question about their daily procedures. A question like that may be more acceptable if you direct it exclusively to the shop. Don't ask the interviewer common questions on what they do, you should have a normal idea of what goes on in a car shop and you don't want to look like you did not put any effort into the interview.

A couple of questions that you might consider:

* What characteristics do you look for in an worker?
* What are well-known blunders that you see newbie technicians make frequently?
* What capabilities do you anticipate a mechanic apprentice to have?
* What advice do you have for anyone starting in this occupation?
* What was the most difficult project you ever worked on?
* What is your favorite make/model car to work on and why?
* Which tools do you need a mechanic apprentice to bring with them on the job?

All of those questions are satisfactory and you should only choose 2 to 3 to ask during the interview. You don't want to annoy the interviewer with too many questions because they are taking their time off from work to speak with you.

Bear in mind that when you are preparing for your mechanic apprentice interview, leave this part of your preparation towards the end.

Hold on, I thought you said asking questions is crucial?

The thing with end of interview questions is that they are a requirement to show that you are fully fascinated, but they do not assure you the position. In summary, asking questions will not make you stand out from the crowd (most of the time), but not asking them will have very damaging effects on your chances of receiving an offer.

What you are ultimately targeting for with your questions is to strike up a discussion with the interviewer. Since you know in your mind that the job interview is over then you can calm down and try to connect with the person interviewing you. Striking up a conversation about a shared interest at this stage can really set you apart from other applicants. Of course that is not always easy to achieve but by asking questions you at least have an chance to differentiate yourself.

Work Order Holders - Efficiency + Ease of Use = Bonus For Auto Repair Shops

Work order holders can help improve repair shop efficiency by preventing the search for lost car keys, misplaced paperwork and the inevitable claims of "I thought you had that!"

Made from clear plastic, work order holders allow auto repair shops to keep together all of the pertinent paperwork and materials for a job, including:

• Service dispatch control number
  


• Car keys
  


• Coupons
  


• Job descriptions
  


• Customer notes
  

You can further increase efficiency by slipping other needed pieces (like oil change reminder stickers) into the holders, so your repair techs don't have to take extra time to collect everything. At a roomy 11 by 13 inches, holders can accommodate just about anything, even small parts that need repaired or replaced.

Because work order holders are open only at the top, they provide a great improvement over the paper folders often used to contain paperwork, keys and other items associated with a repair job. Paper folders can allow important documents and materials to slip out, meaning a loss of time and productivity as techs rewrite paperwork or search for misplaced items.

The thick, pliable plastic used to make them gives them a durability that far exceeds that of paper folders, which can rip or tear too easily. This durability, combined with reasonable pricing, make work order holders a great deal for any auto repair shop.

Plus, the durable plastic holders resist nearly all of the chemicals found in repair shops and can be easily cleaned of oil smudges and other shop grime. And the handy top strap allows repair techs to hang the work order holders wherever it's most convenient.

Auto repair shops interested in increasing their efficiency and cost effectiveness should consider adding work order holders to their list of mandatory supplies.

Auto Repair Mechanic School? Are You Nuts?

Hi there. I will warn you right up front: If you are thin skinned and get offended easily, click your browser back button and go read Martha Stewart or Oprah.

If you can handle the truth, then read on my friend..

Auto Repair /Auto Mechanic School- IF you are considering this industry, I will sum it up with one simple word: Beware. Yes, and I don't mean that literally. Beware.

Ill start off with the good news. US Census has provided information that there will be plenty of auto repair jobs for the next 10 years +. Yippee.

That is good...you will have a job. Nice. Working is nice. But, you can tell this is where the bad news begins..

There is no money in Auto Repair, or rather, being a mechanic. Sad, but true, and I will tell you why.

1) Auto Mechanics, the ones who are experts, cost a pretty penny. And what would be simpler- diagnostic equipment operated by an hourly wage grunt, or a six figure tech? Yup, the grunt. And your not the only one that knows this little tidbit. Major dealer auto groups know this. And they are doing just this. They are bringing in cheap grunt labor, and firing all the pro's. $10 an hour sound nice? Well that is
about where its going.

2) How do we know this? I mean, we don't offer Auto Mechanic school, do we? No we don't. We teach Auto Reconditioning, with an emphasis on Paintless Dent Repair

Guess who's calling us, non stop... Auto Mechanics. Thats right. They work at dealers and they notice the PDR Techs driving quad cab diesel $50k trucks, Hummers etc. Yeah, they notice.
And they also notice how they have just got a pink slip or huge pay cut. Its an easy equation. So they come to us, and we teach them the way and the light.

So, don't be nuts! Don't go the route of a dying breed..Think about Paintless Dent
Repair.

Check us out today, at nodents.com

Happy Pushing!

Brian Jump

What Is an Auto Salvage Yard?

How do they operate? What can they offer the general public? These are just a couple of the main question people have in relation to auto salvage yards. Here in this article we will explore a bit about them.

Auto salvage yards are known by many names such as, scrap yard, junkyard, wrecking yard, wreck yard, auto recycling centre, breakers yard , to name a few of the most common names.

They operate in a fairly simple manner. When a vehicle is wrecked (light damage or beyond repair) or decommissioned from being a usable vehicle. The Junk Yard will purchase said vehicle and break the vehicle into its main component parts that are still operable. These parts are then sold on as used auto parts to the public, garages and body shops. Mostly these parts are used in repairs of other road going vehicles. The idea behind this is that the used auto parts are at a much lower cost than new parts. From the Auto Junk Yards point of view, a vehicles sum of it components are more valuable than the overall wrecked or decommissioned vehicle as a whole.

The most common and requested parts are often removed from the vehicle and stored in the salvage yards warehouse. Other more unusual parts are often left on the vehicles and removed upon request. Once a vehicle has been deemed to not have any further usable parts, the remainder is sold as scrap metal mainly to metal recycling centres. This ensures every possible part is used and all other parts are recycled. While Wrecking yards are often seen as dirty operations the overall effect is very green ensuring the most is made from waster and the remainder is sent for re-cycling.

A lot of people prefer use such an environmentally friendly system, as using used vehicle parts which are already manufactured and work to the original manufacturer's specifications, will reduces pollution and expense.

Most Auto Wrecking Yards work on a local basis providing their goods into the local community, but some of the larger Wrecking yards will provide shipping across all the states, this is especially useful for rarer vehicle models or classic autos, where parts new or used are very hard to come by.

There are some great advantages to using used auto parts, the main one being they save you money on repairs. Give your local yard a call today.

Riding Your Bike to Work

For those of us who are lucky enough to work close to the jobs that we often commute to day in and day out, there is a trend that is pointing towards riding your bicycle to work. And what is more shocking (though not entirely so) is that this trend is growing very quickly.

There are times when riding your bicycle to work may not make as much sense. For instance, if you have a big presentation and a lot of materials to bring into work, then obviously taking your car out would be the better option. However, if you work at a place that would allow you enough time to change out of your more "athletic" riding gear and into a business suit or some sort of business attire (I.e. a shower would probably be required), then riding your bicycle to work may make sense.

As the price of owning a car keeps going up, more people are desperate to find alternatives that won't break their bank accounts but will still allow them to get to and from work without feeling overwhelmed, and for many Americans, this trend involves digging your bicycle out of the shed. If you look around at most work places, while there may be ample parking room for your vehicle, you would be hard pressed to find a spot for your trusty old bicycle. Besides this, there are still some employees who are hesitant to ride their bikes to work due to the fact that they are afraid of showing up to wok sweaty with limited options for changing and/or showering. This is especially true if you work out of a smaller office building where there aren't any showers and there is only one bathroom.

Still, bicycle riding to work is catching on among many employers who are more than happy to encourage a more eco-friendly work environment. Not only this, but the more people there are who are out there riding their bikes to work, the more people there are who will be fighting against the obesity epidemic that has been plaguing the United States for the past decade or so. Self propelled movement is a good thing! There are also some who are hesitant to jump on a bike due to the area that they live in as well as the maniacal drivers that they are forced to share the roads with. However, with the increased awareness and attention that is being brought towards our friends on two wheels (not to mention the bike lanes that are being drawn up on roadways all over the country), there is hope that one day, both cyclists and motorists will be able to peacefully co-exist.

When you compare the cost of owning a bicycle to the cost of having to get into your car, start your car and fill it up with gas as well as deal with the very real possibility that you could become involved in a car accident at any time with another motorist (which would cost you a ton of money at the auto body shop), there is a chance that bicycle riding would probably appeal to you.

Car Repair - Advice to Help You Find a Great Mechanic

Your vehicle is important to you, so you should take it to a trustworthy mechanic when you need to get it repaired. Finding a good mechanic is easy, but you will have to do some research.

You can find a great mechanic by talking to the people around you. Talk to your family members, friends, and coworkers. Find out where they go to get their vehicles repaired and get their recommendations.

Check the Better Business Bureau website. Find out if the companies around you have any complaints on file.

Find a car mechanic or auto service center that offers a warranty on repair work. A six month warranty is great; three months is pretty good; one month is not as good. You should also check to see if the warranty covers both parts and labor.

Make sure the car mechanic you hire is willing to provide you with a full explanation of what's going to be done to your car before you get it fixed.

Find out how busy the mechanic or auto repair service is. If you do not have a lot of time on your hands, you may want to find a shop that never gets crowded. You should also find out what the shop's hours are. Make sure they will be open when you are available.

If you have a strict budget or if you can't afford to pay off the auto repair bill in full, find a shop that offers financing. Don't wait if you need to get your oil changed or your brakes replaced.

Remember that the cheapest price is not always the best option. An auto service center that charges higher prices might give you the best service.

Find a mechanic who is ASE certified. ASE certified mechanics have been trained and they can fix any kind of problem. Some of the best mechanics are ASE certified.

When in doubt, visit your dealership. Your dealership may charge higher prices, but they know your vehicle, and they will do a great job with your car.

Be wary of auto repair centers that always do more than you need because some places rip people off.

It is important to note that car repair facilities that are certified by some group membership organizations are required to offer their customers a 12 month warranty on their work and their estimates are always guaranteed. Plus, if you have a problem, you can file a claim. they will perform an investigation and fix the problem for you.

Many websites were designed to help you find car repair mechanics, so check them out online. Search for car repair mechanics in your area and read the online reviews. After you gather a list of names, make those phone calls and ask questions. Find out what their prices are. When you narrow it down to one mechanic, make an appointment to get your car repaired or checked out. If you follow these tips, you will find an excellent car repair mechanic and you will save some cash.

Windshield Replacement Insurance Enhances Safe Driving

Windshield replacement or repair is critical because windshields facilitate safe driving, and they are the top restraint system in any automobile. People tend to take that function for granted, but windshields protect against wind and debris while traveling. Modern airbags utilize windshields as support for their cushioning effect in car crashes. If windshields pop out in an accident, passengers or drivers could be ejected or crushed, so consumers should choose care in selecting an auto glass company.

The term OEM is an acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer. OEM auto glass meets manufacturers specifications and tolerances for quality and safety. When the glass company installs OEM auto glass correctly, the result is a seamless fit that minimizes air and water leaks. Proper windshield replacement causes auto interiors to resist window fogging, interior ice, and loss of heat or cool air. Most people have suffered the annoying effects of windshields that have leaks, without realizing the ultimate cause. Repair of small cracks can extend the life of a windshield, and auto glass companies cheerfully supply price quotes for repairs.

Windshield replacement or repair insurance is a good idea, because windshields provide essential protection and comfort for routine driving. Most insurance companies offer auto glass insurance as an option, with varying deductibles. Consumers can ask for price quotes for this protection. Prices of windshield replacement or repair range from $20-$350 from most auto glass companies. Small chips and cracks the size of a silver dollar or smaller can be repaired if they are not in the driver's line of sight, and price quotes peg the cost of most repairs at $20-$65. Insurance companies recommend windshield replacement for cracks that impede driver vision.

The real question is whether to make a claim on an inexpensive repair, because many drivers fear these claims will increase their monthly premiums. Windshield replacement by a qualified glass company is a win-win for consumers, however. By law, insurance rates are part of comprehensive insurance claims that assign no fault, and repairing or replacing damaged windshields cannot be cited for premium increases. No matter how many windshield replacement claims are made, insurance rates will not rise. Policy holders can breathe a sigh of relief and arrange auto glass repair for any nicks or scratches. If only insurance companies provided paperwork insurance, then the claims process would be even simpler.

Here is another benefit many consumers did not expect-a professional glass company often helps consumers file their insurance claims. Some auto glass companies offer to pay the deductible, take the customer to dinner, and baby sit the kids. Beware of a glass company offer that sounds too good to be true. These kinds of offers almost always indicate that sleazy practices or shoddy workmanship are employed. The insurance industry carefully monitors the cost auto glass companies charge for windshield replacement.

Deductibles are the only potential downside for repairing auto glass. Drivers living in Florida, Massachusetts, Kentucky or South Carolina are free of this concern. Those states have laws that require insurance companies to pay the full cost of windshield replacement without deductibles. Florida and Massachusetts limit the regulation to windshields only. Kentucky and South Carolina require full restitution for any auto glass claim.

Auto glass insurance is an amazing benefit, and many drivers fail to appreciate how easy repairing their glass can be. A glass company that provides insurance claims assistance will take the insurance information. They may or may not require drivers to confirm the arrangement by phone. The windshield replacement company takes care of all the details such as billing and paperwork. Drivers can then focus on finding their own baby sitters and making dinner arrangements.

Windshield Replacement - A Major Safety Precaution

Auto professionals recommend that when you have a nick or crack in your windshield that you get it repaired as opposed to having the entire thing replaced. This will save you a great deal of money in comparison with getting a brand new windshield. There are times though that the imperfection in your auto glass may be too serious to repair and you must go the more extreme route of actually having it replaced.

The main cause of having to have a front window replaced is because of cracks that are less than three inches away from the edge of the glass. These cracks can be caused from a rock hitting the windshield and can start out as small as the point on the end of a needle. These cracks can also come from mechanical stress, temperature deviation, or even tension pressure from the interior of the actual vehicle. Front windows may also need to be replaced due to vandalism, weather damage, or cracks that have been ignored and have spread too close to the edge.

The most important thing to remember when realizing that your windshield may need to be replaced is to not wait too long. Your front window is a very vital and protective component of your vehicle. The front glass of a car is there to protect the driver and passengers from anything flying through the air and to hold up the roof of a car. If someone waits too long to have a faulty front window replaced it could shatter or cause some sort of major problem at the most inopportune time, such as when you are driving down the road. If you were to get into an accident at the time that you had a windscreen that needed to be replaced it would be possible for you or your passengers to go right through the front area of the car because the windshield was not in any condition to be performing its job of protecting. There are over 12,000 fatalities each year from Americans being thrown from the car or badly hurt from the vehicle rolling over. Faulty windshields play a large part in this high number of deaths.

To ensure that your replacement windshield is properly installed and that it does not detach from your vehicle while you are driving, it is best to employee the services of a highly recommended, highly skilled, professional auto glass company. There are many determining factors that can help you choose what auto glass contractor is the best choice. The company that you choose should consent to the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard, be a member of the National Glass Association (NGA) and be certified by the NGA, give you a fast and accurate quote for the cost of your replacement, and be able to tell you how much time the replacement should take. The company that you use should be able to come to your place of employment or home to complete the replacement job. The only glass that should be used to replace your windshield is O.E.M quality auto glass. This is certified to meet or exceed all NGA standards. Usually the replacement will take about an hour but as your technician will tell you, the car should not be driven for at least one hour after, but the adhesive that holds the window to the front of the vehicle will not be at their full strength for about 24 - 48 hours.

Never wait to have your windshield replaced; you want to make sure that you are driving in the safest conditions possible. Having the auto windscreen replaced promptly and using a contractor that guarantees their work will ensure that you are protecting yourself and your passengers while on the road.

Auto Glass Repair Verses Windshield Replacement

You smash your windshield completely in an accident - cost of replacement, $500.00. Your windshield suffers a minor rock chip, which soon develops into a major crack - cost of windshield replacement, $500.00 again. So irrespective of the reason behind windshield replacement, the cost remains the same. But, what if you could actually utilize an auto glass repair technique, which will save you this cost? So, you need not opt for windshield replacement unless you actually have shattered your glass completely.

Auto glass repair offered from Dings Plus Windshield Chip Repair is definitely a much better option than windshield replacement, especially when one is looking at only minor chip(s) on the windshield. The advantages of windshield repair over windshield replacement are several and it is these benefits that make windshield chip repair such a favored option.

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  Cost effective - Our windshield repair will cost you $ 60 for the first rock chip while each additional rock chip repairs on the same windshield costs $30. This is a tremendous saving as compared to changing the windshield completely, which is a very high cost and does not come with any guarantees. Windshield chip repair is a much more affordable option.
  


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  Time savings - Since we are happy to come to your doorstep with windshield repair technique, you will not need to waste your time in running to an windshield replacement shop and leaving your car there for a couple days for the windshield replacement. Our windshield chip repair thus saves you time too.
  


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  Original windshield - When you opt for the auto glass repair option you have the advantage of retaining the original factory windshield seal on your vehicle, which translates to no air or water leaks.
  


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  Eco friendly - Windshield chip repair is the environmentally-friendly choice. Since windshields cannot be recycled, replacing them is not an ecologically viable option. In addition windshield repair also saves our nation's landfills, prevents the replacement of the windshield, and therefore is highly advantageous.
  


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  Extras - Auto glass repair allows you several advantages like optical clarity, prevention of wear and tear of wipers, added strength to the windshield and therefore increased safety. Many times, despite opting for a windshield replacement, consumers find that due to shoddy workmanship, they either develop cracks on the windshield or suffer water leaks and other such problems. However all this can be easily avoided when choosing to repair your windshield rather than replacing it.

Auto Repair Shop Marketing - Here's a Stealth Strategy That Will Increase Your Car Counts

As an Auto Shop owner, you most likely struggle constantly with advertising. You know you have to do it, but it's expensive. Then you track the response and find out that the $1,000 ad you placed brought in 2 customers. Each of those customers just cost you $500 to get. You can't survive doing that all day.

When trying to increase car counts and build your business, don't overlook using methods to create solid repeat customers. Create customers that will return to your shop for all their service needs.

One simple strategy that you can start using today is the 'Thank You' card. Yes, the simple 'Thank You' card.

Now before you laugh and dismiss this strategy, think about the last time YOU received a thank you card (and I am not talking about after a wedding or other similar event). The simple fact is that when asked, most people claim that they haven't received a written Thank You in years. That's part of what makes this strategy so powerful.

Start by setting yourself a threshold. As an example, you may decide you will send thank you cards to any customer who spends over $100 or $150. But understand, that's not a hard and fast rule. You could send 'Thank You' cards to every customer. It's up to you.

Once you determine who is going to get a card, set those invoices aside and start addressing your cards. They must be hand written. I mean hand written addresses as well as the inside of the card.

Inside the card, simply tell them that you wanted to say 'Thank You' for their business and the trust they placed in you to look after their vehicle.

Put a stamp on it (NOT metered mail or machine stamped) and send it out. Be sure it's sent within the week. In other words, you don't have to send them every day, but be sure they get sent out within a week of the customer visiting you.

I promise you will start to fortify your relationship with your customers and turn them into not only repeat customers, but raving fans.

What makes this a 'Stealth' Marketing Strategy for your Auto Repair Shop?

You're going to get mentioned. Plain and simple, people will talk. They will talk about you at word, around the office, in casual conversation with friends and family. They will talk about you.

You shouldn't include any promotion, advertising, flyers, coupons or even your business. This is personal. Keep it that way.

The fact that the 'Thank You' card is personal means it's the start to fortifying your personal relationship with your customer. America is tired of doing business with faceless corporations. Sell your auto repair shop services on YOU, not what you do or the fancy equipment you have. I promise, it will make a difference.

Windshield Replacement and Repair - Why You Shouldn't Ignore Your Damaged Window

Windshield replacement and repair is something people should not ignore. Many people do not realize it is an important consideration for the front windshield of your vehicle to be replaced or repaired when damage is done. Often times, your windshield is the only thing that can protect you and your passengers from harmful flying elements while driving. In some cases, a full window replacement may not be necessary. A cheaper and quicker alternative would be getting a windshield repair instead.

Very often, drivers on the road will ignore the small chips and cracks they get caused by flying rocks, debris, or minor collision. It is important to take good care of your windshield, making sure they are free of any defects. A properly done replacement or repair would not only be a good investment, but you will be ensuring a higher level of protection for you and your passengers while driving.

Ignoring the small chips and cracks that you receive while driving for a long period of time can or will lead you to bigger problems. It was proven that stresses like extreme temperatures, driving and fatigue stress will cause your windshield's chips and cracks to spread quicker. In the beginning when they first start out, they may seem small and not a problem, but over time it will weaken the glass and the cracks may spread corner to corner, horizontal or vertical, in any direction. It could be illegal in your states if the cracks impede your ability to safely see and drive your vehicle.

So the next time while you are driving out in the road, after a fresh clean car wash and clear windows, see if you notice any small chips on your windshield, if so then think about calling in a shop to get those chips or cracks repaired. Most auto glass shops will provide you with a mobile service, which means they will come to your home or work, or where ever you ask them to, to provide you with their services. The repair cost averages between $20-$70 dollars, depending on your location or shop, and chip or crack sizes. Keep in mind, most auto insurance companies will cover the cost of your window replacement or repair, depending on your coverage, but often times auto insurers will cover the full price of the repairs with no deductible, to avoid the more expensive alternative, a full windshield replacement. So don't be afraid to take that advantage, it may be part of your policy, and it would be a waste of your hard earn money going to auto insurance if you don't.

If you live in an area where an auto glass shop is a hard reach, or maybe you live in an area where you usually get these chips and cracks, then consider buying your own windshield repair kit. You can usually buy them online, and depending on where and what you order, prices range anywhere from $15-$75 dollars shipped for everything you need. But be warned, repairing a broken glass is not the easiest thing to do, but reading through some tutorials or watching videos online can give you an idea on how to practice this skill.

If repairing a window is something you wont be able to handle alone, then it would be highly recommended to call the professionals to handle those chips or cracks for you; you wouldn't want to cause any further damages to your window, and then having to settle for a full windshield replacement instead which would cost you even more. What would be a good idea, is calling an auto glass shop in your area to come to you for the repair, and watch how it is done in front of you. Most mobile installers shouldn't mind answering any questions you have for them. If your installer is nice enough to answer your questions, ask him how he would do it with your own repair kit (if you already bought your own), this way you have the knowledge on how to repair your own windshield with the tools you have, taught by a professional first hand.

After reading this article, I hope you will understand how important it can be to keep your windshield free of any chips or cracks. Take some time off the next time you notice any, give your auto insurance a call to take care of them for you, or consider buying that repair kit and master a new skill.