Choosing a Trustworthy Car Repair Mechanic

Everyone needs a good car mechanic from time to time. The question is where do you find a dependable one?

There are so many stories of car repair rip offs by car mechanics that many people have trouble deciding where to take their vehicles for repairs. Here is the story about a rip off that occurred in Flagstaff, Arizona several years ago. The victims in this case were from out of town. The radiator on their Chevrolet Suburban sprung a leak outside of Flagstaff, and the owners had to have the car towed into town for repairs.

The Suburban owner dealt with a mechanic at an Exxon station in Flagstaff a few months earlier, and was treated fairly. The owner tried to call the same Exxon car mechanic to order a tow truck, but he read the wrong line in the telephone book while searching for Exxon's telephone number. When the tow truck arrived, it was from a different mechanic shop. Since the tow truck was there, the Suburban owner agreed to let the tow driver take the car to his shop.

The car mechanic told the Suburban owner that the car needed a radiator recore, which was once a common procedure. The bill came to nearly $600. The owner balked, but the mechanic assured him that was a standard price. When the Suburban owner returned home, every mechanic he called said the procedure should have been done for less than $200. Some shops would have done it for $100.

The victim of the rip off called the Arizona Attorney General's office to complain, but he was told that there was insufficient money loss for the Attorney General to become involved. The victim gave up on the complaint, and figured he was just going to have to live with the $400 rip off. A couple of weeks later, the radiator sprung another leak. This time the victim took his car to a trusted car mechanic who said that there had been no radiator recore installed. The only repair that the Flagstaff mechanic had performed was a spot weld at the leak, a procedure that should not have cost more than $20 or $30.

A happy sidebar to this is that the complaint to the Arizona Attorney General helped trigger an investigation of the offending car mechanic in Flagstaff. The Attorney General sent a car with 100% working parts to the mechanic shop. The mechanic told the undercover investigator that several parts needed to be replaced. The shop was fined $10,000 for trying to rip off the Attorney General's office. Unfortunately, the State of Arizona kept the fine money. The victim of the Suburban rip off received no recompense.

Here are a few tips to help keep you from becoming an auto repair rip off victim and help you choose the right car mechanic for your vehicle:

- Get an estimate in writing with details of all repairs to be done
- Be specific about what you want the mechanic to do and what you don't want the mechanic to do
- Use a mechanic you know and trust whenever possible
- If you are new to town, ask a few of the locals to recommend a good car mechanic
- Check to see if the shop is AAA approved
- Get a written guarantee
- Follow the manufacturer's recommended scheduled maintenance, and don't let a car mechanic vary widely from that schedule
- Call for estimates from various shops before having any repairs done
- Read the bill carefully and ask about any questionable charges

Following these simple tips above will help you avoid many of the problems auto owners face when trying to choose a car repair shop to do business with.

Strategies of Making 50CC Mopeds Work Faster

There is a plethora of 50cc mopeds in the market today and this has made them to become very popular. Most of them can move in a speed of up to twenty-five miles per hour. However, this exclusively depends on the model as well as the make of the bike, not to forget the number of years it has been in use. While this is the case, it is should be known that almost all 50cc mopeds can move faster with a few automated alterations and simple maintenance, having said that, owners of these bikes can make some alterations on the air intake and the variator system as a way of making them quicker. Read on and learn the ways to carry out these alterations.

• First and foremost, you need to have all the materials that you require for the alteration exercise. These materials include tire gauge, impact & socket wrench, awl and drill.

• Once you have all the materials that you need, the next step you need to take in making your 50cc mopeds faster is to remove the air intake case. The intake cases usually rest above the variator found on the left side of the moped with 2 bolts attached to them. This makes it easier for you to remove them using a socket wrench. The reason for removing the case is to allow more air to penetrate the engine while it is burning fuel.

• Once done with the above step, it is worthwhile to install either bigger or smaller variator elevator wheels. However, this will solely depend on the speed preferences that you want. For instance, if you plan on installing smaller tires, your moped will accelerate very fast especially on hilly areas. On the other hand, bigger tires will provide fast cruising speed abilities. Remember, you can uninstall and reinstall these tires by simply unscrewing and re-screwing the middle bold using an impact wrench that is air powered.

• On the moped, specifically on the inside of the washer, you will locate a variator system, which you are supposed to disengage by pulling off the rod when the rear tire has been removed. This washer is important as it is used to restrict speed. Removing it gives your motorcycle an opportunity to be able to max out the quantity of power that has been transferred directly from the engine to the drive belt.

• When filling the rear wheel, ensure that you use the quantity that has been indicated on the side of the wheel. In most cases, this can range from twenty eight to thirty six PS. In case you possess a rear wheel that has been underinflated, it can easily drop your speed drastically. Once this happens, even if you try different installations and modifications, the speed will not increase at all. Make sure you follow the above given instructions if you want the best results.

Going for Plastic Bumpers Repair to Avail Maximal Benefit

Plastic bumpers come in different sizes and shapes according to their area of application. They are known to offer excellent grips and offer resistance against shock and vibration. Nowadays, both plastic and rubber bumpers find widest application in the automotive industry.

They protect the front part of any vehicle during unwarranted accidents. They provide ultimate protection during head on collision situations. However, many times it happens that they themselves get damaged in the process. Though sometimes the damage is irreparable, yet at times when things are under control it's better to get them repaired for cost cutting. This also saves time that is required for plastic bumpers replacement, as it has to be done in an auto-repair shop. Replacing the bumpers would also result in unwanted debris, which is illogical, if minimal repair can do the needful.

The first desirable thing to do if you plan to go for plastic bumpers repair is to look out how much the service provider is equipped in cosmetic repair skills. At the very beginning it is necessary to classify the plastic used in the making of this plastic bumper variety. This is necessary for proper welding of the damaged part. As an auto body repair shop you may use ISO codes to perform the test, as most repairing service providers do the same.

There are several procedures that are used for welding damaged plastic bumpers and they include airless welder, hot-air welder and hot glue type procedure. See that, the repaired part gel well with the original plastic bumper texture. Also make sure to check whether the plastic variety in use in flexible or rigid, so that it does not develop any cracks later on after the repairing process.

You can avail the services of a rubber bumpers repairing service provider from the online source. They can collect it from your specified place and after the repairing work is over can deliver the same right at your doorstep. Sometimes, they also provide on the site repair if you are located close to their manufacturing or, repairing facility.

Most of these sites also stock a great variety of bumper feet range for your benefit. So, if you are looking for the same, you now know where to turn to. Most of these service providers have a variety of facilities that range from rubber feet product design, mold making, injection molding, assembly, testing to packaging.

Auto Repair Estimates - Making a Career From Writing Estimates

What is an estimator?

An estimator is a person that writes auto repair estimates on vehicles that have been involved in an accident. The estimator must understand the basic car design and know the nomenclature of a vehicle. The estimator must also have good communication skills as they deal with customers on a daily basis. Not only does the estimator have to communicate with customers, but they will also be the contact person for the insurance companies, shop managers, and the shop foreman or technicians. Therefore, communications is a must for an auto estimator. This career pathway is definitely for a people person. In fact, I would even say that a person that writes auto repair estimates for an auto body repair center needs to be part salesman. It is their job to sell them self, the company, the technicians, and the service that the shop provides. Not all technicians make good estimators, but it is a good idea for the estimator to have experience as a technician. Although, there have been people hired without experience and trained by the shop to write estimates.

Who Will Hire You?

There are two different industries that hire auto estimators. One is auto body repair shops and the other is insurance companies. This can also split into other categories in each industry. Collision shops can be dealerships, franchise shops, or independent shops. Some insurance companies hire their own auto estimators, while other insurance companies hire independent auto estimators. When you write estimates for the insurance company your title may be an auto appraiser instead of an auto estimator.

What Can You Expect To Earn?

This can vary on your experience and if you work for a small body shop or an insurance company. However, according to O*Net the national median for an Auto Damage Appraiser is $53,440 and had a growth rate of 7% to 10% in a ten year period. (2006 - 2016) Some collision repair centers will pay their estimators a salary and a percentage of every job that they sell. Therefore, the more estimate sales that the estimator produce, the more income he or she can earn if on one of these types bonus incentives.

What is the first step towards this career?

The first thing you will need is to learn is the basics. You can do this by enrolling in a collision repair program. Many local community and junior colleges offer these programs. This will allow you to learn the basics about the entire industry. Everything from the body repair, structural or frame repair to painting. Most programs incorporate a basic estimating course within the auto program. This will give you a taste of the industry and determine where you fit in best at. You may decide to become a collision or paint technician instead of a person that writes auto repair estimates. Whatever you decide, this training is the first step to securing a job in the auto collision repair or estimating careers. Some insurance companies require that you have a bachelor degree, but many do not. Experience hold a lot of weight with insurance companies as well. The training is your foundation and how you build the building is up to you. What I mean is, once you have your basics down, you have many opportunities and directions to explore.

Where do I find a facility to gain the training?

The best training for your money is going to be at a junior or community college. Community colleges normally focus on smaller groups, which offers lower student per instructor ratio. This leads to a deeper level of learning. They also receive state and federal funding, which allows them to offer quality programs at a much lower cost to the student. Other training facilities include technical schools and private owned schools. Check with your local community college to see if they offer collision repair. If not, ask them if there is a nearby tech school that does. Chances are that they will know where to point you in the right direction. Once enrolled in a collision repair program, you will be on your way to a career as a person that writes auto repair estimates or many other career pathways that collision repair has to offer.

Avoid Excessive Over-Charges or Unethical Business Practices

Nothing is more upsetting than receiving a statement showing hidden excess billing charges or being cheated by an unscrupulous dealer. No one likes to be taken advantage of.

They may be justified or unjustified surprises, some tantamount to being classified as unethical "rip-offs". Unfortunately, some may be accidental accounting duplications; others may be embedded surcharges that you were not aware that you would be charged for like hotel usage. Others may be fraudulent or deceptive professional services.

The worst types are "scams" where unscrupulous charges are created intentionally, or planted. Some of the most notorious industries that can create excess charges are: hotels, hospitals, auto repair, veterinarians, dentists, plumbers, website designers, and computer repair technicians.

Initially, be aware how you present yourself, inadvertently announcing your income status. Walking in with a Gucci bag, driving a BMW, prices can escalate.

Coming from a frugal, small Dutch Iowa town, we were taught monetary principles ingrained generations back. Immigrating to the United States in the 1800s, the Hollanders wore velvet breeches and conducted business with gold coins. They soon found they were cheated wherever they went, and finally, resorted to an "unassuming-frugal-chameleon survival code".

In other words, they learned not do display their affluence, or they would be charged more in business transactions. Currently, remaining unpretentious, few drive new high end cars and do not flaunt wearing expensive apparel with flashy accessories.

There is something to be said for this dictum, because if you look foolhardy, or appear pretentious with careless spending habits, you become subject to excess service rates. There is bias with older people, teens, and women, who become targets.

Or, if the proprietor finds that you are in an "emergency situation", you can be targeted, and unethical business practices may come into play.

Auto repair establishments, whether in a city or out "in the middle of no-where" like rural Utah, Kansas, or Montana, will double charge if they think they can "get away with it," when you lack alternative options and need your vehicle.

We recently had our automobile towed from a near city's hospital to a local repair garage. Then, the same week, our second car had severe mechanical problems, but luckily, happening near the garage we routinely use, so we drove the car in, limping all the way. The proprietor, knowing we were in a health-state emergency situation, gave us excessive double-cost estimates to repair the two autos.

Refusing to be victimized, the next day I called several other places to compare repair rates, and had both cars towed, a second time, from one garage to the next. I saved nearly one thousand dollars by being alert and on the offense.

One of the most surreptitious situations is when you unwittingly trust an unethical dentist. With many small and midsize towns becoming filled with dental competition, some find unscrupulous ways to create cash flow. They know they can get away with fraudulent work, because their colleagues will not acknowledge investigative inquiries regarding their missteps to the State Dental Board.

For some time, I was fortunate to have a reputable dentist, who did fine, professional work. When he retired, I went to an acquaintance who I thought was highly regarded. Then, a minor traffic accident unfortunately loosened four front teeth. Subsequently, to stabilize the fragile teeth, my new dentist inserted four posts without root-canals, which would create abscesses. Much successive dental work would be then required, perfect cash flow. Conversely, the expected consequential plan would back-fire. The damaged teeth all abscessed simultaneously, rather than piece-meal.

Was this dentist merely a bad dentist performing shoddy work? At first, it was hard to determine.

Local consulted specialists were obviously appalled, but had little to say. They advised that they had never seen anything like that before, as root canals for posts were basic Dental 101. I would have to go to another state to get a true evaluation for corrective surgery.

I was further dismayed when I consulted a Dental School regarding the issue, and overheard students joking about how easy it was to practice unethical dentistry without fear of repercussions. And, make good money doing it.

To avoid your own dental horror story, if you question any work at any point of a procedure, find a reputable dentist, or dental school, in another state for a complete evaluation. A local second-opinion dentist will not want to reveal or try to correct any faulty work. Remaining professionally bonded with their local colleagues, they will refer you back to the dentist who created the mess.

The best way to avoid hidden fees and unethical business services is to:

1. Research the person's or the business' background and reputation. Go online. Talk to people (not their references who may be shams) who have used their services. Inquire within other businesses, like real estate firms, if they have conducted work with them.


2. Be certain you are working with the authorized decision maker or owner when making a purchase or arranging for services.


3. Up front, obtain second, even third opinions regarding the work to be done.


4. Ask questions. Obtain firm, descriptive cost estimates in writing, and establish specific guidelines up front.


5. Be aware of your surroundings; read body language.


6. Do not sign any document without carefully reading the fine print.


7. Carefully review all billing statements and inquire if you note discrepancies

Crisis in the Trades? Just Another Good Reason to Become a Mechanic

In August 2011, the Canadian magazine Maclean's published an article called, "Why Your Teenager Can't Use a Hammer: Complaints About a Generation of the Mechanically Challenged" which argued that the trades will soon face a crisis in our country, because the youth of today no longer spend their time taking apart old appliances or working on the family car with dad. In fact, with the computerization of cars, the average dad (or mom) no longer appears to work on the car, either. Where some see disaster, others see opportunity. After all, we do live in a car-based society. If, as the article says, overall mechanical knowledge is on the decrease, dependence on auto mechanics can only be expected to rise, making it a more interesting career choice than ever. Plus, some auto mechanic schools boast graduate employment rates of as high as 95%.

An Auto Mechanic, Me?

Signs that a young person with a high school diploma may want to consider auto mechanic school include:

• Being good with their hands


• Having an aptitude for problem solving: Mechanics are called upon to diagnose car problems.


• Adaptable: Car technology is rapidly changing. Today's mechanics need to be open to change. Who knows, the cars of tomorrow may run on electricity, and tomorrow may come sooner than we think...

Taking the Leap... Choosing an Auto Mechanic School

Young people who are interested in becoming an auto mechanic can start the search for an auto mechanic school while they are still in high school. A motivated student enrolled in an intensive program can complete coursework in as quickly as 39 weeks.

Prospective students should look for:

• Instructors with real-life experience


• Hands-on training (with real cars)


• Fully equipped facilities with state-of-the-art technology


• Training in workplace safety


• Apprenticeship programs


• Training in communication skills and problem solving

Complete auto mechanic training also includes information on:

• Brakes


• Automotive computer systems


• Car ignition systems


• Wheels


• Air conditioning and heating systems


• Emissions inspection


• Car suspension


• 4x4s


• Exhausts


• Safety systems


• General maintenance

Most schools encourage prospective students to book a campus tour or to attend open houses to get a better feel of whether or not auto mechanic training is really the right diploma for them.

Mechanically minded high school students may have a competitive advantage in today's digital culture. They should be encouraged to become a mechanic by signing up for an automotive mechanic training at the school of their choice.

The Ten Things You Should Always Inspect When Buying a Used Car!

How to check a used car?. If you have ever bought a used car you know that sometimes things are not quite what they seem. At the time of purchase the car may seem just fine and even look and sound great, but later you start finding issues with it. Maybe it is scratches hidden by buffing or a strange sound from the motor. Maybe the steering seems to get looser and looser or an indicator light starts going off now and then. These things usually are not noticed when first buying a car because some of them are covered up by the dealership or owner selling it; and others are intermittent problems that will not be observed unless you are driving the car on a daily basis. All these possible issues though should be of concern if you want to make sure to get the best deal when getting that car.

The best way to avoid these potential money pit or safety problems is to get the first car inspected. There are a lot of car inspection services. out there to choose from. Some people even use friends or family to check out the car. No matter who you use; you should always have certain things checked out. These inspection points are a must know if you really want to ensure that the car you are going to buy is both worth the money asked and reliable and safe!

Exterior Elements:
Previous body work or repair - A sure sign that a car may have future issues is when you discover that body work has been repaired. Knowing this can save a lot of money in the future if issues arise that could have come from a previous accident.

Tire condition and tread depth - A money saver for sure is knowing how long the tires will last before you will need new ones. Another important factor in checking tires is your safety and the control of the vehicle. So, to get out of danger you need to have a safety vehicle inspection.

Interior Points:
Functionality of features and electrical components - There is nothing more irritating that trying to adjust a side mirror that has electronic controls and finding out that it does not work. The same goes for various lights in the dash and other important controls like the hazard lights.

Evidence of Smoke or odors - For many of us a buying a car that was once smoked in is not a choice we would want to make. Same goes for other odors or spills. A car that has had a lot of food spilled or chemicals could cause health problems down the road.

Under the Hood:
Fluid levels and hoses and belts - While these may seem an easy thing to check yourself the question is whether or not you know where every belt, hose or fluid container is. Miss one and you might be walking home at some point or calling a tow truck!

Fluid leaks - Many people might overlook a small drop of oil or some other fluid here and there, but these are sure signs of potential future problems that will need to be addressed. A car that is running like it was designed to should not be leaking anything.

Under Carriage:
Previous collision damage - Body work is one thing but repairs to the car's frame or other under carriage elements should be a concern. While usually good such repairs can raise safety concerns in the future as well as affect the car's overall life span!

Rust - Rust can be a problem for any car. Cars that were located in humid areas or near the ocean should be of considerable concern for the fact that rust could lead to needed repairs of the exhaust system and other important frame elements.

Test drive:
Car handling - Many people when driving a car will only catch the obvious issues. There are many small but very important things that can happen during a test drive though that will indicate if the car is in good condition and running as smoothly as it should.

Sounds - One of the best ways to tell if things are right is by the sounds the car will make during different performance tests. Unless you are an expert you will probably not pick up on most of these as they can easily be masked by the overall sound of the motor or road noise. To get safe you need to have motor vehicle inspection.

All of these things are important if you want to buy a car that will last and be safe to drive. Get a vehicle inspection services. done by a professional may seem like a waste of money but in the long run it can save you from buying a car that later will drain your pocket book with repair expenses! Companies like AiM will ensure that whatever you buy, or sell for that matter; will get a fair price and be exactly what you are looking for.

Windshield Repair Business - How You Can Get Started (Fast & Easy)

Let's get started.

What will you need?

First you'll need to purchase a windshield repair kit. You should be able to get a really good kit for less than $1,000.

Next you'll need to get a business license, liability insurance and get set up with the insurance networks so that you can collect the big checks from the insurance companies.

Once your kit arrives, you'll need to read the training manual and then watch the training video. Get yourself a used windshield to practice on (you should be able to pick one up at the junkyard or a glass replacement shop). You can usually get it free.

PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE.

After a few days to a week you should feel comfortable to start doing paid repairs and start advertising your business.

Whatever you do, don't throw your hard earned money away on boring, generic, me-too advertising. Use pre-emptive, strategic marketing.

Every day people are buying into the dream of owning their own business, with windshield repair being at the top of the list due to the low start-up costs involved. Most will fail.

America is the land of opportunity but that doesn't guarantee success. Trying to start a windshield repair business on your own without any marketing guidance or help is a recipe for failure. Sure, you'll get a thin marketing manual with the repair kit you order from XYZ WINDSHIELD REPAIR COMPANY. But, more than likely it's outdated and not going to be much help. Believe me I know. I wasted more money on marketing my business using the marketing ideas I was given when I purchased my repair kit than I care to remember.

5 Ways To Tell If A Body Shop Did Their Job

Car accidents are frightening. Trusting a body shop to repair the damage after an accident can be even scarier. The best way to feel confident with your car repairs is to use a professional auto body mechanic that is honest and reliable. Those who don't have a regular auto body mechanic can still be sure that their repair job is done right by following the simple tips below.

Tip #1: Understand the Estimate

Before giving a body shop the okay to get started, review the estimate carefully. Discuss the work to be completed with the mechanic and ask questions about the process if needed. Double check the cost breakdown and be aware of out-of-pocket expenses not covered by the insurance company. It is also a good idea to get a copy of the body shop's warranty policy along with your written estimate. When the job is finished, look over the estimate again and confirm that the stated work has been finished.

Tip #2: Shop Around

Don't decide on a body shop without a minimum of 2 estimates. Remember that in many states insurance companies are not allowed to limit the repair options to their own network of body shops. The stated prices and services of each repair shop aren't the only things to consider. Compare the organization and cleanliness of the work areas, look around the shops for certifications or job photos, and make note of the equipment. Every professional auto body center should have a paint booth and a frame machine.

Tip #3: Look at the Parts

Mechanics are notorious for installing aftermarket replacement parts but charging the customer for more expensive OEM parts. Less reputable auto repair centers may charge for parts that are never even replaced. When your repairs are finished, ask to see the damaged parts. Take a look at the newly installed components as well. It's also a good idea to read over the estimate again. Most body shop quotes will tell if a part is supposed to be refurbished, rebuilt, new OEM, or a generic replacement.

Tip #4: Inspect the Repairs

When a vehicle leaves a professional auto body shop, it should look like a brand new car. The car should be clean inside and out, and there should be no signs of body damage. Inspect the area that was repaired to see if there are noticeable gaps or misaligned pieces. Make sure the doors open and close freely, as well as the trunk. Try to look at the car's underside. If there's visible evidence that the frame was straightened, it could be a sign of a bad repair job. Another useful test is to check the headlight alignment.

Tip #5: Examine the Paint

A poor paint job is the most common complaint people have when they pick up their cars. Check the color consistency and make sure the fresh paint blends with the old. Also look for drips or overspray that may have accumulated along the edges of the car. You shouldn't see any fingerprints and the surface should be smooth. The most obvious signs of a bad paint job are rough spots or bumps in the finish. These blemishes are caused by dust and other debris that wasn't removed before painting.

If there is a problem, address it with the body shop manager immediately. A professional auto body repair center that stands by their work will gladly fix any mistakes. Don't be afraid to drop in while your car is being repaired either. Observing the job firsthand can be very reassuring.

Car Maintenance - What Women Should Know

Even though it seems like eons ago, in the not so distant past a female driver could pull in to a service station and have her car serviced; an attendant would actually come out and do any work for her that needed to be done. They filled your tank, and checked the air in your tires as well as your oil level. You paid for the gas and the oil - and didn't pay for anything else.

Those were wonderful times! Most women today don't even remember a time when such was the case. Short of having a guardian angel that doubles as an on-demand auto mechanic, every woman should at least have a basic understanding of how to care for her car.

When I first started dating my husband, I had been driving a pretty blue sports car for about a year. Being a gentleman, he offered to check whether my car needed service. He came to me at once and asked me when I had last changed the oil. "Do I need to change the oil?" I asked him. I just topped off on the oil whenever needed, but never changed the oil. When he drained the oil, it was like sludge, probably because I had driven 25,000 miles without changing it. Now I've learned that I need to change the oil regularly. A good way to remember to do it is to change the oil around holidays. Since I drive 15,000 miles per year, oil changes every 5,000 miles coincide with Easter, Labor Day, and Christmas.

Located inside your glove compartment, you will find the owner's manual; this is perhaps one of the most important things that comes with your car. It is recommended that you familiarize yourself with it; if you do, you will be well-versed in the things needed to keep your car running at maximum potential, and it will also tell you what the different lights and gauges are for. Another section that usually falls under the heading of "Maintenance Intervals" will indicate the suggested things that you should have done to your car at certain mileage milestones. Most of these small jobs are not difficult tasks to perform, and things like changing the air filter can be done at your local service station. The manual will tell you what type of oil and antifreeze to use and how much air to put in the tires. Keep a maintenance log inside the owner's manual so you will know when your oil was last changed.

Learn to check the pressure in your tires and to add air if needed. Learn how to change a tire if it becomes flat, and know where the spare tire and jack are. You can only depend on your roadside assistance provider for so much; if your tire goes flat in an area with no cell phone service, you may be on your own. You never know who the guy who stops to help you may be - he could be a Good Samaritan who just wants to help, or he could be a serial killer or sex offender. It is important that you at least know how to change a flat tire.

In the event your battery goes dead, it would be helpful to have a portable battery charger on hand. It's not necessary to have another car to jumpstart your battery, and the chargers are safer.

There is a built in device in brakes that will let you know that it's time to check them. A squeaking noise, caused by a small pin, will occur when the pads are reaching the point of being worn out. If you don't pay attention to this early on, you will find that your pads get completely worn out and you will end up spending twice as much money to fix them.

It is important to locate a quality auto mechanic before the need arises. Do it now - find a reliable and reputable auto repair shop before your car needs a repair that isn't covered under the warranty. Confer with people that you trust the most, such as family members and friends, to restore your peace of mind about needed repairs. However, if you put forth the effort to maintain your automobile, your driving should be relatively carefree.

Collision Estimating Software at Your Service Online

Vehicle owners seek to restore their auto bodies perfectly after collision. Collision shops want to speedily, flawlessly and aptly complete their jobs. Collision estimating software offers a favorable situation to both of them. Collision estimating software is used by auto collision shops to automate all collision estimating collision jobs. They are prepared to be used with printed collision guides (crash books), for prices and labor. It performs many functions which include; conversion of estimates into repair orders, combination of different phases of estimating, up to printing and faxing, printing of repair orders, management reports, etc. Collision estimating software is PC compatible and runs in all versions of Microsoft window. It is very easy to use.

Benefits of collision estimating software to collision shops are, it can handle all types of vehicles, it is easy to learn and use, it helps avoid too much writing and typing of documents and information, it brands your auto collision shop as hi-tech with professional outlook; it makes auto collision repairs quicker and more precise. Benefits of collision estimating software to car owners are; it reduces repair cost, it provides too precise information in a short span of time.

When you are building your social network or are planning to go ahead with your auto body marketing idea, you have to first decide upon your target audience. Towards whom do you want to direct and promote your collision repair services? If you work in the collision repair industry, what you need first and foremost is a website. If a customer wants to employ your service for collision estimating reasons or to have their car repaired, they actually have to bring their vehicle to the shop. Online car repair does not exist. In spite of this, the customers would want to check out through your website about how reliable your services are. An auto body shop website is the ideal way to promote your company. In this way, you can also provide auto estimating related information on it.

People search over the internet for sites of an auto body shop located in the neighborhood. Very few people look into the yellow pages for information, phone numbers and locations these days. Your website can be precisely informative and it should offer description of services you would provide to your customers, in brief. Pricing is also important to include. A synopsis of your services is comparatively affordable than auto body marketing with conventional print publicity. Availing the benefits of the internet make auto body marketing considerably easy. Your online presence would be noticed by many clients and they will reply with positive feedbacks.

Some of the easy ways to make use of auto body marketing both online and offline can get the customers interested in your website. When the benefits of your contribution to the collision repair industry are visible to them, they will place their trust in you. This would in turn fetch good business for you. Once you get your website set up ready, you can concentrate on your auto body marketing techniques. This should be the ambition of every auto body shop.

Ways an Oil Change Mechanic Can Mislead You

It is very important to keep up with the maintenance on your vehicle, so that it will run properly. The key to making your vehicle run as long as possible is by taking care of it. Although we hate going to see the auto mechanic it is very important. Taking care of your vehicle is like you taking care of your body by going to the doctors. We hate to go to the mechanic because it is always a ton of money and we are always afraid that we're getting ripped off. Some auto mechanics are great for scamming you and taking your money. One of the things that you need to keep up on when it comes to your vehicle is the oil changes. Going to get your oil changed doesn't have to be such a dreadful experience. A lot of mechanics like to rip you off with these but if you go in knowing how things work you can save yourself a ton of money. Ready below to see how you can avoid getting scammed by an auto mechanic.

How much do oil changes cost? - An oil change should never cost you more than $25.00. Before you even take your car in call up and ask how much they will be charging. You want to make sure you don't get ripped off. Unless you get a better oil or air filter it should be a reasonable price.

How often should you get an oil change? - Auto mechanics like to tell you that you need an oil change every 3,000. If you look at your oil when your car hits 3,000 miles it will not be that dirty. They like you to keep coming back for their business to make money. Take your car in when the oil is dirty not every couple days or miles. Although you don't need it every 3,000 it is important that you do get it when it starts to look darker than light brown or has a dark tint to it.

What kind of oil do you need? - Auto mechanics like to say that you need this type of oil for your car. If you want just a basic oil change let them know. You don't need anything fancy or expensive for your vehicle to run right. Yes, some oils may work better or last longer but they aren't needed for your car to run smoothly.

Make sure that when you go in to get your oil changed you let them know you want just a basic oil change. Also, when you pull up ask how much it will cost before they do anything. You don't want a surprise when you're finished by spending over $25.00. By asking how much it costs from the beginning they get the idea that they aren't going to be able to rip you off so let them know you're aware of how much an oil change will cost. Stop getting ripped off by auto mechanics and start paying the right price.

What Can Automotive Training Programs Do for You

Have you considered taking an Automotive Training Program?

With the rising demand for more cars and parts, now is an excellent time to consider a career in the automotive industry, and taking an automotive training program is your next step to this lucrative and exciting new career.

Despite what you might have heard, the auto industry is hiring. The economy may be struggling, but it seems that the auto sector is expanding, increasing manufacturing to prepare for a healthier economy to come. More auto plants are opening up (Toyota is opening in Tupelo, Mississippi) Toyota is hiring more workers, and Ford is also planning on adding workers to their renovated assembly plant in Louisville, KY, to name just a few examples.

Some hiring aims to meet immediate demand. Suppliers and automakers are gearing up to rebuild inventories that were depleted after the Japanese earthquake. This event left suppliers concerned about relying too much on far away supplies of auto parts. There is, in fact, more consideration to moving Japanese cars and parts manufacturing to North America.

What's more, numerous emerging technologies will are being implemented by carmakers across North American, ensuring that more cars and parts will be manufactured in North America. The auto industry, therefore, is poised for an even bigger hiring trend.

What's more, there are many fulfilling careers in the auto industry, covering a wider range of activities. Regardless of your age, background or the amount of previous schooling you have had, if you love cars then a future in the automotive industry is a rewarding, exciting and lucrative career opportunity.

The fastest way to find employment in the automotive industry is by taking a training program at a reputable college or private automotive training school. With employer demand being what it is, every advantage you can give yourself improves your job prospects...and there is nothing that looks better than certification and practical experience.

Automotive Training Programs feature practical, hands-on training with experienced instructors and state-of-the-art equipment, tools and software. They will allow you to be ready for work as an auto mechanic, service adviser, parts specialist or transport operator within a short period of time. Some automotive training courses take as little as nine months or less for you to earn a diploma or certificate.

Automotive Technology Training graduates have the highest annual employment rate. Most often these graduates will go on to enjoy apprenticeships in service facilities. These programs will help you take the next step towards becoming an automotive mechanic.

You don't, however, have to be an auto mechanic. Like any other massive industry, there are many different types of employment opportunities in the automotive field. You can learn, for example, to be an Automotive Service Advisor. If you are outgoing, person who loves working with people in fast-paced environments an automotive service advisor position focusing on customer service and parts might be right for you.

Truck transport, meanwhile, is vital to the economy, and regardless of the economic forecasts, there are still tremendous career opportunities. The field of transport operations can be extremely rewarding and fulfilling for motivated and responsible individuals.

So, if you have spent your life obsessing about cars, and want a career in the auto industry, take the next step and consider one many automotive training programs. There are so many to choose from. Take the step to a rewarding future. Now is a fantastic time to prepare for a career in the automotive field.

Car Body Repair Common Result of an Accident

If you've ever been in an accident you will know that car body repair is usually the route to take if your car can be saved. If you haven't been in an accident before, however, you may feel panicked and at a loss about what to do. Here are some tips about the side effects of your accident and some things that you should consider.

It's scary to be in an accident. The shock of the impact is scary and jarring. The first thing you should do is make sure that you and your passengers are okay. If not then call 911 if you are able to. Some cars have OnStar devices that will check in to make sure you and your passengers are okay. If not then they will contact emergency services for you.

Once you confirm you and your passengers are okay check to make sure the people in the other car are okay too. Once you make sure everyone is healthy then you will want to evaluate the damage to your car and to the other car(s) in the accident. This is when you should exchange insurance information with the other people involved in the accident.

Depending on the severity of the accident you may have to wait for the police to come and make a report. If the accident is minor then you have a legal obligation to report the accident to the nearest accident reporting station as soon as possible. If you do not report the accident, however minor, you could get in trouble for a hit and run.

Once you have reported the accident and exchanged insurance information you will have to contact your insurance company. They will likely want you to get an estimate of the damage to your car before they decide whether they will fix it or if it will be a write off. Most insurance companies have a deductible that you'll have to pay.

Once you have the insurance payment figured out and the estimate done for your car then you can begin the process of getting it fixed. Depending on the severity of the damage this could take some time. Most insurance companies will provide you with a rental car in the meantime so you can still get around. Most accidents at the very minimum cause some sort of damage to the car's body. This usually means you will need some auto paint repair done. If you have bumper damage then you will likely need car body repair done as well.

It's important to go to a professional who you trust for your auto paint repair and car body repairs. Since the insurance company is paying the costs to fix your vehicle let them worry about the price. Your major concern should be that the job is done properly and in a timely fashion. Your insurance company might not let you pick the place that you get your car work done. However, if they do then you should do a little research first before you pick an auto body shop. It's always best to choose a shop that will guarantee their work with a warranty. Car body repairs that are not done well can cause you more automotive problems later on.

When it comes to being in an accident the main thing to do is stay calm and follow the tips above step-by-step to reduce the negative side effects you may experience.

Auto Repair Advertising - Internet Marketing - 4 Hard Facts Every Shop Owner Must Know

Auto repair advertising has come into an age where consumers are bombarded with so many advertisements words like Quality, Reliability and Trust have become completely meaningless. Use those words to describe your facility and they will frequently stir up negative feelings and disgust in the general public. For the auto repair industry, who long ago hung their hats on such concepts, never before has there been a time to focus on communication and providing information to your customers based directly on their needs.

Auto Repair Advertising Fact #1 - The BIG Number To Remember:

150,000. It's round, it's big, but more than anything else it's the average number of ads people are hit with on a weekly basis. Worse yet, in almost every case the commercial screaming for attention communicates nothing of value or even of interest. Your customers hate this. Your customers want information before a sales pitch. They want relevant, high-quality information at a time when they are ready to listen.

For example:

Most of us look for only two things when we check our mail: First, something from someone we know, and second, something from companies we are already working with. Everything else is junk. This is also true for TV, Email, Radio, and just about every form of media business have available to them. The public is overwhelmed.

If you think these folks are rejecting your spray and pray advertising tactics now, just think about how angry they get when they call up for auto repair and get the "bring it in and we'll take a look" speech. They are calling for information. And now with the availability of email and the internet, those calls will become fewer and fewer.

Did you check your email this morning?

Auto Repair Advertising Fact #2 - Get Rid of the Cookie Cutter Responses

Does your marketing and correspondence, including phone and online communications, sound like a form letter? Are you delivering information and value, or are you just blanketing everyone with the same message?

If everything you do is not geared towards becoming an information provider, before selling your services as an auto repair technician, you will be dead in the water.

Auto Repair Advertising Fact #3 - Understand the Personal Response

What is a personal response? First off, directly answer any and all questions the person is asking. And don't just provide them with what's on topic; provide them with anything relevant to the situation. People don't just want an answer; they want a solution to their problem. They want that solution to be delivered from a person who can make them say "Oh, I didn't know about that. That sounds like a fantastic way to fix this..." And if you can be the shop who provides that little bit of extra information... you now have a customer for life!

Here's a real example taken from our database only a few weeks ago: 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee looks like it needs a new evaporator core. The car owner has called a number of shops out of the phone book and had been told 2 distinct things: 1 - "bring it in and we can take a look" and 2 - we can fix that problem with about 6 - 8 hours of labor and about $1500.

The canned responses from most shops contained only the bare minimum in terms of information. Shops this person called either did not know, or did not care to share better solutions. This person was frustrated and fed up. There was no trust, and there was no true communication.

Following a 2 day info hunt, this person chose a technician who quoted $85 more than every other facility. This technician was chosen simply because they were willing to provide information before sales. This simple "giving before receiving" solidified them as an expert in their field. This technician flexed their quality muscle before they flexed their sales muscle. Here's exactly what the shop said:

"We'll start by doing a recharge using a dye system so we can find out where your leaks are. That'll run you $X for the diagnostic along with the recharge and Freon. If your evaporator core is truly shot, we'll need about 8 hours of labor and that should be around $X. Parts will be around $X + Tax. But something to keep in mind - The general rule of thumb with us is that if the leak is small enough to patch we can just do the recharge. That means your diagnosis could be the same as the fix! It'll be a seasonal fix, but it'll save quite a bit of money and still keep you cool. Just for your info: At one time Chrysler had a recall on the evap leaks like this, could be worth a call to a dealer. If you fall under the recall guidelines they might fix you for free. Could be worth a look. Call us and we can have you taken care of ASAP."

Auto Repair Advertising Fact #4 - Use Communication 101:

Using the above example you should easily see how to communicate effectively even amid less than perfect information. First, they directly addressed the concern of the person by providing reasons why certain actions must be taken. Second, they gave insight as to possible alternatives which showed they were both knowledgeable and cared more about the customer than the high-dollar business. Lastly, they offered ballpark prices to get expectations in line with reality.

Because so many auto repair facilities allow their busy schedules to interfere with basic communication, the industry in general is now ranked just slightly above a root canal by the car driving public. Drivers expect to be cheated and lied to. They therefore walk through your front door with fear, skepticism and their guard very much up.

Don't just settle for tired, traditional advertising. It no longer works. You have to build trust and establish yourself as an expert in your field. When you learn to focus your marketing into specific, personal responses which directly address the concerns of your consumers, you will find yourself miles beyond your competition.

Dent Repair for Your Vehicle

You may need to have some dent repair done to your vehicle for any number of reasons. There could be something unavoidable like a late night hail storm. You could have backed into a post at low speed. Maybe your child was trying to see how well he could use a right handed golf club, despite the fact he's left handed (sorry Mom and Dad!) and sliced a golf ball right into the back of your van. It leaves an interesting looking dent, but is not something you want to brag about and show off to your friends.

Paintless dent repairs for your auto are the cheapest way to get your vehicle looking new again. This is a collection of different techniques which all remove minor dents and dings from your vehicle. It should be noted that these techniques are not always applicable in all situations. If there is damage to the paint it obviously cannot be used. Success of the repair can depend on the flexibility of the paint itself, and the amount of stretch the metal has undergone. Extreme dents and creases may not be repairable without painting afterwards.

The most common methods of auto paintless dent repair will use metal rods and body picks. They will be used to push out the dents from the inside of the body panel. It may sound simple, but it takes years of training through trial and error before a technician will ever be good at it. Some even consider it more of an art than a specific procedure with set ways of doing a repair consistently. Another way is through the use of glue that is specially designed to be used with a tab that will pull the dent out from the outside of the panel. No matter which option is used there will be slight fine tuning of the repair through the use of a technique called "tapping." This will shrink the metal in high spots and will make the surface flat. A truly skilled and advanced paint technician will not have to do this though.

Other valuable tools include simple fluorescent lighting, and a reflection board. They are used to see shadows that are created by deformation of the metal and are an important aspect of the repair process. Their proper use can be the difference between a repair that no one ever notices, to a repair everyone notices, to worst of all: a repair that needs repairing. Be sure to ask around and see if anyone you know has gone to a technician with a similar dent and had a repair done.

Weather, or rather, whether it was Mother Nature, an accident of your or someone else's doing, or a mistake with a golf ball that you can surely forgive your son for, automotive dent repair can be done easily and accurately. The best way to go about doing this is with a good technician who has the proper experience and knowledge with paintless dent repair techniques to fix your car so it appears good as new.

Glass Scratch Remover

Are you one of the millions of people who may be saddled with an unsightly scratch in your windshield or tabletop? Well if you have been looking for some time for a quality Glass Scratch Remover, your search is finally over! Hopefully you have not created a mess with an inferior product as it is all too easy to produce distortion and many other visibility problems if you try to tackle this problem unprepared.

Scratches on glass are more difficult to deal with than on the clear coat surface of your automobiles finish simply because glass is a much harder substance. A superior Glass Scratch Remover must have penetrating ability in order to get down to the level of the scratch and perform it's job properly. This can be a very difficult task for anyone trying to do it themselves at home.

Fortunately, there is a company called Glass Technology which produces a whole line of glass refinishing and restoration products. Their most famous products all seem to include the rare earth metal known as Cerium Oxide. You will find cerium oxide in most of their products such as:

• Liquid Diamond liquid glass polish


• Diamond Fast cerium oxide glass polish


• Cerium Oxide glass polishing compound

While they have many more products, I have personally tried the liquid diamond which has given me outstanding results. This unique formula with cerium oxide is perfect for producing the optical clarity one desires when trying to remove a scratch from their windshield or tabletop.

So just how do their products work? The mystery can be solved and summed up in two words. "Micro Replication"....this is how this marvelous Glass Scratch Remover does it's magic. During the rubbing, buffing, and polishing that takes place, microscopic pyramid particles grind down the area that is damaged until you reach the depths of the scratches. At this point, the mechanical polishing that you perform will render the glass clear. You will be utterly amazed at just how well this works.

As a former multiple car wash owner, I was often asked about automobile appearance products. As a Liquid Diamond user, I had no problem sharing my success stories with my car wash customers who were seeking a cure for the scratch in their windshield. Furthermore, I would tell them, "you can also use it on all your home glass surfaces without any worries". Anyone who left their car for detailing would receive a small complimentary sample of Liquid Diamond which certainly put a smile on many faces as this Glass Scratch Remover was a big hit.

Importance of Automotive Internet Marketing

If you are a business in the automotive industry and looking to increase sales and services creating a strong online presence is a must.

SEO is becoming a very competitive arena in a lot of industries, making it harder for companies to compete for top search engine results on Google, Bing, Yahoo. The good news for the automotive industry is that only 5% of automotive repair service companies are actively marketing their website or services. I personally have seen a huge growth in automotive marketing online in California, but other areas of the United States have been a lot slower to adapt. So what does this mean for automotive repair shops across the United States? A huge opportunity for automotive repair shops to beat the competition through actively marketing their website through search engine optimization and making themselves more visible on business directories online where you can rate and review shops. The world has moved away from flipping through the thick Yellowpages Book to find local businesses (more useful as a paperweight) and has moved towards Google.com. Whether on the PC, Smartphone, or tablet.

So whats the next step? Do a simple local test search online to see where your company ranks among the competition. (e.g. search "your town or surrounding towns" auto repair or more specific searches "your town" alignment repair, "your town" engine repair). After doing a few test searches how does your company rank? Top of the first page, second page, bottom of the third page, not visible at all? By doing this test you should be able to get a clear understanding where you rank locally online compared to the competition. If your company is at the top of the search results great, but do not get comfortable. Stay offensive and strengthen that position by reaching out to a SEO company or attending an SEO workshop. If your business is not ranked at the top, start planning. Reach out to a couple SEO consultative companies, compare pricing and packages, attend workshops, get your self listed in online directories, join social media websites, and have customers leave reviews on review websites. SEO Packages typically range anywhere from $300/month - $1500/month depending on the local competition and the amount of heavy lifting needed to be done to get your company to the top.

Key Takeaway: If you are in the automotive repair industry and want to get ahead do your homework and start planning an effective online marketing strategy. You will be ahead of the marketing curve and it will have a direct impact on revenue.

Auto Glass Replacement - Replacing Your Broken Window Doesn't Have to Be a Worry

Built to allow you to see out of the car but keep things from flying in with you is the windshield. It might not sound that fascinating, but it is a piece of art that you simply ignore until it cracks. When that happens many of us continue to ignore it until the crack has grown so large it's an embarrassment. At this point you have two schools of thought repair or replace. While repairing it is good for small cracks any car that has a crack over three inches really needs to be have auto glass replacement.

It sounds like a hassle, like something that will keep you from your baby for weeks on end, but actually it's fairly simple. Remove the old windshield, install a new one, and seal it up. Walla, auto glass replacement is done. That might be over simplifying the procedure but that really is all there is to it. What most people are afraid of isn't having a new windshield it's the looming question of will the new windshield leak in the rain, car wash, or snow.

To ensure that you get the best auto glass replacement you simply need to let your fingers do the walking. Okay, so you aren't going to use the phone book but you can hop on the internet. You need to find a reputable company that comes with good customer reviews, a quality guarantee and, of course, someone that will help you deal with your insurance company, and having one that can give you a free estimate over the phone or online is an added bonus.

If you are interested in front or rear auto glass replacement then you might be able to find a company that will come to you to repair the car versus heading to them. If you need it on any of the doors replaced you will most likely have to take it in but rest assured that most places will have even this type of job completed in less than a day.

There is no reason to drive around with a broke up windshield. Auto glass replacement is simple and easy. Finding the company to do it for you might take a little finger work but it's worth it. You want your car to be safe while you are driving on the road, and a broken windshield is just not really that safe. Take the time to find that company for you.

Starting An Auto Shop: Equipment Installation to Insurance Basics

Anyone who enjoys tinkering with mechanical parts has at some point wondered what it would be like to start his own business and do car repairs for a living. After years of working in the field you may have amassed the skills necessary to diagnose any car and get it back on the road quickly, but running a business takes more than just technical expertise. A successful company of any sort needs plenty of advance planning, and your auto repair business is no exception. It's important to find the right location, find an auto shop equipment installation company you trust, and get the proper documentation and insurance squared away before you open your doors.

If you're looking to branch out on your own, you need to find a location that will bring business to you. Unless you already have a large client base ready to migrate to your new location, you'll want to make sure that your storefront is located somewhere that people will see it. High traffic areas are desirable, but sometimes more expensive than a quieter area.

Wherever your budget affords, it's important that people can see your business from the road. Word of mouth can only go so far, so it's important to be accessible and recognizable. You'll also want to be sure to find a building that suits the trade - an auto shop equipment installation person should be able to help determine whether a certain location will house the tools you need for the job.

It's also crucial to budget for your tools and space at an early stage. You should be looking into auto shop equipment sales companies at the same time that you're looking at locations. You'll need to decide how big of a building you'll need, which is decided in part by the amount of staff you want to hire and the cost of the tools you need. A budget is crucial for making these decisions; you should work out some estimates of what you think you can afford beforehand. Then, when talking with property managers and auto shop equipment installation companies, you will have a baseline to help sort out your real-world options.

The biggest challenge for most car repair entrepreneurs involves the legal side of the endeavor. The first thing you'll need to do is register your business as an LLC, which can help reduce your liability should problems arise. It's also incredibly important to get good insurance and legal representation from the get-go. Many car repair businesses go under because they are not prepared for lawsuits. As good as you may be at your trade, cars are unpredictable and often times the finger of blame can end up pointing at you. It's also important to get any certifications or licenses required in your state.

If you're not prepared for all of these things, one tiny mishap could bring your efforts to a quick stop. It's important to have everything sorted out before your doors even open- you'll have enough challenges working out the kinks and establishing a regular clientele. Still, a car repair business can be a successful and lucrative use of your resources and surely an outlet for those tinkering urges.

What To Look For When Choosing A Car Repair Workshop

A car repair workshop is a car owner's best friend. Even people who have knowledge in fixing their own cars have at least once in their life visited a vehicle repair shop to have a check on their car engines. But what should motor vehicle owners look for when they need a reliable car repair workshop that could handle any problems with their car engines that they would encounter?

A car repair workshop should have competent mechanics. Mechanics that could handle multiple car engine types is a plus when it comes to choosing the right car repair shop to entrust your cars with. Auto repair workshops with well rounded mechanics are great especially when you have multiple vehicles of various car engines. Even though it is not bad to go to different car repair workshops for your different car engine types, having a single shop to provide service to all of your cars would save you time and give you convenience and ease.

A motor vehicle restoration work shop that could give extra services is a plus. An automobile repair workshop that could give other services other than fixing motor engines is preferred. Shops that could also provides services such as car detailing, car accessories installation, upholstery and things like these gives a major advantage to car owners as these type of car repair workshops could serve as a one stop shop that could cater to all car owner needs other than troubles with car engines.

The service cost of a car restoration workshop is a factor. Price is one of the most vital aspects to consider when going for a vehicle restoration. Most auto repair workshops can deliver quality service to car owners and get the job done, so when services are equal, a factor to look on to is the service cost of the repair. Be careful with shops that charge you extra for something other than repairing your motor engines that doesn't actually mean anything to you. The good automotive repair shop does what the customer requires and does not install or do extra work unless requested to.

A motor vehicle restoration workshop is an invaluable partner for auto owners. Though the said characteristics of a repair workshop would sometimes be hard to find, it would be worth the search. A good auto repair work shop would mean a longer life to your motor engine, more savings, and less headache for you.

Body Hammer & Dolly Techniques

For this article we'll discuss the two major techniques of using a body hammer and dolly, you'll have to decide when the best time to use each one is, dollies as with hammers come in a lot of shapes, and it will depend on the kind of work that you perform what you need as far as different shapes.

Obviously if your working with heavier sheet metal, you'd need a heavier dolly, they just kind of go together, that's about all I can tell you about selecting the right tool for this article, we'll get in to that later, that could be an entire article by itself.

For this article we'll discuss the two major techniques of using a body hammer and dolly, you'll have to decide when the best time to use each one is, dollies as with hammers come in a lot of shapes, and it will depend on the kind of work that you perform what you need as far as different shapes.

Obviously if your working with heavier sheet metal, you'd need a heavier dolly, they just kind of go together, that's about all I can tell you about selecting the right tool for this article, we'll get in to that later, that could be an entire article by itself.

The first of the two techniques is called hammer on dolly, pretty self explanatory, you put the dolly right behind the affected area and lightly pound the metal that's directly on the dolly with your flat faced body hammer, and pay close attention I said lightly, if you hit it hard you'll stretch the metal.

If you stretch the metal you'll have to use a whole new technique to fix it, called shrinking, a subject for another article also, so now that your hitting the affected area it should start to relieve the stress in the metal and relax, metal does have a memory, and this is a very good thing, it wants to be fixed.

Give it a few light taps, and then run your hand over the repair area and see if you can still feel the dent, if you can't that's great, your finished with the repair, if you can still feel the dent, you need to pound the metal a bit more, I know it's slow, and repetitive, but it does work.

The next technique is called the hammer off dolly technique, and this is just as it sounds, you don't hit directly on the dolly, you'd hit the metal about ½ inch away from the dolly, make sure that you have mastered the hammer on technique before trying this one, as it is a bit harder to do.

The hammer off dolly technique will push the metal that's directly in front of the body hammer, the force of the hammer is still transferred to the dolly, as a result the dolly will push the metal in a direction opposite of the hammer, if the metal was flat in would be forced in to an "S" shape.

When using the hammer off dolly technique, you'd hit the high spot that sits adjacent to the low pot in the metal, using the dolly to back up the low spot in the metal, to determine if the metal is repaired all you need to do is run your hand over the metal, you should be able to feel it, repeat if you still feel the dent.

Auto Glass Repair Done Incorrectly Can Be Fatal! 8 Things You Should Know

Your windshield on your car is so much more than just a piece of glass to safeguard you from the weather. Your windshield makes up 50% of the structural strength of your car. It can possibly be instrumental in causing auto airbag failure and roof collapse. During an accident, everything depends on the proper installation of your windshield.

Please Read:

1. No matter what type of windshield problem you have have it examined by a professional as soon as possible. Your life and your family's life could be in danger should you have an accident. Don't take any chances.

2. Some windshield repair shops cut costs by using cheap adhesive even though our lives depend on the quality of their work. Some shops use silicon bathtub cocking! When you need this type of repair, don't think about a bargain. You must think of safety first.

3. Stay clear of Do It Yourselfers! Always go to a reputable company where professionals will do your auto glass replacement:

4. Hire a company that has a lifetime warranty on labor for your auto glass replacment repair. Reputable companies use high quality materials and guarantee their work. They should use (OEM) Original Equipment Manufacturer glass.

5. Choose the right glass when you replace. Ask if they follow car manufacturers specifications. Ask what the proper cure times are for the adhesives they use.

6. Hire a reputable company that has a knowledeable Customer Service Department.

7. Ask the length of time the repair will take. Search for a company who installs windshield replacements correctly the first time around..

8. Ask if the company will honor your insurance's standard guidelines.

Check Engine Light/Service Engine Light, What Do They Mean?

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
The automotive industry has developed to a great extent. The invention of computerized vehicles too is a result of this research and development of the industry. Vehicles now are highly computerized, artificially intelligent, and active in terms of their functions. The Check Engine Light in vehicles is one of the examples of technological advancement.

A Check Engine Light is also known as a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (the MIL), and is a part of the On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) System. Engines are now managed through computers in terms of their performance, working condition, service requirements, wear and tear, and the like. It is no more a matter of checking everything manually; rather computers are present to take up this responsibility. A check engine light is usually placed in the instrument panel.

On the other hand, a Service Engine Light is something different. A service engine light indicates that a service is required, probably only an oil change or minor regular maintenance; it never indicates a problem as in the case of a check engine light. Although both are warning lights, they differ greatly in terms of urgency and/or a threat.

IT SIGNALS SOMETHING!
The number of people who do not understand what a check engine light means is higher than those who do. Buying a car is easier in comparison to its maintenance. A vehicle's engine requires repair and maintenance at regular intervals, but people do not give this as much importance as it requires. Probably this was the reason why the check engine light was introduced.

A check engine light is an indicator of the engine's condition. When it's lit it signals something that the vehicle's owner or the occupant must understand. Usually a check engine light lights up in following modes:

• A steady light: It signals a minor problem associated with the engine that is not urgent but is certainly important.
• A blinking light: It signals a major problem associated with the engine which is both urgent as well as important.
• A yellow light: It signals that the engine needs to be checked, but it does not identify the exact problem.
• A red light: It signals a potential threat, a serious one.

However, by urgent, it doesn't mean that the problem ought to be fixed then and there; instead it means that the vehicle should be checked by a qualified technician as soon as possible so that the problem could be eradicated long before it harms other parts or components.

CODES DO IT ALL!
It seems like even an engine has its secret codes that are usually understandable for a qualified mechanic or a technician. As soon as a light illuminates over the On-Board Diagnostics System of a vehicle, a code is sent to its built-in computer's memory. This code determines the exact location or the source of trouble.

There are particular electronic scan tools that are designed to decode those codes so that the problem can be fixed. This scanning tool may also be referred as a diagnostic computer which is available at almost all repair shops. In addition, other types of code readers are also available for DIY customers.

Actually it is a check engine light that performs the trickiest function; whereas the manual task comes later in the picture only when the computerized management system has indicated, coded, and retrieved a specific piece of information.

Note that at times it happens too, that a check engine light illuminates without any problem. It may happen because of a temporary change in weather, such as a change in humidity. Such illumination does not stay for long.

Car Repair Priorities

When it comes to making repairs on your car you sometimes have to prioritize those repairs based on your financial standing. Not all repairs are created equal and some are definitely more important than others to make in a timely manner. So what repairs should you prioritize when you start to work on your car?

In my opinion you should always start your repair work on parts of the car that had the element of safety to them. For instance, if your air bag needs to be replaced, if you have a bad wheel bearing, or if your seat belt is malfunctioning, these are the first repairs that you should make: Safety comes first.

The secondary repairs that you should prioritize are problems that compromise the integrity of your car, but not necessarily the safety of it. These secondary problems might include replacing a serpentine belt, regular maintenance such as an oil change, or getting a new catalytic converter. You might be asking why getting something as important as a catalytic converter is a secondary concern, and it is simply because I think it's better to have a car that doesn't run then to have an unsafe car.

The third round of repairs consists of cosmetic flaws. If you have bad paint or rusted body work, that doesn't compromise the safety, than these will have to be on the lowest priority level. These are problems that don't affect safety or performance but are merely cosmetic in nature, so while these may be the most important issues for your own vanity they're really not the most important in terms of what repairs you should prioritize.

Bumper Repair - 5 Myths Debunked

Bumper repair is the most common car body repair carried out in the United Kingdom. The reason for this is fairly obvious - bumpers are designed to take the impact first of any kind of collision: that is why they protrude from the front and rear of every car.

Within the mobile smart repair industry there are a number of myths regarding bumper damage and this article will address five of them:

1. It is cheaper to replace a bumper than have it replaced

There is no way that this is remotely true. A new bumper, prepped and painted for a late model BMW can cost you over 瞿1400 when fitted by a main dealer with OEM parts. Even using a cheaper, imported bumper and a local car body shop will cost you well over 瞿500. A mobile smart repair can be carried out on the bumper from around 瞿100. For major scuffs, dents and scrapes all over the bumper you can still expect to pay less than 瞿300

2. Plastic bumpers need repairing less than metal bumpers

The idea behind this myth is that plastic can "give" more than metal and therefore bounces back into position after minor collisions. What actually happens with all modern plastic bumpers is that the plastic deforms very easily when it impacts on something else. This is by design - a bumper is there to take the brunt of the energy imparted by a collision to protect the car and the occupants of a car.

3. It is cheaper to Do It Yourself with bumper repair

Whilst it may look cheaper on paper when you compare the cost of a bumper repair kit (瞿30) against a mobile smart repair on the bumper (瞿125), the process of actually fixing this type of bumper damage is fairly complex and specialist tools are required to get a perfect repair at the end. It is very unlikely an amateur can restore a modern plastic bumper to any kind of acceptable standard. In fact a lot of bumper repairs involve fixing the damage done by a DIYer.

4. A mobile smart repair is never as good as a replacement part.

In fact a replacement bumper still needs to be repainted before it is put on your car so you cannot avoid having paintwork applied to any restoration or replacement. Modern smart repair techniques can match your car paint work exactly to the manufacturer's standard and the results are often invisible.

5. Scratch repair and dent repair are the same thing

Not at all. The techniques involved for the two types of repair can sometimes be similar but just as often can be completely different. An expert at dent removal is not necessarily good at repairing scratches. A full mobile smart repair technician should be an expert at both types of repair.

Bumper repair is a specialist car body repair carried out by mobile smart repair technicians and can increase the value of your vehicle

Smart Repair Training Basics

Bumper repair accounts for most of the repair work that is done on car bodies. Car bumpers, while designed to make the car as safe as possible, cannot generally handle large impact collisions with other vehicles. The most they can withstand, and still be repairable, are low level collisions with small vehicles, generally two wheelers or minor scrapes and scuffs against other vehicles and barriers and bollards and the like. The general idea of a bumper is to absorb the power of an impact and so they deform very easily by design.

When large impact collisions do occur, most car owners would prefer to just get a simple paint job done on the bumper, to make it look as good as new. This is generally inadvisable, since any further strain could make the crack line much wider and definitely more unsightly than before. At this point, most car owners are left with two choices, buy a new bumper or get it repaired.

While getting a bumper repaired is always an easier and more cost effective way of getting the bumper to look as good as new, sometimes when the owner's budget is tight, he or she would like to get the bumper repaired on their own. While repairing the bumper on one's own is definitely a sign of self sustaining capabilities, it is generally not preferred.

Why is that, you might ask. Getting a self- repair bumper kit is quite cheap and easy, the problem is that it is a complicated procedure to actually fix the bumper to an acceptable standard. Fixing the bumper involves drilling holes into the bumper of the car. This step is followed by filling the said holes with a fast acting resin that is supported by a mesh that is placed inside. This step is followed by sanding, priming, painting and lacquering. Finally, the owner must polish the hardened lacquer to finish the repair. Obviously, such techniques require a considerable amount of skill. Thus enters the concept of Smart Repair Training classes.

A plethora of training centers have now sprung up all over the world. The aim of these institutions is to teach the trainee SMART (Small to Medium Area Repair Technology) techniques. These inexpensive courses teach the students not only bumper repair, but a wide range of techniques to look after their car's needs. These courses also include many practice sessions on which the trainees can test their new found skills on actual car bodies. Since the techniques that are taught are quite complicated, these courses are quite rigorous so as to make the trainee skilled in solving almost any car problem.

While it may be less complicated to get it repaired by a smart technician, the self sufficient/ cost effective car owner can always learn these techniques to take care of their cars. Since these techniques can always come in handy in the future, more and more car owners are now flocking to such centers to learn smart techniques. An added bonus of course is that a new career in smart repair follows on from this very easily.Repair Training Basics.

Successful Business Ideas - Buying an Existing Business

Instead of working to come up with your own successful business ideas, consider taking a shortcut and buy an existing business. True businesses operate like machines and in the same way a machine can be bought and sold so to can a business. Here are just a few examples of businesses you might find available for sale in your area:
Automatic car wash
A laundromat
A real estate management company
A vending machine route
A convenience store
An apartment building
An auto body shop
A pizzeria

These are just a few examples. Open your Yellow Pages or Google local businesses to find out more about what's in your area. Once you have an idea of the kinds of businesses you might be interested in, start asking people in your network and call your state corporation commission and local chamber of commerce to find out what resources are available to find businesses that are up for sale.

Why would somebody sell their business?

There are a variety of reasons for selling a successful business. The owners may be advanced in years and are interested in passing along their business to a new owner with the energy to continue it. Someone may be looking to move and owns a business that relies on local clientele. In a situation like this it makes much more sense to sell the business even if that person intends to start the same business up again in a new location. Other times, you may find someone who is a great idea person but doesn't have the skills required to operate and maintain a successful business.
Before you ever agree to buy a business you need to do due diligence and check all of the parts of the machine to ensure it are healthy and functioning. Consider hiring a lawyer and a CPA to review contracts, the operating agreement, the balance sheet, accounts receivable, any outstanding debt or liabilities of which you need to be aware before making a purchase decision.

In many cases it is possible to buy an existing business without any money of your own. Sometimes the current owner will be willing to sell their business with no upfront money in exchange for residual income from the business. If you were going to get a loan and make payments on a business anyway, this sort of arrangement could be a great deal.
In other cases you may be able to demonstrate to a lender that you are buying a business that already has a steady cash flow which can support a business loan. Based solely on the financials of the business itself you could find yourself owning a business and receiving its cash flow more quickly than you ever thought possible.
Sometimes an existing business may contain hidden assets which the original owner didn't realize or wasn't willing or interested to exploit.

A friend of mine purchased a coin operated car wash from a relative using a business loan from the bank. Immediately she got to work making minor improvements to the business which resulted in an increase of car traffic and better cash flow. The car wash was built on a property which had over an acre of raw land not used by the car wash. While operating the car wash she developed a business plan and obtained a construction loan to build a self storage unit on the remaining land. Cars that came to get washed noticed the new storage facility and she quickly sold out all of the available lockers. What started as one business became two and her personal wealth exploded.

Not only can buying an existing business be a great way to shortcut the path to one of your successful business ideas, it can also yield additional assets and opportunities you may have never thought of otherwise. As you work to build a new business don't forget to look and see if one is already waiting for you.

10 Steps to a Body Shop Repair

Like with anything in life that requires a great deal of effort there will almost always be a process that one must follow in order to insure things are done completely and accurately. Body shop repair is no exception. From the initial accident to the insurance claim and estimates through the final repair and completion there are an enormous number of items that need to be addressed. Here is a quick overview of the steps which may make your life easier when the time comes to get your vehicle repaired:

Step 1. Getting an Estimate
In most larger body shops that are better equipped to handle repairs better, in order to provide the most accurate estimate possible, the collision estimator will enter all the information about the repair into a computerized estimating system. A report is then generated outlining the work that will need to be done along with the costs involved.

Step 2. Getting Insurance Approval
Once an estimate has been obtained from a reputable collision repair shop, a representative from the insurance company may want to inspect the vehicle and prepare their own estimate for comparisons. Before the repair process can begin, in most cases the body shop must work with the insurance company to make sure the figures on the body shop estimate is in line with the figure from the insurance company as well as with the repair procedures needed to fix any damage. Because of this step, it is not uncommon for an insurance company to evaluate as a total loss so no repairs will be needed.

Step 3. Disassembly
Occasionally there may be the need for extra charges due to additional damage that is found after a vehicle has been disassembled for repair. When this happens, photos will be taken of the damage and the owner and possibly the insurance company will be contacted to get approval for any additional repairs.

Step 4. Ordering Parts
Before any work begins and in many cases before you are asked to bring your car in for repair, all parts will be ordered for your vehicle's repair to make sure they are available when the work begins. This insures the repairs are done quickly and efficiently with the least amount of inconvenience to the customer. Occasionally, there may be the need to place a special order for parts which can then add time to the repair process.

Step 5. Frame Repair
Most larger collision repair shops are equipped with sophisticated repair systems that enable them to carefully and accurately measure, analyze, and align the frame of your vehicle to restore it to its original factory specifications.

Step 6. Body Repair
Depending on the nature of the damage to the vehicle, there may be the need to perform some major body repair. The body repair process involves replacing any damaged exterior parts as well as any necessary metal finishing.

Step 7. Paint
After all of the repairs have been completed and parts replaced, the next step is to repaint the repaired areas. Generally a computerized paint-mixing system will be used in order to match your vehicle's paint color perfectly. To ensure the best adhesion possible, the areas to be painted are sanded down then are masked and primed for refinishing.

Step 8. Reassembly
After all necessary repairs are completed and the vehicle has been repainted, the next step is to reassemble any parts that were removed and/or repaired. A check is then made to verify that your car is structurally sound and ready for delivery.

Step 9. Inspection
When everything has been put back together and the technician is satisfied that the work is complete, a test-drive of your vehicle is completed in order to perform a quality control system check to make sure everything functions correctly and the repairs have been completed successfully.

Step 10. Completion
When your car is ready for pick up, the repair service manager will meet with you to review your invoice and answer any questions. The goal should be to make

Auto Glass Repair - Questions You Should Ask

Whenever an accident occurs, the possibility exists windshield was broken. A small crack can extend over the area of your eye or can be extended to the inner layers of the windscreen which is a plastic layer that is sandwiched between two layers of glass. A small stone can also cause great damage. In the case of this type of situation, the first thing that comes in our mind is what the choice to go - replacing or fixing. Set save much money. There are more windows that are designed in such a way that can be repaired. Injections of these special days have come on the market for automotive glass, including a single resin, which when injected into the damaged area by the use of special tools are mounted directly onto the glass. Some cracks or fragments can respond effectively to the repair, while some can not. Windshield repair is to give first aid. If the crack is fixed then there are no more likely to damage, deterioration of the condition of windshield.

Fixing the windshield can be ¼ in size or up to 3 inches in length. However, with the help of technology advance-fixing up to 12 inches in length is possible, nothing beyond that), the substitution is simply suggested. Size and position of damage is the most important thing to keep in mind. Damage to the edges of the windshield will spread quickly and completely damages the consistency of glass. If the edges are damaged, fixing, then it instantly to save the life of your windshield. Some current technologies are unable to repair the cracks that come directly in the driver's sight line of sight as a small fabric can be left behind. In this example, the replacement will be a good decision. Charges for fixing the damage depends on windshield. If the cracks are nearly 12 inches long, then relief will be really expensive. There are several advantages of setting more than replacement. Fixing windshields can cost $ 60 1 rock chip rock chip and fixing in the windshield can cost $ 30. This is really profitable replacement windshield out a very costly and does not come with any guarantees. Today services are available at home for setting the technology to save time if it has opted for the replacement vehicle may be left at the garage for several days.

Opting for the automatic selection of fixed glass have the advantage of maintaining the original factory seal on your vehicle that results in no leakage of water or air. Windshield chip repair of the environment as an option can not be recycled windshield. When in doubt, want to replace the windshield then the insurance company may not pay up the full substituion, but fixing it could pay the full cost. Therefore, the repair is the most profitable. Before you go, whether for replacement or fixing, please consult a specialist who can review the glass windscreen and advice in case of fixation may be a solution. In the case where the damage is not very big then threatened his life and the replacement of the windscreen is essential. Just remember that life is more important than anything else.

Choosing A Local Auto Body Repair Company

Ah, you have been in accident! Not a favorite experience of many people. Whats even worse than the actual fallout of the automobile accident itself is getting your vehicle repaired.

If you go through a reputable and ethical auto body repair shop you will end up with an automobile that drives and looks just like its was never wrecked. If you go through a shady company you will have a substandard vehicle that will have a really low re-sell value in the future. Here is what you can do to prevent the latter from happening.

Make Sure The Estimate Includes Factory Parts

How can one body shop give you an estimate that is half the cost of another? The answer usually is that one will use aftermarket parts that cost half the price.

This is very important to know! Aftermarket parts are usually not high in quality and many times do not fit exactly like original ones made from the actual manufacturer. Shops usually have to play and bend aftermarket parts to work and they do not usually last a long time. They can also compromise a car's tolerance to withstand another wreck. A bumper for instance made by the manufacturer is made to withstand a certain impact. Its made to bend and crumple a certain way so that the people in the car absorb as little shock as possible. An aftermarket part may look genuine but it is probably made out of inferior materials and its threshold is a lot lower.

Demand that original parts be used to rebuild your car.

Check the Better Business Bureau for Any Complaints

Look up a company in the BBB and see if any complaints have been filed in the last year. If so try to inquire why. If a certain business has high stars and a high satisfaction rate then you have a good idea of what company you are dealing with.

Ask For A Couple References

Ask them to supply you with the name of recent customers who they have serviced. Call them up. See if these individuals were happy with the work that was performed for them. If an auto body shop is hesitant to supply with at least three names then I would go somewhere else.

Warranty

Any service like this should stand behind their work and offer some type of guarantee. They should back all their parts and labor with a warranty that lasts at least a year. If something falls off or if the paint fades after only a month then you want to make sure that they are willing to fix their mistake.

Ask To See Pictures

Ask a body shop to see some before and after photos. Do they have experience in doing the work you need done? Have they ever worked on your type of car before? What is the worst wreck they have fixed? These things are good points to keep in mind.

How a Windshield Repair is Done

Windshield repair involves squeezing resin into the ding or crack by a vacuum that seals out air and moisture. It is then exposed to UV light to dry the resin to a crystal clear. Scratches on the windshield are treated differently. A glass polishing kit is used to eliminate scratches by grinding the glass level to the bottom of the scratch to bring back glass opacity. The glass is then waxed to smooth perfection.

If done properly, windshield repair saves you money because it costs less than windshield replacement. Though most small blemishes like nicks, cracks, and scratches can be repaired, a replacement is recommended for long or spidered cracks that affect the whole windshield.

Windshield repair may sound simple but nothing can be further from the truth. It requires the skillful hands of an experienced technician whose skills are honed after years of continuous practice of the craft. It is beyond the scope of most weekend repair jobs done at home. It should be done professionally by auto glass repair specialists who possess the skills and resources to do the repairs.

Even these auto glass repair experts will say that this type of auto repair is not something everyone can do. Because a broken or scratched windshield impairs your vision while driving and endangers your safety, it is best to see an auto repair technician expert with the job. If you are in Orange County area, there are a lot of windshield repair Orange County shops that offer professional windshield repair and replacement services. Maybe you just need to decide if you need a replacement or just a repair. Generally, windshield replacement costs more especially if you have curved or shaped windshield.

When doing a repair, there are several things to keep in mind. This is the reason why it is so much better to let the experienced hands of a windshield repair Orange County technician to do the job and not to do it yourself.

First, the repair should not be done in an open area exposed to direct sunlight or else the resin will harden too quickly and your repair won't be as beautiful as can be. It is also very crucial to keep the damaged area clean of loose pieces of broken glass using a glass cleaner to pick them out and clean the surface.

Second, it requires delicate handling because even the tiniest speck of dust in the resin can affect the strength of the glue that aims to eliminate the blemish.

Lastly, it requires drilling of tiny holes into the glass and uses special glazing techniques to make the scratches and cracks disappear from the naked eye. Only skillful, experienced hands of a windshield repair Orange County technician can do it quickly and efficiently.

The price of the repair is usually less than a hundred dollars. Of course, the exact amount depends on the size and location of the crack. Compared to complete windshield replacement, repairing your windshield saves you money. That is why you need to pay extra attention to your car's windshield and get it repaired the moment you noticed small dents or cracks on it.