Car Repair Do's and Don'ts

Car repair done properly can be the difference between keeping a job and losing one. It can mean the difference between getting a loved one to the doctor or hospital in an emergency or having devastating consequences. It can spell the difference between getting to the grocery store several few miles away to take advantage of all the great sales on fresh produce and grainy bread or settling for the pricey sub-par fare at the local mini-mart.

It can mean picking the kids up from school or having them take the bus with that cranky gum smacking bus driver who looks like he may have just been released from the state penitentiary. It can mean taking your dreamboat out for a date or watching as she goes off with someone else in his red sports car. Here are some do's and don'ts for choosing an automotive servicing location:

- Do choose a place that is conveniently located. How will you get home or to work if the repair shop is way across town? Choose a location that is convenient to your home or office. Can you walk to where you need to go while the reparation is taking place?

- Do choose a mechanic that is certified. Mechanics who work under the hood of your vehicle should have substantial training, experience, and certification. Ask the shop owner and you'll find out.

- Don't wait until the last minute to get your car serviced. Are you going on a cross-country journey in the morning but haven't had the vehicle serviced in a long time? This is a big no-no. Many shops can get you in rapidly, but in and out in a matter of minutes is unlikely.

- Don't ignore the flashing warning lights in your vehicle. Those lights mean something. It may be anything from tire pressure problems to needing an oil change. It could also mean that something terrible is happening inside your engine. The longer you drive it without service, the worse it's going to get. Pay attention to the flashing lights on your dashboard. They're there to help you.

- Don't forget to make certain your MPH gauge is operating. Not knowing how fast your vehicle is going is just asking for a speeding ticket. Pay attention to those cameras at various intersections, too. They're designed to photograph inattentive speeders and slap them with huge fines.

- Do have a way to remind yourself when oil changes are needed. A sticker in the windshield, a post-it note on your calendar, whatever works, don't forget to change your motor oil when necessary. Keeping motor oil clean, pure and at peak fullness will extend the longevity of the vehicle.

- Don't wait till the car breaks down to bring it in. Preventative maintenance performed on a regular basis will substantially cut down on hefty repair bills. Schedule preventative maintenance appointments according to your car's owner manual, which should be referred to on a regular basis.

- Do choose a repair shop with a good reputation. Ask your friends, neighbors, and coworkers who they use and why. A word-of-mouth reference is golden.

Car repair should be performed according to these do's and don'ts. You'll be glad you did.

What Are the Advantages of Having an Automobile Warranty on Your Car?

Owning and driving a car these days is almost like driving a computer on wheels. It is still a mechanical machine although most of it is controlled by electronics. The date of repairing your own car has pretty much passed. There was a day when if you had a tire iron and a screwdriver you were good to work on the car. NO MORE, technology of automobiles today requires that you take it into an automotive repair facility. Unless you have a relationship of trust built through experience with your mechanic your car repair and wallet are left to the judgment, skills and needs of the mechanic. If you have an extended service contract or car warranty, the automobile warranty company looks at the claim; the auto warranty company makes a judgment as to the legitimacy of the claim. Is there a need for a second opinion? Independent automotive diagnostic specialists go to look at the repair necessary. Because the repair specialist makes the same amount of money regardless of the repair being done or not, you have a qualified unbiased decision to help you get the car repaired. This second opinion in not only free when you have an auto and truck warranty contract, you have a company up at bat for you making sure what work is done are the right repairs to get you back up and running quickly!

Vehicle warranties also protect how much money you might have to pay for a repair. Most warranty companies use a national standard labor and material rate protecting you from overcharges by the repair facility. When you purchase an extended vehicle warranty you may make payments or pay it all at once when you have the money. Of course we know that the car is going to break down in the worst time and the bill is going to be much more than you can afford that time, unless you are prepared, by having an extended vehicle warranty. Finally the vehicle warranty will give you peace of mind that if something happens to your automobile you have protection against a catastrophic loss.

The make and the model of the car, the mileage on the car, the value, and age of the car requires you to talk to an agent who will help you choose the best warranty for your needs. Your car may be older and you just need a drive train warranty for the engine and transmission. You may find the best option is what is known as factory like warranty or bumper to bumper warranty, which covers everything from the mechanical parts of the door locks, the computer, the suspension, and many mechanical and electrical parts. Ultimately a warranty is going to protect you from unknown things that will go wrong with your car, and give you some peace of mind when driving your car! If you would like more information on warranties then please access our website from the resources box please mention Dave as referral.

Selecting an Auto Body Repair Shop

Due to the amount of time we spend on the road the chances of us needed to find a great auto body shop may come up more than once. Most of us get a little flustered at the thought of searching for the right place that can work in your price range. No one ever knows where to start though. Here are a few tips on choosing the perfect auto body shop for you.

The first step is finding an auto body shop that will fix your car to look like the collision never happened. Some good auto body shops will only have the ability to fix your car to a point called pre-loss condition. Pre-loss condition is when the mechanic fixes your cars appearance, body structure, and keeps your cars mechanical reliability.

Next comes customer service, our favorites. Everyone has horror stories about bad customer service in numerous places of business. However, if you are calling an auto body shop that means that lives were once in danger so they should immediately ask if anyone was injured. Their chance at making money should never overshadow your needs or concerns. Many body shops are only in the business because they know that everyone will need to have their car repaired at some point. Most of those businesses do not have a skilled and knowledgeable staff. That is why it is so vital to find the right body shop so you and your insurance company are getting what you have paid for.

When dealing with your insurance company, make sure that you fight for the right to pick your own repair shop. Most insurance companies and repair shops have a deal worked out to lower the shops cost in exchange for giving them business. The shop then cuts corners and leave out steps to keep the cost down. This in turn means you are paying the insurance company the inflated premiums and your deductible but are only receiving second rate repair. The insurance company may respond saying that they can not guarantee the work of other shops but in reality all good shops guarantee their work for as long as you own that car. If a shop says that they do not have that standard, it is a sign to keep looking.

Always ask the person who is estimating your damage questions. If you are working with a smaller shop the person you are speaking with will probably be the one working directly on your car. In larger chain shops they have sales people who do the estimates and have no direct connection or knowledge about your car. The techs working on your car may not want to rewrite you an estimate to make it the correct amount. Never be afraid to ask questions if you are confused. Larger shops may have fancy equipment and tools to make people believe that they are much more advanced then other shops but in reality, those fancy tools are rarely even used in fixing your car.

Always ask the body shop about their insurance programs or DRP (direct repair programs) because this may mean they can not create their own business and need the help of a deal. Not all shops that have these programs are bad shops but it can defiantly be a red flag.

The very best way to find a good body shop is by word of mouth, so ask around. Most people would never send you to a place where they were not satisfied with the work they were given.

Now when you are stuck in a bind after a collision you will have the right information and questions to ask before selection the body shop for you. The last and the most important thing to remember is, if you ever feel uncomfortable or pressured by a body shop, move on because they may be desperate for business because they are not known for their good service.

Winter Roadtrip Preparation: Emergency Essentials for Your Family's Survival!

You and your family have a great trip planned traveling up north skiing - only your pleasant journey is interrupted. Your vehicle has become trapped in a few feet of snow on a rather remote road and you have no shovel to get yourself out. Yes, it gets worse as it is below freezing with blizzard conditions expected.

Without the proper tools and essentials, your weekend getaway can become your worst nightmare! Don't be a victim...the following steps will ensure you arrive at your destination safely:

Vehicle Check-Up. Just as you would check you car prior to any long trip, it is even more critical to inspect the following elements on your car prior to winter travels:

• 
  Tire Pressure - According to the Goodyear Tire Company, winter is the time when the inflation of your car's tire drops. This is because the air inside the tire goes down as the temperature around also drops. If the temperature drops to around ten degrees, the tire pressure also goes down by about one to two pounds.


• 
  Antifreeze - Antifreeze has a lifespan of only two years because it decomposes. It loses its protection agencies and begins to form acids which could actually cause problems with your vehicle. Make sure you have enough coolant and that there are no leaks if the level is low.


• 
  Oil - Check the oil level and color: If it's way too black, it's definitely time to change it. If it's slightly-brown, it's O.K. If it's dark-brown, but still transparent, it's o.k. but will need to be changed soon. If it's white (coffee with milk color) it means the engine coolant mixes with the engine oil because of some internal engine problem, for example, blown head gasket - have your car inspected!


• 
  Wiper Blades - Ensure your blades are clean and in good condition. If they are producing streaks on your windshield, this can greatly impact your visibility in already poor conditions.

Plan Your Route. Prepare the safest route to your destination taking only major highways and roads, if possible. Never take shortcuts, especially in bad winter weather. Be sure to let someone know when you leave, what your route will be, and what time you will arrive.

Watch the Weather. Getting stuck in the middle of nowhere or by the side of the road, getting into a car accident, running off the road - these are all possibilities that are greatly increased with poor weather conditions including icy roads and highways, blizzards, and hazardous road conditions. It may be 70 degrees and perfect when you depart; however, you could be headed towards white-out conditions!

Emergency Supplies. Make sure you have extra food and water, extra warm clothing including gloves, scarves etc., compass/GPS, first aid kit, Swiss army knife, basic tools (screwdrivers, wrench, pliers) flashlight flares and spare tire. In addition, extra fluids including oil, antifreeze, wiper fluid etc.

The Truth About Salaries For Auto Mechanics

One of the most commonly asked questions an aspiring auto mechanic has is if it is feasible to live well AND support a family on an auto mechanic salary. To be direct... it sure is! Just like any career where there is room for advancement, your years of experience and knowledge will determine how much income you will be making while living out your passion fixing cars. With that being said, don't expect to be making enough to buy a brand new car (or even a house) right off the bat.

The novice mechanic, just out of school can be guaranteed a starting pay of roughly $10-$13 an hour. Though, this starting pay is not always ideal, it allows you to earn a paycheck as you learn about the specific automobiles you'll see everyday. This assures that newcomers can take their time learning and building their skills up. When just starting out, if your shop is open on Saturdays, be expected to work. Your willingness to work hard will help you advance quicker.

As stated above, the more you work the better you become and with that, the better your pay becomes. The median yearly auto mechanic salary is roughly $35,000 a year. Some find that number ideal, but most want to max out their earning potential. You will not be stuck making around that amount, it is just an average. That number takes into account several factors; mainly the salaries of several different experience levels. The ability for mechanics to make two or even three times that figure is not uncommon, in fact it is commonplace.

So how does one boost their salary? As mentioned above, years of experience is the biggest factor when getting a raise. It's not so bad because normally after working for a year, you will get that pay raise. To be eligible for this first raise you must show that you have gained further knowledge of the vehicles you are working on, the majority of your first year learning will be done while working, you may receive training pamphlets and CD's from time to time or (if you're lucky) your boss might enroll you in training programs. This is normally done at dealerships for factory training, but some companies have started to offer dealership specific classes to specialty shops and independent repair shops. Also be expected to repair a vehicle correctly the first time in a good amount of time.

While there are many opportunities to increase your auto mechanic salary through training, both on the job and in the classroom, one route to boost an auto mechanic salary is to pass ASE certification tests. Passing these series of tests is a way to weed out sub par mechanics as well as a way for the big guy and the small guy to effectively say that it takes more than brawn to fix cars these days. Those who operate vehicle repair facilities either general or manufacturer specific have a way to highlight the talents of their staff and you as a mechanic now have a standardized way of showing off your credentials. There are eight different tests to take, each pertaining to a different automotive system. Passing a test certifies you to have the knowledge to work on that specific system. Though there are eight individual tests to take, a special advanced test is offered only after you complete all eight original tests. Pass the advanced test to receive your "L1" certification and become an "ASE Certified Master Technician." The "L1" test is an advance engine and driveability diagnostics test. If you can pass all nine tests you will most certainly be paid more and you will most likely be expected to hold at least one or two to stay employed. The more tests you pass, the more money you can make.

Motorcycle Accident Repairs: A Job Best Left to the Professionals

Motorcycles can be damaged in a variety of ways due to an accident or collision. Although bikes are sturdy vehicles, they are often on the wrong end of a heavy impact. The motorcycle's interior and exterior may need repair. While some of the damage will be obvious, interior parts will need inspection and probably attention. If the engine does not turn over and start or if the motorcycle has leaks or structural or cosmetic damage, the owner will need to take it to a repair shop. Upon receiving an estimate for repairs, the bike owner will then have to decide whether it is worth having it fixed or not.

Mechanics
While the motorcycle may run mechanically, it will probably need to be fixed before it can be safely driven on the road. Taking it to a professional auto mechanic or motorcycle repair shop will ensure that the repairs are made properly and safely so that the bike can be ridden again.

Wheels
One of the firs things that the mechanic will do is take a look at the damage. He may wheel it across the ground to determine whether the wheels are functional or not. If the tires are flat, they will need to replaced. The structural integrity of the wheels is another issue. If the frame of either wheel is bent, it will need to be repaired or replaced. Depending on the weight of the bike, it may be easier to re-inflate, repair or replace the tires and wheels so that the vehicle can be moved on a motorcycle lift and elevated. Motorcycle lifts make it easier to see the lower parts of the bike and make repairs.

Professional Work
Accessories and small parts such as mirrors, turn signals, radios and saddlebags may be fairly inexpensive to fix or replace, depending on the bike model and amount of damage. This can be done at home by the handy mechanic or at the shop by the professional. For more involved projects, the bike should be fixed at a true pro shop with motorcycle lifts and genuine certified mechanics. Depending on the severity of the accident, repairs may involve the engine, shifting pedals, clutch pads and exhaust system. The gauges, brakes and throttle may also need adjustments.

Paint and Fairings
Upon impact, the fairings, paint and outer frame can be scratched, bent and damaged. Replacing certain panels on a bike is often less expensive than repainting the whole bike, but it may be difficult to find parts that match the rest exactly. Motorcycle fairings affect the visual appearance, fuel mileage, aerodynamics and speed. Full fairing kits or single pieces can be purchased as replacement parts. These are available in custom and stock parts, as well as painted and unpainted.

Once the bike has been repaired and returned as closely as possible to its previous condition, the owner should take it for a test run before accepting delivery and paying the bill. A reliable auto shop will make sure it is properly repaired before calling the customer for pick-up.

How To Get A Good Deal At The Auto Repair Shop

Most people dread going to the car repair shop. We've all heard horror stories of customers getting overcharged or even worse charged for services that were never performed. Fortunately it's not that hard to find a reputable auto repair facility. Here are a few tips to help you find the right one.

First you'll have to decide if you want to get your vehicle repaired at the dealership or at an independent shop. If your vehicle is brand new and still under warranty you may be obliged to have it serviced at the dealer. If it's older you may prefer an independent auto repair and service shop since their prices are generally a lot more reasonable.

The easiest way to find an independent mechanic that you can trust is through a referral from a friend. Ask around and your family members, friends or co-workers are very likely to point you in the right direction. Once you find a reputable mechanic you'll want to establish a relationship; that way you'll always have a helping hand available in case something goes wrong with your vehicle. Another way to find a reputable auto repair shop is to read business reviews on websites such as Yelp. Make sure that the mechanic is ASE certified if you are in the U.S. Certification ensures that the mechanic has passed a rigorous training curriculum and is well equipped to diagnose and fix repairs.

Always ask for an estimate and make sure that it's broken down and itemized so that you know exactly what you are paying for. The estimate should specify pay for labor and parts. Always let the owner know not to perform any repairs without your consent; it's a good idea to see the estimate first. If parts need to be replaced ask for the old part back; this way you can make sure that it was actually replaced.

One of the main reasons for major and costly car repairs is neglect. One of the easiest ways to prevent expensive repairs is to take care of small problems when they occur. That means taking your auto into the shop once you hear an unusual noise or notice anything out of the ordinary (overheating, shaking etc). It's equally important to have maintenance and service performed as instructed in the driver's owners manual. Proper maintenance and care will ensure that your car will last for many years to come.

3 Reasons Why Auto Mechanic College Is Necessary These Days

In the 1940s, when North America was first becoming car-dependent, a young man (for it usually was men) who wanted to pursue an auto mechanic career did not necessarily seek out a training course. At that time, it made just as much sense to simply seek out an entry-level position in a garage. The pendulum, however, seems to have permanently swung in the opposite direction. Let's consider some of the factors that have normalized higher education for auto technicians over the past twenty years.

1. The electronic revolution

More than any other factor, the shift from mechanical to electronic components has increased the need for auto mechanic college.

Prior to the 1990s, mechanical aptitude was probably the premier skill required when it came to fixing cars. The more skilled you were with your hands, the better. If you really wanted to stand out as a star employee in the 40s, you would have been well advised to learn some machinist skills. In those days, mechanics were sometimes required to make their own parts, as replacement parts were not as easy to come by as they are now. Soldering, welding, these were the sought after skills of the time.

2. The tools of the trade cost more nowadays

Graduates of auto mechanic college today need much more than a wrench and a lathe. They need to know how to use sophisticated technology such as a dynamometer, a kind of indoor treadmill for ailing cars, that is not likely to be found in your average hobbyist's home garage.

The tools introduced in an auto mechanic course these days include:

- automatic lifts
- wheel balancers
- electronic diagnostic tools

By the time they graduate from college, students need to fully grasp the computerized tools of the trade. Instead of interacting directly with the vehicle, they will be interacting with it via a third party: technology.

3. The industry is changing

The car industry has surprised many by putting its nose to the grindstone and looking for cleaner transportation solutions to satisfy today's more climate-conscious consumers. The mechanics of tomorrow may find themselves servicing a different breed of vehicle entirely. It may belong to a car-share program, and, therefore, see more use in less time. It may be electric or hybrid, and require different know-how. Increasingly, graduates of an auto mechanic course may be asked to convert existing vehicles to cleaner technologies.

Auto mechanic college can open aspiring technicians' eyes to the changes coming in the future, and, in some cases, help them capitalize on these changes by encouraging them to develop a niche.

For these reasons and more, the car repair industry has forever changed. Making an auto mechanic career today is not at all what it was like, sixty, seventy years ago, and an auto mechanic college may be the best place for an aspiring technician to learn the trade.

How Windshield Rock Chips and Cracks Can Be Repaired Without Replacing the Windshield

Windshield construction has changed over time since the early 1900's. Originally automobile windshields were made with a single pane of glass. This proved to be impractical and dangerous. Shortly after, laminated auto glass was introduced and proved itself to be much stronger and impact resistant, protecting you from flying debris such as bugs, leaves and small rocks. However, it would not stop larger objects like a deer or your head from penetrating the windshield when in an accident occurred. Rocks would chip and crack these early auto windshields and they would be completely replaced because windshield chip and crack repair was not in practice yet.

In the mid 1960's, the (H.P.R) High Penetration Resistant windshield was developed, tested and made standard for vehicles. The improvement in the lamination film served two purposes; they made windshields stronger, eliminated large objects from penetrating the windshield and the strength of the new laminated windshield glass held up to rock impacts better with less cracking on impact. This was also the beginning of the windshield repair era.

Windshield repair has come a long way in fifty years. Improved windshield repair techniques, equipment and resins to fill the gaps has aided the repair technician in keeping the structural integrity once a repair has been made. Properly understanding the techniques and processes to seal a windshield crack or chip takes training and experience. With these markedly improved windshield chip and crack repair techniques as well as updated windshield repair equipment, 98% of all automobile windshield rock chips and cracks can be repaired. This virtually eliminates the visual distortion while removing the visual distraction and reduces sun glare if not completely eliminating it in the repaired area.

Most rock chipped windshields have cracks leading from the point of impact. These cracks can be a real problem if not promptly repaired. The cracks can and will spread making repairs more difficult if not impossible.

Modern automobile windshield chip and crack repair entails identification of the break, determining the type of break such as if is it a star-break or a bull's-eye, half-moon or a star-burst break and if there are cracks emanating from the chip. If so, how long are the cracks?

After identification, the first step is to heat the windshield to about 215 degrees Fahrenheit. This process removes any moisture if there is moisture from the rock chip or cracked area of the windshield.

Second, the equipment is set up for injection of the resin under a precise amount of pressure into the damaged area. Too much pressure and the windshield will crack out. Not enough pressure and air in the chip or crack will not be completely displaced or removed. The trapped air must be removed or it will expand in the newly sealed area of the repair expanding the crack outwards.

After these steps have been performed, the vacuum process is engaged vacuuming the air out of the break under a very precise amount of vacuum. Too much vacuum and the chip or crack will close removing the resin that was injected. Not enough vacuum and the air will not draw out while letting the resin flow in. This process under precise injection and vacuum pressures which is repeated over and over again will remove all the trapped air while filling the chips and cracks completely with resin.

The final step is curing the resin which is activated by ultra violet light. The resin cures completely, bonding to the auto glass while returning the visual appearance and structural integrity of the automobile windshield. This process also eliminates the chance that the damaged area will expand and crack out any time in the future. This is how your chipped or cracked windshield can be repaired without replacement of the windshield.

Car Body and Paint Repairs

Whether its ownership or the intention of boosting your car's morale, one can make repairs to body and paint. For instance, a cracked or leaking window, a door does not close properly, the car's fender was attacked by the garage, the car was whacked by a rock or a boulder or the interior has a tear or a cigarette burn. These and many others body and paint problems can be fixed by DIY style.

Tips for Your Car
- Here are some tips and guidelines for troubleshooting paint problems and automotive body;
- If the car was parked overnight in a violent neighborhood, it would probably need paint and body works.
- Prior to spending huge amount on a new paint, a little money can be spent on cleaners, polishes and rubbing compound just for seeing if grease are of any help to solve the problem.
- Anti-rust products such as naval jelly are really useful for removing and stopping rust. The manufacturer's recommendations can be followed.
- The auto parts dealer has a lot of aftermarket car care products which are designed to give a good look to the car. In such cases, they can be availed and used on the car to give it a better look.

Knowing the kind of a Crack
Car windows are really superb. They are helpful in seeing ahead without the wind mussing your hair. They also keep the rain and snow from getting in the car. So the question is what one can do if the car window is leaked or cracked. They can be easily repaired by using products that can be bought auto parts dealers and even many super stores. Depending on what is being intended to be done, there also might be a need for one or two glass suction cups for lifting and positioning larger glass pieces.

For repairing a car window with simple tools, these simple steps can be followed:

1. First, the damage to the window has to be identified. In case it's a small crack or chip, it can be repaired by using an automotive window repair kit. It is possible then the damage can be checked over a few days to know if it's even or if it's spreading. In case its spreading, then the repair kit might not be able to help in stopping the spread. A new glass would be required.

2. For repairing the glass, the instructions on the package of different window repair kits should be read. Some are for chips, some for cracks while others are for both. Look for the one that seems best to solve the problem. The manufacturer's instructions can be followed. Some kits require the removal of rough corners from the chip, installing the retaining cup and then installing the filler into the chip. In case of glass scratches, a glass abrasive and cleaner can be applied, it is available from bigger auto retailers or glass shops.

3. For replacing the glass, it has to be figured first how it will be taken out. Even though it is shattered into countless pieces, the glass would have to be removed from the edges before installing a new one. For a door glass, the door panel has to be removed to access the mechanism that moves the window up and down. The glass is attached below. The front and rear window glass requires the trim and the rubber gasket to be removed. The rubber gasket has to be replaced with a new one as the new one is installed. The car manual will be of help for removing and replacing the glass.

4. For repairing a leaking window gasket, pour water on it for identifying how it is getting it. If it is penetrating through the gasket, a putty knife can be used to lift the gasket away from the glass and a little window sealer can be applied. The excess can be cleaned and dried and then retest and repeat as required.

Sagging Doors gives an Old Look to the Car
Few things are more frustrating than standing by the car door in rain and banging it close tightly.

For adjusting doors using the car care toolbox, follow the simple steps below:

1. Look for the door sag. Open the door and close it slowly just stopping as it is about to touch the latch. In case the door is too high or too low for the opening then lift the door from the bottom below the handle. In case the door moves too much before it moves, then open the door completely and check the hinges for loose bolts or noticeable movement in hinges. For moving the door up, down, forward and backward, the hinge bolts on the body has to be slightly loosen, the door has to be moved to the correct position and then the bolts have to be tightened. For moving the door in and out, the hinge bolts on the door has to be slightly loosened, the door has to be moved to the correct position and then the bolts have to be tightened.

2. Once the door the correctly aligned, the door latching has to be checked. The door has to be carefully closed to see how it catches. Either the latch or striker bolt on the door can be adjusted. By opening and closing the door carefully few times, it can be estimated how much adjustment is needed. For guidance, the relative positions of the latch and striker on the opposite door can be checked. Once the door is adjusted, small changes can be done in the alignment by adjusting the screws at the bottom and top but not both of them at the same time. Once the door latches well, the screws can be tightened well so that the latch stays in alignment.

3. The rubber seal around the door can be inspected for presence of cracks

Un-Denting Unavoidable Dents
Here is what one can do to remove body dents. Some specialized body tools might be needed for the following job. Follow these steps:

Look closely to observe the nature of the scratch, in case of deep damage, some metals might have to be moved.

Tools for body repair can be bought form an auto retailer. They can be slide, pick and bumping hammers, and a variety of dolleys.

To hammer a dent, hold the dolley on the back side of the dent and bang on the front side with hammer.

For pulling out a dent, a hole has to be drilled, screw the slide hammer into the hole and move the handle back and forth for pulling it out.

For filling holes and finishing the repairing dent, a grinder or file can be used for removing the paint from that part and then filler can be used to shape. Filler can be of plastic or lead, the brand name of a popular plastic filler product is called Banda.

Permanent Makeup
Once everything is done, you can choose your desired color to give your car a good makeup. Sprays and paint cans can be used for this purpose, they can be easily bought from the market and easily used on the car.

Lexus Maintenance and Repair Services

The brand Lexus is the luxury vehicle division of Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota Motor Corporation. The company launched its first model Lexus LS in the U. S. back in the year 1989. Then on, Lexus keeps its pursuit of perfection. Today, Toyota's Lexus lineup of luxury vehicles is marketed throughout the world and recognized as the largest-selling make of luxury cars in Japan.

When you drive one of these luxury cars, you know that the instant you pull out of the lot you've got a high class vehicle on-hand. However, no matter how well you take care of it, and no matter how great it was when you bought it - it will gradually begin to show signs of wear and tear just like most cars do. Hence, it is essential to safeguard the overall health of your Lexus car by taking it to a dependable auto shop and let them give it a dose of mechanical TLC.

Now, if you're looking for a Riverside Lexus repair service, look no further than the a reputable auto shop to help you on your Lexus servicing and repair needs. Look no further than an auto shop that has all their mechanics ASE Lexus Expert and Lexus Master certified. This means that your Lexus car is in good hands. Fret not because these mechanics have passed the Automotive Service Excellence and diagnostics exams in order to prove their expertise in the different kinds of car repair services. Furthermore, it implies that you will save a great deal of time, effort and dollars as they are good at fixing the exact mechanical problems for you to spend money only on what is necessary.

There are actually two most important maintenance procedure that your Lexus car needs to keep it always up and running. These include checking it regularly and replacing the parts that have served to be already dysfunctional.

Your Lexus car should receive a tune-up after every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Tuning up your Lexus car is a relatively economical maintenance procedure that will spare you from spending more money. In tuning up your luxury car, replacement of new parts will be required. These parts include basic ignition parts, which made up of the spark plug and its wire set; distributor cap and rotor; and filters for the oil, air, fuel, PCV breather and automatic transmission.

The brakes of your car are vital in giving you a safe ride. Lexus brakes work their magic as it utilizes the latest ABS technology and servo mechanisms. However, for all their functionality, the basic components of your Lexus brake parts eventually wear, your Lexus brakes become less efficient and require immediate replacement.

The best thing about modern cars like your Lexus' is the sophisticated computers installed on it that keeps your overall car engine in good running condition most of the time. When a problem occurs and a warning light appears, determining what the problem is and what needs to be replaced has become a hassle-free undertaking.

10 Ways to Save at the End of Your Auto Lease

Paying excess mileage charges when an auto lease ends is something most consumers take care to avoid. But many of these same careful lessees get an unhappy surprise at turn-in because of other charges and costs they failed to think about.

Carefully considering things such as best length of lease and residual value and then taking a few simple steps at the beginning of the lease and during the lease term can pay big dividends when the lease ends. The first thing is to read the lease document carefully and clearly understand the sections covering excess mileage, wear and tear, and processing fees.

Then consider what steps you can take to avoid charges when the auto is turned in. What you consider minor dings, dents or scratches can end up costing you a lot. "When you lease a car, the sticker shock comes at the end, not the beginning," said Jack Gillis, a spokesman for the Consumer Federation of America and author of The Car Book, a buyer's guide.

A Changing Market

Consumers love auto leasing because it offers an easy way to get into a new car with a lower down payment and lower monthly payments than financing a vehicle to be purchased. This is because the lessee is only paying for the amount of the car's value that is used. Typically, people lease for three years, so they only pay for the first three years of a car's life - which are definitely the car's best years.

Before tighter credit and lower residual values, car dealers also loved leasing because it brings customers back into the dealership at the end of the lease, every two or three years. Also, because many consumers are confused by leasing terms, dealers can more easily take advantage of them. Particularly in difficult economic conditions, leasing companies are looking for every way possible to improve their revenues.

Unfortunately, leasing which was once a way for car dealers, customers, and manufacturers to all get a decent deal is the latest victim of the economic downturn. Chrysler, Ford, BMW, GMAC and several major banks have announced reductions, if not complete elimination, of lease programs. Automobile dealers and experts expect more to follow. So a consumer who leased in the past should not assume the same rules apply today.

These changes and tighter credit conditions make it more difficult to lease and have caused leasing companies to be more stringent in their lease-end requirements. Lease contracts typically run 24 to 36 months, and consumers usually turn in their vehicles at the end of the term.

That leaves the auto maker on the hook to sell vehicles that may have declined significantly in value compared to assumptions made at the time the original lease was signed. And that means lessors are going over returned vehicles with a fine-tooth comb to get all the extra charges they can.

Major Problem Areas

Unexpected shocks and charges at turn-in are primarily associated with three areas of the lease, according to industry reports.

Disposition fee: This is a charge levied by the leasing company if the lessee chooses not to buy the vehicle at the end of the lease. This fee is set as compensation for the expenses of selling, or otherwise disposing of the vehicle. It typically includes administrative charges; the dealer's cost to prepare the car for resale and any other penalties.

Lessees need to make sure this fee is stated clearly in the contract and is agreeable before signing on the dotted line. At lease-end, the lessee is left in no position to negotiate as the dealer can apply the refundable security deposit towards this fee.

Excess mileage charges: Almost all leasing companies will charge a premium for each mile over the agreed upon mileage stated in the contract. This penalty can be as high as 25 cents per mile and can add up quickly.

To avoid the risk of running thousands of dollars in excess mileage penalties at the end of the lease, always check the "per mile" charges in the contract and be realistic about mileage before signing any contract. If the limit is unrealistic given the lessee's driving needs, then negotiate with the dealer to get a higher mileage contract.

Excess wear-and-tear charges: Another potential major cost at the end of the lease is any incidental damage done to the car during the lease. This is deemed any excessive damage done to the normal tear and wear of the vehicle. Notice the use of the terms "deemed", "excessive" and "normal". There is no standard formula to define what's "excessive" and "normal" and it's up to the leasing company to assess - or deem - the damage and determine what they are going to charge.

This leaves the lessee at the mercy of unscrupulous leasing agents who set stringent tear-and-wear standards. Dings, dents, scratches and windshield chips are a major area of unexpected large charges. Lessees need to carefully read the description of these standards, understand them and agree to them. If the leased vehicle is damaged prior to the end of the lease, the lessee may find it cheaper to repair the damage than pay the excessive charges of the leasing agent.

How Do You Avoid Extra Charges at The End of The Lease?

Many consumers are anxious about leasing's Judgment Day - when the vehicle is returned to the dealer and its condition is inspected for extra charges. At the top of problem areas discussed above are excess wear-and-tear charges.

These fears are not unfounded, according to Tarry Shebesta, president of Automobile Consumer Services Corp., "As the leasing market tightens up, banks are looking for a way to make money from returned cars. They will be more critical about wear and tear and any deviations from the lease contract."

Bottom line: Keep the car at a condition above and beyond "average wear and tear" to avoid penalties.

10 Ways to Save Money at Turn-In

Here are ten useful tips to keep in mind before and during the lease to prevent dings to your wallet as you say goodbye to your leased vehicle:

1. Choose a car with a naturally higher residual value. If the vehicle holds its value - or surpasses its expected value - there may be an option to buy it and make money at the end of the lease. This is particularly important in market conditions where the residual value of certain types of vehicles is dropping dramatically.

2. Don't go into a lease longer than you would normally keep a car. If you keep a car about three years, do a three-year lease. A four- or five-year lease will be harder to get out of and more difficult to turn in without extra fees. Don't lease longer than the warranty period that covers the car.

3. Purchase auto lease protection at the beginning of the lease. Cigarette burns or tears in the upholstery, certain dents, scratches, windshield chips and mechanical flaws can cause big charges if the leasing company considers them beyond normal wear and tear. Auto lease protection covers repair of dings, dents, scratches and stone chips that occur during the term of the lease.

4. Stay within the mileage limit. The best way to avoid having to pay for excess mileage is to take the time to estimate how much you will drive the car, including any weekend and holiday use, before you sign the lease. Then purchase extra miles up front. Typically, it is less expensive to do this than to pay extra mileage at the tail end of a lease. If you have really high mileage fees, consider selling the car yourself rather than paying the penalty.

5. Treat the car like it was your own. Elaine Littwer, legislative coordinator of the National Vehicle Leasing Association, says that it's important for consumers to understand that damage reduces the resale value of a vehicle. "The 'I don't own it and I don't care' attitude ends up costing them money."

6. Have the vehicle washed and detailed on a regular basis. Maintaining the vehicle's appearance conveys that it has been well cared for.

7. Make sure the vehicle is serviced at the required intervals. Keep all maintenance records to provide proof of service and repairs.

8. Document the condition of the car. Research by Tom Incantalupo of Newsday recommends that, just before turning the car in, lessees take clear photos of the interior and exterior, including the odometer, for their own records should a dispute arise over mileage driven or whether specific damages are excessive - and also to protect themselves against damages that occur after the car was turned in.

9. Have the vehicle serviced just before you turn it in. This will ensure that it has no major problems and will provide a final third-party record of condition.

10. Any dents should be removed by a body shop rather than turning the car in with the damage. Repair charges covered by lease protection or paid privately are not subject to some of the expensive mark-ups charged by leasing companies.

Dingbat Incorporated Can Help You Save

Dingbat was established to save auto lessees time, money and worry. By working with a wide variety of lessees and leading auto protection companies, DIngbat has developed a range of products and services specifically focused on minimizing turn-in charges and providing a worry-free lease return.

Their Vehicle Leasing Protection Program is designed to protect lessees from the incidental damages that occur during the vehicle lease term. It covers dings, dents, scratches and stone chips on the leased vehicle and helps lessees avoid the aggravation and expense of one of the biggest sources of excess wear-and-tear charges.

Based on its extensive experience in the leasing market, Dingbat has developed three Lease Protection plans to cover a range of lessee needs and choices. These plans provide economical options for professional paint protection, dent removal, windshield chip repair, lease return clean-up, and auto body work.

Car Repair - Fix Minor Problems, Focus On Prevention

Taking care of minor problems and getting regularly scheduled maintenance on your car is a good way to avoid more costly car repairs down the road.

Keeping track of when your vehicle is due for an oil change is one example of preventive steps that can help avoid more costly work. Most oil-change businesses post a sticker on the driver's side of the windshield, telling you when you should get your next oil change. The sticker lists both the odometer reading and the date when your next oil change should happen. The mark you hit first - either the mileage or the date - is a signal to get your vehicle in for an oil change.

By changing your vehicle's oil in a timely manner, you are continually lubricating the engine and its inner pieces, which can keep you from more expensive repairs.

Your owner's manual is another key in determining when to have repairs done on your vehicle. The manual lists scheduled maintenance to keep your vehicle running properly - and once again keeping you from more costly car repairs. If you no longer have the owner's manual or purchased the vehicle used and no manual was provided to you, check an auto parts store or track one down on the Internet. Knowing what maintenance is recommended for your vehicle at 30,000, 45,000 and 60,000 miles is vital to knowing what work to have done on your vehicle and when. Again, by doing the scheduled maintenance, you are likely to keep from a more costly repair down the road.

Also, when a warning light or message pops on from the dashboard, address the issue as soon as possible. If it says "check engine" or "check tires, do so as soon as possible. If after checking and taking action (filling all four tires, for instance) the light or message is still lit, take the vehicle into a car-care center, the vehicle dealership or a service station as soon as possible. You don't want to ignore the warning light for too long and have a car repair in the thousands of dollars, when sooner attention could have kept the repair bill to a minimum.

When car repairs are needed, you need to go to an establishment with which you are comfortable. If you are new to an area or don't have an established relationship with a certain repair shop, ask friends and family. You may also want to get estimates from two or three places just to get a sense of their diagnostic ability and pricing, as well as your comfort level with the mechanic or shop owner. Feeling comfortable with your repair shop is so important for a car owner. Your confidence in a repair shop - feeling they provide quality work at a fair price - will bring you back. Feeling that your vehicle wasn't fixed properly or that you overpaid for the repair won't.

Taking preventative steps, as well as addressing minor problems as they happen will keep you from more costly car repair.

A Popular Quick Fix For Dented Cars - Paintless Dent Repair

Most of us try and avoid dents in the car, hoping it will go away with time. Car dent removal seldom crosses our minds as we would rather ignore the concept of repair until we really need it. This could be dangerous as putting it off will only make the situation worse. Dents can be formed almost anywhere and at anytime. A golf ball, a stone and hail, you name it and it can dent your car! This can be pretty devastating when it's an expensive set of wheels. But cheer up! Car dent removal is available mobile dent repair technicians have the solution.

A word of caution

Even if your car has minor dents, do not decide to fix it yourself. Nor should you have it fixed in body repair shops since they will only charge you a price that is exorbitantly high-and you will not be able to get your car immediately. Small dents require little work and when done by a professional, you can have your car looking great again. Although there are several sites that advocate home car dent removal, this may be only applicable to those who have adequate knowledge in this field. If you do not know anything about repairing dents, then consult with a professional.

Specialising in Paintless Dent Repairs

Auto repair companies have experimented with different kinds of dent repair methods. While some worked, others failed. Most companies agree that PDR or Paintless Dent Repair works wonders especially for small dents. Some PDR technicians use standard tools while others use specially designed tools. With PDR your repair job is quickly and efficiently completed. PDR is also affordable, so it won't burn a hole in your pocket.

Paintless Dent Repair, as a specialised technique, is increasing in popularity in the UK. You will find expert services in many areas of the UK .With many specialist PDR companys Operating out of these locations, PDR experts are able to reach out to customers usually within 24 hours. Tools such as the 'light tool' help to accentuate and highlight the smallest of dents. Precision work combined with experience makes this technique a winner!

Good results, lasting effects

For a method that is fast, simple and easy, Paintless Dent Repair is also economical. It will burn a hole in your pocket to get your car repaired in a conventional bodyshop.As PDR beats the option of having to re-paint your entire car, which could be an expensive affair. By enlisting the help of a professional, you are guaranteed a superior service at a reasonable price. Expert technicians can ensure that the car dent removal job is done well and to your satisfaction. In some cases your car can be back to its original state in less than an hour.

Copyright (c) 2007 Steven Magill

Engine Repair Due to Overheating

Occasionally, all drivers take advantage of their vehicles. They expect it to always be there and to operate, as they need it to, day in and day out for 365 days each year until it is replaced with a newer sleeker model. Yet, while the old reliable four tons is still in your driveway, it is essential that regular maintenance be performed.

Maintenance is essential to avoiding many of the pitfalls of mechanical error or just the general wear and tear of mechanical use. No piece of machinery or miscellany of moving parts is immune to the necessity of thorough inspection, fluid replenishment part mending or replacement as needed. One auto maintenance concern in particular is engine repair and it can be needed for a variety of reasons. One of the reasons many unwittingly neglectful drivers require it is because of overheating.

This is a more common with older vehicles, or as the result of improper installation of one part or another, or even leak. The warning signs should be assessed as early as possible. The dashboard warning lights are a good after-the-fact indicator of trouble, that's why it is essential that you know your car according to its age, parts history and your driving experience each day. This is how you can use your driver's intuition and five senses to be attentive to the smells, sounds and sights such as smoke and funky colored leaks coming from your engine and other parts.

Engine repair due to overheating can be a costly one. In its earliest stages your engine components are in trouble but there is time for you to discover the cause of its frequent overheating and stop it. If you catch the overheating incident or pattern early you can wait for the engine to cool and check for obvious concerns that can be causing your temperature control issues. Or, you can immediately take your car into the nearest garage to check for the causes of your engine overheating which can include leaks, thermostat malfunction, clogged radiators, fan brake down, heat exchange/air exchange issues and insufficient coolant or coolant mixture ratio.

The mechanic can fix these engine repair issues by performing restorative maintenance or to have several parts replaced such as the radiator or fan because of the extensive damage that has occurred. Sometimes the engine has to be rebuilt due to a chain reaction of the overheating or replaced because the heat has destroyed the engine.

Auto Repair Quotes - Are You Being Scammed? Here's How to Tell

Do you need help making sense of auto repair quotes? If you're like about 95% of Americans, you don't know much about your car and you really don't want to. You want to wake up, turn the key, and have the car do what it's always done: drive to and from work. But on those gut wrenching mornings when the car won't start, or there's an evil little light on the dash, we know it's time to telemarket the pros and hope we get a fair deal and not a sharp stick in the eye.

Now you're in the shop They're looking at your car, charging you for it, and when they walk into the waiting room, wiping the grease off their hands, how do you know the car repair estimates they rattle off aren't complete works of fiction?

Let's pause for a moment of clarity. Just what is an auto repair scam? We'd like to offer some auto repair help using this simple analogy... Going out to dinner.

Imagine walking into a restaurant any given night of the week. You're craving (let's say for sake of argument) a burger, fries and coke. You sit down, the waiter walks over, and before taking your order tells you about the specials. He tells you about their tender sirloin tips, sautéed in a cabernet butter sauce served with garlic mashed potatoes and delectable grilled asparagus spears drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. Your mouth begins to water, and you picture a glass of Shiraz to wash it all down.

Fast forward about an hour. You're leaving full and happy having spent about $55 more than the original $12 you had planned on. Congratulations! You were just unsold.

Let's repeat this experience and this time explore a scam... You order the burger, fries and coke. The waiter brings you the carrot plate with an orange juice, charges you for the steak, and then the valet refuses to give you your keys until you pay for the entire dinner including tip and a saganaki you never even knew they served.

Now THAT is a scam.

The truly insidious problem with car repair is how hard it can be to tell the difference. Unlike dinner, the inner workings of your transmission can be subject to interpretation.

The most powerful tool you have against auto repair scams is this: Stop using repair facilities who refuse to provide quality information over the phone or internet. We have a simple, hard and fast rule If a mechanic is not knowledgeable enough to provide at least basic, quality information when I contact them initially; he is not knowledgeable enough to be working on a vehicle. Period.

Service writers and technicians need to understand that the rest of the world lives in the information age. With the ability now for consumers to use free public resources (like IanAuto!) and get information to compare notes, mechanics must stop chanting the old mantra "Can't tell you, won't tell you! Bring it in and we'll take a look".

Auto Repair Quotes - You Need To Be Aware. You Are Not Helpless. You Do Have Choices The major reason for prescreening is that failure to do so opens you up to a host of potential scams and creepy, high pressure sales tactics.

How hard do you think it'll be to reverse a mistake when your car is 6 feet in the air with the tires off and they're pointing out fictitious emergencies?

And if the person on the phone is doing nothing but evading your direct questions, just picture the customer service if you have a problem later on.

Remember, there are some amazing auto service pros out there who will blow your mind with knowledge, honesty and willingness to share. People like this should be given a medal for saving customers on a daily basis. The best thing is they're either a phone call our mouse click away!

Auto Repair Quotes - Understanding A Very Important Fact: While you should never use a mechanic who will not provide honest, direct answers to your questions, you must also know they will have to take a look at your car to give a realistic, accurate estimate. The truth is that almost 100% of car repair related situations do require a physical inspection by a trained service professional. Cars are highly complex machines and a problem with one system can frequently effect the performance of another.

For example: Check Engine Lights. These little buggers pop on when there's an issue with a sensor buried in some deep, obscure system. We can all blame the manufacturers for not making this easy to diagnose. In situations like this, there is no way to get around a systems test. You will have to bring in your vehicle, the technician will have to plug in a diagnostic tool, and within about an hour (in most cases) you'll have a solid idea of what's wrong. But why can't the technician tell you that?

We have called hundreds of shops across the country and have been hearing the same thing from close to 96% of them: "Nope, we can't tell you anything until we see it." Or "We don't give any information over the phone, you'll have to bring it in." We've heard these exact two sentences so many times at this point, we're starting to think there's a mechanic's phone call evasion phrase book!

Here's a response directly from our database: This is a shop who knows how to answer your questions, even when there is no direct answer...

The "check engine" light is an indication something is wrong somewhere in your vehicle. What it's saying is one or several sensors/components is failing or providing readings within specifications. Diagnosis and troubleshooting is required to determine the cause of the problem, and this will allow us to provide an accurate estimate regarding exactly what needs to be fixed. The cost for an initial diagnosis runs $X. You can expect the whole diagnosis process to take around an hour. Our technicians are trained to handle these problems and are available ASAP. Please call to set up an appointment.

Now isn't that better than, "Nope. Can't say until you bring it in"?

Auto Repair Quotes - The Most Astounding Fact Ever: Your answers are found in your mechanic's questions. Even though having knowledge of your vehicle is the #1 way to avoid a scam, you can offset being less than informed by digging out good questions from the mechanic. There's a simple reason for this; it shows they know what they're talking about.

Because cars have become amazingly complex systems, you should not expect to get a diagnosis over the phone or online. But you should expect information. When you call a shop, the person who picks up the phone should be able to tell you something about something. They should also be able to ask you enough questions to draw out info and further highlight their knowledge and professionalism. They should also disclose if they have an inspection fee, disclose if that fee will be waived if you approve the work, and then be courteous enough to ask for an appointment.

Brakes, engine trouble, weird smells, and noises... in almost every auto repair related situation you must find a person who may not give you an exact answer, but will be able to tell you exactly why.

Auto Repair Quotes - Bottom Line: An up sell is offering premium parts instead of the basic stock; a scam is creating problems or lying about repairs needed. Scams can be avoided by finding a service pro who will directly address your questions and/or concerns. And while maybe not diagnosing your problem, at least offering quality information as to why.

Tips on How to Repair Inoperable Headlights

One of the most important safety features on a car is its headlights and if the headlights do not operate properly, accidents could occur. With this, it is important for you to know how to at least repair the inoperable headlights yourself to prevent any accident.

You can basically know that the headlights are defective when driving at night, you will notice that the road in front is brighter on the other side or when switching from either low beams to high beams and vice-versa, the roads in front are darker on the other side. All the indications mentioned means that you need to check the headlights.

In order to prevent any failure on the headlights, it is recommended to check the headlights and clean them of dirt on a monthly basis. You can check by switching on the headlights and toil with the dimmer switch and at the same time and watch whether the headlights are working or not.

In case you found that one of the headlights is defective at the low-beam position but works on the high-beam position, it is most likely one of the headlight bulb has burnt-out element. In order to fix the problem, install a new headlight bulb with exactly the same number as the burnt-out one.

If you found that both the left and right headlights are not working, both in high-beam and low-beam positions, it is highly possible that the fuse has blown or the headlight switch is defective. Find the location of the fuse box from the car owner's manual and check the fuses and the connections first before you proceed to replace the headlight switch. The fuse box is normally located under the dashboard of the car or on the side or the back of the engine compartment. The fuse box cover normally has details of the relevant fuse circuit and the fuses are color coded so that you can easily identify the rating of the fuse and replace the burnt-out fuse with the right one.

After you have identified which fuse is for the headlight that is not working, pull out the fuse from the terminal. You can easily know that the fuse is already blown if the wire at the center of the fuse is broken. If the fuse is still in good condition, the metals ends may require cleaning. You can clean the metal contacts with a nail or a sand paper and reinsert back the fuse to its terminal in the fuse box. If the fuse keeps on blowing every time you switch on the headlights, there is a high possibility that there is a short circuit somewhere in your car. Send your car to a trusted auto mechanic to fix the problem.

Most cars come with headlight dimmer switch mounted on the steering column but there are some older cars that come with foot-operated headlight dimmer switch. The foot-operated switch can easily get defective because the possibility of the wires to become disconnected is high. This will results in both headlights to be out of order. The switch can also get defective because of the higher force directly acted on the switch from the foot. If either the foot operated switch or the switch mounted on the steering column are defective, it is recommended that the part is checked and replaced by your trusted auto mechanic.

Importance of Windshield Glass Repair and Replacement

You should visit or call a windshield repair or replacement service provider as soon as you notice a chink in the auto glass. The auto glass of your automobile not only protects the interior of the car from outside dust and dirt but also has several other important functions. Moreover, a chink can develop into a crack or it can even lead to breaking of the glass if you ever happen to meet an accident. All the more, it is also important that when you need to get it repaired or replaced you should choose a service centre that follows industrial guidelines; otherwise it is not much of use to you and can even put your life at risk in wake of an accident.

The service centre that you choose should have trained technicians and should be using only Original equipment manufacturer glass for replacement of the damaged glass. If you choose a quality workshop for the glass repair and replacement job, then the technicians first analyze the damage and can even repair the damage, saving you lots of extra expenditure. However, if the damage seems to be big or in the corners, then it will certainly spread with time and thus it is wise to get the glass replaced rather that getting it repaired.

When you choose to get the auto glass replaced then you should choose a workshop that uses only original equipment manufacturer glass. These are automobile glasses that are either from the original manufacturer or are made following the standards laid down by the original manufacturer. Therefore, these glasses have the same quality as that of your original glass.

Apart from choosing a workshop that uses original equipment manufacturer glass as replacement, you should also ensure that the replacement method followed at the workshop is best in practice. It is even better to ask the technician about how the glass will be replaced. If possible you should be present at the time of the windshield replacement and ensure that quality adhesive is used and a layer of primer is put on the edges of the glass before it is being fixed in your car.

The windshield glass of your automobile prevents you from being thrown out in case of an accident. It also protects you by acting as a tough background for the air bags thus after the glass is replaced you must also ask about precautions to be taken so that the windshield glass is properly fixed to your car; otherwise you might have to face an ugly situation for undermining the importance of windshield repair and replacement job of your car.

Your Auto Glass is Important

Auto glass is more important than we often give it credit for. With minor refinements like tempering to make it shatterproof and laminating to increase the safety in case of an accident that breaks the windshield, your vehicle's auto glass creates an incredibly stable structure that shields you from the elements as well as keeping you safe in a crash.

Glass Doesn't Require A Graduate Degree

Once upon a time, for the kind of inquisitive mind that took apart radios and built model airplanes, it was actually possible to learn all there was to know about a car by taking one apart in your garage and rebuilding it from the ground up. This involved trial and error and some extra parts, but it could be done.

Today, it virtually requires a degree in computers or engineering or both to work as what has colloquially been known as a "grease monkey." From the layman's view, auto glass is just glass. Put it in the right grooves, make sure the gasket is sealed, ensure there are no annoying tiny bits left over in the machinery, and you're golden. And when something seems easy, it is often seen as less important.

Car Glass Protects In Many Ways

This is far from the case. Auto glass and the reparation of it should never be taken for granted. For example, those small pieces that are so hard to get up after a side or rear window breaks are deliberately designed that way. They result from the safety-tempering that car glass goes through in order to prevent jagged shards flying around your car with artery slicing potential when a disaster occurs.

Without glass, our cars are far less secure. Granted, it takes a bit of work to break a window to get into a car, but that work is noisy and there are those tiny shards to be aware of. For the most part, a thief would rather spend that same amount of time finding a car with a window that's already broken or down rather than doing all the hard work themselves.

Car glass is also instrumental in prohibiting much of the sound and debris of the road from bombarding you and your passengers. And finally, there are the elements that your windshield contends with daily on your behalf. What a selfless piece of equipment your windows are.

Auto Glass Replacement Is Vital

For these reasons and many more, it's crucial to get your glass repaired as soon as possible after damage occurs due to accident or mistake. However, it also means getting the best repair possible. Qualified auto glass replacement specialists are well trained and care about doing the job right. Make sure your glass replacement is done by someone who knows what he or she is doing and want a safe and satisfied customer at the end of the day.

Online Auto Repair Manuals - Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions I get asked about using online repair manuals to fix your car. Most people have figured out by now that you can buy repair information online. But the idea of using digital repair info as a replacement for old paper service manuals raises several interesting questions.

Question: Will the online product eAutoRepair, RepairSurge, AllData, or ChiltonDIY work on my computer?

Answer: Each of these brands works on any Windows PC from Windows 95 through Windows Vista. The system requirements are relatively low, so even users of older computers should have no problems.

Question: Which brand do you recommend the most?

Answer: It depends entirely on what your needs are; no one product fits every person. Each product has its own list of features. Different products are geared towards different consumers. For example, the less expensive internet-based brands are geared towards the do-it-yourself mechanic, while the significantly more expensive Mitchell OnDemand5 subscription or DVD set is designed for professional repair shops.

Question: Are the digital repair manual products a software download or an online subscription?

Answer: This varies depending on the brand. To find out more about a particular product, you can check out each brand's website. These websites can provide you with information about how their product works and what vehicles it covers.

Question: Do Chilton's electronic products contain the same information as their traditional books?

Answer: For the most part, yes. In some cases, modifications may have been made between the time the book was published and its release as a digital product. In addition, Chilton's is far from the cheapest online product available nowadays.

Question: I don't spend much time on the computer. Are the digital products difficult to use?

Answer: These products are as easy to use as a traditional paper repair manual. In fact, due to the search features and on demand availability the digital format provides, they may be easier to use in some cases.

Question: Which format is better, paper repair manuals or digital service information?

Answer: If you have internet access in your home or repair shop, then I recommend going digital. However, I also spend a lot of time using traditional service manuals, and they aren't going away any time soon. In most cases, you will have your choice of formats, so pick whichever works best for you.

Do You Need to Improve the Productivity and Profitability of Your Auto Shop?

In today's tough economy, are you trying to figure out how to boost your shop's productivity and profitability? Is your auto shop software running slowly or maybe out of date, or are you still using a manual management process? Then your existing shop management process may be costing you money due to a decrease in your productivity and profitability. One sure fire way to achieve a boost in productivity and profitability is to implement a well-designed Auto Repair Shop Management software program that fully compliments how you manage your shop. When shopping for new automotive software, it is important to find a software provider that clearly understands how an auto shop works, is willing to work closely with you, allows you to test the software before you buy it, and offers high quality service for a low price. Of course, you may need help throughout the years with your new software, so it is also important to hire an auto shop software company that will offer technical support for little, to no extra amount of money.

When researching automotive software for your auto shop, make sure you choose a product where the manufacture works to create what YOU want to run YOUR auto shop. It's difficult to work with a company that harasses you to buy their product, but does not provide a compelling story why their product is the best match for your auto shop. A great software company works closely with you to continuously improve your management system based on the best practices of auto shops across the industry. The best auto shop software companies encourage you to view comments from their previous customers'. If they have a long list of customers, they should have plenty of customers who are willing to share their experiences.

Work orders can be messy, and a neat, organized software system makes for a pleased customer and an easier work place for you. Every work order is different and can range from a simple oil change to a complex set of multiple repairs or services that requires many technician and management tasks to complete. This makes it challenging to independently track and manage the profitability in your company. You also want to provide superior customer service which means you should personalize every order according to your customers' needs. Therefore your system should allow for an appropriate amount of space for comments, instructions, and detailed descriptions. When it comes time to print the orders, there needs to be different layout options for the different jobs (estimate and technician type print-outs). And of course, your auto shop software should come with a calculator to do quick quotes for a customer and support providing a written estimate for any of your customer's needs.

To improve productivity, you need to be able to quickly identify a customer in your system or add them if they do not already exist. And if you don't have a customer's name then you should conveniently be able to create a work order with only a license plate or phone number. All details regarding their vehicle and order should be organized and easy to read. Since your customers' lives are always changing, it needs to be easy to edit all aspects of a customer's information. From each client's profile, great software will allow you to create standard tasks, and multiple ways to locate a work order quickly so that you are not testing your customers' patience.

Another aspect that makes a software company reliable is if they are willing to allow potential customers to try the software before buying it. Companies don't make a bad product just for people to try it and never see them again; they make a trusting product and let people try it because they truly believe that their product is great!

Software can be very expensive, so make sure to get exactly what you pay for and what you need for your auto repair shop. There are many auto shop software programs that are high quality and offered at a low price. It is ideal to find a company that won't charge you a monthly fee on top of technical support. If they made the software, why should you have to pay more for a defect on their end?

Brake Repair: The Best Questions To Ask Your Mechanic

Brake repair is a crucial automotive servicing task and an important step in car safety. If a vehicle can't stop efficiently, it could cause devastation for the driver, his or her passengers and all others traveling on the road. It can even cause major damage to bystanders and property along the route. Here are some questions to ask your mechanic about this vital issue:

How do you know when you need new brakes? There are several ways to know if you need to have servicing or replacement of this auto component. It could be time to change them out according to your car owner's servicing manual. Service schedules for every vehicle may differ depending on how the vehicle has been used. If climbing mountainous roads on a regular basis, toting trailers or commonly involved in stop-and-go traffic, the heavy use could mean replacing them more often. Other ways to know that a check up is in order is when there is screeching, grabbing or faulty response.

What is that screeching noise, anyway? Most disc pads have a wire which contacts the brake mechanism as it is close to becoming worn out. When you hear screeching, get the car checked out before the pads are completely worn away in order to curtail the replacement of many more expensive parts. The squealing may also be a result of dirt or debris in the mechanism and can be fixed with a simple cleaning.

What do pulsing brakes indicate? Pulsing may mean that the rotors have become warped. If the brake pedal is pulsing, get it checked out. The rotor of a vehicle must be made of a heavy duty material, such as cast iron, in order for it to withstand the heat and pressure that it will come up against. It must also be large enough to accommodate this action of the car or it will wear out before its time.

What does leaking brake fluid mean? Leaks could spell trouble in the master cylinder, reservoir, fluid lines, pistons and caliper. If there are leaks in this region, an auto owner should take the car to the mechanic right away in order to avoid major damage or safety issues. These components are crucial to effective halting as they move and amplify the force of your foot on the pedals which stop the wheels.

How does a tune up affect a car's braking system? A poorly tuned vehicle may halt improperly due to vacuum line leaks. This will affect the vacuum booster at the master cylinder. Proper tune-ups are imperative.

What kind of training has your mechanic received? A well trained technician will be happy to discuss the experience, training and certifications that he or she has received. It's best to have a tech who is highly experienced in this area servicing your brakes, as they are so important.

Is the shop locally owned and operated? When calling around to make an appointment, it's a good idea to find out whether the repair shop in question is locally owned and operated. Local owners care about their community and are often the best bet in terms of customer satisfaction.

When a motorist needs brake repair service performed on their vehicle, asking the right questions will provide important answers. A competent mechanic will be happy to share his or her knowledge.

Auto Repair Guides

For auto repairs you would need auto manuals as guide. Learn how to extract all the information and help from your auto manuals. There are manuals for repair, maintenance, bodywork, and so on. Try to buy the exact manual for your car, this will make work easier and faster. The more you do in-depth study on your auto repair manuals, the more you 'know' your car, and the more success you record in your Do It Yourself auto repairs.

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

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

For cars under warranty, the repair work must be performed by a mechanic or a technician certified by the manufacturer. The repair in this case is usually carried out at the dealer's service center. Some manufacturers do not offer to perform repair work and you may have the provision of carrying it out elsewhere. Read your warranty carefully to find out how you can get the repair costs reimbursed.

If you still need to more advice for your car repair, you can get repair advice from mechanics and experienced persons in the automobile industry. Repair advice is given for almost all models and types of vehicles, whether domestic or imported.

Insurance Policy Fine Print Impacts Windshield Replacement

The fine print in sections of an insurance policy proves the adage that the devil is in the details. Windshield replacement or auto glass repair are usually covered by comprehensive coverage, but not always. Car owners may find it necessary to purchase additional coverage to cover auto glass damage, or the will have to pay the cost for glass company repair or windshield replacement. Insurance policy premium price quotes do not always tell the whole story, and wary consumers should read the fine print to understand exactly what is covered.

Windshields are critical automotive protection against wind and weather, foreign debris, and passenger injury. Old automobiles had structural posts to support the roofs of vehicles, but today windshields perform an integral support function for the roof and as a base against which airbags deploy. An experienced and reliable glass company should handle windshield replacement to enhance vehicle safety. Some heated windshields can be tricky to install correctly, so auto glass price quotes do not always tell the whole tale either. Cheap installation could leave leaks and unfinished connections that impact the utility of the vehicle.

Some insurance carriers limit the amount of glass repair they will cover. If the policy chosen were a typical $500-deductible type, then the policy would usually pay nothing for windshield replacement, since most windshields only cost $100-$350 to replace. Some insurance companies do not consider auto glass repair a claim against the policy, and they will pay for glass without requiring the deductible. Four states-Kentucky, South Carolina, Florida and Massachusetts-require insurance companies to pay for auto glass damage without assessing a deductible. Repairs of small dings and scratches can be easily made at the shop or by mobile glass company technicians. Arresting glass damage quickly can extend the life of windshields and auto glass, so many carriers offer repair coverage without any deductible to encourage repairs. Price quotes for repairs generally run $20-$65.

The fine print of insurance policies can provide shocking surprises. Auto glass claims typically do not increase insurance rates unless caused by driver negligence. However, a policy might have restrictions on driving in certain regions or on some roads, such as unpaved dirt lanes. If insurance companies can prove that a vehicle was driven in one of these prohibited areas, then windshield replacement insurance becomes null and void. Reading the details of a policy can prepare drivers for any contingency. Glass company price quotes become very significant if the expenses must be paid for out of a driver's pockets.

Windshield replacement insurance is very valuable because many sources can generate auto glass damage. Policyholders should call their insurance companies and ask if their policy covers glass, what annual dollar limitations may be in effect, and whether glass company repairs count as a claim against the deductible. If the policy does not cover glass, then find out how much it would cost to add the coverage. The price quotes can be analyzed online with auto glass calculators against the typical price of repairs or replacement to determine the viability of coverage.

3 Essential Performance Parts To Enhance Your Car's Velocity

Car performance parts are developed to help improve the performance of your car's engine. The task of the car performance part is to help aid various parts of the car and optimally improve the overall performance of the vehicle. There are many car performance parts available in the market and some are even imported all over the world due to their great demand. When it comes to performance parts, you want to choose those that are most suitable for you vehicle and will make driving more efficient. In this article, three essential types of car performance parts will be discussed.

Air intakes

The air intakes will provide you with many benefits, for example, they will increase the horsepower of your vehicle. They will provide a boost to the throttle response of the car and make the vehicle a lot more fuel efficient. When you install air intakes, you will get a long life in the performance of the air filter. The air intakes are simple to install and can improve the performance of your vehicle to a great extent.

Turbochargers

The turbochargers are simply superchargers that increase the compactness of the engine and help to generate a lot of power. The turbochargers are known to enhance the power of the engine to around thirty-five percent. They will enhance the power and reduce the amount of emission that is released from the vehicle. This will allow your car to utilize less amount of fuel for long drives. What the turbocharger does is that it reduces the time that is required for the turbine to function and therefore it takes less time to achieve turbo speed. Usually, the turbochargers make the car environment friendly and reduce the amount of carbon emissions that are a cause of air pollution.

Intercooler

The purpose of an intercooler is to reduce the temperature of the air that enters the car engine. When the vehicle is heated, the air contracts with the intercooler and goes through the intercooler's vanes, where it is cooled down by the external air that passes through the vanes. What the intercooler does is that it uses external cold air in order to lower the temperature of the vehicle. With the help of an intercooler, the vehicle becomes environment friendly and boosts the horsepower of the vehicle to a great extent.

The above mentioned car performance parts are quite essential and they help make your vehicle run more efficiently. They will allow you to enhance the power of your car so that you get the best driving experience possible. Those individuals, who want to improve the performance of their cars, should consider adding new and improved performance parts to make it run in a better manner. Apart from the above mentioned parts, there are also other performance parts that can be incorporated into your vehicle for an enhance performance. So, if you are really looking to improve the performance for your car, then it is time that you invest some money into high quality performance parts.

Finding the Right Car and Auto Parts

Motor vehicles contain hundreds of moving parts that receive normal wear and tear every time you drive the car. Weather also has an impact on auto parts because most cars are exposed to all of the extremes of heat, cold, and moisture of the outside world. Between the normal wear and tear and the impact of the weather, car and auto parts will break down after time and need to be replaced. If you like to save a little money by replacing your car's parts yourself, there are several ways to find the car and auto parts you need.

New Parts

Brand new replacement parts can be very simple to find if your car is less than five years old. Most dealers have access to a full complement of parts that they can have shipped directly from the factory. Since dealerships also offer auto repair, you may find that the part you need is already on-site in the repair shop and they will sell it to you right away. The only problem with replacing parts on new cars is that many of the most recent models have parts that have to be changed using specific tools. It can be less expensive and time consuming to have the work done in the auto dealer's shop if your car is a very new model.

Used and Refurbished Parts

Finding parts for cars that are more than five years old is not difficult, but it is not quite as easy as finding newer parts. You may get lucky and find that the dealer still stocks the part you need, especially if it is a fundamental engine part that is similar in most cars. If the part you need is not readily available at the dealership, you may be able to find a suitable used or refurbished part at a local auto mechanic or salvage yard. There are also car and auto parts for sale online through auction sites or specialty sites dedicated to your type of car.

What to Expect From Your Local Retailer

Local auto repair retail stores will have many of the regular maintenance parts that commonly need to be replaced. You will be able to buy things like belts, hoses, and even smaller engine components like fuel pumps. Not every retailer has access to the same variety of parts. If you need something specific, speak with a clerk to find out if it is something the retail store can acquire for you. Usually the store will be able to give you an idea of where to find the part if they can't order it for you.

How to Find Parts for Older Cars

Older car parts can be trickier to track down. If your car is over ten years old, your first stop for replacement parts may need to be a salvage yard. Look through your local phone book for salvage yards in your area. Most of them focus on specific types of car parts, like foreign or domestic. Calling around will save you quite a bit of time before you begin to visit salvage yards.

A Few Tips for Troubleshooting Car Repair

Auto repair can be difficult for many people when the need occurs. So it is important to have at least a basic understanding of your vehicle. Here are some tips to assist you in keeping your car running well and safe.

Responsible Vehicle Ownership

Part of being a responsible car owner is recognizing the need for repairs when they arise, as well as protecting yourself and others from the trauma an accident from a faulty vehicle can cause. Even regular maintenance on your vehicle such as transmission filter replacement will not keep you from at some point requiring transmission repair. Just as regular brake checks and oil changes will not restrict you from possibly needing brake repair or an engine rebuild or replacement. But these items are an imperative part of responsible vehicle ownership. Keeping an eye out for impending problems with your vehicle is the first step in troubleshooting.

First Signs of Transmission Trouble

Although you can keep an eye and ear open for some of the first signs of trouble, just using visual or audible clues may not be enough to properly diagnose whether or not you may need auto repair. However, those clues may be just what you need to realize that it is time to get your vehicle in for a maintenance check up or tune up. Many auto care shops offer free checkups to encourage you to visit their place of business.

For indications that you may need transmission repair, you should make a point of parking in a spot that is clear of other stains, or be prepared to slide a large clean piece of plastic or paper under your vehicle once you have parked. It is best to be able to leave the vehicle parked overnight to best judge if there is a leak. Once you return to your vehicle remove the plastic or paper from under your car and look for signs of red transmission fluid. Although the fluid may be slightly dirty brown when you see it, it will still have a red undertone if it is from the transmission.

If your vehicle has left a reddish spot on the floor, plastic, or paper, you should take it immediately to a shop for transmission repairs.

Clues to Needing Brake Repair

For troubleshooting the need for brake repairs you will need to pay special attention when applying the brake pedal while driving. Does the brake pedal seem to depress more than usual? Does it feel "mushy" instead firm? Although that may be a simple matter of low brake fluid it is still worth it to have a professional free brake check. There may be leaks, worn out pads or brake shoes, worn brake cylinders, or other issues that may require brake repair. Additionally, if your brakes begin to screech when you apply pressure to the pedal it is likely you are in definite need of brake repairs. This often is a warning that your pads or shoes are worn so low that metal is scraping on the brake discs which can ruin them. Brake "rotors" or discs are very expensive to replace. Brake repair can be much less costly if you catch it early.

In summary, it is always better to use preventive maintenance when possible and the suggestions in this article are sure ways to help save you time and money as well as keep your vehicle safer.

Understanding Car Gearbox Repairs And Problems

If there is one sound that all motorists dread to hear, it is the crunch of a broken gearbox. It is natural that over time all cars develop problems, knowing how to find a mechanic that can carry out car gearbox repairs can be extremely useful. Though many of us are capable of doing small repairs ourselves, the gearbox and transmission require a specialist skill and knowledge.

The moment you notice any strange noise coming from your gearbox you should take your vehicle to be checked over. If you delay, even for a few days, the problem may worsen to such an extent that the transmission needs completely changing at a not inconsiderable sum. With any car related problems, the earlier you act the less expensive it should be to get fixed.

Another important consideration that should always be in your mind is that if your car is having gearbox or other mechanical problems, safety may be compromised. Ask yourself whether you feel it is safe for your children and friends to travel in a vehicle in which there are known problems.

If money is an issue then it even more important that you spend time locating a cost efficient repairs service. Check out as many repair shops as you can and then compare the different quotes. Do not always opt for the lowest price as the quality of the workmanship may fall below expectations. If possible ask friends and family if they can refer you to a mechanic they use and trust.

If your car gearbox repairs will require replacing, you can save money by opting for a second hand reconditioned transmission. Though these would have already been used they can still be in perfect working order, usually they come from vehicles that have been in an accident and are no longer roadworthy.

Why You Should Choose Bent Rim Repair Over Replacement

For as long as there have been cars on the road there has been a need for bent rim repair and replacement options. If you take a look at the average series of obstacles your car has to traverse in a lifetime it is no wonder they don't need to be fixed more often. So whether you need a chrome rim repair, dented rim repair or your alloy rented rim repaired, you can find someone who can do it for you or you can follow these steps and do it yourself.

Wheels and rims are notoriously expensive, but leaving one bent rather than fixing it can lead to further damage to your car's alignment. Meaning you may, over time, have to replace your car rather than just the rim. It is possible to repair a rim at home with some mechanical aptitude and the right tools. If you're not one of those people take it to a local shop for a professional assessment and repair. To get started on your repair you will need the following tools: a hydraulic jack and jack stands, a blanket or floor mat, a propane torch (yes you better know what you're doing now!) a mallet, and a wood plank.

Your first challenge is going to be getting the wheel off the rim. This is difficult as they are designed to fit snug, my Dad had a machine in his shop that made this easy, but you may not. If you feel confident in the fact you won't damage it further get out a crowbar and start prying. This is a tricky road to go down, be sure you're not doing more harm than good, a quick stop at a local garage can pop that wheel right off for a small price. Your peace of mind could be well worth that small amount of money.

You know, I haven't mentioned yet that the wheel and rim should be off the car, let's not skip that step. Take it off because this is where things get serious. In order to repair this bent rim you are going to have to heat a small portion of it with the blowtorch and then use your mallet to hammer it into shape against the wooden plank. Make sure your plank is level; it will be your guide to the straightness of your wheel. If you want to get good at hammering metal before going after your rim, which I recommend, find another piece of thick metal and practice heating it up and hammering it into shape.

With protective gloves on get the blowtorch up to its highest setting, then direct it at a small area of the rim for about two minutes. With the rim hot hold it against the plank and pound on it with the mallet in order to start smoothing the bent areas out. This may take a few periods of heating and hammering before you get it straight, but with some patience and work almost anyone can do a bent rim repair job on their wheel.