A Better Car Paint Scratch Repair Solution - Paint Protection Film

Nothing can negatively impact the appearance of your car like a car paint scratch. But the good thing is that car paint scratch repair is not that difficult. In fact, you can repair light scratches that are barely noticeable all the way up to deep scratches that go through the surface and down to the metal. Repairing scratches before rust begins to form is important, and most folks can undertake car scratch repair, even if they have very little or no experience in body work. Keep in mind, however, that you will need an orbital polish (which can be purchased at most auto parts stores) to repair anything more than a light scratch if you want professional results.

Car Paint Scratch Repair: Light Scratches

A light scratch is one that cannot be felt when you run your hand over it and that has not cut down into the clear coat of paint that is on the surface of your car. For scratches like this, you can use a mild abrasive rubbing compound applied with a microfiber towel. Simply apply the rubbing compound to the towel and rub the towel back and forth on the scratch. Then rub gently down the length of the scratch. This comprehensive motion will fill the scratch and break down any sharp edges. A few minutes of this gentle, polishing motion will make light scratches disappear. You can then apply car polish to the area to both bring out the shine of the paint and reduce the scratch's appearance. Rub the polish in a circular motion over the area. Voila! You have just completed the most minor car paint scratch repair and saved yourself some money by going DIY.

Car Paint Scratch Repair: Medium Scratches

Medium scratches are those that can be felt with the hand when it is run over the scratch, but this type of scratch is not scratched all the way through to the metal. A medium scratch goes into the top coat of paint (clear coat) but not the base coat. Since it does not extend into the base coat, touch up paint is not required for this type of car paint scratch repair. To repair this scratch, apply an abrasive rubbing compound to the pad of an orbital polisher, and place it against the scratch, moving the polisher back and forth in a circular motion. Once the scratch is gone, or mostly gone, you can then apply car polish in the same way that you would for a light scratch.

Car Paint Scratch Repair: Deep Scratches

Scratches that cut through your paint job down to the bare metal are deep scratches, and these must be sanded, painted, and polished in order to get repair them. To repair unsightly deep scratches, begin by sanding the scratch lightly, using 300 grit wet/dry auto paint sandpaper. After the scratch begins to feel smooth, you can then apply touch up paint to cover the metal. Next, use a cotton swab or toothpick to apply paint. Build up the paint inside the scratch so that it is slightly higher than the surface of the car. Allow this paint to dry for several hours using an 800 grit wet/dry auto paint sandpaper to sand it until smooth. Complete this car paint scratch repair by following the steps for repairing a light scratch, including using the compound and polish.

Preventing Scratches

Once your repair has been completed, you should take steps to make sure that you don't get further scratches on your car. The best way to do this is to have paint protection film installed on the car. Paint protection film can keep your paint looking shiny and new and protect you from would-be scratches that can make your car look older than it is.

Glass Repair for Heavy Equipment and Semi-Trucks

Just like your vehicle, semi-trucks and heavy machinery can suffer auto glass damage and require professional replacement services. Damaged and broken glass can put operators at risk and slow down the progress of the job. Glass replacement and repair done correctly and quickly can maintain your high safety standards and get your truck or construction vehicle back to work.

Semi-trucks: Regardless whether you are an owner, operator, or drive a fleet vehicle, the safety of the driver and the cargo are always top priority. If the windshield or other glass is chipped or cracked, your field of view may be impaired, which can be very dangerous with a vehicle weighing 30 tons or more. When mirrors are damaged, seeing what is happening to either side of the truck is either difficult or impossible depending on the extent of the damage. There's already plenty of stress driving a semi without the added hassle of trying to see around cracks and chips in your windshield, windows or mirrors.

Those who operate or own semi-trucks rely on them for their livelihood. If the truck is not safe to drive, the operator is unable to deliver his cargo. Not only does the driver lose money, the company wanting the cargo shipped does too. This is why it is so important that glass and windshield on the truck is fixed promptly and correctly.

Heavy equipment: Windshields and windows on heavy equipment are quite often subjected to harsh conditions. Falling debris, exposure to sun, and vandalism can damage the glass. It is not unusual for one of these vehicles to suffer window cracks or scratches.

The windows on heavy equipment, like backhoes, excavators, and forklifts, are an important safety feature. They protect the operator from flying rocks, stones, dirt, and debris that is found at most construction sites. A cracked or broken window compromises the safety of the worker, putting him in danger of a workplace injury. Damaged glass will not provide the protection to your employees that OSHA requires.

Broken and damaged windows can impede the vision of the operator. Not only will this prevent him from doing his job correctly, it could result in deadly injuries to his co-workers. A clear, unobstructed view while operating heavy equipment is essential to the proper function and safety of the machine.

We all know the old saying, "Time is money." Many construction projects are on a strict timeline and cannot be put off while equipment is repaired. An out-of-service machine can delay the completion of the job, possibly putting the entire project in jeopardy. Save money and time by finding an auto glass replacement technician who is knowledgeable and skilled in the replacement of heavy equipment glass. Getting is done right the first time will prevent a delay in your schedule due to machine maintenance.

Urgency is often the top priority when the glass in your semi-truck or heavy equipment needs to be repaired or replaced. It is important to note that many auto glass shops do not have the specialized skills or expertise to work on these types of vehicles. To ensure that your new glass is installed properly, be sure to work with a technician who is trained and knowledgeable of the specifications associated with semis and construction vehicles.

Tips On Choosing The Best Company Offering Windshield Replacement

When you need windshield replacement, it is best to choose a respected auto glass company to do the work. It is common for consumers to request price quotes and then base their decision on which glass company charges the lowest rates. If you are trying to prepare yourself in advance, refer to this list of tips on how to choose the right company in your area. The list includes common tips and things that consumers often overlook when they are shopping for window replacement.

Quality Materials

One of the first considerations you should make when you are choosing a glass company has to do with materials. Glass protects you from all of the elements outside. It is the only barrier between you and the rocks that are thrown by the tires on the road. As you can see, the grade of the glass you choose is very important. Make sure the company you do business with installs windshields that were manufactured to fit your specific make and model.

State of the Art Processes

When you need your windshield replaced you need it done quickly. The processes that the company uses should be efficient while still being quick. Ask the company about the techniques they use and make sure they have all of the tools they need for installing and sealing your new windshield.

Communication

A reputable windshield replacement company will be responsive and attentive to your needs. Make sure the company offers an online form for price quotes and appointments. You should also verify that the company is available during the hours that are convenient for you. Assess customer service skills on your own and call each glass company in your area so you can compare how you are treated when you call for price quotes.

Claims Processes with Insurance Companies

Did you know that in some cases your windshield replacement will be covered by your insurance? If you carry comprehensive coverage, you can have your windshield replaced at a discounted cost. If you have a deductible, the only amount of money you will have to pay when you have services done on your vehicle is the deductible amount. Some insurance companies will waive deductibles when your windshield can be repaired rather than replaced. Ask the company if they will file your claim for you and you never have to worry about being reimbursed for the invoice.

The reputation of the glass company you choose is very important. Price quotes are the last thing to consider when you are trying to choose the best company in your area. Meet with representatives of more than one company and discuss whether your windshield needs replaced or just repaired. Choose a company quickly so you never have to worry about getting a ticket or having your view obstructed. Research each of the areas above and then make your final decision after you sift through all of the companies around. Once you do your homework and your research, you can proceed with the best company.

An Auto Mechanic: Your Car's Best Buddy

The need for the services of automobile repair is everywhere, even on the internet. Yes, many mechanics are offering their services online so as to keep with the trends in technology. Most people nowadays are on the virtual environment doing exactly the same things they do offline - shopping, making friends, and working, to name a few, and finding an auto mechanic online is not at all a strange idea. In fact, it is a concept that is already become acceptable and bound to be more appreciated by a greater number of car owners.

You could say that an auto mechanic is your car's best buddy. He can help you with many things; if you have difficulty starting your car for instance, or if you are on the road and your car keeps on stalling, or that your car overheated or you need help with your engine or cooling system, you can find help immediately by simply turning on your mobile device with internet and connecting with an auto mechanic online. Of course, these are not the only car problems the technician can help you with, but remember, auto mechanics have different areas of specialty. Before engaging the services of the automotive tech, you may want to make sure that he is fully knowledgeable of the job you want him to undertake. You could ask for certifications and licenses to ensure that you are dealing with a professional mechanic, one who has gone to school to learn the theories and techniques and then perfected the craft. This might take time, for sure, that is why it should work to your advantage to do your research of auto mechanics online before trouble sets in; otherwise, you could be left with a choice that is not necessarily the best choice at all.

If you're lucky, you could stumble on a few websites where you could find a pool of skilled and professional mechanic. By subscribing to these websites, you'll be able to post a question which an auto mechanic who is an expert on the topic of your concern will then attend to.

Needless to say, when dealing with a professional mechanic, you need to be very specific and detailed of what your car's problem is, more so if you are communicating via the World Wide Web wherein the mechanic cannot have an actual look at your car. Think of the mechanic as your doctor, and so you must describe the symptoms as clearly as possible. From these, the mechanic will diagnose what the problem is and then suggest possible solutions.

The world that surrounds auto mechanics is one that is interesting, fun, and profitable. If you want to benefit from the opportunities, go get a degree in auto tech and become a professional auto mechanic yourself, than you can start reaping all the rewards, financial and otherwise, too. On the other hand, if you'd rather get the services of an auto mechanic, take advantage of internet innovations to help you find one with ease.

Automotive Paint Repair Can Be Simple

It's that awful time for car owners, your car's paint is damaged and you need some automotive paint repair done to get it back to like new. Maybe you were in a low impact collision, scraped the door backing out of the garage, or worst of all, your entire car has been randomly keyed or vandalized. Whatever the reason, there are a number of solutions available to you in the car paint repairs market. Not only will your vehicle be looking better, but it will also be better protected with all of its metal covered in paint and protected from the elements that cause rust.

The first thing I want to look at is why car paint repairs are necessary. To put it simply paint is fashion and function. The paint protects the metal underneath, which is vulnerable to various elements, most notably the weather, but road salt and further chipping factor in as well. Damage that is not attended to immediately can lead to costly future repairs down the road. There is no benefit at all to waiting to do a repair.

Most auto paint repairs are simple procedures. For smaller scratches, dents, and scrapes you can go with a zone repair. A zone repair is a cost effective solution as it only focuses on a specific spot of your vehicle and does a seamless repair of it without painting the entire panel. This is done by isolating the area with tape and paper, while the repair person blends the paint just perfectly to match the original colour. A professional at this technique can do it in a way that matches the paints original factory look and colour around the repair so that no one will ever be able to tell that any damage ever happened. This can be done on side panels, hoods, trunks, and doors. It saves time, money and value over the cost of a repair to the entire panel. It often allows the repair to be done below the cost of your insurance deductible.

For larger damaged areas a complete repaint of the entire panel may be necessary. This can be done at a reasonable cost, but not as cheaply as a zone repair. Remember that this is about protecting your car, and ensuring the greatest value for it in the long run. Do not go with the most economical option. Choose what is best for the long term in keeping your car its best. If there is heavy damage to the metal under the panel it may be necessary to replace the entire panel. This would be unfortunate as this is costly and often requires a repaint of the new panel to match the look and colour of the rest of the vehicle, but there is no good that will come of having an old panel on that rusts.

So whether it was your own fault, an accident of someone else's doing, or you were the victim of vandalism, it is essential for the long term use of your car that even the smallest dings and chips get attended to. Failure to do so can lead to rust which will dramatically reduce the value of your vehicle. Get immediate automotive paint repair specialists to look at your car to correct this type of damage.

Car Scratch Repair - How to Repair Car Scratches

Every car owner must know how to repair car scratches because for a lot of people, men especially, their cars' looks is very important. Having a great looking automobile is sometimes what it's all about for them. If you are one of those who really give a lot of time and investment on these machines, then it is important for you to learn how to repair a car scratch or simply know where it is best to get a car scratch repair. At any point of time, your paint job can get damaged, and knowing how to fix car scratches can give you a huge advantage.

The most important thing about repairing car scratches is to have it done as soon as possible. You may notice the damage as soon as it happens or even days after it happens. Either way, the moment you find it, you have to do something about the damage immediately. Now, the next step is to calculate how severe the cut is. You can do this without using any expensive tools or equipment. Simply run your finger across the area and use your fingernail to determine how deep it is. Depending on the severity, you can remove the scratch either easily or with some difficulty.

-If you want to save the hassle and time to repair any car scratches, scroll down to the last paragraph of this article for the most effective way to remove car scratches.

-Otherwise, read on.

One of the best car scratch repair approach for light damages is to use a polish thinner or some acetone. Rub this on the area until it is no longer visible. If this isn't enough, you can continue on and use a polishing compound in order to completely eliminate this. On the other hand, if it is deep, you will have a harder time in accomplishing proper scratch repair.

If the damage is much more severe than expected, then you can make use of this method:

1. Wash the affected area with soap and water, and then let it dry.

2. Make use of shoe polish on the area; black for red-colored cars, and white for dark-colored ones,

3. Grab a couple of sandpaper and proceed to sand the damage out.

4. Using a brush, blow away the dust produced by the sanding.

5. Place body compound to repair the car scratches.

6. Next, you can now use primer paint on the area.

7. The last step for your car scratch removal is to apply the touch-up paint using the specialized brush to finish it off.

There you have it. It doesn't matter how severe it is, you can personally accomplish a car scratch repair without using expensive tools and equipment. You do not have to pay for the services of experts to repair car scratches. However, if you want to achieve better results, there are products available in the market today which can help you accomplish a better outcome with your repairs. They can be very useful when it comes to removing even the deepest gash in your paint job.

Truck Repair Shops

It is far easier now to find a truck repair shop when time is critical than it was twenty years ago. Numerous internet options available now can deliver plenty of choices. Using your smart phone you can access mobile-friendly sites, plus many web sites designed for ordinary computer monitors.

Repair Shop Directories
A web directory hosted by America's Independent Truckers' Association (AITA) is categorized seven ways. The categories include Automotive Collision Centers, Truck Collision Centers, Automotive Repair Centers, Mechanical Repair Shops, Winching and Towing, Commercial Tire Outlets, and Welding Shops. Any service business can submit their details for inclusion in the appropriate category on the site.

Clearly one of the biggest and most used directories of truck repair services on the web is the National Truck and Trailer Services Breakdown listing. The NTTS Breakdown Directory was created in1989 and has been online and available since then. The directory retrieves data from multiple sources, such as local yellow pages and direct submissions by web users and businesses.

The NTTS directory operators verify every business by phone. They call every business every year to check the data contained in the directory. The verification process guarantees highly accurate data.

In the US and Canada Truck Down is published for truckers. It features many different services and has been publishing since 1997. The Truck Down web repository lists truck repair businesses, trailer shops, machine shops, truck stops and trucker motels. Visitors can use a detailed search feature and several unique settings to focus a search quickly and easily.

Most people know what car repair shops looks like. Truck shops are often quite different. Inside, you will soon notice how huge all the equipment is. A truck hydraulic lift is gigantic, supporting over 10,000 pounds. Electric, lifts overhead pull engines, transmissions, cabs and other heavy parts. To degrease a truck diesel engine takes a vat are much larger than anything you would find in a car shop.

Motorized and hydraulic tools are what truck mechanics use for lifting and moving truck parts in the shop. A tremendous number of truck repairs, necessitate lifting the engine or removing nearby parts. This differs from car repairs, in which it is often possible to just work under the hood of the car.

US Truck Travel
According to the US Bureau of Transportation Statistics in 2010 US vehicles traveled about 2 trillion miles in 2008, just in urban regions. Trucks racked up over 230 billion vehicle-miles in 2008 also. So much travel is very hard on trucks. It is not surprising that drivers need to locate repair shops frequently.

Car Repair Insurance Cost - Facts and Myths Unrevealed

Whenever you pay for a new car, either brand new or later model, you do not need extra policy such as car repair insurance packages since it's typical to have manufacturer's warranty. That warranty mostly lasts for about 3 to 5 years. But how do you think that you will be affected if you are driving older car? Or perhaps a car with no remaining warranty in it? What do you plan to do about it? A lot of car owners do not realize the importance of this extra insurance package and auto repair insurance cost becomes secondary when you talk about the benefits it provides. From the moment that your car warranty expires, auto insurance should protect you from expensive car repair costs.

Auto Breakdown Insurance Cost - How to determine?

Most car owners do not like the idea of extra auto breakdown Insurance Cost when buying a car. But you have to know that the standard policy on auto insurance you use in legally acquiring a vehicle to drive does not cover repairs. There are times that comprehensive coverage and collision is included in the policy, but still it does not cover needed repairs on worn or failing parts. Although repairs are covered by a warranty, the problem will begin when it expires. This is when auto repair insurance becomes advantageous to car owners: what is not in general covered by your standard car insurance policy will be covered by auto repair insurance.

But wait. What is really the cost of auto repair insurance? If you would like to get a clear answer, read the succeeding paragraphs.

Getting a Car Repair Insurance Quote

Bear in mind that cost varies from one insurer to another. This is the reason why it is very important for you to get a car insurance quote. By doing this, you will be able to know how much car insurers charge their car repair insurance. Another importance of getting a car insurance repair quote is that you will be able to compare the insurance costs of different companies, so you can save a high amount of money.

However, requesting for an insurance quote would not just be as easy as 123 because car repair insurance companies rely on some information that would serve as the basis in order for you to be provided with the right insurance quote designed for you. That basically includes:

- The model and make of your vehicle.

- Your driving history and age.

Among all these pieces of information, the number one factor that greatly influences the auto breakdown insurance cost is your age. The younger you are, the more expensive your payment for the insurance would be. Your driving record will also affect the amount you have to pay for the auto breakdown insurance because the more accidents you got involved with, the higher the amount you have to pay. Of course, if you are a good driver, you will be able to get more rewards and you just have to pay a minimal amount for the policy.

Most of the time, you will see that the offered rates change dramatically from one insurer to another, and you might wonder why. Well, this is because of the fact that every car repair insurance provider has their own qualifications and requirements. So, as long as you obtain a quote for car repair insurance, you will not be exposed to the risk of making the wrong decision in availing the insurance service of the wrong insurer.

Now that you already know how to get a quote, you should discover the truth about car repair insurance estimates.

The Truth About Auto Breakdown Insurance Estimates

Auto breakdown insurance estimates need to be obtained if you have been involved in an accident because you can use it to get your insurance money. However, in order to make this possible, you have to follow what is indicated in the car insurance policy.

If the vehicular accident wasn't your fault, you can submit car breakdown insurance estimates for damages to the company that handles your insurance or to the company that handles the insurance of the other party at fault. Now, if you choose the first option, you will be able to incur a deductible.

Auto Body Shop - Know the Best Occasions to Go to One

If you have never had occasion to use an auto body shop before, you might wonder why you would ever need one. However, there are various reasons to take your vehicle to a professional company in order to improve its appearance. Find out some possible reasons to visit such a business.

If you are planning on selling your car anytime soon, you want it to look in the best shape possible. A car in excellent condition can sell for a lot more than one in good or fair condition, and a great paint job can often bump it up into the next category. If your automobile has scratches and chips all over from regular wear and tear over the years, it is time to let a professional fix it up before you sell it. The higher price you will likely get for it is usually more than what you will pay to fix it at an auto body shop.

In some cases, you might choose to have a completely new paint job. This can be the best route for an automobile that has several scratches, especially if it is difficult to exactly match the color. You may instead opt for a completely new look, getting a different color paint to revitalize your car. This might be particularly attractive if you have had your vehicle for years since just because you liked a certain shade years ago does not mean you still like it.

If you have been in a car accident, either recently or in the past, it is important to get the damage fixed at a professional auto body shop. Driving an automobile that has major damage can be dangerous and may cause further destruction to the rest of the vehicle. Even if you only have a little damage, it is important to get it repaired as soon as possible. Not only is this safer, but you can be much prouder of a vehicle in great shape than one with dents and structural issues. This is true whether you plan to sell it or soon, or hold onto it as long as you can.

Clearly, heading to a reputable auto body shop can help anyone with a vehicle. Whether you want to sell your automobile soon, eventually, or never, you can still use the services of a professional to get it in the best shape possible. If you want to improve your car's appearance, check out the shops nearest you.

Auto Repair and Maintenance

For most of us, a car is an investment. It is our way to work, and it is our way to run errands. In some parts of the country, life without a car can be pretty difficult. If you have a vehicle it will be your most expensive purchase. Auto repair, maintenance, registration, and, in some states, yearly inspections come to mind. We all want to be safe and we all want our cars to last a long time. So, what does maintaining your car actually look like? It's not nearly as complicated as you might fear.

The most basic maintenance is an oil change. If you are a do it yourself project this is a pretty basic job. If you don't want grease on your hands it is thankfully pretty inexpensive, but it is important nonetheless. This should be done every 3,000 miles. If you take it to someone they will check spark plugs, air filters, and fluid levels. It might be a good idea to more frequent oil changes or check the oil level more often if you notice leaks, drive in a lot of stop and go traffic, or tow a trailer.

The suspension of your car needs attention. You will want to have your vehicle's struts, or shocks checked. When you take your car in to have your tires rotated the mechanic will check these things and make sure your car is properly aligned. Also, if you state requires a yearly inspection you will be required to have this checked out. This helps your car handle better. Sometimes a problem can be as simple as low tire pressure. Once you get a little air you may find your vehicle is good as new. When problems with the suspension occur they can be dangerous. Auto repair often just means regular maintenance.

Keeping up with transmission fluids can help your car shift smoother. Replacing a transmission is far more costly than maintaining your vehicle's fluids. Brake fluids are important to maintain as well as brake pads. You can reduce a lot of costly repairs by keeping an eye on these fluids.

Auto repair is about safety and protecting your investment. It is important to find a mechanic who will help you keep up on your car's repairs. Someone who can do quality work when your car lets you down as well as helping with maintenance so it doesn't let you down often.

Common Auto Repair Prevention for Car Owners

Preventing auto repair is something that a lot of car owners would like to do. Some of the reasons why it is important to prevent this are due to the bigger cost of repairing a vehicle than preventing it and the time that is spent on bringing the car to the garage and having it done can be such a hassle for the owner who might have other things to do. Another possible reason why prevention is better is because some repairs may actually lead to more problems if it has taken a long time to bring the issue to the attention of a mechanic or a technician.

Regular Checkups

Bringing the automobile in for regular checkups is one way of preventing auto repair issues that come with the regular use of vehicles. The maintenance that mechanics and technicians usually do on the vehicles will actually help to prolong the life of the engine and the automobile itself. It is prolonged because most of the engine and the body may be cleaned and constantly kept in check. This means that debris and dirt buildup can be prevented. Debris and buildup can cause the early deterioration and rust of the parts of the automobile that can lead to replacing the parts of repairing the body for rust. Another benefit of regular checkups is early notice of worn out or destroyed parts. These can be easily replaced when their life span have expired. Timely replacement of worn out parts and pieces can prevent problems that surface when the worn out parts are still used and their wear and tear will spread to other parts that are related to them.

Knowledge

The car owner can also prevent unnecessary auto repair on the vehicle if he or she has basic knowledge with how a vehicle is supposed to function and to notice if there is something wrong with it. The owner does not need to be a certified mechanic or technician to be able to notice if there is something wrong with his or her vehicle. Just being vigilant and observant can be a good enough thing for many. Noticing if there is something wrong with how the vehicle moves, brakes or accelerates can be merit enough to bring it immediately to a service garage and have it checked. Bringing a vehicle in for something that the car owner may have noticed while driving it, can actually save lives and prevent further damage to it. The safety of the driver and passengers, if there are any passengers, should be the priority. This means not taking any chances when the driver notices something wrong with the vehicle he or she is driving.

Taking time to bring the vehicle in for regular checkups does not cost much and can help to prevent further damage. It can also save lives and prevent damage to property. Being observant and vigilant with how the car moves and functions can also be a good way to prevent unnecessary auto repair.

10 Steps to Starting a Paintless Dent Repair Business

1. 
   Examine your potential market. Do you have any connections at body shops, detail shops, wholesalers, car dealers, service centers, etc who will let you potentially do work for them? Think about your demographics. Are your potential retail customers making decent money? Create a list of connections, call them all and let them know you are getting trained.
   



2. 
   Examine your potential competition. How many PDR techs are there in your area, and are they operating in your potential market? What are they charging? How much rapport does your competition have locally with your potential market? Keep notes.
   



3. 
   Find out your states' requirements. You may need business insurance. You may need a sales license, you may need many things. Go to a local dealer and ask the office manager what their dealer requires from any of it's vendors (you in the future).
   
   



4. 
   Register a business name. Go to your state's governmental website and search for info about registering a business. Go through the process of registration. With a PDR name, it should use words that tie in to the PDR industry. Dings, dents, PDR, dent repair, etc.



5. 
   Order business materials. You will need business cards, invoices, and possibly some accounting items.



6. 
   Go get trained and purchase tools. This one is obvious. You need to get training, and get a basic toolset. You do not need more than a basic set to begin with, as the first couple of months you need to practice, practice, practice.
   
   



7. 
   Keep your day job! You will be hard pressed to support your family or pay your current bills when first starting in PDRso keep the job you have.



8. 
   Practice on your connections. You need to practice, practice, practice. I know I already said that, but there aren't many people willing to give you a shot at working on their $40,000 BMW unless you are pretty sure of your skills. If you know someone who owns a body shop, or wholesales ask them if you can practice on their cars "for free".
   



9. 
   Start selling YOU to your connections. They have a lot of options already for PDR. The difference you can make for them initially is that it is you performing PDR for them, even if it isn't the best they could get. Sell them on how every day you are getting better, and that this is YOU that they are dealing with.....



10. 
    Finalize the legalities of doing business. Wrap up any loose ends with regard to doing business as a vendor to dealerships and body shops.

Career In Auto Body Repair Technology

If you have traveled on the highway, you might have come across accidents involving two or more vehicles that have collided with each other. Such vehicles are either disposed of as scrap or sent for repairs, depending on the extent of damage caused by the crash. An automobile body repairer's job is to work on damaged cars, make modifications to improve appearance and lend it an entirely new look. A career in auto body repair technology can be fascinating if you have a flair for fixing things and an eye for the design of cars.

The following article will help you understand the distinguishing characteristics of a career in auto body repair technology.

Job Qualifications And Training

Companies that hire auto body repair technologists typically prefer candidates with prior training in the field. They supplement the knowledge of newly recruited technicians with a well defined, on-the-job training. Additionally, the technicians are expected to lay efforts on constant updating of their skills as new vehicles are introduced. It is advisable for them to spend personal time reading technical manuals, and attending seminars and classes.

The National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers a certification in repairs, which though a voluntary program is considered as a standard of achievement for automotive body repairers. The institute conducts four tests, twice a year. A work experience of two years is an essential criterion to qualify for the test.

Due to the rapid improvement in technology, vast differences exist in the make, spare parts, build and quality of material used by manufacturers in the production of cars. Therefore, in addition to the practical training provided by employers, new technicians are also encouraged to attend supplementary courses organized by various auto manufacturers.

Skills

To be a talented automotive body repairer, reading, arithmetic and computer skills are essential. To restore the body of an automobile, a repairer should be able to understand diagrams so that the correct positioning of a certain part can be measured with respect to the other parts. New repairers are expected to fix dents and other minor problems, after which they start working on more complex problems such as straightening and realignment of body parts.

Nature Of The Job

The different job opportunities in this field range from painting and glass replacement to specializing in only one type of repair. For instance, a technician can focus on fiberglass car body repair that is usually done only in bigger shops. Other jobs include fixing of large dents using anvils, heating of plastic to attach it back to the car, and the filing and grinding of machines to lend it a desired shape. After gaining a few years of experience, some auto body repairers also take up management jobs that involve tasks such as supervising technicians, purchasing of supplies, hiring, keeping track of income, expenses, and payment of bills.

Salary

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in the year 2002, automotive body repairers made a median hourly wage of $15.71 including incentives.

Future Of The Job

The number of job positions in this field is expected to increase through the year 2012. To meet the demand, auto body repair jobs may have to be contracted out to repairers from other fields or retired automobile designers working in other areas. Repairers who have undergone formal training and certification will benefit from the enriching job opportunities expected to arise. Other than simple repairing jobs, the redefining aspect of automobile technology will be a sought after skill to counter the increasing demands for new and innovative designs. The big shops will look at increasing their ability to provide quality service to more customers as a team is would be recruited to cater to the varying needs of different customer profiles, to decrease the repair time and improve overall efficiency.

As the number of vehicles on the road increase, so will the need to repair and add new features to them. The auto repairing industry is here to stay, and if you vie to be in an innovative and challenging field, the auto body repair industry is the right career option for you.

Windshield Repair Process

Repairing a windshield is based on principles like any other kind of repair. The difference lies in the quality of the repair affects directly your safety and driving comfort. At Goober's Windshield Repair, we want you to feel comfortable with windshield repair. In order to achieve that purpose, we are revealing everything about windshield repair, inside out; no secrets, no hidden information. We hope that when you understand windshield repair, you will be less guarded against windshield repair services, amiss all those disreputable trickery some automobile service technician employ to retain customers and profit from unnecessary "repairs."

Before we begin with the repair process, we should evaluate when and why you should have your windshield repaired. You should always have your windshield repair at the first damage it takes, when it is still a small ding. When you repair that, at a considerably lower cost, the chip will fill in, restoring windshield strength and prevent further cracking. If you leave the chip in the windshield, sooner or later it will crack open, developing into a full length crack. The problems with a crack are that it weakens the windshield substantially, is harder to hide cosmetically even with repair, is easier to get contaminated and that not everyone can perform crack repairs. Crack repairs require another set of equipment different from chip repairs.

To fully appreciate the value of windshield chip repair, you should read our other article, Understanding Windshield Chip Repair. Visit [http://www.gooberswindshieldrepair.com] to access this article.

In this article, we will be repeating some information also found in our article on fixable chips and cracks. Visit [http://www.gooberswindshieldrepair.com] to access this article.

Chip Repair

A chip, or more commonly called ding, is a small break caused by object impact from stones and projectiles. The break can be structurally classified as bullseye, star break, and combination. Most other structural breaks are derivations of these three basic types.

In order to properly fix chips, several steps must be followed to ensure the best repair. Beginning with preparation, the technician cleans the surface of the damaged area of loose glass shards. Then the center of the impact point is opened up through drilling to facilitate resin injection. Depending on the type of break, the chip may be further "tapped" to create a reservoir in the glass through which resin can flow easier into harder-to-reach spots.

Now that the chip surface has been prepared, the technician aligns the injector head to the chip entry point, first vacuuming the air out of the break and then following through with resin injection. When the chip has filled, under a curing light, the resin in the chip begins to solidify, bonding the cracked windshield together. The remaining steps involve curing additional layers of resin onto the chip impact point to ensure a smooth surface and polishing to protect the resin from chemicals in the air and wiper washers.

Prelude to Crack Repair

Crack repair deserves a little more attention. Before you consider a crack repair, please ask yourself the following questions:

What type of crack is it?
How long has it been there?
Where is the crack?
What are you trying to achieve with a crack repair?

If the crack is a single long crack (one impact point, one crack) and under 24 inches, a crack repair is feasible over a windshield replacement. If there are multiple single long cracks in different locations, then you also need ask yourself what you want from the repair. If the crack has many legs (one impact point, multiple cracks) then you should eliminate repair from your considerations and go directly to replacement. There has been too much structural distortion to properly repair that. Lastly, if the crack is a stress crack, meaning that it developed without an external break, then either your windshield is defective or your car frame has somehow warped that an abnormal stress pattern is exerted on the windshield.

Next, after a rigorous process of elimination and you determined that your crack belongs to those fixable single long cracks, you should also know how long the crack has been there. Cracks one month old are repairable. Over that you should consult a repair technician. Factors such as the number of car washes, types of car washes, driving environment and overnight parking locations will affect the cleanliness of your crack.

The answer to the next question is basically a 'yes' or 'no' to repair.

Q: "Where is the crack?" (Should I repair the windshield?)
A: "Over the driver's primary viewing area." (No.)
A: "Somewhere else." (Yes.)

Lastly if you want to have a perfectly transparent windshield, you should opt for replacement. Repair will improve it cosmetically but sometimes and at some angles you will be able to see a thin line and a little bit of visual distortion, but not enough to affect your driving ability. I recommend you to get a replacement if you have multiple single long cracks, unless you care less about seeing visual blemishes than paying top dollars for a good replacement.

Crack Repair

Now that we have got through the administrative material, let's get to the point.

Crack repair begins with creating a tip for the crack. The tip serves as an end point for the crack; in other words, you can imagine the tip as a heavy weight anchor that the crack is tied to. Filling the tip in separately, the technician then proceeds to inject resin into the crack starting from its impact point. Then slowly and methodically the technician moves the injector along the crack path and filling those spaces gradually until reaching the vicinity of the tip. After resin has finished filling, the technician cures the resin.

Resin

One very important element of repair is the resin. Resin viscosity rating correlates to its strength. For chip repairs, the resin viscosity is lower than the resin viscosity used in crack repairs. The reason being that resin used for chip repairs need to be versatile to go into nooks-and-crannies and less for strength, since the structural damage is very small. For cracks, there are no small spaces to wedge into and it is very important to have stronger resin to fully bond the crack together.

Curing Light

Curing light plays a crucial role in repair quality and time. The right curing light only will properly cure the resin in a shorter time span. This enables the vehicle owner to assume normal usage of the car right after the repair.

Windshield repair is a simple process; all it takes to get a quality repair is knowing what and when to repair and having the right technician.

2005 © Goober's Windshield Repair

Popping Or Clunking Noise in Front End - Repair Tip Secrets!

Finding clunking and popping noises are without a doubt one of the most time consuming jobs an auto technician has to face. Sure some noises just require a simple suspension and steering inspection to find worn bushings, tie rods or ball joints but many other times it's not that simple. While driving, it's important to notice when the clank or rattle noise occurs, this will be a clue. If the noise only is heard over bumps, it will most likely be something in the suspension. If the noise is only heard on turns, the problem will most likely be in the steering system.

Creak On Sharp Turns in Parking Lot

The most difficult noise that I had to find was several years ago, it was a creaking noise from the back of the car on sharp turns at parking lot speeds. This car had been to several other shops before I looked at it. Needless to say many parts had been installed without any success of silencing the noise. I first started by checking the torque on ALL of the bolts on the suspension. I knew it wouldn't be that easy, but you have to start with the basics. By using an electronic listening device I was able to narrow down my search for the creak. It appeared as though it was going to be something with the uni-body. Uni-body noises are more likely to be in cars that were previously wrecked. Since this car was never in an accident, I kept looking. I removed the rear seat and went on another test drive. The noise was louder! Behind where the back seat cushion goes, there was two cross support braces bolted in. This was the problem, one of the bolts was slightly loose, allowing the uni-body to flex just enough on sharp parking lot turns to make the noise. 

Repair Tip Secrets - Look For The Following

1. Worn bushings, ball joints or tie rod ends.


2. Rust around bolt heads or washers (accelerated rust may indicate movement).


3. Check and lubricate steering stops at control arms to steering knuckles. 


4. Loose items in the car or trunk.


5. Loose lug nuts.


6. Loose battery hold down.


7. Missing exhaust hangers.


8. Worn motor mounts. 

Lifetime Lube

Most older vehicles had grease fittings that were lubricated or greased as part of an oil change; that's why we called it a Lube Oil & Filter. Most steering and suspension parts today are lifetime lubricated. Meaning they are not greased for the duration of their usefulness. If the parts start making noise they are just discarded and replaced. They can be good otherwise, so it's important to know they don't have to be worn out or have excessive movement to make noise.

Auto Glass Repair and Safety

An improperly or poorly installed windshield or other vehicle glass is not a bargain, regardless of the cost. Your vehicle's windshield is a key component in accident safety. When it needs to be replaced, be aware that an improperly installed replacement can contribute to passenger airbag failure, and increases the chance of roof collapse in a roll-over.

A professionally installed modern windshield protects occupants in more ways than many people realize, it is MUCH more than a barrier against the weather. These days, a windshield is a key component in the structural integrity and safety of the passenger compartment, not just a wind screen. An unsafe windshield, one that is not installed properly or has been damaged by debris, can certainly cause unnecessary personal injury or even death. If the windshield separates from the vehicle in an accident, the lives of those inside are immediately at far greater risk of injury.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports over 40,000 Americans are killed and over 5 million injured every year in highway accidents. Over 30 percent of the fatalities occur when vehicle occupants are either ejected from the vehicle, or injured during rollovers. Windshields are intended to keep occupants inside the vehicle. The windshield also supports the roof thereby preserving the structural integrity of the passenger compartment and keeping it from collapsing and crushing driver and passengers.

The danger here is that insurance companies are always looking to cut costs. You may ask, how does that affect me? Windshields, safety belts, airbags and other safety feature should never fall victim to cutting cost at the expense of quality, but in some cases that is what happens. Some consumers will rely on their agent to locate a professional auto glass installer, but that could be a problem because occasionally they will direct you to a place that will get the work done for cheap, but this also might be a flag that corners are being cut.

Visibility and protection from the weather are both important functions of a windshield, but although these aspects are what mostly concern drivers, the role of the windshield in the vehicle's SRS (Safety Restraint System) is its primary function. The decision between a cheap installation with cheap parts and a professional installation with quality parts can mean the difference between surviving or perishing in a collision or roll-over.

What Can You Gain From Automotive Mechanic Courses?

Do you dream about working on cars? Love getting under the hood? A career as a mechanic may be the perfect fit for you.

Automotive mechanic training programs will give you the skills you need to turn your passion for cars into a steady, rewarding auto repair career. Automotive mechanic graduates can go on to apprenticeships in some of the most successful automotive repair and service facilities in the province.

Intensive diploma programs are designed to fully immerse the student into the role of an Automotive Service Technician. Instructors are often industry professionals with real world knowledge, who can execute an industry specific automotive mechanic training curriculum based on core industry components. Automotive Mechanic training programs rang from technical automotive theory, to diagnostics, to actually engaging in the repair and maintenance of automobiles (fixing cars), allowing student the chance to understand and retain the knowledge and skills needed to become competitive in the auto mechanic industry.

Because of the varied nature of the profession, auto mechanic training programs are often very comprehensive in scope. Areas of study may include:

• Brake Systems


• ABS Systems


• Starting Systems


• Electrical Systems


• Drivability Diagnostics


• Fuel Systems


• Fuel Injection Systems


• Differentials


• 4x4 Systems


• Computer Systems


• EVAPS System


• Exhaust System


• Drive Clean (Inspector Certification - Emissions)


• Heating & Air Conditioning


• Ozone Depletion Certification (HRIA


• Safety & Accessory Systems


• Suspensions


• Steering


• General Maintenance Services


• Engines (Gas & Diesel)


• Transmissions (Automatic & Manual)


• Driveline Systems


• Cooling Systems


• Ignition Systems


• Tire & Wheel Service


• Repair Facility Dynamics Structure


• Safety


• Professional Protocol


• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving


• Performance Standards


• Effective Communication Skills

Aside from gaining experience and knowledge in these areas, you will have the opportunity to be certified as an emissions inspector, and licensed to handle air conditioning refrigerants under your regional prevention rules, regulations and programs. These certifications, a necessity for many automotive mechanic jobs, will give you a definite edge in today's repair and service job market.

Graduates from comprehensive auto mechanic courses have found careers as:

• Emissions Inspectors


• Lube Specialists


• Automotive Service Technician Apprentices


• Farm Equipment Apprentices


• Truck and Coach Mechanic Apprentices


• Parts Counter


• Forklift Mechanic Apprentices


• Muffler Specialists


• Front End Technicians


• Electrical Specialists


• Engine Technicians


• Fuel Specialists


• Tune Up Technicians


• Diagnosticians


• Emissions Specialists


• Instructors


• Transmission Specialists


• Hybrid and Fuel Cell Technicians


• Performance Specialists


• Automotive Service Technicians


• Journeyman Mechanics


• Service Managers


• Assistant Managers


• Shop Foremen


• Shop Managers or Owners

Turn your passion for cars into a rewarding, long-lasting career. Get started today in the auto mechanic industry with an intensive automotive mechanic training program.

The Automotive Service Advisor and the Oversold Customer

Are people whispering about your Service business? You know the type of whispers I'm talking about? Whispers in the service drive? Or how about the whispers that get back to you from "that guy down the street?"

These are the whispers of "they always pressure you here to buy something" or "every time I come in here they find something else wrong."

Then those SCARY whispers turn into SCARY RUMORS!

They that start off with "Yeah, I heard some of their customers went down the street to Joe's Garage because they were being oversold here."

WHAT? Oversold? WTH do you mean by that?

Oh wait, you mean UNDERSOLD, don't you? Undersold...that's where the Service Advisor cuts corners....oh...you're not aware of an "Undersold" condition? That's because in your store it is ALWAYS the CUSTOMERS FAULT, isn't it.

Lately I have been hearing these caaaarrraaazzyyyy fairy tales. Oversold. What a crock of gear grease.

Oversold means that the Customer somehow got the impression that the only thing that matters is how much money you Mr. or Ms. Service Advisor can get out of their pocket. Basically, they are calling you crooks...right?

Let me ask you this. How many of you reading this would say that you are a person that would do or say anything to a Customer merely to allow you to take that persons money? No One? I thought so.

Here is another one. How many of you would say that you work with a co-worker that does this? No takers?

One more. Would you say that most people are honest and want to do a good job? Now we have some hands raised.

Do you know that studies conducted over the years state that over 90% of Americans believe themselves to be honest? And those same studies say that we want to do a good job. Which means that someone else is that person. The person who is dishonest and does a poor job.

So, lets go back to the "Oversold" statement. How can your Customers be oversold if over 90% of you are honest and believe you are doing a good job? And that you believe your co-workers are honest as well?

Do you know why your Customers have that perception? Because you don't think that your communication skills and sales techniques are bad. They are! When was the last time you tested your Listening Skills there sport? Or had a Telephone Training Session? Huh? Yeah...you are on top of your game...

If your Technician has inspected the vehicle and written down what the vehicle has wrong with it based on observations, tests, wear, appearance, end of service life, etc. and you tell your Customer what is wrong, as honestly and straightforward as you know how, how is it that your Customers are being oversold?

If it's worn out, broken, leaks, buzzes, steams, burps, chortles, chugs, chirps, squeaks, bleats and screams for mercy your tech should be writing it down. The vehicle is what it is. You know why they are being oversold...you know...because you are not prepared, ready and Trained to talk to your Customer.

You have been doing this for so long...you know exactly who will buy what, when they will buy it, how much they will pay, how much you think they'll pay, what they did the last time in and everything else that prevents you from doing a simple estimate preparation with each item listed in order of importance (just in case your Customer asks you a question), why it's important to them to have it done (it's called a feature/benefit analysis), what will happen if they don't (not scare tactics like "If take this car out of the shop and you drive it, you die"), what is the cost breakdown per item (think budget) and how long it will take.

You don't do your homework before you call. Nope.

Because you've been doing this so long, you just grab the Repair Order, start estimating parts and labor off the top of your head, write everything down as "$69.95" (of course that doesn't sound made up) while dialing the phone and with no regard to prioritization and start off the conversation with exciting and wonderful phrases like "You knew this call was coming" and "I told you I'd be calling you back when you came in" (aren't those wonderful icebreakers) or some other witty opening line all the while explaining to the Customer and adding numbers on your little desk calculator like some bizarre Las Vegas act ("Oh folks, you gotta see this guy.....he's amazing!")

You do this while completely ignoring the fact that your Customer has placed their trust IN YOU to give them the best ADVICE regarding their vehicle (look at your job title, it doesn't say Service Adder Upper, or Service Unprepared Phone Caller Person) and when you finally get done explaining the whole thing to them ending with "So, you want to get it done?"... you have the gall, the chutzpah, the cohunes to say something like "I can't understand why our customers feel oversold?" Right.....

Get a grip on the reality ride pal. You need a different mindset. One that is in FAVOR OF THE CUSTOMER and not in opposition to!

3 Steps to take RIGHT NOW if you want to change what you are doing and get results!
1. Become a better LISTENER and not a better talker! Practice the 2-1 Rule, Listen Twice As Much As You Speak!
2. Become a better COMMUNICATOR by talking to the Customer about what is MOST IMPORTANT TO THEM! Prioritize your estimates in the correct order. Primary Concern, Safety, Reliability, Maintenance and Time.
3. Become a better RE -CONTACTER/FOLLOWUPPER Advisor by calling your Customer not only when it's done but TO GIVE YOUR CUSTOMER UPDATES!

Do these 3 Steps Right Away and you will begin to make difference. Now go get some TRAINING!

Tips and Suggestions for Choosing an Auto Repair Shop

Looking for automotive repair for Loveland? Wherever you are...needing auto repair is usually certainly not much fun as well as occasionally, may be completely traumatic.

Let's face this, at one time or another we will always have some types of auto repair, whether it is just to switch out the brakes, or perform schedule upkeep, and even if something big happens. With such a range of auto repair shops around Loveland or everywhere, getting one which can do excellent work and one people can trust is actually important not simply for your peace of mind but in addition to your bank account. Follow this advice to make the task better.

Suggestion #1: The initial and greatest rule is under no circumstances hold out till your car stops working to locate an auto repair shop, and this is usually one of the biggest errors folks make. When their vehicle breaks down, many people get into a freak out, and so they choose the very first shop they find in the book or even on the web. This can be a poor choice. You'll want to browse around beforehand as a way to find the correct shop, and that way you are not selecting a shop that's planning to take advantage of you in your time of need.

One particular apparent though good way to get this done is to just visit Google search and type: Loveland Auto Repair to find what comes up. If you see a good shop, and you break down some location close by, oftentimes they have got a tow truck which will come and get the car and take it to their shop.

Tip #2: The next idea which you will want is that it's important to become knowledgeable about auto repair. Most people unfortunately don't know a lot about this issue, and end up getting ripped off since shops may take advantage of your insufficient understanding. One of the primary things that you need to know is concerning labor. Labor charges tend to be one of the biggest variables and expenses when it pertains to shops. Even though this ranges from shop to shop, and regular hourly labor charge should run in the realm of $90-$120 and at times more. Inquire around in your region to see what typical rates ought to be and if you encounter anyone who is outrageously more than that you may want to think twice.

Suggestion #1: Trust no one instantly to do your auto repairs. Check around for a price that will fit into your budget. A good tip of thumb would be to call for many quotes, throw out the biggest as well as the lowest one right at a distance, and pick one in the centre that best matches in with what you can manage. There are other tips to help you find the correct mechanic as well.

Tip #3: One of the biggest things to consider when choosing an auto repair shop is the ASE symbol. This is a sticker that is issued from the National Institute for Automotive Service and Excellence, and there are stringent policies and regulations that have to be met prior to one is issued. If you find a shop without having one of these symbols, then you certainly should leave promptly.

Suggestion #2: How an auto repair shop treats you is another indicator about their quality of services. When you call, or go in, if they consult with you right away, treat you with value, are helpful and listen meticulously to your problems, then chances are they are going to take excellent care of you. If you are overlooked, spoken to rudely or with indifference, then leave. If they attempt to help you ascertain the problem, offer you an accurate assessment, an clear appraisal of the costs to repair your car or truck, chances are you are dealing with a reputable shop.

Replacement Headlight Bulbs - How Long Should These Car Bulbs Last?

If one of your headlight bulbs has blown you are normally the last to know about it, driving around blissfully unaware that there is light only coming out of one headlight, whilst other drivers can clearly see that one of you car bulbs has blown. Once you know that a bulb has blown you then have to find the right replacement and install it. But how do you know that you are getting the best from your bulbs and is there a way to have them last longer?

In effect there are really just three types of car bulbs that you can install in your headlights and they are, standard halogen bulbs, modern upgrade xenon bulbs and heavy duty long life bulbs. When determining how long a headlight bulb should last its is well worth remembering the old adage that "The light that burns twice as bright, lasts half as long".

Standard halogen bulbs, are the type of bulb which was fitted by the vehicle manufacturer at the factory and are normally full OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specification. These type of car bulbs will typically last between 350-400 hours of use and emit a reasonable level of light onto the road.

Upgrade xenon bulbs, like the Osram Night Breaker or Philips Extreme Power bulbs use xenon gas to produce a light up to 90% brighter than standard halogen bulbs, making night-time driving safer and less stressful, and because of their high performance construction they can be expected to last between 200-300 hours.

Finally there are long life headlight auto bulbs and, as their name suggests, they will certainly cut the amount of time you will need to spend replacing your car bulbs. By using reinforced heavy duty components you can expect a long life bulb to last over 50% longer than ordinary halogen bulbs, giving you an expected bulb life of 500-600 hours, whilst still producing the same light output as ordinary halogen bulbs. Long life car bulbs are slightly more expensive than their standard halogen counterparts, but are considerably more economical when you factor in their extra long life span.

When replacing the bulbs in your headlights it is recommended, and good sense, to change them both at the same time. Firstly if one bulb has blown the odds are very strong that the other one will blow shortly afterward, and by changing them together you wont have to repeat job for a while, and secondly if your bulb has comes to the end of its life span it will be past its optimum light performance output.

One final point to note when changing your headlight car bulbs is to not touch the glass with bare skin during the process. No matter how clean your hands are, bare skin will always leave a residual grease mark on the glass, this creates a hot spot on the and will eventually lead to a bulbs premature failure. So, to get the best from your headlights always change your bulbs in pairs, wear protective gloves during the process and pick the right type to suit your requirements.

Auto Detailing Add-on; Headlight Repair

Have you thought of adding Headlight Repair to your auto detailing business? A new set of sealed beam headlights on a New Jeep Cherokee could run as high as $70, however your team can make money lightly sanding and coating these headlights with the Micro-Glass product in the Micro-Mesh Kit by Micro Surface Corporation. It is important for the detailing companies to constantly review such products, this innovation has propelled our team to come up with the solutions for our fleet customers and help us bundle services to compete against the other large vendors to these fleet companies. One company we compete with out of New Jersey does offer this service, but we do and we are able to use this to our advantage on bidding on fleet detailing work.

This is just one more way you can bundle services to provide a value added service to your customers. We have talked to managers of fleet wash companies and fleet detailing companies in their various markets. Some of these managers have told us they have been looking into doing headlight restoration, because their customers are now asking for the service. Many of the high-end to Auto detailing shops do offer headlight restoration using various methods. Recently with the floods that we've had in the United States, we have seen Auto auctions start to offer this service also. Generally the Auto auctions that we've seen do not know how to deal with sealed beams, instead they're much better with none sealed beams, and by removing the lens and wiping down the inside and using glass wax they are able to make the lenses look transparent and therefore the car looks sellable as runs through the auto auctions.

Whereas this is a good idea for auto auctions it is not good enough for the fleet customers especially those that assign their cars to specific individuals. Companies like the Baby Bells, quest, Cox cable, AT&T, FedEx, United States Postal Service etc. have thousands and thousands of vehicles. Generally these vehicles are assigned for the most part with very few as a percentage of the total fleet being pool cars like at the GSA office. As the vehicles get back from Iraq and Kuwait and were ever they do next to wipe out terrorism from the face of the planet, they will have sand blasted headlights, from the very fine silica type sand of the Middle East. So how does one go about taking care of this problem? Well, it is much simpler than you think.

The first thing to do is to assess exactly how bad the damage it is this can be done in a number of ways; first, you would get the opaqueness or cloudiness of the lens. Second, you look to see if there's any pit marks and hard water spots. This is how you assess which method you'll use to either clean or restore the surface. Let's face it if there's too much damage, the time it will take to fix the lens will cost you more than to replace it. The micromesh is cool because you can use it either wet or dry when you're sanding. How much do most detailers charge for this service? Well in depends the tupe of vehicles and locations of the fleets; vans such bread companies, wholesale companies, small package delivery companies, online grocery services, dry cleaners, flower shops, armored car services, limo services, school buses, garbage trucks any other fleets mentioned above, we have found that is not difficult to get 8 to $10 per lens, remember each of the service trucks or cars have between two and for lenses.

This can add up to quite a lot of money very quickly. We have also found that used car dealerships will go for it once you show them how it works. We also found it to be a nice add-on to keep our crews busy in inclement weather. As you know the Northeast United States has been slammed by snowstorms and Nor-Easters, these additional services provide an extra revenue generator when wash cars.

There is a great article in TSP magazine in the October -- November 2003 edition about this product and ease of use. The micromesh soft touch pads are only three by four inches with a phone center but they were killer since they have micromesh upon both sides. When using them they bend with the lens as you're working so you can go fast with even pressure. We found that we could clean, micromesh, white and buff a lens in about six to eight minutes. If you're working indoors on a fleet of vehicles in the winter in the northern colder climates of the US or Canada you can make money no matter what the weather is in this is just one more way we are solving the problem of continuing sales with a mobile carwash or mobile detailing rig in the harsh winter weather climates. By using the micromesh can't it cuts down the time to do the job significantly. The old way was to use different levels of fine grit sandpaper slowly working up. For instance starting with a 1000 grit and working upwards to 12,000 grit in a micro fiber. This is great if you're restoring your car, but it just wasn't worth it if you're detailing one. Another company which recommends using the product is Bud Abram's detail plus: http://www.DetailPlus.com which I believe also sells these Kit's.

You should take a look at the micromesh product and its uses and think about using this as an add-on for your existing auto detailing business.

Auto Repair Shop Facts, Don't Get Scammed!

We've all heard it before, "So when I picked up my car ..... AND THEY CHARGED ME SO MUCH! ....and 2 miles down the road it started doing the same thing!" Or phrases to that effect. And lets not forget the nightmare stories about someone dropping their car off at a repair shop for some simple repair that may cost $100 and in the span of 2 hours or so, it turns into "Your car is ready to fall apart and it will cost $1000" And you wonder to yourself if this is really the case? Is the Shop Owner really being honest with me? Do I really need all these parts and labor costs, just to get my car road worthy?

I am going to give you first hand knowledge and sound advice on how NOT to get scammed or ripped off by your Local, Chain Store or Dealership Auto Repair Facility. If you follow some of these simple steps and ask the right questions, you will save yourself allot of money in the process! And more importantly, find a shop and technicians you can trust.

We'll start off with your Independent Local Shop. I guess a common scenario would be you've just moved to a new town and your car is ready for some maintenance. Now its been my experience that most folks would just open up the phone book and start "dialing for dollars". I don't recommend this! Its like a "crap shoot" and the odds are not in your favor!

What I do recommend is this and its pretty simple. Ask around! You have to go to the grocery store, the hardware store, the drug store, the school, etc... basically your every day errands can help you find a good shop. If in your travels the same shops name comes up over and again, then its a good bet they run an honest business! Next call or go online and check with the Better Business Bureau.

Of course you can still pick up the phone and call around, but there are some other things you should do before you commit to any major repairs on your vehicle. Stop in and introduce yourself. Ask a variety of questions like:

1. Are your technicians ASE certified? (look for the ASE sign!)

2. What is your warranty policy on parts and labor?

3. Do you save the old parts so I can look at them?

4. Is there a technician on staff for advanced diagnostic work? (VERY important for the dreaded "check engine light" and emissions failures!)

I'm sure you can think of more questions! But basically get a feel for the owner and the way he or she runs their business. Additionally, look around the shop a bit at overall cleanliness and organization. A clean and well organized shop says allot!

Now lets talk about the Chain Stores and Dealerships ( and I'm probably going to anger some people out there, but truth be told, you need to be aware of some things!) I'll make 3 very important points:

1. Chain Sores and Dealerships, for the most part, have HUGE overheads. Simply put that's what it costs them to do business. So, huge overhead equates to higher labor and parts pricing, as much as double as what you would find at a local shop!

2. 98% of the technicians are paid on a "Flat Rate" system. Meaning if a job listed in the Labor Guide says it should take the technician 2 hours to perform a certain task, he or she gets paid for the 2 hours plus bonus time if its completed sooner. This, in my opinion, all too often can lead to some serious problems because the technician isn't thinking about the task, they're thinking about "how fast can I get this done". And if the technician goes over the alloted time then they're only paid for the 2 hours and it hurts the technicians paycheck. Not a fair deal for you or the technician! But its the nature of the business, sad to say.

3. This applies to the Dealership only. Don't believe for a second that just because you take your vehicle to the dealership for repairs that the technicians are any better trained or more capable than any other place. Don't let the big names fool you! The learning curve is the same and experience matters, plain and simple.

It's all about trust! Do your research and you'll save yourself a lot of money and frustration. I also strongly recommend this publication at my website www.advancediag.com [http://www.advancediag.com] It costs less than the price of and oil change and is filled with many more ways for you to prevent yourself from being ripped off or scammed. Plus some added bonuses included too!

Warmest Regards,

If You Go Shopping For Auto Insurance Quotes AFTER Your Windshield Cracks, Will They Still Fix it?

There's nothing like driving behind sand and salt trucks all winter to give us a fine appreciation for the value of our windshield-and the benefits of having it in one piece. If it develops a crack, you really need to get it fixed as soon as possible. The question is, if you go shopping for auto insurance quotes and buy a policy AFTER the windshield cracks, will they still cover the repairs?

The 411 on Windshield Cracks

Before we break down the basics of insurance policy (you're really going to hate this) let's talk about why it matters. How much do you know about windshield cracks? More importantly, how much do you know about what your auto insurance company has to say about windshield cracks?

Little dings, cracks and scratches in your windshield are easy to come by. One rock comes flying out of nowhere, and you've got a crack in your windshield somewhere between the size of an ant and a full grown iguana. Once that crack is there, there's the very real possibility that a second strike will shatter your windshield. Cold weather, like the kind you find in the middle of winter (hint, hint) only makes things worse. Frigid temperatures cause the windshield of your car to develop a slightly concave shape, making that tiny crack 60-80% more likely to spread.

At that point, your windshield is terminal. It's only a matter of time.

Auto insurance companies would much rather repair cracks and dings than replace a windshield, and some will even offer glass repair with no deductible (or a minimal deductible) to encourage their customers to get the crack repaired ASAP. When you're looking for auto insurance quotes, either on the phone or on the web, be sure to ask the representative what their policy is on windshield rehabilitation.

So They'll Cover My Repairs?

Ehhhh...maybe. You might find an insurance company willing to do it. It's a good thing to mention when you're shopping for auto insurance quotes. Unfortunately, many insurance companies have a pre-existing condition clause. If the crack was there before the coverage started, it's not their problem.

Before you decide to just wait until your windshield shatters and get them to pay for it then, consider this. If your insurance company finds out you had a crack in the windshield, and the windshield shattered after the fact, unless you had a crane dropped on top of your car they may decide to just deny your claim and call it a day.

Windshield chips and cracks can usually be patched for under $90. You're going to pay hundreds to replace the whole thing. In this case, your best bet is to keep hunting for auto insurance quotes and pay the repairs out of pocket.

The Importance of Timely Windshield Repairs and Replacements

Driving around with a broken windshield can be a danger to your safety. Getting windshield replacement right away is important and can protect both you and your loved ones.

A broken windshield is something that everyone may have experienced once or twice in their lives. Although some windshield problems might not seem like a big deal, even the smallest crack in a windshield can be a danger to your safety, to the safety of others in your vehicle, and to those on the road with you. If you don't want to take risks, then dealing with broken windshields right away is imperative.

Having a chip or crack in your auto glass can be annoying, not to mention dangerous. In some cases, windshield repair may be enough to fix the crack or chip. You can try using a repair kit at home to fill in small damaged areas in your vehicle's window, but you need to be prepared to consider the idea of a replacement. Although it may be more costly to go with a replacement option, you can ensure that you and your family are safe when you're traveling in your vehicle. The tiniest bump or even a fender bender could cause glass that has been poorly repaired to spiderweb and crack, leaving the windshield hard to see out of and in definite need of replacement. Windshield repair will work with some small chips and cracks, but you should never drive if you don't feel that you've repaired the damaged spot successfully.

The Dangers of Cracked Windshields

When your windshield has been damaged by an accident or chipped due to a flying rock, it's important for you to evaluate the damage done and take steps to fix it. If you don't secure repairs for your window or get a windshield replacement right away, then you could be putting yourself at risk of getting into an accident. With a crack in your windshield, your vision might be obstructed, making it difficult for you to see other cars on the road. If you don't want to take this risk, then it's imperative that you consider windshield replacement right away. Minor problems can get worse rapidly, making them impossible to repair, so if you're interested in exploring solutions other than complete replacement, make sure you get your vehicle checked by an automotive glass specialist sooner rather than later.

Consider Hiring an Auto Glass Professional

When a windshield is cracked or shattered, this poses a significant risk to you, your passengers, and others on the road. If you want to ensure the safety of everyone involved, fixing damaged or broken windows should be a priority for you. While at-home repair kits can do the job in some cases, you may be more comfortable working with an auto glass repair professional, especially if you're in need of a whole new windshield. Most auto glass repair professionals can handle both repairs and replacements, and some even offer mobile services, so they can come right to your location for your convenience. Getting your auto windows repaired is a must, as it will increase your safety on the road. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, you need to get your automotive glass or windshield fixed as soon as possible.

Qualities Desirable in Auto Glass Repair Expert

Auto glass repair is mostly concerned with windshield replacement and other glass services of automotives. They are important in case of accidents or damage to a vehicle over a period of time. Especially, in case of accidents or mishaps, windshield requires repair and service.

Since windshield is the main mirror required in an automotive, its repair and replacement is necessary. But for getting quality service for your automotive glass one needs to hire services of a quality service provider.

Before hiring an auto glass specialist, one needs to be sure of the services offered by them and their quality of work. Some of the qualities desirable in an automotive glass service provider include:

Same Day Service
Quality service providers generally guarantee same day service to their clients to avoid any issues or problems in the end. They offer services the same day the client contacts for service of their automotive glass. We ensure quick and speedy work with no compromise on quality.

Quality Products
They use only the best products to ensure quality and durability. A good service centre will ensure replacement of windshield and car mirror with local or unauthorized products. They keep customers ahead of their profit quotient.

Added Services
They also offer additional services for customer satisfaction like washing and cleaning of the car and checking for any maintenance glitches.

Courtesy Cars
They also offer courtesy cars to their clients to ensure a comfortable stay and visit to and from the service centre.

Other Repairs
A good auto glass service shop will ensure that other repairs are also dealt with at the centre. An accident not only damages the mirror or windshield of the car but also damages various other parts. These are also repaired at the automotive glass centre.

ICBC approval
For British Columbia, ICBC approval is a must for winning the customer's faith in a company.

How To Remove The Dents On Your Car

Car owners do not like the sight of car dents because they ruin the sleek look of any car, new or old. Car dents usually occur due to accidents. When you bump your vehicle on a hard surface, a dent could form, and people will know that your car has bumped into something. So, the solution is to fix the bump as soon as possible. Many vehicle owners would head for paintless dent repair shops. The cost of fixing dents can increase depending on how damaged it is.

However, car dents can also be removed using common tools that you can easily find at home. If you can remove the dent of your own car, then, you can spare the money you have to pay to a serviceman. The DIY option is not good in all cases, but for minor car dents, it should be good enough.

First, you need to have tools. A tool that can be used to remove a dent can either be a hammer or a plunger. Even dry ice can be used to remove such damage. These tools are only useful for minor damage.

To fix a minor dent, you have to clean the area first. You can simply wipe the area with a cloth. Wash the car if it is soiled to expose the dented surface. One suggestion is to drill a hole in the middle of the dented part. Then, insert one of the tools used to pull a dent, into the hole. Pulling the dent may even out the surface. However, this process will leave a hole that should be filled with body filler.

If you don't feel like drilling a hole onto your car's lovely surface, you can use a suction cup instead. This is a safer option than the previous one, because you will not be drilling any hole. This can successfully be accomplished by using the suction with an air compressor. Make sure to place the suction directly over the damaged area. Then, activate the air compressor. This causes a suction action that will, in turn, cause the dented area to pop out. This can be successful if you do it right.

Dents located on parts that can easily be accessed can be fixed simply by using a rod or a stick. For instance, dents on car doors can be repaired by massaging the dent from the inside, but it should be done gently. This activity takes about 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the size and number of dents.

You can also use a hammer even if you are working inside. However, this is only possible if the dent is located on an easily accessible part of the car. If you are working to fix the dent from the interior wall of the affected surface, make sure you do not damage the leather covering. Remove the covering to expose the dent. When you look at the damage from the inside of the car, it appears as if it is bulging out. This part can be fixed by hammering it.

In some cases, car dents can be in a very serious condition that it may be unwise for you to do the repair on your own. This is when you need to ask help from the right professionals.

Door Glass Repair and Replacement Shops

Doors are used for entrance and exits as well as separation units. Apart from security, they reflect the superb interior and exterior of homes or workplaces. These days, glass replacement services are also contributing towards repair and replacement of door glasses used at residential and commercial buildings.

Residential owners usually select the door type which is suitable from safety point of view. So, for them, security is the foremost concern rather than looks. This is quite different from doors selection nature of commercial building owners. In commercial buildings, glasses in doors are selected to match the overall construction of office. Modern glass replacement services understand this difference and works in the same way.

Commercial glass doors are constructed with list of steps. Some glass shops present pre-built designs before customers to select among them. And, some glass shops are also available which comes with facility of customized door service. They built doors as per the design suggested by customers. They make customized doors with great efforts of designer and required tools.

Commercial doors are of usually two types - internal commercial doors and external commercial doors. And, glass shops assist for replacing and repairing of glasses for different kind of doors like entrance doors, sliding doors, folding doors etc. Glass shops keep consider several things regarding glasses like:

• Glasses are of good quality
• They are durable
• Pressure resistant up to good level
• Easy to clean
• High performance

Most of glass shops perform some other tasks along with door glass repair and replacement services. They repair or replace glasses in cars, big rigs, boats, cabinets, motor boats etc. Moreover, they also offer glass repair and replacement services for reception areas, mirrors at homes and table tops. Multiple tasks are performed by modern glass shops.

Who Can Repair Plastic Bumpers?

Well, you have a few choices when you get a dent or scrape in your plastic bumper on whom to get to repair it. Depending on which way you go will make the decision on how much the repair will cost you. You always have the local body shop that you can take your car into and have them charge you a possible arm and a leg to get a simple small repair done.

Well really, the first thing you need to take into consideration when deciding who to have repair your plastic bumper is just how big of a dent is it? They have these places that are a SMART repair specialist. These technicians will repair your car where you work; they come to you and fix the car.

It's really cool that they fix the damage right in front of you, so it's like they are basically a mobile body shop for your car. This service also works great with those dings that you receive in any shopping centre complex. Plus if you want to sell your vehicle this is a great service to think about getting, because a car that has less dents and dings and paint damage will get more money than one that looks scruffy.

So this SMART repair technician can come to the place where you work, and easily fix your bumper scuff within say 30 to 50 minutes if they have been doing it for a while. But even if it takes them a bit longer, the time and money you save on having to take your vehicle into the body shop is a tremendous savings all by itself.

Or if you want to try and do it yourself you can get some bonding agent and put in onto the damage and wait for it to dry and sand it until it's even, and make sure that you match the contours of the bumper with the new agent you have on your car. It will take a while to get it sanded to the right spot most likely. You will need to ensure that it is smooth and looks okay too. You don't want a potential buyer being able to see where you just got done fixing damage in your bumper.

So after you have it sanded to the right contours you will need to get a primer and put that on the bonding agent, and really a few inches around it so as to match the paint a bit easier. If you don't do this, it may be fairly easy to see the new paint compared to the old paint. This will of course make the price of your vehicle go down too.

So you have the bumper primed, and you have the paint that will match the original paint on your vehicle. Now is the fun part of painting. You need to make sure that you do it just right and that you don't have any drip marks on it. Let it dry and you should be pretty much done.

But heck, why go to all that trouble when you can simply call a SMART repair technician and have them fix it?

Brake Repair - How To Find A Good Shop For Repairs

Your brakes need to be serviced when they have a problem. It is very important that you listen to the sound they make from time to time. If they are noisy, than you may need to take your vehicle to a mechanic. If your pads are worn out, the brakes are probably very noisy, so the pads will need to be replaced. If you wait too long, you may damage your rotors. Brake pads wear out after a while, and that's perfectly normal. The brake pads keep the braking system functioning properly.

You should ask a mechanic to inspect your brake system and let you know what the problem is. If you have a problem with the system, your mechanic can also provide you with an estimate for what the repairs and parts will cost you. Your mechanic may give you a print out that lists what the costs will be. A mechanic can also check your braking fluid and the cables in the system. Most auto repair centers have affordable prices when it comes to brakes, so if it's outside of your area of expertise, you should take your car to a professional.

Your brakes also need to be inspected twice a year because eventually, you will need to replace your rotors. The rotors get worn out after a while. You may hear a loud noise or a high pitch noise when the rotors need to be replaced. Keep in mind that one brake pad usually costs about 10 dollars or less, but you should always purchase a pair of brake pads. Together, brake pads and rotors will cost you less than $99.

You can find a good auto service center or brake repair mechanic by looking in the phone book, online directories, or talking to people you know. Make sure the mechanic you choose offers brake repair service and make sure he is certified. You can find out how good an auto service center is by checking the Better Business Bureau website.

Make sure the auto repair shop offers a warranty on their work if you want to have peace of mind. If you have a warranty and your brakes fail on you, the auto shop will fix the problem for you for free. If the auto repair shop offers a warranty, find out how long it's good for. Some auto repair shops offer 6 month warranties and other places offer 90 day and 30 day warranties. You should also find out if the warranty covers labor and parts.

When you find a good auto repair shop, find out what their hours are and find out how long it will take for the brake repair job to get done. You should also get a full explanation of what's going to be done to your car. Unexpected work may sometimes be necessary, but only consent to its performance if you trust the mechanic's diagnosis.

You should never choose an auto repair shop based on their prices. The best auto repair shops may charge higher prices, but they will do quality work and give you the best service. If you follow these tips, you will find a good maintenance garage and you will be driving comfortably for many years.

Collision Repair Makes a Vehicle Like New After an Accident

No one ever plans on getting into a car accident. It just happens. Afterwards, getting the vehicle repaired is priority. For those who live in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia, finding a reliable, affordable and trustworthy auto repair shop is the best plan of action. There are a few places that can accommodate the repairs, and a Chesapeake auto body shop can get the vehicle back on the road quickly and affordably. These are some of the services they offer.

Frame
One of the worst problems a vehicle can have after the accident is a bent frame. Many believe that a car is never the same after the frame is bent. With new technology, however, a Chesapeake collision repair shop can make it feel like new. Choose a business that uses an efficient pulling system that can handle pulling from 360 degrees and multiple directions all at once. This will help the vehicle look like it used to, before the wreck. It will also improve its drivability and make it safer.

Cosmetic Damage
Bumps and fender benders can make it embarrassing to drive around Hampton Roads. It may not make it impossible to drive the vehicle, but most people would prefer not to do that. Paintless fixes are an option for auto repair in Chesapeake. When a new paint job in unavoidable, the consumer should choose a body shop that has state-of-the-art painting facilities and can handle more than one job at a time. This prevents customers from going several days without their vehicles while they are waiting for the paint booth to be available for their vehicle's needs. A skilled professional in the painting booth can make a vehicle look like new, and the evidence of a car accident in Hampton Roads will soon disappear.

Mechanical Problems
Sometimes auto accidents involve more than external damage. Radiators are crushed, exhaust systems are bent and wheels are demolished upon force of impact. Alignment and transmission work are also frequent necessities to have fixed after a car accident. Hoses, brakes and light lenses may also need to be replaced. It is important to have a reliable and experienced professional to fix mechanical problems. It is also more convenient for the customer to have the vehicle completely fixed on both the outside and under the hood, rather than having to go to one place for external collision repair, then a mechanic to make the vehicle run properly.

Top 5 Car Restoration Tips

Restoration isn't a hobby - it's a way of life. Whether you have a recently-purchased classic (stored safely under a car cover) or something that's been sitting on blocks (without so much as a sun shade), taking that first step towards fixing it up can be a daunting task. Here you'll find a few tips that can help prioritize the job and keep you from having to do things more than once.

Tip 1: Restoring a car is like building a house. There's a logical order. You wouldn't build the roof before the foundation. So, the first step in any restoration is to plan out exactly what needs to be done, making a complete list of the entire project to avoid missing something essential or risk damaging a refurbished bodyline or fresh paint job. Once you have an overview, organize it into a game plan. Depending on the repairs you're making, it's best to proceed in the following order: transmission, engine, electrical, suspension, interior, body and wheels.

Tip 2: An older car may have been built like a tank, but the downside is it usually sounds like one too, especially on the freeway. If your restoration includes stripping the vehicle down to the undercarriage, take the time to sound-proof your ride with spray undercoating, insulating foam or reflective insulating wrap. Undercoating helps minimize vibration through sheet metal and is highly effective when you need to reduce noise coming through metal air ducts or fender voids. Expanding foam is great for filling cavities in car bodies and holes in firewalls. Keep in mind, it's called expanding foam for a reason. So, be sure to leave room for expansion, or your fender may swell out like a botched Botox treatment. Finally, reflective insulating wrap comes on rolls that are either two or four feet wide. It installs with spray adhesive and is thin enough not to require any modifications to upholstery or trim, making it ideally suited as a liner in doors, hard tops or over flooring.

Tip 3: The words steel wool and auto repair aren't often used together. But there are different grades of steel wool intended for a variety of uses-notably, very fine grade 0000. It can be used on a variety of auto parts and car accessories, including chrome, glass, stainless steel and other delicate materials, without scratching the surface. Use it with chrome polish to brighten stainless to a high luster, polish auto parts with chrome trim like molding or wheels, and clean around your headlights or rocker-panels. You'll find it in most hardware or do-it-yourself stores. One thing to remember when using anything for the first time: start small. Begin in a corner, underside or unnoticeable area and work your way out. It's the best way of avoiding disaster should the surface not be compatible with the grade or chemical treatments in your polishing pads.

Tip 4: Taping off an area to be painted protects windows and trim but also raises the problem of tearing off a freshly painted surface if you use the wrong tape. If you can, use masking tape designed especially for your application. But when you don't use the right thing and realize too late that you're going to tear up your new paintjob, there's a simple way to get standard masking tape off without ruining your finish, and it's as close as your own bathroom: a hair dryer. Gently heat the tape as you peel it off the painted surface. In case you're wondering, the operative word there is GENTLY. If you're a pro and have a heat gun, that works too, but keep the temperature LOW. The tape will pull right up. It may leave a slight residue but it's easily removed with a mild solvent or a variety of car waxes like Zymol wax.

Tip 5: Gluing vinyl or leather material onto panels or seats can result in splotches of contact cement on the appearance side. Cleaning products like 409, Mr. Clean or other solvents may remove the glue but discolor the vinyl or leather in the process. Instead, grab some vinyl or aluminum duct tape and wrap a little bundle around your fingers with the adhesive side out. Then, just like removing lint from a sweater, pat the glue spots with tape and the glue will come right up. This technique also works on sewed seams and seat covers, a task that's nearly impossible to achieve with cleaners.