Google's Project Glass and Windshields

Rumors and whims of fully automated windshields have floated around car shows and the auto industry for awhile now. The conversation has been recently revived by Google's Project Glass, which is focused on creating interactive glasses to do things like video chat, find directions, text message friends, and post pictures to G+, among other bits.

Car companies like General Motors have been working on interactive windshields for years - about 23 to be exact, according to this article on Wired.com. BMW has worked on things like night vision, the Heads-Up Display and ConnectedDrive project for a while now. BMW's 3-series 2012 model has introduced the Heads-Up Display in color as an option for car buyers.

So is Project Glass coming to the windshield world?

If BMW's model is any indicator of the future of displays, windshield replacement shops and car insurance agencies don't have anything to worry about. The technology used is actually fairly simple - a reflection on the windshield from a screen behind the driver's side dashboard.

But ideas floating around the Project Glass windshield suggest using your hand to swipe through different options on your windshield, such as restaurant reviews, your Twitter feed, and anything else you can think of that's done on a computer. Windshield replacements, if this does come about, could get really expensive. The cost for a replacement could be curbed if there is some external hand/voice recognition system outside of the windshield itself and developers utilize BMW's system already in place.

What about insurance deductibles?

It's doubtful that car insurance agencies will hike up their comprehensive deductibles for every car owner, but those with the special windshield in need of a replacement are more likely to have a higher deductible depending on the windshields construction, how the images are projected, etc.

Overall, the details are still unknown and cloudy on expanding the windshield beyond the basics found in a driver's dash. But car makers have become regulars at the Consumer Electronics Association's yearly conference to show off their prototypes. They've said the technology is at least a few years out till it hits the everyday consumer in its full fledged glory, obviously. But the possibility is still there.

In addition, Google has just barely put the technology up for pre-order to U.S. developers at their i/o conference for $1,500. And who knows, this could be a total dud, so no need to get your panties in a bunch over hiked up deductibles quite yet. If the technology doesn't work with a simple pair of glasses, how will it work on a full-fledged windshield?

What about the legal stuff?

The obvious factor here is distracted driving. Focusing on the road while trying to check ratings, tweet about them, and make a reservation at the latest and greatest restaurant cause way more issues than simply texting while driving. The federal Dept. of Transportation has made suggestions to states to ban all in-car communications, including GPS.

But these are for handheld devices that take the driver's eyes away from their windshield. A crash of epic proportions will surely ensue if someone was trying to do all this on today's devices while driving. So what happens when you take it out of your hands and put it as a translucent image on the target, the windshield, that's already being looked through?

Will Paintless Dent Repair Work For My Car?

Auto body work can be pricey indeed but paintless dent repair can be a lower cost alternative. This method for repairing dings and dents in an automobile is also referred to by the initials PDA. It offers up an alternative to the lengthy process which is traditionally used to fix a bump in one's paint job. Hail damage, minor accidents or fender benders are some of the perfect candidates for this technique. Will it work for your car? Here are some things to think about:

- How large or small of a dent can be repaired with this method? PDA won't work on huge scrapes and indentations. The size capability is increasing all the time however. The current maximum space is around the size of a football. Check with your technician to be sure.

- How long will the car be in the shop? Depending on the schedule of the tech, the auto may be returned to its owner by later the same day or perhaps the following business day.

- What's the technique like? A special tool is used to pull the ding back into smoothness. This takes patience and finesse as well as skillful expertise. The mechanic who is performing the repair needs to have had training and experience to do it correctly. This is not a job for a novice.

- Does the age of the automobile matter? Yes, it does. The paint job must be flexible enough to withstand some maneuvering. Old surfaces are brittle and may crack during the process. Especially in vehicles manufactured more than ten years ago, brittleness can be a problem.

- Are there newer vehicles that this method is not appropriate for? If a car or truck has had previous body damage and repairs in the same location, the PDA technique will not be appropriate for their problem. The denting must be in a region previously undamaged or repainted.

- Is color matching an issue with paintless dent repair? Because no paint is used during this technique, there is no worry about achieving an exact color match. That's definitely one of the positives about this procedure.

- Will anyone be able to tell there's been a fender bender? One possible downside to this technique is that it's not perfect. The goal of this process is to improve the appearance of the vehicle. In order to achieve perfection, the entire car might need to undergo a makeover with a full paint job. That will be pricey, for sure. It all depends on a motorist's goal.

- Where can trained technicians be found? It's a wise idea to search via the internet or to ask clerks at the local auto supply store. Once a few names have come up, it would be wise to place a phone call to see if this is the tech for the job. Ask for references and check them out.

Paintless dent repair is a revolutionary way to fix auto-body problems. Check with your local technician to see if it will work for your car.

Painting Restoration Repair Ideas And Strategies

Painting restoration repair can be challenging, and definitely demands a good deal of time, determination and energy. Should you have a badly damaged artwork, then consider using the these restoration tips and strategies. If done properly, these strategies may also help bring back your painting to the finest condition.

Certainly, a painting repair expert's worst nightmare can be the badly flaking and scorching oil painting. These types of extremely ruined paintings could be a challenge for the most advanced restoration professional. When tackling a flaking and blistering oil painting, consider implementing these particular restoration guidelines and tactics.

Fixing artworks with holes and rips is best done through a process of "recanvassing." Essentially recanvassing includes buying a new canvas, and taking out the oil painting's original canvas. Much like any painting repair step, take careful attention with detaching the canvas from an old painting. More damage is done with an annual basis by people trying to restore paintings, than fire and burglary combined.

Do onions make you cry? Well if they do then you should get used to crying! Onions work great when repairing paintings. The exact same chemicals which make your tear ducts well up also work to get rid of persistent grit, dirt and grime from oil paintings. The process of painting repair has included onions for decades or even centuries. The secret is to slice the onion in half and carefully rub the onion in a circular fashion across the painting. Be sure to keep light pressure on the onion. Don't press down hard on the canvas, because the onion would likely make a hole or tear in the oil painting.

Other than onions, beeswax is yet another gift from nature that can also help to repair paintings. Restoring paintings by combining beeswax with damar is yet another age-old technique that has been used through the years. Mixing beeswax with damar is known as "Dutch Style" painting restoration. Covering a painting with beeswax and damar helps to prevent the oil from separating from the canvas. Again take extreme caution when applying the mixture. Use a light, circular rubbing method to avoid making more tears and holes. Usually a cotton ball is used to repair paintings in this manner.

Throughout the whole painting restoration process, always remember that different colors and shades will respond in a different way to the methods described in this post. More often than not (especially with regards to oil paintings) lighter colors will repair magnificently. The grime and dirt that's embedded in lighter colors tends to be taken off easily, which is always a excellent news for the painting restoration specialist. However darker colors can be much more stubborn. Take great patience when restoring paintings with lots of dark colors. It may take a little more time and effort so you can get those dark colors glowing like new.

In summary, keep in mind that a majority of amateur painting restorations lead to more harm than good. It's super easy to damage a painting, especially an old oil painting, using the mentioned techniques. Even so a full and remarkable painting restoration can happen from the hand of a skilled and patient professional. If you have a painting that is in desperate need of restoring, then feel free to apply these methods. Just make sure to keep a light hand and keen eye on the techniques you make use of for oil painting restoration repair.

Collision Body Repair - Tasks That Demand Experience and Expertise of a Professional

Auto collisions are one of the leading causes of vehicle damage. They are unfortunate incidents that damage outer auto body the most and also cause technical problems in automobiles. However you cannot stop all those unfortunate incidents to be happened, you can actually get your vehicle back in its shape and working condition with the help of some experts automobile collision repair services that are dedicated to help those who are seeking a professional help to take care of their damaged vehicles.

Collision body repair is not an easy task to do as it sounds; it is a complicated process that needs expert hands and a long experience to be done right. Automobiles are complex machines that are made up of various parts with every single part performing its own unique task making a machine fully functional to serve you in its best condition. There is also a big role of the outer body of the machine that has its own importance in making a machine successful on the roads. So, experience and expertise is all that is required to repair a vehicle after an incident of collision.

When it comes to repair a damaged vehicle after a collision, a professional Automobile collision repair service can help you to get your vehicle back in its full working condition. They help you fix auto body damage of all kinds ranging from door dings, fender benders, unibody and frame repair, bumper repairs, paint less dent repairs, hail damage repairs to all paint color matching and custom painting repair services. With the help of their latest tool and technology, they help you a lot to fix your vehicle the way it should be fixed and to your satisfaction. With the expertise to do auto body repair on foreign as well as domestic vehicles, they also offer you expert assistance in claiming insurance for your damages.

Professional collision repair services always give you satisfying results and your car a rejuvenating look that enhance the beauty of your vehicle forever! They straighten unibody and frame damage to factory specifications to help you feel relaxed knowing your vehicle will drive correctly after the repair. By offering paint less dent repair, towing scheduling, accident report assistance, insurance claim negotiations and many more, they help you to make your life easy even after an unfortunate incident and your vehicle in its previous condition to actually return the safety, structure and appearance of your vehicle to factory specifications to ensure your safety on the road.

Dent Removal and Bumper Repair Service For Lease Return Consumers

Although most manufacturers allow for a reasonable level of wear and tear, the small dings, dents, and scratches that make their way from golf balls, bicycles, shopping carts, and even other cars to the paint on your vehicle can quickly become your own financial burden. By paying a little money now to remove your dents and get any needed bumper repair, you can end up saving thousands of dollars in potential fees and lease repair costs.

Car Manufacturer Requirements

Overall, most manufacturers want their cars back in resalable condition. This means that they perform a comprehensive walk-around of the vehicle, noting any damage to the undercarriage, bumpers, and body. Even small dings, dents, and scratches will get noted, even if they are not visible to the average consumer.

All car manufacturers and leasing agents have different levels of acceptability when it comes to the body damage on a car. Most of the time, your policy will outline the exact nature of the types of damage you can leave unrepaired; in most cases, you are liable for any damage larger than 1.5 to 2 inches.

Paintless Dent and Plastic Bumper Repair for Lease Customers

Paintless dent repair is preferred over traditional body work in the event of a lease return because of the use of existing materials for repair. When auto paint or filler is used to fix a dent or scratch, there is always the possibility that the color won't be exact or that the filler will be evident to someone who knows what to look for. Paintless dent removal doesn't add any materials, so detection is virtually impossible.

Cost is also an important factor in choosing plastic bumper repair. The cost of bumper repair is minimal when compared to traditional body work. Your manufacturer may charge you the cost of the traditional repair; however, when left to your own devices, you could easily opt for the cheaper, easier choice without anyone ever being aware of it.

The Best Dent Removal Choice

While your best bet is to check the fine print on your lease policy to determine when it is time to consider paintless dent repair or plastic bumper repair, it is always a good idea to consult with a dent and bumper repair specialist like Dings Plus of San Jose, CA, prior to returning your leased vehicle. Using the same industry standards that lease return professionals and manufacturers use when identifying damage on a vehicle, this Bay Area company can help you ensure that your car in pristine condition before it is time to send it back.

Add Car Lifts to Your Mechanic Shop to Make Your Work Easier

Car lifts can make life as a mechanic much easier, whether you own an auto shop business or like to tinker with mechanic work in your home shop or garage. Automotive lifts make it easy to lift your vehicle off the ground so you can get to those impossible-to-reach areas. Let's explore how these work and what to look for when making a purchase.

Safety Counts

Auto lifts provide a safe way to lift your car off the ground while doing mechanic or body work. Any time you're doing work under a vehicle, there's a risk that the car could fall. You or your workers could be seriously injured or killed! Car lifts are designed to prevent these types of accidents. They are made of heavy-duty materials such as rolled steel, with various designs and weight capacities for any type of vehicle. High quality lifts have an asymmetric design and use a hydraulics system for lifting.

Once up on the lift, the vehicle can be secured from falling, which gives peace of mind while working on the vehicle.

Types of Car Lifts

There are various types of car lifts to choose from, depending on your needs. Some are designed for small spaces with a low ceiling. These work great for small home shops. Others are taller and made for continual daily use in an automotive shop (for businesses). There are two post car lifts as well as four post car lifts. Four post lifts are mainly for larger vehicles, such as large SUVs and trucks. There are also motorcycle lifts, wheel balancers and tire changers, so it's easy to find exactly what you need.

Features to Consider

When shopping for auto lifts, look for features that suit your needs and the space available. High quality and safety should be your primary concerns. Make sure the product is finished with powder coat paint to prevent rust. Look for features such as an extra long carriage (for less strain on the slider blocks), automatic electric override, telescoping arms, dual cylinder direct pull lifting (without having to use roller bearings and chains), single piece columns made of continuous rolled steel, and single point lock release. Some come with standard stackable truck adapters.

You'll also need to consider the specifications before ordering a car lift. The weight capacity for lifts can range from 9,000 pounds to 15,000 pounds. Also, consider the overall height and width as compared to your shop space. Other specifications include lifting speed and lifting height, low pad height, drive through width, motor rating and width between columns.

Ordering Automotive Lifts Online

One way to find exactly the type of lift you need is to order online. Find a website that specializes in auto lifts to get more detailed information and to find a variety of lifts. Read the manuals and descriptions for each auto lift to see what's available. Don't forget to check the shipping weight and how much it will cost to ship the lift. If you need installation, some Web stores work with local installers depending on your city and state. Be sure to read the site's warranty information and return policy before ordering.

Ordering online enables you to view photos and read and compare lift options from your own home without being pressured by a salesperson. Check out a variety of products, including 2 post car lifts, 4 post car lifts, scissor lifts, wheel balancers, tire changers, etc. to see which will best fit your type of work. If you own a business, a car lift can increase productivity and add value to your services. The purchase can be counted as a business expense on your taxes too, so you'll have nothing to lose.

Best Way to Generate Auto Repair Leads for Your Business

How To Generate Auto Repair Leads

If you are in the automotive repair business and you want your business to be successful, part of your business plan should include finding regular auto repair leads. Regularly finding and following up on new leads plays an important role in fast tracking your business and its growth. Even if you have a well established repair business, it is inevitable that, with time, you will lose customers and in order to compensate for this you need to be finding new customers continually. If you want to accelerate your growth, you will need to gain even more customers. How can you do this? By generating auto repair leads.

There are many different ways to generate these leads. Perhaps the simplest way is to sign up with a company that offers to sell you leads. There are many opportunities for this offered online, where companies have already done the difficult part of gleaning leads from your area. Usually these companies require you to sign up for a specific length of time where you pay either a monthly subscription fee or a fee-per-lead. In return, they will supply you with potential customers' names, addresses and other contact information, and vehicle details. Then it will be up to you to follow up on the leads given.

There are other ways you can generate your own leads, however. Most perceptive business owners and managers probably already do this in some form or another. A great way to get leads is to offer a discount to loyal customers for any referrals they make. Leads gained in this way will often turn into regular customers, as people tend to heed their peers and friends' recommendations above any other form of advertising.

You should also set up your own company website where you advertise your services, offer discounts, and regularly showcase promotional sales. The more you can encourage interaction between yourself, your site and those reaching your website the more chance you will have of getting fresh new leads. Forums, where people can ask questions and you offer advice is a great way to reach people. Surveys are also very useful in generating fresh leads. Give something away for free and in return ask for the person's contact information. These are all simple ways to start to generate your own leads.