Help With Car Water Damage

Flooding is one of the most common natural disasters that we have. It can affect our homes, businesses and cars. Car water damage can be extremely stressful. Your car is a huge investment and this is a big problem.

Whether you have a car that has been infiltrated or are concerned about purchasing water damaged cars, there are many different things that you should consider.

If you have car water damage in your car, you will need to tend to it quickly for best results. If your car is involved in a flood, it may very likely have been submerged. This can affect, not only the cosmetics of your vehicle, but the electronic system, as well.

Even if your car hasn't been submerged there could still be significant damage. If you drive through a flooded area or there is a way for water to enter the engine, this could also cause serious problems. Any large dents in the hood could also be an area for it to enter.

If you have been involved in a flood, first check all of your fluids. If they are an off color, have your vehicle towed to an auto mechanic. Don't drive it! You may cause permanent problems. They will empty the fluids and replace them properly for you.

If you have a newer car, the electrical system may also be involved. If you are in doubt... the dash lights on, running rough etc, tow it to a mechanic. They may need to replace the components.

Your brakes could also be involved. Have them inspected to make sure that they will perform properly. It is possible you may also need to replace them.

If the interior is involved, you will need to clean it well. You can use a wet vac to vacuum most of the water out. If it is soaked, you may find you need to redo the interior due to mold. It is too difficult to dry out the inner seats and many insurance companies will total a car that has interior water damage.

You will need to also check all of the lubricated joints. Most cars are now lubricated at the factory for life, but with flooding, they may have been compromised and will need to be re-lubricated.

If you are purchasing a used car, some states require owners to let the DMV know if it has been involved in a flood. You can also research the VIN number on your own to be sure there hasn't been any car water damage.

How to Do a Repair of Alloy Wheels

Oh man, did you just hit a curb and are now in need of a repair of the alloy wheels on your car? I'm feeling you man, that is harsh. If you want to do this auto wheel repair cheaply, without going to rim repair shops, here is a step by step instruction on repairing mild scuffs. Deeper scruffs and gouges will likely need the help of a professional.

First you're going to need to go to an automotive paint store and find a good can of paint that matches the colour of your wheels. If you think you're going to walk in and find one can marked 'silver' you're in for a shock. If there aren't at least a dozen different shades of silver you are in the wrong store. You'll have to ask a sales representative if you don't know your colour, I won't know it for you. While you're out get some knifing putty, 250,400 and 800 grit sandpaper, masking tape, filler spray, and clear lacquer.

Start by taking the wheel off your car, doing this sideways will not be any fun. Lay the wheel down and give it a good wash. You must get it perfectly clean or you may as well not even try to do this. Dirt, wax, and grime are your enemy here.

Get your 250 grit sandpaper and start smoothing down the scrape. It doesn't have to be completely smooth, just get rid of the burs. Once you knock down the worst of it switch to the 400 grit to get it smoother and to help protect the finish that isn't damaged. Your trick will be to keep the sandpaper wet the whole time you use it, it makes it less aggressive and it will clog up less, rinse it off regularly.

Now get out your putty. Don't be afraid to put on more than you need, and wait a moment for it to firm up before shaping it. Now wait for it to set completely, be sure to read the instructions for your putty and follow them exactly. If you get impatient you get bad results. When it is set get the 250 grit sandpaper wet and start smoothing it down, move on to the 400 when you're getting close to a level finish with the rest of the tire. Run your fingers over it to get a feel for lumps.

Mask off the area to be sprayed, get it done right. You don't want your tires to turn out the colour of the spray. With that done hit it with the filler spray, go for 3 coats. Once it is dry, usually overnight, get your 800 grit sandpaper, get it wet, and sand that area smooth. Now you can finally start your final coats with the silver you've picked out. I'd say four coats with 15 minute intervals between each coat will do. Once this is dry give it a light go over with the 800 and get your lacquer finish out and use it to give the new paint that last bit of protection it needs. Remember this lacquer is thinner than paint, putting too much on will cause it to run. Once this is all dry you're all done, you've done a basic repair of your alloy wheels.

Auto Glass Repair Technology - Finding the Right Repair Guy

Windshield repairs have saved consumers millions of dollars over the years by allowing factory installed auto glass to be safely repaired with scientifically designed plastic resins. In the 1960's laminated windshield glass was introduced. With the use of polyvinyl butyral the inner layer that laminated glass came into wider use by auto makers. It wasn't until the 1970's that true windshield repairs became possible. Until that time, all that could be done was to force some oil-based fluid into the damaged area to disguise it, but the results were poor and offered no real repair qualities to the safety or strength of the damaged area, as you can well imagine. From the first giant repair machine, originally introduced by 3M, to a myriad of equipment and companies that specialize in all aspects of glass repair, the search to find the right repair guy has become quite a challenge for "Joe" consumer.

Poor quality repairs can happen even when the most experienced repair person is at the helm. Windshield glass is layered like a sandwich, and it's the outer layer of glass that receives all the activity from the harsh road environment. The poly layer in the middle flexes and holds the inner and outer layers of glass together so splintering is reduced and strength is added to the vehicle's roof. When an object hits the windshield it will cause a hole or crack that runs to the inner glass layer. Even if the damage is small, the first thing that immediately contaminates the area that is broken is good old air, and it's that air that shows up as a dark gray blemish within the windshield. Don't mistake this blemishing for water or dirt settling inside the damaged area. The cracks in the glass layer can be so tight that moisture in any form could not penetrate the area.

The quest to successfully remove all the air trapped within the outer glass layer of a broken windshield is on. As with all science and technology, improvements in the glass repair business have improved drastically in recent years. Auto glass repair shops and mobile service providers must now make the choice between using the old way or changing to the new superior technology for their customers. Ultimately consumers must know a little about the repair systems themselves in order to receive the best service for their money.

After a windshield is repaired with the super hard plastic glass resin, that's it. The resin cures so hard that the repaired area becomes stronger than the original glass, welding the broken surfaces together. So producing the best looking repair the first time is crucial from both the service provider and the client.

Less than two years ago a revolutionary new windshield repair system was introduced to the industry called "Prism Technology". Prism was developed to enhance the results produced during windshield repairs by one of the leading glass repair products manufacturers in the world that has been a big player in research and development for the glass repair industry. The Prism technology uses the most advanced "dry vacuum" injector system to not only remove the maximum air contaminates from the damaged area, but also to simplify the entire repair process for the technician. This new system takes all the guesswork and mystery out of knowing that the air contamination has been removed first before the acrylic resin is injected into the broken glass.

With older repair systems still being used in majority, all pull the air trapped in the glass up and through the liquid resin that is contained within the repair injector. The technician loads the liquid resin into the barrel of the injector after mounting it onto the windshield by way of the bridge. The bridge is the thing with the suction cups that stick to the windshield. The resin sits on the bottom of the injector that is sealed to the windshield surface and an o-ring seals the resin in the injector barrel. Then a vacuum is produced by pulling up a plunger at the top of the injector, you've seen this before more than likely. The air contaminate, that is trapped within the broken glass, now must be pulled out of the damage and up through the liquid resin. Problems arise from air bubbles that are left behind in the damaged area. Some air bubbles can stay in the liquid resin, not being pulled completely through to the top, and when the injection starts with the downward motion of the plunger, the bubbles are pushed back into the glass. The air bubbles push the resin aside and produce voids in the repair that look unsightly and produce weak repairs.

The new Prism dry vacuum technology eliminates this frustrating problem for the auto glass repair industry. The injector has two parts-the body or barrel, and the resin cup. The injector is mounted the same way as the old system, but after mounting the injector to the windshield, the barrel is turned so the resin cup is down and gravity keeps the resin from running into the injector. A strong vacuum is then produced by the plunger being pulled upward or by a machine vacuum attached by a hose to the injector for several minutes. Under a vacuum, the injector barrel is turned 180 degrees and the resin liquid runs into the damaged glass, unobstructed by air. Because of the vacuum produced, all the air is sucked out from the damage and the resin flows freely into the zone. When it's time to push the remaining resin into the damage, the plunger or machine produces high pressure that squeezes the liquid into the tightest regions of broken glass. When the repair area is properly cured with UV light rays, and remains under pressure until hard, the repair resin welds together the entire damaged area completely, producing the highest quality windshield repair in the industry.

Consumers can now get the best windshield repair for their hard earned dollar just by understanding the latest auto glass technology. Don't forget to ask the repair guy or gal if they use the new "Prism" dry vacuum repair system. There is manual, machine and computerized repair equipment that uses the high tech Prism system. Be on the lookout for the manual type systems that use hand pulled plungers. Most of those will use the older technologies. It's worth the time you'll spend to find the right repair guy that is keeping up with the current technology before getting your next windshield repaired.

Keep that original windshield as long as you can to keep your factory seal, and don't replace it until you just have to, because the inevitable fact is windshields break when hit. So have it repaired with the right stuff, you may have to look through it every day.

Benefits of Mobile Car Servicing to the Car Owner

It has never been more true than in the case of caring for your car that the maintenance you perform today is the problem you will avoid tomorrow. Many people wait until the very last minute to seek out a car service centre to look at their latest rattle, whistle or chug noises. In many of these cases the problem is already well on its way and you then have the issue of the expense you might incur. If you go to the dealer garage, the cost will be outlandish, if you go to car service centres you have to make sure you pick a good one or your car will never be fixed correctly.

When selecting the mobile car servicing garage that you want to use, start by checking out their reputation. Make sure they have limited consumer complaints on file. Ask around for past customers and find out how satisfied they were with their repair as well as their car servicing prices. In addition, go into the centre and check it out. Is it clean? Does it look well managed? Do they appear to have things under control and professional?

Car servicing costs can be quite daunting so make sure you also pick a car service centre that will give you an estimate of the cost of work prior to beginning. The last thing you need is to return to the shop and discover your oil change turned into a transmission servicing. Many times mobile car servicing companies will gladly offer you a free estimate or one at a very good rate. You can then compare estimates between garages and pick the one that is best for you and your circumstances.

All cars have a listing of required regular maintenance and servicing recommendations. These recommendations are there for a reason, if you don't change those belts, update those fluids and flush that system when you are told to, you will have a much bigger headache down the road. Just look at rotating tyres. It is recommended that you do so. When you don't, tyres wear unevenly and you get a flat tyre. It is not worth the hassle to ignore maintenance requirements for your vehicle.

Selecting a car service centre that will provide all your maintenance needs regularly is beneficial to you and your car. They will become familiar with your car and will be able to tell you when you need work done, they will have a vested interest in keeping your car running to keep you coming back and they often will give you better prices once you show that you will keep coming back for all your servicing needs.

Although you might find a cheap car service, which is a bonus, the most important thing to look for is a car service centre which will keep your car on the road with little to no down time. You want to make sure you can call them whenever a problem arises as well as count on them to only fix what truly needs to be fixed. So do your research and find the one that will best suit you and then stick with them like you would a doctor. They will get to know your car like your doctor gets to know your heart and hopefully will take great care with their servicing.

Extreme Couponing

Couponing refers to the art, sport, and science, of using coupons to save money. With just a little time each week spent clipping, and maybe browsing the web, you can save hundreds of dollars on groceries, and even car maintenance. It may seem like a chore, but if you keep track of how much you save it can be addictively fun, exciting, and very useful. Here are a few tips with some useful information to get you started.

Groceries

For most people, grocery couponing is the obvious place to start. The pages of coupons that come in the mail each week have so much to offer, and if you make coupon clipping a weekly routine this is the easiest way to save. To make sure you do not let them expire each week, maybe leaving them stuck to the fridge under a magnet (or several if you have been clipping frequently), you might want to invest in a coupon book to take to the store with you. If it is already in your bag with your wallet, you will be much more likely to remember it as you shop.

Car Maintenance and Repair

As you peruse the weekly coupon delivery, the special deals on car maintenance may slip your mind if car maintenance is not something you tend to think about. However, chances are good that you will end up needing the services being offered at some point or another. Clip all of these coupons, just in case. If the deal is for something other than routine maintenance, you should save it in case of an emergency. If it is something more routine, like an oil change, try to figure out the last time you got that service, and look for a coupon online.

Indulgences

Everyone needs to indulge every once in a while. Indulging can be different for everyone. Whether you like fancy chocolates, massages, amusement parks, or really anything that is fun but not part of your day to day life, you can probably find a coupon for it. More and more deals like this are showing up on the internet, so you may want to visit websites of businesses you use regularly for special offerings (you may have to sign up, but some you can browse without giving out your email address). Couponing is a great way to save on the things for all of your everyday expenses.

Free Auto Repair Manuals - Can You Get Auto Repair Manuals Online For Free?

Free auto repair manuals are in high demand to anyone who is in need of information to help in repairing their car. With the internet now being available in most home across the United States when someone is in need of any type of information, the first thing that they usually do is go online to see if they can get it for free. So - it would be normal when looking for information on how to repair your car to try to find a site that would have the information and not have to pay for it.

Here are some ways that you can try to get free auto repair manual information.

1) Go to one of the search engines (such as Google, MSN or AOL) and type in the type of automobile, year and a small description of your problem. For example if you were trying to fix a problem with your brakes, transmission or tires for your Honda Civic, you might type in something like "Honda civic brakes" into the search engine. Sometimes you might get lucky and find an active forum where you can search for posts related to your auto repair problem.

2) Another option to get free access to auto repair manuals would be to go to your local library. Many libraries carry auto repair manuals for various makes and models of cars. I would suggest that you call ahead to see if the library does carry reference manuals such as those for car repairs in their reference section.

The fact is that there are no free auto repair manual sites available online. There are alternative options however - these options include using online stores, auction sites and subscription services. All of these options do cost you money - but it is still cheaper to purchase a manual and make your repairs yourself than to pay a mechanic to do it.

Windshield Repair: What Everyone Needs To Know

WINDSHIELD REPAIR: WHAT IS IT?

Your vehicle's windshield is composed of three layers: two pieces of glass separated by a thin layer of "PVB" (polyvinyl butyrate). PVB is the plastic film that essentially holds it all together. Depending on the density of the outer-layer and the force of a rock impact, the glass can flex and break. Unless the windshield is completely shattered, most often the damage is in the form of a rock chip. These are generally in the shape of a star, bullseye, or tiny crack. Although it may appear innocuous, over time, a rock chip will more likely than not spread to form a crack. Studies have shown that over 90% of rock chips continue to grow. Fatigue stress due to temperature changes and road conditions work to accelerate this process.

The first company to introduce a rudimentary system for windshield repair was 3m, with a product called "Scotch Weld." This system produced an ultrasound vibration to clean the break while injecting an adhesive. It was relatively effective; however it failed to repair many types of damage.

In 1972, Dr. Frank Werner invented a device that could substitute the air within a rock chip with a resin that could prevent a crack from developing. Over time, the science behind windshield repair evolved. Today, windshield repair is considered a favored alternative to windshield replacement in many circumstances. And although the science has evolved, the objective remains the same: to completely substitute the air within the break with an acrylic resin that will improve optical clarity, prevent further damage, and restore the structural integrity of the windshield.

THE WINDSHIELD CONUNDRUM: REPAIR OR REPLACE?

Windshield repair is essentially preventative maintenance. However, most motorists whose windshields suffer rock damage pay little or no mind to it. This is especially true where the damage is outside of the acute area of the windshield - not directly in front of the driver's view. Hence the saying: "out of sight, out of mind."

Once the rock chip spreads to become a large crack, windshield repair is no longer a viable option. Unfortunately, the cost of a new windshield can range anywhere between $300 to well over $1000, depending on the vehicle and the type of replacement windshield. OEM windshields, those made by the original manufacturer, are significantly more expensive than their aftermarket counterparts. In addition, many modern windshields offer features such as heating elements, sun coatings, and antennae, which significantly inflate the cost. Even with insurance, the deductible can be so high that it would be pointless to file an insurance claim. Thus, it is easy to understand why a $50 windshield repair is a favored alternative.

But cost is not the only issue. Once a factory windshield is replaced, other problems can surface. Windshield replacement compromises the factory seal, which is nearly impossible to replicate. Not only can an improperly replaced windshield lead to leakage and possible water damage, it can fail in the event of an accident.

Together with the air bags and seatbelts, the windshield plays a significant part of the vehicle's safety restraint system (SRS). In an accident, the windshield works to maintain the structural integrity of the passenger compartment. As you can imagine, this is especially important in the event of a roll-over accident. It also cushions the occupant's impact and prevents the possibly of being ejected from the vehicle. An improperly installed windshield could fail on all of these fronts.

An investigative report conducted by ABC's 20/20 shed light into the dangers surrounding improperly installed windshields. It found that millions of windshields have not been installed properly and have contributed to serious injuries and even death.

So there are many reasons why a vehicle owner should opt for windshield repair early on. Ignoring the small and seemingly unintrusive rock chip could prove to be a mistake.

WINDSHIELDS: THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Every year about 15 million windshields - about 600 million pounds of waste - are replaced in the United States. Until recently, much of it has ended up in landfills due to logistical obstacles, difficulties with separating the glass from the PVB, and lack of facilities.

Only recently have companies begun to take up the environmental cause. In 2010, JN Phillips Auto Glass launched its "Green Shield" program and began recycling windshields. To date, over a million pounds of used windshields have been successfully recycled. Still, the process is slow, cumbersome, and expensive. It also involves the transportation of massive amounts of windshields, adding to the carbon footprint.

What is more, windshield recycling is not required by law, so most replaced windshields continue to end up in landfills. The reason is simple economics: lack of incentive to recycle. As of yet, windshield recycling is not subsidized by the government, nor is it given considerable preferential tax treatment. Since the cost of recycling eventually shifts to the consumer, the cost of a new windshield would increase significantly. To compete in the competitive free market world of windshield replacement, recycling is simply not cost effective.

Windshield repair, on the other hand, leaves almost no impact on the environment. Whereas about 250,000 BTU's are necessary to manufacture a typical 30 pound windshield, windshield repair requires practically no energy. What is more, the amount of waste generated from windshield repair is negligible. Thus, windshield repair is always a greener alternative to replacement.

INSURANCE COMPANIES: THEY GET IT

Insurance is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against risk of contingent, uncertain loss. The insurer agrees to indemnify the insured in the event of a loss. Overall, it's a pretty simple process. However, a significant portion the claim may not be covered by the insurer. This is known as the deductible - the amount that must be paid out of pocket before an insurer will cover any expenses. The average deductible for both collision and comprehensive claims is roughly around $500. This can be difficult to digest when the time comes to file a claim. In many cases, the insured will simply forgo filing the claim to avoid having to pay the deductible and possibly risk an increase in premiums. Not to mention, if a new windshield costs $400, filing a claim would be pointless with a $500 deductible.

Today, most insurance companies understand the importance of having the windshield repaired before it's too late. To incentivize motorists to repair rock chips and small cracks, a majority of comprehensive policies carry with it a 100% indemnity on windshield repair. No deductible is required. Insurance companies realize that most rock chips inevitably will require a new windshield if left untreated. In most cases the rock chip will be a certain loss.

So from a risk management perspective, insurance companies benefit by paying the full cost of a windshield repair. First, it eliminates the risk that the insurer will be required to pay significantly more for a new windshield. And second, it eliminates the risk that a damaged or replaced windshield could fail to provide the structural integrity necessary in the event of an accident.

DO IT YOURSELF KITS: DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME

There are many inexpensive DIY (Do-It-Yourself) windshield repair kits on the market. Those that come to mind include "Liquid Glass," "Pitstop," and "Fix-A-Windshield," to name a few. These are simple plastic devices that essentially use the same process. Most cost around $10 to $20 and have a one time use.

Reviews on DIY kits vary greatly. Some report good results, while others regret making their own attempt at repair. The only certainty is that a successful repair is not certain.

According to Edmunds.com, these kits are essentially "inexpensive band-aids" that don't provide a complete repair. The reason is simple science. The basic idea of windshield repair is to remove the air contained within the rock chip and completely substitute it with resin, which can be up to 2000 times as dense as air. Removing the air is essential to minimize the pressure inside the rock chip, allowing the resin to flow and reach the entire break. Unfortunately, cheap DIY kits simply are ineffective at removing all of the air. What is more, they do not provide the amount of pressure necessary to force the resin to reach tighter areas of the break, leaving much of it untouched. What may appear to be a decent repair job may in fact just be a band-aid that will fail to prevent a crack from spreading.

Finally, cheap windshield repair kits are just that: cheap. It follows that the resin used to fill the break is also cheap. Acrylic resin used by professional windshield repair technicians can range from $50 to $100 an ounce, depending on the manufacturer. So it makes sense that the resin from a DIY kit repair can dislodge over time or become discolored, which has been reported by many users. Also, once the repair is complete, it is impossible to re-repair.