How to Remove Window Tint

Applying tinting film to car or household windows may be fun, but removing it can be tricky if you don't take your time. Here are a few ways to get rid of tinting film when it starts to bubble and look shabby or when you just get tired of the look. The methods are similar for removing tinting film from car and household windows.

First, gather your tools and supplies. Some type of knife will be needed to strip the film. A utility knife with a wide blade or an X-Acto® knife would do the job. Make sure you have several black thirty gallon trash bags available. The bigger the bag, the easier it will be to cut it to fit the size of your car window. You will also need fine steel wool pads, paper towels, glass cleaner, a drop cloth, and ammonia. If you prefer not to use straight ammonia because of the smell and inhalation hazards, choose a general cleaning product that contains ammonia. These will do, but read the label to make sure that ammonia is an ingredient.

To begin, the tinting film needs to be softened for removal. Spray the outside of the back car window with water. Tear open a trash bag and cover the window with it. Use the knife or a pair of scissors to cut the bag to fit the window. On the inside of the back window, remove all items from the window and the back seat. Lay a drop cloth over the back seat and the area directly under the back window to protect them from damage. Spray ammonia over the entire inside of the glass. A mask and goggles would keep the ammonia fumes from harming you. Again, fit a trash bag to the inside of the window. The bags keep the solutions from evaporating as they soften the tinting film. If it is a sunny day, turn the car so that the rear window or whatever car window you are working on gets the full force of the sun's rays. If no sun is about, try the car's defroster. Wait at least ten minutes before trying to strip the film.

For household windows, use soapy water to soften the tinting film instead of ammonia. No trash bags are needed for the windows in your house. Once the film has softened, start at the corner of the film and with your knife, peel the film back slowly. Once the film has been removed, clean the car windows with steel wool to remove residual pieces. Then use glass cleaner and paper towels. Household windows shouldn't need more than glass cleaner and paper towels to clean them. The removal process is now complete.

Visit http://www.LearnHowToRemove.com for a growing library of tips to remove those annoying messes in your life.

Auto Repair Costs: How You Are Ripped-Off Daily Under the Radar

Most know the most glaring auto repair pricing abuses: Service centers overcharging $100's even $1000's for repairs, or charging for service that was never done at all. To be sure, this still happens every day.

However, there are many other techniques which involve flying just low enough to avoid detection. The savvy repair shops increase the price so as not to set off any alarms. It's become so common that it's not just an accepted industry practice, but even service customers have accepted paying higher prices.

Knowing how ingrained price-gouging is within the automotive service industry, it's shocking (although understandable) that even service customers have succumbed to excessive car repair prices. I frequently hear service customers' state:

"Yeah, I know I was ripped off, but my car's fixed now." Or, "I know they charge too much, but they're convenient."

This is insane! To accept auto repair price-gouging is to allow its continuation. The difficult part, of course, is how to stop it. Given that the automotive service industry is so big and powerful (and so frightfully necessary) how does one battle such a force?

The first thing to understand is the degree to which this type of stealth-like price-gouging occurs. A two-decade undercover investigation has revealed that 98% of all repair shops (dealerships, local shops, and franchises) are price-gouging their customers in one form or another.

The following exchange, between a service manager and service advisor, provides an idea of the "scope of scamming" below the radar.

A service advisor asked his manager how to bill more hours per month, which is another way of asking how the advisor can make more money. The service manager casually stated:

"Simply add an additional two tenths to every ticket you write."

In other words, every customer this particular service advisor "helps," he was instructed by a superior to add a "little" extra. So if the labor rate is $100 per hour that would equal $20 "extra." Rather than pay $100 per hour, the service customer would actually pay $120.

$20 doesn't sound like much. However, whether it's an overcharge of $0.02 or $20, it's too much. If you visit a shop practicing just this strategy alone (there are hundreds of strategies, many applied simultaneously), you may get scammed $100's or more by year's end.

What's really shocking is that being ripped-off $100's over a year's time is actually minor!

Try $500-$5000!

Gap Insurance For Your Car And What Does It Cost?

Cars are great for transportation, but they're horrible investments. At no point is that more obvious than when you total your car in an accident. You bought that shiny new Ford Fusion for $20,000 a couple years ago, but you only got $10,000 from the insurance company for it. Even worse, you still owe $13,000 on the car loan.

What's up with that?

Gap insurance could have made up the difference in this scenario, but increasingly there are other options available.

What is Gap Insurance?

Sometimes referred to as loan/lease gap coverage or upside down insurance, gap insurance is a specialized form of auto insurance designed to do one thing and one thing only: make up the difference in what you purchased your car for and what the insurance company pays for it in the event it is totaled out in a claim. It's traditionally sold for a single premium (usually around $300 to $700) by an auto sales guys at signing.

Yes, that auto dealer's finance manager is an insurance agent too. Well, sort of. He's usually licensed to sell that gap insurance and something else called credit life, which I won't get into here.

Understanding the Terminology Behind Gap Insurance

To better understand how gap insurance works, you should first understand some basic insurance terminology. Auto insurance is designed to repair or replace losses incurred to your vehicle in such a manner that you neither profit nor lose from the deal. This idea is called indemnification. Indeed indemnification is arguably the single most important concept behind all insurance, not just auto insurance. As an example, a major insurance company recently alluded to indemnification by using the slogan gets you back to where you belong.

If it were all about indemnification then insurance would be easy. Of course it isn't. There are other factors to consider as well. For example, insurers need to know what caused caused your loss. This is known in the industry as the peril. Examples of perils common in car insurance include vandalism, theft, and auto glass damage due to missilesi.e. rocks).

Now stay with me here.

Some perils are specifically not covered by auto insurance. These are called exclusions. Common exclusions in auto insurance policies include intentional damage and depreciation. By definition, exclusions are specifically listed in your auto insurance policy.

So here's where gap insurance comes into play. Everyone knows automobile values depreciate over time. Depreciation is a peril because it causes a tangible loss to your vehicle. However, because depreciation is an exclusion in your policy, it's not covered by your auto insurance. Therefore this is the rationale for the existence of gap insurance. Stick with us and you'll pass the insurance licensing exam in any state in the country.

Do You Really Need Gap Insurance?

Many people skip gap insurance because frankly they think it's just another boondoggle the auto dealerships use to line their pockets. That isn't necessarily true, however it's also not necessarily true that you always need it. What is necessarily true is that you want talk to your insurance agent before you sign closing documents on a new car.

Chances are you're going to finance that new car you just purchased anyway, which means you're going to carry full coverage on the vehicle. You'll do it if for no other reason than the bank will make you. Failing to do so will compel them to force place full coverage insurance on your vehicle. You don't want to do that.

You do, however, want to see if your full coverage auto insurance includes gap insurance coverage as either an option or as a standard feature. Many companies offer this. In addition, an increasing number of companies offer options that allow you to replace a totaled vehicle with a new one within a certain time period.

Although the depreciation exclusion still exists on auto insurance policies, insurance companies are nonetheless sensitive to these concerns, not to mention eager to retain your business by offering more bells and whistles.

However, if your auto insurance doesn't offer any of these features, then you'll want to do one of two things, get another auto insurance company or go ahead and take the gap insurance. The only thing worse than being upside down in a vehicle is being upside down in a wrecked one.

Auto Repair - What To Do When You're Unhappy With Your Bill

Have you ever been handed a bill for auto repair that didn't match up with your expectations? If you've been to a mechanic enough times, this has probably happened to you. If you're fortunate, the sticker shock occurs before the actual work has been done and you can then choose to take your business elsewhere if you feel the price is out of line. If, however, the bill comes after your car is ready to go, you may have been unsure about what to do. Getting your car fixed can be expensive, but that doesn't mean you should be overcharged and ripped off. Here are some things you can do when you aren't satisfied with the price.

Compare the Estimate

Never get auto repair done without being given a written estimate. If you did so, then you may already be out of options. A business has the right to charge their customers virtually any price they want, with some exceptions. If you failed to ask how much you would be expected to pay, you may not have much of an argument after the bill arrives. But since few shops proceed with work without providing such an estimate, you'll probably have something to compare. Will the estimate always match exactly? Of course not-hence the word "estimate". But if the final bill is more than 10 percent over that amount, you should bring it up. A mistake may have been made.

Parts

While most shops charge a standard fee for labor which won't change much from mechanic to mechanic, parts can vary somewhat in price. This is especially true when you begin comparing aftermarket parts to OEM. If you think the price of a part quoted on your detailed bill doesn't sound right, you can always call around and see what other shops are charging for the same part. If you consistently get a lower price quoted to you, you may have a valid dispute. Ask your mechanic directly why you were charged so much more for this particular part.

Double Repairs

Perhaps you weren't expecting to pay for anything at all. When a shop fails to fix a problem the first time or fixed it in such a way that it simply broke again a month or two later, most consumers expect that the second auto repair will be free of charge. But you shouldn't make assumptions like this before handing over your keys. Make sure you and your shop are on the same page. If you are charged and you didn't expect to be, show them your receipt from the last time and ask for an explanation.

Diagnostic Equipment on the Mobile Service Van - Changing Tradition

So many people today appreciate the convenience that technology brings to their lives, but persist in seeing auto repair methods as a never changing routine. They know engines have been computerized, but still envision the greasy auto mechanic, elbow deep in the engine, in his shop trying to "find the problem".

If that is the view you have of modern auto repair services then you are in for a wonderful surprise. The same technology which brings you so many luxuries in your life has also impacted the auto industry. Thanks to computerization, mobile service vans can carry the equipment needed to diagnose the problems with the most current engines and auto electrical systems.

Fast and Accurate

So what does this mean? It means that Mobile Car Care can bring the auto shop without the grease, unless grease is needed, to wherever you car is parked. Mobile auto repair services provide state-of-the-art diagnostic ability for your ultimate convenience. The best news is that you are getting the same quality service you would get if you left your car at the repair shop all day.

The computer diagnostic machine which is carried on the van equipped for roadside service is high tech and designed to enable the technician to give fast and accurate service. In essence, the primary diagnostic equipment is a computer which can be connected to your engine or electrical circuit. The computer then does a diagnostic check which results in fault codes displayed on a monitor.

The codes tell the repair technician the exact problems. The fault codes are cross referenced to a listing of codes and each code has a description of the likely mechanical, electrical, or component failure. The old days of "test this" and "test that" are often eliminated thanks to technology. Mobile Car Care makes sure the latest diagnostic programs are accessed and that mobile van equipment is kept up-to-date.

Of course, not everyone drives a new car. There are plenty of five year, ten year, and older cars on the road. You can still rely on the mobile service van for great auto, truck, and van repairs because technicians are trained to repair early and late model vehicles.

All in One

The roadside mobile van brings you the testing equipment, repair equipment, and the technician in one unit. The kind of diagnostic equipment carried includes the following.

* Scan Tools / Diagnostic Computers

* Cooling system diagnostic/pressure tester

* Fuel injection tester

* Electrical system tester

* Ignition system tester

* Diagnostic computer for accessing technical information and fault codes

* Spare parts including thermostats, belts, fuses and cables

* Hand tools and a variety of small testing equipment

This is a short listing to give you an idea of the comprehensive repair equipment carried on a Mobile Car Care van. In most cases, the vehicle repair can be completed wherever your car is parked or has broken down. But in the event the vehicle must be towed to the workshop, our roadside service company is prepared to get that job done too.

Auto Glass Repair: Why You Should Fix Your Automotive Glass Now!

Small chips and cracks in your automotive glass may seem like a minor issue that you can easily ignore, but that's not the best idea! There are several reasons you should get your windshield or car window repaired right away. The biggest is simply to save yourself some major time and hassle.

Did you know that windshield crack repair is possible, in most cases, for breaks up to six inches long? This is both the good news and the bad news, however. Small chips and cracks in window and windshield glass can be fixed, but larger fissures require that you replace the entire piece of glass. With auto glass repair being so much more affordable than complete window or windshield replacement, it just makes sense to get your vehicle fixed--while you still can. That's because the chip or small crack isn't guaranteed to stay minute. A whole host of conditions (many of them common occurrences while you're on the road) can all make the damage spread. These can include temperature shifts that cause the windshield glass to expand or contract, potholes or speed bumps that jostle the vehicle, and even contact with your windshield wipers. And in many cases, once the damage has spread, you're stuck shelling out for a whole auto glass replacement rather than an affordable repair.

The repair process itself is extremely straightforward, and many auto glass shops provide mobile services so they can come directly to your location. After the damaged area has been cleaned to ensure maximum adhesion, the windshield crack repair pro will apply a specialized epoxy resin that will completely fill the space of the chip/break. Once fully cured, this fix will provide twofold benefits: for starters, the auto glass repair is practically invisible, so your window or windshield will look just like new; secondly, because the resin reinforces the once-damaged area, your car window glass will be protected from spreading cracks.

Now, if you're thinking that windshield repairs sound so easy you can handle them yourself, you should reconsider. While repairing chipped or cracked car window glass looks easy when a professional tackles the job, it's a whole other story when it comes to do-it-yourself work. Automotive glass repair requires specialized resins and the appropriate tools for applying and curing this material. If it's not done right, your DIY windshield chip repair can result in a real mess on your glass, but the real danger is in not reinforcing the chip/crack adequately. When amateur repairs go awry, they fail to stabilize the original damage, and after a sudden cold snap or high speed bump, the flaw could turn into a spreading crack--one that requires complete windshield replacement.

Windshield and car window repairs cost, on average, between $50 and $100. Windshield replacement usually starts around $300. So instead of putting off your car window repair or trying to do it yourself, if you've noticed damage to your window or windshield glass, contact your local professional for immediate service. You'll save yourself time, hassle, and money in the end, so don't hesitate to seek automotive glass services to repair that chip or crack today!

The Steps You Need To Take To Have Your Windshield Replaced

If you are driving down the road and the truck in front of you kicks a rock onto your windshield, changes are the glass is cracked. The first time you have a cracked windshield you may not have a clue what you are supposed to do to have the windshield repaired. You know you need to find a glass company but you do not know how long the replacement will take and how much you are going to have to pay for the repairs. If this is your first time scheduling auto windshield replacement, refer to this guide and learn the process so you know what to expect.

Find a Reputable Glass Company

Before you can schedule an appointment you need to find a reputable company in your area specializing in windshields and glass as a whole. Price is not the only thing you should consider when you are comparing each company. You need to review their hours, whether or not they offer guarantees, if they offer mobile services, and if their technicians are trained. After you narrow your list based on what you find, you can move on to the next step.

Request a Quote and Schedule Your Appointment

Now that you know what company you want to perform your windshield replacement it is time to request a quote. You can request a quote online by providing your vehicle's year, make, and model. You can also call the company for the quote. If you agree with the price, you can schedule an appointment onsite or a mobile appointment. If you schedule a mobile appointment, make sure you send the technician to the address you will be located at the time of your appointment.

Call Your Insurance Company To See What Is Covered

If you have never scheduled windshields replacement then you probably did not know that your insurance company may cover the cost. If you carry comprehensive coverage on your policy the insurance company will pay for everything but the deductible on your policy. Make sure you ask what your glass deductible is and then see if some of the cost, or the entire cost, will be covered by your policy.

Ask the Glass Company to File Your Claim For You

If you choose a large glass company that partners with your insurance company the provider will file your claim for you. They will talk to the company and ask them to forward them the invoice. This means you do not have to pay for the replacement and then wait for reimbursement. Make sure you tell the glass company you want them to handle your claim before the work is done to prevent any complications.

As you can see, replacing your windshield is not as difficult as you might have thought. The best replacement companies will do all of the hard work for you so you can be on your way. Make sure you understand the importance of researching the companies you choose and ask your insurance company for recommendations if you are not sure where to start.