Jumat, 30 Desember 2011

Mistakes To Avoid At The Auto Repair Shop

Many problems at the repair shop occur because of a failure to properly communicate your car's symptoms. Being able to be as specific as possible can greatly help your mechanic. Try to note what you see, smell, hear, and feel. It can also be helpful to remember where the symptom occurred and what happened just before. For example, where you driving over a bumpy road when the sensor light went on? Notice how many times roughly the symptoms have occurred. Inform your mechanic if there were any other recent repairs performed. In some instances, a problem could be related to the last repair.

One of the biggest mistakes is when a customer sets unrealistic expectations. If you are scheduled to go on a long road trip or vacation, do not bring a car in for repairs at the last-minute before your trip. It is unwise to expect a repair facility to fix your brakes or perform a major service two hours or less before you leave. In our business, we always try to accommodate customers, we know life happens and things can unexpectedly occur. Certain repair jobs can take two or more hours to complete. It is a good idea to allow enough time for your repair. Call and ask how long the work could take. Be prepared to arrange for a ride to and from the repair facility, if the wait is more than you expected. Keep in mind that you expect the mechanic to do the job right. Fair scheduling is needed to accommodate receiving the best service.

You will have a better experience by cleaning out your car interior before leaving it for repairs. If you have strollers, shopping bags, sports equipment or tools loaded in the back, your mechanic may have to remove those items to reach a failed part or conduct a proper wheel alignment. Some materials are so heavy they may not be able to get your vehicle up on a lift. If a mechanic needs to spend time unloading your vehicle, this counts in your repair time. Save time and money by bringing your car in with all unnecessary items removed.

Make sure the contact information you give to the repair shop is a phone number you can be quickly reached at. If your shop is unable to contact you in a timely fashion to approve a repair, your vehicle may be left to sit. Making yourself available for prompt response helps to schedule the ordering of needed materials to execute your repair in a timely fashion.

Take into consideration all the things you can do to contribute to saving time and money by following the above advice. A good independent shop will listen and work with their customer and will be focused on customer satisfaction.

Selasa, 27 Desember 2011

What Is Octane in Gasoline?

Everyone has pulled up to the gas station with the intention of getting what is right for their car so that they can get the best performance. This is why so many people will opt to pay extra to get the premium gasoline even though they are not sure exactly why they are getting it. The normal thought process is that because it is more expensive, it is better. The only reason that one fuel is more expensive than another is because of the level of octane which is found in the gas. So, what is octane in gasoline and how does it help you?

The first thing that you will need to know is what octane actually is. You will also need to know how you can benefit from octane. Additionally, you should know when you are wasting your money buying a high-octane gasoline. This will help you to know that you are getting what is right for your car every time that you pull up to the gas station.

What is Octane?

Octane in the gasoline that you purchase is measures by the hydrocarbon mixture which is found within. This is achieved through further refining of the gasoline. The additional hydrocarbons in the gasoline will cause the fuel to burn slower which is beneficial for cars which run at a higher rate than those which run at a lower rate. It is designed to help in reducing the sound of knocks when performing at this higher level.

How You Can Benefit

The biggest benefit that you will be able to enjoy whenever you use high-octane gasoline is that you will enjoy fewer knocks and pings when running at higher levels. It is important to bear in mind that the further refining of the gasoline does not mean that it is better. It simply means that it is different and more expensive than the lower grade gasoline.

What You Should Buy

Not all cars will benefit from using a higher octane. This is because most cars are designed to operate with the use of gasoline with a grade of 87 (regular gas). Only those with high performance engines should use a higher octane of 91 or greater. Generally, if you notice an increase in gas mileage or performance whenever you are using a high-octane gas for a car made to use low-octane gas, it means that you are experiencing an engine problem that you are not yet aware of. Make sure that you are paying attention to your owner's manual before you purchase gasoline so that you can get the right stuff. This will keep your engine running correctly for a longer period of time.

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Minggu, 25 Desember 2011

Top 5 Reasons to Get Your A and P License

Some Days Are Better Than Others

Many of you that have been following me know that I am a mechanic for a EMS helicopter. I come from a military background but I also attended a part 147 maintenance school. I have held my A and P License for about 8 years now. My job is very rewarding and I feel privileged to be able to do what I do. It is not very common that we get to enjoy our jobs. Don't get me wrong, there are some days I wish I had a desk job some where, but those days are few and far in between. I have been called out in the middle of the night in freezing temperatures to fix a no-start condition, but hearing that turbine spool up after being returned to service is a great feeling and almost worth freezing my butt off for. The break downs and late night calls usually go in waves. In most cases these calls can be avoided by keeping up with any maintenance and replacing things early before they actually fail. Top 5 Reasons I Love My Job

* It's always something different. I enjoy mechanical things and working with my hands. More importantly, I enjoy learning how things work. An aircraft is a engineering marvel and I feel lucky to be able to work on them. I enjoying being challenged and I believe it is what keeps my job interesting and fresh.

* I get to work with awesome people. People that are in the Helicopter EMS industry generally love their jobs. These individuals are in the top of their field, whether it be the pilots, medics or nurses, I am honored to work with each and every one of them.

* Flexible work schedule. My work schedule is pretty flexible which is great because I have kids. I can come in late or early so long as the aircraft is being maintained to the high standards that are required. The downside to this flexible type schedule is that it means I am on call a lot. It is still worth it to me however, I get to spend a lot of time with my kids. The aircraft will go through periods which it requires a lot of "attention", but I offset those times with quality time spent with the family.

* This is a rewarding career. Every time a patient gets transported in my helicopter, I take great pride in being a part of an organization that routinely saves lives. Sometimes my helicopter will show up on the local TV news and I feel honored knowing that I play a small role in making that aircraft available for those life savings tasks.

* Good Salary and Benefits package. My health insurance can be frustrating at times but the overall package is good.

Downsides

* The biggest downside to being an aircraft mechanic is excepting the huge amount of responsibility that goes along with wrenching on airplanes. This should not be taken lightly. Peoples lives are in our hands. The pressure exists because there is always pressure to meet tighter flight schedules. This is the reality of the world we live in. To be a good aircraft mechanic, you must be safe first and fast second. At the end of the day, it is YOUR certificate on the line.

Is Aviation for You? Considering the A and P License

If you are a safety oriented person who enjoys working with your brain as well as your hands, look into becoming an aircraft mechanic. I would highly recommend getting the FAA A&P license if you are serious about becoming an aircraft mechanic. In fact, most jobs will require having this certification. Find the ways to get the A and P license here. It is possible to make great money doing this kind of work, in fact it is even possible to make a 6 figure income being an aircraft mechanic. Jobs like that however will probably require you to travel far away from home.

John Janiszewski started his career as a turbine engine mechanic for the US Army which he also transitioned to a Chinook Mechanic. He also attended a part 147 Maintenance School at Ben Davis Aerospace Technical in Detroit Michigan. He has been working on aircraft for about 11 years and held his A and P Certificates for approx 8 years. He currently works on a Part 135 EMS helicopter located in Saginaw Michigan Learn more about getting the A and P License here and becoming an aircraft mechanic

Jumat, 23 Desember 2011

Phlebotomy Courses San Jose

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Synthetic Vs Non-Synthetic Lubricants

It is undeniable that every piece of moving machinery requires lubrication. For some machines, the lubrication is in the form of grease while some use oil to keep unwanted friction at bay. To meet the demands of the machinery we have incorporated in our life, we can either go for synthetic or non-synthetic lubricant. Though the debate of which one is better has been going on for ages, there is no absolutely just outcome to it as both synthetic and non-synthetic lubricants deliver different sets of pros and cons, making them ideal for different machinery and conditions.

Let's have a look at the merits and demerits offered by these two categories of lubricants:

Synthetic Lubricants

Pros - Being formulated using compounds such as boron nitride, esters, and chlorofluorocarbons offer remarkable temperature viscosity, making them ideal for machines operating at high temperatures. For instance, synthetic turbine oil is usually the preferred choice of operators involving heavy turbines.
Cons - The inability of these lubricants to hold minerals makes them dangerous for machinery using lead fuel. In some scenarios, use of lubricants such as synthetic grease may cause problems on decomposition.

Non-synthetic Lubricants

Pros - Although these lubricants offer lesser lubricity, they are safe to be used in automotive engines and other machinery functioning under relatively normal conditions. These lubricants are ideal for machinery involving brake-in situations as well as new machines requiring controlled friction.

Cons - Unlike their synthetic counterparts, non-synthetic lubricants evaporate quickly making them unsuitable for machines operating at high temperatures. Furthermore, low level of lubricity delivered by these lubricants often deteriorates the running efficiency of the machinery.

Conclusion

To sum up, both synthetic and their non-synthetic counterparts are ideal for different types of machinery. On one hand where synthetic turbine oil is ideal for a high performance turbine operating at high temperature; on the other, natural engine oil is what is recommended for your 70's Chevy!

If you are planning to buy lubricants, the ideal place to buy is the web space. With internet services, you can find a large number of online sellers, collectively offering an inexhaustible range of synthetic as well as non-synthetic motor oils and lubricants. Hence, no matter whether you need to buy synthetic turbine oil or non-synthetic grease, you will surely find a suitable online store using any web search engine such as Google.

However, before placing your order, it is very important to verify the authenticity of the source you are shopping from by assessing the customer reviews it has received in the past.

The author is an experienced Content writer and publisher on the topics related to synthetic turbine oil and synthetic grease.

Selasa, 20 Desember 2011

Modern Car Service Tips - Part 2: Changing Oxygen Sensors

In this edition of Modern Car Service Tips the importance of correctly functioning oxygen sensors is discussed. In Part 1 the importance of using the correct oil and timely oil changes was reviewed.

We all know that having your car serviced every 6 months (or sooner) is one of the best ways to fix minor issues with your vehicle before they become larger and more expensive problems. Changing radiator hoses & fluids, changing gear box fluids, oil changes with the correct oil, and keeping an eye on brake pad wear are some of the things every good mechanic does.

There is, however, a particular issue related to fuel economy that is very common among modern vehicles, and one that is often missed even by reputable mechanics. If you have owned a modern car for more than 3 years, you may start to notice a significant decrease in the performance of your car, and you use a lot more fuel. You might think that the car needs a good tune up, and that might be. Ask your mechanic to do this for you, but if don't see any increase in performance then something else is wrong. What could it be?

Modern cars are continually made more and more fuel efficient in numbers of ways: car body shape, weight, and engine design. Each engine has an optimal fuel to air ratio for the most efficient running. In old cars the carburettor was the place where the fuel was mixed with air. Now engines are fuel injected and the ratio of air to fuel is carefully monitored and controlled. If there is too little fuel we say it is running lean and you do not achieve optimum power. If there is too much fuel we say it is running rich and not all the fuel is being burned correctly. So the fuel-air mixture is critical to getting the best out of your engine.

Fuel is easily monitored and fed into your engine by fuel pumps. Now the car doesn't know what sort of fuel you are using (regular unleaded, premium or ultra premium) but the car's computer has good data on the amount of air required to burn petrol. Air is also pumped into the engine in the right amount based on some predetermined assumptions and one important measurement.

In order to increase fuel efficiency the one thing that engine designers started having the cars measure was oxygen concentration in the air, using an oxygen sensor. You might think that oxygen always makes up 21% of the atmosphere everywhere, but it can change significantly depending on if you are in a city traffic jam or not! The oxygen sensors pick up how much O2 is in the air and regulate the intake of air to the engine accordingly to get the best fuel-air ratio. They are one of the important things that help modern engines run fuel efficiently.

However, pretty much like everything on a car, the oxygen sensors wear out over time. Oxygen sensors are designed to have a driving life of about 100,000 km, and really start to operate poorly over 120,000km. Typically they will start to measure more oxygen in the atmosphere than what is really there. They tell the car's computer that the engine is running lean (when it is not) and asks it to increase the amount of fuel in the fuel-air mixture by reducing the amount of air being taken in.

The errors can be quite large and fuel efficiency can drop right off. For example I serviced a Toyota Prado that had more than 120,000km on the clock and its fuel efficiency before the service was 23L/100km. I changed 2 of the 4 oxygen sensors and the fuel economy picked up, and now it is only running 16.9L/100km. That is quite a saving in fuel, and quickly pays for replacing them.

So how do we avoid power loss and fuel consumption problems in modern cars? Here are some simple tips:
1) Monitor your car's fuel efficiency in city and country driving
2) Compare it to the fuel efficiency you had when your car was new.
3) Ask your mechanic to tune the car first to see if there is an improvement in performance.
4) Ask your mechanic to check the oxygen sensors age and accuracy of measurement
3) Replace the oxygen sensors once their driving life is up.

In Australia in 2011, genuine oxygen sensor parts are about $250 each, and non-genuine aftermarket ones are about $100 if you are in a city or major regional centre. With the way fuel prices are these days having correctly working oxygen sensors will save you a bundle and mean your engine is running efficiently and have the power when you need it.

Gavin Theodore is an experienced local mechanic and runs Cooloola New Age Mechanical in Gympie Australia. newagemechanical.com.au. He heads a team of experience auto mechanics who service and repair all makes and models of cars,and he knows the challenges that customers face with their vehicles. Their thoroughness and attention to detail has made them one of the leading mechanics for car servicing in Gympie.

Senin, 19 Desember 2011

About Countertops Santa Clara

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Sabtu, 17 Desember 2011

Types of Car Hoists

A car hoist is a machine that is most often used in mechanics' shops to lift a car up easily. That way the mechanic can take a clear and easy look under the car to determine problems. One of the most common reasons to do this is for your car's fluid changes, tire balancing and changing, and, as well as that, alignment can be done while the car is supported by a hoist.

There are several different types of car hoists for different vehicles. Most two post lifts have the lifting capacity of at least 3 tons, but for many American made cars and trucks, that just isn't enough. Two post car hoists, such as the Mascot 3311, come equipped with a sophisticated system to prevent nut breakage, an emergency chain breakage system, and an internal locking system that immediately releases when the lift is in the lowered position.

The two-post hoist has the necessary power to do most jobs required by the mechanic. That extreme lifting power is thanks to the two hydraulically powered columns, or posts, that give the extra oomph needed to allow the car hoist to raise and lower the car or truck safely.

The more powerful and safer four-pole car hoist is the most popular type of hoist seen in American repair shops today. As implied, the lift is made of four hydraulic posts, one at each of the four corners of the lift, giving the four-pole hoist the most lifting power and stability possible. To utilize this type of lifting equipment the car or truck is driven full up and on to the lift rails. It takes careful driving, because if the car isn't lined up just right on the lift, it could be disastrous. The car could flip sideways as it lifts, or even worse, slip out while work is being done underneath severely injuring someone, perhaps a customer!

There is also the popular, but smaller, scissors style car hoist. This is the type of hoist that car shops use to perform fluid checks and changes. These scissors type lifts are efficient at getting tires off so they can be changed in automatic tire changers, or quickly balanced on an automatic wheel balancer.

Scissor hoists are giant versions of those small tire jacks we get with a new car, except 10 times the size and much easier to use. Hydraulic scissor hoists can support just as much weight as the two-post hoist as it takes considerably less room if you are cramped for space in your current garage. They come in sets of two and have multiple safety features that keep the car and those working on it safe. These features include a double master slave system that ensures the two lifts will rise evenly and won't tilt one way or the other.

These are the main car hoists available today, their features, and what they're used for. If you read this carefully, it will help you pick out just the right one for you.

More information about car hoisting can be found at http://www.interequip.com.au/

Kamis, 15 Desember 2011

Strategies of Making 50CC Mopeds Work Faster

There is a plethora of 50cc mopeds in the market today and this has made them to become very popular. Most of them can move in a speed of up to twenty-five miles per hour. However, this exclusively depends on the model as well as the make of the bike, not to forget the number of years it has been in use. While this is the case, it is should be known that almost all 50cc mopeds can move faster with a few automated alterations and simple maintenance, having said that, owners of these bikes can make some alterations on the air intake and the variator system as a way of making them quicker. Read on and learn the ways to carry out these alterations.

• First and foremost, you need to have all the materials that you require for the alteration exercise. These materials include tire gauge, impact & socket wrench, awl and drill.

• Once you have all the materials that you need, the next step you need to take in making your 50cc mopeds faster is to remove the air intake case. The intake cases usually rest above the variator found on the left side of the moped with 2 bolts attached to them. This makes it easier for you to remove them using a socket wrench. The reason for removing the case is to allow more air to penetrate the engine while it is burning fuel.

• Once done with the above step, it is worthwhile to install either bigger or smaller variator elevator wheels. However, this will solely depend on the speed preferences that you want. For instance, if you plan on installing smaller tires, your moped will accelerate very fast especially on hilly areas. On the other hand, bigger tires will provide fast cruising speed abilities. Remember, you can uninstall and reinstall these tires by simply unscrewing and re-screwing the middle bold using an impact wrench that is air powered.

• On the moped, specifically on the inside of the washer, you will locate a variator system, which you are supposed to disengage by pulling off the rod when the rear tire has been removed. This washer is important as it is used to restrict speed. Removing it gives your motorcycle an opportunity to be able to max out the quantity of power that has been transferred directly from the engine to the drive belt.

• When filling the rear wheel, ensure that you use the quantity that has been indicated on the side of the wheel. In most cases, this can range from twenty eight to thirty six PS. In case you possess a rear wheel that has been underinflated, it can easily drop your speed drastically. Once this happens, even if you try different installations and modifications, the speed will not increase at all. Make sure you follow the above given instructions if you want the best results.

Since there are different 50cc mopeds that are used on different terrains, it is imperative to ensure that you select the speed range to use on the 50cc mopeds that will work best on the terrain that you frequent most.

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Selasa, 13 Desember 2011

Windshield Chip and Crack Repair Questions and Answers

Q. What advice do you have for a customer hiring a windshield repair company?

A. A few things you need to know before calling for repair. Is the repair company using high quality resins and professional windshield repair equipment that produce high quality finished repairs, or some guy that has a plastic syringe and a suction cup and some stickers. When an object strikes your windshield and either chips or cracks it, cover the break with clear tape. If the break is in your direct frontal vision cover with tape as soon as you reach your destination to keep moisture and dirt out. You must repair chipped or cracked windshields correctly the first time as you can't repair that same spot over again if it didn't come out looking good, your stuck with it. Repairs must be done right the first time. When you see the guy that claims five-minute repairs look out as you can't even set up the equipment in five minutes! With this in consideration call for a mobile windshield chip and crack repair specialist for a quote and ask a few questions about their equipment and the resins they use, and if they guarantee their repairs. How long it will take, it should take between a half hour to forty-five minutes if they don't know or are not sure call another windshield repair company.

Q. What customers should know about the trade? And Some secrets to share?

A. Make sure the equipment used to repair your windshield is of professional quality and not a $9.00 do it yourself kit and some kid claiming high quality repairs. Quality windshield repair kits cost a thousand dollars or more. Make sure the technician doing the repairs has the skills needed and has at least one year experience in-house under supervision. The windshield repair industry requires 80% visual improvement. Most repair specialists strive for 95% plus visual improvement. The reason for this is that once a repair is attempted and not done properly the first time your stuck with that repair, as you can't do it over again! I have seen repairs where a drop of glue placed over the break, cured and called good. Someone paid for that repair that will likely fail and crack-out.

Q. What makes a good windshield repair company?

A. When customer satisfaction is the number one goal of the company and guaranteeing repairs for life,being a perfectionist at repairing windshield chips and cracks is always a good thing. Pride in quality repairs and stopping a rock chip from cracking out saving costumers hundreds of dollars on windshield replacement. What concerns me the most is safety, cracked windshields that have not been properly repaired are dangerous. Say you are driving down the freeway at 70 mph, and another rock smacks your windshield in the same spot, what do you think could happen? God forbid your driving the family with that cracked windshield and get in an accident where the air bags deploy. A cracked windshield may not support the pressure from the air bag and the windshield breaks out and the airbag can't give proper cushioning for you or your passengers! Safety is number one which brings us back to customer satisfaction. When a windshield is beyond repair they should not even try to repair it and recommend windshield replacement for safety reasons.

Q. What do good mobile windshield repair techs thrive on?

A. A satisfied customer is what makes you feel good and when after a repair is complete the customer says I can't even find the repair, along with the knowledge of restored integrity and safety. Glass is very fragile and volatile and takes a gentle hand when working on chipped and cracked auto glass to prevent cracking out. Every repair is different and presents a new challenge to overcome. The freedom of not being tied behind a desk and interaction with different people, providing safety to their windshield and making new friends along the way is what most mobile windshield repair technicians thrive on.

Mark is in the mobile Windshield Crack Repair business and gives advise on how to save yourself some time, trouble and money. Come read more about Mobile Windshield Chip Repair.

Senin, 12 Desember 2011

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Sabtu, 10 Desember 2011

YJ Jeep Wrangler Front Speaker Replacement

If you have a YJ jeep that means it naturally has some age on it. I know that when I got mine the speakers were old and deteriorated to the point that they weren't even listenable. You could hear sound, but it wasn't a pleasant experience.

I began searching the web and I found a really good value on a new set of speakers that worked perfectly for my YJ Jeep. For the YJ you need a set of 4"x6" speakers. I was able to locate a new set for a very good price on Amazon.

They arrived in a couple days and now it was time to install them. That's the tricky part. It requires quite a bit of work to install the front speakers on the YJ model Jeeps. Once I got it figured out it wasn't all that bad but it takes a little effort and it helps if you have a little knowledge of what you're going into.

In this article I'll show you how.

1. First you want to remove the parts of the dash panels that are on the steering column. There are two pieces. It may make it easier if you take off the piece for the instrument panel and the head unit as well. These are all fairly easy and all you should need is a Phillips head screwdriver.

2. Now you want to locate the T-40 Torx bit bolts that fasten the roll cage to the top of the YJ's windshield frame. To get to the ones on my YJ Jeep it was much easier to take my sunvisors off first. It just gets them out of the way. They are also Torx bit size T-20. Remove the bolts that hold the roll bar and windshield together on both the driver and passenger side.

3. Next move down to the T-40 and T-45 star bit bolts located at each side of the dash. There are 3 per side. These hold the dash onto the Jeep and also attach to the YJ's windshield frame. Remove these from the driver and passenger side. From there you should be able to carefully fold the windshield down and let it rest on the rubberized brackets located on the hood.

4. There are some fasteners that will now be exposed along the top of the dash that are usually hidden under the YJ's windshield when it's not folded down. They are T-25 Torx bits. You'll also need to remove the last Torx bits along the sides of the dash that actually hold the dash to the YJ Jeep's body.

5. From here you should be able to maneuver the Jeep YJ's dash out a bit to give yourself some room to get to the speakers from behind. Even then it is no easy task. maneuver it out as far as possible then get ready to do a little bit of a contortion act. I hope you don't mind bad language because even if you don't normally use it you will during this next step.

6. To get to my speakers I moved my seats to their furthest back position and laid down so that my legs were in the seat and my head was positioned under the dash. The speakers are usually bolted on with wing-nuts so you should be able to remove them by hand with a little bit of work. It's practically impossible to get a tool in there to help.

7. Once the speakers are out get the new ones ready to position. I found it a little easier to kind-of position them and then attach the speaker wires before getting the actually bolted back in. Your call here.

8. After that all there is to do is test it out. If everything is working, reassemble and you're good to go.

Installing front speakers on this model is no easy task. Using these instructions you will be prepared for the job before you begin so that the procedure will be as smooth as possible. When you're finished the best reward is a scenic drive with the top off enjoying some good tunes on your new speakers.

If You are interested in YJ Jeeps visit my website at http://www.yjjeep.com/

Kamis, 08 Desember 2011

Replacing Your Spare Tire on the Cheap

Did you know spare tires are often rated for only 50 to 75 miles before needing replacement? Once you get a couple of flat tires, you may be getting close to that number! It might be time to buy a new spare - make sure you do it right.

If you want the best match, you should look to your car dealer first for a proper OEM tire. You'll be sure to get a perfect replacement that way. You'll find them to be pretty expensive there though - often running more than a normal tire!

A great alternative is the junkyard. Often when a car is totaled and sent to the junkyard, the spare tire is intact. Many have never even been used. So how do you find a great match there?

You'll want to get a list of junkyards in the area first. Try using a local directory, or a service like Google maps. Then you'll want to head outside and measure your car's tires. This is the most important step for a great fit! Pull out your spare and start measuring that. If you don't have the spare, you can measure a regular wheel.

With a piece of paper and tape measure in hand, measure the distance between all the bolts. Start from the center of the bolt, and measure across to the center of the opposite one. Keep a diagram on your paper and put down the measurements on the lines. Next, measure the distance to the bolt directly next to it. If you do the diagram to scale, you can punch the holes out and lay the diagram over the spare tires you're shopping for.

Continue by measuring the bolt sizes themselves. Take a bolt off and measure the diameter of the head, then the length and diameter of the thread. You may find the right bolt pattern, but the bolt doesn't fit!

Once you have your diagram with the measurements, its time to go to the junkyards. The staff will be able to show you where the spares are kept - often they'll have stacks and stacks of spares! Pull out your diagram and start sorting through the stacks until you find one that's a perfect match. Don't buy something that's kind of the same - you could damage your car if you put on the wrong spare tire size. Make sure it fits perfectly. Good luck in your search!

Jeff Campeal is the author of Spare Tire Size.

Senin, 05 Desember 2011

What Are The Uses of a Roadworthy Certificate?

Are you still using an old car or are you planning to advertise it then maintain its price by getting yourself a roadworthy certificate. There are a lot of things that can happen on the road, some of them terrible. These accidents ordinarily develop from simple problems from the car so to keep things from being complicated people now apply these rules. To have at least the minimal requirements of safety of a car before it is set for a ride again.

What is a Roadworthy certificate?

It's simply a test done by licensed personnel unto a car to check if it has the ability to offer a safe ride for its passengers. The process is simple, the car just goes to a shop for the examination. If the car passes the test then the certificate is issued.

What are inspected here?

The mechanics checks the overall performance of the car where parts like the wheels, suspension, transmission, steering, windows, the chassis and overall built of the car.

With the simple inspection, the test doesn't state that the car is in its finest form. It only says that the car is ready for the road bearing at least the minimal safety requirements. If you are open to the alternative of totally inspecting the car's performance then you can avail of a comprehensive test through inquiring to your local work station.

The certificate doesn't entail that the car is in top condition, without any defect whatsoever. It doesn't state that the parts not included in the safety department like the aircon is functioning suitably. Lastly, it does not indicate that the parts that are functioning well on the inspection will still work in the near future.

If your car has failed the test you are given another opportunity by the inspector in a span of 7 days to restore the part/s. Repair the parts and go back for evaluation before the due date. If you failed again then you go back to zero with whole observation.

How do You obtain Issued the Certificate?

It's easy. Just call any accredited or qualified work station in your area and get a schedule for your car to be inspected. The pricing frequently varies from place to place, so be sure to call to first.

A Roadworthy certificate is easy and quick, it see to it that safety on the road so get you car tested today.

Bob Reehal has been in the field of roadworthy certificate for a long time and maintains a website about safety car certificate where you can get answers to the rest of your questions.

Sabtu, 03 Desember 2011

Windshield Replacement: 4 Things You Should Know

Many windshields are replaced as a result of accidents. Others may be replaced as a result of a chip that grows into a shatter or simply for cosmetic reasons. Regardless of what has brought you to the decision to replace your windshield there are 4 main things you should keep in mind.

1. A Windshield Is More Than Just a Window.
Some people consider their windshield to be nothing more than a car's front window. In reality, windshield provide protection to the driver and passengers and are also built to be aerodynamic. Early windshield were made using plain window glass but that resulted in serious injury when an accident would occur. This changed in 1919 when Henry Ford began using the French method of laminated glass for windshields. Today, the glass used for windshields is made up of two separate pieces of glass with a special safety plastic in the middle which makes it harder to break.

2. Can It Be Repaired?

The technology surrounding windshield repair has come a long way. Insurance companies now often refuse to cover replacement costs of windshield unless it has been deemed necessary by a repair company. Windshield repair is done by filling the chipped or damaged area with clear epoxy resin which dries and then is cured with ultra-violet light. Once this has been done, the chip is gone and both strength and clarity are restored.

3. How to Protect Your Windshield

Protecting your windshield is the best way to avoid costly repair or replacement. This can be done by following safe driving rules, particularly if you are on a loose gravel road. Drive slowly to avoid throwing stones up and if you find yourself behind a truck that appears to be throwing stones, back off or change lanes. Window tinting can also offer added protection by acting as a first line of defense against chips, stones and other debris. The tinting film also does double duty in an accident and works to keep broken glass in place.

4. The Importance of Timely Maintenance.

If you discover a chip in your windshield it is important to get it repaired as soon as possible. Chips can splinter, especially in extreme weather. The cold air outside can react to the heated interior of your car, making the chip splinter into a crack which can then spider-web its way across the whole of your windshield effectively turning a rather minor problem into a big one.

Replacing your windshield can be a pretty hefty investment. Once you've spoken to a windshield specialist as well as your insurance company you will know where you stand on what repairs or replacement services will be covered. This is also a good time to consider after-market options such as window tinting which may help reduce the chances of needing to repair or replace it again in the near future.

Kelly is a freelance writer and is currently working for a company specializing in offering a variety of car window tinting solutions. In her free time she enjoys reading and hosting parties.

Oil Change Benefits - Why Do You Need to Get One Every 3000 Miles

Getting a basic oil change for your vehicle every 3 months or 3000 miles will provide many benefits to your vehicle and your pocket. It will prevent internal wear of your engine, it will enhance engine performance and improve your gas mileage. Even the cheapest coupon should provide the most essential service of all by replacing the old oil with new oil, and you will see benefits in the long run.

Inside your engine there is multiple moving parts. Crankshaft, connecting rods, lifters and pistons are just a few of the internal parts that are moving at speeds of over 1000 rpms. Good lubrication provided by having clean and good quality engine oil will reduce friction and lower operating temperatures. Reduced friction will prevent wearing of the internal parts, and lower operating temperature will improve the functioning of the cooling system such as the radiator, cooling fan and water pump. Oil changes will increase lifespan of your engine and cooling system.

As engine oil gets old, it will get thicker, oxidate and won't lubricate as well as when you have new engine oil. It will contribute to to low piston compression and cause the engine to have less power, rougher idle and poor acceleration. It is not uncommon to hear from customers that their cars run faster and have more power after getting an oil change. Timely oil changes will restore compression and improve engine power and performance.

After getting an oil change, if the customer uses the manufacturer's recommended grade of engine oil, gas mileage should improve by 1-2 percent. Old, dirty and thick engine oil will increase friction, causing the driver to press the gas pedal more to compensate for more engine friction, and cause decreased gas mileage. Getting an oil change will also keep catalytic converter to stay cleaner and efficient, and a clean converter will cause the engine at lower rpms, improving car emissions and also getting better gas mileage.

As you can see, a 30 - 35 dollar investment to get regular oil changes in your vehicle will provide many benefits. Take the time to find a trusted automotive technician to do oil changes in your car every 3 months or 3000 miles, or make the investment to buy basic tools so you can do your own maintenance. Make sure you buy good quality oil and oil filter. You will save money and enjoy your vehicle for many years to come.

If you live in the north texas area, i invite you to come see our shop Angel's Garage in Irving. To learn more about us please go to our websites. For general Auto Repair in Irving or for VW and Audi Auto Repair

Rabu, 30 November 2011

Off Roading Safety Basics

AppId is over the quota

Off-roading has become one of the most popular summer sports in the world, thanks to the fact that many ATVs are now easily affordable. Off-roading can be loads of fun, but it can also be incredibly dangerous. There are a few things that you need to know about being careful while off-roading, things that can save your life as you have fun going through rough terrain in your ATV.

Safety Gear

The most important thing to remember is that safety is the most important thing. If you aren't well protected, you can get yourself into a serious accident. Eye goggles are one of the most important pieces of safety gear to wear, as they can protect your eyes from flying rocks and dust that could cause you to go blind. Using a safety helmet is also vital, as it will protect you from a head injury if you get into an accident. Wearing the right body armor and suit will help to keep you from any serious injuries to your chest, as well as from tearing up the skin of your legs and arms. Never go off-roading without the correct safety gear.

Be Wary of Stunts

Just because you have ridden an ATV for a few months or years doesn't mean you are ready to do stunts yet. Unless you have some serious stunts training, avoid doing crazy things that can land you in the hospital. A surprising number of people have died or gotten seriously injured thanks to their trying to do something crazy or showing off to their friends.

Learn to Ride Properly

Riding an ATV may look easy when doing it on a track or the road, but off-roading can be extremely dangerous. If your ATV, dirt bike, or mountain bike flips, your injuries can range from broken bones to death, a permanent condition. Consider taking a class or getting tips from an expert before venturing out.

Not all Paths are Crossable

Just because you are riding a dirt bike or ATV doesn't mean that you can go everywhere. There will be terrain that will be impassable, and you need to accept that. Avoid getting into mud or waterholes, even if you think your bike or ATV can take it. Above all, avoid any paths that you know have dangerous drop offs or end near cliffs. As mentioned above, just because you can go off-road and into rough and rugged places, doesn't mean you have to.

Keep Your Vehicle in Good Shape

If you let the condition of your vehicle decline, you could end up getting seriously hurt. Old tires won't grip the road well, and worn out brakes won't allow you to stop in time. A used chassis will cause the ride to be extremely bumpy, and an unchecked motor can leave you stranded out in the middle of nowhere. Keeping your vehicle in good shape is a vital part of staying safe while off-roading.

Visit PhatSportShades for the best in sunglasses for summer eye protection, including ATV and off road goggles and motorcycle goggles.

Senin, 28 November 2011

Maintaining a Car: Air Filter and Battery

Some auto maintenance jobs are simple enough to be done by someone with relatively little technical knowledge. Auto repair services that can be performed with a minimum of tools and knowhow include changing a tire, replacing an air filter, checking and changing oil, checking and topping up transmission fluid, and checking battery, spark plugs and other electrical items.

Some of these things sound quite complicated to someone who has never worked on a car before. But, don't let the unknown scare you. Identifying the problem is often the hardest part of performing auto repair services; keeping a car maintained is often much easier.

The air filter is probably the easiest thing to change or check besides getting gas. On a car such as a Volvo 850, you will not need any tools whatsoever. K&N filters for a Volvo 850 are often rated to a million miles. Maintenance will involve cleaning out the filter and not replacing it. Air filters are mostly just dusty, so cleaning them is simple, and not too messy. Fram filters are cheaper, and are disposable.

Locate the filter case on the top of the engine. It's a box about 9 inches square with a round tube coming out of one side. The box is held shut with three or four metal clips. Unclip these, and open the case. Either clean the filter or replace with a new one. Once the filter is back in place, clip the case shut again.

Checking battery and other electrical connections is important and also quite easy. A car battery is filled with highly corrosive sulfuric acid. This acid is in liquid form and in hot weather will partially evaporate. The evaporating vapor results in adverse effects. One is that the level of liquid in the battery drops. If it gets too low, the battery will not work.

To maintain proper levels in a battery, pop the rectangular caps off the top. Protective eyewear is recommended, since spraying battery acid can cause blindness. Don't smoke or put any open flame near the battery when doing this, and never open the battery when the vehicle is running. Use a flashlight to peer into the holes. There will be three round holes under each rectangular cap. Each hole has a tab that extends downward toward the acid inside. The proper level of liquid will just barely reach the bottom of the tab. If there's a space between the tab and the top of the liquid, add distilled water to make up the difference. Don't use any water other than distilled. To ensure that the water does not become contaminated before getting into the battery, use of a large eye dropper or turkey baster might be helpful.

The other adverse effect of acid vapor is corroded terminals. Clean battery terminals with battery cleaner designated for this purpose to remove any corrosion. Apply a layer of battery terminal protectant to prevent further corrosion. Both battery terminal cleaner and protectant are available in small aerosol cans, and resemble spray paint. These two, basic auto repair services will ensure that your battery continues to operate properly and doesn't go dead prematurely.

Tanner Motors is a great source for auto repair services more complicated than the simple tasks outlined here. Located in Phoenix, AZ, they specialize in Volvos such as the Volvo 850.

Jumat, 25 November 2011

How to Know When It Is Time to Change Your Cars Brake Pads and Shoes

Many drivers' biggest fear is to be driving on the highway and coming to a stop, only to find that the brakes are no longer responding when they're pressed on. The fact is, brake failure is a serious cause of collisions on the highway, and while it's less common today than it used to be, it's still a problem to be kept at bay for all motorists.

Older drum brakes were not nearly as reliable as today's braking technology. Drum brakes were susceptible to seasonal and environmental factors which could decimate their ability to stop on time. In the heat of the summer or the cold of winter, drum brakes could easily stop responding or fail to provide the necessary friction to stop the vehicle in a timely manner.

Today's newer anti-lock brakes don't tend to fail nearly as often as the previous standard in braking technology used to. More sophisticated braking systems, along with advanced materials and design used on braking pads and shoes, have led to much safer and much more stable brakes that are better apt to stopping in any weather.

Here are a few signs it might be time to replace a piece or all of your braking system. Brakes and their parts are inexpensive pieces of an automobile that can be easily replaced without a lot of time and hassle, so it pays to make sure they're in good working order (especially when your body will absorb whatever kinetic energy they fail to prevent you from hitting).

Troubling Noises - They're not always the same kind of bad noise, but you can usually hear when your brakes or their components have begun to wear down. Of course you'll notice a sluggish, less complete stopping of your wheels when you press the brake pedal, but you'll also hear grinding, squealing, or whining coming from your wheel well.

Poor Road Traction - If you've ever depressed your brakes only to feel your car try, but fail to stop, you know how scary bad traction can be. Perhaps what's most scary about these situations is that they tend to be more common in inclement weather, which is not how you want to discover a crucial flaw in your biggest safety system.

Brakes will keep you and your car safe, but they need some TLC with regular upkeep in order to continue doing their job. Make sure you get yours checked out before you find out they need work the hard way.

Your car's braking system is probably the most important function of your vehicle. You'll want to use a qualified car repair shop to inspect or replace brake parts. If you need a brake job, then stop in the Shawnee Service Center in Wilmette Illinois.

Selasa, 22 November 2011

Tips to Get Your Motor Running

If your car has been feeling a little sluggish lately, there are some things you can do to get your motor running right again.

First change your oil and oil filter. Make sure to use the grade of oil that is recommended by the maker of your car. If you do not have the owner's manual for your car, you can probably find out what grade of oil is recommended from the manufacturer's website. Using the wrong grade of oil can reduce the performance of your car and its gas mileage.

Now that most gas stations no longer check the oil when they fill up our cars, most people rely on the check oil light to tell us if our car is low on oil. By the time that light goes on, some damage to your engine may already have been done. To prevent this damage, check the oil in your car often. When you check the oil, you should also check the brake fluid and transmission fluid levels in your car and top them off if necessary. Most car manufacturers recommend flushing the brake fluid, transmission fluid and coolant system every 2 years or 30,000 miles. Keeping fresh, clean fluids in your car will keep your motor running smoothly.

Two other things that will also help your motor run smoothly are replacing your air filter and fuel filter frequently. Clean filters will help keep dirt out of your fuel injectors, fuel pump and engine. That will help your car to run better and give you better gas mileage. If too much dirt accumulates, it will lead to expensive repairs.

You should also change your spark plugs every other year unless your car has long life plugs. Worn spark plugs will cause your engine to misfire and waste a lot of gas. While you are replacing the spark plugs, check the plug wires for signs of wear.

Also, check all the belts and hoses in your car, especially the timing belt or timing chain. If that breaks, it can destroy your engine. Many car makers suggest replacing the timing belt every 75,000 to 100,000 miles. When you do replace it, replace the water pump too since the procedure for each is the same.

You can do many of these maintenance procedures yourself. You do not have to be an ace mechanic or have a lot of experience. You just need the desire, a how to manual and a few tools. Then, when you get your motor running right, you can head on down the highway looking for adventure and be able to handle whatever comes your way.

If your car will no longer run on down the highway, please consider donating your car to charity. If you do donate your car, it will be picked up fast and free and you will get a tax deduction of at least $500 if you itemize on your federal tax return. The process is very easy and there are a great many charities that can benefit from your car donation.

Karen Campese is the Co-founder and CEO of Cars4Charities, a not for profit car donation center. They have over 1,000 respected charities that you can donate car to. When you donate your car, you get a tax deduction and help a good cause.

Minggu, 20 November 2011

Bleeding Brake Fluid For Optimal Car Performance

Choosing the right brake fluid is crucial. Most general-use cars should use a DOT-3, which has a dry boiling point of 205 degrees Celsius and a wet boiling point of 140 degrees Celsius. DOT-4 has a slightly higher boiling point, but is also much more viscous, making it a poor choice for some vehicles. DOT-5 fluids, which are silicone-based, are best for cars which are not driven often, such as older cars which are being restored. Silicone-based fluids should never be used in a car with an anti-lock braking system.

The process is easiest when all four car wheels are off of the ground. However, since most home mechanics don't have that capability, the car can stay on the ground, as long as there's room to use a wrench on bleeder valves. Loosening bleeder valves may be a challenge, so a drizzle of penetrating oil the day before brakes are bled will help to budge the bolts. A box wrench which fits the brake bolts is the best tool for the job. Tapping lightly with a hammer will help to loosen bolts, and break through corrosion.

In the beginning, bleeder valves should be loosened, but not open. Then, utilizing a disposable turkey baster from the kitchen, car owners should suck out as much of the old, inky liquid as possible, from the top of the master cylinder reservoir. Any visible contaminants within the reservoir should be cleaned with a lint-free rag. Also, car owners must be careful with brake fluid, which will immediately ruin any painted surface.

Car owners should push one end of a piece of cheap aquarium tubing, over one of the bleeder bolts. The other end should be placed into a clear plastic bottle, into which about an inch of clean brake fluid has been poured. Under the pedal, a one-by-four piece of wood should be placed, to keep the pedal from being depressed too far, when line pressure is released. Then, fresh brake fluid should be poured into the master cylinder reservoir, before replacing the cap.

The next steps in the process are easiest with a helper, to push the pedal. The car owner should signal the helper to push the pedal down, and, when the pedal is pushed down, should turn the bleeder bolt about a quarter turn. Old liquid will trickle into the clear container, through the aquarium tubing. When the trickle stops, the car owner should signal the helper to release the pedal, and should close the bleeder valve. This process should be repeated, until clean liquid begins to come through the tubing, into the container.

After five pushes of the pedal, the fluid in the master cylinder reservoir should be topped off. Allowing the reservoir to be less than half full invites more air into the system, which defeats the purpose of bleeding the brakes. When clean fluid is coming from the brake, then the bleeder bolt should be tightened. Then, the bleeding process should be started on another wheel, until all four wheels have been bled of contaminated fluid.

To dispose of old or unused liquid, pour it into a container of kitty litter. The liquid will evaporate within a few days, and the contaminated litter may be thrown in the garbage, in a closed plastic grocery bag. To decrease the likelihood of waste, car owners should always purchase eight-ounce containers of fluids, instead of purchasing larger containers. Always, old fluids, even when drying in kitty litter, must be kept away from animals and children. Also, fluids are extremely flammable, and must be kept away from any ignition source.

Bleeding an anti-lock braking system may be more complicated, so car owners should consult their owner's manual before making an attempt. By bleeding the lines every two years, or every 24,000 miles, car owners will ensure that components, including calipers and the master cylinder, last for a long time. The right fluid, the right tools, and the right helper will make bleeding brake fluid an easier, if not less dirty, job.

Prevent breakdowns by keeping your car in top condition. AutoWerks of America is a great source of replacement parts for German cars and other imports.

Kamis, 17 November 2011

Should You Extend Your Auto Warranty

There are more and more advertisements these days telling us to extend our car warranty. The marketing pitches make it sound like we'll never have to pay for car repair again. While extending a car warranty may make one feel better, it is, in many cases, a waste of money. Here are a few things to consider.

Extend Car Warranty - 3 Points to Consider:

1) The first and most important point to consider is money. Auto warranty advertisements state "we'll never have to pay for car repairs again;" yet, we will have to pay a significant dollar amount up front for the warranty. Some car repairs may indeed cost $2,000, but many extended warranties cost significantly more than this. In other words, "we are" paying for auto repairs. In fact, they're asking us to pay now, rather than keep our money in the bank.

2) Although many extended warranties list off an impressive amount of items covered, many expensive and very common auto repairs and maintenance are not covered. This would include items such as tires, brakes, and maintenance services. Also, repair shops often charge above and beyond what our warranty company suggests, leaving us to pay the balance.

3) Even though a particular car repair is covered under an agreement, it may still cost us money. For example, most of these extended warranties have deductibles. Some will not cover what's known as "tear down" charges. This is when a shop has to disassemble our vehicle in order to determine the root cause. Also, many car warranties have caps on the hourly labor charge, which again, leave us to pay the difference.

Extended Auto Warranty - Additional Thoughts:

If the above doesn't deter us, consider too that an extended auto warranty is time and mileage sensitive. It's a race against the clock to get any actual monetary value from an auto warranty. Put another way, if we spend $3,500 for a warranty, our car needs to have at least $3,500 worth of "covered repairs" during the coverage period to break even. Not sure we want to even be driving a vehicle that needs this amount of work in such a short period of time.

Are there times when extending a car warranty makes sense? Yes...

1) when it's included with a certified used vehicle one is considering purchasing.

2) If we can get a significant discount, as these warranties are heavily marked up.

3) If it can be rolled into low finance rates.

Finally, if money is not an issue, and it makes you feel protected, go for it. Personally, I'd prefer to keep my money.

-Theodore P. Olson
RepairTrust
Making sense of Auto Repair Prices

Selasa, 15 November 2011

How to Find a Good Car Mechanic

Is there a single person alive that does not feel that at one time or another in their lives that they have not been ripped off by their car mechanic? Sorry, there are a few, the car mechanics themselves. If you have been wondering how to find a good car mechanic, then please keep reading and you just might find out.

It does not matter if you know little to nothing about cars, if you follow the advice mentioned below you should be able to change this sometimes awful experience, into a regular normal everyday occurrence. For all the females that may be reading this, sorry to inform you, but most mechanics will not think you know anything about a car, and will not understand anything that they tell you.

So, the first rule is, do not let this happen to you. You need to pretend that you understand everything that they say, by asking questions about all of their comments. You want to know what they are going to do, why they are going to do it, what are the alternatives, and what it is going to cost you. If the mechanic is not polite, and answering you as you would expect, find someplace else to give your business to.

You want to do this because more than likely you will not be happy with your repair job you receive from them. The second rule is please do not wait until you do not have any alternatives. In other words, if the light on your dashboard is showing low oil, then fill up the oil and starting going to car repair shops to try and figure out what is wrong.

If you wait until your engine blows up, or your gasket springs a big leak, you will more than likely have to take it to the nearest shop where they can charge you whatever they want. The third rule for finding a good and honest car mechanic is to ask your family and friends who they use. Without question, this will be the most reliable source of information that you can receive.

You will be getting totally unbiased opinions from people that care about you. The fourth rule is to try and use small shops where the owner of the shop is either doing or supervising the work himself. If a mechanic has worked himself into a position where they have enough money to open their own shop, they will usually be very good at their jobs.

If you use a very large type of establishment, in most instances the mechanic will be doing the work on their own with no supervision or quality control. This simply does not happen in small mechanic owned operations.

Now, you should know all you need to know about how to find a good car mechanic. The most important piece of advice mentioned above, was not to be intimidated and be afraid to ask questions. In fact, the more questions you ask, the more you will come to understand, and the better car repair consumer you will become.

If you want to learn about all the latest and greatest news happening in the car industry, please be sure to click the following link Automotive.

For one of the most comprehensive websites anywhere that keeps you up to date on everything about cars, please click on the following link to visit us Motorsports.

Minggu, 13 November 2011

Tips in Looking For a Commercial Truck Part

If you are still searching for a specific commercial truck part then you have to conduct a good research about the best specialty stores available in the market. These vehicle components might be very costly because of the intense demand coming from vehicle companies, rig owners, truck owners, and auto equipment sellers. If you want to save substantial amount of money, then take your time asking for recommendations from your colleagues, family, and friends.

A lot of large vehicles are in need for component replacement everyday and there are few people who can immediately afford to buy these fittings and vehicle components. You can choose to buy used spare vehicle pieces in order to save cash. These used truck parts are still in its best shape and it can provide the same efficacy as those of the brand new ones. In this way, you can save money and use it to other necessary operation expenses.

You might think that it will be easier for you to buy a vehicle parts because there are plenty of company providers and specialty stores that you can find both online and offline markets. You can have to reconsider because there are some companies that sell unsatisfactory vehicle spare parts that will not last for a long time. You will surely lose large amount of money and it will be more difficult for you to continue your business operations due to broken and dysfunctional trucks.

Always remember that in choosing a specialty store, hardware, or company provider, make sure to ask if they offer warranties on vehicle components. With warranty, buyers are assured that in case of any problems with the product, buyers can rightfully claim replacements or product returns. If you chose a used component for your truck then it is difficult to search for a certified one. Better widen your research in order to maximize the value of your money and time.

A good company provider or specialty store has a good selection or inventory of products and a large warehouse for different brands, sizes, and designs of vehicle components. They can also provide excellent advice for their customers and services. It is best to go for a store that sells affordable prices of vehicle components.

Always check whether the company provider or store is selling genuine products. You can learn it through reading your local newspapers, online blogs, articles, previous customer feedback, and more. Easy research and fast gathering of information can only be through internet browsing.

They are stores that have their own websites wherein they have posted their services, price ranges, available truck parts, brands, sample photographs, inquiry box for customers, contact number and the store's address. Before you go to a store or you buy online, better the check the number or size of the needed vehicle component, so that you will not lose money and so much time.

Remember that when you buy an incorrect commercial truck part, you will not be able to replace it for a correct one. Be a smart buyer and always check your needs so that you can discuss it with them.

PARTSMART provides a quality parts for when you need a commercial truck part or bus part. Check out their parts outlet and promotions (http://partsmartparts.com/).

Kamis, 10 November 2011

The Best Wheel Balancers and Where to Find Them

Wheel balancers are an essential piece of equipment for any place that calls itself a tire shop. After a new tire is bought, the wheel has to be balanced before it's put back onto the car. If the wheel isn't balanced it could cause a very noticeable and annoying vibration throughout the car.

The wheel balancer comes in many different models, with many different features. Top of the line models can cost more than $10,000, while others may cost as little as $1,500. There is also the used option, which the internet is great for. Almost every product you buy on the internet comes with a discount, simply because you bought it online.

An in-shop wheel balancer is no different. The used wheel balance tool, over $10,000 brand new, can be bought online through auction websites for as little as $2,000-$3,000 USD. For example, the COATS XR1850 is currently going for just over $2,000 with online bidding, when brand new it costs $13,000, plus tax.

The top of the line wheel balancer system is really the only way to go if your shop wants to ensure repeat business. The XR1850 is an advanced system that is capable of solving the toughest vibration problems on most vehicles. This balancing tool is able detect vibration problems, including any problems relating to radial or lateral run-out, and even residual static.

Top of the line wheel balancers, such as the XR1850 will automatically make all the measurements for the technician, removing all human error from the process. The design of this balancer has been done to take into consideration the vast array of different wheel designs, making it easier for the tech, and quicker turnover for the customer.

Anything the tech does have to do is easily outlined and visible to see on the real time 3-D animated screen. This makes the graphics and visual cues given to the worker very easy to see and respond to. This particular Wheel Balancer, as with many higher end models, comes with its own printer to instantly share information with the appropriate parties. This touch screen model, literally, gives the wheel balance technician a wealth of information at their fingertips.

Over all, by investing in one of these types of wheel balancers, every step of the process is quicker, thanks to the well-planned ingenuity of the XR1850's designers at COATS. Examples of this are: this design is equipped with a slide nut for improved mounting times, once the protective hood is lowered on the machine it automatically begins its work, and there are visual and audio cues for the worker to know when the proper amount of weight has been reached and when the weight has been positioned appropriately, for optimum performance for your car.

Wheel balancers can be easy and quick for you technicians and you customers, encouraging your customers to come back and also tell their friends how fast the service was; or it can be slow and laborious, causing the flow of work to slow and making customers less than enthusiastic in singing the praises of the shop.

Senin, 07 November 2011

Adhesive Spray 101

A good used car dealer will have a shop in which to do a full check on all of his cars. He may even have a car repair expert to work for him to do the work. He has a service garage with a lot of tools, parts, supplies and gadgets to make his job easier. He may even use a variety of glues for things that are loose or broken in his cars. After time, many things in a car, such as the ceiling tend to fall and loosen with gravity and need a little help and care.

Investing to make money

The used car sale man knows he must invest in many good products in order to get his vehicle purchases looking in tip-top shape for the sale. People want to buy a used car that isn't falling apart. Just a little touch here and there can make a difference. If a door panel falls off when the door is opened, the first thought in the buyer's mind is-this car is in bad shape! If the used car dealer has a good supply of glue, it could make for a great car sale that he can profit from. It's too late for glue after the customer is gone.

What is a great, fast glue?

The High Performance Spray Adhesive has a lot of benefits and is the answer to anyone who needs a great spray adhesive that does a quick and clean job. High Performance Spray Adhesive is a thick mist spray adhesive that dries clear and adheres extremely well, permanently bonding surfaces. It is also resistant to water and humidity. This high performance spray adhesive won't bleed through, curl or wrinkle paper and can be used in a large variety of car and home uses, such as mounting pictures, fabrics, and cardboard, wood that is lightweight and other board material such as foam, foil and corkboard. High Performance Spray Adhesive It comes in a 11 ounce spray can that can be applied between 65 and 95 degree temperatures. Simply hold the can vertically and spray 8" to 10" away from your item. Continue spraying in an even and continuous motion to avoid a buildup of spray in one place. This spray can be used for light to heavy adhesion purposes, depending on the application. More or less spray can be added by following the directions for a light or permanent bond. Several coats may be needed for porous surfaces.

The Hardware City, an Online hardware store features a vast inventory of over 45,000 products at unbeatable prices. Check out their deal on the High Performance Spray Adhesive today!

Sabtu, 05 November 2011

Apartment Odessa really interesting

Have you ever thought about having an apartments in odessa? If you seek a stay in Odessa own, then the apartment in Odessa is a consideration for you.

Jumat, 04 November 2011

How to Pass Your Emissions Test With Flying Colors

Environmental standards for the amount of pollution cars can emit have been going increasingly higher for the last several decades. As people have become more knowledgeable about pollution, they've tried to decrease the amount of environmental contaminants that we emit through our lifestyle. A car is certainly a producer of smog, but there are several ways in which you can decrease the amount of emissions that come from your vehicle.

Don't Be a Lead foot - The more fuel your car has to burn in order to reach a destination, the more atmospheric pollution your car's exhaust will release. People who are liberal with the gas will notice they use considerably more fuel than those who don't, and the more fuel you use, the more emissions you'll have to deal with.

Go Efficient - The better the gas mileage a car has, the lower its emissions will be. Completely electric vehicles have almost no emissions to speak of, while you've seen the smoke belching from the large diesel engines of a semi-truck. So the greener your car, the fewer emissions you'll have in the first place.

Keep Your Engine Clean- Keeping your engine well cared-for is another way to limit what comes out of your exhaust pipe. Aged oils tend to burn off, saddling your engine with all kinds of gunk while leading to horrible and unhealthy emissions of chemical air and particulate. The cleaner your engine and the oil in it is, the less burn-off you'll have to deal with.

Using Accessories Less - Many accessories your car uses requires more fuel or electricity use than your car normally requires. The more you crank up the A/C the more fuel you're burning, and the harder you force your engine to work. This cool air feels good, but when you think of all the fuel being used and all the emissions thus created, you get a little hot under the collar.

The air is a very important thing you know, for everything alive on this planet. Keeping it breathable starts with limiting what you put into the air in the first place. Older cars are usually less-efficient than their newer counterparts, but even older cars can deliver emission efficiency if you take the time and effort to do so. Higher fuel economy standards will hopefully reduce pollution even further, but for now we have to keep the cars on the road from producing too much toxic exhaust.

If you have an emissions test approaching visit Shawnee Automotive to ensure you'll pass without a problem. Our automotive techs have performed many emission repairs. Our NorthShore Automotive Center is the premier choice to get your vehicles repairs.

Rabu, 02 November 2011

Smack Then Crack - Windshield Repair or Windshield Replacement?

As you are driving down the road, it happens. You hear that dreaded sound. Your car windshield gets hit by a rock or debris and a crack appears. Sometimes the crack is gigantic and sometimes only a teeny tiny crack appears. Cracks and chips of all sizes are not only unattractive, but they can make driving unsafe too. When you hear the sound of something hitting your windshield, in comes the dread and so does the fear of what it's going to cost to replace the complete windshield or get a windshield repair begin to set in. Will it even be necessary to have a complete windshield replacement?

Without saying, any major damage received that causes huge cracks or shatters to any part of the windshield or the entire windshield, yes, definitely, a complete replacement is necessary. However, newer cars have windshields installed that are regulated by the government and in some situations it may be better to have the windshield repaired instead. Keeping as much of your vehicle in original condition is best for resale value and safety.

As well, many insurance companies are referring their customers to have windshield repair done now instead of a windshield replacement. You may wonder why, right? Well this alternate method is not only less expensive than a complete windshield repair, but there is less time where you are without your car. So the insurance company has to pay less to get your car fixed and maybe even eliminate the need for a rental car too.

For you the driver, repairs to your windshield will hold up as well as the replacement too. The quality is just as good, you won't even know it by looking. If your insurance doesn't cover windshield damages, you certainly want to go the less expensive way out and repair versus replace is the right choice in this situation.

You may wonder if it is absolutely necessary to have a professional do your windshield repair. You've noticed the do-it-yourself windshield repair kits at your neighborhood auto parts store and looks like it would be simple enough, right? Well, think again, it is not that simple. Taking out the old and popping in the new takes special tools and techniques that the professionals have been trained for.

At the first sign of damage, it may not be as clear if repair or replacement is best and a professional is trained in knowing whether a repair is even feasible and will be successful. Not to mention that if trying to do this yourself at home, it could lead to a serious safety issue. Keep in mind also, that with a professional mobile auto glass service, there will be a professional, in flesh and blood, in your driveway or work parking lot that you can tell if they are being straight with you or not.

For the sake of safety and convenience, instead of taking your car to the shop, always consider using a mobile service instead. There are mobile auto glass services in the Virginia area now with experienced trained professionals. No need to try to drive with a busted windshield or a huge crack running across the drivers' view!

So the next time you hear that shuttering sound of a rock hitting your windshield, don't panic! A phone call to a mobile auto glass service will get you a windshield repair or windshield replacement in no time.

For mobile auto glass service in Northern Virginia and Washington DC, call Lucas Auto Glass for all your windshield repair or windshield replacement needs.

Senin, 31 Oktober 2011

Do New Car Tyres Need to Be Aligned?

It is always a good idea to get new car tyres checked for alignment. It is quite easy for tyres to get out of alignment; you only have to hit a bad pothole in the road for the suspension to get bumped out of alignment. What does it mean exactly for car tyres to be out of alignment? It means that they are not quite straight - and so there will be a great deal more wear and tear on them. Having just paid a sizeable sum of money to have them fitted, you hardly want them to start wearing out unnecessarily.

How can you tell if tyres are not properly aligned? Very often the vehicle will start to shudder at certain speeds, or the steering wheel might vibrate at higher speed. If the problem is not corrected you will soon see uneven wear on the tyre treads as it means that one or more tyres are being dragged to some extent rather than running straight and true. There are other problems caused from not having your tyres properly aligned.

* Higher fuel consumption. When tyres are not running straight there is drag which means the engine must work harder to make the car go. This relates to more fuel consumption.
* The car feels as if it is wandering - the steering wheel may pull to the left or right.
* The ride will not be as smooth as one or more tyres are constantly being dragged to correct their direction.
* Handling and control will not be as efficient and can cause accidents. It can also cause driver fatigue.

When you get a wheel alignment done it is necessary to have all four tyres aligned at the same time. Only then can you be sure that they will all be travelling in the same central direction. This should be done at least once a year or every 20,000 kilometres or so. It may need to be done more often if you constantly drive on bad roads that contain lots of potholes, or if the car has been in a minor prang.

To check if your vehicle needs an alignment, choose an empty road and while driving slowly, let go of the steering wheel. If the vehicle pulls to the left or right, or if the steering wheel rotates without you touching it, you can be pretty sure that the alignment is out. At higher speeds take note if the car shudders or if the steering wheel seems to vibrate. See if it seems hard to turn a corner or do parallel parking. Such problems can often be caused by your wheels being out of alignment - or out of balance.

Having regular maintenance such as a suspension check on the vehicle often means that other problems can be picked up before they translate into something serious and more costly. And since it makes the vehicle safer, easier to drive and saves you running costs, getting it done should certainly be something that you would not think twice about.

Leah is an automotive parts and servicing professional. she in particular specialises in car tyres, mag wheels and wheel alignment. She is a strong advocate for Bridgestone tyres and Pirelli tyres.

Jumat, 28 Oktober 2011

Learn About Changing Transmission Fluid

To help your vehicle move properly, you will need to make sure that the filter is clean. To keep the filter clean the oil in the case needs to be cleaned as well. While there is a process which is used to flush out the old oil and clean it, this process does not clean out the filter. By replacing the filter and the oil in the transmission, you will remove all of the impurities and small pieces of metal that will accumulate there.

The process to do so will involve removing the pan from the bottom of the case. Some will have a drain plug that will allow you to remove some of the oil prior to remove it while others will not. If you are able to remove the oil, it is best to do so to avoid spilling it. If the oil cannot be drained, then carefully remove all of the bolts and then remove the pain.

Under the pan you will find the filter. Remove the screw that holds it in place and remove the filter. Make sure there are no particles left on the interior of the case by gently wiping away any extra oil that you find there. Use caution when doing this not to dislodge any of the parts inside the case. After the pan has been removed you will want to scrap away the old gasket so that you do not have any leaks when the filter and pan are reinstalled.

Some pan gaskets require a bit of sealant to hold them in place while you reinstall the pan. Additionally some filters will also require a gasket under them to make sure they stay in place. When using a gel sealant to hold gaskets in place, it is a good idea to make sure none of that sealant gets inside the casing. This can be pulled into the pump and cause problems with the fluid flow through the transmission.

After you have removed the pan you will also want to wash it thoroughly with a solvent to remove the oil and any particles and dirt that may be there. After it has been completely cleaned it will also be important that you have wiped it out completely and no solvent remains. Leaving any solvent in the pan can result in the breakdown of the oil faster and will result in it needing to be changed again sooner. After replacing the filter and the pan and ensuring that the bolts are secure and the gasket is in place, you will need to refill the case with fluid.

Most hold about five quarts however some may hold more. After adding five, start the vehicle, let it warm up some and then check the fluid while the vehicle is running. The level should read full. If it is below that line, increase the level by adding a half of a quart at a time. You do not want to overfill it either as this can increase the pressure in the case and result in problems. At the same time you do not want it to be low as this can starve the transmission and cause it to get too hot. After adding the oil you will need to look under the vehicle and check for leaks as well. You do not want to cause problems in the future due to a small leak in the seal.

Changing transmission fluid can be a messy job. You will need to be under the vehicle and it is a dirty place to be. In additional oil spillage and the general dirt from the bolts and screws will increase the mess. However, if you are capable of doing the work yourself you will find you can save quite a bit of money on the job. Today most find it easiest to just take their car in and have any necessary tune up or repairs done by someone else. Some do not want to get dirty doing their own work, some are not capable of doing their own work and others simply do not have the time to do the work themselves.

Prevent breakdowns by keeping your car in top condition. AutoWerks of America is a great source of replacement parts for German cars and other imports.

Rabu, 26 Oktober 2011

Optimum Services Provided by an Auto Service Center

In this article, we will throw a light on some of the miscellaneous facets of oil change that is crucial for your vehicle.

Oil is as vital to a vehicle as water is to living beings. It keeps things in a moving condition and cleansed out. If you tend to display a sign of leniency as far as the timely change of engine oil is concerned, the engine parts would compress against each other and would be damaged.

Oil change is a process that is really required for the engine to perform well and last for a long period of time. It's evident that all engines require some sort of lubricant or element that will enable enhanced movement so that they do not have friction and not generating much heat. The grease is also needed to reduce the scratching that occurs when there is no even and liquid surface.

If you purchase a brand new car, it is strongly recommended that you come back to the distributor once you have driven your vehicle in case of a certain amount of mileage has been reached or it has passed a certain span of time. It is suggested due to the fact that the distributor can perform the necessary oil change procedure on the engine and to inspect the vehicle of everything is functioning well the way it should be.

It is understood that the cost of changing the oil of your vehicle's engine is not a costly affair. However, it is crucial for you to know how regular you change the engine's oil. Oil needs to be changed for innumerable reasons. First off, the engine oil tends to break down over a period of time and it loses all its lubrication properties. When there is a break down in oil, it tends to unite with blow-by gases from filth. The oils that are high detergent melt this dirt and hold it in suspension. If you disregard the change in engine oil that needs to be done on regular intervals, it might lead to premature engine failure due to augmented wear and lead to damage.

You should keep an average interval for the purpose of oil change and that ensures the best performance of your car. Unnecessary to say, this is one of the most important tasks that need to be executed on a regular schedule as part of maintenance. When you get accustomed to get the engine oil changed on a timely basis, your vehicle will ensure you the best condition and also it would enhance its long life.

Speedy Brake Centers Ltd. is a Vancouver-based auto service center that provides quality vehicle repair services all over British Columbia and also deals with oil change for vehicles.

Minggu, 23 Oktober 2011

How To Find The Cause Of Noisy Automotive Brakes

Noisy brakes is a definitely a sign that the car is in need of immediate attention. The real extent of the damage on the breaks can be guessed on the nature of the noise. However, not very many people are able to do that. With the exception of professional car mechanics or someone with the same expertise, no person will be able to deduce the problem just by listening to the noise. The noise itself could be nothing serious, a matter that can be fixed in no more than a few minutes. On the flipside, if could be something totally different, let alone potentially dangerous.

Since it is hardly possible to be able to point out the damage just by listening to the noise, it is imperative to fix noisy breaks as soon as it comes to notice. Some of the causes for noisy brakes are nonthreatening, caused by small shards of metal or dusts, stuck between the brake pads. When the brake pads are used, these materials create friction with the pads, also creating the noise. If that is the case, then the problem can be resolved easily. It would only take dismantling the brake and removing the obstructing particles and reassembling it all over again. After that, the car would be running like its brakes are brand new.

On the contrary, the problem could be something serious. In some cases, the noise on the brakes is caused by broken or weakened components. After all, the brakes are also subjected to wear and tear, and should be expected to reduce in durability over time. In that case, the noise may be an indicator that one or more components are not functioning correctly, and that the damage may result to something very disastrous. If there is such damage on the brakes, the broken component will have to be adjusted or replaced.

One thing that a driver can use to decide whether or not the braking noise is a serious matter is the age of the vehicle. Similarly, the last time the brakes were replaced or fixed should be taken into consideration. Brand new cars with brand new braking systems are less likely to produce noise, and if they did, chances are that is just caused by dust particles stuck on the brake pads. However, this diagnostic is far from ideal. In fact, it is not very advisable to base the assessment of the damage in the age of the brakes or the vehicle.

A more effective way to detect whether the noise is caused by something potentially dangerous is if it is accompanied by a number of things. Sharp pulls on either side when braking, late braking, advanced braking, less than ideally powerful braking, these are all indications that the loud braking is a serious a problem that the driver must get looked at by professional mechanics as soon as possible.

Two of the most common causes of noisy braking are the substances that are used in making brake pads and dust. Dust, much like other contaminants, can get into the brake pads, the chance more likely if the car is frequently driven on the off-roads.

Once the dusts get into the brake pads, they will cause momentary noises that will soon go away. That is because the dusts have nothing to latch onto in between the brake pads. The dust particles are bound to sooner or later fall out, allowing the brake pads to be noise-free again. This, however, still degrades the quality of the brake pads.

In a matter of weeks, constant dusts on the brake pads will make it less durable and therefore less safe to drive with. One way to help prevent dusts from getting to the brake pads is by dampening the pads.

Most of today's automotive brakes are made of metallic materials, which are more durable and hard wearing. However, they may also cause noise sometimes. In conclusion, it is very crucial for the driver to pay attention to such detail when trying to figure out what is causing this problem.

Otto Wortman is a German car enthusiast. You can prevent breakdowns by keeping your car in top condition. AutoWerks of America is a great source of replacement parts for German cars and other imports.

Kamis, 20 Oktober 2011

The Widespread Effectiveness of the Autel DS708

There comes a time in every car's life that it has to experience the dirty word of car check-ups, the diagnostic. A diagnostics test can be costly to perform, but many times it's the only sure way to determine what is actually wrong with the vehicle. To do a diagnostics test, the car is usually hooked up to a giant machine and it figures out through a series of test what is wrong, or right, with the car.

Thankfully, in today's modern age of technology, the diagnostics tools have gone from huge computers to small handheld devices that can attach to the actual steering wheel of the car it is testing. This is where the Autel DS708 comes in. This small diagnostic scan tool has become essential in many shops that are looking to save space.

A few of the improved features of the Autel DS708 diagnostic scanner is the ability to successfully diagnose over 30 different makes of vehicle, both domestic and foreign - including Asian models as well. It makes a full sweep of all the vehicle's electronic systems. The new Autel uses new and improved Windows CE operating Systems to keep the speed of the scan at top gear at all times.

This workshop equipment comes equipped with USB ports to connect to the technology of any vehicle, and also takes advantage of built-in Wi-Fi to connect to the shop's computers without a bunch of troublesome and in the way wiring to and from the machine.

The results of a car diagnostic will often have informative charts and data that need to be seen and printed out. Thanks to the Autel DS708's 7 inch screen and 480 pixel LCD screen, the charts are readable to the technician and they can be sent via Wi-Fi to the shop's printer for immediate no-hassle printing anywhere in the shop.

Two dangers that have, until recently, existed for the technician during a diagnostic exam are that the car may overload the machine, or vice-versa, and, the diagnostic device may be damaged by the tech. In the new diagnostic scan tools, this has been thought of by incorporating an over-voltage protector. This kill switch keeps the machine and car from taking any electrical damage.

On top of this, to prevent any damage to the device through accidental drops or collisions, the new Autel is designed to be shop-tough. It has a unique ergonomic design that sports multilayered rubber protection and an extra strong housing to protect it from user damage.

One other great feature that makes the Autel DS708 a step above the old, and even some of the new, is its new memory capabilities. The new DS708 can remember the past vehicles it has already scanned to determine if any new problems have occurred since the last diagnostic.

The new diagnostic scans tools hitting the market will only become more affordable, easier to use, safer, and more accurate than ever before. Passing on the new Autel DS708 may be one of your shop's biggest mistakes.

Selasa, 18 Oktober 2011

How To Maximize The Fuel Economy Of An ATV

AppId is over the quota

Fuel economy and miles per gallon were not issues that you used to hear most people bring up when it comes to ATVs. However, in today's world of crushing oil prices and rising fuel costs, it has begun to come up more and more often. This is especially true in industries such as agriculture and ranching in which all terrain vehicles are not used for recreation; instead, they are tools of the trade, so to speak. And as such, they are evaluated as to the return they yield on the investment they require. If an ATV, or even an entire fleet of them, is burning too much gas, then it could have negative effects on a ranch or farm's bottom line profits.

Industry experts agree that, if you averaged all ATV's and UTV's, the average miles per gallon for these vehicles is 39.47 mpg. This is a very respectable number indeed, but it can still be maximized. Here are a few ways to get the most out of each tank of gas in your ATV.

Weight. Lightening the load will decrease the amount of fuel consumed in any vehicle. Racks or tools that are not being used should be removed. That ATV winch might look cool, but if you never use it, it could be costing you extra fuel.Aerodynamics. The simple physics behind helping wind flow over a vehicle applies to racecars as well as ATVs. Less drag, less power needed; thus fuel savings.Brakes. Dragging brake calipers and worn bearings make an engine work harder than it should. Another aspect of this is a worn clutch or improper shifting.Air Pressure. Running uneven tire pressure can lower fuel efficiency by 15%Wide-Open. One of the simplest ways to increase your is backing off the throttle and riding less aggressively.Additives. ATV's, carbureted or fuel injected, benefit from the occasional use of a fuel additive designed to clean injectors/carbs. The stuff commonly found on shelves is designed to be added to 20 gallon tanks or bigger. A capful every half-dozen or so fill-ups is all you need.Tune-Up. Every engine needs to be tuned up from time to time to improve its performance. ATVs are no different from cars in this respect.

In a lot of ways you can look at your ATV just like you would your car if you want to improve fuel efficiency. Using these simple tips, you could push your ATV's fuel economy well over the 40 mpg mark.

Stan Bailey is an avid motorcyclist and motocross rider. He urges all ATV and dirt bike owners to insure their vehicles with the help of a trusted source such as Georgia Motorcycle Insurance or Nevada Motorcycle Insurance.