Archive for March, 2010
Auto Body Repairs For Every Car!
Written by admin on March 29, 2010 in Automotive
As we drive down the road today we notice that a lot of vehicles are in need of auto body repair. There are many different auto body repairs that can be completed on all vehicles now a days. Most are driving with a damaged vehicle because they don’t realize what auto body repairs can be completed. Or they think that the auto body repairs will cost too much or take up too much of their time. However there are some many auto body repairs that are in fact affordable and can be completed quickly. Here are a few auto body repairs that should not be put off anymore on any vehicle.
If your vehicle has dents or dings you should consider getting paintless dent removal. Paintless dent removal can be completed quickly, usually in just under a few hours or less. Also it is very affordable. Paintless dent removal is where dents are massaged out using reflective sources, rods and other special tools. There are not paints or fillers used in the whole process, so the original finish of your vehicle will not be compromised. This is such a great repair solution that no one should be driving with dents and dings anymore.
If your windshield is cracked or chipped you need to get windshield repair. Most times people think they will need to replace the whole windshield. However if you get the repair completed soon after the crack or chip occurred, it can easily be repaired. It really takes no time for a repair specialist to repair, and sometimes auto body shops offer a mobile service where they will come to you and repair your windshield. As for cost, it is affordable, and most times your car insurance provider will pay for most of or the entire repair.
Also many people do not realize that most bumpers can be repaired. If your bumper is made of plastic, it can easily be repaired. And it can be repaired for a fraction of the cost of bumper replacement. Getting your bumper repaired is a quick repair and won’t be too much money out of your wallet.
Paint touch up is also a repair that should be completed on your vehicle is your paint is cracked, chipped or scratched. If your paint is cracked, chipped or scratched you are leaving your vehicle open to getting rust. No car owner wants to deal with rust. Paint is acts as a sealant on your vehicle, so getting that little bit of paint touch up is important.
Also many interior repairs can be done to the inside of your vehicle. If your headliner is falling, if you have any rips or tears in the upholstery, if there are cigarette burns, if your dash is cracked or whatever else you should contact an auto body shop to complete that repair for a lower cost than replacement.
There are many repairs that can and should be completed on all vehicles to keep them safe and keep them looking great!
By: Samantha Mccartney
About the Author:
If your car is in need of auto reconditioning start looking for a qualified professional to handle your concerns. Look for an auto body professional to take care of your ride from bumper repairs to fixing the major auto body repairs
Auto Body Repairs – Independent Specialist Or Dealer?
Written by admin on March 27, 2010 in Automotive
We take great pride in our cars today and want them to look good and run great for a long time. So, if something does go wrong we want to ensure that we get the right person to take care of our car care needs. You wouldn’t take your child to the Veterinary office when they are sick because they are not specialist for children’s health care. So why would you take your car to someone who doesn’t specialize in its needs. You need to find the best specialist who can take care of all your car needs who will treat you fair and do a great job. This can be a hard decision. Usually it is a decision of whether to take your car to the dealership that you got your car from or to an independent specialist.
Keep in mind that both are out to make money that is the reason they went into business. However, you need to be careful that they are not trying to take advantage of you and that they provide the best quality and products and services for your vehicles. You want to make sure that receive quality work for an affordable price, and with great service will be a plus.
The dealerships will have certified technicians and will most likely have the latest tools and services available. This means there is a good chance that your car will be in good hands. But they will also have the highest prices! So, if you are looking for a deal this is most likely not the best option for you.
Some independent shops may not have the latest technological products and tools to fix what you need. They also may not have certified or qualified professionals to repair your car. But, chances are they will have the most deals for your wallet. Keep in mind that I stated “some”, that means you just have to find the right independent auto body shop.
For the most part you will find that independent auto body shops have technicians that are certified and very well qualified to complete your cars repairs. They may actually be more qualified since they specialize in auto body work, where as in dealerships they may do engine work and other car repairs, but not auto body. If you do your homework you will even find many independent auto body repair shops that have the very latest technological tools and products for your cars repair needs!
So, if you are looking for the best deal and quality auto body repair for your vehicle, choosing an independent auto body specialist is the way to go. Chances are you will get great service as well since it is a smaller operation. You can’t beat it, great quality repairs, latest technology, qualified specialist, a great deal, a great service. However, ultimately the choice it up to you where you take your car for auto body repairs, but the choice is clear to many…. Independent auto body shop is the way to go!
By: Samantha Mccartney
About the Author:
If your car is in need of auto reconditioning start looking for a qualified professional to handle your concerns. Look for an auto body professional to take care of your ride from window tinting to fixing the major auto body repairs.
Make an Economical Choice – Auto Body Repair
Written by admin on March 25, 2010 in Automotive
The economy is something that is on everyone’s mind. We are all trying to figure out how to save money and cut costs. However it is still important that we maintain what assets we already have. One important asset to maintain is our vehicles. They cost us a lot of money, but getting a new one will cost a whole lot more. So, if something needs attention on your vehicle you should get it fixed. Since you are trying to make the best economical choice you should get auto body repair, instead of replacements. You will save a great deal of money and time!
Most of the auto body problems that people have with their cars can be repaired rather than replaced. Choosing to repair your vehicle instead of replacing auto body parts will save you a lot of money and you car will still look great. Repairing your car’s auto body will also save you time since many repairs can be done in a few hours or less than a few days.
One of the repairs that can be resolved on your vehicles auto body quite quickly is bumper repair. Unfortunately bumper repair is a very common repair. This is due to the fact that there are a ton of cars on the road and especially in parking lots. Most bumper incidents occurs while parking or in a parking lot. Another problem is that many people feel that it is ok to tap your bumper while parking. If your bumper is in need of repair an auto reconditioning shop can help. Usually they can get your bumper looking great in just a matter of a few hours. Some shops even offer to come to you which make this service even more convenient. It will also save you money repairing it than replacing your bumper.
Another repair that can be taken care of easily is dents and dings. Most auto body shops use a system called paintless dent removal. This is the service you want for your car. It is nearly impossible to not get any dents or dings in your vehicle, most are not even your fault, but they can really hurt the look of your car and the paint. Paintless dent removal gets the dents and dings out by massaging the dents from inside the panels with reflective sources, rods and other special tools. The end result is a vehicle with no dents or dings and no evidence that there ever were dents and dings. This service can also be performed in usually less than a few hours. Also there are no fillers or other materials used so it will not compromise the original finish and it will save you a lot of money.
Another concern is the windshield. If your windshield has any cracks or chips in it you can easily get that fixed. And you should get it fixed immediately since it is very unsafe. Also if you wait you will have to get it replaced which will not be an easy fix. This repair can be done very quickly and sometimes an auto body shop will come to you.
These are just a few examples of auto body repairs that can save you money down the road.
By: Samantha Mccartney
About the Author:
If your car is in need of auto reconditioning start looking for a qualified professional to handle your concerns. Look for an auto body professional to take care of your ride from paintless dent removal to fixing the major auto body repairs.
How to Properly Repair Chips and Deep Scratches on Your Car
Written by admin on March 23, 2010 in Automotive
We all have received them on our cars – rock chips, door dings, bumper scrapes, etc… They can come from a rock thrown up from a truck on the highway, or its as easy as a parking lot ding from someone in a hurry or even an errant grocery cart. Most of these are unavoidable. They can happen even if you park far away from stores and regardless of the measures you take to protect your car. Not only do they detract from your cars beauty, but they can also make your car susceptible to rust and the environment. Here’s how to fix these paint chips, nicks and deep scratches and protect your car from rust.
Its not worth going to a auto paint and body store for chips and scratches. They will charge 10 times more for repairs you can easily do yourself. The first step is to locate the chips and scratches and see how deep they are. If they don’t go all the way through the paint you can buff them out. Using a cloth terry towel apply a small amount of scratch remover or cleaner wax. Rub in a circular motion over the chip or scratch and buff when dry. If this removes the chip or scratch after a couple of applications, great, then just follow with a good wax or polish. If you see white primer or metal in the nick or scratch scratch remover or cleaner wax will not work well.
Some cars have paint that is lacquer based and others have paint that is enamel based. The following tip works wonders on cars with lacquer based paint only. Get a clean rag and apply a small amount of lacquer thinner to it. Take this and rub lightly on and around the scratch, nick or chip. The lacquer thinner will actually start to move the paint around and cover the affected spot. This even works on larger scrapes. This treatment is not recommended on cars with custom paint jobs and may not work on all cars with lacquer based paints.
For those with enamel paint or scratches and chips where the above treatment didn’t work, then you have to touch up the blemish in your paint. First, you need to get the paint code so you can correctly match the paint for your car. This is located inside your door jam or on some Hondas inside the glove box. Take this paint code to your dealer and get a small bottle of touch up paint. The touch up paint will come in a small bottle with a brush applicator. Instead of using the brush, as it will apply too broadly and make your touch up of the chip or scratch really stand out, we recommend using a toothpick for better paint placement.
First clean the area of the chip or scratch. Then follow the directions on the touch up paint bottle. Usually it is mix thoroughly for 5 minutes (metallic paints may require more agitation). Then using the toothpick place the paint directly in the chip or scratch. When done allow to dry for several days before waxing or polishing (some cars have a clear cote which you would then apply in the same fashion to the affected area). By touching up the paint you have sealed the area from the environment and greatly reduced the chances of rust setting in and affecting your sheet metal. Rust is like cancer for your car and very difficult to stop once it starts, so it is better to be proactive and prevent it with proper car care and treatment and quickly identifying and repairing paint chips, nicks and scratches. For more great free info on automotive repair, treatments and headlight cleaning and restoration, please visit the link below.
By: David Maillie
About the Author:
David Maillie specializes in automotive safety products and information. He holds numerous patents and awards for his patented headlight cleaner and restorer. For more information, tips, safety and money saving products for your auto please visit http://www.mdwholesale.com
Car Stereo Repair
Written by admin on March 21, 2010 in Automotive
Have you ever experienced problems with getting your car speakers to work? Since I think many of us car owners have experienced this problem, I will provide this description of how to diagnose the problem of silent speakers and also give you some hints on how to fix it. Whether you are familiar with car stereo repair or not, this might help you. If it doesn’t, contact a dealer who can do an auto stereo repair or search for vehicle stereo repair help online. If your stereo speakers don’t work, then try
checking the speakers to see if they are disconnected checking all fuses that are related to the auto speakers tightening the butt connectors to the speakers replacing all or some of the butt connectors
If your speakers are still not working, I recommend that you test the auto speakers that don’t work directly:
Disconnect each speaker that doesn’t work from the car’s wires and do the test below, doing one at a time. Use a 9v battery and connect its leads to each auto speaker to be tested for a short moment. Does the speaker have movement? Do you hear the sound usually known as a ‘pop’ or thump?
If your answers to the questions above are ‘yes’, your speaker will probably be able to make sound and it is likely to work.
Also note which way the speaker are moving, whether in or out of its frame during the test. Thus you can also determine your auto speakers polarity when connecting them up to the amplifier up in the front. If the cone of your speaker moves out of the basket, the lead going to the positive of the battery is the positive lead of the speaker. If it goes in the opposite direction, the lead hooked to the negative of the battery is positive of your auto speaker.
This speaker direct test has two possible results: Either the speaker is not able to make sound or it is. If the first is the case, your speaker are dead and you must replace it. If the latter is the case, you should
run new speaker wires and rewire perform the ‘popper’ tests to get the polarity correct as described above
Now, if this problem still persists you can at least rest assure that the reason is not your speaker. The reason is probably one of the following: Either it is caused by
problems in the deck itself or the connections from the deck.
In this case I recommend that you contact a vehicle stereo repair shop or do a search online to get information about how to fix these problems.
By: Terje Ellingsen
About the Author:
Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet publisher. He runs the website cheap-used-cars.w-eland.com. Terje gives advice and helps people with automotive issues like car repair and online car auctions.
Where to Find the Free Online Auto Repair Manual You Need?
Written by admin on March 19, 2010 in Automotive
If you need an online auto repair manual that can help you precisely fix your problem, the internet has an incredible amount of car care information. What you won’t find however, is a Chiltons or a Haynes auto repair manual, because they’re copyrighted material. You don’t need them anyway, because there are a lot of good car repair web sites with individual pages or articles that can solve your specific problem.
In fact, you’ll find articles on all kinds of car fix and vehicle maintenance topics, such as
auto body repairs automatic transmission replacement bleeding brakes car audio systems fix changing oil finding the causes for a bearing failure how to install a replacement ignition system how to upgrade an exhaust system troubleshooting car stalling troubleshooting car starting problems and much more.
Here is a good place to search for vehicle fix manuals: Go to the search site at 10w40.com and type in the problem you want to solve – and the likehood of finding the instructions you need is high. On this website you can also post your problem on an advice and discussion board, and get your problem solved almost instantly by an expert in this repair field or by an ordinary person who has experienced your problem and solved it already or might know where to go to get the answer you need. And it doesn’t cost you a cent.
There are many other good websites where you can get an online auto repair manual that will fit your needs. Go to google.com and type in [the problem you want an answer to]+repair manuals, and you should find lots of valuable vehicle repair resources that might solve your problem.
By: Terje Ellingsen
About the Author:
Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet publisher. Terje gives advice and helps people with automotive issues like finding online auto repair manuals as well as buying cheap used cars online.
Online Car Repair Estimates – Know How Much it Will Cost Before You Take Your Car Into the Shop?
Written by admin on March 17, 2010 in Automotive
If your car is in need of repair, you may feel you have to go out and visit a mechanic to get an estimate of what it will cost to repair your car. Of course, estimates will differ depending on which mechanic you take your car to, so you may end up having to take your car to several different mechanics. However, you can get online car repair estimates without having to leave your house.
What is an Estimate?
An estimate, as its name implies, is the estimated cost to repair your car. An estimate may be more or less than what you actually end up paying for the repairs. Most estimates are free, and most mechanics will be more than happy to give you an estimate to try and attract your business.
Where to Find Online Car Repair Estimates
If you are looking to find an estimate online, there are many places you can look. You can do a search at a search engine and see what results you get. Also, several mechanics also have websites. If you visit these websites, you can input information about your car and the repairs you need and you can receive an online estimate from the mechanic website. Similarly, many dealerships have online estimates.
Another place to look is mechanic discussion forums. These are sites where mechanics and people needing repairs discuss car repair topics. You could post what repairs you are in need of and the members of the discussion forum would then be able to give their input as to how much you should expect to pay to have your car fixed.
By getting an online estimate, you make it much easier to get multiple estimates, as you will not have to travel from mechanic to mechanic. Also, you will fell less pressure to get your car fixed at a specific location, as a mechanic will not be pressuring you to make a decision.
Limits of an Online Estimate
Even though there are many advantages to getting online car repair estimates, there are also some disadvantages. One is that the estimate will be limited by your knowledge of what is wrong with your car. When you take your car to a mechanic to do an estimate, the mechanic will thoroughly examine your car and see everything that is wrong with it. When you are just entering the information online, the estimate will only be based on what information you are entering. There may be problems that you are not aware of, and thus your estimate may be too low.
Nonetheless, an online estimate can be a good starting point. With your online estimate, you can have an idea of what you will need to pay to get your car fixed. You can then take the online estimate to a mechanic and see if the mechanic will do the work for the price quoted in your online estimate. You may find that some mechanics will refuse to do so, however, some mechanics may take it into consideration and give you a discount on their services.
By: Wendy Pan
About the Author:
Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about online car repair estimates [http://myautorepairtipstoday.info/online-car-repair-estimates-know-how-much-it-will-cost-before-you-take-your-car-into-the-shop/], please visit My Auto Repair Tips Today [http://myautorepairtipstoday.info/] for current articles and discussions.
Car Repair Prices: Further Evidence that 98% of ALL Repair Shops are Abusing Industry Guidelines
Written by admin on March 15, 2010 in Automotive
According the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, it is estimated that automotive service consumers are scammed tens of billions of dollars every year. Repair shops–dealerships, local shops, and franchises–are repeatedly at the top of consumer complaint lists every year. Multiple undercover investigations have caught repair centers red-handed ripping people off. Government agencies across the nation warn against service center repair scams. Consumer advocate groups constantly provide tips and suggestions to avoid getting ripped-off. Service industry insiders continually step forward to expose service industry abuses. Study after study reveals that service centers are manipulating industry guidelines. There’s a real problem! Yet, there are still skeptics.
The above comments are sweeping strikes against an industry so vital to the community. Yet even these known facts don’t take into account the unknown. Ripping people off in the automotive service industry is so ingrained in the business design and culture it’s considered normal. In other words, before one even begins to uncover excessive charges, this self-regulating industry hasn’t just stacked the deck, it has built and entire house of cards.
The bulk of auto repair scams go unnoticed (in spite of the tens of billions already recognized scammed from service clients yearly). Few understand the service industry’s pricing guidelines and accountability structures, much less its scams and tactics. Service customers have no idea if they were charged fairly or not. Most customers leave actually thanking their service representative when they should be questioning the bill!
Service centers are quick to protest, shouting, “We’re honest and fair.” Yet, when questioned on their billing practices they don’t know, follow, or even understand established guidelines.
If they don’t know the rules, then how are they playing the game? The answer is simple: they make the rules up based on loose interpretations of industry guidelines. Loose interpretations allow for a plethora of pricing abuses. Is it any wonder every state has warnings about car repair scams–including Alaska!
In the process of developing a solution to end price-gouging, RepairTrust has stated that 98% of ALL repair shops are ripping people off in one form or another. During these studies, estimations actually pointed to 100% of service centers price-gouging. However, we allowed for a margin of error and reduced this to 98%.
In light of the ever-increasing evidence of repair scams and pricing abuses, RepairTrust may reconsider the margin of error!
By: Theodore Olson
About the Author:
-Theodore P. Olson (Ted)
Auto Repair Fair Prices
Auto Repair Fair Prices
Ted holds extensive certifications from Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, General Motors, and ASE. Over a twenty-year period in the automotive service industry, he has served as a technician, shop foreman, shop manager, shop owner, service advisor, service manager, and service industry consultant. He is the author of eight books and numerous articles on the automotive service industry.
Other Works by Ted Olson Include:
- ARREST the Automotive Service Industry!
- Maintenance Myths: A Step-by-Step Guide to STOP Getting Ripped Off!
- Auto Repair: The Shocking Truth About Who’s Ripping You Off and Why!
- Automotive Service Pricing Strategies—a fair pricing guide for service centers
- Being the Best—a comprehensive customer service handbook for service advisors
- Service Center Personnel—an auto repair informational for general service staff
- Service Mission Statement—a philosophical proposal to improve customer service
Auto Repair – Easing The Expense
Written by admin on March 13, 2010 in Automotive
Unfortunately, two of the most unfavorable aspects of owning an auto, are maintaining the vehicle and effecting any necessary repairs. The purchase of a brand new vehicle will however, include a manufacturer’s warranty, with certain stipulations, that will extend for a specified period of time.
During the period that the vehicle is under warranty, the auto dealer will carry out any needed repairs and replace any parts that are covered by the warranty, for no charge. It is a good idea to have all repair work carried out by the dealer while the vehicle is under warranty, as the original vehicle manufacturer could also provide an extended warranty.
An extended warranty, may cover the replacement of any major power train components such as, engine, transmission and differential. Of course, when a new car warranty has expired then an auto owner has the option of choosing any competitive workshop to have the vehicle maintained.
Auto repair is not really an attractive or lucrative profession, however members that join the auto repair industry are well trained, dedicated people that take great pride in their workmanship. Industry members also enjoy the distinction of being placed among the elite of blue collar workers.
Generally, Auto repairs that are carried out at a reputable workshop are expensive, particularly when an auto has been imported or is an all terrain type of vehicle. To have repairs carried out professionally by a qualified technician, then the auto owner must be prepared to pay for the workmanship, especially if the work is to be fully guaranteed by the workshop owner.
Actually, the Better Business Bureau places auto repairs second amongst the most common of all business complaints that it deals with. It is imperative therefore, to have any auto repairs carried out by an authorized, and reputable workshop. Admittedly this is not such an easy task, as it is extremely difficult at times, to find business persons that care for their customers and give them the respect that they rightfully deserve.
It is quite a common practice for auto owners to negotiate with the workshop owner as to the degree of service and terms of any guarantee that may be provided. Any extras that are provided by the workshop as part of the service, such as, car shampoo, tire rotating and blacking may be negotiated away. The auto owner may also negotiate to supply any auto parts that are needed thus reducing the workshop repair bill.
Some people have chosen auto repair as a hobby and are able to carry out basic, maintenance and repair work at their homes. This group of hobbyists, will care about their autos and provide more attention to detail than would the service mechanic who is governed by a clock. They also have the advantage of knowing exactly what is being done to their autos and are able to take precautions that could save them from further costly repair work.
By: Oze Parrot
About the Author:
Oze Parrot
You may republish this article as long as you include the authors name and provide an active link to: http://auto.erlypro.com/repair/
Free Auto Repair Manuals – Find Auto Repair Manuals Online
Written by admin on March 12, 2010 in Automotive
For the do-it-yourselfer, repairing your own vehicle can save you $100. But don’t shell out $20 or $30 for a repair manual that you may only use once. You might be surprised to learn there are several sources where you can get free auto repair manuals.
Repair manuals online:
• One of the first places to try is AutoZone’s website. The site has a very comprehensive free auto repair guides covering most makes and models of vehicles from 1950 to the present.
• Napa auto parts website provides tutorials on basic auto maintenance such as oil changes, checking fluid levels and replacing air filters.
• Automoting.com has tons of information, is very user friendly and as a bonus, even has guides for repairing small engines and household repairs.
Message boards and forums:
Another useful resource is the 2carpros.com website. Here you can post questions and get answers from real mechanics. You can also search through lots of topics on auto repair, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
Edmunds web site also has a pretty good forum called car talk. It is peer based and has quite a few very knowledgeable members on board.
There are quite a few other forums and message boards available online, as well as peer based ones. Just type in auto repair forums or message boards in any search engine and you will see quite a few. Just watch out for ones that say they are free but try to sell you something, or say you can post questions, but must pay a fee to receive an answer. You will most likely find free auto repair guides and all the information that you need, so there is no need to pay for help.
Libraries:
Another often overlooked option for free auto repair manuals is your local library.
Most libraries have repair manuals in their reference sections, and although you can’t check them out and take them with you, you are welcome to make photo copies of any pages you need from the manuals.
A lot of local libraries also subscribe to online auto repair manuals such as Chilton’s or Haynes and offer free access if you have a library card.
Contact your local library and ask if this service is available.
If you really prefer to have a paper manual, check half.com, an eBay company that sells used books for a fraction of the price of new. Some of the manuals as low as $1.99. There are several other used book websites like Alibris books and Bookfinder.com to name a couple.
You can also check local used book stores.
And don’t forget to ask friends and family, who knows, someone may have just the manual you need collecting dust in the garage!
By: Wendy Pan
About the Author:
Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about free auto repair manuals, please visit My Auto Repairs Online for current articles and discussions.
