Auto Mechanic|Car Repair|Auto Body Shop|Auto Repair

Myth #1: When my brakes squeak it is probably caused by brake dust.

Fact: Brake Dust never causes squeaks.

Brake dust is a natural result of braking caused by the brake pad (or brake shoe) wearing against the rotor (or drum) as you brake. A fraction of the brake pad and rotor wear away with each stop, which is what forms brake dust.

Myth #2: Emission testing is not required where I live, why do I need a catalytic converter?

Fact: Catalytic Converters are required by Federal Law.

If your vehicle came with a catalytic converter on it when it was manufactured, it織s a good rule of thumb it still is required to have one. A catalytic converter is located in the exhaust pipe and its primary function is to remove any unburned air fuel mixture leftover from the combustion process. Besides the benefit of keeping the air cleaner, the catalytic converter is an important part of the information feedback your engine needs to run efficiently. A modern engine samples the exhaust stream to see how efficiently the engine is running and adjusts fuel and timing to compensate.

Myth #3: Cars are so reliable, "If it ain't broke don't fix it"

Fact: This strategy might work in the short term, but over the life of your vehicle it costs less to follow the recommended maintenance schedules.

The reason following the recommended service intervals is less expensive is when a part completely fails it often damages other related or connected parts. It is far better to replace a worn, but still working part, than to wait for the expense of complete failure. Oh, and did I mention parts almost always fail at the worst and most inconvenient times, and often result in a towing charge as well as repairs.

Myth #4: The higher the Octane rating the better the gasoline.

Fact: Use the lowest octane rated gasoline your vehicle manufacturer recommends. (lower octane fuels are less expensive)

Octane rating is defined as the resistance of fuels to detonation (engine knock, or engine ping.) Higher performance engines typically have higher compression ratios and are therefore more prone to detonation, so they require higher octane fuel. A lower performance engine will not generally perform better with high octane fuel, since the compression ratio is fixed by the engine design. If you notice "engine knock" during heavy accelerating such as a long hill or an on-ramp or when pulling a heavy load, change to the next higher octane rated gasoline.

Myth #5: You must have the dealer service your vehicle so you don織t void your warranty.

Fact: By law the dealer cannot require you to maintain or repair your vehicle at their facility.

Where-ever you choose to maintain or repair your vehicle, you must follow the recommended intervals for service the manufacturer requires as outlined in your owner織s manual during the warranty period.

Myth #6: Performance Mufflers are just for kids.

Fact: A free flowing performance Muffler can improve power and gas mileage.

One of the easiest ways to improve the efficiency of an engine is to reduce the restrictions in the exhaust exiting the engine. Larger exhaust pipe diameter and a performance muffler that reduces the restrictions on the exhaust system and lets the engine work easier, especially during heavy acceleration or towing. The benefits are better mileage, more power and reduced engine temperatures. One of the trade-offs is a gain in sound volume of the exhaust, most find this a benefit as well.

Myth #7: Gasoline additives like Techron will keep my engine clean.

Fact: These additives certainly help but the combustion process leaves deposits in your engine especially carbon on valves and injectors.

Each gallon of gasoline contains only a small quantity of these additives. Periodically your engine needs a thorough fuel system cleaning, especially the injectors and valves to remove these deposits and restore efficiency to your engine.

Myth #8: Restarting the engine uses more gas than idling.

Fact: It takes almost no additional fuel to restart a warm engine.

All the new hybrid vehicles are taking advantage of this and shutting down the engine at stop lights. Back when cars had carburetors and were hard to start or flooded regularly there may have been a grain of truth, but no longer.

Myth #9: Oil never wears out, just top it off once in a while.

Fact: Oil, like all other automotive fluids degrade with use and time.

Oil and its additives are designed not only to lubricate but to capture impurities and suspend them in the oil. Most of the bigger particulates are filtered out by the oil filter. It織s actually the additives that make modern oils so effective but also it織s the additives that break down. The dark color of used oil is the captured contaminates that dilute and degrade the oil. Draining the oil and changing the oil filter regularly is the single most effective maintenance you can do for your vehicle to ensure a long life.

Myth #10: Let the engine idle to warm up on cold days.

Fact: Engines run best at their design temperatures.

To get to the ideal temperature sooner, start the engine and drive at moderate speeds. Your engine will be okay, modern oils flow fine in cold weather.

Many drivers have experienced the unpleasant event of receiving a speeding ticket. When you received your ticket you may have been annoyed, embarrassed, angry, or some combination of these emotions. Once you sat down to take a look at your ticket, you probably started to wonder what you should do next. Maybe you don't think you were going as fast as the officer has alleged. Maybe the fine associated with your ticket is overwhelming. Maybe you are concerned about the effects this ticket will have on your DMV record and insurance rates. Before you decide how to proceed, there are some steps you can take so that you make an informed decision about how to handle your speeding case.

Check Your DMV Record

One of the first things you should do after being charged with speeding is check your current DMV record. Most states have an online option to print or request a copy of your driving record. You want to check for any errors or incorrect past tickets. If you do have some prior infractions, knowing how many points you currently have will help you determine if the new charge puts you in danger of a license suspension from the DMV. And if your record is clean, you will want to bring a copy to your court date.

Speedometer Calibration

Over time the speedometer on a vehicle can stop accurately displaying the vehicle's speed. This problem can be exacerbated by changes in tire size and pressure or previous repairs. A speedometer calibration may reveal that your faulty speedometer made you believe you were driving slower than you actually were. Check with local auto repair shops to find someone who can check the accuracy of your speedometer. Many technicians will produce a notarized form detailing what your speedometer display is at several different speeds. Even a few miles per hour discrepancy can lower your fine or DMV points significantly.

Driver Improvement Class

Driver improvement classes done before your court date can help your case and earn you some "good" DMV points on your license. There are now several programs conveniently available online. Many states have a list of approved online courses posted on the DMV website. However, if your case is more serious due to very high speed, dangerous driving behavior, or a bad driving record, you may want to locate a special program for reckless and aggressive driver improvement.

Consult a Lawyer

You may have determined that you don't need to hire an attorney for your speeding case. However, many lawyers will offer you a brief, free consultation before your court date. A lawyer who is familiar with the court can give you some pointers about how to present the evidence you have gathered and what your likely outcome will be. In some courthouses, the prosecutor or police officer will speak to you before court to review your documents and agree on a deal for your case. In other places, the prosecutor will only talk to your lawyer. It's best to know your options before you show up for court.

Prepare Your Argument

You should decide before your court date if you are going to plead guilty or not guilty to your speeding ticket. If you are pleading not guilty, be prepared to conduct a brief trial. Many judges will give you some leeway as a defendant without a lawyer but still require you to follow basic trial procedure. After the officer testifies, you should be prepared to ask him some questions. That is not the time for you to begin telling your side of the story. Ask the officer specific, closed questions. When you have no more questions, tell the judge that you are ready to testify. Your testimony must be the sworn truth and relevant to your charge. In the end, you can make an argument to the judge for why you should be found not guilty of the charge.

Your Court Date

On the day of court, be sure to show up early. Most courthouses have extensive security lines, just like the airport, which can take some time to pass through. Give yourself plenty of time to find parking and get through security. Dress nicely in a suit or other business clothing. Bring several clean copies of the documents you have gathered, neatly organized in a folder. You should also bring a notepad and pen to take notes on anything the judge, police officer, or prosecutor instructs you to do. Be polite and professional with everyone you encounter.

Regardless how hard we try to guard our auto from scratches and chips, over time they keep adding up. I constantly feel like auto scratches appear out of nowhere. One minute you have a beautiful shiny exterior, the next there are small scratches all over your door grip and also the front bumper. Those scratches look too minor to validate taking the vehicle to the repair shop, but still are very noticeable.

Luckily, automotive paint touch-up is a speedy and low-cost way of repairing those small paint damages. To avoid expensive repairs, get rid of those scratches as soon as possible. If not fixed right away, they could cause bigger problems like rust development as well as corrosion. Ultimately, you might pay more cash and waste more time trying to repair the problem. Nobody wants to throw away hundreds of dollars. That's the reason I try to repair it straight away.

Today, because there are so many top quality touch-up products in the stores, you don't have to take your car to repair shop. Minor car damages can be easily repaired at home in a few minutes.

Among the most popular products for small damages is a touch-up paint pen. It is simple to use, doesn't dry out and can be kept in the automobile. For bigger repair areas, you should use a touch-up paint that is available in a bottle or in a spray can. Bottle paint is best for areas not larger than a dime. For areas outside the capabilities of a bottle touch-up paint, spray painting works ideal. Spray cans can also be used for minor repairs. Spray some paint into the cup and bush it on the scratch by an art brush.

When using spray cans, remember about safety. Poisonous fumes from the paint can cause damage to your eyes, lungs and skin. Avoid accidents by putting on protecting equipment. Make an effort to perform all the spraying in the outdoor environment or in the garage which has a good air circulation.

Prior to buying the paint, you need to know the color code. Wrong color can easily make the scratch even worse. The color code should be located on a label somewhere inside of your automobile. Unfortunately, the place of the label can be different depending on the make and model of the automobile. Start by checking on side of the door jamb, glove box and trunk.

Another important thing to remember is a good touch-up paint doesn't have to be sanded or buffed after it is applied. Meaning fewer coats and less time for the fix. With high-quality paint you will need to put on only 2-3 layers to cover the primer, unlike low quality paint that needs 5-7 layers to accomplish equivalent result. That being said, don't opt for the least expensive paint. Do your research first.

Always spend time preparing the area for a touch-up paint. Many people think that a little bit of warm water is sufficient. Car's surface is covered with oil, dirt, wax and other contaminants that can simply jeopardize the fix. Before starting, clean the area with warm water with soap and follow it with prep solvent. This will guarantee the area is free of contaminants.

Finding the local mechanic that we can trust with our vehicles is harder than it should be, but with a little research, we can locate a fair and honest mechanic in our local area. The goal is to find a shop that can handle the routine maintenance, such as oil changes, as well as the unexpected repairs. It is best to have only one person working on your vehicle. In this way, everything can be done by a person who is familiar with your car and can monitor its condition over time.

Whether it is our own car, or maybe our spouse's or kid's, a well-maintained vehicle is an important part of our daily routine. The last thing you want is your wife or child to be stranded on the side of the road because you did not take proper care of the vehicle. You could just take your car to the nearest garage you encounter, but why take a blind gamble? Yes, there are countless shops that you can take your vehicle to, but how many can you trust, knowing that you will get the service that you are paying for and that you won't be sold something that you don't need?

The first thing you should look for in a repair shop is a great reputation. You can ask friends or family, but if it were that easy, you wouldn't be here reading this article. One of the key factors in building a great reputation is how long the repair shop has been in business in the local area and the experience of the staff. If a business had been around for many years, there is probably a good reason for it. Plus, if you can find a shop that has been around a long time that also has staff with many years experience, you can probably trust their work.

Another thing to consider is the capability of the repair shop. Do they only offer oil changes, or can they make repairs to all of your vehicles components? For example, can they repair the engine, the transmission, air conditioning, and electrical? Again, the goal is to find the one shop that you can trust your car to all the time.

Also, can they service all makes and models or are they limited to specific one? You will want to find a repair shop that can provide a full range of services for all of your vehicles and all of your needs.

After you have selected a great repair shop, you need to keep evaluating their service. Did they fix your car on the first try? If not, did they make it right at no extra cost? Do you find yourself having to bring your vehicle back for the same repair over and over? A great repair shop will keep earning your trust and your business over and over on every visit.

When you visit the repair shop, make sure that they are using genuine manufacturers replacement parts. Some repair shops will try to save a few dollars by selling cheap aftermarket parts.

Choosing a quality repair shop may seem difficult, but by following a few simple guidelines, your chances of finding a reliable local shop you can trust will improve greatly. Take your time and ask the key questions outlined in this article and you will be one step closer.

The automatic transmission repair becomes imminent once some problem is noticed in the automatic transmission system of an automobile. Most of the vehicle owners don't want to go through the expensive process. They try to gather certain useful tips that they can practice at home successfully. There are preventive steps for automobile maintenance but you should not hesitate from taking your vehicle to transmission repair shop. In fact regular transmission repairs will give your automobile better mileage & performance. Several repair shops are operating in marketing & providing high quality service to vehicle owners. Be sure that the shop you choose for your vehicle maintenance service will perform beyond your expectation & provide the best quality service for low price.

With so many busy shops offering reliable service, automobile owners face difficulty on which one to choose for. Though vehicle repairing are very expensive but some of the shops claim to offer them for low price. Therefore the vehicle owner must compare the pricing & other important features of shops before settling for one. The automatic transmission vehicle shop having both experience & expertise will cater to your repairing demands better. As a vehicle owner, you should carefully consider few things which will help you find out a suitable transmission shop faster.

Most of the auto repair shops don't really offer the automatic service from their own premise. They offer it in association with some technical expert. Such shops will charge more than the usual price. It may prove costlier for you & therefore advised to avoid these repair shops. You should go to Transmission repair expert directly so you cut the middleman altogether.

It is always a good idea to shop around & gather as much information as you can present in the nearby areas. It will help you find out a good number of shops which will provide high quality transmission repair service for reasonable price. Again the test drive, vehicle testing or damage expenses come well under the repair costs & therefore you don't have to pay for them individually. Sometimes the transmission mechanic may feel the urgency to take your transmission system out of the automobile & inspect it individually so as to recognize the problem faster. If this is the case, make sure that you have got the warranty card for your transmission system before paying for the bill of work done on your vehicle.

How many of us go phone call to phone call shopping auto repair shops for estimates to do a specific repair to our vehicle? How many of us have had those cost estimates differ from significantly low to enormously high? How do we then sort through the information we get and decide on which auto repair shop will do the work for us?

Most shops don't seem to understand the importance of customer service, then there are those of us that operate on the basis of what is in the best interest of our customers. With this in mind, we have come across several customers asking for an estimate or would just walk in and ask us to "do a tune up" on their vehicle.

Now let me ask, how many different definitions are there for a tune-up? Honestly, it differs between shops and that's why you get so many different variations in your estimates. Go with the cheapest and you might just be getting plugs and wires and inferior parts. Go with the most expensive and you might just be getting everything from plugs all the way to all filters and fluids replaced.

What can you do to make this ordeal more simple and be more educated on what service it is you truly need and use that knowledge to get a more accurate representation of estimates between repair shops? Since your definition of a tune up might be different between several auto shops, start by asking the first one you call what they see is recommended by the manufacturer.

A good quality auto repair shop will have the resource to tell you. Once you have the info, ask the auto repair shop to break down their estimate or if it's a "package" price, break down each and every part they will be replacing. Use this same method described above for each subsequent auto repair shop you call. Use this knowledge to help you determine which auto repair shop you feel provided you with the best experience, those that answer your questions politely, those who were willing to take the time to break down the estimates and one that offers a warranty for the work performed, they may not be the "cheapest" but they are typically the ones that will treat you right and use quality parts on your vehicle.

Hope this short article helped.

It can be hard to decide whether you are going to perform repairs yourself using a repair manual or take your car in to a local auto repair shop to have their mechanics diagnose or repair your vehicle.  There are a lot of things to take in to consideration, from whether you have the correct tools to whether you are willing to put in the amount of time involved and take that time out of  your schedule.

One of the prerequisites if you are going to do your own repairs is to learn and then follow proper safety precautions.  Auto repair can be extremely dangerous and if you do not take the necessary precautions in each situation it is very possible for you to be severely injured or in some cases killed.  Even simple repairs sometimes involve unexpected dangers and nothing can be taken for granted.

The next issue is that you are going to need tools and, depending on the repairs, they can be quite specialized and expensive.  The standard tool box will only get you so far when you need things like specialized clamps, joint separators, or diagnostic trouble code readers.  For simple repairs, however, you can often get a lot done.

The main advantages of taking your vehicle to a repair shop is that you avoid any risk of personal injury during the repairs, they have their own tools, and you do not have to commit the time involved to perform the repairs yourself.  However, repair shops do have a profit margin both on the labor and the parts they install and the repairs and rarely cheap.  It is best to get estimates from more than one shop and consider the shops' reputations as well.  In addition, there is a whole set of precautions you need to take when dealing with repair shops that are beyond the scope of this article but can easily be found by using a search engine.

To Transmission Shop Owner,

Today we will talk about ways to counter the rising costs of Google AdWords when marketing transmission repair.

If you have been using AdWords to drive customers for the last couple years you will already know: The cost-per-click has went UP for transmission keywords.

•In 2006 it averaged 30 cents per click.
•In most areas, it is now over $2 per click.
•In some areas, it is as high as $4 per click.

If it takes an average 20 clicks to generate 1 good lead (5% average conversion from a click to a lead), you can see how expensive it is getting.

The bad part? As the Google cost rises, the results do not improve. You are still going to get the same quality of leads, no mater how much you pay for them.

Why Did This Happen?

One reason? Google sent free $100 AdWords coupons to every business in the US. Since their pay-per-click system is based on an auction, the more shops, scammers and marketing companies they could get to bid on keywords like "transmission" and "transmission repair" caused the price to continue going higher.

As everyone battles for top position, the price continues to go up. Ultimately, this makes Google more money for delivering the exact same results.

Ways to Counter Rising Costs

Here are some simple ways to counter the rising cost of AdWords and get more from your budget:

Put your phone number in your ad. This is a simple trick that can increase your phone leads. You can get some additional calls without people clicking on your ad and costing you money.

Negative keywords. Very important. Make sure you are not bidding on wasteful keywords by using negative keywords in your campaign. For example, most shops bid on the keyword "transmission". But, if you do not deal with used transmissions, you may be surprised that the phrase "used transmission" can STILL make your ad come up in searches, because the phrase "used transmission" still contains the word "transmission"! I have a whole list of negatives I used in each client campaign, including "used", "motorcycle", "semi", "lawnmower", etc. All of these words spend $2-$4 for a click, and Google loves it.

If you hired an outside pay-per-click management company to handle your online advertising, be sure they understand the transmission industry. Some do. But many of these companies have no clue about the transmission business, and their keyword lists may include lots of things you do not want--and NO negative keywords. The reason there are so many complaints about marketing companies? Most of them have a "we service all industries, nationally" shotgun approach. They throw together an ad, some keywords, start the campaign, and no results.

Marketing companies who specialize in the transmission industry have a laser-guided missile approach. They already know what worked before, what is working now, and what will not work.

Write an ad that sets your shop apart from your competition. Look at competitor ads and make sure yours is different.

Use MSN Adcenter to advertise on Bing and Yahoo. Clicks here are generally cheaper due to less competition. You can now advertise on both in one system.

The process to set up an account is the same as AdWords. Being on Bing is more important than you think: Many computer users use Bing because it is their default start page. You are missing this large group of people entirely if you only use Google AdWords.

Work leads after-hours and on weekends. Many people work 2nd/3rd shift and go online outside normal business hours, but they still need transmission service. If you do not have time to do it, give your manager an incentive to do it. First and best gets the job, especially after hours and weekends. If you cannot work leads after-hours and weekends, you will probably want to shut off your advertising during those times if you are currently running your ads 24/7. Only run AdWords during your business hours to save $$.

If you cannot always get to the phone at the shop and miss calls, have your Internet leads go to a dedicated cell-phone that always gets answered. If you miss a call on the shop phone that came from your AdWords campaign, you may have just spent $50 for a dropped lead. Another method is to use a service that rings to multiple people if the first is busy, like a hunt group. Services such as Kall8 offer these types of lines.

Geographical settings should be realistic. If you cannot service a 50 mile radius of your entire metro area, adjust your campaign for just the area you typically service.

Other Ideas

In the end, the whole point of advertising online is generating leads, then working those leads as best you can.

If people who need your services click your ad--but do not call or do not fill out your contact form, that bill from AdWords on your credit card statement is just you helping pay for a Google executive's corporate jet.

If you are frustrated with online marketing, have a pro optimize your AdWords/Adcenter campaign and use a third-party lead generation technique. This is where I come in. Demo is always free. If I cannot at least double your leads within a week, without costing you any more advertising $$, then I should not call myself a consultant!

Use Text Message: This is coming in a future article but I will give you a preview on a cutting-edge text message marketing technique for transmission repair that WORKS:

1. Collect every phone number from every lead you generate during the week.

2. Use a text message program (like EZ Texting) to send a follow-up text the following week asking them if they still need help with their car.

3. Do a follow-up text every month to all leads in your pipeline.

If you do not think texting will get you a couple extra customers towed in every month...

You will be pleasantly surprised when you find out it does.

Text message marketing is, by far, the most powerful marketing technique right now. I was a skeptic too. Until I saw it work.

Customers may avoid your calls, but they will read texts. If you want to learn the art of text message marketing, e-mail me and I will get you set up. If you want to do-it-yourself, I recommend EZ Texting which is free to sign up and test out. You can start text messaging leads at EZ Texting and see the response rate I am talking about.

Forwarding Numbers: If you are in an area with "invisible boundaries" such as bridges and state lines, or if there are separate area codes nearby, purchase a number in that other area code using an outside service such as Kall8 for only a couple dollars, then forward that number to your shop. Customers that may have not called your "other area" line, thinking you were too far away, may now call number local to them, giving you an opportunity to explain why it's worth coming the extra distance.

In Summary

To sum all of this up:

•MSN Adcenter is generally cheaper clicks than AdWords. Set up an account to advertising on Bing and Yahoo.
•Work leads after-hours and weekends to get more jobs.
•Turn off leads after-hours and weekends to save $$ if you cannot work them.
•Use a dedicated cell phone for hot Internet leads so that no leads are dropped.
•Use realistic geographical targeting.
•Negative keywords are important to add to your campaign to save $$.
•I can optimize your campaign and set up a third-party technique to double your leads. Free demo.
•Text message marketing works. E-mail me if you want tips and tricks.

Most of us are bound to get a flat tire at some point. It can often come when we're driving alone so it's just as important for women, as it is for men, to know how to change a flat tire. This article will guide you through the steps of changing a flat tire.

The first thing to remember is your own safety. Roadside assistance can be a great help especially if you have small children with you. Just give them a call and let them do the work. While you're waiting for them put the hood up and sit in the passenger seat so it looks like you have someone with you that will be back soon. You can try to call your Utah auto repair shop or someone who can help you if you don't have roadside assistance.

Sometimes though, the only option you have is to change the tire yourself. Check your vehicle now to be sure that you have a spare and the necessary tools to change a tire. You'll need a lug nut wrench, jack, and a lug nut key (for non-standard lug nuts), and a screwdriver to remove wheel covers if you have them.

Another important thing you should do beforehand is to look through your owner's manual and the instructions on how to change a tire. It is especially important to read about where you need to put the jack on your vehicle. If you put it in the wrong spot it will damage your vehicle.

Before you begin make sure to carefully pull the vehicle off the road to a safe place. It should be a level patch of ground that isn't too close to traffic. You can sometimes damage the wheel by driving with a flat, but your Utah auto repair shop can fix it, and safety is the priority.

You need to set your parking brake and secure the tires with blocks or you can use a few big rocks. If you're changing a back tire put them in front and in back of the two front tires and if you're changing a front tire put them in front and behind the back two tires. Pry off the wheel cover (if you have one) with a screw driver or with your hands- though that will be pretty tough to do. Take the lug nut wrench and place it on a lug nut so it points straight out to your left. Steady yourself by holding onto the car and stomp down hard on the wrench. Don't take the lug nuts all the way off at this point, just loosen them. "Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey" is a good saying to help you remember which way to unscrew them.

Put the jack in position now and raise the tire about 2 inches off of the ground. Unscrew the lug nuts all the way and take the tire off. Now put the spare tire on. Screw the lug nuts in by hand just a few turns. The tapered end of the lug nut needs to be facing the tire.

Lower the jack and move it out of the way. Now finish tightening the lug nuts. Be sure they are tight enough by stomping on the lug nut wrench while it's positioned out to the right.

Put your damaged tire and your tools in the car. You can take your tire to your nearest Utah automotive repair shop and have them fix the hole. You can feel confident about your ability to change a flat if you take some time to learn and practice the steps found in this guide.

The winter season can be especially harsh on a vehicle, which is why taking proper care of it is essential. When the first signs of winter show up, it's time to do some preliminary inspections so that your car will work well all through the season.

The first thing you want to do when the winter shows up is find somewhere that does auto repair in Chicago, and have them run an inspection on your vehicle. Your brakes are definitely going to be the most vulnerable part of your car, so make sure that they are working properly and will last through the winter. Have your oil and filter changed while you are there because an engine running on clean oil will work better and get better mileage even when there's snow on the ground.

Check the tires on your car, and find out whether or not you need new ones. Because roads get icy and snowy in the winter, there is a huge chance that you will slip and slide on the roads at least a few times. Tires without any tread on them are extremely dangerous, and should be replaced right away. You can easily cause an accident simply because your tires are too bald.

Lastly, the ability to see out of your windows should be your number one concern when out on the road in the winter. Your window wipers and defrosters should be working properly so that you don't ever have problems in the middle of a snowstorm. You should also make sure that you are always fully stocked with de-icer washer fluid so that your windows don't freeze over.

When your employees come to work in the morning, you're entitled to expect them to be "thinking" about their job as well as doing it. The "thinking" part includes considering a customer's concerns, performing a proper diagnosis, and concentrating on what they're doing with each service or repair. If they're distracted by other people, or taking a call on their cell phone, then not only do you not get what you're entitled to (which is their full concentration on the job), but it may very well lead to a serious accident. Just as we all would expect that a surgeon would not be talking on the phone while operating, your customers have the right to know that your technicians are 100% focused when working on their brakes, suspension, etc. Excessive cell phone use will inevitably occur without a strict, clearly communicated auto shop management policy in place.

So do this: Have an employee meeting and tell all your people that the single, most important thing to you is the safety of your employees and the safety of your customers. Tell them that your company policy now states that all cell phones need to be turned off and put away when employees come to work, period. Employees will often feel that this policy is unfair and infringes upon a right that they are entitled to, so be sure to tell them that this policy is not being implemented to increase productivity, but to protect the well-being of your customers. With this new auto shop management policy in place, they will be able to retrieve messages and return calls when they're on break or during lunch. If they tell you they're concerned that someone might have to reach them in an emergency situation, just tell them all they'll need to do is assure their immediate family members, baby-sitters, schools, etc., all have the shop phone number.

So don't let the tail wag the dog. If you do, the day will come when you'll pay a price, and that price may very well be a serious injury or the loss of life. The stars that work with you will understand the reason for this policy, and why it is so important. Those who don't will more than likely be gone in a short time anyway. Lastly, make sure that this auto shop management policy is in your employee handbook and disclosed with each candidate for employment.

Extreme weather conditions can be especially rough on cars, such as extreme cold and wintry mixes. Sometimes, car batteries just cannot bear up against the heavy weather load and break down unexpectedly. Unfortunately, they usually die at some of the worst times and in very inconvenient locations. When this happens, people can find cheap car batteries to save a few dollars and get their car working smoothly again.

Car parts can be expensive, especially for older vehicles that tend to break down more often. This can compromise a family budget, especially in hard economic times. Discount car parts are sold at more affordable prices and can work just as well as new ones. Location, location, location is the key in finding good deals on cheap car batteries that can be found for less.

Some automobile stores sell them at competitive prices, and the savings can really help to stretch a budget. Some people feel more comfortable purchasing a cheaper battery from a recognized retailer because they are concerned about the quality. In most cases, these stores are easy to find and will offer a warranty that makes the purchase all but risk free.

If the need for a new battery is important, but not pressing, cheap car batteries can be found online on numerous automobile websites. This is a very convenient way to shop, as consumers can search for a battery from the comfort of their own home. This option can be riskier than an onsite dealer or retail purchase, so it is important to make sure the site has some type of return policy, including free return shipping.

Discount auto batteries can be found both online and in person at some auto retail stores and repair shops. Consumers should be sure to thoroughly investigate the battery and make sure it runs well before they buy it. Car repairs can be done conveniently and without taxing the budget when taking advantage of discount auto parts.

The automotive industry is one of the largest centralized industries in the world. The auto industry dates back to as early as 1769. Being in this particular area can be a very lucrative business decision as automobiles have evolved over many years. While the manufacturing of automobiles is continuing to boom, so is the need for more automotive shops to service these vehicles. This article will focus on the introduction of shop equipment such as the different variations of car lifts, and wheel service equipment.

What are car lifts? Well as the question suggestions, it has to do with cars. Well a car is defined as a wheeled motor vehicle for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor. Lift can be defined as a mechanical force generated by a solid object moving through a fluid. So in short, it is a mechanical equipment that generates force by a solid object moving through a fluid that is able to lift a wheeled motor vehicle or any other object. They are also known as vehicle lifts, automotive lifts, storage lifts, alignment lifts, or car stackers.

These particular kind of lifts can be used by automotive shops to work on vehicles or used by home hobbyist for storage of their cars, or to do repairs in their garage. These auto lifts come in different styles or models, and having different lifting capacities. Lifting capacities can range from 7,000 lbs. to 30,000 lbs., and can range even higher at times. The most popular styles are two post lifts and four post lifts. As the names suggest, some lifts have two post and some have four post. So depending on what you are using the lift for will help determine which one best suite your needs.

The 2 post lifts are asymmetrical and symmetrical, and need to be installed by anchoring or bolting to your floor. The 4 post lifts do not need to be anchored to your floor. But if there is a constant flow of vehicles on and off the car lifts, anchoring the lift is highly suggested.

In today's market with the influx of larger wheels and lower profile tires, it has caused the tire changer industry to produce models with additional Pneumatic Bead Pressing arms to properly change many current tire and wheel assemblies. With that said, there are many different models of tire changers ranging from the basic tire changers to the more advanced style units.

In California, there are as many as five different types of smog check stations. However, there are essentially two differences: ones that can repair your vehicle and others that can only perform the emissions test. Let's start by going over the different types of shops in California.

Test Only Station

Test only stations are licensed by the state of California to perform only tests on vehicles. They are prohibited from performing any repair services. Gross Polluters can be certified at these stations. Potentially high-polluting vehicles also known as gross polluters in the state's smoggiest regions are directed to these shops for their initial inspection, as specified on the Department of Motor Vehicles registration renewal form. In addition to gross polluters, regular vehicles are randomly chosen to have their test at test only shops. An oil change is not considered a repair service so many test only stations will offer oil changes as an extra service.

Test and Repair Station

Test and repair shops are licensed by the state to provide smog tests and repairs to most vehicles. Under current law, test and repair shops are prohibited from certifying repaired gross polluters or vehicles that have been directed to test only stations for inspection. Vehicles that are not gross polluters or selected to perform a test only can be brought to a test and repair station to complete their smog test. The test and repair station can both test and perform maintenance and repairs to your vehicle in order for it to pass the smog check. However, only test only shops and Gold Shield shops are able to certify repaired gross polluters.

Gold Shield Stations

Gold Shield shops are licensed test and repair shops that have received additional certification by Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). In addition to the services provided by regular test and repair stations, Gold Shield stations can certify vehicles identified as gross polluters. They can also perform the "after repairs" certification of vehicles directed to test only stations for an initial inspection, as long as the Gold Shield station has performed repairs to the directed vehicle. Gold Shield stations also contract with the Bureau of Automotive Repair to perform state subsidized emissions related repairs on vehicles participating in the Consumer Assistance Program. Gold Shield shops located in the Basic program areas of the state can certify Enhanced area vehicles for new and used car dealers who purchase them and offer them for sale in the Basic and Change of Ownership program areas.

To summarize, test only stations can only perform the smog test and cannot perform any repairs to your vehicle. Test only stations can certify gross polluters. Oil changes and minor services are not considered repair service so these services may be offered at test only shops. Test and repair shops can perform any repair service as well as the state emissions test, but they cannot certify gross polluters. Gold Shield shops can perform repair services and are specially licensed by the state to certify gross polluters as well.

What should you look for when you are choosing your automotive repair facility in Portland?

This is a good question that more people should ask themselves before bringing their car in to be serviced by someone who has the power to significantly make their life easier or harder.

In what way does an auto repair shop have that power?

We may have a good public transportation system here in Portland, and the TriMet is an excellent well run city organization, but this is still a West Coast city that was built with the automobile and not rail in mind.

In essence, for the majority of us our cars are our primary means of getting us where we need to go. That is not going to change anytime soon.

You want to make sure that it is running as smooth and trouble free as humanly possible.

Here are some qualifications you should have when choosing a mechanic shop to do any work on your vehicle.

Mechanics Are ASE Certified

I would ask the shop if they have technicians who are trained and certified. There are many mechanics who are not. Many of them were never formally trained and though there is nothing wrong with hands on training newer vehicles do, however, require more formal schooling to be effectively worked on.

People who also went through some sort of formal training are usually more aware of industry standard tools and procedures when fixing an automobile. This can be especially so with European, Japanese, and British cars. That consistency is is a good thing to have as every car is diagnosed and repaired the same way so that there is complete transparency.

Good Standing With Major Organizations

I personally like to do business with Portland auto repair shops that are part of local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau and are in good standing.

These organizations are committed to excellence and if a complaint is made its members are obligated to deal with and resolve it. You will find that when there is clear oversight and accountability mandated for people or businesses the quality of their work and customer service goes way up.

Ask for References

This is hard for some people to ask but it is a good thing to do nevertheless. Ask them for at least three references of recent customers you can call. You want to make sure that 'great and wondrous" claims are backed up.

Do not worry about bothering anyone. When a good job is done for you then you should not be annoyed or shy of telling people about it.

Tools

Modern tools make any Portland auto repair's work go a lot faster and better. When shops invest in the proper automobile tools they are able to diagnose and fix a problem in a matter of hours instead of days, maybe weeks. Investing in the latest equipment is what sets the real professionals from the "Mickey Mouse" fly-by-night companies

Reputation in the Portland Community

Ask around or search the internet. What do people think about this particular automotive repair shop. Is what people saying positive or negative? After five plus years any business develops some kind of authority or reputation. Find out what it is.

Being able to find a good local auto repair shop is part of budgeting wisely. If you own a vehicle, you will need to pay for the scheduled maintenance that keeps your vehicle running smoothly. There may also be major repairs that need to be performed. By having already chosen and worked with a shop, you will be able to save yourself some worries.

To start, ask people you know who they have do their auto work. Someone will have a great mechanic in mind for you and someone else will be able to tell you who they believe you should steer clear of. In addition, ask them if the repair was completed on time. Did the shop do what they said they would do? Was the bill the amount you were quoted? Are they happy with the service they received?

Check with the better business bureau for any complaints that have been lodged against the shop. Also find out if they were solved to the satisfaction of the customer. Another place to get more information is the internet. There are several sources that will review or comment on shops.

An advantage to using a shop locally is they will want you to refer other customers to them, and will work hard to please you as a customer. They do not specialize in any one particular make or model but rather have experience with working on everything. This experience makes it possible for them to find the issue more quickly and at times offer solutions that may save you money in the long run.

Find out if they have a certificate for ASE Master Mechanic. ASE stands for Automotive Service Excellence, and is a voluntary program that test mechanics on repair issues. Once they pass the test they receive the certificate. If the shop does not have one for master mechanic, do they have an ASE certificate at all? You may want to also ask how many years of experience their technicians have.

Take the vehicle into the shop for an oil change or something else that is simple. While there, you can determine if the technicians seem knowledgeable and skilled at their work. Also, if they charge you the amount agreed upon or if they have hidden charges that you did not know about until the work was completed. This will give you an opportunity to find out if you like the shop before you need major work done.

There are several reasons to find a good local auto repair shop. They are a part of the community and will want to do a good job so that you will refer them to others. If there is an issue with the repair, they are close by to correct it for you.

Marketing a business can sometimes seem like a daunting task. This is especially true for business owners who are just starting out. They may look at the billboards, television commercials and magazine ads that other companies purchase and wonder how in the world they can compete on their limited budget. This is a legitimate fear. However, there is good news. A business does not have to break the bank in order to launch an effective marketing campaign.

Take a transmission repair shop, for example. If someone were just starting out in this particular industry, there are several things to get the attention of potential customers, without going broke or spending more money than absolutely necessary.

The first thing that a new transmission repair shop can do is to partner with other automotive businesses and host a community event. Now, some may be thinking that a large event would not be cheap. However, when putting on free events that benefit the community, there are ways to get donations from others. Imagine if the event is a health fest, for instance. There will most likely be health care professionals in the community who would be more than willing to give up some of their time to come out and conduct free screenings and checkups. There are also hospitals and clinics that would probably be willing to lend some equipment and supplies.

Some may be asking how in the world hosting a community event will help a transmission repair shop gain customers. Well, the way this is done is by the shop taking advantage of the fact that there will be a large group of people there. So, what the business could do is pass out flyers or even hand out some useful items that include the name and logo of the company. This includes things like pens or cups. The entity should also be sure to let everyone know that their business played a big part in the putting on of the event. This will let the community know that this particular company cares about others. It will also help to get people more familiar with the business. That way, whenever any of the people need transmission repair work done, they will automatically think about that particular entity.

Marketing a new business doesn't have to be an overwhelming task. It also doesn't have to cost a whole lot. All they need to do is come up with creative, unique and effective ideas that will impact a large amount of people. This includes transmission repair shops, grocery stores, clothing stores and all other businesses.

In this article, I am going to tell you how to start an auto repair shop. These days just about everyone owns a car and everyone who owns a car needs to get it serviced or repaired every once an awhile. So there is a high demand for the service provided by auto repair shops. But if you do not setup your business properly, there are still a number of pitfalls that you could run into.

The first thing you have to do is market research. You need to figure out how high the demand for auto repairs are in your area and you need to figure out how great the supply of auto repair services is as well. What you are looking for is high demand and low supply. This will give your shop the best possible odds of succeeding.

Next you have to figure out how much money will be required to open and run your shop. You will need to tally up the costs of rent, equipment and employees. Once you have this figure you will need to project how much revenue your shop can make. If you are lucky, you can fund the business out of your savings. If you are not so lucky, you will have to take your projections to a bank and get a loan.

Once you have the money and you have opened your shop, you will need a steady stream of customers. At first, customers are not going to just walk into your door. You will have to find them. One way to get customers is to approach local companies that have a fleet of cars. Offer them a volume discount if they are willing to have their fleet serviced exclusively by you. Another source of customers is local auto insurance companies. Often they will have loads of cars that need repairs.

Finally, staffing is really important. When starting out, it is very helpful if you can get family members to do the office work like answering phones and collecting bills. This way you can keep expenses low, while you are just getting going.

Don't choose a shop just because of convenience. Once you have determined that the shop is qualified, Convenience is a plus. But only after has a good reputation and backs up their work with a good warranty. Remember that a good shop may be convenient but the most convenient shop may not necessarily be the best shop for you.

Don't pick a shop based on "special offers". OK, we all do it. It seems to be the market trend nowadays. You want your shop to be competitive, of course. But even more important you need to have the job done right. Unfortunately it is all too common for many shops to bring the car in the door with a loss leader and then charge a higher amount as the work progresses. This is due somewhat to the nature of the industry. But, if you see a price that seems unrealistically low it probably is. You will be better off going with a shop that gives you professional service and backs up their work. Quality will win out over low price every time. The savings will come with a longer lasting and more trouble free repair.

Don't pick a shop just because they look like "good old boys". Poor choice. Some of those good old boys are great. Others have never moved out of the past and can't cope with today's vehicles very well. Get recommendations and proof of qualifications rather than looking for a good old boy shop.

Choosing a shop based on a low "labor rate". This is one of the worst ways to choose a shop. Price shopping for a service this way just does not make sense. There are just too many variables. Only one of those is the price. And the final price may not be even remotely related to the "labor rate". If you need an idea of cost just ask for that and not the labor rate. If you base your buying decision on the "labor rate" you may find a shop that gives you a low rate, takes longer and charges you more for the job than you would have paid at a higher rate shop. The end result could be a shoddy job for about the same price as you could have paid for a professional one.

They can get me in right away! Oh really, then they must not be that busy. If that is so then maybe they are really not that good? Sometimes a good shop can get you in quickly. Often they are booked up for a day or two in advance due to their reputation though. This could really backfire on you if you end up in a shop that is never busy because they are doing terrible work. Getting your vehicle back soon is important. But, getting it fixed correctly is even more important. Wouldn't you agree?

They can get it done right away. A good job takes some time. A good shop can reduce that time but they cannot eliminate it. Most people do not realize the amount of time their vehicles must be in the shop for certain jobs. Choosing a shop based primarily on this criteria is usually a mistake. Some shops will, unfortunately promise anything to get the job. That does not mean that they will necessarily deliver on that promise once the job has started.

They don't have very many staff or support people so they can charge me less than a shop that does. Again, this reasoning is faulty. Most modern facilities have a ratio of almost one support person to each technician in the shop. This allows the technicians to do the maximum productive work without undue interruptions and distractions. Therefore the entire procedure is more efficient. With too few support people the production staff will spend way too much time doing tasks not directly related to the services or repairs on the vehicles. The end result will often be lower quality work due to interruptions and higher prices because of an inefficient business model.

My neighbor went there and he said they were great. Actually this is one part of a good plan to choose a good shop. However, before you buy into this recommendation ask a few more questions. What did your friend have done? How many times has he been there? If he had any problems how were they resolved? If he went in one time for an oil change and you need a transmission repair, there may be a problem here. Make sure the shop is qualified to do the type of work that you need. And try to find a shop where an acquaintance has been to more than once. Recommendations are an excellent way to find a good shop. Just make sure the recommendation is qualified.

They seem really nice and I feel that I can trust them. This is actually a very good sign. A feeling of trust is very important when dealing with a service or repair shop. Just be sure that this is one good component out of several. Some folks are very good at schmoozing you on the front counter. That, in itself does not mean they are a good shop. You need to take more into account than that. You need to find out if they are qualified and give you a good warranty as well as a good feeling.

Jumping around to just any shop for small jobs until you need something really important. Not a good idea at all. There are shops today that can and will take care of almost all of your vehicles needs. If you establish a good relationship with them on the smaller jobs they will be much more likely to get you in and treat you right when you need a larger job. Some shops won't even talk to you for an emergency job unless you are already and established client of theirs. Start with an oil change to check out the shop and to help you decide if that match is right.

Get those recommendations from friends and neighbors. As I said before, just make sure they are qualified. Any shop can have a few folks that have had a bad experience or a bad attitude. However, they should be a very small minority of the total clients. Take into account the personality of the person that is giving you advice before you decide not to consider a shop that seems OK to you.

Contact some independent sources. Start with a call to or visit the websites of BCAA, the BBB or the local Chamber of Commerce for a list of member shops. The B.C. Automotive Retailers Association is another source of shops committed to customer satisfaction.

Next phone some shops from your list above and ask some questions. Call them to get a feel for how they answer the phone and how you are treated on this first contact. Tell the person that answers the phone that you are looking for a qualified shop for your vehicles. Ask if they can spare a few minutes to answer some questions. If you catch them at a busy time ask for a good time to call back.

Next, ask them what services they can provide. Ask them if they have any industry affiliations such as trade associations. Ask if they have a code of ethics and if they follow it. Ask them how many of their technicians are certified. Ask them how long their technical staff has been in the industry. Ask them how long they have been in business. What is their standard warranty for most jobs. One year is a minimum standard. Ask if they have a technical resource like Alldata or Mitchell on Demand to access service bulletins and recall information.

Evaluate the call: Were they nice or rude? Did they seem distracted when they were on the phone with you? They should be able to handle your phone call with grace. If you like their attitude and answers so far go to the next step. If not go back to your abbreviated list and start again with the shop with the next most qualifications. Keep up this process until you find a shop that feels right to you and then go on to the next step.

Visit the shop. Drive by at first and see if it looks like a place that you would want to leave your vehicles. If it passes that test, park in their lot and visit the office. Note how you are treated, the look of the office and the attitude of the staff. They should look professional and be friendly, courteous, helpful, and efficient and act like they want your business.

Look for certificates on the walls that show government certifications and other affiliations. Let them tell you a bit about themselves. Ask the history of the shop and so on if they have time. Ask if they have any handouts that would help you to decide if they could be your shop. Let them know that you are looking for a shop to take care of your vehicles needs. See how they react to that. A good shop will appreciate your research and will be glad to start a new relationship with a potential good client.

Ask if you can meet the owner or the shop manger. If they are not too busy ask for a quick tour or a look at the shop. See if it looks clean and organized. Get a general feel for the attitudes in the shop.

If the shop passed so far schedule an appointment for an oil change or other minor service.
A note of caution here: If they can't or won't set up an appointment for service you probably don't want to pick them as your shop. A shop that does not set appointments usually does not focus on preventative maintenance and is more of a "breakdown shop". This is not what you need if you are going to get the best bang for your service and repair dollar. Also, getting you in quickly without an appointment usually means that getting you back out on time with a quality job is not very likely. A well-run shop will schedule appointments and also be able to handle some minor emergencies. If they cannot get you in for an emergency they should have a contingency plan such as rental car availability or a shuttle service to your home or work to help you when you need it.

Keep your appointment. Call ahead and reschedule early if you cannot make it. A good shop will appreciate that courtesy. Make your final decision after your first appointment. They should call you up and send you some follow up information to solidify the relationship. A really good shop will ask you to fill out a questionnaire to make sure that your service was good. They will also ask you for input to help them make the business better for you and their other clients.

Your final decision. If the shop has met all the above criteria to your satisfaction reward them with your loyalty. Schedule your oil changes and other preventative maintenance services with them. You will be glad that you took the extra effort to locate a GREAT shop when you have an emergency. You won't believe how much less stressful it can be to have your own shop that you can trust with your vehicles from now on. If the shop did not meet all of your standards or if you had a funny feeling about them you will need to start all over with step one again until you find a shop that you can make your own. Sometimes it is not just the shop itself. Occasionally you may have a personality conflict with someone at the shop. You don't want or need to go to a shop that you feel funny about. Look around a bit until you find one that treats you like a friend.

Having a transmission flush service done at least one time annually will certainly ensure that your auto or truck is thoroughly taken care of. In the event that it's been greater than a year or so since your previous maintenance, you may want to get it conducted by an expert as quickly as possible. Swapping out your current transmission fluid is critical for helping your car to operate well and reduce the strain that is placed on the system. Should you keep old fluid in for a long time, you actually will begin to encounter issues that will indicate it is time to get your fluid replaced. Once you start to perceive a lot of these indicators, it can be a signal that you must bring it to an expert and get maintenance done. Here are several issues you may notice:

• Issues switching gears


• Motor vehicle won't start


• Noises inside the transmission


• Transmission fluid leaking

For those who have discovered such conditions, you want to take care of your repair at the earliest opportunity. Leaving this without treatment will result in the automobile not working when you try to start up it later on. Should you believe that that's why the car isn't starting, you need to call up a repair shop that can give you free of charge towing inside of 50 miles of the shop. In fact, getting in touch with AAMCO will allow you to get your auto delivered to their shop free of cost. For those who sign up for their online website before beginning the procedure of booking your visit, you can expect to actually obtain discounts in the form of a coupon you can use to save extra cash.

Usually, you'll expect to spend about $70 to get the fluid changed. However, this would be contingent on your geographical area. Price ranges deviate subject to location along with exactly where your shop is situated. A transmission oil change could also be executed by way of the pros at Pep Boys, this would be a great choice for people who are wanting to save some money. In general, you are likely to save approximately $10 in comparison with the tranny flush price tag that various other larger businesses will offer.

Nevertheless, you really should think about the key benefits of having your system totally flushed prior to deciding to bring your car to any shop. A flushing can be quite a good choice for several reasons:

• Gets rid of all of the buildup inside your system


• Gives top-quality operation


• Helps you to save you funds on the long term care of your vehicle

A full flush is the maintenance plan that you'll want to choose with regards to ensuring your vehicle is operating just like new. While you have the option of selecting a service which may just change your fluid, it may be a better strategy to eliminate your current aged fluid that is going to remain in the system. In contrast to the complete flush maintenance, as much as 50 % of the fluid will stay within the transmission. Think about all of this when it is time for a transmission fluid change.