How To Build A Winter Survival Kit For Your Car

Tod Pritchard from ReadyWisconsin gives a quick lesson on what to include in a winter survival kit for your car.

How To Fix A Scratch On Your Car

Get rid of that annoying scratch on your car!

How To Prep Vehicle Paint For Car Wax

Before you wax your car, make sure to clean the paint. This means more than just taking it to the car wash. You want to strip the surface of any deposits, including old layers of car wax, sap, dust, dirt, acid raid deposits, oil, and tar.

Crash Repair Car Bench

Crash Repair Car Bench Unified.

World Skills Championship 2007 - Autobody Repair

Simon Noble is a highly talented autobody repair technician who can repair a car to more accurate levels than when it first left the factory.

In this video we see Simon perfecting his technique ahead of the WorldSkills competition, held in Japan in November 2007.

Simon's eye for accuracy is one of many skills that helped him achieve success in Japan. At the competition he had to replace a front chassis leg with millimetre accuracy and carry out a rear quarter panel repair only evaluated by eye.

Find out how, after four days of competition, Simon's level of skill and accuracy earned him a silver medal.

Cool cars

Wrecked cars

Drive Safely!!!!!

Extreme Paintless dent removal training Volvo Xc90

Car Accident Scene Tips

If you have been in an accident and aren't sure what you should do next, this list provides general guidelines to observe following your collision so that all your bases are covered and you document all the information you will need. Especially if someone else is responsible for your accident, you will want to make sure that you have documented the accident as thoroughly as possible to increase the chances of securing the compensation you deserve from the party responsible for your accident.

First, you will have to actually stop your vehicle if anyone was injured or any property damaged during the incident. If you don't stop, complicated legal situations could arise. As such, it is best to ALWAYS stop following a collision and check for any damages.
Next, you should help anyone who was injured insofar as you are able. However, don't attempt to physically relocate any injured persons unless they are in danger of being injured further in their current position.
Be sure to dial 911 so that first responders can get to the scene as quickly as possible.

When is it OK to leave the scene?

Also, don't exit the accident area until police officers have arrived and given you the go ahead to leave.

Before you leave, make sure to document everyone who was at the accident scene including their personal information, such as:

Name
Address
Phone number
Vehicle license plate numbers
Vehicle make and model information
Insurance company and insurance policy number

It is also important to be careful about what you say at the time of the accident. You don't want the other party to use what you say against you in the future to try and hold you responsible for causing the accident.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=James_Witherspoon

How to: Car Repair : How Wrecked Car Frames are Straightened

Car frames are straightened after a wreck using an automotive frame machine and hydraulic ram to reverse the impact of the crash; learn how to do it in this free auto-repair video.

Unsafe Auto Body Repair

Fraud committed by Insurance company promoting bad auto body repairs using Direct Repair Program and releasing unsafe nonrepaired vehicle.

Auto Insurance: How to Get the Best Collision Repair for Your Money

I have seen it all in my 40 plus years of repairing cars and trucks. The insurance companies bottom line is profit, you need to understand that they want your vehicle repaired for as little as possible. Purchasing insurance is only the first step for both coverage and legal limits. If you have been involved in an accident and you want your vehicle repaired so that no physical flaws can be detected then you have to get the most money possible to allow enough time for the collision shop to slow down and not get in a hurry during the repairs. This is even more important if you want to save on your deductible.

If you own a Classic Car and it was restored to a high level there are additional problems to overcome. When purchasing insurance for a Classic Car or Truck many people think that if they purchase "agreed value insurance" the matter is over. In layman's terms this refers to how much the insurance company believes muscle cars and classic cars are worth if there was a total loss. This is usually understood and agreed with by both the insurance company and the owner but rarely does a classic get completely totaled.

Therein lies the problem. In general most late model vehicles and Classic Car insurance companies, " approx 90% " demand that you come up with an estimate for the repairs. Keep in mind that if you take a Classic Car to a collision shop they are not used to doing older vehicles/classics. It is very hard to find older parts with little to no rust. Doing repairs at a high level on classic cars is rarely seen because of the insurance industry only allowing them so much cash to complete the job. When you are in a hurry the quality goes down.

Your best bet is to find three of the very best shops in and around your area. Go to them and explain that you want the highest level job they are capable of and to write the estimate accordingly. Tell them you will fight with the insurance company to " pay up " and to not be concerned possibly wasting their time on the estimate. Once you get at least two estimates you will have much needed ammunition when you go back to the insurance company to haggle. You then have living proof that this is what it is going to costs regardless if the insurance company has their own adjuster look over the damage and come up with their own pricing. Many of the larger body shops in big citys are owned by the major insurance companies thus controlling the prices with a system known as "direct repair" this affects your chosen shops ability to make decent profit on each vehicle if they are a part of this system. As far as Classic Car insurance, Grundy is one of the few companies that will pay a fully certified restoration shop by the hour to do the repairs up to the agreed amount. They understand the hourly billing restoration that resto shop/companies live by.

The bottom line for the consumer is to have the proof in hand, that it costs more then the insurance company will say that it cost. This way you will have the maximum cash when dealing with the repair facility. Stand up for your rights. Winning is not luck its knowing how to fight!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_S_Lilly

Auto Paint Removal With Dry Ice Blasting. Really "Cool".

Advanced dry ice blasting technology used to remove the paint from this 240Z restoration project.

Car Accidents and Teenagers

The general consensus is that teenagers will get involved in more car accidents than adults. Teenagers are more likely to go over the speed limit and make more mistakes due to poor decision making than adults when driving.

This is why many insurance companies have increased their prices when it comes to adding a teenager to the policy. It can now be quite expensive to add a teenager onto a car insurance policy.

The cost of family insurance policies can vary depending on which state you live in. The average cost of the family insurance [policy can be anywhere in the region of $1,800.00 per year.

The sad thing is that when you decide to add a teenager onto this policy you will definitely se the cost increase. The amount of the increase can be as little as 50% or as high as 200% of the original cost of the policy.

This may seem quite unreasonable but the sad fact is that these insurance companies class most teenagers as very high risk and as such will punish them with higher insurance costs. You could say that the facts justify those increases but there can be ways for you to receive certain discounts for teenagers too.

Insurance companies will give discounts to teenagers that they believe to be responsible and careful when driving. The teenager that fits this bill is the one with good high school grades. So if you have a teenager that is doing well at school you should check to see if you are eligible for these discounts.

It is thought that teenagers who attend traffic school will get fewer tickets than those who do not attend it because they will adhere to the traffic regulations. This in turn will mean that their premiums will effectively be lower for their insurance.

Finally a teenager that has a sensible car will get cheaper car insurance than one with a flashy sports car. Obviously insurance companies will suspect the sports car driver to be more likely to break the speed limit and be more likely to be involved in accidents so they will increase the cost of their policy.

Experience an uninterrupted power supply and use a power surge protector.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nathan_Gero

James Dean and Gig Young Talk Auto Safety

In 1955, America was in a tizzy about teenage rebellion and Hollywood had a newly minted spokesperson who could explain the angst contagion -- James Dean. Months before Rebel Without a Cause was release Dean was tapped to sit with Gig Young and tell America's troubled youth they should slow down on the highway. Ironically, he was killed in traffic accident a short time later.

Crash Tests Show Impact of Size on Safety

Three front-to-front crash tests, each involving a microcar or minicar into a midsize model from the same manufacturer, show how extra vehicle size and weight enhance occupant protection in collisions. These Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests are about the physics of car crashes, which dictate that very small cars generally can't protect people in crashes as well as bigger, heavier models.

"There are good reasons people buy minicars," says Institute president Adrian Lund. "They're more affordable, and they use less gas. But the safety trade-offs are clear from our new tests. Equally clear are the implications when it comes to fuel economy. If automakers downsize cars so their fleets use less fuel, occupant safety will be compromised. However, there are ways to serve fuel economy and safety at the same time."

Deer Car Accidents

According to State Farm Insurance, Pennsylvania comes in first as the state that has the most automobile and dear crashes. A survey done by the insurance company showed that 1.5 million automobiles are involved in collisions with deer each year and have caused 150 deaths and $1.1 billion in damages. Deer migrate and mate between October and December and that is when most accidents occur. The time that they most often happen seems to be first thing in the morning and dusk. Since a deer can weight over 200 pounds, a run in with one can cause death to a driver, passengers, the deer and thousands of dollars in damage to your car.

Based on rankings of the total number of deer accident claims filed with State Farm other states that rank high with deer car accidents are Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Georgia, Minnesota, Virginia, Indiana, Texas and Wisconsin.

If you are driving in an area that is known to have deer, use your high beams for greater visibility, and slow down if you see a deer standing on the side of the road. If you startle the deer, it may run right in front of you. Use your horn and flash your lights until the deer is out of harm's way. Also, if you've seen one deer, there are probably more in the area, so drive very cautiously. If you can't avoid a collision, try not to swerve. It increases the chances of losing control of your car. Attentive driving is the best way to avoid run-ins with deer.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Morris

New Trend In Using Waterborne Paint For Auto Body Repair

Car paints are mostly used for auto body repair. And it is known that most paints are solvent based. But the fact that solvents can escape into the air means that they also contribute to air pollution. In fact, the majority of such organic solvents impose great damage to the environment.

And today, higher air quality standards demand the use of water-based paint for auto body repair uses. This demand will soon be a standard.

About couple of years ago, two of California's largest air quality management districts imposed emissions regulations and required the use of water based paints. And as expected, this trend instigated new legislations that aim the reduction of harmful emissions from the automotive finishing and refinishing sectors, at least in California.

Essentially, one of the most infamous regulation changes that automotive refinishing industry in Southern California has dealt with was the lowering of the limits of VOCs found in products used to paint cars.

VOC actually stands for "volatile organic compounds". These are solvents and other compounds contribute to pollution. Typical VOCs consist of the solvents in paints, adhesives and inks. However, VOCs are not just limited to paint supplies as plastics release VOCs as well when they age. And these chemicals are alleged to react with gases in the atmosphere that contribute to smog, pollution, and toxic death.

This is understandably why there's a pressing call for the use of water-based paint for automotive painting today. As you know, water is not organic and while it evaporates as well into the air, it is not a VOC.

With tighter regulations set by California Air Resources Board, there was a reformulation to switch solvent-based paint to waterborne. This step would allow refinishers to meet the new environment-friendly standards. Nowadays, finding solvent based materials becomes more and more difficult.

However, there are some considerations to remember in using waterborne paint for auto body repair. Although there are some available waterborne primers, generally you still have to use traditional, solvent-based primer. As a result, colors tend to dry to a dull satin finish. You will have to clear it to achieve the shine you want.

Also, before spraying the clearcoat, it is important to have enough airflow across the panel. When using a water-based paint, you need to allow the paint to dry fully as it dries differently from solvent-based paint. You see, solvent based system requires lesser time to dry up than water-based paint as it evaporates much faster. However, the continued use of such hazardous compounds will in turn speed up the damages in the environment.

Down the line, the convenience offered by solvent-based products may not be convenient for the environment.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Josh_Angelo

Hunter's Self-Centering Wheel Adaptor

Hunter Engineering Company's Self-Centering Wheel Adaptor quickly and easily allows the target or sensor to remain centered while the technician clamps the adaptor to the rim. For use with Hunter DSP600 and HS400 Hexagonal or HS401 High-Definition Alignment Targets.

Blackhawk Shark - electronic measuring system

Overview of how the Shark measuring system operates

You Tube ~ Hunter Auto34 Tire Changer

At the Auto Body Shop

Here is just a bit of what goes on when you bring your car in for body work. You can trust the pros at Corby's Collision!

When Do You Need a Body Shop?

If you have never had occasion to use an auto body shop before, you might wonder why you would ever need one. However, there are various reasons to take your vehicle to a professional company in order to improve its appearance. Find out some possible reasons to visit such a business.

If you are planning on selling your car anytime soon, you want it to look in the best shape possible. A car in excellent condition can sell for a lot more than one in good or fair condition, and a great paint job can often bump it up into the next category. If your automobile has scratches and chips all over from regular wear and tear over the years, it is time to let a professional fix it up before you sell it. The higher price you will likely get for it is usually more than what you will pay to fix it at an auto body shop.

In some cases, you might choose to have a completely new paint job. This can be the best route for an automobile that has several scratches, especially if it is difficult to exactly match the color. You may instead opt for a completely new look, getting a different color paint to revitalize your car. This might be particularly attractive if you have had your vehicle for years since just because you liked a certain shade years ago does not mean you still like it.

If you have been in a car accident, either recently or in the past, it is important to get the damage fixed at a professional auto body shop. Driving an automobile that has major damage can be dangerous and may cause further destruction to the rest of the vehicle. Even if you only have a little damage, it is important to get it repaired as soon as possible. Not only is this safer, but you can be much prouder of a vehicle in great shape than one with dents and structural issues. This is true whether you plan to sell it or soon, or hold onto it as long as you can.
Clearly, heading to a reputable auto body shop can help anyone with a vehicle. Whether you want to sell your automobile soon, eventually, or never, you can still use the services of a professional to get it in the best shape possible. If you want to improve your car's appearance, check out the shops nearest you.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alfred_Ardis

You Tube ~ Hunter ~ What Causes Alignment Change?

Can I fix it myself?

Ok, so you just got in an accident. Albeit, it was a minor one (fender benders usually are), you now have to worry about how much it's going to cost to fix it, or if you can fix it yourself. Or maybe you're thinking it's such a small dent that you don't even need any auto body repair.

Well, before you consider sticking with it so that you can save money, you might want to take into account that many car experts highly recommend you repair any and all dents immediately. The reasoning behind this is that the exposed metals become more vulnerable to rust damage, and/or your bumper may have come loose in the collision which could cause serious problems for you later on.

Small dents can cost as low as $50 to repair anyways so it's probably worth it in the end, but the price will depend on the make of your car and the dent size.

Can I repair a fender bender myself?

There are ways to fix a fender bender yourself, but this is generally tricky and you may not even end up with a quality repair! One do-it-yourself method is to fill the dent with body filler and then sand it down with sand paper. This might sound easy, but the whole process can end up taking 5 hours or more, especially if you have no auto body repair experience! This method also requires that you complete it in one go, so if you're planning on going this route make sure you set aside a big chunk of time.

Another interesting option is to try pulling the dent out with a backhoe. However, if you don't have a backhoe on hand or know how to operate one this isn't going to be your best option, and it is especially not the safest!

Why you need to call a professional
More than likely you probably don't want to spend hours of your free time trying to figure out how to sandpaper your own dent, or have a back hoe on hand ready to go. Even if you do, why go through all that hassle when an auto body repair professional is just a phone call away? You can get a free repair estimate online before you go in so that you know what to expect.

Shannon Egan

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shannon_Egan

You Tube ~ Hunter Alingment

Tips on Why Wheel Alignment is Important

It takes only a small misalignment to create problems with your vehicle, which is why proper wheel alignment is important. Simply put, all of components that make your vehicle go straight are called alignment. Misalignment can be caused by many factors including merely driving your vehicle. Potholes can be common culprits. A sizable pothole can bump your suspension out of the precisely calculated set of measurements that dictate proper wheel alignment.

Why is wheel alignment important?

Improper wheel alignment can effect driving performance as well as cost you money. Total alignment sets all four wheels positioned straight ahead and parallel. The following are benefits of wheel alignment:

• Improves gas mileage. In the recent economy and a year of outrageous gas prices, everyone is looking to better their gas mileage to save money. By having your vehicle aligned properly, it decreases any resistance while rolling which increases your gas mileage. It is also important to make sure that your tires are properly inflated as this will help gas mileage as well.


• Reduces tire wear. Premature tire wear can be costly. One of the signs of wheel misalignment is excessive or uneven tire wear. If your vehicle is not aligned properly, your tires can show wear more quickly due to their not rolling straight and being dragged in the wrong direction. You will have to replace them more often, costing you more. Proper alignment can save you money in the long run.


• Improves the handling of your vehicle. Other signs of improper alignment pertain to the handling of our vehicle. These signs can be if your steering wheel pulls to the left or right, if it is not centered when driving straight ahead or if it vibrates or shimmies. Steering wheel vibration can also indicate tire wear or if they have not been inflated properly. While driving, your vehicle can also have a feeling of looseness or wandering. All of these signs can be corrected with total alignment which can absorb any road shock and provide a smoother ride.


• Improves safety. Proper wheel alignment can help you drive more safely by improving steering and tracking problems. The improved handling and control of your vehicle can help you prevent or avoid accidents.

Why is four-wheel alignment recommended?

Simply put, your front wheels "steer" or drive the vehicle while the rear wheels "direct" the vehicle. Four-wheel alignment solves handling problems by referencing all four wheels to a common centerline.

Yearly maintenance is recommended.

Regular vehicle maintenance is recommended for optimal operation of your vehicle and its safety. It is important that you follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations listed in your owner's manual, however as a general rule your wheel alignment and tire check up should be scheduled every 10,000 miles or at least once per year.

Often a suspension system inspection can be included as a part of this regular maintenance. This inspection can allow your ASE Certified Technician to spot potential problems or worn parts now before they become costly problems later.

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

What You Need To Know About Airbags

All cars these days have at least a driver's side air bag. This is an important safety device which will allow you to stay safe in case of a collision. What happens is when you run into something a signal will be issued through your car to the deployment mechanism. It will be deployed through the use of compressed gas. The bag will deploy instantly and will help to keep you from going through the windshield or hitting your head on the steering wheel. There are a few other things you will need to know about them to maintain safety.

Changing Driving Habits

While air bags are designed to keep you safe in case of an accident, there are certain things you should be doing in order to keep yourself safe when you are driving in a car that has air bags, The first thing you need to be aware of is how close you are sitting to the steering wheel. It is designed to inflate to full capacity. It will not make concessions for people that prefer to drive with their chest right up to the steering wheel. If this is the way that you drive, you are likely to come away from the accident with a broken nose at least.

The recommendation of the industry is that when driving cars with air bags that you drive at least an arms distance from the steering wheel. This will leave a significant gap between yourself and the air bag. This way when there is an accident, you will fall into the bag rather than the bag pushing you back from where you are sitting in the seat. If it is a height thing, consider elevating the seat or using a pillow under you so that you will be elevated rather than moving closer to the wheel.

Another thing you should watch out for is the way you grip the wheel. This is because if you are holding the wheel in such a manner where your arm crosses the middle of the steering wheel, you will run the risk of your arm being broken when they are deployed. The old standards of 10 and 2 still apply for more reasons than just making sure that you are keeping both hands on the wheel at the same time.

Getting Air Bags Inspected

It is a good idea to get the air bag system inspected from time to time. This is because you do not want for the system to malfunction at any given time. Remember that you do not want to get the system inspected too often of you run the risk of the system malfunctioning as well as the fact that you will spend a lot of money unnecessarily. You should, however get the system check at least every five years if it has not been used. This will make sure that the gas is ready to go and that the bag is still packed correctly.

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

What Happens When An Airbag Goes Off?

Most people simply take for granted and have little appreciation for the technology that's contained in an automotive safety airbag. Still yet, another commonality that virtually all people share is the collective desire that their airbag goes unused for the life of their vehicle.

Consider this. Of all the parts on your car, only your airbag is designed and manufactured to have a zero tolerance failure rate. This means that if there is one part on your car that simply must work when it is called on to do so with "no exception", that is your airbag.
So then just what are the series of events that transpire to inflate your airbag in the event of an accident? Also how are all of the components designed to be foolproof and at the tail end, what actually happens when an airbag goes off.

Amazingly, believe it not, it is a relatively sizable explosion that happens just inches from a person's face that actually inflates the airbag itself. This is the very reason why, in spite of the concept being around since the 1950s, it took years for working models to be developed.
The difficulty all along has been how to contain and control an explosion of this magnitude, so close to a person's face. In a fraction of a second, the explosion goes off, fills the bag and then is safely dissipated. All in the time it takes you to snap your fingers.

It all begins with a sensor that is designed to be tripped by inertia. A simple description would be a metal ball contained in a tube that is forced forward by the force of an impact. A device of this type is foolproof because it requires the sudden stop of forward motion to be activated.

In a fraction of a second, before the occupant who's involved in the crash has time to make contact with the dashboard of their vehicle, an electrical impulse is sent from the sensor to the trigger located inside the airbag. The explosion is then activated.

It's not a normal explosion as one might imagine. You see, rather than a heat activated reaction, such as you would see when a firecracker explodes, a chemical reaction is used. It's the same type of explosion you would see if you were to drop Alka-Seltzer tablets in a bottle of soda pop.
Sodium aside and potassium nitrate are combined to instantly create a large volume of nitrogen gas that fills the airbag. So heat is a byproduct as this chemical reaction is exothermic but nowhere near the amount of heat as other explosive reactions would produce.

So now the bag is filled. However; one problem that had hindered the development of Airbags for so long was preventing the bag itself from causing injuries. Yes it's a soft bag but just like water, when it is impacted at a high speed, it has the same effect as hitting concrete.

The problem was solved by developing an airbag that has a series of holes in it. These gas release holes are sized and positioned in such a way that they allow the bag to be filled as quickly as is needed, yet deflate and recess as the person's body impacts it.

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

Collision Body Repair

Auto collisions are one of the leading causes of vehicle damage. They are unfortunate incidents that damage outer auto body the most and also cause technical problems in automobiles. However you cannot stop all those unfortunate incidents to be happened, you can actually get your vehicle back in its shape and working condition with the help of some experts automobile collision repair services that are dedicated to help those who are seeking a professional help to take care of their damaged vehicles.

Collision body repair is not an easy task to do as it sounds; it is a complicated process that needs expert hands and a long experience to be done right. Automobiles are complex machines that are made up of various parts with every single part performing its own unique task making a machine fully functional to serve you in its best condition. There is also a big role of the outer body of the machine that has its own importance in making a machine successful on the roads. So, experience and expertise is all that is required to repair a vehicle after an incident of collision.

When it comes to repair a damaged vehicle after a collision, a professional Automobile collision repair service can help you to get your vehicle back in its full working condition. They help you fix auto body damage of all kinds ranging from door dings, fender benders, unibody and frame repair, bumper repairs, paint less dent repairs, hail damage repairs to all paint color matching and custom painting repair services. With the help of their latest tool and technology, they help you a lot to fix your vehicle the way it should be fixed and to your satisfaction. With the expertise to do auto body repair on foreign as well as domestic vehicles, they also offer you expert assistance in claiming insurance for your damages.

Professional collision repair services always give you satisfying results and your car a rejuvenating look that enhance the beauty of your vehicle forever! They straighten unibody and frame damage to factory specifications to help you feel relaxed knowing your vehicle will drive correctly after the repair. By offering paint less dent repair, towing scheduling, accident report assistance, insurance claim negotiations and many more, they help you to make your life easy even after an unfortunate incident and your vehicle in its previous condition to actually return the safety, structure and appearance of your vehicle to factory specifications to ensure your safety on the road.

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

How Do Generic Aftermarket Batteries Compare with Name Brand Batteries?

Do aftermarket batteries have the same capability and longevity as their branded counterparts? In a simple word - yes - but what aftermarket batteries bring to customers (in addition to long life performance and similar technical ratings and components) is affordability.

Big brand companies get big in terms of sales and number of units sold for four reasons - product availability and reliability, marketing and advertising on a mass scale, and the ability to fulfill their product to customers. Overtime these four components will turn any company into a Big Brand - but at a price. There is a direct association between the price of product and the company's cost. The lower the costs the lower the price - the higher the costs the higher the price you will have to pay.

As a customer of batteries what is mission critical is that your device (whether it is a laptop, PDA, two-way radio, power tool, or flashlight) works on battery power. Your device does not care whether you have a big brand battery name on it or a generic aftermarket battery!
What is important to your device is that your voltage, capacity, chemistry, and all the internal and external components meet the specific design needs of your device. For example take Apple's EC003 (the iPod Mini). The iPod Mini requires the following technical requirements:

• The exact physical dimensions for the battery compartment


• Lithium Ion Chemistry


• 3.7 volts


• a minimum of 400 mAh


• the necessary hardware (connector, fuse, charge and discharge FETs, cell pack, sense resistor, primary and secondary protection ICs, fuel-gauge IC, thermistor, PC board, and the EEPROM or firmware for the fuel-gauge IC)

Now outside of the above technical requirements the iPod Mini does not care if the battery comes from Apple or any other third party just as long as it is "100% OEM Compatible and Guaranteed to meet or exceed OEM specifications".

So if aftermarket replacement batteries are "100% OEM Compatible and Guaranteed to meet or exceed OEM specifications" AND if aftermarket batteries are considerably lower in price why do people opt to buy OEM or branded batteries? Because consumers have been conditioned to buy the big brands because of the clever marketing and advertising that marketers pour over and over consumers.

Now I'm sure one may come with the argument that aftermarket batteries have a higher failure rate then branded batteries - but I can tell you that having been a direct part of the aftermarket and BIG brand market for 13 years (with various companies) - every manufacture and company has defects. It is a part of manufacturing regardless of the manufacturer's name. Acceptable defect rates float between 1-2% of all units shipped. In manufacturing there is no such thing as 0% defect rate. That is why you have a product warranty with parts (money back periods and extended warranty periods).

So now since the aftermarket or NON-OEM batteries have a low defect rate, low product cost, and the exact same specs as the OEMs the only thing that would stop you from buying aftermarket batteries is your marketing condition and the size of your wallet!

By: Dan Hagopian
Article Source: ezinearticles.com

OEM versus Aftermarket Car Parts Debate

If you want to get mechanics and people who work on their own cars going in a heated debate, start an argument about whether aftermarket car parts are as good as OEM parts. It may seem like a basic argument, but it is actually fairly convoluted.

Okay, what are OEM parts? "OEM" stands for "original equipment manufacturer". In practical terms, this means the party that made the original part for your car be it the muffler, bumper, clutch or whatever. Isn't this part just the car company selling the car be it Ford, BMW or whomever? Nope. Most car companies outsource much of the car part manufacturing to smaller companies.

This outsourcing is why the bankruptcies of General Motors and Chrysler have such far reaching impacts. Not only does it impact everyone at those companies, but everyone at each independent company that makes parts for GM and Chrysler. If these independent companies lose enough business, they may have to shut down. This is problematic since they also make parts for other brands. This is also why the idea that a Ford is "American made" and a Toyota isn't is mostly hogwash. All the brands are getting a lot of their parts from the same suppliers whether they are in the United States, Canada, Mexico or wherever.

Aftermarket car parts come in two variations. The first is simply a generic form of the OEM part, much like generic pharmaceuticals compared to name brands. The second is an accessory for a car such as cold air intake systems for the engine, racks to carry bikes and so on. There isn't much debate that this second form of aftermarket car parts is fine, but the first variation is the area where contention starts.

OEM parts are almost always more expensive than aftermarket car parts. That being said, the price difference often isn't that large in many cases. This is important because OEM parts are generally better for your car than aftermarket parts. The issue is not the manufacturing process of the aftermarket car supplier, but the simply fact that the OEM part is made using the same molds and manufacturing process of the original part on your car. This means it should fit perfectly whereas the aftermarket part might not be an exact fit.

So, which should you go with? It depends. Aftermarket is definitely the choice when it comes to improving the performance on your car. If you are just looking for a part replacement, OEM parts are going to be slightly better although more expensive. Only you can decide if the price difference makes the aftermarket car parts a better deal.

Dirk Gibson writes for DCJAutoParts.com - where you can buy high performance aftermarket car parts at great prices.

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

Bondo Basics

Where would the world be today without the luxury of Bondo. Ever since I can remember, well 20 years or so, it has been all the hype. You have yourself a nice looking muscle car or any car for that matter and the first thing everyone wants to know, even if they don't say it is " how much bondo, looks really nice, hmm how much bondo, bondo bucket?" Well I'm here to say that bondo is an absolute necessity if you are going to have a nice looking, straight paneled ride.

Let's get one thing straight about the use of body fillers (bondo). It is not, and I repeat not for cars that have rust. It is not for cars that have holes in them. That is what you have a welder and patch panels for. If you think bondo will hold or last over a hole of any size you'll be assuredly let down. All those hopes and dreams of having that ugly hole patched will certainly come back and haunt you. If not today, which is sometimes all the longer it takes, give it a year. Moisture will have a field day pushing out the plastic filler and leave you again worse off with a rusty, bubbling, bondo'd up sick looking disgusting scabby eye sore! - geez London "take that bondo" :)

Bondo, or plastic filler, body filler, call it what you want is great stuff, but it is made to smooth out panels. It's a filler in the sense that it fills waves and imperfections in metal. It doesn't take the place of it. It is a cheap and easy replacement for the use of lead. If you have holes you really need metal to patch them, and truthfully it's much quicker to simply cut a piece of metal and tack it in there. It will last if done right for years, especially if you keep it dry and clean. If you live where I do near the great lakes "keep it out of the salt".

All body fillers are basically the same. Some claim to be better than others, but seeing as we're not patching holes anymore with it, I go for the one that sands the easiest. These are known as the light weight body fillers. They usually sand quite easy, and they won't clog up the sand paper nearly as bad as the heavy weight (gold) fillers. I personally stay away from the 'bondo' brand, don't know why really, maybe it's the nightmarish name from my past, but that's neither here nor there, I go with the Evercoat brand. I have had great success over the years and see no need to change. They haven't been able to improve too much on it over the past 15 years.

I have experimented with most brands and weights over the years and one thing they have in common is how to mix it. The single most greatest factor in mixing bondo is the temperature where you're using it. If it is 60 degrees in the shop it will take 15-20 minutes or longer to set up, if it's 80-85 degrees where you are, you have just enough time to mix it fast and run to get it spread. Mixing is the standard 1 inch ribbon of hardener / golf ball size filler. If it's hot, cut back a tad. If it's cold, DON' T add more for it won't help. That can and usually will create pinholes and gummy bondo that will not sand well. You are forced to let it harden on it's own or put some heat on it. Heat the panel first a little if you can, it will help at least to get it to start setting up. Have patience, if you get on it right away it may let go, or flake off the panel and you'll be starting over. Let it bond to the panel thoroughly. Take your nail or a pocket knife and scratch on it. I usually nurse it awhile till it sets up just enough where I can carve any mess I made out of it spreading it , off. It saves time when it comes to sanding.

They make a plethora of tools to work with bondo, most of them will be trial and error for you, you'll find a system that works for you and have all the confidence you'll ever need in working with body fillers. I'll have to save the sanding techniques for a upcoming article, they need explanations, for they all are good for some things and not so well for others. Stay in touch!

By: London Vande Zande
Article Source: ezinearticles.com

The ABC's of Carbon Fiber Fenders

There are so many benefits you must be aware of when choosing carbon fiber fenders. Every material that is made out of carbon kevlar has many more benefits than those that are made out of other material. When you choose carbon fiber, be sure to know exactly what you want in order to make the best decision.. Once you are done brushing up a little on the ABC's of Carbon fiber fenders, you'll be prepared to make the most effective purchase possible.

When you're looking for endurance, speed, power and other great features, carbon fiber fenders are the best way to go. This is due to the light weight and durability of this type of hood. Many people also love the fact that these hood's have a sleek look with an endless option when choosing designs. It is all truly left up to you! Did you know that carbon fenders are actually environmentally friendly as well? This is a great truth for earth's well being and prosperous future.

CF fenders are a great way to go when choosing a great and useful hood. The ABC's of these wonderful hoods only grows in presence the longer you have it. During your first trial run after installation, you will notice a huge difference. There will be no mistake made after learning all the facts to make a productive car hood decision. Now that you are prepared to make the best decision when purchasing a new car hood, you have the knowledge to make a great choice.
John Rory has been writing articles about SEIBON Carbon Fiber Hoods for quite some time now. His personal car is an old 92-95 Honda Civic, he also drives a Mitsubishi Eclipse DSM GST and Mazda RX8.

Article Source: ezinearticles.com

Fender Benders and Auto Body Repair

Ok, so you just got in an accident.

Albeit, it was a minor one (fender benders usually are), you now have to worry about how much it's going to cost to fix it, or if you can fix it yourself. Or maybe you're thinking it's such a small dent that you don't even need any auto body repair.

Well, before you consider sticking with it so that you can save money, you might want to take into account that many car experts highly recommend you repair any and all dents immediately. The reasoning behind this is that the exposed metals become more vulnerable to rust damage, and/or your bumper may have come loose in the collision which could cause serious problems for you later on.

Small dents can cost as low as $50 to repair anyways so it's probably worth it in the end, but the price will depend on the make of your car and the dent size.

Can I repair a fender bender myself?

There are ways to fix a fender bender yourself, but this is generally tricky and you may not even end up with a quality repair! One do-it-yourself method is to fill the dent with body filler and then sand it down with sand paper. This might sound easy, but the whole process can end up taking 5 hours or more, especially if you have no auto body repair experience! This method also requires that you complete it in one go, so if you're planning on going this route make sure you set aside a big chunk of time.

Another interesting option is to try pulling the dent out with a backhoe. However, if you don't have a backhoe on hand or know how to operate one this isn't going to be your best option, and it is especially not the safest!

Why you need to call a professional...

More than likely you probably don't want to spend hours of your free time trying to figure out how to sandpaper your own dent, or have a back hoe on hand ready to go. Even if you do, why go through all that hassle when an auto body repair professional is just a phone call away? You can get a free repair estimate online before you go in so that you know what to expect.

Shannon Egan

Article Source: ezinearticle.com

MetLife Auto Insurance

AAA Auto Insurance

Mercury Insurance Group

"In Good Hands" with Allstate

Been in a Crash?

The Shark Computerized Electronic Measuring System

The Shark is a computerized electronic measuring system that relies on ultrasound technology for dramatic productivity improvements and the industry's best speed and accuracy. The Shark provides live "measure-as-you-pull" functionality that virtually eliminates costly rework. Read entire article...

Blackhawk Power Pro 360L

Power-Pro's bearing supported, tube-style towers easily roll 360 degrees around the platform and the spring release handle locks the tower into the desired position. With Power-Pro's two towers, you can quickly and easily make combination front, rear and side damage pulls for improved productivity. Position the 10 ton towers side-by-side and concentrate repair efforts. Technicians are able to make precise pulls with a simple adjustment of the pull collar. Add the optional third 10 ton tower and watch your productivity levels soar. Read entire article...

Spray Painting Anyone?

A Little You Tube Fun...

Hunter Digital Imaging Alignment

Corby's Collision is a Full Service Body Shop. We do everything from repairs to alignments. We are one of maybe only 2 body shops in Solano County that have an alignment rack. By owning this piece of equipment, we not only can be full service but, we save our customers a lot of time and are able to return their vehicle to them in a more timely manner.

We use the top of the line Hunter Engineering alignment machine. This machine features the latest in alignment system technology including the new DSP600 Digital Imaging Alignment sensors for Picture Perfect® alignment.

Welcome!

"Welcome to the new blogspot for Corby's Collision"

Corby's Collision has been in business for 47 years in Vacaville, California. Current Owner, Paul Troutner, took over the company in November of 1993. They moved the business to the current 9,000 square foot facility in 1998.

Paul was born and raised in Fairfield, California but, because of his love for the town of Vacaville he moved his family there in 2000. Paul has not only come to love the town but, the people who live there as well and is on a "first name" basis with most of Corby's customers.

When you do business with Corby's Collision you will not only deal with their qualified and professional staff but, also with Paul himself. He is an Owner/Operator and likes to be "hands on" with everything that goes in and out of the shop.