Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Most Reliable New Cars | Consumer Reports



Get a car that stays out of the shop. Consumer Reports survey reveals the most reliable and least reliable cars and carmakers.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Basic Vehicle Maintenance Tips For Safety On The Road

While practicing safer driving techniques on the road is a key to road safety, proper care and maintenance of your vehicle also plays a crucial role in getting you safely to your destination. After all, proper maintenance may mean the difference between getting home safely or breaking down in the middle of nowhere. Here are some essential car maintenance tips for keeping you and your car safe and healthy.

Check The Oil

It may seem obvious, but the importance of checking the oil regularly cannot be stressed enough. Checking it and changing it often is probably the single most important thing you can do to keep your car's engine in good condition.

Check Your Lights

This is one of the easier maintenance tasks, as you'll often find someone, hopefully not a policeman, will tell you that one of your tail lights isn't working properly. Having working head and tail lights is absolutely crucial to your safety. Have them fixed as soon as possible whenever one isn't working and avoid driving with one light out, if at all possible.

Check Your Tires

Check the tire pressure, but also the alignment often. Invest in a tire pressure gauge. Keep the tire pressure as your vehicle owner's manual recommends. Tire pressure affects many aspects of your car, including the amount of fuel it uses, the handling and performance, as well as the comfort and smoothness of the ride. Rotate your tires after every other oil change. Proper tire rotation helps your tires to wear more evenly. Also, keep a check on the tread wear of your tires and get new tires when needed.

Check Your Transmission Fluid

Check your transmission fluid according to your vehicle owner's manual recommendations. Top it up if needed, but do not over fill, as overfilling can damage your transmission.

Check The Engine Coolant

If you don't have enough coolant, you run the risk of overheating your engine and damaging it. Keep the coolant level topped up, especially if you're going on a long trip during warmer months.

Check The Belts

There are numerous belts in your vehicle, including the ones involved with the running of your alternator, your air conditioning and other parts. Be sure to check the rubber and the belt when you are performing your regular, under the hood maintenance.

Check Battery Contacts

Make sure the contacts on your battery terminal are clean. Often dirt and grime can build up on them, affecting performance.

Pay Attention To Warnings

Any modern car includes warning lights for various parts of the vehicle should the onboard computer detect something isn't working properly. When you see one of these lights go on, don't ignore it. Check your vehicle owner's manual to confirm what you need to check if it isn't obvious.

Be sure to read your vehicle owner's manual, the manufacturer will give you many recommendations for proper care and maintenance of your vehicle and often provide you with a checklist and recommendations for when and how to perform maintenance. Also, get yourself a copy of your vehicle's auto repair manual. If you need to do a repair yourself, these manuals will walk you through step by step, making it possible for even the least mechanical people to repair their own vehicle. If you have no confidence to make your own repairs, don't hesitate to take it to a professional.


Lydia Quinn writes for Brandon Safety Lights, a leading provider of barricade lights, barricade light accessories and traffic safety supplies. Visit us at:  http://www.brandonsafetylights.com
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Thursday, October 24, 2013

Cell Phone Holders for Your Car | Consumer Reports



When you switch from a GPS unit to a cell phone to get directions, you need a mount for your car to keep your phone handy.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Four Common Automotive Collision Repair Insurance Questions

After an auto accident, it is important that you have your vehicle damage professionally repaired by a reputable collision repair shop. However, dealing with the insurance adjusters and finding the answers to your many questions can be overwhelming. This is why we have taken the time to answer some of the most common insurance questions that our clients ask during the collision repair process.

Does the insurance company choose where you should have your vehicle repaired? It is entirely your choice as to where you have your vehicle repaired after an accident. Your insurance company may try to steer you toward a preferred shop in their network, but the choice is up to you. In fact, state law prohibits these "steering" tactics. Don't feel pressure to work with a collision repair shop simply because your adjuster prefers them. Your vehicle is a big investment and you want to be sure that an experienced and reputable automotive collision repair shop expertly repairs any damage.

Once an insurance company makes an estimate, will I need to pay for any additional damage that is discovered during the repair process? An appraiser is only able to make an estimate for the damage that is visible. Once the vehicle is taken apart for repair, the technician will look for evidence of any further damage. He will inform the insurance company of any additional repairs that must be made. It is not unusual for there to be at least one supplement to the original estimate.

Should I choose the repair shop with the lowest price because insurance is paying? That old phrase, "You get what you pay for" is often the case when it comes to automotive collision repair. Just because a shop offers the lowest price, it does not necessarily mean that it is the best place to have your car repaired. The vehicles of today are quite complex so you want to be sure that you are working with repair technicians that can restore your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. This includes repairing the outside appearance as well as the safety equipment and special equipment found on modern vehicles. Your car is a big investment so you want to be sure that you receive the best quality automotive repairs available.

Will my car ever be the same? If you use a reputable collision repair shop, your vehicle should be returned to its pre-accident state. This includes returning the function, safety, performance and appearance of the vehicle to like-new condition. Be sure that your technicians use new, high-quality replacement parts. You should choose a shop that offers comprehensive warranties on all repairs. This is one way to guarantee that the customer is completely satisfied with their repaired vehicle.

Repairing your vehicle after a collision should not be a traumatic experience. Find an auto body shop in your area that is experienced in working with insurance companies. They can guide you through the process so you feel comfortable and secure every step of the way.


Craig Pelton is the owner of Worldwide Auto Body, a full-service auto paint and collision repair center located in Kernersville, NC.
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Friday, October 18, 2013

Volvo Cars Puts Consumers at the Heart of the Connected Car Debate



Leading officials and automotive experts gathered in Washington, DC on Thursday to discuss "The Safety Benefits of Connected Cars". Hosted by the Embassy of Sweden and Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars), the seminar explored the safety advantages of connected vehicles and the challenges faced by an industry keen to align on a vision for driverless cars. Speakers in the video are Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research and Development at Volvo Cars, and Catharina Elmsäter-Svärd, Swedish Minister for Infrastructure.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Auto Body Repair: What Type of Shop Is Right for You?

There are many types of body shops that specialize in different types of vehicle repair. While there are some full-service shops that offer to care for a variety of issues, many individuals feel that it's better to choose a shop that specializes. There are a few different reasons for this. First, shops that tend to specialize in specific types of vehicle repair are generally experts in their specific area, rather than knowing a fair amount about all procedures. Also, a shop that specializes in one aspect of vehicle repair is typically faster than a shop covering all issues.

Types

In each town, you're likely to find a few different types of body shops. Most individuals who have purchased vehicles from dealers know that dealers have their own shops that care for the same vehicles that they sell, or the same models as the vehicles they sell. There are full-service shops available at auto parts stores in some towns, and then there are the privately owned body shops operated by small business owners and mechanics. The disadvantage with the car dealer is that they don't care for used cars, and they can be rather expensive. Shops located inside auto parts stores can be convenient, and private shops with trusted mechanics are an excellent choice.

Services Offered by Specialty Shops

Different shops may specialize in many different aspects of vehicle repair. For instance, it's a great idea to seek out a collision repair center for vehicles that have been specifically damaged in wrecks and crashes and that need auto body repair. Some shops may only handle scratch repair and painting, windshield repair, brakes or tires, bumper repair, body work, or the mechanical aspects of vehicles. It's advisable to seek out a specialized shop for the specific problem you're having with your car. The experts operating these shops can quickly determine what's wrong and fix it faster than an all-around auto body repair shop.

How to Find a Trustworthy Auto Body Repair Shop

While simply receiving a recommendation is a great way to find a body shop, there are some other things you should look for as well. Try to find a repair shop with ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certified technicians. When technicians are ASE certified, they have passed numerous exams to gauge their knowledge of all aspects of repair as well as having 2 or more years of hands-on experience in the automotive repair industry. Comparing prices for services is another great way to find a trustworthy auto body repair shop.

Overall, when you need to have your vehicle repaired correctly, quickly, and for a reasonable amount of money, your choice of body shops is important. Understand what is wrong with your vehicle and find a body shop that specializes in that issue. Make sure the technicians are trustworthy and that the shop has a great reputation before taking your car or truck in.


There are many things to consider before choosing a body shop to handle your collision repair, painting, detailing, and restoration needs. Before you choose, download your FREE copy of the "12 Essential Questions To Ask Before Choosing A Body Shop" provided by A1 Body Shop.
For other tips, tricks and chat about everything body shop related visit The A1 Body Shop Blog.
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Saturday, October 12, 2013

How to Maintain the Shine on Your Car Paint Job - Car Bodywork Tips

When buying a car one of the biggest choices you have is the color! Though there are many choices to make it's the main factor that you can decide on which suits you best and appeals to your sense of style. Black is a big seller yet silver can sometimes have more style. Red is hot and white can be conservative, it's all up to you.

The elements though can play havoc on keeping that original shine and luster to this important investment. Once a car loses its color, the value is reduced and it never looks the same. These are some tips and tricks on how to maintain that color and keep the environment from doing damage to your paint job as well as restoring any damage already done!

HOW TO RESIST ENVIROMENTAL DAMAGES:

There are many different types of finishes on vehicles like enamel, matt coating, acrylic etc...unfortunately, no matter what the finish is, your car's paint is still susceptible to the environment. To help protect it always use a preventive maintenance program.

The sun puts out ultra violet rays that can damage the gloss of the finish and because metal holds heat it can cause permanent stains. The only way to deal with this is by using protective sealants and coatings.

Air pollutants are your next problem because they transform into nitric and sulfuric acids that eventually deposit onto your vehicle and eat up the paint. To combat this, keep your vehicle clean by washing it on a regular basis. This is very important because even in the winter with salt and dirt, pitting and rusting can occur. The undercarriage should be treated with a protective coating to help eliminate this problem.

When your car is clean moisture can't build up in the dirty areas and cause corrosion. I advise a car wash at least once to twice a month and sometimes have a gentle power wash to dislodge dirt that is embedded in hard to reach places like under the bumpers, the wheel wells and behind the moldings to name a few.

By pressure washing after or during winter you can dislodge the excess salt and dirt from the body of your vehicle and at the same time give it a shiny and clean appearance and reduce the chances of rust problems.

Another big tip is to keep you car or truck waxed on a regular basis. This will aid in a big way to keep the color from fading and minimize the harm that chemicals can do to your paint job and also give a great shine to your vehicle. Its should only take about 30 minutes to wax even a large vehicle and should last for 3-4 months.

ALWAYS REPAIR THE CHIPS AND SCRATCHES:

Most times you can order matching spray paint from the manufacturer and buy using a toothpick as an aid you can fix most prominent scratches and chips. For some of the smaller ones a polishing compound will work. By investing, the time and utilizing these tips your vehicles paint job has a much better chance of remaining in new like condition!


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Discover the secrets of workshop car spraying techniques & car bodywork repair in 2 hours with step-by-step, easy to follow DVD video training...
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Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Traffic Accident Tragedy - Choose The Best Auto Body Repair Services

Getting into a traffic accident is pretty terrifying and sometimes even life altering. Hopefully nobody sustains and the vehicle undertakes all the damage. Of course, any physical injury that takes place in a collision attains the first priority and you must handle it rightly. In due course, as everything settles down a bit, consider taking a look at your car's disintegrated condition. Traffic accidents, whether minor or serious, are always distressing and sometimes even devastating to those involved. While it's completely normal to feel scared and traumatized after an accident, bringing your car back in form is equally important.

The demand for car body repair shops is much more than any other type of repair store. Since the need for efficient auto body repair agencies is incredibly high, it's only natural that so many companies came up with car restoration services. As an inexperienced person, it becomes extremely difficult to hire a body mending shop that offers the best range of services at the most reasonable rates. Thus, you must take a very sensible decision and capitalize on the deals when hiring such an agency for your vehicle. Here are a few handy tips which will help you in choosing an experienced and efficient car body repair center.

Get Referrals

You possibly have many friends and acquaintances with cars or vehicles. A few among them surely got involved in a road accident and underwent car body or frame restoration. These are the best people to seek advice from; ask them the names of some repair agencies that they employed to bring their damaged vehicle back in form. Make sure that the agencies are worthy enough to meet your standard and resources.

Modern and Innovative Tools

Make sure that the agency you choose uses the most superior auto fixing technology accessible today. Inquire them about the age of the tools they apply for damaged frame and body restoration work. Good and honest agencies will give you an insight into their completed projects, since they have nothing to hide. These agencies often use modern paint techniques to bring a damaged automobile back to its original condition. They match the original body color and treat every part individually before starting the work. Once the process is over, everything looks perfectly uniform.

When choosing an auto restoration agency, make sure that you select one depending of your needs and not simply by glancing the services offered by the shop. Almost all of them make big promises to meet your expectation, but only a handful of them truly keep their words. So, do thorough investigations before settling on your choice.

Erique Benson writes articles for Fix Auto Manchester East, one of the leading agencies for car maintenance and repair in Manchester. For checking your wheel alignment in Manchester, this is the right place to go. To maintain the perfect wheel alignment in Oldham, consider visiting this agency today.
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Sunday, October 6, 2013

Everything You Need to Know About Auto Collision Estimation

Being in an auto collision is never a fun experience. Even if no one is injured, it can still be a stressful and annoying situation. It can also be costly. Auto repairs are expensive and getting more expensive every year. We want our cars fixed right, but we also want to get the best deal. To ensure you know the basics of what goes on when you take your care to a body shop for repairs, here is a brief checklist of what collision repair specialists do.

The initial step of auto collision repairs is inspection. A auto collision specialist is trained to recognize the extent of the damage and the type and amount of repairs to get the vehicle back on the road again. Auto repair specialists use both learned theoretical knowledge with practical experience to repair the car correctly. When you bring your car in (or it is towed in), here is what they do in the inspection process:

  • Use their intimate knowledge of the car's structure to evaluate and understand any core structural damage.
  • Find out and determine the car's history so old damage can be differentiated from the new damage.
  • Determine the point and intensity of impact to ensure less obvious areas of damage are detected.
  • Check the steel components of the body to determine welding and replacement needs.
  • Check all plastic components, such as door panels, for damage.
  • Determine if there has been any damage to the mechanical systems.
  • Determine if the suspension system has been damaged.
  • Analyze and determine the painting needs.

The second part of the process is the estimation. The following steps will be followed during this part of the repair process:

  • Check parts availability and pricing for all parts that need to be replaced.
  • Determine the total amount of labor hours needed to repair, replace, and paint.
  • Prepare a complete documentation for all repairs, parts, and costs for the customer.
  • Thoroughly explain all procedures, repairs, and estimates to the customer.
  • If there are repairs which may have more than one possible solution, explain the various options to the customer.
  • If some repairs will be done at a different location (some mechanical or suspension repairs may be done elsewhere), the reasons for this should be explained completely to the customer.

The auto body specialist should display a thorough knowledge of all repairs, and should take the time to answer any questions you may have. If the customer service seems poor, you may want to move on to the next body shop. You want your repairs done correctly, for a reasonable price, on time, and with a smile!

Jennifer Greenfield is a writer in auto body repair business. For more information on Final Finish Collision Centers, visit finalfinishcc.com at http://www.finalfinishcc.com.
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Thursday, October 3, 2013

Auto Body Repair 101

Most cars will need some type of auto body repair in their lifetimes. Whether its from a major collision or just a small dent from every day use, there's a good chance your vehicle will need to visit the auto body repair shop at least once. If you do experience some damage to your car, it is crucial that you take it to a professional body shop for the repairs. Though most damage is easily visible, in some accidents, it is possible to have damage that is hidden. To get it done correctly and safely, it must be done by a professional.

The first step in the auto body repair process is to take your car in for a consultation. The repair specialist will assess the damage and prepare a detailed estimate. The estimate should be very detailed and list the cost for each part and the amount of labor charged. Original equipment (OEM), used, or after market parts may be used - it is important to know exactly which type of part they are planning to use in your repair. Auto body shops are also accustomed to working with insurance companies - they can handle your claim for you and contact the insurance company when needed.

Sometimes additional repairs are needed after they begin working on your vehicle. This shouldn't happen often, but it is a possibility, even with a reputable and trusted repair shop. The shop manager should call you and explain in detail why the new repair is needed and why it wasn't found during the original inspection and estimate. They should also offer to contact your insurance company with this new information and a revised estimate of the cost.

The final step in the auto body repair process is the paint job. A poor paint job will make even good repairs look bad. If you need only small areas painted, the auto body shop will carefully blend the new area with the old paint. Having only a small area painted saves big money, but you must have a professional do the job. Poorly matched paint will not blend with the rest of the car and affect the overall appearance of the vehicle.

Though we don't usually think of auto body repair as important to the safety of the vehicle as we do when we think of engine repair. However, shoddy repair work can definitely affect the safety of the vehicle. Make sure to have your work done at a professional shop. Getting a referral is the best way to find a good auto body repair shop, but it also helps to look online for reviews and testimonials when selecting a auto body shop to do the repairs on your vehicle. Get the job done right and you'll have many happy hours and safe hours of driving!

Jennifer Greenfield is a writer in the auto repair business. For more information on paintless dent removal peabody ma, visit Final Finish at http://www.finalfinishcc.com/
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