Consumer Reports names its top choices in ten categories, from small cars to family sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Consumer Reports 2014 Top Pick Cars
Consumer Reports names its top choices in ten categories, from small cars to family sedans, SUVs and pickup trucks.
Monday, February 24, 2014
Safe Driving Tip #8: Look Where You Want To Go!
A professional driver explains why it's important to look where you want to go, not at an obstacle, when you're driving. These tips are from Ford Motor Company's Driving Skills for Life program, which is designed to help young drivers improve their skills in four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60% of teen vehicle crashes, hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Most Dangerous Roads
Every trip on this vital mountain road through the Andes is a hair-raising rollercoaster ride.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Get Better Gas Mileage
Since gas is so high nowadays I am always looking for ways to get
better gas mileage. I drive a lot and it can really be a drain on my
budget. I found some new ways to get better gas mileage and also felt
like sharing some that I already knew. Hopefully I can help you save
some money on gas!
Don't use your car as a storage bin
Having extra weight in your care means that your car is working harder to move. This will take a toll on your fuel economy so take in all the extra stuff. The less work a vehicle has to do to accelerate means the less energy is consumed.
Change your oil
I used to have a friend that joked that the oil doesn't try to change her so why should she change the oil? Made me laugh every time but I always worried that she didn't understand the importance. The oil in your engine allows the pistons to move up and down more easily and the easier things move the less fuel it takes to move them.
Replace your spark plugs
Clean, properly gapped spark plugs are always the best to make your engine run its best. The better your engine runs the better your fuel consumption will be. If your plugs have a lot of carbon built up on them it will take more fuel for your engine to move and that isn't doing anyone any good.
Roll your windows up on the highway
At speeds higher than 55 mph you should always roll your side windows up. When they are down the wind will actually come in the vehicle, hit the back window and slow you down. It isn't a huge difference but if you make a lot of small changes you will see a difference in your gas mileage.
Turn your car off if you are parked for more than 1 minute
It takes more gas for your engine to idle than it does to start the vehicle so if you are stopped in a parking lot for more than a minute turn your vehicle off.
Install a high air flow air filter
If your vehicle doesn't get enough air flow then not all of your fuel will be burned. This is just a waste of money. Check into a high air flow air filter and you might see a major difference in fuel economy. No matter what you will see a difference but usually it is a substantial one.
Make a path for your errands
If you are out running errands then plan your trip. Go in a logical path that doesn't have you backtracking all over town. You will save on gas and time with this one.
Keep your tires properly inflated
If you have ever tried to ride a bicycle on a flat tire then you will know that it is a lot more work. This same principle applies to the tires on your vehicle. Make sure they are properly inflated so your engine doesn't have to work harder to move the wheels.
Hopefully you will try all of these and they will help you out. I know it has saved me money on my fuel consumption.
Don't use your car as a storage bin
Having extra weight in your care means that your car is working harder to move. This will take a toll on your fuel economy so take in all the extra stuff. The less work a vehicle has to do to accelerate means the less energy is consumed.
Change your oil
I used to have a friend that joked that the oil doesn't try to change her so why should she change the oil? Made me laugh every time but I always worried that she didn't understand the importance. The oil in your engine allows the pistons to move up and down more easily and the easier things move the less fuel it takes to move them.
Replace your spark plugs
Clean, properly gapped spark plugs are always the best to make your engine run its best. The better your engine runs the better your fuel consumption will be. If your plugs have a lot of carbon built up on them it will take more fuel for your engine to move and that isn't doing anyone any good.
Roll your windows up on the highway
At speeds higher than 55 mph you should always roll your side windows up. When they are down the wind will actually come in the vehicle, hit the back window and slow you down. It isn't a huge difference but if you make a lot of small changes you will see a difference in your gas mileage.
Turn your car off if you are parked for more than 1 minute
It takes more gas for your engine to idle than it does to start the vehicle so if you are stopped in a parking lot for more than a minute turn your vehicle off.
Install a high air flow air filter
If your vehicle doesn't get enough air flow then not all of your fuel will be burned. This is just a waste of money. Check into a high air flow air filter and you might see a major difference in fuel economy. No matter what you will see a difference but usually it is a substantial one.
Make a path for your errands
If you are out running errands then plan your trip. Go in a logical path that doesn't have you backtracking all over town. You will save on gas and time with this one.
Keep your tires properly inflated
If you have ever tried to ride a bicycle on a flat tire then you will know that it is a lot more work. This same principle applies to the tires on your vehicle. Make sure they are properly inflated so your engine doesn't have to work harder to move the wheels.
Hopefully you will try all of these and they will help you out. I know it has saved me money on my fuel consumption.
The easiest and quickest way to find the Auto Parts you need at 80% off Retail Prices. CarPartKings.com - Rule the Road!
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Transmission Diagnostics And Repair: Why Is It So Important?
Your car is your lifeline. You use it to get to work, the grocery
store, the kids' schools, and all the other places that your busy life
needs requires visiting. If your car is damaged or otherwise in trouble,
it can set you back both financially and personally, requiring costly
repairs and leaving you out of luck with no way to get to where you need
to go. That's why it's so important to react quickly when you notice
that there is something wrong with your car. Like an injury to your own
body, if you ignore car troubles, they are just going to get worse.
Immediate treatment can save you valuable time and money, and can also give you the peace of mind that comes with a car in good repair.
Your car's transmission is, as the name suggests, the series of parts that transmits power from the engine, including speed change and control. In many ways, the transmission is the heart of your car, and as one of the most essential pieces, you should treat it that way! Transmission trouble can be dangerous, expensive and sudden, but you need not go through that. Diagnostics are important for multiple reasons, and they can prevent the crisis that results from major car damage.
Problematic Transmissions Can Cause a Chain Reaction
Remember, if something changes in your car or if something goes wrong, no matter how small, it could be a symptom of something much bigger and more dangerous. Damaged transmissions can have effects on the rest of the car, too. Since it is such a central piece of the car's inner workings, damage to it can damage the rest of the parts it affects, including the engine itself. It can also affect the differentials of the car - the spin of the wheels, which affects the car's drivability and safety in many aspects (think turning corners or controlling the car on uneven terrain). A damaged transmission is a liability to the car as a whole.
Because the transmission is so important, it is particularly crucial that you pursue a diagnostic test to get to the root of the problem should you suspect any issues or irregularities. The diagnostic will consist of a professional examination of your transmission with a report of any issues and an estimate of how much the repair will cost, and it's a great and convenient way to avoid worse problems in the future by consulting with a mechanic you can trust.
Professionals, with their years of training and experience, are best suited to the diagnostic process, which will inspect your transmission for faults and damage. This is applicable whether you have a manual transmission or an automatic one, and whether your car is American or an import. If you neglect the problems, they can become much worse, but having a diagnostic assessment performed can keep your repairs as inexpensive and simple as possible - and simple, inexpensive repairs means that you can get on with your life that much faster.
Immediate treatment can save you valuable time and money, and can also give you the peace of mind that comes with a car in good repair.
Your car's transmission is, as the name suggests, the series of parts that transmits power from the engine, including speed change and control. In many ways, the transmission is the heart of your car, and as one of the most essential pieces, you should treat it that way! Transmission trouble can be dangerous, expensive and sudden, but you need not go through that. Diagnostics are important for multiple reasons, and they can prevent the crisis that results from major car damage.
Problematic Transmissions Can Cause a Chain Reaction
Remember, if something changes in your car or if something goes wrong, no matter how small, it could be a symptom of something much bigger and more dangerous. Damaged transmissions can have effects on the rest of the car, too. Since it is such a central piece of the car's inner workings, damage to it can damage the rest of the parts it affects, including the engine itself. It can also affect the differentials of the car - the spin of the wheels, which affects the car's drivability and safety in many aspects (think turning corners or controlling the car on uneven terrain). A damaged transmission is a liability to the car as a whole.
Because the transmission is so important, it is particularly crucial that you pursue a diagnostic test to get to the root of the problem should you suspect any issues or irregularities. The diagnostic will consist of a professional examination of your transmission with a report of any issues and an estimate of how much the repair will cost, and it's a great and convenient way to avoid worse problems in the future by consulting with a mechanic you can trust.
Professionals, with their years of training and experience, are best suited to the diagnostic process, which will inspect your transmission for faults and damage. This is applicable whether you have a manual transmission or an automatic one, and whether your car is American or an import. If you neglect the problems, they can become much worse, but having a diagnostic assessment performed can keep your repairs as inexpensive and simple as possible - and simple, inexpensive repairs means that you can get on with your life that much faster.
If you live in Sarasota, Florida and are having transmission problems, bring your vehicle to Ralph's Transmissions or the best diagnostic and repair service available.
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
How to Choose a Collision Repair Shop
Everybody hates accidents and also vehicles too. When your car
gets damaged in an accident it might be quite exhausting for you to face
the consequences. You will have to find the right body shop to repair
the damages caused and at the same time claim the amount from your
insurance company. Finding the right body shop to repair the damages
caused to your car can be a daunting task. To ease your worries, I am
presenting you some factors that you must consider while choosing a
collision repair shop. Apart from the time taken to repair your car, you
must consider the price affordability and the quality of service. You
should also find out the number of years of experience the collision repair shop has, the type of cars repaired by them, guarantee, provision of supplementary services etc.
Asking For Referrals:
If you wish to avail the services of competent body shop the best thing to do is to ask your relatives or friends for referrals. Your co-workers or friends might be able to recommend you a shop that has previously delivered good service to them. You can also Google out for names of body shops and also go through user reviews. If there are a number of positive reviews then you can give a chance to that specific body shop.
Price Assessment
Price is definitely important point to consider whether you are paying for the services or the insurance company. Before you proceed with a specific shop, you must take price estimates from various shops offering repair service. When you have the estimate from various shops, it becomes easy for you to decide the body shop you wish to go for. However, you must be wary that you don't go for a collision body shop that offers cheap price for low quality service. Compare each section of estimate to know how much has been allocated for parts, labor and other expenses.
Labor Cost:
The biggest item on a collision repair shop's estimate is labor costs. It reflects the amount paid by the shop owner both to his workers in the shop and also as overheads. If the shop is located in a posh location and there is huge office staff that works for the shop you might need to pay higher than what you would have to pay otherwise.
There is also a possibility that you might be charged more hours for the same service. Shops usually refer to manual of standard hours to estimate how many hours a specific job SHOULD take. Some shops itemize various components in order to confuse the consumer. The best thing to do is compare estimates.
If you have no recommendations on collision repair shop then you can consider other factors such as the time for which your car will be in the shop for service, the number of years of experience, the auto body technology used by them, number of clients they have etc.
Asking For Referrals:
If you wish to avail the services of competent body shop the best thing to do is to ask your relatives or friends for referrals. Your co-workers or friends might be able to recommend you a shop that has previously delivered good service to them. You can also Google out for names of body shops and also go through user reviews. If there are a number of positive reviews then you can give a chance to that specific body shop.
Price Assessment
Price is definitely important point to consider whether you are paying for the services or the insurance company. Before you proceed with a specific shop, you must take price estimates from various shops offering repair service. When you have the estimate from various shops, it becomes easy for you to decide the body shop you wish to go for. However, you must be wary that you don't go for a collision body shop that offers cheap price for low quality service. Compare each section of estimate to know how much has been allocated for parts, labor and other expenses.
Labor Cost:
The biggest item on a collision repair shop's estimate is labor costs. It reflects the amount paid by the shop owner both to his workers in the shop and also as overheads. If the shop is located in a posh location and there is huge office staff that works for the shop you might need to pay higher than what you would have to pay otherwise.
There is also a possibility that you might be charged more hours for the same service. Shops usually refer to manual of standard hours to estimate how many hours a specific job SHOULD take. Some shops itemize various components in order to confuse the consumer. The best thing to do is compare estimates.
If you have no recommendations on collision repair shop then you can consider other factors such as the time for which your car will be in the shop for service, the number of years of experience, the auto body technology used by them, number of clients they have etc.
Exclusive Collision Center is one of the best Collision Repair Shop. We provide all type of auto body work.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
How Auto Body Repairs Saves You Money in the Long-Run
While the world's economy continues to become worse, we all keep
on trying to save money and keep as much as we can in our pockets. We
are simply trying our hardest to get the most value for what we spend
and also make it last as long as possible.
One downfall is that it is inevitable that unfortunate accidents are going to happen and we will have to let some cash loose. It is no secret that our vehicles do take up quite a lot of our hard earned cash. However, this does not mean we stop spending our money on one of our most prized possessions.
It is vital to keep our vehicles looking fantastic, running well and also to protect their value and your investment. If you are unfortunate enough to have an automobile that has had auto body damage, then you will indeed save more money long-term by having a reputable body shop take care of the repairs immediately.
The majority of the time, car owners feel that if the vehicle they own has had some damage to the body, then they will need to get a whole new replacement for that part. Car owners should worry less as this is certainly not always the case. There are many auto repairs which can be performed including bumper repair, paint touch up, windshield repair, headlight restoration, wheel rim repair and much more, without replacing the whole part.
Auto repairs tend to cost a mere fraction of what replacement parts cost. Another advantage of repairs instead of replacements is that the job can be completed very quickly. The process usually only takes a few hours and there isn't the time consuming wait for specific parts to arrive.
Some damages, unfortunately, can actually lead to even more substantial repairs and costs, if the damage is not dealt with quickly enough. For example, if the vehicle has chipped or cracked paint, it is then exposing the metal body to all of the different types of elements especially moisture and in some areas road salt.
This is due to the fact that paint acts as a type of sealant. If the cracked or chipped paint is not repaired fast enough, then rust will gradually start to form around the area which is affected. This can lead to disaster, as rust is very invasive and is certainly a much more costly repair.
Therefore, if you have minor repairs sorted quickly, you will actually be able to keep your hard earned cash in your pocket. Most of the time, a rental car will not be required when you're vehicle is undergoing minor repairs because the work required will be completed very quickly. This will help you save cash as you will not need to pay for a rental, not to mention the added hassle of having to return the rented vehicle when your repairs are complete.
There are a lot of auto body shops that work closely with insurance companies while repairing vehicles. Some of these shops will even contact and negotiate with them for you. It is true that in most cases, your insurance company will certainly pay for the repairs, based upon your insurance coverage, however, if the work to be done is fairly minor, most people usually just pay the price themselves, as the cost is so small and far less than their deductable.
If you pay a little extra when the initial damage occurs, then it is a fact that you will save money in the long run. It will definitely prevent you from having to spend more on the smaller repairs that were not dealt with properly, which will result in even more extensive work required for your automobile.
On top of this, you will be able to maintain your vehicle's value, so that when the time comes to trade it in on a newer model, you will receive a much higher amount to put down on your next newest acquisition.
One downfall is that it is inevitable that unfortunate accidents are going to happen and we will have to let some cash loose. It is no secret that our vehicles do take up quite a lot of our hard earned cash. However, this does not mean we stop spending our money on one of our most prized possessions.
It is vital to keep our vehicles looking fantastic, running well and also to protect their value and your investment. If you are unfortunate enough to have an automobile that has had auto body damage, then you will indeed save more money long-term by having a reputable body shop take care of the repairs immediately.
The majority of the time, car owners feel that if the vehicle they own has had some damage to the body, then they will need to get a whole new replacement for that part. Car owners should worry less as this is certainly not always the case. There are many auto repairs which can be performed including bumper repair, paint touch up, windshield repair, headlight restoration, wheel rim repair and much more, without replacing the whole part.
Auto repairs tend to cost a mere fraction of what replacement parts cost. Another advantage of repairs instead of replacements is that the job can be completed very quickly. The process usually only takes a few hours and there isn't the time consuming wait for specific parts to arrive.
Some damages, unfortunately, can actually lead to even more substantial repairs and costs, if the damage is not dealt with quickly enough. For example, if the vehicle has chipped or cracked paint, it is then exposing the metal body to all of the different types of elements especially moisture and in some areas road salt.
This is due to the fact that paint acts as a type of sealant. If the cracked or chipped paint is not repaired fast enough, then rust will gradually start to form around the area which is affected. This can lead to disaster, as rust is very invasive and is certainly a much more costly repair.
Therefore, if you have minor repairs sorted quickly, you will actually be able to keep your hard earned cash in your pocket. Most of the time, a rental car will not be required when you're vehicle is undergoing minor repairs because the work required will be completed very quickly. This will help you save cash as you will not need to pay for a rental, not to mention the added hassle of having to return the rented vehicle when your repairs are complete.
There are a lot of auto body shops that work closely with insurance companies while repairing vehicles. Some of these shops will even contact and negotiate with them for you. It is true that in most cases, your insurance company will certainly pay for the repairs, based upon your insurance coverage, however, if the work to be done is fairly minor, most people usually just pay the price themselves, as the cost is so small and far less than their deductable.
If you pay a little extra when the initial damage occurs, then it is a fact that you will save money in the long run. It will definitely prevent you from having to spend more on the smaller repairs that were not dealt with properly, which will result in even more extensive work required for your automobile.
On top of this, you will be able to maintain your vehicle's value, so that when the time comes to trade it in on a newer model, you will receive a much higher amount to put down on your next newest acquisition.
Majestic Collision Repair is Guelph's auto body experts. If you've been in an accident and need body work done, they'll lead you step-by-step through the entire process. They deal directly with your insurance provider, and also supply you with valet shuttle service and rental car support. As a fabulous finishing touch, they also supply a free car detailing. If you've been in an accident, or just need some cosmetic work done, go to mybodyshop website for more information.
Thursday, February 6, 2014
Easy Way To Get Quality Auto Collision Repair
Auto collisions on our busy roads are a reality. Unscrupulous
businessmen aiming to take advantage of such distressful events are
another reality. Therefore apart from taking insurance cover with a
reliable company, taking note of trustworthy auto body shops is another
way of mitigating the toll an accident may take on your mind, pocket and
clock.
Consideration When Choosing an Auto Body Shop
Before such an eventuality, it is advisable that you enquire about the collision repair shops near you. At your own pace, do your research at home, the workplace, online and on the ground. The factors to consider when choosing where to go for auto collision repair include:
Quality of work.
It takes great training and equipment to fix a damaged car so that it looks and performs like, or better than, before. Therefore establish the level of training of the technicians at the shop, and the technology they use to make auto body estimates and repair problems. The range of services they offer will also tell you their level of expertise and experience with cars like yours.
Cost of work.
Cheap is expensive. The services of a shop offering auto collision repair cheaply may very likely be substandard. This is not to say that you go to the most expensive shop, but that the auto shop must account for every dollar charged. It is important that you compare the charges of as many shops as possible.
Speed of service.
Since your car is an essential agent for running your daily life, find the shop that will fix it as quick as possible. You must ensure that it has all the parts your vehicle needs before you leave it at the repair shop. However, keep in mind that good auto body work requires your patience.
Customer care.
What guarantee does the shop give its clients? What is the attitude of the business towards you as a (potential) customer? Apart from repairing your car, what other service does the shop offer you? These questions may be answered by reading the customer reviews, Better Business Bureau reviews or even the business' webpage.
Hassle Free Car Repair Process
In the event of an accident, there are three parties to call: the police, your insurance company, and the choice auto collision repair shop.
What follows then is assessment of the damage done to your car. The diagnosis may involve modern software, yet it relies on the inspections skills of the technician to derive an auto repair estimate. This document shows every part that will need replacement, or removal and installation, the cost involved, and time required.
It is worth noting that the amount quoted for your insurance company is an estimate. This figure may increase as some charges are tied to time spent working, and as other problems may be discovered later. The technicians must inform you of these and explain how they missed them previously before they fix them.
While the repair job is on going, a reputable company such as Sterling AutoBody Shop may organise for you a rental car. Once the job has been completed, you should be shown the original parts that were replaced and the receipts of the parts and paints bought for your vehicle.
Consideration When Choosing an Auto Body Shop
Before such an eventuality, it is advisable that you enquire about the collision repair shops near you. At your own pace, do your research at home, the workplace, online and on the ground. The factors to consider when choosing where to go for auto collision repair include:
Quality of work.
It takes great training and equipment to fix a damaged car so that it looks and performs like, or better than, before. Therefore establish the level of training of the technicians at the shop, and the technology they use to make auto body estimates and repair problems. The range of services they offer will also tell you their level of expertise and experience with cars like yours.
Cost of work.
Cheap is expensive. The services of a shop offering auto collision repair cheaply may very likely be substandard. This is not to say that you go to the most expensive shop, but that the auto shop must account for every dollar charged. It is important that you compare the charges of as many shops as possible.
Speed of service.
Since your car is an essential agent for running your daily life, find the shop that will fix it as quick as possible. You must ensure that it has all the parts your vehicle needs before you leave it at the repair shop. However, keep in mind that good auto body work requires your patience.
Customer care.
What guarantee does the shop give its clients? What is the attitude of the business towards you as a (potential) customer? Apart from repairing your car, what other service does the shop offer you? These questions may be answered by reading the customer reviews, Better Business Bureau reviews or even the business' webpage.
Hassle Free Car Repair Process
In the event of an accident, there are three parties to call: the police, your insurance company, and the choice auto collision repair shop.
What follows then is assessment of the damage done to your car. The diagnosis may involve modern software, yet it relies on the inspections skills of the technician to derive an auto repair estimate. This document shows every part that will need replacement, or removal and installation, the cost involved, and time required.
It is worth noting that the amount quoted for your insurance company is an estimate. This figure may increase as some charges are tied to time spent working, and as other problems may be discovered later. The technicians must inform you of these and explain how they missed them previously before they fix them.
While the repair job is on going, a reputable company such as Sterling AutoBody Shop may organise for you a rental car. Once the job has been completed, you should be shown the original parts that were replaced and the receipts of the parts and paints bought for your vehicle.
Callum Jessy is the author of this article on autobody shop. Find more information, about auto body estimate here
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Callum_Jessy
Monday, February 3, 2014
Safe Driving Tip #7:Driver Distraction!
A professional driver talks about the importance of keeping your eyes on the road when you're driving. It's from Ford Motor Company's Driving Skills for Life program, which is designed to help young drivers improve their skills in four key areas that are critical factors in more than 60% of teen vehicle crashes, hazard recognition, vehicle handling, space management and speed management.
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