Sunday, July 29, 2018

Road Tripping - How to Pack Your Vehicle Like a Pro


One of the keys to staying safe on road trips is knowing how to pack your car properly. Maximize your cargo space with this quick checklist.

Thursday, July 26, 2018

What to Look For in Auto Body Repair Shops


For most drivers, getting their vehicle repaired can often be a stressful time. When many people think of auto repair shops, they often think of scoundrels who will try to milk them for as much money as they can. Fortunately, good and honest auto body repair shops are easy to find. You just have to know what to look for and what questions to ask when researching auto shops.

The following are a number of tips on what to look for in an auto body repair shop:

1. One place to search for information about an auto repair shop is to check online. The internet is a great source of finding the history of an auto repair shop. You can go to such sites as the Better Business Bureau, a consumer report site, and Angie's list, to see if there is a history of complaints. As well, you can also find reviews of auto repair shops written by customers.

2. Before you have a problem with your vehicle, visit a number of auto repair shops to assess the shop. Look for cleanliness, proper lighting that allows mechanics to see small dents and such, and if the mechanics have licenses and certifications. Do you see any special awards? Does the equipment look current and well maintained? As well, you can talk to the employees to assess their professionalism.

3. When you are at an auto shop, look at the vehicles that they have worked on. Are there good paint jobs? Are all the panels aligned correctly? You should talk to the mechanics to find out what they do if you are unhappy with the repair work. Will the mechanic repair a problem they did not fix the first time at no charge? Or, will there be extra fees? How long is the warranty? How long will it take for the repairs to be completed? Ask about their fees and if they get quality parts.

After you have your car returned from repair, make sure you exam it right away to make sure repair was done and look for anything unusual or does not seem right. If you do find something wrong, take it back to the auto repair shop right away. Take the car for a test drive to listen for any unusual sounds or something not working properly. As well, before the mechanic starts working on your vehicle, make sure they know how much you are willing to pay and if they find something else that is wrong, they should call you to tell you and how much it will cost to fix.

There are many honest and professional auto shops out there. The key to finding the best auto repair shop that meets your needs is to do your research, ask the right questions, and always get a price quote before the mechanic starts working on your vehicle. Choosing a good auto body repair shop will save you a lot of headaches and money, and you will have peace of mind knowing you are getting a good repair.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Adriana_Noton/446836

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Monday, July 23, 2018

5 Ways to Make Your Old Car Feel New Again


You don’t have to buy a new car to enjoy that new-car feeling. Here are 5 tips on how to make your old car feel showroom fresh.

Friday, July 20, 2018

Considerations When Looking for Body Shops


If you have been involved in a collision or just have some minor exterior damage to your car from wear and tear, you will need to look into the various body shops in your area that can make the necessary repairs.

Estimates: Most body shops will offer free estimates for their work, and getting several quotes is the best way to avoid overcharges. Get all of the details in writing. Even though it's just an estimate, you want to be able to compare apples to apples among different mechanics. In some cases, one mechanic may even try to match an estimate if they can.

Experience and reputation for repair work: Even in the digital age, nothing beats word-of-mouth recommendations. You can also check with your local consumer organizations to get a better understanding of their reputation. To narrow the field even further, you need to know the extent of the damage. If the damage is structural, make sure your choice has the experience needed to take care of all the repairs and not just the exterior issues.

Insurance company relationship: Most insurance companies have built up relationships with specific auto body shops. These contracts help the insurance provider save money because they have negotiated lower parts and labor rates. The business your insurance company recommends also meets certain training and certification requirements. This, however, is just a recommendation. If you do not feel completely comfortable and confident with their work, do not be afraid to tell the insurance representative that you want to go with another shop. In the end, they must respect your wishes. It's the law.

Warranty: A reputable business should have no problem standing behind their work. There may be separate metalwork, painting, decal, and mechanical repair warranties, providing comprehensive coverage. Choose a shop that will guarantee their parts and service. Some will even provide a lifetime guarantee for certain services.

Other services: Ask what other services are included or available for an additional fee. While some may focus their work to structural and exterior detailing, other shops may be able to take care of your car's inspection, oil change, or other maintenance measures.

Even though auto body shops are not needed until an accident happens, it pays to do a little research beforehand, so that when the time comes, you are prepared. Some auto body shops even offer 24/7 emergency towing services, which can be a lifesaver if your car is too damaged to drive. With some research, your car will be back in driving condition for a fair price.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ace_Abbey/851844

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Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Saturday, July 14, 2018

How to Deal With an Overheating Car Engine


Vehicles today are designed with motors that produce powerful amounts of heat. Every time you drive your car, the radiator transfers heat from the engine using thermal heat exchange, which prevents the vehicle from overheating. But in order for a car radiator to function properly, it must have sufficient amounts of liquid coolant running through its core. When it doesn't have sufficient levels of radiator fluid (coolant), or it is defective in some way, your car engine will over heat. In the case that your car radiator ever fails you, be sure you know exactly what to do.

What To Do When Your Car Starts to Over Heat:

PULL OVER

When a car has just overheated, attempting to drive it further can risk harming the engine. You should never drive an overheating car because the engine (and other important inner components) can sustain irrevocable damages. It can also be dangerous to you and anyone in or around the vehicle. For instance, head gaskets can blow, engine parts can melt, and smoke can accumulate in large masses.

So the first thing to do when you notice that your car is over-heating, is pull over to a safe part of the road. It is recommended to try to pull into a neighborhood or parking lot if there is one there at the moment; otherwise, simply find a flat surface on the side of the road.

ALLOW THE ENGINE TO COOL

Once you have pulled over and turned the engine off, be sure to turn on your hazards to alert people of your position. This is especially important at night. Keep all car lights on in the evening if you are ever pulled over on the edge of a street. Many people make the mistake of opening their hoods right away and touching the radiator cap; this is a huge mistake! The car engine and radiator will be very hot and can cause second and third degree burns. Always allow your vehicle to cool off for at least fifteen minutes, depending on the amount of time spent driven prior to the break down. This way you can protect yourself from accidents and injury.

CHECK FOR FLUID LEAKS

When the vehicle has completely cooled, check around and underneath it for any signs of leaking. This could indicate a wide variety of issues, from a cracked radiator to a faulty radiator hose. If there is no sign of leakage, take a look at the oil. Remove the dipstick and concentrate on the color. If it is dark brown and sludgy-looking, this means the liquid coolant might be seeping into the engine. This can result from a blown head gasket or cracked engine block. Even if the oil looks normal, these damages may still be the underlying problem.

CONTACT A MECHANIC

The best thing to do in a situation like this is call a mechanic shop once you have the car pulled over. They are the professionals that can accurately diagnose the issue behind your overheating vehicle. When antifreeze and coolant aren't the answer, trust a licensed auto repair technician to figure it out for you. Use a directory to contact a towing service that can transport your vehicle directly to the auto repair shop, and give you a ride there too, all in the same trip.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Sarahbeth_Kluzinski/1326228

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Wednesday, July 11, 2018

The Top 6 Things to Look For In A Collision Repair Shop


Where would we be without collision repair shops? They can do wonders for an automobile. They can shape it, change it, paint it, and even relieve it of dents and scratches that take away from the beauty of your automobile.

It doesn't matter how the damage occurred, what does matter is you choosing the auto body shop to make your car right again. They are hard to come by. Not all body shops are the same. For example, choosing the one your insurance company told you to will only result in a minimum repair to your car. The insurance company has a "deal" with the repair shop. It doesn't mean they will do a good job on your automobile.

You need to look for a repair shop that does great work for a fair price. Yes, it's going to cost to right the wrongs with your car, but if you choose the right autobody repair shop, then you'll be very satisfied with the work they do. Here's a list of 6 things they should to look for in a great collision repair shop.
  1. Be sure they give you an estimate. Most of the time, your insurance company will do this, and then send you to their preferred shop. However, you can take your car to any repair shop you want, but sometimes on you might have to pay a little more than the insurance pays. In the long run, it will be more than worth it.

  2. Don't let "cheap" influence you! The cost is usually what everyone looks at first, however, if they use a can a spray paint, how's your car going to look when they are done? Check around and see what type of work they do - first - before you let them have your car.

  3. Parts may take a while to get there. Don't drop your automobile off until they have all the parts they need to finish the repairs. Otherwise, it may take several weeks before you get your car back.

  4. Technology check. With today's technology, they should be able to hook your auto up and know exactly what and how to fix any problem with the damage on your car. Don't let them use putty to fill in the blanks.

  5. Be sure they use the best paint. Some of the repair shops will try to slip some nasty paint onto your auto. Check their paint supply to be sure it's going to last on your car. Some of the paint these days will only last a year or so before it starts to wear off.

  6. Look for the warranty or guarantee. They should have a good one that will cover any type of work they do on your automobile. It should cover the paint, dents and starches, body work, and labor.
Looking for a collision repair shop is time consuming, but once you find the right one, you'll be glad you chose them. Your car will look like new again and no one will be able to see that any work has been done at all. Also, ask around and get others opinion of the auto body repair shop you choose for your auto. That's the best type of shop to have fix your car.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Steve_Frizzell/1231676

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Sunday, July 8, 2018

The Dangers of Over-Inflated and Under-Inflated Tires


There are many reasons why you should take good care of your car. Not only is your vehicle a very expensive investment that you want to last for as long as possible, but your safety can also be at risk if your car is not performing at its best. One of the most overlooked factory scheduled car maintenance requirements for ALL vehicles is tire care.

Tires should be in good condition at all times. And as soon as they begin to show signs of wear and tear, it is time to have them replaced. In between tire replacement, your tires require regular rotations and balancing, as well as daily air pressure monitoring.

If you fail to take good care of your tires, they can begin to lose their ability to do their job, which can put your safety at risk. Tire pressure is a common problem that can influence your overall tire performance and safety. Be sure to routinely inspect your tires for proper inflation; you don't want them to be over or under-inflated.

The Dangers of Under-Inflated Tires

Bulges can form in the tire walls, which can weaken areas of the tires, and put them at a higher risk of blowing out on the road.

Under-inflated tires will cause reduced fuel efficiency, which affects a driver's budget and vehicle reliability.

Under-inflated tires will impede vehicular mobility, which can be dangerous in the defensive driving scenario and inclement weather, and while navigating small spaces.

The Dangers of Over-Inflated Tires

Over-inflated tires can cause an increase air temperature within them, which can lead to sudden blowouts while driving. They can also lead to an imbalance of contact on the road among all four tires, which can hinder vehicular mobility and handling.

According to a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

A tire that is 25% above the recommended air pressure is 2 times more likely to be involved in a collision.

A tire that is 25% below the recommended tire pressure is 3 times more likely to be involved in a collision.

There are virtually 11,000 tire-related motor vehicle accidents every year.

Nearly 75% of roadside flats are a result of improper tire pressure.

Flat Tire?

If you get a flat as a result of over or under-inflation, you can try to repair it yourself if you have a spare tire or an emergency roadside kit. If you are not capable of repairing or changing your flat, you can contact a local towing company for 24-hour roadside assistance service.

They can respond to your location within a short amount of time, repair your tire, or tow you to the location of your choice. Whether it is 3 o'clock in the morning or 5:30 rush hour, they have the resources to get you back on the road in no time at all.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9965207

Thursday, July 5, 2018

What to do in an Accident | Allstate Accident Safety Tips



Car accidents are stressful events that seem to raise dozens of questions at once: Should I call the police? Should I move my car? Is it safe to drive home? This video will guide you through the most important decisions you need to make before and after you've been in a collision.