tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62586647782241890872024-02-08T05:32:44.319-08:00The Best Tips RepairsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258664778224189087.post-36552627173378398832012-06-01T15:20:00.002-07:002012-06-01T15:20:51.479-07:00Cheap car insurance and the insurance groups<div style="text-align: justify;">The theory of buying a new car is always straightforward. You watch Top Gear, see something spectacular, toddle off to the nearest dealer's showroom, plonk down cash and drive away contented. Well, if that's your approach, you're either a company director who gets one of these eye-watering bonuses, or you've never tried to buy and insure a car before. Let's go back to Jeremy Clarkson and his happy band of cartoon-like presenters who often sacrifice intelligent comment for humour. Many of the cars shown are expensive to own and repair. Before you even begin dreaming of buying one of these often sleek speedsters, check which insurance group it belongs to. Remember, you're looking for cheap car insurance.<br />
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Until 2010, there were only 20 groups. This reflected a general feeling that insurers could predict the costs of repair with enough accuracy to set premiums. However, following work done by Thatcham, the motor insurance repair research centre, the groupings were expanded to 50. This is now adopted as standard by the Association of British Insurers and Lloyds Market Association. For each group, there's now an estimate of the cost of parts and labour following a crash test at 15 mph. The other factor influenced by Thatcham is vehicle security. This takes account of the locks and any other security features fitted as standard. So the car you would like to buy may be allocated to Group 18 and have an A for an adequate level of security (E shows the security provided exceeds the group expectation, i.e. the car would be shown as a 17E). For obvious reasons, it's unwise to buy a vehicle which has a D or U security classification.<br />
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The rule is that you get cheap car insurance when the car is in a low group. The majority of newly manufactured cars intended for the mass market are within the range 1-20. But do not assume that small underpowered cars will belong to a low group. Some of the Fiat Bravo range are in Group 17, the HGT is in Group 29.<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258664778224189087.post-88895987163017310462012-05-29T18:19:00.002-07:002012-05-29T18:19:31.103-07:00Does going Green affect your Car Insurance?<div class="articlecontents" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Many factors affect your car insurance premium like:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><ul style="text-align: justify;"><li>Your Driving Habits </li>
<li>Your Driving History: number of violations and accidents </li>
<li>Your average yearly mileage </li>
<li>Your number of claims filed </li>
<li>Your neighborhood </li>
<li>Your Credit Score </li>
</ul><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Insurance companies rate the risk of all of these factors and follow trends to set your premiums. A recent trend in the automotive industry is the introduction of green car or hybrids. Several types of automobiles are labeled green or hybrids. There are two types of combination hybrids series and parallel. The combination hybrid uses both a battery driven electric motor and a gas engine. The electric motor allows for a smaller, lighter more fuel efficient gas engine. In a parallel hybrid the electric and combustion motors both the transmission together. In a series hybrid, the combustion engine is only used to recharge the batteries, and the electric motor does all the work of driving the transmission. There are PEV's (plug in electrical vehicles like the Nissan leaf) that use battery as the only power source; not to mention automobiles developed around natural gas as the fuel source are available on the market.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Most green cars on the road today are combination hybrids (gas and battery). They average between 45 and 55 mpg. With today's volatile fuel prices that can add up to considerable savings at the pump, and the most popular models have good safety ratings. So does going green save you on <a href="http://www.insurlistonline.net/going-green.html">car insurance</a>? The answer is yes and no.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Many of the green cars are higher end, and higher price tag automobiles. The higher the initial cost of the car, the more expensive your car insurance. Don't lose heart if you want to go green to save the environment, or just to save money at the pump. Most automobile manufacturers are rolling more moderately priced green machines off the assembly line. While the sticker price is still a bit higher than their non-green models, the range of models is opening up. There are green versions now offered in most price ranges. You can now buy a mid priced 4 door sedan version that is not only limited to the luxury line. If you want to go green the mid to compact size models will save you on <a href="http://www.insurlistonline.net/">car insurance</a> and at the pump.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258664778224189087.post-67779663660644991082012-05-29T18:18:00.002-07:002012-05-29T18:18:14.296-07:00Car insurance and winter driving<div class="articlecontents" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">For example, did you prepare your vehicle for facing bad weather conditions? After all, it's predictable there will be snow and ice in winter. So did you fit new tires so you would have the maximum possible traction in slippery conditions? Or did you remember to put chains in the trunk so that, when the snow gets deeper, you can still drive reasonably safely? We all know the risk of sliding or skidding out of control. Why then do we fail to take action to protect ourselves and other road users? There are probably several reasons, not the least of which are that this means spending money on buying the chains, some think it inconvenient to fit them, and you cannot drive fast when you have them fitted. The fact local governments may require chains to be fitted as a condition to using the roads in some areas is not considered a reason for action (curiously, there are no chain laws in Florida and Missouri - strange oversight).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then we come to all those routine maintenance tasks like adding antifreeze and retuning the engine so it's more likely to start when the temperature drops. Did you fit new blades on the windshield to give you better visibility when there's snow fall or a blizzard? And then we come to all the steps to protect you should your vehicle break down or be involved in an accident. Do you have an emergency bag packed with warm clothing and blankets should you need to keep warm while rescue comes? You did remember to charge your cell so you could call for help? If you are making a trip cross-country where signal strength may be low, did you tell people when you were expected so they could send out search and rescue teams?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">All these things are basic common sense yet, when the first snows hit, we seem to have forgotten to prepare. If accidents are more likely because of this failure and it's shown to be a regular failure, your <a href="http://www.getyourcarinsur.com/">car insurance</a> rates will rise. If you have been making claims, the <a href="http://www.getyourcarinsur.com/winter-driving.html">car insurance quotes</a> coming in from other insurers will not be welcoming. No insurer wants to take on someone who fails to prepare in the face of obvious dangers. That's why insurers in the states where the weather is worst offer discounts for drivers who go on defensive driving courses and learn how to drive more safely. Your choice!</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258664778224189087.post-80984390519532878752012-05-29T18:16:00.002-07:002012-05-29T18:16:31.375-07:00Auto insurance and driverless vehicles<div class="articlecontents" style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the movie Minority Report, Stephen Spielberg has an extended sequence showing cars of the future being assembled and how they drive themselves. It's pleasing how well a film made some ten years ago has been predicting the future. The multitouch computer interfaces are here as are the retina scanners. Facial recognition software is routinely used at airports and other safety-critical locations, and we are now carrying pads around on which we can read the latest newspapers and books. Strangely enough, the driverless vehicles are also on our streets being tested. That might surprise you. Except the states of California and Nevada have already passed laws making it legal to have these vehicles drive you. So what's the problem?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">In a sense, we have most of the technology already available off-the-shelf. Cameras can be fitted to give 360 degree vision. Radar can tell the vehicle when anything else is moving nearby. GPS transponders tell the vehicle exactly where it is. Computers can easily be configured to talk to each other so that each vehicle can be told when there's something else nearby on the road. We have voice recognition software which will allow owners to input the desired destination and route preferences. Many of the standard vehicles are already drive-by-wire, i.e. electronic rather than mechanical links to the accelerator, brakes, and so on. All we need are the software packages to interpret all this data and translate it into instructions for the vehicle. For the record, in March, Google announced that its driverless car has traveled over 200,000 miles on roads in all types of traffic conditions. There has not yet been an accident. Indeed, so confident is Google that it has begun discussions both with government and the insurance industry.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The theoretical advantages are enormous. A computer never takes its "eyes" off the road to answer a cell phone or comb its hair. It never drives too close to the vehicle in front. There's no reckless overtaking or speeding. If this technology was adopted across all our roads, the number and seriousness of traffic accidents would be significantly reduced. Given that more than 30,000 people are killed on our roads every year, this would be a major improvement. With the number of accidents falling, insurance costs would fall and premium rates could be reduced. Except we all know technology can break down. There's a world of difference between trusting the PC on your table at home to keep your personal information safe and allowing the same PC to drive you at 70 mph down a busy interstate.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">It seems the discussions with the <a href="http://www.autoinsurproviders.com/driverless-vehicles.html">auto insurance</a> industry have been going well because Google recently announced a more positive testing program for the software. Instead of this being ten or more years in the future, it has lost its speculative nature and could be approved in the next two or three years. The question for you as individual drivers is whether you will surrender your hands-on control to a computer in return for significant reductions in <a href="http://www.autoinsurproviders.com/">auto insurance</a> rates. It's actually a very good deal and only dangerous if a few reckless people insist on continuing to drive themselves or it amuses hackers to take over vehicles and stage crashes.</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258664778224189087.post-79805101801412074102012-01-26T17:40:00.000-08:002012-03-03T17:41:53.039-08:00The Importance of Timely Windshield Repairs and Replacements<div style="text-align: justify;">Driving around with a broken windshield can be a danger to your safety. Getting windshield replacement right away is important and can protect both you and your loved ones.<br />
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A broken windshield is something that everyone may have experienced once or twice in their lives. Although some windshield problems might not seem like a big deal, even the smallest crack in a windshield can be a danger to your safety, to the safety of others in your vehicle, and to those on the road with you. If you don't want to take risks, then dealing with broken windshields right away is imperative.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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Having a chip or crack in your auto glass can be annoying, not to mention dangerous. In some cases, windshield repair may be enough to fix the crack or chip. You can try using a repair kit at home to fill in small damaged areas in your vehicle's window, but you need to be prepared to consider the idea of a replacement. Although it may be more costly to go with a replacement option, you can ensure that you and your family are safe when you're traveling in your vehicle. The tiniest bump or even a fender bender could cause glass that has been poorly repaired to spiderweb and crack, leaving the windshield hard to see out of and in definite need of replacement. Windshield repair will work with some small chips and cracks, but you should never drive if you don't feel that you've repaired the damaged spot successfully.<br />
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The Dangers of Cracked Windshields<br />
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When your windshield has been damaged by an accident or chipped due to a flying rock, it's important for you to evaluate the damage done and take steps to fix it. If you don't secure repairs for your window or get a windshield replacement right away, then you could be putting yourself at risk of getting into an accident. With a crack in your windshield, your vision might be obstructed, making it difficult for you to see other cars on the road. If you don't want to take this risk, then it's imperative that you consider windshield replacement right away. Minor problems can get worse rapidly, making them impossible to repair, so if you're interested in exploring solutions other than complete replacement, make sure you get your vehicle checked by an automotive glass specialist sooner rather than later.<br />
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Consider Hiring an Auto Glass Professional<br />
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When a windshield is cracked or shattered, this poses a significant risk to you, your passengers, and others on the road. If you want to ensure the safety of everyone involved, fixing damaged or broken windows should be a priority for you. While at-home repair kits can do the job in some cases, you may be more comfortable working with an auto glass repair professional, especially if you're in need of a whole new windshield. Most auto glass repair professionals can handle both repairs and replacements, and some even offer mobile services, so they can come right to your location for your convenience. Getting your auto windows repaired is a must, as it will increase your safety on the road. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, you need to get your automotive glass or windshield fixed as soon as possible.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258664778224189087.post-60003848012148669472012-01-07T17:39:00.001-08:002012-03-03T17:40:45.469-08:00How to Avoid Car Repair Disasters<div style="text-align: justify;">One of the main reasons people complain about car repair companies is that what they thought would be a very cheap repair ends up costing much more than advertised, or taking longer than expected. In most cases, this can be avoided by choosing the right car repair company and ensuring that all the work done is documented and agreed before anything is done to your car.<br />
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Let's start with selecting a car repair company. Unless you are in an emergency situation, like your car engine giving up in the middle of a road trip, chances are you have plenty of time to choose a good and legitimate mechanic professional to call on when needed. It's always better to ask for referrals, as few people would recommend a mechanic they didn't have a very good experience with.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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Consider also your car, especially if it's an expensive or uncommon model. In some cases you may want to talk with the car manufacturer or the car dealership and see if they can recommend a good mechanic. The reason is that, sometimes, getting spares for particular brands can be difficult unless the car repair company already has a relationship with the manufacturer. It's always a good idea to test a new garage with a routine maintenance session, as that will allow you to see their customer service.<br />
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If your car breaks down and you need to take it to the mechanic, make sure they don't start doing any work until you actually approve it, and get a written quote. If the quote seems very high or the suggested repairs look too expensive you may want to go and get a second opinion, just in case there are cheaper ways to get your car running away. However, be careful to avoid being too cheap and making your car a health hazard because you choose to take a shortcut or use parts that aren't guaranteed.<br />
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You may also want to look into getting any repairs guaranteed by the car repair company for a specific amount of time, but you may need to ask before they actually offer that kind of insurance to you. Even if it is a bit pricier, a garage that is willing to guarantee their work is more likely to do a good job and save you from car repair disasters.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258664778224189087.post-8048235992057783232011-12-23T17:38:00.000-08:002012-03-03T17:39:43.926-08:00Fuel Injection Systems<div style="text-align: justify;">All gasoline-powered engines require only two basic elements to run - the proper quantity of fuel for any given rpm and throttle opening, and spark from the ignition coil at the right moment. A carburetor's fuel-delivery system is compound of distinct fuel circuits, each with a specific job to comply. During startup of a cold engine, the choke circuit adds supplementary fuel and air to maintain engine from stalling. When the engine reaches operating temperature, the choke circuit shuts down. At idle (as the throttle is opened), the idle mixture from the screw and transfer port circuits allocates extra fuel as needed by the engine. As airflow into the engine raises, the main fuel circuit regulates fuel flow related to the proportion of throttle opening. If the throttle is opened unexpectedly, an accelerator pump circuit squirts fuel straightly into the intake manifold.<br />
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Even though carburetors have supplied fuel delivery services for well over one century and have always basically worked pretty well, there are several things they simply can't handle. A carburetor is fundamentally a hunk of aluminum with a number of holes drilled into it. As air pressure within the carburetor changes, fuel and air flow through the diverse holes and into the engine. However, a carburetor's capacity to deal with constantly changing operating environments is restricted with regard to reactions to modifications in altitude and compensation for engine temperature. They also lack accurate fuel control for emissions purposes and produce overall excessive fuel consumption pending steady-state engine operation and acceleration. In brief, carburetors are just too dumb to continue being helpful for providing accurate air/fuel mixtures in present vehicles. What is required is a fuel delivery system with some brains.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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Furthermore to performing all the functions of a carburetor, the EFI system also adjusts engine idle speed and numerous ignition system timing functions. It regulates fuel delivery utilizing electromagnetic valves (fuel injectors) that open electronically for different lengths of time. When the fuel injectors are turned on, they disperse fuel into the engine. The quantity of on time is called injector pulse width, and the longer this is, the greater the quantity of fuel injected into the engine. While all EFI systems utilize fuel injectors that operate in the same manner, there are distinct EFI designs and computer strategies in use nowadays.<br />
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Throttle body injected engines utilize only one or two injectors situated where the carburetor used to be. Afterward fuel is injected into the throttle body, it goes through an intake manifold before reaching each cylinder.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258664778224189087.post-90410479230473473152011-11-06T17:37:00.000-08:002012-03-03T17:38:39.541-08:00Why Buy a Nickel Plating Kit<div style="text-align: justify;">It's important to choose the right nickel plating kit for your needs. While there are professional nickel plating companies you can take your old and vintage car parts, motorcycle restoration parts and bicycle parts, these businesses will always work to make the most money possible for their nickel plating services. There is nothing wrong with a business trying to make money but there may also be a better way for the weekend plater to get the most for their money.<br />
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A smart move is to buy a nickel plating kit from an online or local dealer. Isn't working with your own material what working on a hobby is all about? Why take a motorcycle part into a plating shop when this is something that can be done inside one's own garage or at-home workshop? One thing to keep in mind is that there are chemicals involved in the kits but modern plating kits are said to be safer and more accessible than kits in the past.<a name='more'></a><br />
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Nickel is a very wear resistant material once it is plated properly. Its durability, anti-corrosion qualities, weather resistant nature and ability to stave of wear and tear makes nickel a very desirable plating material. Nickel also reduces friction and can be used to augment undersized auto or motorcycle parts for salvage purposed. This makes nickel plating kits desirable for the home or hobbyist user.<br />
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Kits that are available include a brush plating kit, tank or bucket kit and a electroless nickel plating kit. To work on automotive restoration the tank kit is a viable type to use. Many of these kits use a tank, or even a specially lined bucket as the dipping medium. Once the tank is filled with the metal salt solution, or proper chemical solution, the anode and cathode can then be hooked up to the proper power source, either battery or 12 volt power unit, and submerged in the available solution. The longer the part is submerged in the solution the thicker the nickel plating will turn out to be.<br />
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Some of the parts that can be plated this way by the home plater include motorcycle axles, brake hose ends, footpegs and chain adjusters.<br />
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Those interested in plating their own items and parts should do some research and learn about the process. The affordability and ease of use of many of the kits available will make nickel plating a viable and realistic option for the pro-active hobbyist who wants to save money without sacrificing quality for their projects.<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258664778224189087.post-57341977979945953732011-10-03T17:36:00.000-07:002012-03-03T17:37:30.663-08:00Insurance Claim Tips for Auto Glass Repair or Windshield Replacement<div style="text-align: justify;">Accidents or damage to a vehicle's windshield happen from time to time, and when that happens, it is essential to be aware and know the information of your car insurance to see how it can be paid for. Windshield claims, which fall under the area of comprehensive auto insurance, deals with damage to the windshield in the form of chips, cracks, or severely damaged windshields. If the driver carries comprehensive insurance (liability coverage only covers the cost of other vehicles/persons), the person is able to file a claim to entirely cover or partially cover the cost of a repair or replacement. This has to do with the deductible, and varies from policy to policy, and from state to state.<br />
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Before a claim is filed, however, it is important to consider a couple of things. First, you should identify what your insurance deductible is, and second, an auto glass quote should be obtained to see how much the cost of the repair is. These things need to consider in that the number of claims can sometimes elevate the customer's premium. Here is an example: Let's say that your auto glass deductible is $300, and after you obtain an auto glass quote to fix your windshield the total was $330. It is here that you will have to decide that filing a claim, in which the insurance company would pay $30, is worth having a claim on your auto insurance history.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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It is very important, as well, to be proactive in regard to your auto glass, for in a majority of cases the insurance companies will pay for the entire fix of a chip or crack to the windshield, which saves on having to do a full windshield replacement. This is something to check with your insurance agent, as it can save a lot of money in your pocketbook.<br />
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If you decide to file a claim it is best to file as soon as possible. Once the claim is filed it is then advised to check with your insurance agent, who will educate you on your policy, your deductible, and will give you a network of auto glass companies that can be used under your car insurance policy. The auto glass company is then contacted, and many provide customer service that includes all the dealings and paperwork with the insurance company, for the convenience of the customer.<br />
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Your vehicle's windshield will be repaired or replaced, the insurance will be taken care of, and you'll be able to quickly get back on the road.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258664778224189087.post-74453482974759964292011-09-07T17:35:00.000-07:002012-03-03T17:36:33.566-08:00Things to Consider Before Taking Your Car To A Collision Repair Shop<div style="text-align: justify;">The majority of the people around the globe drive a vehicle of some sort, whether it have 2 wheels or 4, or be economical or a "gas pig". Because of the amount of vehicles on the roads these days, the number of accidents has risen significantly. Therefore, its highly recommended that you find a collision repair shop that you trust.<br />
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When it comes to collision repair, finding the right body shop isn't just a "nice to have", its a necessity. However, to select the best one, there is a lot that needs to be considered. Here are some things you should consider before taking your car to a collision repair shop:<br />
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Read reviews of the business, or be referred by a satisfied customer<br />
One choice that you have when it comes to finding a suitable body shop in your city is to ask friends, family, neighbors, or even co-workers. Word of mouth advertising is the best form of advertising that a collision repair shop can get.<br />
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In order to have good word of mouth advertising, the body shop needs to provide excellent customer service, be dependable, and do a thorough job. If you consider recommendations before choosing a body shop, you can be fairly certain that you are making the right choice. If a friend or family member was satisfied by a collision repair service they received from a body shop in their city, then you can be relatively sure that you are being referred to a reliable business.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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The other option that you have to read online reviews of the business. Google Places is one resource that you can use to check a business' reputation. If there are any negative reviews or complaints, make sure that you verify them by checking with the Better Business Bureau. Sometimes, and its an unfortunate part of having sites to openly share your experiences, people will post fake negative reviews about competitors in their industry.<br />
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Contact your insurance company<br />
Take the time to speak with your insurance company about which collision repair shops they recommend. Although insurance companies have a list of recommended suppliers, you are by no means under any obligation to take your vehicle to one of their recommended suppliers.<br />
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Some insurance companies even say that if you don't use one of their recommended suppliers that they won't warranty the repair work. This is a lie. Insurance companies don't warranty the work, the auto body repair shops warranty the work. Therefore, before picking a business to do your repair work, ask what their warranty is.<br />
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Ask if they are environmentally friendly<br />
There are a lot of traits that help people determine if a body shop is truly worth selecting. One of the most important is whether the business is committed to working in a manner that is environmentally friendly. For example, paint booths should have a vacuum exhaust system to catch paint particles and dispose of them correctly. They should not be exhausting them into the outside air.<br />
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Ask if they offer any services beyond collision repair<br />
Whether you need to get the damage from a collision repaired, or you want to fix a minor dent or scratch, or need some rust removed, the business you choose should offer a wide variety of repair services. Ask if they only work on cars, or if they also repair motorbikes, buses, and other types of vehicles.<br />
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Ask if they do windshield repairs. Find out if the business also does antique car restoration. The reason you ask all of these questions is because the more diverse a business' skill-sets are, the more experience they have, and typically the better job they'll do.<br />
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Evaluate the facilities and staff<br />
The presence of trained staff at a collision repair facility is also necessary because only then will you be able to receive quality service, and get your vehicle repaired correctly. At the same time, the facility you select should also be equipped with the necessary tools.<br />
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The business you choose should be capable of repairing any collision damage on site that a vehicle might have suffered. With today's technology advancing so quickly, and more electronics being added into vehicles every day, it is essential that the business you select have the electronic components to interface with on-board computers.<br />
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Being in an accident can be physically and emotionally stressful. To alleviate some of that stress, find a trustworthy, dependable collision repair shop before being involved in an accident. That way, when the time comes, and it inevitably will, inform the tow truck driver where you want your car delivered. You will be more prepared, and less stressed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258664778224189087.post-53723123048692044512011-08-23T17:34:00.000-07:002012-03-03T17:35:35.787-08:00How Often Should I Change My Brake Pads?<div style="text-align: justify;">You have had your vehicle for three years, you have put 45,000 miles on it, and the only maintenance repairs that you have had to put into the vehicle are a few oil changes. You usually don't worry about your vehicle unless a trouble light comes on, but suddenly you notice your vehicle screeching whenever you come to a stop. You assume this is being caused by the brakes but you have never had to do any brake repairs before, so you ask yourself "How Often Should I Change My Brake Pads?"<br />
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If you are uncertain you should have a mechanic inspect your brake pads to see how much of the pad is left. It is recommended that you have this done every 20,000 miles. There is usually a large range for when brake pads are changed on cars. A heavy-duty truck that is driven by an aggressive driver (brakes hard), mostly in stop-and-go city traffic may have their pads wear out at 15,000 miles. On the contrary, a small car that is driven with care and mostly on the highway may not have to replace their brake pads until 45,000 miles. Other factors such as the quality of your brake pads and whether they are semi-metallic or ceramic will also play a factor in when you need to change your brake pads. It is important to note that if you have 4 Wheel Disc Brakes, you will probably have to change your front set more often than your rear set. This tends to be the case for 90% of the vehicles on the road.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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Some of today's newer vehicles come equipped with an electronic wear sensor that lets you know when you should change your brake pads. If you do not have this sensor, performing regular inspections on your vehicle's brake system is important, especially when you reach 15,000 miles since your last repair. Neglecting to perform regular maintenance on your vehicle's braking system can end up costing you more in the long run. If you wait until your vehicle's brakes have worn down completely, chances are that your rotor will experience excessive damage. This would result in metal-to-metal contact that puts deep grooves into your brake rotors, greatly reducing the life of your rotors and increasing the cost of your repair job.<br />
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The cost of the repair is greatly outweighed by the benefits in this case, and it is better to be safe than sorry. I always err on the side of caution, and I often change my brake pads at the first signs that they have worn down.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258664778224189087.post-85751407855856783772011-08-12T17:33:00.000-07:002012-03-03T17:34:32.602-08:00What to Do If Your Check Engine Light Comes On<div style="text-align: justify;">We all know how pesky the Check Engine light on your dashboard can be. It is inconvenient and troublesome to take your car in to get this checked. There are a few common triggers for the Check Engine light that all drivers should be aware of. Check Engine lights can be complicated to repair - knowing how they work and what to check for will help you take the best care of your vehicle, as well as avoid unnecessary trips to an auto mechanic.<br />
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Understanding the Check Engine light<br />
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This light serves as a warning indicator. It is a response of your vehicle's computer to changes or hindrances in the emission control system. When the light comes on, it is a result of one of many trouble codes stored in the system. These trouble codes are what auto mechanics use to determine the cause of the light.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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Every U.S.-manufactured vehicle must pass a Federal Test Procedure - an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) test, which sets allowable limits of deterioration of your emission control system. The Check Engine light was created to indicate that your emission control system is failing, causing your vehicle to pollute the air. However, many other factors can cause the light to turn on, which makes diagnosing the cause tricky.<br />
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Tips to keep in mind<br />
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* Is your gas cap closed tightly? - This is an extremely common trigger for the Check Engine light in many vehicles. If the cap is not sealed properly, the pressure is not correct, which signals the light to turn on.<br />
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* Are you carrying a heavy load? - It is possible for heavy loads combined with high speeds to effect how your car's computer views the emission control system.<br />
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* Do you have OnStar? - If you have a 1997 or later General Motors vehicle equipped with OnStar and an active OnStar subscription, advisors can read the code and give advice on what to do.<br />
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* Is a serious problem causing it? - Check your dashboard gauges and lights to see if there are issues such as overheating and low oil pressure. Problems such as these are critical, and indicate that you should pull over and shut off your engine as soon as possible.<br />
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* Is your car performing differently? - Your vehicle should be inspected if you notice a change in how your vehicle is running.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258664778224189087.post-49745778194623898832011-07-13T17:32:00.000-07:002012-03-03T17:33:26.802-08:00High Mileage Maintenance Tips for Your BMW<div style="text-align: justify;">If you have had your BMW for several years now, then it might be time to consider keeping a closer eye on it. It is a simple fact that as cars (or anything for that matter) age they start to require more maintenance and quality care to function properly. To help you make sure that your high mileage BMW continues to perform to its highest ability for years to come, here are some maintenance tips to consider:<br />
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• Spark Plugs: these are good indicators of engine condition. The removal and inspection of spark plugs can tell you a lot about engine performance and where any problems may be sourcing from. Spark plugs should be removed, checked, (and if necessary) replaced every 30,000 miles. This is especially important if you vehicle has over 100,000 miles on it.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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• Distributor Cap & Rotator: both of these parts are typically plastic and and therefore they tend to wear down with age and use. This makes the regular maintenance of these parts important for a BMW with increased mileage.<br />
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• Spark Plug Wire Sets: these should be tested before being replaced. Resistance is key when testing.<br />
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• Oil Filter: these are easy to replace and keeping them fresh and in good working order will help to prevent unnecessary engine wear. As could be expected, this part filters out contaminants such as dirt and soot from the oil in your car.<br />
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• Air Filter: this part protects your fuel injectors and should be serviced frequently to ensure that your BMW operates properly.<br />
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• Fuel Filter: This protects the you fuel and keeps it clean, and thus preventing clogs and damage to the engine. This part should be replaced every 30,000 miles.<br />
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Those are just a few of the parts that should be checked frequently. Here is a complete list of all the important high milage BMW parts that should be checked: spark plugs, ignition wire sets, distributor cap, distributor rotor, oxygen sensor, oil filter, air filter, PCV breather filter, fuel filter, transmission filter, vacuum hoses, temperature sensors, lubricants, coolant hoses, and belts.<br />
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Besides part specific tips, there are some other things to consider when you own a high mileage vehicle. First you want to make sure that you maintain the overall cleanliness of your engine; this perhaps the best preventative measure that you can take for the overall health of your BMW. A clean engine is cooler and is much less likely to cause or aid to the failure of other parts or systems. Routine and regular replacement of all the parts, filters, and fluids mentioned here is also critical. And lastly, know your cars individual systems and requirements and make sure that you are letting professionals who are trained to work with BMWs work on your vehicle. The key to an extended life for your high mileage BMW is a good maintenance routine that is carried out by a professional service; so, find a high quality shop and keep these tips in mind.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6258664778224189087.post-14186521691372553012011-07-06T17:29:00.000-07:002012-03-03T17:32:26.541-08:00Tips for Saving on Brake Repair<div style="text-align: justify;">Brake repair is never something a car owner should put off. If there are any indications that the braking system on a vehicle is not working to the highest standard, it is necessary to bring the vehicle in for an inspection. Doing so may take only moments but the peace of mind it offers to the driver can be very important. Prior to investing in any service, though, it can pay to know a few ways to save money. In nearly all situations, consumers will find more than one way to reduce the costs associated with these repairs.<br />
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Do Ask for the Discount<br />
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When calling a brake repair location to schedule a service, ask about any discounts or promotions currently available. When you do this, you open the door for the company to provide you with a reason to make an appointment. Often times, they will negotiate a deal with you especially if a competitor has a promotion running. The only thing you have to do is to ask for the discount. Sometimes, it is possible simply to ask for a lower price or to ask for a free inspection. You do not have to expect the company to be running a promotion. Ask for a deal and the manager may provide it to you.</div><a name='more'></a><br />
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Use Free Services as a Tool<br />
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Sometimes, companies will run promotions where they will do free alignments or discounted oil changes along with a braking system inspection. This is the prime opportunity to get the services you need done and to learn about the current state of your vehicle's system. Do take advantage of these discount offers. If the inspection does not cost you anything, there is no reason not to get it. It could provide you with an opportunity to learn about potential problems, too.<br />
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Look for Coupons<br />
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Many times, a brake repair company will offer discounts through coupons. These may be in your newspaper or other mailings, but sometimes, the best deals are right on the company's website. You may be comparing prices from one location to the next. The company knows this and offers coupons or promotional offers to those who visit the website. That is the key way to help ensure individuals make an appointment and get a great deal.<br />
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Brake repair is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a vehicle. It is one of the most important safety features on the vehicle as well. For these reasons, it is never a good idea to forgo any type of repairs because of cost. With so many ways to find a great deal and to save, it has never been easier to get the vehicle up and running at its best without having to spend a lot to do it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0