3 Automotive Repairs That You Can Perform at Home

Each year, automobiles become more technologically complex. Engines become more streamlined and efficient; computer chips become more advanced; new systems, such as smart cruise control and lane change warning devices, are integrated. With every improvement, motorists become more wary of performing repairs on their own. There's a pervasive fear that a single wrong tweak will impact other components. The problem is that mechanics charge up to $80 an hour. Simple repairs can end up costing far more than they would if you were to do them yourself.

Below, I'll describe three automotive repairs that you can perform in your own garage. With a little time, patience, and elbow grease, you can potentially save a bundle.

#1 - Replace A Bad Fuse

Many of the electrical systems in your vehicle are managed by fuses. Over time, those fuses will go bad and need to be replaced. A lot of drivers will experience an electrical problem and take their cars to a mechanic to have it resolved. The mechanic will end up doing a test which usually costs between $40 and $50. Then, they'll simply replace the blown fuse that caused the issue. If you have a pair of tweezers (and your owner's manual), you can replace it yourself. The cost? About $3.

#2 - Replace Bad Spark Plugs

Despite the increasing complexity of automobiles over the last few decades, the gas engine's 4-stroke internal combustion process has remained virtually the same. Spark plugs are a vital piece of that process. When they go bad, it can cause your engine to misfire, dramatically reducing its performance and efficiency.

A mechanic will usually charge an hour's worth of labor to replace your spark plugs. The plugs themselves cost less than $30. If you have a gapping tool, socket, and ratchet, you can do the job at home and save yourself up to $80 (for the labor).

#3 - Replace A Worn Fuel Filter

Of the three, this repair job is the most labor-intensive. Don't let that discourage you. With a couple of wrenches, rags, jacks, and a pan to catch the fuel, you can finish the job in an hour. The filter itself should cost less than $20, which means you'll be saving up to $80 in labor charges by doing it yourself.

It's important to take a few precautionary steps to ensure your safety. Because you'll be working with gasoline, wear gloves. Also, disconnect your car's battery to prevent a fire. Lastly, make sure the jacks that you use to lift your vehicle are sturdy.

There are several other minor repair jobs that you can perform without the help of a mechanic (I'll cover them in a future article). The key is to realize that you can do them yourself. As long as you purchase high-quality parts, you can potentially save hundreds of dollars over the long run.

Visit Your Automotive Repair Shop Before You Start Your Road Trip

With the arrival of the nice weather, perhaps you are contemplating a road trip this summer. Exploring the highways and country roads in your own area of the country is a great way to get away, without much hassle.

Of course, you will not be relying on other modes of transportation such as a taxi to the airport, or those large-winged birds that carry us across the ocean to other countries. You will be depending on your own vehicle, so now's the time to get it ready.

Whether you are a "hands-on" type of person, or someone who would like to leave things to the professionals, here are some basics that need to be covered. If you are handy, and have a garage and access to the essential tools necessary, then go for it. If not, take a list to your local auto service dealer and have a mechanic do the honors.

The first thing to remember is that it's summer, and even if the real hot weather has yet to kick in, be sure and check the operation of your car's cooling system. If you haven't had the air conditioner on yet this spring, turn it on. Make sure that it's working because no one wants to revert to the fifties, flying down the road with all the windows open and bugs stuck in our teeth.

Now's the time to top up all the essential fluids that keep your auto purring like a kitten. Get your ownership guide out of the glove box and learn how to check and add what's needed. Switch to a thicker oil to counteract the thinning effect of the hot summer weather. That way you'll be assured the engine's parts are adequately protected.

Check the brake, power steering, transmission, and differential fluids. Top up your windshield wiper reservoirs, and consider taking an extra bottle along with you. There is nothing worse that driving into the sun and straining to see through a bug-spattered windshield.

It is important to have the correct coolant in your car's radiator. Never use just plain water. Make sure it includes antifreeze in the proper proportion to keep your car from overheating when the mercury starts to climb. Usually a fifty fifty mix will work.

Next comes an inspection of your tires. The two main things that need to be measured are tread and pressure. For this you'll need to purchase the appropriate gauges from a car part shop. Then, either get out your manual, or look at the notice located on your vehicle's door jam for the proper pressure reading. Next, ensure that each tire has at least 2/32" of tread. Don't forget to include your spare tire in this routine.

For this next set of checks, you might do well to employ an automotive repair shop. Have the mechanic check the battery and it's associated cables. Put in a fresh air filter. It is very important to keep dirt from getting to your car's engine. Look carefully at the hoses and radiator for cracks and places where leaks can occur.

There are lots of checks you can perform on your own. Take a look at the windshield wipers and change them if they look frayed or are not hugging the windshield properly. You'll definitely need well working wipers in those violent summer thunderstorms.

Inspect your car's interior lights, as well as the headlights and turn indicators. Make sure you have a functioning low beam and high beam. Have someone watch the rear of your vehicle while you pump the brake pedal. Brakes are really important and so are the lights.

Assemble a bag of items that will come in very handy in an emergency. Include jumper cables, a tire iron and jack, flares, and screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches. Invest in a good heavy flashlight and some spare batteries too.

For the humans on board, load up with lots of bottled water, just in case you have a break down and have to wait for help. Bring along a blanket and a pillow, work gloves, paper towels and some packaged snacks, like granola bars.

Maybe you'll want to invest in a GPS system this summer. Having a reassuring humanoid voice telling you where to go is very comforting. At the very least, grab some maps of the area you'll be exploring, and your camera to chronicle the fun you'll have on the open road.

Finding accurate auto repair information can be difficult due to the wide variety of vehicles on the road today and the vast differences between them. You can find helpful auto repair information at AutoRepair-Info.com.

Do it Yourself Automotive Repair

Is your budget feeling the strain of auto repairs? Are you interested in learning how to fix your own vehicle to save some money? If this is something that interests you, then there are plenty of resources to check out. You never know, this may become a favorite hobby of yours once you get the hang of it.

Check out the Internet for credible websites that give you all the details of any repair you may need to make on your vehicle. The Internet is a great resource and best of all many of these sites are free! Some even have videos for the visual learners.

There are a couple of other reasons why the web is such a good resource. One is because of the huge amounts of sites out there, there is likely to be very detailed and accurate information on even the rarest of auto repairs. Another reason is that the web gives you access to varying mechanics' opinions as well as community forums to bounce ideas off of which can be extremely helpful.

Automotive repair is not always cut and dry. This means that you may need multiple sources of information in order to repair your vehicle properly. If this is the case, the library is the place for you. Many libraries have multiple shelves of how-to auto repair guides. This is a great way to learn about new techniques and be able to complete even the trickiest of auto repairs. With the help of these resources, you will be well on your way to successfully repairing your own vehicle!

Flat Rate Auto Repairs Explained - Automotive Repair Costs

Auto repair costs at a shop are basically comprised of labor and parts. Labor is typically calculated based on a standard "flat rate" estimate. Flat rate labor guides estimate labor time down to the tenth of an hour. For my example, if a starter for a specific vehicle pays 1.2 hours to change, the labor cost will be determined by multiplying the time by the shops labor rate, lets say the shops labor rate is $90.00 per flat rate hour (1.2 x $90.00=$108.00). Keep in mind that labor times can vary greatly depending on the year, model and engine size. Also automotive repair shop labor rates vary at each shop and from city to city. Labor time does NOT take in to consideration the requirement for special tools, experience or lack of.

Flat Rate or Actual Time

If the actual time it takes to repair the vehicle is LESS or MORE than the estimated flat rate time, the customer still pays the flat rate amount. More experienced auto technicians and techs with time saving tools can most of the time beat the flat rate time (AKA book time). The technician, if paid by flat rate has an incentive to do the job fast and correctly. If he makes a mistake and has to do the job again (commonly called a comeback) he does it the second time for free! Also keep in mind that a flat rate technician does not get paid time and a half for over-time, or for standing around waiting for work or parts. It's necessary for the technician to be productive and make up for this lost time by learning from his experience and buying tools that make him more efficient. Tools with exception of larger shop equipment items are usually the responsibility of each mechanic to purchase individually.

Parts Cost

The cost of the parts to fix the vehicle will depend on the deal the repair shop gets when they purchase the parts at wholesale, if they are new or rebuilt and how much their profit margin is. The typical markup is 30 to 40%, although this may vary. Yes, some money may be saved by shopping around and buying the parts directly, but most shops won't install parts provided by the customer. Also as far as the warranty goes, if a part fails that the facility provides, the shop will be responsible during the warranty period. If a part fails that was provided by the customer to the shop, the customer would be responsible for paying the labor all over again and handling the warranty replacement.

I personally would prefer to have a knowledgeable technician work on my car and repair it faster than the book time as opposed to having a less experienced tech work on my car longer to achieve the same results.

Tips for a good auto repair shop experience.

• Choose a shop that has a good reputation.
• Ask to inspect the old parts, ask what has failed or worn.
• Talk to the technician when possible to eliminate a break down in communication.
• Ask for a discount, the worst they could say is there is they cannot provide one.
• Have a written estimate on large repairs.
• Test drive vehicle before paying if possible.
• Choose a shop that specializes in the type of vehicle make.
• Consider if you prefer a national warranty or not.

All About Automotive Repair Manuals

Many automobile lovers have the desire to repair their car's themselves to save time and money. They are aware that automotive repair manuals make life much simpler for them. The manuals have diagrams that make repairing their automobile much easier. Some people turn to their local public library to find an automotive repair manual to fit their repair needs. Another direction is an electronic automotive repair manual. This is where the manuals are produced on electronic disc.

These manuals are basically what is called Do it Yourself instructions. The manuals will help you to diagnose or repair a problem to your automobile. When it comes time for your vehicle to be repaired it is normally done by a trained mechanic. With the manual you can do the repairs yourself which may save you tons of money.

When it comes to today's vehicles it is almost imperative that you have some form of training or knowledge in order to trouble shoot certain issues with your vehicle. The difficulty of a repair job varies and that is where an automotive repair manual comes in handy. You need to become familiar with the systems of your vehicle. This is where a quality repair manual comes in handy.

The automotive repair manuals that you can purchase come in the form of a book or you can purchase electronic versions of the manuals. The manuals provide the person who has a desire to repair their own vehicle information on the maintenance, repair and service of their automobile. The step by step instructions give you the ability to repair your vehicle as if an expert. The colorful illustrations will give you the mindset of a professional. The manuals are convenient and will save you much time, energy and money.

With the assistance of a manual you are sure to repair the vehicle right the very first time. If you look hard enough you can find the manual for your exact vehicle and learn exactly the right way to perform each repair without accidentally damaging any part of your vehicle or installing anything incorrectly.

To get the job done in an efficient and timely manner you will need to make sure that you have the correct tools for the job. This information and any other needed information will be supplied in the automotive repair manual. When you are in the need of an automotive repair manual you need to choose the one that provides all of the needed information that you can understand with ease.

Repairing your own vehicle protects you from unnecessary or inflated repair bills. The decision that you have made to repair your own vehicle is an important one. While it can certainly be difficult to get the hang of, many people find the rewards outweigh the downsides. In addition to the cost savings, many people feel safe in knowing that they can service their own car and also a sense of accomplishment once the job is complete. However, if you feel that a job is too complicated, you may still be better consulting an expert.

Automotive Repair Manuals - Auto Mechanic Tips and Information

With today's cars auto repair manuals are crucial for diagnosing and repairing vehicles in a timely manner. Some auto mechanics prefer paper books, others prefer to have a software program loaded onto their computer or to access information via the internet. However you prefer to access automotive repair information, this article includes some of the most popular companies that specialize in automotive repair information.

Mitchell 1 On Demand is owned by the Snap On corporation and has been a popular choice for automotive repair information for years. Many auto repair shops use Mitchel's information including repair procedures, torque specifications, TSB's (Technical Service Bulletins) and auto repair tips. Mitchell offers the DIY information available online, branded as eAutoRepair. The online repair information company, eAutoRepair offers an abbreviated subscription for the DIY at a much lower cost than automotive repair shops pay. Each subscription covers only one vehicle, but this works out great for the DIY'er that needs to access automotive repair information and would like to get it with the convenience of the internet.

ALLData is another very popular choice for automotive professionals. As with Mitchell, repair information that was provided by the car manufacturers are made available to the auto technician or car owner. Diagrams, timing belt marks, trouble code information etc. And ALLData has now made their products available online for the DIYer as well at ALLData DIY.

There are many other good automotive repair manuals available from other companies as well, but these two are the ones that I've used the most over the years. The tips and information that these two companies provide are likely to make any DIY project a success.

Hi I'm Dennis Bandy, thanks for reading. I've been an ASE Master Auto Technician for over 20 years and have also sold professional auto tools since 2005. I am in a unique position to help readers with automotive repair related topics since I've had personal hands on experience with many auto repairs and automotive specialty tools. This is not a hobby for me, this is my business. Your feedback is really appreciated, if you thought this article was helpful or informative, please rate it below (thank you in advance).

Half the battle when it comes to auto repair is having the right tools, that's why we have supplied name-brand automotive tools (like OTC, Makita, Ingersoll), shop supplies and automotive shop equipment at discount prices, at DenLors Tools since 2005, many readers put us on their favorites list and visit our site when auto specialty tool needs arise, we hope you do the same.

Automotive Repair Marketing - The Key to a Successful Shop

If you are a business owner and you would like to increase your revenue, it is important for you to understand automotive repair marketing and how this is a key to a successful shop. The automotive industry is said to be one of the most lucrative and stable industries in the business world. Because people from all over the world use autos in their daily life, auto repair businesses are steady and secure.

Automotive repair marketing is as easy as changing the oil in your car. Every few months, you are to check your progress, do some maintenance, and give some added boost and fresh ideas to your automotive repair marketing campaign. The public loves fresh ideas.

Automotive repair marketing is all about taking action. Therefore, you as the business owner should make sure you use the right automotive repair marketing tools. Here are some of the most effective marketing tools for your auto repair business.

1. Direct mail marketing method

One of the most preferred automotive repair marketing tools remains to be the direct mail method. Most auto repair businesses make use of this method by mailing postcards to homeowners in zip codes surrounding their shops. This is an easy way to promote your services to potential clients. However, you will need to mail sufficient quantities to generate a worthwhile response.

2. Start a blog or a website

The internet is probably one of the greatest automotive repair marketing tools you can use. Create a blog and spend 10 minutes each day writing interesting anecdotes, maintenance information, tips, advice, or even car reviews. The more you write, the sooner you will be crawled by search engines, and the sooner you will reach a bigger audience which will essentially result in more business.

3. Social media marketing

One of the best automotive repair marketing tools revolves around social media. Websites with Facebook and Twitter integration are becoming increasingly popular and more repair shop owners are making use of this tool in order to promote their shops and acquire new clients. If you use social media for your automotive repair marketing, you should know that you are instantly exposed to millions of people. So, guess what happens when Jason needs a new transmission and he sees your business profile on Facebook? Voila! You have a new customer. Even though this may sound a little impossible, but social media could be well worth thousands of dollars to your repair shop.

4. The good old word of mouth

This method of automotive marketing is known to be one of the oldest methods of marketing in the business world. However, this is also proven to be one of the most reliable forms of marketing. For example, you started your automotive repair marketing campaign with the direct mail marketing method. Now, because of this, you have just acquired two new clients. If you do a good job, guess what happens? These clients will tell their friends about it, and their friends will tell their friends, eventually forming the perfect marketing campaign you can ask for.

5. Press releases

Most business owners tend to give press releases a complete miss, thinking that there is no possible way that a press release could be of any advantage to their automotive repair marketing campaign. Wrong! In fact, press releases are very effective and can be done either online or off-line. With the off-line method, simply write, or have someone put together a press release on a timely topic and send it to your local newspaper. With the online method, do the same and publish it to a press release service. Press releases are usually ranked higher than normal web pages and blog posts. This can never be a bad thing.

There are several other automotive repair marketing tools available to you. If you are serious about taking your auto repair shop to the next level and getting more vehicles into your shop, then make sure you give these aforementioned methods of automotive repair marketing a try today.

Automotive Repair Equipment Financing

The very competitive automotive repair industry depends highly on sophisticated equipment which is very expensive. Automotive repair equipments like hydraulic lifts, alignment equipment etc play a vital role in the business operations of this industry. Although expensive, they are indispensable in various repair services. Therefore automotive repair equipment financing is assuming greater importance in the automotive repair industry.

The traditional lending institutions may not be willing to finance sophisticated automotive repair equipment due to their unique nature. However, there are a few genuine financing companies which understand your needs and requirements. They offer financial assistance under various categories and at better interest rates.

Commercial car wash requires lot of equipment and so an automotive repair industry needs to be equipped with all the essential equipments for the same purpose. Automatic car wash, In-bay car wash system, vacuum system etc are some of the sophisticated equipment required in car wash processes. But they are quite pricey especially in case of multiple car washes. Therefore, one can acquire the sophisticated equipments through automotive repair equipment financing.

Tire changer is another important component of any automotive repair shop. Nowadays people are particular about the tires they use and thus excellent tire changer equipment is indispensable for satisfying the customers. Automatic tire changer, PAX tire changer, manual tire changer are some of the equipments available in the market. They can be expensive and so the automotive shops need to look for automotive repair financing.

Auto body equipment plays a crucial role in making a wrecked vehicle to useful. This work however involves full line of auto body equipments like straightening equipment, painting bays and so on. In case they have to be worked on various types of vehicles, a full line of auto body equipment can be quite expensive. In such cases the help of automotive repair financing is much required.

Wheel balancer is another vital tool in an automotive repair shop which helps in assessing the potential problems in the wheel, quickly and accurately. Therefore this equipment helps in providing improved customer service. But the cost of wheel balancer is high and so wheel balancer financing provided by some reliable financing companies is essential.

Wheel alignment equipment is another valuable tool in an automotive repair shop. It saves time and helps the mechanic in easy and quick assessment and repair in any vehicle's wheel alignment. Though essential, they are quite costlier and so many repair shops are not able to afford it. However automotive repair equipment financing provides valuable service to repair shops to acquire these essential tools.

A frame machine in an automotive shop helps to provide life even to severely damaged vehicle. It is also quite expensive, but some valid financing companies offer easy financial assistance to acquire a frame machine.

Automotive repair equipment financing therefore helps almost all automotive shop owners to acquire the valuable automotive repair tools. The financing companies provide straight forward approach in offering financial help. They provide fast approval with minimum application process. Even an online application is enough to get financial help from them. These companies offer help at better terms so that owners can pay their bills in low easy monthly installments.

Automotive Repair Equipment Financing

The very competitive automotive repair industry depends highly on sophisticated equipment which is very expensive. Automotive repair equipments like hydraulic lifts, alignment equipment etc play a vital role in the business operations of this industry. Although expensive, they are indispensable in various repair services. Therefore automotive repair equipment financing is assuming greater importance in the automotive repair industry.

The traditional lending institutions may not be willing to finance sophisticated automotive repair equipment due to their unique nature. However, there are a few genuine financing companies which understand your needs and requirements. They offer financial assistance under various categories and at better interest rates.

Commercial car wash requires lot of equipment and so an automotive repair industry needs to be equipped with all the essential equipments for the same purpose. Automatic car wash, In-bay car wash system, vacuum system etc are some of the sophisticated equipment required in car wash processes. But they are quite pricey especially in case of multiple car washes. Therefore, one can acquire the sophisticated equipments through automotive repair equipment financing.

Tire changer is another important component of any automotive repair shop. Nowadays people are particular about the tires they use and thus excellent tire changer equipment is indispensable for satisfying the customers. Automatic tire changer, PAX tire changer, manual tire changer are some of the equipments available in the market. They can be expensive and so the automotive shops need to look for automotive repair financing.

Auto body equipment plays a crucial role in making a wrecked vehicle to useful. This work however involves full line of auto body equipments like straightening equipment, painting bays and so on. In case they have to be worked on various types of vehicles, a full line of auto body equipment can be quite expensive. In such cases the help of automotive repair financing is much required.

Wheel balancer is another vital tool in an automotive repair shop which helps in assessing the potential problems in the wheel, quickly and accurately. Therefore this equipment helps in providing improved customer service. But the cost of wheel balancer is high and so wheel balancer financing provided by some reliable financing companies is essential.

Wheel alignment equipment is another valuable tool in an automotive repair shop. It saves time and helps the mechanic in easy and quick assessment and repair in any vehicle's wheel alignment. Though essential, they are quite costlier and so many repair shops are not able to afford it. However automotive repair equipment financing provides valuable service to repair shops to acquire these essential tools.

A frame machine in an automotive shop helps to provide life even to severely damaged vehicle. It is also quite expensive, but some valid financing companies offer easy financial assistance to acquire a frame machine.

Automotive repair equipment financing therefore helps almost all automotive shop owners to acquire the valuable automotive repair tools. The financing companies provide straight forward approach in offering financial help. They provide fast approval with minimum application process. Even an online application is enough to get financial help from them. These companies offer help at better terms so that owners can pay their bills in low easy monthly installments.

Transmissions and Auto Repair

Purchasing a car is one of the largest investments (next to purchasing a house) someone makes. It is their responsibility to seek auto repair whenever it is necessary to make sure their car remains in optimal condition and is able to perform all the tasks necessary to get them through the day. The transmission is responsible for many of the functions a car performs, from switching gears to knowing how fast the car needs to go. Problems with the transmission of a car can be detrimental to it and make the car owner want to run and hide from the problem. However, if something is suspected to be wrong with a car's transmission, they should seek immediate care with an auto mechanic. There are several ways to tell if a transmission needs the help of auto repair.

Noises that are out of the ordinary coming from underneath a car's hood are never a good sign. If something is wrong with the transmission of an automatic car someone can usually hear a grinding or whining noise. This grinding noise occurs a lot of the time whenever switching from one gear to another. Alternatively, in a manual transmission, small "bumping" noises in neutral mean that something is wrong. This can be a signal of needing to change the transmission fluid. However, hearing a lot of noise in neutral means that something more drastic needs to take place and possible transmission repair or replacement needs to occur.

Many people notice water coming off of the bottom of their car. This is not a bad thing, as it's usually just condensation. Noticing a pool of sticky, red, sweet-smelling fluid (as nice as that sounds) is definitely a problem. This means that there is a leak in the transmission and transmission fluid leaking out. When this occurs, someone is in need of an auto mechanic quickly, as the fluid is vital to being able to shift the car.

The one sign that many people overlook is their check engine light. Everyone has freaked out about their check engine light coming on, rushed to the repair shop or a local auto parts store that has the capabilities to diagnose it, and left feeling ridiculous because nothing was wrong with it. Many people ignore when their light comes on for this very reason. Yet, this is usually the first warning sign that something is wrong with a transmission. Whenever a check engine light comes on, it is always important to seek auto repair. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Cars help people in most aspects of their lives. They are responsible for getting their children to school, getting people to work on time, and aid in running errands. Auto repair is essential to any car owner and knowing when to seek it can mean the difference between a small problem and a large one.

Characteristics of a Good Automotive Repair Mechanic

Knowledgeable on various auto parts.

This is perhaps the most basic characteristic that any auto mechanic should have. Lots of different auto parts are out in the market today. And because we, as car owners, do not necessarily possess the sufficient knowledge when it comes to vehicle parts, we will inevitably depend on the expertise of our mechanic. A simple trick to determine if your chosen car specialist really knows his business is to ask him to differentiate a few parts and gauge whether he is confidently answering your question or is just making his way around.

Diverse background on automotive repair experiences.

Years ago when the makes of our vehicles were much simpler, any mechanic would have been okay. But with today's high-tech and complex vehicles including family sedans, sports and luxury cars, SUVs, and pick-up trucks, we need someone who has a diverse background in automotive repair services. Mistakes have no room when it comes to automotive repair as these will only make things even more costly. Choose a mechanic who has certifications of training programs and classes that he has attended. The mechanic's time spent in studying as well as in the actual practice of automotive repair is very advantageous for us car owners.

ASE certified to be an automotive repair professional.

Speaking of certifications, perhaps the most famous and widely recognized one, when it comes to professionals in the automotive industry is the ASE certification. Annually, an estimated 100,000 automotive technicians take ASE certification exams each May and November at over 750 locations.

With an ASE certification, we are assured that our mechanic has good background in all automotive services because an ASE certification requires a minimum of two years work experience in addition to passing a series of examinations that include Engine Repair, Engine Performance, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Brakes, Heating and Air Conditioning, Suspension and Steering, Manual Drive Train and Axles, and Automatic Transmissions for auto technicians alone. There are separate tests for those who want to be collision repair technicians, engine machinists, parts specialists, and others.

Furthermore, all ASE certifications have expiration dates which requires technicians to re-test every five years to keep up with technology and to remain certified.

Works in a reputable auto center.

Unfortunately, ASE certifications apply only to individuals and not to auto centers. However, an auto center with at least one ASE certified mechanic is allowed to display the ASE sign. Furthermore, an auto center that has 75% ASE certified mechanics among its employees are given the Blue Seal of Excellence from the ASE.

Aside from the ASE recognition, other signs that we should look for an auto center include neat and well-organized facility complete with modern equipment, courteous staff, and good policies (regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, guarantees, etc.)

Highly recommended by family and friends.

Nothing can attest to the quality service that any auto center and mechanic can give than testimonials of our family members, relatives, and friends. Ask for referrals and recommendations. Local community organizations and business listings are also good sources of information.

Chevy Automotive Repair Guide

If your Chevy is in need of repairs and you do not have the funds to hire a mechanic it may be time to break out the tools and give automotive repairs a try. While many people assume that auto repairs are overly complicated and difficult, the reality is that with a little bit of practice and enough time, anyone can perform a number of automotive repairs on their own.

Before you can start working on your Chevy, you'll need to make sure that you know what the problem is and how to fix it. If you have access to a Chevy automotive repair manual for your year and model, you should be able to use it to diagnose problems and discover the best way to fix them. Armed with this information, you stand a much better chance at successfully repairing your vehicle.

You will need certain tools and equipment to repair your vehicle. Make sure that you are fully prepared when it comes to DIY. There are many basics that you can do to ensure that your vehicle is functioning properly. Consult your automotive repair manual consistently. Every 3000 to 4000 miles you will need to change your oil and filter. Make sure that your tires are inflated. Fuel efficiency is lost if your tire are under inflated. Be sure to keep your battery cables clean. Check to make sure that there is no corrosion. Be sure to check your fluids regularly.

As you are thinking about repairing your automobile yourself take out time to familiarize yourself with your car. Learn more about the parts and how they function to make your car run. Make sure that you have the required tools for the job. You'll also need to obtain the right parts for your vehicle from an auto parts store, online, or even from a junk yard. You will need the required tools and the right clothing before your begin your repair. You can purchase some overalls or put on some old clothing. This is in order to protect your good clothe from oil stains or other damage.

When you are repairing your Chevy you will need to be sure to take all safety precautions to ensure that there are no tragic accidents. While under the car, never allow the jack to be what's holding it up. Jacks have the capability to slip and fall over, which will allow the vehicle to fall. Use quality jack stands when repairing your vehicle. Be sure to disconnect the battery at the terminal. Be careful when near flammable liquids. When you are repairing your vehicle you need to think about safety first. Be sure that you have all the correct tools and have the knowledge of how to use them. Safety should come first when it comes to repairing your vehicle. You may be trying to save money by repairing your vehicle, but if there are any injuries more money is going to be coming from your pocket.

While there may be a temptation to go it alone, make sure you follow your Chevy automotive repair manual exactly so you will get the job right the first time. Manuals have diagrams and pictures that will guide you the entire way and were written by the engineers who have a complete understand of how your car works.

Automotive Repair Is Inevitable, But These Tricks Can Help

Automotive repair is inevitable, even for newer cars with less mechanical issues. For those who own older cars, routine maintenance is vital in avoiding major automotive repairs. Once a major part or system in the vehicle needs repairs, it could costs hundreds or even thousands of dollars to get back on the road again.

A good way to avoid expensive automotive repairs is to have a trusted mechanic who is familiar with your car. Having a good mechanic on your side can be very helpful when it comes to regular maintenance because they are familiar with your car's needs and can provide good preventative maintenance. Good preventative maintenance can help prevent a major breakdown. Furthermore, your repairs might be a little less expensive if there is a breakdown because a regular mechanic can more easily figure out the cause. There are many different automotive repair shops you can choose from and finding a mechanic shouldn't be that difficult. However, finding a trustworthy mechanic's shop that can do quality work is key. There are a few techniques and tips you can employ in order to find a good mechanic.

The most important thing to remember when looking for a good mechanic to perform affordable quality work is to never wait until you have a vehicle breakdown to find an auto mechanic. This is one of the biggest mistakes a vehicle owner can make because in the event of a major breakdown, they panic and simply hire the first mechanic they find in the phonebook or online to diagnose and fix the vehicle. Many times, the repairs can cost more because the vehicle owner does not have the time to shop around for an affordable mechanic. If you look for a mechanic ahead of time, you are more likely to find one who is both skilled and more affordable. Finding a mechanic through word-of-mouth recommendations is one of the best ways to find a good mechanic. If you have a friend with a older car that runs well, you can find out who their mechanic is to begin the search for an auto repair shop. If you cannot find an auto repair shop through direct word-of-mouth recommendations, you can check you local listings online. Searching online can be helpful because mechanic listings online will also include customer reviews that will give you a better idea of who well that particular shop or mechanic can service your car.

You can also educate yourself on automotive repair in order to avoid major problems and to have more knowledge on automotive repair. Automotive education can help you to better understand preventative car care needs in order to avoid major repairs. Furthermore, when you take your car to a mechanic for servicing you will have the advantage of knowing if the mechanic is credible, simply by knowing what type of issues your car has.

Automotive repair can be expensive, but some of this expense can be avoided if you have a good mechanic that can perform regular preventative maintenance.

Automotive Repair Tool: What Are Considered As Such

When a car or any of its parts is damaged, it is just natural for an owner to take as much effort to ensure that it gets repaired at the soonest possible time. After all, a car is a necessity nowadays. It is a good thing that the mechanic of the modern day is finding it easier to do the job since many automotive tools are now available to provide assistance and make the process easier and faster. What does it take though to be considered an automotive repair tool?

There is actually a large variety of automotive tools needed by a mechanic to do a car repair. This is even made greater if a mechanic works in a shop that provides services for all kinds of vehicle. Some cars come with specialized parts and require specifically designed tools in order for the repair to be done. However, there are standard tools that every mechanic should know about and have in their tool kit in order to be effective in what they do for a living.

Here are some of the most essential automotive tools for car repair.

1. Screwdrivers - The main purpose of a screwdriver is to remove the screws that are important to keep the parts together and in place. There are different kinds of screwdrivers such as the Phillips head and star head drivers. They can come with either long or short shafts with the longer shafts allowing access to areas that are difficult to reach. It helps to have a complete set of screwdrivers on hand. After all, we never know when one might come in handy.

2. Socket heads - It is also necessary for a mechanic's tool kit to include different socket sets. There is a variety of drive sizes, and one should be ready to deal with any of them. The usual sizes are ¼, ½ and 3/8 of an inch.

3. Wrenches - Another highly important automotive repair tool is the wrench and its many variations. A wrench is used for removing nuts and bolts. Having a complete set around is necessary since each one has a purpose it is best at. Brake line wrenches and fuel wrenches, for instance, are most helpful in working with fuel line nuts and brake bleeder valves while the torque wrench is most essential when tightening nuts and bolts to fit certain specifications.

4. An electric drill - It is also important to have a handheld electric drill around for cases involving wheel cylinders that need a reaming or factor sealed ball joints that have to be drilled out. Compared to chisels, electric drills make it faster and effortless to do the task. All cutting, grinding and drilling needs can be answered thoroughly and satisfactorily with a complete set of tools including hole saws, grinding wheels and drills

5. Wire cutters and pliers - Gripping and cutting tools are also a necessity in every mechanic's day at work. These tools are essential for cutting purposes as well as for holding a strong grip on wires and the likes.

These are just some of the basic tools a mechanic should have on hand to make everything right with a customer's vehicle. Each automotive repair tool has a specific purpose in the overall repair of a car, which is why each one is a must in every mechanic's tool box at work.

All About Automotive Repair Manuals

Many automobile lovers have the desire to repair their car's themselves to save time and money. They are aware that automotive repair manuals make life much simpler for them. The manuals have diagrams that make repairing their automobile much easier. Some people turn to their local public library to find an automotive repair manual to fit their repair needs. Another direction is an electronic automotive repair manual. This is where the manuals are produced on electronic disc.

These manuals are basically what is called Do it Yourself instructions. The manuals will help you to diagnose or repair a problem to your automobile. When it comes time for your vehicle to be repaired it is normally done by a trained mechanic. With the manual you can do the repairs yourself which may save you tons of money.

When it comes to today's vehicles it is almost imperative that you have some form of training or knowledge in order to trouble shoot certain issues with your vehicle. The difficulty of a repair job varies and that is where an automotive repair manual comes in handy. You need to become familiar with the systems of your vehicle. This is where a quality repair manual comes in handy.

The automotive repair manuals that you can purchase come in the form of a book or you can purchase electronic versions of the manuals. The manuals provide the person who has a desire to repair their own vehicle information on the maintenance, repair and service of their automobile. The step by step instructions give you the ability to repair your vehicle as if an expert. The colorful illustrations will give you the mindset of a professional. The manuals are convenient and will save you much time, energy and money.

With the assistance of a manual you are sure to repair the vehicle right the very first time. If you look hard enough you can find the manual for your exact vehicle and learn exactly the right way to perform each repair without accidentally damaging any part of your vehicle or installing anything incorrectly.

To get the job done in an efficient and timely manner you will need to make sure that you have the correct tools for the job. This information and any other needed information will be supplied in the automotive repair manual. When you are in the need of an automotive repair manual you need to choose the one that provides all of the needed information that you can understand with ease.

Repairing your own vehicle protects you from unnecessary or inflated repair bills. The decision that you have made to repair your own vehicle is an important one. While it can certainly be difficult to get the hang of, many people find the rewards outweigh the downsides. In addition to the cost savings, many people feel safe in knowing that they can service their own car and also a sense of accomplishment once the job is complete. However, if you feel that a job is too complicated, you may still be better consulting an expert.

Automotive Repair Manuals - Auto Mechanic Tips and Information

With today's cars auto repair manuals are crucial for diagnosing and repairing vehicles in a timely manner. Some auto mechanics prefer paper books, others prefer to have a software program loaded onto their computer or to access information via the internet. However you prefer to access automotive repair information, this article includes some of the most popular companies that specialize in automotive repair information.

Mitchell 1 On Demand is owned by the Snap On corporation and has been a popular choice for automotive repair information for years. Many auto repair shops use Mitchel's information including repair procedures, torque specifications, TSB's (Technical Service Bulletins) and auto repair tips. Mitchell offers the DIY information available online, branded as eAutoRepair. The online repair information company, eAutoRepair offers an abbreviated subscription for the DIY at a much lower cost than automotive repair shops pay. Each subscription covers only one vehicle, but this works out great for the DIY'er that needs to access automotive repair information and would like to get it with the convenience of the internet.

ALLData is another very popular choice for automotive professionals. As with Mitchell, repair information that was provided by the car manufacturers are made available to the auto technician or car owner. Diagrams, timing belt marks, trouble code information etc. And ALLData has now made their products available online for the DIYer as well at ALLData DIY.

There are many other good automotive repair manuals available from other companies as well, but these two are the ones that I've used the most over the years. The tips and information that these two companies provide are likely to make any DIY project a success.

Automotive Repair Marketing - The Key to a Successful Shop

If you are a business owner and you would like to increase your revenue, it is important for you to understand automotive repair marketing and how this is a key to a successful shop. The automotive industry is said to be one of the most lucrative and stable industries in the business world. Because people from all over the world use autos in their daily life, auto repair businesses are steady and secure.

Automotive repair marketing is as easy as changing the oil in your car. Every few months, you are to check your progress, do some maintenance, and give some added boost and fresh ideas to your automotive repair marketing campaign. The public loves fresh ideas.

Automotive repair marketing is all about taking action. Therefore, you as the business owner should make sure you use the right automotive repair marketing tools. Here are some of the most effective marketing tools for your auto repair business.

1. Direct mail marketing method 

One of the most preferred automotive repair marketing tools remains to be the direct mail method. Most auto repair businesses make use of this method by mailing postcards to homeowners in zip codes surrounding their shops. This is an easy way to promote your services to potential clients. However, you will need to mail sufficient quantities to generate a worthwhile response.

2. Start a blog or a website 

The internet is probably one of the greatest automotive repair marketing tools you can use. Create a blog and spend 10 minutes each day writing interesting anecdotes, maintenance information, tips, advice, or even car reviews. The more you write, the sooner you will be crawled by search engines, and the sooner you will reach a bigger audience which will essentially result in more business.

3. Social media marketing 

One of the best automotive repair marketing tools revolves around social media. Websites with Facebook and Twitter integration are becoming increasingly popular and more repair shop owners are making use of this tool in order to promote their shops and acquire new clients. If you use social media for your automotive repair marketing, you should know that you are instantly exposed to millions of people. So, guess what happens when Jason needs a new transmission and he sees your business profile on Facebook? Voila! You have a new customer. Even though this may sound a little impossible, but social media could be well worth thousands of dollars to your repair shop.

4. The good old word of mouth 

This method of automotive marketing is known to be one of the oldest methods of marketing in the business world. However, this is also proven to be one of the most reliable forms of marketing. For example, you started your automotive repair marketing campaign with the direct mail marketing method. Now, because of this, you have just acquired two new clients. If you do a good job, guess what happens? These clients will tell their friends about it, and their friends will tell their friends, eventually forming the perfect marketing campaign you can ask for.

5. Press releases 

Most business owners tend to give press releases a complete miss, thinking that there is no possible way that a press release could be of any advantage to their automotive repair marketing campaign. Wrong! In fact, press releases are very effective and can be done either online or off-line. With the off-line method, simply write, or have someone put together a press release on a timely topic and send it to your local newspaper. With the online method, do the same and publish it to a press release service. Press releases are usually ranked higher than normal web pages and blog posts. This can never be a bad thing.

There are several other automotive repair marketing tools available to you. If you are serious about taking your auto repair shop to the next level and getting more vehicles into your shop, then make sure you give these aforementioned methods of automotive repair marketing a try today.