Monday, December 29, 2014

Car Repair Guidelines for the Uninitiated

Car owners are only too familiar with the frustrations associated with car repairs. The fact that these repairs are also quite expensive only increases the stress level that car owners experience. The full cost of a major repair can definitely put a huge dent on the wallet. This usually happens because of neglect. Many drivers and car owners choose to put off minor repairs in order to save themselves the expense. Unfortunately, this could backfire. Here are some guidelines for new car owners. This unsolicited but useful advice could save you thousands of dollars in the future.

Set a budget

The best way to save yourselves from suffering through the headaches and heartaches associated with unscheduled automobile-related expenses is to set aside a budget. This amount, which should be kept in an emergency savings account, should be enough to cover future costs for car-related issues. It is quite easy to figure out the amount that needs to be saved with the help of a trusted consultant from your local car dealership. You may also elicit the help of a close friend who owns a similar make and model in determining the amount. Calculate how much you can set aside every payday, and make sure that you deposit the money as scheduled. Setting aside a budget can help cushion the blow should the need for a huge amount of money for car repairs arise.

Know the early signs of car trouble

You may be driving a car but have no deeper interest in how the machine actually works. That is fine. However, you need to make the effort to recognize the earliest signs of trouble, lest your vehicle stall on you, or worse become involved in a traffic accident due to mechanical fault while you are driving it. It is your responsibility as a driver to know when car repair is imminent. One of the first signs is a light on the dashboard that is not supposed to light up if everything is in good condition. Another early sign is a strange noise from the engine that you have never heard before. These signs usually persist. Sometimes, the light and the noise could stop for a while and then return after a period of hiatus. Do not wait a long time to find out what is wrong. Auto repair shops can diagnose the problem and do something about it immediately. You will not have to spend much for diagnostics and basic intervention.

You also need to know about the available services in your area so that if you encounter a problem you can bring the car either to them immediately, or they can come to your location should the vehicle refuse to budge. Local repair shops can usually deal with mechanical issues with the clutch; exhaust system, gearbox, cam belt, fuel drain, steering, suspension system, and catalytic converter. Sometimes, the repair is electrical in nature.

Shop around

If there are numerous repair shops in the areas where you live and work, you need to find the time to shop around. Looking for the best rates can save you a few hundred dollars. Most of them provide quotes when you request politely. Some of the local auto repair shops may be listed in online directories. You also need to set aside time to browse the Web.

Get more information today about transmission repair.
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Friday, December 26, 2014

Motor Trend Car of the Year® - All-new Volkswagen Golf Family



Attention to detail, performance, fuel efficiency and style are just a few reasons why the Volkswagen Golf is the 2015 Motor Trend Car of the Year®.

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Find Reliable and Reputable Car Repair

Putting your automobile into the hands of a professional requires some research and more than a little faith that the work will be performed correctly. To ensure that you can trust the professional you choose, check into businesses carefully before you select one to fix your car.

Word of Mouth

The auto mechanics used by your family and friends may be the best ones you can find. By asking the people you know who they use for car repair, you have access to trustworthy and reliable professionals who take care of cars successfully. Ask around for recommendations from people you know and trust. Write the names and numbers down of the recommendations so you can contact these mechanics.

Use the Internet

Conduct Internet searches to find reputable car repair. Visit websites with business listings. Often these websites allow customers to add feedback about the service they received from mechanics listed. Reading message boards on the Internet is another way to find online information about mechanics. On these websites, you can review conversations between visitors discussing their experiences with companies.

Interview Businesses

Contact car repair companies in your local area and ask some questions. If possible, visit the company so you can inspect the garage. Ask for references from any company you consider hiring. Once you get names and contact information of other customers, contact them to find out whether they were satisfied with the services they received. Check your local Better Business Bureau to inquire about complaints registered under the mechanics you are considering. Contact your licensing bureau to ensure that all licensing is current for the company.

Analyze Credentials

Mechanics can belong to professional associations that lend credibility to their services. When a business belongs to this type of association, the garage must adhere to requirements and criteria set by the association. This generally means that the mechanic will provide better service and operate at a higher quality garage. Ask about any specialized services provided by the company. Some garages specialize in certain models and makes of autos, or special types of car repair. Ask about guarantees and warranties on work performed, the length of time the garage has been in business, and certification and training of employees. Finally, get a quoted price for the work you need to have done on your vehicle.

Your Final Decision

Part of your decision may rely on your personal impression of the company and their employees. Trust your instincts about the reliability and trustworthiness of a company you contact. If you feel confident about the service and the business, let this be an influential factor in your final decision. The price, location, availability, and quality of the business will also be factors in your decision.

Although performing this research takes time, the extra effort will empower you to feel confident in your final decision in choosing a mechanic for repair. Once you find a high quality garage, you won't need to worry about going through this process again.

To learn more about car repair Livonia, MI residents should visit http://www.quicklanelivonia.com/.
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Saturday, December 20, 2014

Mercedes-Benz TV: The S 500 INTELLIGENT DRIVE in California.



After the acclaimed long distance autonomous test drive following the Bertha Benz route, Mercedes-Benz now tests in the US. There are a lot of similarities to German traffic, but there are also some differences. Thus the S 500 INTELLIGENT DRIVE has to attend driving school.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Four Winter Car Maintenance Tips

Harsh winter weather is rough for both you and your vehicle. You need essential winter car maintenance tune-ups to keep your vehicle working properly and driving safely. Even if the cold outside invigorates you, there comes a time during the winter season where you'd like nothing more than to hunker down with hot chocolate by a blazing fire. But what about your poor car? It sits in your driveway or garage night after night, exposed to the frigid weather with no relief. You might notice how long it takes to get the engine warm in the morning. Pay attention to these winter car maintenance suggestions and both you and your vehicle will be protected from harm caused by slippery roads, bad vision or breakdowns.

Check Your Car's Battery

Most car owners do not think about their car's battery until the vehicle doesn't turn on one day. In cold weather, dead batteries are one of the biggest threats to your running vehicle. As soon as you start your car, you turn the heat on high. You use your windshield wipers more often and definitely take advantage of your heated seats. Your car is using more battery energy. At the same time, cold weather makes it increasingly difficult for your battery to charge.

Once your car battery is older than three years, have your local mechanic check your battery's charge at least once a year. Make sure the battery ports are clean. Battery connections that are covered in rust and dirt further impede the battery's ability to charge.

Replace Windshield Wipers

Nothing spells winter car accident like a pair of overused, rusted windshield wipers. Visibility is one of the most important parts of driving in winter weather. One option is to buy winter windshield wipers with a thick rubber coating, specially designed to take care of heavy precipitation. Either way, proper winter car maintenance should focus on making your commute safer by giving you a crystal clear view of the road.

Service Your Coolant System

Don't get the wrong idea: your coolant system isn't solely for when it's warm outside. Your vehicle's cooling system ensures against engine freeze in extreme temperatures as well. Schedule an annual radiator flush for when winter months are on the horizon, if recommended for your make and model. On your own, be aware of any leaks and make sure your antifreeze is filled to the appropriate level. While it might be tempting to mix antifreeze with water or use mostly water when filling the coolant system, don't do it. In cold months, make sure the coolant mixture is made up of at least 70 percent antifreeze. Using mainly water can result in expensive damage to your car when the reservoir freezes and breaks.

Be Aware of Tire Traction

Stay up-to-date on your tire wear. You don't want to enter the snowy season with a set of tires that are almost bald. Slipping and sliding is a fun activity when you're on a sled, not in your car. If the treads are worn down, purchase a new set of winter tires or all-season tires. Go the extra mile and maintain the right tire pressure all winter. Tires filled to the correct air pressure perform better and will also help you save on gas.

If you are involved in a winter driving accident, contact your local collision repair shop right away. Follow smart winter car maintenance guidelines and you will have confidence when you take your car out on the road this winter.

Jillynn Stevens is a writer and researcher. She is the Director of Digital Content Marketing for Be Locally SEO where she enjoys helping clients expand and improve their businesses through articles, blogs, website content and more. For all your Ogden, Utah auto body shops needs, see Everest Collision Repair.
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Sunday, December 14, 2014

The New BMW 6 Series. Official Launchfilm.



This is the official launchfilm of the new BMW 6 Series featuring the new BMW 6 Series Coupé, the new BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé and the new BMW 6 Series Convertible.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Cars and Money: Why You Should Never Do Your Own Car Repairs

Oh great! The car is making that sound again. What? The check engine light is blinking yet again? Why does smoke sometimes appear from the engine in the middle of my commute to the office?
These are only some of the matters that motorists report to their auto mechanic. Of course, the costs of vehicle maintenance add up in the end. According to Auto Club, the average owner of a sedan will spend close to $10,000 per year to own and operate their vehicle. This figure includes maintenance, fuel, tires, insurance and depreciation.

That's a lot of money, especially in this economy!

We have heard all of the horror stories about unscrupulous mechanics that do more work than what is necessary and then rip off the customer. This is why some car owners refrain from seeking the assistance of experienced industry professionals and instead perform the job themselves. However, not going to a mechanic shop may prove more harmful in the end.

Let's face it. Due to some of the stories out there - perhaps even personal experiences - some car owners believe they know just as much about their vehicle as the standard car repairman. But do they? Sure, with a little bit of research, a motorist could perform standard car maintenance tasks, such as oil changes, changing a windshield wiper or pumping air into wheels, but for more complex services it needs the work of a repairman because a majority of car owners are not grease or wrench monkeys.

In this difficult economic climate, it's understandable that consumers may want to save a few extra dollars by fixing an issue in their car instead of heading to a repair shop. In the long run, though, it may cost their wallets several additional dollars to remedy a problem that might have been caused by them trying to fix something.

With a little bit of research through websites like Yelp and referrals from friends and family members, automobile owners do not have to concern themselves with worrying about spending an astronomical sum of money just to replace the brakes. There are many good mechanics out there that do the job that is necessary without coming up with ways to scam the customer out of hundreds of extra dollars.
Aside from searching online and asking around, a motorist can complete a first-hand investigation too. Some of the steps that a car owner should take consist of finding out if the mechanic is Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified, examining the facilities (is it clean? Are the repairmen doing their jobs?), speaking with the mechanics and comparing prices with other nearby repair shops.

According to studies, people are keeping their cars longer and longer over time because of improved manufacturing capabilities, enhanced car products and better maintenance knowledge by the consumer.

"The length of time people keep cars has been going up for the past several years, since the real estate crash," said Michael Calkins, Triple A's manager of technical services, in an interview with USA Today. "The average age of the vehicle on the road now is 11.1 years. It's not just for financial reasons that people are keeping cars long. The quality of the cars is also improving."

Remember, maintain your vehicle on a regular basis, ask an auto mechanic plenty of questions and when in doubt go to an auto repair shop.

Peterson Auto & Truck is located at 7121 9th Ave N St Petersburg, FL 33710. Call (727) 343-4242 for more information about our auto repair shop today.
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Monday, December 8, 2014

GTI Roadster and Golf R 400 Performance Car Concepts | 2014 Volkswagen LA Auto Show



Want to see what performance really looks like? Volkswagen puts its best foot forward with two high performance concept cars in its portfolio: the Volkswagen GTI Roadster and the Golf R 400.

Friday, December 5, 2014

Choose a Good Auto Repair Shop to Keep Your Car Working Properly

Have you ever been out driving on the road without a care in the world and suddenly your car starts to make a funny noise? While you turn down the radio so you can hear the sound clearly, do you start to think about all of the things that could be wrong with your vehicle? Maybe you start thinking about the last time you took your vehicle in for repairs. No matter what you start to think about during that time, one thing you can't ignore is the fact that your car needs to go to an auto repair facility.

Instead of taking any chances on the problem getting worse, you need to contact your local auto repair shop and find out when is a good time for you to bring your vehicle in for service. The longer you drive around ignoring the issue, the larger your repair bill will be. If you don't have a good auto repair facility that you can take your car in too, it is time for you to start looking for one.

Any auto shop that you decide to take your vehicle to needs to be run and managed by state certified mechanics. You do have the option of choosing to have your vehicle serviced at the dealership or at an independent shop. You may want to check around and get some recommendations on where you should go so you don't end up wasting a ton of time. Some places are pretty fast when it comes to repairing your vehicle and others may be a bit slower. Some places require that you leave your car with them and others will fix it while you wait.

Keep in mind that all auto repair shops aren't the same. While many of their workers may hold the same credentials, the rate charge for service can differ greatly. Don't be so quick to go with a facility that charges rock bottom prices, because you may not be happy with the end result. You need to make sure that any parts they are using on your vehicle are new unless you have specified otherwise.

Pay attention to how you are treated when you visit different auto repair facilities. No matter what type of vehicle you have or what type of work needs to be done on your car, you should be treated as if you are the best customer in the world. That means that any questions or concerns you have should be addressed promptly. You should be treated as if your time and patronage are very valuable. If there are going to be any delays or unexpected issues concerning your vehicle's repairs you should be notified as soon as possible. A good shop is one that communicates with its customers every step of the way and charges them fair and competitive prices. The work they perform should be exceptional quality and they may even offer warranties with their work. The bottom line is you should end up a happy and satisfied customer after having your car worked on.

For your auto repair Ann Arbor needs, visit a certified garage with qualified mechanics. For more information, visit the following http://www.bpbriarwoodauto.com.
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Tuesday, December 2, 2014

The Most Expensive BMW Paint.



BMW Individual Pure Metal Silver is the most expensive paint from BMW. It looks amazing, has a chrome-like finish and extraordinary brilliance. In this clip you can see the intensive craftsmanship it takes to produce a "Pure Metal Silver car".