Archive for June, 2009

Are National Chains or Independent Mechanics Better for Car Repair?

Saturday, June 20th, 2009

When you need a mechanic to do a car repair, you first need to decide whether to go to an independent mechanic or to a national chain. Although there are plenty of independent mechanics around, you may find that a national chain is a better choice for three reasons.

The first reason is speed. Chains cut back on the amount of time you have to wait for the mechanics to get necessary parts because they an afford to keep a large inventory of parts on hand. Chains also have larger staffs, so if a repair is a two man job or it’s possible to speed up the car repair by adding extra mechanics to the job, the repair shop has the people to do the job.

An assurance of quality is the second reason. Chains hire only licensed and certified mechanics. Plus, the more employees a shop has, the more likely it is to have a specialist for each part of the car, which means the shop is more likely to be able to diagnose unusual problems and to have someone who can do difficult and highly specialized repairs.

Convenience is the third reason. An independent mechanic’s warranty on his car repair is usually good only at his own shop. If your car breaks down in Louisiana, what good is a warranty in Texas? On the other hand, national chains cover the country, so you would have to be someplace exceptionally remote to be more than a short drive or tow from the nearest branch of a chain where your warranty is good. That can save you substantial money.

You can also get personalized service at a chain just as easily as at an independent mechanic’s. Just as at an independent shop, you can get to know a mechanic who works at the local branch of the chain you choose. Chains also keep national records, so if you need to get a car repair at another branch, the mechanics have easy access to your car’s repair history. The data is there in writing, saving you the trouble of explaining the details to yet another mechanic. This makes it even easier to make certain the right car repair is done.

The next time you need car repair, consider all the benefits national chains can offer you. As one of your most important belongings, your car deserves the best care possible. National chains can provide that care.

The Benefits of Quality Car Maintenance and Repair

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

Many people prefer car repair over purchasing a new vehicle during uncertain economic times. Nothing can substitute for quality car repair if you want to keep your car operating well.

A do it yourselfer with an eye towards saving money, particularly during a rough financial patch, will prefer to save money by doing his or her own car repair. The car owner can perform such minor service as replacing wiper blades, filters, headlights, batteries and spark plugs, and changing the oil. A few hours over a weekend can save hundreds of dollars in car repair costs.

Gather a ratchet, oil filter wrench, recycling container and funnel along with a new oil filter, oil, and a clean rag, and you are able to do your own oil change. A simple radiator flush requires a Phillips head screwdriver or wrench, rag, radiator flush solution, coolant, funnel, and receptacle for the used coolant. If you have a set of needle nose pliers and a replacement valve, you can replace the engine PCV valve for relatively low cost. Regular do it yourself car repair projects such as these can ensure that your car remains in good form.

More complicated tasks are best left to the certified car repair technician, however. Take care, however, that you choose a car repair service that is honest and performs high quality work. Get recommendations from friends and family. Find out whether the car repair shop you are interested in has loyal customers. That shop should also use only the most current equipment and employ only ASE certified car repair technicians. Recognition from the ASE, or National Institute for Auto Service Excellence, is the industry standard for competency and quality car repair service.

A certified 21st century car repair technician will be schooled in the latest technology and can service all manner of domestic and foreign cars and trucks. The technician will perform such tasks as inspection and replacement of windshield wipers and fluids, tire inspection and balance, wheel alignment, and a thorough check of all fluids, filters, brakes, lights, and electronics. A regular service checkup can also include running a diagnostic on the computerized vehicle operating system, which is best left to a professional. Regularly scheduled routine maintenance by a certified car repair technician will keep your car operating at its best.

A car can last well past the 100,000 mile mark with regular and proper maintenance. Combining self performed minor car repair with professional service can assure this level of performance.

Car Repair Warranty.

Monday, June 8th, 2009

When you own a car you need to take it to a car repair shop for proper maintenance. There is a misconception that cars can be repaired only with authorized car repair services. Some people believe that the manufacturer may not give warranty benefits if they do not take their cars to authorized dealers. The Magnuson Moss Warranty Act was passed so that the warranty cannot be voided by the manufacturer if the car is repaired by a local or unauthorized service shop and this principle was adopted by the Federal Trade Commission. www.PrecisionTune.com Car repair done by a local independent service can save time and money. Experts recommend that the scheduled maintenance requirements must be adhered to and records of all receipts and payments made in case of enforcing the warranty. The Car Care Council website and the Better Business Bureau will help you research the reputation of the car repair service before you entrust your car.

Quality Brake Repair Services: Ensuring Driver Safety

Saturday, June 6th, 2009

What is your weekend activity going to be … a long drive with your chums? Headed for your next road trip? Perhaps the idea of your automobile acting up at the most inconvenient times worries you. Most car owners will admit that frequent servicing of your auto will help a smooth and worry free driving experience. While this may seem a truism of sorts, it pays to heed these tips especially when heading out to remote destinations. Talking about auto maintenance, the brakes are undeniably the most important area to keep a check on. This is one maintenance check that is indispensable and must be carried out before heading out.

Also, there are certain conditions beyond your power that may affect brake functioning. For instance, the daily changes in weather could be very hazardous and affect your brake system. While snowy weather poses skidding problems, warmer climates are not much safes since sunny weather can result in wear to the brake system. Unforeseen brake failure is dangerous and best avoided by frequent brake maintenance using a quality brake repair service.

If you are an ardent do it yourself fan and plan to handle brake repair on your own, make sure you have a detailed instruction guide handy. Then again, repairing brakes can be complicated and a good handyman kit is useful. You could get spares from a hardware store, and even pick up a few guidelines from them. But brake repair is not for newbies, and is best left to the experts if you are unsure about the outcome! Clearly brake repair is best left to the experts, and letting your brake repair specialist to handle will ensure that you are safe while driving.

For brake repair, there are plenty of service options to choose from, and evidently a proper repair work should be entailed before hitting the road. Since brakes are vital regardless of the duration of your journey it is essential to check them even if you are just commuting to your workplace. Ensure that your brake pads are not worn out and make regular checks on whether there is adequate brake fluid. In the event of a brake failure, the service light begins to blink suggesting that a brake repair is due. However, this warning sign may not always function, which means that you need to perform frequent checks just to be sure. If you are unsure about the functioning of your brakes, let the brake repair specialists handle it for you. If you suspect that your brakes need tune ups you will find specialists providing quality auto repair services near your neighborhood and it is wise to let them handle any brake repair or replacement as necessary.

Brake Repair at Home

Thursday, June 4th, 2009

Brake repair is one of the easiest repair projects that the car owner can perform at home. However, it is extremely important to perform brake repair correctly, since top performing car brakes are one of the most vital safety components of your vehicle. The following instructions are designed to demystify the process and reassure the car owner that brake repair can be done properly at home. They assume a familiarity with basic brake components.

Disk brakes work by squeezing two pads together on both sides of a rotating metal disk. Each wheel is equipped with two brake pads that close up when you press on the brake pedal of your car. Naturally, these pads wear down over time. That metal scraping sound that you one day start hearing whenever you press on the brakes is your car telling you that brake repair is needed. You could choose to ignore the sound, but the pads will wear completely away and only metal against metal will be left to stop your car. Only metal is left after the pads are gone, and continued use will ruin the wheel mechanism. Pay me now or pay me later. Brake repair now saves money later on.

Any auto parts store can sell you brake pads, but be sure to give them the make and model of your car as the pads may vary from make to make. Once home, the next step is to jack up your car and pull off the wheel. These two tasks, buying the pads and jacking up the car, comprise the majority of your brake repair. If you still are not sure that brake repair is necessary, you can eyeball the pads through the brake housing view port before removing the wheel. If you determine that brake repair really is necessary, then your next step is to remove the wheel and the bolt or bolts holding the brake housing in place and swing the unit out of the way. You are now ready to begin actual brake repair.

The brake pads will be visible with the housing out of the way. They sit loosely on the side of the disk without restraint and can easily be removed. You then take them off and replace them with the new brake pads and swing the housing back down. Next, adjust the caliper to allow for the new pads and slide the piston back into the unit.The prospect of performing your own brake repair may be intimidating at first, but once you get started you will see just how easy the process really is.