Posts Tagged ‘Automotive’

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Maintaining Your Vehicle: Drive Belts

Monday, July 26th, 2010

The function of belts in an automobile is to connect and drive two shafts to the motion of a rotary. This is done by using a series of pulleys. The motion of the rotary is where or how the engine gets its power to various accessories that are mounted to the engine. These accessories are vital to the operation of the vehicle like pumps, exhaust fans and air compressors. 

Types of belts:

V-belts are designed to provide high-traction power and to fit into a V shaped groove. The Poly-V belt is also designed to provide a high-traction form of power, but is flat on the outside with multiple V-shaped grooves on the inside. A drive belt that is similar to these V-belts but are open-ended belts that do not require meal clamps are called V-Link belts. Using a V-Link is a last resort for when other belts will not reach or fit as they are quite costly and will only carry a small load.

Belts that are lighter in weight and can function at high speeds are called Flat belts. There is little traction with these belts so they do tend to slip. The Timing belt is one of the most important belts and is quite different to other types. It does not require friction to function, nor does it it have teeth. In contrast with other belts, the Timing belt has a small capacity for power.

The function of drive belts:

Drive belts are simply used to drive components of the vehicle. Even though these belts are very inexpensive, they have the ability to put a stop to a functioning vehicle if they break. Without the belt to drive the vehicle component, there can be no motion or function from that component. For example, the water pump functions through the use of a drive belt. This pump is used to circulate water through the vehicle’s system thereby keeping it cool. Should the belt break and the water pump fail, water ceases to circulate through the system and the engine quickly overheats. Although a broken drive belt is a large problem, a broken serpentine belt can be an even larger one. The serpentine belt drives multiple components at once, so if this belt breaks then multiple functions are compromised.

What causes a belt to break?

Drive belts are made of inexpensive rubber. Over time, belts suffer normal wear and tear and this can cause them to dry out or crack. The belt will break as wear and tear compromises the integrity of the belt.

Is it difficult to replace a drive belt?

Depending on the location of the belt and your mechanical aptitude, it may be a simple process to replace a drive belt. A serpentine belt can be pretty complicated so it is probably best left to the professional mechanic. Most professional mechanics recommend that the serpentine belt be changed every thirty-five thousand miles.  These belts can last up to sixty thousand miles as can the timing belts.

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Repairing Your Vehicle: Choosing A Body Shop

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Accidents are a fact of life, and even careful drivers are not immune. Other drivers, weather conditions and unfamiliar roads can all contribute to accidents. It may not even be your fault. But accidents happen. When you do need to have work done on the body of your automobile, finding the best body shop is an important consideration. By the time your body work is complete, you want to be sure that there is no residual sign of any problems. This is why having the right shop is essential. Finding the best body shop is easy if you use the following tips.

When your vehicle is still in driving condition:

The first thing to do is to find a good shop is to get some estimates. This means driving to some of the most reputable shops in your area and asking for an estimate.  If your insurance company is paying for the repair, they will ask for three separate estimates. Even if you are paying for the repairs or upgrades yourself, get at least three estimates so you can compare the costs and repair time as well as the service that you got from the shop. There is no charge for an estimate.

This is the real start of your search for the best body shop. You can begin by comparing the quality and type of quoted materials in each estimate. If an estimate is a lot lower but the materials are obviously inferior this is neither a good choice nor a good shop. It is also important to check on the source of any replacement parts or materials. Rather than use factory-made parts, some shops will use parts sourced from a junk-yard.

Finding a body shop when you are not able to drive your vehicle:

Ideally you will have an insurance quote and a repairs list should you be int his situation. Getting a quote based on your list is as easy as faxing or visiting your local body shops.

When you have a quote on the parts list be sure you know where they will be getting their parts, either new from the manufacturer or from the local junk yard. If your vehicle needs to be repainted, ensure you ask whether the estimate includes repainting just a spot or the entire panel. Matching paint colors is an important consideration.

Before making your decision:

Choosing the right body shop is an incredibly important decision as body repairs can be very expensive. As with all large decisions, make sure you have gathered as much information as possible. To this end, a call to the Better Business Bureau and or the local Chamber of Commerce is recommended. You would probably need to reconsider your choice if you found that there were complaints listed against the shop you chose.

Price is not the sole factor in choosing the best body shop to repair your vehicle. There are a number of factors to be taken into consideration, including reputation, delivery time and quality of parts. By finding a body shop that provides quality workmanship at a reasonable price with a reasonable repair time, you can be assured that you have chosen the best body shop.

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Repairing Your Vehicle: Choosing A Body Shop

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Accidents are a fact of life, and even careful drivers are not immune. Other drivers, weather conditions and unfamiliar roads can all contribute to accidents. It may not even be your fault. But accidents happen. When you do need to have work done on the body of your automobile, finding the best body shop is an important consideration. By the time your body work is complete, you want to be sure that there is no residual sign of any problems. This is why having the right shop is essential. Finding the best body shop is easy if you use the following tips.

When your vehicle is still in driving condition:

The first thing to do is to find a good shop is to get some estimates. This means driving to some of the most reputable shops in your area and asking for an estimate.  If your insurance company is paying for the repair, they will ask for three separate estimates. Even if you are paying for the repairs or upgrades yourself, get at least three estimates so you can compare the costs and repair time as well as the service that you got from the shop. There is no charge for an estimate.

This is the real start of your search for the best body shop. You can begin by comparing the quality and type of quoted materials in each estimate. If an estimate is a lot lower but the materials are obviously inferior this is neither a good choice nor a good shop. It is also important to check on the source of any replacement parts or materials. Rather than use factory-made parts, some shops will use parts sourced from a junk-yard.

Finding a body shop when you are not able to drive your vehicle:

Ideally you will have an insurance quote and a repairs list should you be int his situation. Getting a quote based on your list is as easy as faxing or visiting your local body shops.

When you have a quote on the parts list be sure you know where they will be getting their parts, either new from the manufacturer or from the local junk yard. If your vehicle needs to be repainted, ensure you ask whether the estimate includes repainting just a spot or the entire panel. Matching paint colors is an important consideration.

Before making your decision:

Choosing the right body shop is an incredibly important decision as body repairs can be very expensive. As with all large decisions, make sure you have gathered as much information as possible. To this end, a call to the Better Business Bureau and or the local Chamber of Commerce is recommended. You would probably need to reconsider your choice if you found that there were complaints listed against the shop you chose.

Price is not the sole factor in choosing the best body shop to repair your vehicle. There are a number of factors to be taken into consideration, including reputation, delivery time and quality of parts. By finding a body shop that provides quality workmanship at a reasonable price with a reasonable repair time, you can be assured that you have chosen the best body shop.

Learn about cheap auto insurance and car insurance prices at this informative site.

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Maintaining And Repairing Your Vehicle: How To Choose An Auto Repair Shop

Monday, July 26th, 2010

For most people in America, a dependable mode of transportation is a must. The most convenient form of transportation is owning your own vehicle. This is true even in areas where there is easily available public transport. Owing a vehicle and knowing that every time you need to travel your car will function correctly means maintenance and repairs are extremely important. Considering the number of choices available, finding the best auto repair shop in your local area can be a confusing task.

Some things to keep in mind when choosing an auto repair shop are:

Start by asking friends, family members and colleagues which auto repair shop they use. There is no better recommendation than that of someone else who uses their services. Much as you would when searching for any other business, try to build a full picture of the shop’s business ethics. The Better Business Bureau can help with this by advising if there are any negatives against the auto repair shop.

Once you have a shop in mind, pay a visit to the premises to ensure that the business appears to be well run. Some things to look out for are a clean and uncluttered reception area, appropriate lighting, and modern equipment. Always check the mechanic’s certification, which should be on display. This certification shows that the mechanics are licensed for business in your area. You will also want to check that the mechanic’s certification covers the manufacturer of your vehicle. Certification reading ASE should be the bare minimum on display. 

It is important that your make and model of vehicle is one with which the mechanic or auto repair shop that you’ve chosen is familiar. It is also important to ensure that your chosen mechanic has proficiency with all aspects of auto maintenance that you will require, rather than just being an oil change specialist.

Narrowing down your choices:

By this stage you should have narrowed your choices down to a few shops that are experienced with your type of vehicle and well certified. Assuming this is the case, there are some other considerations that may help narrow your choice further. What benefits does the shop offer. What happens should you need to leave your vehicle in the shop for a number of days? Many auto repair shops offer either a loaner car or a discounted rate with a local hire car company. This type of additional service could prove invaluable should you still need to travel to and from work while your vehicle is being repaired. Also, find out if they have convenient hours like weekends and evenings.

Have you checked your vehicle’s warranty?

Make sure you take into consideration whether your vehicle is under warranty. It is important that the auto repair shop you have chosen is authorized to perform repairs without nullifying your warranty.

What to do once you have made your choice of repair shop:

It is always a good idea to find the shop you will use before you are in a crunch to have work done. If possible, have a series of small services such as brake system checks and oil changes done in order to build rapport with the auto shop. Some auto repair shops will even provide minor services for free. Repairs are always more expensive than preventative care.

If, after all of this, you still have a number of valid choices, then consider any difference in pricing. If the quality of each auto repair shop is the same, then saving money is always a large consideration.

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Maintaining And Repairing Your Vehicle: How To Choose An Auto Repair Shop

Monday, July 26th, 2010

For most people in America, a dependable mode of transportation is a must. The most convenient form of transportation is owning your own vehicle. This is true even in areas where there is easily available public transport. Owing a vehicle and knowing that every time you need to travel your car will function correctly means maintenance and repairs are extremely important. Considering the number of choices available, finding the best auto repair shop in your local area can be a confusing task.

Some things to keep in mind when choosing an auto repair shop are:

Start by asking friends, family members and colleagues which auto repair shop they use. There is no better recommendation than that of someone else who uses their services. Much as you would when searching for any other business, try to build a full picture of the shop’s business ethics. The Better Business Bureau can help with this by advising if there are any negatives against the auto repair shop.

Once you have a shop in mind, pay a visit to the premises to ensure that the business appears to be well run. Some things to look out for are a clean and uncluttered reception area, appropriate lighting, and modern equipment. Always check the mechanic’s certification, which should be on display. This certification shows that the mechanics are licensed for business in your area. You will also want to check that the mechanic’s certification covers the manufacturer of your vehicle. Certification reading ASE should be the bare minimum on display. 

It is important that your make and model of vehicle is one with which the mechanic or auto repair shop that you’ve chosen is familiar. It is also important to ensure that your chosen mechanic has proficiency with all aspects of auto maintenance that you will require, rather than just being an oil change specialist.

Narrowing down your choices:

By this stage you should have narrowed your choices down to a few shops that are experienced with your type of vehicle and well certified. Assuming this is the case, there are some other considerations that may help narrow your choice further. What benefits does the shop offer. What happens should you need to leave your vehicle in the shop for a number of days? Many auto repair shops offer either a loaner car or a discounted rate with a local hire car company. This type of additional service could prove invaluable should you still need to travel to and from work while your vehicle is being repaired. Also, find out if they have convenient hours like weekends and evenings.

Have you checked your vehicle’s warranty?

Make sure you take into consideration whether your vehicle is under warranty. It is important that the auto repair shop you have chosen is authorized to perform repairs without nullifying your warranty.

What to do once you have made your choice of repair shop:

It is always a good idea to find the shop you will use before you are in a crunch to have work done. If possible, have a series of small services such as brake system checks and oil changes done in order to build rapport with the auto shop. Some auto repair shops will even provide minor services for free. Repairs are always more expensive than preventative care.

If, after all of this, you still have a number of valid choices, then consider any difference in pricing. If the quality of each auto repair shop is the same, then saving money is always a large consideration.

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Preventative Maintenance For Your Vehicles Belts

Monday, July 26th, 2010

The best reason to embark on a maintenance program for your vehicle is to save yourself both money and time. You can save money by avoiding expensive repairs and you can save time by not needed to wait for repairs to be done. One of the most simple aspects of vehicle maintenance is keeping a check on the quality of your oil, and having it changed regularly. Checking your tires for wear and tear, as well as maintaining correct air pressure, is also important. Thirdly, ensure that the belts in your vehicle are kept in good condition and replaced as required.

Checking your vehicle’s belts:

At your vehicle’s sixty-thousand mile tune-up make sure that your belts are changed, whether or not they are showing signs of wear. Considering that the sixty-thousand mile tune-up includes changing the timing belt, you should not be charged for any additional labor for your mechanic to change the other belts.

Before checking the belts yourself make sure to turn off the engine. Make sure the engine and belts have cooled before attempting to touch them. When you’re ready to begin, open the hood by first pulling the hood release located beneath the dashboard and then either squeezing or sliding the latch under the hood itself.  

Once the hood is open, take a look inside. The belts are located at the front of the vehicle’s engine. The engine’s orientation depends on whether your vehicle is rear or front wheel drive. In rear wheel drive vehicles the engine is set closer to the front, whereas the engine is set further back in front wheel drive vehicles.

Check how many belts you can see.

The make and model of your vehicle will determine the number of belts you will find. The belts are responsible for driving components such as the alternator, fan and water, smog and power steering pumps.  As such, they are collectively called drive belts. There will be a minimum of two belts on your vehicle. Each belt runs over a pulley. As you locate them, press lightly in the middle of the longest part of the belt with your thumb to test the tension. Look at the owner’s manual for your vehicle to see how much give in the belt should have. Usually it is less than an inch of give when you press down gently.

This is also a good time to check the belt for any signs of cracks or drying out. It is normal to notice a small amount of cracking on the belt. However there should not be larger chunks missing.Check for missing pieces or large cracks but note that some small cracking is normal and nothing to worry about. You may also notice some minor rust discoloration. This is also fine. The action of the belt, especially the one for the air conditioning clutch, creates a fine dust and this will rust over time.  It does not hurt anything. If the belt has too much give or you see obvious signs of wear then it needs to be replaced before it breaks. A screeching sound when you hit the gas is an indication that the belt is too lose. In this case, the belt will need to either be replaced or tightened. Should one of your belts break, it can be an expensive repair.

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Preventative Maintenance For Your Vehicles Belts

Monday, July 26th, 2010

The best reason to embark on a maintenance program for your vehicle is to save yourself both money and time. You can save money by avoiding expensive repairs and you can save time by not needed to wait for repairs to be done. One of the most simple aspects of vehicle maintenance is keeping a check on the quality of your oil, and having it changed regularly. Checking your tires for wear and tear, as well as maintaining correct air pressure, is also important. Thirdly, ensure that the belts in your vehicle are kept in good condition and replaced as required.

Checking your vehicle’s belts:

At your vehicle’s sixty-thousand mile tune-up make sure that your belts are changed, whether or not they are showing signs of wear. Considering that the sixty-thousand mile tune-up includes changing the timing belt, you should not be charged for any additional labor for your mechanic to change the other belts.

Before checking the belts yourself make sure to turn off the engine. Make sure the engine and belts have cooled before attempting to touch them. When you’re ready to begin, open the hood by first pulling the hood release located beneath the dashboard and then either squeezing or sliding the latch under the hood itself.  

Once the hood is open, take a look inside. The belts are located at the front of the vehicle’s engine. The engine’s orientation depends on whether your vehicle is rear or front wheel drive. In rear wheel drive vehicles the engine is set closer to the front, whereas the engine is set further back in front wheel drive vehicles.

Check how many belts you can see.

The make and model of your vehicle will determine the number of belts you will find. The belts are responsible for driving components such as the alternator, fan and water, smog and power steering pumps.  As such, they are collectively called drive belts. There will be a minimum of two belts on your vehicle. Each belt runs over a pulley. As you locate them, press lightly in the middle of the longest part of the belt with your thumb to test the tension. Look at the owner’s manual for your vehicle to see how much give in the belt should have. Usually it is less than an inch of give when you press down gently.

This is also a good time to check the belt for any signs of cracks or drying out. It is normal to notice a small amount of cracking on the belt. However there should not be larger chunks missing.Check for missing pieces or large cracks but note that some small cracking is normal and nothing to worry about. You may also notice some minor rust discoloration. This is also fine. The action of the belt, especially the one for the air conditioning clutch, creates a fine dust and this will rust over time.  It does not hurt anything. If the belt has too much give or you see obvious signs of wear then it needs to be replaced before it breaks. A screeching sound when you hit the gas is an indication that the belt is too lose. In this case, the belt will need to either be replaced or tightened. Should one of your belts break, it can be an expensive repair.

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Whether You Improve Your Gas Is Up To You

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Improving gas mileage in any type of vehicle is dependent on two factors.

Those are the maintenance of the car and the way you drive. Maintenance is the easiest factor to approach and your driving habits actually have more of an impact on mileage.

The three key aspects of keeping a car at it’s highest fuel efficiency are; tire inflation, the tuning and maintenance of your engine and using the proper motor oil.

Typically you will save 4 percent of your fuel usage if you tune your engine rather than letting it fail its emission test. You can save as high as 40 percent on fuel usage if something dramatic had to be fixed like a faulty oxygen sensor which would mess the ratio of fuel and air. A saving of 11 cents per gallon can be achieved if fuel costs $2.75 per gallon.

Tires with the correct air pressure last longer and are safer for you. The air pressure that your tires need is usually in the driver’s side door jam, t is also in the car’s owner’s manual. Don’t follow the maximum pressure printed on the tires. Proper tire maintenance can save you about 8 cents a gallon or make your car run 3 percent more economical.

3 to 6 cents per gallon is not a bad saving when considered it is achievable by just using the proper recommended oil.

A great saving of 25 percent can be achieved by following the recommended products, parts and maintenance for your car.

Fuel burns much quicker when you have bad driving habits, you can cost you more than $1.50 pr gallon. These habits are also harder to fix – you can’t pay someone to make them go away in a few hours.

Bad drivers are the ones that are in a hurry racing through traffic, they accelerate rapidly and also stop too quickly. Driving like that lowers your mileage 5 percent around town and as much as 10 mpg on the highway, that’s 30 percent on the highway. That’s 91 cents extra per gallon ad very high indeed.

Speeding is the second greatest waste of fuel. Gas mileage decreases rapidly when speeds exceed 60 mph – costing you about 11 percent of your gas mileage for every 5 mph you speed. You stand to lose a huge 50 cents per gallon if you drive 10 mph faster than 60 mph.

Idling and carrying too much weight are also costing you ñ 100 pounds can cost an extra 6 cents per gallon. Your engine can be slowed yet still maintain it’s speed through the use of overdrive gears while driving on the highway, cruise control also saves your mileage.

Addressing gas mileage can be easy with a trip to the mechanic, or it can be a little tougher with a constant reminder to yourself to relax and slow down behind the wheel, but it can be done and make you a little happier at the gas pump.

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Whether You Improve Your Gas Is Up To You

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Improving gas mileage in any type of vehicle is dependent on two factors.

Those are the maintenance of the car and the way you drive. Maintenance is the easiest factor to approach and your driving habits actually have more of an impact on mileage.

The three key aspects of keeping a car at it’s highest fuel efficiency are; tire inflation, the tuning and maintenance of your engine and using the proper motor oil.

Typically you will save 4 percent of your fuel usage if you tune your engine rather than letting it fail its emission test. You can save as high as 40 percent on fuel usage if something dramatic had to be fixed like a faulty oxygen sensor which would mess the ratio of fuel and air. A saving of 11 cents per gallon can be achieved if fuel costs $2.75 per gallon.

Tires with the correct air pressure last longer and are safer for you. The air pressure that your tires need is usually in the driver’s side door jam, t is also in the car’s owner’s manual. Don’t follow the maximum pressure printed on the tires. Proper tire maintenance can save you about 8 cents a gallon or make your car run 3 percent more economical.

3 to 6 cents per gallon is not a bad saving when considered it is achievable by just using the proper recommended oil.

A great saving of 25 percent can be achieved by following the recommended products, parts and maintenance for your car.

Fuel burns much quicker when you have bad driving habits, you can cost you more than $1.50 pr gallon. These habits are also harder to fix – you can’t pay someone to make them go away in a few hours.

Bad drivers are the ones that are in a hurry racing through traffic, they accelerate rapidly and also stop too quickly. Driving like that lowers your mileage 5 percent around town and as much as 10 mpg on the highway, that’s 30 percent on the highway. That’s 91 cents extra per gallon ad very high indeed.

Speeding is the second greatest waste of fuel. Gas mileage decreases rapidly when speeds exceed 60 mph – costing you about 11 percent of your gas mileage for every 5 mph you speed. You stand to lose a huge 50 cents per gallon if you drive 10 mph faster than 60 mph.

Idling and carrying too much weight are also costing you ñ 100 pounds can cost an extra 6 cents per gallon. Your engine can be slowed yet still maintain it’s speed through the use of overdrive gears while driving on the highway, cruise control also saves your mileage.

Addressing gas mileage can be easy with a trip to the mechanic, or it can be a little tougher with a constant reminder to yourself to relax and slow down behind the wheel, but it can be done and make you a little happier at the gas pump.

Are you interested in healthy living and healthy lifestyle? We reveal all.

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Your Life Improved With The Battery-Powered Car

Monday, July 26th, 2010

The price of Gas is so high and the greenhouse gases are still destroying our environment so it is no wonder that you are thinking of getting a hybrid or electric car.

But unless you have the means to buy one of the more expensive models, there are disadvantages to most models that you’ll want to consider long before visiting a dealership.

The hybrid vehicles either alternate between gas and electric power or use gas to power their electric motors. Cars that run on electric power operate on a mile basis so considering how long your journey is you must plan when and where to make a stop.

The price is the biggest factor in choosing either model. The Toyota model is one of the most well-known models and they only up the mileage to 50mph and carry a huge price tag of $22,000 which means that to cover your loses it will take several years compared to a gas vehicle which is more fuel-efficient. The other brands tell the same story, most of them worse because they end up costing more and getting even less mileage.

There are really no good choices out there when you look at the prices and benefits such as the Mercury Milan and Ford Fusion at $27,000 when you only get 39 miles per gallon and at a better price but even worse mileage we have the Mini Cooper which costs $19,800 but only gets you 36 miles per gallon.

If you are considering an electric model do not expect them to be cheaper as they actually grow in price. Nearly a dozen models are either in trial stages or expected to go into production this year, but the cheapest still carry a $40,000 estimated price tag. A backup generator which runs on gas actually charges the Chevrolet Volt and with it’s electric power it can run for up to 40 miles. Going for up to 100 miles on one charge the Nissan Leaf goes for around the same price but has no backup generator. For $57,000 and available next year the Tesla Model S sedan will make it for 300 miles in between charges which is amazing. So electric power will be good but you must consider the option of taking shorter trips so that you can plan charges and leave time for the charges to finish.

Hybrid and electric cars have potential disadvantages that extend beyond their up front cost as well. Servicing and repairing your hybrid or electric car will be a big issue, there will only be a few places that specialize in them and they will be very costly. If the dealership you actually buy your car from is the same place you intend to get it serviced from and it is a fir distance away you will have to travel very far or get it towed back there. When accidents do happen your car’s engine will pose a great hazard to you and others involved.

Since technology and the availability of service is expected to continue improving with research and the spread of the vehicles, the best answer if you want a vehicle that runs on alternative fuels could be to wait. Along with other improvements in the vehicles, increased demand is expected to bring lower prices, which could make the investment one that pays off much more quickly.

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