Monthly Archives: September 2009

Author : John Lombardi

Extended warranties for cars and trucks have become more popular than ever In fact, if you are reading this you probably already have an extended automotive warranty or are considering the purchase of one

Extended warranties can be a great deal; ideally, you are getting the same protection and peace of mind that you would get when purchasing a new car

If you already have a warranty, here are six things that you should know:

1) Often times automotive repair shops and dealerships frown on performing extended warranty work The reason for this is simple- most of the time the extended warranty issuer has a cap on the labor rate that they are willing to pay- repair facilities are sometimes under the impression that they are wasting their time doing work for them

Before you bring your car in for repair, I suggest that you make sure that the shop works closely with your particular warranty company and that they are willing to do the work for what the company pays, within reason

2) Inquire about your out-of-pocket costs ahead of time Even if your repair shop will perform services on your vehicle at the warranty company’s labor rate, you will typically be responsible to pay a deductible (if your policy has one) and pay state sales tax If there are additional costs or things that are not covered, the time to find out about it is before you have any work done

3) Read the fine print I know- easy to say but hard to do Different policies cover different things For example, some warranties only cover “mechanical breakdown” while others cover “wear and tear” as well Additionally, your warranty may provide an allowance for a rental car to drive while your vehicle is being repaired It pays to know what is covered and what is not

4) Many warranty companies require that a maintenance schedule be adhered to Make sure that you are aware of this and have these services, such as oil changes, performed when they should be This could help you from having a claim denied in the future

5) Make sure that your warranty allows you to take the vehicle to the shop of your choosing to have the repair performed Often times when extended warranties are purchased from new car dealers, the purchaser is mislead into thinking that the usually high priced issuing dealership is the only place where the warranty is honored This is rarely the case

6) Work with a shop that has experience with extended warranty companies A shop that knows the warranty issuer’s procedures and gets approval before the work is done is not likely to put you in a position where your claim gets denied on a technicality The best bet is to find a repair facility that will deal directly with the warranty company on your behalf This will not only minimize your risk but also save you some aggravation

By following these simple guidelines you can usually find a reliable repair facility that will make sure that your claim gets paid with a minimum of hassle and makes the warranty process as convenient as possible for you

John Lombardi is co-owner of Passaic County Transmission and has been in the transmission repair industry for over 20 years.

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Author : Samantha McCartney

From the start we are told that we need to take care of our belongings Well the more expensive those belongings get the more we must put an effort to take care of them Our cars are one of our most important and sometimes most expensive belongings They are what get us to all the places we need and want to be or go So, it is important that we take care of our cars, maybe even sometimes pampering our vehicles Auto detailing is one such way to pamper our vehicles What does that pampering include?

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First of all your vehicle will get cleaned inside and out by a professional They can also help restore parts of your vehicle that have endured a lot of wear and tear and needs a little TLC The goal of auto detailing is to restore a vehicle to show room conditions Only a professional auto detailer can get your car looking its best So, start looking for a professional auto detailer to pamper your vehicle

They will start by stripping the car of all debris usually with a clay bar system It is important that dirt, sap and bugs are completed removed or they can have harmful effects on your vehicles paint They may also clean the outside of your car with a car cleaner and a soft cloth They will be sure to rinse and dry your car by hand to eliminate water spots Then they will apply a coat of wax The wax will help keep your car shining and protect the paint from oxidizing They will clean your tires and wheel rims and get them sparkling as well

The inside will also receive a deep cleaning They will vacuum your upholstery and mats in your vehicle They will also clean all the dust, crumbs and other trash from any crevices or other parts of the interior The vinyl or leather will get a form of polish so that it also can shine If your carpets are stained you may ask if they can steam clean your carpets, this may cost a little extra Usually you will get to choose a car scent for the inside as well to get your vehicle smelling great too!

Professional auto detailing is a great way to pamper your vehicle Not only will your vehicle look nice but you will feel better as well A clean car is said to improve your mood Also you will have more confidence in yourself as you take others for a ride in your vehicle They will notice how nice your car is instead of thinking you are a mess Keep in mind that pampering your vehicle with such services like auto detailing can also improve or maintain your vehicles resale or trade in value should you ever need those options It is always better to get what you deserve out of your vehicle than not enough

What are you waiting for, find an auto detailer to pamper your vehicle and restore its natural beauty!

If your car is in need of auto reconditioning start looking for a qualified professional to handle your concerns. Look for an auto body professional to take care of your ride from auto detailing to fixing the major auto body repairs at http://www.autoreconditioning.com/

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Author : Gregg Hall

High performance all season tires do much more than just make your vehicle look better and perform better They also are an incredible safety item and if they are kept in proper shape and inflated properly they can really save your life As someone who has been around the automotive business for a lot of my life I have to say that a quality set of all season radial tires are essential for any automobile owner Just as a house must have a good foundation, your car is no different The car and your very life as well are dependent upon your tires and wheels This is the reason that you keep your tires in good shape

Some people think that maintaining all season tires is just the act of replacing them when the treads begin to show but there is a lot more to it than that For starters you need to be sure that you always keep your tires inflated properly and rotate the tires as the manufacturer suggests so that the tread wear remains even and you don’t have tires that wear out before their time The other thing is that you need to avoid running your vehicle on rough unfinished or rocky roads and avoid running into curbs Another thing that causes tires to wear out quickly is taking curves or corners sharply at a high rate of speed This is one of the reasons that race car drivers have to change tires so frequently Stopping hard will also place undo stress on your tires so you should avoid jackrabbit starts and quick stops

If you own your vehicle any time at all you will have to change your tires and for most people this is a job that cannot be done on your own Even if you are one of those types that think that think you can do it all yourself this is one area if expertise that is best left to the professionals Even before I got involved in the automotive industry I was into working on my car and doing as much as I could by myself My brother and I used to work on our cars in the backyard on the weekends The big thing with installing tires is that they need to be properly aligned and balanced which cannot be done without specialized equipment that is found at a tire dealer You can drive a car without balancing the tires but it is not really safe to do so and it will drastically reduce the life of your tires The best bet is to swallow your pride and realize that there are some things that you cannot do on your own and let the tire shop handle it for you

Gregg Hall is an author living with his 18 year old son in Jensen Beach, Florida. Find more about tires as well as custom wheels at http://www.nsearch.com

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Author : Everette Jamison

Whether you and your family are getting away for the weekend or planning an extensive vacation, a long road trip requires careful preparation Cars are built to be more reliable today than ever But, even with proper maintenance, parts can still fail Fortunately, by planning ahead and taking the right steps, you can reduce your chances of breaking down You can even fix minor problems yourself after you’ve pulled your car to the side of the road Here are 3 important things you should do to get your vehicle ready for the road trip

Two Weeks Before You Leave

Take your car to a trained auto mechanic at least two weeks before leaving for your vacation A lot of drivers wait until the last day before visiting the repair shop That’s a bad idea If your vehicle needs repairs or replacement parts, your mechanic might need more than one afternoon to do the work Plus, auto repairs aren’t infallible; things can go wrong When they do, it’s usually within the first 150 miles Giving yourself a couple of weeks to “test drive” the repairs allows plenty of time to have them fixed if problems occur

Prepare Your Roadside Emergency Kit

Even with the best preparations, you can find yourself stranded by the side of the road For example, you might get a flat tire, your battery may unexpectedly fail, or you might be involved in a traffic collision Pack a flashlight, bottled water, hazard flares, and jumper cables You should also have a spare cell phone battery, a small pad of paper and extra pens That way, if you are involved in a traffic accident, you can take notes and write down the other driver’s information

A Few “Quick Fix” Essentials

Any long car trip requires carrying a few extra auto supplies Your vehicle should already have a spare tire and a small jack in the trunk You should also pack a few bottles of motor oil and transmission fluid Plus, in addition to the items in your roadside emergency kit, pack a can of tire sealant, a few roles of electrical tape, and basic tools, such as a screwdriver and pliers

One last note about the small jack in your vehicle’s trunk Test it before leaving your house Often, they’re designed for portability rather than strength For larger vehicles, the jack may not be sufficient; in some cases, using it may even be dangerous

Preparing for that long road trip can be time consuming task Being prepared and covering all your bases and keeping up with the car maintenance will give you piece of mind for the journey ahead

Taking your car on a long road trip should be worry-free But, you need to plan ahead in order to avoid problems Visit your mechanic a couple of weeks before leaving, replenish your roadside emergency kit, and pack a few extra auto supplies If something goes wrong while you’re on the road, you’ll be better prepared to resolve the issue

For all your used Chevrolet engines and used Chevrolet transmissions needs consider the leader in parts, http://www.everdrive.com

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Author : Eddie Lamb

Almost all the families in the US own at least one car or truck, which will at one point or the other require some kind of maintenance or car and truck parts How can you save on repairing car and truck parts? Read on to find out for yourself

Do It Yourself

The first thing that comes to mind when you think to save on repairing your car is, do it yourself, which most of the time is great fun for men (not so much for women) However, if you are experimenting, it can cost you more in the long run Therefore, in order to truly save by repairing car and truck parts yourself, try to learn the trade

No, I am not suggesting you go to school and train to become a mechanic in order to repair your car, but researching can help you get the right instruction on how to do almost anything by yourself There are sites, which specialize in car repairs where you can find step-by-step instructions on how to repair your car yourself

Another way to do the repairs right is to get a book on car repairs, which is available both online and in any book store such as Barnes and Nobles or Borders Popular titles include the ‘For Dummies’ series because they explain everything from scratch and have accompanying illustrations as well

If you are a beginner in the car and truck part repair trade, start with a small job until you learn and gain the experience to do something larger, as this needs an experienced hand and knowledge Also, try and observe how and what others do when they repair their cars by themselves such as, your dad, brother and other friends whom you can also ask in case of an emergency for help and support

Helpful Tip

It is important to recognize when you cannot do a job and need to take it in to a specialist as well It is important your car and truck parts are safely installed and working in good condition in order for you to be safe every time you drive your vehicle

In the end, your safety and of those that travel with you is all that matters Besides learning how to repair a car is not done over night, it will take you a while to get it right; during which time being safe will always be a better choice than being sorry

Eddie Lamb publishes an abundance of information on a range of topical subjects. This article Guide to Buying Used Car and Truck Parts, is just one of a host of useful articles about Camcorder listed on our site map at Camcorder Ideas.

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Author : Everette Jamison

Driver safety is critical, but unfortunately, some aspects will be outside your control when you’re on the road For example, poor weather conditions combined with slippery roads can easily lead to a traffic collision Fortunately, automakers are designing vehicles with more flexible safety features Electronic stability control (or ESC) was developed nearly 20 years ago and made its automotive debut in 1992 Following years of research, electronic stability control was created to help drivers compensate during a loss of steering control by braking accordingly

Overview Of ESC Technology

During a slip or skid, a wide array of sensors throughout your car send data to the onboard computer By analyzing this information (i e yaw, wheel position, steering wheel position, speed, etc ), the brakes are applied individually in order to compensate For example, during oversteer the brakes on the outer front wheel may be applied What makes ESC indispensable is the fact that a human driver is unable to apply the brakes individually, thus affording the computer a greater range of control

In certain cars, a high-performance ESC system may be installed With this system, the computer is programmed for a greater traction allowance so the car is able to skid more before the brakes engage

When the system is activated, drivers are typically alerted with a warning light, while certain cars have an alarm that sounds Part of the motive behind warning signals is the overinflated sense of confidence many drivers feel with stability control, thus the need to remind them of the vehicle’s handling limits In addition to a warning signal, each system will demonstrate different tendencies when activated For example, the driver may feel the automatic pumping of the anti-lock brakes, or the car may shift direction slightly

How Effective Is It?

ESC is responsible for a significant decrease in the number and severity of traffic collisions By some reports, the technology is directly associated with an estimated 32 percent drop in risk for fatal multiple-vehicle crashes, and a 32 percent drop for fatal single-vehicle collisions Overall, electronic vehicle stability control reduces the chances for a fatal collision by 43 percent Including non-fatal crashes, the overall likelihood is reduced by 35 percent

It’s important to note that the technology is not perfect It is still possible to lose control of your vehicle when you’re driving on slick roads, over the speed limit, or with poorly inflated or worn out tires

ESC versus TSC

Traction stability control (or TSC) is a predecessor of ESC First implemented in 1987, TSC is only able to sense wheel slippage, and once detected, apply the brakes or decrease engine output – or both While TSC can recover from certain slips, it is unable to compensate for all road conditions In modern control systems, TSC has been incorporated into ESC

Ideally, you’ll never need to rely upon your vehicle’s stability control system However, like most of your car’s safety features (for example, air bags), the technology is an invaluable tool that can literally save your life

For all your used Ford engines and used Ford transmissions needs consider the leader in parts, http://www.everdrive.com

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Author : Kevin Dark

Welcome to Toyoland, a place where performance, styling, reliability, and joy seem to plaster a grin on just about everyone’s face Of course nobody ever walks here, as they are too busy driving their Toyotas everywhere anywhere; they just can’t seem to get enough When is the last time you took the long way home for work because you wanted to? Probably the last time you owned a Toyota But what makes Toyota cars and Toyota trucks so special? Is it the Toyota parts, or the Toyota people; I say both, and this is my review of Toyotas offering to their loyal customers

In the Toyota sports line-up we first have the Toyota Supra, which has been around since 1979, and was definitely considered one quick import In fact, there are very few vehicles on the market today that compare with raw potential and aftermarket capability If you are a little more on the family oriented side of performance car enthusiasm, then the Toyota Celica would be your better choice As one of the longest continuously produced vehicles in history; the Celica has both practicality and sex appeal to offer its drivers, which is not an easy combination to come by

If you like to add in the benefit of a convertible with your sports car then the new Toyota Solara might just be right up your alley Classy enough to drive your business clients around, roomy enough for the average family, and sporty enough for your teenager to get themselves in trouble; the Solara is a great value at around $30,000

Besides sport cars, Toyota is also known for its reliable production of midline family sedans The Toyota Corolla is a good all around introductory vehicle into this realm The Corolla has gone through some very positive changes over the years, and is actually a rather classy looking economy cruiser A few steps above the Corolla is Toyotas more luxury oriented, Toyota Camry With its increased size and performance, many would say that the Camry could give Chevrolets Cadillac a good run for its money; especially when you consider the money involved as part of your factoring!

Subcompacts are among Toyotas specialty these days and the Toyota Yaris, better known as the Echo is a perfect example of a great idea gone bad The Yaris although a great vehicle overall, is just too small to fit within the current US market If saving the world is of any importance to you, then the Toyota Prius should be on your purchase list for the coming year With 44 miles to the gallon, not only will the earth breathe easier, but your wallet will too!

If a sport Utility is your desired vehicle of choice, whether you live in the center of the city or the outskirts of a mountainside; Toyota also has a few great choices for you The Toyota FJ Cruiser just might be the cure for all your blues In the tradition of the classic land cruiser comes this all terrain beast that resembles itself more as a hummer than anything else The Cruiser is built for the terrain, but entirely suited for the highway too! The Toyota Tacoma is Toyota’s answer to today’s working man who is looking for an all around great vehicle that can work just as hard as it can play Just as well suited in the terrain as the Cruiser, but with hauling capability; the Tacoma is a great truck at a great value

Family life brings necessity to that of your vehicle choice, and the Toyota Sienna just might be your best choice Boasting a five star crash rating which should put anyone’s mind at rest while on the road with loved ones; the Toyota Sienna is a smart buy In the cross over utility vehicle market, the Toyota Matrix is second to none in both practicality and popularity With a price tag of around $15,000 and the sports appeal of the Celica, the Matrix is set to be around for a while!

Kevin Dark is an avid car fan. Find out more about his new informational website Find Toyota.

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Author : Everette Jamison

Reliable brakes are integral to the safe operation of any car, of course They slow and stop your car by converting the kinetic energy of the rotating wheel into heat energy via friction When your braking pedal is depressed, pads press against the drum or rotor, triggering the energy conversion The main considerations with a vehicle’s braking system are the brake type and actuator mechanism

Today, we’ll briefly discuss the operation of drum and disc brakes I’ll describe how each system works to slow your vehicle and the individual components involved in the process

Drum Brakes

Most vehicles that roll off the automaker’s factory floor are equipped with one of two types of braking assemblies: drum or disc Each type offers inherent advantages over the other, but your car’s make and model will ultimately determine which type is used

With drum assemblies, a drum that is attached to the wheel houses two semicircular shoes When activated, the shoes press against the drum, slowing your car Actuators sit between the two shoes at a specific edge; when triggered, they twist This twisting motion forces the shoe against the drum When the pedal is released, the shoes retract via a set of springs

Depending on the configuration of the actuator, the drum structure may be labeled “single leading edge” or “double leading edge ” The term “leading edge” refers to the location in which the actuators are installed and therefore the point of drum contact Single leading edges have one actuator while double leading edges have two for maximum contact

Disc Brakes

Disc-based assemblies perform much better than their drum counterparts As a result, they’re more likely to be found in sports cars and other high-performance automobiles A disc brake system uses a caliper assembly that overlaps the rotor, a metal plate attached to the wheel A caliper mechanism contains hydraulic cylinders When it is activated, it presses pads against the rotor, thereby slowing your vehicle

A rotor is not simply a solid plate that directly bolts to the wheel In reality, floating rotors are used because the tolerance in a regular, one-piece assembly is very small If the unit is off by as little as 0 07 mm, damage and large amounts of vibration can result

Floating rotors rely upon float buttons to connect the carrier and main rotor; the carrier bolts directly to the wheel These buttons allow a small amount of lateral movement, reducing warping and vibration

Along with floating designs, rotors are also cross-drilled to improve performance When pressure is applied, a gas layer can form between the pad and rotor surface, reducing performance Cross-drilling removes this problem by providing an area for the trapped gas to escape

Keeping Your Car’s Brakes In Good Condition

Most drivers will never need to know what I’ve just described However, the more you understand about your car’s parts, the better prepared you’ll be when you visit your mechanic The important thing is that you keep your vehicle’s brakes in good condition If you notice squealing or a lack of pressure, have an auto technician take a look Replacements may be a small investment, but your safety on the road may depend upon it

For all your used Ford Escort Parts and used Ford transmissions needs consider the leader in parts, http://www.everdrive.com

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