The popularity of hybrids have been growing for the past few years and therefore many car makers around the world are now focusing on better hybrids that can allow them to make better income. Toyota and Lexus have remained among the top car makers that have focused on selling more hybrid vehicles in the North American market. Now, Toyota and Lexus has announced that they have sold more than 70% of the hybrid vehicles in the US market which makes them among the top auto makers that have sold more hybrids in the market.
Toyota Motor Sales USA Inc has made an announcement that they have sold around 5 million hybrid vehicles worldwide and they along with Lexus have been selling more hybrids in the last few years. The company said that they have sold around 20 million hybrid vehicles so far and that means that they have cut down around 34 million tons of CO2 emissions compared to the gasoline powered vehicles. Toyota also said that as per their research CO2 emissions have been the major reason for climate change occurring across the planet and therefore they would like to focus on better car technologies.
Toyota and Lexus said that with the number of hybrid vehicles that they have sold in the market they have also managed to save 3 billion gallons of gasoline compared to only gasoline powered vehicles. Some of the reports also claim that with more than 50 different brands across the world hybrid vehicles are saving around 500 million gallons of gasoline every year in the US market alone.
Nowadays, everyone in Wilmington, North Carolina is paying more at the gas pump. For some families in the greater Wilmington area, it adds up to several hundred dollars every month. That’s got to come out of the budget somewhere. Throughout North America, people are putting off buying a new car. They plan on keeping their old vehicle for a year or two longer than before.
Even now, 2/3 of the personal vehicles on our local Wilmington, North Carolina roads have over 75,000 miles on them. The average age of vehicles is over nine years. And most people in Wilmington can’t afford to be stranded or inconvenienced by a break down. So following a regular maintenance schedule, like our personal diet and exercise plans, is actually critical to preserving your investment.
Knowing what to do for a higher-mileage vehicle can be challenging because many owners’ manuals don’t publish service intervals after 60,000 miles. It just means that you need to be better at keeping records and planning your preventive maintenance.
You can start by figuring that services with a recommended interval should still be performed on that interval, even after you’re past the tables in your service manual. For example, a service might be recommended every 15,000 miles. Well, just keep doing it every 15,000 miles for as long as you have your car.
Now higher mileage engines operate under more stress. Some experts suggest that the severe service schedule is more appropriate and that routine service should be performed at shorter intervals. Check with your owners’ manual or service advisor at Atlantic Car Care to see if the severe service schedule is right for your vehicle.
And keeping up with your full-service oil change schedule is important for a couple of reasons. First, older engines have had more time to build up oil sludge. Skipping an oil change here and there can really compound the problem for your sedans.
The second benefit is that your other fluids are routinely checked and topped off. Power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant and transmission fluid can be kept at optimal levels even though the older seals and gaskets are leaking more than when they were new.
And speaking of older seals and gaskets: they start to dry-out and become more brittle with age. You may want to consider using high mileage formulation oil and fluids. These products contain special additives to condition seals and gaskets to keep them from leaking. The high mileage formulations cost more than standard products, but they are well worth it in terms of preventing serious repair bills down the road.
Older vehicles in the Wilmington, North Carolina area need repairs and replacements that newer ones don’t. Things like timing belts, radiator hoses, suspension work, anti-lock brakes, air bags, water pumps, alternators and batteries. That may seem like a lot of stuff to have done, but it works out to be cheaper than new car payments.
With a high-mileage vehicle, a couple of relationships will become pretty important. The first is with your service advisor at Atlantic Car Care. You need someone you trust to take care of your car and be mindful of your needs. Ask for help to develop a plan to keep your vehicle road-worthy that works within your budget, and for the Wilmington, North Carolina area driving conditions.
The next relationship is with your vehicle itself. We’re not talking about naming your car or tucking it in at night. We just mean – pay attention and get to know your vehicle. Notice unusual sounds, smells, vibrations, etc. Then you can describe the changes to your service advisor at Atlantic Car Care and head off problems. We can’t do anything about the price of gas, but we can properly maintain Old Faithful to keep it safely and economically on the local Wilmington, North Carolina roads.
Take a look at the attached automotive tips video from AutoNetTV
Nissan is really focusing on introducing LEAF on various levels in the market and now Nissan has announced that they have teamed up with the New York City to come up with the new pilot program that will initially put six Nissan LEAF taxis on the roads and bring them into service this spring.
The automaker said that they have worked with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on this and this will be for the first time that the new electric vehicle will become taxi for the most popular city in the world.
Nissan said that they have always worked towards better zero emission vehicles and Nissan LEAF definitely offers zero emission which is why they are introducing it to the mass market. Nissan said that the new NV200 will become the taxis of tomorrow in the New York City and will help the city to keep the environment clean. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that Nissan has already proved that they have the best zero emission vehicle that has already received appreciation worldwide and therefore they would like to work on the new taxis that will become the taxis of tomorrow and the city will try to incorporate electric taxis into the fleet.
After nearly half a year of qualifying contests and division competitions, the auto glass company Safelite’s internal competition for identifying the best auto glass repair and replacement technicians in the company is coming to its national heat, with the country’s best technicians coming to New Orleans on the 8th of February to duke it out amongst each other. The technicians shall be meeting in the River City Ballroom of Mardi Gras World, and the event shall be running from 8:00hrs to 17:00hrs of that day.
This competition has been going on for a while now, with the first event having taken place last year, on the 10th of September for the auto glass repair company’s Southern California division. Two more competitions took place in that same month, one for the South Atlantic and one for the technicians of Ohio Valley, followed by four competitions in October for the Pacific Southwest, Northwest, Mid-South, and South, in order of occurrence. November had only two division contests, with the Midwest and the Rockies heats being decided, and the one contest for December was the North Atlantic division heat.
Also called the Best of Belron Competition, this company event is going to see contestants being tested on various skills and competencies, being asked to perform a range of procedures that shall include windshield repair and windshield replacement in order to demonstrate their skill at their chosen profession. The requirements are quite rigorous and evaluation is famously strict, with speed not even taking the front seat when it comes to the most important aspects of the procedure or repair required: quality, strict technical prowess, and even interaction with the consumer are all looked into first and foremost in the contest, in order to ascertain a truly outstanding, superior breed of auto glass repair technician.
The national heat that is going to be taking place this February is of particular import because it decides who gets to represent the country in the coming global heat of the competition. There are going to be 32 countries participating in the event, so winning that round—the final one—would be a most prestigious honour indeed for any auto glass technician. The need to ensure that the country is well-represented also factors in the tension surrounding the coming event, so both participants and judges are expected to be fairly amped up for the contest.
The auto glass repair technician who wins the national heat gets more than the chance to represent the country in Barcelona, Spain on the 22nd-24th of May for the global part of the contest: he is also going to be taking home a total of $10,000 in pocket money as an additional reward.
Lexington is the latest place to be struck by the auto glass vandals. According to police, no fewer than a dozen cars had their auto glass vandalized last week, all along a single drive. The cars on Summerhill Drive suffered from broken windows and not windshields, further indicating the purely mischief-making nature of the prank. People are suspecting that it is a single group that is responsible for the vandalism, considering that the incidents have all the indications of a series of vandalism caused by pranksters doing a malicious drive-by with a tool such as a pellet gun or a BB gun, two of the most favored instruments for vandals of car windows.
The auto glass vandalism are not new to this area, it seems. At least one of the victims or owners of the vandalized cars, Nell Demaree, alleged that she had suffered a like vandalism before, after parking her car in the same location. Residents of the area are troubled, fearing that the vandals shall continue to make the rounds of the location and make even more trouble for car owners.
Similar incidents have been breaking out all over the country and even abroad, although the vast majority of the auto glass break-ins this season have been ones suspected to be motivated by an intent to burgle. The perpetrators do not always make off with something, of course, as some seem less discerning than others, but they do manage to steal something in most cases. The usual items targeted are devices that are typically left in cars, such as GPS devices, sat nav units, and even mobile handsets forgotten by the owner in the seat of the car. Other typical items that such car burglars look for would be packages from the mall, shopping bags, handbags, laptop bags, and similar items that may be left in any of the seats of the vehicle. The usual recommendation in such cases is for car owners to simply take care not to leave anything tempting in their cars, and thus avoid presenting too much temptation to thieves.
The Lexington incidents, though, have not had any burglaries associated with them, which indicates pure vandalism at work. This does not make it any less grave, of course: the owners of the cars still end up losing something, even if insurance does pay for the auto glass repair in most cases. Still, the trouble of having to bring the car to the shop and wait for the broken window to be replaced is something to be considered. Meanwhile, police are looking for clues and allege that although the incidents must have happened at any time from 1 to 5 in the morning, there should be some witnesses still. Police urge any people with useful information to come forward and tell their story.
A Kern County Roads Department project that was started last October 3 has now become the cause of dozens of windshield repairs and replacements for locals, as well as acrimonious relations between residents of the area and the county officials. The chip seal roadwork has apparently been performed quite poorly—at least, if the locals are to be the judge—and the result has been a great deal of aggravation for people traveling down the affected roads, which are the Frazier Mountain Park and Cuddy Valley Roads.
A former LA police officer who now resides in the area, Mike Jensen, has been vigilantly collecting and storing away evidence of the county’s sub par roadwork. Jensen was motivated to do this after he himself was bitten by the road bug, which has actually required him to get work for either windshield repair or replacement at least three times. He claims that traveling down the badly done road has incurred well over a grand in repair or replacement work for him, which is why he has been pushing for the county to do something about the situation.
Jensen is not alone: according to reports, well over 100 persons have suffered car damage due to the road, often due to the surface being so loose that other cars end up throwing aloft all manner of gravel and rocks at their vehicles, leading to dents on the body, broken side mirrors, shattered headlamps, and broken auto glass. The people included in the current count have apparently already filed complaints and claims with the county, which has been dilatory in answering many of them. Those it has answered, however, have apparently received refusals for the county to pay for their windshield repair or windshield replacement, with the reasons for the denial being vague.
Residents are understandably concerned, as they have little choice save to travel the road each day. Some residents have even given accounts of having their windshield repaired, only to experience the same damage just a few weeks after, on the exact same stretch of roadway. With the county continuously delaying answers even with the claims piling up, a lot of the locals are getting worked up—and have even discussed filing a class action suit, which would be the second time for Kern County to experience that, given that one already happened in the early 1980s, with remarkably similar circumstances: also for shabby roadwork and also for bits of gravel and other road detritus being thrown up by other cars as a result of poor road construction by the county and its workers. Locals are hoping that the current situation shall be resolved as it was then, with the law siding with the people filing the suit, so that their windshield repair and windshield replacement work can be paid for the county.
The sun is shining and the weather is starting to warm up. Before you know it summer will be here and everyone will be using their A/C. All Tech Auto Repair offers an A/C service as well as A/C repairs and inspections. Here is a little information to better understand the cooling system in your car. The compressor is a pump that moves refrigerant through your car’s air conditioning system. The refrigerant is carried by hoses and pipes from one component to another. Compressor designs vary, but they all essentially work the same way.
The compressor is belt-driven by the engine through an electromagnetic clutch (although some hybrid vehicles use an electric motor to operate the compressor). The clutch allows the compressor to disengage when the A/C is switched off, or at times during A/C system operation when compressor function is not called for. The clutch usually receives its electrical signal from a component called a relay, which in turn, receives its activation signal, in most cases, from the fuel injection or engine control computer.
Besides pumping the refrigerant, the compressor has another job; at a certain point in the system, it raises the pressure of the refrigerant from low to high, and as the refrigerant’s pressure goes up, so does its temperature. Raising the refrigerant’s pressure and temperature enables it to release the passenger compartment heat it absorbed while inside the evaporator. The heat release process takes place in the next component to be discussed, the condenser.
The compressor can somewhat be compared to the water pump in an engine cooling system:
* The water pump circulates the engine coolant throughout the system. The coolant absorbs heat from the engine, and the water pump moves it to the radiator where it releases the heat to the atmosphere. It also circulates hot coolant through the heater core to warm the interior of the vehicle.
* The compressor circulates the refrigerant through the system. The refrigerant absorbs the heat inside the vehicle while passing through the evaporator. The refrigerant is then passed on to the condenser, where it gives up the heat to the atmosphere.
All Tech Auto Repair believes in standing behind our work. With most of our repairs we offer a life time warranty.All Major work carries a life time warranty the only items that we can’t offer a life time warranty on is maintenance items. Any repair that we have done if it comes back with an issue we try to get you in ASAP so we can correct it and get you back on the road. All Tech Auto Repair wants you to place your confidence in us which is why we make this guarantee.
The latest buzz in the world of cars and future windshields is the new heads up display that GM already has in production. This technology was originally developed for military fighter jets, where pilots would need to be able to stay alert while checking their gages so that they could monitor their altitude, speed, and targeting systems while continuing to navigate with precision. After launching in depth research into these displays and incorporating them in several different vehicles, GM has announced that their 2013 GMC Acadia will come standard with this feature.
Advances in technology are making it so these windshields of the future – HUD systems are increasingly common. Other GM cars that have it are the Cadillac ATS and the Buick LaCrosse. Experts expect that the new HUD windshield is going to revolutionize the motor vehicle industry and become an important feature in vehicles of the future. Of course, this means that drivers are going to see the road differently and repair shops are going to have to adapt and improve so that they can keep up with the times.
History of HUD
Believe it or not, this is not the first time that the revolutionary heads up display has been incorporated into a vehicle for the public. General Motors actually released the first HUD in 1988. Used to display speed, RPMs, and other basic information from the dashboard, this feature was implemented on the Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. Ten years later, the Corvette C5 featured the first color display. The first European company to implement this technology on cars that would be sold to the public was BMW, who introduced their version in 2003.
Further research and development has improved this technology and made it into a valuable safety feature. Now, the information that shows up on the windshield display is much more sophisticated.
How the Technology Works
There are several different ways that companies have implemented HUD technology. GM, for example, uses a windshield that is coated with transparent phosphors that light up when they come into contact with light from a compact laser.
Modern heads up displays use a newer technology called augmented reality. This technology can integrate reality with the digital world by connecting with GPS systems, mobile apps, infrared cameras, and the internet. Some of the most common features of these HUDs are turn-by-turn navigation, an icon for incoming calls, the ability to see whether your lights or turn signals are on, and even the current exterior temperature.
Rather than simply displaying your odometer or tachometer, the new HUDs can be customized more specifically to your needs. Their displays are easy to see – even in direct sunlight or low-visibility conditions. The HUD system can be turned on or off depending on when and where you are driving. Brightness can be adjusted to your liking.
One of the biggest benefits to GM’s new HUD systems is that they do a lot to promote safety. One of the modern trends is that people have more and more gadgets and tools that take their focus away from the road. From GPS navigators to cell phones, there always seems to be a reason to multitask while you are driving. The heads up displays that GM has incorporated into their vehicles should reduce the need to look away from the road. There are even some HUDs that can warn of impending dangers on the road and help to navigate in low visibility conditions.
The future windshields -HUD systems are not only revolutionizing the driving experience, they are also revolutionizing the world of automotive repair. In order to keep up with the changing times, repair shops are going to need to ensure that they have at least one or two technicians that are able to diagnose and repair broken HUDS. Although heads up displays are computer-based and highly technical, there are certain repairs that can be done without having to invest in specialized tools.
As time goes on and heads up displays become more common in vehicles, repairs will also become standard. This means that having the right tools and providing training so that technicians know how to work on them will become increasingly essential. Because one of the essential components of these systems is a specialized windshield, repair shops may have to stock new windshields for these vehicles, as well as the parts that are needed to adjust and repair HUDs. If you find yourself in need of HUD repair in the future, make sure you use an auto body shop, like Grand Sport Auto Body, that is always up to date on the latest industry’s trends!
All Tech Auto Repair preforms a 35 point inspection when you bring your car into us. We keep record of everything your car may need and have it listed as a recommendation on your invoice. We want to keep your vehicle running in top preforming shape for you.
CHECK EACH MONTH * oil level — add oil if low and check for leaks * hoses — replace if bulging, rotten, or brittle * belts — replace if worn, frayed, or glazed * tire pressure — add air if low * coolant or antifreeze — add more if low * air filter — replace if dirty * inspect tires for leaks, damage, bulges, or uneven wear
CHECK EVERY 3 MONTHS Included in all oil changes preformed at All Tech Auto Repair
* oil and oil filter — change every 3,000 miles * windshield washer fluid — add fluid if low * battery and power steering fluid — add fluid if low * brake fluid — add fluid if low * transmission fluid — add fluid if low * battery terminals and cables — clean if corroded
CHECK EVERY 6 MONTHS
* wiper blades — replace if worn, brittle, or smeary * make sure headlights, brake lights, and turn signals work * make sure horn works properly * inspect brakes for wear and tear or “slippage” * make sure spare tire is fully inflated * inspect exhaust system for rust, damage, or loose parts * inspect shock absorbers for oil seepage or wear
I got a crack in my windshield, is it safe to drive?
It’s happened to most drivers. You’re driving down the highway when an airborne rock missile strikes your windshield, leaving a dreaded crack across your line of sight. While many people attempt to drive with the crack or chip blocking their view, they may be unaware of the potential hazards associated with driving with the obstruction.
Impaired Vision
Depending on the location of the crack, the driver may not be able to see clearly. Also, a crack in the windshield can cause a distorted image in the glass. When driving, the operator of the vehicle should have access to the entire windshield in order to see their full surroundings. Window damage can cause a blind spot in the driver’s visual field. Since the driver’s reaction time is critical when operating a vehicle, having a blind spot can result in an accident.
Structural Weakness
Windshields are designed to stabilize the car’s roof by fitting tightly into place. When cracked, it can actually compromise the integrity of the structure of the car. Both the rear window and the windshield are vital to the car’s safety equipment. A cracked windshield is more likely to buckle under the stress of the vehicle if it is involved in an accident. This may result in the weight of the car crashing, causing the roof to cave in on the driver’s side.
Airbags
When airbags deploy, the force of the airbags may expand up toward the windshield. If the airbag hits a damaged windshield, it may send dangerous shards of glass flying within the vehicle. Most windshields have a shatter protection mechanism; however, when they have a crack or chip, this mechanism can fail to work. The driver and all of the passengers within the vehicle may be seriously injured by the flying glass.
Restraint
Although seat belts are primarily the most important restraint device in a vehicle, when involved in a horrible accident, the windshield can also act as a restraint device. A damaged windshield may not hold up under pressure and allow the driver to be ejected out of the vehicle. Having a structurally sound windshield may save your life, as well as the lives of your passengers.
What should you do?
As soon as you notice an unpleasant chip or crack in your windshield, you should have it repaired immediately. Chips are often easier and more affordable to repair than cracks, so catching it quickly may save you some money. The cost of a car windshield repair is often covered by your insurance policy. Check with your insurance company to find out if you have a deductible on windshield repairs.
Make sure that you have your windshield repaired by a professional. Proper installation will ensure that your windshield will keep you and your passengers safe. Not to mention that it simply looks better to have a brand new windshield, and not one that is chipped or cracked.
Next time your car is pelted with flying debris from the road, don’t lose your cool. Simply take it to a professional auto body shop to have it replaced or repaired. Being able to see all of your surroundings will ensure that you are driving safe while on the road.
Need to know about important safety recalls for your vehicle?
Visit Cars.com’s Vehicle Safety Recall Tool and select your vehicle’s year, make and model and learn about important safety bulletins for your vehicle.
This photo captures famed horse trader Uncle Frank Myers in 1887, somewhere on the trail in West Texas. As you can see, he’s showing off one of the prime vehicles from his lot – an early Ford Bronco, gently used, in excellent condition, and, as with all of Frank’s quality vehicles, complete with a lifetime warranty (“lifetime” meaning the life of the horse).
Uncle Frank became a fixture on the local horse trading scene, believing that every cowboy (and cowgirl) deserved a nicer, newer steed. He was known throughout the Wild West for his unforgettable catchphrase, “Everybody saddles up!”
About Uncle Frank
Uncle Frank has lived many lives and has many stories to share. He currently resides in Winston Salem, NC where he spends his days as the Frank Myers Auto Maxx Mascot.
* Uncle Frank Sez: “All content in The History Of Uncle Frank is a mixture of parody, poor satire, and/or (very) lame humor. It is for entertainment purposes only.”
Joe’s daughter let her Honda Element run low on coolant. Unfazed by those increasingly stern warning lights appearing in the dash, she drove on for miles — until the car overheated, warping the engine block.
Realizing that it was time to see a mechanic, she turned the keys back over to dear old dad, who took it to the dealer. Repair was out of the question due to the extent of the damage. The Element needed a new engine and the dealer could get one for $5,000. Or he could consider a rebuilt engine for less money– but also fewer guarantees.
Joe picked up the phone and called Car Talk Second Opinion. Our mechanics thought that putting a brand-new engine in a used car didn’t make the most sense. And for a car with less than 100,000 miles, the dealer’s $5,000 offer to repair the car was not all that generous. With a little research, our mechanics found a replacement engine that came with a 70,000-mile warranty. And, once that engine is purchased and installed (for an estimate of $3,600), the car’s trade-in value will be back up in the neighborhood of $12,000. Our mechanic saved him $1,400 up front and even with the initial investment, ensured that Joe can look forward to getting almost twice as much on a trade-in as the dealership originally offered.
Update: Joe replaced the engine with a used model and a brand-new water pump (the probable culprit). The Element is still a beloved member of the family.
When it comes to either keeping your vehicle with a major engine repair on the horizon or purchasing a new vehicle, the best choice for the economically conscious driver is an engine rebuild or installing a used engine.
Unless you’ve visited the backlot of Robert’s Auto Repair, chances are you have not personally seen our state-of-the-art wheel alignment machine. This wheel alignment machine does some really cool stuff to make your vehicle meet factory standards, including: It features 3D cameras that match the alignment based on the car, and not influenced by the platform The measurement system is equipped with double digital cameras and four target disks, supplying revolutionary measurement mode There is no electronic component, so the wheel alignment will not have a component failure problem The Software system is easy to operate and completes the conventional basic parameters within two minutes, which is significantly faster than conventional aligners.
So, what does this cool wheel alignment machine do for you? It allows us to get our job done quickly and efficiently so you can get back out on the road more quickly.
If your vehicle needs a wheel alignment, contact us to schedule an appointment. Robert’s Auto Repair is located at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940.
Mechanical — 831-373-1534 Body Shop — 831-373-1535
To protect your automotive investment you need to establish and follow a maintenance plan. Even with today’s modern vehicle’s, a tune up should be part of that plan to ensure you get the maximum reliability and safety from the vehicle you depend upon daily. Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, which will also include a scheduled car tune up. Although this schedule is based on "normal" driving, very few of us drive "normally."
Here we see Uncle Frank Myers in 1854, shortly after he led the William Stolley family across the Great Plains to settle in the Nebraska Territory. It was Frank who suggested the group set up their homestead at Grand Island and name it “Fort Independence,” after his first idea, “Independence Auto Maxx” was rejected.
Not only that, but his original plan to use the piece of land as the home of “Fort Independence Used Covered Wagons — Where Everybody Rides!” was also outvoted by the majority of the settlers. Sadly, Uncle Frank went on his way, leaving Fort Independence and the Nebraska Territory without a reliable source of quality vehicles for many decades to come.
About Uncle Frank
Uncle Frank has lived many lives and has many stories to share. He currently resides in Winston Salem, NC where he spends his days as the Frank Myers Auto Maxx Mascot.
* Uncle Frank Sez: “All content in The History Of Uncle Frank is a mixture of parody, poor satire, and/or (very) lame humor. It is for entertainment purposes only.”
When it comes to either keeping your vehicle with a major engine repair on the horizon or purchasing a new vehicle, the best choice for the economically conscious driver is an engine rebuild or installing a used engine.
Here we see Uncle Frank Myers in 1854, shortly after he led the William Stolley family across the Great Plains to settle in the Nebraska Territory. It was Frank who suggested the group set up their homestead at Grand Island and name it “Fort Independence,” after his first idea, “Independence Auto Maxx” was rejected.
Not only that, but his original plan to use the piece of land as the home of “Fort Independence Used Covered Wagons — Where Everybody Rides!” was also outvoted by the majority of the settlers. Sadly, Uncle Frank went on his way, leaving Fort Independence and the Nebraska Territory without a reliable source of quality vehicles for many decades to come.
About Uncle Frank
Uncle Frank has lived many lives and has many stories to share. He currently resides in Winston Salem, NC where he spends his days as the Frank Myers Auto Maxx Mascot.
* Uncle Frank Sez: “All content in The History Of Uncle Frank is a mixture of parody, poor satire, and/or (very) lame humor. It is for entertainment purposes only.”
Everyone in San Diego California knows we’re supposed to go to the dentist twice a year. We get our teeth cleaned and have a thorough dental inspection. Once a year, we get x-rays to look for problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye. When the dentist is done, he tells us what he’s found – “Everything’s fine, see you in six months.” Or “You’ve got a small cavity starting, let’s schedule an appointment to take care of it.” By the time you leave, you have a plan for addressing any necessary repairs.
This system works so much better than waiting for a painful problem before going into the dentist. Small problems are fixed before they turn into big problems. And you avoid those huge bills.
If we buy into this way of handling our dental care, why do we resist so much when facing the same system for our car care?
Aero Auto Repair 9756 Aero Drive San Diego, California 92123 858-309-4274
Following the manufacturer’s recommended intervals can be confusing. First there are recommendations for so many things: oil changes, transmission, coolant, air conditioning, power steering, brakes, fuel system, filters, belts, hoses, alignment, rotation, balancing …you get the point.
Every item has a recommended interval and it’s hard to keep it all straight – even if you’re part of the 1% of the population that reads your owners’ manual in San Diego California.
And if you have more than one car or Nissan Z, the complexity is multiplied. You’d need a computer to keep track of everything. Well, that’s how your San Diego service center does it. They subscribe to automotive databases that have your vehicle’s recommended intervals. You may have wondered how they know what else to recommend when you take your car in for an oil change – it’s all in the computer.
Well, it’s not all in the computer. There are other variables that can’t be accounted for in the schedule. Things like the weather conditions, altitude, and where and how you drive when you are out in our San Diego California area need to be taken into account. Talk about these things with your service advisor at Aero Auto Repair and you may decide that the severe service schedule in your owner’s manual is more appropriate.
Since anything that’s not highway driving in moderate weather is considered severe, most of us do at least some of that around San Diego California and it should be taken into consideration.
Let’s take your basic oil change as an example – what issues are involved? The oil you put in your car is a blend of base oil and special additives. There are detergents to clean the inside of your engine and corrosion inhibitors. A good quality motor oil will not only lubricate your engine, it will help it stay clean inside and run cooler.
Now, these additives deplete with use and time. That’s why most maintenance recommendations include both a time and mileage element – like 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first.
It’s easy to think, “Gee, I’ve only driven 2,000 miles in the last 3 months. I can wait on that oil change.” But you need to remember that the inside of your engine is a harsh environment. The oil is contaminated with combustion by-products that starts degrading its effectiveness even when it’s just sitting there.
A lot of people in San Diego California don’t realize the harm that can be done by just skipping a single oil change. There are a lot of metal parts moving around in your engine. Small bits of metal wear off and are floating around in your oil. They can be carried to more delicate areas of the engine where they cause damage. Your oil filter is designed to trap metal particles and other dirt, but if it’s clogged up because you haven’t changed it, it can’t trap any more.
Oil sludge is another problem. Sludge is oil that has turned to a gunky jelly – think ‘Vaseline’. Obviously, sludge doesn’t lubricate. It can also clog small oil passages so that all the parts don’t get properly protected by the oil. That’ll lead to premature wear.
If you’ve missed some oil changes, don’t despair. Just talk with your service advisor at Aero Auto Repair. Fess up – you’ll feel better. And he can help you get back on track. Following recommended intervals is the key to keeping your car on the road and avoiding major repairs in San Diego California.
Take a look at the auto tips video in this post for more information.
Many people are hesitant to take their car in for repairs because they are afraid of getting ripped off. Instead they try to complete the repairs themselves or the problems go unfixed. Either way, a small problem can easily become a large problem and end up costing even more money down the road. It is in your best interest to find a good body shop in West Chester, Pennsylvaniato make repairs as soon as possible. You can do this in just five simple steps.
1. Ask for referrals. Word of mouth referrals carry more weight than any form of advertising. Start by asking your friends, family and co-workers if they have had positive experiences with a particular body shop in West Chester. Social networking sites are also a good place to seek recommendations; just make sure that you limit your query to people who live in your local area. Even though 20 people recommend the same shop in West Chester, this obviously won’t help your search.
2. Do your research. Once you have made a list of potential companies, take a few minutes to check the background of each body repair shop. The internet can make quick work of this step. You can check online for complaints with the Better Business Bureau that serves the Borough of West Chester. There are also a number of websites that offer unbiased third-party reviews of local businesses, including auto body shops. Some of these sites include:
3. Obtain estimates. A reputable body repair shop will give you a FREE estimate. Whether the damage is minor or more extensive, be sure that each estimate is broken down line by line so that you can see exactly what is included. You will also want to inquire if the company uses any special techniques to achieve better results. If one body shop in West Chester Pennsylvania is significantly higher or lower than the others without good reason, you probably want to cross them off of your list. Large body shops may have a higher overhead and therefore will charge you more for the same quality of labor that you can find elsewhere. (Grand Sport Auto Body always offers FREE estimates)
4. Ask questions. The time to ask questions is before leave your car for repairs. You will want to know things such as:
Is there a written warranty? *
If so, how long is the warranty and what is covered? *
Does the shop use aftermarket or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts?
*Grand Sport Auto Body offers a lifetime warranty on the repairs
While a reputable shop will never take advantage of a customer, your chances of feeling ripped off will decrease if you ask the right questions and make your final decision based on the right answers.
5. Trust your judgment. Just because a particular company looks good on paper doesn’t necessarily mean that they are the best choice. If you feel uncomfortable with one of the body repair shops for any reason, trust your judgment. Vehicles are a substantial investment. You want to protect that investment by hiring professionals that you trust.
Do you hate having to wash the windshield or car windows regularly but want a perfect shine each time you go out for a drive? Well, you can apparently leave the job in capable hands now: robot hands, to be precise. An automatic auto glass cleaning device has just been released for sale in the UK recently, with orders already stacking up for the handy gadget every finicky car owner—or housekeeper would love to have.
The item is called Windoro, and it is being marketed as the first automatic cleaning robot for pane glass or windows. It was actually released last year in Germany, and won high acclaim there, being one of the stars of the Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin, also known as the IFA at the time. In fact, it sold over a thousand units there, and immediately showed that it had great marketing potential.
Now, consumers from Ireland and the UK can order the item from the manufacturer’s website. If you are wondering how this robot works, it is actually quite simple, yet at the same time ingenuous. The Windoro unit, instead of being operated by some sort of pulley system that drags it across the glass after being set up in a complex rig over the area to be cleaned, simplifies the matter of working on the glass surface by attaching to it in itself. The attachment is actually through magnetism.
If you were to use this item to clean your auto glass, you would have to take the two parts of the device—they look like robot or metal versions of the two bread halves of a sandwich—and set them on opposite sides of the same piece or pane of glass. Hence, if you are trying to get it to clean your windshield, you would place one half on the glass from the interior and the other facing it on the exterior. The two clamp together by means of the attraction produced by the Neodymium-type magnets in their bodies. The brilliant part of this is that you can prevent your auto glass from being damaged by modifying the strength of the magnets.
The device has LED lights that help the user figure out how high or low to set magnet intensity, as they flash red when it needs to go down and yellow when it needs to go up. It can only work on auto glass that is within the 5 to 25 mm range in its thickness, but this fits the bill for your typical auto glass measurement anyway, so car owners should not worry about the device being incompatible with their windshields. While UK and Ireland consumers are already welcoming the item on the market, US consumers shall undoubtedly be the same once the gadget hits shores stateside.
Unless you’ve visited the backlot of Robert’s Auto Repair, chances are you have not personally seen our state-of-the-art wheel alignment machine. This wheel alignment machine does some really cool stuff to make your vehicle meet factory standards, including: It features 3D cameras that match the alignment based on the car, and not influenced by the platform The measurement system is equipped with double digital cameras and four target disks, supplying revolutionary measurement mode There is no electronic component, so the wheel alignment will not have a component failure problem The Software system is easy to operate and completes the conventional basic parameters within two minutes, which is significantly faster than conventional aligners.
So, what does this cool wheel alignment machine do for you? It allows us to get our job done quickly and efficiently so you can get back out on the road more quickly.
If your vehicle needs a wheel alignment, contact us to schedule an appointment. Robert’s Auto Repair is located at 234 Ramona Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940.
Mechanical — 831-373-1534 Body Shop — 831-373-1535
Hearing about quality craftsmanship from others is one thing, but seeing it with your own eyes is another. Here at Grand Sport, we believe proof is in the pudding. Check out this before and after shot of the collision repair work we just completed at our Parkesburg location!
The 2013 Honda CR-Zsport hybrid coupe is the successor of the popular and the compact fun to drive CR-X. The CR-Z sport hybrid coupe is a real image of future cars that gives us hope that in future we would be able to drive fast, performance efficient, economical and innovative cars.
Styling, comfort and Specifications
The 2013 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe is really sharp and aggressive that features a fascinating three quarter rear end pointing towards the front, a deep front bumper, white pearl paint, LED running daytime lights and improved dynamics. The interior of the CR-Z is also very innovative and comfortable that features a multiple sections dashboard makes your access easy control buttons. Ventilation controls are positioned on the left, driving modes at the right side and stereo panel is integrated in another way. The car is a perfect match for urban roads that offers firm and supportive seats for two however, taller people may feel difficulty in traveling in the car.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2013 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe is equipped with 1.5 liter in-line four cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 130 horsepower and 140 lb ft of torque that is notably increased as compared to the 2012 CR-Z model. The engine is paired with an electric motor that store energy in lithium ion batteries to increase acceleration. The engine is mated with a six speed manual transmission whereas consistent variable transmission (CVT) is optional. The EPA rated fuel economy is 31 mpg city and 38 mpg highway with manual transmission and is 36 mpg city and 39 mpg highway. The car accelerates from 0-60 mph in 7.8 seconds.
Safety features
The 2013 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe safety features are multiple threshold front, front side, passenger sides and full length side curtain airbags, position detection system, active head restraints, pedestrian injury mitigation, ABS and Advanced Compatibility Engineering body structure.
Pricing and availability
The car is available on sale now and is priced from $20,345 to $23,705.
Competitors
The 2013 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe has to compete against Toyota Prius C, Kia Rio and Mazda 2.
Pros
Distinctive and fascinating exterior styling
Fun and composed driving experience
Comfortable interior for two
Cons
Small cabin that is not good for taller people
No impressive fuel economy
The Verdict
The 2013 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid coupe is a good car though it is not a perfect car and has some weak points. With few weak points, the car carries lots of sophisticated features too and so it is recommended by lots of expert reviewers.
Which item is most often stolen from vehicles in Wilmington?
Is it:
Stereo
Wheels
Air Bag
DVD System
Well, if you said stereo – you used to be right. But airbags have now surpassed stereos as the biggest target for theft in Wilmington – approximately 50,000 a year are stolen across the country. New airbags cost about $1,000, but go for $50 to $200 on the black market in Wilmington.
Stolen airbags are making their way back into cars that have been in an accident. Of course, the danger to the consumer of having a stolen airbag installed is that you can never be sure what may have previously affected them and if they will work right when you need them.
Contact Atlantic Car Care for more information about where to get your airbags checked or replaced. Find us at 21 New Bern Street, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 You can reach us by phone at: 9107941390
There are reports that 1 in 25 airbag replacements are stolen or salvaged airbags – or no airbag is installed at all.
That is definitely one car part you don’t want to take a chance with, so Atlantic Car Care recommends following these guidelines:
Use a reputable collision repair center that employs ASE certified mechanics (we can offer recommendations at Atlantic Car Care).
Inspect the invoice to ensure that the repair shop purchased the airbag from a manufacturer, dealer, or recycler. If you can inspect the airbag prior to installation, it should be packaged in a sealed container from the manufacturer.
You will see the SRS light (Supplemental Restraint System) when you first start your vehicle up. This tells you that the airbag system is activated. If you do not see the SRS light, there is likely a problem with the airbag system.
For more information, contact Mike at Atlantic Car Care by calling 9107941390.
by Tracy E. Myers/Owner of Frank Myers Auto Maxx in Winston Salem, NC
Last week I was sitting at my kitchen table eating a bowl of Lucky Charms. If you’ve never enjoyed a bowl, they ARE magically delicious and not so nutritious. Regardless, the sugar gets me charged up before a super busy day of helping people at Frank Myers Auto Maxx.
As I stared down at those little marshmallow shapes, I started thinking about St. Patty’s Day, the “Luck of the Irish” and the green fun that would be taking place in a few days.
It also got me thinking about how some of my friends live and die by their personal lucky charms. In fact, I know one grown man who won’t go bowling without his lucky socks, EVER, but he’ll remain nameless of course. You know who you are, friend.
What about you? Do you have a lucky charm? Perhaps a rabbit foot or a four leaf clover?
Whatever the answer, most of us want more good luck to come our way so I say, let’s tip the scales in our favor!
Here are two things you can do right now to attract good luck into your life, without a charm or a bowl of cereal at your side . . .
HOW TO ATTRACT GOOD LUCK:
Know What You Want
Being focused on a goal is the first step to achieving it. So if you want good things to happen to you, you have to clearly know what those things are. Our mind is a powerful tool. People underestimate the power of the mind to make things happen. You can attract what you believe you will get. So go ahead and take some time to determine what you want; before long, you will be surprised at how lucky you are!
Fill Your Mind & Body With Positive Input
Successful people (aka lucky people) continually seek out knowledge and ways to improve themselves. Be very purposeful with how you spend your time. Read. Surround yourself with people who inspire you. Cut down on negative influences and watch how fast this positive input transforms your everyday life.
Lucky people are also healthy people. So take charge of your health and mental state now. Sleep more, eat less, smile, expect to have a good day, and believe that good things are on their way to you.
As a side note, I would probably have better luck with my health later in life if I ate an apple a day instead of Lucky Charms cereal.
Interesting Factoid:
“The percentage of Lucky Charms consumers who are adults has risen to 45%, said Greg Pearson, the brand’s marketing manager. As a result, the brand posted its best volume year ever in fiscal 2012, according to General Mills. Overall, Lucky Charms is now the seventh-largest cold cereal brand, with sales up 5.64% to $252.6 million in the 52 weeks ending Oct. 7, outpacing category-wide growth of 0.83%.”
