Month: September 2022

Auto Repair Options and Locations

There is a lot of debate about who the right resource is for auto repair. Some swear by the service at the local mechanic shop. Others refuse to have anything at all done anywhere but the dealer. Both have valid claims. So, how does one decide what to do? Fortunately, there are some basic guidelines to consider.

For one thing, if a vehicle is still under warranty and part of that requires that a dealer perform all service, then do not, under any circumstance, void the warranty. The amount of money that one stands to lose by not allowing the manufacturer to pick up the tab for parts and labor is staggering. As long as the work is complimentary or inexpensive, keep it up. There is no reason to start paying out-of-pocket when it is not necessary.

On the other hand, sometimes a dealer is not the most knowledgeable. Yes, they may have all the manufacturer tools and parts, but the person turning the wrench could be on their first day on the job. Whereas, a local mechanic might specialize in one make of car and the employees there could have been working on these vehicles exclusively for thirty years. Obviously, the experience and the knowledge regarding how this type of engine and this car runs are invaluable.

That being said, the local guys often use whatever parts are fastest and least expensive from their distributor. This may work fine for some things, but not having exactly the right part can mean that things get rigged to work. Parts that maybe are not the best choice or exactly right for the engine or job may be used instead. Most of the time, this will not be a problem, but it is unlikely that a person wants to be on the receiving end one of the times that an auto repair is an issue.

Because of this debate, many feel it is best to go to an authorized service station that brings the knowledge and friendliness of a local mechanic to the professionalism and quality of a dealer experience. Here, one will find reasonably priced auto repair that is of a higher level of quality. In some cases, going to these places does not even void the warranty.

Also, it is nice to find these large franchised national companies as an auto repair provider because they can do a lot of different types of work and they can do it fast and right the first time. The best part is that while a national company backs them, they are staffed by local people and owned by a local person. So, the experience is far friendlier and more courteous than you would expect from the neighborhood mechanic.…

What to Do When a Dealer Cannot Get Parts For Your Car

When the main dealer does not have the parts you require for your car repair, this can be very frustrating, especially when you have taken time out from your busy lifestyles to visit the main dealer just to find out that the parts are not in stock because your car is too old or because you do not have a part number. This could lead you to feeling helpless and none the closer in finding your parts. However, don’t fear there are other options.

This article will aim to help parts searchers to find the parts they are after from different places other than the main dealers where they can find the parts by not paying way over the odds.

Finding parts when you DO NOT have internet access?

If you are looking for parts for your car and you have already been to your local main dealer that has told you that they do not stock your parts anymore, then a good alternative is to visit your local motor factor parts shops. These shops will sell mainly new parts from service parts i.e. – oil filters, brake pads and brake discs to more mechanical parts like engine parts – timing belt kits, head gaskets, suspension parts – springs and dampers. Even though these parts are not original manufacturer parts, they are termed ‘replacements’ parts, but are generally manufactured to a decent standard by recognised companies such as Bosch & Siemens.

Some motor factor shops will provide pretty good guarantees, with some providing a minimum of 3 months guarantee. The advantage to these parts is that the price is always a lot cheaper than main dealer prices, however, bear in mind that the quality of the part is not to the same standard. This could be a useful option though as in today’s economic downturn, it could get you back on the road and save you money. In addition, you could also try using the Yellow Pages or ring telephone directory companies (watch out for these as they can be expensive call charges) to broaden your search when looking for motor factor companies in your area. Broadening your search will give you more options of where the parts are located but more importantly where you can get it for the cheapest price – all from the comfort of your own home.

Finding parts when you DO have internet access?

If you have internet access then you have a big advantage when searching for your car parts before you even start your search. Going online to search for your car parts means you are going to get a lot better deal on your parts as you can explore websites from all over the UK. Most companies offer next day deliver services so the issue of travelling to get your parts is not even something you have to consider. In today’s world, the beauty about website’s and buying from them is that they are open 24/7, so surf and look for your parts when its convenient FOR YOU.

The other advantage of going online compared to motor factors is that although they cater for the minor parts, such as, oil filters, brake pads & brake discs to more mechanical parts like engine parts – timing belt kits, head gaskets, suspension parts they DO NOT cater for wing mirrors, alternators, engines or gearboxes – website companies can find the majority of parts you are after.

I have not got time to be exploring the net to find my parts?

This is true in many cases and let’s face it, everyone would prefer to be relaxing and enjoying themselves rather than be looking for car parts all evening. If this is the case, then another recommendation is to use a part location website.

These website specialise in finding new and used car parts, and are brilliant on price comparison. The advantage of using these websites is that you tell them what you want and they ‘compare the market’ across the majority of breaker-yards in the country for you, and then they get you the cheapest price. In addition to saving you time and money, you will also be doing your bit for the environment in recycling car parts, will be getting genuine parts to the same quality as the dealership parts, and they will give you guarantees on parts and next day delivery service is provided.

In conclusion, if the main dealer does not have your parts then do not despair, and don’t get stressed out. If you have internet access this will be the best way to get your parts, for the best price and when it is convenient for you. By using individual websites or using the ALL IN ONE …

Long Term Consequences of Motor Vehicle Accidents

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in The United States, someone dies every twelve minutes, and every fourteen seconds someone is injured, in an automobile accident. Statistics show there are approximately six million automobile accidents yearly, which result in three million injuries, two million of which are permanent, and approximately forty thousand results in death.

In over half of the accident related deaths, the deceased were not wearing their seatbelts. Over forty percent of accidents were alcohol related and over thirty percent were caused by excessive speed and another thirty percent were caused by reckless driving.

More Than Skin Deep

We are all aware that automobile accidents cause deaths and injuries in the thousands every year, but did you know that besides short and long term physical ramifications that there may also be short and long term psychological ramifications? Anxieties and phobias caused by automobile accidents affect thousands of people every year. Studies show that even in low impact, non-injury accidents that people may suffer from some manner of post-traumatic stress disorder for from a few months to a year or more.

In a study of more than 1,000 men and women who had been taken to a hospital after an accident, most of the persons were shown to have recovered from any psychological impact within three months to one year. Others experienced the effects more long term, and others were shown to have suddenly developed anxiety and other symptoms months after the accident. Most of the people with prolonged psychological disorders were passengers in the accident rather than drivers.

These fears or anxieties ranged from fear of riding in or driving a car, to a complete cessation of riding or driving. Just like long term physical problems, long term psychological problems can have an ongoing detriment to your health, as well as other aspects of your life. Persons may experience long term stress that affects their sleep habits and work performance as well as cause problems in their personal relationships and that these problems may compound and lead to long term depression.

Therapy Helps

Often, just as with physical injury, persons may benefit from therapy or drug treatment for their anxiety or depression caused by involvement in automobile accidents. Just remember, an injury doesn’t necessarily have to be physical to have long term effects on your overall health and well being. Therapies can be beneficial in many ways and can be discussed with your doctor.…

Haven’t you wished you knew more about dealing with potential car problems? Have you wanted to make sure you can fix a vehicle yourself if a problem arises? Maybe you just want to know how to choose a good mechanic. Read on so you can educate yourself.

You should wash your car often to avoid rust. All cars eventually succumb to rust, however you can delay this process by washing all salt and chemicals from your car immediately. Protect your paint with good wax.

Keep all of your car records handy. Store them inside the glove compartment just in case you have to see a mechanic all of a sudden. Repair professionals may want to see these records for repair purposes. They help them figure out what’s wrong quickly.

Be careful of mechanics who will do unnecessary work on your vehicle. A good mechanic should let you know if they noticed parts that are starting to get worn down and will need to be replaced soon but they should not replace the part without your approval. If you notice a mechanic has made unnecessary repairs to your vehicle, do not go to the same one next time.

Make sure your headlights are clean if they don’t look as bright. Sometimes, dirt from the road transfers over to your lights dim them. A good quality glass cleaner will help to clean them right up.

Learn about your car so you can determine the problem in advance and save money. You can save a lot of money by diagnosing it yourself, and it could also protect you from being a victim of fraud. You may already know that a few mechanics sometime engage in dishonesty if they think they can make a larger profit.

Make sure any mechanic you hire knows about your particular vehicle. While most vehicles are made in similar ways, a lot of the time things are fairly different under the hood. If you aren’t sure, take your car to get serviced at the dealer.

Keep a spare tire and a jack with you all the time. Many new cars have these. The cost of a tow for a flat isn’t worth it! Changing your tire is a simple process that can save you an expensive visit from an auto service club.

A daring do-it-yourself approach isn’t always the best idea. Be sure someone is watching you repair the vehicle just in case something bad happens. Buy some good quality tools that will last. This is especially true of your tire changing equipment. The jack you buy needs to support your vehicle well. This is why you should get a high quality hydraulic jack with stands.

Many corrupt shops will change out your tires and put in older ones. They can make money this way. Take a piece of chalk and mark the tires prior to dropping off your vehicle. Make sure you check your tires before you leave the garage to make sure they are the ones you drove in on.

Don’t get stuck thinking you’re at a loss regarding repairing your vehicle. Apply the tips given here and take charge of the situation. Now, you can see that there are some things you can even take care of yourself.…

Looking for a Wedding Limo Rental? Consider These Helpful Tips

Are you planning to rent a wedding limousine for your big day? Before you hand over your credit card to a local transportation service, make sure you’ve weighed all of your options.

Your wedding day is said to be one of the most important days of your life. But when you depend on professional limousine services to get you to your venue, the quality of your limo rental can either make or break your day. After all, your hired limousine service is responsible for bringing you to and from the church, hotel, or other location as punctually as possible, and there’s nothing worse than a bride and groom who arrive late to their own ceremony. If you want to ensure that your wedding goes off without a hitch, then you need to make certain that you hire the right company. Below are a few ways to make sure you choose an appropriate limo rental to make the most important day of your life all the more special.

First, think about the location of the venue and the required travel time. Is the commute tortuous enough to warrant providing transportation for the entire wedding party? Will it be extremely inconvenient for individuals to arrange their own rides to and from the venue? Is the party large enough that it would make economic sense to travel in one vehicle? If you conclude that a wedding limo rental makes the most sense for you and the vision that you have for your wedding day, then the next step is to find a limo rental company you can trust.

However, before you begin contacting transportation companies about their limousine services, it’s important to have a precise number of passengers in mind. This will ensure that the pertinent information you receive, such as hourly rates and amount of leg room, is as accurate as possible. After all, wedding parties vary greatly in size, and as a result, so do wedding limos. Make certain that you know exactly who will be riding along with you so you can confidently choose between a sleek town car, an eight-passenger stretch limo, or a 16-passenger SUV. Most companies offer several different options, so the final decision will be mostly yours.

Ask friends, family, and even acquaintances about any local transportation services that they’ve used in the past. You can always search for companies in a variety of online business directories and read customer reviews, but it’s generally better to get references from people whom you actually know and whose opinions you can trust.

Once you’ve found a reputable company and have scheduled a date and time for your wedding limo rental, all you have to worry about is how you’re going to sneak away from all the photos for a slice of cake.…

Defective Windshields

Windshields serve a very important purpose in automobiles, though many drivers are unaware of this fact. In addition to shielding drivers and their passenger from wind and the elements, windshields serve as a structural support for automobiles’ roofs.

Since they are charged with such important tasks, windshields must be constructed with these tasks in mind. There is no room for error in the windshield manufacturing process, so it is important for manufacturers to ensure the quality of their products before installing them in automobiles.

To better understand the potential faults, it is important to understand the parts of a windshield. These include:

Tempered glass

Two panes of glass

Vinyl

Two panes of tempered glass are pressed together with the vinyl between them to form a windshield. The glass is tempered to make it stronger and less likely to crack or shatter. The vinyl serves as a binder for the two panes of glass; it helps prevent shattering, protecting individuals inside of the vehicle.

When any of these parts are faulty, the overall safety of the vehicle comes into question. Errors in pressing the glass together or in tempering the glass or even faults in the materials may make windshield more prone to shattering.

Since windshields support the roof, they become vital in rollover accidents. If they are faulty, they may fail to prevent the roof from collapsing in a rollover. This may trap or even crush the individuals inside of the vehicle.

Individuals who suffer injuries because of defective windshields may be entitled to financial compensation. Whether that compensation comes from the automobile’s manufacturer or from a third party windshield manufacturer is a question that an experienced lawyer can answer.

If you or someone you love suffered injuries because of a defective windshield, let the New York City auto defect attorneys of Parker Waichman Alonso, LLP handle your claim.…

Short Term Motor Insurance: Why It Is A Must For Your Vehicles

The best time to have short-term motor insurance is when you have a vehicle you don’t use for a long period of time or want temporary coverage for another driver. This is also called a temporary option that will cover the driver, regardless of how long. Short-term motor insurance can be applied on any make, model and year of vehicle. Short term motor insurance has the same coverage as seen in regular coverage so it will not affect any long-term coverage policy you have. The benefits that come associated with short-term motor insurance include:

Impermanent coverage

Emergency coverage

Instant coverage

Abolish need for permanent coverage

Short-term motor insurance is great in making sure that any third party person who uses your vehicle is covered for the time they have the vehicle in their possession. It gets rid of the need to put them on your policy and then remove them when they are done with the vehicle. Short term motor insurance will ensure four things:

That you are covered in cases of borrowing or lending a car. This will help you not lose the NCD

That your vehicle will be covered in case of accident, fire, theft and vandalism. As you may already know, unforeseen circumstances can happen at any point in time

Rates being offered are generally competitive and are often tailored to fit the days you need them to. The number of days can vary: one day to six months

It will give you coverage for any damages to property and vehicles as well as take care of any injuries that were sustained

To make sure you are getting the policy that fits your needs, be sure to look at several short-term motor insurance quotes before settling on one particular company. By doing this, you can comparison shop and find out what plan is going to fit your needs best.…