Exhaust News: Catalytic Converter 8years/80,000 Miles Warranty
Have you ever taken any of your vehicles to the local exhaust repair shop and was told you will be needing a catalytic converter
? The prices can range any where from $500 to $1,500 to replace plus the labor, shop supplies, and taxes. If you bought some type of extended warranty you are in luck. If you did not then I have some good news for you. If you had Exhaust problems and was told your catalytic converter is bad it might be covered under Uncle Sam’s law. What I mean is under the EPA’s Federal Emissions Law of 1995 you are covered for up to 8 years/80,000 miles! It does not matter if you are a first, second, or third owner of this new or used car or truck. Don’t get tricked into paying for a bad catalytic converter
.
? The prices can range any where from $500 to $1,500 to replace plus the labor, shop supplies, and taxes. If you bought some type of extended warranty you are in luck. If you did not then I have some good news for you. If you had Exhaust problems and was told your catalytic converter is bad it might be covered under Uncle Sam’s law. What I mean is under the EPA’s Federal Emissions Law of 1995 you are covered for up to 8 years/80,000 miles! It does not matter if you are a first, second, or third owner of this new or used car or truck. Don’t get tricked into paying for a bad catalytic converter. This website has more information including your vehicle’s main computer is under this same 8 years/80,000 mile Federal warranty. If your worried that this law is so old dating back to 1995 don’t be. I personally emailed the EPA and was told there was no update to this warranty because it was still enforced even to today’s cars and trucks. Below are a few lines from the EPA’s Website:
Design and Defect Warranty Coverage for 1995 and newer light-duty
vehicles:
* Emission control and emission related parts are covered for the
first 2 years or 24,000 miles of vehicle use; and
* Specified major emission control components are covered for the
first 8 years or 80,000 miles of vehicle use.
If an emission control or emission related part, or a specified
major emission control component is defective, or if your vehicle
fails an I/M test, and your vehicle is within the time and mileage
limitations for emissions warranty coverage:
* Present a warranty claim to an authorized warranty representative.
If your warranty claim is denied:
* Ask for the reason for denial, in writing.
* Follow the appeal procedures in your owner's manual.
If you are not satisfied with the manufacturer's decision:
* Contact the EPA, which will investigate the denial of a
valid emissions warranty complaint.
Information taken from: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Vehicle Programs & Compliance Division (6405J)
Attn: Warranty Complaints
401 M Street, SW Washington DC 20460
Top Five Auto Products to Save Money on Your Car Insurance
As the cost of gas rises, consumers are searching for ways to lower the costs of owning and maintaining a vehicle. The secret may lie in the one place car owners fail to look, auto insurance. Insurance companies offer discounts based on eligibility and reduced rates for safe drivers. Consider these top five auto product suggestions, proven to save money on car insurance by reducing crashes and other problems that generate insurance claims.
Rearview Cameras
Rearview cameras greatly reduce the likelihood of a backing crash. With fewer accidents on your record, you'll see a big reduction when your insurance premiums are calculated. The cameras are a relatively inexpensive safety feature and easily installed. Features to consider is the whether the camera has night vision capability, angle measurements and if the camera initiates when the car shifts into reverse. Prices of rearview cameras vary from $100-$400, depending on the style and feature chosen.
Sleep Alert System
Nearly every driver across the world has experienced driver fatigue. In extreme cases of fatigue, drivers drift off to sleep and eventually into other lanes. Insurance companies have paid their fair share of claims because a driver fell asleep at the wheel. Installing an alert system will prevent your premiums from skyrocketing and protect you from injury in a fatigue-related crash. The sleep alert system establishes your level of alertness by administering tests for reaction periodically. Cost for a sleep alert system hovers around $250.
Driver Alert System
Driver alert systems are available for any model car. Driver assistance systems alert drivers when lanes are crossed without a signal. They forewarn drivers of potential hazards that lie ahead and unsafe following distances. The systems require professional installation and costs begin around $600. Although the initial investment may be high, reducing the likelihood of an at-fault accident could save you thousands in insurance premiums over several years.
Theft Deterrents
Visible and audible security devices protect your car from thieves and from excessive insurance premiums. Insurance companies offer discounts to consumers when their car is a low risk for an auto theft generated claim. Theft deterrents include warning, tracking and immobilization devices as well as audible alarms. Simply having one of these devices in your vehicle can generate an instant premium discount for you.
Warning devices could be as simple as strategically placed decals, warning potential thieves of a theft deterrent system. Other warning devices include brake pedal, tire and steering wheel locks. On board GPS systems for tracking a stolen car is also a valuable deterrent. Devices that immobilize a car are some of the best methods of prevention. Kill switches, required wireless authentication, fuse disconnects and smart keys are just a few immobilization devices.
Hands Free Devices
One of the number one ways to save money on your insurance premiums and drive safer is to invest in a hands free device. Bluetooth devices allow the driver to change the controls in the car without removing the hands from the steering wheel. This reduces the likelihood of a crash from the distractions of holding a phone in one hand and trying to drive with the other.
Jessica Bosari is an insurance professional who writes for CarInsuranceQuotesComparison.com. The site educates consumers so that they can compare insurance quotes and make informed insurance purchase decisions.
How to Prevent Your Teens Car From Starting:Disable a Car
 |
| Prevent Car From Starting |
This article is for parents who want to learn how to quickly stop their teenagers car
from starting. I was approached by a good customer of mine one day who wanted to know how to prevent a car from starting with out causing any damage to the vehicle. I told him this was a strange request but I would help him out on this subject just one time. He told me his teen age daughter started hanging out with questionable looking people after he bought her a car for her sixteenth birthday. He wanted to know what was the easiest and quickest way to disable a car and to prevent it from starting without her knowing it. I had to chuckle a bit about his request but here is what I told him to do when trying to prevent a car from starting.
from starting. I was approached by a good customer of mine one day who wanted to know how to prevent a car from starting with out causing any damage to the vehicle. I told him this was a strange request but I would help him out on this subject just one time. He told me his teen age daughter started hanging out with questionable looking people after he bought her a car for her sixteenth birthday. He wanted to know what was the easiest and quickest way to disable a car and to prevent it from starting without her knowing it. I had to chuckle a bit about his request but here is what I told him to do when trying to prevent a car from starting.I told him to locate the owner’s manual 
and to find the location and fuse type of the electric fuel pump. I advised him to remember where the fuel pump fuse was located for easy and quick access later. When ever his teenaged daughter was going to disappear into the night again with her questionable looking friends, he could go out to the car and remove the fuel pump fuse 
within seconds and this will stop his teenagers car from starting. I am a father of a seven year old boy who does not have to worry about these kind of problems yet and am not really looking forward to it. I then told this gentleman if his teenaged daughter ever got suspicious of this fuse and wanted to prevent her car from starting he could then scramble under the car and just unplug the fuel pump 3 wire connector.
and to find the location and fuse type of the electric fuel pump. I advised him to remember where the fuel pump fuse was located for easy and quick access later. When ever his teenaged daughter was going to disappear into the night again with her questionable looking friends, he could go out to the car and remove the fuel pump fuse within seconds and this will stop his teenagers car from starting. I am a father of a seven year old boy who does not have to worry about these kind of problems yet and am not really looking forward to it. I then told this gentleman if his teenaged daughter ever got suspicious of this fuse and wanted to prevent her car from starting he could then scramble under the car and just unplug the fuel pump 3 wire connector. If your teenager has a pre 1986 car 
and you want to know how to stop the teenagers car from starting, quickly you can just remove the coil wire. If you are not familiar with car engines then look for the distributor cap and locate the coil ignition wire which is normally the spark plug wire in the middle of the distributor cap. Removing the lone coil wire will prevent a car from starting. This is a pretty easy and quick method because you only have one wire to remove and replace when its time to start the car. Below I will list a few more ideas for you to remember when its time to learn how to stop your teenagers car from starting.
and you want to know how to stop the teenagers car from starting, quickly you can just remove the coil wire. If you are not familiar with car engines then look for the distributor cap and locate the coil ignition wire which is normally the spark plug wire in the middle of the distributor cap. Removing the lone coil wire will prevent a car from starting. This is a pretty easy and quick method because you only have one wire to remove and replace when its time to start the car. Below I will list a few more ideas for you to remember when its time to learn how to stop your teenagers car from starting.1. Locate and pull out the fuse marked ECM
or PCM
2. Locate and disconnect the crankshaft position sensor
3. Have a professional automotive technician install a toggle switch for you
4. Locate and trip the fuel pump shut off switch (reset when you want the car to start)
I hope this article will help you with your teenagers car situations when ever you want to prevent a car from starting. These methods are meant to keep them safe and at home when ever you get that gut feeling something bad might happen to them. It may help you to get the owners manual of the teenagers car and study its components locations which I have mentioned above. You can also ask your family mechanic to show you where these fuses and connectors are located. “How to stop your teenagers car from starting-prevent a car from starting fuses and connectors” should be used by every parent who wants to protect their teenager from driving and disappearing into the night. For more car care information please visit my car blog at, “Auto Repair Savings And my Special Links”
TAGS: How To, Teenagers, Car, Starting, Prevent, How to Stop, Fuse, Connector
Fuel System - The Fuel Injector And Fuel System Cleaning Process
Fuel system and fuel injection cleaning
have become very popular since 1986. After 1986 most of the vehicles were built with fuel injectors in mind when building our cars and trucks. This is when everyone said goodbye to Carburetors. Fuel system cleaning was born and is now part of every maintenance check list out there in the automotive repair world.
have become very popular since 1986. After 1986 most of the vehicles were built with fuel injectors in mind when building our cars and trucks. This is when everyone said goodbye to Carburetors. Fuel system cleaning was born and is now part of every maintenance check list out there in the automotive repair world.Fuel Injection systems are a lot easier to work on and diagnose then the old carburetors. Carburetor
rebuilding was quite expensive from the customer's point of view. The parts and labor were averaging around $500 a job. I was cashing in on this carburetor craze since I was being paid commission and labor on every carburetor job I was involved with. But enough about me. Fuel injection and fuel injector cleaning is here to stay. What is all involved when the auto mechanic says, “You need your fuel system and fuel injectors cleaned.”
rebuilding was quite expensive from the customer's point of view. The parts and labor were averaging around $500 a job. I was cashing in on this carburetor craze since I was being paid commission and labor on every carburetor job I was involved with. But enough about me. Fuel injection and fuel injector cleaning is here to stay. What is all involved when the auto mechanic says, “You need your fuel system and fuel injectors cleaned.”The fuel injection cleaning process is fast and does a very good job cleaning out the carbon build up inside your engines intake system
. Actually it also depends on what type of fuel system cleaning the auto shop has in stock. Some shops had the regular 3 can cleaning system. While others have a very big and clumsy expensive machine they use. The fuel system and injector cleaning is a very simple process to perform and very expensive from a customers point of view.
. Actually it also depends on what type of fuel system cleaning the auto shop has in stock. Some shops had the regular 3 can cleaning system. While others have a very big and clumsy expensive machine they use. The fuel system and injector cleaning is a very simple process to perform and very expensive from a customers point of view. I really liked using the 3 can system cleaning method. It involved adding one can to the fuel tank as a fuel additive. The second can was hooked up to a high pressure source and sprayed straight into the upper intake
and upper plenum area and scrubbed by hand. The third can was hooked into the cars vacuum system where it was sucked down in to a vacuum source of the intake system and down around the intake and exhaust valves. There it would soak and bubble up for about 20 minutes. Then the auto technician would start the car after the 3rd can soaked and watched all the black carbon blow out the tailpipe! This 3 can fuel injection and injector
cleaning process works very well in my opinion. Please have it done.
and upper plenum area and scrubbed by hand. The third can was hooked into the cars vacuum system where it was sucked down in to a vacuum source of the intake system and down around the intake and exhaust valves. There it would soak and bubble up for about 20 minutes. Then the auto technician would start the car after the 3rd can soaked and watched all the black carbon blow out the tailpipe! This 3 can fuel injection and injector cleaning process works very well in my opinion. Please have it done. After changing the fuel filter
, (for an additional charge) , I could not believe the power that was restored after this fuel system cleaning process and fuel filter replaced! Just slightly pushing on the accelerator the car wanted to jump right out of the shop and take off on its own. I think it cost around $80 or $90 bucks back then but it was well worth the money in my opinion!
, (for an additional charge) , I could not believe the power that was restored after this fuel system cleaning process and fuel filter replaced! Just slightly pushing on the accelerator the car wanted to jump right out of the shop and take off on its own. I think it cost around $80 or $90 bucks back then but it was well worth the money in my opinion!Check Engine Light Problems -Automobile Repair: Trouble Shooting
Trouble shooting problems on your automobile can and will save you money repairing it. Problems such as a check engine light
or a problem with a computer controlled device can be time consuming if you decide to do this yourself. But in the long run as I said before the savings are unbelievable. For instance lets say out of the blue as your driving down the road your automobile starts to pop and your check engine light illuminates. The first step involved while trying to trouble shoot this problem is to find out why your check engine soon light came on. If your light came on the same time your automobile began to pop and sputter you can bet these two things are connected.
or a problem with a computer controlled device can be time consuming if you decide to do this yourself. But in the long run as I said before the savings are unbelievable. For instance lets say out of the blue as your driving down the road your automobile starts to pop and your check engine light illuminates. The first step involved while trying to trouble shoot this problem is to find out why your check engine soon light came on. If your light came on the same time your automobile began to pop and sputter you can bet these two things are connected. A trouble code 42 indicates that your problems are in your electronic spark timing control circuit. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your timing advance is off it means that in that circuit which consists of an ignition module
, your secondary ignition and your ECM you will need to pull out your schematic and follow the diagnostic tree. Just as soon as your onboard computer picks up the glitch it will illuminate your automobiles check engine light.
, your secondary ignition and your ECM you will need to pull out your schematic and follow the diagnostic tree. Just as soon as your onboard computer picks up the glitch it will illuminate your automobiles check engine light. Another common check engine light problem you might experience is with your throttle position sensor
. Automobile problems that have a check engine light associated with the TPS will exhibit poor engine performance, hesitation, and lack of power. Trouble shooting this problem you will have to locate your TPS which is usually located around your throttle body. Most automobiles have a three wire connector attached to the TPS which will have to be unplugged to test. One wire is a five volt power supply and one engine ground, and a five volt reference wire is the other.
. Automobile problems that have a check engine light associated with the TPS will exhibit poor engine performance, hesitation, and lack of power. Trouble shooting this problem you will have to locate your TPS which is usually located around your throttle body. Most automobiles have a three wire connector attached to the TPS which will have to be unplugged to test. One wire is a five volt power supply and one engine ground, and a five volt reference wire is the other.On the newer vehicles you might have a check engine light associated with a loose gas cap
. If you remember putting gas in your vehicle and forgetting to install or tighten down the gas cap this problem can be fixed by tightening up your gas cap and resetting the check engine light. The automobiles computer will reset the check engine light automatically after so many key starts. Each automobile has its own procedure in fixing this problem. Make sure you read your owners manual to set the check engine light the appropriate way for your automobile.
. If you remember putting gas in your vehicle and forgetting to install or tighten down the gas cap this problem can be fixed by tightening up your gas cap and resetting the check engine light. The automobiles computer will reset the check engine light automatically after so many key starts. Each automobile has its own procedure in fixing this problem. Make sure you read your owners manual to set the check engine light the appropriate way for your automobile. Trouble shooting check engine light problems on your own automobile will require you to purchase a very reliable digital volt ohm meter
, a test light
, and a scan tool to reset your check engine light when you are through. These tools can be bought at any auto repair parts store or Wal-Mart. Check engine light problems or service engine soon light automobile repair problems should be performed by a certified auto repair technician to fix them right the first time.
, a test light, and a scan tool to reset your check engine light when you are through. These tools can be bought at any auto repair parts store or Wal-Mart. Check engine light problems or service engine soon light automobile repair problems should be performed by a certified auto repair technician to fix them right the first time. You And Your Car Warranty: Emissions
Federal emissions extended warranties cover a lot more parts for your new car or truck than you would realize. In this article I want to go over a few things you should know about your new car extended federal emissions warranty that I discovered from a website I will give you later in this article. I do not understand why more people do not take advantage of this federal emissions warranty that covers them for up to 8 years or 80,000 miles. I wrote a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency to clarify what was all covered and I could not believe their response concerning this federal emissions extended warranty for your car or truck.
I guess the easiest way to explain most of it would be to tell you that any time your "Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon" light illuminated while you are under this 8/80,000 mile federal emissions warranty, you can take your vehicle in to your local car dealership and have this repaired for free. This extended federal emissions warranty may even cover a loaner car if you do your homework before taking your vehicle in for repairs. I have seen a lot of cars and trucks fall into this category of warranty repair work. If the customer did not understand this law I would explain to them that the EPA will not tolerate excessive emissions coming out of their vehicle's tail pipe and will stand behind you if the car dealer ship will not warranty the bad parts. One other tip for understanding your car or truck's federal extended warranties would be if your vehicle failed an emissions test. This is covered and will also be fixed for free.
I knew of this EPA federal emission law back in the late 1990's and to clarify it with the EPA today their response was that, "this law even know it is very old the same contents of it applies to new cars and trucks even today" going into the year 2011. The EPA website with all of this information and parts that are covered can be found at, United States Environmental Protection Agency. If you just bought a new car or truck or you are planning on purchasing one any time soon I would urge you to book mark this article for future references. I doubt if any new car service facility applies this law to any of it's customers without putting up some kind of argument with you. This site also tells you how to file a complaint against the car dealership who does not follow this older EPA law.
My ASE certifications included engine performance where I specialized in a car or truck's drivability problems which included finding out why your check engine light was on and finding out why the vehicle was running so bad. Most of the time the bad parts were covered under this new car warranty of 8/80,000 miles which ever occurs first. So once again I urge you to visit this site and print a copy of this for your glove box for the next time your check engine light illuminates or your vehicle starts to run bad. I may go into this article in depth for you in the future so check back here for more information on this secret car and truck warranty. This information will save you thousands of dollars in warranty repair work on your new car or truck.
Video: Melkus RS 2000 GT & GTS
German marquee Melkus bring this year’s Top Marques show in Monaco, the RS2000 GT and GTS models, which are of two types, a lightweight sports coupe, and both of them are fixed with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that was completed by a “well-known German manufacturer”.
The entry-level GT model delivers 296 hp (300 PS / 221 kW), sufficient for a 0-60 mph race in 4.5 seconds. The greater version, the GTS, cranks out 345 hp (350 PS / 257 kW) and has a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h), while 0-60 mph is done in only 3.9 seconds.
Both models has characteristic adjustable dampers for the suspension along with AP performance brakes. Thanks to using a lot of carbon fiber components, they’ve managed to get a curb weight of only 2205 lb (1000 kg). This lightweight material was used for the front spoiler, rear diffuser, rear wing and the side air guides.
The entry-level GT model delivers 296 hp (300 PS / 221 kW), sufficient for a 0-60 mph race in 4.5 seconds. The greater version, the GTS, cranks out 345 hp (350 PS / 257 kW) and has a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h), while 0-60 mph is done in only 3.9 seconds.
Both models has characteristic adjustable dampers for the suspension along with AP performance brakes. Thanks to using a lot of carbon fiber components, they’ve managed to get a curb weight of only 2205 lb (1000 kg). This lightweight material was used for the front spoiler, rear diffuser, rear wing and the side air guides.
Spring Maintenance Inspection under the Hood of Car or Truck
Springtime is here again and its time for that maintenance inspection under the hood of your car or truck to be performed. A car engine
is something anyone can do a quick inspection to see what the winter months have created for him or her to fix now that it is spring. If you are not too familiar with what to look for then that is why I am here to help you. I have over 25 years experience as an ASE certified automotive technician and I enjoy helping people with their cars or trucks. Here are a few of the major maintenance items to check under the hood 
of your car or truck.
Four Key Inspection Items Under The Hood:
1. Upper and Lower Radiator Hoses:
Inspect the 2 hoses for any bulging, leaking of antifreeze, loose hose clamps, or any irregular wear from rubbing against something.
2. Serpentine Belt or V-Belts:
Inspect your belts for excessive cracking or looseness. With the car engine off reach down and check the tension of these automotive belts. They should be very snug and tight with not much side-to-side motion.
3. Check all Fluid Levels: Of course, this means checking your oil level, transmission fluid, brake fluid level, antifreeze overflow tank level, and your power steering fluid level. Take note of how contaminated these fluids maybe and decide if its time to flush them all out with new fluids.
4. Under the Hood Engine Leaks:
Check for any kind of leaks that was not there during your Fall Inspection. Green or reddish would be antifreeze, Dark and sticky would be engine oil, Red and sticky would be transmission 
fluid, Watery and sticky would be brake fluid, Water drops would be your air conditioner moisture, which is normal to be dropping on the road.
I hope this Spring Time maintenance inspection under the hood of your car or truck will help you to be safe out there on the roads and maybe help you understand a little bit about cars. I did forget to mention you might want to wear some coveralls
because you will get dirty performing this under the hood maintenance inspection for the spring. For more car care maintenance tips and “auto repair how to articles” please visit my blog at, “Auto Repair Savings And my Special Links.”
is something anyone can do a quick inspection to see what the winter months have created for him or her to fix now that it is spring. If you are not too familiar with what to look for then that is why I am here to help you. I have over 25 years experience as an ASE certified automotive technician and I enjoy helping people with their cars or trucks. Here are a few of the major maintenance items to check under the hood of your car or truck.Four Key Inspection Items Under The Hood:
1. Upper and Lower Radiator Hoses:
Inspect the 2 hoses for any bulging, leaking of antifreeze, loose hose clamps, or any irregular wear from rubbing against something. 2. Serpentine Belt or V-Belts:
Inspect your belts for excessive cracking or looseness. With the car engine off reach down and check the tension of these automotive belts. They should be very snug and tight with not much side-to-side motion. 3. Check all Fluid Levels: Of course, this means checking your oil level, transmission fluid, brake fluid level, antifreeze overflow tank level, and your power steering fluid level. Take note of how contaminated these fluids maybe and decide if its time to flush them all out with new fluids.
4. Under the Hood Engine Leaks:
Check for any kind of leaks that was not there during your Fall Inspection. Green or reddish would be antifreeze, Dark and sticky would be engine oil, Red and sticky would be transmission fluid, Watery and sticky would be brake fluid, Water drops would be your air conditioner moisture, which is normal to be dropping on the road.I hope this Spring Time maintenance inspection under the hood of your car or truck will help you to be safe out there on the roads and maybe help you understand a little bit about cars. I did forget to mention you might want to wear some coveralls
because you will get dirty performing this under the hood maintenance inspection for the spring. For more car care maintenance tips and “auto repair how to articles” please visit my blog at, “Auto Repair Savings And my Special Links.”Spring 2011 Car Care Tips For Your Vehicle: Exhaust And Braking Systems
After this long and very cold winter your vehicle is due for some maintenance work going in to the Spring 2011 season. After numerous trips down the highway, this has put a lot of strain on your car’s engine and brakes. Its time to gear up for the upcoming rainy and hot season that Spring seems to bring us every year. Some items that need to be serviced and inspected are your car’s coolant
, the fluid levels topped off and an over all inspection of your car. Lets find out what else needs your attention.
, the fluid levels topped off and an over all inspection of your car. Lets find out what else needs your attention.Have your car’s cooling system tested for the Spring season approaching. A pressure test
is the best thing to do for this. Your vehicle’s cooling system is pumped up to around 15 to 20 pounds of pressure. Then while your car is in the air using a drop light you look for minor leaks that can become larger leaks. The places to look is your car’s radiator, both upper and lower radiator hoses, the engine block
, and of course your floor board for possible coolant loss at your heater core. Part of your Spring car care maintenance is to have your coolant flushed and filled with a 50/50 antifreeze and water mixture if no leaks are detected. With the cold season leaving us it is also time to check out the condition of your brakes. The very hot highways and paved roads will take its toll on your braking components such as your brake rotors. During the Spring season would be an excellent time to get a free brake inspection and see what the Winter months has done to your braking components. If you feel a pulsation while trying to brake this could mean your brake rotors
have warped during the Winter months. Keep in mind if your brake fluid is contaminated from the heat it may cause your cars brake fluid to boil. If this is the case with your car then ask the technician if he would recommend a brake fluid flush and fill.
have warped during the Winter months. Keep in mind if your brake fluid is contaminated from the heat it may cause your cars brake fluid to boil. If this is the case with your car then ask the technician if he would recommend a brake fluid flush and fill. Another part of your Spring car care maintenance is to have your vehicles exhaust system 
inspected for leaks. Not only is this a bad smell entering your passenger compartment it is also very dangerous to breath in. With us going into the Spring season we will be spending a lot of time with the windows open and the car running. A lot of vehicles out there are running with out tail pipes installed on their cars. This is not only against the law in some states it is also very dangerous.
inspected for leaks. Not only is this a bad smell entering your passenger compartment it is also very dangerous to breath in. With us going into the Spring season we will be spending a lot of time with the windows open and the car running. A lot of vehicles out there are running with out tail pipes installed on their cars. This is not only against the law in some states it is also very dangerous.Some other Spring car care tips is checking your tire
pressures and your wiper blades that will keep you safe in the upcoming rainy season. For more care information please visit my blog at, “Auto Repair Savings and My Special Links.”
BMW Brilliance Automotive previews 5 Series plug-in hybrid prototype
by Aaron Richardson
In the lead-in to the Shanghai Motor Show, BMW has teased an upcoming plug-in hybrid 5 Series that will be exclusive to the Chinese market. The prototype of this greener version of BMW's midsize sedan is based on the China-only long-wheelbase 5 Series platform.
The car is part of a joint venture between BMW and Chinese automaker Brilliance. The car is the tip of an eco-friendly iceberg BMW has aimed squarely at China, a country with an increasing appetite for premium-segment cars and a serious need for green-focused, energy-efficient vehicles.
Despite its size, BMW says the plug-in 5 Series will manage nearly 250 miles on a single charge and tank of gas, with up to 47 miles of those on electric power only, provided you don't creep past 37 miles per hour. Those numbers certainly aren't what you'd call impressive, but they're a step in the right direction and they'd likely be a major help in the thick traffic snarls that China's major cities are famous for. As for the U.S. market, a full plug-in 5 Series is unlikely, but BMW is understood to be planning to bring a traditional mild hybrid version of the car to our shores.
Oil Change Coupons: Should I use an Oil Change Coupon?
 |
| Cool Car! |
Just about every auto repair facility out there will put out an oil change coupon for people to get excited and use. Should I use an oil change coupon and what all will I get with it will be answered here? I will explain why you should or should not use those oil change coupons. First, before I get started let me say yes, you should get an oil change when you need one. Oil change coupons are designed to get your vehicle in the shop and try to get every penny from you that they can.
coupon for people to get excited and use. Should I use an oil change coupon and what all will I get with it will be answered here? I will explain why you should or should not use those oil change coupons. First, before I get started let me say yes, you should get an oil change when you need one. Oil change coupons are designed to get your vehicle in the shop and try to get every penny from you that they can.The normal price for a premium oil and oil filter change should cost around thirty to fifty bucks. No matter what auto shops will tell you they do make money putting out those oil change coupons! They just don’t make a lot. Let me explain here what I mean and will show their approximate costs:
Oil Filter-$1.50
4 Quarts of Oil-$.60 Per Quart of Oil Used
Labor-$5.00
Your oil change coupon says, “Oil Change
and a FREE Maintenance Inspection.” The above costs show you what the auto repair shops actually pay for the oil change with your coupon. The auto shop will only make around $11.00. This does not make any sense paying his oil change guys $10.00 per hour so he has to instruct them to, “Sell Sell Sell” to make up for the loss of money here performing your oil change with a coupon. One answer to should I use a oil change coupon is yes, if you are ready for a very long wait time while they look for more stuff to charge you. They will also come to you with a maintenance checklist totaling a few hundred dollars. This is what you can and will expect using an oil change coupon.High pressure sales tactics are not commonly used at your specialty oil change spots. Of course the cost for an oil change there is like I said above around thirty to fifty bucks. Another answer here would be Yes I want to use my oil change coupon and have a longer wait time and have these auto technicians use their high sales pitches on me. Some people would rather pay the higher price oil change which also includes the free maintenance just to get in and out of that place as soon as possible. I hope this short article will answer your question, “Should I use a oil change coupon?”
spots. Of course the cost for an oil change there is like I said above around thirty to fifty bucks. Another answer here would be Yes I want to use my oil change coupon and have a longer wait time and have these auto technicians use their high sales pitches on me. Some people would rather pay the higher price oil change which also includes the free maintenance just to get in and out of that place as soon as possible. I hope this short article will answer your question, “Should I use a oil change coupon?”My Top 5 Maintenance Items for a Car 101 - Oil Change-Brakes-Tune Ups-Antifreeze-Service Lights
I have listed the top 5 maintenance items for a car that you will run into and will require your attention such as your first oil change, brake noise, tune up, antifreeze condition, and your service engine lights in the dash. This article is a refresher course for the first time car owners out there. For instance lets say you hear a noise coming from your car. The first thing that will pop into everyone’s mind is usually, “How Much will This Noise Cost me.” After working on cars and trucks for over 25 years, here is what we experienced the most when it comes to maintenance for a car
1. Oil Changes
2. Brake Estimates
3. Questions Regarding When a Car Tune Up is Required
4. Antifreeze Flush and Fill or Radiator Drain and Fill
5. Check Engine Light or Service Engine Soon Light Has Come On
Oil Changes should be performed at LEAST every 3 months or 3 thousand miles. Your car’s engine is a metal to metal running machine under your gas pedal. The oil is what keeps these metal parts from over heating and ruining your engine. So please keep your car engines oil changed.
Brake estimates should be performed anytime you hear a noise when you hit the brake pedal to stop or slow down. The quicker you get your brakes checked for that noise the lower your brake repair bill will be. Get at least two brake repair estimates. Go with the lowest one possible.
Tune-ups on your car or truck these days are designed to go a lot further between each tune up. I would recommend you get your car or truck tuned up at least every thirty thousand miles. Ask your auto mechanic to advise you of what should be addressed first. The reason is some auto technicians will show you an estimate that will blow your mind!
Antifreeze flush and fills should be performed every thirty thousand miles or so to keep your cooling system from rusting out. Some auto manufacturers recommend only a radiator drain and fill. Ask your mechanic what his professional opinion would be on this decision. The reason is you have to visually look inside of the radiator to see what condition the antifreeze is in.
Your check engine or service engine soon light may come on while you are driving. This light does not mean you need a tune up or oil change as you might suspect. It just means you may possibly have a bad engine sensor that will need to be replaced then have your light reset.
I hope you have learned a little about your maintenance items that will require your attention after buying your car or truck. In the future check out, "The Car Repair Savings Blog"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
