Tips on Finding Affordable Car Repair – Autos – Maintenance and Repair

Posted on February 6, 2012 by lhcarsou

11310665123 8d7645b4 Tips on Finding Affordable Car Repair Autos Maintenance and Repair Few people know anything about car repair, which puts them at the mercy of greedy mechanics or higher priced chain stores. You can avoid a bad deal and get a decent price with a few money-saving tips.

There’s nothing more devastating than seeing your check engine light come on when your wallet is empty. Finding affordable car repair can be challenging, but is possible. Small, independently owned shops fluctuate between the best and worst deals, depending on the character of the mechanic. Larger commercial chains may be more reliable, but the prices are mid-range unless you manage to find a decent coupon or discount. Regardless of which route you choose, there are tips to help you make it more affordable.

Choosing the right mechanic can make a big difference in your bills. Big chain companies are reliable and are much more tightly monitored meaning prices are fairly standardized across the board for labor and parts. That being said, compared to some independent car repair shops, their prices can run higher. For some people, peace of mind and some limited warranty options trumps the risk of choosing a smaller shop. There is little room for negotiation with larger chains, but you can do some price comparison by calling several different locations. You also have the option of sourcing the parts on your own if you have the time. Generally, they will suggest more expensive parts and quote you with the higher price. Ask them to break down all costs for you and check the internet to see if you can find the same part for less (and you most likely will). Bring this part in and you can save some big bucks, but won’t have to worry about the quality of service.

Dishonest seems to be the most commonly used description regarding independently owned car repair shops. However, there are plenty of honest mechanics, and even those that will work for deeply discounted prices for a good customer. If you know a little bit about car repair yourself, it can greatly improve your odds of finding an honest mechanic. If you’re truly hopeless, you can ask for recommendations, but stick to people who have a little bit of knowledge. Someone who doesn’t may have been getting ripped off for years and still has no idea. If you know the diagnosis already, you can even ring up several shops and compare estimates. Remember that no mechanic has a right to perform any job that has not been approved by you. If you find yourself with a bill for several “extra” services, you can dispute these charges if they were never agreed to.

There are plenty of shops that offer promotions, discounts, and coupons. First time customers often receive plenty of perks in order to keep them coming back. Some chains freely advertise and have discounts in newspapers, websites, backs of grocery receipts, or weekly coupon booklets. Not all locations are as forthcoming with lower prices, but it never hurts to ask. Check to see if they have any special promotions or if there are any coming in the next few months. If you are able to wait, such as for a regular maintenance routine, you may be able to save some money.

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Buyer Beware!!

Posted on February 3, 2012 by lhcarsou

I have only one thing to say about this issue, SHAME ON YOU DEALERS!!!So many complaints have come in lately from customers. Customers need to ask for the OUT-THE-DOOR figure! What is it for dealers to hide such things as: Dealer Transfer Fee, Dealer Acquision Fee, Doc Fees. Do dealers really think we are that stupid? OK, so when consumers ask for the price of a vehicle from a dealer, make sure you ask for the Out-The-Door figure. You may be very unpleasantly surprised if you show up and end up paying 3-5K more when you walk out the door!! Just because the “ad” price was “cheap”!

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Aftermarket Parts: The Market For Providing Accessories And Auto Parts

Posted on January 26, 2012 by lhcarsou

21310487631 gilmour591 Aftermarket Parts: The Market For Providing Accessories And Auto Parts Aftermarket is the market where the parts or accessories of any machine, especially the automobiles are available. It also includes the services along with the products. For example, when a vehicle is bought, it requires servicing after some time. This falls in the aftermarket segment. Sometimes there is a need of some accessories for a vehicle, when it has a breakdown in such cases also the accessories are made available in the aftermarkets.

An aftermarket is also a medium to keep communication between the manufacturer and the end consumer. It makes aware and informed the manufacturer about what parts or accessories are more susceptible to breakdown or damaged. This enables them to improve those, and also make them available in more quantity. These are also called secondary markets for automotive markets. Since they serve the consumer after the product is sold, these are referred as so. These aftermarkets are also useful when people have to customize or accessorize their cars in a particular way as they desire. For this, they need various accessories, which they get in aftermarket. Also, when there is a need for modification in a car, aftermarkets come as useful place.

The aftermarket parts are made available as per the particular car models also. These could be for a car’s interior or exterior. Some of the interior parts are floor mats, hand brake handles, seat belt harness, seats, shift knobs, steering wheels, interior mirrors etc. Apart from these, there are exterior parts also available in the aftermarket. Exterior parts generally looked for in the market are aerodynamic kits, doors, fender trims, front air dams, front bumper canards etc. Other exterior parts include front bumpers, front wind splitters, grills, headlight covers, hoods etc. These accessories and afterparts make the car look more trendy and stylish. In case of some accident or damage to the car, these auto parts are very useful.

There is a big market for afterparts. This includes the parts from the original car manufacturers as well as other manufacturers who specialize in making these parts or accessories. Sometimes people replace the original parts with better performance parts to enhance the performance of their vehicle. For example, a person may be wishing to have a better performing parts installed in his car. For that purpose also, the aftermarket are sought. There are various types of car accessories also, which are used for making the car look more attractive. These are also provided at the fatermarkets.

For more information regarding Aftermarket Parts, please visit Tunersepot.com

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Inspect Before You Buy!

Posted on December 28, 2011 by lhcarsou

I am re-publishing this post due to an overwhelming repsonse of people who got the book. I’m very glad it helped so many. So here it is again in original format………I highly recommend this ebook. I recently purchased it and printed out a download so my customers and sales personnel can refer to it at work. The ebook is truely for everyone that needs assistance in inspecting a used vehicle, whether you are purchasing this from a private owner, or a dealership! Get Informed and Armed with the Information you NEED!

Click Here!

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Finding a Great Car Accessory

Posted on December 25, 2011 by lhcarsou

11310664418 mynewseatcoversformycar Finding a Great Car Accessory A car accessory is something you add to your car to make it look better and to add some style. Many people want a cool car accessory to accent their car. A car accessory can make your car look great. A car accessory can help you to personalize your car. Whatever your reason may be for purchasing a car accessory, you will surely enjoy doing it.

A car accessory can often be pricy. But before we get into that kind of a car accessory, let’s start with the cheaper ones. A cheap car accessory that many people enjoy is stickers. This car accessory can be a funny statement, a social cause, or an achievement. Another inexpensive car accessory is bobble heads. They are often of famous people or silly animals. These are always funny to look at.

A car accessory is sometimes a necessary thing. An example of this kind of a car accessory is floor mats. Floor mats can either be plain colored or have a catchy design. Another often needed car accessory is air fresheners. As you know, cars can get smelly. Many people find this car accessory to be a blessing.

Now we will move on to the more expensive kind of car accessory. This type of car accessory is often electronic in nature. An electronic car accessory can be a blacklight, neon headlights, CD player, or even a DVD player to keep the kids quiet while you are trying top drive. A similar car accessory would be to add a playstation or an Xbox to your car with a television unit to play on. This car accessory is not recommended because it can be ever so distracting to the driver.

Another expensive, yet sometimes necessary car accessory is an in dash GPS (global positioning system). A GPS helps many drivers get to and from various locations. It is kind of like an onboard automated map. A GPS can cost you between $500 and $1500 so you must decide on if you really need it. Another example of an expensive car accessory is a radar detector. This helps drivers know when a police officer may be nearby looking for speeding cars. A radar detector alerts you so you can slow down and avoid a speeding ticket. A radar detector is not really needed unless you are the type of person who likes to speed.

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Installing Custom Sheepkin Seat Covers

Posted on November 17, 2011 by lhcarsou

01306958030 italiancarday571 Installing Custom Sheepkin Seat Covers Installing your new seat covers can be a pain at time. But by following these simple instructions you will find the installation will go a lot smoother.

First off, if your car has removeable headrests you will need to take those off first. Most of the time there will be a release button at the top of your seat.

Now once you have the headrests off, if there were any, it’s time to start putting on the seat covers. Just follow these easy 7 steps.

1. Begin at the top of the seat, slowly pulling the seat cover down over the shoulder of the seat. Take a moment to make sure that the seat cover is centered on the seat.

2. Take the centre straps and push them through the space in between the backrest and the seat cushion. You will need to reach around and pull them all the way through from the other side. This process can be done easily by kneeling on the seat cushion to create a larger space, or tilting the seat back.

3. From the back of the seat, grab the center straps and hook them to the underside of the seat. The hooks can be fastened to the springs or any metal edges down there. Note: Do not hook the straps to the sliding track of the seat or any electrical wiring there may be.

Be careful to keep your head clear when attaching the straps, if they slip out they can shoot back and cause injury.

For 2 door cars, be sure to leave enough slack for the seat to move forward, allowing people to get into the back seat. If the straps are too taught, they may break when the seat in tilted forward.

4. Now take the side straps and push them through centre at each side of the seat. Pull the straps down and back and hook them to the underside of the seat, again being careful not to put the straps in the way of the sliding track.

5. Pull seatcover forward and smooth out over seat cushions and sides. Pull straps at front and hook to underside of the seat.

6. Sit down in your seat and check to make sure that the cover is fitted properly to the seat and not off centre.

If your car has adjustable headrests, you may now need to get a sharp knife and make a small cut to allow you to re-insert your headrests. This can be done from sitting in the back of the seat. Line up the knife with the headrest holes in the seat and then move the sheepskin away from the seat (by lifting up) when cutting holes. Make sure you cut through the sheepskin and lining.

You’re done, now go for a drive and enjoy.

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New Car Accessories For Your Chevrolet

Posted on November 12, 2011 by lhcarsou

01310487632 dsc 0300 New Car Accessories For Your Chevrolet For most Americans a vehicle is a reflection of their personality and lifestyle. American manufacturers understand this and make available a wide range of accessories that can personalize a vehicle for work, family, hobbies or just to impress friends and neighbors. Best Chevy – located in Easley, South Carolina – offers many new car accessories for Chevrolet cars, trucks and vans.

Safety is of primary concern for most drivers. Highway emergency kits are available for the Avalanche, Aveo, Cobalt, Colorado, Corvette, Equinox, Express, HHR, Impala, Malibu, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse. This kit includes a fuse kit, screwdriver, pliers, jumper cables, bungee cords, gloves, a Need Help sign and even a rain poncho. First aid kits are also available for the Avalanche, Corvette, Express, Silverado, Suburban, and Tahoe. There is even a fire extinguisher available for the Avalanche, Corvette, Express, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe.
Some accessories help to improve or personalize the appearance of a vehicle, while others help to protect the paint and finish to keep a vehicle looking new. There are a variety of wheels available for all Chevy models except the Aveo, Colorado and Express. These wheels provide a different look from the stock wheels and are available in a variety of styles and sizes, depending on the vehicle. An exhaust tip, in polished chrome or black, is available for the Avalanche, Cobalt, Colorado, HHR, Impala, Malibu, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe and adds a high performance look to the vehicle. Molded hood protectors prevent bugs, mud, rain and road debris from damaging the hood or windshield and versions are available for the Avalanche, Aveo, Cobalt, Colorado, Equinox, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse. Floor mats help protect the interior from water, dirt, mud and anything else that can stain or damage carpeting. Floor mats are easy to remove for cleaning and are available for every Chevy model.
For the technologically savvy there are a number of accessories that provide entertainment for drivers and passengers. The PAL, or personal audio link, allows iPod control through the vehicle radio. PAL is an available accessory for the Avalanche, Corvette, HHR, Malibu, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse. During long trips the headrest DVD system is appreciated by parents, children and rear set passengers. Headrest DVD systems are available in the Avalanche, Colorado, HHR, Impala, Malibu, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse. Navigation systems are important for planning long trips or for finding the most efficient in town routes for shorter trips with lots of stops. Navigation systems are available for the Avalanche, Corvette, Silverado, Suburban and Tahoe.
There are also accessories for the outdoor enthusiast. A sport tent is available for the Avalanche and Colorado. The Avalanche also has an available air mattress for additional comfort while camping. Bicycle and ski racks are available for the Avalanche, Colorado, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse. Additional storage is available with a roof rack or cargo carrier on the Avalanche, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse. Roof racks are also available on the Aveo and Equinox. For camping trailers, heavy hauling and work vehicles, trailer assembly packages are available for the Avalanche, Colorado, Equinox, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe and Traverse.

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DEALER TRADE IN VALUE!

Posted on November 7, 2011 by lhcarsou

This Article will attempt to clear up any confusion and mainly dissappointment when it comes to trading in a vehicle to a dealership. Most dealerships have to go through NADAGuides.com to get their “Opening Book Value” (as this is what the banks dictate!). Most consumers will go to KBB and Black Book, fill in the vehicle information and start checking off things such as leather, sunroof, upgraded sound system, etc. which in turn keep raising the value. These are comfort features and doesn’t change “under the hood” at all. The Dealer can’t. The only thing the dealer can input is: year, make, model, number of actual miles. After you do that, look under “clean trade in”. That figure is what most consumers go to the dealer demanding, however, there are a few factors people don’t know about. This is what I hope this article will clear up. Now, start with the opening book figure as mentioned above, then start subtracting, the Recon Fee, usually between $500-800, the state inspection fee $240-400 (in some states up to $600). These are taken off the opening book figure. Now there are three more things the dealer has to account for. 1) Is the check engine light on? That is another $600-1000. 2) Is the airbag light on? (another $800-1200) and 3) How old are the tires? If more than 5 years old (and I will get into this in a moment) then it will cost $500 for a passenger car up to $1200 for a truck. These figures also get subtracted from the opening book figure. All of these charges are non-negotionable as it is the State and Federal Laws that dictate these charges and hense, liability that the dealer needs to take on to acquire your trade in. With that being said, it is true that you can get $2000 or more for your vehicle if you sell it outright.
NOW ON TO TIRES…….
The National Federal Safety standards state that if the tires are more than 5 years old, the tires MUST be replaced! I recently had a neighbor ask me to look at his car that he was considering trading in. It was in beautiful shape and rarely driven. It was a 2005 Acura TL with only 8900 miles on it!! Very impressive. Then I bent over to look at the age of the rubber! I commented that “the tires need replaced”. He was quite upset and said that “These tires are practically new!. We rarely drove this thing. It’s been in the garage”. So let me clear up the tire issue….. All tires from 2003 and newer have the “birth” of the rubber on them. It is listed at the end of the DOT numbers and looks like this (51/05). This means the tire was made in the 51st week of 2005. It is more than 5 years old and needs replaced, especially if you live in the West or Southwest where the temps are hotter and the air is dryer! Dry Rot happens from the inside out. The “Barely Used Tread” that my neighbor stated, doesn’t apply. It is not the tread that determines the age of the tire. Now, what happens with over-aged rubber? Massive blow-outs on the Freeway, not only endangering yourself and family in the vehicle, but the oncoming vehicles as well. I hope this articule helps to clarify trade in values and safety as well. Stay Safe and Keep the Wheels Rollin…….

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CAR REPAIR-MOTOR OIL

Posted on November 7, 2011 by lhcarsou

WOW, This is something special. I found a very old copy (hardback) of a book my grandfather had called “The Motor Oil Book”, well, of course, I did my research and tracked back the publisher and author. The book was passed down to their children which revised and updated the book and now converted it to “computer friendly” terms (and a bit cheesey ). Anyway, to make a VERY long story short, it is here and you can download it. I have to thank everyone envolved in this venture!!! It is more relevant and important now, more than ever!! (with these new engines). Thanks for the intuitive forethought!!

Click Here!” title=”The Motor Oil Handbook”>

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Price Difference in Dealers!!

Posted on November 5, 2011 by lhcarsou

OK everyone, I have gotten a lot of response over my last post on “How to Inspect a Car” and the issues on “Dealer Trade Ins”. I will now answer how we get price differences amongst dealers. Some customers think that “shopping around” will get the best price on a certain vehicle. Well, Not Necessarily So! It depends on a lot! I can get into this in further detail if readers want to learn more about the buying process from the manufacturer. For now, let’s talk about Indpendant Dealers, vs. Franchise Dealers. Also you need to consider, a francise dealer in a region vs. a “volumn dealership”. In this post, I will address a Volumn Dealership. You will get the best discounts from a volumn dealership because they don’t pay a premium for the car you are trying to purchase. Also, they pay within typically 500.00 of what you pay for the vehicle, just to get the vehicle on the lot!. There ARE NO MARKUPS!! They sell by VOLUME!!! meaning they make money on the “number of units sold”. This is where you WHAT TO BUY THE CAR!! Not from a “dirt lot” or from “wholesale” or a great “sale this weekend”. Go to a “volumn dealer”. This is where you will receivce the best discounts. (they have to honor the manufacturers rebates as well). You will get the best discount from a “volumn dealer”. Remember, when working with smaller lots and dealerships, look for add-on (not on the car) but on the contract! ie., “dealer acquisition fee”, dealer transfer fee”, “doc fee” etc. On “Voulmn Property you will NOT see these FEES! They don’t apply! The “Volumn Dealer” can get their licenses taken away if they charged consumers that way!!! Stay Informed—I’m sure I will get responses from this from both sides of the selling process–I welcome them. Stay In Touch! and God Speed! Most importantly–enjoy the ride!

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Category Archives: Car Accessories

Tips on Finding Affordable Car Repair – Autos – Maintenance and Repair

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Buyer Beware!!

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Aftermarket Parts: The Market For Providing Accessories And Auto Parts

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Inspect Before You Buy!

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Finding a Great Car Accessory

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Installing Custom Sheepkin Seat Covers

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New Car Accessories For Your Chevrolet

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DEALER TRADE IN VALUE!

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CAR REPAIR-MOTOR OIL

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Price Difference in Dealers!!

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