How to Save on All General Automotive Repairs

In these times of financial crisis, you can still save on all general automotive repairs, whether minor repairs or major repairs. Here are a few tips from our mechanic on how to cut costs on your car repair.

First of all, check if your vehicle is still under warranty. If so, do not waste the benefits that you can get out of that warranty. It may cover a wide range of tune ups and auto repair, and even the replacement of car parts. Read your vehicle warranty closely and know your rights well. Make sure that you do not waste your money by taking your vehicle to another mechanic or auto service shop when you can get free service and car parts from your warranty. Take your car to the appropriate dealership, whether Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth, Chrysler, Daewoo, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Volkswagen,Volvo, Acura, Honda, Lexus, Scion, Toyota, Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Hyundia, Mazda, or Suzuki. They have all the necessary expertise to make an accurate diagnostic check up on your vehicle and do all major or minor repairs necessary, including computer diagnostics and computer reprogramming.

If your vehicle is no longer under warranty, then you do not have to pay top dollar for the more expensive services of a dealership. Find a professional, experienced and reputable auto service shop with equally professional, experienced and reputable mechanics. Make sure they are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). In such good hands you will get top notch service at a more reasonable price.

It should be a given that they have expertise on engines, including engine rebuild or engine replacement. At this level, such shops should also have the ability to repair brakes and tractions control systems including the antilock brake systems (ABS). Their transmission service and maintenance should include the transmission flush, the repair of any oil leaks and oil change service. They should be handling radiators, cooling systems and auto air conditioner (A/C) repair routinely.

They are expected to have the capability to repair electronic steering, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power convertible tops, power sunroofs and power locks, as well as do electrical troubleshooting for all types of electrical shorts and problems with alternators, hoses and belts such as timing belts.

The shop should also be equipped to do work on body systems and suspensions, including front suspension, rear suspension and air suspension.

Ask if they know how to repair air bag systems. It would be a big plus if they also know how to install and repair automotive anti theft systems, such as remote starters, and do key reprogramming.

Another good gauge of a reputable auto service shop is its ability to supply you with automotive parts of the highest quality at competitive prices. Recognized brands are AC Delco, Bosch, Remy, Motorcraft, Mopar, Goodyear, Dayco, Echlin, Standard, Cardone, Autolite, NGK, Akebono, Nipedenso, and Denso.


If your auto service shop and its mechanics are truly reliable and trustworthy, they would also help you cut costs by providing you with cheaper yet safe alternatives to brand new automotive parts. In many instances, remanufactured automotive parts may be had for much less than, as in the case of automotive transmissions.

Of course you can save most if you do all the necessary automotive maintenance and repair yourself. This requires a definite commitment on your part to do your research and learn about all general automotive repairs, including both minor repairs and major repairs. If you cannot cover all these, you can still take on simpler tasks such changing our vehicle’s oil and rotating your vehicle’s tires.



November 12, 2009
By Business Local Listings
ABC Autotech
Richard Borovicka
1621 Cortez Rd W
Bradenton, FL 34207-1324
Phone: (941) 755-0112
Fax: (941) 755-8150
Email: aautotech@tampabay.rr.com
Website: www.abcautotech.com

Automotive Repair

Best 10 Tips for Maintaining Car Engine

Car Engine maintenance is one of the most essential car care activity that requires huge investment, an investment that pays off with enhanced fuel efficiency and longer engine life.

The most common cause of various engine problems is overheating. This is one such factor that contributes to various engine issues like overheated engine, engine surges, strange engine sounds, engine hesitation, and more fuel consumption. This key contributing factor and various problems are directly linked to the condition of engine components that control the functioning of the car engine. The problems that occur in the engine directly influences the functioning and effectiveness of the car. Therefore, it is very important to take good care of the car engine.

Here are the best 10 tips for maintaining car engine:

1. Engine oil is the most element of a car engine that plays a vital role in car performance. It should be changed periodically or after every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. Also check the oil level and refill the tank if the level is low.


2. Check the condition of the air filter. If you find any kind of dirt or crack in the air filter, immediately replace it or else it would hamper the functioning of the car engine.


3. Whenever you decide to replace engine parts, ensure that you use original components. Faulty and fake engine components may damage the engine completely if they don't fit in well or are not reliable.


4. Use clean fuel for your car. Adding a fuel stabilizer to the engine can also be helpful for preventing gas from going stale.


5. For proper functioning of the car engine you also need to check the condition of the car battery.


6. The battery case should be free from dirt and cracks. If in case you find any leakage or dust on the surface of the battery case, replace the battery immediately.


7. A car engine also comprises a timing belt that runs the engine and some even comprise a serpentine belt that runs various pumps and accessories in the car. If you find wear and tear of these belts, then you should replace them or else it would hamper the efficiency of the car engine.


8. Ensure that all the car fluids including the brake fluid, engine fluid,engine coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid are topped up to the marked level. Ensuring that all fluid levels are topped off can maintain the health of your engine.


9. Inspect the condition of the spark plug and if required change them. Damaged or ineffective spark plugs hamper the performance of the car engine and also prevents costly engine repairs.


10. If in case you find any kind of strange noises from the engine, get it checked from the mechanic and make sure that the necessary repair is done.

October 23, 2009
By Carazoo.com
Carazoo.com

Car Maintenance

How to Save on All General Automotive Repairs

In these times of financial crisis, you can still save on all general automotive repairs, whether minor repairs or major repairs. Here are a few tips from our mechanic on how to cut costs on your car repair.

First of all, check if your vehicle is still under warranty. If so, do not waste the benefits that you can get out of that warranty. It may cover a wide range of tune ups and auto repair, and even the replacement of car parts. Read your vehicle warranty closely and know your rights well. Make sure that you do not waste your money by taking your vehicle to another mechanic or auto service shop when you can get free service and car parts from your warranty. Take your car to the appropriate dealership, whether Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth, Chrysler, Daewoo, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Volkswagen,Volvo, Acura, Honda, Lexus, Scion, Toyota, Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Hyundia, Mazda, or Suzuki. They have all the necessary expertise to make an accurate diagnostic check up on your vehicle and do all major or minor repairs necessary, including computer diagnostics and computer reprogramming.

If your vehicle is no longer under warranty, then you do not have to pay top dollar for the more expensive services of a dealership. Find a professional, experienced and reputable auto service shop with equally professional, experienced and reputable mechanics. Make sure they are certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). In such good hands you will get top notch service at a more reasonable price.

It should be a given that they have expertise on engines, including engine rebuild or engine replacement. At this level, such shops should also have the ability to repair brakes and tractions control systems including the antilock brake systems (ABS). Their transmission service and maintenance should include the transmission flush, the repair of any oil leaks and oil change service. They should be handling radiators, cooling systems and auto air conditioner (A/C) repair routinely.

They are expected to have the capability to repair electronic steering, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power convertible tops, power sunroofs and power locks, as well as do electrical troubleshooting for all types of electrical shorts and problems with alternators, hoses and belts such as timing belts.

The shop should also be equipped to do work on body systems and suspensions, including front suspension, rear suspension and air suspension.

Ask if they know how to repair air bag systems. It would be a big plus if they also know how to install and repair automotive anti theft systems, such as remote starters, and do key reprogramming.

Another good gauge of a reputable auto service shop is its ability to supply you with automotive parts of the highest quality at competitive prices. Recognized brands are AC Delco, Bosch, Remy, Motorcraft, Mopar, Goodyear, Dayco, Echlin, Standard, Cardone, Autolite, NGK, Akebono, Nipedenso, and Denso.

If your auto service shop and its mechanics are truly reliable and trustworthy, they would also help you cut costs by providing you with cheaper yet safe alternatives to brand new automotive parts. In many instances, remanufactured automotive parts may be had for much less than, as in the case of automotive transmissions.

Of course you can save most if you do all the necessary automotive maintenance and repair yourself. This requires a definite commitment on your part to do your research and learn about all general automotive repairs, including both minor repairs and major repairs. If you cannot cover all these, you can still take on simpler tasks such changing our vehicle’s oil and rotating your vehicle’s tires.



October 15, 2009
By Business Local Listings
ABC Autotech
Richard Borovicka
1621 Cortez Rd W
Bradenton, FL 34207-1324
Phone: (941) 755-0112
Fax: (941) 755-8150
Email: aautotech@tampabay.rr.com
Website: www.abcautotech.com

Automotive Repair

Deciding on Auto Engine Repair or Replacement

Automotive engine problems cannot be ignored. Don’t just give up on your vehicle, though. Find a reliable mechanic in Tampa and ask for a consultation. A truly professional mechanic will not lead you astray. He should do a thorough auto inspection of all vehicle components, including your car transmission system, and give you a full and honest report on whether you can still profit from auto repair – or truck repair, as the case may be – or if you need replacements for major car parts, even to the extent of engine replacement. To decide between automotive engine repair or replacement, you need to know about the pros and cons of your options.

Would it be more cost effective to repair your engine, to replace it, or to buy a new vehicle altogether? Is your vehicle’s engine still repairable? If you decide to replace it, should you get a new engine, a used engine or a remanufactured engine?

According to our mechanic from Tampa, if the vehicle has already depreciated to the point of having a book value that is less than $2,000.00, or if it is more than ten years old, you should not invest more money in it – whether for engine repair or replacement. That would not raise the vehicle’s resale value commensurate to your expense. It would then make better financial sense to buy a new vehicle instead. Perhaps you can still sell the old vehicle for some petty cash.

On the other hand, engine repair would still be a good investment on a vehicle that is less than ten years old. If the engine is no longer repairable, our mechanic says engine replacement is still more economical than the purchase of a new vehicle.

Engine repair is not also always recommended even if still possible. In some cases, it can turn out to be more expensive. This is so for any engine that has already clocked more than 150,000 miles and is running poorly, burning oil, making strange noises or has locked up.

Replacement engines are either new – called crate engines – or remanufactured engines. Among the advantages are that they usually arrive with a warranty and can be installed immediately whereas repairs can take so long. Some crate engines are almost exact duplicates of original vehicle engines. Others come with various upgrades such as more powerful horsepower or larger displacements. Remanufactured engines are used engines that have been completely rebuilt to attain specifications equivalent to new engines, meeting or even exceeding OEM engine specifications. Remanufactured engines are more ecologically friendly since they recycle engine parts and reduce scrap.

Our mechanic recommends caution in choosing a used engine that has not been remanufactured, especially if it has high mileage or if it comes from a junked vehicle. He says buying a low cost used engine from a salvage yard would only be acceptable if the yard guarantees it and the engine has low mileage of not more than 60,000 miles.

Of course, when you replace your engine with a crate engine, a remanufactured engine or a used engine, you have to make sure that everything is compatible, from the engine management system to sensors and wiring harness. You may need professional help with this because engine designs and calibrations differ from year to year.

The best option, of course, is to avoid engine repair or replacement by keeping your vehicle and its engine in perfect running condition through proper maintenance. Auto oil change, for example, is very important to give your engine longer life. Whenever you need new car parts, make sure to use only brands that have been proven to be of the highest quality.

(ArticlesBase ID #985402)



September 17, 2009
By Business Local Listing
Guy’s Automotive
Contact Name: Guy Skiver
Address: 3049 W.Hillsborough Ave.
Tampa, FL 33614
Phone: 813.353.1537
Fax: 813.353.1568
Email: GUYSAUTOMOTIVE@GMAIL.COM
Website: www.GUYSAUTOMOTIVE.COM

Best 10 Tips for Maintaining Car Engine

Car Engine maintenance is one of the most essential car care activity that requires huge investment, an investment that pays off with enhanced fuel efficiency and longer engine life.

The most common cause of various engine problems is overheating. This is one such factor that contributes to various engine issues like overheated engine, engine surges, strange engine sounds, engine hesitation, and more fuel consumption. This key contributing factor and various problems are directly linked to the condition of engine components that control the functioning of the car engine. The problems that occur in the engine directly influences the functioning and effectiveness of the car. Therefore, it is very important to take good care of the car engine.

Here are the best 10 tips for maintaining car engine:

1. Engine oil is the most element of a car engine that plays a vital role in car performance. It should be changed periodically or after every 3,000 to 6,000 miles. Also check the oil level and refill the tank if the level is low.


2. Check the condition of the air filter. If you find any kind of dirt or crack in the air filter, immediately replace it or else it would hamper the functioning of the car engine.


3. Whenever you decide to replace engine parts, ensure that you use original components. Faulty and fake engine components may damage the engine completely if they don't fit in well or are not reliable.


4. Use clean fuel for your car. Adding a fuel stabilizer to the engine can also be helpful for preventing gas from going stale.


5. For proper functioning of the car engine you also need to check the condition of the car battery.


6. The battery case should be free from dirt and cracks. If in case you find any leakage or dust on the surface of the battery case, replace the battery immediately.


7. A car engine also comprises a timing belt that runs the engine and some even comprise a serpentine belt that runs various pumps and accessories in the car. If you find wear and tear of these belts, then you should replace them or else it would hamper the efficiency of the car engine.


8. Ensure that all the car fluids including the brake fluid, engine fluid,engine coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid are topped up to the marked level. Ensuring that all fluid levels are topped off can maintain the health of your engine.


9. Inspect the condition of the spark plug and if required change them. Damaged or ineffective spark plugs hamper the performance of the car engine and also prevents costly engine repairs.


10. If in case you find any kind of strange noises from the engine, get it checked from the mechanic and make sure that the necessary repair is done.

August 27 , 2009
By Carazoo.com
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/best-10-tips-for-maintaining-car-engine-713587.html