Auto Magazine

Six Repair or Restoration Tricks For Owners of Old or Classic Cars

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/22 in Auto Parts with Comments Off

Renovating and repairing a classic car is an exciting task to undertake. However, it’s not the easiest thing to jump into for the first time. You might consider the following recommendations before setting in on any project to fix up and restore a classic or used car.

Perform a Thorough Inspection

In a well-lit area, and using a flashlight, inspect the vehicle from the inside out and from top to bottom. Remember to look underneath. Get a close-up view of what the project will entail and if the renovation is worth the time, money and effort before proceeding any further.

Establish a Budget

On a major restoration, not everyone has the financial means to pay for materials and parts all at once. Grab a parts catalog pertinent to your vehicle, sit down with a calculator, paper and pen. Whether the refurbishing time line depends on time or money, make a complete list to determine a general idea of cost. If working on a budget, prioritize the list according to needs and desires.

Consult with a Restoration Expert

After creating a list of expenses, visiting with a specialist will let you know if the calculations are realistic. Perhaps there are considerations that you have overlooked or may be able to put off until later. You might also gain insight into money saving techniques or tips. Some cars can have incredibly difficult parts to find, and sites such as www.stlouisusedcarparts.com/ can help with that. You ought to seek out the right people and resources that can help you with your restoration process.

Choose a Restoration Level

Vehicle renovation projects typically range from basic “driver restoration,” which restores full functionality and minimal cosmetic repairs to “concours” that ensures the highest degree of refurbishment possible. In between these categories includes “street show” and “show car.”

Determine Structural Integrity

Closely examine the condition of the axles, floor and frame. While a little rust is easily fixed, extensive rusting compromises the stability of the vehicle and poses a potential risk. A vehicle having these areas intact also saves thousands of dollars and countless hours in replacement if deciding to progress regardless of the car’s condition.

Solo or Team Project

Whether choosing to complete the project alone, or opting to work with friends or family members, take the time to consider all of the scenarios. Do you or any of your cohorts have the knowledge necessary to succeed? Will a falling out with team members destroy the project? Do you have access to the right equipment or the voice of experience?

After taking these tips into consideration, the next step naturally progresses toward starting the renovation process. Once completed, keep your prized possession in top shape by performing regular maintenance.

Dodge the Deception: Five Ways to Avoid Dishonest Mechanics

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/20 in Auto Repair with Comments Off

As you would expect, not every mechanic is untrustworthy, but when all of them are trying to earn a buck, it’s hard to decipher which ones are solely out for your money (and as much of it as possible). It’s impossible to tell whether or not a mechanic is dishonest by merely looking at him, but these five tactics can help you begin weeding out the less morally sound ones.

Grab Multiple Quotes

Before you sign your vehicle over to the first mechanic you go to, get multiple quotes instead. Some mechanics will charge "diagnostic fees" to avoid comparisons and early quotes and lock them into doing business, but there are still others out there who don’t do this. Find a mechanic who’s willing to look under your hood for free and give you a quote. Give them a call or check the internet prior to visiting the shop in person to avoid being pressured into diagnostic fees.

Get the Scoop from Real Reviews

If you want unbiased opinions on whether the mechanic in question is really worth doing business with, check out automotive service reviews. You can find these all over the place; check out your local forums or news sites, certified reviews on opentell.com, or even find out by merely asking around. Third parties are the best source for unbiased information. Some of these review sites also rate the company by store location, so even if you are researching a chain, you can find out about the exact shop near you.

Get a Referral from a Trusted Source

If you know someone who you trust and has adequate knowledge of automobiles, find out what their recommendations are concerning mechanics. They will likely know others who are interested in cars or work as mechanics. Additionally, take recommendations from people who have a favorite mechanic. Knowing people in the industry can be a great way to find those shops with integrity.

Stay Alert for Intimidation

When mechanic shopping, beware of the old, "I wouldn’t drive this thing for another mile" line. This is a scare tactic, and unfortunately, it works quite often. If you begin to feel intimidated and the mechanic pressures you to repair the vehicle as quickly as possible, take caution from there on out. A great idea in this circumstance is to get a second opinion from another shop without telling them what the “problem” is. This way you don’t lead the new shop’s expectations and simply see what they say. If they offer the same information, then you know it’s most likely a legitimate problem.

Ask for the Old, Broken Parts Back

This could be one of the most clever tricks in the book to avoid getting scammed by an auto mechanic. Before any repairs are made on the vehicle, tell the mechanic that you’d like the old parts back once the repairs have been made. Any honest mechanic will not see a problem with this, as he will have no use for them. Beware of mechanics that get defensive or express a significant interest in knowing why you’re interested in the old parts. They may be trying to hide the evidence.

Overall, use common sense when shopping around for a reliable mechanic. If it seems too expensive, it probably is. Get everything in writing and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Third parties are great for information, and seek out a second opinion if you don’t trust your initial quote.

Travel Kits Are a Smart Idea: 6 Things You’ll Need

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/17 in On the Road with Comments Off

When on the go, it can be difficult to travel without having the basic necessities on hand. It can undoubtedly be expensive to purchase certain items when on the road, making it important to plan ahead of time by preparing a travel kit, which will ensure you’re comfortable and prepared for the unexpected.

Neck Pillow

Neck pillows are a great way to have proper support when sleeping on a plane or when traveling in the car for several hours at a time. When traditional pillows are too bulky to travel with and difficult to use when sitting up, neck pillows offer a practical solution and are compact enough to pack. It makes it easy to nap and stay rested without waking up with strained neck muscles.

MP3 Player

An MP3 player will offer entertainment when on the road or when having to wait to board a plane. It’s a great way to stay busy and occupied, making it easy to listen to playlists or even audiobooks. Having the compact device on hand will make the time go by faster and will prevent having to pack a number of CDs or books.

Mouthwash

Staying refreshed is crucial when traveling to stay comfortable and maintain proper hygiene. It can be difficult to keep your teeth brushed throughout the day, but mouthwash can be used to keep your breath fresh and to kill germs. Pack a compact travel size of mouthwash for an easy product to take on the go.

Travel Bottle

It can be easy to become dehydrated when traveling, making it important to have enough water packed to maintain energy levels. Although it can be difficult to take along several liters of water, a travel bottle is easy to pack and can be refilled at the airport or at a restaurant.

Hand Sanitizer

One of the most common ailments of traveling is catching a cold when in contact with hundreds of people at an airport or when spending time in public places. Although you may not always be able to wash your hands and keep germs at bay, hand sanitizer will work effectively and prevent illness.

Eye Drops

Eyes naturally become dry when at higher altitudes or without proper sleep. Pack eye drops to restore moisture and prevent infection or unnecessary strain on the pupils.

Travel kits are not only easy to prepare and bring along when on the go, but will also ensure a more comfortable and efficient trip that promotes your overall health and well-being. They kit can make it easier to enjoy a trip without suffering from jet lag, boredom, or even fatigue. Click here to find more items to pack when traveling.

Five Ways to Know When Your Car Needs to Be Serviced

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/16 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

Owning a car can be a great luxury, but being a vehicle owner also comes with a lot of financial responsibility. Not only must you handle expenses such as making a car payment, paying for car insurance, and keeping your gas tank full, but you must also deal with the cost of maintenance and repairs. It is important that you be familiar with some common signs that your car needs to be serviced. This way, you can have the issues resolved before they worsen and turn into an even larger and more expensive repair.

Vibrating Steering Wheel

If you notice a vibration in your steering wheel, especially upon accelerating to a certain speed, then you may have a problem with your vehicle’s alignment or wheels. This can be caused by hitting a pothole and throwing your car out of alignment or even bending a rim on one of your wheels. A diagnostic test can be run by a repair shop to determine whether either of these are the case.

Pulsating Upon Braking

When you depress your brake pedal, do you ever feel a pulsating sensation in your steering wheel or in the front end of your car? If so, then this may be a sign that you need new brake pads, rotors, or a new set of brakes entirely. Over time, rotors and brakes become unevenly worn and need to be replaced or repaired. Consider visiting a brake shop to have your car’s braking system inspected by a professional.

White Smoke Coming from Exhaust

While it is normal to see a small amount of smoke coming from your muffler, be on the lookout for large amounts of billowing white smoke. This could be a sign that your car has blown a head gasket. This is a problem that is best diagnosed by a repair shop specializing in head gasket repair in Calgary, such as Speedy Brake and Apollo Muffler.

Smell of Burning Rubber

Except in obvious situations, such as when you screech your tires by accelerating too quickly, you should never notice any strange odors coming from your car. If you smell any odors, such as that of burning rubber, you may have a worn belt in your engine such as a timing or serpentine belt. It is important to have these replaced as soon as signs of wear and tear arise, as failure to do so can result in more expensive repairs down the road.

Flickering Interior or Exterior Lights

If you notice the lights in or outside of your car dimming at seemingly random intervals, this may be a sign that your battery is on the verge of dying. Have it checked for a charge and replace it immediately if needed. The last thing you want is to be stranded somewhere with a car that will not start.

These are just a few common signs to watch out for. By doing so and by seeing a mechanic promptly upon noticing any of these signs, you can have your car repaired in no time and enjoy the peace of mind in having a reliable, safe vehicle.

Savannah Coulsen is a freelance writer. She lives in Long Beach. Savannah loves to read and write and she hopes to write a novel someday. Savannah also loves learning and is a self-proclaimed health guru. She always uses Speedy Brake and Apollo Muffler when she needs her car serviced.

5 Tips that Will Keep Your Car in Great Condition and Looking Like New for Years to Come

by Carsurfer Admin on 2014/01/15 in Auto Maintenance with Comments Off

It is less expensive to properly maintain your car than to repair it, but many people simply forgo maintaining their car because of the small expense or inconvenience. Simple regular maintenance items not only prevent unnecessary breakdowns and repairs, but extend your car’s life and level of performance. A well-maintained car also retains more resale value. Thus, here is a quick look at 5 maintenance tasks that will keep your car in great condition for years to come.

Perform Regular Oil and Filter Changes

This is the most important maintenance you can do for your car. Nothing destroys an engine quicker than neglecting oil levels or forgetting to perform regular oil changes. Check your owner’s manual or ask your mechanic for the proper oil change interval for your make and model. You should also ask your mechanic for the proper type of oil that you should be using in your vehicle. Providing proof of regular oil changes can add hundreds of dollars to a resale price.

Do a Yearly Cooling System Flush

Corrosion and deposits can build in the inside of your cooling system and cause huge problems. Flushing the cooling system and changing the coolant yearly helps prevent buildup of harmful deposits in your system. Mix coolant in equal parts with distilled water to keep your cooling system in great shape.

Change Transmission and Differential Fluids on Schedule

This is not a frequent service, but it is vitally important. Check your recommended service intervals and write it on the calendar, or have your mechanic remind you. If you do it yourself, be sure you use the gear oil and transmission fluid that is the proper viscosity and type for your system.

Keep Your Car Clean

Carports and garages only protect your car when it is inside. You still must wash and wax your car regularly to protect and maintain its finish. The outside obviously needs cleaning, but cleaning the undercarriage is just as important, especially in areas where the roads are salted in the winter. Everything you run over can stick under your car and cause corrosion. The inside needs regular maintenance too. A yearly detailing and steam cleaning of the inside can keep your car looking brand new for years to come.

Keep All Moving Parts Lubricated

When you change your oil, it’s also a good time to check your lubrication. Joints and moving parts all need regular grease and lube to ensure proper performance and prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Proper maintenance of joints and moving parts can potentially save you thousands of dollars in repairs.

Just like your body, your car needs regular care. Take care of it, and it will take care of you by not stranding you on the side of the road. A little TLC adds up to real money at resale.