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It’s happened to all of us, driving along the highway minding our own business, when a chip of stone kicked up by the car in front pings against the window and chips it. It’s one of the most frustrating things that can happen to your car, and considering the size of the damage, it is disproportionately expensive to put right. Many people take their car to the repair shop with a stone chip in the windshield, and then get charged for a replacement at a cost of hundreds of dollars.However, this need not be the case. Under many circumstances, instead of replacing the whole windshield, you can use a windshield repair kit to fix small cracks and chips in the glass at a fraction of the cost.A typical car windshield is made up of a laminate of at least two layers of glass with a polymer resin sandwiched between them This gives the glass huge strength, and in the event of an accident, the resin is designed to hold the pieces of glass together and stop them showering into the car and causing injury.Because of the layered structure of a windshield, crack repair is possible. Usually in the event of a stone chip, only one layer of glass is damaged, with the underlying layers remaining undamaged. This means that it is possible to make the windshield more stable, and prevent the damage getting any worse, without having to replace the whole windshield.If the stone chip has gone through more than one layer of the glass, or is positioned right in the centre of the driver’s field of vision, then you should consider replacing the wind shield completely, because under such circumstances, the damage could cause impairment to the ability of the driver.If you are able to repair the windshield, you should carry out the work as soon as possible after the damage occurs. If it is left too long, the cracks can spread out across the screen thanks to the pressure of the air pushing against the glass when you are driving. As the cracks spread, the glass becomes weaker and weaker, and can eventually simply shatter under the pressure, which is obviously highly dangerous for the driver and any passengers in the car.The actual method of repairing a stone chip or small crack in the glass is simple with the appropriate windshield repair kits. Although different manufacturers package the kit differently, the actual method used is roughly the same.Windshield crack repair is carried out by injecting a clear resin into the crack or chip under pressure in order to completely fill any spaces, then the resin is cured rapidly using a special light that leaves it as hard as rock. If it is carried out properly there should be no distortion of vision when you repair windshield crack damage, and in many cases, the resin bonds so well with the edges of the cracks that the actual damage is much less visible and distracting for the driver.As well as small windshield repair kits designed for a single use, larger professional kits are also available that contain enough resin and equipment to perform up to 100 repairs. Because it is a fairly straightforward task to repair cracked windshields using the proper tools, there are many companies available who will carry out the service on your behalf, although at a much higher cost than doing the work yourself – albeit a lot less than you would have to pay for an entirely new windshield.The windshield on your car is there to protect you at all times, but it must be clear to see out of to help you avoid any trouble in the first place. It is vitally important to repair any damage to it, no matter how small it is, to ensure your safety, and also to prevent it getting worse and potentially costing you a lot of money.

It is usually a cold engine, which is exposed to extreme weather that most often is difficult to start. However, hot engines sometimes have problems too. Hot engines can be tough to start, and many people do not know how to deal with this situation when it occurs. With the intention of overcoming this dilemma, it is important to know exactly why it happens. The most common reason why a hot engine will not start is because the problem is related to fuel. When your car engine is too hot, fuel cannot circulate well, due to the way vapor obstructs it workings and therefore the engine just will not start, as it should. You should keep your engine running at the correct temperature and to protect its alloys and metals, you need to use a properly designed coolant. A car engine will keep gaining temperature until it has been turned off. During this time is when the highest concentration of vapor is circulating around and chances are, that it shall obstruct the engine to a greater extent. Obviously, when and if you are driving in hot weather and have just turned off the car engine you may experience start problems. The solution is simple; you must wait for a few minutes until trying to start it again. The most sensible solution of course, is to use a high quality engine coolant. Fuel injected engines do not experience this problem as much as other engines, because the fuel remains inside the injectors under high pressure. Owing to this, fuel injected engines do not become so easily subjected to vapors as other engines. Therefore, the vehicle does not have the same issues when it comes to starting a hot engine. It may be time to change over your old vehicle to a newer model with fuel injection.Another reason why you may have an engine, which is hard to start while hot, is that it may be due to seasonal weather as refiners change from one fuel blend to another. Petrol refiners often change a higher volatility fuel to a lower one when summer approaches. This is simply because hot weather causes fuel to evaporate more quickly. If refiners change back to a higher volatility fuel, while vehicles are still exposed to days of extreme temperatures, this may cause swift evaporation of the fuel which, in turn would create too much vapor within the engine.

There really isn’t all that much to it, yet some people still find themselves trapped by the side of the road because they don’t know how to change a tire. It’s a relatively simple job that requires very few tools, almost anyone can do it and once you learn how to change a tire you won’t have to worry about hoping for the kindness of strangers to get you back on the road again.The key really lies in the preparation: make sure, at the minimum, your car is prepared with the following:Either a full size inflated spare tire or a temporary spare tire.A jack that fits your car and your owner’s manual to tell you the proper placement of the jack to avoid damaging the frame of your car.A lug wrench to loosen and tighten the lug nuts.And last but not least - a tire gauge.Things like a pump, in case your spare has gone flat or some WD-40 or other penetrating oil (for lug nuts that are difficult to break) can be good additions to your tire changing tool repertoire, but usually aren’t as necessary as the above mentioned items.Now we’ll get into the specifics of learning how to change a tire. First things first, you’ll need to pull off of the road (preferably to a flat, level surface). Turn off the engine, put your car in park and apply the emergency break. If you’re on the shoulder or side of the road, still in proximity to the flow of traffic, you’ll want to put on your hazard lights.Get your jack, the wrench, the spare tire and your owner’s manual and make your way over to the flat. You may or may not have to remove a hub cap depending upon the wheel of your car, if you do the lug wrench usually has a flat blade opposite the head to pry away the cap.While the car is still on the ground, begin to loosen the lug nuts by turning the wrench to the left, or counter clockwise. Unscrew the nuts until they are each loose enough to move by hand, but not quite until they are all the way off.Check your manual again to ensure proper placement of your jack and follow instructions for jacking the car high enough to give yourself room to work when removing and replacing the tire.Once the car is off the ground you can completely unscrew the lug nuts, I usually like to put them inside of the removed hub cap to ensure that I’ll remember where they are when I need them again.Take off your flat and replace it with your full size or temporary spare, then go to the removed hub cap and retrieve your lug nuts. Don’t tighten any one lug nut all the way before addressing all of them; tighten them each a little bit at a time to ensure the tire is going on evenly. Once all of the lug nuts are relatively tight, the car can be lowered back to the ground - attempting to tighten them with absolutely all of your might while the car is still in the air can cause the jack to tip and result in serious injury.Once the car is safely back on the ground, you can work on securing the tire completely by putting some elbow grease into tightening the nuts again.If your psi (found by using you air pressure gauge) is lower than what is recommended (printed on the side of the tire), you can stop by a gas station, convenience store or anywhere with an air pump to fill it to the appropriate level.Now that you know how to change a tire, and know what you need to be prepared to do it, you can feel comfortable that you won’t be inconvenienced that much or kept off the road for too long should the situation arise.

If there is a paradox that meanders through automobile vehicle owners – whether it is owners of cars, trucks or S.U.V.’s is that most owners and purchasers tend to short change their vehicle’s finish and final shiny finish and presentation. This absurdity is usually two fold: either the enthusiast loses patience, is lazy or simply runs out of money. However according to automotive industry expert Riteway Strokon “Presentation and Appearance is Everything” “ Presentation, Presentation , Presentation“What factors need to be considered in the choice of car body paint shop and technician specialists who will prepare and apply the finish to your vehicle – be it car, truck or S.U.V.? First of all a proper and a through job of preparation are essential. Once cannot skimp on a foundation of a house and once cannot skimp on proper auto body paint preparation. A paint job is only as good as to what is underneath it. The auto body surface must be absolutely clean – first by a chemical stripper, next removing any rust apparent or not apparent on the car by either by chemical means or by sandblasting. Once those two are done the surface must be washed down with a metal conditioner to in effect etch the metal surface for better adhesion of the paint.Next the surface of the vehicle is primed with a special “primer “coat of paint. The key thing to ask and look for at this stage of the process is whether the car with its coat of primer paint will be allowed to air dry and set for a number of days or whether the paint will be slapped on after only a cursory overnight time period of primer paint drying. After a thorough drying – this coat of primer paint will next be thoroughly and carefully sanded. Again attention to detail and patience are key. You can often judge these two traits in a shop and its staff by both their attention to cleanliness and order in their shop of tools and equipment, their general demeanor as well as references from previous customers.Next in line is the actual painting process. Here again attention to detail is key. Not enough can be stressed on the importance of this stage in the vehicle painting process.Lastly it comes to the post presentation finishing. Ask about this step. Some shops will consider the job “done” after the simple application of the surface paint.Others will pay great attention to detail – inspecting and applying finishing touches- in effect making sure that everything and anything of the presentation and appearance of the car is in order. The vehicle so to speak should be in better than “new condition”. Ensure that body moldings as well as the rubber door seals are placed in properly – that is tight fitting without space so that the rubber doors seals seal fit intact and tightly without gaps. There should be no wind noises. Lastly ensure that no remnants of the finished paint job are apparent in small ways on your vehicle paint job.All in all a more than excellent paint job more than adds great value and appreciation to your vehicle – whether it is Car, Truck or Sports Recreation Vehicle.

Well wonder no more, as I am about to reveal to you 5 easy steps to achieve and excellent shine and polish for your auto.Step 1 -

Washing removes loose surface dirt and loose contaminants that have not yet bonded to the surface.Because most people wash their car more than any other procedure, it’s important to use a car wash solution that is specifically formulated for vehicle paint. Whatever you do make sure you do not use any common household dishwashing or other detergents, as no only will these dull your paint work, they ar exteremly hard on other components of your vehicle such as rubbers, metals, vinyls and plastics.Step 2 - ChamoisFor a perfect dry, wipe off excess water with a chamois leather (synthetic or real) this will eliminate any water marks that may occur from water dripping down doors or from decals.Step 3 - Apply PolishThe critial thing to do here is apply a good quality polish. I recommend MyHotRod Show Winning Shine, which is also a paint protection. The product gives an outstanding shine, but by far the best thing about it is that it is easy to apply and easy to buff up. There is nothing worse than having applied polish to a whole vehicle and then start buffing and find that it is like glue to come off!The best way to apply your polish is with a microfiber applicator pad, you should do one panel at a time and apply the polish in small circular motions. The other thing to remember with polish is that less is more - the more you cake on, the more you have to take off!Step 4 - BuffOnce the polish has dried to a cloudy residue, use a soft microfiber buffing cloth in a side to side motion, frequently turning the cloth to avoid polish build up. Give special attention to areas around plastic trim, decals and lights as these frequently harbor small spots of polish and are easy to miss.Step 5 - Sit Back and AdmireThat’s it all done - now you should take time to sit back relax and admire your hard work and get ready to accept all the compliments for your as new looking shiny car!

Everyone’s busy and cannot possibly have enough time to go check your car or truck whenever this happens, so you take it with good will to your “loyal” mechanic and he checks it over and a famous one liner that you’ve heard before utters his lips, you know, something like, “Good thing you brought it over, I don’t think it would have lasted another mile.” Or something like that.Whenever the check engine light goes on, don’t panic. I’ve known several people who’ve had this problem over and over again. Usually it’s a computer problem, or something so simple as needing another gas cap that makes people go into a tizzy. Sometimes the check engine light goes on because something needs attention that shouldn’t wait too.I know there’s a lot of mechanics out there who are trustworthy, and reliable, and maybe you are perfectly happy when them. And maybe they come running down your driveway everytime the check engine light does come on, but most of the time, the engine has nothing to do with the that light gives you that wallet busting warning.When a check engine light comes on, the on board usually stores a code that will lead to direction of the malfunction. Consider it a map with treasure being your malfunction. It doesn’t necessarily tell you exactly what is wrong but gives you a code that you (or a technician) can decipher and get to what’s aching your baby. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Well before you Indiana Jones wannabes light your torch and go into dark caverns under your hood, get all your facts straight. Just like Dr. Jones did with his archeological facts, you’ll have to do a little research yourself. Sounds scary? Don’t worry, it’s not. Let’s say the code “p0171, oxygen sensor indicates lean” shows up, causing your check engine light to glow. It doesn’t mean the oxygen sensor is bad, it just means that the oxygen sensor is stuck lean. Now there could be several reasons for this; the engine could be running lean because of a number of problems, or the oxygen sensor is lazy and may actually need to be replaced. However, a bad oxygen sensor should set a oxygen sensor code as well.Replacing a oxygen sensor sounds less threatening than replacing your transmission, doesn’t it? It’s amazing how many auto mechanics will tell you what’s wrong when a check engine light goes on. It’s become a vital commodity to mechanics, just like a pop up ad on your computer, but they don’t have to pay for this ad.And research is really not so bad. It’s not like homework, you don’t have to do it, however, if you don’t, and ignore it, you’ll regret it. So how can distinguish what your car needs, and what kind of project it will entail if you can’t trust your mechanic? Well, you can take it to a mechanic when the check engine light goes on, but most mechanics charge jup to hundreds of dollars just to inspect the problem, and you’ll have to add this to fix what that the mechanic has dreamed up, after all, who’s he afraid of, it’s not like you’ve done your research, right? Here is a great way to get your research done before going to the mechanic, so you know what you are in for.Almost all car repair questions can now be answered online, right at your fingertips. Many websites now offer advice for the average car owner to troubleshoot car problems, so the days of going to one mechanic after another to diagnosis your car problems are over. Sites such as Automtoive Experts Online are dedicated to troubleshoot car problems, such as check engine lights for Honda Accord or

Getting that very first car is a big step and life changing event for most young people. A car means potential popularity, independence, and a chance to prove to friends and family that they are mature. For many first time car owners the actual care and long term maintenance of the new vehicle (outside of washing it occasionally) doesn’t even factor into the equation. Ironically enough many of the roadside assistance calls that new car owners make could have been avoided by basic, routine, maintenance.One of the first things you should always remember is to get your oil changed every 3,000 miles. More than a few people have failed emissions checks and/or ended up having to pay for hundreds of dollars worth of repair simply because they have neglected to get their oil changed. To find out who does oil changes check out your local yellow pages or ask friends and family. Many repair shops offer discounted oil changes several times a year in order to attract new customers so keep your eyes peeled for these sales.Another thing that can help keep your new car running smoothly is to take advantage of fuel injector cleaner that is sold at almost all gas stations and in chain stores. Adding a bottle fuel injector cleaner to your fuel tank before getting gas can really do wonders. The cleaner removes excess deposits as you drive which helps your car to run noticeably smoother.Replacing wind shield wipers whenever they become worn is also something that can be extremely useful down the line. There is nothing worse than sitting on the side of the road during a downpour because your wind shield wipers are too old and worn to improve your visibility. Some people go so far as to replace their wind shield wipers each time they get an oil change just to make sure they are never caught in a bad storm with worn wipers.Last, but not least, keep an eye on your tires. Check your tires often for excessive wear, punctures, and low pressure. Invest in a small pressure checker from your local automotive store or gas station so that you can check your tires to be sure that their pressure is what the owner’s manual recommends. There is nothing worse than getting in your car only to discover that your tire is completely, and totally flat.In addition to maintaining your car properly, always be prepared for the worst case scenarios. Be sure that you have a spare tire in your car and that you know how to put it on your vehicle in case you get a flat. Keep emergency supplies in your trunk at all time, first aid kits, bottled water, blankets, flashlights, and some snacks in case you are stranded for a long period of time during inclement weather.

Whether you’re just starting to customize your car or you’re a longtime street rodder, you’re always looking for the latest and greatest ways to customize your car and make it stand out from the rest of the pack. Here are some of the hottest trends in car customization to help you choose wisely:Lambo DoorsLambo doors are one of the hottest trends for custom cars available today. Lambo doors are installed using a kit. The kit includes special hinges that, when installed, allow your car doors to swing up instead of out. Getting in or out of your car using a lambo door is a great way to attract attention to your custom car. It’s important to get a good quality lambo hinge kit though, as you certainly don’t want your doors falling off instead of going up! A typical lambo door kit should include a pair of gas struts as well as hinges.Suicide DoorsSuicide doors are another hot trend for custom car enthusiasts. A suicide door is basically a door that opens the opposite direction from where it was installed. Many sports cars and sports coupes from the first half of the 20th century included suicide doors including some Fiat’s and Bugatti models. A typical suicide door kit should include four steel hinges, arms, pivots and latches.Shaved Door HandlesShaved door handles sounds funny, but it’s actually very simple. A car with shaved door handles has simply had it’s door handles “shaved” off, so that the door is smooth and there is no outward handle. With a shaved door handle, you use a remote control to pop open your door instead of using a latch or handle. A shaved door handle is a popular trend since it smooths out the appearance of the doors on a vehicle. In addition, the trunk handle can also be shaved, where you use a remote control to open the trunk as well. A typical shaved door handle kit will include a standard remote, pre-wired internal relays, solenoids, as well as all the cables and clamps needed for installation.HID KitsHID Kits are special lights that you can install on your custom car. HID stands for “High Intensity Discharge”, which basically means that it will make your lights whiter and brighter than standard headlights. HID lights allow you to see things in your headlights in a more realistic light. HID lights also allow you to see farther than standard lights. HID kits are also available in different colors, including blue, purple and yellow. A typical HID kit will include ballasts with starters, good quality wiring, weather resistant plugs, as well as installation instructions.Whatever kind of kit you choose, whatever style you want to convey to other vehicles passing by, it’s most important to stay safe on the road. So choose your customizations well.

Proper lubrication is defined as the proper amount of the proper lubricant at the proper place.  If oil levels are low, or the lubricant delivery system is inadequate, a proper oil film cannot be maintained at the friction surface. This results in metal to metal contact and accelerated wear. Sufficient lubrication can only be achieved when oil levels are correct, and the appropriate lube is in place and functioning properly.Another problem that can sometimes lead to lubricant related machine failures is lubricant degradation. Nature takes its toll on all of us, and lubricants are no exception. Oxidation breaks down the base oil of a lubricant, additives are depleted, and physical properties change over time. This process is accelerated by high temperatures, heavy loading, and contamination. When a lubricant reaches the end of its useful life, it is no longer capable of protecting equipment components. Steps must be taken to ensure a healthy lubricant is in use at all times.A third problem that can lead to premature failure is contamination. Contaminated lubricants account for nearly half of all lubricant related failures. Lubricants can become contaminated with either solid or liquid contaminants. Solid contaminants can act as abrasives causing severe damage to components. Oil will hold contaminants in suspension as it flows through the machine. The contaminants are carried away from the friction surface to settle out in the reservoir or be filtered out. Solids can also clog filters and orifices restricting oil flow and resulting in lubricant starvation. Filters need to be checked and maintained on a scheduled routine basis.Fluid contaminants such as water will alter the load handling ability of oil, and act as a catalyst for lubricant degradation. Many fluids also cause internal corrosion and rust. The proper oil additives will enhance the rust and oxidation inhibiting properties of the oil. When the oil starts to show a high level of degradation, it is time to change the oil removing all the contaminants from the system. The scheduled oil analysis tests will assess the oil condition and degradation. Proper filtration must be maintained, and sources of potential contamination should be identified and controlled to ensure the cleanest lubricant possible.Lubricant related failures may also include incorrect lubricant selection. When selecting a lubricant for a given application, both equipment specifications and operating parameters should be taken into account. A higher oil viscosity will be required for equipment running at a higher load. There are many types of oil to choose from. Most importantly, the proper grade (viscosity) lubricant must be chosen.Oil absorbs the heat generated by the friction surface. The oil carries the heat away to the reservoir where it can disperse, cooling before circulating through the equipment again. Oil can be passed through a cooler to disperse the heat more rapidly. The viscosity will determine the amount of heat the oil is meant to withstand. Low viscosity subjected to higher heat temperatures will cause the oil to break down prematurely. Testing the viscosity will assist in confirming that the proper oil is being used for the application at hand.Secondly the lubricant should have the proper additive package. Lubricating oils are composed of 70% to 95% base oil and the balance is additives. Engine oil has the most additives due to the engines high running temperatures and rough environments. The second highest amount of additives is in gear oil, AW hydraulic oil, and transmission fluid. The least amount of additives is found in turbine oil. Additives enhance rust and oxidation inhibiting properties in turbine oil creating a longer lasting, more durable product. Some oils use alkaline additives to neutralize acid as it is formed.Other considerations in selecting a lubricant include demulsibility properties and extreme temperature characteristics. Running a base line oil analysis test before the oil is used, confirms the cleanliness of the new oil. This gives a point of comparison for future oil testing as the oil breaks down with age and use. This can be an important part of an efficient Predictive Maintenance Program.Lubricant related failures are sometimes caused by the use of grease when oil is required. The lubricant functions to reduce friction and wear by physically separating opposing friction surfaces with an oil film. This also reduces the amount of energy needed to complete the task.Once the proper lube is selected, procedures should be put in place to ensure the selected lubricant is applied at the proper intervals. Always monitor the oil with scheduled oil analysis testing to spot lubricant problems before they turn into costly machine failures.

For decades mechanics have been telling us to change our oil every 3,000 miles. Interestingly, no automotive manufacturer agrees with this maintenance schedule – not in the last 20 years any way. So why are we being told to change our oil every 3,000 miles if it’s unnecessary?First, let’s look at the auto industry’s argument. It makes 5 primary points.1) Oil breaks down after 3000 miles2) Oil changes are great preventative maintenance3) 3,000 miles is an easy number for the car repair customer to remember4) The 3,000 mile interval is traditionally viewed as best by mechanics5) It’s necessary due to the elements, driving patterns, and weather conditions.It’s important to note that those telling us to change our oil every 3,000 miles (the automotive industry) are the same folks who will profit most. This is not to say that oil changes aren’t important – they are. They’re just not as frequently needed as we’re made to believe.Here are the 5 truths about the 3,000 mile oil change1) Quality motor oil recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer does not break down after 3,000 miles2) Yes, changing your oil is great preventative maintenance, but it needs to be done in accordance with manufacturer service intervals3) The easy-to-remember 3,000-mile interval actually creates more confusion as to the real maintenance needs of your vehicle. Thus, it is easier to follow factory guidelines, more economical, and more appropriate.4) The traditional view that 3,000 miles is best for your car is old school, wasteful, and fails to appreciate today’s mechanical and oil technologies5) Unless you’re in a constant high-speed police change in the dead of winter – your oil will be just fineHow often do you really need to change your oil? While it depends on the year, make, and model of your vehicle, it’s clear that for today’s vehicles it’s not every 3,000 miles. 20 years ago this was true of many vehicles. However, this is virtually obsolete as most vehicle have 5,000, 7500, 10,000, and even 15,000 mile oil service intervals.So just what is motivating the auto industry to push 3,000 mile oil changes? Let’s look at it in real life. If you change your oil every 3,000 miles, and like most, you average 15,000 miles per year, then you’ll be in the repair shop 5 times in only 12 months. Do you really need to perform maintenance on your car 5 times per year? Seems excessive doesn’t it?The average oil change price is $30.00. $30.00 X 5 = $150.00. If you changed your oil every 5,000 miles, you’d only need 3 oil changes per year = $90. That’s a $60 savings.For the most part oil changes are cheap, as it’s a very competitive market. They’re also not very profitable for repair shops (see the article “Why an Oil Change is Never Just an Oil Change @ RepairTrust.com). However, the more times your vehicle is in the shop, the more chances said
shop has the opportunity to sell you something else – an alignment, tires, wiper blades, brakes, shocks, fuel cleaning services, transmission services…etc – these are money-makers. This is not to say that these services aren’t needed, but they should be performed according to manufacturer guidelines only.A detailed manufacturer’s maintenance schedule (this is separate from your manual) is the best and most accurate guide. You may stumble across one in all the unnecessary paperwork you find in your glove box, but ask your repair shop or dealer for a detailed print out of your entire maintenance schedule. If the service center can’t produce one quickly – you’re in the wrong place for your car’s needs.Finally, have a little fun: the next time your local mechanic tells you to change your oil every 3,000 miles, ask him what the manufacturer recommends. It’s fun to watch him stumble through the answer or tell you, straight-faced, the wrong answer.