Automotive Repair: March 2011

Generalist vs. Specialist Auto Repair Shops

Your car is made up of complicated systems. And, even without saying, it’s a fact that auto mechanics are not know-it-all in the automotive field. There are also some things they’re not aware of, some problems that they cannot solve as easily as they solve other problems. That said, you have to decide with whom to entrust your car when you need any auto part or system repaired.

Generally, there are two categories of mechanics and repair shops: the specialists and the generalists.

The specialists are those shops and mechanics that focus on and specialize in the repair of a particular part or system. For example, a mechanic may specialize in transmission repair and rebuilding. You can expect him to know all about both manual and automatic transmissions, down to the very last component or problem. You can also expect that mechanic to know all about the developments in the field of transmission systems.

On the other hand, the generalists are those shops and mechanics who can work on all systems and parts of vehicles in general, the so called jack of all trades in the auto repair industry, without necessarily specializing in any of the said parts and assemblies.

If you need a repair done in your vehicle, you can choose between a generalist and a specialist shop or mechanic. A specialist is a good pick for very serious problems that generalists may not be able to handle. However, should you have a problem whose effects are evident not only on a single system but on a wide range of systems, you might want to go for a generalist, one that can handle the problems plaguing different parts and systems. The selection could be crucial as this can spell the difference between the success and failure of the repair.

Inspecting Your Vehicle after a Repair

One of my posts last week was about doing a test drive before and after an auto repair—before to make a more thorough diagnosis as needed, and after to check whether the problem has totally disappeared. In connection with this last point, there are many other things that you can do to completely check your vehicle after a car repair and ensure that all the needed repairs have been done and that no rip-off had occurred.

Of course, the first thing that you need to check is the component that was repaired. If you brought your car to the shop because of power windows that won’t go up or down, for instance, the windows are the first things to check after the repair. As I have mentioned in my last post, there are instances when a test drive is advised—if the repair done has to do with the suspension, steering, or brakes. Simple repairs will require no complicated inspection afterwards. However, if you brought your car to a shop because of damage caused by a collision, inspection after repair is critical. Why? Well, some components may appear fine at the outset even if they’re actually not, and the problem will only be observed after a while.

In instances like the one mentioned above, you may need to have a trusted mechanic accompany you to the repair shop to do the complete inspection of the repair done and guarantee that everything was done right. The shop should give you a repair order, or a list and breakdown of all the repairs completed in your car, together with all the parts replaced and the corresponding charges for each repair or replacement (more on repair order in one of my next posts). Refer on this list for the parts and systems that you need to check.

Leaks: How Serious are they?

In one or two of my previous posts, we’ve talked about urgent and not-so-urgent repairs that every driver needs to know so that he can make a wise decision when he brings his car to an auto repair shop and is informed about a problem he doesn’t know is existing. Now, let’s take a look at one of these possible problems: a leak.

A leak is probably one of the most common problems that thousands of drivers encounter daily—leaking coolant, leaking oil, even leaking fuel. These actually seem very simple problems, but leaks can be the beginning of a major damage or even hazard.

An oil leak is relatively safe, as long as you notice it and you top the oil now and then to ensure that you replace the lost one. The only problem that you might encounter here is complete oil loss, which can lead to the damage of the engine because of loss of lubrication.

Another is coolant leak. Like oil loss, you won’t have any problem as long as you top it off and prevent it from getting totally depleted. When the latter happens, you’ll have a great likelihood of being stranded at the side of the road because of engine overheating. Engine damage may also result.

Fuel leak is a completely different story. No matter how small the leak, it has to be addressed, and fast. Why? All it takes is a drop of fuel for a fire to occur, and possibly lead to an explosion. So, wherever it’s leaking, it should be fixed fast.

There’s also a brake fluid leak, which must be addressed immediately to avoid compromising the efficiency of the brakes. Otherwise, accidents are also possible.

Very common, yes, but leaks are small problems that can just be the beginning of a bigger problem if they are ignored. So, they should be addressed at once.

Online Auto Repair Manuals Review: Factory Automanuals

Website: http://www.factoryautomanuals.com/

Sometimes, you can tell how serious a business is based on its online presence. In that regard, Factory Automanuals really gave us a great first impression. The service impressed us right away with its web design, which deviated from the common e-commerce mold of other online auto repair manuals in that theirs actually had some visual appeal and had an aesthetic going on. There is some effort at typography and keeping with a unified design overall.

Of course, visuals don't make an online auto repair manual service There has to be substance beyond the style. Fortunately, Factory Automanuals has that. First off, let's get it out there that this site isn't really a true online repair manuals site. It contains a large selection of physical repair manuals that you can order. There are also vehicle-specific books that are more like reference materials instead of actual manuals. A good example of this is the book “The Ford Century” by Russ Hanham, which was made in celebration of the company's 100^th year anniversary.

Finding one for your needs is relatively easy, aided by the site's Quick Search function. Ordering is also a breeze, and prospective buyers have two options when purchasing: Add to Cart, which is pretty much self-explanatory, and Add to Wishlist. Shipping and tax are both calculated upon checkout, and there's really no other way to determine the total cost unless the customer already selected his or her delivery options. Of course, at least a partial total would have sufficed in the Cart section. It would help customers estimate the costs and the amount they need to shell out for the repair manuals.

Cadillac, Chevy, Ford, Isuzu, Toyota, Volkswagen, import cars, domestic cars, motorcycles, trucks, farm equipment—you name it, Factory Automanuals probably has it. It's this large selection of resources and manuals that gives the online service a big nod in our books. If you prefer the kind of manuals that you can flip through and store in bookshelves, you can do way worse than Factory Automanuals. It's a good site that has a solid collection, and it has a layout that's very pleasing to the eye.

DIY Saturday: How to Clean the Engine Bay

The engine bay of your car isn’t frequently seen—except of course by mechanics who do periodic inspection and repairs as necessary. Because of this fact, not many people ever consider cleaning the engine bay. But, the fact is that your engine compartment also needs some washing and degreasing now and then.

But wait, you say, won’t water damage parts under the hood? Well, there are some parts that are susceptible to water damage, such as electrical components. But, as long as you don’t directly spray and force water into these parts, they should be safe. Plus, of course, never allow water into the engine. For this reason, you can use aluminum foil to cover some susceptible parts. And of course, never clean a hot engine bay.

So, how should you go about the process? Well, after covering the parts you want covered (i.e. air filter), you can already spray a degreaser on the engine bay. Reminder: not too much pressure, please. Depending on the degreaser that you use, you may simply leave it on afterwards or you may need to wash it off (refer to the directions on the degreaser). If you need to rinse it off, wait for several minutes and then rinse off with water (again, don’t use strong pressure here). After rinsing, it’s time to dry the engine bay. You can turn the engine on, but only for about two minutes, to help in drying.

Afterwards, you can do the dressing of such parts as the rubber components. For all these components (as well as plastic parts) under the hood, you can use a tire cleaner to give them a good shine.

By regularly cleaning and dressing your engine bay, you do not only give it a good look but also keep the parts in the compartment protected from the damaging effects of elements like unwanted grease and dirt. So, you reduce instances of problems and repairs.

The Basics of Auto Repair and Maintenance

If you’ve been watching the NBA anytime within the last decade, I’m sure you would’ve heard of someone named Tim Duncan. “Timmy,” as he is fondly called by fans of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs, is also known as “The Big Fundamental.” This is because his game is so old-school, so basic, that he is more of an exception in this day and age of flashy dunks and passes that go behind players’ backs. Still, he’s won four championships with this style of play. What’s my point with this NBA analogy?

Fundamentals are important.

You can think up all of the left-field modifications you want to do on your precious vehicle, but it remains important that you have a thorough understanding of what makes your car tick. You can accomplish this by reading through your online repair manual (or if you’re rich and have surplus cash, perhaps you have many online auto repair manuals under your name).

These fundamentals involve a pool of knowledge that you can fall back on when things get nasty, or when your tasks become too complicated. It’s essential that you have a firm grasp on the basic functions and inner workings of your ride’s core systems so that you’ll have an idea what to do and where to start when something goes wrong.

Online car repair manuals contain the sort of basic information you need to handle practically any task related to auto repair, maintenance, and modification. Vehicle-specific variants are still the preferable options, but even generic ones will do. Once you understand your ride in theory, you can apply that knowledge into practice. Over time, you won’t even have to keep consulting the online repair manual just to confirm if what you think is correct. That’s how the fundamentals can help you on your everyday DIY tasks.

I'm sure "Timmy" and his four NBA championship rings will agree.

Friday’s Advice: Why It’s Not Always Good to Say Yes to an Oil Change

You’ve heard this many times: the oil is the lifeblood of your engine. You might have also heard the many problems that your engine might encounter when it is oil starved, so grave that they almost want to make you run to the nearest repair shop for an oil change. But, you will be glad to know that you can rest easy these days and say goodbye to all those needless worries about the oil in your car.

For a long time, there’s this long-standing rule about changing oil every 3000 miles (that’s about every three months). But, you’ll be happy to know that this has already become a myth these days. All it ever does? Well, it makes the business of oil change shops lucrative, no doubt. But for your car? It has already been proven that more frequent oil changes than recommended doesn’t actually give any additional benefit. Additional expense—more like.

Knowing this now, you can already say no to all those mechanics out there who would suggest an oil change when you bring your car to a shop for a specific problem. When you check your car owner’s manual, you will see the recommended interval for changing oil. This varies from car to car, but most of them have a 5000-mile mark. This mark is even for severe driving conditions. And what are these conditions? Well, these include driving in very hot weathers, frequent driving in stop and go traffic, and driving in rugged terrains.

If you drive in normal or mild conditions, however, you can extend that interval to 10,000 up to 15,000 miles. See? That would be too much of savings for your vehicle. If you want to be sure of your specific car’s oil change interval, you can check your manual thoroughly for the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Online Auto Repair Manuals and the Issue of Comprehension

One potential roadblock to the widespread use of online car repair manuals is comprehension. Depending on the manual that you download, or the language used by the online repair manual service provider, you might encounter steps, concepts, knowledge, ideas, and other pieces of information that can be hard to understand.

The fact that you decided to undertake DIY auto repair and maintenance with the aid of an online auto repair manual, I guess, already speaks volumes about your commitment and desire to learn. If that’s the case, then there shouldn’t be a problem even if there’s a steep learning curve provided or necessitated by the kind of online repair manual service you have subscribed yourself to.

Willingness to work through it and try to really wrap your head around some issues that may seem difficult to understand is, for me, a necessary step towards improving yourself. Let’s face it—DIY auto repair and working with vehicles in general is a highly technical task. There’s really a lot of info, jargon, concepts, and processes to deal with. It’s important that you acknowledge that before you even try to dip into the pool that is DIY.

At this point, it’s all about your judgment and, in many cases, your budget. When you encounter an online repair manual that is plainly difficult to understand, you are most likely left with little to no choice on the matter—you need to consider that you had made a bad investment (in the case of a paid online subscription) on a terrible online auto repair manual service. It’s either you stay with that service that’s hard to comprehend, or you get a new one with better reviews in terms of its comprehensibility. If you pick the latter option, though, it will entail another expense and additional expenses.

Test Driving Before and After an Auto Repair

When you bring your car into a shop for repair, there are instances when test driving is crucial before and after the repair. Why?

If a problem that you’re experiencing in your drive only occurs in certain conditions when you drive, such as the occurrence of abnormal noise when cornering, and you cannot specifically describe the problem, it is better that you test drive your car with the mechanic present so that he himself can experience and observe the problem. This is crucial to easily diagnose the problem and to promptly provide the needed fix.

You need to pay proper attention to your car, sound and feel, when doing the test drive to get accuracy in the results of your observation,

After a repair, you might also need to test drive your vehicle to see whether the problem is already gone. This is especially important if you have the occurrence of a problem like mentioned above. Test driving is crucial to ensure that the symptom (like a noise) is already gone. Test driving is also especially important if you have a suspension job done. Only by test driving can you determine whether the job done is correct and whether there is no strange feel in your drive. You must also see to it that there is no problem with handling and steering—these are very crucial aspects of your drive and a problem with these systems could mean danger.

Most shops will allow you to do a test drive after the repair. You may have the mechanic accompany you so that you can discuss remaining problems should anything else occur. Other than test driving, there are still other after-repair inspection guidelines that you need to follow to ensure that all will be well with your newly repaired car. We’ll discuss these in one of the posts next week.

Top Traits of a Bad Online Auto Repair Manual

We've always been discussing the positive side of online car repair manuals, so we here thought it was time for a change. All things have B-sides, and even these auto repair manuals can also have some negatives. Let's get right on to some of them now.

Internet Connection Required

Although the internet (especially high-speed Broadband connections) have seen widespread use in the past years, there are still some who refuse to rely on this technology to speed up processes or avail of some valuable resources and materials. Some DIY mechanics are among this group, and even some auto repair shops don't really prioritize an internet connection as an essential business tool.

Other car repair manuals may be unreliable over slower connections because of the sheer amount of data they have to fetch. Still, most are geared to be optimized even for slow connections, so make sure you check what kind of connection is required to access your online manual.

Too Technical?

Let's face it—auto repair involves a lot of technical stuff. This can be a very big obstacle for many who don't really have time to go into the nitty-gritty of automotive repair concepts. Jargon isn't a very good thing especially for people who are challenged when it comes to comprehension, so they might feel like they're not cut out for the task if they can't understand an auto repair manual.

Then again, some auto repair manuals are too technical in and of themselves. The level of detail varies from manual to manual, from provider to provider. This is a detail people need to look out for, especially when it involves a paid subscription. You wouldn't want to shell out money for something you won't be able to understand.

These are just two of the negative things one may experience when dealing with online car repair manuals, so don't hesitate to read up on reviews and look at detailed descriptions of the one you're looking to subscribe to before you enter your credit card details and commit valuable finances and other resources.

A Look at the Science of Upselling

Have you ever brought your car to a shop for a simple oil change, only to end up having all your filters and tires replaced? You might feel bad about the shop and about yourself after the incident, not able to explain how you were tricked into giving in to the mechanic’s suggestion when all you really wanted in the first place was a simple change of oil! Well, this happens all the time, and we’ve had some mention of this in the past.

That, friends, is what you call upselling. That is a selling technique that many establishments employ, not only auto repair shops. Even fast food chains employ that technique. Remember the time you gave in to the counter personnel’s suggestion to upgrade your fries and drinks? That’s upselling, and there’s nothing illegal about it.

As a car owner, however, you’d want to avoid incidents like this. Often, the extra services offered to you may not actually be necessary, so you’re just like wasting money. To avoid falling into this technique (or trickery, as you may want to call it), you must anticipate upselling when you bring your car to the shop. And, you must have the courage to say no when the mechanic starts his litany of extra service offers.

If you tend to give in easily, bring a list of services that you want performed on your car when you go to the shop, and show the list to your mechanic. Tell him that those services are the only (and you mean the ONLY) services that you want done. Once he insists anything, just refer on the list and remember—that’s all you need, and nothing more. Upselling will always be a part of any business enterprise, but you can deal with it effectively if you’re prepared.

Online Auto Repair Manuals Reviews the The AutoMD App

We've already mentioned the Automd Apple device app on this blog a couple of weeks ago, when we posted about alternatives to Online Auto Repair Manuals. And we think it's now time to provide you with a full review—even though we said we wouldn't do so until the app's creators come up with a new version.

Okay, so here are the details of the app:

Link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/automd-mobile/id369361977?mt=8

Description: Get “how to” repair guides, cost estimates for repairs and local shops info all from your iPhone with AutoMD Mobile – the mobile version of AutoMD.com.

Free
Category: Utilities
Updated: Mar 01, 2011
Current Version: 1.4.1
1.4.1
Size: 2.6 MB
Language: English
Seller: US Auto Parts Network, Inc
© AutoMD, Inc

Rated 4+

At first glance, the app really does offer a wide array of functions, as well as a fairly large collection of information that you can access online through the app. The estimate feature is particularly helpful, as you'll find the prices to be quite consistent. Plus, you can check if the auto repair shop you're at is overcharging for the repairs on your car.

The issue, however, starts with accuracy. If you visit the AutoMD web site, you'll find fairly accurate information on their how-to guides and their step-by-step articles. That doesn't seem to be the case with the site's app, though. Still, there are a lot articles and pieces of information that you can use when you're in need of instant help on the road.

If you want mobile access to auto repair information, the AutoMD app is an excellent start. If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, just hook it up to a data connection or over Wi-Fi and you can find easy answers to your questions. It's free, as we said, so it's no problem if you don't like the app once you try it out.

Why Higher Grade Fuel Doesn’t Always Mean Better

Are you one of those car owners who are so careful with your car that you do everything to protect it from possible (sometimes imaginary) damage? Are you one of those car owners who are very strict on oil change interval that you’d rather change oil earlier than later? Are you one of those individuals who opt to go for premium fuel even if it’s not required in your vehicle just to protect your engine from possible damage caused by pre-ignition?

I have news for you: you might be going over the top, especially with the use of premium fuel. The fact is, premium fuel isn’t a must. In fact, even those cars that are said to require premium fuel can still use the regular kind. All you really have to watch out for when using regular fuel is the possible occurrence of pre-ignition or knocking. This incident can be best described as “self-explosion”, meaning the explosion of the mixture inside the engine even before it is ignited by the spark plugs. This can happen with the use of regular fuel—in some cases.

However, that’s easy now because most cars already have a knock sensor, which can adjust the engine when it detects knocking. Also, the first occurrence of pre-ignition does not automatically spell engine damage. And, when knocking occurs upon your use of a particular grade of fuel, you can easily climb to the next grade and see if the knocking disappears.

There’s also this misconception about premium fuel having the ability to clean the engine, but that’s not really true. Yes, they may have a little amount of cleaner, but it won’t actually make any difference.

So, if you have the tendency to choose premium fuel over the regular kind, even if it’s not even required for your vehicle, you must know that you’re only wasting money.

Online Auto Repair Manuals Review: RepairSurge

I saw this site just a few days ago. I was so kept up with other stuff in the past that I never got around to seeing another online auto repair manual aside from the ones we've already tackled here. Anyway, we continue our reviews of online auto repair manuals today, and next in our lineup is RepairSurge (www.repairsurge.com).

“Never buy another repair manual.” That's the RepairSurge slogan, and you have to admit, it's a pretty lofty one. Good thing the company can back that claim to a fault.

Requirements to run the program or software aren't too demanding: a decent operating system on the computer, mostly Windows (Win 98, 2000, XP, NT, Millennium Edition, and Windows Vista); a fairly fast Internet connection, and either Paypal or a major credit card in order to pay for your purchased online repair manual.

While the coverage list seems bare, RepairSurge actually has a pretty extensive line of online repair manual information on a wide range of automakers, whether we're talking about domestic applications or import models. Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Jeep—you name it, RepairSurge lists it.

The online auto repair manual itself functions much like other window-based programs; you have a sidebar, a menu bar, and the main content area. The items are pretty straightforward, and the UI is very intuitive—if not quite attractive or even pleasing to the eye. But hey—at the end of the day, content is still king. You can't use a pretty menu to fix that car of yours, now, can you?

Pricing is at $14.99 for the online manuals, a good $5 off CD-ROM prices and in par (if not cheaper) than most other online auto repair manuals on the Web. That pricing should help RepairSurge position itself as one of the better alternatives available on the market.

DIY Saturday: How to Care for Your Car Windshield

The windshield is one of the biggest panels that you will find in your vehicle. It’s also one of the most important, given the function that the said component performs. It’s the windshield which allows you to see the road ahead of you clearly when you drive, and it also protects you from the elements (incoming air, debris, etc.) while you’re behind the steering wheel.

Because of its location and its composition, however, the windshield is prone to damage. The normal form of wear and tear that it encounters is dimming. This happens because of the great amount of elements that the windshield encounters on your daily drives. In the highways, dirt and dust particles attach to the windshield surface. When you park under the shade of a tree, bird poop or tree sap can also fall into your windshield’s surface. And when these are neglected, they harden and become more difficult to remove. More serious than these, road debris like stones are sometimes thrown into the windshield, creating dings.

However, other than visiting an auto repair shop to have your windshield cleaned or to fix a ding, there are actually some things that you can do yourself to maintain the said part in good shape. When it comes to keeping the windshield clear and free from dirt, all it needs is regular cleaning. You will find cleaners in the market that are good for several uses. There are also glass treatment solutions that you can use to maintain the good condition of the part. If you have a ding on your windshield, there are repair kits that are designed to restore the windshield with ease. Many of these are formulated very simply and can be used without any complication involved.

With simple skills and with the use of the mentioned treatment solutions, it’s possible to keep your car windshield in good condition without having to go to auto repair shops.

Online Auto Repair Manuals from Resellers

Getting online auto repair manuals is pretty easy. You just Google for “online repair manuals” and you'll get pages upon pages of results, each linking to some online service or another. Of course, not all of these are the online car repair manuals themselves. Instead of providers, you get resellers.

These resellers, and in many other cases the affiliates, offer online auto repair manuals indirectly—that is, they are merely middle men getting you to try or buy a new online car repair manual.

For example, if you go to 10w40.com, you'll see not one, not two, but three online auto repair manuals that are up for sale: Haynes, Alldata DIY, and Mitchell 1 DIY. (If you want reviews, we've covered all of these three services in our review section. Do check them out if you have the time. Thanks!)

What's good about these affiliates or resellers is that you can get substantial discounts off the coupons that the resellers offer. That's a big help, especially if you're still unsure that you're getting your money's worth. Additionally, you're also helping the affiliates earn money by purchasing the online auto repair manual from them. It's a win win situation for everybody.

Another example, also from 10w40.com, is how they sell RepairSurge universal repair manuals at just $13.99, a full dollar off the regular price (which is also in turn slashed from the standard $19.95 fee). The site also sells ALLDATA manuals at $24.25, from an SRP Of $26.95. This price slash is accomplished by using a coupon.

So don't be taken aback if you see another site selling another online auto repair manual service. Not all of these are spam or scams. Make sure you stay critical of everything just to avoid becoming a victim. Many of the resellers are legit, so you shouldn't have much trouble finding one.

Friday’s Advice: Avoid Auto Repair Shops, Avoid Possible Rip-Offs, and Save on Automotive Works with In-Store Services

Majority of the previous posts in this blogs has dealt with auto repair rip offs and ways to avoid them. You’ve read about different techniques that you can use to avoid rip off, and I’ve also posted about some practical tips and DIY processes that you can try to avoid auto repair shops, and possible rip-offs, altogether.

In this article, we’ll discuss one other means of saving on cost and avoiding possible rip-offs—by availing of in-store services. What are these services and where can you find them? Well, there are certain stores that offer free installation of parts as long as you buy the parts from them. This is a freebie offered by some stores for specific car components, while other stores offer this as part of a sale. Among the services that you can have for free are tire installation, the mounting of windshield wipers, and the installation of car battery. Some stores even do free testing of electrical parts.

If you are familiar with the systems in your car and you can do diagnosis on your own, then all you have to do is to get your needed replacement parts from auto parts stores and avail of their free installation service. There’s no more need to visit an auto repair shop to have a problem diagnosed and to have damaged parts replaced for a fee. Of course, you also avoid possible rip-offs by doing this.

All you have to do is to find a regular store that offers these services, one that you can run to every time you encounter problems in your drive and you need replacement components. You must also be on the lookout for sales and free part installation offers not only from stores but as well as from auto parts manufacturers or brands. They can do a whole lot to help you save.

The Best Online Auto Repair Manual Ever

Michael Jordan is the best NBA player ever. The Beatles are the best band. But what about the best online car repair manual? Well, since we've been discussing our ideal repair manual traits ever since I could remember, and we've already reviewed a wide variety of online car repair manual service providers, perhaps we've already found the best one there is. Guess what?

There is NO best online auto repair manual.

As we've said before, different people have varied needs and requirements. You know what they say, “Different strokes for different strokes.” The important thing here is to identify what your needs are and then find the best online car repair manual service that will fit that need. You have to make sure that the one you choose is always custom-fit for the stuff you have in mind. It's as much about you as it is what's included in the online repair manual's package.

If you don't have the dough to shell out for a paid subscription to the different online auto repair manuals out there, then that defines your needs and requirements. You'll have to get the best free online repair manual for your DIY tasks, and that then becomes the best one for you. The paid ones are all out of the question. You know there are a lot of free ones out there that can provide for your needs just fine.

So, to close this article, we'll leave you by saying that there may never be a Michael Jordan of online automotive repair manuals. Sure, Haynes, Alldata, and Mitchell 1 DIY, and all the rest all have their strengths, and some are more preferred compared to others, but what you need defines what's best for you. And if you find that online auto repair manual, even if it's not among the big-name brands, then good for you!

Prioritizing to Save on Auto Repair Costs

You bring your car to the shop to have a particular problem checked. After diagnosis and some other mechanical works, the shop technician tells you there are a few other problems in your car that need to be addressed. Wait! They’re not within your budget! What do you do? And how can you be sure you’re not being ripped off?

First step: prioritize.

Prioritize according to the gravity of the problem.

Ask the mechanic which of these repairs are needed as a matter of life and death (just like the brakes). Then, ask which of these can wait for a little while longer without putting you or your car in danger. Go only for those that are so serious you can’t drive your car without paying attention to them. Then, schedule the less serious ones later on.

Prioritize according to the most major issue.

Ask the mechanic which of the problematic parts is on the verge of total and complete failure—the kind whose difference between functioning and non-functioning is just a strand of hair. Ask also which of the damaged parts are still in functional condition and can still work at their present state. Then, pay attention to the part with the most serious issue.

Prioritize repair over replacement, or replacement over repair, according to the situation.

I have already mentioned this in one of my previous posts. A repair is often less costly than a replacement in many instances (there are only a few exceptions), so try to ask whether a repair is a good option. There are instances, however, when a replacement is a more practical option, depending on the specific problem. Ask your mechanic which is better, and go for it. Who knows, there’s only one problem that actually needs a new part while all the other problems can be solved by a simple fix.

ALLDATA Online Repair Manuals Reach 80,000-Subscriber Plateau

When it comes to mechanical auto repair information, few companies can lay claim to the kind of success that ALLDATA has reached. The California-based company announced recently that it has just reached the 80,000-subcriber mark.

ALLDATA is still increasing its market share, backed by its recent releases of the ALLDATA Collision S3500 and the ALLDATA Repair S3000 manuals just this fall. The company continues to bank on strong and innovative products and services as it maintains its position as one of the leading providers of manufacturer repair information.

ALLDATA pioneered the online auto repair manuals scene, as it introduced the first electronic auto repair manual in North America shortly after its founding back in 1986. Many subscribers have flocked to the service thanks to its reliability—since the company sources its information directly from the manufacturers without any editing or without summarizing the material, subscribers get access to accurate and usually exclusive data.

At the moment, the ALLDATA repair and service database includes an extensive line of some 22,000 units of engine-specific vehicle models covering the model years 1982 to the present. The company’s products cater to the collision repair industry as well as the mechanical industry and of course the automotive repair and maintenance industry. Even some DIY mechanics are subscribing to the service.

"We have had rapid adoption to our latest product releases because we are committed to building products that drive the market forward and more important, are critical to our customers' businesses," said Jeff Lagges, president of ALLDATA. "We are constantly researching market trends and anticipating the next generation of products to assist our customers. We have been a leader in this field since the day we sold our first unit, and we intend to remain out front. Our goal is simply to help automotive repair shops deliver excellent service with factory-correct OE information and to thrive as a result."

Paying Less and Avoiding Rip Offs with Lower Cost Alternatives

Despite all the DIY automotive works available for average drivers and vehicle owners to perform, there are still certain tasks that are too heavy for individuals without proper training and are best left in the care of professional mechanics. So, how can you save on these? How can you avoid possibilities of being ripped off?

Well, remember that mechanics want to earn. When you bring in your vehicle for repair, many of them would suggest the repair that will give them the most earnings, and a repair that will be easiest to perform on their part. But, you must know that there could be other options available.

One way to save is to ask your mechanic upfront if there are other options or alternatives available other than the one being suggested by the mechanic. For instance, if the mechanic is suggesting to replace a certain part that is already showing signs of damage, ask if there is any way the said part can be repaired, or if it would be cheaper if only the specific component of the part is replaced instead of the entire part (i.e. replace just the damaged light bulb instead of replacing the entire lighting assembly).

Any reasonable mechanic, and one who wants to establish a good relationship with you, will explore other means of solving the problem at a lesser cost. If you have the chance to do a research, you can find out on your own whether there is another way to solve a car problem other than the expensive and more common means.

By exploring all the other alternatives, asking the right questions, and doing the necessary research, you can save more and you’ll be able to leave the auto repair shop without feeling like you have just been ripped off big time.

Manuals Wanted: Mechanics Want Access to Dealer Info

In Massachusetts, there are thousands of independent repair shops that are currently having a hard time simply because they don’t have the kind of information that dealerships are privy to. These auto shops are waiting for the passing of a state bill that will give them access to that information.

"These independent garages are investing in manuals and they are really getting the Cliff Notes version," said Art Kinsman, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Right to Repair Coalition. "They can go buy manufacturer scanning tools, but without dealer codes or satellite links to the manufacturers, the tools are only partially valuable to them."

Without access to such information, Kinsman says that the auto repair shops are forced to send their potential customers to the various dealerships simply because their garage doesn’t have the capacity to access the computer codes for diagnosing different vehicle problems. The codes are displayed by scanning tools bought from the manufacturer. The sad thing is that only the dealerships know which issue some codes are associated with. Not even access to premium online repair manuals can remedy certain situations.

The bill is the answer to many of these issues that plague the shops. "The bill requires manufacturers to sell for a fair price - and make available for purchase - repair codes, information, and diagnostic tools for fixing cars,” says Kinsman. "There are a lot of good dealers out there, but if you bought the car, you ought to get it fixed where you want."

Last year, the bill was already passed in Senate. The House, however, never came to a vote on the bill. This is so even when there are already 64 co-sponsors for the bill.

Among the co-sponsors is State Representative David Linsky. "I believe that independent auto repair shops should have all the access codes and information that is necessary to fix cars," Linsky said. "People shouldn't be forced to go to a dealer and pay expensive prices to have their cars repaired. Owning and operating a car is expensive enough as it is.

If you want more info about the Right to Repair Coalition, you can go to righttorepair.org.

Auto Repair Rip Off: Why Your Budget Should Be Yours Alone

When it comes to spending on anything that needs negotiating with another person, one common advice that I’ve heard from some people I know is to be upfront with the other person about the budget or about the amount that you have for the said expense. This is to be able to work out an arrangement with the other person to help you have everything covered by your allotted budget. Supposedly, this advice is for your benefit.

When it comes to auto repairs, however, this is not advised and is not a good practice, especially if you haven’t done any research about the problem of your car prior to visiting the shop. Why?

Well, consider this: You go to the shop and tell your mechanic that your car is acting up. You describe the problem and the symptoms that you have observed. Then, you tell him that you have a $300 budget for a repair and that you hope it would be enough. Sounds like a wise idea? Oh no, no! That’s a big invitation for a rip off!

Should the mechanic do an inspection and diagnosis, only to find out that your car only has this simple problem that an alignment or a simple procedure can easily fix, and that the actual amount can only be more or less a hundred bucks… what do you think will happen? If you’re dealing with an unscrupulous mechanic, he can easily tell you that the problem will cost $300. You’d probably be thankful that your budget is enough, without you knowing that you’ve already been ripped off!

It’s better that you don’t say anything about money. Or, do your research about the possible problem first and the usual amount spent on that problem for repair or replacement. This way, you’ll have an idea about the average amount that’s just right.

Practical Ecommerce Features Motor Book Store Founder

Luis Hernandez, Jr., the owner and CEO of auto repair manual provider The Motor Bookstore, was recently interviewed by Practical eCommerce as part of their “Lessons Learned” series.

Hernandez first put up The Motor Bookstore back in 1995 and the initial service was basically an electronic counterpart of a motor bike repair and restoration magazine. Using this medium, he was able to sell some motorcycle books and then this retailing aspect just grew from that starting point. Hernandez managed to break into the e-commerce part of his business in 1997.

Hernandez fondly looks back on his first sale using the then-new e-commerce platform (which was still named MotorcycleBooks.com): “I still remember setting up the site, which was fairly easy through Viaweb,”Hernandez says. “The first order came in that same day, in the evening. I sold a Ducati book — MotorcycleBooks.com was a real business.”

The DeBary, FL-Based company grew enough to accommodate automotive-related material and books as well by 2002. That was when it became TheMotorBookstore.com. An estimated gross revenue of $2.2M was hauled in by the company in 2007, at its peak. Last year, the site grossed some $1.5 million in revenue.

“When we first started the magazine online, it was me, my ex-wife and one part-time employee. It was a little challenging of course financially, but since I am the kind of person who escrows for pretty much everything, I always had enough to cover all expenses and even save some money for future projects. That's how I was able to purchase my first office.

“We kept growing and at one point we had six employees. We’re now reduced down to four. As far as management, I subscribe to the theory of hiring tough and firing easy. We are like a family, where everyone is respected and allowed to do their job. Our people contribute to our goals because they know what we're about. The golden rule I've always had is to hire nice people. We can teach anyone how to sell technical automotive books, but we cannot teach them to be nice. That's something you learn at home.”

For the full article, you can visit this link and learn more about the site. We’ll be reviewing it shortly for your convenience.

DIY: Car Wash Tips 101

Your car being one of your biggest investments, it’s but important for you to want to maintain it and keep it not only functioning good but as well as looking good. One of the best means to do this is to give your car a wash regularly. Many people, especially those who are busy, just bring their vehicle to a car wash station and let the car wash folks do their job.

There’s no problem with this. But, if you look at the huge amount of money spent on car wash, you’ll see why it’s practical to do your car wash yourself. With just the right skills, and the right tips provided here, you can keep your car clean without spending a lot.

Tip #1: On the washing products used

Don’t go cheap on these by using household cleaners on your car (i.e. dishwashing or laundry detergent). They may have abrasive ingredients that could damage your car’s paint. Instead, go for cleaning products that are specifically formulated for specific areas in your vehicle. This way, you can be sure of an efficient cleaning job while ensuring protection to your car’s paint.

Tip #2: On the actual washing procedure

Before you actually wash your car with the soapy sponge, be sure that it’s been thoroughly rinsed with no dirt particles remaining on the surface. Once they get on the sponge, they may scratch the surface of your car body while you move the sponge for washing.

Tip #3: On drying your car

Use the right drying material such as chamois and don’t use just about any ordinary rag. Also, you can pat dry the surface instead of dragging the chamois across the surface.

So, ready to try doing your own carwash? The dollars you’ll save will surely be worth the time and effort.

Repair Manuals Online Prays for Japan

If you haven't heard already, Japan was struck by an offshore earthquake (Magnitude 8.8 or so) and then a tsunami hit.

Seriously, if you've watched any of the Live streaming footage, you'll see the extent of the devastation and the sheer brute force of nature. We pray for the safety of the survivors and hope that nothing major happens after.

Our prayers go out to all of the Japanese people and everyone who has been affected by this tragedy. Be safe, everyone. Minna, kiwotsukete ne.

DIY: How to Fix Broken Light Lenses

While the previous article discussed about a lighter or a less problematic light lens situation, that of cloudiness, we’ll talk about a more serious light lens problem in this write-up: breakage. Most drivers will immediately resort to bringing their car to the shop and go for a new lens to replace the broken one as soon as they notice the problem.

The good thing about this is that the lens being located outside, exposed to your vision, it’s easy to tell whether the shop did a good job right after it’s finished. But, despite this and the little possibility of rip off, there’s still a more effective way to save on the procedure. Want to do the repair on your own?

That’s easy! With either a red automotive tape or a repair compound to use, you can fix the problem yourself and save on your dollars. How?

Well, one way to do the repair is to get a red automotive tape. This is advised for a broken tail light lens, the breakage being just enough for the tape to cover (meaning, not too big). The said tape is translucent and will still allow the beams to shine through, so you won’t have any problem with illumination. One tip: apply the tape horizontally for best results.

Another means to repair a broken lens is with the use of a special repair kit. The kit comes with a plastic film, compounds to mix, and mixing tools. You will need to place or attach the film over the hole or broken part, only the attachment point should be the inside part of the lens (so lens removal is needed). Then, mix the compounds and apply on the broken part. Depending on the kit, a syringe may be provided for easy application. Just wait for the material to dry and your lens will be fine again.

Merc C-Class and C-Class Estate Online Manuals Now Up

Mercedes-Benz is really keen on providing online resources for its patrons. The German automobile manufacturer has just launched the interactive online manuals for two of its higher-end models, the C-Class compact executive sedan and the C-Class Estate station wagon.

The current-gen (w204) C-Class and C-Class Estate (s204) get the same online manual treatment as the previously showcased SLK’s. Viewers get detailed information about the vehicle, although you need to remember that the specifications have German standards in mind.

These online manuals are useful for many car owners who may have misplaced their printed copies. Of course, Mercedes-Benz puts it out there that these online interactive manuals aren’t really sufficient replacements for the real thing. There may be some info missing in the online version or some details can only be found on the printed manual.

Still, it’s nice to see Mercedes-Benz really putting customer service at the forefront of its operations. As an added bonus, enthusiasts who may or may not be able to afford the C-Class or C-Class Estate can still ogle the online interactive manuals and perhaps one day they (we? Haha) will be able to purchase the vehicle.

If you’re an owner of these current-gen C-Class vehicles and you’ve lost or misplaced your personal copy of the manual, you can always contact or go to your Merc dealer to inquire about getting a new copy. Don’t hesitate to do so—online repair manuals are good, but the actual owner’s manual is an indispensable resource you’ll need for the times when you have to repair or service your precious car.

Anyway, enough about all of this. Head on over to this link for the C-Class (w204) online interactive owner’s manual, or click this link to view the C-Class Estate (s204) online interactive owner’s manual. We hope you’ll enjoy it!

DIY: How to Clean Clouded Light Lenses

All your vehicle lights are composed of a lens, the protective covering (in clear, amber, or red color) that serves as the cover of the bulb. This component is a reliable lighting part in that it offers protection while ensuring that the lighting beams emitted by the light bulb are directed out for sufficiently illuminating the road.

Most lenses before are made from glass, but the problem is that glass can easily break. Over the years, manufacturers have developed plastic lenses that are tougher and less susceptible to breakage. However, one challenge that plastic lenses pose is cloudiness. Over time, daily use and exposure to the environment can cause the lens to look dull, and there are two negative results: the lights look lousy and the amount of illumination emitted by the lights is reduced by the cloudiness in the lens.

But, aside from bringing your vehicle to the shop to have the lenses cleaned or replaced, you can actually do the cleaning yourself. All you will need is a cleaning brush and a cleaning solution. You may need a special lens cleaning solution, and you’ll find a wide array of choices in the market. For easier cleaning and to clean the inside part of the lens, you may want to remove the part from the lighting assembly.

All you need is a little portion of water to wet the lens and then to brush the lens with the cleaning or polishing solution. In some instances, you might want to sand the lens in order to remove the scratches and nicks that it might have accumulated over time—a smoother finish can do a lot in keeping the lens looking good. This easy process is all you need to restore your lighting lenses without too much expense on replacement or shop work.

Online Repair Manuals are Here to Stay

Everything comes and goes. Even what's popular or famous today (The Los Angeles Lakers, Google, the iPhone, Rebecca Black) can be gone tomorrow. Still, we here at Repair Manuals Online firmly believe that our favorite web-based automotive resources, these online auto repair manuals, are certainly here to stay.

Fact is, a great many people really do own cars. And another fact is, most people would really want to save money by at least being knowledgeable enough to know what's wrong with their cars and maybe even be empowered enough to do something or other about the problem (this is, in essence, the DIY spirit). And online auto repair manuals are excellent tools for that job.

Very few things can compare to the convenience of having a readily accessible resource off the Internet, especially now that fast broadband connections are becoming the norm instead of the exception. This way, it's pretty easy to access online car repair manuals anytime and anywhere (or at least anywhere with a decent Wi-Fi connection that you can connect to).

Wikipedia is popular for a reason. It has loads of information available within a click or two. The same goes for online car repair manuals. They offer specialized info for DIY mechanics, and there really aren't a lot of resources that can compare in terms of depth and coverage. It's just a matter of finding the perfect one for your vehicle.

So there you have it. We believe that our beloved online auto repair manuals are here to stay. As long as there's a person who needs to have automotive information available at his fingertips, these web-based resources will have demand. And as long as service providers are willing to serve up this demand, then we'll always have high-quality and reliable online vehicle repair manuals at our beck and call. Count on it.

DIY: How to Avoid Periodic Air Filter Replacement (Part 3 of 3)

Learning how to shop for an air filter and to replace an air filter is already a step towards getting more dollar savings and avoiding possible auto repair rip offs. If you want something more, then listen to this: you don’t need to buy a new air filter ever again!

What?! That’s possible? Yes, it is! Do you know that there are air filters designed for lifetime use? These filters will give you more, lifetime savings while protecting the environment from more waste materials.

In my last post, I mentioned about newer, higher-performance filter materials: foam and cotton cloth. Filters made from these materials are not only high in performance, able to allow more air to flow through and able to trap more dirt—many of them are also designed to be washable and reusable. Once they are dirty, all you have to do is to take them off your vehicle, wash them, let them dry, re-oil them, and mount them back in your ride, after which they will be ready for use again!

Every time your filter gets dirty, you can easily get an air filter cleaning kit to restore your car’s air filter back in shape. These kits come with air filter cleaners and air filter oil, perfect for restoring your vehicle’s air filter back to its good condition. The cleaning job is easy and you can do it on your own without any problem.

With a lifetime filter mounted in your vehicle, you won’t have to put up with air filter replacements anymore and you won’t have to hire a mechanic for the job. When you bring your car to a shop and the mechanic suggests replacing the filter, you can easily say “no, thanks” and enjoy the feeling of having more dollars saved in your pocket.

Share Your Online Repair Manuals Story

We've received a couple of e-mails telling how people experienced some problems with their cars and found the solution in online auto repair manuals. We'll be bringing them out to the forefront when we post them and discuss them on a future date, but now we'd just like to tell everybody that we welcome any and all e-mails as long as you tell us about your own story involving online car repair manuals.

It can be any story—from a repair job that you've had where you consulted your trusty online car repair manual or when you opted to go for a subscription so that you can really get into the DIY mechanic mode properly. Regardless, we'll be taking a close look at it and then we'll showcase it in a post all its own just so the rest of the world will know your story.

Questions and suggestions are also welcome, so don't be shy and just fire away. We'll answer anything you want to know with everything that we have, and we'll try to give you solutions and consider any suggestions you want to give us. It's a free world, after all, and all we want to do is serve you guys better and provide you with the best possible resource when it comes to online auto repair manuals.

So don't hesitate to hit the e-mail! Or you can simply drop us a line using the comment forms on any of our posts. Don't worry—we'll make sure to reply as soon as possible so that your story gets published and your queries get answered. Here's to more online auto repair manual stories in the future!

DIY: The Right Way to Shop for an Air Filter (Part 2 of 3)

As promised last Saturday, I’ll be devoting this entire week to DIY and how to procedures to help you with simple repairs that you can do on your own—say no to shop repairs and possible rip offs!

To start with, let’s continue last Saturday’s topic on air filter. If you’re mounting an air filter by yourself, that goes to say that you’ll be the one to shop for the replacement filter. You need to be wise with this. After all, your car’s air filter determines your engine’s health and performance.

So, how do you shop for an air filter, and what are the things that you need to consider? Well, the first point to remember is the fact that air filters have to do two things: they must allow air to flow through while trapping the damaging particles present in the air.

Material is the primary thing to consider when shopping for an air filter. Most stock filters are made from paper, and paper is a poor material. First, it doesn’t allow that much airflow. And two, it gets easily clogged by airborne particles. If you want the higher performance kind, there are two other material options: cotton cloth and foam. Both are better in performing the two functions mentioned.

Another consideration is design. You must go for the pleated type of air filter (it’s easy to find this since most filters today have this design). Pleats increase the surface area of the filter, so it can trap more particles.

If you want to get the most benefits from your air filter, you might want to pair it with a high-quality intake. This pertains to a mandrel-bent tube that allows more air to flow through it, giving you improved engine performance. With this combination, you’re sure to enjoy the most from your intake in performance and protection.