This is the question you should ask yourself the next time it comes down to repairing your car after an accident. For cosmetic problems the choice is obvious: get it fixed. But structural damage may run into the thousands and the repairs may not be up to standards and may cause future problems or the safety of yourself and your family.

How do you know that it is best to repair your car or just total it? Just ask collision expert Chuck Russo at http://www.iwantmycartotaled.com. He has more than 30 years in the body shop business and knows all the right questions you should ask your body shop and insurance company to make sure the repairs are done correctly.

It’s a membership site, but for $40 (pre-launch) it could save you thousands or even get you a new car!

Instead of one expense after another – or instead of constantly putting your hand in your pocket to pay the costs of running a vehicle – did you know that with a little tender loving care, you can actually make your car pay you?

Increasing gas bills, repair bills, and insurance costs are indeed a reality, but with a bit of dedication, and a plan, you could get a good portion of that money back. It’s all tied to vehicle maintenance and to lengthening the life cycle of the vehicle.

“Imagine a savings of $20,000 in car costs,” says Freeman Young, president of Krown Rust Control. “A study conducted by Runzheimer Canada shows by extending the life of your car from four, to at least eight years with dedicated maintenance, you stand to keep up to $20,000 in your pocket. Those savings reflect a combination of car payment costs, interest, and reduced insurance costs.”

If you want to extend the life of a vehicle you need a sound, body maintenance program, Freeman confirmed. That includes washing, waxing, interior care, and most importantly, an annual treatment to the body to reduce corrosion and its related problems. Another report, released at the 2000 Canadian Fleet Maintenance Seminar, showed a saving of $600 in maintenance costs for every $100 spent. “For the 8,000 vehicles studied,” Young explained, “$1.2 million was spent and $7.5 million was saved.”

Peace of mind too

Money can be saved with proper car care, but of equal importance, the automobile will be more reliable with far fewer operating problems. An annual corrosion treatment like Krown for example, helps to reduce rust and deterioration in the electrical system and every moving part of the body is lubricated. It keeps the sensors, computer, and battery working longer and it helps to lengthen the life cycle of your brake, gas line, and even the sending unit of your gas tank. The corrosion is reduced in the seams and from the inside body panels to help lengthen the paint life.

“All combined, with regular checkups and body maintenance, your car will last twice as long,” Freeman said, “and that can only mean a lot more money for you.”

- News Canada

Almost as debilitating as a physical injury, an automobile in need of repair can disrupt many aspects of daily life, resulting in inconvenience and prompting stress and uncertainty — a situation, Ray Moon at, Ford Doctors is determined to change for its clients.

The Ford Doctors automotive professionals have been recently featured on NBC’s Dateline and in the Houston Press. The Ford Doctors understand that automotive repair can be as perplexing as a medical diagnosis. They have established plans and procedures to ensure a “Fix it Right the First Time” diagnosis, to deliver quality repairs and to maintain the highest customer satisfaction and warranties in the automotive industry.

“I truly believe that we have set new standards for all repair shops to aspire too, with our 24/24 warranties and BBB membership,” said Ray Moon, owner, who spent several years training with Ford Motor Company and working with large impersonal dealerships before opening his own shop almost 20 years ago.

“I saw how mechanics and dealerships cut corners and I wanted to offer solid solutions for my customers,” Moon said. “Guessing, or throwing parts at a car and making several trips back to the shop to finally fix it correctly is a gamble. I don’t want to risk or gamble with our clients or their family’s safety or money, as too many shops do. Cheap prices always represent cutting corners, inferior ‘made in China’ parts or guess work, not better quality or workmanship.”

“By using our proven repair philosophy, ‘Test, Verify, Repair & Retest, and final test drive’ we have accomplished what most shops only dream of: “Fixed Right the First Time.” he said. “I’m proud to say that we provide the highest quality and workmanship you’ll find anywhere.”

Moon backs up his claim by offering a “Fix it Right the First Time” Pledge and a “24 Month/24,000 Mile” Warranty, one of the highest in the industry. This ensures correct diagnosis and repairs — or customers don’t pay for future repairs stemming from the visit.

Servicing only models of Lincoln, Ford, and Mercury vehicles, the Ford Doctors are ready to make car care safer and easier. Ford Doctors is a recipient of the “Top Shop Award” from our customers, and a 100% “Repair Effectiveness Rating” from the State of Texas. [PRWEB]

If you have already planned that summer trip and are driving to your destination, take the time to make sure your vehicle is in top condition.

Giving your car a tune up and a thorough check up before you leave will ensure you get the best possible gas mileage and avoid a vacation ruined by a car breakdown.

“Regularly scheduled maintenance is the least expensive and easiest way to protect your safety and your investment,” according to the mechanics at Bedford Greenwich Automotive. “We specialize in high-end vehicles. We know that the longer you wait to make a repair, the more damage can be caused and the more costly the repairs. Taking the time to keep your vehicle in top condition will save you money in the long run.”

They seem like small things, according to Greenwich Bedford Automotive, but they are the standard items we all know about: changing oil and filters, rotating tires, checking brakes, and simply following the manufacturers recommended service intervals. “Very few people take care of their vehicles the way they should for optimum performance, which affects gas mileage and wear and tear on the vehicle.”

Check the oil every month; keep an eye out for any oil or other fluid leaks; pay attention to engine lights; replace worn tires now; listen for changes in the way your car sounds and feels like different noises, rattles, vibrations or burning smells in the vehicle and have them looked at right away; have spark plugs, air filters, fuel filters, belts, hoses, anti-freeze, brakes and all safety items thoroughly checked.

“Pre-maintenance inspections and repairs are very important with all high-end vehicles because breakdowns really can be prevented.” [PRWEB]

At GearHeadCafe.com, online shoppers can find a full line of factory original OEM manuals on CD-ROM licensed by Ford, GM and Chrysler, dating from 1909-1979.

With over 345 different CD titles available immediately, covering complete original written technical information plus illustrations for multiple manuals issued for a specific make and model, car restorers and enthusiasts can easily locate the help they need, without having to hunt down and fumble through hard-to-find old paper manuals.

“Why waste time and money tracking down old paper shop manuals (that are often damaged and missing pages, if you can even find them at all) when GearHeadCafe offers complete car documentation on a single CD?” asks Nicky Senyard, CEO of Share Results. [PRWEB]

Branick Industries announced that Allen Tires of Lakewood CA has installed nitrogen inflation systems at twenty of their service locations throughout Southern California.

“We’re very excited that one of the premier tire dealers in California has chosen our nitrogen solution for their customers,” said Gil Schoener, President of Branick Industries. “Nitrogen inflated tires improve a vehicle’s performance, extend tire life and improve fuel economy by maintaining a tire’s proper inflation pressure 3 to 4 times longer than regular compressed air.”

Nitrogen is also good for the environment and your safety. Properly inflated tires improve rolling resistance, last longer and require less fuel. That translates to less emission, less tire disposal issues and less dependence on foreign oil. And, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, under-inflated tires are the leading cause of all vehicle accidents. [PRWEB]

On a hill overlooking Music City, a remarkable pair of Tennessee brothers have quietly devised a solution to one of the Motor City’s oldest and more expensive testing problems.

It’s the Car-Gate Ultrasound Arch System, a technology which could save the automotive industry billions of dollars each year. The Car-Gate Arch is the latest innovation from Gayle Technologies’ founder, Jimmy Gayle, who has been providing the automotive and racing industries with technical solutions for more than 20 years.

The development of the Car-Gate Ultrasound Arch was born from the need for automobile manufacturers to find new ways to test their vehicles for wind and water leaks often found in window, trunk and door seals. The problem is that the current test for finding these leaks causes damage to the car and trucks they test.

Currently, billions of dollars in damages are caused each year to automobile inventories by the use of what automakers call a water booth. During the final phases of manufacturing, a water booth is used to spray a car or truck with high-pressure streams of water to find leaks. Unfortunately, by using this process of finding leaks with water, the interior and electronic components of automobiles often get ruined by the water that leaks into them. Illogical as it might sound, it is how the automobile industry has been doing it for years.

The Car-Gate Ultrasound Arch, however, uses ultrasound in place of the damaging water. However the benefits of Gayle’s Ultrasound Arch are much greater than merely finding the leaks. Jimmy Gayle Says, “Beyond the Car-Gate’s ability to accurately finding leaks in cars without causing damage, the most exciting thing it does for manufacturers is collect data as it finds the leaks.”

With a combination of Gayle Technologies ultrasound leak testing technology and the company’s customized diagnostic software, automakers will be able to produce powerful trend analysis reports. These trend analysis reports will give automakers the ability to improve overall quality in their manufacturing processes, body design, and supplier materials.

Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, Mercedes, and Nissan are some of the manufacturers currently testing the Car-Gate Ultrasound Arch System. One industry insider is already using the expression “Gayle Rating,” to describe the exact measurement of a vehicle’s quietness and air tightness as determined by this remarkable new system.

“The water-saving feature is also an added benefit we didn’t really think about in its initial conception,” Jimmy Gayle said. “The Car-Gate will also help the environment, and we are proud to play a big part in that important task.”

The cost savings the Car-Gate Ultrasound Arch System offers the automotive industry is dramatic. An industry study has shown that replacing the interior and electronic parts damaged by water booths can cost as much as $4 million per manufacturing plant each year. This is not good news for the already financially beleaguered automotive industry.

The Car-Gate Ultrasound Arch System is a state-of-the-art solution to an age-old automotive industry problem. As Gayle Technologies’ president, Tommy Gayle said, “It’s the answer to improving overall quality of cars, and better yet, it will improve the bottom line of the automakers that will use it.” [PRWEB]

tagTRAX: ultrasound | arch | trend analysis | save auto industry billions

Hummer of Kansas City announced a Hummer Certified Pre-Owned vehicle program. The new program will offer the same premium commitment to quality and service as a new vehicle but with a lower price tag. Under the Hummer Certified Pre-Owned program, vehicles will be available in dealer showrooms this month and will serve as an extension to the Hummer brand and current lineup.

For a previously owned Hummer to become a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle it is tested to meet Hummer’s stringent standards and undergoes a rigorous 100+ point inspection. In addition, vehicles must be less than 48 months old, driven fewer than 50,000 miles (2006 models) with no serious accidents or body repairs (costs exceeding one-quarter of the automobile’s market value at the time of repair).

“Certified Pre-Owned Hummer vehicles offer buyers the opportunity to get all the iconic styling and off-road prowess of a Hummer at a price that better fits their budget,” said Susan Docherty, Hummer general manager. “These vehicles provide consumers with the confidence of a new vehicle with the affordability of one previously owned.” [PRWEB]

Related Stories:

• GM Spies Tuned Hummer
• World’s Fastest Hummer

tagTRAX: hummer of kansas city | hummer vehicles | pre owned vehicle | pre owned program | price tag

Since 2002 paid subscribers have been enjoying the many in-depth car restoration articles published by Second Chance Garage. Now, the subscription-based Website is open to all visitors without a paid subscription.

Second Chance Garage’s staff of writers have collectively over 50 years experience in restoring classic cars, and have personally restored over 20 cars. They have done everything from complete engine rebuilds and painting to chrome plating and upholstery. Its Editor-In-Chief, Les Jackson, is a renowned automotive writer and mechanical engineer.

The Website features over 600 pages of in-depth, easy-to-read articles on all aspects of the car restoration hobby. Departments include Auto-Theory, which describes how things are supposed to work. If you don’t know how it works, you can’t fix it.

[PRWEB]

tagTRAX: classic cars | car restoration | chance garage | mechanical engineer | restoration articles

Fuel prices, insurance rates and car maintenance expenses continue to rise. Gas prices alone are up as much as 65% or more from a year ago according to a survey of service stations by the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The U.S. Energy Department reports that under-inflated tires can increase fuel consumption by up to 3 percent. One study estimates that 50-80 percent of the tires rolling on U.S. roads are under inflated. Astonishingly, we could save up to 2 billion gallons of gas each year simply by properly inflating our tires.

Secondly, a clogged air filter can increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 percent. Air filters keep impurities from damaging the interior of the engine, so replacing dirty filters will save gas and protect your engine. More tips to save money on fuel are available at www.fueleconomy.gov.

According to Chad Westfall of Royal Purple®, “there are high performance motor oils that can make meaningful improvements to your car’s fuel economy and engine life. For instance, numerous independent studies have documented that Royal Purple motor oil improves fuel economy by as much as 5 percent….”

[PRWEB Nov 23, 2005]