Car Insurance

So your car is a piece of junk. It’s always breaking. You had to mortgage your home to pay off last year’s towing bills. The mechanic sees your rust-bucket so often that he’s almost convinced HE owns it.

There’s always something you can do to make the problem a little less troublesome. Preventive maintenance (performing routine service on the vehicle at scheduled intervals - or when you first notice that something’s not quite right) can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on repair bills every year.

It requires dedication, some of your time (even if you pay a mechanic or the automotive dealer to do it for you), and a little money. The investments, however, will prove to be worth it when your car is on the road more often than it is now. And, of course, when your checking account looks a little bigger.

The two main, “big trouble!” components of any motor vehicle are the engine and transmission. These should be the primary source of your attention, even if they’ve yet to give you any problems.

Read your owner’s manual - or consult the dealer if you didn’t get one - to determine the service and maintenance schedule for these parts. This includes everything from routine oil and filter changes to re-greasing or rebuilding the components.

Whatever the case, stick to the service schedule. If the manufacturer recommends that you change the oil every 3,000 miles, you should be there no later than mile 3,200 (and that’s pushing it a little bit).

Also: while you’re driving, you should sometimes turn off the stereo, tell the passengers to shut up, and listen to your car. Eventually you’ll be able to pick up on small, but unsettling, noises from under the car or in the engine compartment. If something is rattling, clunking, or otherwise “off,” you should go ahead and have it checked out. The longer you wait - i.e. the harder you try to ignore it - the worse it’s going to be on the car AND your finances.

You should also pay attention to the rest of the car. This includes doing a visual inspection a couple of times a month, from bumper to bumper, to be sure that nothing “looks funny” to you. It’s going to be weird the first few times - especially if you’ve never done this before - but take heart! Soon you’ll be as familiar with your vehicle as you are with the weird hair growing on your knuckles - and you’ll be able to spot problems easily.

Here’s a basic list of routine “checkpoints” that should be examined at least once a month - more if called for by the manufacturer. Depending on your make and model, you might have more to do than what’s on this list. As always, consult the manual if you have questions or concerns.

* Tires. Check for uneven wear, which usually indicates a problem with the alignment. If they wear evenly and still have at least a quarter-inch of tread left, you’re fine. Don’t forget to follow the tire-rotation schedule!

* Body. Rust spots grow, mutate, and become hideously ugly over time. They also do serious damage to the interior of your car, not to mention electrical systems. Rusty spots can be touched up and treated as soon as possible after you find them. Consult your dealer for the best options.

* Radiator. Wait for the engine to cool down - a couple of hours at least - before you open the radiator cap. While antifreeze doesn’t really reach the boiling point, it’s still a bad, bad thing to get in the eye.

You should examine the fluid, and what little you can see inside the radiator, for signs of rust. If you notice any signs, you can opt for a system flush, which might take care of the problem, or replacement.

* All other fluid levels. You have to be sure that there is enough brake fluid, oil, and the like in their respective reservoirs. If you don’t have enough - or, conversely, if you have way too much - things can go very wrong. Check the levels every couple of weeks, and be sure to drain and refill everything according to the recommended schedule.

* Cut back on the drag racing. The faster you run your vehicle, the harder it works - which means you’re asking for a blown engine or some other, expensive problem. Having fun driving is one thing, but going 80 MPH everywhere you go is a different story. If nothing else, you’ll save money on speeding tickets.

Above all, be safe. Fixing a car’s body after an accident is usually a very expensive ordeal - assuming, of course, that you and your passengers survive.

Getting your car repaired can feel like getting yourself repaired: you don’t know enough about the inner workings to know what’s wrong; you just know something’s not right. And this lack of specific information can make you feel that you are at the mercy of your car mechanic.

So how can you as a consumer protect yourself? Consider two ways. The first is to use a reputable mechanic. Word of mouth is probably the best way to find a mechanic. Most repair shops in the United States are owner-operated, and those owners know that the best way to lose business is to provide shoddy work. Their self-interest makes them want to do a good job for you, because if they do not, you won’t bring your car back when it needs service in the future. In addition, you may tell the person who referred you about your bad experience, and that person may decide not to go back and/or not tell any of their other friends to use him. Studies have found that one satisfied consumer will tell just a few friends, but a consumer that is unhappy tells an average of ten.

Your best bet will be a car repair garage recommended by your friends or peers over and over again. Another sign to look for is one that is involved in the community – for example, a shop that sponsors a local baseball or softball team. Finally, if a shop is family-owned and been in the community for decades, you may be supporting a merchant who is committed to the supporting the well-being of your community.

But what if you don’t have a personal referral? Then you need a way to ensure that you are getting the right price for the service. Some common ways that disreputable repair shops try to inflate the amount you spend is through adding services on to what you originally asked for (called “up-selling”) or claiming that you need repairs which are really unnecessary, charging you more than they charge someone else (who may know or look like they know more about cars) for the same service. Let’s look at how you can protect yourself in each of these instances.

Up-selling and Unnecessary Repairs

An oil change provides a prime chance for disreputable up-selling. For example, if you go for a simple oil change, the repair garage may tell you that you need to replace your brake fluid or automatic transmission fluid. If you know how often you should change these fluids (see your car’s manual) and keep track of when you do, you will know if it’s time to change these fluids. Others areas to be wary of is suggestions to replace your wiper blades or air filters. Again, keep track of when you change these and a mechanic won’t be able to pressure you to change car parts before you need to.

Unfair Prices

Knowing how much you should pay for a car repair is very tricky. According to the Insurance Information Institute, average auto repair bill is $871 (as of June 2004) Luckily, you have resource available that you can access to ensure that your car repair bill is in line with average auto costs. For example, you can find average auto repair costs from the Auto Warranty Group and information on costs from associations like the American Automobile Association (AAA). You can also scour the Internet by using search engines to obtain prices on parts, or visit your local auto parts store. Remember that garages do mark prices up a bit, but you can get an excellent idea of the cost of those parts. And don’t forget to ask the experts at the local auto parts store whether a quote you’ve received for repairs seems fair.

Most power window systems are common and can be repaired at home with a little knowledge. The basic problem with electrical systems is power. An electric motor can’t function without it, yet some people run out and replace the motor without doing any testing at all. Then they get mad when they find that it was an easily replaceable switch or fuse in the first place. The easy items, that’s the place to start.

First thing: Check the fuse.

If the fuse is in good condition the next step is to check for power to the fuse using an inexpensive 12-volt test light. These very helpful tools can be bought at any automotive parts store and some super-center retailers.

Power to the fuse comes from the ignition switch and is activated by turning the key to the ‘On’ position. This makes the car more secure from break-ins with a long stick or coat hanger. It also prevents kids from draining the battery by playing with them. The key has to be in the ‘On’ position to check for power at the fuse. If the fuse has no power with the key on, track the wire back to the steering column to find the right one for that fuse. Wiring diagrams come in handy at this point and are easily deciphered.

Power in, no power out. That narrows the problem down to one component - the ignition switch. Often times, it’s best to have a professional replace the ignition switch. If the switch isn’t adjusted properly a mess of other problems will arise. If the car has air bags, replacement at home isn’t an option. If the fuse does have power, the next step is the door switch. Most switches are held in place with barbs and simply pop out with a small screwdriver. Others are held in place with small screws.

Pull the door switch out of the panel. With the wires still connected the switch should have one or more powered leads depending on make and model. If there is no power, or it’s not certain that the test is being done right, a ‘known good’ switch from another door (with the exception of the drivers’ master switch) can be swapped with the suspect one. If the window still doesn’t function the best place to look is in the doorjamb for a damaged wire.

The wires run through the doorjamb in order to get from the body to the door units. Several years of opening and closing the doors cause the wires to get brittle and break after being kinked and straightened. This is a common problem with the driver’s door, especially.

If the switch is determined to be good, and powered up, the next stop is at the power window motor itself. The entire door panel will have to be removed to access the window motor. The motors’ plug will have 2 wires coming from it. Back probe the plug as it sits, connected to the motor, and cycle the door switch back and forth.

One wire will light with the switch in the ‘Up’ position and the other wire will light in the Down’. In the opposite direction, the power becomes a ground. Attaching the ground clip of the 12-volt test light to a power source turns the probe end into a 12-volt ground tester. If the wires power up on queue, then the motor itself ‘could be’ at fault. Make sure the window itself moves up and down freely with the motor unattached. The motor is only so strong. A binding slide can keep it from moving or burn up the new motor very quickly.

Replacing a motor consists of removing the linkages, spring and motor as an assembly. The spring assembly is extremely dangerous and should be handled with the utmost care. If the spring were to be released accidentally, the two scissor-like arms that are attached will close at an extremely fast rate with enough force to cut off a finger or two.

The safest way to dismount the motor from the carriage is to place the linkage arms into a bench-mounted vice and secure it tightly. This will keep the arms in place and replacing the motor becomes much easier because the lateral force of the spring on the motor is negated by the vice.

The power window circuit boils down to just those few items in most cases. In recent years, manufacturers have started using a module assembly inside the door. Power is run through a single wire into the door module instead of running individual wires for every component. That module powers everything from the windows to the door locks to the heated power mirrors with the turn indicator.

One of the biggest consumer rip-offs currently in the United States today involves car repair services. Unsuspecting consumers are either being charged exuberant prices, or they are being charged for repairs that are either not necessary or not being preformed at all. It’s easy for car repair businesses to get away with this scam because those who are bringing their vehicles in for repair often don’t know anything about car repair issues. They are relying on the expertise and honesty of car repair personnel.

Since the automobile was first invented, people have been charged for tasks that were never preformed, and they have been charged for extensive repairs that weren’t required. People are often told their vehicles have non-existent problems. How can the average person avoid being taken advantage of when having their car problems diagnosed and repaired?

First of all, it’s wise to get more than one estimate before hiring a car mechanic. Getting more than one analysis and opinion will help prevent against fraudulent charges and diagnosis’s. Let the first car repair shop you contact know that you will be obtaining more than one estimate. Doing so will make them realize they need to give you a fair estimate in order to gain your business. If your car is inoperable and requires towing, it may not be feasible to get more than one written estimate. You can however call a few different car repair shops for a verbal diagnosis. Compare the answers you get to make an informed decision on the diagnosis of your vehicle. This will also enable you to compare charges for the diagnosed problem. Towing is expensive, but if you find out the price you will be charged after diagnosis is not fair, it’s your prerogative to have it towed elsewhere.

The internet is a great tool for diagnosing car problems. Often you can get a good idea of what’s wrong with a vehicle by entering the keywords of the symptoms at your favorite search engine. There are message boards and helpful websites designed to help diagnose car problems. Although this won’t aide in the repair of your vehicle, you will be more informed when you contact a car repair shop. If you sound as if you know something about cars you are more likely to obtain a fair estimate. Uneducated individuals are more likely to be taken advantage of.

Ask your friends, co-workers, and relatives where they go for car maintenance and repairs. Word of mouth is a great way to find a reliable and honest car repair shop. If those you know are satisfied with services received by a particular car repair business, that business is more than likely reputable. This is also a good way to find an individual who works on the side as a car repair person. Someone who repairs cars at their home can afford to charge less for their services.

Lastly, contact your local Better Business Bureau before taking your car in for diagnosis and repair. They will inform you of any complaints against car repair shops you are considering. They can also refer you to well-rated shops in your area.

Vehicle repairs can be very expensive. Although car repair costs vary from city to city and state to state, you can expect to pay approximately $50.00 an hour for a qualified professional car mechanic. Most charge a minimum of one hour for each separate task. As you can see, labor charges alone can add up very quickly. You can also expect to pay inflated charges for parts.

Stay informed and you are less likely to be cheated by unscrupulous car repair shops. Protect yourself by taking the time to follow these tips and suggestions. Protect your money from car repair crooks. If you don’t, there will always be dishonest individuals, ready to take your hard-earned money.

In simple terms, an automobile transmission is the component that allows the power of the engine to drive the wheels of a car. An operating transmission is a finely tuned dance between the mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems controlled by a computer. There are gears, pumps, valves, seals, gaskets, cables and other parts that all must work in concert. In other words, this is a complex mega-system that quite simply makes the car move. Without a transmission, the car goes nowhere under its own power.

With all of these potential problem points, it is clear that the repair of an auto transmission can smite a royal blow to anyone’s budget. The often unexpected cost can be traumatizing: your car may be literally un-drivable, requiring an immediate repair whether you had it planned in your budget or not. For example, the Auto Warranty Group estimates that the repair of a transmission can cost as much as $1,900.

Given that the transmission is one of the most complex arrangements in a car, it may difficult for the average consumer to know what seems reasonable in repair costs – and what actually needs repair and what does not. Fortunately, if you use a number of simple techniques when it’s time for this monstrous repair, you can increase your chances of getting a fair deal.

First, just like getting any repairs done to your car, ask your friends, family and colleagues if they can recommend a car repair garage. This is your best bet for getting an honest appraisal of your car’s transmission problem and fair quote for repairing it.

Second, check to see if the repair shop belongs to organizations such as the American Automobile Association (AAA), the Better Business Bureau, or the Automatic Transmission Builder’s Association (ATRA), an organization that requires its members to adhere to ethical codes when dealing with consumers. ATRA and AAA can provide you with a listing of car repair garages in your local area if you don’t get a recommendation from friends or family.

Third, check to see if the garage conducts business professionally. Is it clean and well-maintained? Will the garage provide you with a written, detailed estimate of the repairs it will perform? If you don’t get a written estimate, you will run the risk of getting a bill for more than you agreed to verbally.

There are several additional steps you can take to ensure you reduce your chance of overpricing:

• Ask whether the garage specializes in the transmission of the make of your car.

• Ask if the garage has references: when customers are ecstatic with their service, it is not uncommon for them to write letters attesting to the fact. Ask if the garage if you can read the letters; they may have them posted on the wall of their office.

• Try to locate local recommendation web sites online. Some cities now have a way for consumers to rate local services, and car repair is usually among them. To find these web sites, try searching on the name of your city, “car repair” in parentheses, followed by “recommendation” (without the quotation marks).

An educated consumer is the least likely to pay more for a service. If you are so inclined, delve into the subject. The more you know, the more you protect yourself. Finally, just one note of caution: try not to choose a car repair garage simply because their price is lowest: you may end up with quality to match.