Monday, December 10, 2012

Top 5 Reasons to Use Nitrogen in Your Tires

Top 5 Reasons to Use Nitrogen in Your Tires

By Ron Haugen

These days, with the economy being so poor, and gas prices being so high, we all want to do what we can in order to save those extra dollars. You never know when a surprise expense can pop up seemingly out of nowhere, leaving you with a bill and not a lot of time in which to pay it. Every little bit helps, and the money that you save on fuel can most certainly go a long way toward helping to cover other expenses. Below, you will find the top five reasons why you should use nitrogen in your tires-reasons good enough to have converted noted car enthusiast Jay Leno to using nitrogen for all of the vehicles in his extensive, and expensive, collection.

Reason Number One: Increase Fuel Economy

Ever find yourself wishing you could get more miles to the gallon? Feel as if you are always at the pump, spending more money just to keep your vehicle running? Well, worry no longer. It has been proven that nitrogen has far better fuel economy than just plain air. And the more money you save at the pump, the more you can diversify your earnings. Using less gas per mile means that your car will go longer distances using less resources, and will ultimately cost less per mile to drive than before.

Reason Number Two: Better for the Environment

You may be asking yourself; how is nitrogen better than air? After all, isn't air literally everywhere in the world? We breathe it, we use it to cool ourselves, we even use it to power things. So how can another gas be safer and greener then air? The answer is simple, and relates closely to the answer to reason number one; the last gas your vehicle has to use, the less oil it burns, the less damage you do to the environment and the greener your vehicle is. And because nitrogen allows your vehicle to do more while using up less resources, you can bet that it is greener than oxygen by far.

Reason Number Three: Prolonging Your Tires

Tires are expensive. Few people know that oxygen damages the inner liner of your tires, but it is true. With nitrogen, your tires will be damaged less and ultimately last far longer, allowing you to potentially save hundreds.

Reason Number Four: Better Handling, Better Traction

NASCAR and Indy Racing use nitrogen for its better handling and traction abilities. The better your vehicle handles, the more traction it gets from the road, the safer it will be to drive year round.

Reason Number Five: Stability

Various tests have proven that nitrogen is a far more stable gas than oxygen when used to inflate an object, tires included. More stability means fewer trips to go fill up your tires at the gas station and improved safety, as you won't have to worry about deflating wheels nearly as much as with oxygen.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen
http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-5-Reasons-to-Use-Nitrogen-in-Your-Tires&id=7410025


Monday, November 26, 2012

The Top 5 Reasons to Use Synthetic Motor Oil

The Top 5 Reasons to Use Synthetic Motor Oil

By Ron Haugen

If you are a new car owner, or the owner of a new car, chances are you have thought about oil. After all, if you want your engine to run well, and efficiently, you are going to have to make it a top priority to check your motor oil regularly to ensure that it isn't burnt, or low. And chances are, you have probably also heard the tales of synthetic oil, this new oil not made from minerals. Many claim it gives better performance, and tests have shown this to be true. But why should you use synthetic motor oil? Well, we'll give you five reasons why.

Reason Number One: Money

Money is a top priority for most. The more you can save, the more often you can afford to buy the things that you like. Saving money also allows you to put more away in to your savings for your future. Synthetic oil is hands down cheaper than mineral oil. Why is this? Because mineral oil is a natural (albeit diluted by the time it reaches your hands) resource that is quickly growing scarcer and scarcer, making the price of it rise steadily, while synthetic oil lasts longer.

Reason Number Two: Performance

Everyone cares about their engine performance far more than they let on. It is a proven fact; people car about the way their cars run because their cars are investments, and everyone wants to get the most out of an investment, right? With synthetic oil, engine performance improves greatly. This is because synthetic oil is cleaner, more efficient, and it makes your engine work less. New car owners commonly choose synthetic engine oil for this very reason; it keeps their new engine running like new.

Reason Number Three: Easy Flowing

Flow is a real problem with some oils. This is because they are either so thick, or so filled with impurities, that they don't flow through your engine properly. This can cause a whole host of problems, none of which should be your priority to rush right in to. Synthetic oil flows easily through your engine, which is a quality that makes if perfect for mid-mileage vehicles and especially for newer performance vehicles, as it means that the engine has to do far less work.

Reason Number Four: Longer Lasting

It has been proven time and time again in order comparison tests that synthetic motor oil lasts far longer than mineral engine oil. This is because it takes far longer for synthetic oil to heat up to a degree where it could be damaged, and has better evaporation.

Reason Number Five: Less Engine Wear

Synthetic oil is slipper. Slippery oil means less engine wear. Less engine wear means that your engine lasts longer. A longer lasting engine means a longer lasting car, and ultimately this means that you get more bang for the buck from your vehicle, just as you do from your synthetic motor oil.
If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Top-5-Reasons-to-Use-Synthetic-Motor-Oil&id=7382719


Top 5 Benefits of Winter Snow Tires

Top 5 Benefits of Winter Snow Tires

By Ron Haugen

Winter is coming, and that means snow will be falling and coating the roads in abundance. Driving conditions worsen considerably in the winter time, meaning that safety becomes more of a priority for most than during the usual, dry seasons. When it comes to driving in these tricky conditions, you want to ensure that you have the best handling possible. Listed below are the top 5 reasons that come this winter, you should get out and grab a set of winter snow tires.

Reason Number One: Less Expensive than Crashing

It's a bit morbid, but it is true; what do you think will cost you less? Is it getting a set of snow tires for your vehicle, or paying the hospital and/or insurance bills associated with a winter time crash caused by losing control of your vehicle on a snowy road? Hopefully your money is riding on the first. Winter snow tires are made specifically for winter, and are specialized to handle the seasons in a fashion that, many times, regular tires can not.

Reason Number Two: Safety

Closely related to reason number one, safety is of the utmost importance in the winter time. The roads can get pretty bad, and depending on where you live, the plows may not do the job you might wish for. Winter tires are a perfect way to keep your family safe during the winter season. If you are a mother or father, and you constantly drive your kids to and from school or sports, even during the winter, a good set of winter snow tires should be one of your top priorities when the season comes.
Reason Number Three: Better Grip
Better grip means less slippage, and when it comes to the snow, you know how slippery roads can get. Beyond just the snow, ice and slush and even melted water come in to play during the winter time. If you want to ensure that your vehicle is able to handle anything thrown at it in the winter, then winter snow tires should be on your "to buy" list.

Reason Number Four: Better Breaking

Even if you have great breaks, doesn't mean your tires will follow suit when you step on them and try and stop your vehicle in the snow. Snow tires are designed to have better braking capabilities, meaning that they will stop easier and quicker in the snow than regular tires will. And as many drivers know, the difference between stopping on time and stopping too late can sometimes be fractional, but of significant impact. Better braking never hurt anyone, especially not in the winter.

Reason Number Five: They Last

You don't have to chuck out your winter snow tires when the seasons change. In fact, many tire manufacturers even suggest that you use these tires only during the winter time. A set can last you as long as you own a vehicle that they fit, and you can easily change to your regular tires when winter is over.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen
http://EzineArticles.com/?Top-5-Benefits-of-Winter-Snow-Tires&id=7382715



Monday, November 19, 2012

The Top 5 Benefits of Xenon Headlights



By Ron Haugen


Your headlights have more than one purpose. Sure they are meant to keep your safe by allowing you to see the road in front of you when it is dark outside. But they also keep you safe by alerting other drivers to your presence and intention, meaning that they do just as much to prevent collisions as you, the driver, do.

So you want to ensure that your headlights are bright enough to be seen by all the other drivers on the road, but also that they are not so blind as to blind them and cause other safety concerns. Below are the top 5 benefits of switching to Xenon headlights.

Benefit Number One: More for the Money

There is not much difference in price between a regular halogen headlight and a Xenon headlight, however you are getting far more for the money because Xenon headlights are made to higher standards. Because Xenon headlights are brighter and designed to last longer, these headlights will, over time, cost you less as you will not have to replace the lights nearly as frequently as you would have to with traditional halogen headlights.

Benefit Number Two: Longer Life

Tying in to the first benefit, a longer life goes beyond just saving money. If course, you do save some extra bucks by having to purchase replacement lights less frequently, but a longer life means more. It is proven that lights normally last longer when they have less output, thus meaning that it takes less to power them, meaning overall these lights are going to be less taxing on your vehicle as a whole.

Benefit Number Three: Brighter Lights

One of the most noted benefits of Xenon headlights is that they are far brighter than halogen headlights. However, the good thing about them is that while they are brighter, they are not blinding. This makes them perfect for elderly drivers, and those who drive at night. It also makes it perfect if you live in an area that is densely wooded, as your headlights will be able to pierce through the trees, meaning other drivers will see you coming from farther away.

Benefit Number Four: Safety

Perhaps the most beneficial aspect of Xenon headlights is that they are safer. Because they are brighter, and they last longer, they have an increased safety aspect that makes them perfect for any driver. If you have children who do sports, you know how scary it can be at times driving them around in the winter, as it gets dark early. With Xenon headlights, you will be able to rest easy knowing that your headlights are brighter.

Benefit Number Five: Color and Clarity

Many times, halogen lights are murky, muddy yellow, making it difficult for drivers to see in the winter time, in the rain, and at night. Xenon headlights are white, strikingly so, and have far more clarity, cutting through falling rain and falling snow with ease, allowing you to see.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Top-5-Benefits-of-Xenon-Headlights&id=7382707


The 5 Benefits to Changing Your Automatic Transmission Fluid


The 5 Benefits to Changing Your Automatic Transmission Fluid

By Ron Haugen


One of the most commonly over looked aspects of a vehicle is the transmission. Many people tend to either ignore their transmission all together, or simply do not understand how it works. And that is fine and dandy until the day comes that things start to get ugly with it. A busted transmission is another way of saying a car that isn't going to be running any time soon without some serious work. The transmission is the power source, and it provides proper application of the power of your vehicle. So if you want to ensure your vehicle's transmission lasts just as long as possible (and most will last the entire vehicle's life time if maintained properly), then you will want to get on top of changing your automatic transmission fluid.

Benefit Number One: Preventing Lock Up

Odds are you know what tetanus is, because it is commonly referred to as "lock jaw." You would never want to have lock jaw. Not only would it be painful, but it would be inconvenient. Well, it would surprise you to know that it would be twice as inconvenient if your vehicle got lock jaw. Lock up happens when your vehicle's transmission gets so hot that your vehicle simply shuts down. It no longer runs. Changing your automatic transmission fluid when it turns black can prevent this happening to your car.

Benefit Number Two: Saving Money

Who doesn't like saving money? Literally every person you meet does things to save money, unless they've got tons to throw around or are children. Usually, they amount to the same. Changing your automatic transmission fluid when it turns black (not flushing it-flushing your automatic transmission fluid can be dangerous to your vehicle, tantamount to bleeding it dry then trying to fill it back up with new blood) can help prevent most transmission problems from occurring, meaning you save the woes of a blown transmission.

Benefit Number Three: Run Cleaner

Changing your automatic transmission fluid, and using the right fluid, can make your engine run cleaner and more efficiently than it has since it was brand new. This means better fuel economy (which we'll get to next) and better oil usage. However, using the wrong fluid, any fluid not recommended by the manufacturer for your specific make and model, can damage your transmission greatly, so be sure to check.

Benefit Number Four: Better Fuel Economy

Less work means less wear. Less wear means your transmission, and your engine, last longer. Changing your automatic transmission fluid when it turns black can help you to keep your transmission running strong for a very long time, making your vehicle more fuel efficient.

Benefit Number Five: Cost Effective

What do you think costs less: a new transmission, or automatic transmission fluid? Hopefully, you went with the latter choice. A new transmission is expensive, while automatic transmission fluid is relatively cheap in comparison, making taking care of your transmission a no brainer.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-5-Benefits-to-Changing-Your-Automatic-Transmission-Fluid&id=7382710


Monday, September 10, 2012

Ford Repairs Des Moines | Ford Repairs Des Moines

http://www.westsideautopros.com Ron Haugen Presents Ford Repair Des Moines and Ford Repair Urbandale Tips With Today's Topic: Ford Repairs Des Moines



Wednesday, August 22, 2012

GMC Repair Des Moines | GMC Repair Des Moines

http://www.westsideautopros.com  Ron Haugen Presents GMC Repair Des Moines and GMC Repair Urbandale Tips With Today's Topic: GMC Repair Des Moines | GMC Repair Des Moines



Monday, July 30, 2012

http://www.westsideautopros.com Ron Haugen Presents Hyundai Repair Des Moines and Hyundai Repair Urbandale Tips With Today's Topic: Hyundai Repair Des Moines


Monday, July 16, 2012

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Things You Need to Know if You Own a Volkswagon


There are a lot of benefits to driving a foreign vehicle. They have different features that many people enjoy, they provide different safety features some families require and they might even provide a different level of comfort that you can’t find in a domestic car. Having a foreign car is a choice each person can make since this is a free country. But with making that decision, one shouldn’t have to be punished when it comes time for repairs! How do you find a reputable auto technician who is certified to handle foreign cars? Who can you trust on your Volkswagon engine or system when there is something not quite right with it?

There are a few places to turn to when you need repairs done on a specific make of car. If you bought it from a dealer, you can check with them for repairs if they are close by. But sometimes the dealer is not close and it isn’t convenient to drive all the way back. And in other cases, you might have purchased a car from a dealership, but if it isn’t their specialty brand, they might not have any certified Volkswagon repair technicians either.  This could be the case if you bought a used car from a lot. Check with the dealership to see what engines that are certified to fix before you schedule an appointment.

The next option you have to finding a Volkswagon certified engine repair person is to use the Internet. The Internet can provide search results for all independent repair shops in your zip code or surrounding region. Visit the webpages of each and see if they state they have certified technicians. If they have reviews listed on the website, read those over too and see what the general opinion of the place is. If they provide certified technicians and seem like a decent place, call and get a feel firsthand.

When you call a dealership or a repair center, feel free to ask any questions. Their willingness to answer questions might also provide insight on how they are going to handle you and your problem. Are they in a hurry to get you off the phone? Do they appear rude or bored with you and your questions? Your first impression is usually a good one, so take it to heart. If you don’t receive good vibes from your initial contact, no matter how glowing their reviews were online, then feel free to call another place.

Getting a certified technician is worth the effort. Having someone certified to handle Volkswagon repairs means there will be less expense involved, less time wasted and more comfort and peace of mind for you, knowing the job was done right by someone trained on your specific engine.

Choosing a Jeep Repair Specialist

As you are trying to cook dinner and it seems like the oven is just not heating up, who is the first person on your list to call? A spouse or a friend could look at your oven, but if they have no training in oven repair, then they probably won’t be able to find and fix a problem.  The next step would be to call a professional so the oven can be repaired. Can an HVAC repair man do the job? They work with heating elements and an oven gets hot, so a repairman is a repairman, right?

Wrong. The only person who should fix an oven is an oven technician. And the same goes for certain types of vehicles when you have a problem that needs attention. When you have a Jeep brand of vehicle that needs a tune up or a repair, the best idea is to take it to an auto tech that is certified with that brand.  Another technician might be able to look at your Jeep and find a problem, but it might take a lot longer and cost a lot more. Why?

A Jeep specialist is trained on specific systems for that vehicle. When you are looking for a specialist to fix your vehicle, ask if they are certified. The certified Jeep technician has been to training by the manufacturer of that certain brand and will be able to work within any system on it. Knowing they are certified means that they can find a problem faster and get the correct parts in order to have it fixed and back on the road sooner, too.

When you are choosing a Jeep specialist, it might be hard to decide who to go with. When you have more than one option, it is a good thing to have! Picking between the two might be a challenge, however. In order to choose, ask to see references. These references could be posted on a website of the auto center, listed on a review page on the Internet or even given word of mouth by friends who drive Jeeps. People are often always honest about both good and bad experiences when it comes to car repairs, so you can trust the information you receive on the topic.

Another item to look for when choosing a Jeep specialist is their service attitude. Did they answer any questions you had when you called to ask about certification? Were they friendly? Did they seem open to working with you and your vehicle? First impressions matter and if they treat potential customers like they were customers, then it is a sign they will treat everyone with a professional attitude and get your Jeep fixed quick.

Tips to Get Your Toyota Fixed Properly

Tips to Get Your Toyota Fixed Properly
By Ron Haugen

There are a lot of vehicles that are fairly common driving down the road that didn't use to be just twenty years ago. What does that mean for the person who drives that car now? It means they will have better luck when it comes to repairs and getting service on that vehicle. Instead of just using any old shop that would agree to try and perform repairs, it means that there are actual certified technicians who can handle any job quickly and efficiently on your car. And that is a breath of fresh air.

For Toyota owners, the 1980s were an especially brutal time. There was a backlash against the vehicle because people used them as a scapegoat to blame the poor, sagging US auto market. Therefore, getting people to service the vehicles also became difficult. No one wanted to become certified on a brand that they were going to be criticized for. Now, that is no longer a problem. Being certified on a Toyota vehicle is common and done by many types of service centers across the country.

Having a Toyota certified engine mechanic is a benefit for many reasons. Even though many of the cars are produced in the States now, they are still built according to the foreign engineering standards used by their company. Some components of the engine are different than what American made engines are. Therefore, the way an engine is diagnosed and fixed is also different.

A mechanic who is certified in fixing Toyota engines can save you time and also money. They will be able to save you time because they are more familiar with the engine. They won't have to guess what certain parts and pieces are because they have been trained on it all before. There will be less guesswork involved in what they are dealing with and handling. When there is less guesswork, there is less time needed to diagnose and get started on the problem.

When a diagnosis can be made quickly, then there is less down time for you. If this is your only vehicle, you will want it back as soon as possible so you can get on with your life. If it makes a household have to juggle one car between adults and kids, then it can be troublesome at best. The certified Toyota technician will be able to diagnose the problem and get right to fixing it without wasting time on getting answers to questions they have about the make and model.

Toyota certified mechanics also save you money because they usually can name the problem faster, which means less labor hours charged to you. The less labor you have, the lower your bill will be in the end.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen
http://EzineArticles.com/?Tips-to-Get-Your-Toyota-Fixed-Properly&id=7014512

Have a Specialist Repair Your 4 X 4 System

Have a Specialist Repair Your 4 X 4 System
By Ron Haugen

There are certain things in the automotive industry that one just doesn't leave to chance. And just like any other problem or repair that might creep up in your house, with your health or even your pet, you just want the right person to take care of the job and to do it right. So, when you 4 x 4 system needs to have a look taken at it, should you just take it to anybody and call it good? Would you take your child to the vet because they have medical training and that's close enough? No way!

Any type of vehicle you drive should go to a repair technician who is certified to handle that make of car. The same goes when there are specialty systems within a car that need repair work done on them. Chances are, the system needed a person with special knowledge to install it if it was an after-market accessory, so why would a repair or a check up on that accessory be any different than needing a specialist? It isn't.

Taking your 4 x 4 vehicle to a service center for repairs or just a tune up is a smart idea. Having someone who is certified and trained in handling the 4 x 4 system is a better idea. There are a lot of reasons why going to a specialist is a good idea and they include your time and money. The two things that most people love to have and always want more of are often dealt with in an auto repair shop.

When your vehicle is being serviced by a professional who knows 4 x 4 systems, there is less opportunity for errors. A problem can be diagnosed faster, simply because they are more familiar with 4 x 4's and how they operate and run. The less guesswork there is in finding a problem, the less down time there will be with a vehicle. Once the problem is diagnosed and you approve the quote, the technician can go about fixing it.

Another positive aspect of using a certified 4 x 4 repair tech is that since they are familiar with the system, they can do the actual repair faster. There isn't time spent looking up pieces in manuals and figuring out how a part works. They know it from experience and can get right to the heart of the matter and have it repaired. The less time that they spend working on it, the lower your bill will be as well. Because everyone knows that time equals money when it comes to repairing any problem with any type of vehicle, whether it is a 4 x 4 system or not.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen
http://EzineArticles.com/?Have-a-Specialist-Repair-Your-4-X-4-System&id=7014534

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Finding a Good VW TDI Diesel Mechanic


Finding a Good VW TDI Diesel Mechanic


Treating your VW TDI Diesel right will allow you to be able to get better gas mileage and a long lasting engine. This will lead many to bring their vehicle to the dealership to have it worked on. The dealership will charge you a lot of money to do the work that they do. This expense is not always worth it. You can get the same work done by a qualified mechanic in your area for a far more affordable cost. You will only need to know what you are looking for in order to find them.

Among the things that you will need whenever finding these kinds of mechanics is to find a mechanic who specializes in working on German vehicles. Mechanics with ASE certification will also be high on your list of those you will trust with your vehicle. You should also find those mechanics which use only genuine Volkswagen parts. This will allow you to be able to get the kinds of repairs that you will be able to trust to keep your VW on the road longer.

German Car Specialists

Those who specialize with working on German cars are familiar with the intricacies which are unique to these kinds of vehicles. They also have all of the right software in order to make sure that they will be able to properly run diagnostics on the vehicle to find out what needs to be done. The kind of work which needs to be done to your vehicle is likely to be something that they have completed many times before in the past to a vehicle exactly like yours. This will provide you with the assurance that you are getting the best care.

ASE Certification

Those who have passed the exam to get ASE certification will be able to provide you with everything that you will need based on their knowledge. The certification is a way in which they will be able to prove that they have learned everything needed to do the basic engine work and mechanical work. Those which are ASE Certified Master Technicians have a further degree of knowledge. Having at least one of these mechanics on staff in a garage will allow the rest of the mechanics to have someone that they will be able to turn to whenever they have any questions.

Genuine VW Parts

Repairing your VW TDI Diesel the right way means using only the VW parts which are made for it. This is important in making sure that everything will be able to work together in order to get the right level of performance you are looking for. By getting the right parts, you will be assured that the engine will not struggle based on ill-fitting parts made to fit several other German cars. These parts might cost slightly more than generic parts, but you will have the assurance that they will last longer which will also help to make your engine last longer. This will help you to save money in the long run.

Finding a Good GM Duramax Diesel Mechanic


Finding a Good GM Duramax Diesel Mechanic


The GM Duramax Diesel engine is one of the longest lasting and most durable engines available. The importance of having a well maintained engine can mean the difference between good fuel efficiency as well as the length of time which the engine will last. Of course, to maintain your engine properly, you will need to make sure that you are getting the help of a good mechanic. This can be difficult to find.

There are a few ways in which you will be able to find a good mechanic without having to take it to the dealership. You can first make sure that any mechanic you are looking at is GM certified. You should also make sure that there are no bad reviews about the mechanic you can find online. Additionally, you should make sure that the mechanic you are going to uses all certified parts for any repairs. Finding all of these in one mechanic will allow you to be able to get everything that you will need to make sure that the engine will last a long time.

GM Certification

GM offers certification programs in which you can get certification. This proves that you have a certain amount of knowledge about GM engines and the repair methods use to fix or prevent problems. Those who have the certification have either taken classes in order to gain the knowledge to pass the exam or already possessed the knowledge. Because the certification requires re-examination, you will be able to make sure that all of the latest techniques which are required to repair the engines the right way are being learned.

Reading Reviews

There are many sites which exist now which allow individuals to review just about anything. This provides you with a unique opportunity to find out what complete strangers have to say about the mechanics you are considering. You will be able to read positive and negative reviews about the work that they have completed as well as problems that they might have encountered. Reading through these will allow you to discover if the mechanic you are considering will actually be able to provide the help you are looking for. Make sure that all of the information you are reading comes from unbiased sources so you will be able to trust the information.

Using Certified Parts

It is important to make sure that the parts being used on your GM Duramax Diesel are certified GM parts. This is important because the engine was designed to work with these parts. General parts which are made to fit several different engines may cause problems which will lead to a shorter life of your engine. Talk with the mechanic to see what kinds of parts they are using. If they are using the generic parts or even used parts, you should not entrust your engine to them. They will likely cause problems which will have you back in the shop before you even know it.

Finding a Good Ford Powerstroke Diesel Mechanic

Finding a Good Ford Powerstroke Diesel Mechanic


The Ford Powerstroke Diesel is a great engine and provides power and strength to those who use it. Getting everything you can from your engine means making sure that you are getting a great mechanic which will be able to offer the right kind of help in maintaining your engine. There are many mechanics out there saying that they can work on your engine. The problem is finding the ones which will actually be able to fulfill the promise of being able to provide the best possible service for you.

There are a few things to pay attention to whenever searching for the right mechanic. Among the things that you will need is that you will need a mechanic which is an ASE Certified Master Technician. They should also be a Powerstroke Specialist. Naturally, they should be able to come up clean whenever you are looking up their information with the Better Business Bureau. This will help in making sure that you will be able to choose the mechanic which will actually be able to provide you with an engine which will last longer.

ASE Certified Mechanic

Those who know the most about repairing anything on an engine are generally an ASE Certified Technician. This is a certification which is reserved for those who are able to not only prove their knowledge of working on a variety of different engines. They will have to work on maintaining their certification periodically. By making sure that the mechanic is not only certified, but has a current certification will help you to be able to get a mechanic you will know that you can trust. They are obviously willing to invest their time into getting to know your engine.

Powerstroke Specialist

After finding the right certification, it is important to make sure that they specialize in working on the Ford Powerstroke engine. Not all technicians understand the complexity of the engine so that they will be able to repair it properly. Those who work on these types of engines all of the time will not only be able to provide you what you need to have a better working engine now. They will be able to make sure that you are getting everything that you will need so that you will be able to prevent problems in your engine for the future.

Checking with the BBB

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is responsible for protecting consumers from businesses which are in the practice of taking advantage of consumers. They allow individuals and businesses to report anything that they have realized is improper. This can include making you pay for repairs that you do not need. By checking with the BBB before you bring your Ford Powerstroke Diesel to them, you will be able to make sure that they will be able to treat you right. This will help you to have the trust that you will need whenever you are leaving your engine in the care of another.

Finding a good Dodge Cummins Diesel mechanic

Finding a good Dodge Cummins Diesel mechanic

The Dodge Cummins Diesel engine is one of the preferred engines that you will be able to purchase. It provides power and reliability to individuals and businesses alike. The ability to maintain your engine will allow you to be able to get even more from your truck. Of course, many will require the help of a good mechanic in order to maintain a properly working engine. This is not something that you will have to go to the dealership to be able to get because there are many qualified and experienced mechanics that you will be able to choose from.

There are a few things that you will need to do in order to make sure that you are getting help from the right mechanics. The first thing that you should look for is to make sure that you are bringing it to a Dodge Specialist. You should also make sure that the shop is recommended by AAA or other road clubs. Additionally, you should make sure that the shop itself is able to provide a warranty on the work that they do. This will help you to be able to get a properly working engine and a truck you can count on.

Dodge Specialist

Every kind of vehicle and engine are unique in the way that they are put together. While the same components might be present, the way that they are put together will differ. This is why it is important to make sure that the mechanic that you are looking at has the ability to work on the engine. If the specialize in working on domestics, this is good. If the specialize in working on Dodge in particular, you will be able to get even more from the work that they do.

Road Club Recommendations

Road clubs like AAA evaluate and rate different garages throughout the country. They rely on these evaluations in order to provide information for those who are on the road. You will be able to find a shop which has the ability to work on your Dodge Cummins Diesel even if you are far from home. This will help you to be able to find the location which has the highest rating so that you will be able to get even more out of the repairs.

Providing Warranties

The work that any mechanic does should be done right the first time. If they cannot do it right than they might be trying to steal from you or just should not be working on your engine. Of course, one way that you will be able to have the assurance that you have received good work is whenever the mechanic is willing to provide a guarantee on the work that they are doing. This will allow you to bring your truck back in if there is a problem stemming from the work that they did. They will be on the hook to repair anything without charging you. This provides peace of mind.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Off-Roading with Your Nissan

Off-Roading with Your Nissan
By: Ron Haugen

Are you the type of person who likes to go off road with your Nissan vehicle and enjoy what it brings to the field of off-roading? Then you probably also want to have someone else who appreciates the finer points of Nissan vehicles like you do. So does that mean you will settle for anyone less than a certified Nissan technician to fix any problems with your car? Hopefully not!

Certified Nissan technicians are the best route to go when you need any type of work done on your vehicle. From fixing a problem within the suspension system to getting the brakes checked over, you want someone who knows what they are doing. It is you and your family sitting inside that car, relying on the brakes and all of the systems to work properly. Would you trust anyone to work on it?

Reliability is just one reason why you should only trust your car repairs to someone certified on the brand of vehicle you drive. They are trained to handle anything that could go wrong with your vehicle, so you can trust their diagnosis of the problem when they give it to you. And when they know the diagnosis quickly, then they also know how to go in and fix it quickly and properly. You aren’t left guessing if the problem was really fixed and corrected to your liking.

Time saving is also another reason why it is best to go with a Nissan certified auto repair person. You will save time when you take a problem to a mechanic who is trained on the specifics of the systems and engines in your car. There is less guesswork to how it runs and there is less wasted time trying to figure it out. And everyone knows that time is money when it comes to auto repairs. The less time you spend in a facility, the less your bill will be at the end of the process!

A second way to save time is when the actual repair is being performed. A Nissan trained technician will be very familiar with the engine components or the pieces on the system they are working on in your car. The familiarity will mean less time trying to figure it out when they have no idea or have not worked on your model of Nissan previously. There will be less time diagnosing the problem and then less time monkeying around with getting it done.

A Nissan auto mechanic will be able to give you straight advice on what is wrong with your car, how much it will cost and what the life of your vehicle is if you ask. Someone not knowledgeable on the brand would only be able to provide guesstimates, of which does not help you in your future planning.

Find a Certified Technician for Your Sprinter Van Diesel

Find a Certified Technician for Your Sprinter Van Diesel
By: Ron Haugen

There are certain types of vehicles that have special components on them to make them more efficient in one aspect or another. For instance, if you travel through snow or off road a lot, then you will probably want a four wheel drive vehicle. If you want fuel efficiency or carry heavy loads, then a diesel engine might be best for you. When you have those specialized parts on your vehicle, can just anyone fix them then?

The short answer is no, that not everyone should work on them. Everyone might think they are qualified to fix a vehicle, but special training is required in order to handle the work. A certified technician for a Sprinter Van that is diesel will make you rest assured at night when you are facing repairs. A diesel engine requires a whole different bit of knowledge than a regular engine that fires on gasoline. Having a repair tech with that specific knowledge will make your whole repair process a lot less of a hassle.

Finding Certified Technicians

When you need to find a certified technician, where do you go? There are a few places where you can turn when you need to get a repair done on your diesel engine. The first place to look is the phone book. They will have listing for all of the auto repair facilities in your region. They can also list what certified technicians they have on staff and what their specialties are. Places like car dealerships will probably only have certifications for the makes and models they sell. Independent auto repair shops may have several specialties. Read them closely and see what certification they have. If you have questions on it, call them and ask before you book an appointment.

Websites will also contain information detailing if they have certified repair technicians or not. They might even have a place where past and current customers have left reviews to read over. The reviews on the website will probably be just the positive ones, but you can get a feel for the level of service they provide. Some reviews might be planted but the majority will be left behind by true customers of the shop and people who have been there for service needs.

Generic review websites might also prove helpful in finding a certified Sprinter Van repairmen that works on diesel engines. The sites aren’t connected to a dealer or auto mechanic, so the reviews are more honest and unbiased. Read them carefully and thoroughly to get a full grasp on a certain shop or facility. When you are satisfied with one you see, call and ask questions or make an appointment to get your vehicle serviced.

Get the Correct Technician for Your Subaru

Get the Correct Technician for Your Subaru
by: Ron Haugen

If you stop to think about it, would you take your child to the vet when they have a sore throat? Probably not. Even though the vet is trained in medical matters and probably could form an opinion on what is wrong, is it the right opinion? After all, they work with cats and dogs all day long, what do they know about the system of a child? A pediatrician would probably be your first choice of people to look at your child and make a correct diagnosis.

The same could be said for auto mechanics. One make and model of a car can be vastly different from another. When you have need of a repairman for your Subaru model, would you opt to take it to someone who has never looked under the hood of a Subaru? Most likely, the answer would be no again. You would prefer to take your vehicle to someone who was certified by Subaru to make a diagnosis on the problem and then try and tackle it.

Finding certified Subaru mechanics isn’t that difficult, unless you live in a very rural area. There are several places you can look to find certified technicians if you don’t already have one. The first place to go is online. Check out what auto repair centers there are in your region and see what their specialty is. If they have a specialty, then see if they are certified. Just because they specialize in something doesn’t mean they are certified in handling repairs on it.

When the Internet doesn’t provide good results, you can always check the phone book. There are always ads for all of the auto repair centers in your city listed in that book. They may provide some details in an ad, but in most cases you will have to call and ask what their technicians are certified in. Since they are in the business of providing customer service, they should gladly answer all of the questions you have. If they do not seem like they want to provide answers, decide if it is time to move to another service center and try again.

Lastly, you can check with friends or relatives who also drive a Subaru and see where they go for service. Word of mouth advertising is as good as any kind out there. Your friends will give you all kinds of details if they have had bad service at one location. They will also tell you when they have had a great experience at another. They can tell you who is certified to handle Subaru engines and who doesn’t know what they are talking about. Make sure that even if it was a great experience for them, the technician is certified before you book your appointment.

Things You Need To Know If You Own a Mini Cooper

Things You Need To Know If You Own a Mini Cooper

By Ron Haugen




After years of saving and drooling over your dream car, you finally have it. The Mini Cooper is sitting in the garage, all in its glory. Working hard has finally paid off and you are crossing bucket list items from your list. It's been a few months and that Mini Cooper has quite a lot of miles on it and is making a little bit of a noise that it didn't before. What do you do now? The place where you got it from doesn't necessarily deal with that brand of car, but can you trust them? After all, you aren't just going to trust your dream car to just anyone with a wrench!

Certification Matters

And you shouldn't just trust anyone with a wrench who says they can fix any car. There are brands, especially ones that aren't domestic, that require a different knowledge base to work on. A Mini Cooper is one such car. This foreign brand is best handled by someone who is certified to handle the brand and the model. A person who is certified will be trained on handling problems specific to Mini Coopers.

When a person is trained on a certain brand or model, then there is less guesswork involved. And you know what else that means. You will have less down time with your car in the shop and the repairs will cost less. The mechanic won't be spending days trying to guess at what a problem is and changing you labor expenses when they aren't even doing anything. A certified Mini Cooper technician can go in and analyze the situation and offer a diagnosis faster than one who has never seen the engine of a Mini Cooper or even a BMW before.

A certified Mini Cooper technician will also save you the run around. When someone can't find a definitive problem in your car's engine or systems, then they might just guess and present you with one. After you pay to have this problem fixed and the original still isn't taken care of, you will probably be upset. Instead of going with the cheaper technician or repair shop, you realize that paying a couple of dollars more for the certified technicians could have allowed you to skip this whole mess.

Now, you are wasting time going in for a second visit to take care of the problem a certified Mini Cooper technician probably would have found and repaired in the first day. Unless the work is guaranteed or under warranty, switch who your auto mechanic is and get a certified one to get to the root of the problem. Deal with a certified technician and you can rest assured your problems will be found quicker and for less money than if done by a non-certified technician.

If you are looking for honest advice, prioritized repairs, options on repairs, maximized fuel economy, and a good feeling with who you are doing business with go to http://www.westsideautopros.com




Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ron_Haugen


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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Tips to Getting Your Audi Fix Properly

Tips to Getting Your Audi Fix Properly
by: Westside Auto Pros

There are some brands of cars that have a great reputation for quality and excellence. Audi is one such example of a car, however it is not produced in the United States. That means that when you have an Audi, getting repair work done on it might prove to be more challenging if you don’t follow a few tips when it comes to repair time. For example, even though you can’t get back to the Audi dealer for work, don’t settle for someone less than certified to handle the repairs of that vehicle.

No matter what type of make or model of car you have, getting someone who is certified on that specific engine or system will be the best option for you. When someone isn’t certified on Audi motors or components, it can lead to more headaches down the road in the repair process. An person trained specifically on an Audi system will be able to not only diagnose problems faster, but they will be able to repair and solve those problems in a faster way.

When repairs are solved quicker, it means a lot of good things for you and your family. The faster a problem is corrected, the sooner you will be out and on the road. When there are children with practices and games to attend, down time with a vehicle can be crucial. No one wants to bum rides or not come and go as they please. The certified technician can work speedily to repair the parts of your car because they are trained and familiar with them.

An Audi specific and certified repair tech can also cost you less in the long run. A person who is just used to any old vehicle might think they have the answer to a problem, but not know for sure. This could mean a repair is done on something that really isn’t the problem. Now you have paid for a repair and still don’t have the original problem solved! Now it is going to take more time and even more money for you to get back on the road. Audi certified repair professionals don’t have to guess because they are familiar with a model a lot better than just anyone in a repair shop.

Lastly, using a certified mechanic will give you more peace of mind. After all, you wouldn’t go to a vet when you or your wife was going to deliver a baby now, would you? Generics are nice to have, but specialties are able to pinpoint problems in a more efficient manner. A specialist or certified mechanic will ensure you have someone who knows exactly what they are doing looking at your engine and what might be wrong with it.

Who Do You Trust to Fix Your Acura?

Who Do You Trust to Fix Your Acura?
by: Westside Auto Pros

There comes a time in your life when you need to face the facts: your car needs some work. Whether it is streaming blue smoke as you drive down the road or else you have moved in to another town, having a certified mechanic by your side, or at least on your side, is something every person needs to have. How do you find a reputable shop with technicians who are certified to work specifically on your Acura model? There are a couple of ways, actually, so you can get going on your way to safe travels.

Check Online Sources

The Internet has become the go-to place to go when you need information. There are many sites up where people can leave reviews behind for products they use, doctors they see, mechanics they have tried and so forth. Find the review site that contains local dealerships or auto repair shops. Find all of the reviews and read them carefully. Are there any that are overwhelmingly bad? Overwhelmingly positive? Read all of the reviews on a certain location so you can get a great feel for their service. Don’t just read one negative review in case it was left behind by a disgruntled employee or something. Give each place a fair chance and read everything written about them.

You can also check over the website itself of the potential auto repair places you are considering. Do they have a place where customers can leave feedback? Granted, this feedback might be carefully monitored, but you can get a grasp for the place. Do other people who drive Acuras like the service they get? Are they satisfied with how well their vehicle was fixed?

Ask People You Trust

Word of mouth advertising is golden. When you live in an area with lots of friends and family members, you can rely on who their opinion to matter to you. When they say to stay clear of someone, they mean it. When they recommend and Acura certified technician, then you might want to try that person out for yourself. Not every certified technician will be a great “love match” for you or your style, but you need to try. Finding a car repairman for your Acura is just like dating. You never know until you go out with them at least once, or in this case, have them fix your car one time.

When you find an Acura technician who is certified that you like, provide a review yourself. Make it easier for others coming behind you to find the certified technician. Make their job of wallowing through all of the online reviews and information easier and less time consuming. Provide detailed and honest information so they can have a good experience too.

Tips for Your Honda Repairs

Tips for Your Honda Repairs
by: Westside Auto Pros

There are certain makes and models of a vehicle that are made across the United States and Canada, but their origins are still in a foreign country. One such example is the Honda brand. Even though many of the models are built in the States, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is a domestic car. The engineers and car designers are still in a foreign land and still design their vehicles on a specific standard. This then means that the models have specific requirements when it comes to fixing them. Any general auto mechanic might be able to handle those specifics, but a certified technician is much better equipped to deal with the situation.
The Make Matters
No matter if any car is a foreign or a domestic, it needs to have a certified technician looking under the hood when there is a problem. A certified technician will make a difference for you or your loved one getting the car fixed for several reasons. The first being that the repair can cost you less money when you have someone who knows what they are doing.
A certified Honda technician will probably have access to certified Honda parts. This means that the parts going in to repair anything on the vehicle were actually meant for the make and model receiving the repairs. If someone isn’t certified to handle a brand of car, then they might not be able to get the correct parts and just have to settle for something similar. We all know how that can work out to our disadvantage! It’s like getting hair dye that is black, even though you only wanted light brown. Dye is dye, right?
Wrong. The right parts (or dye) means something doesn’t have to be done again in order to get it right. Your repair is done the right way the first time without settling for lesser parts (or even ones you don’t want but are forced to take.) When something is done the right way the first time, it is easier on your wallet as well. Not spending a fortune is probably high on your list when it comes to requirements of a good auto repair technician.
Saving time is also a want for most people looking to get a repair done. A certified Honda repair person will have an easier time of diagnosing the problem quickly so it can get fixed and get back out on the road. Down time of waiting for a diagnosis can be troublesome if you need to get to work or have kids to shuttle around for practice. And if they have that much time diagnosing the problem, just guess how long it will take them to actually fix and get right!

Tips for Ford 6.0 Diesel Repair

Tips for Ford 6.0 Diesel Repair

Some people love to haul things around in their trucks. For other people, having a heavy towing capacity is a necessity when it comes to their livelihood. Ford trucks provide the engines that can pull heavy loads safely and comfortably down the road. But what happens when that Ford 6.0 with a diesel engine in it needs some repairs. Are you going to trust your livelihood to just anyone to fix? Most likely not. When the vehicle you rely on for work or farming needs is potentially having a problem, you are going to want to take it to someone who is certified to handle that engine specifically.

Getting someone to handle a specific brand of vehicle is not so hard. Getting someone to handle a specific type of engine is a bit tougher. A diesel engine is programmed to work differently than a gasoline fired engine for many reasons, therefore it needs someone who is trained to know the ins and outs of the engine to make any repairs correctly.

Finding a certified Ford 6.0 diesel engine specialist can be done in several ways. One can look in the phone book and find all of the repair shops around. The ad or listing might say what engine types they are certified in. If the ad is too small, feel free to call and ask if they can handle that type of engine. If they cannot, move on to the next option.
Another place to look for certified Ford diesel engine mechanics is the Internet. First, you can check if there are Ford dealers in the area who specifically handle diesel engines. Being certified in a Ford gasoline engine is different than a diesel engine, so be specific if you are asking someone. If you were making an appointment with a medical professional, you would want to clarify if it was a doctor or a dentist, right? The same goes for your engine type. Just because they have some automotive experience doesn’t mean they can handle every problem.

When those options do not provide many results for you, ask around. Do you have friends with similar vehicles that have gotten service recently? Do they love their certified technician? Get the name of a mechanic and make the calls to see if they are certified on the brand and the type of engine you are driving around. And if by chance they aren’t, then ask if they know of someone who does. Auto mechanics don’t mind referring people to other mechanics who are certified to handle a task, because that same mechanic also probably makes referrals back for their specialty. Don’t feel bad about wanting a specialty, because those same mechanics probably only get specialists for their cars too.