Thursday, March 28, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
One Hundred Dollar Rebate
http://www.westsideautopros.com Ron Haugen Presents Chevrolet Repair West Des Moines
and Ford Repair Urbandale Tips With Today's Topic: One Hundred Dollar Rebate
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Why It Is Important to Rotate Your Tires?
Why It Is Important to Rotate Your Tires?
By Ron Haugen
Rotating your vehicle's tires is a key component to proper vehicle operation. Improper wear on your tires can decrease fuel economy, cause your vehicle's suspension to wear down, and impair vehicle responsiveness in dangerous driving conditions. Let's touch on each of those topics to learn more about the importance of rotating your tires regularly, and properly.
Most vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. There are many factors that can cause uneven wear and tear on your tires. Many of them have nothing to do with the quality of the actual tire purchased. For example, if your vehicle is front-wheel drive, this will cause your front tires to do the bulk of the work. Regularly rotating the front and back tires will even out the wear and tear on each tire. If you fail to rotate your tires regularly, you will begin to see degradation in the vehicle's overall fuel performance at the pump; effectively flushing money down the drain just by failing to perform regular maintenance and care.
Additionally, your vehicle's suspension and type of alignment will play heavily into how your tires wear in normal, everyday driving conditions. Certain suspension types result in varying tugs and pulls on your tires as you brake and accelerate. Routine tire rotation will even out the effects of your vehicle's suspension on the tires. As an added benefit, regular tire rotation will make driving your car more pleasurable. You will find that with routine rotations, you don't have to fight the steering wheel as much to drive. The car is more responsive and seems to handle better. You've heard the phrase "it corners like it's on rails." Well, let's not try that - but the gist here is that your car seems to respond to your every whim and command effortlessly. Now that's performance!
Speaking of responsiveness and performance, in dangerous driving conditions such as high winds, flash floods, snow storms, or just roads that are beat up with potholes, regular tire rotation is critical to your vehicle's performance. Even the slightest delay in response to turning suddenly or braking quickly can be the difference between a life and death situation. You are commanding a thousand pound machine to keep you and your loved ones safe. It is important to treat it with the respect it deserves. The research behind slower response times on worn tires is massive. It's not a risk worth taking.
Regular tire rotation will extend the overall life of your tires - therefore saving you money in the long run. As we've reviewed the reasons for making this the one maintenance checklist item you never skip can mean many happy years of driving your car safely and pleasurably.
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/?Why-It-Is-Important-to-Rotate-Your-Tires&id=7542704
Top 5 Reasons to Select an ASE Certified Mechanic to Repair Your Car
Top 5 Reasons to Select an ASE
Certified Mechanic to Repair Your Car
By Ron Haugen
It's time. Your car needs a repair and you didn't plan for it ahead - tsk, tsk. Now you need to find a good, dependable, quality mechanic, stat! Where do you go? How do you choose? There are many ways to evaluate mechanics and compare one against another, but one key way is to select an ASE Certified Mechanic. You've probably heard the phrase "ASE Certified" in relation to vehicles before, but what does it mean and why is it good? It refers to the National Institute for Automobile Service Excellence. The certification has been in existence since 1972 and here's all you need to know about why you should only select an ASE Certified Mechanic to repair your car.
1) ASE Certified mechanics have to pass a specialized exam. There are eight different specialties available for a mechanic to choose to be certified in. The specialization could be in specific areas such as: engine repair, automotive trans/transaxle, manual drive train and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical / electronic systems, heating and air conditioning, or engine performance. Now, just passing an exam doesn't necessarily make a mechanic qualified to work on your car; however, it does show that they have been educated in the specifics of how to diagnose and repair the components contained within their chosen specialty.
2) To be ASE Certified, you can't just pass the exam. One is also required to have at least two years of 'relevant' work experience. Now we're talking! So they have to pass a test and then work in the field for at least two years before they are eligible to be certified by the ASE.
3) The ASE also has higher levels of education, seriously, for mechanics. That's something to be impressed with in any profession. The ability to, and the subsequent decision to pursue continuing education to become a Certified Master Mechanic shows me that this mechanic both loves his craft and appreciates that it's an ever-changing field with these fast-paced technology advancements in the auto-making industry. An Master Mechanic has passed all eight specialty exams!
4) Ethics. In addition to the training and work-requirements, an ASE Certified Mechanic is held accountable to a commitment he or she has made to only engage in ethical business practices. Finally! A mechanic we can trust!
5) ASE Certified Mechanics are sought after by the most reputable dealerships and garages; why wouldn't you demand the same level of professionalism and training that others in the industry require?
Seriously though, most mechanics are good honest citizens just trying to make a living doing something they enjoy or have always been good at. But we've all heard the horror stories of shiesters and crooks in the auto mechanic industry, and quite frankly it's made us gun-shy. Asking for a mechanics certifications and only choosing ASE Certified Mechanics do perform your auto repairs will save you a tremendous amount of worry and headaches down the road. It's nice to just not have to worry about whether it's being done right and whether you're being treated fair. An ASE Certified Mechanic takes the stress out of car repairs.
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-Reasons-to-Select-an-ASE-Certified-Mechanic-to-Repair-Your-Car&id=7542698
Monday, February 25, 2013
Top 5 Benefits of a Hybrid Vehicle
Top 5 Benefits of a Hybrid Vehicle
By Ron Haugen
It seems hybrid cars are wildly gaining popularity. During your next car search do you ever wonder: Would you be happy in a hybrid vehicle? Are they cool? Do they really help the environment as much as everyone says? There are many considerations when purchasing a new car, and here are the top 5 benefits of seriously adding a hybrid vehicle to your list of top choices.
1) Fuel Economy
There is absolutely no debate that hybrid cars are more fuel efficient than their all gas counterparts. Typical hybrid gas mileage ranges from 40-50 miles per gallon. Considering that there are still all gas vehicles on your dealer's new car lot only getting 15-20 miles per gallon, fuel economy is a blessing to your hectic schedule and routine. Stopping at the dreaded gas pump less often = freedom!
2) Savings on at the pump
With the fuel economy mentioned above, one might still wonder if a hybrid vehicle, which still requires some gasoline, would a hybrid vehicle in your garage really amount to much savings at all on your monthly fuel bill. Since a hybrid vehicle only uses gas when driving over 40 miles per hour or when your battery needs charging, you could save a tremendous amount of dough on your gas bill each month. The key factor that would decide overall savings is how much stop and go city driving you do versus how much highway driving. The electric battery powers the vehicle at stops and during traditional stop and go city driving; thereby, saving you gallons of gas until you get on the highway.
3) Environmental benefits
What? You didn't realize that a hybrid is good for the environment? Seriously though, you obviously were already aware of the plethora of research and statistics that support electric car vehicles (and their hybrid cousins) as producing an astounding lesser amount of harmful fuel emissions. This is a key factor in global warming. Yes, a hybrid car is a wonderful alternative for your green initiatives.
4) Flexibility
Hybrid vehicles, unlike their all electric counterparts, don't have to be charged. As it turns out, the battery gets charged when you drive through two nifty pieces of technology. The brakes use a cool technology method of charging your battery during braking, stopping at a red light, idling, etc. We'll expand on this below. However, an additional way that your battery gets charged while you drive is that when your vehicle switches over to the gas engine, it also charges the battery. So driving on the highway all the way home from a long day at work is actually recharging your battery, too!
5) Tax Savings
Only two things are sure in life: death and taxes. But purchasing a hybrid vehicle can save you money on your tax bill to Uncle Sam. There are federal tax credits, as well as state and local tax credits as well, for taxpayers who purchase a hybrid vehicle.
These are just a few of the many benefits of considering buying a hybrid vehicle the next time you go car shopping.
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-a-Hybrid-Vehicle&id=7512443
Monday, February 18, 2013
The Top Three Benefits of Changing Transmission Fluid
The Top Three Benefits of Changing Transmission Fluid
By Ron Haugen
There has always been some debate on the pros and cons of changing your transmission fluid on a routine basis, per your vehicle owner's manual recommendation. One of the many rumored suspicions is that doing so will open your car up to having dreaded transmission issues sooner. To debunk those conspiracy theories, let's get into the meat of the topic and explore, together, why it absolutely makes sense to change it regularly; and how not doing so could actually cause your car to run sluggishly - potentially costing you precious pennies in the long run!
1) Heat is the enemy
The number one reason that manufacturers recommend you change your transmission fluid regularly is because it degrades as it continually heats up during driving. There are exhaustive studies about the precise temperatures in which its effectiveness actually wanes. Suffice it to say that most owner's manuals duly recommend changing your fluid every 30,000 miles. There is one exception to this rule: newer vehicles using Dexron III ATF fluid can often go up to 100,000 miles before needing to be changed. As you drive, and the transmission heats up, the viscosity of your fluid changes; over time, this heat causes transmissions to burn up and this is the single-most cause of transmission repairs today - burned up transmissions.
2) Gunk and sludge
As your transmission continues to heat up and it continues to break down, your car's transmission components begin to get bogged down with gunk and sludge. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to know that gunk and sludge are going to clog up your transmission gears, causing unnatural wear and tear on your vehicle's transmission. If you want your transmission to continue to operate smoothly, it is vital to keep it clean.
3) Leaky seals and putrid odors
No, I'm not talking about a horror flick here. A well-maintained machine is one whose owner regularly checks the transmission fluid levels - yes, using the dipstick! You should ideally check your transmission fluid level when your engine is warm and idling. Transmission fluid should be bright red and should smell sweet, not putrid or rancid. It shouldn't be brown or black or even dark red. It should look like the tip of the spindle after Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger. If your transmission fluid level is low, or the color is not right, it's time to change your transmission fluid and check (or have checked by the mechanic) all of the seals around the transmission for leaks.
If you want your transmission to last throughout the life of the car, it is imperative that you change your transmission fluid regularly, following your owner's manual guidelines and a few common sense rules. In today's world of disposable everything - neglecting your transmission can be a rude awakening to your wallet. The potential costs associated with ignoring the routine maintenance guidelines on your transmission could total thousands of dollars that would be better spent on a nice, warm vacation to a sunny spot this summer.
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-Three-Benefits-of-Changing-Transmission-Fluid&id=7502640
By Ron Haugen
There has always been some debate on the pros and cons of changing your transmission fluid on a routine basis, per your vehicle owner's manual recommendation. One of the many rumored suspicions is that doing so will open your car up to having dreaded transmission issues sooner. To debunk those conspiracy theories, let's get into the meat of the topic and explore, together, why it absolutely makes sense to change it regularly; and how not doing so could actually cause your car to run sluggishly - potentially costing you precious pennies in the long run!
1) Heat is the enemy
The number one reason that manufacturers recommend you change your transmission fluid regularly is because it degrades as it continually heats up during driving. There are exhaustive studies about the precise temperatures in which its effectiveness actually wanes. Suffice it to say that most owner's manuals duly recommend changing your fluid every 30,000 miles. There is one exception to this rule: newer vehicles using Dexron III ATF fluid can often go up to 100,000 miles before needing to be changed. As you drive, and the transmission heats up, the viscosity of your fluid changes; over time, this heat causes transmissions to burn up and this is the single-most cause of transmission repairs today - burned up transmissions.
2) Gunk and sludge
As your transmission continues to heat up and it continues to break down, your car's transmission components begin to get bogged down with gunk and sludge. You don't need to be a rocket scientist to know that gunk and sludge are going to clog up your transmission gears, causing unnatural wear and tear on your vehicle's transmission. If you want your transmission to continue to operate smoothly, it is vital to keep it clean.
3) Leaky seals and putrid odors
No, I'm not talking about a horror flick here. A well-maintained machine is one whose owner regularly checks the transmission fluid levels - yes, using the dipstick! You should ideally check your transmission fluid level when your engine is warm and idling. Transmission fluid should be bright red and should smell sweet, not putrid or rancid. It shouldn't be brown or black or even dark red. It should look like the tip of the spindle after Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger. If your transmission fluid level is low, or the color is not right, it's time to change your transmission fluid and check (or have checked by the mechanic) all of the seals around the transmission for leaks.
If you want your transmission to last throughout the life of the car, it is imperative that you change your transmission fluid regularly, following your owner's manual guidelines and a few common sense rules. In today's world of disposable everything - neglecting your transmission can be a rude awakening to your wallet. The potential costs associated with ignoring the routine maintenance guidelines on your transmission could total thousands of dollars that would be better spent on a nice, warm vacation to a sunny spot this summer.
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-Three-Benefits-of-Changing-Transmission-Fluid&id=7502640
Monday, January 28, 2013
Benefits of Using an Independent Repair Shop Over a Dealership
Benefits of Using an Independent Repair Shop Over a Dealership
By Ron Haugen
You just barely bought your car and it's already time to think about whether to be loyal to the dealership for your ongoing maintenance and care, or to find a reputable independent repair shop to provide all of your automotive repair and maintenance needs. There are many advantages and disadvantages of either option. However, your local repair shop may just win your heart, and your business.
For starters, they have a depth of knowledge surrounding all types of vehicles and vehicle maintenance or repair situations, not just the particular makes and models currently being sold and serviced by your dealer. When you call and say your car is making a funny noise that sounds sort of like a 'whirring and clicking' sound, typically an established independent repair shop can hone in quickly on the potential suspect; possibly saving you money on both diagnostic and long-term repair bills.
It's a hard truth that many dealership garages are staffed by younger, less experienced mechanics. That's not meant to be a knock against them. They do have the leverage of the dealership behind them. But typically an independent repair shop owner has years of auto mechanic repairs under their belt; and to boot they frequently started out at a dealership to get their certifications and experience before branching out on their own to have the American dream and become their own boss.
Your local repair shop probably has the corner on providing its clients with personal, individualized service. They know your spouse's name, your children's names and where they go to school, what your dream car is, how long you've had your current car, what your last car was, why you sold it, what other cars you own and what your favorite snack is out of the vending machine! Now none of that is necessarily solely a good enough reason to give your business to the local guy, but in today's fast-paced world there is a slowly simmering trend towards moving back to personalized service with an extra touch.
When you need a little leeway, like the shop staying open a little later so you can get there in time to pick up or drop off your vehicle, your independent shop is more likely to care, and they are also easier to get a hold of a live person. Don't get me wrong, I'm a technology geek. I love to point and click and buy or research all day long. But when I need to talk to a person, my biggest pet-peeve is getting routed through the dreaded phone menu tree.
When it comes right down to it, whether you take your car to the dealership or to a local independent repair shop for your ongoing maintenance and repair needs is entirely a personal decision. However, one key factor that we haven't touched on yet is that typically an independent guy is going to cost you less than the dealer. There's also the added benefit of possibly being able to barter for services, and it's hard to put a cap on that price savings during the entire life of your car. Look around in your area and see if there are any independent repair shops in the neighborhood. If there are, ask around, look online for reviews, go down there and introduce yourself. You may just find that you and your car are right where you belong.
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/?Benefits-of-Using-an-Independent-Repair-Shop-Over-a-Dealership&id=7473065
By Ron Haugen
You just barely bought your car and it's already time to think about whether to be loyal to the dealership for your ongoing maintenance and care, or to find a reputable independent repair shop to provide all of your automotive repair and maintenance needs. There are many advantages and disadvantages of either option. However, your local repair shop may just win your heart, and your business.
For starters, they have a depth of knowledge surrounding all types of vehicles and vehicle maintenance or repair situations, not just the particular makes and models currently being sold and serviced by your dealer. When you call and say your car is making a funny noise that sounds sort of like a 'whirring and clicking' sound, typically an established independent repair shop can hone in quickly on the potential suspect; possibly saving you money on both diagnostic and long-term repair bills.
It's a hard truth that many dealership garages are staffed by younger, less experienced mechanics. That's not meant to be a knock against them. They do have the leverage of the dealership behind them. But typically an independent repair shop owner has years of auto mechanic repairs under their belt; and to boot they frequently started out at a dealership to get their certifications and experience before branching out on their own to have the American dream and become their own boss.
Your local repair shop probably has the corner on providing its clients with personal, individualized service. They know your spouse's name, your children's names and where they go to school, what your dream car is, how long you've had your current car, what your last car was, why you sold it, what other cars you own and what your favorite snack is out of the vending machine! Now none of that is necessarily solely a good enough reason to give your business to the local guy, but in today's fast-paced world there is a slowly simmering trend towards moving back to personalized service with an extra touch.
When you need a little leeway, like the shop staying open a little later so you can get there in time to pick up or drop off your vehicle, your independent shop is more likely to care, and they are also easier to get a hold of a live person. Don't get me wrong, I'm a technology geek. I love to point and click and buy or research all day long. But when I need to talk to a person, my biggest pet-peeve is getting routed through the dreaded phone menu tree.
When it comes right down to it, whether you take your car to the dealership or to a local independent repair shop for your ongoing maintenance and repair needs is entirely a personal decision. However, one key factor that we haven't touched on yet is that typically an independent guy is going to cost you less than the dealer. There's also the added benefit of possibly being able to barter for services, and it's hard to put a cap on that price savings during the entire life of your car. Look around in your area and see if there are any independent repair shops in the neighborhood. If there are, ask around, look online for reviews, go down there and introduce yourself. You may just find that you and your car are right where you belong.
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/?Benefits-of-Using-an-Independent-Repair-Shop-Over-a-Dealership&id=7473065
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