Helpful Hints on Hybrid Cars

Helpful Hints on Hybrid Cars

By Ron Haugen

Hybrid cars are becoming more and more popular as people start to look at alternatives to traditional gasoline. Hybrid cars can be made using several different technologies, including electric, solar, and alternative fuel supplies. In recent years some manufacturers had to start wait-listing their hybrid models because of the demand. While hybrid cars can be great, the maintenance required is very different. Here are a couple things to consider.

Batteries

When hybrid solar and electric cars first hit the market, many people were shocked to find a simple battery pack could cost as much as $2000. Considering a non-hybrid car battery can run around $100, this was a huge sticker shock for many. However, this isn't the case today. Hybrid cars have warranties just like every other model on the market. Toyota offers a 100,000 mile or 8 year warranty on their new Prius models. This should make you breathe easier. Other manufacturers that use battery packs have followed suit, offering warranties that range anywhere from 80,000 to 150,000 miles. When you consider this, the cost of replacing the battery packs isn't so outrageous. As an added plus, since the technology was first introduced to the market the prices have come down drastically. What would have cost more than $2000 just 5 years ago can now be found for as low as $500 with some research.

Scheduled Maintenance

Scheduled maintenance is an area that many people who are considering hybrids get scared of. In most cases it's not much different. You do need to find a mechanic who is skilled with working on hybrids, but that aside most of the maintenance is similar. The schedule may be a little different though. The maintenance schedule is also not the same as it generally is with other types of cars. For example, many hybrids use an air filter along with the battery system that needs to be replaced every 40,000 miles. This is in addition to regular maintenance. Oil changes should be done every 5,000 miles, which is no different than the recommendations for other types of cars. Some hybrid models can actually save you money on maintenance as well. Some models use a brake system that regenerates itself, meaning you could potentially get 80,000 miles out of your factory brake pads.

Expected Fuel Economy

We all know that we shouldn't take the showroom sticker at face value. While a car manufacturer may rate their vehicles with a high MPG rating, actual driving may decrease this. With this said, the hybrid models do typically get better fuel economy. A hybrid car will run on the alternative power under certain conditions, and switch over to fuel when it's necessary. Those who tend to drive a little on the fast side, or those who need to make long highway commutes won't see the same savings as someone who only needs to drive through the city a few miles to get to work. Most hybrids will list their rated MPG between 45-50, and actual conditions can affect this by as much as 20%. If you drive long distances at fast speeds you can expect to get around 38 MPG in most models. However, when you compare that to the fuel economy you would get with a non-hybrid you will see that you are still coming out ahead of the curve.

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/?Helpful-Hints-on-Hybrid-Cars&id=6119000

What Is Paintless Dent Removal?

What Is Paintless Dent Removal?

By Ron Haugen

Paintless dent removal is a good idea for those who have minor dents or dings they want to remove from their vehicle. It doesn't require major body work, and in most cases you can have your car back in as little as a day as opposed to several days to weeks with major body work. The cost is also much lower since the overhead is lower. There are some instances where paintless dent removal isn't possible. If you have a simple dent you want to have pulled out, here are a few things to consider.

How It Works

A technician that has been trained to use specialized tools will work on the dent locally. This means a dented door doesn't need to be removed. In most cases they will access the dent from the other side by going through a window opening or removing the door panel. The dent is then worked on from the inside, and pressed back out. It sounds simple, but it requires skill and patience. The technician needs to have experience in this so that they don't push the dent out too far or damage the surrounding paint. It is something you can do at home, but it's not suggested.

When Paintless Dent Removal is Feasible

Even large dents can be fixed with this method as long as the paint has not been shattered or cracked. If you have had previous body damage repaired in the area, this method may not work. Dents that are close to the edge of a panel are also difficult to repair with this method. The most common application for this method is door dents, dents on the hood or trunk, and dents on the roof. Hail damage can be repaired with this method, but it's a more lengthy process.

Benefits of Paintless Dent Removal

Paintless dent removal is advantageous for several reasons. For one, it's approved by most insurance companies. This means if you have damage that is covered by your auto insurance, you can get it repaired with this method and get your car back much faster. Since nothing is being replaced or removed, the vehicle will retain its factory value as well. You don't need to report body damage when you sell the vehicle. The dent won't need to be repainted or bonded in any way. When a vehicle is damaged and needs paint touch up on just a small area, it's very hard to match the color. Even if they use a color provided by the manufacturer, this doesn't take in to account the wear and tear the current paint job has, and can still stand out and be very noticeable. The turn around is also much faster. With traditional body repair you may have to relinquish your vehicle to the shop for several days, weeks for larger repairs. Paintless dent removal can be done in just a few hours and you can get your car back on the same day in many cases. Of course you want to call ahead to see what kind of schedule the technicians have, as this could hold up the process a bit. If you have to come out of pocket for the repair you will enjoy savings with paintless dent removal over traditional body work.

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/?What-Is-Paintless-Dent-Removal?&id=6105300

Tips for Getting the Right Dual Exhaust

Tips for Getting the Right Dual Exhaust

By Ron Haugen

When people think of sports cars and high performance cars, they think about dual exhaust. While some people want to purchase a vehicle with dual exhaust, others modify their own car to do so. Still others attempt to modify their vehicles, failing to realize that they will not see the benefits of it.

But what is a dual exhaust, and what can it do for your vehicle? There is plenty to work to understand about them, including their purpose an their installation. Before you seek out a vehicle or a mod on your own vehicle, work to understand as much as you can about the system.

The Purpose of a Real Dual Exhaust System

An actual system works to make your engine more efficient. The two separate exhaust pipes make it easier for the engine to rid itself of the gasses that come from the combustion of the vehicle. The 'exhaust' can come out of the engine easier, eliminating the amount of pressure that the exhaust can put on the engine. This allows the engine to be more efficient.

What does this efficiency bring to your vehicle? More power and more fuel efficiency. Your engine will be able to bring more power to your vehicle, rather than working to push out the exhaust. The car will also be able to hit the same speeds with less work, giving you strong fuel economy.

The Fake "Dual Exhaust"

It is important for many to note that there are kits that do not actually provide the benefits. This is a singular pipe that eventually splits into two pipes, right toward the end of the car. This does not provide the extra space for the exhaust to go out to, providing none of the actual benefits.

Getting Dual Exhaust On Your Vehicle

If you want to have one on your vehicle, turn to professionals who know exactly what they are doing. Take your vehicle into a mechanic shop and ask them about the benefits you will see from a real dual system. Talk to them about how much it will cost to have it done to your vehicle, and how long it will take them to do it. If you feel that the benefits outweigh the costs, have the dual exhaust professionally installed.

This system is going to be the only way for some to get the power and speed that they are looking to get out of their vehicle. For others, the exhaust is all about show. Take the time to understand as much as you can about the dual exhaust system. You may find that it is pointless for your needs, or that it is something that you should seriously consider investing in. This knowledge will help you to make the right decision and the right purchase.

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-for-Getting-the-Right-Dual-Exhaust&id=6072649

What You Need to Know About Catalytic Converters

What You Need to Know About Catalytic Converters

By Ron Haugen

A catalytic converter is a device that has been mandatory to put on vehicles since 1975. The threat of air pollution is staggering and with it there is not as much of a threat as there used to be. This device is made to help reduce the harmful emissions that come out of the exhaust of your vehicle.

Noxious Gases

If there is not a catalytic converter put onto a vehicle, then the emissions that come from the vehicle can do serious damage to the ozone. These gases include carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and hydrocarbons. It is these gases that cause ugly smog and kill off plant life. It also is what a lot of people have to thank for their respiratory issues.

What it Uses

It will use a type of metallic catalyst. It will cause a chemical reaction up against the noxious gases that will turn them into gases that are not as harmful. The main 3 metals that are use are often rhodium, platinum or even palladium.

History

In the 1960s, the catalytic converter was made. When the 1970s rolled around more and more vehicles were made with these devices. However, in 1975, the Clean Air Act was passed and this meant that every single vehicle that was made had to have a catalytic converter. Since then, a lot of improvements have been made with this particular device. It is so much more efficient than it was back in the 1960s and the 1970s. Since the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA has come about there have been a lot of improvements to make this device work better than ever.

Catalytic Converter Failure

While it is illegal in most areas for a mechanic to remove them, it may be necessary to replace it. These devices can fail because of exhaust valves that have gone bad on your engine or an overheated converter caused by plugs that have been fouled and have caused unburned fuel. It is difficult to know for sure if there is something wrong with them. However, it is typically clogged if you push down on the gas pedal and do not go faster. It also may be the problem is there is a large drop in your gas mileage. A converter that is partially dropped will be something of an engine governor. It will limit the overall RPMs down. If the device is completely clogged, then the engine will not run for long. Expect it to quit completely after only a couple of minutes.

Fixing a Catalytic Converter

If yours is damaged and needs to be repaired or replaced, do not try to do this yourself. Your device will have a long running warranty on it more than likely. Take it to an ASE certified mechanic and allow them to do the work for you. If you do not properly fix this device it could do serious damage to your vehicle that is irreversible.

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/?What-You-Need-to-Know-About-Catalytic-Converters&id=5975290

Basics About Shocks and Struts On Your Car

Basics About Shocks and Struts On Your Car

By Ron Haugen

It is important that you understand the basics about the shocks and struts on your car. There is a good chance that you have been told a time or 2 by an auto technician that the shocks and the struts are blown on your vehicle and will need to be replaced. The price will often be a lot more than you expected and you will find yourself wondering if it is really that necessary to get them replaced. Like all parts on your vehicle, it is a good idea to try to have a basic understanding on what everything does and its importance to your vehicle and its ability to run.

Shocks and Struts in Vehicles

It is important to know that not all vehicles will have shocks and struts. Some vehicles will just have shocks while others will only have struts. Shocks will be the part of the vehicle that has to do with the suspension. The strut will have to do with the suspension assembly. The struts and the shocks in your vehicle will have 2 functions. The spring oscillation will be dampened thanks to them and the help with overall ride control. The springs that are in your vehicle are there to absorb the road shocks. Many people assume that the shock absorbers do this. However, the shock absorber is there to help the bouncing spring. Without the shock absorbers there the ride would suddenly become very bumpy and difficult to handle. Imagine when you hit a very large and deep pothole at a high speed; every small bump would be like this.

Symptoms of Trouble

The symptoms of trouble with your vehicle will include your vehicle swaying or rolling when you turn it. The rear end of your vehicle will squat whenever you accelerate. The front end will dive whenever you attempt to slow down or stop. Also, the vehicle will slide or bounce sideways whenever you are on a rough or winding road. You can also expect your vehicle to completely bottom out on any bump. Bottoming out is when the undercarriage of your vehicle hits the ground.

Additional Problems

If your shocks or struts begin to have problems, then they can cause other problems with your vehicle. The wear and tear of your tires will be done so at an accelerated pace if the shocks and struts are not where they're supposed to be. You can also expect for there to be issues with the CV joints, steering linkage, springs and the ball joints. The longer the struts and shocks go without upkeep the more damage will be done overall to your vehicle. It can end up costing you a lot more money than the original bill.

Prevention

The best way to prevent against any damage to our shocks or struts is to have your ASE certified auto technician check them out regularly. Every time you get your oil changed you should have them looked at. The sooner you get them fixed and working properly the less damage will be done.

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/?Basics-About-Shocks-and-Struts-On-Your-Car&id=5975254

Tips for All Wheel Drive Vehicles

Tips for All Wheel Drive Vehicles

By Ron Haugen

There are a lot of different all wheel drive systems one should know about. It basically means that there is power that is given to all 4 of the wheels. Because there are so many different car makers that all have different ideas of how to take advantage of it is confusing. It is a good idea to know what each one does and how it works.

Four Wheel Drive

You will hear about them pretty often. This is usually a part time system. They are meant primarily for conditions where there is low traction. This means driving in the ice or snow or going off road.

All Wheel Drive

When you hear about them, it is usually full time. These particular systems are made to work on any type of surface. This means whether you or off road or on a city street. When you have this system, it can be turned off. However, it often cannot be turned on or off.

Torque

Torque is what is needed for your vehicle to move. It is the twisting force that your engine makes. The different gears in your transmission will split up between all 4 of the wheels with torque. A lot of people do not realize that the most amount of torque that is made will actually depend on the amount of traction and has nothing to do with the engine.

Installation

Many people will purchase a vehicle and later want to put all wheel drive on it. If this is something that you want to do, then it is doable. With the help of an experienced mechanic you can get it installed onto your vehicle. Look around and compare prices. Be sure that the mechanic that you choose is one that is ASE certified. This is a big job and it is best to have a person that knows what they are doing for this task. If you get a person that is unsure of how to do it they could do serious and irreversible damage to your vehicle. It is best to feel as confident as possible in the work that your mechanic can do to your vehicle. Expect the installation prices to be expensive as this is a big job and will take a lot of labor.

Benefits

Of course the benefits for all wheel drive are great. If you live in an area where there is a lot of snow and ice, then this is a good thing to have. It also works well if you go off road a lot or live out in the country. Keep in mind that all wheel drive cannot help you if the ground is especially slippery, this is where you have to rely on your anti lock brakes and the shape that your tires are in. Tires that are bald will have trouble driving on roads that are in good condition so keep them maintained.

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-for-All-Wheel-Drive-Vehicles&id=5931126

ASE Certification for Auto Technicians

ASE Certification for Auto Technicians

By Ron Haugen

The ASE certification for auto technicians is extremely important. No matter what you get fixed on your vehicle you should always get it done by a mechanic that is ASE certified. If you do not, then you run the risk of getting your car broken in a way that cannot be repaired. If an auto technician does not know what they are doing, then they could cause you to be on foot for a very long time. An auto technicians job is not an easy one, they need to be certified if they want to get a job at most shops. However, anybody can work out of their own garage.

The Importance of it

The ASE certification is extremely important. This means that they have gone to and completed the necessary classes that have to do with the skills that they need. They will be taught how to do everything necessary on a vehicle. Everything from changing the oil to fixing a transmission will be covered in these courses. There are a lot of things that can go wrong with a vehicle. This is why you need to know that the auto technician that you take it to is prepared for every possible scenario.

What it Means

If an auto technician has been ASE certified, then they can get a job at most auto repair shops. All auto repair shops will require for every single one of their technicians to be certified. They will sometimes have specialty mechanics for special jobs but the rest of them will be able to handle most any general problem that will come their way. ASE certification means that they are skilled and knowledgeable in just about anything that can go wrong with just about any vehicle.

Look for it

It is so important to look for the certification whenever you talk to any mechanic. Just because a person knows a lot about vehicles does not mean that they are certified. They will hang their certification up on a wall somewhere to show that they are. Some shops will have them wear a uniform where it states it on a badge somewhere on them. It is important to always look for the certification when you take your vehicle anywhere to get it fixed or even for a simple maintenance job.

Specialties

There will be a total of 9 specialty areas that will come along with ASE certification. The most common form of certification will be for light trucks and autos. However, there will be some ASE certified auto technicians that will have specialty certifications which mean that this is the type of work that they excel in. Engine repair is one of the big specialties. The engine can be very complex and get to be expensive to fix. Automatic transmission as well as manual drive train and axles are 2 other specialties. Brakes and suspension and steering are 2 more specialties as well as electronic and electrical systems. Heating and air conditioning and engine performance are more specialties. The last specialty is light vehicle diesel engine.

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/?ASE-Certification-for-Auto-Technicians&id=5881537