Auto Repair Tools - Why You Should Never Leave Home Without Them

When buying a new automobile, you should endeavor to get a few basic auto repair tools alongside it.

The first way you stand to benefit from having such basic car repair tools is that, armed with them, you won't have to go rushing to the garage to have every basic mechanical problem sorted. The truth of the matter is that cars are 'mechanical beings' and it is inevitable that they break down from time to time; however carefully they are looked after. Yet some of these breakdowns are really things that you can sort out on your own; if only you have the right tools.

Among the procedures for which you don't really need to go running to a mechanic are things like spark plug replacements, air and fuel filter replacements as well as engine oil changes. In most cases, all you need to perform these are the right (very basic) auto repair tools; and just a bit of common sense!

In most places, it should not be hard to find the said basic car repair tools. The stores that deal in car accessories are a good place to look for the tools, but many supermarkets also stock them nowadays. There are even some innovative vendors who have put together all the basic car repair tools a typical motorist could ever need into simple packages (typically referred to as home repair DIY kits) that you can benefit from. With these, the need to go shopping 'bit by bit' is done away with. Some of these kits even come with detailed tutorials, complete with illustrations; to help you understand how to make use of the tools therein.

Incidentally, the specific auto repair tools we are looking at here include things like screwdrivers, a set of wrenches, breaker bars and, of course, sturdy gloves (the sort that is suitable for mechanical purposes). These are things you should have in your car at all times. More importantly, these are things whose correct usage you should have a basic knowledge of.

Take note that this advice applies to all motorists, including the owners of the modern 'computerized' cars; who have often been misled to believe that since their cars are modern and sophisticated, they don't need any knowledge of DIY auto repair. When all is said and done, every car owner needs to go under the bonnet sometime, and there is no way you will do this successfully if you don't have the requisite tools.

In addition to acquiring knowledge on repair tips, you should make sure you also have a valid auto insurance. To find out how you can get the best auto insurance coverage and price quotes, please visit our review website on [http://autoinsurancepricequotesreview.com/auto-insurance-quote-comparison.html]Auto Insurance Quote Comparison.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Auto-Repair-Tools---Why-You-Should-Never-Leave-Home-Without-Them&id=3518152] Auto Repair Tools - Why You Should Never Leave Home Without Them

Gas Fires and Fuel Saving

Gas fires are the major source of heating and cooking in our homes, offices, restaurants etc. Gas fires replaced wood fires in an attempt to conserve forests and to get efficient source of heating. With the turn of the 21st century, gas-fires have become a major threat to the environment and a burden on the national economies because of the high prices of petroleum and its products.

Natural gas fires are mostly made up of methane. It is considered to be economical than LPG, but an ever growing demand of fuel across the world has increased its cost of production. One of the greatest concerns of today is the green house effect due to the carbon dioxide-emission of petroleum products. Gas fires are known to produce lesser carbon dioxide in their combustion process, but they still make up a substantial amount of overall carbon emissions of the world. Moreover, methane itself is a green gas; meaning thereby that it promotes the green house effect in the atmosphere.

Flueless gas fire is gaining popularity in the UK and other countries, which have to face severe cold weathers for most part of the year. Flueless gas fires have an advanced technology of saving fuel. Traditional heaters used chimneys or outlets to pass out the harmful gases. A major drawback with such heaters was that they used to waste a significant amount of heat in this process, thus consuming more fuel. Flueless gas-fires combust completely, giving out water vapours and carbon dioxide only. The heat produced is trapped in the room, giving maximum fuel-efficiency. Flueless heaters which use ethanol as their fuel are even more fuel-efficient than those which rely on natural gas.

Electric, gel and solid fires are other alternatives for heating purposes. The biggest challenge faced by millions of us is to fight the economic crisis, which is making it difficult for us to meet both ends on the personal, corporate and national levels. It is not only a social duty of every individual to save energy for future generations, but also the call of time.

Mother Nature is being depleted with its natural resources at the fastest speed in history. We shall have to make collective efforts to stop exploiting the wealth of nature, and conserve it in every possible way. Gas-fires are a necessity in the winter season and in colder climates. We can take a few steps to reduce the use of gas fires in order to save fuel. We should make the best of the solar energy, which is provided to us by God, free of cost. During the day time, the use of gas fires should be minimal, and at night, only those rooms should be heated up which are used by everyone in the family. We should wear warmer clothes, even inside our homes to keep ourselves warm. While constructing our homes we should pay special attention to the various energy saving factors, which shall help us in keeping our homes warm and cosy.

Mike P Reader is an interior designer. Wide range of [http://www.hotprice.co.uk/]Gas Fires and accessories at best prices. Check wide range at [http://www.hotprice.co.uk/]http://www.hotprice.co.uk.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Gas-Fires-and-Fuel-Saving&id=3193025] Gas Fires and Fuel Saving

Avoid Car Dent Repair Costs in These 5 Ways

While it is inevitable that our cars get dings and dents from time to time, there are many ways to lessen the chances of car dents. It is important that we know exactly what the cause of our car dent was in order to avoid it in the future.

There are 5 common ways to avoid car dents, thereby, avoiding or decreasing car dent repair costs which can be very expensive sometimes.

1. Clean up your garage - if you are parking your car in your garage, make sure it is tidy enough. Sure, our garage often becomes our storage room sometimes, but if we love our car, the less clutter in the garage, the better.

2. Know how to park - let's just put it this way, if you do not know how to park, expect to bump into something from time to time. Be it a parking alley, or parking sign, or worst, another parked car.

3. Avoid parking in vulnerable places - this varies from different places but by vulnerable, it generally means places where your car is prone to vandalism or car bumps and kicks by antisocial, immature groups.

4. Park away from other vehicles - if you are not sure you can squeeze in your car in tight parking spaces, and you see a space quite far but you are sure you can park it without worries, and then by all means park it there. If this is what it takes to avoid unnecessary dents, do it.

5. Park beside cars that look well taken cared of - the rationale behind this is that if the owner of that car is able to maintain his car to look that good, then it would less likely be that he'd bump into your car while opening his doors because he's too careful himself.

But of course, no matter how careful we are, there will always be things beyond our control. If you face car dent repair problems and you do not want to spend too much, there are services you can avail of at a much cheaper price. No, I am not talking about repairing it yourself because obviously it will cost you lesser and is highly not recommended, but I am talking about mobile paintless dent repair companies who charge lesser than normal car repair shops, but produce the same quality of output. The good thing about these companies is that they come to you, instead of you coming to them.

Check out our review of Smart car repair specialists http://www.bestdentrepaircardiff.co.uk/index.html

Who are located in South Wales.Covering Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Bridgend and surrounding areas.

http://www.bestdentrepaircardiff.co.uk/the-5-most-common-smart-repairs.html

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

http://EzineArticles.com/?Avoid-Car-Dent-Repair-Costs-in-These-5-Ways&id=2905984

Saving Money On The Pump

A recent report in the Financial Times predicted that the average price for a gallon of gasoline in the United States may soon reach $3.00 . . . that's the bad news! The good news is, skyrocketing gasoline prices have caused many Americans to start looking for ways to either cut back on the miles they drive or find ways to make their cars more fuel efficient. That's good news because these fuel-saving attempts and attitudes will help reduce the fuel emissions that regularly foul our atmosphere. The question remains, just what do we need to do to spend less on gas and reap the reward of cleaner air; a few tips follow:

Get your car in shape

A well maintained car will burn less gas than one that has been neglected:

1. Keep your tires properly inflated; check your car's user's manual or look for the sticker that gives you the recommended tire inflation pressure. If your tires need replacement, look for tires that are rated as LRR (Low Rolling Resistance). Proper tire inflation along with the LRR tires will be your biggest fuel savers.

2. Change your motor oil at the manufacturer's recommended intervals and be sure to use the recommended 'weight' (viscosity) motor oil. While changing your oil, change the oil filter and check the engine air filter -- the air filter may not need to be changed every time you change your oil but it should be checked every time.

3. When you buy gas, pay attention to the octane rating marked on the gas pump -- it should fall within the octane range recommended by your car's manufacturer.

4. Buy your car a 'tune up' at the manufacturer's recommended interval -- on modern cars a tune up is mainly replacing the spark plugs, checking the engine timing and checking the spark plug wires.

Drive smart

How, where and when you drive are equally important factors in your attempt to save gas money and keep the air clean:

1. Do you really need to drive? Every trip to the store does not require car keys; walking a couple blocks will not only save your gas money it will help keep you in good health. More than just a couple blocks? Dust off your bicycle (or buy one) for those trips that are not more than two or three miles. Also consider public transportation and car pooling to and from work as gas-saving alternatives to your ignition key. If telecommuting is an option for your job, take it!

2. If you do need to drive, plan your route! Sometimes the shortest route has the most traffic congestion so you are wise to take the longer, less-traveled route to save gas by not being stuck in slow traffic. If possible, arrange your work schedule to allow you to drive to and from work in less congested traffic.

3. Slow and steady wins the race.“ When pulling away from a stop light or stop sign, go easy on the gas pedal and gradually increase speed -- jackrabbit starts are really bad for fuel efficiency . . . sudden stops don't help either, if you find yourself jamming on the breaks, you are driving too aggressively -- slow down and 'mellow out'!. When you're finally on the highway, keep your speed at the posted speed limit and, if you have a cruise control use it.

Some other fuel saving tips

1. Don't spoil your car's aerodynamics by placing luggage or other things on top of your car.

2. Keep your car windows closed; in the summer air conditioning won't effect your gas mileage as much as open windows.

3. Travel as light as you can -- more weight in your car equals poorer gas mileage.

4. If you rent a car you'll be buying your own gas so rent the most fuel-efficient car available.

5. If you are ready to trade your car in for a new one, give serious consideration to a hybrid vehicle or at least a vehicle with the best gas mileage rating you can find.

Rising gas prices will probably be with us for quite a long time so take some of these tips to heart to save money and save our environment.

Don't Fall Victim to Auto Repair Fraud - Know Your Auto Repair Shop

Since most people depend on their vehicles for their everyday activities like getting to work and running errands, repairs must be done quickly and correctly. That is why car repair fraud can turn out to be a major problem. A case brought against a large automobile repair corporation for fraud prompted the National Association of Attorneys General, or NAAG, to develop an auto repair task force. This single case included 43 states and resulted in $200,000 being allocated towards reforming the auto repair industry.

A lot of people feel they are at the mercy of auto repair shops and whatever they choose to charge, because of the sophisticated equipment in most automobiles today. Even necessary engine repairs and major truck repairs may leave the consumer questioning whether the repairs were appropriate or whether they paid too much. Mechanics have been known to replace car parts with used ones instead of new ones, so be sure to check everything carefully.

Resources like the Better Business Bureau can help people determine the auto repair shops that have received the fewest complaints, as well as those with the most compliments. Ask family and friends about car repair shops; this is the best way to find a good repairman.

When you are dealing with someone who will be repairing your car, be sure you completely comprehend any work that needs to be done. Ask questions if you do not understand something. Whenever you are having engine repairs done, get your estimate in writing. You should authorize all repairs before they are performed; be sure they understand this.

Your concerns about auto repairs may be appropriate since the National Highway Safety Administration estimates that consumers pay billions of dollars each year towards fraudulent automotive repairs. Some places even make unnecessary repairs or charge inflated repair costs to their customers, taking advantage of car owners. Think about asking the mechanic to save the used car parts from your vehicle for you when the repairs are done. Even though there is no guarantee that you will not be a victim of deception, appearing knowledgeable will hopefully make them think twice about any fraudulent work.

As a retired mechanic, Joe Drizcoll appreciates good, honest work. That's why he recommends AAMCO, an Orange County auto repair shop to all his friends. Joe can count on their La Habra brakes, transmission, and auto repair mechanics to do quality work at a reasonable price every time.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Drizcoll
http://EzineArticles.com/?Dont-Fall-Victim-to-Auto-Repair-Fraud---Know-Your-Auto-Repair-Shop&id=2650298