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VIN Characters Decoded

2012-08-21T01:10:00.001-04:00

Detroit automobile manufacturers began stamping and casting identifying numbers on cars and their parts in the mid-1950's. The primary purpose of this vehicle identification number (VIN) was to give an accurate description of the vehicle when mass production numbers were starting to scale in very significant numbers. The early VIN numbers came in a range of variations depending on the individual manufacturer at that time.

In the early 1980's the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (USDOT) required that all road vehicles must contain a 17 character VIN. This established the standard fixed VIN system which major vehicle manufacturers use today. The result was a unique style number for each individual vehicle that rolled off the assembly line.

The Vehicle Identification Number was originally described in ISO Standard 3779 in February 1977 and last revised in 1983. The ISO-VIN was designed to identify motor vehicles, trailers, motorcycles and mopeds and consists of several parts described in the diagram.

At AutoStopUSA.com you can search for your vehicle parts by VIN characters. Select Online Catalog and then go to VIN Number Search.

Car Maintenance Tips

2012-08-13T13:49:00.000-04:00

How do you know when your brakes need work? These symptoms may tell you.

Brake pad wear. On many vehicles, you can inspect your brake pads by bending down and looking through the spaces in the wheel rims. If the outer pad (the piece pressing against the metal rotor) is less than ¼-inch thick, the pads need to be replaced. The longer you put it off, the more you risk causing expensive damage to other parts of the brake system.

Squealing, screeching, scraping or grinding noises. When your brake pads get thin, a metal wear indicator on the pad emits a high-pitched squeal that lets you know it's time to have your brakes checked (before any damage is done). But if you hear the grinding or scraping sound of metal-on-metal, it could mean you've waited too long and you're damaging the rotors every time you brake. Get to a service station as soon as possible.

Decreased stopping power. If the brakes are "mushy" or feel like they're sinking to the floor when you press on the pedal, you might have a leak in the air hose or brake fluid line.

The car vibrates or pulls to one side when braking. While these symptoms have a variety of possible causes, they could indicate warped rotors, uneven wear on the brake pads or other brake-related problems that need to be addressed by a trained mechanic. More=>

Top 8 Car Maintenance Myths

2012-08-08T16:39:00.000-04:00

Want to save hundreds of dollars a year on automobile maintenance? Then stop over-maintaining your vehicle. Sales pitches by fast-and-furious oil change shops and service centers touting all sorts of fluid flushes and lube jobs have Americans wasting wads of cash on unnecessary service items -- particularly on newer vehicles.

Often bewildered by the mass of electronics, wires and hoses that adorn a modern engine, many drivers simply put themselves at the mercy of service facilities that may only be interested in running up your bill.

Of course there's the flip side to all of this: Some drivers never have their cars serviced and then wonder why the engine seizes after the oil has turned to sludge.

But it's more likely that you're one of those drivers who follow the maintenance advice your dad gave you 30 years ago when you got your first car.

Thanks to computer-controlled ignitions, improvements in filter technology, upgraded suspension designs and other mechanical improvements developed by the manufacturers, today's vehicles require far less maintenance than the cars our parents drove. More=>

Experts Urge Vehicle Maintenance in Times of High Heat

2012-08-05T14:30:00.000-04:00

Sweltering temperatures don't just make your car uncomfortable to sit in, that heat can also do damage. If you aren't paying attention to your car, or haven't had it serviced in awhile, things could go awry. Blazing hot temperatures mean more business for auto mechanic shops. These shops have stocked up on coolant and thermostats because the extreme heat does more to a car than make it uncomfortable. "There's a lot of things that the heat does to your car, it makes it run hot, especially if there's something wrong with radiator or something," said Sandra Ward, Wilson resident.

Ward had her tire pressure checked before a roadtrip because low pressure can cause the tire to overheat and blow out. Charlie Murphy, a mechanic at Firestone, said these recent hot days have brought in many with hose failures, which is the seals and gaskets where the engine is put together. "Extreme heat causes a lot of stress on the cooling system of the engine, and it will break down," said Murphy. More=>

Top 10 Car Maintenance Mistakes

2012-08-02T15:09:00.000-04:00

Compared to the family trucksters of a generation ago, modern cars require about as much maintenance as a toaster. This is a real liberation from the oil, lube and tune merry-go-round that ruled not so long ago.

Curiously, many people haven't adjusted their thinking to keep pace with new car maintenance schedules. The preoccupied still run their daily drivers without service until the dash warning lights burn out, while over-achievers fret about running synthetic oil more than 2,500 miles without a change.

Although maintenance intervals are now more widely spaced, even the newest cars require scheduled service to live long, productive lives. Whether yours is the latest model or you paid it off years ago, the trick is giving your car the maintenance it was designed to receive.

Surprisingly, the answer to what maintenance is required is hiding no farther away than the glove box. Every car is supplied with a maintenance schedule — in the owner's manual or in a separate maintenance log book — that details that vehicle's needs. A few minutes assimilating these requirements will help you avoid the following common car-maintenance pitfalls. More=>

Hot Lap For Camaro SS 1LE

2012-07-31T20:28:00.000-04:00

Chevrolet recently took a 2013 Camaro SS enhanced with the 1LE performance package for testing on Virginia International Speedway’s four-mile Grand Course, where the production car turned a lap in less than three minutes.

With Camaro engineer Aaron Link at the wheel, the coupe equipped with the $3,500 package hit a time of 2:58.34 on the winding road course, just a tad slower than the 2:52.40 time recorded earlier this year by Link driving the full-on Camaro ZL1.

The test Camaro SS, powered by the standard 6.2-liter LS3 V8 rated at 426 horsepower, was production spec other than a race seat and roll cage for safety, according to Chevrolet. More=>

NASCAR Approves Redesigned 2013 Cars

2012-07-31T15:41:00.000-04:00

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — NASCAR has approved all four automakers' new Sprint Cup Series race car designs for next season.

Series officials announced Monday that the new Chevrolet SS, Dodge Charger, Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry designs have met the necessary targets for approval based on final aerodynamic tests July 18. Manufacturers can begin making parts and pieces for the new models, which will make their racing debut at Daytona International Speedway next February.

The new cars will bring a significantly different look next season as they are designed to look more like their passenger car counterparts.

"We commend the manufacturers and our team at the R&D center on all the hard work they've put into this new car," said NASCAR vice president of competition Robin Pemberton. "With all the designs and surface areas of the car now approved, manufacturers can now move forward with building the components needed to outfit their cars. The wind tunnel testing we've had with the manufacturers over the past several months has given us the timely and necessary data we needed to come to this confirmation. We believe the new car is going to be a milestone opportunity for our sport, one that our fans will embrace." More=>

Maintenance Tips for Conventional Brakes

2012-07-29T01:49:00.001-04:00

Check brake fluid level every 10,000 miles
Check friction material every 10,000 miles
Check brake cables every 10,000 miles
Change brake fluid every 20,000 miles

When doing a complete brake job, refinish rotors and drums, replace brake pads or shoes, inspect, clean and repack wheel bearing and replace grease seal.

With a second brake job, replace calipers, wheel cylinders and brake hardware. Always replace pads with the same type of friction material (organic or semimetallic). Replace brake drums or rotors if they are under minimum specifications

Anti-lock brake systems (ABS)

2012-07-29T01:40:00.002-04:00

Anti-lock brake systems (ABS) consists of two subsystems:

1. The hydraulic system, consisting of the master cylinder, calipers, wheel cylinders, pads, shoes and associated connecting valves, lines and hoses, as in a conventional brake system.

2. The ABS controller (computer), its associated sensors (INPUTS), actuators (OUTPUTS), required wiring and connectors.

The computer receives signals form the individual wheel sensors regarding the speed of each wheel. It then compares the speed of each wheel with that of the others. If that comparison indicates wheel lockup is present, appropriate signals are sent to the various valves and actuators to raise or lower hydraulic pressure to the individual wheels to correct the skid. This action is repeated thousands of times per second, producing maximum stopping ability under all conditions. All of this activity goes unnoticed by the driver unless the computer detects a component fault and the “BRAKE” or “ABS” warning light is illuminated on the dashboard.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell

2012-07-21T23:35:00.001-04:00

Most of what appeared on this concept will see production this year. Like the Jaguar C-X75, the Benz will feature motors at each wheel and be AWD.

But the E-Cell will be purely electric, with a huge 48-kilowatt-hour battery, instantaneous peak torque of 649 lb-ft, and the equivalent of 526 hp. No word on the range yet.

Mercedes promises 0-to-60 acceleration in a little over 4 seconds, which is quite an accomplishment since the E-Cell is going to be considerably heavier than the V8-powered gas SLS.

By the way, a neat trick of a four-motor car is that all power delivery can be controlled on location at each wheel, including overdriving a wheel for faster cornering, for instance.

American Muscles meets the Italian Design

2012-07-18T12:11:00.001-04:00

The Puritalia 427, is inspired by the classic body shapes of the iconic 1965 Shelby Cobra, updated by modern style and enhanced by the distinctive Italian design fingerprint. A light and powerful 2-seater roadster with a prestigious background, designed to offer the best driving experience without giving up comfort and daily driving use.

They decided to design and engineer the 427 simply because a similar car doesn't exist. It is unique in design, in style, and most importantly in the way we build it. As in the past, simplicity was the idea behind the development of the true 2-seat sports car leaving exotic and extreme solutions out of the equation.

The constant research of simplicity is the 427 refinement. The result, a powerful car using the best in class technologies and materials to enhance and elevate the driver’s experience. An exclusive item to own and designed for those who still love the pleasure of driving their own car and not be driven by it.

The Future of the Automotive Industry

2012-07-18T10:54:00.002-04:00

The automobile industry is not going anywhere soon. As the trends in the automotive industry continue, there exists both old and new opportunities available for those interested in franchising to get involved. Car maintenance, repairs, and body services are regularly going to be in demand regardless of whether people prefer to buy new cars or keep their old ones.

The green movement has hit the automotive industry as all car manufacturers are focusing their attention on producing more environmentally friendly and fuel efficient vehicles. As this infant market matures, there will be a demand for services from businesses that understands how to cater to these specific types of vehicles.

For potential business owners who have an interest in the automotive industry, partaking in an automotive franchise provides a good opportunity for everyone.

People are holding their cars longer

2012-07-18T10:51:00.000-04:00

As the United States slowly recovers from a recession, consumers are still tight on their budgets and conserving the amount of luxury goods they purchase including new cars and other vehicles. According to the automotive industry research firm R.L. Polk & Co., consumers are holding their cars, on average, for 63.9 months, which is up 4.5 months from the previous year.

Additionally, the quality of cars have increased leading people to hold their cars for longer periods of time without the need to purchase new ones. While this can lead to reduced car sales, it can increase the need for repair and maintenance as people choose to keep their older cars.

The Automotive Industry in 2012

2012-07-18T10:46:00.002-04:00

Car makers such as General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler have been sparking headlines in the past few years over disappointing demand and sales results. While it’s true that these Big Three automakers have had to cut costs and redevelop their strategy, the automotive industry remains a significant contributor to the United States’ economy and has begun to climb back from the difficult challenges they have faced in recent years.

High oil prices in the mid 1990s caused many consumers to shift away from high fuel dependent vehicles like SUVs and Hummer’s that the US automakers were producing to lighter and more compact cars. Sales dropped dramatically as more and more people preferred the smaller and more fuel efficient Japanese cars to the more high powered American ones. The financial crisis in 2008 made matters worse as car sales further plummeted and the Big Three needed billions of dollars in government bailout funds.

As of 2010, the automotive market contributed to approximately 4% of the United States’ GDP and employed millions of workers. Sales have risen 11% since last year and is expected to maintain stable growth for the next few years.

These recent events have changed the landscape of the automotive market, but they have also created large amounts of opportunities for aspiring business owners to capitalize on the recent transformation of the automotive industry.

Porsche GT3 Cup

2012-07-16T01:44:00.001-04:00

Sharing video Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge 2012 Circuit Mont Tremblant

Can't find what you are looking for? Special Orders Request Form

2012-07-15T20:27:00.002-04:00

AutoStopUSA.com is committed to giving you the very best in customer satisfaction and this is why we provide a link on our homepage to let you tell us what you are looking for. If you can't find what you are looking for in our online catalog please feel free to submit our Special Orders Request Form and one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff will promptly assist you with your items.

Please feel free to follow this link to our Special Orders Request Form

Thank you for your continued support from all of us at AutoStopUSA.com

New and Used Automobile Engines

2012-07-15T12:14:00.002-04:00

Motors and transmissions are integral parts of any automobile. If you are looking for high quality motors for replacement, AutoStopUSA.com is the trustworthy and dependable source.

We offer a wide selection of original equipment and aftermarket motors and motor parts for all Makes and Models. You are sure to get pleasant shopping experience when you get quality and performance products from AutoStopUSA.com

If you want more information or have questions about any motor or motor parts, please feel free to complete our quote request form or call toll-free 1-877-433-4176 and one of our friendly and knowledgeable sales staff will assist you.

NGK spark plugs on sale now

2012-07-14T22:26:00.004-04:00

Spark plugs are one of the most crucial components in your car. One kind of spark plug that you will find in the market today and commonly used on various cars is the NGK spark plug. A spark plug can be thought of as an electric device that screws into the cylinder head of the engine with a part of the spark plug placed inside of the internal combustion engine. Like most spark plugs, the NGK spark plug in your car has an insulated center electrode which is connected by a heavily insulated wire to an ignition coil circuit outside. This spark plug is commonly made of quality materials in order for it to last long in its service. Installing one of these spark plugs in your car is a very easy thing to do with the right tools and proper instructions.

We now have NGK high performance spark plugs for $12.81 plus shipping. NGK is the world leader in spark plugs and plug wires for both original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and the aftermarket.

We also stock other Iridium spark plugs, Platinum spark plugs and even hand made racing spark plugs from companies like NGK, Denso, Champion and Autolite. Visit us online at AutoStopUSA.com

Spark Plug ITR4A15

Part Number:W0133-1633420
Manufacturer:NGK
Weight:0.05lbs.

AutoStopUSA.com Mirror Sites

2012-07-14T15:26:00.004-04:00

We can now be found under two new domains:

www.AutoStopUSA.net
www.AutoStopUSA.org

Used Automotive Parts

2012-07-14T12:37:00.001-04:00

AutoStopUSA.com specializes in used automotive parts. We will delivery the parts to your preferred shipping company for free within our delivery area.

We have hundreds of late-model vehicles dismantled every week. We carry a large selection of door assemblies, front ends, low-mileage engines and transmissions, glass, sheet metal parts, steering columns and much, much more. We stock thousands of parts and assemblies ready for delivery.

Visit us at AutoStopUSA.com for more information.

Performance Parts

2012-07-14T01:42:00.001-04:00

AutoStopUSA.com the name in automotive performance has everything you need to make your vehicle perform at its best. AutoStopUSA.com sells only quality speed and performance products offered from some of the top name brands in the automotive performance industry.

We carry all the major brands of performance products. We offer the best high performance parts at the best prices. We strive to give the best customer service to everyone from beginners to experts with their automotive parts needs.

Our philosophy is simple, we want to give you the quality, value and service that you have come to expect from us. We thank you once again for making AutoStopUSA.com one of the nation's top automotive performance parts dealer.

Looking to accessorize your Truck or SUV?

2012-07-14T01:33:00.002-04:00

Looking to accessorize your Truck or SUV? Than you’ve come to the right place. We now offer the finest quality accessories for your vehicle. We look forward to servicing your needs in a professional and timely manner.

Since our inception AutoStopUSA.com has been committed to serving the domestic and international community with the finest automotive parts. Building on that commitment, we have provided our staff with top tier training in the automotive parts industry. We have for many years maintain an experienced and reliable sales staff to answer all your questions.

AutoStopUSA.com can help bring your Truck or SUV to life with a variety of accessories that can fit your budget. Our accessories are of the highest quality in the industry. We have accessories such as front grill guards, tail lamp guards, step bars, tonneau covers, fender flares, trunk or bed spoilers and a wide selection of head lamps and tail lamps for all makes and models.

Interior Automotive Parts

2012-07-14T01:18:00.005-04:00

At AutoStopUSA.com we specialize in interior parts for most makes and models of vehicles. We supply OEM (original equipment replacement parts) door panels, quarter panels, airbags, seatbelts, switches, inner finish trim panels and also complete seats and much more at the best prices possible.

By supplying your vehicle’s 17 digit identification number (VIN) we will assure that you will receive the correct interior part and color for a perfect fit every single time. We look forward to hearing from you with your parts request. Call us toll-free at 1-877-433-4176. We will be happy to assist you.

Electrical and A/C Automotive Parts

2012-07-14T01:12:00.001-04:00

AutoStopUSA.com offers a full line of air conditioning and electrical parts at wholesale prices. We offer some of the best A/C compressors and electrical parts available for most makes and models. Looking for great prices on a wide selection of A/C and Electrical Products? Than you are in the right place.

Our friendly professional sales department staff is trained to assist you with the identification of the items you require. We are dedicated to the highest level of service possible to assure your continuous ongoing loyalty and confidence in us for years to come. We understand that your vehicle is a mayor investment and that is why we care for each customer's vehicle as if it were our own and this is why we supply OEM (original equipment replacement parts) from top brand manufacturers.

We hope to give you all the information you need for a safe and fast online shopping experience. If you have any questions feel free to give us a call today. Our toll-free number is 1-877-433-4176 or fax in your request at our toll-free fax at 1-877-463-8906

The best way to fix your vehicle.

2012-07-14T00:47:00.002-04:00

Accidents happen. AutoStopUSA.com can help you restore the value of your vehicle when one occurs. When repairing your vehicle’s body it is imperative the repairs are done properly. Relying on AutoStopUSA.com for all your automotive auto parts you can be sure that your vehicle will be restored to factory repair specifications with quality body parts at competitive prices.

With our experienced and knowledgeable sales department you can be assure that you will receive the correct body parts for the repair of your vehicle.

Please visit our convenient online store with thousands of items in stock now. If you can’t find the item you are looking for just fill out of our Special Order Request Form for an immediate response.