How Close is Too Close?

While getting close to nature is a common motivation for many people who enjoy going camping there is such a thing as too close. If you’re more comfortable sleeping with the knowledge that there’s something more substantial than a sheet between you and the weather, the insects and the wildlife then camper is a good idea. Not only will you sleep more soundly, but you’ll stay warmer too.

Avoid models with pop-up or slide out components, as these tend to be less structurally sound points on the whole. It’s also a good idea to consider the nature of the location you’ll be parking it, as some models have features that just don’t work in more primitive campsites. Electrical components, hot water, and anything else that might need a hook-up to function should be avoided unless you know you’ll be able to use it where you’re going.

How’s Your Driving?

For all intents and purposes, there are three ways to get your camper on-site and you’ll need to choose between them. The easiest to get around in range in size from over-sized vans to very large cross-country buses, and are entirely self-contained. If you own a vehicle with a tow-hitch, and you know how to use it, you can pull in, unhitch, and have full use of your vehicle for the duration of your stay. Finally, if you’re a truck owner, there are campers that sit in the bed of your truck and take up very little space.

Be aware that larger RVs may require a special endorsement on your license, or an entirely new driving test in order to legally operate it on the road. Driving with a trailer, in smaller RVs or with a truck-bed camper on will simply require some time to familiarize yourself with the limitations of the vehicle. Either way, there’s more involved than simply driving it off the lot once the paperwork is signed.

Whether you’re an avid camper, taking your retirement on the road, or just upgrading from a tent to something more substantial there are important factors to consider. Understanding your motivations and limitations will help you to narrow those choices down and pick out the camper that’s right for your needs.

The post Bigger Isn’t Always Better: Choosing The Right Camper For You appeared first on Treating Transmission Troubles.

Look For A Shop That Performs Independent Estimates

One of the first things you should look for is a shop that performs independent estimates.  This is important because you want to make sure that the work is priced according to its actual cost, rather than based upon what the insurance company is paying.

If your insurer is paying for the repairs, you have likely had a visit from an adjuster, who went over your car, reviewed the damages, and cut a check so you can get it fixed.  When you go to a repair shop, they may ask you if the repairs are covered by the insurance company, and if so, how much was given to you.  Although this could be their way to determine if your car can be fixed at that rate, you want to make sure that you aren’t given an estimate with inflated prices to reach the check amount.

Instead, seek out a shop that is willing to perform an independent estimate.  This gives you the opportunity to compare it to the money that was given to you by the adjuster to determine if you have enough to cover it, or if you’ll have to pay a portion of the fee out-of-pocket.

Look For A Shop That Specializes In Your Brand Of Vehicle

Just like you wouldn’t go to a Chinese restaurant and expect to order a taco, you also shouldn’t expect to go to a domestic repair shop and receive the ultimate car for your foreign car.  Seek out a repair shop that specializes in your car’s brand.  The technicians there will most likely know your car in and out, and can help get it back where it needs to be.

Choosing the right repair facility doesn’t have to be difficult if you know what to do.  When your car needs to be repaired, keep these tips in mind so you can be satisfied with your selection. Visit a site like http://www.autobodyomaha.com to learn more.

The post Two Tips To Help You Select The Right Auto Repair Shop appeared first on Treating Transmission Troubles.

Get The History

Most cars that have been deemed salvaged have endured some kind of accident. The insurance company may have decided the vehicle is a total loss, and the owner does not want to spend the money to make the repairs, so it heads to the salvage lot. If you’re handy with cars, this can be a good buying opportunity for you. Before you decide to buy a car that’s been in an accident, make sure you get the full history of the car. This also goes for stolen vehicles and any car that has been vandalized. The salvage lot should have the complete title history that can be provided to you. If they don’t, you may want to shop around elsewhere.

Understand The Value

Since a car with a salvaged title will never have the same value as one without one, you should take this into consideration when you purchase the salvaged car. If you’re just looking for a mode of transportation and aren’t worried about resale, then this monetary value won’t hold as much weight. But if you are just trying to buy low and possibly sell in the future, you may not get as much money for a salvaged car. Consider the year, make, model, mileage, and condition of the car when you look at the overall value. Even if the car looks and drives perfectly, having a salvage title attached to it will rarely if ever bring you much profit when you try to sell.

Get An Inspection

Even if you’re great at understanding what to look for in a good quality car, you should enlist the help of an independent inspector when you go to make a purchase. You can also ask a friend to come along who knows a lot about cars so they can take a look under the hood. Qualified inspectors are a good option, since they can look for things you might miss, and will help you determine if buying the car will be worth it in the long run. As long as you have someone knowledgeable with you to inspect the car, you will have better peace of mind when you decide to buy the vehicle. Be sure the vehicle has working airbags and seat belts that are intact. Check each door to be sure it closes and opens properly, and look for other important safety features. You’ll want to make sure the salvaged vehicle you purchase is not only in good working condition, but that it’s completely safe to drive as well. 

For more information, contact companies like Fox Valley Iron Metal & Auto Salvage Inc.

The post Getting The Best Value From A Salvaged Car appeared first on Treating Transmission Troubles.

Mistake: Installing new brake pads in a backwards position.

Why? The why on this is an obvious thing, because even a rookie knows that backwards brakes are not going to work properly. Even though it may seem like a nonsense mistake that would be difficult to make, installing the brake pads in a backwards position does happen fairly often. This is simple due to lack of experience with the inner working parts of the brake system on a vehicle and how things should be properly positioned. You would be amazed at how confusing things can get and how easy it is to get turned around while you are working on brakes.

Mistake: Ignoring the rotor during brake installation.

Why? So you have a brand new box of brake pads and all that you have to do is slap them in place to work, right? Unfortunately, once brakes start to wear thin, it can take a toll on the rotor that they press against to cause the vehicle to slow down, leaving behind grooves, notches, and surface discrepancies. If you choose to ignore the rotor and not have it turned or machined by a professional during new brake pad installation, you could still have problems with squeaking, grinding, and rough turning. Make sure you carefully assess the rotors of each wheel after removing the tire to install new brakes and have the rotor machined back to a new surface if necessary.

Mistake: Not taking the time to remove soil and debris from hardware during brake installation.

Why? Gunk, grime, and debris builds up over time on the hardware of the brake calipers, pads, and shoes. Before you put new brakes in place, make sure you take a few minutes to clean all of these things. If you don’t, it can compromise the quality and stopping power of the new brakes you install.

The bottom line is this: Installing brakes is not always as cut and dry as what you likely think. If you need new brakes, it is a good idea to take your vehicle in for brake service with a certified mechanic instead of trying to tackle the task on your own.

The post Taking A Closer Look At The Biggest Mistakes Rookies Make When Installing Brakes appeared first on Treating Transmission Troubles.

Save Money to Spend on Your Car Instead

Buying a car trailer isn’t cheap, and you probably won’t want to buy the cheapest model out there, either. If you rent a car trailer when you need it, you will be able to keep cash in your pocket. Then, you’ll have money to put toward fixing up your car or buying another prized vehicle.

Avoid Maintenance from Long Road Trips

When you go to car shows, you might make pretty long trips from home. Just as with any other vehicle, your car trailer will need a lot of maintenance if it is taken on long road trips. Buying tires and other parts can get costly, and doing the maintenance can take away from time that you might otherwise spend on fixing up your car. If you rent a car trailer when you need one, however, you won’t have to worry about this.

Show Up in Style

Even though you might be going to a car show to show off your vehicle and not your trailer, you probably won’t want to show up in a trailer that you can’t be proud of. However, buying a nice, shiny trailer might not be in your budget. If you rent a trailer, you will be able to bring your car to each car show in a nice, attractive trailer that you can be proud of.

Switch it Up When Needed

You might find that you need to switch up your car trailers every now and then. For example, if you are traveling with your car club, you might need a bigger trailer. You might switch back and forth between bringing along only one car or bringing two. Renting will allow you to rent different types of car trailers, depending on your needs for that particular car show.

As you can see, renting a car trailer rather than buying one can be a smart decision if you participate in car shows. Luckily, there are car trailer rental companies that will allow you to do just that each time that you have a show scheduled. Talk with a rental service like Route 12 Rental Co Inc. for more information.

The post Why You Should Rent A Car Trailer Instead Of Buying One For Car Shows appeared first on Treating Transmission Troubles.

Glass Sealer

Most automotive stores, hardware stores, and even gas stations will sell auto glass sealer, which can be used to fix scratches or dents up to six inches long. Avoid applying the sealant if your windshield is wet, as moisture can prevent the sealant from setting properly. Additionally, the sealant tends to work best at room temperature. Simply buy a tube of this and apply it carefully along the length of the scratch, using the included brush, and then rubbing it evenly with a soft, lint-free rag, ensuring that there is no excess spread on the rest of the glass.

Let it sit for a while (the exact time will depend on the type of sealant used, and can be found on the bottle) before you begin driving again. If the crack begins to reappear, you’ll have to refill the sealant, but if it becomes a chronic problem, you should bring your vehicle into an auto glass shop to have it repaired.

Professional Repair

Though it will cost more than the tube of sealant that you purchased, professional auto glass repair for small scratches and dents will not be exorbitantly expensive. Additionally, depending on your insurance policy, having small scratches fixed may be covered, as they are not caused by collisions. Professional auto glass shops won’t replace the entirety of your scratched window, but will instead pour resin into the scratch, and then let it harden.

Once the resin has hardened, it is cured to increase its durability and then polished so that it is even with the rest of the window and transparent, which prevents the repaired scratch from distracting you while driving. If the scratch reappears or continues to spread despite the resin, you may need to have the entire window replaced, as the resin may not be enough. Contact a company like Service Pro Auto & Truck Repair for more information.

The post How To Repair Small Auto Glass Scratches appeared first on Treating Transmission Troubles.

Question #1: What are the signs your car needs realignment?

One of the first things you may want to know is when your vehicle may need to be realigned. The daily wear and tear on your car can cause it to get out of proper alignment. Additionally, going down the road and hitting potholes or rough spots can cause your vehicle to need this service.

Listed below are some of the indications that you may need to schedule a visit with your auto mechanic:

1.  When you car pulls to either side of the road easily.

2.  If your tires wear out frequently but you’re not on the road that much.

3.  Your tires frequently squeal when you’re driving.

4.  You have difficulty keeping your car straight while driving.

Question #2:  What is the cost of getting your vehicle aligned?

Unless your car is still under warranty, you will have to pay for the expense of getting your vehicle aligned. The good news is that the cost is usually affordable for most people.

The average cost of an alignment is $50–$180. The factors that will affect this price include the size of your vehicle and the location where you have the alignment done.

Question #3: What are some ways to prevent your car getting out of alignment?

There are things that you can to do to help keep your vehicle in aligned properly, and these are listed below:

1. Keep the minimal amount of items in your car’s trunk. By keeping the weight of the back end of your vehicle low, you can prevent your car from getting out of alignment.

2. Be sure you have the proper air pressure in your tire at all times.

3. Drive conservatively to help put less strain on the steering and suspension parts of your vehicle.

The benefits of having a car that is properly aligned include a smoother commute for you and a car that will last longer, as well. Be sure to schedule an appointment with a local auto mechanic, like one from Spring Suspension & Alignment Services, to have this service completed today for your peace of mind.

The post 3 Questions Answered about Getting Your Car Aligned appeared first on Treating Transmission Troubles.

Engine Upgrades and Repairs:

If your engine isn’t performing properly then this could easily be the reason why your vehicle is lacking when it comes to getting high miles per gallon. Not only do you want to replace failing components, like your timing belts, air filter or fuel pump, but you may also want to consider aftermarket components. Adding upgrades, such as a more efficient air intake system, better quality spark plugs, and a mass airflow sensor will help improve your vehicle’s fuel economy more than you think. These upgraded components will allow your vehicle to accelerate more efficiently and with less stress, which will allow your car to drive more without having to burn as much fuel.

Service Tune-Ups:

Normal tune-up services can also increase your vehicle’s miles per gallon, especially if you haven’t received services like an oil change in a long time. Your engine consists of many moving components and these components need to be lubricated properly so they can move with ease and without overheating or friction. So, by having your engine oil replaced often, you will allow your engine to operate with quality oil that will allow each moving component to work properly with flawlessly. This will help prevent your engine from having to overwork, which can lead to better horsepower and better fuel economy.

Tire Maintenance:

Because you are driving often, especially if you are using rideshare as a full-time job, you will want to be certain that your tires are in great condition for both your safety and for your vehicle’s fuel economy. Tires that have less than the required PSI can hurt how much miles per gallon your car should receive, as this adds resistance when your car is accelerating. Because of the resistance, your vehicle will have to burn more fuel just to keep up with the moment of your speed, which can hurt your fuel economy more than you think.

These three services and repairs won’t only improve the overall performance of your car, which will make your car more reliable on the road, but it will help boost the miles per gallon that you receive. This will allow you to drive more clients, without having to constantly worry about your vehicle utilizing too much fuel. So, before you continue to hit the road, definitely think about investing in this repairs and upgrades as they can definitely help you earn more money throughout your work week. Work with a local garage, such as Fox And Fox, to keep your car in top condition.

The post Repairs That Can Improve Your Rideshare Business appeared first on Treating Transmission Troubles.

1. Use synthetic oil

Using synthetic oil is sometimes easier said than done. If you drive an old car, you may need to convert some components (such as seals and hoses) before filling the system with synthetic oil. This is because synthetic oil has smaller (and more uniformly sized) molecules, so the hoses your car originally had may not be tight enough to hold it without leaks. If you’re not sure whether the age of your hoses will be a problem, ask your mechanic. However, once you’ve made the transition, you’ll see an improvement in the lifespan of your oil between changes.

2. Take care of filters

There are three possible ways to optimize filtration and thus lengthen your oil’s lifespan. The first is simply to change your oil filter frequently. The second is to use a top-quality oil filter for optimum contaminant removal. The third option is a less orthodox one; you can install a second filter, doubling the system’s filtration capabilities. This may not be recommended for all vehicles, though, so ask your mechanic for an opinion before deciding on this.

3. Control operating conditions

Some driving conditions you just can’t do much about. For example, if you live in an area with extreme temperatures, your engine oil will have to work harder. But moving to another climate is the only way to change that, and it’s not a justifiable move; it’ll cost more than you’ll save on oil changes. However, there are several other driving conditions you can do your best to avoid. These include the following:

• Rough and dusty roads
• Getting caught in traffic (stopping and starting)
• Towing constantly
• Short trips (in which the engine is cold the whole way)

4. Minimize blowby

The older and less maintained your engine is, the more likely you are to have a problem with blowby. This is a phenomenon in which the engine produces contaminants (such as gases and corrosive substances) that infiltrate the engine oil. Once they’re there, they begin reacting with oil components to form sludge, which then installs itself on the inside of your engine and reduces engine performance. If your engine has this tendency, you’ll need to change the oil more frequently so the contaminants won’t have time to form sludge. Minimize the tendency by keeping your engine in good order or simply by driving a newer, modern car.  

These four strategies all help you control and maximize the performance and lifespan of your engine oil. By putting them into practice, you can extend the length between your oil changes and potentially save a significant amount of money. For auto repair services, make an appointment with a business like The J.A.P. Shop.

The post Four Ways to Extend the Interval between Oil Changes appeared first on Treating Transmission Troubles.

Stuck in One Gear

Any car, including manual shift transmissions, have forward, reverse, park and neutral gears. Additional gears for city driving (first and second drive) are rarely used, so they are rarely affected by the problem of getting stuck in one gear. When your car gets stuck in one gear, (for example reverse) then your clutch that controls forward gear has dropped out and is no longer working. The transmission has reverted to the one gear that makes the car move while the engine is still on, even if it is in the wrong direction. No matter what you try to do, you will not be able to make forward gear work because it is damaged and in need of auto transmissions repair.

How You Can Fix It

You cannot fix this problem on your own. You absolutely need an auto mechanic’s help. If you are out driving around and suddenly find that you have lost forward or reverse gear, try and find a way to get off the road safely. (If you lose both reverse and forward gear, you will probably get stuck in neutral, which is not so bad because you can at least push the car to a safe spot.) Call a tow truck right away and then call your mechanic to let him or her know what happened and that your car is coming into the shop.

Once your car is in the shop, your mechanic will examine the damage to your transmission. You may luck out and only have to replace the clutch in a manual shift vehicle, or the shift connections between the stick shift and the transmission in an automatic shift vehicle. The worst case scenario will force you to replace the entire transmission, which is extremely expensive.

The post Stuck In Reverse: How It Can Happen And How You Can Fix It appeared first on Treating Transmission Troubles.