The number one, two, three, four, and five reasons that it’s important to keep your vehicle’s brakes checked is your family’s safety. We have all read of a terrible accident when someone’s breaks failed. Sure there are extreme examples of malfunctions which can cause this, but most of the time break failure has warning signs. An accident caused by total brake failure can be prevented. No one wants to think of the consequences of such. The solution is to have your brakes routinely inspected when you have regular maintenance performed on your car or truck.

There are times when hoses or brake have rotted away due to age and/or corrosion. They carry all sorts of fluid to make your car or truck run properly. When that fluid is brake fluid it is vital to the safety of all. A regular inspection from a qualified mechanic will prove helpful if they find a hose with a slit or bubble. Some mechanics will suggest you change hoses that are just plain “old.” Please note that some are soft rubber hoses and some are hard. Your mechanic is the best person to make this inspection unless you have a great deal of experience in this area. Your vehicle’s brake system is too important a part of your car too ignore. A little bit of prevention can go a long way in reducing danger of an auto crash. While no one can analyze a situation enough to prove there would have indeed been an actual accident, who wants to finds out?

Brakes are of course the one thing your car simply can’t be without. You absolutely must take good care of your car’s braking system. An inspections will tell you if brake pads need to be replaced. Your mechanic will also tell you that brakes should always be replaced in pairs since the wear should be equal on both sides of your car.

The same inspection may notice that your brake rotors are worn or not functioning properly. Inspecting your brake rotors (or brake discs as they are also called) may tell your mechanic that these are worn or pitted as well. The mechanic’s advise should be well taken. This is an important repair and one that should truly be completed as advised by the mechanic you trust.

The same inspection may also notice that there is not enough clean brake fluid to keep the system operating correctly. This is a simple and inexpensive fix. If you did not know this or if you ignore the mechanic’s advice, it could result in a very costly repair. While you can do this yourself, most people do not even though the brake fluid reservoir usually is clear and you can see through it. You can check the fluid level without opening the cap. There will be markings on it that indicate if you will need to add any brake fluid. If you don’t trust the advice of your mechanic then by all means get a second opinion and quote. Most of the time this is free at a repair shop.

An automobile inspection for emissions is designed to improve air quality by ensuring that cars or other vehicles do not exceed legal emission limits. Authorized Emission Specialists are a group of professional automotive repair technicians that have been specially trained in the diagnosis and repair of vehicles after those vehicles fail any part of the emission testing process. Emission Specialists should be familiar with the repair requirements of the Emission Check Program and are equipped to perform repairs on vehicles that fail an emission test. The Washington Department of Ecology is in charge of this program.

A complete auto inspection usually involves bumper to bumper inspection of all components of an auto. For example, an oil sample will be taken from the engine and transmission. It is then analyzed, comparing samples to manufacturer’s standards. This will help to determine if the engine or transmission components have been overheated, raced, filled with additives to disguise mechanical issues, or flooded.

Standard items to be checked will include electrical systems, computer systems, braking systems, steering systems, seat belts, door locks, head lights and tail lights, turn signals, and just about anything in the entire car. The purpose of this is to make sure the auto is safe for drivers and passengers alike. It also ensures safety of others traveling on the roadways.

Windshields are of great concern as well and thus require inspection. Small chips can turn into large cracks and impair visibility. Since this event occurs with little or no warning, danger looms.

Since auto collisions are the leading cause of injury-related deaths, auto inspections contribute to the safety of citizens by preventing accidents due to malfunctioning vehicles.

Since vehicle construction and equipment are important as safety features in today’s automobiles and trucks, then keeping them up to standard and in good working order can minimize the occurrence and thus the consequences of automobile accidents.

There are some special inspections required in Washington State. As per the Washington State Patrol website, if a vehicle has been rebuilt after being destroyed or declared a total loss by an insurance company, then Washington State Patrol performs and documents a physical inspection. Physical inspections are also required on vehicles reported stolen, homemade vehicles, or other vehicles without a proper VIN, when there is a VIN discrepancy, when there is a record dispute, when ownership is in doubt, or other special cases.

Routine car service involves many components.

The basic points of check include:

• Oil and filter change
• Spark plug inspection and possible change
• Fluid check and top off for all areas – windshield washer, transmission, brake, coolant and power steering – to name a few. These should be completely changed at the following intervals:
• Transmission – every 48 months or 48,000 miles
• Brake fluid – every 24 months or 24,000 miles
• Coolant flush and exchange – every 24 months or 24,000 miles
• Power Steering fluid exchange – every 24 months or 24,000 miles

• Battery testing
• Dashboard indicator light inspection
• Brake pad and rotor testing
• Alignment inspection
• Tire inspection

Once again, your relationship with your mechanic comes into play here. Tell your mechanic if you see leakage in your driveway or if you are giving any fluids a frequent top off. This is a warning sign for greater problems. Tell your trusted mechanic if there are problems with starting the car or truck. Let the mechanic know about suspension problems.

If you have never used your spare tire, ask for it to be inspected. You certainly do not want to be stranded without this lifesaving component. It is wise to have your tires rotated at least every 5,000 miles. This makes for even wear and better life expectancy of the tires.

There is also a need for seasonal changes to automobiles. For example, winter may require a change to snow tires if you are constantly driving in rugged conditions. Batteries tend to act up in very cold weather. Yours should be inspected. If you have had some past problems with this, then tell your mechanic. If it is more than three years old, you may be recommended to replace it in advance of problems. Summer time requires a detailed check of the coolant system.

Your exhaust system and fans and belts should be inspected, but less frequently. Your mechanic will state preferences for time intervals, but these components are important and should not be overlooked.

A good mechanic will check all of the following additional components or parts as well:

• Breather filter
• Canister filter
• Carburetor and its fuel filter
• Injection fuel filter
• Wheel bearing repack seals
• C-V joints
• Fuel injectors
• Oxygen sensor
• Universal joints
• Vacuum modulator
• Timing belts

A good mechanic will provide a standard written testing list which will cover all of the above descriptions and more. Some people who are not professionals might say that there is not a need to check all of these items. A good mechanic will disagree. Your safety and the safety of all passengers is at hand. Take note and become involved in your own auto or truck inspection. Educate yourself. You will appreciate knowing the concepts of your car’s workings. It will make you a better informed owner and a much safer driver!

The average cost of getting your auto serviced varies by location.

In general there is a range for the west coast area. The following are some examples. DO NOT assume they are absolute for the town in which you live. Mechanic shops must price their services based on many factors, including the rent they pay for their space. Taxes and insurance are concerns as well. So, when judging a price for a job always consider the overall area where the shop is located. Another component is the auto type and model that you own. We all know that a Mercedes Benz cost more than a Honda to begin with. Replacement costs reflect this in much the same way.

A FEW REPAIR OR MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES AND A COST RANGE FOR THE JOB-

• Labor per hour $40-$70 per hour
• Oil Change – $35 – $120 (of course this depends on model of car since some filters cost more. Synthetic oil also costs more, so if you use this expect a higher price.)
• Alignment (includes Tire rotation) – $79 -189
• New battery replacement – $45 – $165
• Brake pad replacement – $99 – $500 per axle set.

There is an interesting website that lets you complete some calculations for specific jobs on specific cars. This estimate is categorized by zip code. For example a random check for a fuel pump replacement produced a generic price of about $321 in parts and about $100 in labor. This would be a great indicator of just how much you can predict to pay for a given repair. It certainly can make financial planning for a given month’s expenses much easier! If you are at all interested in perusing this site, go to Auto MD. Their Internet address is http://www.automd.com/answers/search/?question=Chevrolet.

Once again, a quote should always be received in advance of any contract to complete the work. If an auto repair shop cannot give you a written quote, then there are some major concerns. A second quote is always recommended on major jobs. If you have a professional mechanic who trust implicitly, then you are ahead of the pricing game!

When you service your auto on a regular basis, your mechanic will surely find flaws in your brake system. Any mechanic worth his salt will point out brakes that are dangerous. I am certain that over a career these mechanics prevent many, many accidents from occurring and actually save people from harm or even death. Sure, a brake repair might be expensive, but can you afford NOT to complete it?

Another flaw that your mechanic might find is in your wiring system. Car fires are very, very dangerous and most people don’t even think about them. They can be prevented if your mechanic notices something and points out why a repair is needed. This again can save you and your family injury. It will also save money since most car fires spread quickly and cause a car to be totaled. You most likely would not want to deal with your insurance company under these extreme circumstances.

While on the subject of car fires, do you have a tool right at your fingertips that can cut a seatbelt or break the glass on a window? These lifesaving tools can work extremely well in a fire, especially if you have to get a child out of a car seat or any seatbelt. Imagine your panic as your car becomes engulfed. You might have on locks and not be able to get into a back door. Well – just break the window. Children strapped into a seat may require you to press two or more latches. These may be steel and hot, hot, hot. A tool at your fingertips will let you make an instant cut and grab. You might not think of these things and your auto mechanic may just have this inexpensive tool on display.

You would never want to be in a car or truck that is not well maintained during a tornado. You might say – what is the chance of that? While the chance is not great can you  imagine trying to get to lower ground (such as just to the side of the road or down a driveway to a house where you might be able to take shelter) with a car that stalls out. Not good. You would certainly need to park the car as quickly and safely as possible and out of the traffic lanes. You might have to drive into a muddy area or soft shoulder since it is much safer to have problems later getting the car out of mud than to remain in harm’s way. Reminder though – get out of the car if you can get into a drainage ditch, etc. You want to be away from the car that might roll over onto you. Your mechanic may just mention these safety tips or may have them posted in the waiting room – good news for you if you have paid attention.

You might just ask your mechanic to check you r automatic locks if you noticed that they aren’t always dependable. The most common problem might be a small battery in your remote or another simple fix. Your mechanic may also ask you if you have an adequate number of spare keys. We all know that safety when getting into and out of a car depends on those locks. They have saved many a person from unwanted and dangerous intruders. Once again, your mechanic can prevent a problem and help keep you and your family safe.

The clutch is one of the most vital parts to a car that works to link the engine to the transmission to allow for smooth transition between gears when changing them. A clutch is a part of the automobile that it could not function without so when clutch problems occur it may be important for you to take them seriously. A slipping or squeaking clutch can mean that there is a major problem with this part of your car so when this occurs going to a professional mechanic may be a very beneficial option for you to take.

The cost for a clutch replacement can be expensive but it all depends on what type of car you own and what type of clutch you need in most cases. Front wheel drive cars can be more costly to replace than other types of cars and this is something to think about when going to the mechanic among other things. In addition to this hydraulic clutches may require even more money than traditional ones. Foreign cars are often more costly to repair as well when it comes to many problems besides just clutch problems. In any case the cost of replacing a clutch can cost the consumer from $300 to $3000 dollars based on popular estimates and this includes labor and parts. If you find that the amount of your clutch replacement is more than you can afford at any given time there are ways to lower this cost including finding cheaper but reliable labor costs in your area or attempting the replacement job yourself.

Though it is not recommended that you do any labor on a car without the proper training or knowhow, this can save hundreds of dollars in costs to you. If you want to learn how to repair a clutch yourself there is help available if you have the time. Having the time to fix your own car issues as well as the capability is necessary for anyone who has the desire to do this. Though many car repairs can be done with simple tools that you can buy at a good price the job of replacing a clutch may require additional tools and help than you may have available. If you are a person that does have these resources then replacing your own clutch can be learned in a variety of ways such as getting a friend to help you along while following the procedures outlined in your car’s repair manual. A repair manual can be bought many places including in auto parts stores such as Auto Zone and online.

In addition to fixing or replacing a clutch on your own time most people choose to find a mechanic to fix their car problems but when choosing a mechanic for your purposes it may be important that you do this before these problems occur. There is a high probability that you will have car problems at some point in your life that requires a mechanic to fix so finding one that works for you will not be a waste of time if you do it early. The main factors to take into consideration when trying to find a quality mechanic are whether the mechanic you choose is properly certified and whether they are charging a fair price. Many people may not know how to distinguish between a fair price and one that is not fair but this is where shopping around and comparing prices comes into play. In addition to this it may be necessary to find mechanics that are ASE certified in order to ensure quality. When it comes to any type of mechanic work on your car quality should be a top priority so that you and your passengers are not put in danger on the road.

It is often a great idea to have a good working relationship with your mechanic and get to know him/her from frequent visits. You need not be afraid to check on your mechanic’s reputation. Ask for references and follow up with contacting them. Always ask the pertinent questions. Find out the following:

• Did this mechanic or shop do quality work?
• Did they give a written estimate before the work?
• Are their certifications posted on their walls?
• Are they friendly?
• Did they explain things well?
• Did they give advice about future maintenance?
• Did they charge a reasonable amount?
• Did you need to make a return trip for a minor adjustment?
• If you needed a “tweak” for repair was there an extra charge?
• Did the repair come with a written guarantee?

You should be certain that your mechanic is using brand name parts. While they may be manufactured anywhere in the world, you want to know that the brand name is responsible for quality control once the part arrives in this country. If you know your mechanic well and trust this person, you will know that the parts used on your repair aren’t just being plopped out of a no-name box from a foreign country with no trade inspections or guidelines.

If you know your mechanic values quality, then you know that he/she will not skimp on  quality. You would never want the bottom of the line brake linings or even brake fluid. This trust that you afford your mechanic is earned from the relationship you have.

If you trust your mechanic you will be more likely to insist that he/she test drives your car before and after the repair. This is an all-important step in your complete car repair. Many things can be found out about your car on this trial drive. Suspension and steering and braking are all things that a good mechanic can feel during a drive. You may have noticed a problem and said – “it’s the brakes” – when in fact it is something else. Trust your mechanic since he/she is the one with the knowledge and experience. You should always be loyal to a great mechanic when you are lucky enough to find one. Since they have earned your trust, don’t go shopping around for every little job to find out if you can save $20. Of course you should get a second opinion on major jobs, but if a new business down the street offers oil changes with $5 off, don’t run down to get one. It is simply not worth it. You value your mechanic and he/she values your loyalty. Just remember all of the past work that was performed with excellent care. Also remember that it might have taken a long time to find this quality auto repair shop or mechanic. It is far more important than saving a small amount of money. Past work on your car should provide you with satisfaction so that you are certain that your car is safe. The bottom line is to – KNOW YOUR MECHANIC.

Happy New Year and Cheers to a Wonderful 2012!!

There are many benefits if you are able to find and choose a highly qualified auto mechanic. If you wait to look when you have car trouble, then finding the right auto repair shop is often not going to work out for you. It is a must for you to find the right shop and mechanic – you need help and you need to find an auto shop that you trust. After all, many times a car is the first or second most expensive thing you own.

The best benefit you will receive if you choose a mechanic in advance is that you already know and trust your mechanic and auto repair shop. There are many, many ways that ensure your customer protection when your auto mechanic is qualified through licensing, membership in professional automotive organizations, membership in the local Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce. With thee credential you receive the benefit of knowing that this mechanic and his/her shop has a reputation to protect and therefore will stand behind their work. That will always help you if ever you experience a problem after having your car or truck serviced at this shop.

Today’s cars are built and designed to certain specifications; these all differ between manufacturers, so you should be certain that your mechanic is qualified on your type of car. Larger shops may work on all brands, but smaller ones might be very specific. For example, some may service only United States brands of autos. Some may service only foreign models. Some may be connected to dealerships and only service a specific brand – say Ford, Chevy or Honda.

Many of your friends or neighbors know a great deal about cars; they might be avid “car people.” That does not mean they are your most trusted source of mechanics performed in their garage. The auto repair shop you choose should have career mechanics. They are the most trained, often taking multiple courses each year in their field. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifies mechanics and auto technicians; these career mechanics must study through coursework and then pass a rigorous exam after this training. ASE is an independent, nonprofit and certification organization dedicated to improving the quality of vehicle repair and service. If you find mechanics who possess this, then you know they are well-trained. They must update on new technologies and changes before they can renew these certifications.

In the US there are presently over 420,000 automotive service professionals with these credentials. You want to be certain that your mechanic went to a school for formal training and is ASE certified. Hopefully they knew a great deal about cars before they entered this chosen career. Usually those in this field do have an affection for cars and often had a great deal of self-training before entering the field as a full-time. If you select mechanics with this certification, then you will receive great benefits as they fix or routinely maintain your car. Their skills make them more efficient and less costly to the consumer.

Did you know that regular maintenance is required in order to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty? It is! So, our advice is that you carefully read your manual and let it help you determine when to take your auto in for routine maintenance. Typically, you should change your vehicle’s oil and filter about every 3,000 – 5,000 miles. This is a hot topic among manufacturers and mechanics. Some insist that 3,000 miles is an absolute. Others contend that the oil made today is superior to that of the past and can easily go the 5,000 mile limit. Some auto manufacturers will even recommend longer intervals, but we do not. You should probably consider changing your oil more often if you are a “hard “ driver. If you haul a tractor around, or are always in stop and go traffic during extreme hot and cold temperatures, then it is obvious that you fit into this category. Check your own oil to make certain it is a t the proper level AND get routine oil changes.

Since oil and filters are perhaps the most important element of routine maintenance, do not overlook this. Keep a calendar and follow it. We actually recommend a maintenance log with reminder dates. By the way, a good mechanic shop will send you reminders as well.

Your auto mechanic will do more than change your oil at these routine visits. Your brakes and rotors are inspected. Perhaps a recommendation for tire rotation or alignment will be made. These are part of the “how often should I take my car in question.” Again, if you go just to get your oil changed at the recommended intervals, then you will get the routine look at all other mechanical items on a regular basis.

Of course – this is IF you go to a good and trusted mechanic so be sure to find one. It is  important!

There are some very real financial benefits of getting regular service for you car or truck. You might not consider these, but after reading this you can think twice.

• Do you want fewer car payments? You can increase the life of your car if you maintain it often and according to your manufacturer’s suggested service intervals. You should remember that most regular service and routine repairs that you pay for are most probably going to cost far less money than you’ would need to make payments (including interest) for another replacement vehicle.
• Do you want lower costs for auto insurance? Insurance premiums will likely become lower as you automobile ages. If you get to a certain break point, you might only want to carry comprehensive coverage when your total premium exceeds 10% of the Blue Book fair market value for your car. You save money either way! **Do you want to save money in order to buy a new car? Well, you will have more funds available for this if you can extend the life of your present vehicle. The longer you own a car with no payments, the more you can save for a down payment on a new one!

A clutch is the part of the car that functions to help the car to increase and decrease speeds by helping to adjust the gear setting of the car. This part is also necessary in order to help to stop the car that you may drive. This part of the car can malfunction for several reasons but often the most common reason is because of wear and tear. When wear and tear is involved this most likely means that it is time to replace your clutch and though this can be expensive, especially if you have an automatic transmission in your car, it is a necessary step to go through once your car gets along in age. The cost of fixing a clutch is often expensive because of the labor that is involved in getting to and replacing it. In terms of this it is often necessary to separate the engine from the trans axle in order to even get to the clutch which can be very time consuming work most of the time. The time it takes to get to the clutch and replace results in hundreds to thousands of dollars in labor costs (often $300 to $2000) but you can avoid the cost of labor if you find that you have time to do the repairs yourself. In regards to this many people do not have the time, tools or knowledge about cars to embark on a do it yourself model for car repairs so going to a shop may be your best option in this case though it may be substantially more expensive.

When you decide to go to a repair shop to get your clutch fixed or replaced it is important to shop around for the best prices in your area while remembering that price and quality are often related heavily, but this is not always the case. Some methods of finding the best service for your money could be to ask others about where they go to get their cars repaired or to search for the best reviewed shops in your area. When it comes to asking others about quality shops it may be important to try and find those who have had similar car trouble but even this may not raise your chances of finding a good shop to go to as many mechanics specialize in certain types of vehicles. One of the best things that you can do may be to find a commercial shop with consistent customers to go to though prices may be higher there.