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.

We all know that it is important before going into open heart surgery that we know all of the facts.  Do we know all of the facts about a major (or even minor) auto repair?  Are we asking questions of our mechanic?  Well, it is truly important to have an auto shop that you trust.

The feeling of security when you drive away from your mechanic’s garage is not able to be translated to dollars.  Would you trust your airline if they told you they didn’t know who worked on their engine?  NO!  So why should you have a national chain repair person who you do not know do the work on your auto?  After all you are commandeering a 1-2 ton machine that has the force of 50-60 miles per hour behind its weight.  You do not need discount service!

And now a note about the true “discount” you might be getting.  If the coupon you have for the auto shop offers 10-20% off that’s great.  But what if the original price is 2-30% higher than your local auto shop?  The local shop often sponsors and attends the local Little League baseball games.  These auto repair persons will see you out in public.  Their motivation is to be proud of what they do and they know that the type of work they do reflects them; if they are out in the community they want people to know how trustworthy they are.

You should only do business with an auto shop that you trust.  Be sure to ask around and get referrals by family or friends. If you are using a body shop for the first time, check with your insurance company (even if the body repair is due to age and not an accident).  Local insurance agents know just which auto repair shop does good work and they want their clients to be pleased with their recommendations.

You might want to visit any repair shop where you’re considering having work done on your car.  Make certain that the repair shop has certifications on display in their shop. You might want to see if they have a website.  It might clearly explain their warranty and how they solve problems.  It should tell how long the shop has been in business.

Make sure that you find a shop that gives written estimates.  Make sure the estimate is clear and that the repair person can explain it. If this person can’t answer your questions then that should be a sign that you might want to deal elsewhere.

Even if you are not computer savvy, your auto shop should be.  Trusting a shop in the 21st century requires that they use computerized diagnostics, computerized calibration machines, and much, much more.  If your shop will be working on a car that is computerized, they must have the proper equipment.  Look for this and include it on your list of “must haves” for a shop you can trust.

Did you know that no matter what car you drive – a high end Mercedes or a simple Chevrolet Cobalt – there is an absolute way for you to keep the cost of auto repairs to a minimum?  Well there is and it is called – regular auto service.  Yes, that small amount of money will pay for itself over and over if you prevent major problems through routine maintenance.  The other great benefit is that your auto mechanic can see minor issues and correct them before they become costly major issues.

Compare your mechanic to the family doctor.  A visit to the doctor might allow the doctor to discover moderate high blood pressure which the doctor can treat.  Wait to see the doctor and the blood pressure might lead to a serious stroke because you didn’t notice the warning signs.  The same can be true of your automobile or truck.  Do not stay away from the mechanic.  A routine brake inspection may show some wear and the mechanic might tell you to come back in 2-3 months.  The repair can prevent brake failure.  The unthinkable may happen.  More likely though, the unthinkable expense of added repairs for more extensive work can take place since you didn’t even know that you simply needed new brakes.

Regular service is important for all cars, but it is especially important for cars whose owner knows little or nothing about car repairs.  This type of owner may never recognize (or even ignore) signs of imminent trouble.

Auto manufacturers are very specific in their manuals; they recommend that your car will need service checks at listed intervals.  This manual gives very clear explanations as two what needs done and when it needs to be done.  Your regular service mechanic will know your car and will take care to make certain that you have required service.

Don’t forget that a great service record can help you when it comes time for you to sell your auto or truck. Whether you are selling outright or trading the vehicle in, if you can provide a comprehensive service log, the buyer will appreciate the fact that you took great care of your auto.  This will be reflected in the auto’s condition; it will create a sense of confidence for the buyer.  Ultimately it should help you sell the car and to sell it for a higher price. Remember, your car is an investment.  This investment might not go up in price and make you wealthy, but you still want to sell this investment for the very best price you can.  Routine service can help this happen!

If you have your car serviced regularly, this helps guarantee that your car is maintained to high standards and is able to perform at an optimum level.  You know that when an automobile is performing at the optimum level then your gas mileage is going to be the best possible.  Not that is a money saver AND it is better for the environment!

Did you know that that dirty air filters are the most common preventive maintenance problem? This is a really easy maintenance procedure. These are available at any auto store or large chain outlet. They will keep your engine clean and can prevent major engine problems. Most importantly, they can improve your gas mileage.

Changing your oil is surely important as well. The engine is affected, especially if the oil becomes sludge-like and too thick. The dirt is carried into other engine components. Why risk a major engine problem? Just KEEP the Oil Clean!!

Don’t forget about just plain checking your oil. If our oil is low, lubrication is affected; severe engine damage is a risk. Check your auto’s manual to see the suggested changing tables.

Changing Wiper Blades is important and often overlooked. Did you know that worn and rigid blades can become cracked and then actually cause permanent scratches to an expensive windshield? Don’t forget about reduced visibility when driving in rain, ice or snow.

Tires are an obvious concern. While they are expensive, they an be a lifesaver on bad road conditions. If you do not properly check them for wear, or routinely check the air pressure, you may find one that actually goes flat at high speed or goes flat at an inopportune time. Prevent this with routine tire rotation and inspection. Remember, your can is an investment. Tires are a HUGE component.

Additionally, Low Tire Pressure or High Tire Pressure can be a problem. This can cause poor gas mileage; this can also cause rim damage and that is a very costly repair/replacement! You will certainly lose traction. Check your pressure at least monthly.

Do you check your other fluids? Good maintenance requires that you do this regularly.

**Windshield Washer Fluid is key to safety. You certainly want the best possible visibility. You don’t want to hit a swarm of bugs and not be able to wash them off. Yes people, this is real and it is a problem – so buy that inexpensive fluid and fill it up! Another point is that you truly need a de-icing type in areas with cold weather. People have even been known to use regular tap water from a hose. You really are asking for problems if you do this. Just be sensible and buy a gallon of the fluid for very little money and fill up you reservoir with very little effort!

**Transmission Fluid needs changed following the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer. You surely want to be able to shift smoothly and extend the life of your transmission. You can prevent costly repairs just by doing this!

Remember, your automobile is an investment. It gets you to all of the places that you are required to be. Treat it well by using the few suggestions above. You can look back on a year’s worth of driving and know that taking these steps requires far less time and far less money than being stuck on the side of a road and the being towed into a shop for a repair!

Clutches are deemed slipping when this part of the car is being engaged but the car does not switch gears properly. This happens often when the car’s pedal for clutching is fully released and it does not hold a solid coupling in between the engine of a car and its transmission, and this is also when something needs to be investigated with your clutch. A slipping clutch is one of the most common problems when it comes to transmission malfunctioning and there are several reasons that this could be happening with your car. Diagnosing why this is happening is often a hassle because of the various reasons that could be involved, but when it comes to fixing this part of your car it is important to do, especially if you plan on fixing the problem yourself. Though fixing this part of the car yourself can be hard work it may be worth it to you to explore this option as opposed to going to a repair shop because of the lower price fixing your car yourself involves. As the average cost of a repair job can be between five hundred and three thousand dollars, fixing your car yourself can save you hundreds in labor costs.

When it comes to diagnosing and fixing this part of your car it is necessary to realize a malfunctioning clutch may be due to different reasons in older cars than in newer models. In an older car this can happen simply because of the age of the clutch and because of the normal wear and tear that happens. In this case the next step in the process is often to replace your clutch completely. There are many types of repair kits that you can buy in order to go about fixing your clutch but it is important that you buy quality parts for the job so that the slipping doesn’t occur later on down the road. The next step in the process will be to locate your clutch in your car. This can be done by using the manual to locate it or to request the help of a friend to if you do not already know where the clutch is. It often takes a long time to locate the various parts that must be taken out to get to the clutch but once you do you can now take out the old one and replace it before putting the parts back into your car.

If fixing your clutch seems like a daunting task, get in touch with Central Ave Auto for a free quote.  We’re here to assist you in all your vehicle repair needs.