How To Save Big Money On Repairs And Auto Parts

We all know it is cheaper to fix things yourself. It is the same with a car or truck. The biggest expense with any repair is not the parts, but the labor. It is not uncommon for repair and service shops to be charging $60 to $70 per hour of labor. And they round to the next half hour or hour for any repair. Just go to any new car dealer and ask to have your windshield wiper blades replaced. They will charge you 10 times the price of replacements at your local auto parts store. So anything you can do yourself to save will be a big help. The purpose of this article is to show you some things you can do on your own and how to get the lowest prices on parts so you can save big and put your money towards something better than fattening your local auto dealers pockets.

First off is routine maintenance. Routine maintenance consists of items like oil changes, tire rotations, and similar. Oil changes are a must at every 4000 to 5000 miles for most every car. Do not go by what your dealer says. They want to rev up your maintenance plan and have you doing more than is required. Instead, use your owners manual. If your car didn't come with one, than buy one off of Ebay. The owners manual will give you exact recommendations for every service and when and what should be done. For oil changes use Walmart. They charge around $15 for a oil and filter change and will lube your chassis at the same time. They will also check your tires and change your air filter if you desire or need it. They have the best service for the lowest price and at $15 its better to have them do it than do it yourself. Expect to pay twice this at a new car dealer.

It is also a good idea to check your tire pressure at every gas fill up. A tire pressure gauge can be purchased at Walmart or any auto parts store for a few dollars. Proper tire pressure will prolong the usefulness of your tires and help ensure better fuel economy. To most people a under inflated tire is pretty obvious, but a over inflated tire can be just as dangerous as it can lead to blowouts and loss of traction especially in wet conditions (hydroplaning). Also, check your tires for nails, punctures, slashes, anything that could be wrong with it. If you need new tires, be sure to shop around and avoid the new car dealer as they will have a huge markup on them. For instance, 1 ZR Goodyear tire for a 2002 Ford Mustang GT was $289. The same ZR tire with a different make (Kumho) was $100 installed and balanced (the $289 at the dealer did not include installation or balancing. Shop around and look at discount stores. Also look at Costco, Sams club and BJ's for tires. If you have an older car and don't care about matching the exact style you can always go to your local junk yard and buy an entire set for dirt cheap. You would be amavzed at what you might find there. A friend of mine picked up 4 tires for a 1999 corvette for $150 and the tires only had maybe 10,000 miles on them if that.

Lights and lighting on your car are an item that is routinely overlooked. If your lights are dim you could have a battery charge, alternator or dim, cloudy lenses. These are all easy to fix. A battery should be checked for its ability to hold charge at least once a year (more in extremely cold climates). An alternator can be replaced very easily, or if you don't feel comfortable a local mechanic can do it. Do not do this at a new car dealer as they will charge at least 300% more. A good tip is to go and buy the part at your local auto parts store and then inquire with the counter clerk as to a mechanic that they recommend to install it. You will save a lot and it will be professionally done. They will probably even come to your house to do it. As to your headlights, turn on your lights. If they are dim, is it the bulb or cloudy lenses? If it is the bulb, the cheapest replacements can be found at Walmart or on Ebay. It is recommended you go with brighter Xeon bulbs as they are only a few dollars more and increase brightness and night visibility by over 20 percent. If it is cloudy headlights there is a new headlight repair and restoration kit that will restore the lenses to new. This will save you big over replacement as the average plastic automotive lens costs $250 to replace.

Checking your fluid levels routinely is a good idea. A lot of cars now will do this for you and will even alert you to when it is time to perform a certain service. It takes 2 minutes to unscrew the oil cap and pull out the dipstick. On older cars you should also look under the cap. Is the oil really dirty, sludge like, or have white in it? These all indicate something needs to be done. The first two mean it is in dire need of an oil change. The latter with the whiteness or light chocolate look means you have a blown head gasket and coolant is leaking into the engine. That is really bad and requires major repairs and can be the result of running a car too hot. Fill all fluids to the fuel full line or indicator. By routinely checking your cars fluid levels you will be ahead of the game and keep your car running better and for much longer.

Another great idea to keep service costs to a minimum and save you big at the same time is to buy 1 to 3 year old used cars with around 30,000 miles on them. Then drive them until you get 100,000 miles on it and replace it. Most major repairs rarely occur before 100,000 miles with proper routine maintenance. Use and follow your owners manual. It was written by the ultimate expert, the people who built, designed and tested your car.

Where To Find Low Cost Quality Body Parts For Your Car Or Truck

The business of automotive parts is one of the most versatile areas you can find in the market nowadays. For professional auto technicians, finding good auto parts that will suit their needs is but as simple as going to a store specializing in auto parts and finding a wide array of gizmos and gadgets. The good news about these gizmos and gadgets is that one can always find them in many varieties and price ranges. This means that if you are on a budget and would like to save on cost but still would like to get good quality automotive spare parts, you can always find the ones you need in one of those stores specializing in them. Since you can easily find a number of good automotive parts stores all over the country, it will be easier for you to compare the prices and the quality of the parts they have on their shelves.

For people who are still new to the automotive spare parts business, there are some things that you should know in order for you to get the best deals there are on the market. First, you should always bear it in mind that when you repair engines, there are spare parts that you can salvage and can still use. Of course there are some parts, which are really useless, but there are many other things that you can save for later use.

Now, the second thing that you should remember is that different road conditions will have different effects on cars. For instance, the use of salt on the roads in Detroit to enhance traction has negative effects on your car. Salt can cause corrosion on the car therefore in these areas, finding used spare parts that are still in good condition would be difficult. However, in areas like California where road conditions are rather good, finding used spare parts that are still in good condition would not be much of a problem.

Now, don't think that finding good used auto parts is just like a walk in park because it is not. As with other businesses, buying used spare parts involves a lot of kinks and tricks. If you really want to get your hands on good, used automotive parts, you might want to pass the stores selling junk and simply go for the gold. When we say go for the gold, try to buy salvage title cars and take it apart. There are many companies selling these types of products and you can even buy these salvage cars for a fraction of their cost. These salvage cars are really a gold mine when it comes to finding great used automotive spare parts. Now that is real value for your money!

Land Rover Introduces CO2 Offset Programme At Auto Show

Emissions from factories and from automobiles have started to take its toll on our earth and on our environment. Just look around and you would feel the heat of the surroundings. Try going to the top of a building and you surely would find the rest of the metro engulfed in smog and dirty air.

If this kind of situation is not remedied as soon as possible, our environment would become dirtier and more and more unclean as each minute passes. And that is why one of the popular auto brands in the automotive world - Land Rover - has already taken a big and significant leap towards finding the right ways to further prevent destruction of the environment and lessening the good quality of air.

The brand calls it the CO2 Offset Program and this program is out to find solutions and answers to all the problems that the climate and the environment are suffering from. Through this Land Rover program, both customers and the company would be able to contribute towards the kind of environment that we had decades ago. And stores that offer Land Rover driveshaft and axle parts and other Land Rover items would also be able to help out in such a campaign in their own ways. This program is so huge that it has been called as the largest and the most comprehensive campaign on the environment that has been done by an automaker in the United Kingdom.

According to Phil Popham who is the managing director of Land Rover, "This announcement is part of a multi-stage and ongoing approach by Land Rover to environmental care and sustainability. Our CO2 Offset Programme is the second demonstration from Land Rover in five months that it is helping to minimize the impact of its manufacturing processes and vehicles on the environment."

Buying Replacement Car Parts Online

Most used or pre owned vehicles call for very specific to find engine parts and accessories. One of the easiest ways to find these best auto accessories is to search online. Online stores also have the best prices and sales, as there is usually little overhead.

How To Find an Online Store?

To find car parts for a vehicle, look for a blog or online car club website. Many will have links to popular websites where parts can be found. Or join an automotive forum and ask during a chat session which online site is best.

What to Expect from a Store?

A good online auto parts store should have experts in the field of car maintenance, building and design. There should be a representative familiar with used vehicles available to answer your queries and make recommendations. In addition the auto or truck parts store should also have a secure website to effectively transact business and safely make purchases. Also verify what the return policy is, should the part purchased turn out to be incorrect or defective.

Receiving the Part

When a car part is received through the mail examine it carefully. Make sure the part has the logo of the brand you ordered embedded on it. If there is any doubt that a part has been tampered with or exchanged for another, return it to the supplier immediately with a full explanation.

Always save the packaging until the part that has been placed in the vehicle proves to be working as it should. This way you will be able to ship it back easily if there is a reason for its return to the supplier. In addition the packaging may have needed instruction as to how to install the part in the vehicle.

Aftermarket, OEM, OE Auto Parts Explained

Aftermarket, OEM, replacement parts--you see these words in almost all auto parts stores online. What do these terms mean?

For a passive buyer, these things are but ordinary terms used in the automotive market but for someone meticulous and who wants the best for his auto, these things matter considerably. Deciding which among these to purchase is just like deciding what car to buy.

O.E.M. stands for Original Equipment Manufactured. This means that OEM Ford parts are manufactured by Ford itself, Chevrolet parts are manufactured by Chevrolet, Toyota parts by Toyota, BMW parts by BMW and so on. The terms O.E.S. and OE are also used; these mean Original Equipment Supplied and Original Equipment, respectively. While in many cases, OEM and OES mean the same, OE is more general referring to any part that came as original equipment on the car. Some of OE car parts and components are not actually made by the car manufacturer but are purchased and assembled by the automakers to create a vehicle.

Those referred to as "aftermarket auto parts" are not made by the original car manufacturer; furthermore, they are bought and added to the vehicle only at the dealership or after the vehicle left the dealership. In terms of design and function, aftermarket products are almost the same as the stock auto parts since they are primarily used to replace a damaged original part so that the vehicle can continue to run. If you need replacement parts for your car, however, you can either buy O.E.M. or aftermarket auto parts. There are numerous sources of aftermarket auto parts. Stores like Auto Parts Discount give you a great variety of parts for almost all makes and models.

Some cars, especially the base models are not completely equipped so users just add aftermarket parts later on. For example if you have purchased an old Toyota Corolla, you can add aftermarket Toyota fog lights, Toyota spoiler, Toyota turn signal light or Toyota mirrors. Aftermarket products can also help you give your car a fresh new look. Even if your original parts are not yet damaged or worn out, you can replace them with or add specially designed aftermarket auto parts like Honda taillights, Ford center cap, Chevrolet chrome bumper, and Mercedes Benz Front Cover Towing Eye found at Auto Parts Discount.

Enthusiasts, on the other hand would opt for custom parts and specialty equipments. Compared to a universal fit auto part, which can be installed to any vehicle make, year and model, custom aftermarket products are designed to fit only a particular application. Examples of custom parts are your Ford hood, Ford fender and Ford doors. Specialty equipments on the other hand, are intended to make the vehicle more stylish, comfortable, convenient and more up-to-date.

Most auto users prefer aftermarket products because they are less expensive than OEM replacements. While it is true that there may be some aftermarket auto parts that do not meet high standards of original equipments, it is not right to say that aftermarket products are generally inferior in terms of quality and style. Replacement parts sold at Auto Parts Discount, for example are made by car parts manufacturers that are mandated by high international standards.

Which is better, OEM or aftermarket replacement part? It depends on the product. Some OEM parts are not durable enough while the aftermarket parts you use to replace them could last for many years. If you want to give your car a different look and also, if you want to save, aftermarket products are worth a try. However, make sure to get these replacement parts from trusted sources.

Used Auto Parts For Better Savings

If you are one of those who own a vehicle then undoubtedly at some point of time you will come across a situation when you would be required to purchase auto parts for your car. Now buying new automobile parts can sometimes be an expensive option. As a result, purchasing used auto equipments can be the next and ideal alternative to overcome from expensive option.

There are times when a used automobile part can be just as good as a new one, especially when your vehicle needs some type of repair or when your auto equipments store owner states you that it might take a week or days before they get the special order to come in. Besides this, many times a large and new parts like motor radiator support or hummer steel wheels cost very high. The price mark up on such new parts can be shocking and in this day and time, most simply cannot afford. Thus in all such cases, used auto parts can be a more beneficial and actually plays a vital role.

Few years ago there was a scenario when no one would have ever thought of purchasing a used auto parts to repair a vehicle. But at present, the circumstances have changed and as a result the value of used and affordable auto parts has increased dramatically. The concept has gained its worldwide acceptance and these days everyone is looking to be familiar with used automobile equipments.

There are several factors that have played a major role in change of this perception. Some of the most prime factors are-

• Price Saving- Generally purchasing used auto equipment instead of new one allows you to save money by about 40 to 55 percent on average. This is the prime factor why these days many people are choosing to purchase used automobile parts rather than pay expensive prices for new parts.
• Time Saving- Purchasing used parts can also save your time. Generally when you go for a new car part you sometimes come across a situation where you are unable to find a new part in the market. But buying used car parts provide you with even wider selection from which you can pick the right part that meets the functionality and quality requirement without wasting any time.
• Environment Saving- By purchasing used auto equipments you also help in saving environment from pollution. When you purchase used automobile equipments, either from a salvage yard or re-manufactured from an auto parts store, you actually help keeping materials out of landfills. This simple process plays a vital role in conserving natural resources and minimizing the demand on scarce landfill space.
• Resource Saving- Buying affordable truck parts also helps in saving different resources that are generally required to create more new truck equipments. It helps in saving materials that would be used and cut the amount of fuel such as electricity needed to manufacture new parts.

Nowadays more and more car owners all across the globe are turning to used auto parts rather than new car parts. They elect to purchase used car parts every year. With the increase in demand internet has become ideal source that has brought buyers and sellers of used auto parts together. All you require is to go online and search for a reliable used auto parts supplier store.  

Automotive Trade Show - Sema 2008

The SEMA Show is a leading automotive specialty products trade show in the world. Held annually in the Las Vegas Convention Center, the show attracts more than 120,000 industry experts from over 100 nationalities, thus creating huge business opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV and RV markets.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association or SEMA exhibition throughout its history has been held during the first week of November and on a Tuesday. However, last year's show (SEMA Show 2007) was held from October 30-November 2, 2007. However, the exhibition is NOT open to general public!

Just like the previous years, the 2007 exhibition was a grand success. The SEMA Show 2007 attracted about 60,000 domestic and international buyers for exhibits organized in ten categories. The intriguing part of the show was New Products Showcase where more than 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components were displayed. The exhibits alone occupied two million square feet of exhibits.

The show features state of the art products falling under 10 categories, 3 of which are given below:

1. Business Services:This category entails services with a focus on automotive industry and showcases hardware, software, computers, financial services, store fixtures, warehouse equipment, fleet services, personnel & human resources services and systems, CAD systems and consultants.

2. Hot Rod Alley:The products featured in this category include street rod/hot rod custom and specialty parts, tires and accessories, bodies, alternators, catalytic converters, brake systems including disc brakes, electrical systems and components, chassis parts, gauges, aluminum radiators, exhaust systems,valve covers, sheet metal, shocks, and wiring kits.

3. Mobile Electronics & Technology:This category includes sound systems, LCD video devices & systems, MP3, DVD, CD, satellite radio, telematics, security systems, CB, GPS, on-board technology, antennas, cellular telephones and accessories, computer chips and PROMs and radar detectors.