Top 10 Tips for Choosing the Right Auto Repair Shop
When your car breaks down, the first thing you have in mind is to find a reputable auto repair shop that can give you a fairly deal. But with a lot of auto repair business firms today, choosing one is a challenging task, here we prepare the top 10 tips for choosing the right auto repair shop that helps.
- Ask for Recommendation
It has been said that one of the best advertising methods is the “word of mouth” wherein you often heard suggestions from friend’s family and neighbors who happened to have experience with that particular shop. Gather more information such as its length of service, customer’s feedbacks, and contact number prior to your car’s breakdown.
- Look for its Certification
The National Institute for Automobile Service Excellence encouraged every professional to acquire its training and get certificates. This certificate indicates that the employee of a particular auto shop is knowledgeable about specific aspects of your automobile. Feel free to verify their qualification to do repair and maintenance.
- Look for Skilled Technician
Cars today are extremely becoming complex in line with its machine and unique characteristics. That is why it is essential to look for a skilled mechanic, someone reliable and well experienced in diagnosing the problem and renders that best repair solution.
- Choose Between Independent Corner Garage and the Dealership Service Department
A technician from the dealership is a well-trained specialist and usually work exclusively for your automobile make. However, this doesn’t mean that independent auto repair services are not competitive enough as they also have trained and talented mechanics.
- Always Bring Your Car Records
Bringing along your car records is an advantage this is where to find information quickly and help a lot when a diagnosis of the car is needed.
- Check Your Warranty
Check if your car is under warranty, rules and regulations will vary depending on your dealer or company. Usually, car dealers directed its specific auto shop. Dealing with other shops may violate or void your warranty but if you are not certain about this, contact your car agent or dealer for clarifications.
- Ask About Pricing and Labor Rates
Before you hand over your car key to an auto repair shop be sure that you know the labor cost. Some auto shop charges depend on your car’s issues, if you find it expensive, ask for discounts or ask questions to understand what you are paying for.
- Ask for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Parts
Bringing your car to the auto shop normally requires parts replacement. Request for OEM parts rather than the generic because you can expect a good performance in terms of vehicle longevity.
- Visit Auto Parts Websites
Most often than not, businesses have its own website. Take a few research and how they render its services towards their client by simply reading reviews or feedbacks from the page.
- Consider the Location
You can find a lot of auto repair shops today even if you just search on the internet. Try to look around nearby, nearest auto shop brings you convenient and easy access.
Are you still in search of auto shop and looking for vehicle parts? Visit New York City Auto Salvage & Glass or call us at (718) 297-9797 and we will give you a fair and best deal.
Read More
Learn the Basic Driving
Are you excited to hop on and drive? Wait until you learn to know some basic letters or the different gear lever layout P-R-N-D. Some have a dissimilar design but you should expect to see the following.
“P” refers to a park, it always goes to P when you want to stop the engine. This selection mechanically locks the transmission or will prevent the car from moving.
“R” is for reverse gear, this will be used when you will going to back (just like in manual shifting) up. To be able to select “R” the car must be at a complete stop to avoid severe damage.
“N” refers to neutral same as a manual gearbox. Shifting into neutral will disconnect the transmission from the wheels.
“D” is for driving this will allow the vehicle to move forward and accelerate through a range of gears. The number of gears transmission will vary depending on what car brand or model are you using for but common gear runs up to 3, 4 or 5 and 6 to the vehicle with the direct shift.
Since you are already familiar with the primary gearbox signs let’s move in on basic steps on how to drive an automatic transmission.
- Get into your car, adjust your seat and mirrors at your convenience, and be sure to identify blind spots before you start the ignition.
- We all know that an AT cars have no clutch pedal hence familiarization of every control is a must. The brake pedal is on the left while accelerator pedal is on the right, both can be found at the bottom of the front seat area.
- Place your right foot on the brake pedal (it is always advisable to use only one foot to avoid confusion) and press it. Insert the key and turn to start the ignition.
- Shift the gear into “D’’ or drive (while your foot still on the brake) and release the parking or handbrake.
- Make sure to check your surroundings and keep your focus on your direction before you slowly release pressure on the brake. The car will start moving, using the same foot, step the gas pedal gently to let the vehicle move faster.
- Take your foot off the gas and step it gently into the break when you are at an intersection or traffic.
- Again, “P” is for park thus when you reach your destination, slowly step on the brake pedal and slide the shift into the park position. Turn off the engine and don’t forget to switch off the headlights as well as apply the parking brake before you step out of the car.
Either you are driving an automatic or manual transmission there is only one essential factor that you should keep in mind and that is to “drive safe” and keep cool in the road.
For automobile advices and parts visit New York City Auto Salvage & Glass or call us at (718) 297-9797 and we will give a hand.
Read More
Helpful Tips When Your Car Needs to Tow
The car may break down for some reasons like engine, electrical, transmission or suspension failure. And breaking down is a nuisance most especially if you see some dagger looks from another motorist just as you stuck in the middle of the road and cause a traffic jam. If this situation occurs, probably your first reaction is to call for a company that renders towing services or ask a friend who can help or appoint someone to assist you. Here’s what you should remember before doing so.
Things to Consider Before Calling for Help
- If you noticed anything unusual try to drive slowly along the shoulder of the road and pull over
- If in case an abrupt flat tire occurs, move the vehicle to the safe corner. This might damage more your tire, rim or wheel but it will lessen the risk of your safety
- If you are on the side of the road, don’t attempt to fix your car if you think it is crucial, let the expert or the mechanic do it for you
- If by chance you are on a highway, be as visible as possible. Warn other drivers by using reflective triangles or flares (warning device should be placed far enough away from the vehicle) raise the car’s hood, put the lightest piece of cloth or carry a flashlight as warning signs
“Prevention is better than cure” might be an old statement but it still works in many instances. Like, how would you feel if emergencies happen and you know nothing or no one to call? To be always ready is your advantage thus, get some connections to towing companies that you think can render the best services, a reliable firm you can trust during a road emergency. Searching for one? Here’ some qualities of a towing company that you should look for.
- See to it that you know a towing company that renders services 24 hours a day or 7 days a week since most car breakdowns happen at the most inconvenient times
- Try to know one that serves local and long distance towing which ensures that your vehicle will be towed in a proper manner and that they will respond quickly
- A company with a larger fleet is good to consider which can assure that provides different types of tow trucks for your convenience
- Find a company that has competitive rates, get to know what’s included in the rates like towing truck used, time and other factors
- Also, consider the years of experience. The longer a company has been in business the better you can expect good services
If you think that your car needs attention beyond repair, remember this number 718-297-9797 to call, as we serve our clients with high quality of service any time of the day. Get to know more of our services through our website or check our Facebook page for more details.
Read More
Stay Alert! The Danger of Drowsy Driving
Drowsy driving is considered as one of the reasons for fatal crashes, it can happen any time of the year, as a matter of fact, it is quite prevalent in all months. Many people can’t tell when they are about to fall asleep but if you are one of the passengers and notice the following signs, tell your driver to stop and rest.
- When the driver keeps on blinking his/her eyes and have difficulty on focusing
- When he/she keeps on yawning and rubbing his/her eyes
- When they sometimes miss the road signs and find it hard to remember the last few miles driven
- When they find themselves hard to keep their heads up
- When they seemed daydreaming and not in focus
The combination of sleepiness and driving are highly alarming as this will lead the drivers to be;
- Less attentive to the road
- Wouldn’t be able to abruptly react when they need to break
- Decreased its ability to make good decision while driving
- Develop its bad mood and aggressive behaviors
Among nearly 150,000 adults aged 18 to 40 years or older, admitted that they had fallen asleep once in its previous driving experienced, and some claimed that it is because of;
- Lack of sleep. Most people do not get the required (at least 8) hours of sleep per night due to some reasons including lifestyle choices
- Untreated sleep disorders such as insomnia, narcolepsy and other related health issues
- Job- related requirements like shifting late, working long hours and having more than one career
- Too much alcohol intake. The component of alcoholic drinks can cause sleepiness or immobility effects
Drowsy driving is definitely risky hence before you hit the road keeps the following tips in mind.
- Get enough sleep and start out well rested
- Listen to lively music or at least keep conversation alive with other passengers
- Stay focus and avoid using cruise control for long trips
- When driving on a long trip, full over, go out in the car and do a little stretching once in a while or better yet share driving if possible
It has been reported that drowsy driving caused roughly 4,400 vehicle collisions and more than 5,000 fatalities [NHTSA National Center for Statistics and Analysis]. If you happened to bump up your car along the road and need restoration, drop by at New York City Auto Salvage & Glass or call us at (718) 297-9797 and we will fix it through.
Is it Time for a New Alternator?
Every car parts are essential and play a vital role that allows your automobile to run properly, one of which is the alternator. It is the pivotal piece of the machinery that works with the battery to produce power for the electrical parts of the vehicle that will keep them all running. When the alternator malfunction, it can mean an inconvenience or expensive repairs. Now, does it still working? Or, is it time for a new alternator? How do you know?
Warning Signs for Alternator Failure
The lifespan of the alternator will depend on the car’s condition or how it’s being used, but one thing is for sure “it cannot last forever” as it does a tough job. Hence, be alarm if your vehicle shows the following warning signs.
A dashboard warning light
The battery light in the dashboard will usually come on when the computer detects that the electrical system has fallen down or below its requirement. Warning light usually means of a dead battery or the alternator itself have an issue.
A frequent vehicle jump start
One of the main jobs of the alternator is to provide enough charge of the battery, it signifies an issue if it will not be able to meet the vehicle’s electrical needs and will not be able to keep up the load requirements to start the engine. If your cars require a frequent jump start to bring it back to life, it shows that the alternator is beginning to have a problem or has failed.
A dim light
Another erratic alternator symptoms are dimming of lights or speedometer and tachometers that simply stop working for no reason. If you notice any sort of flickering lights when you switch on the ignition, it indicates that the alternator is not generating enough power to supply the vehicle’s electrical needs.
A “grinding” or “whining” sounds
Worn or broken car parts known that produced odd sounds like grinding or whining noise. Grinding sound usually due of damaged, dirty bearing inside the alternator. Also, if the pulley is not in correct alignment in the belt or if it’s canted on the shaft you’ll notice the same sounds that set as a warning
A bad smell
A misaligned pulley will often cause friction on the belt which creates heat and produced a bad smell of burning rubber. Hot wire scent often associated to an overheated alternator and will accompany failure.
Erratic electronics
The alternator is responsible for supplying electronic energy to your vehicle thus if you observed an over bright headlight or very dim if the speedometer completely fails or electronic windows breakdown it means to say that the alternator is experiencing issues.
A quick inspection
A quick inspection will help you to determine if your alternator is worn out or broken. Open the hood and check the engine compartment if a belt is too loose or too tight. If it shows cracking, excessive wear and other age issues it indicates a problem.
Considering that your alternator is broken and that you’ve noticed the above-mentioned warnings, the question is, are you going to buy a new one or rebuild it? If you are mechanically inclined, fixing it yourself is recommended as you might just replace some defective parts which are worth the time and is very cost effective.
How about getting from a junkyard for alternator replacement? Why not? All you need to do is ask assistance from our skilled mechanic, call (718) 297-9797 or like us on Facebook and see more tips beyond alternator.
Read More
