Showing posts with label air filters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label air filters. Show all posts
Friday, June 23, 2017
Friday, May 5, 2017
Is your Mechanic scamming you with extra repairs? Learn how to save yourself from auto repair scammers @Parts Avatar
5/05/2017 02:00:00 PM
air filters, auto fluids, brake system parts, buy replacement parts., car exhaust parts
2 comments
Watch out for these
tricks and pitfalls used by shady mechanics to scam you! Stick with reliable
mechanics and save on Auto Repairs – By PartsAvatar.ca
Aftermarket Auto Parts.


Whenever we have any
car related problem we rush to the mechanic immediately. But not every mechanic
is good. Most of the mechanics trap the vulnerable drivers by stating false
repairs to be needed. “High Scare equals high profit”, says John Ibbotson who
is consumer report chief mechanic and working in auto parts business since
1990.
Most mechanics believe
the fact that their customers know nothing about their car. Based on that fact
they try to scare and scam you regarding useless repairs they mention.They
forge with the bills by adding extra repair cost. Actually those repairs have
been done on their useless suggestion. So, beware of the extra charges and get
to know your vehicle more.
Parts avatar suggests
some item that you should watch out for while visiting a mechanic, as the
mechanic may scam money by using those items as bait.It’s better to take second
opinion of other certified professional or even a knowledgeable friend.Let us
have a look at some scenarios that you need to watch out for.
Brake
repair scam
Some dishonest auto
services often practice brake repair scam services. We are often advised by our
mechanic to replace brake rotors of car
along with the brake pads. It has been observed that some mechanics offer cheap
brake rotor replacement and also claim to offer lifetime brake pads by giving
low quality brake pads in reality. It is advised to use either Aftermarket
equivalent standard product or better go for an OEM.
When you need to replace
the car brake pads, it is not compulsory
or necessary to do so with brake rotors.Your mechanic will convince you in
changing rotors and there are chances that inappropriate brake rotors may lead
to more expensive repairs in future. So, better watch out!
Ask your friend before
any replacement.You can search or read the symptoms of bad rotor and brake
pads
on internet. You can take advice from different repair shops so that you will
have to pay a reasonable price for the brake repair. Always buy vehicle
relevant aftermarket brake pads or rotors for replacement or original one
instead of using mechanic’s own product as it won’t last long.
Spark
plug replacement
Auto Spark plugs are also important
component of ignition system. They provide with necessary spark that is needed
to ignite the air fuel mixture within the cylinders. Problems with vehicle’s
engine are prominent whenever the spark plugs go bad.
In older engine’s there
was a time when you needed spark plug replacement twice a year because engine
didn’t burn fuel efficiently. But if your car has traveled fewer than 100000
miles, and your mechanic is suggesting you for spark plug replacement, you
better take a second opinion.Engines with new technology are less prone to wear
and aging of spark plug so there may be a chance that your mechanic is not
honest.
Air
filter replacement
This is most popular
car repair scam practiced by most mechanics (dishonest ones!).When you take
your vehicle for regular service to the mechanic, he may tell you that your
car’s air filter needs replacement.Car Air filters seldom need to be
replaced. Even when you need replacement, it is a DIY project
and you can easily perform the replacement process yourself without help of
mechanic.
There are several
videos and stories on internet that tell how the mechanics intentionally put
mulch and leaves into the filter to make it look as if it needs replacement.You
better search for the symptoms that could lead to a failed air filter and then
you can yourself do the replacement.Air filters are quite cheaply available at
aftermarket online stores which provide same standards and functionality as
that of original ones.
Oil
change scam and faking Leaks
Oil change is very important
when it comes to maintenance. When we go to mechanic for vehicle’s oil change,
the mechanic advises you to use either synthetic or premium high quality oil instead
of the low quality oil that you have been using previously. He will also tell
you to repair some problems that he noticed while checking your vehicle.Some
fake auto shops spray coolant on a part of an engine purposely to make it look
like a leak. You better ask them to properly show you the leak that’s causing
this dripping of coolant. It is advised to better go to a certified, trust able
mechanic from the very beginning.
Flushing
of fluids
Some auto repair shops unnecessarily
offer to flush out the auto coolant
and car's power steering fluids.
Cars are designed to go 100000 miles with fluids. It is very rare when you need
fluid flushing and it happens under certain circumstances. Go through your vehicle’s
owner manual. Replacing a fluid could also cause an old transmission to fail.You
will find information about fluid flushing.
Take a professionals help and advice.
Offering
free inspection on tire rotation
If any auto repair shop
is offering you free check up of vehicle or even free tire rotation check up, be
forewarned. This could also lead to a planned scam. Whenever you visit for free
check up, mechanics scare you by stating different unnecessary problems with
your car and offer as many things to repair as possible. You could just be
wasting your hard earned money by going for a free inspection of your car. So
watch out!
Watch
out!
You read about certain
elements that could be tempered by the mechanic in the name of repair. Let us
read about some preventive measure that you can take to shield yourself from
auto shop scammers and save your cash.
· Mechanics should be paid by the hour,
not for the part that they repair or replace or merely touch.
If the mechanic doesn’t get the repair done efficiently for the first time, it is not wise to pay him. Do not pay your mechanic unless you are satisfies with your car’s performance. Otherwise mechanics would charge you again and again for any problem with the previous repair he has done.
Most mechanics sell additives and tell
that they miraculously cure your vehicle.Additives
don’t harm your car but they also don’t make the car run faster at the same
time. Additives can be used to clean a specific component but not every time.
So don’t get forged.
Mostly auto repair shops use scare
tactics to sell what they want to. Beware of those who say” it’s impossible for
your car to drive another mile”.Never get scared of any tactic they use and
always instead counter scare them by saying that you need time to take a second
opinion.
You should inspect the auto repair shop
for the state license of your country. Many shops proudly display their
license.
Any mechanic who says that he doesn’t
need any technical tool to analyze the condition of your engine should be
avoided.
Never sign a blank authorization form.
Be aware of repair jobs and warranties that are applicable.
Unless you are using second opinion as a counter scare tactic, do not tell your mechanic that you took second opinion before coming.
They will give you free replacement of mufflers stating that they would last long. But you could be heading towards an expensive repair road as car exhaust mufflers and pipes are quite expensive to repair.
Some of the expensive parts like catalytic converters or exhaust and emission parts have long warranty and free replacement provided by law. Consult your manufacturer before going for other replacement.
Do not let your mechanic to keep your car’s old parts. This way can you can inspect if they have been changed and you can show them to your friend for second opinion.
Do not forget to test drive your car to access the performance.
Before buying new tires know what your state’s tire tread specifications are. Then let the mechanic check the old tread with a gauge.
This way, if a mechanic
is trying to overcharge you for car repairs, you will see it coming. Take
second opinion and research before going to the mechanic.
For more information
about Aftermarket auto replacement parts chat
with a knowledgeable expert at PartsAvatar.ca.
Wednesday, May 3, 2017
Are you an off road driving enthusiast. Partsavatar suggests some tips and techniques for safer and fun off roading!
5/03/2017 02:30:00 PM
air filters, air intake hoses, auto fluids, car's alternator, car's radiator, jeep parts, serpentine belts, steering and suspension, the engine water pump, truck bumpers
No comments
Increase
your Skills and safety with this guide to off roading –
Brought to you by PartsAvatar Replacement Car Parts.
Off roading is increasing in its
popularity and every year the number of enthusiast is increasing.Drivers of all
ages love to challenge themselves with different obstacles and they are keenly
upgrading their trucks or jeeps with right set of tires and steel bumpers.
There are certain
techniques for driving that are required for your safety. Off roading can be
fun if you are using right equipment for your vehicle. In this article we shall
discuss some important equipments that need special consideration while buying
an off road truck and techniques for your safety.
Considerations
for buying an Off Road truck
If you are not having
enough ground clearance from the floor to the bottom of the truck, then it will
result in immediate damage and getting stuck. It is advised to use steel skid
plates.
Bigger tires should be
considered first for off roading. Bigger tires provide great amount of traction
and more contact with the surface. Thus choose bigger tires over normal ones.
If your vehicle’s air
intake is not high and you wish to enter deep water region then you might be
risking the life of your truck’s engine. Water is not good for engine as it
hinders its performance and air intakes hoses of car
basically prevent foreign particles like water from entering the engine. Make
sure the air intake is installed high.
Pre
Departure Maintenance and Repairs needed before venturing off road
There are certain
equipments that need to be maintained properly before you begin your drive. Off
roading is quite different from normal drive and often considered as rough and
for fun. Certain things depend upon where you are heading to but we provide you
with an ultimate checklist that is must for all types of conditions.
Check
the Fluids
Fluids are very
important for our vehicle as different types of fluids support different types
of purposes like cooling, lubrication, wiping etc. check all the fluid levels
and leaks and it is wise to carry extra fluid with you for any future
breakdown. Check all the necessary fluids- car's coolants,
windshield washer fluid, brake fluid, auto power steering fluid,
oil, ATFs
and differentials before venturing off. Do not ignore car's air filter and if it needs
repairs or replacement get it done before hand.
Inspect
the Shocks
Ball
joints
Check all auto ball joints, wheel bearings
or tie rod ends of car
for any sign of wearing. Visit your mechanic for proper inspection of possible
damages to the ball joints.
Belts
and hoses
There is a possibility
of damaging lower radiator hose of car
while off roading. So, it is advised to carry spare belts and hoses. Check the car's alternator
and auto water pumps
and if they need replacement, get the job done before any delay. Serpentine
belts are much in fashion now as they are less prone to failure but are
difficult to change at the same time. Still, it is not a bad idea to carry a
spare auto serpentine belt.
Spare
tire
There is always a
danger of getting flat tire while offroading so carrying a spare tire and wheel
with you is a good decision to take. Make sure that all the tires are properly
inflated to proper highway speed pressures.
Tool
kit
Carry quality tools in
your tool kit so that it can help you when you are stuck somewhere. Many online
stores offer affordable tool kits or auto tool kit accessories,
so upgrade it with them.
Check
Brake pads and Shoes
Check the car brake pads and auto brake shoes beforehand. Worn out
brake pads may get your safety at risk. Call your mechanic if you notice any
sign of aging with respect to brake pads and shoes. Bleed the brakes properly
for best performance from braking system.
Check
the Steering and Suspension
Visit your professional
and get the steering and suspension system
parts of car inspected for any signs of damage and
aging. It is very important for the safe driving to have good control over
steering.
Tips
for safe off road drive
Regardless of the
experience, all drivers or off road enthusiast should practice safe driving
skills when negotiating obstacle on the trail. Follow these simple suggestions
for your safe off road driving.
Avoid
driving diagonally on hills
Hills are as far the
most dangerous areas for off road driving. Always drive straight up or down the hill
or steep terrains.Driving diagonally unbalances the vehicle by shifting the
weight to the lower wheels thus resulting in a roll over.
Always keep the tires
on the path and prevent sliding by moving slowly. Prevent sideways rollover and
straighten your truck by counter steer and avoid damages to aftermarket truck bumpers.
When
driving over logs or ditches
Cross the ditches or
logs at an angle so that one wheel at a time crosses the obstacle and the other
three help the wheel to climb over. Do not allow one of the front or rear tire
to get into the ditch at the same time as it could get you into vulnerable
position.
Drive
within your ability
It is advised to drive
within your ability. It is wise to have knowledge about trail before beginning.
Bigger obstacles and challenges sound fascinating at once but without proper
tools, equipments and knowledge, the situation would become head grabbing. It
is very important to have full knowledge of your truck. By knowledge we mean
the ability to handle any obstacle because you drive your truck and nobody
knows more than you do about your truck. Gain proper knowledge, and start with
small trails and obstacles. Get used to it and after that it is safer to go on
different adventure.
Maintain and upgrade
your truck parts with necessary tools and equipments for more fun and safe
experience.
When
off roading, tire pressure is everything
Keep in mind that tire pressure
is everything when off roading. Reducing the tire pressure will increase the
traction on sand and gravel. Always follow the manufacturer’s standards if you
are driving on a highway. Get the best use of bigger tires by adjusting the air
pressure up or down depending on driving conditions and make the driving easier
and safer.
Proper
hand positioning
Many drivers have a mad
habit of driving with their thumbs around the steering wheel. While driving off
road, any sudden jerk could result in a broken thumb. Wrap your fingers
accurately on the steering wheel. It provides a secure grip to the steering
wheel and much safer drive.
Safety should be the
first priority of the off road truckers. It is time to practice good driving
habits than using high prized safety equipments and steel bumpers. At the end
of the day, it good to have off roading knowledge and common sense if you wish
to enjoy your off roading experience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)