Infographic-Do you wish to save the environment? Here are some ways to Go Green while driving car !!

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Is your Mechanic scamming you with extra repairs? Learn how to save yourself from auto repair scammers @Parts Avatar

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.

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Are you an off road driving enthusiast. Partsavatar suggests some tips and techniques for safer and fun off roading!

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

It is better to replace the car's shocks if they show any sign of leakage or aging.

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.

Upgrade your Truck or Jeep aftermarket replacement parts at Parts avatar for cheap prices.

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