Get Flexibility with Evercoat’s New Rage Ultra XTRA Body Filler

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When You Don't Have Enough Tools, Trust a Local Repair Shop

There's no need for your home garage to be as crowded as a high-end repair shop just because you own a European car. Even though having such a mountain of tool as this may be every car nut's dream, there is the option of seeking an experienced and reputable repair shop. 

3 Tips to Stay Cool in Your Mercedes

 

Extreme heat can cause a lot of stress on the air conditioner in your Mercedes. A system must be able to battle the temperatures, and keep you cool day in and day out. Here are three tips that will ensure your systems will operate properly throughout all the sunny California days.

1.  Watch the Refrigerant Level

The coolant in your system is what maintains the proper temperature of the air. If this is full, you’ll stay cool year-round.

2. Service the Evaporator, Condenser and Compressor

These moving parts are the true workhorses of your air conditioning system. In keeping up with the heat they can wear out over time, and should be maintained by a professional Mercedes technician.

3. Check the Hoses, Pumps and Valves

To perform at top quality standards, these parts must stay appropriately lubricated. This will keep your system running smoothly, and prevent them from cracking from the heat produced by your engine.

If these three primary components of your air conditioning are serviced on a regular basis, you will not have any worries about getting stuck with a broken down system in the scorching heat. Experienced professionals have the expertise to keep you cool all year long. Visit this website for more information on Mercedes maintenance in Cupertino, and to schedule service.

Engine Maintenance

The engine is the heart of your vehicle, so keep the heartbeat strong. Regular maintenance can keep your car running well and prevent the need for expensive repairs down the road.

How Online Manuals Help With Minor Car Issues

 

When your car starts making a strange noise, you might worry that it indicates a major problem that will be costly to repair, but many issues can be fixed without the help of a professional. Even if you know little about cars and have no experience in conducting your own repairs, an online manual can help you to pinpoint the problem and may even enable you to fix it yourself.

• Online manuals often include helpful diagrams of the inner workings of your car. By understanding what’s happening under your hood you can get a better idea of where the problem is happening and why. Learn to identify the major components of your car and you will be better equipped to identify a problem yourself or to understand your mechanic when he explains what’s happening with your car.

• An online manual often includes instructions for completing basic maintenance and repairs such as changing your own oil, checking your brake fluid and replacing everything from camshafts to carburetors.

• By consulting an online manual you can determine whether the problem is something you feel confident handling yourself or whether you’d prefer to consult a professional. If you do take it to a shop, you’ll be prepared to give them detailed information about what’s happening with your car.

An online manual can be a great resource when dealing with minor car issues. To learn more about automotive repair in San Diego, click here.

Beat the Heat With Air Conditioner Repair

If your car air conditioner begins to malfunction, do not wait until rising temperatures make the heat unbearable. Take your vehicle to experienced professionals who can diagnose and repair your air conditioner, keeping you cool all summer long.

Keep Control of Your Vehicle with a Functioning CV Axle

 

Do you hear a click-click-clicking sound when you turn your steering wheel? What about a ‘clunk’ when you slow down your car or truck? This could be due to CV joint axle failure. Are you wondering- what is a CV axle? Here is a simple explanation that will help you help your car.

A Connector

A CV axle connects your wheel to the gears in the transmission that propels your vehicle. These are typically used for front wheel drive automobiles. A joint in the axle contains bearings and other parts that are held in by a protective rubber boot.

Functions of a CV Axle

This important connector has many duties including:

• Reducing friction
• Providing suspension for bumps and potholes
• Allowing for axle rotation and length change

Potential Problems

CV axles get a lot of wear and tear from getting knocked around on the roadway. Boots get cracked and torn and cause the internal parts to be compromised and break down.  The part will then need replacement to ensure proper suspension and control of the steering of your car or truck.

Click on this website for more information and to schedule service.  Brake repair in San Diego can also be done at the same time to save you money on labor while the mechanics are servicing near your wheels.

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Solving Ignition Issues

 

Any driver knows that car ignition issues can be a big problem. At first, this can look like a considerable road block in the path of your life, making it almost impossible to get things done. However, there is hope with a good repair team on your side. Finding the cause of the problem is key to fixing it.

Common Causes for Ignition Problems

• The set of waters that the ignition uses to respond to they key may be worn out from use. They could also be dirty or jammed. The fix may be as simple as cleaning or replacing the wafers.
• The key itself may be work out, preventing the ignition from responding. This usually means that a replacement is in order.
• It could be because of a timing belt failure. These belts need to be replaced regularly, and letting the job go can do serious damage to the car.
• Another common cause is electric fuel pump failure. This can happen when the fuel filter is not changed regularly enough.

Like with any car problems, regular maintenance is usually solution to avoiding anything major. However, if an ignition failure does happen, there's no reason to despair. A solution is in sight. Getting to the bottom of the issue will make the right course of action easy to find. Click here to learn more about vehicles repair in La Jolla.

Understanding Your Car’s Key Components

 

From the brakes to the transmission, it is important to have a good understanding of all your car’s major functions. Learning how the many components of your car operate will help you detect problems and keep you safe.

Reduce Your Time at the Gas Pump

Cars and trucks are complicated machines. It takes a lot of moving parts to keep it running efficiently. If you are wondering how to improve the gas mileage of your vehicle, it is important to know the role of the exhaust manifold in your engine.

Combustion Creates Gases

As the fuel is burned to propel your vehicle, gases from the burned fuel/air residue need somewhere to go. The exhaust manifold takes these gases and shoots them through the exhaust system and out of the tailpipe. Correct operation elicits the best fuel efficiency. Over time, this part can fail and cause problems with the effectiveness of your engine.

Types of Exhaust Manifolds

This component of the engine is made up of a manifold assembly or a set of pipes and is available in these materials:

• Cast Iron
• Stainless Steel
• Aluminized Steel

Improve Mileage Through Replacement

Due to the heat of the engine, and wear and tear, the exhaust manifold will at some point leak in your vehicle. It is important to replace this part not only to improve your mileage, but also for safety. Leaking hot gases can catch on fire and be a hazard. Click on this website for further information on exhaust manifolds in Pacific Beach and to reduce your time pumping gas into your car or truck.

The Top Accessories for Your Camper Shell

A camper shell is a great add on to any truck. This sturdy shield keeps your precious cargo protected against anything the road might throw at it. It also protects the truck bed from the elements when it is not it use. The shell can even be used to create a shelter when you're out roughing it in the wildnerness. There are some great accessories out there that you can equip your camper shell with, that allow you to get more use and enjoyment out it every day. These are just some of the top options that one can go with.

A bed slide is a popular add on for many drivers that use a camper shell. It is a great way to store your stuff securely, and then easily access it when the time comes. There is no need for difficult maneuvering with a bed slide. Simply pull it out and grab whatever you need. There are multiple options with different strengths available as well, depending on just how much cargo you will be hauling.

For the exterior of the camper shell, many drivers go with a roof rack system. This is an especially popular add on for people who spend a lot of time being active in the outdoors. It is great for transporting all different kinds of equipment, such as bikes, skis and surfboards. The rack can also be adjusted to accommodate different applications, including carrying luggage and other heavy cargo.

Drivers can also go for a higher tech accessory like a keyless remote. Though it is a small and simple thing, it can be a really big help. This allows the holder to be sure that their items are totally secure at al times. It also makes accessing the things you need quicker an easier. The remote is set up on its own system and can be used without affecting the other car doors. Getting out what you need in a snap has never been easier.

A camper shell is already a great addition to your truck all by itself. At the same time, it can still be improved upon with these three great accessories. All together in combination, they will make your camper shell ready for anything. Your cargo will be as secure as possible, but always easy to get to at the same time. Get the most out of your truck and click here to learn more about finding truck accessories in San Diego.

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Mat or Liner: What’s the Best Way to Protect Your Pickup’s Bed?

 

Whether you haul gravel daily or just occasionally help a friend move, your pickup’s bed is susceptible to scratches and dents. There are plenty of products out there designed to protect your bed. Among them are mats and spray-in liners. Here are some things to consider when deciding which is right for you.

Bed Mats – Commonly made from rubber or polypropylene (which resembles carpet), bed mats are one of the original forms of bed protection. As the name implies, the product is a mat that covers the floor of a pickup’s bed. Mats are effective at protecting the area they cover and keeping cargo from sliding. However, they leave the bed walls and wheel wells vulnerable to damage. That’s why mats are often recommended for users who do less frequent, lighter duty hauling. Tailgate mats also are available.

Spray-in Bed Liner – Known for their ruggedness and durability, spray-in liners offer protection from damage that can result from hauling large equipment and heavy material, such as gravel, rock and sand. Unlike a bed mat, a spray-in liner protects the sides of the truck bed, as well as the wheel wells. Different textures are available, depending on the primary use of the truck. Spray-in liners are permanent.

When choosing protection for your truck’s bed, consider how you use your truck and how much you want to spend. Bed mats, for instance, are far more economical than spray-in liners. Visit this website for more information on truck spray liners in San Diego.

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When Topping Off Saves You at the Pump

 

Rumor has it that topping off your gas is bad for the environment and your vehicle. Still, when the pump clicks off, many people can’t resist that extra squeeze to get to that nice, even fuel purchase amount.  For pickup truck owners with this bad pump habit, there’s good news.  Instead of topping off your gas, you can buy a topper for your truck that will increase fuel economy and make each trip to the pump more cost-effective.

Defeat Wind Drag

For those of you wondering how a truck topper will help you save fuel, consider that a truck topper can help make your pickup truck more aerodynamic, thus allowing your vehicle to operate more efficiently. When hauling bulky objects, the wind can make your vehicle work harder and not smarter. This is particularly relevant for a vehicle traveling at high speeds.

Maximize Efficiency with a Truck Topper

Historically, trucks have been front line victims when gas prices fluctuate. Truck owners should maximize efforts to minimize the effects of economic changes.  Truck toppers are an excellent method for increasing fuel economy in your vehicle, and a preferable method to topping off your gas at the tank. Visit this website to find fuel-saving truck toppers in San Diego.

Personal Statement on Wheels

What does your truck say about you? There are plenty of aftermarket accessories available to transform your pickup from a mere vehicle into a personal statement on wheels.

3 Reasons to Put A Tonneau Cover on Your Truck

 

When it comes to pickups, there are aftermarket accessories galore. One of the most popular upgrades for a truck’s bed is the Tonneau, which is a soft or hard cover that lies flat over the bed. Here are three ways you can benefit by putting a Tonneau cover on your truck.

Cargo Protection – With a Tonneau cover, you can feel confident hauling cargo in any weather – from intense heat and sun to rain, hail and snow. In addition, the cover protects the bed of the truck itself from the elements. The cover further protects cargo from being blown by wind or otherwise moving around during transport.

Better Security – A Tonneau cover can give you peace of mind that the contents of your truck bed won’t be disturbed. When the bed is covered, thieves looking for an easy score are more likely to get discouraged and keep looking for more vulnerable target. For even more security, many manufacturers offer locking Tonneau covers.

Enhanced Appearance– Tonneau covers are low profile and give your pickup a sleek appearance. Bottom line: They just look cool.

Finally, one of the best things about Tonneau covers is that there are a ton of options available, from soft, roll up covers to hard shells that open like a trunk. Check out this website for more info on Tonneau covers in Murrieta.

Remember These Tips for Repairing Bumper Scratches

Car bumpers protect your vehicle, but often at their own expense.Whether it's an unusually high curb or a parking lot sideswipe, bumper scratches are as ugly as they are annoyingly easy to get. While some people may just slap a bumper sticker over the damage, there are better solutions available. Some shallow scratches can be repaired yourself, or, depending on the extent of the damage, you can go to an auto body repair shop.

To start off, you need to know what kind of bumper your vehicle has.Most cars these days have plastic bumpers - technically, steel bumpers protected under a tough plastic cover, sometimes with foam packed between to increase protection.Older and classic cars more likely have old-fashioned steel and chrome bumpers.

Lightly scratched chrome bumpers are the easiest to fix.Surface marks often can just be wiped away using a piece of aluminum foil sprinkled with a little water. The foil is softer than the chrome so won't scratch it more, and the aluminum oxides created by rubbing will polish the chrome to a shine, dissolving away rust and clearing shallow marks. If the scratches are deeper, however, you'll need a repair kit to fill them in.

Otherwise, if your car is a standard modern model, it probably has a plastic bumper.The advantage of these bumpers is that since the plastic is semi-flexible, it can often bounce back undamaged from minor impacts.It still can be abraded or gouged, however, and fixing scratches on these bumpers can be a difficult process. Before you start, you can try cleaning the bumper by scrubbing it with a non-abrasive sponge; occasionally bumpers can pick up paint off the objects that scraped them, and may be undamaged beneath.

If the scratches remain after cleaning, they will need to be repaired.First, sand down the scratches to smooth them out, and then clean the area with a grease remover. If there are any scratches deep enough to remain, they'll have to be filled in with a scratch-filling putty, which must be sanded down again after it hardens.Once the bumper is evenly sanded, scuff it with a pad to ensure the paint adheres, then coat all exposed areas with a primer.Finally, apply multiple layers of spray paint matching the color of the bumper or car body, and finish with a transparent clear coat.

Depending on your bumpers and how they were damaged, fixing them can be easy or time-consuming. If you're ever unsure how to proceed, you can always consult a professional. See this website for more information on bumpers and other car accident repair in Garner.

Damaged Vehicles Are Made Like New Again

 

If your vehicle has been heavily damaged in an accident, be sure to choose a reputable body shop for repairs. When done right, repairs make a wrecked car like new again.

3 Safety Tips for Teen Drivers

 

As a teen you might think everyone is picking on you about not being a safe driver. Unfortunately, in this case Mark Twain was wrong when he said statistics were worse than lies. Oceans of data prove that young drivers are higher accident risks. Here are thee tips to help you avoid being one of those statistics.

Nix Those Cellphones!—They are bad news for drivers of all ages. Would you believe that studies show phone use is worse than distracted driving? It’s more like drunken driving, even when you use a hands-off device.

Texts Perplex—Don’t think sending a text takes only a moment. Studies reveal that on average doing so means your eyes are off the road for nearly five seconds. That’s enough time to drive across a football field blindfolded. Enough said.

Don’t try to dodge the bullet by texting while stopped. You still have to be aware of the traffic picture.

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4 Factors to Consider Before Deciding on an Auto Body Repair Shop

 

While you’re on the way to work a careless driver crushes part of you bumper—a fender bender. You have to choose an auto body shop. How can you tell which is the best? Here are four useful tips:

Word-of-Mouth Is Valuable--Forget the ads and connect with friends and relatives who have had bodywork done. They’ll be happy to recommend a company that did well by them. Frequently, these straight shooters are tucked away off the main drag, many are family owned and have done business for years in the same location.

Location, Location! (And Overhead)--The cost of replacement parts is much the same for all auto body shops, so the determinant cause of the size of your bill will be labor costs. Where the shop is located may cause the hourly rate to vary as much as times three.

Multiple Estimates Are Best--This is a nearly foolproof way of dodging overestimates. Presenting one shop an estimate from another might mean a lower re-estimate.

Be Smart--Ask questions. How about the shop’s warranty? It covers what and for now long? Another insightful query might be about the shop’s fire and theft insurance. Ask questions about the quality and type of parts and the number of paint coats.

For more information and a realistic estimate for your auto body repair in Raleigh area, visit this website.

Car Accidents Can Cause Extreme Damage

 

A heavily damaged vehicle should be evaluated by a professional auto body shop. Choose a highly-rated shop, get cost estimates before allowing work to begin, and be sure they’ll work with your insurance.

Why You Should Understand Your Auto Insurance Coverage before Lending Your Car to a Friend

Many people want to consider themselves generous; they lend to those who ask and allow friends and families to take great liberties. When it comes to your vehicle, what you should do as far as generosity is concerned is not limited to your own personal beliefs on the situation, but may be governed by the law. While the government does not dictate what licensed driver can drive your vehicle, it does state that drivers on the road must be covered by insurance.

What Exactly Does Your Car Insurance Cover When It Comes to Lending?

If you are someone prone to letting other people operate your vehicle, you may want to note whether not your policy covers that person. Your coverage might fall into one of these categories:

• Only the policy holder is insured – the insured person can drive any car they are licensed to operate and the policy will cover them no matter what vehicle they are in.

• Just your car is covered – if you attempt to drive someone else's car, the policy will not protect you.

• Your car insurance covers it all – the car, any car you drive, and anybody who drives your car.

What Will Happen If an Uninsured Friend Drives Your Car?

Even if you have car insurance for yourself, you may have to pay out of pocket if an uninsured driver is involved in an accident while operating your car. However, there is help available. Visit this website to learn more about car accident repair in Garner.

The Benefits of a Tent Trailer

 

A Tent trailer is a towable type of recreational vehicle that features pop up beds attached to a tent cabin. They offer a moderate alternative to roughing it in the woods with a conventional tent on the ground and to spending a bundle on a fully equipped motorhome. A typical tent trailer offers the following benefits.

1. Sleeping Capacity

Pop up tent trailers usually have two large fold out beds that can sleep five to six people between them. The tent trailer offers plenty of comfortable sleeping space for camping families.

2. Airflow

The cabin and the fold out beds of tent trailers are surrounded by mesh panels that let the air flow naturally though the trailer. This lets you enjoy a much more open, much less stuffy feeling camping experience compared to a usual pitched camping tent.

3. Customizable Amenities

Tent trailers, like other types of recreational vehicles, can be outfitted with utilities ranging from simple to extravagant. Basic trailers may include just a sink and a two burner stove, but higher end models can come equipped with refrigerators, toilets, showers and even air-conditioning.

4. Easily Towable

The majority of pop up tent trailers fall within the towing weight range that many cars, minivans and SUVs are rated for. Tent trailers also have a smaller towing profile than other recreational vehicles since the cabin and beds are collapsible. To find a trailer service in Santa Cruz, visit this website.

Micro-Minnie Offers Minimal Weight with Maximum Value

The Micro-Minnie is an ideal travel trailer for SUV or Crossover owners with 3000 lbs towable dry weight, a 7’ wide footprint and dual axels.

Keep Your Car’s Value With Body Maintenance

Your car is your baby, a precious thing you enjoy seeing and driving every day. Or perhaps it’s just a car to you and you only use to get from here to there. Whichever side of the line you fall on, your car is an asset and an investment. Keep it in great shape to ensure that your vehicle maintains its value and gets you the best price possible further down the road when it’s time to sell it or trade it in. Old, ugly cars don’t maintain their value and therefore aren’t worth much on the auto market. However, even though your car won’t be new when you go to sell it, you can get more for it by making sure it looks as good as new. Your local auto body has a wide range of services to ensure that your car looks as good as new.

People often say that you shouldn’t sweat the small stuff. This may be solid life advice in general, but it doesn’t specifically apply to your car. Dents, dings, scratches and rust spots won’t be overlooked when it comes to appraising the worth of your vehicle. These seemingly trivial little scars are liable to bring down your car’s value significantly.

Collision damage is another thing to take into account. Accidents happen to everyone from time to time. Mostly, they’re minor things that cause only cosmetic damage. Your vehicle may be perfectly road worthy following a fender-bender, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll be able to sell your car for the same price a pristine model will go for. It pays off in the long run to get collision damage repaired.

Don’t forget about the elements. Wind, water and sun have a serious effect on automobiles over the years. If you want to ensure that you get the most from your car, you need to make sure that its paint looks great. Regularly cleaning and waxing your car is good habit, but you can only do so much over the life of your vehicle. If your car’s color is faded, bleached and clearly suffering from exposure to Mother Nature, a complete paint job may be in order. Don’t underestimate the effect that gleaming, glossy new coat of paint has on vehicles.

With a good auto body shop, there are many things an auto body can do for your vehicle to make sure it maintains its value over the course of its life. To learn more about PDR service in Carlsbad, visit this website.

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Auto Body Touchups 101

Dents, dings and blemishes on your car’s body don’t have to turn into big problems or persistent annoyances. You’ll be amazed at how well these imperfections can be touched up when the job is done right.

3 Things to Ask of a Great Auto Body Repair Shop

 

With how crucial cars are to daily life these days, it’s no wonder that they get dinged up and beat up now and then. When the time comes, you want to find the right shop to fix up your car and these tips can help you narrow your search.

1. Find out What the Hourly Rate Is

Labor costs are a huge part of any repair job. Shop around by asking what each business charges in hourly rates. You might be surprised to learn how vastly different these numbers are, especially when one shop is in a busy, pricey part of town and another is on the outskirts.

2. Talk Warranties

Warranties vary from place to place, and even within a shop based on the work done. Here are a few things that have different types of warranties, so make sure to ask what applies to you:

• Body work
• Paint jobs
• Collision repair

3. Learn About the Materials

If your vehicle needs some new parts, don’t just nod and pay up. Ask about the parts – are they new factory parts? Quality used parts? Or are they aftermarket? Each has their own advantages and disadvantages.

There may be a lot of choices out there, but it doesn’t mean that it’s grueling to find the right auto body. Visit this website to learn more about what to ask during auto body repair in Vista.