American Honda and Acura Approve BASF Automotive Refinish Paint for All Warranty Repairs in US

This is the first time American Honda has issued a service bulletin specifying approved paint lines for warranty repairs.“BASF worked with American Honda to help them better understand.....read more

How To Tell If Your Horse Trailer Needs Repair

When you load your horses onto your trailer, you need to be able to ensure that it’s going to be a safe ride for everyone involved. That means paying attention to the needs of your trailer as well and reporting in for repairs as needed. However, for those who’ve never dealt with owning one of these accessories before, knowing when repairs are needed could be tough. Some of the most common issues noting a need for replacements or repairs are:

• Thumping or bumping sounds from the wheels. This is usually a problem with the bearings, and you’ll need to do a lot more than grease them to restore your ride to top condition.
• Metallic grinding noises and squealing, which could be an indication of failing brakes. While this is something many parties can repair on their own, it’s always best to consult with a professional anyways to ensure there’s no other underlying problems.
• Failing tail lights, which could be a result of faulty wiring. Not only is it illegal to drive without properly functioning tail lights, but it puts both you and your horses in danger when driving at night.

These are some of the most common ways to determine whether or not your horse trailer needs to be taken in for repairs. To learn more about horse trailer repair in Scotts Valley, visit this website.

Animal Crossing

 

Whether you’re crossing town, the state or the country, keeping your pets comfy and safe during the move is a must. This is why keeping your horse trailer and other important equipment in pristine condition is imperative.

How To Tell If Your CV Joint Needs Repair

A CV joint is an essential part of your vehicle. This type of axle is used in vehicles that use front-wheel drive, and are the main way the car transfers power from the engine to the wheels to make the car move. When it is in need of repair, it may give some obvious signs to indicate there is a problem.

Sounds

When a CV joint fails, it will be obvious from the noise the car makes. Clicking, grinding and popping noises are common when a CV joint is on its last leg or has already become too damaged to work any longer. This is especially true when the car is turning. If you suspect your CV joint is faulty, listen for a steady knocking sound every few seconds while the car is running at a low speed.

Shaking

Another sign of a failing CV joint is vibration. If your steering wheel and floorboard begin to shake only at certain speeds, the CV joint may be to blame.

Inspection

One of the best ways to see if your CV joint is a problem is to check your CV boot. Chances are, if your boot is still in place and intact, the issue is probably not your CV joint. On the other hand, if your boot is damaged, it could allow the CV joint to become compromised and damaged over time. Visit this website for more information on CV joint repair in San Diego.

3 Signs Your Muffler Is Broken

A muffler is an often overlooked yet vital part of a working vehicle. While it does have a muffling effect on the sounds your engine exhibits, it is more than a luxury item. Mufflers are responsible for regulating the flow of air in and out of an engine. When the muffler is damaged, it can severely impact how your engine functions. If you think your muffler may be bad, read the following signs and evaluate your car’s needs.

1. Loud Noises

When a muffler is damaged, it can often result in a noticeable change in the volume of noise coming from your muffler. This change is often drastic and alarming, so you should be sure to notice the problem.

2. Smells

If your car smells bad, you should get the muffler checked immediately. A broken muffler means that there may be a serious problem with the exhaust system, which is in charge of taking dangerous gases away from the engine and cab. This prevents occupants from ingesting the fumes and getting sick. A smelly car means these fumes may be sticking around.

3. Reduced MPG

When an exhaust system is properly tuned it can result in great fuel economy. However, if an exhaust system is not working properly, it will result in poor fuel economy. Pay attention to your gas meter and take note if you are expending more gas than you do without traveling any additional places. This could mean that your muffler is in need of repair. Visit this website to learn more about foreign muffler service in Pacific Beach.

Professional Automotive Technicians

 

When your car is having problems your first instinct may be to fix it yourself. It’s important to have your car looked at by a professional technician, however. They have the training and tools do the job safely and correctly.

When To Replace Your Catalytic Converter

Your vehicle’s catalytic converter plays an important role in helping protect the environment. This component of your exhaust system can help transform many environmentally damaging gases into substances that are significantly less hazardous. If your catalytic converter stops working, you will want to get it repaired or replaced immediately. Here are some signs to watch for.

1. Your Car Is Displaying Warning Lights

Many cars, trucks and other vehicles are equipped with a built in system of sensors designed to warn of trouble with any part of the exhaust system. Do you see warning lights on your dash? This could be a sign that your catalytic converter has failed. You may need to contact an expert who can install a new one.

2. Your Car Failed an Emissions Test

Some states, such as California, require vehicles to pass emissions tests in order to prove that they are compliant with laws intended to protect the environment. If your car or truck fails such a test, this is a clear indicator that your exhaust system needs work. Your catalytic converter may need to be repaired or replaced entirely.

If you have noticed warning signs of trouble, or if your vehicle has failed an emissions test, you will likely need to contact a professional for help. Visit this website to learn more about catalytic converter replacement in San Diego.

What To Do If Your Wheels Are Out Of Alignment

You want your vehicle to handle the road as well as possible, and making sure your wheels are in alignment will be an important consideration. Here are tips on maintaining the proper alignment of your wheels.

What Does Wheel Alignment Mean?

Understanding the meaning of wheel alignment is helpful toward your ability to keep your vehicle in top shape. Wheel alignment is actually an adjustment that is made to the suspension system, not to the wheels or tires. By correcting the suspension, the tires meet the surface of the road at the best angle.

What Are Symptoms of Improper Alignment?

If you notice that the tread on your tires is wearing unevenly, such as more signs of wear evident on the outside or inside versus the center, that is a probable indicator of incorrect alignment. The life of the tires is substantially reduced in that case.

Does It Affect More Than the Tires?

Problems of misaligned wheels show up in more places than just the tires. Wheel alignment is also a key factor in the vehicle’s ability to maneuver on corners and respond well to the steering system.

Now that you have a better understanding about wheel alignment, make sure your vehicle has full command of the road. Learn more about wheel alignment in La Jolla at this website.

Performance Updates

 

When your muscle car or performance based vehicle needs work, be sure to find a technician that specializes in exhaust work. New catalytic converters, an exhaust overhaul or a new muffler can help your car perform at its best.

What To Do If Your European Car Muffler Breaks

You know that it is important to keep every component of your European car in top condition. Are you wondering what to do if you begin to suspect that your muffler may be malfunctioning? Here are a few steps you can take to help resolve the situation.

1. Evaluate the Situation

Before you make a decision about what to do, you may need to evaluate the situation. Pay careful attention to your car’s behavior. What signs have led you to believe that your muffler may be broken? Do you see warning lights, hear louder than usual engine sounds, or notice unpleasant exhaust odors in your car? Any of these things may indicate a broken muffler.

2. Call a Professional

If you want your European car to be repaired with the greatest possible competency and care, it is important that you contact a professional as quickly as possible. Search out an automotive repair establishment that specializes in foreign vehicles.

3. Follow Local Laws

Your car’s emissions are governed by local and federal laws. This means that it is highly important to ensure you receive repair only from an establishment that fully complies with all applicable regulations.

Have you begun to experience trouble with the exhaust system on your European car? Visit this website to find foreign muffler service in Pacific Beach.

3 Reasons To Replace Your Shocks

If the road seems extra bumpy, it might be your shocks causing your vehicle’s rough ride, not the pavement. Faulty shocks are not only annoying, they can also put the safety of your vehicle at risk. Here are three reasons to consider replacing your shocks.

1. Do you feel excessive bounce when driving?

The worn shocks are often detected when there is more bounce than usual in the vehicle’s ride. This is an indication that the shocks have lost their ability to perform as needed, perhaps due to wear and tear.

2. Are there signs of fluid leaks from the shocks?

Any appearance of fluid leaking from the shocks is an indication that the shocks are failing. This will affect your ability to maintain good control of the vehicle.

3. When you apply the brakes, does the front end of the car tilt downward?

Worn shocks can interfere with proper braking and steering. One symptom that’s more noticeable on larger vehicles is that the front end will tend to angle downwards when the brake pedal is pushed.

Make sure you recognize these three indicators of bad shocks so you schedule the repairs you need to keep driving safely and smoothly. Follow this link for reliable shock replacement in San Diego.

NSF International Certifies First ABRA Auto Body & Glass Repair Centers

NSF International announced it has certified 70 ABRA Auto Body & Glass Repair Centers via the NSF Collision Repair Shop Certification....read more

The Benefits of Using a Spray Liner

When it comes to protecting your truck’s bed from scrapes, dents, scratches and other damage, you have several options available to you. Spray-on liner is one of the newest additions to this category, and so has naturally been avoided by some of the more traditionally-minded truck owners out there. However, there are several distinct benefits to using this type of liner on any truck that no owner can afford to overlook during their search for the perfect bed-protector. Some of these include:

• Spray-on liners have a universal fit. This means you won’t have to sacrifice quality in order to find a solution that fits your truck perfectly.
• Because this is simply an additional layer on the bed itself, you won’t need to worry about it shifting around over time. This issue is common with other types of liners, and can cause serious issues if left unchecked.
• These options have comparatively low maintenance compared to most other options. Accumulation of dirt and grit beneath the liner can be a problem with other options, but with spray-on liners, dirt has no place to settle. This means you’ll spend less time dealing with these issues and more time getting to work.

These outstanding benefits shouldn’t be overlooked simply because spray-on liners are new to the line-up. To learn more about spray liner in Murrieta, visit this website.

Reasons To Purchase A Nerf Board

Nerf boards – also known as nerf runners or running bars – are sometimes seen as merely a stylistic addition to most trucks and SUVs. However, there are several reasons why any owner might want to add a nerf board or two to their ride, many of them practical solutions to longstanding problems. If you’ve been considering adding some of these accessories to your truck or SUV, consider the following and consider the benefits of installation:

• Nerf boards provide drivers with an extra step up into the vehicle. This makes the ascent and descent into the cab much safer and easier than ever before. This is particularly true during inclement weather involving rain or snow.
• They actually protect your ride from a great deal of the debris which your tires kick up when you’re moving forward. This means your vehicle can stay in better shape for longer.
• Because they provide you and your passengers with a place to wipe or knock mud and dirt off your feet before getting into the cab, nerf boards can even help you to keep the interior of your truck or SUV cleaner than before.

Nerf boards can accomplish all of this and more while providing your ride with the bump in style that it deserves. To learn more about nerf boards in San Diego, visit this website.

Painting Demos at NACE | CARS 2016 to be Performed Using Shop-Pro Mobile Work Station

NACE | CARS, being held August 11-12 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif., will again include live painting demonstrations. Once again, the popular live painting demonstrations will be performed using the Mobile Work Station from....read more

How To Find The Right Truck Grille For You

There are a variety of styles of truck grilles. Not only does the right truck grille give your ride a bit of shine, but it also protects key truck parts from debris and resultant wear and tear on your radiator and engine area.

A Variety of Types of Truck Grilles

There are a variety of types of truck grilles. The material a truck grille is made of helps to determine just how protective it can be of the inner workings of your vehicle. All grilles protect the radiator but only some can safely protect the engine too. If you need information on the different types of truck grilles it is worth it to discuss them with a professional at the shop. Types include everything from billet to steel.

Going for Style and Safety at the Same Time

Most people know that truck grilles add a bit of bling to a truck. The safety measures provided by a grille are somewhat less known. When selecting the right truck grille for you, it is important to make an investment in a grille that provides a great look and the right materials and features to keep your truck safe.

If you need the perfect truck grilles in San Diego click here for more information on available options.

How To Find The Best Pick Up Shell For Your Truck

If you own a truck, no doubt you enjoy the use of your bed on the regular. Whatever you happen to be hauling, rain can prove a huge inconvenience when you’re on the move between destinations. This is why having a shell for your truck is one of the most beneficial things you can do as an owner. However, choosing the right shell can be more than a slight challenge. Fortunately, there are a few things any owner can do in order to make the selection process easier:

• Make sure the cover in question has a good fit for your truck. Take your measurements twice and consult with the professionals in order to ensure that your new cover actually fits your truck in order to really keep the wind and water out of your bed.
• Ensure that the finish matches your truck as well. While this can be difficult for trucks that’ve been repainted since purchase, it’s generally an easy enough job for those who have trucks still sporting a factory paintjob.
• Pay attention to what type of mounting is required. More modern shells don’t require a drill or other tools, so if you lack the proper equipment, one of these may be worth a slightly higher price.

These are all things you should keep in mind when trying to find your perfect pick up shell. To learn more about pick up shells in Clairemont Mesa, visit this website.

A Good First Step

 

Steps make it easier and safer to get into trucks that are particularly high off the ground. These steps are scored to provide a better grip, ensuring that you won’t slip off even when wet.

The Benefits Of Auto Body Repair

When you get into a collision, you’re ride’s bound to incur a bit of damage, whether the incident happens with another car, a tree, or other roadside threats. There are many who prefer to leave the damage be and to avoid spending the cash to get the issue repaired. However, this is not always the wisest course of action for drivers. In fact, there are several benefits which those who seek out auto body repair can expected to find, including:

• Avoiding a loss of value on the vehicle in question. Each ding, dent and scratch detracts from your ride’s value. Repairing these issues is the best way to keep your vehicle’s value at its maximum for longer.
• Having professionals repair the damage is much less time-consuming than doing the work from home, particularly if the driver is inexperienced in the field of auto repair.
• While their specialty may be body repair, the professionals should be able to divine other issues that may have resulted from the crash, such as axle or engine damage. They can then notify owners of these issues so they can be fixed before posing a real safety hazard.

These are just a few of the benefits drivers can expect to experience when working with the pros. To learn more about auto body repair in Garner, visit this website.

What To Do After A Car Crash

Fender-benders, damaged mirrors, or something more serious, being involved in an accident is never a thing you want to be involved in. However, accidents happen, and that’s merely a fact of life. Being involved in a car crash is never a walk in the park, but knowing how to approach the situation in the aftermath can make the entire process less painful in the long run. Use the following steps to ensure you’re getting the help you need after you undergo this type of ordeal:

• Call your insurance company before you do anything else. Ensure that they’ve properly received your claim before moving your car or doing anything of the sort. This will help to ensure you’re properly compensated for any damage. Be sure that the other participant in the accident does the same
• Get in touch with law enforcement. You may want to do this first if you suspect injury to yourself or another party involved in the ordeal. They will document pertinent information and analyze the situation.
• Reach out to your auto body repair company after you’ve got the other steps tidied up. Ask whether or not they accept your insurance, and get your car checked out. While dents may not be dangerous, they could indicate other issues that could slow you down.

These are all key parts of handling an accident properly and making the most of a bad situation. To learn more about options for car collision repair in Clayton, visit this website.

Practical Refinishing

 

Having your vehicle refinished restores that pristine, off the lot look, but the benefits aren’t just aesthetic. The procedure also can improve your car’s lifespan by removing the grimy buildup of road debris that can cause significant wear and tear.

The Importance Of Auto Frame Straightening

If you’ve recently been in an accident, the odds are that you’re going to need to do a little more than buff out the dents and touch up the paint. In fact, most vehicles that’ve undergone a semi-serious collision need frame straightening to work properly again. This is a step many people overlook simply to avoid the expense, but it’s a necessary step for those looking to stay safe on the road ahead in the coming months and years. This process is important because:

• Because the frame – also known as the skeletal system of your car – is built with certain soft points that are designed to give way in a collision, it’s likely to have weak spots after a wreck. These could cause serious stability issues when on the road if not repaired.
• An uneven frame could have a negative impact on appearance as well as performance. The frame is what holds the body straight and gives your vehicle the sleek look you’ve become accustomed to over the years.
• This restores your collision safety to protect you the next time a collision occurs. The crumple points must be returned to their proper place in order to perform correctly during the next potential accident.

These are all reasons why having your frame straightened post-accident is a crucial part of recovery for your car and should never be overlooked. Visit this website in order to learn more about auto frame straightening in Raleigh.

When To Repair Your Auto Body Paint

Whether your car’s a brand-new addition to your assets or an old, reliable hunk of metal that gets you from one place to another, your paint job says a lot about your car. Not only does this ensure that your ride looks its best when you’re out and about, but auto paint actually serves to protect you when you’re on the move. This is because this paint is specially formulated to fend off rust, which could otherwise eat through the metal body of your car and make it weak. Considering this, it’s important to repair your car’s paint over time to maintain the effectiveness of this aspect. It may be time to repair your auto body paint if:

• You’re experiencing fading. This usually occurs more quickly on vehicles that spend a great deal of time in the hot sun or on the highway, and can be noted by bleached-out or faded spots of paint on the hood, roof or doors of a vehicle.
• There are large portions of paint beginning to peel from your car. While this could be due to a variety of issues, it could be that the last paint-job you received was performed by sub-par professionals or unsatisfactory products.
• You’re simply ready for a style or functional upgrade.

These are some of the most common reasons that point to a necessary paint repair stop. To learn more about car body painting repair in Raleigh, visit this website.

BASF Accepting Entries for 2nd Annual Glasurit Best Paint Award

Glasurit Automotive Refinishes will honor outstanding excellence in painting during the 2nd annual Glasurit Best Paint Award, judged and presented by the....read more

Why You Should Have Your Windshield Repaired After A Rock Hits It

Someone’s tire kicks up debris on the road and a rock flies out of nowhere. It strikes your windshield and startles you when traveling down the highway. To your dismay, you can clearly see a small chip in the glass.

While this may ruin your mood in the moment, a small chip in your windshield can be easily forgotten. It requires no major repair, so it seems, and it is not as noticeable after a while.

Too often, car owners ignore that small chip or tiny crack.Then over time, grime and water creep into the microscopic nooks and crannies and are virtually impossible to clean out.

By not repairing your windshield right away, you risk:

• A permanent mark or appearance of the crack or chip even after a repair.
• Irreparable damage to your windshield due to spreading cracks.

If you delay auto glass repair, the grit that managed its way into the crack remains inside. This grit makes the crack or chip still partially visible. Water that seeped in poses another problem. Once temperatures drop below freezing, a process called ice wedging occurs and what used to be a small nuisance is now a network of cracks across the windshield.

Should the crack become too large or extensive, the windshield must be replaced.To avoid turning a simple half-hour fix into a more expensive replacement, seek to repair chips as soon as possible. Auto glass repair in Garner, North Carolina, can be found and arranged using this website.

How Often Should I Change The Oil In My Car?

Like many other car owners, you’re probably wondering how often you should change the oil in your car. That question doesn’t always have such as straightforward answer. You’ve probably heard the conventional wisdom that you need to get this done every 3,000 miles or so. However, your driving habits may affect the frequency of needed oil changes. Also, recommendations vary wildly according to the make and model of your vehicle, with some European models requiring oil changes after 15,000 miles. So how do you figure it out?

1. Consult your owner’s manual. Each automobile manufacturer has its own recommendations for each model produced. Newer vehicles can typically go longer between oil changes, but this isn’t always and fast rule.

2. Consider your customary driving habits. That mileage figure in your owner’s manual is based on “normal” driving habits. This does not include severely cold weather, extreme heat or humidity, frequent towing or heaving hauling, repeated trips of less than five miles, or lots of time spent idling in traffic. If any of these apply, you’ll need to change your oil more often.

3. Talk with your auto repair technician. Based on your typical operational patterns, he or she will make a personalized recommendation as to the frequency of your oil changes.

“How often should I get my oil changed?” doesn’t always have an easy answer. Thankfully, if you’re unsure, your repair shop should be able to guide you. Visit this website to find a quality oil change in Mountain View.

3D Auto Body & Collision Centers Acquires Flick Brothers Auto Body

3D President David Niestroy announced the addition of 3D’s seventh location in the Greater Philadelphia Market. 3D’s newest facility is conveniently located....read more

Reasons To Take Your European Vehicle To A Skilled Technician

You might be thinking about taking your European vehicle to the original dealership or other repair shop for service. However, the intricate systems under the hood of your automobile dictate the need for a skilled technician to service it. To keep your vehicle running better longer, consider these factors when researching the repair shop you plan to use.

1. Are their technicians trained in servicing European makes? The internal systems of Mercedes, BMW, Audi and other models can be more sophisticated than other kinds of cars. These require special training to understand and repair.

2. Do they use tools specially designed for European cars?It’s critical that a technician uses the special tools and diagnostic equipment that have been developed for these types of automobiles.

3. Do they use certified OEM parts? Using aftermarket components is likely to jeopardize the performance of your vehicle, as well as possibly void any warranties still active.

4. Are they responsive and caring? Because the care of your vehicle requires careful attention, a good repair shop should understand this and provide good customer service as well as quality work.

Special cars like yours require special care, so taking it to a company that specializes in European vehicle makes is a wise idea. Visit this website to find a skilled European car technician in Palo Alto.

Common Problems With Mercedes Vehicles

Your Mercedes automobile is a cut above the rest, a sophisticated vehicle with a reputation for quality, luxury and performance. However, there are common issues that Mercedes owners face when it comes to maintenance. And if you’ve experienced these typical problems, you’re not alone.

1. Oxidizing and fading of aluminum window trim. This is a frequent issue, especially in older makes. It’s frustrating, and you may have tried many methods to put the shine back in your trim. Thankfully, it is possible, but it may require special tools.

2. Catastrophic V8 engine failure. This mostly affects models that were produced before the early 1990s. While the 3.5 liter V8 engine in these machines is strong and powerful, problems with the valve train can surface after many years, causing engine failure if not corrected.

3. Transmission slippage. This has been most commonly reported in the A-Class series. If your vehicle slips while in first gear, it could be due to a needed drum replacement.

4. Engine control unit (ECU) faults. This can include loss of back lighting on the instrument panel, power loss to the engine, the engine management light to come on, and other possible problems.

These are some of the more common occurrences, but a skilled European vehicle repair technician can diagnose and treat any issues in your vehicle. Visit this website to learn more about Mercedes repair in Sunnyvale.