Car and Automotive

For a low pressure condition the first place you should check is the dipstick. If you find that you have low oil levels then your engine can be either burning or leaking oil. A temporary remedy can be gained by adding oil but the problem will continue until you get proper auto repairs to fix the problem. For leaking oil problems you can get new gaskets or seal so the leak will stop. For an engine that is burning oil a wet compression test and/or a leak down test will help determine what the exact problem is whether it be a worn valve and seals or bad engine rings and cylinders.

The pressure sending unit is the next thing you should check if you oil levels are okay. Check the warning lamp or gauge reading once you disconnect the unit. There may be a short to ground in the circuit if the warning light remains lit when it is disconnected. If the gauge reading doesn’t change then you likely have a problem with the instrumentation and not the engine itself.

Just always remember that it is important to check your engine at the first sign of noise or warning lights. Whether you do it yourself or have a professional do it, it will save you a lot of headache later on down the line. If you ignore the warning signs your engine gives you then you will likely start hearing a knocking noise which eventually ends in your engine seizing and stopping completely.

Laminated Glass

Windshields are made of a completely different type of glass than the rest of the windows found on your vehicle. The windshield uses what is called laminated glass. Used since 1927, laminated glass is created by placing a thin sheet of adhesive plastic between two layers of glass. This transparent plastic is called polyvinyl butyrate, or PVB, and is infused with the glass using extreme pressure and heat. The PVB sheet holds the glass together in the event of impact, and prevents the windshield from shattering. This helps prevent further injury to the occupants that may be caused from the shattered glass.

Tempered Glass

On the other hand, all the remaining windows of your vehicle, including the rear window, are constructed of tempered glass. This tempered glass is manufactured using rapid heating and cooling methods, which strengthen the glass. When the structural stability of tempered glass is compromised, it does not shatter; rather, it breaks into small, pebble-like pieces which are dull, and do not cut like shattered glass.

So what does this mean to you? Well, in a few words, laminated glass is repairable, but tempered glass is not. This is the reason why you see companies that advertise windshield repair, but not window repair.

Windshields

Windshields are a key component to the structural integrity of vehicles. In the event of an accident, the windshield is designed to take the kinetic energy from the impact and disperse it evenly around the passenger compartment of the vehicle, protecting the occupants.

In the event of a rollover, the windshield prevents the roof from collapsing inward into the passenger compartment. In some vehicles, the windshield can provide up to 50% of the auto’s rollover strength.

When you go to an auto repair facility you are essentially paying someone to diagnose and repair your vehicle for you. Even if you have a company that has competent and honest workers you will still have to pay the high cost that comes with auto repair facilities. Today the average labor costs is between sixty and ninety an hour. Only half of what you pay goes to the actual technician.

One scam that is common in auto repair facilities is to charge you a standard “flat rate” estimate for your car. While this in itself is not bad, the problem is some companies will take less than the estimated flat rate time to work on your car and yet still require you to pay the flat rate. The flat rate is supposed to be determined by the year, make and model of your car and the estimated time it will take to do work on that vehicle. The best company will charge you only for the actual time it takes to fix the vehicle.

To make sure you get a good auto repair facility it is best to stick with a company that your family and friends recommend. If you find you are satisfied with their work then continue to work with them. Trust and a lasting relationship with your mechanic goes a long way towards reducing problems.

Major Stores

Pretty much every major auto parts store has an online version, where you can search their entire nationwide database for parts availability, order the part and have it sent to you wherever you are. It’s highly convenient and makes it easy to compare prices. Some major chains that have sites include, NAPA Online, Advance Auto Parts, Auto Parts Warehouse, AutoZone, CARQUEST, Pep Boys and many more. Nearly all of them offer online search and shopping options. Some of them even offer a low price guarantee on certain parts and provide you with news, information, rebate deals and special online only deals.

Manuals & Auto Repair Information

There are many resources online that may help you install your auto part. Check out 10w40 for manuals and information for many makes and models of vehicles.

Auto Forums

You can find information on your make or model of vehicle as well as ask questions and get answers about repairing and maintaining it. You will also be able to talk with other auto enthusiasts. Some popular auto forums are Automotive Forums, AutoForums, CarForums, Autoforum Universe and the forums at Automotive. You may be able to get advice on where the best place to get parts is for your specific make and model. There are also forums available for specific makers which should also have excellent information on where to get parts.

Books

You can easily order any of the auto repair manuals you need online at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. This may be more convenient for people who don’t have a bookstore or auto parts store near them. The most popular and reliable publishers of auto manuals are Chilton’s and Hayne’s. Buying the manual online, you may be able to save money by comparing prices at numerous book sellers, you can use AddAll to do this.

Auctions

Auction are a great place to search for your auto parts and eBay Motors is where you will want to begin your auction search. Currently there are a staggering 546190 listings on eBay Motors under Car & Truck Parts alone. You will want to drill down to the specific category for your desired part, then try to narrow the search under that category.