How much should I pay for my car repair?
I am getting my car repaired today because it was broken into. The glove compartment handle was ripped off which was the only damage to the car. How much should I pay for them to replace the glove compartment handle? I drive a 2010 dodge challenger (my model costs $22,000-$25,000).
Take the car to your nearest Dodge dealer and they can look at the damage and give you a price on parts and labor. It will be less than you paid for the car. I think.
Car Repair Prices: The Dim Underworld Of Automotive Service
Most know the most glaring auto repair pricing abuses: Service centers overcharging $100’s even $1000’s for repairs, or charging for repairs that were never done at all.
To be sure, this still happens every day. However, there are many other techniques which involve flying just low enough to avoid detection.
The savvy service centers increase the price so as not to set off any alarms. It has become so common that it’s not just an accepted industry practice, but even service customers have accepted paying higher prices.
Knowing how ingrained price-gouging is within the automotive service industry, it’s shocking (although understandable) that even service customers have succumbed to excessive car repair prices. I frequently hear service customers’ state:
“Yeah, I know I was ripped off, but my car’s fixed now.” Or, “I know they charge too much, but they’re convenient.”
This is insane! To accept auto repair price-gouging is to allow its continuation. The difficult part, of course, is how to stop it. Given that the automotive service industry is so big and powerful (and so frightfully necessary) how does one battle such a force?
Perhaps the first thing to understand is the degree to which this type of stealth-like price-gouging occurs. A two-decade undercover investigation has revealed that 98% of all repair shops (dealerships, local shops, and franchises) are price-gouging their customers in one form or another.
The following exchange, between a service manager and service advisor, provides an idea of the “scope of scamming” below the radar.
A service advisor asked his manager how to bill more hours per month, which is another way of asking how the advisor can make more money. The service manager casually stated:
“Simply add an additional two tenths to every ticket you write.”
In other words, every customer this service advisor “helps,” he was instructed by a superior to add a “little” extra. So if the labor rate is $100 per hour two tenths would equal $20. Rather than pay $100 per hour, the service customer would actually pay $120.
$20 doesn’t sound like much compared to the gross injustices we all know. However, whether it’s an overcharge of two cents or $20, it’s too much.
If you visit a shop practicing this strategy alone (there are hundreds of strategies, many applied simultaneously), you may end up paying over a $100 or more by year’s end.
What’s really shocking is that being ripped off $100 over a year’s time is actually minor!
Try $500-$5000
Theodore Olson
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/car-repair-prices-the-dim-underworld-of-automotive-service-60351.html
Car Repair Prices: There Are No Honest Mechanics!
I enjoy reading the tips and suggestions on finding an honest or good mechanic. These can be found on various government and consumer websites, and in a variety of auto repair articles. I think the same guy wrote all the suggestions, and for all 50 states!
You’ll be advised to check around by word of mouth (WOM), and make sure that you see ASE or AAA posted somewhere. Check out the facility—make sure it’s clean. Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You’ll be acronymed and common-sense-suggested to death. Unfortunately, none of it will really help either for quality or price.
I know AAA certified shops that can barely change oil. I have worked with ASE certified technicians that frightened me with their diagnostic theories. I know shops that are considered great that have serious BBB scars.
And WOM is the worst method. I have heard clients rave about how wonderful a particular shop is when “I KNOW it’s run by a thief!”
The sad fact is that very few people know what goes on with car repair, and even less comprehend repair pricing—even shop managers and purported experts in the field know very little.
Tips and suggestions only scratch at the surface of the automotive underworld. Sure, some tips might help. But what’s really needed is experienced insider information.
The consumer needs to know what really goes on with repair “pricing” in order to make sense of auto repair costs. With the right guidance and information, the playing field can be leveled, and the automotive customer can easily take charge of car repair prices.
Traditional tips and suggestions are only a band-aid on an open, gaping wound. Relying on these is like trusting a blind man to lead you across a major interstate. You might make it, but wouldn’t you rather follow a traffic cop.
Theodore Olson
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/car-repair-prices-there-are-no-honest-mechanics-71601.html
How do you repair a crack in your car’s windshield/rain shield?
SCENARIO: When Nikki was parking her car in the parking lot, she noticed there was a crack in her windshield on her Volvo. She wants to replace the windshield, but she doesn’t know how? Should she let the car repair pros do the job or replace it herself?
A lot of you are thinking about me more than the scenario on top, think of the scenario on top than me because it’s about Nikki, not about me.
The repair people are saying that if the crack can be covered by a dollar bill the windshield can be repaired. Everybody uses the Novus system, which evacuates the crack and fills it with resin, then cures it with UV light. It takes about an hour and most windshield repair places will go wherever the car is parked and do the repair. The repair is virtually invisible (you can see it if you know where to look and look hard) and is generally guaranteed not to crack again for the life of the windshield. Here in Arizona, the Land of Rocks, we use the service a lot.
If the crack is larger than that the windshield has to be replaced. Definitely a job for a pro, it costs around $300 for most windshields. I have used Safelite, which offers prices and appointments on the web, and goes where the car is to do the work. Other companies may be as good or better, so feel free to shop around.
Car Maintenance and Repair Tips : How Do Fuses Work in a Vehicle
Learn how electrical fuses work and where the fuse box is located in cars with expert car tips in this free online automotive repair video clip.
Expert: William Myers
Contact: www.austinsubaru.com/en_US/
Bio: William Myers has been a Senior Master Technician for Subaru since 1998. He is an ASE Certified Master Technician and L1 Advanced Level Specialist.
Filmmaker: EV studios
Duration : 0:1:55
can i get car repair with my disability?
I am on disability and i my car is really messed up i cant get my sticker because of my service engine lights are on. I went to autozone and they checked it, it showed ten codes. I dont have the money to fix my car and i was told there where programs for people on disability that would pay most of my car repair. Just wondering if true and how can i apply.
Call 2-1-1 and explain your problem to them. They can likely direct you to organizations that can help. Goof luck.
Do It Yourself Car Repair
If you are experiencing problems with your car, it is highly recommended to take it to a specialist. This article speaks about some basic information about car parts. If somehow you think you are good at fixing cars, just take a look and write down the parts you need to replace or simply repair. For those who don’t know too many things about what’s inside the car’s engine, here is some basic information.
The spark plug wires have very important tasks inside the whole car system as these wires are carrying about 50.000 volts a second under a high temperature. This car part plays a crucial role because it harnesses thousands of volts and brings this juice to the spark plugs. Choosing for a high quality spark plug wire is very important because this way you are not wasting energy. The spark plug wire has to be replaced from time to time, otherwise it gets poor and can cause engine misfiring.
It is also recommended that you check the brakes regularly. Many specialists agree that heat treated brakes are very efficient as they resist better to fade and warping. Industry analysts are advising car owners to equip their vehicles with anti lock brakes. These breaks are considered to be lifesavers because they keep the car under control even under rough driving conditions. In order to maintain the brakes’ highest performance you have to pay great attention to a proper periodic maintenance.
Belt and hose replacement are also needed to perform every once in a while. Those are rubber parts and contact with oil and high degrees temperature is imminent. In order to prevent premature damages it is recommended to treat the hose with spray silicone or any other rubber protector. You will also need to do a slippery treatment of the belt, which will prevent the gripping of the pulleys. Even with a periodic maintenance these car parts will fail because of the high temperature exposure. Specialists indicate a periodically inspection of these car parts in order to avoid the damage of the engine itself.
Proper fuel systems and air intake are also very important car parts that help the car gaining horsepower and torque. High quality fuel injectors and pumps are best for your car and if replaced from time to time will improve the ignition control performance and the horsepower as well. Your car will get an excellent throttle response making it easier to drive and to control.
A periodically battery inspection is also welcomed because if the battery is corroded you will encounter difficulties in starting the car or while driving in cold weather. It is recommended to keep the battery’s surface clean in order to prevent a quickly discharging of the battery. For a best maintenance it is recommended that you cover the metal parts with grease to prevent corrosion. In order to recharge the battery, connect and disconnect the leads to the battery. It is forbidden to smoke or cause sparks during battery charging.
Craig Rad
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/do-it-yourself-car-repair-130501.html
CAR BODYWORK & REPAIR (training)
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This is a great introduction to the world of paint and body work. The instructor breaks down professional and current techniques such as tool selection, dent repair, priming, sanding, blocking, painting, buffing and explains the reasons behind the procedures! This video also includes important information on blending basecoat colours, metallic paint application, paint gun operation, troubleshooting, handling tips, and much more, plus important safety information.
80 minutes running time
Safety precautions & prevention
Shows Bodyshop Equipment And How To Use It Correctly
Basic Tools- What You’ll, Advice, How To Select
Sanding- Grits Explained And Where & When To Use Them
Choosing An Air Compressor, What To Look For
Chemical & Mechanical Bonding- The Differences
Pre Repair Inspection, What To Look Out For
Body Work Preparation, Cleaning And What You Need to Do And Know Before Committing Yourself
Dent Repair & Removal
Reading The Light And How It WILL Help You
Straitening Metal Panels
Masking Tips And Techniques
Dent Pulling, Uni Spot Welding Stud Gun
Using A Slide Hammer
Grinding
Filling & Fillers, How To Mix Correctly using hardeners
Onion Boards
How To Apply Filler & Work
Levelling & Shaping Filler
Smoothing Filler
Using Guide Coats To Reveal Imperfections (High & Low Points)
Pin Holes & Pin Holing
Polyester Putties
How To Block And Avoid Using Hand & Fingers
Primer & Priming Surfaces
How To Mask Door Edges Using Back Taping
Mixing Paint
Understanding Mixing Ratio’s
Testing Spray Patterns
Tack Rags
How To Apply Spray Coats
Overlapping Explained
Flashing & Drying Times
Using Blocks & Blocking Techniques
Tactile Awareness
Drawing Light
Removing Badges & Mouldings
Blending & Blowing Paint Spray
Using Fine line Masking Tape
Overspray
Painting Techniques
Spray Guns Explained In Detail
Basic Features Explained
Fan Control
Fluid Control
Trigger Control
How To Hold Spray Gun Correctly
Triggering Techniques
Air Pressures For Spray Guns
How To Make Your Own Spray Gun Air Flow Meter For £10
Cleaning Prior To Spraying
Using Paint Strainers
Stepping Down Paint To Blend
Thinners
Clear coats & Lacquers
Cleaning & Stripping Down Spray Gun After Use
Correction To Paint
Runs
Sags
Polishing
Compounding
Buffing
Wet Sanding
Nibbing
Refitting Badges
Duration : 0:6:27
How to Pay for Your Car Repair
Your insurance company will shoulder most of the bills for car repairs and you save a fair amount on your other coverage. Life usually comes to a standstill when you are running short of cash in between paydays as urgent payments can not be made. Some people use their home equity to borrow. Loans are taken to meet a sudden and unexpected expense. However, you can save on your repair bills and still keep your vehicle well maintained. Auto repairs are a necessary, but often high priced expense. Almost all automotive repair questions can now be answered online, right at your fingertips.
Money is available for the emergent needs that occur in life and personal financing can be obtained for new appliances, automobile repairs and home improvements. Personal loans are a great option if you need money to consolidate debt, pay for automotive repair, repair the home, go on a vacation, or even go to school. The automotive insurance company usually sends a check for the funds directly to you to help you get the automotive repaired or to replace the vehicle. Of course, you then need to pay recovery charges to get your automobile home or to a garage and then get the automotive repaired. Auto expenses includes everything from car washes, insurance, automobile repairs, tires, interior detailing, and even air fresheners and oil jobs. With the help of this mortgage, borrower can easily meet various personal needs like paying, automotive repair bills, credit card dues, home repair and so on. On the job training not only improves your skills, it also gets you working in the automobile repair industry sooner.
When handled correctly, receiving an online payday loan is an advantageous economical alternative to costly overdraft fees, bounced check charges, taxes or possibly losing your job if you do not have money on hand for a needed automobile repair. There may be a time where you are hit with an unexpected cash emergency, such as a bank overdraft, an unforeseen auto repair or unexpectedly high utility payment. You may get paid to take survey about automobile repair or insurance, baby products if you are a new parent, travel plans for business and pleasure, or any number of topics that someone is willing to pay for information. If managed correctly, a loan of this type would be a smart alternative to paying costly dishonor bank fees, late rent fees or possibly losing your job if you are unable to afford a much needed car repair. Actually there are many people who are afraid of that day when they will have to get their auto repaired.
The hassles of insurance, car repairs, and treating possible injuries can alter your daily or weekly routine for quite a while. These days, there is nothing daunting for car repair shops as a weathered convertible top. Although SMART repair services are quite comprehensive, if you lurch forward in slow moving traffic and smash into cars in front causing considerable damage, SMART vehicle repair technicians may not be able to fix it. Make use of SMART vehicle repair services, which also include a auto diagnostics service to ensure the problem does not escalate. Techniques that SMART vehicle repair undertake include painless dent removal, seat and trim repair, plastic welding and bumper repair, air conditioning repair, and alloy wheel repair. In addition, many SMART vehicle repair jobs can be done on your premises, saving you the petrol used to travel there, as well as time and inconvenience.
Auto Repair and Motoring Nowadays, when taking care of the environment has become a priority, it has been realized that enough small changes made by many people can make a difference. Visit your favorite repair shop mechanic and auto dealer The vehicle enhancement options available are vast. As long as you have quick payday loans, then you will be able to get what you need, pay those unexpected bills and have some money left for repairs or family emergencies. The reason repair is set up for negotiation is because your mechanic or service manager knows that he can give you a discount but he certainly is not going to offer it. When people are looking for products and services such as restaurants, repair shops and florists, they tend to spend their money in an area near where they live, work or play. If a repair shop does not offer any type of guarantee on their work, consider shopping around for another tire shop. Even though you may have worked on your own cars as a teenager or still consider yourself to be an amateur repair specialist I recommend that you leave the work to a qualified mechanic who has been trained to do the job properly.
Ronald W. Firquain
http://www.articlesbase.com/cars-articles/how-to-pay-for-your-car-repair-533367.html
Car Repair Scams: Why Traditional Scam Prevention Tips Will Cost You A Fortune
The advice is all the same for auto repair scam prevention. You’ll be told to find an ASE certified shop. Ask around. Check out several different repair facilities first. Are they clean and neat? Do they provide written estimates? Check with the BBB. Is it AAA certified? Some will even advise to “ask for the parts back.”
Traditional tips and suggestions merely put a band-aid over an infected, gaping sore. Strong antibiotics are required to address the root source of the problems in the repair industry. To provide repair customers with the above advice is like sending a soldier into combat dressed in a pink tutu. We have to stop scratching at the surface.
There has not been any “new” advice in decades. More importantly, no one has answered why car repair scams have reached an estimated 40 billion dollars per year. Moreover, why is there still no solution to stop car repair scams?
The first hurdle to conquer is the perception of the frequency of auto repair scams. Many folks just don’t believe that car repair fraud is all that bad. Some even argue that the vast majority of repair shops do an honest day’s work, and that a few bad apples are making the rest look like crooks.
This is an interesting argument, and raises a number of questions.
1) If it is only a few “bad apples,” where are they hiding the 40 billion?
2) If most repair shops are honest, why does every state warn against car repair scams?
3) Why are auto repair shops at the top of consumer complaint lists every single year, in every state?
This is even expanding across the continents. For example, just last week Australia listed car repair scams at number 4 on their top 10 consumer complaint list.
The perception of frequency gets distorted because there are a number of levels to repair scams. There are the blatant rip-offs covered in the news. For a great video visit “Repair Scams Caught on Video” www.repairtrust.com. Then there are the common scams such as exorbitant prices and estimates, and aggressive scare tactics to get service customers to perform services. These occur every day. Isnare or RepairTrust for further discussion on this. Also, for NEW and FREE scam prevention tips visit the Car Repair Scam Articles @ RepairTrust.
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<br />The repair scams uncovered by RepairTrust not only found the tactics listed above and more, but a powerful undercurrent of scamming at the foundation of the automotive service industry.
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<br />In reality, most car repair scams go unnoticed by the service consumer. Service customers just have no idea that they were ripped-off. This under-the-radar scamming occurs in dealerships, local shops, and franchises. Affiliation with ASE, AAA, BBB, NADA makes no difference.
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<br />An ASE patch on a technician's arm, or an AAA or BBB sticker on the door of a service center means absolutely nothing in terms of a scam-free facility. Word of mouth recommendations can be just as devastating, as even shops that "seem" honest aren't.
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<br />Check out "Car Repair Prices: There Are No Honest Mechanics"
Traditional tips are ineffective in today’s service industry. Service facilities have found new and ingenious ways of ripping people off. In truth, many of the old tips and suggestions have actually become weapons allowing service centers to indulge in car repair scams more than ever.
The car repair playing field must be leveled. Service customers need solid answers, and they need to be equipped with information, understanding, tools, and an insider’s view of the who, what, when, where, why, and how of price-gouging.
Navigating the dim underworld of today’s service centers with outdated information will cost a fortune.
Theodore Olson
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/car-repair-scams-why-traditional-scam-prevention-tips-will-cost-you-a-fortune-68502.html