Archive for October, 2008

Rule of Thumb Automobile Service Schedule

Thursday, October 30th, 2008
Automotive Services
guenter hohmann asked:


Your owner’s manual will give the information when all maintenance tasks should be done. Most tasks will be listed according to the mileage and the type of driving you do. These services should be followed to give your vehicle maximum dependability. Basically the following list is the average service schedule for most automobiles.

3000 Mile Maintenance

Change the engine oil and filter every 3 to 4 thousand miles. When doing this also check the fluids, the air filter, tire pressures, hoses and belts. At this time check the battery cables and terminals for corrosion.

5000-10,000 Miles:

Have your tires rotated and balanced every five to ten thousand miles. This helps the tires wear evenly and extends the life. The best tires should be put in the front of the car. Check the tire pressure regularly and check the tread for signs of uneven wear or damage.

15,000 Miles:

Change the air filter every 15,000 miles. A clean air filter improves the fuel economy of your car. At this time you should also check the brake pads and shoes. Check all fluid levels. Change the wiper blades. Check for any fluid leaks under the vehicle. Check the axel boots, struts, and shock absorbers.

30,000 Miles:

Change the oil and filter. Do an engine flush if your repair shop has this equipment. Change the transmission fluid and filter if applicable. Change the engine coolant. Rotate and balance the tires. Check the brake pads and shoes. At this mileage most automobiles will need front brake service. Change the wiper blades.  Also at this time, give the car a tune up. Replace all spark plugs (non-platinum) and wires. Check the axel boots, struts, shocks and suspension. Replace the fuel filter if external.

45,000 Miles:

Same as 15,000 mile service

60,000 Miles:

Basically the same as the 30,000 mile service with the exception of doing the timing belt if your engine is so equipped.  The timing belt replacement is somewhat expensive but not doing it can turn into the possibility of ruining the entire engine causing a major expense and inconvenience. This type of damage caused by a broken timing belt or a worn belt that skips a few teeth cane be seen at http://www.gunnysautotips.com/general_information.html

 

For more automotive help visit my website at http://www.gunnysautotips.com/



Lois

Shoplogix’s Plantnode Increases Operational Efficiency for Onbelay Automotive Coatings

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008
Automotive Services
Thomas Cutler asked:


According to Aly Rahemtulla, President of Onbelay Automotive, “Plantnode is helping us streamline our operations by reducing downtimes and their impact on production, decreasing setup times, and automating our escalation processes to increase response times therefore lowering our total cost of production.”

Shoplogix, a leading developer of intelligent performance management software, is pleased to announce that Onbelay Automotive, a leading industrial automotive e-coater, powder coater and assembler to Tier One automotive suppliers, has implemented Shoplogix Plantnode to help reduce costs and increase value add to their customers.

Onbelay Automotive Coatings based in Chatham, Ontario, installed Plantnode on both their E-coating and Power Coatings lines to identify production bottlenecks in their manufacturing process.

President and CEO of Shoplogix, Kevin Dwyer added, “After a comprehensive 30 day product assessment, involving rigorous “stress testing” of Plantnode’s functionality on the production line, Onbelay embraced our solution. The decision to move forward with Plantnode is a strong testimonial that highlights our ability to demonstrate real value in a short period of time. We are pleased to see our presence in the automotive industry expanding - particularly as it relates to process manufacturing. We look forward to working closely with the Onbelay team in leveraging the full value of our products.”

ABOUT ONBELAY

Onbelay Automotive Coatings Corp. is a leading industrial automotive e-coater, powder coater and assembler primarily serving the Tier One automotive suppliers. Onbelay’s capabilities include black epoxy e-coating and black epoxy powder coating using a cathodic system. The company also offers assembly and sub assembly services to its customers.

For more information visit, www.onbelayautomotive.com

ABOUT SHOPLOGIX

Shoplogix develops intelligent performance management software that optimizes plant floor operations. Shoplogix solutions improve productivity, efficiency, and total operational performance by allowing companies to make real-time decisions that impact profitability while actively engaging employees in the process.

PLANTNODE

Plantnode is a hybrid web-based software application designed on an open platform to integrate with existing production equipment, analyze real-time performance, and evaluate machine productivity. Plantnode’s built-in intelligence goes beyond raw data collection to provide a fully integrated production and performance management application; differentiated by the ability to compare real-time data against planned estimates. Plantnode is proven to increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and enables machine level visibility on a 24×7 basis with automatic escalations and interactive processes to drive higher levels of operational efficiency, quality, and performance.

PLANTNODE NETWORK

Plantnode Network is an enterprise web-based software application that consolidates and analyzes operational data for all Plantnode enabled equipment providing a complete and accurate view of production performance. Plantnode Network’s distributed design provides true enterprise scalability to evaluate real-time performance on a plant-wide, multi-site, or global basis.



Ben

standard work hours per day per employee in MD state?

Tuesday, October 28th, 2008
Automotive Services
Tipm asked:


Elsewhere in other countries, we work for 8 hours per day and max 40 hours per week.

I was reading some ads and found that some shops (automotive service) in U.S open from 6am till 7pm. This means staff work for 12 or 13 hours, is this legal or just the employers doing their own thing?

What is the standard work hours recommended by law in MD state? Any ideas??

Thanks for input.

Edwin

Working With Blown Automotive Fuses

Sunday, October 26th, 2008
Automotive Services
Jayesh Bagde asked:


Repairing blown automotive fuses requires substantial knowledge about its placement and how it works.

Automobile fuses come in a type of glass formation. It is cylindrical in shape while the ends are stainless steel and made of glass at the center. Others are made of plastic. It also has links acting as a backup fuse.

Below are some types of automotive fuses:

• Mini (for small-current applications)

• Standard (common circuits)

• And Maxi (for higher-current applications)

These are the three types used in today’s vehicles. The fast-acting fuses are the standard and mini because it protects the vehicle circuitry. This would go with the vehicle’s lights and radio wires.

Maxi fuses are slow-acting fuses with large current draws found in rear window defoggers, anti-lock brakes and traction controls. Cartridge types of fuses are used in older vehicles. This is while blade style fuses have become the standard fuse application nowadays.

Thorough Fuse Checking

Every user manual contains a help guide discussing systematic instructions. Using these manuals enables the car owner to locate the fuse since it can be under the dashboard or beneath the side kick panels. It also helps in immediately detecting problems.

A non-functional fuse should be removed from the box using your hands. This should be done especially if you’re checking for blown or burnt fuses. A blown fuse has a separated metal coil that needs to be replaced.

Fuse Replacement

It only takes five minutes and a dollar to replace fuses. After locating the fuse, remove its cover and find the locator sticker. There are many fuse covers that has an extra fuse and pullers on it. If confused, a manual would be of great help. Most of it has diagrams for the fuse panel corresponding to the fuse lining.

Next, look for the amperage rating of the blown fuse. Most of these would be color coded. Different ampere ratings may damage the equipment again. After this, remove the non-functional fuse with the use of a puller or needle-nose pliers.

The next step is to hold the fuse up where the burnt area is located. The fuse is good when there is a fine wire connecting the two sides. It is bad when one section of the wire is burnt. Auto shops provide an array of different fuses.

Replace fuses with ones that have the specified ampere rating. A smaller fuse, particularly in a size smaller than the former, can be installed until a new replacement has been bought. Usually, carmakers use a resettable fuse type for circuit breakers. These are unlike replaceable circuit protectors. Examples of where these fuses are used include headlights, power windows and seats.

If the fuse blows after replacing another one, circuitry is the problem. Replacing fuses is easy to do on your own but make sure you make an appointment with the dealer or service station so as to have it repaired for more serious problems.

Tips on maintaining fuses

Always refer to the vehicle’s manual for fuse capacities in order to prevent malfunctions. New electrical systems on vehicles have more than one fuse panel situated in different locations. Carmakers have a labeled fuse access panel, having “FUSES” for an easier diagnosis. Some of its components also have built-in circuit breakers. However, tripped circuits usually give out more serious problems like the use of more current.

Good maintenance and handling of automotive fuses also require hassle-free auto configuring probabilities. Preventing serious problems is the key to good mechanical and electrical efficiency of a vehicle. Owners can buy auto fuses at retailers, especially at reputable online electrical providers. You need to choose one who has a wide range of inventory selections as well as the best value and return policies.

Automotive fuses are designed to protect circuits from electrical overload. It is the main part of the electronic system, preventing fires and burns. If the wires are burnt, the auto will stop functioning.

Different types have their own capacities. Manufacturers tend to cut it into different lengths for greater accessibility. The fuse box is located under the cabinet or the steering wheel for easy management of malfunctioning cases. Some changes that might take place when problems arise include times when the lights go off and the radio stops working.



Bernard

where can I find cover pics of 1973 Motor Service Magazine?

Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008
Automotive Services
country_godfather asked:


I’m trying to find covershots of an automotive repair industry magazine from the 70;s called Motor Service magazine because my father was on the cover of one of them and I want to find out which one it was so I can surprise him witha framed printed photo of the cover.

Dale

Auto Repair: Choosing the Right Automotive Replacement Parts for your Vehicle

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008
Automotive Services
Tony DiFiore, Jr. asked:


For most laymen, having a vehicle repaired involves several elements of risk. Are you getting a fair deal? Could there be a cheaper solution? Is your car going to be okay? Acquiring a little bit of basic knowledge before taking your car in for repair can help to put these kinds of questions at ease. From obtaining an estimate to getting the best automotive replacement parts, here are a few tips to help you get the most from your car repair.

1. Understanding Automotive Replacement Parts – OEM vs. Aftermarket

O.E.M. stands for Original Equipment Manufactured, and refers to vehicle parts that are made by a car manufacturer itself. I.e., Toyota OEM parts are made by Toyota, and so on. You may also hear the terms O.E.S. and OE; which mean Original Equipment Supplied and Original Equipment, respectively. While many times the terms OEM and OES are interchangeable, OE is a term more generally referring to any original equipment on the car. Some of OE car parts and components are not actually made by the car manufacturer, but are purchased and assembled by the automakers.

After Market auto parts are bought and added to a vehicle at the dealership or after the vehicle left the dealership, and are not made by car manufacturers. Aftermarket parts are most often used as automotive replacement parts, but can also function as specialty add-ons to increase both look and performance.

Original Equipment is often times more durable as compared to stock parts, but can come with a substantial markup to cover the labor and shipping costs of the manufacturer. However, there are many auto shops that offer affordable, yet well-made ‘to automotive standard’ parts such as www.partsplusautostore.com. To assess which type of automotive replacement part will be the best for your repair, consult with the mechanic after initial inspection. Knowing the type and degree of damage to a part can help to determine a clear discourse.

2. Receiving an Estimate

Below are four tips to help you get the most for your money:

o If you know the types of repairs needed, make a list before you arrive. The repair shop can then inspect your car and estimate repairs more efficiently.

o Make sure you obtain a written or verbal estimate for repairs; the final bill cannot exceed more than 5% of the original estimate, as required by law.

o Always ask to see the damaged or worn part and ask that it be returned to you in the box of the new replacement part at the time you sign the work order. After inspection, have the repair garage dispose of parts as needed or retain for further inspection.

o Request quotes from several sources, including your dealer. While replacement parts from your dealership will usually be a bit more expensive, it helps to receive a quote from as many sources as possible to avoid getting duped by the ‘low ball bid.’ Some repair shops under bid to get you in the door, only to add on unneeded services later.

3. A word about new vehicles

In a few unfortunate cases, a new vehicle that seemed to have driven off the lot in good condition ends up needing repair. If the dealership is not as helpful as they should be, you can contact the manufacturer of the vehicle. Major manufacturers have a customer help line that will connect you with a representative who can help to get the needed parts and repairs done quickly. Because most dealerships are independently owned, it’s difficult to assess which will be responsive and which will not. Contacting a manufacturer’s representative will help you get the leverage you need to resolve the problem promptly.



Ron

Automotive Ads Profit the Internet

Monday, October 20th, 2008
Automotive Services
Evander Klum asked:


In this new era, the high tech age, media has been so powerful since it is one of those who benefited from the innovations.

Media’s aim is to inform and mediate. Forms of media include the print (magazines, books, tabloids, broad sheets, journals, etc.), the audio (radios) and the audio visual (television, movie tapes, etc.).

Nowadays, the most evolving form of media is the internet. It is currently the most accessible one. With just few clicks, what ever you need is right in front of you. And just like any other forms, the internet also acquires profit when its services are used. The only difference is that it acquires more than any other forms of media.

Selling is one of the dominant features of media. In the case of the automotive industry, it is used to not just to inform the public on the latest cars but also to sell cars and parts like the Dodge aftermarket parts .

The most time and space consuming in media are the ads. But because of this, the internet profits a lot from automotive ads.

The Center for Media Research announced that based on a latest report from Borrell Associates, automotive ad spending this year will reach $31 billion. However, for the next five years, total ad dollars will grow only 1.7 percent as compared to a growth rate of 3.7 percent yearly during the last five years. The automotive industry’s online spending for this year will reach $2.8 billion. This is 7.6% of all automotive advertising and this represents a 13 percent annual growth rate.

According to the report, online car marketing will reach $4 billion by 2010. This, in effect, will become the second most-used medium for automotive advertisers, exceeding newspapers, cable, radio and direct mail and trailing only broadcast TV. During the same period, a 20 percent decrease on appropriations for offline auto ads in newspapers, direct mail and directories will be experienced.

For the first time, this year at the local ad level, online will become the lead marketing channel for used-car marketers. And for the first time, online will surpass newspaper. The automotive industry is spending a 7.6 percent total online ad budget; whereas, 20 percent of their spending to the online channel is appropriated by used-car dealers.

The report further said that this year, 29 percent will be the spending of their online ad budget on online video and paid search. But by 2012, it will increase that proportion to 76 percent of online marketing. As a lead-generation tool, the email also rank but banners and other display ads will decline.

Most shoppers are doing their early research online through going directly to the manufacturers’ Web sites rather than to third parties such as other companies. With this, it shows that the car sellers cannot effectively reach the public through the internet. Nonetheless, eventually, with the fast growing evolution of technology, surely the sellers will always make a move to effectively sell their products. After all, as technology changes, everyone adapts to it. And the automotive industry is one of those which can easily adapt. The various top of the line vehicle innovations are mere manifestations.



Julia

Automotive Trade Show: Sema 2008

Saturday, October 18th, 2008
Automotive Services
Freddic asked:


The SEMA Show is a leading automotive specialty products trade show in the world. Held annually in the Las Vegas Convention Center, the show attracts more than 120,000 industry experts from over 100 nationalities, thus creating huge business opportunities in the automotive, truck and SUV and RV markets.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association or SEMA exhibition throughout its history has been held during the first week of November and on a Tuesday. However, last year’s show (SEMA Show 2007) was held from October 30-November 2, 2007. However, the exhibition is NOT open to general public!

Just like the previous years, the 2007 exhibition was a grand success. The SEMA Show 2007 attracted about 60,000 domestic and international buyers for exhibits organized in ten categories. The intriguing part of the show was New Products Showcase where more than 2,000 newly introduced parts, tools and components were displayed. The exhibits alone occupied two million square feet of exhibits.

The show features state of the art products classified under 10 categories, 3 of which are given below

 

1. Business Services: This category entails services with a focus on automotive industry and showcases hardware, software, computers, financial services, store fixtures, warehouse equipment, fleet services, personnel & human resources services and systems, CAD systems and consultants.

 

2. Hot Rod Alley: The products featured in this category include street rod/hot rod custom and specialty parts, tires and accessories, bodies, alternators, catalytic converters, brake systems including disc brakes, electrical systems and components, chassis parts, gauges, aluminum radiators, exhaust systems,valve covers, sheet metal, shocks, and wiring kits.

 

3. Mobile Electronics & Technology: This category includes sound systems, LCD video devices & systems, MP3, DVD, CD, satellite radio, telematics, security systems, CB, GPS, on-board technology, antennas, cellular telephones and accessories, computer chips and PROMs and radar detectors.

 

To learn more about the SEMA Show, follow me through the URL below.



Willie

Lyric Labs to Enter Malaysia With Low Cost Services

Thursday, October 16th, 2008
Automotive Services
addlyric asked:


Lyric equipped with a team of dedicated and experienced project managers and its network of around 7000 translators world wide can handle translations in any language and yet offer you a savings of about 30-40%.Low cost,accurate and native translation along with dedicated support team is what makes Lyric Labs the first choice for all your translation requirements.

Lyric Labs has local offices spread across the globe to ensure 24×7 support for all our services such as

· Print Publishing

· Subtitling Services

· On line Publishing Language Transcriptions

· Tele Interpretation

· Auto Mobile Translations

· Medical Translations

· Legal Translations Services

· Medical Device Translations.

Infact, we take pride in saying that we are a one stop source of translation services.

By outsourcing your translation requirements to Lyric you can be assured of quality and professional translations

Our highly qualified ethnically diverse employee base ensures both delivery excellence and cultural sensivity. The combination of a highly qualified workforce and cultural Diversity is difficult to match anywhere on the globe.

Founded in 1998, it has emerged a leader in translation and content localization business.With the language barriers falling, Translations have become a necessity for the successful operation of business of any size. Today the name Lyric Labs has become synonymous with Translation Services. We offer translation solutions for companies in almost all industry verticals across the go



Janet

What is a Hardship License? And does it allow to be used for driving for work-say delivery, FEDEX, UPS?

Sunday, October 12th, 2008
Automotive Services
bigjaymanii asked:


I have a brother who ended doing grand theft auto, but now needs to work. He is great in the automotive industry. A national auto service store is looking to hire him, but said that he needed to get his lic out of suspension. I read on the DMV that a hardship lic can be asked for by a court. If he were to get the job he would need to be a delivery driver and reciever of auto parts to certain other service sites. So I wondered if a hardship lic allowed driving for employment also, in addition to driving to and from work.

Francis