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USING AN AUTOMOTIVE TRANSMISSION REPAIR SHOP

The basic types of automobile transmissions are:

(i) Automatic,
(ii) Standard manual
(iii) Four-wheel drive

Prices for an automotive transmission repair usually start out with the least expensive, which is manual, then automatic, and finally four-wheel drive - the most expensive. Vehicles without four-wheel drive are usually referred to as two-wheel drive.

Most standard manual automotive transmissions are four and five speed, the fifth gear being overdrive. Overdrive is a gear that reduces the engine’s power output without reducing its driving speed. This is intended to reduce fuel consumption and engine wear.

Usually you can find four-wheel drive automotive transmissions in different configurations. Some are full-time, which means that your vehicle operates all the time in four-wheel drive. Another option is being able to shift from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive without reducing engine speed. Many newer vehicles now have the option of all-wheel drive.

MAINTAINING YOUR TRANSMISSION

Properly maintaining your transmission fluids and filter will prolong the life of your vehicle and save you thousands of dollars in replacement costs down the road. Always refer to the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle to check the maintenance schedule for the type of transmission you have.

Most automatic transmissions require changing the fluid and filter every at regular intervals. If you drive in heavy city traffic, in hilly or mountainous terrain or frequently pull a trailer, distance between changes may vary.

Manual transmission fluids usually require less frequent changing. A vehicle with an automatic transmission has a dipstick located in the engine compartment under the bonnet/hood. Keep the fluid filled to its proper level. If the fluid is clean and red in color, this usually means things are OK. If the color is slightly brown, smells burnt, has a pink milkshake-like consistency, or is black, it is time to see your automotive transmission specialist.

ALWAYS GET A QUOTE

If you suspect you have a problem with your transmission, your best bet is to take it to an automotive transmission specialist who can perform a proper diagnostics on it. Because most vehicles on the road today are equipped with a variety of electronic data gathering devices, computers and sensors, a diagnosis of your electronic system using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment may be needed to check all your components to help isolate the problem.

Your service centre will be able to give you an estimate on what this diagnostic check will cost. This is referred to as an inspection fee. It may be necessary for your transmission specialist to pull the transmission out before they can get a complete understanding of the problem and what it will take to fix it. Only then can they give you an accurate estimate of the labour and parts needed.

Ask ahead of time what will be involved in the step-by-step procedure.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK

(i) Ask what, if any, their inspection fee is for looking at your transmission.
(ii) If you do have to have repair work done, find out how long it will take to get a cost estimate of the repairs.
(iii) Once this has been determined, ask how long it will take to get the transmission fixed.
(iv) When parts need to be replaced, check to see if they have all parts in stock and if not, how long will it take to get them in.
(v) Make sure all parts and labour are under warranty. Warranties depend on the type of work done or the replacement.
(vi) Also, check if the transmission specialist is a member of an industry association.

Find more informative how to’s and guides at www.advicekits.com

About the Author

None -

Office of the Governor
WBBM - Our Selection includes both new and “Pre-Furred” resale fur, leather, and shearling fashions for men and women. We offer the largest selection of resale furs in the Midwest at everyday enchanting prices. Motive Parts Company Have nine locations to

Continental AG to buy Motorola business for $1 bln
Reuters - FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Continental AG (CONG.DE: Quote , Profile , Research ) will pay $1 billion to acquire Motorola’s (MOT.N: Quote , Profile , Research ) global automotive electronics business as the German tire and car parts maker expands into

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Most auto
dealers today know that the Internet offers opportunities to turn on your profit
potential but they aren’t sure how to do it or whom to trust.

Automotive
Marketing Online

The automotive
industry is among the fastest growing internet business market places, requiring
significant marketing expertise. Automotive marketing often employs the services
of an automotive marketing group to develop and implement a successful
automotive marketing campaign. Most conventional marketing and advertising firms
do not have much expertise when it comes to the internet.

A successful
automotive marketing effort starts with the development of a campaign focused on
attracting new customers and/or retaining old ones. A savvy automotive marketing
group will create a campaign that will enable the consumer to gain access to
important reviews, consumer information, safety updates, and rebates.

A
good?automotive marketing consultant will work with dealerships to design
automotive marketing programs at a local level that appeals to consumers from
the surrounding region. The goal of the automotive marketing consultant should
be to have the dealership spend less time on their end of the automotive
marketing efforts and more time closing deals.

Over 80% of today’s automotive customers begin their shopping online. They use
the web to investigate, shop, and purchase their next vehicle. Today’s auto
dealership must not only be proficient at responding to customer demands on the
web, but also know how to attract more business from the internet. The
increasing competitiveness of the internet market, volume of opportunities and
speed which is required to be successful in Internet sales demands solid
concepts and effective automotive marketing.

Dealers have no
choice but to embrace the transition of shoppers from traditional sources to the
internet. And with this transition, so must your automotive marketing
techniques.

Automotive
Marketing: Giving Customers What They Want.

Over the past
two years, automotive marketing companies have seen a significant shift in
consumer buying and service preferences. Today, more and more consumers prefer
to start their sales and service process by going directly to the Web. These
consumers are interested in finding out the answers for themselves - it is
typically a way to educate themselves on finding the best vehicle to buy?and the
best pricing and financing options available. The only way to win these types of
consumers is to give them what they want. If you provide them with the answers
to their questions without giving them a hassle, they will thank you with their
wallets. The result of this incredible shift is that automotive marketing must
be aimed at improving web-based self-service for their potential customers. Your
automotive marketing campaign must know the answers to the following questions:

Who is
considering my dealership, who is rejecting it?

Is my make
high-loyalty /? low-conquest or vice versa?

Have I got my
pricing right or am I selling too low?

Which of my
automotive marketing dollars are working harder than others?

Which media,
which sports, are my prime prospects frequenting?

What else are
my customers spending money on, and where?

How is my
brand perceived compared to my competitor?

What is my
brand equity and how do I strengthen it?

About the Author

Bill Cook is the SEM Director for DealerOn, Inc - an
Automotive Dealer Website Design Company
providing
Online Automotive Marketing Services to Auto Dealership nationwide.

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Small Business Network
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Motorola to Sell Auto Electronic Business
KWQC - SCHAUMBURG, Ill. Schaumburg-based Motorola is selling its automotive electronics business for about one (B) billion dollars in cash to German tire company Continental A-G. The deal is expected to close in the first half of this year. Motorola says

Should You Buy An Automotive Extended Service Contract?

The decision to purchase an extended service contract or mechanical break down policy as they are sometimes called is a decision that has many variables. Depending on the age of the vehicle, the usage, how long do you plan on keeping the vehicle for are just a few questions that need to be considered.

If you look online, some of these so called guru?s who write scam pieces will tell you?Don?t Buy?it?s a scam. I whole heartily disagree with their opinions, I question if they have real world knowledge and experience to begin with. If they did, then I firmly believe their opinion would be other wise.

The scam comes when you are charged outrageous and inflated prices for an extended service contract, they are not cheap to begin with, but those who exasperate the cost are the ones who are taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Or perhaps even requiring you to purchase as a condition of buying the vehicle, you should never be forced to buy under any circumstances.

With automotive repair labor rates ranging easily up to $100.00 per hour or more, it doesn?t take a huge repair to cost you major bucks, and with the electronics and technologies of today?s automobiles, parts prices are equally as expensive.

During my 26 years in the automotive service industry, I can recall countless and numerous times where customers wished that they had purchased, and those that did were glad they made such a sound financial decision.

Consider the following examples of repair cost:

Air Conditioner Repairs can easily cost $1500.00 for compressor replacements.

Transmission Overhaul or Replacements–$3000.00

Water Pump replacements–$600.00

Power Steering Pumps and Steering Gears–$600-$2000.00

However, don?t be mislead into believing a mechanical break down policy covers every nut and bolt on the vehicle, there are variables and different kinds of policies as well. Some cover seals and gaskets, wear and tear items, consequential damages etc and others don?t. Be aware of what it does and does not cover before buying, this will save you a lot of grief in the event you have a mechanical failure.

It is a major decision, and one that requires weighing the advantages and disadvantages.

My personal and professional opinion is that if you are going to use the vehicle on a daily basis, you plan on keeping for 2 years or more after the original factory warranty has expired, then you should purchase the extra protection.

It is after all, like an insurance policy, you hope that you don?t have to use it, but it will give you some peace of mind in the event that you have to have an expensive repair.

About the Author: Jerry Christopher-owner http://www.usedcarwise.com with over 26 years in the automotive service industry, offers a unique and innovative approach teaching you how to buy a used car the smart way.

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The decision to purchase an extended service contract or mechanical break down policy as they are sometimes called is a decision that has many variables. Depending on the age of the vehicle, the usage, how long do you plan on keeping the vehicle for are just a few questions that need to be considered.

If you look online, some of these so called guru’s who write scam pieces will tell you–Don’t Buy–it’s a scam. I whole heartily disagree with their opinions, I question if they have real world knowledge and experience to begin with. If they did, then I firmly believe their opinion would be other wise.

The scam comes when you are charged outrageous and inflated prices for an extended service contract, they are not cheap to begin with, but those who exasperate the cost are the ones who are taking advantage of unsuspecting consumers. Or perhaps even requiring you to purchase as a condition of buying the vehicle, you should never be forced to buy under any circumstances.

With automotive repair labor rates ranging easily up to $100.00 per hour or more, it doesn’t take a huge repair to cost you major bucks, and with the electronics and technologies of today’s automobiles, parts prices are equally as expensive.

During my 26 years in the automotive service industry, I can recall countless and numerous times where customers wished that they had purchased, and those that did were glad they made such a sound financial decision.

Consider the following examples of repair cost:

Air Conditioner Repairs can easily cost $1500.00 for compressor replacements.
Transmission Overhaul or Replacements–$3000.00
Water Pump replacements–$600.00
Power Steering Pumps and Steering Gears–$600-$2000.00

However, don’t be mislead into believing a mechanical break down policy covers every nut and bolt on the vehicle, there are variables and different kinds of policies as well. Some cover seals and gaskets, wear and tear items, consequential damages etc and others don’t. Be aware of what it does and does not cover before buying, this will save you a lot of grief in the event you have a mechanical failure.

It is a major decision, and one that requires weighing the advantages and disadvantages. My personal and professional opinion is that if you are going to use the vehicle on a daily basis, you plan on keeping for 2 years or more after the original factory warranty has expired, then you should purchase the extra protection.

It is after all, like an insurance policy, you hope that you don’t have to use it, but it will give you some peace of mind in the event that you have to have an expensive repair.

About the Author

Jerry Christopher/Owner http://www.usedcarwise.com offers a new and innovative training course teaching you “How To Buy A Used Car The Right Way” -

Meridian Automotive Systems Files Plan of Reorganization 
ALLEN PARK, Mich.–March 30, 2006–Meridian Automotive Systems, Inc. today announced that it has filed its Plan of Reorganization (”Plan”) with the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware.

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Buying DIY Automotive Equipment

Everyone is getting into do-it-yourself (DIY) projects these days, and that even includes fixing your car. Without proper training there are certain aspects of automotive repair that you shouldn’t attempt yourself since there may be safety issues involved. However, more and more people are finding that with the right automotive equipment there are many things you can repair yourself at a fraction of what a mechanic would charge you.

If you are new to DIY auto repair, you may want to read your car’s manual to become familiar with the various parts of your car. You may want to start off with a simple job such as changing a tire or changing your oil. There is very little equipment associated with these two tasks so you won’t have to worry about spending a large amount of money if things don’t work out.

If you’re looking to start a more involved project, such as replacing your brake pads, you’ll want to make sure you get the proper equipment since this isn’t a job you want to botch up. Before you head to your local automotive equipment and tools supply shop you may want to check online for details. For instance, there may be certain tips and tricks that may make things run more smoothly, or recommendations on brands. There are plenty of websites and car repair communities that can offer advice.

Getting the Best Deal

There are plenty of places you can go to for the necessary equipment. Many major box stores carry a huge variety of auto products, as well as chain supply stores, and even mom and pop shops. Buying online is also a great opportunity to get some amazing deals, but make sure you know what you’re buying since returns can be costly in terms of shipping.

The most important things to remember is take your time and never cut corners on any auto repair job. Safety is key and you should always follow manufacturer’s recommendations.

About the Author

Nathan James offers information and advice about automotive equipment and repair at the Automotive Equipment Info website. Visit http://www.automotiveequipment.info for more information about automotive equipment. -

Automobile Magazine Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence in …
Finanzen.net, Germany - Mar 31, 2006PRIMEDIA Inc.’s (NYSE: PRM) AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE marks its 20thAnniversary as America’s leading automotive lifestyle publication byreaffirming the philosophy …