Posts Tagged ‘mechanic’

How to change the brakes on your car

Monday, July 19th, 2010

A brake job requires few parts and is one of the easiest repairs you can do on your vehicle. Replacing your brake should be done about once every two years, depending on how much you drive.

Conventionally, replacing your brakes on your car usually includes replacing the front disc brake pads , the rear drum shoes , resurfacing the rotors and drums , bleeding the brake lines and servicing for any leaks or other repairs issues such as adjusting the brake pad level.

If the brake on the vehicle has been driven to a very low point, you may have to rebuild or purchase a new wheel cylinder and calipers. By careful if you are using a mechanic, as some mechanic well recommend additional repairs that may not be required.

Some of the other parts, which may be small, but are very useful, may include pins, clips, bushing, return and hold-down springs and retainers . If the brakes are very bad and your vehicle is old, your mechanic might recommend replacing some of the main auto parts such as shoes and drums.

For vehicles that uses air brakes, such as 18 wheelers, it is advised that you seek a professional repairman. Pads and shoes are made of different grade of materials and you should always buy the best if the price is right. Inexpensive pads may cost less but may cost you more in the long run because you will have to change them frequently.

Also, they may cause damage to other parts of your brake system because they are easily damaged particularly in extreme high or low temperature. Make sure that what you purchase meets the minimum standard of safety issued by the government.

In the end, if you are thinking of changing the brakes on your vehicle use only premium grade pads and lining

When Replacing the brake on your car do remember that there are junk yards with reliable used car parts

categories: auto repair,auto parts,brakes,brake,parts,vehicle,insurance,car parts,mechanic,fixing cars,repairing car brakes

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Finding junk yards with cheap car parts in Alabama

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

Gone are the Alabama salvage yards of yesterday, which most people referred to as places to dump whatever they did not want; today salvage yards are very well organize and have become professional businesses that serve their communities of mechanics, repair specialists, salvage auctioneers, industries and the average car owner with quality used auto parts.

There are many salvage yards throughout the good state of Alabama. Some are referred to as junk yards , wrecker services, scrapyards, or recycling services, but there seem to be a business for all their services - from recycling scrap metal to selling used car parts online and on site.

From Montgomery to mobile, from Birmingham to Huntsville salvage yards are on the rise, in part because of the credit crises many people can not afford to take new loans for cars in Alabama , and in part, because of the environmental movement that seem to be sweeping across the nation.

How to Get Quality Salvage Parts in Alabama

No longer are people using the yellow pages to locate salvage yards and then calling the owner or visiting the site to locate a part. Traditionally you will visit the salvage yard and the owner will direct you to the pile of cars so that you could locate the used part you needed. Now, an increasing number of used car part sales are being conducted online.

On the internet you can visit an Alabama salvage yard sites and and make advance search or query for salvage yards, the make and model and quality of parts they may have in inventory, the zip code, state, city, county and other options.

There are several ways to conduct a search. You can log on into a salvage yard database or you can used a used auto parts request form such as what automotix.com is using.

The used auto parts request forms allow the customer to submit request for used auto parts via a parts locator network which sends out the request to hundreds of salvage yards, junk yards, wrecker services, recyclers and used parts specialist.

If one of these in the network has a part fitting the customer’s request, the customer is contacted and given directions as to how to make the purchase.

Parts are sometimes shipped via UPS or the post office directly to the customer’s doorstep. Some databases have over 100,000 components and customer’s are very likely to find the part they are searching for; from transmissions to brake pads to components of the body of vehicles, even special bolts, screws and clamps for classic and foreign automobiles

Do you live in the great state of Alabama. You can find reliable Alabama salvage yards with good quality used car parts to quickly repair your vehicle

categories: alabama,auto,car,used parts,auto parts,mechanic,classic cars,insurance,foreign cars,salvage

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What To Do If Your Car Breaks Down

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009
by Amy Nutt

When your car breaks down, it is never a fun experience. It has happened to just about everyone at one time or another. No one wants to be in that situation but there are steps you can take to help you get through it, particularly if you are not a member of an auto club. If you have a membership to an auto club then you simply need to call them for roadside assistance. It is said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Therefore, especially if you have to handle a breakdown yourself, it is best to be prepared. Have everything in your car that you may need if you get stranded somewhere. If possible, the first thing you should do is pull safely over to the side of the road.

- Cell phone: You are never going to appreciate having a cell phone more than you will if your car breaks down. If you have a cell phone you can call a service station and at least get a tow, if possible. If that is not possible, you can at least call someone to pick you up.

- Flashlight: The possibility always exists that your car can break down while you are driving at night. If it does, you will want to have a flashlight handy. - Reflective warning triangles: These will help protect you and your vehicle in case of a breakdown. Once you are over to the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights to alert traffic that may be headed your way.

Once you do this, follow these tips

- Enter and exit your car using the door that is furthest away from traffic.

- Place at least 2 reflective triangles behind your car and one in front of your car. Place the farthest one approximately 50 feet behind your car.

- If possible, move away from the car to make your phone calls and also have your passengers move away from the car.

- Call a tow truck, a ride, or the police. It is only natural to worry about your car but the first priority is your safety and your passengers safety.

Most importantly, dont panic. If you are not in a familiar area or you are travelling and do not know who to call, contact the police. These are very stressful situations and there is no need to try to handle them alone under these conditions. Keep the priorities straight. Ensure the safety of yourself and your passengers first and then the protection of your car. The car can be replaced, a human life cannot.

If you have ever had a car break down, you are well aware of the benefits of having an auto club membership. More than anything else (and there is a lot) they provide you with peace of mind. Breakdowns happen, just make sure you know how to stay safe when they happen.

About the Author:
Travel worry free on the road with an auto club membership. CAA Travel and roadside assistance is a good insurance while you are on the road.

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