 NewsUSA) – Getting more organized is a common New Year’s Resolution — whether it’s a harried taxpayer’s pledge to be a better record keeper or a pack rat’s promise to de-clutter. “Getting organized works wonders for the family car,” notes Martin Lawson, editorial director for the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). “The money saved from approaching your vehicle in a systematic manner is a pretty strong incentive to keep your resolution.”
The following tips from ASE will help motorists get and stay organized. - Record Keeping. Keep a copy of every completed work order, from oil changes and brake service to major repairs. In addition to helping document any warranty work, a complete service record is very appealing to potential buyers. - Service Reminders. Read your owner’s manual and follow the service schedules listed. Some shops send out automatic reminders to their regular customers. Many of today’s manufacturers include e-mailed reminders and even remote satellite diagnostic reports. Timely, regular maintenance saves money in the long run by helping your vehicle run efficiently. - Tactical Care. Don’t ignore service-engine lights, poor engine performance, rough handling, fading brakes or other issues that present themselves. Neglect can cost more in the long run by making minor issues worse. For example, brake pads are cheaper and easier to replace than are brake rotors. - Housekeeping. Don’t use the trunk as a catch-all. Keep only essential items there. Remove roof-top cargo carriers as soon as your trip is over. Less clutter means less weight, which means better gasoline mileage. Keep your vehicle’s interior clean of trash and clutter and vacuum the seats and carpeting on a regular basis to prevent premature wear and tear and staining. Wax your car at least once a year to help preserve the paint job (and its resale value). - Heal Thyself. Other automotive resolutions are less about your vehicle and more about you. Avoid jackrabbit starts; sudden accelerations waste fuel and are hard on the engine. Slow down; speeding greatly decreases miles per gallon. Hard stops wear out brakes. Visit www.ase.com for seasonal car care tips and information about certified automotive technicians. |
A New Year’s Resolution For Your Car
Be Prepared When the Rubber Meets the Snow
 NewsUSA) – Millions of motorists will be taking to the highways and byways for holiday travel, so the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) remind drivers to have their vehicle checked out before heading out. “Breakdowns in winter conditions can be especially dangerous,” notes Martin Lawson, ASE’s editorial director.
The following tips from ASE will help vehicle owners choose a good repair shop. * Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. * Ask your friends and associates for their recommendations, and consult local consumer groups. * Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location. * Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays. * Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant or technicians willing to answer your questions. * Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment. * Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work. * Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards. * Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE indicate the presence of professional, trained technicians. * Look for the ASE sign. ASE was founded in 1972 to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification, while their employers display the blue and white ASE sign. * Be ready to describe any changes in your vehicle’s handling or performance or other issues. Do not be embarrassed to ask for simple definitions for any technical terms you find unfamiliar. * Reward good service with repeat business and customer loyalty. Visit www.ase.com for more information, including seasonal car-care tips. |
Tips for Cold Weather Driving
 NewsUSA) – The experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) remind motorists that getting their vehicles serviced for cold-weather driving should be high on their list of things to do during autumn’s milder weather. Breakdowns in winter storms can be deadly.
“Pay particular attention to engine performance problems such as hard starts, rough idling, stalling, or diminished power,” notes Martin Lawson, ASE’s editorial director. “Cold weather will make existing problems worse.” Other tips from ASE: * Read your owner’s manual, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. * Replace dirty filters such as air, fuel and PCV. Change the oil and oil filter as specified in your manual. * The cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (Never remove the radiator cap until the engine has thoroughly cooled.) A certified auto technician should check the tightness and condition of drive belts, clamps and hoses. * The only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment, but backyarders can perform routine care such as scraping corrosion from posts and cable connections. (Wear eye protection and rubber gloves.) * Worn tires will be of little use in winter weather. Examine tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing and cupping; check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires “cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition. * Put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. ASE was founded in 1972 to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive professionals. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification, while their employers display the blue and white ASE sign. They can be found at all types of repair facilities from dealerships to independent garages and franchises. Visit www.ase.com for more information. |
Facing Foreclosure? Don’t Lose Hope
 NewsUSA) – Homeowners struggling to meet their mortgage payments should not wait until they default on a payment before speaking to their lender. Hope and help are available.
Hope Now, a private alliance of mortgage services, non-profit counselors and investors helped 270,000 homeowners keep their homes in April 2009. The organization reaches at-risk borrowers through its Web site, www.hopenow.com and community events, where homeowners can meet their lenders directly, as well as speak to representatives from Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Legal Aid. Hope Now also operates a telephone hotline, where homeowners can speak to non-profit counselors, at 1-888-995-HOPE. Before calling their lender, homeowners should compile their financial information. Before restructuring a loan, lenders will want to see hard numbers stating income and expenses. Homeowners also need to be savvy — scammers have found endless ways to profit from the housing crisis. Scammers sift through public foreclosure notices in newspapers or use advertisements to reach desperate homeowners. Then they take mortgage payments, home equity or ownership of the home. To avoid being scammed, Hope Now suggests homeowners be aware of potential “red flags”: * The service guarantees to stop foreclosure, no matter what. * The service collects an upfront fee. * The service tells you not to contact your lender, lawyer or credit or housing counselor. * The service only accepts payment by cashier’s check or wire transfer. * The service encourages you to lease your home so you can buy it back over time. * The service wants to collect your mortgage payments. * The service tells you to transfer your deed or title to it, or offers to buy your home at a fixed price. * The service offers to fill out paperwork for you, or pressures you to sign paperwork that you have not read or do not understand. To find legitimate help, homeowners need to contact their lender directly or call 1-888-995-HOPE to speak with non-profit counselors. To find out about foreclosure prevention options, read “Mortgage Payments Sending You Reeling? Here’s What to Do” at www.ftc.gov. |
Seniors: Good Communication Vital to Quality Auto Repairs
 NewsUSA) – A poll of ASE-certified automotive technicians indicated that drivers over 60 are among the most conscientious when it comes to taking their vehicles in for routine maintenance and repair. The experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) remind consumers that good communication between shop and customer can help make the repair process go smoothly.
“Professionally run repair establishments recognize the importance of two-way communications,” notes Martin Lawson, ASE’s editorial director. “Just as you would with your physician, be prepared to discuss your vehicle’s aches and pains once you are at the repair shop.” The following tips from ASE should make the repair process go smoothly: Don’t ignore what your vehicle is telling you. Look for: * Unusual sounds, odors, drips, leaks, smoke, warning lights, gauge readings. * Changes in acceleration, engine performance, gas mileage, fluid levels. * Worn tires, belts and hoses. * Problems in handling, braking, steering, vibrations. * Note when the problem occurs and whether it is constant or periodic. Stay involved; communicate your findings: * Be prepared to describe any symptoms. In larger shops, you’ll probably speak with a service consultant rather than with the technician directly. * Carry a written list of the symptoms that you can give to the technician or service consultant. * Do not be embarrassed to request simple definitions of technical terms. * Ask to be called and apprised of the problem, course of action and costs before work begins. * Before you leave, make a note of shop policies regarding labor rates, guarantees and acceptable methods of payment. * Keep a record of all repairs and service. ASE was founded to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians can be found at every type of repair facility; certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact area(s) of certification, while their employers display the blue and white ASE sign. For more information, including seasonal car care tips, visit www.ase.com. |
Get More Miles Out of Your Car or Truck
 NewsUSA) – Due to the current economic climate, many Americans are becoming less willing to make expensive purchases. Even the nation’s long-held love affair with the automobile hasn’t escaped the penny-pinching trend.
The latest trends demonstrate that Americans are trying to stretch the mileage of their current vehicles. In 2006, the average car owner drove their car for 68 months before trading it in for a new vehicle. By the fourth quarter of 2008, the average trade-in was 76 months old. The following simple and inexpensive preventive checks provided by The Automotive Service Association (www.ASAshop.org), which represents thousands of repair shops nationwide, will greatly extend the life of the vehicle and ensure safer operation: - Always consult your owner’s manual, but a good rule of thumb is to have the oil and filter changed regularly, every 3,000 to 4,000 miles. - Have all fluids checked, including brake, power steering, transmission and transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze. These fluids play a large role in the safety and performance of the vehicle. - Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent. - Have the chassis lubricated frequently. This step extends the life of the moving components of the vehicle’s suspension system. - Check battery cables and connections for corrosion, and clean them as needed. - Have the lighting system checked frequently, including headlights, turn signals and brake and tail lights. - Check windshield wiper blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them approximately once a year or sooner if streaking begins. - Inspect engine belts regularly. Worn belts will affect the engine performance. Look for cracks and missing sections or segments. - Have the air filtration system checked frequently. The air filter should be checked approximately every other oil change for clogging or damage. This system ensures that the vehicle is performing at its peak condition. Always consult the vehicle owner’s manual for individual service schedules as manufacturer maintenance requirements will vary. Automotive Service Association members agree to follow ASA’s Code of Ethics, which is the automotive service industry’s standard for professional business practices with consumers in mind. For more information, visit ASA at www.ASAshop.org. |
Reasons to Let a Pro Winterize Your RV
 NewsUSA) – Camping season is coming to a close, and it’s time to put your RV in storage. But are you equipped for do-it-yourself winterizing?
Many blogs and other Web sites will tell you “yes,” but a mistake could lead to costly repairs come spring. For example, if you fail to drain all the water from your RV’s pipes and lines, the water will expand as soon as temperatures drop below freezing. When you turn on the water next spring, you’ll likely find a flooded mess. A technician’s expert eyes will notice problems that you might not recognize. Look for a certified RVDA-RVIA RV Service Technician, who must continue their education after receiving certification. They offer premium, up-to-date service. You can take some steps to prepare your RV for long storage. For example, if you have any battery-operated clocks or electronic equipment, remove the batteries. Turn off TV antenna boosters and clocks. After you get it winterized, store your RV on a level surface. If you live in an area with insect problems, you might want to spray ant repellent around your tires. Lift your RV off of the ground with wooden blocks. Now what should you leave to a professional? The Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association offers these instances where a professional can help save you money down the road: - Fixing leaks. You might not notice a subtle leak or know how to repair it properly. RV technicians listen for leaks when they pressurize the water system. If they hear a leak, they repair it immediately. - Removing water. Some luxury RVs have complicated water systems. RV technicians are familiar with many types of water distribution systems and manifolds and won’t miss small lines that you could easily overlook. Technicians also know how to route antifreeze through the cold water lines — an important protective step — without filling the tank. - Emptying holding tanks. You don’t want to leave waste sitting in your RV until vacation season returns. RV technicians know to check the holding tanks as well as macerator pumps and their transmission lines. For more information or to find a RVDA-RVIA RV Service Technician near you, visit www.rvda.org. |
Conserving Gasoline Is Always in Style
 NewsUSA) – Whether you are trying to stretch the family budget, help the environment, or lessen the nation’s dependence on imported oil, conserving gasoline can benefit most everyone.
“Using less gasoline is one of those rare win-win situations,” notes Martin Lawson, editorial director of the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), an independent nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. “Families can benefit immediately while helping the environment in the long run.” Whatever your motivation, here are some gas saving tips from the pros at the ASE: Monitor tires. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. (Let the tires cool down before checking the air pressure.) Out-of-line wheels, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a professional. Remove excess weight. Remove unnecessary items from the vehicle. Store only essentials in the trunk. Less weight means better mileage. Promptly remove rooftop cargo carriers to reduce air drag. Consolidate trips and errands. Some trips may be unnecessary. Also, try to travel when traffic is light so you can avoid stop-and-go conditions. Avoid excessive idling. Shut off the engine while waiting for friends and family. Observe speed limits. Speeding decreases your miles per gallon. Drive gently. Sudden accelerations guzzle gas. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead and adjust your speed gradually. Use windows and air conditioning wisely. Your mileage should improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds, since air drag is reduced. This is true even with the air conditioning on — assuming that the system is in good working order. But turn the air conditioning off in stop-and-go traffic to save fuel. Keep your engine “tuned up.” A well-maintained engine operates at peak efficiency, maximizing gas mileage. Follow the service schedules listed in the owner’s manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended; have engine performance problems corrected at a repair facility. A well-maintained vehicle will last longer, too. Given today’s high-tech engines, it’s wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE-certified in engine performance. Repair shops that employ certified auto technicians display the blue and white ASE sign. For more information, including seasonal car care advice, visit www.ase.com. |
Auto Care Advice for College-Bound Students
 NewsUSA) – There’s one more item for college-bound students to add to their checklists before heading off to campus this fall: Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition and that routine services have been performed to minimize the chance of a breakdown during the school year, note the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
“Students who commute need reliable transportation day in and day out to make it to classes on time,” notes Martin Lawson, ASE’s editorial director, “while those who live on campus and use their cars less frequently could find themselves stranded in the satellite parking lot by a dead battery in cold weather.” The following tips from ASE — the group that tests and certifies automotive technicians — should help students and their parents choose a repair facility. - Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one. - Arrange for transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based on its location. - Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays. - Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant willing to answer all of your questions. - Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment. - Ask whether the repair facility specializes or usually handles your type of repair work. - Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community or customer service awards. - Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE. - Look for the ASE sign. It means that one or more of the technicians have earned nationally recognized certifications. For more information, visit www.ase.com. |
Needed: More Automotive Technicians
 NewsUSA) – Despite unemployment rates that have reached highs not seen since the ’80s, some industries are still hiring. With new-car sales dropping, qualified automotive maintenance and repair industry workers are in high demand.
Why? Americans are choosing not to buy new vehicles but, instead, are driving their old ones longer. “Consumers are maintaining their vehicles longer than in the past,” says a study conducted by R.L. Polk & Co. “The average length of time that owners held onto a new car or truck in 2008 was more than four and a half years (56.3 months).” As vehicles age, they need preventative maintenance and repairs, creating more business for automotive repair shops. To meet this demand, Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC, which owns and operates automotive service providers like Firestone Complete Auto Care, opened 42 new stores in 2008 and plans to continue to open new stores throughout 2009. Each new store creates about 12 jobs. As the need for automotive maintenance and repair grows, the need for qualified employees increases. Managers, sales team members, tire specialists and technicians are all necessary to run a successful automotive service center. Many large-scale employers offer competitive benefits and on-the-job training. Today’s automotive service centers are nothing like the repair shops of the past. Within the last decade, vehicles have become so technologically advanced that the average car owner can no longer do his or her own maintenance. As a result, repair shops have also made drastic changes. Automotive technicians need to be able to identify and diagnose automotive problems quickly and accurately and be technologically savvy. Job seekers with an interest in technology and problem-solving might find lucrative careers in automotive service. Automotive repair shops need sales professionals, managers and technicians. |
