Your car is your play toy, your pride that draws eyes wherever it goes. So treat it with some care. If it is beautiful, keep it that way. What you can do here is give your car a good wash with some cool tools that you can get at a very decent price. People just think that they know all about car detailing. But they really know nothing about the black from the white in this case. If you own up to the fact that you do not have any idea, just ask someone else to help you who can. But make sure that you tell him precisely what you want. It is your car, and if it turns out to be a bad one because of a poor decision on your part, you will be stuck with it.

So what does car detailing mean? There are simple steps that even a toddler can follow:

•Washing

First spray the care with water. This will help to loosen up the dirt and mud on the car so that cleaning them away becomes easier. Then divide your work into parts: the top, the hood, the trunk and the right and left side of the car, and set to work accordingly. Starting with the top, you should move to the trunk and hood, finally ending up by cleaning the right and left sides of the car. Spray with water again and re-rinse. Just make sure that you don’t rub so hard that your car paint gets scratched.

•Polishing

This work should be done on a small portion at a time. You have to ooze out a little amount of the polish onto a towel and then rub it on the car in slow, small circular motions. Go in the similar way: from the top to the trunk and the hood, finally finish it off with the either sides of the car. Remember, the polish should be allowed to sit on the car surface for at least five to ten minutes. You have to remove the excess by pressing a towel on it gently.

•Waxing

Use a soft terry cloth for this work. Wax should be applied to a small portion of the car at a time. You must apply it just way you smear the polish. But here, you have to wait until the wax has dried off to get a slight haze. You can re-wash the car again, depending on what you want.

Your car will be gleaming clean and bright after you have followed these steps religiously. Once you wash down the dirt and grime, you car will be an eye catcher for sure!

There are different types of shops to choose from. You could find a small neighborhood repair shop, use chain shops or go to the dealership for service. Of course there are pros and cons of each.

The small neighborhood repair shop is often owned by the head mechanic. If he is knowledgeable about your kind of car, does good work and has fair prices, this can be a great way to go. Look for someone offers good advice about the repairs and maintenance your car should get. A good mechanic should be able to tell you what needs to be done right away and what you can wait on. The bad news is that this kind of shop doesn’t usually offer conveniences like a shuttle ride, a rental car or a pleasant waiting room with wi-fi. It can also be less consistent. If the head mechanic is out sick, you might not get the service that you expect. If they have a few big jobs, it might take them longer to get to your car.

There are many chain shops like Jiffy Lube and Discount Tire Centers. These shops are attractive because they often advertise good prices and they get you in and out pretty quickly. The down side is that you need to manage your car’s overall maintenance. Each of these places does one or two things but doesn’t look at your whole car. They won’t remind you when it’s time for maintenance, and they won’t alert you to something that isn’t in their specialty.

Many car owners go to the service department of the dealership that specializes in their car’s make. As experts on your model car, their technicians can often diagnose and fix problems quickly. Since they are usually big shops with a lot of volume, their turnaround times and quality of work are likely to be consistent over time. Many dealerships offer pleasant lounges, shuttle rides and even loaner cars. Dealerships, however, have a reputation for being more expensive. This is often undeserved. If you call the dealership service department and ask for the price on a specific repair, the price you’ll get is usually competitive with other repair shops. Dealerships do try to upsell you, though. They often try to get you to follow a maintenance schedule that is far more aggressive than what the owner’s manual calls for. If they see an item that shows wear, they will often recommend replacing it even though it might last for quite a while longer.

Check references on the shops that you are thinking of using. The Better Business Bureau collects and tries to resolve complaints about auto repair shops. When a consumer files a complaint with the BBB, they contact the business and give them the opportunity to resolve the problem. If it is resolved to the consumer’s satisfaction, they’ll say so. If a business ignores the BBB, that’s a very bad sign. The BBB also assigns a grade to each business. This is a great resource because the BBB is unbiased.

You can also find consumer-written reviews on a lot of directories. Take them with a grain of salt, though. Many people run to the internet when they have a complaint, but don’t write a review if they’re happy with the service they received. Anyone can write whatever they want to on these sites. Their complaints may be valid, but they also might be unfair. Still, if one repair shop has many complaints over a long period of time, that’s a clue that their customers aren’t satisfied. Read the reviews to see what they say. If they give facts and details about their experience, you can better determine whether the complaint is valid.

Try out your selected shop on routine repairs. If they do quality work at good prices when you’re not backed up against the wall, you can trust them when your car suddenly dies and you need it fixed quickly.

Car audio system theft is in fact one of the most popular forms of theft nowadays, as it is very easy to pry open from your car and run away with before someone catches up. Also, if you live or frequent an area or neighborhood that is widespread with theft activities and the likes, or also if you live a lifestyle where you have to keep your car parked frequently in unknown places you need a car audio theft protection instantly and a strong one at that.

One of the easiest ways of keeping your car audio system protected is by using those detachable systems, this way the front control panel of the audio system can be easily removed by you every time you leave the car parked outside somewhere. Without the main control panel, the rest of the car audio system is pretty much useless and so the chances of the head unit actually getting stolen would be less as that alone would not be of much use. There are also, many kinds of security alarms that are available. If you are using one that goes off every time somebody touches the car that would not necessarily be enough protection. Try installing some kind of security alarm that would be directly connected to the stereo system so that even if the security alarm of the car does not go off or is hacked, there will be another security level for the car audio system as well. There are these kinds of alarm systems available for use for such specific purposes.

Other than these systems that you can employ to keep your car audio system protected, by simply keeping your car well protected and locked every time you leave the car is in itself a huge security measure. Usually, car audio systems and parts getting stolen is carried out by amateur and petty thieves who happen to notice a car that is not kept locked or not protected well enough and they take advantage of the situation. Of you are careful about the security of your car as a whole, breaking into the car for an amateur thief would not be easy at all.

So if you want this leisurely lifestyle you will have to get yourself a CD deck for your car’s dashboard that has a USB port. There are actually many CD decks that come along with USB ports and if you already have one like that then nothing like it or else get yourself a new one and have it installed in your car. Actually, such a media player is needed so that the songs from your Flash Drive will have an interface for the display of the songs and the artists etc. The connection will be needed to be made between the CD player and the Flash Drive for the songs to play.

So, if you already have a CD player that has a USB port then you can simply get on to the next step and if you do not already have one, hunt for one such media playing kit for your car and have it installed with some professional help so that it is done properly. After this unit has been installed you next need to get yourself a Flash Drive that will contain the songs. Most people already have these USB drives that have some kind of storage and if you do not have one, these are easily available. You will be able to purchase one with 2Gb memory under $20.

The only step remaining therefore is the storage of the songs on the Flash Drive. All you have to really do is to copy and paste the songs that must already be saved on your computer on to the Flash Drive. The saving process on the Flash Drive is as simple as that. So if you do not already have the songs saved on your computer, you can upload them from elsewhere and then save it on the Flash Drive. 2Gb will be able to store a good number of songs on the Flash Drive. Also, remember to name the songs and the artists when you are saving them on the computer and transferring them to the Flash drive, to be visible on the car audio player’s interface.

The two channel amplifier for instance is one kind of an amplifier that has its own characteristic features. This is the most commonly used amplifiers actually as they are easily compatible with the usual traditional car stereo systems that most cars already have installed. With this kind of an amplifier, only two speakers can be connected to it with a traditional left/right configuration. This is however not the best quality of music that an amplifier can produce.

Three/Four channel amplifiers for example produce great quality sound and much better than the two channel amplifier. This kind of an amplifier can have three to four speakers connected to it thus causing the greater sound quality that it can produce. Because of the space this kind of an amplifier occupies this is usually located at the back of the car. Also, there are many kinds of combinations that can be tried out with this amplifier placing it surely a lot higher than the two channel amplifier.

The five channel amplifiers are the most expensive amplifiers that are available, a lot more expensive than the two and the three/four channel ones. Five spate speakers can be attached to this amplifier thus producing sound quality that cannot be achieved with the previous kinds of amplifiers. With this kind of an amplifier as well, you could place the speakers in all kinds of positions and combinations to allow the best quality of sound to be finally produced. According to the shape of your car and what feels the best you would have to fix the location of the speakers in the car.

Among these various options, you must select the amplifier for your car with care. Choose the best kind of amplifier that you can afford for the best quality of sound in your car.

Principle of the Air conditioner

The air conditioner works on the principle of successive cooling and heating of the volatile liquid called Freon. The Freon first enters the compressor here it is compressed into gas. On compression the heat is released and the liquid is cooled. The heat is dispersed with a fan. The liquid then enters the condenser where it absorbs the heat from the surroundings and the liquid is converted into gas. With this conversion the surroundings become cool. This is the entire cycle and the room is cooled.

The various parts

Compressor

Compressor is used to squeeze the Freon. On squeezing the pressure of the cool, low pressure gas Freon increases due to packing of the molecules, its temperature and energy also increases.

Condenser

Condenser helps to disperse the heat generated by the gas which comes outside the compressor. It is almost like a radiator inside the gas. The condenser has metal fins all around which helps in heat dissipation.

Evaporator

Once the gas leaves the condenser its nature has changed from gas to liquid and it is much cooler. The liquid goes into the evaporator and its pressure drops and it again changes into gas. The liquid goes into the evaporator through a small narrow hole. On changing into gas it takes the heat from the air around it. This heat is required to change the liquid into gas. The evaporator is also provided with metal fins which help in heat exchange with the air surrounding it. From the evaporator the gas goes into the compressor again.

The evaporator, condenser and compressor are the three main parts. Outside the air conditioner you find the condenser and the compressor. On the inside is the evaporator.

Other than the three basic AC parts there is a hot coil on the outside of the air conditioner this helps to disperse the heat. The cool coil is found outside the air conditioner helps to absorb the heat. There are two fans in the Air conditioner and a control circuit which helps to modify the temperature. Temperature modification is possible through the use of potentiometer.

The outer cover of the air conditioner gives it an aesthetic appeal. Covers are made of molded plastic and in a wide range of designs and colors. Buttons and knobs are also easily available in the market. If the air conditioner is installed facing the road the water carrying duct is necessary to drain the water.

Replaceable parts
Of all the Ac parts the compressor is the most expensive and hence the most important. Warranties are provided for the compressor and some compressors work for several years without any repair. New compressors are also available in the market, which can be installed when the original air conditioner develops faults. In new air conditioners only some manufacturers make their own compressor. Others buy the compressor from other companies and install it in their machines.

Other replaceable parts in an air conditioner are the condensers and evaporators. The cooling and heating coils also can be replaced. Coils generally develop faulty heat dissipation and give unsatisfactory cooling results. The easiest of replaceable ac parts are the fans.

Buy Used Parts

A clever way to save money on car parts or motorcycle parts is to purchase them second-hand. These items can be used or redecorated which permits the person to save funds, yet still get a quality body part. Second-hand parts can be purchased through auto garages or even in some of the auto body shops, which sell old parts. Just make sure that quality of the used part is appreciable, though not bad. Ensure that it will be a fitting addition to the automobile and is in good enough shape to be used in your auto.

Buy Auto Parts in Bulk

If you find that you need multiple auto parts for your car, truck or motorcycle, try to buy them in sufficient numbers. Buying auto parts in bulk will help one to attain the necessary and important parts, which always have demand in the market. From an economical point of view, one might be exempted from heavy priced invoices too. Bulk discounts are often tagged with different auto parts stores. Check out bulk rates and always prefer to get the parts in bulk from an auto body shop at a low-priced rate.

Shop Auto Store Sales

Often auto parts stores will have seasonal sales on the items, which they deal. The items that are widely offered in the auto body shops, are the one of high demand and, hence are naturally expensive.In order to facilitate the potential buyers, various off season sales are carried out by, the prominent spare part manufacturers. You may not be able to find precisely what you have to purchase on sale however this is always an alternative to think and ask about. The parts will be offered at a discounted rate through coupons available in auto body shops. Therefore make inquiries with the manufacturer or look on their website for coupons before heading out to the auto parts store.

Quality of the parts sold by the auto body shop should not be compromised for the budget that one allocates for buying spare parts for his auto. Persisting on using OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts will make sure that the repair job is completed perfectly, and you start to fly off with a vehicle that is dazzling with new makeover.

With auto dealerships charging so much for extended warranties at the time of sale, it can seem like affordable warranty coverage is not realistic. It’s actually a myth that you can only buy an extended service contract for a vehicle when you buy your vehicle. You can actually purchase an extended warranty for a vehicle that’s 15 years old that you’ve owned for years.

Dealerships mark up the price of warranties big time. It’s not uncommon for a warranty that costs just a few hundred dollars, to be sold by a dealership for a thousand dollars or more. The profit from the sale is a commission check for the finance manager or salesman that convinces you to have it added onto your auto loan.

A lot of money can be saved by purchasing a service contract direct from a warranty company. This allows you to bypass the dealership sales game and get coverage for a reasonable price.

With the cost of mechanic labor being so high these days, it does not take much for the price of the coverage to pay for itself in a short time. Especially, when you no longer have to hold off on having a problem seen about, as you’ll be covered.

Legitimate warranty companies can provide the best coverage. Make sure that you deal with a good company and it’s best to compare policies from more than one company to make sure that you’re getting a good price. Some companies provide quotes on the internet, which can be a big time saver.

1) Check the manual to find out what type of gasoline is recommended then stick with that type of fuel. Filling your car with regular gas when it calls for premium it can cause your engine to start knocking and this will destroy the engine. Filling your car with premium gasoline when it calls for regular grade you not only waste gas and money but it can cause problems as well.

2) Don’t let your gas drop below a quarter-tank if the car has a fuel injection system. When turning corners you can interrupt the flow of fuel causing pump problems.

3) Replace your fuel filter every 10,000 mile or two year which ever comes later. Keeping the fuel clean helps to maintain long engine life.

4) Take it easy and drive smoothly. Flooring the gas to leap ahead and slamming on the breaks to a screeching halt will put wear and tear on the engine, transmission, suspension and brakes.

5) Let your car warm up before taking off and especially before turning on the air conditioner and heat or you will cause unnecessary engine wear.

6) Remember to keep the oil changed. Changing your oil every 3,000 miles or three months whichever comes first.

7) Switching to synthetic oil will offer superior protection for your car. Although it is more expensive it offers longer protection for your car some up to 12,000 miles.

Do not use oil additives. They don’t reduce the wear on your engine and they don’t boost performance.

9) Change your brake fluid every two years or 24,000 miles. If you have anti-lock brake system you should change it once a year.

10) Power steeling fluid should be changed every three years or 30,000 miles whichever comes first.

11) Keep an eye on the anti-freeze. It keeps your car running strong especially in cold weather. It also prevents rust and corrosion. For the best results use 50-50 anti-freeze-water mix using distill water not tap water. Change it every two years or 24,000 miles.

12) Replacing the battery six months before it is due to expire. A weak battery will cause alternator and starter problems.

13) Replace timing belts every 60,000 miles.

14) Turning your air conditioner, your heater and defroster on and running them for a few minutes every two weeks to keep them clog-free.

15) Protection for your car during extreme weather to prevent weather damage. Using a windshield cover to help protect the dashboard and prevent weather damage. Use silicone spray a couple times a year to help protect the weather stripping and rubber surfaces.

Diagnostic trouble shooting for auto repair takes equipment, education and pure skill. Knowing a honest and reliable auto technician can be a great commodity. Having some general diagnostic knowledge will keep you from being ripped off and may help you to stay out of the repair shop. The Internet is rich with information and can help you in diagnosing your vehicle for repair, which will save you time and money. Remember this does not make you qualified for auto repair, but will help you to briefly understand what is involved.

Does the vehicle run? Many times I will diagnose a no start on a vehicle and it is something simple like a loose battery cable. Make sure you check all battery power & ground connections. Are the battery cable ends loose? Do they look corroded? A majority of the time you will find your no start condition is the battery connections or the battery itself.

Does the vehicle crank OK, but not start? When diagnosing a crank and no start, you will need some basic tools.

- Fuel Pressure gauge
- Compression tester
- Spark tester

These tools will help you to establish the most important duties a vehicle must perform in order to start. Fuel pressure, Compression and spark are the essential basics for an internal combustion engine to operate. Consult a qualified auto repair technician or the manufacturer for proper testing procedures.

The automobile starts, then dies? Many times on the newer vehicles, this condition will cause a check engine light, but is subject to the problem. No starts can have tail tale signs from the vehicles computer and may be intermittent. Usually a no start problem is due to an ignition component failure (crankshaft sensor, camshaft sensor, ignition module etc.). When diagnosing a vehicle that starts and then dies, make sure you harness the proper equipment for the job. Warning, Improper diagnosing techniques may result in damage to your cars computer. Use caution when attempting any form of vehicle auto repair troubleshooting.

Does the vehicle run, but has no power and a check engine light? Again remember the basics; fuel pressure, compression and spark the essentials to make your auto operate. These three parameters must first be examined to diagnose a drive ability or “check engine light” problem. Scan your vehicles computer for the check engine indicator light, which will get you to the circuit failure. The rest depends on what you have learned and or how much knowledge your auto repair consultant has.

In this article I have briefly examined some basic auto repair troubleshooting.