Finding A Good Repair Shop to Keep your Car Working

Have you ever been out driving on the road without a care in the world and suddenly your car starts to make a funny noise? While you turn down the radio so you can hear the sound clearly, do you start to think about all of the things that could be wrong with your vehicle? Maybe you start thinking about the last time you took your vehicle in for auto repairs. No matter what you start to think about during that time, one thing you can't ignore is the fact that your car needs to go to an auto repair facility.

By Ace Abbey

Instead of taking any chances on the problem getting worse, you need to contact your local auto repair shop and find out when is a good time for you to bring your vehicle in for service. The longer you drive around ignoring the issue, the larger your repair bill will be. If you don't have a good auto repair facility that you can take your car in too, it is time for you to start looking for one.

Any auto repair shop that you decide to take your vehicle to needs to be run and managed by state certified mechanics. You do have the option of choosing to have your vehicle serviced at the dealership or at an independent shop. You may want to check around and get some recommendations on where you should go so you don't end up wasting a ton of time. Some places are pretty fast when it comes to repairing your vehicle and others may be a bit slower. Some places require that you leave your car with them and others will fix it while you wait.

Repairing Your Mercedes Benz

Through the years, Mercedes Benz has become one of the most popular and successful car models. In fact, a lot of people have made use of this model due to its sturdiness and its ability to stand the test of time. Even if it is used in a delicate road over a long period of time, this vehicle will still be able to provide the best and highest quality results. Of course, this has been created out of the best and latest in terms of technology. It has also been created with the finest tools. Thus, you can expect it to be the best. Those who have already bought the vehicle can say that it is really worth the price.

Although there is a larger price for a Mercedes Benz, like any other vehicle, the Mercedes is also susceptible to having some problems. Thus, the idea of getting Mercedes repaired might soon arise. Of course, you have to get ready for this since you are constantly using your vehicle. When it comes to getting help for Mercedes repair, there are a lot of companies that are willing to extend their help. However, you should not just pick up any company out there that is available. You have to be very meticulous. You need to raise your standards. Take note that you have invested a lot on this vehicle. You could not afford to lose it or further the damage just because you have not gotten the best company to deal with the Mercedes repair.

Speaking of the best company, you have to realize that these companies should have the latest tools in doing the repair. There must be a computerized system that will deal with the problem until it is solved. Again, you have nothing to worry about since their system will spot the problem right away and deal with it. Thus, whether you have problems with the steering wheel, brakes, engine, and many others, they will take care of the problem right away.

The only thing that you have to realize here is that the prices for the repair can be high. Of course, this is not a small time vehicle that they are going to touch. Thus, they would ask for a certain price in order to get the job done. Yet, you need to invest on this or else your vehicle would go down to waste. You also could not afford to stick with companies whose services are cheap. They might just further the problems. If this happens, you will really lose a lot.

In the end, getting help is easy. If you plan to buy this vehicle or you currently have one, just make sure you take care of it well. Yet, if the problem arises, you need to have the contact number of the best company right away. Rest assured, they will make sure that your vehicle will be back to its normal operation in no time. Just trust that they will.

If you are looking for help with your Mercedes, there is only one place to go for Denver Mercedes Repairs: Autoworks Colorado. They specialize in repairing all German import models; Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen. Visit their website for more details: Denver Mercedes repair shop or call them at (303) 932-9990.

Deadly 60k Porsche Maintenance

By: Cade Lee

This one can be a killer; my friend has a 2003 Boxter S that he had most recently purchased and had no idea that he was in for$1,295.00 60K maintenance. He called us to see who might be able to help him with his scheduled Porsche repair in Denver and so it started a whole research project for us. The 60,000 mile maintenance for Porsches is definitely one of the largest expenses as far as the maintenance is concerned.

In calling several of the local Porsche repair shops in Denver we learned that you do not need to go to a dealer for this maintenance and that it could be completed by any Porsche technician. The next question was "who was the most qualified and least expensive technician to go to". I started by calling Stevenson Porsche to find out the cost of this scheduled maintenance, and without any delay they were able to give me a price of $1,295.00 (just the cost of a small mortgage). I guess it is important to know that this is definitely the most in-depth service compared to the 15,000 or 30,000 mile maintenances. The 90,000 mile maintenance includes all of the following:

Major maintenance at every 60,000 miles/96,000 km

Diagnosis system: Read out fault memory

Underside of vehicle and engine compartment: Visual inspection for leaks (oils and fluids) and chafing (wires, lines, and hoses)

Coolant hoses: Check condition

Radiator: Visual inspection for external soiling

Coolant: Check level and antifreeze

Particle filter: Replace filter element

Fuel system: Visual inspection for damage, correct routing, and firm seating of the line connections

Power-assisted steering: Check fluid level

Parking brake: Check free play of the parking brake lever

Brake system: Visual inspection of the brake pads and brake discs for signs of wear

Brake hoses and lines: Visual inspection for damage, correct routing and corrosion

Brake fluid: Check level

Clutch: Check play or final position of pedal

Throttle actuation: Check smoothness of operation, full-throttle position with the tester

Steering gear: Visual inspection of the bellows for signs of damage

Tie rod ends: Check play and dust bellows

Axle joints: Check play, visual inspection of the dust bellows for signs of damage, check tightness of screw connections on the suspension adjustment at the front and rear

Drive shafts: Visual inspection of the boots for leaks and signs of damage

Exhaust system: Visual inspection for leaks and signs of damage, check mounts

Tires and spare wheel: Check condition and tire pressure

Door locks, lid locks and safety hook of the front lid: Check to ensure that they are seated firmly and function properly

Safety belts: Check operation and condition

Vehicle lights: Check operation

All headlights: Check setting

Horn: Check operation

Windshield washer, headlight washer: Check fluid level and nozzle settings, make sure to check the antifreeze during winter months

All other electrical equipment as well as indicator and warning lights: Check operation

During road or dynamometer test:Brake pedal and parking brake (also operating travel), engine, clutch, transmission, automatic speed control, steering system, heating, air-conditioning system, and instruments: Check operation

Oils, fluids: Visual inspection for leaks

Replace Polyrib belt

So it is quite intensive and definitely worth the investment as it is strongly recommended by Porsche.

In calling the independent Porsche repair shops we decided to go online and search for "Porsche Repair in Denver", after deciding that Stevenson might be a little on the "high" side.

DART auto Porsche VW Audi Service – www.dart auto.com : Was my first call, I talked with a receptionist who explained that the "Service Writer" was busy and would call me back. I still have not received a call back, when I do I will update this post to let you know the price of the maintenance. Ultimately I did not want to send my friend to a garage that wouldn't even return a call so I continued the search. If you wanted to call this shop you could contact them at (303) 296-1188, I could not locate any information through the Denver BBB for this company, according to the Colorado Secretary of State the company has been in business since 2001. Not much else I could tell you here.

Avalon Motorsports – Here I talked to a fantastic service writer, unfortunately they were not handling Porsche repairs at the time. In maintaining transparency with me, he told me that he simply did not have any technicians that specialized in Porsches there at the time. They are one of the first websites that pulled up on Google, and their website does claim that they handle Porsche Repairs in Denver it must have been a little out of date. Brian the Service Writer referred me to RS Motorsports. He explained to me that if anyone was qualified to handle this kind of service, it would be Brian of RS Motorsports. http://www.avalonmotorsports.com/ (303) 400-3001. Although they were not handling Porsche repairs at the time I would definitely want to go back, seemed like a solid group there.

RS Motorsports – I called Joel at RS Motorsports and was able to reach him right away. He of course knew Brian at Avalon Motorsports and told me that he would be happy to help. I asked him for a price on the 60,000 mile maintenance for my friends Boxter S and he explained that the full service would be $900.00 which was $395.00 less than the dealership. He was right on the money as my call to Stevenson earlier was exactly $1,295.00. According to the Better Business Bureau RS Motorsports, Inc has a BBB rating of A- and has been in business since July 2002. You can see their BBB report here. You can call Joel Stallbaumer at 303-432-8989 or visit their website at http://www.rsmotorsportsco.com/.

Autoworks Colorado – My last contact was Mark Zalmanek at Autoworks. Like the others he also shows up on the first page of Google for "Porsche Repair in Denver", ultimately he has several reviews which all seemed excellent. In talking with Mark I could hear the experience in his voice as he explained the service to me in detail and explained that the service would be $800.00. Out of all the shops, Autoworks has the highest BBB rating with an "A", you can see their BBB profile here. Also it seemed that he has been in business the longest, according the BBB report Autoworks has been in business since 1994. Reaching Mark was simple, and he was extremely cordial.

Overall it seems that Autoworks Colorado not only had the most competitive price, but the most experience in the business and longevity. Needless to say I recommended that my friend go to Mark Zalmanek at Autoworks Colorado. I will definitely post again and let you know about the experience!

Auto Repair for Beginners

(Source: Ken Marlborough)

I found this article by Ken Marlborough and found it to be quite useful!

As a new owner of a vehicle, you must know about auto repair. This way, when your car breaks down, you what you have to do. Many automobile manufacturers and auto parts dealers provide their customers with tips on how to do basic auto repairs.

It is important that you familiarize yourself first with the parts and systems that make up your automobile. Knowledge about how these parts and systems work, and what their optimal performance levels help you master simple auto repair techniques. If you are aware of how your car functions, you will not have a hard time identifying where a strange sound is coming from and what part of your vehicle is affected.

By knowing the basics, you can perform simple troubleshooting procedures when your car breaks down, instead of sending it to a mechanic right away. You will not have to spend massive amounts of money just to hire a professional for a simple job you can do yourself, such as adjusting a few loose screws or cooling an overheating radiator.

As a beginner in auto repair, you must realize the importance of owning a basic service tool kit. This usually contains wrenches, screws and a jack. If your car stalls on the road, you will most likely need such tools to start it up again. Tools make auto repairs easier because they allow you to troubleshoot hard-to-reach areas.

If you want to learn more about auto repairs for beginners, you can try asking your favorite mechanic for some pointers. You can also try searching the World Wide Web for tips on auto repair. Through a search engine, you can access a wealth of information. Aside from research, you also have the option of signing up for short courses on auto repair.

More Articles like this: Mercedes Light Repair | Changing your Oil | Home

Fixing your BMW Convertible Top

Do you have a BMW convertible and have troubles with your motor? Here is a great video about BMW repair.

For more information on Denver BMW repair, check out Autoworks Colorado.

Autoworks Colorado

Since Autoworks Colorado first opened its doors in 1995 , they have prided themselves in being one of the most highly rated and affordable Denver Auto Repair shops. Their company is owner operated so you are dealing with a local friendly auto repair mechanic station. You will always be able to speak with the mechanic who works on your vehicle or the owner if you have any questions or concerns. Customer Satisfaction and keeping your car running in top condition is the number one priority of Autoworks Colorado.

They service all German and import automobiles and use the latest in automotive technology to service and maintain your vehicle. All of their technicians are highly qualified and ASE certified . They also guarantee to utilize only quality automotive parts unlike other Denver auto repair shops.

Some of the services that Autoworks Colorado include, auto engine diagnostics, transmission , oil changes, tune ups, factory scheduled maintenance, auto engine repair, auto engine misfires, auto check engine light on , auto overheating problems, auto emissions failures, auto drivability issues, brakes, alignments, complete exhaust repairs, tire balancing & rotations, timing belts, waterpumps, auto electrical troubleshooting, doors & windows, ,shocks/struts, A/C work any many more .

They often run repair specials for parts and services. Check out their website to see monthly specials and get your import repair today! Autoworks Colorado

Denver Auto Repair Special - 15% OFF

Autoworks Colorado is offering a Spring discount - 15% OFF on any repairs over $500.00 for new customers on their German vehicle. Autoworks specializes in import auto repair and has been Denver's best German repair shop for the past 20 years!

Present this coupon to receive 15% off at time of service. Offer valid one per customer! For more discount from Autorworks Colorado, check out their specials page on their website: Denver Auto Repair Specials

Denver's Best Auto Repair

Unfortunately vehicles are not as reliable as we would like. Many automobile owners find themselves tunning up their vehicle more frequently and it always seems to be after that warrany runs up. Maybe we do not treat our car with appropriate care they need or maybe car manufacturers are not making as solid cars as they once did. I do know that more car owners today are making repairs to their cars more often than car owners were 20 years ago.

If you happen to be one of these unfortunate automobile owners like most of us living in Denver, there is only one place to get your import repairs; Autoworks Colorado. Autoworks Colorado specializes in all import auto repairs such as all Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Volkswagen models.

If you are in need of Denver auto repair they are the experts! They have been working on imports for over 25 years in the Denver metro and have a proven track record. They have a very clean garage in Littleton, CO and have 8 bays to work on your import.

I have found them to be very affordable compared to all of the other auto repair garages in Denver. The owner, Mark Zallmanek is very straightforward and honest. You will not bring your car in for a repair for one thing and pick it up with more repairs completed without a phone call and your approval.

2010 Porsche 911 GT3

I found this information on the new 2010 Porsche 911 GT3. This car looks sweet and should get Porsche fans excited!

(Source: http://www.carbl.com/)

Great news for Porsche’s fans! The new hard-core 911 version of the Porsche’s bolid will arrive at the Geneva Motor Show. As original 911 Turbo debuted 35 years ago, its 256 horsepower was considered staggering. The new 911 GT3 again leaves old 911 in the dust with an un-boosted 435 hp from its 3.8-liter flat-six.

The run to 60 miles now takes a 4.1 seconds. Handling dynamics are also claimed to be improved and the driver now has more control over the stability management system. The electronic stability control and traction control systems can now be individually deactivated, and high-speed behavior is also aided by improved downforce at both ends of the car.
No word yet on when the U.S. will get a shot. The GT3 will land at US dealers in October starting at $112,00.

Audi Repair Manual - Your Necessary Car Repair Tool

(source: Topa Ola)

All audi owners need audi repair manual for all their auto repair and maintenance jobs. Below you can find quality info you need on audi repair manual.

Audi Repair Manual: How Necessary

The usefulness of a fully illustrated audi repair manual cannot be overemphasized. More so if you want to get all your repair works correct and with good success.

Audi repair manual will guide all audi car owners especially Do-It-Yourselfers in a step-by-step fashion to help them do it right.

Audi repair manual provides important specific factory- supplied repair information like torque specification, required repair tools, tightening sequences, safety procedures, etc, which you may not be able to find otherwise.

Audi repair manual provide photographs of specific repair procedures. This makes the manual a "good mechanic" standing by your side while you do your Do-It-Yourself auto repair jobs.

Cut-off repair cost drastically with audi repair manual. You know exactly what is wrong with your car, and how to fix it yourself, no more giving your money to some merciless mechanics who always want to cheat you out of your hard earned money.

With your audi repair manual by your side, you are a qualified self made mechanic.

Types Of Audi Repair Manual.

Though there are many audi repair manuals in the market, for the best do-it-yourself repair results two publishers stand out, they are;


Haynes Audi repair manual. Chilton Audi repair manual

I have tried to analyze and explain them below so that you can pick your choice.

Haynes Audi Repair Manual

Haynes manuals are unique in that each manual has complete explanations, illustrations, photographs of a real tear-down-and-rebuilt of the original vehicle. It is really on the practical side and very good for starters in Do It Yourself auto repair.

The manual also features photographs of specific audi car repair procedures in progress, you will see it as it is happening. Something to pattern your repair work after.

Chilton Audi Repair Manual

This is also good for audi car owners. It gives full description of features of your audi car parts and excellent service recommendations.

It explains in repair details your car systems; exhaust system, fuel system, ignition system, e.t.c.

It also features systematic audi car troubleshooting. You can take a look at these two manuals and get the one that suit your purpose, the one that you can work with
most.

Pick one that gives the best explanations you feels you can understand, the one that speak your
language, and then start working.

Run Your Car on Water-BMW

(Source: Eric Fuller)

A lot of people have been spreading gossip about cars that have been able to run on water. If someone comes up to you and says that BMW, or Honda has or is coming out with a water powered vehicle. They are correct!

BMW has been researching and developing a water car for over thirty years. They will also be spending another 30 years on developing one that will be more affordable. Their cars are super expensive, and this is one of the reasons they have been developing these technologies.

Honda has released a million dollar car to a few lucky testers, however this car has not been released yet to the public.

With $200 today you can do the same with your car. Your car can be just like one of these expensive BMW's or Honda's that are out there burning water and gas.

All you really need is a DIY guide. This is where I come in. I have created a website that lists the BEST and MOST AFFORDABLE water to gas converters on the market. These guides are also very easy to follow and install. You DO NOT have to take it to your nearest mechanic, or auto repair man.

Converting your car to run on water is the best way to defeat gas prices in today's world. The gas prices are not going to get any lower, in fact I have heard that its going to reach somewhere to $6.50/gallon by the end of 2008. If prices get to this rate, soon people will no longer be able to drive their cars.

Its time for you to do something about this, and start saving money today. The reason you are probably reading this is because you are as sick of gas prices as I am, and you want to fight back. There is nothing wrong with fighting back!

The Volkswagen Jetta

Announced as a new model for 1980 the Volkswagen Jetta has captivated the car buying public for 28 years. The Jetta, named by Volkswagen after the Jet Stream, is the sedan version of Volkswagen's innovative compact the Golf. The Jetta, developed for the North American market, is an upscale model with nicer interior trim, a trunk, and a slightly higher price than the Golf. Since its debut as a new model, the Jetta has evolved five times, each generation growing in size, power, and prestige. The Jetta is available in two, four, and five door (the Jetta wagon) variations.

The first-generation Jetta, called the A1 and produced from 1980 through 1984, stormed onto the North American market in 1980. It was available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan. This first Jetta styled by ItalDesign was a marvelously boxy. A standard four-cylinder engine producing 78 horsepower powered the A1 Jetta. The Jetta's power plant was updated to a higher torque producing 1.7-liter four-cylinder in 1981. A diesel version of the engine was offered. Volkswagen also produced a high performance GLI Jetta with a 1.8-liter engine in 1984.
The second generation, and longest running generation of the car, was produced from 1985 through 1992. The A2 was offered as a coupe or a sedan. The A2 Jetta saw a number of exterior, interior, engine, and safety upgrades. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing originally 100 horsepower and later 105 horsepower powered the base models of the A2. The 1990 Jetta GLI was muscled up with a 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16 valve four-cylinder engine that produced 134 horsepower and firmly established the Jetta GLI as a serious performance contender.

The A3 Jetta debuted for the North American market in 1993. This sexy boxy design was done by Volkswagen in-house and was only offered as a sedan. The A3 Jetta was produced through 1998. This generation of the Jetta produced more trim variations, 13, then any other generation of the car. The A3 Jetta had three power plants offered. The base was 2.0-liter inline four cylinder producing 115 horsepower. The Jetta diesel, TDI, was a 1.9-liter diesel engine rated at 90 horsepower. And the top of the line power plant was the GLX's (replacing the A2's GLI high performance model) VR6 engine which was a SOHC, six-cylinder engine producing 172 horsepower.

The fourth evolution of the VW Jetta, the A4, was produced between 1998 and 2005. It was offered as a sedan and wagon. This Jetta shares its styling with the rest of the Volkswagen marquee and serves as an outstanding example of the trademark. The A4 was offered in a variety of trim variations and buyers had the choice of three different power plants. The first was 2.0-liter, 8 valve, inline four cylinder engine-an update of the A3's. The second was Volkswagen's 1.9 liter TDI diesel engine. The third was an updated VR6.

The A5 Jetta debuted as a new model in 2005. And is still in production. The A5 was restyled and is powered by a 2.5-liter, 20-valve, DOHC, inline 5 cylinder engine based upon the Lamborghini Gallardo's V-10 power plant. This volkswagen engine produces 150 horsepower.

(Source: Mark Castle)

Brakes Sale in Littleton

Right now Autoworks Colorado is having a sale on their Brakes & Services. Right now on all import vehicles, take 10% OFF of brake parts and services and Autoworks throughout December.

Take advantage of this Littleton auto repair holiday sale at Autoworks Colorado. Autoworks Colorado is one of the Denvers best Import auto repair shops. They have been in business for over 20 years and only work on German imports.

For more information you can check out their website at www.autorepairindenver.com or give them a call (303) 932-9990.

Speculation on the Mercedes Benz E Class

The crew from CAR laid out what the future holds for Mercedes’ two-door offerings and now its tapped Larson to render what the forthcoming E-class coupe will look like ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show next year.




Taking cues from the Fascination concept unveiled in Paris, the sporty E-class features a pair of drawn and halved headlamps that nix the oval units fitted to Mercs in the last decade, along with a pair of highly stylized rear fenders sporting a two-tiered blister that flows into the reworked rear end.

Engine choices will range from 184 hp four-cylinders (E200k) to an E63 AMG variant putting down 481 hp, while a 525 hp Black Series version will be offered further down the line. Seven-speed automatics will proliferate throughout the range, along with direct injection on all gasoline-powered models.

Having learned from past mistakes, Mercedes-Benz will throttle back some of its high-tech features, nixing the brake-by-wire system, along with the air suspension and active body control. But all won’t be lost. When the convertible version arrives six months after the coupe, Mercedes will offer it with a heated fabric roof to keep occupants warm in the winter, while infra-red night vision, hard-drive navigation and front seats that tilt and slide to ease ingress and egress will keep Mercedes’ owners in their element.

The 2009 E-class coupe (code-named C206) should arrive in June, while the drop-top variant (A206) will follow later next year.

Source: Mercedes Back to Auto Repair

How to Change Your Oil

Here's a good video on how to change your oil. Its homemade but has some good tips!!

Parker Auto Repair

If you are looking for a Parker auto repair shop, you need to drive west a few miles to Autoworks Colorado. They are better than any other Parker auto repair shop and have been in business over 25 years. They specialize in Audi repair, BMW repair, Mercedes repair, Porsche repair, and Volkswagen repairs for all models.

Why and How does Oil Break Down

The biggest reason oil breaks down is because of HEAT. Although there are many other factors which lead to the breakdown of oil, heat is the most important. Each type of oil that you put in your car has a certain amount of heat tolerance. The temperature to which this oil first gives off vapors is known as the “Flash Point”. This flash point differs between different types and brands of oils. A lower flash point means that that certain type of oil will suffer vaporization loss sooner when exposed to high temperatures and this will lead to oil burn off by hot pistons and cylinders; therefore, reducing the amount of oil in your engine.

Today’s engines are smaller in size and fed less oil than the engines of the past, while they are still expected to put out the same amount of power. This makes the engines run a lot hotter and it puts an increased burden on the oil, causing it to burn up and break down quicker.

Heat breaks down the smaller, lighter molecules of oil first. This can lead to deposits and sludge being left behind and coating your engine that can cause damage. This also only leaves the larger, heavier oil molecules behind to protect your engine. These particles do not flow as well and they tend to blanket your engine’s components, which only increases the heat problem and leads to further oil burn off.

As oil breaks down chemically over time it loses its lubrication properties. Oil thins out over time as it’s certain elements are lost to HEAT and other chemical changes. Oil, therefore, lasts longer in a more moderate climate zone than a hot one.

Summer and Winter Oil Types…
By consulting your car’s owners manual you will see that there are different types of oil that are better in certain conditions. There should even be a climate zone map that would point you in the correct direction as to which oil to use.

There are two basic types of oil:
1) 5W30 (for winter conditions)
2) 10W30 (for summer conditions)

10W30 is intended for very hot conditions, as this is when oil burns up the fastest. 10W30 does not thin out as easily as the 5W30 and it provides ones engine with more lubrication in hot conditions.

For most of Canada it is ok to just use 5W30 all year round if you like. The reason behind this is the fact that you car would never really be exposed to extremely hot conditions that often, except for maybe the odd day in the summer.

It is also a good idea to use 10W30 on older vehicles as it will give them a little more lubrication, especially in the winter. But don’t be surprised if you feel a few more knocks in your engine if you do so in the winter months.

How Often Should I Change my Oil??

(Questions taken from msnbc.com)
I own a 1997 Camry with 54,000 miles on it. I have been changing the oil every 3 months or 3,000 miles. Now I drive less, about 3,000 miles in 5 or 6 months. Should I still change the oil at three months or wait till I reach 3,000 miles? Also, since I bought the car I have been using Valvoline oil. Is it OK to change to another brand?


I remember getting my first car (a hand-me-down) and how my father kept telling me how important it was to change the oil every 3,000 miles. A lot has changed since then. Today’s oil is much better and it can last a lot longer.

Here’s what to do: Check your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s recommendation. If it says change the oil every three months or 3,000 miles and you haven’t traveled 3,000 miles in that time, change it anyway. But, I think you’ll find that the recommendations are much longer than that. For instance, Acura suggests that I change the oil in my car every 7,500 miles or one year.

Tom and Ray, the hosts of Car Talk on National Public Radio, recommend an oil change every 5,000 miles, although they admit knowing when to change the oil is not an exact science. “It may be too soon for many people and too late for a few,” they say, “but for the vast majority, 5,000-mile oil changes will help your engine last to a ripe, old age.”

Here are a few reminders:
You should always change the filter when you change the oil. You don’t want to contaminate the new oil with the gunk that’s in the old filter.

Check the oil level every few hundred miles. “If you add oil, don’t overfill,” cautions Phil Reed, Consumer Advice Editor for Edmunds, “because that can cause serious engine problems.”
And it’s not a problem If you want to switch from one brand of oil to another, says John Ibbotson, an automotive expert at Consumer Reports. “Just make sure to stick with the manufacturer’s recommendations for engine oil weight,” Ibbotson says. You should also use a product with the API Certification Seal for gasoline engines, which means the oil meets the American Petroleum Institute’s latest requirements and that it is energy conserving.

How to Increase Fuel Efficiency

Part 1 - Save fuel in the Quick Lane

Proper vehicle maintenance doesn't just help extend the life of your vehicle - it can help relieve some of the financial pressure brought on by high gas prices. The following are a few key services our factory-trained auto service technicians can perform to help boost your mpg and fuel economy.

• Check your oxygen sensor. An oxygen sensor is part of your vehicle's emission control system. Replacing a faulty one can improve gas mileage by as much as 40%
• Replace a clogged air filter. All of the dirt, dust and grime have a negative impact on your engine's performance. This simple and often overlooked maintenance can increase fuel efficiency by about 10%
• Get an engine tune-up. Making sure all your systems are operating at their best can save you 4% in fuel efficiency
• Keep your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Making sure your tire pressure isn't too low - or too high - can improve your gas mileage by around 3%
• Get the recommended grade of motor oil. Our experts offer a full line of high-quality oil and filter products from Motorcraft®. Using the one that's right for your vehicle can help improve fuel efficiency by up to 2%

Part 2 - Save fuel on the road

Saving fuel after a visit to your local Quick Lane is just the start. Here are a few things you can be conscious of when you're behind the wheel to help you squeeze a little more out of your gas dollars.

• Avoid aggressive driving - Not only can it be dangerous, but constant speed changes and quick, uneven stops and starts waste a lot of fuel. Taking it easier behind the wheel can improve your gas mileage by as much as 33%
• Remove excess weight - You can save about 2% in fuel efficiency for every 100 lbs. of extra clutter you can remove from your car or truck
• Use your cruise control - It's almost always more fuel efficient to travel at a constant speed whenever possible
• Avoid idling - It's more fuel efficient to turn off your engine when you're waiting in the car Combine trips. Your engine works most efficiently when warmed up

Source: fueleconomy.com

The History of Mercedes Benz

Written by: Tony Gee

Two men who never met are responsible for the early developments that led to the formation of the Mercedes Benz company. Gottlieb Daimler and Carl Benz.

It was in 1886 that Carl Benz built a motorized tricycle, the world's first automobile. But it wasn't until 1893 that he built his first four-wheeler named the Victoria.

The first real production car, which took part in the first ever recorded car race, between Paris and Rouen, was produced in 1894. This car, which inspired many copies, was called the Benz Velo. 134 Identical models were built in 1895. To own one of these state-of-the-art automobiles in the UK would have cost you £125.

It was in 1886 that Gottlieb Daimler built a horseless carriage. He and his lifelong business partner, Wilhelm Maybach, had a dream to create small, high speed engines that could be used in any form of carriage. It was their engine attached to a regular horse-drawn carriage that formed this original horseless carriage.

In 1890 they formed the Daimler Motoren Gesellshaft (DMG) company and sold their first automobile in 1892. In 1900 Gottlieb Daimler died but in that same year DMG produced a car for Emil Jellinek who named the car after his ten year old daughter Mercedes.
The car manufactured for Emil Jellinek was lighter and smaller than other automobiles of the time. It used a 35 horse power engine which gave the car a top speed of 55mph, which was unheard of at the time.

In 1903 Carl Benz responded to the Mercedes with his new model, the Parsifil. This used a vertical, two cylinder engine to propel the vehicle at a top speed of 37mph.
Both companies, Daimler and Benz, were aware of the promotional advantages of motor racing but, until 1908, Daimler had consistently beaten Benz in various challenges. It was in the 1908 French Grand Prix at Dieppe that Benz took second and third place behind a Mercedes in a race that was attended by tens of thousands of spectators.

This land-mark race was held on a public road course that covered nearly 50 miles. Drivers were required to cover 10 laps with a total race distance of 478 miles. The winner, Christian Lautenschlager in the Mercedes, averaged a speed of 69.05mph, finishing nearly nine minutes ahead of the Benz driven by Victor Hemery. It was in this race that the first fatal crash took place when Henri Cissac crashed on the 8th lap. Both he and his mechanic were killed and this event led to people calling for motor racing to be stopped.

At the beginning of WWI both the Daimler and Benz factories were converted into war production plants. It was after the war, in 1919, that Karl Jahn, from the Benz board of directors, approached Daimler regarding a possible merger. This looked promising but was abandoned that same year.

The post war years were tough times in Germany with fuel scarcity and high taxes. It was in 1924 that Benz and Daimler signed an "Agreement of Mutual Interest". This enabled both companies to retain their respective identities and remained valid until 2000 although the two companies merged on June 28th 1926.

The emblem chosen for the new merged company was a three pointed star surrounded by a laurel wreath with the words 'Mercedes' at the top and 'Benz' at the bottom.
This merger was good for both companies. Automobile production increased to 7900 vehicles in 1927 and a new line of Mercedes Benz trucks went into production in 1927.

The Mercedes Benz Company has gone on to develop a host of prestigious, high performance automobiles. There are numerous notable models including the 770 Grosser launched in 1930 with its massive 8 cylinder, 7.6 litre engine and the fantastic W25 racer with a top speed of 200 mph.

Since their inception Mercedes-Benz have held a reputation for quality, performance and durability. They have been and continue to be forerunners in the development of innovative design features such as the safety cage, rear crumple zones and anti-lock brakes. The future of the Mercedes brand looks secure as they continue their active research and development into fuel-economy and alternative energy sources for automobiles.

Future of Mercedes Back to Autor Repair