Posts

Posted on

Preparing Your Electric Vehicle for Seasonal Changes

Tesla repair shop Denver

As an electric or hybrid car owner, you are probably used to great performance and minimal maintenance work. However, you should always remember that your car, just like any other vehicle on the road, requires regular care and attention. With the seasons changing, it’s important to think about how you can best protect and maintain your electric car. Weather changes, particularly temperature fluctuations and extreme temperatures can affect the battery, tire pressure and overall performance of the car. Here are some helpful tips to get you started:

Understanding Battery Life and Your Electric Car

Proper battery maintenance is essential in ensuring the long lifespan and performance of your electric car. To start, make a habit of watching your car’s battery levels closely. Winter temperatures can affect the battery, making it lose up to 60% of its power when the temperature drops below freezing. Conversely, high temperatures can also damage the battery and result in a shorter lifespan. An experienced Tesla repair shop Denver area business affirms that by understanding the battery life of your electric car, you can make informed decisions to optimize its performance.

Tires and Tire Pressure

Many electric car owners overlook tire pressure when it comes to seasonal changes. Proper tire pressure ensures a smooth and efficient car ride, and it is especially important during temperature changes. In colder weather, tire pressure drops, making it necessary to keep an eye on tire pressure and refill as needed. A quick tip is to check the tire pressure every time you recharge your car, to ensure that every ride is smooth and efficient.

Protecting Your Car in Extreme Temperatures

Electric cars are just as susceptible to extreme temperatures as any other car. When temperatures fall below freezing, it’s important to keep your car’s windshield wipers lifted off the glass to prevent them from freezing to the windshield. You can opt for a windshield protector to avoid the need for this task. During hotter temperatures, park your car in the shade or in a garaged area to prevent any interior damage, as well as protecting the battery from extreme heat.

Maintenance Work

Just like every other car, your electric vehicle requires maintenance work from time to time. A regular check-up from a certified mechanic will identify any issues before they become more problematic. This will ensure your car is healthy for both short and long driving trips.

Regular Charging

Finally, it’s important to remember to keep your electric car charged regularly. Just the way you would fill up a fuel-powered car’s tank, electric cars require a full charge to keep it running efficiently. Always check the manufacturer recommendations for charging and ensure that you are keeping to the optimal charging frequency.

Maintaining an electric car requires a little bit of effort, but it’s worth it to ensure that your vehicle has a long and efficient life. With simple measures such as monitoring tire pressure closely, protecting your car in extreme temperatures and regularly charging it, you can ensure your electric car continues to work perfectly all year round. By observing regular maintenance and care, you can extend the lifespan of your electric car and keep it operating at optimal performance levels.

Posted on

Why Paint Protection Film is the Best Investment for your Car

PPF Denver Auto Services

You have finally bought your dream car and you want to do everything to protect it, but what’s the best way to keep your car looking new and shiny? Paint protection film (PPF) is a great investment to keep your paint job from fading due to the sun, scratches, debris, and other factors. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of PPF Denver shops offer and why you should consider this investment for your car.

Protect Your Car From Scratches and Chips
Paint protection film is a clear coat applied to your car that can protect the paint underneath from damage. Rocks, gravel, and other debris on the road can cause chips and scratches on your car’s paint. With a clear, thin layer of PPF over the paint, you will have a barrier of protection that will help keep your car looking new and shiny for years to come.

Save Money on Repairs
Repairs on paint chips and scratches can be expensive, especially if you have a luxury or high-performance car with special color paint. PPF can be a more cost-effective solution to keeping your paint job looking good. With the installation of PPF, you won’t have to worry about repairing scratches and chips as often because the film will help prevent them from happening in the first place.

Enhance Resale Value
If you plan to sell your car in the future, PPF can actually increase its resale value. A well-maintained car with less wear and tear on the paint will fetch a higher price on the resale market. Buyers are also willing to pay more for a car with a PPF because they know it’s protected and has been well-maintained.

Easy to Maintain
Paint protection film is low maintenance. You can wash your car as usual, and with the film on, you won’t have to worry about the paint chipping or scratching. The film also does not require any special products or treatments to keep it looking great. It’s a simple and easy way to protect your car from environmental factors.

Customizable Options
PPF is available in different forms, and it can also be customized to fit certain areas of your car, such as the hood, bumper, or mirrors, to give it extra protection where it is needed most. This way, you can fully customize the coverage for your car instead of having a one-size-fits-all solution.

Investing in paint protection film might seem like an added cost, but it is worth it in the long run. Not only does it save you money on repairs, it also enhances the resale value and creates a low maintenance barrier of protection that can keep your car looking new for years. While this is an investment, it is one that can payoff and one that is well worth considering. If you want to keep your car looking new for as long as possible, paint protection film is the best investment you can make.

Posted on

Questions to Ask a Used Car Dealership Before Using Them

The price of a used car depends on many factors, such as the selected brand or the age and condition of the vehicle. It is important to find a model that is in good condition, both technically and visually. Every prospective car buyer wants a car to be functional and ensure safe running. This is especially important in the case of a used vehicle.

The most important reasons why you should consider buying a used car include:

  • A second-hand car is definitely cheaper than a new one. Vehicles lose most of their value in the first few years of operation. A car that is a few years old but is well maintained is therefore a much cheaper solution than a new car that has been purchased directly from the showroom.
  • No complicated formalities – you just sign a sale-purchase contract, then take care of a set of documents, including the registration certificate and the registration of the purchased car in your name.
  • A large selection of car varieties to choose from.

Buying a second-hand car – why opt for a car dealership?

When purchasing a used vehicle, there is one question that often arises – should you buy a car from a private seller, or from a dealership?

If you call a dealer, you will have access to many cars to choose from, both online and offline. A large selection of older or newer models, with various features, makes it more likely to find what you want, without having to search too much. However, there is a higher probability that cars from dealers have some flaws. Some cars are imported, which can also raise doubts about the actual mileage and other issues, therefore, before you make a purchase, you need to get a detailed VIN report.

In addition, it is helpful to know what questions to ask a used car dealership.

1. How do I know that the car is actually the same as it looks in the pictures?

All cars sold by trusted used car dealerships Littleton residents recommend are passed through a detailed technical and aesthetic evaluation. The offer should not include cars compromised by accident or stolen cars.

2. How do I guarantee that the car I am going to receive is in good condition, has not been involved in any accidents, and the milage is accurate?

The evaluation of the vehicle before being put up for sale determines its exact condition. The technical condition, the interior and exterior appearance, the service history and the history of the car, including real kilometers, are all verified by the evaluation.

3. How long does it take to receive the car?

If you talk face to face with a local dealer, you will be able to take your car as soon as you pay the costs. If you order it online, from a dealer located in another part of the country, it may take a few extra days, necessary to prepare and transport the vehicle to the location from where you will be able to pick it up.

4. Will you help me with the DMV-related paperwork and fees?

Most dealers will save you the effort of dealing with title transfers and registration. You can fill out the paperwork at the dealership and you will get your plates in a couple of weeks, in the mail.

Posted on

Becoming a Certified Diesel Mechanic – How Long Does It Take to Finish Your Studies?

Attending a diesel tech school is no easy task. Even though the school itself doesn’t take too long to finish, you can expect a combination of extensive technical theory and practice to be squeezed into a period of just over a year, before you are expected to be able to diagnose just about any type of problem and present a solution that will make a faulty diesel engine run again.

Knowing how long it takes to learn to be a qualified, ASE-certified diesel mechanic is an important part of the plan when you want to have your own service and repair shop as a diesel engine specialist. It also helps you a lot to have at least a basic understanding of what’s in store when you go to diesel tech school, as it will prepare you for the type of work you will be expected to perform – both in terms of repair practice and classroom work.

best diesel mechanic school

What Does the School Work Entail?

When you choose a high quality, dependable school that doesn’t cut corners when it comes to teaching you everything from the basics of how a diesel engine works to the methodology of approaching various malfunctions, it’s important to have at least some idea of what the curriculum should entail. That way, you’ll know exactly what to look for.

The best diesel mechanic school will first of all offer a solid foundation teaching you about the fundamentals of the technology and how a basic gasoline engine operates. Then they will move on to braking, steering electrical and electronic elements, as well as the Environmental Comfort System, before moving on to the more intricate process of noticing and accurately diagnosing problems, as well as coming up with valid and working repair solutions. Additional insight should also be provided on advanced topics like diesel fuel systems, hydraulics and four cylinder diesel engine functioning parameters.

How Long Before You Become a Certified Mechanic?

Typically, diesel school lasts a total of 75 weeks. As a year is comprised of 52 weeks, that means you’ll have about a year and a half, give or take a couple of weeks, to finish your studies and learn how to be a certified diesel mechanic. Be aware that the testing process will likely be just as extensive as the school itself, so you can’t really expect to just go through the whole process while only learning part of the curriculum and expecting to pass your exam.

The coursework will be challenging, and you will find that you’ll definitely have to get your hands dirty, while also grasping complex engineering concepts and learning to be precise in your thinking.

The goal of completing your work at a diesel tech school is to obtain your ASE stamp of approval in order to become an ASE-certified diesel mechanic. This is a very important part of the deal, since most vehicle owners who have at least a minimal knowledge on how to select a good mechanic will almost always choose one with ASE certification, as opposed to a self-taught mechanic.

Posted on

Why You Should Use Sun Shades on Your Car

Whether they like it or not, many people have to deal with summer`s record temperatures while driving and, if they are not careful and informed, they may suffer, because high temperatures can cause serious discomfort. In addition to your discomfort, your car will be affected too. Some minor investments and extra care could save you from all these. First of all, you should check your car`s air conditioning system. This will help you discover in time whether you haven’t run out of Freon, or the system has another problem that must be fixed quickly.

But there is an accessory that you definitely need to have in the car and use in the hot season: sun shades. There are many benefits that such a product brings.

Call windshield replacement Watkins service professionals when your windshield needs repair

Sun shades prevent overheating when the car is parked directly in the sun. In addition, it protects the interior from the harmful effects of UV radiation that can cause the car`s board to crack, or damages the original color of the upholstery. Changes in wind shield temperatures can cause windshields to break. If that happens, check out windshield replacement Watkins services for professional and experienced care.

Depending on the type of sun shades you choose, they can also be useful in winter; applied to the windshield, sun shades can save you much of the effort of cleaning it from ice.

These are popular criteria to choose sun shades for your car:

Types of sun shades

There are several commercially available variants that protect you from the summer sun. The most popular option is designed to protect the windshield. It has a highly reflective outer surface and you can use it when you need it; in the rest of the time, you can fold it and store it around.  If you want a long-term and permanent solution, you can opt for sun shades in the form of window tints applied on the side windows. These products must be preferably installed in a professional car service, by an experienced technician, who will ensure correct application.

Their purpose

Of course, all sun shades are designed to protect the interior of the car from the sun, but some of them are to be used on the windshield, others on the side windows or on the rear window.

The way they can be attached on the glass

If you choose one of those aluminum foils for your windshield that you put on when the car is parked and fold them when you need to drive, they are most commonly attached on the glass with suction cups. They allow users to put sun shades on and take them off easily, without effort, and can be used again and again. Other windscreen sun shades can be fixed with the help of the rear-view mirrors. For the side windows, you can opt for tints that stay in place permanently due to the electrostatic force, or for roller sun blinds.

The materials they are made from

Most products designed for the side and rear windows are made of polyester in the form of a fine mesh, which blocks the passage of the sun’s rays, without preventing the passengers from looking outside. As for those permanent window tints we were previously talking about, they are made of a special plastic. On the other hand, windshield suns shades are most often made of a porous layer, on which an aluminum foil is attached, meant to avoid overheating the interior by reflecting the sun’s rays.

Posted on

What is Workman’s Comp Insurance?

In the United States, any business that has employees, regardless of the company’s size, must have workers compensation insurance, this being a legal requirement in every state. This type of insurance allows employers to handle their statutory obligations to their workers who may get injured while doing their job.

workers compensation insurance

A bit of history

Workman`s comp is not a new concept; it dates back from the beginning of the 20th century. Precisely, in 1911 Wisconsin was the first state enacting a “no fault” system for workers who got injured on the job, to make sure they received prompt and fair financial compensation and medical treatment. Before this, it was difficult for someone who has been injured while working to get adequate compensation, because they had to take legal action against their employers, and the costs were not as predictable and affordable as they became after the workman`s comp system has been implemented.

Today, this type of insurance provides benefits including medical expenses, lost wages, vocational rehabilitation etc. Employers that fail to carry workers’ compensation insurance are exposed to paying penalties, besides the legal benefits to injured workers.

How can you get workman’s comp insurance?

It`s simple: you must purchase it from an insurance company, or through state-operated funds (only in a few states) called monopoly funds. If you expand your business to a different state, you will likely have to deal with different regulations, as workman`s comp insurance is locally regulated.

Do you need workman`s comp insurance?

Not every business is required to carry this type of insurance, so this question makes sense. Sole proprietors and partnerships who are not owners must not cover themselves for workers’ compensation, unless they choose otherwise. Also, some states do not require employees who are paid solely by commission to be covered either. The general rule is to get workman`s comp insurance if you have employees who are not owners of the company.

Workman`s comp insurance costs

This type of policy is a unique insurance contract. It does not have a maximum dollar amount limit, such as liability insurance policies, so there is no worry that you will pay additional money from your pocket if you exceed the limit, at least not in the case of the employer’s statutory workers’ compensation liability. Once you purchase the policy, the insurance company becomes responsible for the claims that arise.

If you worry about the costs for getting workman`s comp insurance, they are manageable if you act smartly. For example, if you purchase an assigned risk policy, you may end up paying much higher rates than if you would for the same policy written outside the assigned risk plan. There are other sources of workman`s comp insurance, such as associations that sponsor insurance programs including workers’ compensation insurance.

Keep in mind that costs are regulated by state and also depend on a few other factors than state laws: payroll size and number of your employees, type of work and risk involved as well as your claim history (fewer claims – lower premium).

Posted on

Driving Schools in Denver – What They Offer and How to Choose the Most Suitable One

Driving schools in Denver provide high-quality in-class training as well as behind-the-wheel practice to prepare learners for any road situation, but even so, the school that works perfectly for one learner might not be suitable for the other. The priorities that need to be taken into account when selecting the most suitable driving school being so subjective, it would be very difficult to set up a one-size-fits-all set of criteria, so what we propose here is a list of aspects that you can take into consideration while evaluating local driving schools.

The Driving Curriculum – General Ideas about Course Structure and the Learning Process
Most Denver driving schools provide courses that are composed of two modules. The first part of the course is taken up by theory taught in the form of either in-class lessons or via web-based training materials. During this first, 30-hour long training phase, students learn about driving regulations, maintenance and safety aspects, defensive driving and weather-related aspects and they prepare for the written test at the end of the in-class course. Students learn how to actually drive during the second phase – this is when learners drive the school’s training vehicle under the supervision of one of the school’s driving instructors. Most students can acquire the skills necessary to pass the on-road test and to drive around safely in their own car after 15-20 lessons.
How to Choose the Driving School that Suits You
There are many aspects to take into account when choosing the driving school:
– Location – it is a good idea to choose a school that provides courses in your neighborhood to avoid wasting time commuting;
– Pricing – driving courses are not cheap, so if you find one offered for a price that seems too low, it is probably too good to be true. Compare schools in terms of payment plans and the services included in the price as well and choose a course that is not the cheapest, but still affordable;
– Instructors – you need to trust your instructor, so try to find a teacher who is patient, willing to answer your question and in the presence of whom you feel comfortable. The best instructors have a thorough technical background as well, so they can show and explain you how the car works and how to handle the most common technical issues;
– Training vehicles – you don’t need to learn driving on a high-end luxury vehicle, but you need a training car that is in perfect technical condition, well-maintained and clean. If you already know the type of gear that you will be using after you get your driving license, choose that type of gear to learn on as well;
– Accreditation, licenses and insurances – check these aspects before you choose a driving school;
– Specialization – some driving schools in Denver focus on specific age groups such as teen drivers, adults or seniors, offering special courses designed to meet age-related requirements, while others offer special courses for those who already have a driving license, but lack driving experience and need some on-road guidance to become more confident.

Posted on

Hybrid Battery Replacement – Alternatives and Some Warning Tips

The special battery packs that power hybrid cars use are among the most expensive components of hybrid cars, hybrid battery replacement being an expense dreaded by most owners. Hybrid battery packs are the special units that assist the gas engine and they come with special, 100,000 – 150,000 miles warranty, which allows most car owners to use their batteries for a good ten years or more, but if that warranty runs out and the battery starts showing signs of aging, the costs of a new pack run well into the thousands of dollars. Even so, you needn’t worry if your battery is little by little coming of age – there are several good alternatives to buying a brand-new battery, here are some.

Battery Replacement with a Used Pack

Most hybrid cars that are taken to junk yards because they have been involved in some sort of accident and not because their batteries have failed. This also means that the used hybrid car batteries you can buy at junk yards are probably in great condition and they will also cost you a fraction of the price of a new pack.

Battery Reconditioning

A hybrid battery that is getting tired is not necessarily a pack beyond remedy. Many old batteries can be reconditioned with the help of special technologies. If you choose this solution, you must be prepared that you will have to remove the battery from your car and send it to the company that provides the reconditioning services, which also means that you will not be able to use your car for a while, but the costs of the reconditioning are really affordable, so it is probably worth the temporary discomfort.

Buying Refurbished Batteries

Many dealerships that sell hybrid cars also offer refurbished battery packs and reconditioned packs are available from online vendors as well, usually for prices under a thousand dollars. The solution can also significantly reduce the costs of hybrid battery replacement, but it is a good idea to check the reputation of the vendor you are planning to use by visiting online forums or review websites.

Some Warnings

Hybrid cars are complicated machines that require mechanics to possess special professional knowledge to be able to repair them. If you suspect your hybrid battery pack to be the cause of the problems you have been experiencing with your car lately, do check whether the mechanic you are planning to turn to has the right kind of experience to be able to determine the cause of your issues.

In some cases, inexperienced or unqualified mechanics might mistake the problems for battery pack issues and recommend costly battery replacement even when the battery is completely healthy and the source of the fault is to be found elsewhere. You can easily avoid such costly mistakes by turning to a mechanic who knows hybrid cars, indeed. These guys will be able to help you not only with professional repairs, but also by recommending you the best replacement method, so their special expertise is definitely beneficial.

Posted on

Catalytic Converter Replacement – Why It Is Important and How It Works

Catalytic converter replacement is not cheap, but in some cases, it is inevitable. Catalytic converters are sensitive and at the same time very resilient components and their faults can cause many different symptoms – here are some signs that might make you suspect the converter and also a few ideas about what to expect if your mechanic checks your car and determines that your catalytic converter is beyond remedy.

 

What Are Catalytic Converters

 

Catalytic converter units are modern devices that have the role of converting the harmful chemicals generated by the car’s engine while burning fuel into less noxious substances before the exhaust gases leave the system. The health of the converter is essential not only in order to pass emissions tests, but also for the performance and proper functioning of the entire car. The converter might get clogged, blocked or otherwise damaged by the particles it needs to filter, faults that will reduce the performance of the engine and might also cause fuel consumption to jump.

 

Diagnosing Catalytic Converters

 

Catalytic converter faults are usually detected with the help of various testers. The engine of the vehicle to be tested is connected to testers that measure the vacuum at idle and analyze the composition of the exhaust gases. Vehicles made after 1996 can be diagnosed using on-board diagnostic devices (OBD testers). The tester is connected using a plug, the test program is run and the results returned in the form of codes will help the mechanic identify the cause of the problem.

 

Determining Whether Catalytic Converter Replacement Is Necessary

 

If the mechanic concludes that the symptoms you notice are caused by the fault of the catalytic converter, he will remove the unit to see whether it can be repaired or you need a replacement. In some cases, the converter fault can be corrected by cleaning and un-clogging, but very often the unit is clogged or damaged beyond remedy, which makes replacement inevitable.  Failed emissions test Denver area can be related to a faulty catalytic converter.

 

Choosing the Right Type of Unit

 

Your mechanic can not only diagnose your converter – he can also get a replacement for you. There are two basic types of converters you can choose from:

  • Direct fit units that match the converter you need to replace in terms of dimensions and other parameters and can be mounted without requiring any modifications to the system such as welding,
  • Universal converters that are usually cheaper, but require the mechanic to make adjustments to be able to install them.

 

Second hand converters are also available, but it is difficult to determine whether they are in condition, so it is probably a better idea to get a new unit.

Catalytic converters work in synergy with oxygen sensors, so be prepared that the sensors will need to be replaced along with the faulty converter.

When the replacement process is complete, it is a good idea to connect the vehicle to the tester one more time to determine whether the car has other faults that need attention, too.

Posted on

How To Find Good Aurora Auto Mechanics?

The complexity of modern vehicles makes most people rely on good mechanics able to keep their cars up and running. But how can you find them and how can you be sure of their professionalism?

  • First step: look for the right certifications

Certification is one of the best proofs of competence and dedication, so look for qualified technicians. The best certifications for auto mechanics are The Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and manufacturer certifications, indicating areas in which the mechanic is specialized.

  • Second step: Check the website of the American Automobile Association and you can find reliable auto repair shops Aurora CO locations, with verified credentials and business policies.
  • Third step: Get recommendations from other car owners. Their positive experience with an auto shop is a good indicator that the shop is reliable.

After going through these steps, you should make a list of a few auto repair shops Aurora CO locations in your neighborhood. The next thing is to check for reviews about each of them. Use the internet and read about what satisfied and unsatisfied customers have to say.

Contact a few mechanics and ask about services, procedures and costs. Check their working facility and make sure it looks good; check the quality of other cars in the shop and look around for taxis or work vans; professional drivers are typically well-informed about car shops, so you may consider trusting their experience.

Costs may vary quite a lot from one shop to another. Remember that choosing an expensive shop is not necessarily a guarantee for quality services, so you would better also consider other factors such as a convenient location and transit options.

Another thing to look for is how busy the shop is. Being agglomerated may be a sign of good services and satisfied clients, but it is equally true that an auto shop that does less business has more time to talk with its clients and answer their questions.

Look for auto shops that can provide new parts as well as all original-equipment-manufacturer. Many Aurora auto mechanics use rebuilt and aftermarket parts which is ok, considering that they cost much less, but only as long as they ask before installing something second hand that could make your insurer use the betterment clause.

If you own a luxury, exotic or antique car, look for a mechanic specialized and experienced to work with similar cars, able to make authentic replacements. Alternatively, you can look for dealerships who know the vehicle and can perform the job perfectly – although for higher costs.

The final step

Once you selected a mechanic that you think is good to dedicate your car to, you should see how he treats clients.  Drive to his shop and ask for something minor like an oil change. This will give you the occasion to test your relationship with him. Stay away from overzealous Aurora auto mechanics that push you into doing more than you asked for, because they may be scammers up-selling their job. Keep in mind that it never hurts to ask for a second opinion somewhere else, just to be sure.