Professional Automotive Technicians at AutoTechnician.org

This Auto Technician Website is a unique and different approach to locating an auto repair shop and or technician. Each registered Tech has to take 25 question test that only the top seasoned  and or well educated technicians could pass. Autotechnician.org offers FREE directory listings for all qualifying technicians that pass the test. This is to help profile your areas of experience to target customers. Did I mention it was free.

For The Consumer: To provide consumers in need of auto repair or maintenance a better, more reliable online resource to research and locate their best choice of an auto repair mechanic or technician suited for their vehicle.

This website has the ability to help both the technicians and the consumer at the same time. It allows a technician to post his or her credentials, promote the facility he/she works at and also provides a place for consumers to search and locate the best technicians for the job the need.

I encourage any automotive technician to check out the website, register and take the test.

Car Insurance, the New Big Brother?

Insurance companies get a bad rap. Everybody hates auto insurance until they need to file a claim, and all of a sudden they’re all friends. A week later they go back to hating their insurance company. It looks like some insurers, like The Hartford, want to just skip the part where you pretend like you’re friends and just stick to being hated. They have a new plan over there called Direct Repair Provider, or DRP. It’s basically a network of pre-approved repair shops that are authorized to work on your car if you make a claim. Sounds innocent enough, right? It could even be a good idea, letting your insurance company find the shop and do the legwork for you. The problem lies in the future implications. If your car is sent to one of the Preferred Provider shops, you’re essentially letting the insurance company repair your car. Since the repair shop is in the pocket of the insurer, who’s side do you think they’ll take when a repair is up for debate? I’d also be willing to bet that in exchange for the steady stream of business that will come when a shop becomes a DRP, they agree to lower rates. This can mean lower quality work and less attention to detail.
The issue is heating up in the industry, but it will be up to consumers — the ones paying for car insurance — to tip the scales in the direction of independent repair shops and no direct oversight by the insurance companies. If your insurer is offering these packages, be sure to think long and hard before you sign up.

Chrysler recalling 76K Dodge Ram trucks

WASHINGTON – Chrysler is recalling about 76,000 Dodge Ram pickup trucks to fix a power steering issue that could lead to brake pedals that are slow to return after the driver applies them.

The recall affects certain 2010-2011 model year Dodge Ram trucks built from March 2009 through October 2010.

Chrysler said some trucks with diesel engines and a hydroboost brake system could be equipped with a power steering reservoir cap with excessive vent pressure levels.

The excessive levels could lead to brake pedals that are slow to return and make the brake lights remain on, potentially causing a crash.

Chrysler said it will notify owners and dealers will replace the steering reservoir cap free of charge.

Owners can contact Chrysler at (800) 853-1403.

Should I solder or crimp my electrical conections ?

I prefer crimp unless on at an area that it can't be used. It should be mentioned that there is a correct way to apply a crimp to crimp connectors. All crimp connectors start out as a flat piece of metal that is shaped into a cylinder, so they have a seam where the edges meet that runs the length of the connector. The connector should be placed in the crimping tool with the seam at 12 o'clock (facing up). When the jaws are closed, the shaped crimper die presses down on the seam from above, bends and crushes the connector metal, compresses and traps the wire strands and produces a tight crimp. A connector that's crimped with the seam in a different position may still work, but the connector may not assume the desired crimped shape and its grip on the wire strands may not be as tight as a result.

Second, I've learned that the European Union (EU) has passed legislation requiring the removal of all lead from solder. This has presented problems in electronic items. With the lead removed, tiny whiskers can form on a solder joint that can short out adjoining connections.

Reference : www.motor.com

Ford to unveil a B-Max minivan concept at Geneva show

Ford of Europe plans to unveil a concept of a small minivan that will replace the Fusion at the Geneva auto show in March, a Ford source told Automotive News Europe.

The vehicle will challenge the Opel Meriva, Europe's top-selling small minivan. It will go into production by the end of next year at Ford's factory in Craiova, Romania, the source said, adding that European sales of the minivan will begin in early 2012.

When asked for confirmation, a Ford of Europe spokesman reiterated what the company has previously said about its production plans at the Craiova plant: “It is a B-segment vehicle and will go into full production early in 2012.”

Ford, which uses B segment to describe subcompact-sized cars, is likely to call the new vehicle B-Max, as it will be the smallest offering in Ford's European range of minivans that includes the medium C-Max and large S-Max and the large Galaxy.

Based on Ford's global B-architecture, which debuted in 2008 with the Fiesta subcompact model, the B-Max will be a five-seat minivan with rear sliding doors, the source said.

The Meriva has been Europe's best-selling small minivan since Automotive News Europe began tracking the segment in 2003.

Ford Fusion sales peaked at 82,696 units in 2007, when it was No. 2 to the Meriva at 132,715 units, according to data from market researcher JATO Dynamics.

The Fusion, which was launched in 2002 has begun to show its age, sliding to fifth place in the segment last year, behind the Meriva, Citroen C3 Picasso, Renault Modus/Grand Modus and Opel/Vauxhall Agila. Through 10 months, Fusion volumes have dropped 36 percent to 30,577.

Crucial model

Ford has said that about 150,000 units of its B-segment vehicle will be built a year at the Craiova plant, 80 percent of which will be exported. The company has no plans to sell the model in the United States.


The automaker says added production is crucial to boost output at the underutilized Craiova plant, which Ford bought from the Romanian government two years ago.

When Ford made an offer for the former Daewoo factory in July 2007, it planned to build up to 300,000 vehicles and 300,000 engines annually, a rise from about 24,000 vehicles and 116,000 engines built at the facility in 2006.

Ford got control of the plant in March 2008 with an original plan to invest 675 million euros by 2012 and begin production of the B-Max by early 2010. This plan stalled because of the global financial crisis, forcing the production start to be re-scheduled to the end of 2011.

In July 2009, Ford began producing the Transit Connect small van in Craiova, where 300 units were built in 2009 and 8,500 have been made through 11 months this year, Ford said.

Most of the Transit Connects were exported, according to the Automotive Manufacturers and Importers Association (APIA) in Romania.

By the end of 2010, Ford will have invested 200 million euros in Craiova, roughly a third of the original total earmarked at the time of purchase. Ford has until 2013 to complete the investment.

What Happens if I don't change my oil?

I read this post on Yahoo.com today and was quite surprised.

Change Your Oil Every 3,000 Miles


The little sticker placed on the car windshield reminds you to change a car's oil every 3,000 miles -- regardless of make, model or scenario.


But many experts now say the 3,000-mile oil change is dead. Why? New car engines and oil quality have advanced to the point where cars can go 5,000 to 10,000 miles without a change.


"Generally speaking, vehicles don't need to be changed every 3,000 miles anymore," says Tara Baukus Mello, author of Bankrate.com's Driving for Dollars column. "It's somewhere between 5,000 to 10,000, unless they have an engine oil sensor, and then it could be anywhere."


However, don't automatically assume you can push oil changes beyond 3,000 miles.


"It's important to consult your owner's manual for the frequency, the number of miles, the length of time between changes and the type of oil -- and to follow whatever those instructions are," Mello says.

Being a Shop Owner, a Shop Technician for over 20 years and previous Street and Track Racer, I have not only pushed engines to there limits but maintained fleets of vehicles for long periods of time including Police Vehicles that rarely get turned off.   Here is the skinny on oil changes.

1. If you are planning on getting rid of the car in under 50,000 miles, you could get away with not ever changing the oil.
2. If you plan on tossing their car at 100,000 miles or less, you can get away with changing your oil every 10,000 miles.
3. If you would like your engine to last up to 500,000 miles change your oil every 3,000 miles.

Here's the thing, there are differences in everyones driving habits. For example, the police vehicles are sold at auction at 120,000 miles or less so The oil only gets changed every 5,000 miles. The average car owner likes to keep there car to close to 200,000 miles these days and changing the oil more frequently helps to ensure the ability to do just that.

The easiest way to be able to tell when your oil should be replaced is when you can visually see the oil changing to a darker color as this is the first signs of the viscosity (thickness)breaking down. This means the oil is no longer doing its job.

So what exactly am I getting at? You may save a few dollars on oil changes but if you are needing your vehicle to last as long as it can you are just short changing yourself in the long run. An engine can cost Thousands. 

What Happens if I don't change my oil?  Nothing at first and then over time, the engine will start to wear prematurely and start burning oil (oil level decreases). You won't notice the vehicle smoking out the exhaust for a while but once you do, its too late. The damage is already done. You will be buying 2 to 3 quarts of oil between oil changes just to keep the engine full of oil. The engine will pass oil through the exhaust causing damage to the O2Sensors and catalytic converter causing the check engine light to come on and the fuel management system to work improperly giving worse fuel miles and Costing you more money. Then over time you notice a slight rattle or knock noise on start up that eventually happens anytime the engine is running and now you are looking at buying a new engine of replacing the vehicle. In the meantime your neighbor who had his oil changed regularly at 3,000 miles is having none of these problems and you are sitting there thinking you bought a lemon and the whole time it was just a lack of maintenance on your part.

........ Change your Oil, it isn't that expensive. $20,000 car vs. $20.00 oil change..... do the math.

Preparing Your Vehicle For a Long Trip this Winter

Personally, I prefer to get to my destination; instead of siting on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck. Preparing your car for the trip is simple. This article is intended to briefly educate on how simple checks will keep you moving forward. Read on.
Automobiles are my specialty. I repair and service an average of one to five a day, with a comeback rate of 2%. Only 2 out of 100 vehicles return to me because of my mistake or a part failure. I take pride in educating auto owners about the importance of a reliable automobile. In order to prepare yourself for a successful commute on a long trip use a basic check list.

- Check the oil, you should check the oil on your car or truck once a week, but absolutely check it before a long drive.

- Check the tires, automotive tires will loose air over time. This can result in a major problem on the road, like a blow-out. Tires will malfunction if not inflated properly.

- Check the coolant, overheating can be damaging to the vehicles engine resulting in roadside assistance.

- Inspect the belts & hoses, a belt braking can cause a number of things; including battery charging and power steering malfunction.
In summary, I have briefly explained some basic checks on your car that should be performed, before a long trip. Make sure to consult a qualified auto service mechanic for further assistance. The auto mechanic should be able to assist you with other procedures that are necessary to make your automobile road worthy. Keep your ride off of the hook and have a save trip.

On-board Internet is just around the corner, experts say

BERLIN -- On-board Internet will soon become a regular option in cars as the necessary technology makes its mass market breakthrough in the next few years. That is the view of experts meeting at the Automobilwoche Congress in Berlin.

“On-board Internet can be here very quickly. It can happen in two to three years. It goes hand-in hand with the continued, rapid development of car-to car communication" Ulrich Kurth, an automotive specialist at T-Systems told the Congress.

Automobilwoche is a sister publication of Automotive News Europe.

All the components necessary to roll out the technology are at hand. "The chemical mixture has become explosive. We have everything. Now it's only a matter of how these components come together." he added.

But Stefan Bratzel, manager of the Center of Automotive at the University of Applied Sciences in Bergisch Gladbach added a cautionary note, warning automakers that they shouldn't underestimate the attractions of on-board Internet and allow non-automotive companies to provide universal standards for the technology before they do.

“We are going to have the Google generation in high-volume cars. The industry must internalize this from the outset,” Bratzel said.

Attracting young drivers

Bratzel added that the Internet could play a key role in making cars more attractive to young people, who already use Internet regularly.

“To become more attractive to young people, the auto industry must offer something that they now use naturally on a daily basis.”

He added that carmakers could also use the technology to maintain and shape future customer relationships.

“On-board Internet can assure the OEMs' contact with the customer beyond the sales process,” he said.

But not every aspect of the existing technology for on-board Internet points to the future, according to T-Systems's Kurth. He doesn't consider the current leading applications such as Ford Sync and Onstar to be the way forward.

“These solutions continue to be quite simple," Kurth said. "They don't lend themselves to expansion.”

Honda Fit EV Concept

“Honda’s long history with electromotive technologies has enabled us to understand customer requirements,” said Takanobu Ito, Honda's president and CEO. “In Honda’s view, an electric vehicle must offer great utility and be fun to drive. Fit EV’s urban commuting capability will be a perfect addition to the full-function mobility of the plug-in hybrid and the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle.”

The Honda Fit EV Concept has a claimed range of 70 to 100 miles. Power is supplied by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor. Top speed is projected at 90 miles per hour.

Inside, the Fit EV Concept looks to be as fit as the original gas powered model. An E-drive system, first introduced in the new Honda CR-Z, allows for three unique drive settings: Econ, Normal and Sport.

Econ is said to improve range by 17 percent over the Normal setting, and 25 percent compared to Sport. Acceleration is significantly quicker in Sport mode, but going fast isn’t the main reason for buying this vehicle; practicality and economy are.

Battery recharging takes up to 12 hours using a 120-volt outlet, half that with 240 volt. On a stand nearby, Honda also displayed their latest home charging system. Swipe a card in front of the main screen and plug in to begin the recharging process.

Additionally, Honda unveiled a new plug-in hybrid system designed specifically for midsize to larger vehicles. With big plans in the works for EV automobiles, Honda is once again leading the charge to reduce the use of fossil fuels and change the world one vehicle at a time.

Should I buy a Chevy or a Ford?

Ohio dealer Chris Haydocy heard it even at dinner parties: "Government Motors."

In conservative Buckeye country, it meant a fat "no, thank you" to vehicles from General Motors Co., whose majority stakeholder was the federal government.

Texas Chevrolet dealer Carroll Smith said he won't be happy until the government has sold its stake in GM. The IPO reduced U.S. ownership from 61 percent to about 33 percent.

Smith, who will sell about 1,600 new vehicles this year at Monument Chevrolet in Pasadena, Texas, is convinced that the stigma of government ownership cost him sales.

He said he has heard at the country club, especially from his Republican friends, how Ford Motor Co. deserved praise for not taking federal bailout money. "It's not quantifiable, but I'm sure it's happened," Smith said of lost sales.

He said he bought the maximum 800 shares of GM common stock offered at the IPO price to GM dealers, employees and retirees.

Tom Durant, a Dallas-area Chevrolet dealer and member of both the GM and Chevrolet dealer councils, said product will determine GM's future. With improving sales and a bankruptcy-scrubbed balance sheet, GM will have more money going forward to invest in product development, he said.

"We had new product coming out during bankruptcy and lots afterward," said Durant, owner of Classic Chevrolet. "That's what this game is all about."

This year, GM has launched the Chevrolet Cruze compact, the Chevy Volt plug-in sedan, heavy-duty full-sized pickups and the Buick Regal mid-sized sedan.

Ohio dealer Haydocy -- whose Haydocy Buick-GMC will sell about 500 new vehicles this year, about the same number as 2009 -- said nothing succeeds like success.

He said the good vibe from the IPO is likely to make some consumers curious again about GM vehicles, which should boost showroom traffic. Haydocy also owns a small Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac store in Bucyrus, Ohio.

Said Haydocy: "People aren't investing because of civic pride; they want to see the story behind the success."