September 16th, 2009 admin
Tips For Repairing Your Car’s Rust Spots
When any areas on your vehicle are exposed to rust, it’s important to invest the time to repair them. Otherwise, they can lead to bigger – and more expensive – problems later. Rusted areas tend to spread; ignoring the issue will only make it worse. Over time, it can become irreversible and as a result, hold down the resale value of your car.
The problem forms when the metal beneath the exterior’s paint is exposed to air and moisture. This can happen due to a traffic accident or even a minor chip or scratch in the paint. Whatever the root cause for the exposed metal, the air and moisture causes oxidation, which leads to rusting.
The problem will not dissipate on its own; as long as air and moisture have access to the underlying metal, oxidation will continue and further rusting will result. The only way to stop this process is to repair the rusted area. In this article, I’ll provide four tips for doing exactly that.
#1 – Removing Bits And Pieces
If the paint is chipped, there will likely be loose ends in the affected area. Remove them by using a coarse sandpaper. Then, use a special solvent that is formulated to remove rust; you should be able to buy this at any auto supply store. Next, wipe the spot down with a few clean hand towels or rags.
#2 – Smooth The Spot
Like any paint job, you’ll need to level the surface before applying a new coat. On your car, the best way to do that is by using a handheld sander, though you can also do it by hand. The key is to sand the site down to the lowest point at which you cannot tell a level difference by feeling the area. Go slowly, especially if you’re using a sander. Otherwise, you might accidentally sand deeper than intended.
#3 – Lay The Primer
Once the site has been sanded to a level surface, tape the area off and apply thin coats of primer. Three or four coats should be sufficient; you’ll need to wait 15 minutes between coats to allow for drying. Allow the final coat to sit overnight.
#4 – Apply The Paint
With the affected spot still taped off, apply four or five coats of paint. Like the primer, apply them thinly and allow a few hours between them for drying. Allow the final coat to dry overnight and inspect your work the following day.
The entire rust-removing process that I’ve described above can be performed easily by anyone. As long as you have the right materials (for example, a sander, primer, paint, etc.), you should be able to finish the entire job over two days. The alternative is to have a repair garage do it, though that route will cost more money. The important thing is that you eliminate the rust before it spreads and fix the site to prevent further oxidation.
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August 21st, 2009 admin
When To Finally Retire Your Vehicle
Your car has a certain number of years during which it will perform flawlessly. Its fuel efficiency and engine performance will remain high and the need for repairs will be all but nonexistent. Eventually, small problems with various parts and systems will emerge. For example, your alternator may fail, your fuel injectors might become clogged, and your spark plugs may go bad. They’re easy enough to fix and relatively inexpensive, even if inconvenient. However, these are signs that your vehicle may have begun its long downward spiral toward retirement.
There’s plenty you can do to keep your car in great working order for many years. Routine maintenance goes a long way toward extending its life. That said, the following factors may signal that the time has finally come to retire it.
The Onset Of Rust
Rust is the equivalent of a terminal disease for automobiles. Once it sets in, it spreads. Before long, it has crept throughout your vehicle, weakening its structural integrity. At that point, rust becomes a safety issue. Getting rid of your rust-ridden car can help prevent injury to you, your passengers, and other motorists.
Repairs Become More Costly
Replacing an OEM alternator may cost a few hundred dollars (including labor). The same is true for catalytic converters. Replacement hoses will cost under $20 while a new battery may cost $60. These are minor repairs. However, vehicles with a large number of miles eventually need major work. The engine may need to be replaced; the transmission might need a complete overhaul; the frame may need adjustments. These repairs may cost over $1,000; in succession, they can quickly empty your bank account.
While it’s possible to keep an automobile in working order for decades, major repairs often signal the beginning of the end. Compare the cost of the work to the value of your car. It may be time to upgrade to a later model.
A Stream Of Failing Parts
As costly as an engine rebuild and transmission overhaul are, a perpetual string of failing components can be just as expensive. One day, your car is in the shop to have the catalytic converter replaced. Two weeks later, you’re back for a new water pump. Next month, your EGR begins failing. Before long, your muffler, ignition switch, timing belt, and master cylinder start to develop problems. These “small” repairs can become extremely costly. If there’s no end in sight, your vehicle may be preparing for retirement.
For most people on a limited budget, keeping an older car is usually preferable to upgrading to a new model. Occasionally replacing parts is less expensive over the long run. Plus, new vehicles lose a significant portion of their value during their first four years of life due to depreciation.
Having said that, your car won’t last forever. Use the above criteria as a barometer of when it’s finally time to retire it.
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August 11th, 2009 admin
OEM Or Aftermarket Car Parts: Which Should You Choose?
Most of the components and systems under your car’s hood will eventually fail and need to be replaced. Your catalytic converter, alternator, and fuel injectors (as well as everything else) are susceptible to wear and tear. When a part fails, you’ll have two main options: replace it with an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part or an aftermarket unit.
For most people who are on a limited budget, choosing between the two options isn’t simple. Indeed, there are pros and cons to each. I’ll describe the advantages of using both aftermarket and OEM replacements below. Then, I’ll explain how to find the right balance for your budget.
Benefits Of Using Aftermarket Components
Automakers rely upon other companies to produce most of the parts used in their vehicles (as opposed to doing it themselves). When a particular component is built by a company other than the original, it is considered an aftermarket unit. The main advantage to using this option is that it’s less expensive than using OEM components. Another advantage is that there might be dozens (or even hundreds) of companies that specialize in producing a particular item. That means a larger selection from which to choose. That said, quality of the items can vary and they are seldom covered by a warranty.
Benefits Of Original Equipment Manufacture Parts
Original equipment manufacturer units are produced by the company which built them for the automaker. The selection is not as large, but that can often be a benefit. When you purchase an OEM item, you’ll know exactly what to expect. It will be a perfect match for the original piece you’re having the mechanic replace. Plus, there is no uncertainty about its quality. The component is built to meet a stringent standard of performance. Another significant advantage over aftermarket units is that OEM items are covered under a warranty.
Finding The Right Balance
The main drawback of buying original equipment manufacturer components is the price. In effect, they’re more expensive. If you’re on a limited budget, the premium you’ll pay for them may be difficult to absorb. However, keep in mind that you’re paying for the peace of mind of knowing that a certain standard of quality has been met. What’s more, the warranty provides an additional financial buffer in the event an OEM component unexpectedly fails.
Some of the items under your car’s hood should be fine if you replace them with aftermarket units. However, you should use only original equipment manufacturer units to replace items such as your starter, alternator, or catalytic converter. The biggest drawback of relying upon components built by third-party companies is the range of quality with which they’re built. Some are good and some are not. Often, trying to save a few dollars on the front-end can end up costing far more (in both time and money) down the road.
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