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Smog inspections on cars and trucks are required by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in most states. States that experience higher levels of smog pollution (e.g., California and New York) have steeper penalties if you do not comply with smog inspection regulations. If you are wondering why you need a smog inspection on your vehicle, or even if your vehicle needs an inspection at all, the following information will help. In addition to this information, examples of what can happen if you do not get an inspection pass certificate are included.

One of the hardest parts about being in an auto collision is dealing with the aftermath.  Your car may have been in pristine condition, but is now blemished or dented with unsightly marks.  You want to get your car repaired, but may not have a lot of discretionary income to cover the costs.  Don't let financial limitations keep you from repairing your vehicle; use this information to learn more about how you can get the best deal possible when you need to get repairs done on your car.

Winter weather doesn't have to put your RVing fun on hold until spring. You can enjoy the wintery scenes from your RV, pay lower rates at some of your favorite parks, and take your RV for your holiday travels. You also get to avoid the overcrowded, overpriced hotels by keeping a few things in mind. Plan For Winter Travel The unpredictable weather that comes with winter can complicate traveling in an RV.

Putting new tires on your car shouldn't be a surprise expense, especially if you're attentive to the state of your car, but if it does sneak up on you the price tag may be more than you're ready for. Thankfully, there are a few ways to save yourself some money without having to compromise on the quality of the work you pay for. If you're a very savvy shopper you can even end up getting a better value out of the deal without paying any more for the privilege.

A car's hydraulic systems are some of the most important components of your car. Without properly running hydraulic systems, a car cannot run efficiently, turn smoothly or stop easily. To keep a car running properly, its hydraulic systems must be regularly checked, flushed, and new fluid must be added to the systems. Additionally, all hoses leading to and from each of the hydraulic systems should be checked for leakage and to make sure that they are connected securely on both ends.

If you paid attention in Science class, then you learned that humans require oxygen to live and function. Think of the oxygen sensor in your vehicle as a lung. Its job is to maintain the emission and cooling systems; it is essentially responsible for making your car breathe. These step by step instructions will help you to correctly identify when the oxygen sensor needs to be replaced and how to replace it properly so your car runs healthy again.

If your current fleet of heavy-duty vehicles has seen better days, perhaps it's time to go out and get a new addition or two to the family. It's possible to buy a great used heavy-duty truck that can help you get the job done while saving you thousands of dollars when compared with buying new. You obviously have multiple choices when it comes to name brands in heavy-duty trucks. That said, one option you may want to take a look at is Mack.

If you want to avoid serious problems with the brakes of your car, knowing a few simple tips can help you avoid problems. This includes things like checking the pads and knowing when they are ready to be changed. You will also want to check the fluid and lines for problems. Doing these things can help keep you safe. Here are some tips to help you with inspection and maintenance to your cars brakes:

Car manufacturers are using more and more aluminum in their vehicles. In fact, aluminum is currently second only to steel as a component in building automobiles. Although manufacturers have been using some aluminum parts for the last 40 years, they have recently increased the amount they put into their products, which benefits both vehicle owners and the environment. When you purchase your next car, look for one with a high aluminum content.

Whether you're heading out on a long trip or getting ready to move across the country, towing a vehicle for a long period of time can be a challenge. While your towing service is up to the job and can handle it with ease and professionalism, it's also important that you do your part in making sure you're ready for the trip. Below, you'll find a guide to some steps you should take to prepare your vehicle for such a long journey.

Stains, sun damage, and normal wear and tear can ruin the upholstery in your car. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to keep the upholstery looking nice and in good repair. It's also possible to fix issues with your upholstery, which keeps your car looking like new so that it doesn't lose resale value just because of its appearance. This guide is here to help. #1: Apply a Protectant

Car rental businesses that are located near airports and destination vacations can be a major money maker. If you want to create a business that is successful and environmentally friendly, a car rental business also offers you a number of options. Here are some steps to starting out a rental car business that will attract customers of all types. Look for a diverse fleet Many rental car companies purchase new vehicles, then sell the old fleet once the mileage is high.

If you don't park your car inside of a garage or underneath a carport, parts of the paint job may fade after being exposed to the sun's ultraviolet rays for long lengths of time. Learn how to reverse the signs of damage and restore your car back to its previous condition. Use The Following Materials sponge automotive detergent water hose microfiber cloths paint cleaner car polish (that matches the color of your car) buffing pad car wax Wash Your Car And Apply Paint Cleaner

Old aluminum jon boats can usually be found in almost any fisherman's garage, in their shed, in their yard or at the end of their dock. They are a great boat to have for fishing on smaller lakes and rivers or for duck hunting. As these boats age, though, they can lose their shine and sometimes lose some of the rivets that help hold the seams together, which can cause small leaks.

If your car breaks down, it can feel like a ton of weight on your shoulders. On the other hand, it can also be an opportunity to take in a new view of the world. You still need to get from point A to point B, but you have to find a new way of doing it. You might be surprised at some of the things you notice when you use different methods to travel.

Many years ago, cars ran using multiple belts doing various tasks under the hood of a car. Today, most cars use one drive belt called a serpentine belt or a v-belt. This rubber belt connects the alternator, power steering, and AC to the part of the engine called the crankshaft. The crankshaft then transfers the power from the engine to those individual components. Since the belt runs all these systems, it is a very important part of your car and should be checked frequently for wear and tear.

If you have a flat tire or another auto problem that requires a tow truck, you are going to have to spend some time waiting for the truck to get to your location. You have to use your time wisely, so when the truck shows up you can get to another destination quickly. The wrong actions can delay your departure and may cause problems for you. Avoid doing the following things as you wait.

Sometimes, after a collision, there is no way to really save your car. You just have to buy a new one. One way to offset the costs of purchasing a new car is to tear apart your wrecked car and sell whatever parts are still good: 1. How to Get the Parts When your car is wrecked, you (or the person who hit you) will have to pay it to be moved off of the road.

Routine preventative maintenance is the best thing you can do as a car owner to keep your vehicle riding smooth and for longer. However, not everyone seems to know the basic things to check for when keeping your vehicle in good shape. Don't avoid important actions or you could end up spending more for repairs. Instead, perform these basic preventative maintenance steps and enjoy peace of mind: Check Your Fluids

Buying used car parts from a salvage yard can save you money. But if you plan to search a do-it-yourself salvage yard for the parts you need, it helps to know what you're doing before you head out to comb a site. Otherwise, it could cost you time and won't be as convenient as going to a local auto parts store to buy the parts new. Knowing how to prepare for the search, as well as what to expect when you get to the junkyard, can make the job of finding the parts you need easier.

Most car owners understand that it's important to keep their vehicle clean in order to prolong the life of the car's body and paint job. Fail to take proper care of your car's exterior, and you will likely have to head to an auto body repair shop like Collision One to get your auto body restored. But taking proper care of your car is easier said then done, and it's not uncommon for people to go months without getting their vehicle to the car wash.

As winter settles in with cold winds and snow blanketing the landscape, preparing your car for the warm summer months is likely the last thing on your mind. But even while summer may seem like a distant dream, now is the time to start making a checklist of services you will need performed so that your car will be running in top form during the hot summer days. Here are a few tips to add to your list.

When working construction, there are many times that arise with land that will need to be moved from one place to another. Land can be quite heavy and having to move it by hand will be quite cumbersome for even the strongest of men. An excavator can help make the job much easier because it can do all of the heavy lifting for you. If you are in the market for an excavator, use the following guide to learn how to shop for the right one to suit your needs.

When you need to replace a part on your car, using a used part (like those from Bruce's Auto Wreckers) is often the most affordable option available. One major issue that comes with buying used parts is that they may have rust on them. When there is rust on a part, it does not mean that the part is not useable. If you take the time to remove the rust from the part, you could save a ton of money on your vehicle repairs.

Winter driving can be harsh on the wheel wells on your pick-up truck. As you drive, the tires kicks up stones, pieces of asphalt, and rock salt that can damage the protective coating on the wheel wells that helps to keep the truck from developing rust problems. Eventually, the coating will deteriorate and the wells, fenders, and rear panels will begin to rust away. One method you can use to protect your pick-up against this type of rusting is to install mud flaps in the wheel wells.

Whether you call it a salvage yard, a junkyard, a scrapyard or a wrecking yard, it could very well be worth your time to swing by one the next time you need an auto part. Auto salvage yards are quite simply a graveyard for cars.  It's like the owner signed the organ donor sheet when he sold the car to the auto salvage yard.  The cars could have reached the scrapyard because of a serious accident or a major mechanical breakdown.

When you are planning on taking a road trip, you should be thinking about the condition of your car and making sure it's ready for a long trip. Even with a relatively new car and one that runs great, there are certain things to check before you go on an extended trip. Road trips can be very hard on your car and the last thing you want to deal with is a broken-down car 1,000 miles from home.

Your vehicle is an intricate piece of machinery that requires a little service from time to time. For example, your throttle body may need some cleaning. But you do not have to take it into the shop to do that. The following will help you clean your throttle body and find out if that is your problem.  Symptoms of a Dirty Throttle Body The throttle body gives you control over the speed of your vehicle.

The way that you handle your vehicle can have a direct impact on the way it runs. The transmission is something that can start to deteriorate rather quickly if you do not take steps in driving your vehicle properly. Winter weather can cause your transmission to have even more problems than normal if you do not watch how you are handling your vehicle. Here are some of the things that you should try to avoid when driving your vehicle this winter in order to keep the transmission running properly:

It's often a very difficult decision, choosing whether or not to trade in a used car that is still functional. Older cars may become money pits and need constant repairs. They may burn oil, get terrible gas mileage, or just looked dinged and beaten from years of use. On the other hand, if they are basically solid and have been well maintained, they could run well, but you may long for a newer vehicle with the latest technology.

When your little boy or girl first came into the world, you probably didn't realize that the day you would be handing over the keys to your car would be coming so soon. After your teen has passed his or her driver's ed class and amassed the required number of driving hours by your state's department of motor vehicles, you will have new and unexpected issues to contend with. From conflicts with your teen about driving routes and curfews to higher insurance premiums and additional car payments, seeing your child successfully take the wheel can be your biggest thrill if you are prepared.

If you are shopping for a new vehicle and have plans to take out an auto loan, then you may be concerned about the interest rates and the terms of your loan. Getting a bad auto loan can limit your buying power, which can potentially prevent you from being able to purchase the car that you really want. Well, to ensure you get a great auto loan with low-interest rates and flexible terms and conditions, you will want to be sure that you consider:

When it comes to buying a teenager his or her first vehicle, it can be difficult to find that perfect match between form and function. However, while high-end Italian super cars aren't generally appropriate, barely-running jalopies will probably result in expensive, and frequent, repair bills, so most families tend to go with something that is used, but still in good condition. And while the choice between a car and a pickup truck is often a matter of preference, this article will attempt to illustrate why a pickup truck is the ideal 'first car' for young adults.