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Understanding Your Insurance Policy
Friday 07-25-2008 3:30am ET
All insurance policy's are not the same and you need to choose the one that best fits you needs.
Is pricing the most important?
What deductible can you afford 100, 200, 250, 500, 1000, 2500?
Do you need rental coverage?
Do you need comprehensive and collision coverage?
Do you need uninsured/ underinsured motorist coverage?
In the case of an accident, do you want a policy that allows usage of all OEM parts, or a policy that requires the usage of aftermarket and quality recycled parts.
These are just a few questions that you need to address when purchasing a new auto insurance policy. How Do You Choose The Right Repair Shop
Friday 07-25-2008 3:30am ET
Ask family and friends about previous experiences.
Ask your insurance agent for a referral.
Ask your insurance company who they recommend and will they offer a life time warranty on repairs.
Visit 2 or 3 shops and base your decision on the level of customer service received.
You are looking for a professional shop that is customer friendly with systems in place, high satisfaction rating, and a written warranty.
By Ohio law, you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at the shop of you choice. The insurance company cannot tell you where to have you car repaired.
You are required by law to get only one estimate for the insurance company. Air Conditioning Service
Saturday 07-19-2008 8:04am ET
Your car’s heating ventilating and air conditioning system keeps your car interior comfortable in any season by providing the right temperature and humidity level. The HVAC system also helps improve defroster operation. Typical Service - A thorough inspection of your car’s HVAC system should be performed annually.
- A service technician checks pressures to test operation, refrigerant charge and outlet temperatures.
- If the system is found to be to low on refrigerant, a leak test is performed to find the source of the leak.
- Refrigerant may be added if necessary to top off the system. (Some states do not allow topping off)
- A technician may also check for evidence of refrigerant cross contamination, which is the mixing of refrigerants.
- A/C service should also include a check of the compressor’s drive belt and tension.
Check Engine Light
Thursday 06-12-2008 6:52am ET
In 1996 an orange light on your car’s dashboard labeled “check engine” or “service Engine Soon” became standard on all car makes and models. The light tells you there’s a problem with your car’s engine and power train control system. Why Do I Need This Service An illuminated “Check Engine” or “Service Engine Soon” light indicates a problem detected by your car’s on-board diagnostic system. The light cannot indicate the exact nature of the problem-only the right training and diagnostic equipment can do that. Typical Service - A flashing light indicates a problem that is currently happening and may require immediate attention, whereas a steady light can be diagnosed at the first convenient opportunity.
- A technician connects a scan tool to your car’s onboard diagnostic system to determine the problem.
- Further testing and diagnostics may be required to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem.
- Once the problem is pinpointed, repairs are made and light is reset.
Tire Service
Thursday 05-29-2008 10:47am ET
Your car’s tires affect its ride, handling, traction and safety. Tires are the critical connection between your car and the road in all sorts of driving conditions. Why Do I Need This Service? To maximize tire life and safety, check tire condition and inflation pressure regularly and have the tires rotated and balanced. Tire replacement may be necessary if the tread depth is below the minimum legal requirement, or the sidewalls are severely cracked or punctured. In some cases, tread punctures cannot be repaired. Typical Service - Check inflation pressure at least once a month. (including the spare)
- Have the tires rotated every 6000 miles.
- Rotation time also serves as a good opportunity to have the tires balanced. Unbalanced wheels can cause rapid wear of shock absorbers and struts, and wheel balance can change as a result of normal tire wear. On full time four wheel drive vehicles, a difference of only ¼ inch between the outside circumference of the front and rear tires can cause expensive damage to the transfer case or center differential. Rotating the tires to keep the their sizes equal is critical on these vehicles, and replacing all four tires at the same time, rather than just the front or rear tires, is highly recommended.
- Uneven or accelerated tire wear may indicate an alignment problem. Have your car’s alignment checked at least once a year.
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© 2008