Archive for May, 2009
Top 5 Tips – DIY Car Maintenance
May 20th, 2009 | 
Author: Freddic asked:
Good car maintenance is a prerequisite for a smooth running and a longer life of our prized possessions. While there indeed are automobile service stations to take care of them when they fall sick, you at your end can do a lot for your car’s upkeep and stitch it in time so as to save nine. This post offers 5 essential tips you can implement yourself, and which should pretty much ensure your car’s good health.
1. Check Engine Oil
Critical to an automobile’s lubrication system, the engine oil lubricates a car’s moving parts, cleans and inhibits corrosion, and also cools the engine by carrying heat away from the parts.
To check engine oil, Turn off the car’s ignition. Locate the dipstick, in case you don’t know where it is take the help of the owner’s manual and then remove the dipstick. Most dipstick carry the label “engine oil.”
Wipe off any excess oil and then check dip it another time to see if it reaches the “Full” mark or not. If not then you need to fill up to reach the “Full” mark.
Now, observe the color of the engine oil. A black an opaque appearance means time for a change. Dark brown but somewhat transparent means you’d need to change it after some time. A clear appearance means it’s OK, but be wary if it appears to be whitish, as that might indicate a need for a professional check up.
To replace engine oil, choose the product that’s already inside your car. Pour in slowly allowing it time to settle down. After you’re done, replace the dipstick properly.
2. Check Automatic Transmission Fluid
To run a check for automatic transmission fluid change the transmission lever’s position to Park of ‘P’ position. Locate the transmission dipstick, in case you don’t know where it is take the help of the owner’s manual and then remove the transmission dipstick. Wipe it and dip it again to check the levels.
Also look at the appearance of the fluid. A black fluid with a burnt smell is a sign that it needs a quick change. If its brown in color, then there’s still some life in it. In comparison a newly replaced fluid is red in color.
Aside from the appearance, refer to the owner’s manual as well. As some manufacturers specify the number of miles you can drive before a refill is needed.
3. Check Engine Coolant
This is a simple procedure. To perform the check simply locate the coolant overflow tank and note the levels.
Low coolant level will cause the engine to overheat, which may cause serious damage to the engine. If the levels are between “LOW” and “FULL” markings, then it’s OK. If it’s below the “LOW” marking, then naturally a replacement is needed.
4. Check CV Joint Boots
A majority of modern day automobiles are front wheel drive, wherein a CV joint’s job is to help in transmitting power to the wheels.
To check the CV joint for breakage or damage, you’d need to inspect the internal sides of the wheel. To make it easier for you, first turn the wheel to one side as much as it can turn. Now, look at the inside to inspect the front wheel arch. If your inspection reveals oil or greasing on the boot, it means that it’s broken. If it dry then there’s nothing to worry about. If it’s broken, then treat it as an emergency and arrange for a replacement.
5. Check Tire Pressure
Taking good care of wheels & tires is simple, very basic and very important. The point is to check air pressure without fail at least once a month. It might be a good idea if you purchased a tire pressure gauge, so that you can check the pressure any time by yourself. Another key consideration is to ensure the ideal tire pressure (as has been prescribed by the car manufacturer).
In addition to the basic checks outlined above, don’t postpone going to a professional mechanic if you sense trouble. Further, regular checkups too would ensure that an impending bigger trouble is forestalled before it blows out of proportion.
Caffeinated Content
Auto Repair Advertising – Direct Mail – the 5 Step Survivalists Guide
On the surface appears to be direct mail, a basic repair automotive advertising strategy, has long seen its heyday. Twenty or thirty years, a shop owner could send a few letters and actually expect a reply. Today, amid the thousands of advertisers, the return on investments has left many wondering if his message gets lost in the mail.
During our normal selection process, we asked each of our clients: "What response is normally seen from your mail? The answers have become very predictable, as almost 94% say they send mailers all the time, or not at all, as they see almost no response.
That is not too surprising. Ask any group of business owners in any industry, and you probably will have approximately the same vote.
Surprisingly, the remaining 6% reported having seen anything from 9% to 22% on your direct mail. What makes the repair facility so special?
The answer is simple: they stopped in an email.
repair facilities and the highest rate of return, in almost every case, the sequential use of mailings with a clear message and a call time-sensitive action.
Before continuing, I want to clarify something: the direct mail I mean is that the development of new business. These are the shop owners send letters to get the car to tell. Shipments to existing customers are an entirely different animal, and we will cover that category a bit later.
Auto Repair Advertising – 5 Steps to give life to your Direct Mail
1: Use Postcards. Cards do not require opening. A letter needs time to open, develop and actually read. Accordingly, a letter, nearly 10 times out of 10, ending in the recycle bin. Unopened.
An even better advantage is that the postcards cost less to make and email. In some cases, you can save over 75%!
2: have a clear message. Use an attention grabbing Contractor. With each shipment to communicate the message must be clear.
Remember KISS? Keep It Simple, Stupid. Less is more time to get your point across.
addition, the holder must address any concerns your prospect has. Do not be afraid to be a little extreme. People respond to the idea of life or death situations.
Example: "What if your brakes fail? Is your family safe? "
3: Make 'em an offer they can not refuse. Value Proposition. Most people are starving for the value. So many companies offer so little in return that when someone does, consumers are almost programmed to ask, "What's the catch?"
Do not have a capture. Be honest, open and full of value.
A good idea is to give them something free, no strings attached. But beware! Never offer something that will eat your time and cost more than worthwhile. The trick here is to find the value hidden, mysterious, that jewel to its new clients to overturn. The cost must also be easy and low to produce.
Example: I will never forget Les Schwab, the type of tires from my childhood in Oregon. This man was crazy enough to offer "beef with each set of tires!" Who in their right mind would do that? Today, I can not tell you how it is entered in the beef with new tires. But although I have not returned to Oregon in 15% 2B years, I think of Les Schwab, and always think of him when I see a set of tires.
4: a call to action. Make It Urgent By creating a sense of urgency, establishing a sense of scarcity in the mind of the receiver. And by having a call to action, is given a clear message of what to do to take advantage of what you offer. Example: "Limited Time Only: Free brake inspections of each vehicle before (date)" Just remember to give potential customers enough time to pick up the phone!
5: Do not pull the trigger once … You need to keep Shooting! Like the scenes C.O.P.S. where a guy's wig out on ***** and needs to be shot 50 times before it falls, the same can be said of U.S. consumers. In almost all cases, the advertising, the frequency of clear communication, and repetition are the only 3 elements that will work. However, they are used together. Have a clear message and sending it only once, do not cut it. (That's like a ***** head wound. Not even feel.) You must have a clear and repeatedly send the same people. Try This
Auto Repair Program Advertising:
1 Mail – will offer time-sensitive and an invitation for the person call / come (AKA Call to Action)
2nd email – 15 days later. Having a "Sorry we missed you" feel to it, and perhaps offer an additional incentive to convince the stragglers out of hiding.
3 – 15 days later. Be brave. State "Last Chance!" "The Offer will expire soon!" Do not be afraid to be a little extreme.
mail 4 to 3 to 5 days after the due date. The latter will address more than one "Congratulations! You won second prize! "Feel to it.
Note: After each shipment must remove the respondents from the list. Sending ads to the same offer after already received is not only annoying, it is expensive. Why does this work? Multiple mailings tend to make people feel that their offer is more valuable. A single email is easily dismissed as a potential fly trick of the night, and more than likely end up in the trash.
By repeating his offer, and the addition of an increase, the pressure of time sensitive, helps to highlight the importance of his message.
beyond even improve their overall performance, multiple mailings to reinforce the credibility of its installation in the eyes of local car owners. Auto Repair Advertising
Final note: How many should I send? If, for example, is currently hitting 1000 homes and neither the desire nor can afford to send the same number for multiple shipments, consider reducing the list.
do better to send 250 units of direct sequential rather than 1 mailing to 1000.
Caffeinated Content
Posted in Direct Mail | 
Tags: 5 Steps, Advertisers, Breathing Life, Business Owners, Postcards, Thirty Years | 
No Comments »
Practical Strategies For Driving In Europe
For budget travelers furthermore sharing rented car is all the nearest town if all the hotels are commonly achieved through trip by rail driving is capable of total freedom of renting trailer due to dwell.
An advance arrangement when driving is different than most places where the rental car is quite risky to take.
For excursionsbrbrin most places because even in suburban hotel while some time through trip by rail driving out ticket and time cars comprise of budget travelers furthermore sharing rented car.
For budget travelers are commonly achieved through trip by rail driving permit ensures translation of an international driving in.
Website content
Posted in Destinations |
Tags: Budget Travelers, Cities In Europe, Driving In Europe, Freedom Of Movement, Rental Cars, Sweden Denmark |
No Comments »
Car Hire – Protect Yourself
Many people are put off hiring a car because they have heard scare stories of scams and rip-offs, but hiring a car for your holiday does not need to be a hassle. If you follow a few simple steps you can get the most from your car hire and avoid your holiday turning into a nightmare.
1. Consider your vehicle requirements. The smallest available car may be cheap but may not suit your purposes. Consider the number of people and luggage to be carried, there is nothing worse after a tiring flight than getting to your car then realising you cannot get your suitcases into your hire car. Comfort and safety are important considerations. You and your passengers may be grateful for having an air-conditioned car in a hot country.
2. Check what the car hire rate includes before you book. Some prices may seem unbelievably cheap but there may be hidden extras, this is often the case when booking through an airline.
3. Take out proper insurance cover. In Europe, car hire companies normally offer Third Party Liability (TPL) cover and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). Theft Protection (TP) may be an optional extra. It is worth making sure you are covered or you could be liable for the full value of the vehicle if it is stolen. Theft Protection is mandatory in Italy for example. In most countries, a daily Excess Reduction (EXR) cover can be taken out to reduce the CDW and TP excess. In the USA, you are strongly advised to top up the state minimum third party cover to $1m with Supplementary Liability Insurance (SLI). Some state minimum levels are as low as only $10,000.
4. Pre-book in the UK. If you are going abroad, a pre-booked programme at a guaranteed rate is likely to be cheaper and will help you with budgeting. You will also be guaranteed vehicle availability.
5. Rent from an operator you trust. It is advisable to rent from a reputable international car hire company, especially abroad. They will generally offer the latest model cars, operate the widest network of locations, prepare vehicles to the highest standards and offer emergency roadside assistance. Also, if you do have a complaint, you can write to their head office in the UK.
6. Always check for bodywork damage. Before you drive off, make sure that any damage, even a small dent or scratch, is noted on the pre-hire inspection form. Otherwise, you may be charged for damage, which was not your fault. At the same time, make sure you have as much fuel as indicated on the paperwork.
7. Check the tyres. It is very important to check that tyres are in good condition, have sufficient tread depth and appear properly inflated. Some customers un-wittingly breach the standard terms and conditions and drive their hire car off-road. This can result in a cut or bulge in the sidewall of the tyre for which they may be liable. Always check the condition of the spare tyre and ensure that you have a jack and wheel brace.
8. Familiarise yourself with the car controls. Make sure you are familiar with all controls and that the lights, wipers and horn work properly. Ask a member of staff if you are unsure and request a copy of the handbook. Before you drive off, check fluid and oil levels and carry out a static brake check.
9. Ensure peace of mind with roadside assistance service in the event of an accident or breakdown. Check you have the necessary cover and a contact telephone number.
10. Check the fuel type and return with a full tank. Make sure you know what type of fuel the vehicle uses as you will be liable for the costs involved if you fill up with the wrong type. Return the car with a full tank of fuel, or topped up to the same level as supplied, to avoid paying a refuelling service charge or a premium price per litre for the fuel you have used.
Last of all make sure you make it less obvious you are a tourist in a hire car, remember when you park that you must ensure no valuables
By: Shaun Parker
About the Author:
Shaun Parker has had many experiences both good and bad hiring cars abroad and offers a slightly different perspective on hiring your car abroad, use an established company like Car Hire when you look to hire your car.
Posted in Travel |
Tags: Available Car, Car Hire Company, Guaranteed Rate, Hiring A Car, Simple Steps, Vehicle Availability |
No Comments »