To all repair shops, please check out the contact and advertise page to find out how to place an ad with carrepairshops411.com. The yellow book is a thing of the past. People are going straight for their phones or computers these days. Our sites are designed to make it as fast and easy as possible for people to find almost anything they need for their car or house.

Accessories: 

Accessories offer a personal touch most of us desire, although our motorcycles, cars, trucks and boats can and will operate just fine without them. When adding accessories, the most important thing to do is find out if the accessory you wish to add will void your factory warranty or damage any components on your vehicle. If you answer yes in either situation, think seriously before moving further with the addition of that accessory.  Secondly, make sure the person you find to install the accessory has the proper knowledge of the accessory being installed, as well as your vehicle. 

Tires and wheels are the most common accessories installed aftermarket. Do not install a tire and wheel that is too big, too small or will rub the vehicle’s body parts.  Improper size and rubbing can damage your new tires, body parts and/or front-end steering components. When deciding on tires and wheels, keep in mind that any change from the car’s original accessories may cause a change in your speedometer’s reading; it could read too fast or too slow. Each vehicle is designed by the manufacturer with specific parts and accessories to maximize your mileage.  However, any addition of aftermarket accessories, such as tires and wheels, bumpers, lift kits, body kits, engine performance parts, and almost any exterior accessory, can change that. In other words, when making the decision about your desired accessories, keep in mind that you may have to choose between the change in mileage or the accessory; you will have to decide for yourself what is most important to you. 

A qualified technician should install any aftermarket accessory. However, if you are installing the accessory yourself, be prepared with the right tools and knowledge you will need to install the accessory correctly.  Installation of accessories, without the proper knowledge and tools, can turn into a nightmare quickly. Remember that anything you buy aftermarket should fit properly, be installed correctly, and you should know what you are buying and why you are buying it prior to installation. 

Auctions: 

Auctions take place in most large cities, though not always the easiest to find. Our site makes this search easier for you by giving you the ability to search for your city and state. Most of our ads have links to the auctioneers’ websites, and their websites will provide you with what’s for sale, where the sale is taking place and when to be there. They are fun and can be a great way to save a lot of money on the purchase of a car, truck, motorcycle, boat or parts.   

Once you have found the auction you are looking for, let our site offer you some tips that make auctions a little more fun, not so frightening and an experience you don’t mind repeating. When you are bidding on a vehicle, it is important to know exactly what you are bidding on, because auctions move very fast, and it is easy to lose track of which vehicle is actually being auctioned at any given time. It is easy to bid on the vehicle next to the one you really want, so pay close attention when bidding starts. If time allows, preview the vehicle prior to the beginning of the auction so you have plenty of knowledge about the vehicle before you bid on it.  Look over it real well to make sure that vehicle is really one you want.   

Most auctioneers will move the vehicles and start them up prior to auction. This is a great opportunity for you, the buyer, to observe the vehicles you are interested in purchasing.  Verify that the vehicle starts easy, pulls forward and backward, doesn’t make unordinary noises, and doesn’t smoke or leak fluids. Tires should be examined carefully for wear; make sure they aren’t wearing unevenly, as this could be an indicator of worn out front-end components or possible issues with alignment. 

Expect to provide personal information and a deposit prior to the beginning of the auction. A deposit up front offers the auctioneer a safety net and encourages bidders not to bid on vehicles they don’t truly want. Not only should you watch the bidding carefully in order to bid on the correct vehicle, but so that you do not accidentally bid higher than what you can actually pay. Once you have won the bid, it is your vehicle, and ready or not, you are responsible for getting the auctioneer his money. If you choose not to pay for the vehicle, you will not only lose your deposit, but you may not be allowed to return. 

You will need to title the vehicle in your name, so make sure that you have all the paperwork you need. Check the paperwork carefully before you leave the auction; check the VIN number, year, make and model of the vehicle with the paperwork you receive to make sure that it is an exact match. 

Most auctioneers do not provide storage. Once the auction is over, they would like vehicles removed from their current location. However, you can check with the auctioneer to see how long you have to remove the vehicle.  Most places have time limits, and in most cases, you will be charged storage fees for exceeding those limits.   

Our site offers you a checklist that you can print to take with you to the auction to help you remember the things to look for when buying a vehicle. The checklist can be found under the Auto Sales category below. Just remember that it is your money, and you have to be comfortable with what you get, what you spend, and your experience altogether, but you are not buying a new car, so it’s not going to be 100% perfect! 

Auto Sales: 

Research is an important factor in buying a new or used vehicle. Once you decide the type of vehicle you want and how it will fit your needs, narrow your color choices, the year, the make and the model you are looking for.  Most of us really want the biggest and the best, but that is typically not always practical. When searching for the vehicle you want to purchase, try to limit your search to dealers or individuals that are close to your work or home. Time and money spent running all over town or to other cities or states, will actually increase the total cost of your vehicle before you even realize it.   

Once your search has been narrowed, focus on the overall condition of the vehicle. Our site offers you a two page, printable checklist to carry with you when purchasing a vehicle. It is listed below, and you can use it on all used vehicles and new ones, as well. We suggest the checklist for new vehicles because you cannot just assume that because a vehicle is new, there won’t be items that are damaged or don’t work. We recommend putting a Ö in the boxes that are okay on the vehicle and an X in the box where you find problems. We have provided a notes section below the checklist so that you can make notes about anything you have marked with an X.   

Exterior Vehicle Condition: 
 

• Front driver fender
• Front driver tire
• Front driver door
• Driver side mirror
• Front driver door glass
• Rear driver door
• Rear driver door glass
• Rear driver body panel
• Rear driver tire
• Trunk lid
• Rear windshield
• Brake lights
• Tail lights
• Left turn signal
• Right turn signal
• License plate light
• Rear bumper
• Rear passenger body panel
• Rear passenger tire
• Rear passenger door
• Rear passenger door glass
• Front passenger door
• Front passenger door glass
• Passenger side mirror
• Front passenger fender
• Front windshield
• Wipers/wiper blades
• Hood
• Grill
• Front bumper
• Fog lights
• Headlights
• Front passenger turn signal
• Front driver turn signal
• Hazard lights
• All tires same size/same brand

Notes:  _______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________  

Under the Hood 
 

• Antifreeze
• Oil
• Transmission fluid
• Power steering fluid
• Brake fluid
• Air filter
• Battery connections
• No fluid leakage
• Belts
• Hoses
• Under the hood lighting (if equipped)

Notes:  _______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________  

Interior Vehicle Condition 
 

• Door locks
• Doors properly open and shut
• Windows roll up and down
• Power Mirrors (if equipped)
• Seat condition
• Power Seats operable (if equipped)
• Emergency Break engages/disengages
• Windshield Wipers
• Horn
• Air Conditioner
• Heater
• Cruise Control
• Stereo/Speakers
• Dash lights
• Overhead consoles (if equipped)
• TV/DVD (if equipped)
• Rear wiper (if equipped)
• Seatbelts operable
• Interior lights
• Spare tire, jack and lug wrench present

Notes:  _______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________  

Driving the Vehicle 
 

• Starts with ease
• All gears shift properly
• Steering doesn’t pull to one side
• Brakes stop and are quiet
• Turn off radio; listen for unusual sounds
• Rear view mirror
• Gauges are accurate
• Navigation (if equipped)

Notes:  _______________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________  

When purchasing a vehicle, these are just a few of the important things you can check. Using this checklist to identify problems prior to your purchase, can give you a general idea of how much the repairs will cost prior to purchasing the vehicle.  

Brake Repair:   

Brake repair is possibly the most important investment you will make when it comes to repairs performed on your vehicle.  Brakes should be inspected regularly to reduce the likelihood of costly repairs. Serious problems occur when brakes work improperly. It is important to always have a qualified brake repair specialist do the brake repair on your vehicle to avoid costly and damaging problems in the future. If you are doing the brake repair yourself, research your vehicle and the brakes you are using to ensure that you have the right tools, parts and knowledge to perform the repair.   

Brake pads and brake shoes are the most commonly repaired brake parts. They are designed to wear out over time, but the key to keeping the cost of brake repairs down can be reduced drastically by changing the brake pads and brake shoes before they wear out completely.   

Brake pads should have a piece of metal on them, and as they reach the end of their life, the metal will start making a scraping sound. This is the greatest indicator that the brake pads should be repaired immediately.  Replacing the brake pads or brake shoes is fairly inexpensive unless you wait too long; then it can be costly. Not only is the cost of brake repair high if done too late, but failure to repair your brakes in time, can result in damaging other expensive brake parts, such as rotors, calibers, brake cylinders, etc. It is a mistake you will likely only make once because it will be very expensive. 

Car Shows: 

Swap Meets, Rallies, Car Shows, no matter what they are called, they are great fun and loaded with a wealth of information for you regarding cars and trucks. There are many different kinds of car shows, from classic cars to new cars, low riders to trucks, and even shows for big rigs, etc. Whatever type of show you attend, the activities that go along with the show, combined with the knowledge you gain, make for an unforgettable experience. You can enter your truck or car in a beauty contest, buy, sell or trade parts for your truck or car, or just wander through the show and enjoy everything around you. Car shows provide an opportunity to discover great ideas for things you can do with your vehicle, and at any given show, you are almost guaranteed to see beautiful cars, beautiful women, good food and great fun. Our site can help get you started on your search for car shows coming soon to your area. Make plans to take your friends and/or family because it can be a real blast and a great new adventure.

Collision Repair: 

A collision is not something anyone wants to experience, but we hope that our site will help ease the stress when dealing with the stress of collision repair. If you’re faced with the need for vehicle repair due to a collision, there are several decisions to be made right away. After you have determined that all parties involved are okay and police have completed their report, you need to find a company to tow the vehicle from the scene if the damage is too severe to drive the vehicle yourself. 

Once the towing company has been chosen, you will need to decide where they will deliver your vehicle for repair.  Make arrangements to have a rental car while your vehicle is in the collision repair shop. You must be comfortable with the collision repair shop that you choose, and ask plenty of questions prior to letting them get started on the collision repair work. Get everything in writing, from the work to be performed to the warranties and limitations of the warranties. Find out if all the collision repair work will be completed at their shop or if it will be outsourced, and how much of the work will be outsourced. Make sure you have contact information if they are outsourcing the collision repair work so you know where your car will be and who will be repairing it. Ask enough questions to be an informed consumer; find out if the parts they plan to use will be factory parts or aftermarket parts, new parts, used parts or rebuilt parts. Determine any warranties that are available and the limitations on the warranties; not only for the parts, but for the labor to install or repair the parts. Be informed about what to expect when you take delivery of your vehicle; know what you should do and what they promise to do if you find something wrong with the parts or items they repaired. You want to make sure that you are not “stuck” with hidden problems or issues once you take delivery of your repaired vehicle and leave the premises of the collision repair shop. In order to have peace of mind, get estimates from more than one shop, if time allows, and make sure that you are comparing apples to apples and oranges to oranges. 

Once the repairs are complete, check the vehicle over as if you were buying it new. Print out the checklist above to help you identify any issues that may need attention. If there is anything in need of attention, do not take delivery of the vehicle without having them fix what is wrong first. Pay close attention to detail and check everything thoroughly. 

Customizing: 

Customizing your vehicle is similar to installation of accessories, but in much greater detail. Finding a shop that specializes in auto customizing is important, especially if you want a one of a kind car or truck. Custom shops employ people who usually have a special skill and ability to design. You want their expertise in making decisions for creating the one of a kind car or truck, but your input is important and you must be clear about what you want. If you decide to leave the decision making to the customizing specialists, do not get upset if the result is not quite what you had pictured in your mind. Give the specialists a general idea and let them create a design; look over the design and make any changes prior to the start of the custom work. A design can usually be changed in the middle of the job, but it will usually require the specialists to start all over and end up costing you more money.   

Detailing: 

If you desire an extensive cleaning of your vehicle, you most likely want to use a detailing company. Most of us, however, will usually detail our own car or truck. Detail services can be found at full service car washes, but, for added convenience, there are mobile companies, as well. The cost of an extensive detail job can vary depending on how dirty your vehicle is, the extent of the work you want done, and where you are actually having the detail work done. Be clear about what you want and how much it will cost before agreeing to leave your vehicle.  Remember, that communication is important in any business transaction, no matter how small or large.   

Financing: 

Financing is one of the most important decisions to make when purchasing a vehicle, new or used. If you have never been through the financing process, take someone with you that you trust, someone who has been through it. Next to your home, vehicle purchases can be the biggest financial investment you make, so take your time and make sure that the financing you are offered is within your budget. Do not let the salesman or finance companies bully you into a decision that will lead you to financial or emotional strain in the future. Shop around for the best interest rate, but be careful not to have your credit run too many times, as it could possibly lower your overall credit score. Remember that the finance interest rate, your down payment, and the length of time you are given to re-pay the loan, can change your monthly payments dramatically, and can affect the final amount you actually pay. In other words, the longer you choose to pay, the lower your monthly payments, but the more you will pay in the long run. Read over everything before you sign it, and if you don’t understand something, ask them to explain it to you.   

General auto repair: 

Auto repair shops offer a broad range of auto repair services, including general auto repair services. It is a good idea to shop around to find a knowledgeable auto repair shop since there are so many available these days. Get a written estimate regarding the work the repair shop agrees to perform, a list of the parts they anticipate needing and the price of the parts, the repair shop’s hourly rate, how long they expect to have your vehicle, and all warranty policies and limitations the auto repair shop will offer for parts and labor. Communication is the key to a good business transaction, so make sure you know what to expect from the auto repair shop, what they expect from you, how much it will cost, and how long it will take to service your vehicle. 

Glass repair: 

Glass protects us from road debris and weather. Glass repair is an important part of maintaining our vehicles, and a cracked windshield, or any other window, should not go unattended. It is best to have the glass repair of your car or truck done by a professional who has the special tools and knowledge to perform the repair. Small chips can be repaired without fully replacing the glass and the sooner you have them fixed, the better. The longer you wait to repair the cracks or chips in your vehicle’s glass, the more expensive the repair will be in the future.   

Inspection stations: 

Inspection stations are licensed to perform state inspections. Although there are several businesses that only do state inspections, many auto repair shops are licensed to perform the inspections, too. Pay close attention to the state inspection sticker in your windshield so that you don’t get caught driving with an expired state inspection; the ticket for driving with an expired state inspection sticker can prove to be costly. 

Insurance: 

A good insurance agent/company is priceless. Our site is designed to help you find one easily. State law requires auto insurance, so you should never drive a vehicle without insurance because it is not worth the risk, financially or otherwise. The fines are usually expensive and the consequence to you and others on the road with you could prove to be financially draining if a collision occurs.

When shopping around for insurance, check the coverage that the agent/company is offering to make sure you have the right amount of coverage for your needs and situation. Insurance policies can be written many different ways and carry different coverage specifications, such as uninsured motorist, rental car allowance, medical coverage for you and your passengers, towing, etc. Check on discounts offered by the companies for things like keyless entry, defensive driving, multiple policies, etc. Make sure you understand the coverage you receive, and when comparing the insurance companies, verify that you are comparing the exact same coverage from each one.

Job listings: 

Our site offers a free job listing section to help our vendors find employees specific to the automobile industry. If you are a vendor and need to add one or more employees, contact us with details and specifications of the job, so we can get the word out for you. If you are not a vendor, but work in the automobile industry and need employment, check out the job listings on our site that are listed in your city and state.   

Leasing/Rentals: 

Our site will assist you in locating a rental facility, whether you are looking for a car or a truck to rent short term or long term. There are several reasons for wanting or needing to rent or lease an automobile, such as vacationing, minor auto repair on your personal automobile, or an unfortunate accident. If you need something long term, leasing is the way to go. Whatever your leasing or rental needs may be, our site should prove to be user friendly and helpful. You can search by city, state, and category for all your rental and leasing needs.  

Locksmiths: 

Most of us have had the need for a locksmith at some point in our lives. For those who have not, a locksmith is the person you call when you need keys made, have lost your keys, or you have locked yourself out of your car, home, business, safe, etc. When you have no way to get to your spare, a locksmith would be the first call to make.  Keys and locks are not a do it yourself matter, and it takes special equipment and talent, especially when dealing with an automobile that has no key at all. Although some locksmiths have a main location, most locksmiths operate a mobile locksmith service, making it convenient for those mishaps on the road.   

Machine shop: 

A machine shop is the place to take your car or truck engine parts for repair. This category will suit those serious do it yourself guys and the mechanic shop owners. Usually, parts that would be taken to a machine shop include engine heads or an engine block. The machine shop has the proper tools and knowledge to clean and rebuild these very important engine parts. Before you leave a machine shop, make sure you know what you are getting for your money, especially since there are so many things that can be done to the same engine heads and engine block. If your goal is to build a hot rod, you need to do some research and know what you want done and what you would like to discuss with the machine shop owner ahead of time. This will make it easier for the machine shop to have your parts in a shorter amount of time, and to be able to quote a price and timeline for completion of the work.   

Mobile Car Repair: 

Mobile car repair providers can typically perform minor services or repairs on your vehicle, such as starters, alternators, oil changes, tune-ups, etc. It is a convenient service that some auto repair shops offer; typically, it is slightly more expensive than taking your vehicle to a regular auto repair shop, but in some cases, the cost can be the same. You want to be confident that the provider you choose is knowledgeable and experienced and has the proper tools to perform the work that you need done. Record all work you have done and make sure the provider gives you a written explanation of the work they will perform and the cost of that work. Get a detailed receipt and a written explanation of all warranties and limitations for parts and labor.  Make sure that the location where the mobile repair is performed is not in violation of any ordinances, local, city or otherwise.   

Muffler: 

Muffler repair requires a professional with extensive knowledge. It is not a do it yourself project for anyone who is inexperienced in car repair.  Muffler repair requires many different talents and ranges of experience, not to mention the use of specialized tools, such as welders, car lifts, and pipe benders. Mufflers are key components in your vehicle’s ability to pass a state inspection, so it is important that muffler repair is done properly. A muffler also plays an important role in the sound and performance of your vehicle. Old or improperly installed exhaust parts can drastically alter the sound and performance of a vehicle, as well. 

Keep in mind that when the catalytic converter is clogged, it can be misdiagnosed as a fuel pump or fuel infector problem. If your car is losing power or acting like it is running out of fuel, the catalytic converter is possibly the culprit. A professional with the proper knowledge of the exhaust system can easily identify issues with the catalytic converter. 

Oil and Lubrication Services: 

Regularly scheduled oil changes and lubrication of moving parts are the first step in the proper maintenance of your vehicle. Many providers offer services limited to oil and lube services, offering a convenient, timely manner in which to have services performed. Almost all general auto repair shops offer these services, as well. Your vehicle’s manufacturer provides a recommended schedule with guidelines to determine how often to perform these services, to ensure optimum performance and maintenance, as different models and circumstances require different intervals of maintenance. Keep an accurate record of all maintenance performed on your vehicle, whether it is done professionally or you do it yourself.   

Parts & Supplies (New): 

Many different providers, from your local auto parts stores and dealers, to online providers located all over the world, offer auto parts and supplies. When inquiring about a part for your vehicle, you will need to know the year, make, model and engine size prior to your call or online search. It will save you time and money and ensure that you get exactly what you need for your vehicle. If you are contacting a local dealer, have your VIN# available when you call so that they may look up the parts that are specific to your vehicle. When purchasing parts, no matter who the provider, make sure you understand the provider’s policy regarding exchanges or returns, especially when purchasing electronic parts. Take the part you are replacing with you so you are able to compare the new part to the old part, and make sure you have the correct part you need, which will save you time and money. Many parts have a core charge, which means you must turn in the old part or pay an additional charge.    

Parts & Supplies (Used): 

Used auto parts and supplies can save you a tremendous amount of money, but be careful because used auto parts and supplies can just as easily throw your money right out the window. The easiest and fastest place to find used auto parts is a salvage yard, where you can also receive a warranty for parts and labor. The warranty may cost extra, but when purchasing a replacement engine or transmission, the extra cost is money well spent. A swap meet is another great place to find used or rare auto parts, especially when searching for parts for an older vehicle.   

Restoration: 

A professional car restoration provider can work miracles for you if you have a classic car that you want to restore.  Never take a provider at their word regarding the work they have done and what they can do for you.  Ask to see other cars they have restored. Looking at other vehicles the provider has restored can provide you with a great deal of knowledge about that provider. Get everything in writing, prior to turning over your pride and joy to anyone, getting a detail of all services to be performed, the cost of the services, and how long the services will take to complete. Restoration of a classic car can get expensive and time consuming, so you must be prepared for the time and money involved in car restoration before you get too far along in the process.  

Security/Alarms: 

Next to the purchase of a home, the automobile is the most expensive purchase most people will make, so protecting your vehicle is of great importance. When having a security system installed on your vehicle, it is important that the person performing the installation is knowledgeable, has the skills necessary to perform the installation and possesses the proper tools for the installation. Improper security system installation can cause problems with your vehicle’s electrical system because the security system connects directly to your vehicle’s electrical system. Security systems and alarms come in a variety of devices and a wide price range, depending on the bells and whistles you require to protect your investment. It is best to shop around for a security system or alarm that will fit your budget and vehicle needs. Make sure the warranty that is provided by the manufacturer, as well as the security system or alarm device provider, is a warranty you understand, and make sure the system you choose will not void your manufacturer’s warranty on your vehicle.   

Signs/Car Wraps: 

Looking for a great way to advertise your business or upgrade the appearance of your car without having to use something as permanent as paint? Signs and car wraps are a great way to achieve this goal. Whether you are installing the car wrap or sign yourself, or having it installed professionally, make sure you are clear about what you want, how it will look, and how it will effect the value of your vehicle. Request a proof of the design prior to authorizing the installation of the car wrap or sign. Educate yourself about what is involved in the removal of the sign or car wrap in case you decide you no longer want it or want to change it in the future.  

Stereo Systems: 

Can you imagine having a vehicle with no stereo system? Unbearable thought? Our site can help you find authorized dealers and installers of optimum car stereo systems in just a few, short clicks of your mouse. When purchasing a car stereo system, make sure that the system you choose will fit in your vehicle, as stereo systems come in a variety of sizes, styles, and accessories. Do your research because buying a poor quality stereo system can cause a wide variety of problems, both short term and long term. When having a car stereo system installed, make sure the person performing the installation has the proper knowledge of the stereo system and your vehicle and the proper tools for correct installation. The car stereo system connects directly into your vehicle’s electrical system, so improper installation can lead to shorting of wires, electrical malfunctions, and other various issues with your vehicle. A car stereo installation kit can typically be purchased for almost any make or model of vehicle. It is most important that the system you purchase does not require alteration of anything on your vehicle’s dash, as it will be a permanent change in your vehicle’s interior you will be stuck with if you decide to change the stereo system in the future.  

Storage: 

Vehicle storage can be done using an indoor or outdoor storage facility. When indoor storage is required, check with local storage facilities to see if a regular, enclosed storage building facility would allow you to store the vehicle. Although you have to take into consideration the fact that outdoor storage exposes your vehicle to the elements and weather, outdoor storage is an option. Find out the proximity of other items that are stored in the facility, whether the facility is gated or monitored by security, and at what times you may access your vehicle or other stored items. If you choose an outdoor facility, it is recommended that you invest in a durable tarp or cover to prevent paint fade and rust due to weather and the elements, and to prevent dry wrought of the tires due to exposure to the heat and sun. Storage indoors or outdoors still requires some winterization of your vehicle during the winter months; make sure it has plenty of anti-freeze in the radiator and that the anti-freeze has circulated through the entire engine prior to storage.   

Tires: 

Cars are designed with tires specific to the car’s make and model. Although it is always recommended to use the brand and size of tires that were originally installed on your car by the manufacturer, tires are the most commonly changed accessories on a vehicle. Tires come in a broad range of brands, prices and sizes. If you choose to change the size of the tires installed on your vehicle, pay close attention to make sure that the size of tire you choose is not going to rub against the car’s wheel wells. Your car’s fuel mileage and driving performance will be altered if you choose to change the size of your tires, so keep that in mind before making that decision. Though it is best to change all four tires at the same time, if that is not financially possible, purchase at least two at the same time. If a set of new tires does not fit your budget, look at purchasing used tires, which will save you a considerable amount of money in the short term. Remember, though, that used tires will not last as long as new tires, and could possibly cost more in the long term.   

Towing and Recovery: 

Our site can help you figure out the different quirks of towing and recovery. Just as there are many different ways of towing different types of vehicles, there are also many different types of tow trucks. If your car has rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, a conventional wheel lift tow truck should be sufficient to get the job done. If your car has all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive, however, a flatbed truck would be a better choice. A flatbed truck is also the truck of choice if your car sits low or has ground effects. It is important to give an accurate description of your vehicle when calling to request towing services. The towing service will need to know the make or model, accessories, if applicable, that have altered the height of your vehicle from the ground, and if your vehicle is equipped with all-wheel, 4-wheel, front-wheel or rear-wheel drive. When contacting a wrecker service for a recovery, it is important to give an accurate description of the recovery type so that the proper wrecker is dispatched.   

Tow Truck Sales & Service: 

Our service can help you find the tow truck and wrecker sales companies closest to you, though they are few and far between, and you may have to travel great distances to purchase a wrecker or tow truck. To guarantee a good deal, it is wise to locate, within 200-300 miles of your location, companies that offer tow truck or wrecker sales. It is also a good idea to research and find service locations within 100 miles of your location, just in case you are in need of service for your tow truck or wrecker. Tow truck and wrecker equipment options and abilities vary, so before purchasing a tow truck or wrecker, make sure that you understand what you are looking for, and make sure that the tow truck or wrecker you choose can perform the necessary tasks and has the equipment and accessories necessary to do the job the tow truck or wrecker is expected to do.  

Wreckers and tow trucks are equipped with many interchangeable parts, so knowledge of your tow truck or wrecker is important when attempting to purchase the parts so you will know that what you purchase will fit your tow truck or wrecker. Tow truck and wrecker parts, once installed, are not usually something that you can return, whether the fit is right or not. Make sure the service company you select to perform work on your tow truck or wrecker employs staff that is knowledgeable with your particular tow truck or wrecker, and that the parts you may need are easily and readily available. Request a written detail of the work expected to be performed on your tow truck or wrecker, and how long the service provider plans to have your tow truck or wrecker for said repairs. It is just as important to understand the provider’s warranties and policies regarding work performed as well as parts used to repair the wrecker or tow truck. Make sure the down time allotted for repairs to your tow truck or wrecker is reasonable, especially if the wrecker or tow truck is your livelihood.

Transmission Repair: 

Many transmission repair shops only specialize in transmission repair because transmission repair requires a certain level of knowledge and experience. Without proper maintenance of your transmission, the key component to your vehicle’s operation, performance can be impaired, possibly leading to costly repairs to your vehicle’s transmission. 

Automobiles have two options for transmissions, standard or manual transmission, and automatic transmission.  Following the proper maintenance schedule for your transmission is just as important as following the maintenance schedule for your engine, brakes, tires, etc. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will provide guidelines from the manufacturer that provide schedules for transmission maintenance, dependent on different circumstances, such as rural driving vs. urban driving, highway driving vs. stop and go driving, and mileage typical for your particular automobile. Maintenance records should always be kept accurate, including specific items that were maintained and the date maintenance took place.   

Automatic transmissions require the engine to be warmed up and running when performing a transmission fluid check. The fluid should be checked regularly, between regularly scheduled maintenance of the transmission.  Although an automatic transmission is fairly easy to check because it is simply a dipstick similar to that used to check the oil, a standard transmission is not as easy to check. Typically, to check a standard transmission, you must get under the vehicle and use a wrench to remove a plug, which allows you to check the standard transmission grease. Due to the difficulty of this task, it is wise to request a standard transmission check when you take your vehicle to a mechanic for your regularly scheduled oil and lube service performed on your vehicle.   

Transporters: 

Auto transporters offer the service of transporting automobiles from one location to another. Depending on the size of the trailer the auto transporter uses, the auto transporter is capable of transporting one car or multiple cars at one time. It is recommended, before authorizing the transport of your vehicle, that you ask important questions regarding the auto transporter’s plans for your vehicle. Such questions to ask are whether the auto transport provider will be using a trailer that is open or enclosed, the limit of coverage for your vehicle while in the auto transport provider’s possession, the cost of the transport, the expected time frame that your vehicle will be in transport, the route that will be used to transport your vehicle, and most importantly, a written detail of everything we have mentioned above.   

Upholstery: 

Is your automobile’s upholstery in need of an extreme makeover? You can use the services of an upholstery specialist to get that makeover done right. An upholstery specialist is skilled and knowledgeable, and can customize your vehicle’s interior to suit you and your taste, as well as changing your automobile’s interior from a worn out, tattered and torn product of yesteryear, to a modern-day expression of your personal style. An upholstery specialist is capable of changing many interior appearances, such as headliners, door panels, seats and carpeting. An upholstery specialist can work with upholstery purchased from another car or brand new upholstery, straight from a manufacturer. Research the cost of upholstery, new or used, and shop around to get a general idea of what this makeover may cost, including materials and labor. The research process will not only help you make a decision about what will work for your budget, but will help you get ideas to suit your personal preference.  Once you have chosen an upholstery specialist, get a written detail of what you should expect from your chosen upholstery specialist and what the upholstery specialist should expect from you.   

Welding: 

When installing aftermarket parts, such as truck beds, bumpers, lift kits, etc, you may require an experienced welder. A certified welder makes a significant difference in the quality of your vehicle’s welded parts, as well as the safety of the installation. Welding requires specialized tools and knowledge, so get references on the certified welder you choose and make sure they are able to provide you a detailed explanation of work they expect to perform as well as anything that may be covered under warranty, whether it is parts or labor.  

Welding anything onto the frame of a vehicle, especially aftermarket, will, in most cases, void your factory warranty. It is recommended that prior to having anything welded, you check the owner’s manual or call the vehicle’s manufacturer to explain what you are doing and verify that it will not void the warranty, so that you can make an educated decision about whether or not to have something welded to the vehicle.