Darrell Waltrip Automotive Supports 32nd Franklin Classic
On Labor Day, September 6, 2010, Mercy Childrens Clinic in Franklin, TN held the 32nd annual Franklin Classic, with proceeds from the fundraiser benefiting their clinical services. Mercy Clinic is a “comprehensive pediatric healthcare facility that serves thousands of children from 32 counties”, according to Event Director Jessica Perry. The clinic has been operating in the Franklin Community since 1999 and, as a non-profit organization, relies on fundraising events, such as the Franklin Classic, to keep its facilities open.
Events at the Franklin Classic included a 5k run, a 10k run, a 4k family walk, and a 1k childrens run. The 5k race winner was Donald Bowman, with a total time of 17:28. Jacob Carrigan placed second with a time of 17:45, and David Scott came in a close third at 17:55. In the 10k race, Scott Wietecha finished first with a time of 32:12. Additionally, there were activities for children in the KidZone, and Scat Springs performed live at the Classic.
The Franklin Classic is Mercy Clinics “largest fundraising effort With an annual budget of nearly $3 million, 50% of which is raised through sponsors and donations, we’re hoping to raise $100,000 through this years event”, according to the Franklin Classic event guide. Official figures will not be out for a few weeks. The number of race runners and walkers totaled over 3,000 and Perry estimates there were additional 3,000-5,000 spectators at the event Monday morning.
Darrell Waltrip Automotive helped the clinic by donating $20 per test drive during the two registration days of September 3rd and 4th. The test drives took race participants and volunteers around a short route, and were met with much enthusiasm.
Darrell Waltrip Automotive donated over $2,000 to Mercy Clinic from the two days of test drives. In total, Darrell Waltrip Automotive donated $12,000 to benefit Mercy Clinic through sponsorships and other miscellaneous donations, including a $500 cash prize to the school that put together the largest team for the Franklin Classic. See Franklin Classic for more information and photos on the fundraising event.
The Benefits Of Using Rebuilt Engines
Many vehicle owners may be unaware it is not always necessary to buy a brand new engine when the old one in their car fails to work. As in clothes and furniture, there are also second hand engines that although may not have the newest parts can still perform its needed functions. These are the so-called rebuilt or remanufactured engines.
Rebuilt engines are those that have been dismantled, checked, cleaned and their parts repaired or replaced for upgrading purposes. Using this type of engine known as repowering is less expensive compared to purchasing a new engine or vehicle and it can even lengthen your cars life if you choose the right one for your vehicle. Some parts may still be the original or they can be slightly used or they can also be brand new. Whats important to remember is to always ask for a warranty from manufacturers. Others may provide a certified staff and checks on used engines or a combination of both.
Involved in the process of rebuilding engines are the reforming of the piston-cylinder system, smoothing and lubricating of all bearings, regrounding of crankshaft or camshaft and connecting of rods that have been gauged. Replacement of other parts including the timing belt and gaskets may also be needed.
A big advantage of using rebuilt engines is its low cost despite the intensive labor that went into manufacturing it. There are many online vendors these days that offer cheap rebuilt and used engines or motors of various brands allowing vehicle owners to gain sufficient savings. Among the popular brands that are in demand are the Ford engines as well as those from Japanese-made vehicles such as Toyota and Honda.
Another benefit of rebuilding engines is the fact that they are now able to meet the latest original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specifications. With improvements in OEM specifications different from the original, your engine has a good chance of running smoother and more efficiently than before.
In line with this trend of using rebuilt engines, the Automotive Repair Council (ARC) is taking steps to inform consumers about the advantages of installing a rebuilt engine and availing of machine shop services instead of buying a new or used vehicle or using a used engine. The council advocates that using a remanufactured engine is as good or even better than the original one. It is now distributing copies of its 16-page consumer booklet to its members in various states while providing relevant information on its website.
If youre one person considering using rebuilding engines or rebuilding your existing engine, Low Mileage Engines can help you. This company sells only certified remanufactured used car and truck engines both domestic and foreign models to include Chevrolet, Cadillac, Audi, Hyundai, BMW, Jeep, Toyota, Nissan and Lincoln. Low Mileage Engines supplies engines with verified mileage via the Carfax mileage verification.
[Top]Maha Usa Manufacturer Of Innovative Automotive Lifts
Vehicle repair shops can be a lucrative business opportunity, especially in today’s difficult economic times, when new cars seem to be endlessly going up in price and older models need to be fine-tuned as often as possible in order to keep them in optimal condition. To undertake those auto repairs, mechanics need vehicle-lifting equipment to be able to assess the vehicle and decide what sort of repairs will be necessary.
When mechanics search for lifting equipment they can trust, they choose MAHA USA because they know that this leading manufacturer of automotive lifts has an impeccable record when it comes to safety testing. As an innovator within the mechanical engineering industry, MAHA USA has helped to create automotive vehicle lifts that exceed both client and industry expectations.
Based on an extensive background of forty years in the mechanical engineering industry, MAHA USA has developed a reputation for quality. Their subsidiaries and dealers across 130 countries worldwide provide customers with their expert brand of vehicle testing and maintenance equipment and play a key role as a contract partner in the development, planning and execution of country-specific test concepts.
Having the right size lifting equipment is imperative to having a well run vehicle repair shop. At MAHA USA, you will find an impressive collection of automatic lifts that suit your company’s individual needs. For example, you may wish to select from their exemplary collection of two post automotive lifts, which includes the HL Freedom 10,000. This outstanding piece of equipment offers the user 10,000lbs of lifting capacity and features an automatically engaging single lock release system on each column, for the pinnacle in safety and strength.
This exceptional manufacturing company also offers automotive lifts for heavy-duty vehicles such as large trucks. Among their extensive collection of innovative lifting equipment, they offer mobile column lifts that can lift vehicles weighing up to 144,000 pounds. These mobile column lifts are the perfect tool for any automotive or heavy-duty repair shop. In addition, due to MAHA USA’s dedication to safety, their mobile column lifts are not built simply to pass ALI certification standards, but to supersede those standards and guarantee unmitigated safety for repair shop usage. Clearly, MAHA USA is the best choice for automotive and heavy duty lifts that surpass every expectation.
Because of their unrelenting dedication to customer service, MAHA USA will work directly with you to discuss what sort of equipment will suit your facility. They can offer you suggestions in terms of size and structure, as well as discuss with you the technical details of the equipment so that you are given a complete picture when choosing from the company’s vast collection of superior automotive lifts and vehicle repair equipment.
MAHA USA equipment is ideal for a variety of automotive businesses. From auto repair to service centers and dealerships, MAHA USA has the right equipment for your facility. So why wait? Go to MAHA USA today and find out how they can help your business to speed past the competition.
About MAHA USA:
With subsidiaries and dealers in over 130 countries, MAHA USA is one of the world’s leading providers of systems for vehicle testing and maintenance. For more information, please go to Maha-usa.
[Top]How to Avoid Automotive Repair Fraud
Too many automotive centers are taking advantage of the consumer’s lack of knowledge about their vehicles when it comes time for repairs. While there are many trustworthy shops that do honorable and reliable work, there are always places that are quick to take the consumer’s money while not making the necessary repairs.
The government, the press, Better Business Bureaus and other consumer rights advocates are working hard to intervene, and while some shops are getting caught and being indicted with fraud, too many are still under the radar and getting away with it.
Here are some tips on how to become better educated about your vehicle so that when repair work is needed, you will have a better understanding of what is actually being done.
Talk to Everyone
The most important thing of course is to find a reputable place thats been in business for several years. The best way to find this kind of information is to ask your family and friends where they have their vehicles maintained. Ask your coworkers and anyone whose opinion you value. Why do they like the shop they frequent, what their fees are, and how long they have been using that particular place? This is where doing a little research will save you a ton of headaches and a lot of money.
When its time to take your vehicle to the shop, be very specific in what you are there for. For example, if you are replacing tires, let them know you are there just for tire work. If the service adviser tells you that you need additional work done, question why it’s needed. If you feel the mechanic is trying to up sell you unnecessary repair work, this should raise a red flag. You have every right to request a quote for their suggested repairs and get a second opinion.
Don’t be Shy
There are times when a service adviser may tell you that you need new brakes or that you have a leak, both of which can be relatively easily spotted when the vehicle is in the air and the wheels are off the vehicle. This is generally the time these types of potential problems are found. Ask the adviser for measurements of components that are worn, such as the brakes, and ask if you can take a look for yourself. If you feel they are not being forthcoming with the information you need in order to make a decision, or they will not allow you to view the problem, do not approve the repair. Most reputable shops have no problem with these kinds of requests.
If you need major repairs, such as engine replacement or transmission repairs, always get a second opinion from another reputable shop. If you have built up a good relationship with your existing shop, this may not be necessary. But if this is the first time you have brought your vehicle to a new shop it’s important to get that second opinion.
If it’s not practical to move your vehicle, take the time to get “ballpark” estimates by telephone. Reputable shops understand the need for their customers to get additional quotes. Its in their best interest to accommodate you in any way they can in order to get and keep your business.
Be Prepared
Be a knowledgeable consumer. Read your owners manual and be prepared for the regular wear and replacement work that will arise every few thousand miles. Keep your vehicle on its proper maintenance schedule and when larger problems arise, you are not hit unawares with a huge expense.
It costs money to own a vehicle and keep it in good repair, and it can cost more than you bargained for if you are not careful. Don’t be afraid to ask for input from others and gather as much information along the way as you can. Being prepared, you stand a much better chance of avoiding automotive repair fraud.
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