Windshield Replacement – The Difference Between Dot Certified (oem Glass) And Aftermarket Glass
Consumers looking for a high-quality windshield replacement should understand the major differences between the various types of auto glass available to them. Common options include original equipment manufacturer (OEM) distributor glass, dealer glass, and aftermarket glass. Which is the best for your windshield replacement?
If you purchase a replacement from a manufacturer-authorized dealer, you will get the same brand as your original windshield. But if you purchase your window from an auto glass shop, you will get it from a reliable OEM distributor who manufactures windows to the same exact specifications. These windows are the same shape, size, thickness, durability and color as original specifications. They are practically identical to the dealer versions and are also DOT-certified, meaning they are approved by the Department of Transportation.
Since this windshield was not manufactured by the original company, it is not exactly the same as what the dealer had on the car when it was manufactured, but it is comparable. The similarity is enough that if you were to return a leased automobile with an OEM replacement, the dealer would accept it.
Glass that you buy from a manufacturer-authorized car dealership is sourced from the exact same distributor that originally created your window. In this case, it will oftentimes have the car’s make stamped directly on it. If you absolutely must have the brand logo on your replacement window, you will have to go to a dealer to get it.
It is very common for automobile companies to change the supplier that they purchase their windshields from. It is a highly competitive business, so as contracts expire, the work may go out to bid. The bidding process is very competitive since these contracts are lucrative. This can result in a different company producing windshields from year to year for the same auto manufacturer.
Aftermarket glass is manufactured by businesses that don’t contract with any automobile manufacturers in particular. Because of copyright and licensing laws, these businesses are not allowed to produce windows for vehicles to the same specifications as OEM distributors. While aftermarket windshields are considerably less expensive than dealer or OEM products, having them installed can sometimes cause issues for the car owner, as some aftermarket products do not meet manufacturer and/or dealer requirements.
In addition, aftermarket glass is typically a different thickness than its counterparts. The vast majority of dealers will not allow you to bring back a leased automobile that has undergone aftermarket windshield replacement because the quality varies so much from the initial design; they don’t go through the same processes or meet the same requirements that OEM products do.
Of course, not all windshield damage requires a full replacement; any reputable automotive repair shop that handles glass repair or replacement can tell you if chips or cracks can be repaired. If a replacement is needed, consumers have a variety of windshield companies available to them, each offering services ranging from mobile installations to repair. In order to avoid leaks, outside noise or other potential problems that come with aftermarket products, be sure your window is being replaced only with OEM- or dealer-quality glass.
Automotive Mechanic Checklist-(your Checklist To The Right Automotive Mechanic)
Automotive Mechanic Checklist-(Your Checklist to the Right Automotive Mechanic)
Your car is a precious investment to you. You probably use it everyday. Just like when your sick you go to a professional doctor, the same to true for your car when it is sick or needs repair. You need to go a professional mechanic.
Finding the right mechanic for your car repairs is not as difficult as you may think. All you need to do is to know what a good mechanic is made of. Have your checklist handy and you will be all set to choosing the right mechanic for your car repair needs.
Relevant Training and Knowledge
Whenever you are trying to check out a good mechanic it is better that you do your homework first before going in and bringing your car for repair or service. You should research if the auto mechanic has acquired the correct training which is being offered in their shop. Training, educational, or specialization certificates or some proof of their achieved grades is of essence. This may seem like a high-standard but this will be surely helpful knowing that the mechanic you are about to entrust your car to is knowledgeable and competent on his field.
Experience and Time
Another good point to add in your checklist is the experience the mechanic has in this field. You may inquire how long have they been in the specific specialization they have, how long have they been doing car repairs as well as what other specific auto repairs have they already accomplished. Having the knowledge about this assures you that your car’s problem will easily be solved and that your car is in good hands. Also, for car repair shops you can inquire how long they have been in business as good businesses providing honest, high-quality service usually endure time and last longer than those other lesser car repair shops.
Services Offered
You may also want to, of course, check what services are being offered in a specific car repair shop. Every car has different needs and not all repair shops may have the specific auto mechanic you want for your car’s needs. Always check if the service you want done is being offered or not.
Cleanliness and Orderliness
Aside from those mentioned, you must also observe and take into consideration how organized, clean and orderly a mechanic or their shop is. This will tell you a lot about your mechanic’s work ethics and personality. It is ideal and advisable that a mechanic must be trustworthy and honest, as well as hardworking. In most cases your will only know this after your car service or repair, unless you have been recommended by a friend or relatives. For beginners, observation is your tool. Observe how clean and orderly a shop is from the lobby and the work area. This simple test will surely help you decide on how careful, orderly, and organize your mechanic is, as well as how their shop is being managed.
There are still other things you may want to add but for the basics, the above mentioned are a must in selecting the right auto mechanic for you.
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Automotive Service Technician Apprenticeship Is The First Step To Success
Some people who want to become automotive service technicians may be limited in obtaining an education because they cannot afford to take time off work from their current automotive position to advance their education. At Centennial College, students don’t have to choose. With the post-secondary’s automotive service technician training, there is an earn-while-you-learn approach. That makes it possible to learn while still making a living. How? First, during the three eight-week in-school sessions of the automotive service technician apprenticeship, students may qualify for income support through Employment Insurance Canada benefits or training allowance. Meanwhile, there are also five periods of 1,800 hours with an employer during which students are fully compensated for their work. In addition, if that time period doesn’t fit their schedule, students can complete the program by attending one day a week for three years or two evenings a week for three years.
To apply for this automotive service technician training, students have completed an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent and be employed as an apprentice. However, they cannot apply directly to the college or ontariocolleges.ca for admission. For general information about apprenticeship registration, students are asked to contact the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
Once they have gone through the application process and been accepted, students will discover a program that puts the emphasis on ensuring they obtain a good working knowledge of all of a vehicle’s systems: engines, electrical/electronics, fuels, transmissions and drivelines, steering, suspension and brakes. This occurs through the provinces largest transportation training centre, Ashtobee Campus. This facility houses workshop labs that simulate a real life environment and include tools of the trade and entire cars and car parts that have been donated to the school, on which students practice. Leading the students are professionals from the field who can offer one-on-one instruction as well as share their own experiences. More specifically, during their in-school sessions students learn car systems by attending the following automotive service technician training courses: Drive Train Systems, Electrical/Electronic & Emission Systems, Engine Systems, Work Practices and Procedures, and Suspension/Steering and Brake Systems.
After learning about a certain aspect of being an automotive service technician, students spend time with an employer showcasing their skills, encountering customers and practicing in a real-life setting. Upon graduation from Centennial College, students have the potential to be hired by their apprenticeship employers, full-time. In fact, more than other industry, the automotive service technician field looks for apprentices and workers who enter the sector having already experienced hands-on situations. Positions for those with automotive service technician training can be found in: vehicle and parts manufacturers, dealers, garages and service stations, retailers, governments, corporations with their own fleets as well as in self-employment.
[Top]Automotive Industry The US Hybrid Vehicles Market Research Report
The rising gas prices, continuing federal and government support, decreasing dependency on imported crude, recharging infrastructure, upcoming cost-effective hybrid batteries and the change in consumer perspectives to drive the US hybrid vehicles market in the future
Hybrid vehicles market has been one of the fastest growing sectors in the US, due to the incorporation of the green technology concept. Additionally, higher fuel economy standards, increasing growth in per capita income, increasing battery life, durability, safety and hybrids economies of scale is also expected to further strengthen the hybrid vehicles market in the country. The US hybrid vehicles market has experienced CAGR of 7.6% over the period 2007-2013.
The full/mild hybrids have driven the hybrid vehicles market significantly in the US. However, plug-in hybrids represent an emerging hybrid market in the US with a strong rate. California, New York, Florida, Texas and New Jersey were few leading states in the US hybrid vehicles market. The issues related to the battery development process, potential challenges and pricing of the hybrid vehicles has been discussed.
The leading automobile companies dominating the US hybrid vehicles market include Toyota, Ford, General Motors, Hyundai and Honda. The major hybrid vehicle models which were sold by these companies include four models of the Toyota Prius Family, Lexus ES, Ford Fusion, GM Chevrolet Volt, Hyundai Sonata and Honda Civic.
Hybrid vehicles market is in the process of mass adoption and is gradually moving towards being a major market in the US automobile based economy. As a result of the government regulations, environmental regulations, rising gas prices, increase in per capita income and recharging infrastructure over the past few years, with the implementation of stringent environmental norms, there has been a remarkable increase in the hybrid vehicles market in the country. This has resulted in increased awareness among the consumers towards eco-friendly hybrid vehicles.
The report titled -The US Hybrid Vehicles Market Outlook to 2018 – Government Strategy and Cost-effective Hybrids to Escalate Demand- provides detailed overview on hybrid vehicles market in the US and helps reader to identify the ongoing trends and developments in the hybrid vehicles industry and anticipated growth in future depending upon changing industry dynamics in coming years. The report will aid industry consultants, hybrid vehicle manufacturing companies, marketing companies and other stakeholders and consumers to align their market centric strategies according to ongoing and expected trends in future.
[Top]Headed For Transmission Repair Read The Signs!
Transmissions are complex machines buried deep in the chassis of our vehicles. Regular transmission service will help post-pone or eliminate some problems, but when a transmission begins to malfunction, there are specific signs that the average vehicle owner can recognize.
Know the three common signs of transmission problems:
*Fluid leaks under the car — If there is a persistent red leak under your vehicle, is it coming from the transmission or from the power steering system? It is difficult to determine, as most power steering systems also use transmission fluid. Thus, leaks can appear on the ground in roughly the same areas as transmission leaks. If the leak is fairly small, you may be able to postpone a transmission repair as long as the fluid level is checked regularly. However, when the fluid level falls below the minimum required level, a transmission repair is inevitable.
*Color and odor of fluid Check the fluid level when the vehicle is running and on level ground. The fluid should be red and transparent. If it is cloudy or muddy looking, or if it smells burnt, take your vehicle to a transmission repair technician. They may recommend a transmission service to drain and refill the fluid, as well as replace the filter. Some transmissions may require a computer program updating.
*Noises, vibrations and irregular shifting — Modern transmissions typically shift smoothly and quietly under light acceleration. Heavier acceleration should produce firmer shifts at higher speeds. If shifting points are erratic, if there are strange noises when shifting, or whining noises that come from underneath the car, are causes for concern.
Note: Look and Listen to your transmission. If problems are taken care of early, they can often be resolved without a costly major transmission repair.
** Did You Know? — With gas prices down to less than $2.00 a gallon around the country, a growing number of motorists have been flocking back to showrooms for pickups, SUVs and muscle cars. Yet, despite that sudden surge, the days of the classic V-8 and V-6 may be coming to an end. A new study suggests that less than half of the vehicles that will be sold around the world by 2017 will be powered by conventional gasoline engines. Alternative fuels (such as diesel, ethanol, and hydrogen), hybrid-electrified vehicles and more advanced internal combustion systems will make up the majority of the global mix, according to a new report from Navigant Research. Hybrids, plug-ins and pure battery-electric vehicles still account for less than 5% of the U.S. market, but demand is expected to grow exponentially. That said, a summary of the new Navigant report notes that, “gasoline is anticipated to remain the leading fuel in the coming years, albeit in unconventional vehicles that employ a range of fuel-efficiency technologies, such as smaller engines and turbo-charging.” A growing number of vehicle manufacturers will opt for either alternative fuels or advanced technologies designed to squeeze far more mileage out of every drop of gas.**
For expert advice on transmission repair, contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive by calling (608) 221-8321 or go on-line at http://clausenautomotive.com for more information about our transmission service. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
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