Cost cutting is the first item on everyone’s agenda in these times of economic crisis and belt tightening. Fortunately, there are ways to cut costs on all general automotive repairs, both for minor repairs and major repairs. You only have to heed the advice of the mechanic we interviewed on how to save on car repair.

One of the first things you should do is to check your vehicle warranty. You need to make the most of all the benefits and discounts in your warranty. You could save a lot on auto repair, for both labor costs and car parts. Read through the fine print and do not allow anything to escape you. You will be throwing good money away if you insist on taking your vehicle to a different  mechanic or auto service shop instead of availing of the free service and free replacement parts indicated in your warranty. Remember that the warranty usually specifies that you bring your vehicle to its dealership, such as Cadillac, Chevrolet, GM, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Dodge, Jeep, Plymouth, Chrysler, Daewoo, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Volkswagen,Volvo, Acura, Honda, Lexus, Scion, Toyota, Nissan, Infiniti, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Mazda, or Suzuki. Your dealership is best equipped to make a correct diagnostic inspection to find what is wrong with your vehicle and perform all major or minor repairs required, even computer diagnostics and computer reprogramming.

On the other hand if your vehicle warranty is no longer valid, you do not have to go to your dealership where everything is more expensive. You should, instead, go to a reputable and experienced professional auto service shop that also employs reputable and experienced professional mechanics. You will be in excellent hands if they have certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). This means they can do what the dealerships do, but at lower prices.

With the ASE certification you can be sure that the mechanics are experts about engines and can do engine rebuild and engine replacement. They can fix your vehicle’s brakes and tractions control systems such as the antilock brake systems (ABS). They are experts on transmission service and maintenance procedures including transmission flush, repairing oil leaks and giving oil change service. They are specialists in radiators, cooling systems and auto air conditioner (A/C) repair.

ASE certified mechanics have the necessary know how in repairing electronic steering, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power convertible tops, power sunroofs and power locks, and can do electrical troubleshooting in all types of electrical shorts. They are also wizards with alternators, hoses and belts, including timing belts, and can ably handle body systems as well as suspensions such as front suspension, rear suspension and air suspension. They can fix air bag systems and can install and repair anti theft systems like remote starters. They also do key reprogramming.

Even as you save on costs, however, do not compromise on the automotive parts that will be used to replace your vehicle’s defective automotive parts. Make sure the auto service shop supplies you only with reputable brands of automotive parts like AC Delco, Bosch, Remy, Motorcraft, Mopar, Goodyear, Dayco, Echlin, Standard, Cardone, Autolite, NGK, Akebono, Nipedenso, and Denso.

You can save even more if you do all your automotive maintenance procedures and repairs by yourself, of course. To be able to do this, however, you should either be a professional mechanic or you should be willing to take formal classes in automotive technology, including all general automotive repairs, from minor repairs and major repairs. Without the proper education and training, do not even attempt to tamper with your vehicle or you might end up with much more expensive damage.

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Cars.com’s Joe Bruzek takes a look at some automotive technologies to keep your car safe during the winter. Shot and produced by: Eric Rossi Edited by: Lindsay Bjerregaard

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Business Local Listings -
About the Author:

ABC Autotech
Richard Borovicka
4411 30th St. West
Bradenton, FL 34207-1324
Phone: (941) 755-0112
Fax: (941) 755-8150
Email: aautotech@tampabay.rr.com
Website: www.abcautotech.com

If you are considering attending automotive school, you owe it to yourself to research the following mechanic schools. The automotive schools on this list are all highly respected in the industry, have a wide range of automotive degrees and training available, and will help you become a top marine, motorcycle or auto mechanic.

Universal Technical Institute

Universal Technical Institute provides ASE/NATEF Master Certified training for you to become an automotive, diesel or collision repair technician in a little more than a year. Plus, you can choose from insanely cool manufacturer specific electives to make yourself even more valuable in the industry.

Lincoln Technical Institute

Start your mechanic career at Lincoln Technical Institute by training to be an automotive, diesel, collision repair or high performance mechanic. With comprehensive instruction from knowledgeable ASE Certified instructors who have years of professional experience, you’ll get one-on-one, hands-on training, using techniques and industry-standard tools.

NASCAR Technical Institute

The NASCAR Technical Institute (NTI) is a training facility committed to high performance, not only on the track, but also in the classroom. Receive a wide range of automotive technology courses to train you for a rewarding career as an automotive technician with added NASCAR-specific courses and a Ford FACT elective.

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI)

The Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) motorcycle technology programs provide the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful motorcycle mechanic. Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) has two great locations: Phoenix, Arizona and Orlando, Florida.

Nashville Auto-Diesel College

For over 80 years, Nashville Auto-Diesel College (NADC) has been providing students like you with the hands-on training they need to succeed. Career focused programs are available in diesel, collision and refinishing repair, and high performance technologies.

Marine Mechanics Institute

The Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) provides real-world marine technician training programs to start your career in the marine industry. With support and/or endorsements from major marine manufacturers, you can train to be a marine technician and launch your career in as little as 60 weeks.

If you want to become a top mechanic, we highly recommend you take a look at all of the schools above. We invite you to watch videos and request free information from these schools to learn more about them at our mechanic school directory.

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SWCA staff rocks at the 2010 talent show Mr. Cross (Bass, Automotive Technologies) Mr. Fitzer (Guitar, Interactive Media Design) Mr. Henning (Vocals, Pre Engineering) Mr. MacConnell (Drums, Mathematics) Mr. Thompson (Guitar, Automotive Technologies)

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Mike Gracen -
About the Author:

Mike Gracen is the founder of CulinarySchoolFinder.com, a top culinary school information and video directory for prospective culinary students. If you want to be a chef, and are considering culinary school, make sure you stop by the site, watch the videos from the schools, and request free information from all of the top culinary schools.

Mike is also the founder of mechanic school directory LoudMarket.com