Auto Resource Blog

Archive for May, 2010

Auto Repair Networks Do the Legwork for Consumers

Straight Talk About Auto Body Repair Networks

When your car is damaged in an accident, you want it repaired quickly and conveniently at the least possible cost to you.

Insurers have established auto body repair networks, sometimes call “direct repair networks,” to do just that. These networks represent long-term business relationships that insurers have established with dependable, quality-oriented repair shops.

Rather than blindly selecting a repair shop, consumers can select a shop from the network that has a proven record of good customer service and is close to home.

Why Consumers Care About Quality Auto Repairs

Auto body repair networks offer consumers many benefits, according to The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI). The group represents insurers who write more than half of the U.S. auto insurance market.

Faster turnaround means lower costs. By reducing the time automobiles are in repair shops, associated costs, such as rental car expenses and job completion time, are also reduced.

Networks promote faster supplemental cash. Using pre-selected repair shops may allow for faster supplemental payments for damage found after repairs are started without reauthorization or additional inspections by the insurance company.

Networks reduce opportunities for fraud. Controlling fraud helps insurers keep costs low for policyholders.

Networks guarantee quality work. Network repair shops, together with insurers, guarantee the repairs for as long as you own or lease the car.

Consumers have free choice. Insurers fully explain to customers that they are free to choose any auto body shop they wish. They are not bound to going to a network shop.

How Auto Body Repair Networks Became an Industry Issue

Opponents to insurer auto body networks, largely independent repair shops, have mounted a public relations and lobbying campaign against them. In many states, these opponents have pushed for legislation restricting or banning insurer use of these networks.

Shaping the Issue: Keeping Repair Networks in the Loop

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) believes consumers should have a choice in auto body repair. But PCI supports insurer auto body repair networks because they foster competition in the auto repair industry, which helps control costs.

The association also believes insurers should be able to encourage use of network repair facilities through the use of independent and appropriately determined premium discounts or guarantees of workmanship.

PCI opposes laws that would restrict insurers’ ability to make recommendations or suggestions to consumers on individual repair facilities or that would impede insurers’ ability to manage the claim repair process on behalf of customers.

Buchanan Insurance can help with questions about Auto Repair Networks.

For more information, contact us at http://www.buchananinsurance.net/contact.aspx

Copyright 2009 Buchanan Insurance Services, Inc.

May be reproduced and redistributed provided it is maintained in its entirety including all hyperlinks.

In these times when we’re all being defined by numbers and crunched into conformity, we still want something that expresses our own style. Something that says, “This is me.”

For some time, an underworld of car customization has existed. But today, it’s not just low-riders and hotdoggers who want to make a personal statement. With the popularity of shows such as “American Chopper” and “Pimp My Ride,” orders for custom cars and bikes have skyrocketed.

Now, ATV and utility vehicle owners are just as eager to spruce up their rides. They are beginning to appreciate their sturdy off-road vehicles – more often associated with hunting and farming – and are dreaming up ways to make them unique. Each becomes a signature piece, reflecting the taste and style of the owner.

The trend, spearheaded by celebrities and sports stars, now is becoming more mainstream, according to Polaris, a leading manufacturer of ATVs and utility vehicles. The Southwest, especially California and Arizona, seems to be the hub of this new fad.

Here are some of the hottest ways to customize your ride:

* Flames: Since the 1950s, painted flames scorching the front and sides of hot rods have meant speed. Today, this classic design still leads the pack.

* Chrome: The luxurious Packards and Cords of the 1930s

were loaded with shine and sparkle. Grills, doors – everything that could gleam, did gleam. Even now, chrome says high style.

* Color-keyed rims: They would have loved this in the 1960s. Bright primaries, strong earth tones, simple neutrals -choose a color and your ride is instantly one of a kind.

* Sound systems: Install one in the bed or roof. Whether your music of choice is golden oldies or heavy metal, everything will sound better. And on those camping trips when you’re deprived of your usual comforts, you can still enjoy quality sound.

Choosing the right tires is one of the most important decisions we have to make in regards to our personal transportation. It is of utmost importance during the winter, when in many areas the presence of ice and snow on roadways creates a deadly hazard. It is not a difficult process if you have the necessary information.

The very first thing you should do is check your vehicle owner’s manual to find the manufacturer specifications for the types and sizes of tires recommended by them.
Next, mount the appropriate mud and snow tires on your vehicle to help guard against the slickness of winter roads, these tires can be used anywhere as long as they do not have metal studs on them.
If you live in an area where ice is common in the winter, be sure to use the metal-stud tires that are available and keep your other tires(if they are in good condition) for the end of winter season as these metal stud tires are only allowed during the winter season and are banned in 10 states.

Another key to remember is to make sure that all of the snow tires you equip your vehicle with are of the same size, type and tread. This is particularly important if your vehicle is front wheel drive where using mismatched rear wheels may result in a loss of traction when braking on the icy roads of winter.

When choosing tires be aware that equipping your vehicle with oversized tires that are larger than those recommended by the manufacturer make result in difficulty steering and can rub the fender wells or suspension underneath.

As a rule, snow tires are manufactured with large empty areas in their tread so that they will have more traction on snow than normal tires where regular all season type tires are more concerned with marrying a quiet ride with a modicum of traction.

Another time tested method that can be used when conditions warrant is the use of tire chains. Installing tire chains can increase traction as much as 200%. Again, make sure that these chains are of the right size and type for your particular tire as the wrong chains can cause the tires to fail.

Following the preceding tips will help you to safeguard you and your family in the upcoming winter season.

Finding and installing car parts can be different thing to different people. For some, it is an enjoyable hobby, with the garage being like no place else on earth. For others, however, hunting down those wretched parts and trying to get them into the car is a job borne out of necessity rather than a labor of love. But whatever the impetus behind your car repairs, one thing remains true for all car part enthusiasts, and that is that safety must come first.

A car can be a dangerous weapon in the wrong hands, and this is as true of a stationary vehicle as it is of a moving one. Installing car parts can be treacherous work, and you must never begin until you have taken care of all your safety requirements. We all know that driving under the influence can be life threatening, but any exposure to a powerful vehicle can be potentially dangerous if you do not have your wits about you. Never attempt to install car parts when your judgment is in any way impaired, and once you start to get tired, stop immediately. Your car parts can just as well be installed in the morning.

Remember to dress for the job when installing car parts – avoid wearing any loose clothing that might get caught on any moving parts, and be sure to wear sturdy shoes. Do not – under any circumstances – smoke while you are adding parts to your car, the gasoline and oil under the hood are highly flammable. Exhaust fumes also contain a potentially lethal substance, carbon monoxide, so always make sure that you are working in a well-ventilated area.

There are many other dangers lurking under the hood of your car, so always be vigilant when installing new car parts. Battery acid, for example, is highly corrosive, while the battery itself can emit shocks. Prevent injuries when working with your car battery by disconnecting it while you work and always wearing special protective gloves. There are also many potential fire hazards involved in car part replacement, so be sensible and have an extinguisher within arm’s reach.

Installing your new car parts can be an enjoyable and challenging task, so ensure that you enjoy it to the full by taking care of your safety before you start. Exercise caution at all times – using good sense when installing car parts will allow you to enjoy the fruits of your labor in safety.

Placing a new air deflector on your car is a wise decision. Bugs, road debris, and rocks can all macerate your hood or even break your windshield. Within moments your trip upstate has come to a screeching halt because of what was tossed up in the air by the vehicle in front of you while you were cruising down the highway. An air deflector might have sent that stone harmlessly to the side or up and over the roof of your car. Instead, your windshield took a direct hit. Let’s take a look at all of the advantages of an air deflector and how installing one is a cost effective solution.

# An air deflector doesn’t have to cost you a bunch of money and when you consider what you save in replacement glass, it pays for itself right away.

# Air deflectors also help manage bug splatter the same way. You understand how it is to drive around at dusk in some areas of the back country: you get hit by swarm after swarm of the largest insects. Your wipers work overtime and, yet, still the bugs still come. An air deflector pushes bugs to the side, away from your windshield so you can see clearly.

# An air deflector is easy to install; no special tools are needed.

# Air deflectors are stylish too.

When purchasing an air deflector for your vehicle, you can order one that will fit your particular make and model. There is no one sized fits all air deflector; they are custom sized to give you the right fit every time.

Top manufacturers include Lund, Ventshade, and GT Styling. Deflectors are made of polycarbonate construction to ensure that they last long and can withstand all weather and road conditions.

Keep them Euphoric: 5 more ways to turbocharge employees.

These are five additional ways that you can successfully create an encouraging work environment while increasing employee.

1.Distinguish your employees. It is essential that you empathize with your employees. Know about their family; know about what they do after hours, what interests them. This is not meant to be prying into an employee’s personal life, but knowing an employee can help you to resolve what motivates that employee. Different people are motivated by dissimilar things. What does the employee want? What do they want from this job, from their life, and for their future? Reaching goals can be difficult. Helping someone to reach a goal at work is impossible if you do not know what that goal is.

2.Discover more. It is your responsibility to create enthusiasm in the workplace. Therefore it is up to you to continue to study innovative ways to spur employees to action. You might opt to take classes that offered as short courses at HR firms or online universities. This will give you a fabulous opportunity to continue to learn new ways to stimulate your employees

3.Splurge special time with your employees. Take a few minutes out of your day to just talk with your employees. Give them an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns or simply ask how their week went. This will demonstrate how much you care about his or her happiness within the company. You can also schedule performance reviews either once a month, once a year or however often is comfortable for you. This will allow you time to sit down and spend a little more time with the employee and give you a chance to discuss the highs and lows of the period in which the review is accomplished. Positive conversations, even on a casual level are a great way to increase employee motivation. Schedule one-on-ones and leave titles at the door.

4.Understand the employees’ feelings about their career. Most employees start out in a job on the bottom with hopes of advancement. One way to increase employee drive is to discuss the likelihood of advancement or lateral movement within the company structure. It might be a different position, or a promotion, in a sister company. Your employees should know that you care about the things that they care about. Let them know that you are there to help them achieve their goals and they will give you 110%

5.Be transparent. You as a manager know what it feels like when a higher up seems to be keeping something from you. Even though there may not be a secret, the big boss still hasn’t informed you on what is going on. Your employees may feel this way consistently. It is very important to keep employees informed about issues that arise in the company even if it does not directly affect them. Employees want to know about the company and they want to be involved. It is a good idea to have regular “catch-up” meetings, just to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Prepare employees if a major event is going to happen, such as a leveraged buyout or inspection by the CEO. Another way to explode inspiration among employees is to hold consultations when the company is planning on changing existing policies. Invite feed back from the employees and ask if they have any ideas about how to resolve the issue.

You as manager holds the keys to create a work environment that beneficial for company and employee growth. Sun Tzu asserts that “You are only as strong as your weakest link”. Increasing motivation among employees will make each link a little stronger and forge a tougher backbone for the company.

During the late 1990s, Nissan rolled out a new version of its Maxima to the critical acclaim of automobile experts as well as to consumers who snapped up the snazzy car in record numbers. Nissan carried the momentum forward until when the 2004 model was released; it was perceived by many as a step backward and sales dropped accordingly. Now, Nissan is poised to release a new Maxima and the company has the Chrysler 300 and Toyota Avalon in its crosshairs!

Make no mistake about it: when consumers are disappointed with a particular model they will look elsewhere; not even brand loyalty can keep consumers in the fold. Nissan found this out painfully in 2003 as the first Maximas were released as 2004 models. Sales dropped as potential buyers complained about the cheap looking interior as well as the uninspiring exterior.

Nissans loss was Chrysler’s and Toyota’s gain as the full sized, rear wheel drive Chrysler 300 has performed very well and the all-new-for-2006 Toyota Avalon is evoking favorable comparisons with current Lexus models. Nissan, realizing that lost sales was lost income hurried the Maxima’s redesign and has pushed the new car up market. This means that the all new Maxima will probably more resemble a vehicle from Nissan’s luxury car division Infiniti than any Nissan has to date.

So, what are the major changes? They will include the following: a redesigned exterior that takes its styling cues from Infiniti; a much more luxurious and refined interior; and more optional equipment made standard.

Sure, you will pay more for the new Maxima, but in the end you are certain to drive away with a car that competes effectively with Chrysler and Toyota for sales in the all important large car segment. This is good news for Nissan and for you, the potential buyer.

Are you interested in participating in a fun sport? If so, there is a good chance that you may find what you are looking for in supercross motorcycle racing. Supercross motorcycle racing is an action packed sport that uses indoor, manmade tracks as a racing surface.

This surface is often filled with a number of jumps and other obstacles. Although your dream may be to become a professional supercross motorcycle racer, it may not always be able to come true. However, this does not mean that you cannot enjoy the sport; you can enjoy it on a recreational or an amateur level.

Although it would be best to find a local supercross or motocross track, that cant always happen. As popular as supercross motorcycle racing and motocross racing is, not every city and town has a track. If you are unable to find one of these tracks, you may still be able to participate in offroad biking or racing. You can easily do this by making your own race track. This is definitely possible, especially for those with a fairly decent amount of property.

If you have access to an indoor facility, one that is about the size of a football field, you may be able to create your own indoor supercross racing track. If not, you may have to settle for an outdoor motocrosslike track. Whichever track you decide to make, you will find that the construction is often just as exciting as the racing.

This is because you will get to control your racing surface. Essentially, this means that you can have as many jumps as you would like, as well as other fun obstacles. Although it is fun to develop your own supercross or motocross racing track, you will also find that it is a large amount of work.

The good news with making an outdoor track is that you will already have the something in your favor; different conditions. Depending on the type of property that you are building on, you may already have a number of small hills or rough terrain. If so, this would make building your track a little bit easier. Whether you are building an indoor track or an outdoor track, you will need to have dirt. Dirt is essential to the building of a motocross track. Luckily, you can find it at a number of locations.

In addition to getting dirt from your own property, you may also be able to get it from other homeowners or business owners, especially those that are doing some remodeling. The only problem with this is that you will have to find a way to get the dirt to your track.

Once you have found a way to get the dirt to your track, you will need to start building it. This process will involve a lot of creativity. If you do not already have obstacles in mind, you can easily familiarize yourself with some designs. You can do this by using the internet to your advantage.
By studying pictures or videos of supercross or motocross races, you should be able to get a feel for the track, as well as racing or riding on it. It is amazing some of the ideas you can come up with just by looking at pictures or by watching videos.

When making your own supercross or motocross track it is important to remember that you will rarely get things right the first time. It takes a lot of trial and error to build to the perfect offroad racing track. However, once you finish that track, you will likely be pleased with your decision to start the project, as well as proud of the results.