Posted by admin on February 27, 2009 under Windshield Repair Kits | 
When budgets get tight, many people are tempted to cut back on regular car maintenance. But that can lead to serious repair problems and even larger bills down the road. We’ve found that you can save a lot of money on maintenance simply by shopping around.
We called dozens of dealers and repair shops throughout the country to get quotes for regular maintenance service on three popular models. Here’s what we found:
- Think all dealers charge the same price? Think again. When we asked for the cost of a 60,000-mile checkup for a 2004 Ford Explorer, for example, prices varied by as much as $252, even among Ford dealers in the same general area.
- Dealers often wanted to charge for extra work that the automaker doesn’t require. We discovered that when we compared the service items included in quotes with the maintenance lists in the owner’s manuals.
- Check out independent shops, too. Quotes from independents that included all the items in the manual were sometimes $150 below the cheapest dealer.
Dialing for dollars
The maintenance schedule in your car’s owner’s manual is the automaker’s prescription for keeping the vehicle in good operating condition. Those regular checkups should be performed at the proper mileage intervals. But although the automaker sets the schedule, individual dealerships set their own prices.
We called 27 dealers in the Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York metro areas and asked, as a typical owner would, their price for a specific scheduled-maintenance interval and what service items they included. In each city, we chose dealers that were in relatively close proximity.
We asked for the 30,000-mile maintenance service for a 2005 Toyota Camry, the 60,000-mile service for a 2004 Ford Explorer, or the 120,000-mile service for a 2003 Honda Civic.
For the Camry’s 30,000-mile service, we were quoted $187 at one Chicago-are Toyota dealership but $388 and $400 at two others. In Los Angeles, quotes ranged from $273 to $389.
Similarly, for the Explorer’s 60,000-mile service, we were quoted prices of $400, $499, and $589 by different Ford dealerships in the New York City metro area. In Los Angeles, the same service drew quotes ranging from $338 to $590. For the Civic’s 120,000-mile service, we received quotes ranging from $392 to $560 in the Chicago area.
It’s a good idea to shop around. Also keep an eye out for maintenance specials. Several dealers were offering special prices for a limited time, which could carve more than $150 off the regular price.
Consumer Reports Magazine issue: April 2009
SAVE MONEY ON WINDSHIELD REPAIR – FIND OUT HOW TODAY!
Posted by admin on February 23, 2009 under Glass Repair Business Opportunities, Windshield Repair Kits |
Glass-Star America Do It Yourself (DIY) Auto Glass and Windshield Repair Kits are the best available. Glass-Star America Windshield Repair Kits are built with a unique “bridgeless” design that avoids unnecessary pressure on the glass surface – which causes many cracks to spread when you use the “other” DIY kits. The Glass-Star Do It Yourself system was designed for both ease of use and high-quality repairs.
If you’re looking for high-quality Do It Yourself auto glass repair kits look no further than Glass-Star America. We’ve been in the glass repair business a long time, and our Do It Yourself Windshield and Glass Repair Kits are widely known to be the best available.
If you’re curious about just how our Windshield Repair Kits are better than the competition click here to see why the Glass-Star America System is better.
Posted by admin on October 3, 2008 under Windshield Repair Kits |
If you’ve been a driver for any length of time, you’ve inevitably been in this situation: You’re driving down the highway, and a rock from the car or truck in front of you kicks up and hits your windshield, leaving a tiny crack. Chances are, you grumble in disgust as you think about when you’re going to find the time to have the windshield replaced. And if you don’t have glass coverage, you probably figure that crack will just have to stay until you can come up with the money to replace it. But what you may not realize in this scenario is that your windshield does not have to be replaced at all.
Car glass repair has become quite popular, and for good reason; it’s safe, affordable, and actually so simple that most drivers can fix cracks or chips in their windshields themselves with a car glass repair kit.
First let’s clarify something about chips and cracks on windshields. Most of the time, small cracks and chips under a foot long do not require complete replacement of the car glass. In fact, repairs are usually preferred, because the rigid tests on the bonds of windshields in brand new cars are not performed on replacement windshields. Using a car glass repair kit, therefore, allows you to retain the bond of the windshield’s factory seal.
Replacing an entire windshield can be expensive; most start at $300 and go up from there. But a do-it- yourself car glass repair kit is often less than a third of that price. There are quite a variety of kits available that are quite simple to use, with repairs taking up very little time.
Don’t let that chip or crack go on for too long-
It is advisable to repair any damage to your car glass as soon as possible-even the same day, if you can. Ignoring a crack or chip in your windshield is not advised, for several reasons:
- Ignoring a small crack could result in the crack growing until it is too large for repair, and you will have to pay for a complete replacement.
- Small cracks could compromise the integrity of the windshield, causing it to spread completely at the slightest bump.
- Chips and cracks can impede on the driver’s ability to see correctly.
- Dirt and grime can seep into your vehicle through a crack or chip.
Posted by admin on August 27, 2008 under Windshield Repair Kits |
The automobile industry’s focus on safety in the past two decades has completely changed the way consumers shop for vehicles. Now, features such as side airbag protection and anti-lock brakes are as important to a consumer as fuel efficiency or reliability. There is one aspect of automobile safety, however, that most people give relatively little thought to, yet it is pivotal to the safety of a car: the windshield.
Most people don’t realize that today’s windshields are actually safety devices in themselves, designed to work in conjunction with the car’s other restraining systems. Airbag systems, for example, need the strength of a properly bonded windshield in order to work properly. If the airbag deployment caused the windshield to pop out, the airbag would not provide the intended protection to the driver’s head.
Windshields are also strong. Structurally, they account for about 20% of the overall strength of a car, which is important for many reasons. Besides preventing passenger ejections, the strength of the windshield helps prevent roof cave-ins in rollover type accidents.
Luckily, the US government requires that all new cars be certified to meet specific standards and to be thoroughly tested. Problems occur, however, when windshields become damaged. Even a tiny chip or crack can compromise the integrity of the entire windshield, leaving the driver at risk in an accident.
A chip or a crack in the windshield does not require complete replacement (In fact, repairs rather than replacements are preferable, because the rigid tests on bond strength required in new vehicles are not performed on replacement windshields). Repairs should be performed promptly, and can actually be done safely at home, with a reputable do-it-yourself windshield repair kit.
Posted by admin on August 6, 2008 under Windshield Repair Kits |
“I’ll take a car-any car will do”. Most car salesmen will agree that is not a statement they are likely to ever hear. That’s because in America, as in other countries, a car is rarely just a means to get from one place to another. Here, a car is also a reflection of its driver-a rolling personal statement about you and your lifestyle. So, what kinds of people drive what kinds of cars? The answer is as diverse as the vehicles on the market today.
One of the most basic factors that determines the type of car one needs is how many passengers will be traveling in it. This is why families with 3 or more children almost always go for a minivan or SUV. Most passenger cars can fit three rear occupants, but when car seats and sibling rivalry are added to the mix, the result is a tight fit and unhappy passengers (mom and dad included)!
“Green” vehicles, cars that run partially or wholly on fuel other than gasoline, are becoming especially popular these days. Typically, green vehicles have been driven by the young, single segment of the population whose concern for the environment extends beyond pollution issues. The recent fuel crises, however, nearly guarantees that the popularity of hybrids and other alternative-fuel vehicles will continue to grow, and will cross over to the general population.
What about cars that are status symbols? You know the ones-the flashy Mercedes Benzes, Jaguars and Rolls Royces that scream “Look at what I can afford”! Surprisingly, most people who go for status symbol cars are from middle and upper middle class backgrounds and will often go into debt to afford their pricey vehicles just to “keep up with the Joneses”. Studies have shown that the true wealthy, who could afford any vehicle they want, often choose comfort and practicality over status symbols when it comes to their cars.
Yes there truly is a car to fit every lifestyle. And with the variety of vehicle styles, features and fuel choices ever changing, there may soon be two (or three) cars for every lifestyle!
Posted by admin on July 30, 2008 under Windshield Repair Kits |
The Glass Star MV 24 Windshield Repair System contains everything needed to make high quality professional windshield repairs. MV systems specifically outfitted with additional accessories to allow technicians to duplicate the high quality repairs achieved in an indoor workshop. All in a neat, compact and portable case. This system is easy to use, No special training is required.
Posted by admin on July 8, 2008 under Glass Repair Business Opportunities, Windshield Repair Kits |
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Posted by admin on June 26, 2008 under Glass Repair Business Opportunities, Windshield Repair Kits |
Absolutely! We welcome entrepeneurs looking to get started in the Auto Windshield and Glass Repair business! Many Auto Glass Repair businesses start small, and that’s why they are so viable as a business choice. All you really need are the Glass-Star Windshield Repair Kits and whatever materials you need to get the word out : you’re using the best Windshield Repair system out there, and you can save your customers hundreds of dollars repairing their windshields so well they’ll be glad they didn’t opt to replace them.
Not only is Windshield Repair a viable business to pursue, but it’s a service people can really get behind. Not only can you be well-paid for the service you’re providing, but on top of that you’re saving your customers money and sending them off happy – what could be better? Many people suffer the fate of a rock chip in their windshield glass. It can really ruin your day and leave most people feeling like they’re out of hundreds of their hard-earned dollars because of a little pebble, or because that dump truck driver neglected to properly cover his load or sweep his vehicle. Now you can save people hundreds of dollars – and make yourself a good living doing it!
Contact Glass-Star America today and find out how you can make good money doing Windshield Repair in your community!
Posted by admin on May 20, 2008 under Windshield Repair Kits |
It is no secret that gas prices have been shooting higher and higher with no visible end in sight. Here are a few pointers on how to save the amount of gas you use daily without resorting to taking a bicycle onto the expressway.
1. Engine Warm-Up : 30-45 Seconds, Max
You don’t need incredibly extensive amounts of time to warm up your engine when 45 seconds will do. Any longer, and you are doing nothing more than wasting gas.
2. Buy Gasoline When It Is Coldest Outside
By purchasing gasoline at the coolest point of the day, you are getting the most gas for your buck. Cold air causes fuel to become denser than it is at warmer points of the day. Gas pumps only measure the volume of liquid gasoline you put into your car. They don’t measure the concentration.
3. Drive the Speed Limit
Not only does the speed limit help ensure your safety, but by exceeding it you waste more gas. And, if you are worried about getting somewhere on time, traffic lights are programmed based on the amount of time it would take to reach one if you were driving the speed limit. That means you are more likely to hit all greens if you keep your pace consistent and at the limit.
4. Avoid Rough Roads
Driving on gravel or dirt can slow down your vehicle and therefore require more gas to get over. Keep on paved roads whenever possible.
5. The Shortest Distance
If you have to travel far every day, find the best route to get you there using the least gas. Turns and corners all require more gas, so the straightest route you can find is probably the best one.
6. Drive Steadily
Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel. Keep your speed consistent.
7. Use Your Environment to Your Advantage
Don’t use gas if you can get a little help from Mother Nature. When approaching a hill, accelerate before you reach it, that way you can let the slope glide you down without having to put your foot on the pedal.
8. Keep Your Car Light
Extra weight causes your car to do more work and use up more gasoline. Keep your car empty of any superfluous objects to ensure the best mileage. In the winter, clear out any icicles that form at the bottom of your car, since they can create up to 100 pounds of extra weight.
Posted by admin on May 1, 2008 under Windshield Repair Kits |
The truth about cars is that they do eventually start to have problems, no matter how much we may try to prevent it. Car problems are a loathed hassle to have to deal with. While there is no way to protect yourself from all car issues, there are steps that you can take to avoid them. Here are ten car maintenance tips that you can follow in order to prevent future troubles :
- Engine Cooling System : An engine overheating will cause serious damage to your car. This is definitely something that you want to avoid at all costs. Make sure you regularly check your coolant and make sure that it is filled to the line. If you discover that you have a coolant leak, bring your car to be fixed right away.
- Air Filter : Dirty air filters cause a loss of engine power and reduced gas mileage. Air filters need to be replaced periodically. You can check your owner’s manual for replacement details for your car.
- Spark Plugs and Timing Belts : Just as with air filters, these parts also need to be changed regularly to maintain engine efficiency.
- Brakes : Having brake pads changed is an important money-saving maintenance tip. Brake pads are relatively inexpensive, but if you let the brakes bind it will be a costly repair.
- Battery : Check battery terminals to see if they are corroded. Corroded battery terminals can cause lots of problems including low charge, trouble starting, and dim headlights. Also if you see any battery leaks, change the battery right away.
- Oil : Oil should be checked at least once a month. If oil levels are low, re-fill to the line and check for leaks. Oil should be changed every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Old oil can cause major damage to the engine.
- Tires : Check your tire pressure at least once a month. The proper pressure should be listed in your owner’s manual. Tires should be rotated at every other oil change to ensure that they wear evenly. There is a safe limit of tread wear and once that limit is passed, the tires are unsafe. Replace them.
- Windshield Wipers : Old wipers can damage the windshield and replacing them is only a few dollars. Besides damaging your windshield, they can be hazardous to your driving since you can’t see out of your windshield if the wipers don’t work!
- Clutch : If you have a manual transmission, do not keep your foot on the clutch while driving. If you do this, you can cause serious transmission problems.
- Regular Service : Taking your car to a professional mechanic will save you lots of money in the long run. Regular checks allow minor problems to found and fixed, preventing them from turning into major, expensive issues.
