Tune–up Tps For Today's Driver

Tune–up tips for today's driver to help keep your car in great running condition. Learn how to do a tune-up on your car and why it's important. Spark plugs, oil and oil filter and the cooling system flush and fill are all important for your vehicle.

(NC)—Back when your parents were teenagers, getting a Canadian drivers license was a true rite of passage. It meant independence and responsibility.

It also meant that if you were fortunate enough to have a car, you knew how to take care of it. However, today more than 40 percent of consumers don't know how to tune–up their cars. How to solve this quandary?

Here are three must–dos to keep in mind next time your ride is in need of service.


1. Replace The Spark Plugs

– According to Autolite, a leading spark plug brand, one of the most economical ways to maintain an efficient engine and avoid wasting fuel is to change spark plugs at regular intervals, according to your owner's manual. As spark plug electrodes wear, the voltage required to jump the gap increases. Regular replacement of your car's worn spark plugs will help your engine to run properly. Spark plugs should be checked at least once a year, however it's best to check the owner's manual for maintenance intervals.

2. Replace The Oil And Oil Filter

– The job of oil is to lubricate the engine, help it run smoothly, and prevent friction between the parts. The oil filter helps remove engine–damaging dirt and grit from the oil during every pass through the filter. Regular oil and oil filter changes help keep the inside of the engine both lubricated and clean, so it can run as efficiently as possible. Check your oil level regularly and change your oil and filter at least as often as the recommended maintenance intervals in your owner's manual. Pay close attention to the description of driving conditions for normal or severe service intervals.

3. Do A Flush/Fill

– A flush/fill means that you flush the cooling system to clean it and remove sediments that have built up over time, and fill it with new antifreeze/coolant to keep the engine cool and prevent overheats and freeze–ups. Coolant should be checked at least twice a year, however it's best to check the owner's manual for maintenance intervals.

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Posted in: Repair Car

Auto Repair Advice: Learn To Speak "Auto Tech"

Auto Repair Advice: Learn To Speak "Auto Tech" will show you how to speak to your automotive technician so he will understand exactly what is wrong with your car.


(NAPSI)-You may be better able to stay on the road to safety and savings the next time you need to have your car repaired if you select a quality facility and learn to speak a little "auto tech."

When communicating with an automotive technician, AAA recommends motorists do the following:

• Before taking the vehicle to a repair facility, write down the symptoms and any performance issues so important information is not overlooked or forgotten.

• Describe the symptoms to the technician. Explain what has been seen, smelled, heard and felt while driving the vehicle. For example, does it vibrate or pull to the left? Explain under what type of driving conditions the problem takes place and how long ago it started.

• When describing symptoms, refer to the driver side and passenger side of the vehicle rather than the right or left side.

• If the vehicle has been serviced recently, bring copies of the previous repair orders rather than trying to explain what work was done.

• Ask questions if the technician uses jargon you don't understand or if something is not thoroughly explained. Quality technicians will take the time to clearly explain the problem before offering a repair solution.

• Always read the repair order before signing it and authorizing any work. Look for specific instructions detailing the maintenance to be done, the problem to be corrected and the work to be performed. If the language is vague or unclear, ask that it be rewritten.

To help motorists get good repairs, AAA, the country's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, has more than 8,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities across North America.

These shops must meet and maintain stringent quality standards for customer service, training, equipment and cleanliness. To find an approved repair facility near you, visit AAA.com/repair.

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Posted in: Repair Car

Small Car Repairs Now Can Save You Money And Time In The Future

As drivers hold on to cars longer, small repairs now can save money, time in the future

(ARA) - Drivers are holding on to their cars longer in these tough economic times, so AutoZone, the nation's leading auto parts retailer, is offering tips to help motorists get the most out of their investment.

"Holding off on purchasing a new vehicle can be a smart financial decision, especially if drivers properly maintain their vehicles to ensure they're running safely and efficiently," said Steve Stoll, Merchandising Director of AutoZone. "Maintaining and replacing key components, such as brakes and batteries, can keep vehicles on the road and help prevent costly repairs in the future."

The average length of time consumers hold on to their vehicles is more than five years, according to a recent automotive industry study. Older cars can be safe and dependable, but need ongoing maintenance to keep them running at their best. According to the National Car Council, 80 percent of vehicles on the road are in need of service or parts.

Motorists who know the signs of impending failure and understand the impact extreme weather conditions can have on various car components, can plan ahead for repairs and replacements instead of being hit by an unexpected bill down the road, Stoll said.

"The longer car maintenance is delayed, the more costly it can be," said Stoll.

Two key components in any vehicle are the braking system and the battery. AutoZone experts offer the following tips to ensure these vital parts are properly maintained.

Give Brakes A Winter Check-up.

Excessive build-up of road salt and brine solutions in the winter on brake components is one cause of brake failure. These solutions can create contamination of exposed brake parts and can cause brake components to deteriorate prematurely. Hazardous road conditions can also lead to increased use of Antilock Braking Systems (ABS), which can cause premature wear of all brake system components.

As temperatures warm up, motorists should check their braking systems to uncover any damage that may have occurred during the winter months.

Check Brakes Quarterly To Ensure Proper Performance.

In general, brakes are the most important safety feature on any vehicle and should be checked quarterly to ensure proper performance. Brake pads and rotors should also be checked any time the tires are removed, such as during a tire rotation. Other brake components such as brake fluid should be checked at every oil change.

Extreme Temperatures Can Mean Battery Failure.

A battery's biggest enemy is heat. High temperatures can cause the grids inside batteries to corrode and break down. The effects of the corrosion are usually seen when winter hits, when the car requires more electrical power to start. Drivers should have batteries tested up to twice a year in normal climates, and more frequently in extremely hot or cold climates.

Retailers Such As AutoZone Offer Free Battery Testing.

Replace the battery every three to four years.

While batteries can last more than five years in ideal driving conditions, factors such as temperature, the car's age and nature of usage can impact the life of a battery. Many motorists are unaware that under the stress of normal city driving, the average life of a vehicle battery is about three years.

According to the National Car Care Council, drivers with batteries more than three years old should consider replacing them, since batteries rarely give warning signs that they are about to fail.

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Car Carpet Repair - How To Repair The Carpet In A Car

Find some helpful car carpet repair tips. You can make the interior of your vehicle look new by learning how to clean car carpet or by making some spot repairs.

After time, the carpet in your car can start showing wear and tear, which can cause a decrease in the value of your car. Not only does dirt wear your carpet down, but it can become stained or burnt from cigarettes, making your carpet unsightly.

Replacing the entire carpet can be costly and isn't necessary most times as it can be repaired. Repairing your carpet can be done, which will add the value back to your car and make it more attractive.

Here are some easy to follow steps to repair the carpet in your car:

1. Vacuum the carpet thoroughly. This should be done whether you are repairing carpet from burns, tears or just cleaning stains from it.

2. For Cigarette Burns: Trim away any burnt areas. Then trim some carpet from under the seat. Place those trimmings to the side for use later. Using waterproof glue, fill the holes (from the burnt areas). Then place the trimmings into the holes, making sure to overfill the holes. Cover with a paper towel and something heavy to apply pressure. After a few hours and allowing glue to dry, trim any excess carpet from the holes. Vacuum again.

3. For Tears In The Carpet: Choose a thread color that matches the carpeting, thread a needle and knot one end of the thread. Press the sides of the tear together. Start stitching from one side to the other, making sure that the first stitch is done from underneath so that the knot is not seen. Once you have stitched the tear, cut the thread and knot the end. The knot can be tucked under the stitching so that it will not be seen.

4. For Stains: Mix a cap of carpet shampoo with one cup of water. Apply the shampoo and water solution to the stained area with a sponge. Let the solution sit on the stain for approximately 20 minutes. Dab dry with a clean towel. Rinse the area with water and use a clean towel to dab the area dry. This may need to be repeated more than one time for best results.

Car carpet repair can be a very simple process. It shouldn't take long for you to have your car looking new again with these easy how to car tips.

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Custom Car Rims

Car Modification

In the business of modifying, enthusiasts spend most of their hard-earned cash on personalizing their cars.

It's all about building the kind of ride no one else on the planet drives, that extraordinary vehicle to make people in ordinary cars do double-takes in the traffic.

Modification is about creating a unique piece of automotive art, but getting it right is certainly not as simple as it looks.

Too often over-eager modifiers end up with a ride on the wrong side of garish, and all the time and effort poured into the project is in vain.

However, putting together a car you can be proud of doesn't have to be all that intimidating either. The best thing is to pick a theme and run with it, and settling on the right set of rims for your car is definitely a step in the right direction.


Custom Car Rims

No matter the year or make of your car, slapping on a choice set of custom rims can dramatically change its profile.

All cars come with a set of factory wheels, and a lot of the time you have the option of fitting a different pair of the manufacturer's rims.

That's a good thing, but the concern for every modder is that there'll be thousands of the same cars out there sporting the same wheels. Opting for custom rims is a great way to put your stamp on your car, but before rushing out to the accessory shop, it's important to think about the impression you want to make, as well as your budgetary constraints.

It's also important to consider what your car is used and whether your choice of rim will suit its purpose. For instance, if it's used for racing, it's best to go for a lightweight alloy rim that won't compromise the car's performance on the straight.


Alloy Wheels

Alloy wheels are great for everyday driving because they allow the brakes behind the rim to breathe as you drive, which isn't always with steel or chrome. If your car is strictly a Sunday cruiser where there aren't too many high speed bumps, you can go large with a set of 20-inch chrome rims to really get the heads turning as you roll by.


Whatever you're willing to spend, there are thousands and thousands of different styles and designs to choose from. Even if there's nothing out there to your liking, you can have a set fashioned by combining different design elements to create something truly unique.


Color Code Your Rims

Color-code your rims with a little spray-paint so they flow with the rest of the car's color scheme. Invest in several sets to dress your car for different occasions.

Choose between matte and shiny chrome, flat or deep-dish, spinners that light up with an LED display or regular ones – with modern technology at the disposal of designers, the list is endless.

Driving with rims on your car takes some getting used to, but when you do take a corner and hear that sickening scrape against the concrete, you'll want to get it seen to as quickly as possible.

The quickest and best solution is to take the damaged rim to be refurbished, which involves buffing and sometimes re-spraying the rim.

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Posted in: Repair Car

Body Shops Go Mobile

(NewsUSA) - A minor accident in a parking lot, a too-close encounter with another car's door.

Small dents and scratches hurt cars' resale value, but few owners make repairs.

When damages cost less than their deductible, many drivers would rather pay out-of-pocket than see an increase in their insurance rates.

Other car owners simply feel too busy to take their vehicle to a collision repair shop, where they might be expected to leave their car for several days.

The average driver keeps their car for nine years. Minor accidents are on the rise, and yet, dent and scratch repair work remains stagnant.

Many people simply cannot pay increased insurance premiums or take precious time from their busy schedules. So, minor dings, dents and scratches remain eyesores on people's cars.

But new companies have perceived a need and taken steps to fill it. One company, "Collision on Wheels, We Come to You!," started out as a traditional body shop. Since becoming a mobile body shop on wheels, the company has become a national franchise.

The company sends qualified technicians to people's homes, where they provide same-day paint, scratch, dent and minor collision repairs. Their technicians use the same equipment found in any indoor body shops and use protective covers when it rains or snows.

Collision on Wheels uses high-quality, environmentally safe paints. Technicians can repair most minor dents, scratches or abrasions within half a day.

The company does support insurance claims. Although many repairs cost less than deductibles, car owners often choose to skip the paperwork, adjustments and other hassles for the sake of a dent-free car.

Collision on Wheels provides a great option for busy Americans who have little time to visit a traditional body shop. Repair of small dents and dings before selling or turning in a lease can also increase resale value.

Small accidents happen. The good news is that a scratch or dent that happens in two seconds doesn't mean having to leave your car in a body shop for days anymore. With services like Collision on Wheels, drivers can get body repair and paint service from their home or office.

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Posted in: Repair Car

How to Paint and Clear Coat your Car

How to Paint a Car

If you have ever painted a vehicle before, you will have no problem with this project.

If this is your first paint job, just makes sure your read all of the instructions on your varnishes and take your time; you will do just fine.

Before you begin this job, make sure that you are familiar with the airbrush equipment; there is a lot of preparation work to be done first, but when it comes time to apply the paint you do want to make sure you are comfortable with the equipment and its operation.

Difficulty Level: Difficult

Make sure to read all the directions on the products you buy for this project. Make sure they are exactly what you need.

Things you'll need for this project:

Airbrush equipment
Air compressor
Masking tape
Old newspapers
Hand and electrical sander with fine, medium, and coarse sand papers; if the old paint on the car is in moderate condition, a 360 grit sandpaper will work fine
Putty knife
Primer
Base coat color paint
Bucket of clean water
Clear coat paint
Electric buffer
Buffing compound


Step 1:


Set up for your preparations somewhere outside. You will need to have a lot of maneuverability around the car to reach those hard-to-reach places; also, make sure you are in a place that can be easily cleaned, as you will be leaving a mess behind.

Begin by stripping the car of the old paint. Use a small putty knife to chip off large strips; brand new straight razor blades can also be used to pry difficult spots off the body.

Be careful not to gouge into the metal of the vehicle, as any and all dents and dings will be blatantly obvious when you are finished painting; by then it will be too late to fix them. Strip away as much as you can with the putty knife and razor blade; you should see bare metal when you are finished.


Once you have all of the large areas scraped clean, follow up with the sandpaper. Test your assortment to find out which is the most effective; the best sandpaper for any given area will change depending on where on the car you are working at.

When you are finished the surface should all be bare metal.


Step 2:


Move the car indoors; somewhere that there is still enough room to maneuver around the car as you work, and somewhere clean enough that there will not be any flying dust or debris in the air, because any and everything sticks to wet paint; with that said, also make sure that you have proper ventilation while you work.

Wearing a breathing apparatus and proper filtration masks must be used to ensure your safety while painting. Make sure that any other exposed surfaces in the area are covered with drop cloths to prevent them from becoming coated with over spray.


Step 3:


Using the masking tape and newspapers, completely cover all windows, outside mirrors, headlights, tail lights, and turn signal covers that you don't want to paint. Using the tape, cover any and all chrome or aluminum trimmings that you don't want painted. The only thing left exposed should be the bare metal that you want to paint.


Step 4:


Mix your primer into your airbrush gun following the manufacturer’s instructions. When ready, begin working in sections about a foot long, covering all of the exposed metal in even, steady strokes. Consult your manufacturer’s directions as to how long the primer needs to be left undisturbed to dry. Clean out your painting equipment thoroughly and allow it to dry while you are waiting for the primer.


Step 5:


Mix your base paint into your airbrush gun following the manufacturer’s instructions. When ready, as with the primer coat, begin working in sections about a foot long. Holding the gun about 6”-10” away from the body, begin applying the paint in even, steady strokes.

Make sure that your passes overlap to avoid seaming; you should come about halfway back and pass over a previous area before moving forward. Think, “Two steps back, one step forward” as you work.

Again, refer to the paint manufacturer’s directions in regards to drying time. As before, clean out your airbrush equipment thoroughly and allow it to dry before moving onto the next step.


Step 6:


Dipping your sandpaper in the clear water, begin to wet-sand the color coat until it is smooth. Usually the finest grade sand paper you can find will work best. Keep it sopping wet throughout this process to get the best result. Let the car dry completely before moving on.


Step 7:


Mix the clear coat varnish and load into your airbrush gun according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Using the same application method as before, completely cover the base coat surface with a coat of the clear varnish. Allow to dry completely, referring to the paint manufacturer’s instructions as to time. Once again completely clean your airbrush equipment and let dry completely.


Step 8:


Using your buffer and buffing compound, polish the clear coat until it shines like it’s ready for a showroom floor.

Stand back and admire your job well done!

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Posted in: Repair Car

Detailing Your Car

There are many definitions as to what car detailing really is. To some, it is just wash and wax jobs, while to others, it involves not only the exterior but also the interior and cleaning the engine compartment as well.

Evaluate Before Starting

Before you begin to detail your car, try to evaluate first every aspect of it. Here are some guidelines as to what to inspect.

Paint job: A car’s paint is like a man’s skin. A smooth feel will tell you that the paint is free of contaminants, while a rough feel may indicate a need for a good wash. Also check for minor scratches as these are to needed to be dealt with before applying wax.

Car Interior

Checking the car's interior may require more time and effort than the exterior, so do try to do it in a proper way. Use a notepad or checklist in order not to forget parts of the interior that needs to be cleaned. Check to see if your upholstery needs a little or hard vacuuming as it may take time to finish.

The smell of the car also needs to be checked. Disinfectants and car scents may be needed. Stains may need other tools to be removed, so find out first what kind of stains are there in order to organize your cleaning schedule.

Tires

These four round things on the side of your car are the most frequently forgotten things to clean. So do try to evaluate what needs to be done as cleaning a tire is one of the hardest parts. Check the color of your tire. It should be black and not dark brown or bluish. If it is, dirt buildup has changed its color, and it may need to have a good scrubbing and reviving tools also.

What to Do

After your evaluation, you can now check how much time is needed and what tools you need to detail your car. On the paint, if it’s smooth, you may only need to wash it and wax it to give it its shine.

If not, you may need a pre-wax cleaner, scratch remover, a good cloth, and a paint cleaning clay bar to clear contaminants that a simple wash cannot get. Interiors need a good vacuuming, leather or upholstery wax or cleaner, disinfectants or car scents. Tires need a good wash and shine, some tire cleaning solutions and tire black.

The most basic way in detailing your car is cleaning from the top down. Cleaning starting from the bottom will only bring more dirt when you are reach the top, ruining what you've already finished by dirty drippings or splashes.

The keyword for this is detail, so clean and restore all aspects of your car, the chrome, the paint, the edges, and such. Do not use too much cleaning products as it may damage your car, especially the leathers and upholstery and may cost you more money.

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Check Your Sunroof

Check Your Sunroof! Car Owners Are Asked To Check Their Sunroofs

(NAPSI)—Though millions of Americans have a sunroof in their car, many are not aware of a related product recall that could affect them. Regardless of the make or model of your car or truck, your sunroof may be among more than a quarter million that are being recalled by Webasto, the sunroof manufacturer, for potential glass debonding. Though only a small percentage of vehicles with sunroofs are affected by this voluntary recall—less than 1 percent—it poses a potential safety hazard, so it is important for all owners to do a simple check of their sunroof to see if they need the repair, which will be done at no cost to them.

What Consumers Should Do

There is an easy way to determine if your sunroof is one of two product lines affected by this recall. The most recognizable components of the sunroofs affected are the switches and presence of a Webasto logo on the sunshade handle.

• Hollandia 700/600 model: Consumers should look at the sunshade handle; if it says “Webasto” and the serial number is within the range of 6000000 to 6396298 it is covered under the safety recall.

• Hollandia TVS 900 model: This model has two tilt-up glass panels with a black plastic bar crossing the glass side to side. If “Webasto” is embossed on the bar, it is also covered under this safety recall.

All details on how to identify the sunroofs, including photos and a video, are available on the recall website www.sunroofcheck.com. Step-by-step instructions on how to arrange for a repair with Webasto’s authorized installers are also provided. It’s important to know that car dealerships are not administering this recall.

“We recognize that asking all vehicle owners to check their sunroof may be an inconvenience, but we believe this preventive action is in the best interest of the public,” said Mark Hickey, vice president, Business Development, Webasto Product North America. “Though we are reaching out to vehicle owners in other ways, we want to take every step we can to identify all vehicles that could have an affected sunroof.”

About the Recall

Webasto filed its Defect Information Report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stating that, although rare, conditions existing with the adhesive bond between the glass and metal frame in certain Hollandia 700, 600 and TVS 900 series non-factory installed sunroofs can increase the risk that the sunroof glass panel may completely debond from its frame. Webasto reported to NHTSA that the company was unaware of any injuries on the day of filing.

The recall only involves non-factory installed (aftermarket) sunroof glass panels and does not include the vast majority of Webasto sunroofs that are installed by auto manufacturers during vehicle assembly at the factory. However, the only way to determine if your sunroof is non-factory installed, even if you bought your vehicle new from a car dealer, is to do the inspection as described above.

This recall affects 283,996 sunroofs in the United States. Working with NHTSA, Webasto is moving swiftly to contact affected vehicle owners. In addition to the dedicated website, customers can also contact the Webasto Customer Service Center at (888) 749-8632 for more information or to schedule a repair.

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Posted in: Repair Car

Five Tips To Find The Best Car For You

Picking the perfect ride: Five tips to find the best car for you can help you can decide what you want in a vehicle before you hit the car lots. Find out all you can about the different make and model vehicles and what they offer you before you start looking. Research car financing options to get the best deals!

(ARA) - "If my van doesn't start, I'm in trouble," says Leanne Kocsis, a working mom whose family of six relies on having a vehicle. It must run reliably, accommodate her family, keep them safe and be fuel efficient. And, the loan payments can't rob their savings.

Whether you're a soccer mom or a jet-setter, choosing the right vehicle isn't something to take lightly.

"Do your research before you buy," advises Kocsis. As a member of financial services provider USAA, she used car-buying tools on USAA.com to find her match, a Toyota Sienna.

"The car-buying experience is unique to each person," says Steve Thompson, assistant vice president in charge of USAA's Car Buying Service. "We try to help people understand the cost and value of a vehicle - beyond the sticker price - so they can get the right car for their needs."

Savvy shoppers get the most for their money by weighing all options in advance. Start your search with these factors in mind.

1. Fuel Economy

Soaring gas prices increase demand for fuel-efficient vehicles. But, carefully consider whether you drive enough to make fuel economy important. Double-check your math for hybrid vehicles. Unless you're a road warrior, a hybrid's fuel savings may not offset the higher purchase price.

What about electric cars? The technology and infrastructure is still in its infancy, and Thompson and Jesse Toprak, vice president of industry trends for TrueCar.com, agree that buying now is risky for cost-conscious consumers.

2. Safety

Safety should play a role in every car-buying decision. You can find most crash test ratings at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website at www.iihs.org.

Most new cars come with extensive safety features such as air bags, anti-lock brakes and crumple zones. You can decide whether additional precautions are worth the extra cost.

3. Reliability

Objective research tools such as Consumer Reports offer predictions of reliability based on their own road tests, consumer surveys and other data. Be sure to also check used-car listings. If the vehicle you're considering tends to sell for much less than similar models, that might indicate poor performance. For new cars, reliability reports are generally positive. If reliability is a concern, consider an extended warranty. Extended warranties come in all shapes and sizes, so do your homework.

4. Insurance Costs

Your age, where you live, and how you drive affect your insurance premiums. But your car makes a difference too. You might pay more to insure a vehicle that has been involved in more accidents, causes more damage, costs more to repair or is stolen more frequently than other models.

"If you're on the fence between two similar models, an insurance quote might help you decide," says Thompson.

5. Financing

Don't wait until you're at the dealership to discuss financing. A lower annual percentage rate could save hundreds of dollars over the life of the loan, even if it means passing up a dealership cash rebate.

"We got pre-approved for an auto loan from our bank and gave the dealer the chance to match it," says Kocsis. "They couldn't come close."

Eliminate The Guesswork

Choosing the right car can be time-consuming and confusing. To make it easier, some service providers do the research for you.

USAA's "Best Value" list, for example, uses quantitative data to recommend one vehicle in each of 16 categories, from SUVs to compacts, as the best overall buy. Vehicles are ranked by relating the purchase price to a litany of other factors affecting safety, power, reliability, fuel efficiency, insurance costs and more. The 2011 list is available at www.usaa.com/bestvalue.Editor’s Note:

USAA Preferred “Best Value” vehicles are those vehicles ranked highest in each vehicle category AND obtain "Good/Acceptable" crash test ratings from IIHS and represent vehicles which are determined to be the best financial value using a USAA-developed proprietary statistical model. For more information visit www.usaa.com/bestvalue.

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Posted in: Repair Car

The Tools of Car Modification

The business of car modification is a big one, and the business of turning out tuner car parts is growing along with it.

Every week a new barrage of products hits the market, all of them promising better, faster, cleaner performance using the latest in automotive technology.

For every stock car rolling out of factories all over the world, there are tuner parts available to enhance that vehicle’s driving experience.

A “tuner” car part used to be a reference to engine parts specifically, but now the term also extends to the aesthetic aspect of modification.

To most modders (someone who loves tuner cars and car modification), enhancing the looks and performance of a car is more than a pastime or something they engage in on weekends and holidays. It’s a way of life.

They live, work and breathe for their cars, saving every spare penny for that magic part that’ll give their vehicles the edge on the street. Contrary to what many people believe, car modification is not just for the young and flighty who don’t know what to do with their money – it’s a lifestyle that transcends all kinds of barriers.

Have a look around at the next car show. Everyone turns out to check out what’s hot in modification trends, from the children with the tricked-out cars on their walls right through to their grandparents who enjoy tinkering with their project cars in the backyard.

Essentially, it’s all about crafting something unique from a standard base. Of course tastes and styles vary, but the aim is the same: to create a signature piece of machinery reflecting the personality of its owner, whether it’s a brash explosion of color or a demure creeper with a bank of power hidden under the hood.

Like shoes or a handbag would do for a stylist, the end result of a modification project will tell you pretty much all there is to know about its driver.

Modification is often superficial, meaning that the outside appearance of the car is changed, usually with spray-paint, decals or bolt-on kits, wings and fins.

As far as these extras go, there is an ever-expanding range of tuner car parts to help modders create exactly the effect they want. For almost every car, there’s a body kit, a set of rims – whatever you want – and if there isn’t, the parts you need can be manufactured from scratch.

There’s nothing to stop you from achieving the look you envision. It’s the same for the business in the engine bay. Whether you want a slight power increase or an all-out overhaul, it’s easier than ever to put together a dream engine.

Every modification project starts with a standard base and a vision. Coupled with a budget and some help from the professionals, the right car tuner parts are the tools to realize that vision.

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Posted in: Repair Car