Archive for January, 2011


Opportunities at dealerships continue to increase, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expecting job growth in Automotive Service Technology by 14 percent from 2006 through 2016. One such dealership is General Motors. The Automotive Service Technicians employed by General Motors perform many tasks, including: diagnosing problems using General Motors diagnostic equipment as well as performing repairs and preventive maintenance on engines, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes and tires. To carry out their job properly these techs should not only have knowledge of GM cars, but should be able to work with their hands and have enough stamina to be under the car or bending over the hood for extended periods of time. They must also have computer proficiency to work with today’s car computer systems. Training starts with Centennial College’s Automotive Service Technician General Motors of Canada ASEP (MAP 32).

Training for this program is provided at Ontario’s largest automotive training facility. This facility is equipped similarly to a dealership, with General Motors engines, parts and latest technologies. Students work on systems such as electrical, body electrical, engine, transmission, steering, front-end, and all other aspects that would allow a GM vehicle to be serviced. They also study electronics and the diagnosing of computerized control systems. The training for MAP 32 students is actually more in-depth with longer in-school sessions than traditional apprenticeships. This gives them the advantage of having more intensive training, both in and out of school. That’s because every eight weeks, students alternate between the College and their employer for a total of 64 weeks. In the field, practical training is achieved through the apprenticeship aspect of the program. It is during this time that students are employed by a General Motors of Canada dealership and are actually compensated for their work. They train alongside industry professionals and shadow them as they perform their work. Another appealing aspect of the GM apprenticeship is that Centennial College students may be eligible for Employment Insurance during the in-class training portions. General Motors Technician is on high demand.

Applying for this undertaking requires possession of, at minimum, an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or a GED or equivalent. Students are also to be employed by a General Motors dealership. However, if they are not, they may also be selected through an interview process. If you’re interested in the apprenticeship, you may apply directly to the College. The application for the Automotive Service Technician General Motors MAP 32 program is online. Once you’ve successfully been accepted, you’ll have to obtain an employer and register as a MAP apprentice with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Acceptance to the GM Automotive Service Tech program is based on successful completion of all entry requirements and space is limited.



January 31, 2011


You have it in your mind you are completely able to deal with working on your car problems yourself. This is great and you might be the one who is knowledgeable about putting yourself to the test when it comes to changing out or completing repairs for your vehicle. What happens when you come to a place of not being able to find a new part in the local auto parts store or it is very expensive? How about those times when you are working on an older car and the part is not made anymore? It is time to turn your attention to the infamous auto salvage yard.

You know the exact places I am talking about. I am sure you have passed one or two and thought about how unsightly these places are. Most of them are covered by an outside fence but still you are perfectly aware of what lurks behind that fence. This vehicle graveyard is a precious source holding a plethora of car parts for your exact vehicle. If the insurance company can put these parts on your car when they repair it, why should it be any difference for you?

Auto salvage yards can save you loads of money when you need a way to purchase parts for your car. This lonely yard may be in more of a demand than you are aware of. There is no great feeling as when you find out the $300 piece you priced in the auto store is only $40 in a salvage yard. Insurance companies also utilize this form of auto parts to get rid of those vehicles that have been totaled so the recycling process can begin again for cars that are in use.

For those individuals who are earth friendly, why would you buy a new piece for your car unless it was absolutely necessary? Did you know that to produce one part for a car, it not only adds to the pollution in the air, takes up other precious resources like petroleum? When you take advantage of the auto salvage yards, you are recycling and saving some of the problems in the world. Today’s figure shows that there are millions of these vehicles in a recycling phase each year in America. Imagine how many parts that would add up too! Landfill space is also saved by the multitude of parts being reused instead of being thrown away.

If you have an older car, the use of the auto salvage yards will give you the opportunity to replace older work out parts with the original manufacturer parts and not generic parts. You do not have to worry about the parts you are buying. Those who make this line of work their profession are very knowledgeable about cars and whether or not the part is workable.

You will definitely be able to save yourself some precious money on the purchase of these parts. It is very expensive when you have to try to buy new parts for an older car. Some of the auto parts you choose will have a warranty on them. This means if you put it on your car and something happens within 30 – 90 days, you get a replacement part or a refund. It will just depend on the specific place. Make sure you buy from one yard that will give you this warranty in writing. Also find one that has access to a computer network so in cases where they do not have your part, they can find it quickly and have it shipped in.



January 31, 2011


Everyone wants to own a car at some point in their life. The only problem is, not everyone can afford it and you usually need a good credit history in order to get one. For those that are short on cash, you can always visit a used auto sales dealer to get the best deals for your money.

Many people would think that buying second hand cars is a bad idea. They have various reasons why they think this way. In fact the most common reason is “uncertainty”. Quality is something that is very hard to find, especially when it comes to cars. Questions like “How can I be sure that it won’t break down after a Month?” or “Is it really safe to use a car like that?”

The answers to these questions can be Yes and No. It all depends on “whom and where” you are going to purchase the car. There are a few car dealers out there that like to swindle people and sells second hand cars with a lot of “unforeseen problems”. These cars might work well for a few days then suddenly breaks down in the middle of the road, leaving you frustrated and annoyed in the type of investment that you recently made.

Although there are people like that, don’t let lose hope because there are a lot of certified auto sales that sells used cars in good condition. You should only buy cars that come with a warranty. By doing so, it will give you added security in case something goes wrong with your car.

If you have no idea on where to find a place to get a good second hand car, then you can ask your friends or acquaintances for some recommendations. Someone might have recently purchased a car without your knowledge and it is good to ask these people for some good advice.

If you didn’t get any reply from your friends, then you can try using the internet. The internet is the perfect place to look for information regarding cars and it also gives you an advantage. You can browse the inventory of the different auto sales dealers in your area and compare prices. You can also find their address and additional contact numbers which will make your choice a lot easier. Getting a car is a good investment for you and your family. Make sure that you only choose the best among the rest.




Why scour vintage auto salvage yards for classic car rims with which to enhance your classic motor vehicle. Why not paint your own tire rims? This used to be the guise of only the professionals. Now as an amateur you can accomplish a professionally appearing job.
First things first you will need paint with which to paint your own rims. Duplicator is the first choice. Duplicator will offer you a full range of painting colors to match your style whether it comes in the ranges of classic silver, white or gunmetal.
Choose your color first. Of course you may have already purchased paint. Alternatively you may be lucky enough to find your color factory prepared – in which case the work is done already for you. As well the ever important cost factor may be less.
Many vintage vehicles will empty the pockets of a succession of owners before being completed as a final project. It is often quoted that many vintage vehicles will go through a succession of an average of 3 avid classic auto enthusiasts before completion.
The initial step in the process is to sand down your rims giving the surface a rough texture. This roughing of the metal surface of the tire rims is done in order that the paint has something solid and substantial to adhere and stick to firmly. It’s your choice about how much metal you wish to remove and abrade which of course depends on the condition of the rims, in terms of the quality of the original metal, its thickness and depth, and as well of course the current condition and quality of the metal of your auto rims. As a working material you can choose 300 grit sandpaper. Of course it all comes down to personal preference and expertise which in many cases goes back to our very training and mentors in our individual craft. Generally as long as the metal rims have had no major damage along their lifetimes and you sand evenly, the surface should be more than adequate for the paint to adhere to properly.
Now that you have passed the two steps of purchasing your paint product as well as sanding and preparing your rims you are now off to the races – or on the way for preparation for your next classic auto meet. It is most essential that the surfaces are clear of any residual sanding dust. This step is often glossed over. Its good enough is the standard line. Down the road you may find that paint will “flake” off your carefully laid project of wheel customization. Be more than perfectly sure that the surface is totally clean of sanding dust. Clean that wheel one more time just to be sure.
My rims are masked with newspaper and standard auto body shop masking tape. Obviously you do not want to turn your tires into the very colors that you are painting your rims with. You would not want white or classic silver colors sprayed onto your tires. It is the experience of many professional Autobody paint shops that spray from other auto painting jobs can accidentally make its way over amazing distances. In addition ensure that the lip has been masked off well. Carefully apply your masking tape on the “lip” areas to protect this from being painted or overpainted as well. Of course it never hurts to initially pump a little air into the mask to clear out any older residual paint traces as well, from previous jobs.
After the time period spent to ensure that the rims are dry, and of course you have masked off those areas that you do not want overpainted or sprayed you are ready for the major step. Put some newspapers on the ground, pavement or concrete in your shop. Place those rims, one at a time, on top of the newspaper. The newspaper covering will ensure that those surfaces will remain free of markings and paint damage/
You can now apply the first of perhaps several coats of paint. It all depends on your preferred final appearance and levels of quality desired. You can let the paint dry well and apply the next coat of paint as desired.
Watch out for the stares and jealous looks at your next Car Show & Swap Meet



January 31, 2011


More or less all automobiles have the same functionality. However, if you are a automobile enthusiast you would most definitely want to explore the wide range of auto accessories available in the market since they perform different functions and will improve its usefulness. It is important to keep in mind ask yourself the following questions before buying auto accessories; Who will install the automobile accessory? Will it really look good on your automobile? Is the automobile accessory giving you good value for money? Is the automobile accessory you have chosen readily available in the market or would you have to place a special order? Will installing the automobile accessory require modifying your automobile in any way? Is the automobile accessory you are planning to purchase authentic (in case you are buying a second hand automobile accessory)? Make sure to ask yourself the above mentioned questions before investing in a car accessory since they will help you shortlist and choose the best ones.Types of Auto AccessoriesFollowing are some of the most common types of auto accessories available in the market:• Bike Racks – allow you to transport your bicycle from one place to another since it is not always feasible you to ride the back over very long distances. Adding an auto bike or truck bike rack to your wheels will allow you to transport your bike without risking any damage (to both the automobile and the bike).• Bug Shields – (also known as hood shields) protect your automobile from scratches, bug splatters, bug juice or other types or garbage that may spoil the beauty of your automobile.• Fender Flares – help protect your automobile more effectively and efficiently. Moreover, if you are the proud owner of a pick up truck, fender flares will give it an eye catching appearance. However, experts suggest hiring the services of a professional for installing your fender flares to make them look like they were installed in the factory. Fender flares protect your automobile’s front and rear tyres from road debris like water, mud, snow, rock chips, stones etc.• Gas Cans – are one of the most useful automobile accessory that also helps you save money in the face of sporadic increases in gas prices. If you are considering buying a gas can, make sure you opt for one that is approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) because this will allow you to safely transport gas from the gas station to your home without the risk of spilling or fumes. Experts don’t suggest storing gas for longer periods of time. This is especially applicable to situations where your gas cans are not in top form. Although fuel stabilizers offer a solution to this problem, it is recommended that you utilize the gas within a week or less.




How often does a car owner need auto air conditioning repair in Tampa? Given how hot the weather in this side of Florida can be, the answer is a lot. Car air conditioner repair is needed so frequently that it makes sense to choose an auto repair shop in Tampa that specializes specifically in automobile AC repair. Of course, this auto repair shop should also have expertise in auto maintenance and tune ups and even brakes, shocks and transmission repair in Tampa.

Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair is an auto repair shop in Tampa that does specialize in automobile AC repair, as its name suggests. As part of its customer and public service, this auto repair shop offers some basic car care tips to vehicle owners in Tampa and elsewhere.

According to Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair, every glove compartment should contain the vehicle’s owner’s manual, vehicle registration, vehicle insurance card and claim instructions, the phone number of the vehicle owner’s roadside assistance provider and the vehicle owner’s account number as well as a map. Every vehicle’s trunk, on the other hand, should have a spare tire that is regularly checked, tire jack, tire pressure gauge, air pump, jumper cables, flat board and cat litter to get the vehicle out of mud, blankets, bottled water, flashlight with spare batteries, first aid kit, fire extinguisher and a tool kit.

Vehicle owners should regularly check on tire tread wear and proper inflation. Improper inflation can decrease efficiency in gas mileage while uneven wear gives clues on the need for wheel alignment. Driving with worn tire treads in wet or icy roads can be very dangerous.

Even simple wiper blades should be checked regularly and immediately replaced when worn because any streaking or smearing on the windshield affects driver visibility.

It is also very dangerous to drive with defective headlights, brake lights, parking lights and turn signals so these should be regularly checked and promptly attended to.

To prevent fuel evaporation and waste, vehicle owners should always check that the gas cap is tightly screwed on.

Ice Cold Air Discount Auto Repair also recommends that a vehicle owner should do regular checks under the hood, especially when the engine maintenance light comes on. A vehicle owner who tends to be forgetful should find ways to set reminders for regular car checks. This can be done through the calendar function of a personal computer laptop or even a smart phone. There are some simple checks that the car owner can do before taking the vehicle for a professional examination.

The vehicle owner should regularly check oil levels. It should be changed after every 3,000 miles or even more frequently if the oil is running low. If the oil is insufficient or is dirty, the vehicle engine can be damaged.

The vehicle owner should comply strictly with the manufacturer’s instructions in the owner’s manual on when to replace the air filter, fuel filter and automatic transmission fluid as well as all belts and hoses. The wiper fluid should never be allowed to run low.

Finally, the vehicle owner should regularly check on the level of the coolant used by the auto air conditioner. This becomes even more crucial during the changing of the seasons.

Do not allow yourself to suffer needlessly in the heat while on the road. Make sure that your chosen auto repair shop is an expert not only in auto maintenance, tune ups and brakes, shocks and transmission repair but, even more important, in auto air conditioning repair in Tampa. Car air conditioner repair is very important for the well being of both the driver and the passengers in hot Tampa weather. Never put off automotive AC repair and make sure it is done properly and quickly at your trusted auto repair shop in Tampa.




So you think you have got the best deal on your car rental software, but you are worried about the expense. There have been instances, where car rental solution firms charge heftily and this leaves the clients worried, about the piling bill. You will be paying double the base rate, if you have to pay sales taxes, insurance, licensing fees etc, and this will be added, onto your bill. Many individuals are ripped off, by firms, which don’t work for the client’s benefits. At Carrentingsolutions.com, we make sure that our clients get the best services, at the lowest prices possible.There are many ways in which you can save your hard earned money, and cut costs on your next trip to an auto leasing software. Airport charges vary considerably in every state, and you cannot avoid them. Sometimes these charges are as high as 25%. One of the most common charges is for insurance, which is usually referred to by rental car software firms as collision damage or Loss Damage Waiver. By paying $10 – $25 a day, the liability for damage can be avoided, provided that you are not found guilty of gross driving negligence. In a majority of cases, insurance is optional, but at a few places, it is compulsory.Before you buy extra insurance, just check to see, if your original car insurance covers you in auto rental software car. Most policies do. It has been noted, that many credit card companies also offer insurance, and it is best, if you check with them. If you want to go for a luxury van, you can choose a firm, which offers custom van conversion and luxury vans. It is noted, that most rental services, which offer luxury vans are regional, and they offer servicesat the client’s doorstep. But, you should take care, that it does not become a costly affair.



January 31, 2011


We all know that nothing comes free in life. However most of us have learned that we can find great deals and still get a great outcome with those great deals. As our economy keeps getting worse we are looking for ways to save money. There are many drivers on the road today that need auto body repairs on their vehicles. However due to that saving money deal most are putting the repairs to the side. This is not a good choice since that will usually lead to more money out of pocket in the long run. Also many people do not know about auto body repairs only replacements. Find out how you can save money with a few auto body repairs!
Many people today believe that auto body replacements is the only way to repairs auto body damages or some may feel that only auto body replacement will produce quality results for auto body damages. However replacements are not the only way or the best way to go with auto body repairs. Many auto body replacements cost a lot of money and take a lot of time. You will be charged not only for the parts which are expensive, but for the labor per hour it takes them to finish, and any other materials they are using to complete the job. This racks up a very large bill for you to pay. So the alternative to this is getting auto body repairs, this can save you a great deal of time and money.
Auto body repairs are performed with the existing vehicles parts or panels. Therefore that is already a big chuck of change saved out of your pocket. Auto reconditioning specialists are very knowledgeable and know what techniques are best for repairing your vehicle. Since they are professionally trained and do not have to wait for any parts to come in they can also complete the work in less time. The actually repair process is generally less time spent than replacement. Less time means less money you pay. Believe it or not auto body repairs can come out looking just as good as replacements. Think of it this way, anyone can buy a new computer, but it takes a skilled and qualified person to be able to make an old computer better than new.
Some auto body repairs that you can save money with include paintless dent repair, bumper repair, paint touch up, windshield repair, wheel rim repair, headlight restoration and much more. You simply need to find a qualified auto body specialist or reconditioning specialist in your area to repair all of your vehicles auto body damage. Many auto body shops will gladly shop you examples of their work so you can see if you would be satisfied with the results they can give you. Also most shops will give you a free estimate on your auto body repairs so you know what to expect as far as money goes. Remember nothing is free but you can still find great deals, even for auto body repairs!

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January 31, 2011


Auto attendant is a major part of a hosted PBX system. Web based auto attendant service eliminates the need for a full time receptionist. With advanced calling features, the auto attendant receives and manages incoming business calls efficiently. In a hosted PBX system, the incoming call is first received by the auto attendant. It initially answers the business call with custom professional greeting and then provides various routing options for the caller. The auto attendant can efficiently route incoming calls to any phone including your home phone, cell phone or office phone. Automated answering system can handle multiple business calls simultaneously. You can use default professional greetings in auto attendant system or record your own business greetings. The greeting option can be customized to meet your specific business needs. Auto attendant also provides music on hold facility. With this option, your callers can listen to custom music while waiting for the call to be answered. Menu and announcements for out-of-business hours and holidays can be set through web based auto attendant. Auto attendant provides dial by name and dial by extension calling options for callers. Some of the common web based auto attendant features include: call screening, caller ID, call conferencing, call forwarding, call recording, call waiting, call return, call block and many more. It can also notify your voice mail and fax messages by email or cell phone. The auto attendant allows callers to access different employees and departments in any location using a single business number. Auto attendant features can be easily administered through web interface. With advanced auto attendant features, you can link your virtual branch offices together without expensive capital and equipment. Your callers will never hear a busy signal when you have a powerful auto attendant system implemented in your small business office.




Currently, in terms of sales, Chrysler Canada is number two in volume, slightly edging out Ford Motor company (not including their Premier Automotive Group) and holding just over 14 per cent of the market. These very positive sales statistics result directly in a high demand for Automotive Service Technicians who are specifically trained on and knowledgeable in Chrysler vehicles. Centennial College offers an exciting two-year Chrysler Technician program that will see you graduate with an Ontario College Diploma and prepare you for the field.

Students who wish to apply for this undertaking, must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or General Educational Development (GED) or equivalent. They may also be required to present a resume and transcript for faculty review. Please consider that English proficiency and satisfactory results in a program admission session will also be considered during the admissions process. Lastly, applicants may be required to fill out a questionnaire.

As in-school training is a vital part of the Centennial College’s Chrysler apprenticeship where students spend the first eight months in the classroom and in simulated on-campus shops. These facilities are housed at Ashtonbee Campus, which is actually the largest automotive training centre in the province. Theory and business-related courses within the Automotive Service Technician Chrysler Co-op include Work Practices, Occupational Health and Safety, College Communications, Organizational Behaviour, Communications for Professionals in the Automotive Industry and more. Meanwhile, hands-on courses focus on Engine Systems, Drive Train Systems, Suspension, Steering & Brakes; Air Conditioning Systems, Electronic Climate Control and more. As you can see, learning is extremely extensive. All the parts of a car that you may be asked to service are covered in complete detail. To round out training, a co-op placement will occur in a Chrysler dealership. This placement allows you to get a feel for a real-life dealership, meet and network with professionals and encounter situations that may be common in your career. By the time you enter your co-op placement, you will be comfortable with car parts as the in-school curriculum of the Chrysler Automotive Service Tech program sees you training on automobile assemblies in fully-equipped campus automotive labs.

Opportunities at dealerships such as Chrysler are increasing as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job growth in Automotive Service Technology to grow by 14 percent from 2006 through 2016. The professionals employed by these dealerships have a variety of tasks, including: diagnosing problems using Chrysler diagnostic equipment; performing repairs and preventive maintenance on engines, transmissions, electrical systems, brakes and tires. Chrysler technicians also conduct vehicle inspections.