Change Your Own Oil and Save!

Some people in life like to get their hands dirty, and others just like to spend money. If you make the decision to change oil yourself in your vehicle, be prepared to get dirty, greasy and wear a little oil. You will get your tools dirty and will sweat in a hot garage for about half an hour.
Other motorists will simply take it to one of those convenient 15 minute chains that specialize in catering to don't like to change oil. It's clean, it's fast and for the most part, it's professionally handled. It usually costs around $30 but sometimes you can touch a special like I did and pay $19.95. Some people in life like to get their hands dirty, and others just like to spend money. If you make the decision to change oil yourself in your vehicle, be prepared to get dirty, greasy and wear a little oil. You will get your tools dirty and will sweat in a hot garage for about half an hour.
Other motorists will simply take it to one of those convenient 15 minute chains that specialize in catering to don't like to change oil. It's clean, it's fast and for the most part, it's professionally handled. It usually costs around $30 but sometimes you can touch a special like I did and pay $19.95.
If you are seeing private mechanic it's a good idea to know his qualifications. Sometimes if you pay a mechanic to change oil he will do the job for a fair price,but then later you find out there's an oil leak. Oil leak if you're lucky! I know one individual that had shoddy work then which led to major mechanical failure.
When hiring a mechanic, make sure good communication is established, a set price including labor, parts and any extra services, and that the mechanic is reliable and respected in the community. Does he have many satisfied customers? You can usually tell this volume of work he's currently doing.
Along with the worry of hiring a good mechanic, the $30 charge is simply too much for some drivers and they decide to change oil in their vehicle for free, with just a little bit of effort and one spent afternoon. If in fact you to decide to do it yourself you can expect to save a few dollars and you will have the satisfaction of learning a new skill.
There are other issues to consider when you decide to change oil in your car yourself. Are you equipped with the proper tools? Do you actually know what you're doing? While you can learn how to change oil over the Internet, to do it properly takes study and practice. Don't skimp on $30 if it means sending someone unqualified to do a professional's job. Don't make your car so for this because you're looking to save a few dollars. Realize that in the end it could cost you a whole lot more if it's not done right.
Another thing to think about is proper oil disposal. The safest way to dispose of your oil is to keep it properly contained and find a local shop to take it off your hands. The wrong way to do it is to pour it down a sewer or just throw it in the trash can. The EPA can give out large fines for improper oil disposal.
Would you like to know how to change oil yourself? Maybe you can find a mechanic friend that will show you or take a shop class at a local community college. While simple instructions can be found online, it's a procedure you really have to understand and perform correctly if you want your car to run an optimal order.

Gas Sense

Gas prices are getting more and more ridiculous. And it's going to keep increasing with no limit in sight! For the new car owners out there, do you know that a gallon of unleaded gasoline used to cost only $1.25?
Therefore, it is becoming more and more important to maximize your money and save at the gas station.
So here we have compiled 10 best tips to help you get the most out of your dollar!
Tip 1: Shop Around
This is the advice that you can apply anytime you buy anything. Always shop around. You can get a cheaper price for your favorite brand, and probably a yet cheaper price for a different brand.
Tip 2: Use a Gasoline Credit Card
Gasoline credit cards are great! They can save you 5% - 10% off your gasoline purchase.
Tip 3: Buy Gasoline When the Weather is Cool
Gasoline is denser in cooler temperatures, such as in the morning or at night. Gas stations measure volume, not density, so you'll be getting more solid fuel than vapors, thus improving your overall gas mileage.
Tip 4: Avoid Gas Stations That Just Refilled Their Tanks
When underground tanks are refilled, particles at the bottom of the tank get stirred up, and when these particles get into your gasoline tank, they affect the fuel efficiency of your car.
Tip 5: Don't Top Off
The gas pump needs time to draw out the full amount of gas, so When you purchase a bit of gas the station, you get short bursts of fuel that you'll probably pay extra for. You should refill your tank when you have less than half a talk left or when you find a price that is so low you cannot afford to miss it.
Tip 6: Don't Use High Octane Gas
Most cars nowadays are built to run on regular unleaded gas. Purchasing higher octane gas is simply a waste of money. Octane measures how hard it is to ignite gas, not the quality of the gas, so getting higher octane gas will not improve fuel efficiency. You should only get these more expensive gases when your engine pings, knocks or rattles.
Tip 7: Pump Your Own Gas
It's cheaper to pump your own gas at the self-serve stations rather than using the full-serve pumps. Full-serve gasoline naturally costs more.
Tip 8: Lessen the Use of Air-Conditioning
This tip is simple enough. Air-conditioning uses electricity, and they can reduce fuel economy by up to 20%. It's advisable to use the air ventilation system instead.
Tip 9: Plan Your Trip
You can avoid unnecessary driving by planning your trip before hand, and of course that saves you money on gas consumption.
Tip 10: Purchase Vehicles That Get Good Mileage
This is probably one of the best tips anybody can give on saving money at the gas pump. It's always better to purchase vehicles that get good gas mileage. Check with your car dealer about cars that have better fuel economy.

How to Select a Body Shop

When you find suddenly that you are in need of a body and paint shop on an immediate basis, you realize that you have several options and choosing one body shop from so many shops available becomes a real difficult task. There are several things which you need to consider when you are choosing and paint shop. The main reason being that if you make a wrong choice you will not only be risking your vehicle but you will also be wasting your hard earned money and time too. This is especially in case of those who use their vehicles everyday and need to have it in spic and span condition always. Here are some tips which shall help you to choose a body paint shop for your car;  hope you find these tips really very useful. <BR><BR>

Check out how long the body shop is in its existence and the type of customers it has served. This shall give you an idea whether the company will be able to undertake the job or not, so that you do not have to face any kind of problem later on. <BR><BR>

It is better to choose a body shop which is located in a place which is well connected, so that you can get in touch with the representatives as soon as you feel the need to do so. If you choose a body shop in a remote place you might spend a lot of time traveling and your expenses will increase also. <BR><BR>

You should also check more about the people who are working for such an auto body shop. You can find out more about the experience, expertise, skills and ability of the staff to complete your work. If you get to know about the staff of the company, it shall help you to understand, if you should actually rely on the staff of the shop. This is important because you might have to leave your car with such a body and paint shop and if you are not sure about the company; how you can you leave your expensive car with the company. <BR><BR>

  If you are looking for a body shop in a large city, it is recommended that you first make an online search to know about all those companies which offer the services of car body repair and paint. Once you get to know about all those companies, you can easily make a comparison of their features, services and price charged so that you are able to get the best deal. This will help you to have an idea about the prevailing rates and features of these companies. This will be an assurance that you will not be cheated by your car body company and you will get true value for the money you choose to spend.<BR><BR>

Car Repairs - Cheap and Easy

Does your car need some repairs? Well it can be less time consuming and save you money, if you decide to repair your car yourself. And who doesn't like saving money?

The main reason for concern would be in finding the right parts for the car. It is a good idea to get the parts before starting to repair.

If you notice there is repair needed on your car before something actually goes wrong, it's good to have the parts ready on hand. Because if you wait its possible that the store is out of stock for that particular part. That way your prepared and have no worries.

You could also consider stocking up on quality used parts; you can practically get any part you're looking for on the chuckandeddies.com website. Just search the site and you're bound to find it. And hey you'll get a good deal regardless of where you live because chuckandeddies.com ships anywhere in the world!

Though make sure when you're ordering your car parts that you're buying the right parts for the make and model of the car that you're repairing. It can waste time if you make a mistake and get the wrong part. It is good to plan ahead and be as organized as you can. It will make the process more efficient and won't waste time.

Go ahead and be ready for the next repair, you will see how it'll be taken care of in no time. Don't moan around, it won't get the repair done any faster. Just do the repair yourself and see how much money you'll save. Here at chuckandeddies.com we're here to help you save!

"Shocking" Shock Absorber Facts

Bouncing down the road one day it occurs to you that things are just not what they should be. The road you are riding on is as smooth as glass, yet your car is jostling up and down like nobody's business. You enter an upcoming curve in the road and quickly learn that the control you had over your car was lost just moments before. Suddenly, the vehicle careens off the road, goes down through a ditch and up an embankment before coming to rest against a fence adjacent to Chuck and Eddie's. You are in luck: you aren't dead and your car is at the junk yard.
Yes this story is ridiculous, exceedingly so. All joking aside, your shock absorbers [or struts in the case of some cars] plays a vital part in your vehicle's suspension system. When certain signs of wear and tear become apparent, you must replace your shocks or otherwise you can put yourself in danger and/or damage your car.

A shock absorber works by damping the compression and extension of the vehicle's suspension springs to prevent ongoing movement. Shocks work to diminish road impact, prevent excessive bounce back, reduce sway, and improve general road handling. When your shocks are functioning properly your vehicle grips to the road whether you are braking, negotiating a curve in the road, driving on uneven roads, or experiencing powerful side winds. When worn out, shocks can play a part in you losing control of your car putting you and everyone else in harm's way.
How often should you replace your shocks? One manufacturer suggests no less than once every 50,000 miles, but that depends on whether you frequently drive on coarse roads [in this case it will need to occur sooner] or it could even be much later if you do mostly local driving, the roads are well maintained, etc.
There is a simple test you can perform on your car to establish whether your shocks need replacing. It isn't absolute, therefore you may want to take your vehicle to a garage to make certain:
Take hold of a corner of your vehicle's bumper.
Press down on the bumper with all of your strength and then let go.
Your shocks are probably okay if the bumper drops down and returns in place without rebounding again. Slight movement is okay, but if it continually moves, then that particular shock is no longer effective. Duplicate the test on the remaining three corners of your vehicle.
Other telltale signs of shock wear can be observed through leakage [although a leak is not always indicative of wear] and by observing tire wear patterns. Finally, if you are simply experiencing motion sickness every time you go for a ride, then that can be the best indicator that your shocks or struts need replacing. No kidding here!

Convert Your Car To Run On Water?

Convert your car to run on water:  save gas, save your car, save money and save the planet.

Fox News recently broadcasted an interesting and very important video report.

A savvy automobile owner has come up with a very simple yet incredibly efficient way of boosting his old car's gas mileage by up to 100% - that means several thousands of dollars economy every year.

The creator claims that his developed invention converts water into a gas called HHO (2 Hydrogen + 1 Oxygen). Also called Brown's gas or Hydroxy burns better than regular gas at our fuel pumps and provides more energy. This process is often referred to as Hydrogen Fuel Cell conversion.

Gas prices are on constant rise and the fuel economy question is starting to get very serious. More hybrid cars are sold all over the world, concepts of electric cars and Hydrogen fuel cell cars are developed in almost any country and finally there is a way for you to add a little something to fuel efficient revolution.

Car owners seem to forget or maybe ignore the fact that they could get better gas mileage simply by changing the way they drive. You do not need to buy an ugly and slow prototype in order to save on gas. You could increase gas mileage of your V8 truck as well! To get better gas mileage you should follow these simple rules;

  *Accelerate gently. This will use less gas.

*Keep your distance - every time you stop you will have to accelerate.

*Take your car to a mechanic; simple air filter change or spark plugs replacement could greatly increase gas mileage

*Drive slower. Going over 120kph will use up much more gas.

* Change gears as soon as possible - low gear uses up to 30% more fuel than needed.

Our cars engines are designed in such poor way that they only burn about 20% of the fuel , the other 80% is wasted in heat and unburned gas (pollution). When converted to money at $3+ a gallon  per every gallon your car actually uses only 60 cents, and $2.40+ is completely wasted. When you convert your car to run on water, you create a gas which helps burning the fuel in a better proportion.

Instructions on how to convert car to run on water are also available for sale on the Internet. There have been many skeptical people that do not believe in the efficiency of the system  but there doubts always vanish after finding out that the instructions come with 2 month full satisfaction money back guarantee.

Is it not only the saving money part that attracts people - when you convert your car to run on water you also increase your car's engine longevity and you greatly decrease the pollution. The system allows you to burn gas more efficiently  which decreases the noise of the engine and the wear and tear of the motor's parts.

The system is composed by simple parts that are basically bolted on the engine. It could be done at almost no cost, by anyone and to any car. The system is completely untraceable when taken off of the engine.

Just imagine yourself buying half the gas you are buying now! Wouldn't it be nice to have an extra couple of thousand of dollars for Christmas presents? For a vacation? For a down payment on a new car?

The Benefits of Axle and Transmission Lubrication

Nearly all car owners are generally informed nowadays that proper engine servicing is normally vital to the dependability and lifetime of a car or truck. A nonfunctional motor creates a stranded driver. But the truth is, most people have a tendency to overlook their vehicle's transmission as well as differential gears. Routine servicing of these gearboxes is every bit as important as engine servicing. Not surprisingly, in the event that the transmission or differential stops operating, the driver is just as as stranded.



Transmissions operate at high temperatures, very often leading to deterioration of the transmission fluid, producing clutch glazing and deterioration in shift quality. Clutch glazing can be experienced as an elongated, slipping or even sloth-like shifting feel, and it's almost always a sign of transmission breakdown. Synthetic transmission fluids offer you maximum defense against oxidation and also clutch glazing.

While rear end styles have remained somewhat the same over the previous 30 years, their working environments have changed drastically. Current differentials usually are put through approximately 93 percent more power, towing limits as much as eighteen thousand, high working temps plus diminished lubricant quantity. Numerous suppliers recommend switching the original gear lube during the initial 500 to three thousand miles based mostly on Society of Automotive Engineers tests. We advise the original differential gear lube always be changed no later than the first 5,000 miles, regardless if car or truck producers do not designate to change the factory-fill gear lubricant to take away wear particles. If you use synthetic gear lubes, we suggest drain intervals of 50,000 miles in extreme service or one hundred thousand miles in normal service, or longer if suggested by the manufacturer. Synthetic gear lubricants not only give top-notch insurance and overall performance in cars, including diesel passenger trucks, they usually are substantially much less than original synthetic gear lubes.
Some time ago, the typical automatic transmission was a three speed. Presently four, five and six speed transmissions are typical, and one producer provides an eight speed transmission! Contemporary transmissions and differentials usually are subjected to increased horsepower, greater towing limits in addition to hotter heat extremes, and they involve a lot more clutches and are usually subjected to increased shifting for the same driving speeds. Wear protection along with oxidation resistance, for this reason, become more essential than in the past. A good synthetic automatic transmission fluid (ATF) will provide fantastic wear protection, and it resists oxidation twice as long than required for regular automatic transmission fluids.

Torque Converter Problems

A torque converter does the job of the clutch in a vehicle with manual transmission. It transfers the rotating power generated by a vehicle's engine to the transmission mechanism in order for it to shift gears automatically. There are three major torque converter parts; the pump, the turbine, and the stator.

The pump is attached to directly to the engine, and spins at the same speed as the motor. Inside the pump are many fins, which, as the pump spins, direct hydraulic fluid outward to the turbine. The turbine then spins at close to the same speed as the engine, but in the opposite direction. The spinning of the turbine causes the transmission torque converter to rotate and drive the wheels. The hydraulic fluid exits the turbine at its center, moving in the direction opposite to how it was forced in by the pump.



A converter, like any vehicle part, gets worn out and requires the occasional torque repair or torque converter part replacement. You can also opt to upgrade your converter for a high performance driving experience. When you know the limits of your converter, you can spare yourself from torque repair woes, which is more common than you might think. Of course, most of the problems can be avoided by simply knowing the limitations and capabilities of your converter.

Overheating is probably the most common converter problem encountered by users. There is more than one reason for overheating your converter. There could be a defect on the spark plugs; the distributor timing might be off, or there is continuous high level of slippage. Torque repair shops would have to control this situation by checking for the seals, to make sure they haven't melted away. Broken seals lead to leaks, and leaks lead to poor circulation of transmission fluid.

Due to sudden loading or excessive heating of the converter, the pump and/or turbine blades may get deformed, separated from their hubs or annular rings. On worse cases, they may even break into fragments. At the least, this type of transmission torque converter will result in a significant loss of efficiency, producing symptoms similar to those seen in stator clutch failure. In extreme cases, you might have to undergo total torque rebuild mode. Replacement of torque converter parts like the turbine and the stator is an expensive process. This problem can be rooted to plain bad and careless driving.

A converter problem called ballooning is also commonly seen among units. What happens is, pressure and stress put on the converter's housing causes it to distort and eventually break. Hot oil and converter parts will automatically spew out. This is a very serious problem that is caused by prolonged operation under excessive loading, very abrupt application of load, or operating a torque converter at very high RPM. For efficient and high performance of your converters, make it a habit to regulate speed and load. The occasional check up is also helpful.
The beneficial part of a torque converter is that it is able to enhance torque when there is a difference between the input and output speed of rotation, which then provides about the same torque as a reduction gear. A converter can be, and is often, used not only in automobiles but also in boats and in buses used for public transportation.

Road Rage - A Psychological Disorder

Highway rage is a term related with rash driving that may possibly outcome in incident. Nevertheless, this in fact indicates rude, intense and careless attitude of the driver on the street whilst traveling. This not only includes traveling improperly or in a rash manner but also rude language, insulting behavior, generating in threatening approach, threatening a person verbally on road although driving are included in path rage.

The manifestation for highway rage includes numerous other issues in the category of road rage. This includes intense operating. This indicates applying sudden brakes, accelerating or tailgating that may possibly lead to crash. Changing or cutting off lanes, making use of horns that may possibly be threatening for others, use of lights much more than needed and also if you are shouting or yelling that may well trigger disturbance to the individuals generating on path then you may possibly be charged for street rage.

Some other scenarios of highway rage are hitting someone's vehicle or colliding intentionally, rude gestures and driving at substantial speeds on the lanes exactly where the speed limit is fixed. If you believe, you have been a victim of any of these circumstances then you can take assist of law and report it. Path rage is a severe crime due to the fact it dangers the security of numerous people on the path at a particular time.

Laws and punishments for road rage are diverse in all the countries and hence the legal procedures to deal with path rage instances are various. But it is apparent that severity of the punishment depends on the circumstances, intention and the injury or loss caused.

The psychologists take into account it a type of psychological disorder and state of psychological restlessness although operating that causes frustrated conduct on highway. Knowing why we behave aggressively on street may possibly help us to be a tiny more patient.

Headlight Replacement Basics

If you own a car, you drive at night. It's a simple fact. Headlights are one of the most essential car accessories on the market. Even if your car is primarily a tool to get you from work or school and back, headlights must always be in top working order. If one of your vehicle's headlights has been damaged in a minor accident, a missing headlight can even get you into trouble during the day.

Luckily, because of their prime placement in the auto accessory hierarchy, headlights are a cinch to replace. Even better, you can purchased used headlights on ChuckandEddies.com

When it comes to at home headlight installation, there are many different options. Some headlights are of the plug and play variety and take very little elbow grease to install at all. Other headlight options take a little bit of elbow grease and DIY knowledge. But almost all headlights can be driveway installed with the attitude that where there is a will there is a way.

Headlights are also a great way to modify the look of your vehicle. There are many styles of headlights ranging from Euro to sports car design. Plus, headlight engineering has come a looong way over the decades. There are now headlights that outshine factory options in so many ways. Headlights with clear, white or blue hues are very popular and give much greater range of sight. Plus, there are many headlight options with technology that burns green and lasts a lot longer.

So there is no reason to worry if your headlights have started to fog over or fade, you can replace or upgrade headlights easily with just a little bit of know how.
that will save you a bundle of dough over getting replacement headlights from a dealership. Headlights are one of the accessories that dealerships make money on hand over fist. Not only will the price of the headlight itself be marked up unfairly, there will be labor costs for installing each headlight.

The Importance of Oil Changes

Changing vehicle oil on a regular basis is an extremely important task which offers a number of benefits to vehicle owners.

Oil plays an extremely important role of providing lubrication in the engine. Apart from lubricating engine parts, the oil also performs other important roles like cleaning of engine, reducing pollutants, stopping the formation of sludge and cooling the vehicle. But, if it is not changed on a regular basis, it can result in engine failure and engine wear and tear thus causing huge loss in terms of vehicle performance.

Some of the major benefits offered by oil change include improved gas mileage, improved engine stability and life, increased performance etc. All the benefits have been discussed below in detail.

Improvement in gas mileage

This is one of the major benefits offered by routine oil change. If the engine oil is not changed from a long time, it becomes less viscous and starts losing its ability to lubricate and protect elements of engine. As a result, friction occurs between moving parts of the engine thus causing wear and tear. The more will be the friction, the more the engine needs to work in order to overcome that friction. On the other hand, new oil is extremely viscous, smooth and allows engine to move smoothly with smallest friction.

Improves engine stability and life

This is another important benefit offered by regular oil change to vehicle owners. It improves the life of the engine thus making it functional for years to come. Oil change on a regular basis keeps engine clean. Clean engine shows less signs of ageing and offers an excellent performance for a longer time period.

Increased performance

We all know that performance of a vehicle majorly depends on the condition of the engine. If it is good, performance increases.

Stops noise produced by vehicle

Regular changes of engine oil also prevent the parts of an engine from coming into contact with each other. This helps in reducing the noise made by the vehicle. Moreover, it also reduces the temperature of the engine.

Thus, it becomes clear that regular oil change offers a number of advantages to vehicle owners. Getting oil change performed by an auto service centre is a good decision. There are many auto service centers offering such services to vehicle owners. One needs to do a deep research in order to find a reliable service center which uses quality products and motor oil. Individuals can take help from internet in this regard.

Are You A SAFE Driver?

Safety is the first thing in our minds as we open the car door and slip behind the wheel.   Keeping in mind that we're about to unleash a potential weapon weight upwards of 2,500 pounds it's important to realize what a negative impact it could have if things got "out of control".

Speed is a issue with many of us.  Especially those of us who drive late model cars.   Vehicles made today are very quiet and drive very smoothly.  It's difficult to tell that you're speeding without constantly glancing down at the speedometer.  A good remedy for this would be to use your cruise control.  Set the speed at or just slightly below the posted speed limit and you'll be all set.  Of course, this works best for highway driving.  Obey all signs and be aware of what you're doing. 

Driving while distracted has been a big issue since the introduction of the cell phone.  But other distractions have been around much longer than that.   For years, people have been applying nail polish, combing their hair, brushing their teeth and performing other grooming tasks while tooling down the highway. 

I've actually seen people reading a book while driving.  And munching down on that Big Mac and Fries certainly distracts you from the business at hand while driving.   

Driver safety doesn't stop with the driver.  How about the vehicle itself?  Are the tires worn? Have all fluids been changed within the period recommended by the manufacturer?   Do the lights, windshield wipers and horn operate properly?  Do the seat belts work?  

Keeping these safety issues in mind could save yourself or someone else from serious problems.   Safe driving is not just a fad.  It's your responsibility!

--Bruce Zubee

Brake Pads - An Important Part Of Safety

When your car's tires get worn out chances are you do not just replace them without giving the matter some thought. You will spend some time considering the options from the majot tire manufacturers. Therefore you will probably know the brand of tires on your car and perhaps will have bought them because of certain features that you like and which make your driving less stressful and more enjoyable.

There is a similar component that gets worn out just like the car tires do. Car tires get worn out making the car roll along and this component gets worn out by stopping the car's rolling each time you press down on the brake pedal. The cars brake pads are responsible for creating friction that slows down or stops your car. When you press down on the brake pedals the brake pads are pressed against the brake rotors. How hard they are pressed against the brake rotors depends on how hard you are pressing down on the brake pedal. And if you are pressing down hard on the brake pads then they will be creating a lot of friction. In doing so they will tend to heat up and their material should be such that even in hot conditions it should be able to generate friction, otherwise if it goes soft then you will get what is known as a brake fade.

As you can see brake pads perform an important and difficult function and that means that you must take care to buy quality brake pads. If the brake pads are not of great quality they will not generate as much friction, the amount of the friction they generate will reduce as they heat up and they might even produce gases which is not good for braking.

You should therefore choose your braking pads well and buy those made by an established manufacturer with a strong reputation for quality. You can choose them conveniently by going online or by visiting your local auto parts store.

Car Accidents - Common Causes

Car accidents have become a common  characteristic of American life, and indeed, those of  us who live in traffic congested cities have grown accustomed to the site of damaged vehicles stopping up traffic. The majority of these instances are the routine fender-bender,but as most of us realize, vehicular accidents are also often deadly. For many, one of our greatest fears is never seeing our loved ones again when they pick up the car keys and leave the house.

But by understanding what contributes to car accidents, both harmless and deadly, we can minimize the chances that we will ever be involved in one. There's always the chance of becoming a victim to another hapless driver, but awareness and adjusting your driving can significantly change the odds, in your favor.

Here are some common causes of car accidents to be aware of.

1. Speeding

Many car accidents are caused by speeding. While those new to driving might find going slow to be a drag and take some of the "fun" out of it, we must remember that a vehicle is a tool and a dangerous one at that. When we are driving faster, we are given less time to react when something goes wrong, like another driver entering our lane, an animal running into the road, or a sharp curve creeping up on us. When we are driving too fast, it also reduces our car's performance in several ways. For instance, we may lose control going around bends, and the distance we need to stop is much larger than when we are driving at slower speeds.

2. Distractions

Another common cause, especially with mobile technologies, is distraction. Most of us have heard of a small handful of people who have been killed while driving because they were talking on a cell phone or texting and distracted from noticing a danger in time to prevent an accident. Other distractions include trying to read something, reaching to grab something, paying attention to something off the roadway, talking to a passenger, or simply daydreaming.

When you're at the wheel, never forget the responsibility that is in your hands. Put all your energy and focus into the task at hand, and stay alert for any possible sudden changes in the environment that may pose a threat.

3. Careless Driving

Careless driving also causes a lot of accidents and, unfortunately, deaths. Especially younger drivers are known for showboating or just driving haphazardly, and in most cases, the simple reason is they don't take the dangers of driving seriously enough. Even older, more mature drivers "cut corners" in the sake of time or convenience by running stop signs, following too closely, or any other number of aggressive driving mistakes.

Nothing can be more sobering than a brief lapse in judgment ruining lives.

4. Drunk Driving

The most preventable cause of automobile accidents is drunk driving, a cause of death that crosses nearly every parent's mind when they first hand their teenager the car keys. We all know it is a problem and a very dangerous one, yet so many still do it.

Any time you've had a drink, you should refrain from driving, it is simple as that. Use taxis, designated drivers, and self-control. Anything else is a show of complete neglect for your own life and the lives of others.

5. Weather

Of course, weather is also a major factor in automobile accidents and in any of the cases above, it can make an accident much more likely to happen. Driving speeds and habit should always be adjusted in regards to the current road environment, so keep an eye on the weather and drive accordingly, it's the law, but it's also your life and the lives of others.

The simple truth is that most car accidents involve a variety of different contributing factors, and even if you do everything perfectly, someone else's mistake can quickly alter your life. For that reason, the best policy is and always has been defensive driving. Make it a point to always be aware of not only what you are doing but what those around you are doing, and always be prepared to give to a more aggressive driver.

There is life in your hands.

Free Shipping - A Myth

Are you drawn to online sellers who offer "free" shipping?  Before you fall into that age-old marketing trap, do some homework.

 Make note of the selling price of the product offering the free shipping promo and shop around for that same product being offered from a dealer that calculates shipping separately.   You'll find in most cases, the item offered by the seller providing the  free shipping is substantially higher in price than the same product offered with shipping calculated separately.

Obviously, those who offer "free shipping" build the cost of shipping into the price of the product.   I recently discovered a video on ebay promoting the practice of including the price of shipping within the product price and promoting it as "free shipping". 

Shipping charges are very expensive these days given the cost of fuel, packing materials and labor.   Shipping costs are calculated in part by the destination of the package, so it would be difficult to know exactly how much to mark an item up to cover postage going to different parts of the world.  Many sellers opt to calculate shipping to the furthest point and add that amount to the price of the product.   In a case like this, a person living 20 miles from the seller will pay the same shipping charge as the buyer living 2,000 miles away.   What's wrong with that picture?   

The moral of this story is "free" doesn't always mean free.  Shop around for the best price before selecting a seller to purchase from.

--Bruce Zubee

Zubee is Director of Online Marketing and Operations for Chuck and Eddie's and Mitchell's Auto Parts.  The opinions stated above are his own and don't necessarily reflect the opinions of Chuck and Eddie's or Mitchell's Auto Parts.

Save Save Save!

Clearly one of the big reasons to purchase used auto parts is to save money. And these days, saving money is job one!  Follow these simple tips to help you save even more.

Did you know that Chuck and Eddie's sends out money saving promotion codes every week to members of their email list?  That's right!  Folks who sign up for email notifications receive special offers and coupon codes worth up to 15% off their online purchases (and sometimes even more!).   It's easy to join the growing number of smart auto parts shoppers on our email notification list.  Just find the email sign up box located on the chuckandeddies.com homepage.  The sign up box can be found on the lower left of the page.  Enter your email address, press the submit button and you're on your way to some serious savings!

Another way to save some serious cabbage would be to purchase multiple items at the same time on the chuckandeddies.com website.   By grouping a number of parts into one order, your shipping fees will be combined into one, smaller amount.   Keep in mind that we can NOT combine shipping on ebay orders.  You must make your purchase on the chuckandeddies.com website .  ebay will charge a separate shipping amount for every item you purchase.

Stick with chuckandeddies.com for the best possible value on auto parts and work apparel.  We look forward you providing you with quality parts at the best price, backed by our world-class customer service.   We value our customers.

Do You Want Fries With That?

With over 150,000 parts in our inventory, it's impossible to store them all in our warehouses.   That's why many of our inventoried parts stay on the vehicle until sold.  This is a cost-saving measure which helps us to maintain our low prices. The only down-side to this practice is that it delays shipping by a day or so in some cases. 

Since the part you order may still be on the vehicle, you may be able to request hardware and associated components that we normally don't send along with the primary part.  If you need mounting hardware (nuts, bolts, etc), you can always request them and we'll do our best to send them along at no additional charge if we have them.  Simply enter a note in the comments box during the ordering process and we'll do our best to send you the additional components.   We only ask that you don't count on receiving them.  If the item you order has already been removed from the vehicle, we will not have the hardware that once attached the part to the vehicle. 

Something to keep in mind:  We do not inventory every part found on a vehicle.  If the item is not in our inventory, we can not offer it for sale.  Components like interior and exterior trim are not offered for sale.  Other things you won't find in our inventory include carpeting, sun visor clips, sensors, audio speakers, tires and various  small plastic parts. 

Even with the exclusions above, you'll find most of what you're looking for within our extensive inventory of used and new parts.   Our entire inventory is online and searchable on the chuckandeddies.com website, while not everything is listed on our ebay store.   If you've searched our website and can't seem to find what you need, we're just a toll-free phone call away!  

--Bruce Zubee

Bruce is Director of Online Marketing and Operations at Chuck and Eddie's Auto Parts

Used Auto Parts - Not For Everyone

Purchasing used auto parts to replace failed or failing parts in your vehicle can save you a ton of money, but there are distinct differences between used and new parts. 

Chuck and Eddie's has been in the business of suppliying used parts to customers throughout the world since the 1940's. During this time we've save thousands of people an unbelievable amount of money.  We've also upset some people in the process.

Those first-time purchasers of used parts sometimes have an unrealistic idea of what they will be receiving.  Over the years, we've found that many folks interpret "good condition" as "like new".  There's a big difference. 

As an example, a front seat from a 2000 Ford Explorer in "good condition", will still show signs of 13 years of use and wear.   That's unavoidable.   It will have plenty of usefulness left to it, but it's not going to look "brand new". 

The same holds true for mechanical parts.   Moving parts will begin to wear after a period of time.  They'll still work, but the signs of wear are usually noticeable.  

Let's face it folks.   You're buying USED PARTS at a FRACTION of the cost of new.   In most cases, you will get a good, part that will serve you well but it will not be perfect. 

Here at Chuck and Eddie's we offer a very liberal six month warranty on every used part we sell.  Experience has taught us that a used part might test well but there's always a chance it might not last.  Our warranty period was designed to protect our customers in these cases. 

Another mistake some folks make while attempting to save  money, is self installation.  We encourage self installation  for folks that have mechanical ability, but it's not for everyone.  We've received returned parts from customers claiming the part never worked but it's been obvious upon inspection that a non-mechanical person attempted to install the part and in the process, broke it.  

When replacing parts, used or new, let a professional handle the installation.  It'll cost you a few bucks but it will save you lots of headaches.

So if you're new to the idea of used parts for your vehicle, be realistic.  Know that you're purchasing parts that have been USED.  Know that even though the description of a part indicates "good condition" it is still  a USED PART. 

Let's face it.  If you're looking for the perfect part, save yourself the disappointment and buy new. Over the years we've learned that some people will NOT be satisfied with a used auto part.

--Bruce Zubee

Bruce is Director of Marketing and Operations for Chuck and Eddie's Online Division. 

How Vehicle Brakes Work

Inertia or momentum, as described by Newton’s Law of Motion, is the tendency of an object to remain in its current state and resist change. It is measured by an object’s mass when stationary, its mass and velocity when in motion. How do these laws of physics relate to the average commuter? It’s simple. Engineers use algebraic formulas relating to the Law of Motion to design braking systems that will arrest the forward momentum of a 4, 000 pound vehicle traveling at 88 feet per second. Therefore, you have a reasonable expectation that your car will stop when you step on the brake pedal.

Keep in mind, however, that brakes are a wearable item, meaning that certain components of the braking system will wear out before the rest of the car. These components are:

• Brake Rotors - Brake rotors are flat steel discs mounted vertically to the vehicle’s axel. They are approximately nine to ten inches in diameter and one inch thick on most domestic, passenger vehicles. Many rotors are designed with vanes sandwiched between two friction surfaces. This is to dissipate excess heat when the brakes are actuated. Each manufacturer publishes the minimum rotor thickness designed for a particular vehicle. When rotors wear to this minimum, they need to be replaced. Ask your service professional to measure the rotor thickness each time your brakes are inspected.

• Brake Pads - Brake pads consist of friction material on a steel backing plate. The pads are mounted to the stationary brake caliper. When the brakes are actuated, the stationary pads clamp both side of the spinning rotor. This causes friction which in turn produces thermal energy, or heat. The frictions of the pads on the spinning rotors cause the rotors to slow which in turn slow the vehicle’s wheels. This friction and heat cause microscopic particles to be lost on both pads and rotors each time the brakes are actuated. Pads should be replaced when 75% to 80% of the friction material is worn away.

• Brake Fluid - Brake fluid is a misnomer for hydraulic oil especially formulated to be used in certain types of hydraulic brake systems. Hydraulic brake components consist mostly of steel. Brake fluid is hygroscopic. This means that all water molecules have been removed in order to prevent internal corrosion of the brake parts. However, this causes brake fluid to attract moisture. Over time the brake fluid will become saturated with water. This is the primary reason to periodically replace the brake fluid. Check the owner’s manual for the replacement schedule or have your service professional check for moisture or rust scale in the fluid.

Your ability to commute safely day in and day out is literally riding on the condition of your car’s brakes. All highway systems and accompanying traffic laws are designed on the premise that vehicles can stop at certain points. Without this ability our roadways would be dangerously chaotic. Have your car’s brakes checked often. A good rule-of-thumb is to perform a visual brake inspection each time the tires are rotated, or every 5,000 miles.

Everything You Always Wanted To Know About Torque Converters

If manual cars use clutch, automatic cars use torque converters. A torque converter is a fluid coupling mechanism that allows the engine to spin independently from the transmission. Torque means power in the automobile's dictionary. Torque converter then is literally a power converter.

There are four different torque converter parts: pump, turbine, stator, and transmission fluid. The transmission fluid provides the converter the high performance power to do its job for fluid coupling. The pump acts as a centrifuge. It works pretty much like a washing machine. As the pump spins, the transmission fluid is flung to the torque converter's outer part. As the transmission fluid is flung outside, a vacuum is created at the center which further draws more fluid toward it. The turbine, on the other hand, causes the fluid to change direction, which in turn also causes the turbine to spin. Now if the transmission fluid hits the pump, it would cause the engine to slow down, thus wasting energy. To prevent this, a typical torque converter has stator. It redirects the transmission fluid so it does not hit the torque converter pumps. The stator dramatically increases the efficiency of any torque converter.

Working together, these four torque converter parts ensure that the torque converter function well. There are five specific functions that converters do. It provides multiple torque or power generated by the engine. It works like a clutch that transmits engine torque. It absorbs vibration of the vehicle's engine, smooths out the engine's rotation, and drives oil out of the hydraulic control system.

Like the other parts of any vehicle, these torque converter parts are also prone to wear and tear. However big or small, any damage on them means the owner of the vehicle is in for some torque repair. Do not forget to check that everything is well lubricated so that the converters move smoothly. For instance, as what we have stated awhile ago, the turbine is an essential component of the transmission torque converter. It is what connects the input shaft when the torque converter is mounted to the transmission. Normally damage to this part ensues a replacement of the whole transmission torque converter.

Another common problem is stator clutch seizure. Stator clutch seizure happens when the blades of the stator become locked together preventing it from rotating during the coupling phase. This trouble is usually resolved through either complete torque rebuild or re-installation of your torque converter.

One of the minor but vital parts of converters is the torque converter clutch. It acts an electronic clutch that engages the engine and the powertrain or the part that generates power and delivers it to the road surface. The torque converter clutch is also known as a lock up converter. It slips and makes idle the car so it does not move. However, it never completely engages the way manual transmission car clutch can. Little slips cause inefficiency. Expect that manual transmission cars have higher performance level and better mileage than automatic ones.