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.

Car Wheels - Keep Clean, Keep Safe

Do you have alloy car wheels installed in your car? Well if this is the case then you will have to be very careful with the maintenance of these wheels. You need to take proper care of your wheels as they are very important for proper running of your car. Here are certain important points that you need to remember for cleaning of the alloy car wheels.

Initially you will have to make sure that you pre rinse the wheels with the help of a fine shower. This will help in removing all dust particles and debris from it.

You will also find tar strains on some of the wheels which will also be cleaned with the special tar remover which is available in the market. Make sure that you perform this activity with a soft cloth preferably cotton.

After this you need to make sure that you buy a wheel cleaner which is easily available in the market. Get a bucket full of warm water and add the cleaner in it. Make sure that you use the cleaner only. Keep in mind to follow the steps mentioned in the manual of the cleaning solution.

You can also opt for sponge cleaning. By dipping a sponge in soapy water you can wash the car wheels very well. This will not only clean all the dust but will also make it shine. It is important for you to rub it in a very systematic way and gentle way too, so that there are no scars on the car. Do not forget to change the water after it becomes dirty or else instead of cleaning the car you might make it dirtier. In order to dry your wheels you can use chamois.

Last but not the least ay to clean the car wheels is by using the special alloy wheel wax available in the market. This is a special kind of wax that not only helps one to clean the car wheels but along with it also helps the wheels to shine and look smarter and richer. This wax is made in a way that it protects the car wheels from the dust particles and also the moisture to enter. This is why you will find most of the users prefer using wheel wax to keep it clean.

These are certain cleaning tips that you need to keep in your mind for the safety of your car wheels

Chuck and Eddies Auto Parts Online Video

Chuck and Eddie's Goes Mobile!

Chuck and Eddie's Auto Parts continues to be a major technology leader within the auto recycling industry.  We've just launched a mobile website with fully functional shopping capabilities.  This means customers can scan our entire inventory right from their smart phone and shop for parts from anywhere!   Log on to www.chuckandeddies.com from your smart phone and the mobile site will automatically be displayed.

Mechanics love our mobile site because they can order parts while they're in the process of diagnosing a vehicle in the garage.  Do-it-yourselfers also enjoy the convenience of buying online wherever they might be. 

To compliment our mobile website, we've also developed a mobile app for all IOS (Apple) and Andriod devices.  The app incorporates the same shopping feature as our mobile site, and also contains some other useful tools.  One big advantage of downloading our app is a great money saving feature.  We will "push" messages to your device about special offers available ONLY to those who have the ChuckandEddies.com Mobile App.  This, alone is reason enough to have our app on your device.

Our apps will be updated with new features as time goes on.  We've just finished our first upgrade which will allow customers to send photos of parts they need directly to our Parts Specialists.   This feature will be available only for IOS devices.  

We hope you will find these new tools useful.   Here at ChuckandEddies.com, we're working hard to make parts purchasing easy and cost effective.

Salvaging Makes Dollars and Sense

There are many situations to consider in which salvaging your vehicle makes sense or even dollars and cents:

1. It may have been in an accident and your insurance company is writing it off.

2. The cost to repair it far exceeds the value of the vehicle.

3. The trade in value is so low it does not merit the effort.

4. You can’t find a buyer or anyone to “take it off your hands”.

5. Trying to sell it on your own is not worth the hassle or trouble trying to find someone who can use it.

6. It may have been a long standing problem for you and you do not want to pass a “lemon” onto someone else.

7. It may have been sitting so long that it does not run and is simply taking up space in your garage or even worse in your yard becoming an eye sore for the neighborhood and an embarrassment to you.

8. It is in pieces from a project that you never seemed to get around to due to time needed, money required to fix it or experience on “how to get the job done”.

These are just some of the reasons why salvaging your vehicle may be your best solution. In the hands of experienced and licensed salvage yards your useless car or truck can become useful again. Whether it is being “parted out”, gotten ready for the “crusher” to potentially use the scrap metal again somehow your vehicle can be recycled and reused. With everyone going “green” it is becoming more and more important to recycle. Having a salvage yard take your junker or clunker for its still useable parts is a great way to get rid of your problem and create opportunities for others to get inspected used auto and truck parts saving our landfills a tremendous amount of space. Basically taking your lemon and making lemonade.

These credible Salvage Yards or Auto Recycling Centers are in the business of making the best use of your used up vehicle. Some of your old vehicles parts will find themselves in other vehicles in other towns or even far away states from where you live. Many recyclers ship parts all over the country and even to other countries. They inspect, test and in some cases even warranty the used auto or truck part. Many auto repair businesses would rather work with a reputable Salvage Yard or Auto Recycler since they know the high costs for “new” parts that come from the dealerships.

Auto recyclers are in the business of buying vehicles that are no longer operational or of use to their current owners. Many of these vehicles were in auto accidents and/or “totaled out” by the insurance company because to repair them would cost more than they are worth. In these situations, many of these vehicles still have parts that are in perfect working order. The Auto Recycler dismantles the vehicle and resells all of the good parts

Goodies from ChuckandEddies.com

You get more than just what you order when you make your parts purchases on the ChuckandEddies.com website. We always like to throw in a little something extra.

In the past, we've sent Chuck and Eddie's branded mints, pens, flashlights, tee shirts, and more.  One of the more popular giveaway items is our mouse pad. 

Our marketing team goes out of their way to find unique as well as useful items to surprise our customers with.   We try to change things up as much as possible so each time you order, you get a different surprise.  

If you've received something extra in your order, we'd like to know what you thought when you discovered the extra little something in your order box.   Comments from our valued customers help us to develop the best possibly buying experiences for our customers.

Symptoms of a Bad Transmission

The transmission is a critical component of overall vehicle operation and without it you would not be able to drive your car. A transmission allows you to move your vehicle forwards and backwards at different speeds. For car owners, transmission failure can be a complete nightmare, costing thousands of dollars to fix or replace. Nobody knows when or where a transmission will fail, so there is another inconvenience of possibly being stranded in the middle of nowhere or on your way to an important function. Although transmission failure is not something any car owner wants to hear about, there are warning signs that may indicate your vehicle is having some kind of transmission problems. Remember, even if your vehicle is experiencing one or more of these warning signs, it does not necessarily mean it is the transmission. Symptoms of a bad transmission overlap with numerous other common vehicle problems, so it is always best to take your vehicle in to have it inspected before just jumping to any irrational conclusion. Bringing your vehicle in for an evaluation and possibly catching a minor problem before it becomes a major issues, might save you thousands of dollars. All that said, below are some of the more common symptoms of a bad transmission:

Leaky Fluid-transmissions require fluid in order to function and are the lifeblood of the transmission, serving to keep the internal parts cool and lubricated. One warning sign of a bad transmission is when your vehicle begins to leak transmission fluid. If you park on a white surface, such as a concrete driveway or in a garage, you will be able to tell if you have such fluid leakage. If you park on a dirt or grass surface you will need to place a white cloth or blanket underneath the hood part of your car to find such leakage. If you notice any pinkish fluid leaking out, then you will know that it is from the transmission. Also any very dark or burned looking fluid is another sign that the transmission may be having a problem since optimal color should be a dark or cherry red. Any fluids leaking from your vehicle are cause for concern and warrant taking your vehicle to get transmission repair at as soon as possible.

Slipping-another warning sign is transmission gear slippage. This is usually one of the more common signs of transmission failure. You will know if there is a slippage problem if you try to accelerate from a stopped position. Vehicles with normal functioning transmissions allow for a smooth acceleration without hesitation, however a vehicle that may be experiencing a transmission problem would slow down this acceleration process and at the same time your vehicle's RPM spikes up. A jerking motion when putting the vehicle in gear or accelerating from a stand still would be a sign of gear slippage as well.

Surging-when driving your car at steady speeds, you should never notice any type of jerking movements. Bad transmissions usually cause vehicles to surge or lurch ahead. You might hear the RPM’s have a sudden increase as well. Again, this issue needs to be solved right away and you should take your car to a service center as soon as you’re able.

Any Type of Burning Odor-a burning smell can be many things, and this includes your transmission. A burning odor coming from your transmission fluid means the fluid has broken down. When this happens, corrosive agents and varnish accumulate throughout the transmission. When this happens, heat builds up and can ultimately cause complete transmission failure. Transmission overheating can be disastrous, so if you ever smell any kind of burning odor, stop driving immediately until you have your vehicle checked out by a professional.

Non-existent Transmission Action-transmissions that do not engage no matter what gear you are in can indicate a serious transmission problem. There could also be some sort of electronic failure causing your transmission not to engage, so best thing to do is have it looked at right away to determine the extent of the problem. Many repair shops will offer free towing with repair if you’re within a certain distance from their location.

Dashboard Lights-your dashboard is your friend and usually (not all the time) if your vehicle is having a problem a warning light will come on to alert you. If you notice that your check engine light comes on, take your vehicle in for an inspection as soon as possible. Although the check engine light can be indicative of many things, even something as simple as an electronic sensor or computer chip malfunction, it can also indicate a possible transmission problem, so it is always better to be safe than sorry here. Don’t always think the worst case scenario just because you see warning lights come on in your vehicle. Your vehicle is simply alerting you that an issue needs to be addressed.

There are many things that can go wrong when driving your vehicle, so it is always wise to have your vehicle checked on a routine basis and at specific mileage intervals according to your owner's manual. There are over 300 moving parts in many transmissions and any one of these could be the cause of your problem. A transmission problem is usually the extreme when it comes to diagnosing different vehicle problems, but it is a problem that no car owner desires to have. As soon as you notice any of the above symptoms or other abnormalities when driving your vehicle, don’t take chances and have the vehicle checked out. Routine maintenance can be a low cost of way of preventing major transmission failure down the road. Although there are no guarantees of preventing any kind of possible transmission problems, having knowledge about the symptoms of a bad transmission may prevent further damage to this vital component and save you a lot of money in the long run.

Auto Air Condition - Keep Cool!

If your auto air conditioning system is giving you problems, you might  need the help of a specialist. However, sometimes you can fix some of the more minor problems yourself, or at least arrange for a stopgap measure until you actually get the time to visit a car repair shop. For that you need to be familiar with the inner workings of your auto air conditioning system, and be acquainted with the more common problems that such systems face.

The first thing you need to realize is that the A/C in your car is basically just a fridge. You have mostly the same parts, with a design change. Given below are the most common parts of a car air conditioner:-

The Compressor: - The compressor pressurizes the refrigerant and circulates it throughout your car. Compressors usually malfunction if there is a leak in the system

The Condenser: - The condenser's job is twofold. First, as can be guessed from its name, the condenser cools the refrigerant by removing excess heat from it. Second, it catches any debris coming from the compressor. Condensers are expensive and cannot be replaced frequently; at least not without causing a severe dent in your pocket, so it's better to clean and repair them when necessary.

The Refrigerant: - This is what collects the heat from inside your vehicle and dumps it outside. In modern cars it's a substance called R134a, whereas older cars have something called Freon. Freon has been gradually phased out because of the damage it causes to the ozone layer.

The Expansion Valve: - This is a type of nozzle that controls the pressure and flow of the refrigerant.

The Evaporator: - This transfers the heat from your car to the refrigerant, effectively cooling your car.

These are the basic parts of your car air conditioner, and while knowing them will not allow you to do the work of a skilled auto technician, they can help identify the more common A/C related problems and decide which one needs immediate attention.

For those looking to fix their auto air conditioning, ChuckandEddies.com has quite a few options. We sell most all A/C components at cool prices.   Search for the right part for your vehicle at ChuckandEddies.com  and stay comfy and cool during the hot summer months.

Your car...Your friend...Your Lifeline

For most of us, our cars are more than just heavy slabs of metal.  Some of us are obsessed with our vehicles.  We demand that they run well and look good.  

Depending upon where you live int he world, the family car plays many roles.  Those of us living in rural areas depend on our vehicles to get from place to place every day.   Even those in urban areas rely on their cars to get out of town from time to time. 

When something goes wrong with our car, we sometimes panic.  How will we get to work?  How will the kids get to school?   How will we get our weekly groceries?    For these reasons alone, it's important to keep your car in tip-top running condition. 

Keeping a car in optimum shape can be difficult these days given our current economic climate.  This is where repairing your vehicle with quality used parts comes into play.  Used parts will save you thousands of dollars over time.  Just be sure to purchase from a dealer like Chuck and Eddie's where all parts come with a very liberal warranty period. 

If you listen to the evening news, it doesn't sound like our economy will be taking a turn for the better any time soon.  All the more reason to keep the current vehicle in good running shape.  Many of us can not afford high car payments, interest and high insurance costs associated with purchasing a new car.   You'll be surprised how long a vehicle will last with the proper maintenance and attention to the vehicle itself.  Your car will tell you when it's ready for a new part.   Most of the time it's just a new, unexpected sound under the hood or in one of the wheels.  If not taken care of at that stage, the sound could escalate to a more serious situation, like a break down.   

At the first sign of trouble, find out what part needs attention or replacement. Get the job done as soon as you can to avoid additional costs and inconveniences.   Log on to ChuckandEddies.com, find the part you need and order it.   We know you need the part fast, so you'll get it fast.  

Don't get stuck, rely on Chuck (and Eddie's).

--Bruce Zubee
    Ecommerce Manager
    ChuckandEddies.com

Great News For Our International Customers!

ChuckandEddies.com has partnered with Bongo International to offer overseas customers with a better, cost-effective way to ship items. Bongo International provides our customers with their very own U.S. address. Once you have a U.S. address, you will be able to make purchases with us as well as other U.S. based online retailers. Bongo receives your purchases and logs them into their online system which you can use to view your items and consolidate them with multiple orders.

International customers can save up to 82% off typical international shipping rates. It's a simple process. First, click here to register with Bongo International. For a very small fee, Bongo International will assign you a United States address that you will use as both your billing and shipping address. Your purchase will be shipped to one of Bongo International's shipping location where it will be forwarded to your physical international address. You benefit from Bongo International's high shipping volume by enjoying low rates. As much as 82% lower than other shipping methods. We're happy to be able to bring this valuable service to our International customers!

New Promo Offers HOT Prizes!

Beginning today, April 17th, 2012, ChuckandEddies.com has launched a new promo entitled "WIN THIS!". Everyone who makes a purchase on the ChuckandEddies.com website will be entered into a drawing to win a prize worth hundreds of dollars! This month's giveaway is an Apple IPAD-2! This drawing is available ONLY to those who purchase on the ChuckandEddies.com website. Ebay purchases, phone orders and counter sales do not qualify.

Every month we'll offer and new high-end prize. If you don't win one month, keep trying! Be sure to ready the official page of our WIN THIS! Promo for all the details.

Good Luck and happy shopping!

Work Safety Wear

Many of us don't consider the risks when working or even playing outdoors during the warmer months. If you're work area is in close proximity to moving vehicles, it's important that you can been seen. High Visibility clothing is the answer.

Today's hi vis work wear is comfortable and practical. Our ChuckStop.com website offers the finest in high visibility clothing for work and play. This time of year, our Hi Vis Tee Shirts are the hot sellers. Treated with a Dupont Teflon fabric protector, our shirts will repel stains and debris, keeping you clean all day long.

Our safety wear isn't just for the working person. Joggers, bikers and walkers find our shirts, vests and jackets not only safe but comfortable too.

Why not take a look at our inventory of fine high visibility garments at ChuckStop.com. You'll find the finest quality, the best price and FREE SHIPPING TOO!

Hot Dog Anyone?

Beginning this week, Chuck and Eddie's will be serving up hamburgers, hot dogs and a few other goodies at their headquarters in the Plantsville section of Southington (CT).

Charlie's Trolley, a food wagon has been set up right outside the retail parts store at Chuck and Eddies to offer a quick breakfast and lunch to customers coming to purchase parts. The food will be fresh and reasonably priced.

Charlie's Trolley will serve breakfast sandwiches and coffee during morning hours and burgers, dogs and fixin's for lunch. The wagon will be open from Monday through Saturday.

So, if you're in the area, be sure to stop by for a bite. We'd love to see you!

Sell Your Junk Car - It's Worth More Than You Think!

Here at Chuck and Eddie's we do more than just sell auto parts. We also purchase vehicles. We're always on the lookout for junk and wrecked cars and trucks.

We'll make good use of your unwanted ride. The good, usable parts will be harvested and sold, fluids will be drained and properly disposed of and metals will be processed and sold as scrap which will eventually be melted down and used to produce brand new items.

We repurpose or recycle over 85% of each vehicle we purpose. That's great news for the environment as well as the economy. With our state of the art facility, Chuck and Eddie's is able to process all vehicles in a clean environment, working well within the guidelines of all government regulations.

So call us to pick up your junk or wrecked vehicle. We'll remove it from your property and leave you with a nice check. What could be better? Our friendly dispatcher Stu is waiting for your call. Reach him at: 860-426-8941

How to Choose the Right Tire by: Ronald Baker

There are a lot of things on your car that need to be regularly checked and replaced, but none may be more important than your tires. As your anchor to the road, your tires need to be in top condition for what ever driving situation you find yourself in. Before you walk into a tire store, here are a few things you need to keep in mind.

When purchasing tires, it is important to make sure that all the tires on your car are the same or at least very close to the same. This is most easily done when buying all four tires at once. But lets say you need to change just one or two tires because they were damaged. You just have to makes sure that you try and buy the same brand, size, type, and speed rating. Even if this tire is a little more expensive than others, your safety is worth it.

The next thing you need to know when buying tires is what kind of conditions you will be driving your car in. Connecticut tires are going to be different than California tires. In Connecticut, there is a lot of snow in the winter and lots of rain throughout the spring and summer. Because of this, someone's Connecticut tires are going to need to be the best tire for the worst driving conditions you will face. This might mean buying two sets of tires, one for the summer and one for the winter. This way, you will always have the right tire for your situation.

For places with milder climates, you may be able to get away with just one, all-season tire. But you have to consider your normal driving habits as well. If your furthest driving distance is to the local shopping center, you can choose just about any tire. If you spend a lot of time in rush hour traffic, you'll be better off getting more responsive tires. For regular long highway trips, you'll need some smooth, quiet, long lasting tires. And it comes to no surprise that you'll want tires with great handling if you frequently find yourself on a winding mountain road.

One of the last things you need to think about is your tire's speed rating. This is an important number to pay attention to because it can save you money if you know what to look for. Lets say you're at your local tire store and you think you've picked out the prefect tire. What's the speed rating on that tire? If it is any higher than 150MPH then you're paying too much for a tire that you'll never fully use. When are you ever going to be driving faster than 150MPH? If you knock down your tire's speed rating to 130MPH, you'll also knock down it's price. Most high performance tires come with a higher speed rating, even though you'll never use it, so just know what you're actually paying for. And be cautious. Most tires with a high speed rating have softer rubber and don't last as long.

Common tire speed ratings: Q= 99 mph S= 112 mph T= 118 mph U= 124 mph H= 130 mph V= up to 149 mph Z= 149 mph and above W= 168 mph Y= 186 mph

Pros and Cons of Buying a Used Car by: Mikethomsun

The major benefit in buying used car is you save lot of money. Not all the people can afford to purchase a new car. And you save considerable amount on car insurance and other charges as well. Many are attracted to the scheme of buying used cars whenever they see the display notice of used cars for sale. Often we see in Sunday newspapers and magazines lot of sale is being done where you can buy even fresh cars which have not run 10,000 miles.

If you are well versed with the car and its make, model and running conditions then you can go ahead and make a deal. It has become a hobby for influential and rich persons to change their car frequently for sentimental reasons. Sometimes you can see brand new cars which have been bought just one year or two years back standing in the row for sale.

During the initial years you need not have to change the brakes or check the battery and the exhaust system of the car. The warranties for some branded cars may go up to 3 or 4 years depending on the model. Above all you need not spend for fresh insurance coverage since the owner had already taken one. You are more fortunate if the car has covered only less miles because some leading manufacturers give warranty up to 4 years or up to fifty thousand miles whichever is before. You have increased choices if you are read for used cars.

More vehicles are there with the dealers with lot of options in prices as well as accessories. Warranty can be transferred from the first owner to you with no added charges. So you have chance for improved reliability in buying used cars. You can select the right car with good model, great durability with availability of warranty since you can go for lot of choices.

It is even better to buy the used cars from known persons than going for ‘cars for sale’ options. The car will be definitely well handled by the first owner and you will also have added advantage of getting accessories also with the car you purchase. On the flip, the interest rates are higher for used cars than new cars, since it carries more risk. Another disadvantage is unless you are tech-savvy you cannot find out the condition of the car without using it. Sometimes even the car would have met with minor accident which is mostly not disclosed to the buyer.


The author invites you to visit:
target-"_blank">www.autocitysd.com

Save $500 On Gap Auto Insurance

The average price for gap auto insurance sold by an auto dealership or finance company is $578.

Q. So why would anybody in their right mind pay $500 more they should?

A. They don’t know any better.

Imagine you’re in a car dealership and you’ve just purchased a brand new car. You’re sitting there with a self satisfied smile on your face that lets everybody in the showroom know you just brought the salesman to his knees with your finely honed negotiating skills.

Next you go see the finance person to arrange a loan. This is where you’re casually informed that if you wreck your beautiful new car during the next year or two you’re going to have fork over maybe five grand because the car will be worth that much less than what you still owe the bank.

Lucky for you the finance guy has a tailored made solution to the problem. For a measly $578 one time fee you can purchase a gap policy that protects you from a potential shortfall, up to $5,000, if you owe the bank more than the car is worth when that bus hits you.

Of course you’re going to say “sure, go ahead” because you’re afraid of losing your shirt and, by the way, did I tell you the premium could be rolled right into the loan?

On one hand, you’re relieved to know the value your asset is protected, but on the other hand you’re asking yourself why it had to cost so much.

Well, it doesn’t. But who knew that there was even such a thing as gap insurance much less how much it’s supposed to cost. The problem is not with you, but with the major insurance companies and their brokers.

The reason you don’t hear anything about gap from your insurance agent is that it isn’t exactly a big money maker. With an average gap endorsement costing around $35 a year, there isn’t a lot of profit incentive to buy 30 second spots on American Idol.

Besides the price, there’s another difference between the gap insurance sold by a car dealer and the policy rider sold by a name brand gap insurance provider. When you buy gap from a major insurer you can cancel the rider as soon as the loan balance and value of your car reach parity – usually within the first two years of ownership.

With dealership gap insurance, the coverage is spread out over 60 months and cannot be canceled for a refund – whether you need it or not.

About The Author
Now that you’ve learned how to save $500 on gap auto insurance, pass it on, because the insurance companies won’t.

Written by Sam Streubel

For more information please visit these sites:

http://gapautoinsurancecoverage.com/Auto_Gap_Insurance_Online.html
The author invites you to visit:
http://gapautoinsurancecoverage.com

New Search Function on ChuckandEddies.com

Searching for a part on ChuckandEddies.com has never been easier. We've just installed an advanced search engine that will bring you to the part you need in record time.

Just use the simple drop downs on the home page to select the make model and year of the vehicle you need the part for. Then click the "select part type" drop down and all parts available and compatible with your vehicle will be displayed. Click the part you need and proceed with easy checkout process.

This new simple and accurate process will save you time and will help you get the right part the first time. Our entire inventory of nearly one million parts is available and searchable online. The site is updated several times each day so when we add new parts to our inventory, they'll be available to you...right away.

We hope you find our new search function useful. Stay tuned for more website enhancements...

Chuck and Eddies - A Family Company That Cares

When we say that Chuck and Eddies Auto Parts is a "family" company, we mean that very literally. Our company is family owned but each and every employee is also considered part of the family. We go out of our way to help the people that work with us. We know that a happy employee is a productive employee.

We value our employees and offer such things as a food-share program for those that sometimes run short between pay checks. Our Free Food Friday's are a popular event where the entire company gets together in our spacious cafeteria to enjoy a hearty meal. Holidays are also special here at Chuck and Eddies. Our staff is rewarded at that time with good food and some great gifts.

Chuck and Eddie's is very active in the community. We participate in the Easter Seals Capital Region Internship Program whereby Easter Seals clients gain valuable work experience. We also donate very generously to various local and regional organizations. We supply cars to local fire and rescue departments which allows them to practice first responder techniques and to train new recruits.

These are just a few examples of the good work that's done here at Chuck and Eddie's. It's not just about selling auto parts! It's about being an active part of our employee's lives as well as the community.

Chuck and Eddie's On The Move...

We don't let any grass grow under our feet here at Chuck and Eddies. As one of the leading auto recycling firms in the country, we have to keep up with technology and ahead of the competition.

We've just finished construction on a 240 X 83 foot state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly garage. This huge building will allow for swift and clean harvesting of auto parts.

Once all usable parts have been removed from the vehicle, and all fluids have been drained and properly disposed of, the body of the vehicle is sent for recycling.

Within the next several weeks, another company in the Chuck and Eddie's chain, Chase Waste Management will come into possession of a multi-million dollar shredding machine that will process car bodies from the Chuck and Eddie's yards. This new shredder will consume an entire vehicle and reduce it to small "chips" of metal that will be sold and used to make new metal items. The addition of this new machine will allow the Chuck and Eddie's Companies to be involved in the total recycling process. Between harvesting parts, using drained fluids and recycling the car frames and bodies, over 85% of each vehicle will be reused in one way or another. This is highly beneficial for the environment as well as our economy.

Stay tuned for more great news from Chuck and Eddie's!

Gifts For Your Car (and you too!)

Have you checked out the all new ChuckStop.com recently? ChuckStop.com is a division of ChuckandEddies.com so you know you're going to get the best quality AND the best bang for your buck.

ChuckStop.com features a great selection of highest quality work wear with pricing you just won't find elsewhere. We've also just introduced a couple of great new auto air fresheners for your vehicles. Select from two different types of clip-on scents that will help make your drive time more pleasant.

If you're ready to "trick out" your truck or car, we're in the process of adding some way cool LED "bling" to make your ride stand out from the rest. The intense blue LED windshield washer nozzles have just arrived with lots more stuff to come.

Be sure to check Chuckstop.com regularly for a great selection of "stuff" for you AND your vehicles.