Shipping Fees - A Necessary Evil

Millions of people buy merchandise online every day.  Usually shipping costs are added to the purchase price which in some cases, greatly increases the overall charge of the product.  

It's a sad but true fact that shipping is expensive.  The Postal Service and other independent shippers calculate costs based on a number of factors, including fuel costs.   As the price of fuel rises, so does the cost of shipping an item from point A to point B.

Our Shipping Department here at Chuck and Eddie's ships a wide range of items every day.  Different sized items need to be shipped in different ways.  The majority of our items can be shipped via UPS or USPS, but some larger items such as engines, transmissions, fenders, bumpers, etc need to be shipped via truck.  Truck freight is the most expensive of the shipping methods we use.  Independent trucking companies base their fees on size, weight and distance.  Rather than calculate each buyer's individual shipping cost, Chuck and Eddie's uses a "flat rate" system.  We looked at average rates charged for certain items shipped east of the Mississippi, campared them with rates for the same type of item shipped west of the Mississippi, then formulated a fair average that each buyer would pay regardless of where they live in the Continental United States.  This means savings for the customer since most shipping rates are higher than what the customer is charged. 

UPS and USPS rates are calculated based on weight and distance.  Rates can beviewed by ebay buyers before they actually make a purchase.  This helps them to decide if the overall cost of the delivered item would be a good value. 

Since a large part of Chuck and Eddie's business is done online, we try to compensate for today's high shipping costs by reducing the price of our parts.  This practice provides our customers with a very good overall value.  
 

As our business grows, we will seek out other forms of shipping that may offer good service at reduced cost.   Here at Chuck and Eddie's we do what we can to provide our customers with the best parts at the best delivered price.

A Word About "Free Shipping":   As most of us already know, there's no such thing as "free". One way or the other we pay for the products and services we get.  Free shipping is no exception.  Merchants that offer free shipping most usually incorporate the cost of shipping into the price of the product.   A quick look on ebay found an item we sell for $20 plus shipping is offered by another vendor at $42.99 with "free shipping".   So before you click the "buy now" button on an item offering free shipping, do some comparison shopping.  It could save you plenty!

Preparing Your Car For Winter

One of the most important things you can do this time of year is prepare your vehicle for the upcoming winter season. Cold winters can cause many travel related issues if you're not prepared.

Start with your cooling system. If you haven't had it flushed in a while, do it now. Replace the fluid with new antifreeze. While you're at it, have the system checked for leaks. Check radiator and heater hoses and replace any that look like they've seen better days.

Inspect your windshield wipers and replace them if they look worn. It might be a good idea to install winter wiper blades. These blades have rubber boots on them that make them more efficient in snow and ice conditions.

Older batteries can die a quick death in cold weather. Be sure to check the battery for strength and inspect the cables for any corrosion.

Have your brakes check and replace pads, calipers, shoes if necessary. Having good tires are essential as well. Look at the tread and make sure they'll give you enough traction during the extremes of the winter season.

One thing you may not have thought of is to inspect your vehicle's body for scratches and dings. Road salts can make a mess of your finish if it comes into contact with bare metal. Take some time to go over your vehicle and cover any any bare metal with touch up paint. It will save you a bundle in the long run.

Check all of your car's fluids and top them off. We've all experienced running out of windshield washer solution while driving in bad weather. It's not only an inconvenience....it's dangerous.

Taking the time to perform the tasks mentioned here can not only prevent a break down. It could save your life!

CHUCK AND EDDIE VINTAGE CAR SHOW IS THIS SATURDAY

CHUCK AND EDDIE VINTAGE CAR SHOW IS THIS SATURDAY

Funny Stories From the Road

Eddie was driving down the road and a met a car coming the other way. Although there was room to pass easily, Eddie forced the oncoming car to slow down and wound down his window and shouted 'Pig'. The other driver looked in his rear view mirror and swore at Eddie. Then his car hit the pig.

Chuck's wife borrowed his car and parked in the supermarket car park. Just as she came out laden with shopping, she saw a young lad break into the car, hot wire it and drive off. Naturally she reported the matter to the police.' What did he look like?, the sergeant asked. 'I don't know she replied, but I got the licence plate'.

A traffic cop pulled alongside a speeding car on the motorway. Glancing into the car, he was astounded to see that the young lady, who was driving, was knitting. Realising that she was oblivious to his flashing lights and siren, the policeman wound down his window, turned on his loudspeaker and yelled, 'PULL OVER!' 'NO', the young lady yelled back, 'IT's A SCARF!'

Eddie's wife, Edwina was driving her Chevrolet Vega home in New Mexico when she saw an elderly Apache woman walking along the side of the road. She stopped the car and asked the woman if she would like a lift? With a silent nod, the woman climbed into the car. Edwina tried in vain to make conversation with the Apache woman. The old Apache looked closely at everything she saw, studying every little detail, until she noticed a red gift bag on the seat next to Edwina. 'What's in the bag?' asked the old woman. 'It's a bottle of whisky that I got for my husband.' The Apache woman was silent for another minute or two. Then speaking with the quiet wisdom of an elder, she said, 'Good trade.'

A man goes to a party and has too much to drink. His friends plead with him to let them take him home. He says no - he only lives a mile away. About five blocks from the party the police pull him over for weaving all over the road, ask him to get out of the car and take the breathalyser test. Just as he is about to blow into the bag, the police radio informs the policemen of a robbery taking place in a house a short distance away. The police tell the partygoer to remain where he is, they will be right back; and they run down the street to the robbery. The guy waits and waits and finally decides to drive home. When he gets there, he tells his wife he is going to bed, and to tell anyone who might come looking for him that he has 'flu and has been in bed all day.They insist on seeing his car, so she takes them to the garage and opens the door where they find the police car, lights still flashing. A few hours later the police knock on the door. They ask if Mr. X lives there and his wife says yes. They ask to see him and she replies that he is in bed with 'flu and has been there all day. However, the police have his driver's license. They ask to see his car, and she asks why. They insist on seeing his car, so she takes them to the garage and opens the door where they find the police car, lights still flashing.


Do you have a funny story to share? We'd love to hear it. Just email it to us at: Editor@chuckandeddies.com

Are You Sure You're A DIYer?

So you think you can replace that defective car part yourself even though you don't have any prior experience or training in car repair. Sure. You just look at how the broken part is installed and you'll put the replacement in the same way.

Although that seems like a logical approach, this kind of thinking often has an unfavorable outcome. A good rule to follow is if you haven't done car repairs before...LEAVE IT TO A PROFESSIONAL.

Of course, you can still play a part in your vehicle's repair. Find out from the mechanic just what parts you need, then place your order with Chuck and Eddie's. Once the parts arrive at your door, bring them to the mechanic for a proper installation.

We can't count how many times a novice has not only broken a part, but damaged their car in the process of trying to facilitate a repair. A large number of broken parts come back to us with the customer's claim that it "arrived that way".

We know we're not perfect, and we know that every so often a defective part will slip through our intensive inspection process, but we can also tell when a part has been damaged as a result of an improper install.

Used parts are the answer to keep your car running longer and better for a fraction of the cost of the alternative, but ONLY when the parts are installed correctly. A proven method for finding a good local mechanic is word of mouth. Ask neighbors, friends, co-works and the like to recommend a reliable and reasonably priced auto professional.

With a good mechanic and Chuck and Eddie's Used Auto Parts behind you, your vehicle will last for many years to come at a cost you can afford.

Parts That Require More Than A Quick Install

Did you know there are some auto parts that just won't work after installing them in your vehicle? It's true. Electronics such as ECU's usually require reprogramming before they'll work in your vehicle. Many times, purchasers of used ECUs will complain that the part is defective when in fact, the part just needed a quick reprogramming.

Reprogramming the ECU takes little time and isn't all that costly. We've seen prices anywhere from around $49 to as much as $98. Dealers prices generally are on the higher end of this range.

Another thing to consider when purchasing a used ECU is its function. There are many ECUs in the average vehicle. Some control engine function while others are specifically designed for things such as navigation, seat position, climate control, keyless entry control...you name it. There's an ECU installed in your vehicle for just about every function your car performs. It's important to know WHICH ECU you're buying before you buy. If you're buying online and can't tell for sure from the item's online description, call the seller and confirm that the unit you're considering is the right part for your application.


Other parts that will require reprogramming after install include all types of audio equipment. Stereos and the likes have built-in antitheft systems which prevent the part from working if it is removed from the original vehicle. The only way to get the part to work again is to have a dealer reprogram it.

There may be other items that require more than a quick install to operate after being removed from one vehicle and placed in another. If you're not sure about a part, do some research before you buy. Smart buyers are informed buyers.

Chuck and Eddie's Offers Online Repair and Diagnostic Info

Chuck and Eddies has partnered with ALLDATA, the industry leader in providing factory repair information utilized by more than 70,000 shops. ALLDATAdiy.com is a single vehicle access of this same information including all the diagrams, repair information, and detailed technical service bulletins/recalls for your vehicle. Every bit of information is available at the click of your mouse!


ALLDATAdiy.com is easy to use and contains all of the original manufacturers’s repair, diagnostic and repair procedures. Easy to use navigation and search tools allow you to quickly get to the info you need to do the job. Hyperlinks insure that you can get to related info immediately on your computer.
  
 Information is taken directly from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) service manuals. 
  
  
ALLDATA provides the most current Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and Recalls for your vehicle.
  
  
 Access to up-to-date Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) definitions and Resolutions.
  
  
 Access online from any computer at any location.
  
  
 Information is specific to your year, make, model and engine type.
  
  
 Regularly updated to meet changing Factory Service and Repair information – ALLDATAdiy.com is updated four times a year
  
  
 Accurate OE factory wiring diagrams with wire splice and ground locations.
  
  
 Access to Factory Part Numbers and Labor Times. 
  
  
    
Types of information available include: Component Locations, Service and Repair, Expoloded Diagrams,  Component Locations, Service and Repair Information, Exploded Diagrams, Wiring Diagrams.
 
   Comprehensive illustrations show you exactly where parts are located in your vehicle.   Service and Repair sections provide information to specific component repairs using OEM procedures and diagrams.     Simple drawings provide not only the picture of a part, but how to repair or replace it. Detailed information including connector and splice locations. Follow circuit paths that allows you to view from either the system or component level.  
  
 Step by step procedures for testing and repairing hard to determine issues. These charts provide simple and concise information to isolate the issue through elimination. Included are Diagnostic Trouble Codes where applicable.     Each year, manufacturers publish tens of thousands of service bulletins about possible problems after the car was manufactured.     Click on your vehicle’s mileage and view the complete set of factory recommended service to insure long life of your vehicle.     We offer Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Definitions which include drivetrain definitions. 

If you repair vehicles, you need this service!