<![CDATA[GNL Auto Savers - Blog]]>Mon, 01 Jul 2024 01:56:15 +0800Weebly<![CDATA[Steel Bumpers]]>Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:37:19 GMThttp://www.gnlautosavers.com/blog/steel-bumpersJust finish fabricating front bumper for 4x4 
pm me if interested.
Main face made of 4mm and end panels 3mm steel
Brackets and brace made of 8mm steel 
All designs are made with 3 dimension format so you can view and modify according to your needs. Then templates are made with paper boards.
All cuts are made using Abrasive Waterjet Cutting Machines.
All finish products are powdercoated.
I also do suspension and body lift. -- "Christopher C. Chang"

]]><![CDATA[Whole Body painting (Hilamos)]]>Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:39:35 GMThttp://www.gnlautosavers.com/blog/whole-body-painting-hilamosWhy do people paint their whole car?

Sometimes, it’s because the elements have noticeably aged a vehicle. Its surface is faded, shows cracking or peeling, or doesn’t shine or wax up anymore. Many times, a vehicle runs really well and is in good shape, so its owner wants to keep it looking good for four or five more years.

Some customers want to get more money when selling their vehicle, or get it sold quicker. Others are giving a car to a family member. Whatever your reason, we have all kinds of approaches for painting your vehicle. With more than 10,000 auto paint colors in quality formulations that range from high-grade enamel to single-stage urethane to basecoat/clearcoat urethane, We provides the price and quality you want for your car.

Besides painting, We have always done expert auto body repair work. We straighten metal, fix dents, repair dings, replace parts and eliminate rust. 

]]><![CDATA[Low cost cockpit sound and thermal insulation ]]>Sun, 10 Jun 2012 15:32:31 GMThttp://www.gnlautosavers.com/blog/low-cost-cockpit-sound-and-thermal-insulation
]]><![CDATA[Summer weather automotive tips]]>Sat, 09 Jun 2012 13:53:27 GMThttp://www.gnlautosavers.com/blog/summer-weather-automotive-tipsSummer can be tough on cars, especially during high temperatures when heat can destroy batteries and stress the cooling system and tires. As a precaution, these vehicle components should be checked periodically during summer to help avoid breakdowns and car problems, according to the Car Care Council.

Life of your Battery
Excessive heat and overcharging shorten the life of a battery. Heat causes battery fluid to evaporate, which then damages the internal structure of the battery. A malfunctioning component in the charging system, usually the voltage regulator, allows too high a charging rate, which will eventually destroy a battery. To get the most life out of a battery, the council recommends having the electrical system checked to make sure it is charging at the correct rate. If your car’s battery is the type that needs to be topped off, check it often, especially in hot weather and add distilled water if necessary. Keep the top of the battery clean. Dirt can become a conductor, which drains battery power. If corrosion accumulates on battery terminals, it becomes an insulator and inhibits the current flow.

The Cooling System
The cooling system also works harder during hot temperatures to prevent overheating of the engine. To keep the cooling system working effectively, the coolant and distilled water mixture for a vehicle’s radiator should be 50:50. As a reminder, never open a hot radiator cap when checking the coolant level in the reservoir. As a rule of thumb, the coolant should be changed annually on most vehicles. This will keep the cooling system fresh and clean inside, which helps prevent corrosion and assures that the coolant has the proper boiling point and protection.

A pressure test, thermostat test, a cooling fan test and a visual inspection for leaks and corrosion should also be done annually. Hoses and drive belts should be checked for cracks, bulges or frayed edges. The radiator should be kept clean by periodically using a garden hose and a soft brush to carefully remove bugs, dirt and debris.

Tire CareTires also need special care in warmer weather as high temperatures put added stress on them. To maximize tire life and safety, check the tire condition and inflation pressure monthly, and have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles. Summer heat will cause the pressure within a tire to rise, therefore, it’s important to check the pressure when tires are cold. The owner’s manual includes the recommended air pressure for your vehicle’s tires.

“It takes very little time and money to make sure your car runs properly during summer, and although breakdowns happen, they can definitely be minimized by taking a few extra preventive maintenance steps,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

]]><![CDATA[Save money on repairs]]>Sat, 09 Jun 2012 13:50:41 GMThttp://www.gnlautosavers.com/blog/save-money-on-repairsAutomotive technicians are often compared to doctors. This comparison undoubtedly makes some techs smile and others grimace. But in the end, the two professions have a lot in common. It may surprise consumers to find that by choosing these professionals wisely, they can get better care at a better price.

When it comes to choosing a repair shop, many experts praise the virtues of the clean facility, a wall covered with ASE certificates or a coffee pot and some tasty snacks. While these items are important, these four vital questions tell most of the story:

  1. Will the service advisor or tech take time to listen to your description of the car’s problem?
  2. Can they explain things to you in laymen’s terms?
  3. If necessary, will they test-drive the car with you?
  4. Do they have the knowledge and equipment to diagnose and repair it the first time?

Back to the doctor/technician comparison. Some doctor’s are great diagnosticians. They can pin point a problem when their peers are coming up with empty charts. What’s the difference between that doctor and the people wearing white coats? Possibly his/her knowledge and perhaps equipment, but probably it’s listening skills that sets the really great docs apart from the good ones.

When choosing a professional, the variety that looks after your car or the variety that looks after your body, ask them the four-questions. In effect, audition them. See how the doctor takes care of your flu and how the tech deals with an oil change before visiting with something more serious.

Watch how they handle their time and be aware of how much time is allotted to you. Are they tuned into your problems and asking relevant questions? Are they providing an objective opinion based on information they’ve gathered during your discussion? Can they explain the problem and solution to you in laymen’s terms?

The bottom line is this, time is money. The less time these people are willing to spend with you often multiplies the amount of time needed on the back end. In the case of both the doctor and tech, the extra time spent having to fix you or your car a second or third time not only is expensive, it can be detrimental to the car or patient’s condition.

We only hire the best technicians and service advisors with the ability to handle any situation you have with your vehicle. That’s the reason we have built the reputation of being the most knowledgeable shop in the area.

]]><![CDATA[Is my car safe to drive?]]>Sat, 09 Jun 2012 13:48:50 GMThttp://www.gnlautosavers.com/blog/is-my-car-safe-to-driveThis is a very important question. There are several things that could make a vehicle unsafe to drive as well as things that could damage it more if it were driven. The best thing to do if there is any question in your mind is:

Call your auto repair shop
Your mechanic will be able to assess the situation enough to let you know if it's safe for you to drive or if it needs to be towed.

Don't under any circumstance drive an unsafe vehicle!
If there is any question on the safety of your vehicle, we will help you arrange to get it towed to our shop.

]]><![CDATA[Should I repair my car or buy a new one?]]>Sat, 09 Jun 2012 13:47:12 GMThttp://www.gnlautosavers.com/blog/should-i-repair-my-car-or-buy-a-new-oneSomething goes wrong with your car and you're faced with a high repair bill. It would be nice to get a new car, but is that the smartest decision? Would you be better off fixing your current ride, or is it really time to buy a new one? The answers to these questions will vary, so let me give you some information that might help you make a more informed decision.

Reasons to fix your current vehicle
If you aren't sure if fixing it is the right thing to do, here are a few reasons why it is a good idea to bite the bullet and get the repairs done.

  • It is almost always less expensive to repair a car than buy a new one.
  • Although something as severe as a blown motor or failed transmission will run you in the thousands of dollars to replace, it still isn't enough to buy a new car. (It would certainly make a nice down payment, but then there are the monthly payments to consider.)
  • Insurance and registration fees will go up with a new car.
  • A new car typically loses an estimated 20 percent of its value the moment you drive it off the dealer lot. Your existing car has already taken that depreciation hit
  • Repairing it now will keep you on the road and give you more time to save up and get your finances in order.
  • You have a sentimental attachment to your car. Maybe it was your first car, a gift from a loved one, or a dream car you finally were able to purchase. For you, buying a new car means giving up an old friend.
Reasons to buy a new car
There are times when it's time to buy that new vehicle. Here are some reasons for it:

  • You don't want to worry constantly about future breakdowns. Your mechanic told you to expect more things to go wrong with your vehicle.
  • You're tired of the back-and-forth to the repair shop. Some things are fixed the first time around, while others seem to need constant attention or do not get fixed right the first time. Either way, trips to the mechanic are costing you too much time away from work or family, in addition to money.
  • You're tired of your old car. Perhaps it embarrasses you, it rattles like crazy or you have to bang on the A/C to get it working. Every morning when you walk outside and see the neighbor's car, you long for something new. That's perfectly normal. Just take a good look at your budget and make an honest assessment of your financial situation.
  • You want something safer. Your car is old enough where it's simply not safe to drive.
When is it time to buy another car?
A good rule of thumb to estimate when it's time to throw in the towel, is if the cost of repairs is greater than either the value of the vehicle or one year's worth of monthly payments and increased insurance payments.

Get an honest estimate
The only way to make an accurate decision, is to know what to expect. Ask your mechanic to fully inspect the vehicle and let you know what it really needs to run like new.

]]><![CDATA[How Do I prepare for a long trip?]]>Sat, 09 Jun 2012 13:45:00 GMThttp://www.gnlautosavers.com/blog/how-do-i-prepare-for-a-long-tripHave your regular maintenance done
A week or so before you leave, have regular maintenance done, like oil and filter change, or routine maintenance. Specifically, ask the shop to check the air filter and change it if necessary. Changing the air filter is an inexpensive way to enhance fuel economy and performance. Also have them check the tires again. If the pressure has gone down since the last check, you may have a leak that can be fixed on the spot.

Have your repair shop check the tire pressure and adjust it if necessary
If the pressure is too low, it can cause a blowout at high speed. Also have them check the tread on the tires for excessive wear. (You can also do this yourself by placing the head of a penny into the tread of the tire. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, you probably need new tires.) Be sure to have your repair shop check to see that the spare tire is inflated and the appropriate tools are available to install it if necessary.

Have the auto repair shop check the coolant
Are you going somewhere with a warmer or colder climate? Let your repair shop know so your mechanic can adjust the mixture of water and antifreeze to ensure the car is protected against temperature extremes.

Buy a road atlas or GPS
If you don’t have a current road atlas, get one. Hours and hours of expressway can get boring. Getting off the beaten path can add an entirely new dimension to your trip.

Clean out your car
The day before you leave, thoroughly wash and vacuum the car. It’s much nicer to have your trip in a clean car.

Make sure your paperwork is in order
Make sure your license, registration and insurance are all current and accessible.

Fill the gas tank
Might as well get it out of the way now. Besides, gas is often more expensive on the road.

Look at what you’ve packed
Open your suitcases and take one last look — do you really need all that stuff? Did you forget anything?

Relax!Enjoy your trip!

]]><![CDATA[Engine Flush]]>Sat, 09 Jun 2012 13:41:49 GMThttp://www.gnlautosavers.com/blog/engine-flushShould I get a flush?
In the last few years a new service started to be recommended by quick lube places and some dealerships. This is the engine or transmission flush. So I am often asked if this is needed or not. Well, let me explain what a flush is and then answer the question.

What is a flush?
An engine or transmission flush is basically done by forcing cleaning fluids through the engine or transmission. Yes, I did say forcing. This is done with high pressure machinery.

Does a flush improve performance?
No, a regular oil and filter change or an oil change with a flush give about the same results in performance yet one costs about ¼ of the other.

Does a flush increase the life of your engine?
Keeping the engine clean does increase the life of the engine, that much is true. So in theory, flushing the engine would increase its life, but there is one problem with this: the moment you start forcing solvents under high pressure through anything, you risk damaging it and if it does get damaged, would you have increased its life? Probably not.

The truth of it is that a simple oil and filter change done regularly accomplishes the same end result (a clean engine) without risking damage.

Do car manufacturers recommend engine flushes?
Well, Honda, Ford, GM, Nissan and many others actually don’t recommend it and in many cases they advise against it. Anything that your car manufacturer recommends is covered in the owner's manual of you car. If it’s not in there, it’s not recommended.

So the next time you get told your car manufacturer recommends a flush, pull out the owner's manual of your car and ask them to show you where.

]]><![CDATA[Oil Change]]>Sat, 09 Jun 2012 13:38:53 GMThttp://www.gnlautosavers.com/blog/oil-changeHow often should I change my oil?
For maximum protection, most oil companies say to change the oil every 3,000 miles or three to six months regardless of what type of driving you do.

A new engine with little or no wear can probably get by on 7,500 mile oil changes. But as an engine accumulates miles, it dumps more unburned fuel into the crankcase which dilutes the oil. This causes the oil to break down. So if the oil isn't changed often enough, you can end up with accelerated wear and all the engine problems that come with it (loss of performance and fuel economy, and increased emissions and oil consumption).

Regular oil changes as part of preventative maintenance are cheap insurance against engine wear, and will always save you money in the long run if you keep a car for more than three or four years.

What about the oil filter?
To reduce the costs of vehicle ownership and maintenance, many car makers say the oil filter only needs to be replaced at every other oil change. Most mechanics will tell you this is false economy.

The oil filters on most engines today have been downsized to save weight, cost and space. The "standard" quart-sized filter that was once common on most engines, has been replaced by a pint-sized (or smaller) filter. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that a smaller filter has less total filtering capacity. Even so, the little filters should be adequate for a 3,000 mile oil change intervals — but may run out of capacity long before a second oil change at 6,000 or 15,000 miles. Replacing the oil filter every time the oil is changed, therefore, is highly recommended.

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