A Women’s Point of View: Gas Pumps and Handi-Wipes

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

I was talking to a customer the other day when she made the comment that the worst thing she has to do is pump gas. Most women would agree that pumping gas is not high on our list of fun things to do. It's one of those chores where we have to mentally go to our happy place while doing it. It takes courage to grab that pump handle not knowing who last used it and what they had on their hands, leaving behind residue of…..?

Then we check the direction of the wind so we can stand upwind of those noxious fumes. Then we find out that we have picked the only pump that refuses to shoot out our receipt. And then, the topper is when the pump fails to click off and we get a backwash of gasoline all over our hands making it necessary to drive home with only our wrists on the steering wheel. The fumes from that seem to linger in your car for days.

The best temporary solution is to carry handi-wipes in your car's storage compartment. As any busy professional or soccer mom knows, handi-wipes are a MUST! But what else can we do to take charge over this situation?

The best way to cut down on visits to the gas pump is to make sure your car is running at its best and most fuel efficient. Regular maintenance is the key. Oil changes when they are due, visual inspections, fluid checks and tire air pressure checks. Believe it or not, these services improve your car's fuel efficiency. Sludge in the engine causes the engine to work harder and uses more gas, so get those flushes done to clean out that engine. There are also some wonderful additives that can help your car get even better performance. Stop by or give us a call; we'd be happy to help you find out which additives and maintenance routines are best for your vehicle.

Got Heat? What Your Car's Radiator Output Says About Problems Under the Hood

by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

If you hold your fingers above the defrost vents with the temperature set on high, as a general rule, you shouldn't be able to leave your fingers there for very long without them getting pretty uncomfortable - if the heating system is working well.

When we perform routine inspections (aka "Pit Stops"), we usually check the heat output at the center vent; a good heater thermostat will put out 150° temps.

We have seen them run as high as 160°f. At 130°f degrees you may start getting a few complaints, though it’s still pretty livable, at 120°f people are getting unhappy, the coats are staying on and below 110°f NO ONE is happy.

More importantly, a malfunctioning heater often points to deeper problems below the hood - problems which, if left unattended, could result in interior coolant leakage, engine inefficiency or an overheated engine.

Is it the radiator, the heater core or the thermostat?

These are the three components which influence your radiator's heating performance the most. Small, easy to fix problems in any of these can result in low heater output, and more serious problems with any of them can lead to mechanical failure or damage to other parts of your vehicle.

Radiator - The radiator is the component which cools engine coolant to keep the engine cool. When vehicles' heaters are on, the heat extracted (by air cooling) from the coolant (heater core) is pushed through the dashboard heater vents. Clogs, cracks or leaks in the radiator impede coolant fluid flow, resulting in low heat out put and, in many cases, engine overheating.

Heater core - The heater core is essentially a heat exchanger which transfers heat from the engine to the radiator. Hot coolant fluid is passed through the core's winding tubes from the engine, which heats the fluid, to the radiator, where fans blow hot air off the heater core tubes and through the vents. Heater cores are made up of small tubes which sometimes get clogged, causing radiator failure. A clogged heater core also means the engine is not being properly cooled, which can lead to engine damage if left unattended. Heater cores may also become leaky, resulting in lower heat output and improper engine cooling.

Thermostat - The thermostat is what activates the flow of coolant fluid through the engine. It controls a small, heat-activated valve in the heater core which blocks or opens coolant flow through the engine. To minimize engine wear and make the most efficient use of engine energy, thermostats ensure that coolant doesn't flow through the engine until it reaches its maximum operating temperature (about 200 degrees F). When thermostats aren't working correctly, they could be stuck open - causing inefficiency - or they could be stuck closed, causing the engine to become hot and blocking hot air from coming out of the car's heating vents.

If you stop by with your car, mini-van, light truck or SUV, we'll test the output for free!
While the symptoms can seem similar, subtle differences in your description or in our testing tell us which component is to blame. Most clients aren't aware that something as simple as low coolant (antifreeze) can cause some pretty weird symptoms.

A Women’s Point Of View: Auto Tips & Tricks for Halloween

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Halloween is fast approaching. The time of year when children (and some adults) get to live out their fantasies of who they would like to be for just a few hours. Extraordinary preparations are being made this year it seems. My granddaughter has been growing her bangs since summer to match the character she is going to portray. Teenagers are sporting orange and bright pink hair with spikes, and artistically shaven heads are becoming popular. Strange costumes have been showing up around Cars For Keeps.

Yes, even adults believe in the magic that lies in our imaginations. As part of the preparation for this night let us not forget about our cars. Because of all the little goblins, fairys and air-benders dashing around the streets and neighborhoods, brakes and headlights should be in top working order. When was the last time you had your brakes checked?

How about decorating your car to compliment the character that your children are portraying? Goth seems to be big this year. A spray can of cobwebs in strategic places on the outside of your car can set the mood for all to see, and of course, the standard skull attached to your antennae or dangling from your grill is a must. Get the ones that glows in the dark. Very chic.

It is the little things that are most often forgotten, so just as a reminder, fill the gas tank.

Happy Halloween!

Grand Haven Harvest Traditions: Pumpkin Picking

by Marjorie Steele, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

Let's take a break from auto repair to talk about fun activities happening around Grand Haven - namely, pumpkin picking! After all, you've already attended to your vehicle's fall maintenance, right?

It's Halloween season again, and for those of us lucky enough to live in West Michigan, harvest season means more than trick or treating. Thanks to an abundance of local farms, Halloween in Michigan offers families many opportunities for outdoor fun. Picking your own pumpkin out of the field is much more fun than picking one from the grocery store - especially for the kids - and most pumpkin patches also offer apple picking, cider making exhibitions, corn mazes and hay rides.

Grand Haven has a number of nearby pumpkin patches which offer plenty of activities for friends, couples and families.


Bethke Farms is the closest, being located just outside of Grand Haven proper. Bethke has a u-pick pumpkin patch, a corn maze and a beautiful 20 minute hayride for the family to enjoy. Open through October 31st, 10-7 Friday through Sunday and 4-7 Monday through Thursday. Click the link to learn more about visiting Bethke.

Kent Harvest Trails is a Grand Rapids-based organization which has put together a comprehensive list of pumpkin patches and farm tours available throughout the Grand Rapids area - most of them are a short 30 minute ride from Grand Haven. Activities range from huge, 15 acre corn mazes to scarecrow building and petting zoos. Visit their list of pumpkin patch farms to learn more about each farm's activities, hours and location.

I think this weekend, I'll be trying out the corn maze at Fruit Ridge Hayrides. What will your family be doing?
needs, right?

A Woman's Point of View: Susan G. Komen & Breast Cancer Awareness Month

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. A gentle reminder to get your yearly breast examination and there are many events that you can participate in to help in the fight of this horrible disease. My dearly loved sister-in-law died of breast cancer last year and there are probably many of you out there that know someone who is fighting this battle.

Many women avoid mammograms because it is too painful. I am one of them. I found a better way. You can get a breast exam through Thermography. It is not painful, nothing touches you and it finds anything suspicious sooner than x-ray exams. To find out where to get a thermographic breast exam in your area just Google “thermographic breast exam”. You will find many hits to explain what thermography is and how it works.

There are many cancer walks and races going on around the country and you can find out where by Googling “breast cancer walk”, or go to the Susan G Komen website. The US Postal Service has Susan G Komen stamps for sale this month, and a portion of the price is donated to cancer research. You can pick them up at your local Post Office.

Cars For Keeps is giving away ball caps for Cancer Awareness this month - although I noticed today that there are only four hats left! If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and pick one up. Women unite to comfort, strengthen and encourage each other for our health, welfare and knowledge of how we can be all we are meant to be.

Easy Guide To Car Maintenance

Cars are like electric lights. We often don’t appreciate them until they go on the blink. Regular maintenance checks and simple service can greatly reduce the cost of car ownership and keep you a much happier traveler!



Don’t let the thought of car maintenance intimidate you. There are actually several car maintenance tips you can do – even if you’re totally mechanically-challenged!

For instance, you’ll want to keep your windshield washer fluid reservoir full. This involves screwing off the cap and pouring windshield wiper fluid in the right spot. You can quickly check the fluid levels when filling up at the gas station.

While you’ve got the windshield washer fluid out, pour some on a rag and clean the bug guts, etc. off the wiper blades.

If you see any colored fluid leaking from your car, get it serviced immediately.

If you smell any peculiar odor coming from your car, take it to the nearest service station. Odors mean something inappropriate is going on under the hood of your car!

Every fall, go ahead and replace your wiper blades. You need new ones once a year – might as well get them before winter sets in and you’re wiping away that ice and sleet!

Be sure all your lights are clean and working, including brake lights, turn signals and emergency flashers. You can perform this quick check while filling up your gas tank.

Check your tires once a month – give a look over for cuts, bulges, or nails or other foreign objects sticking out.

Take your car to your friendly serviceman once a month and have the pressure in your tires checked. This service should cost you less than five bucks, if anything.

Every three months have your oil and oil filter changed. Many times an inspection is done during the oil change. It’s worth it to pay a little extra if you have to and have this done. Ask to have your battery checked, too.

Have your air filter changed when it gets dirty. You can ask the folks who change your oil to check the air filter. They’re happy to change it for you.

No matter how non-car savvy you may have felt in the past, finding that you can do some simple maintenance checks puts you in the driver’s seat. You’re likely to discover in advance if your car has a problem that should be taken care of immediately.

About the author: This article provided courtesy of http://www.gmc-truck-guide.com

What do you know about Vehicular Diuretic?

Diuretics, commonly known as "water pills," are designed to help eliminate water. In engines, water and fuel are inbred kissing cousins, that when left unsupervised, produce carbon baby abnormalities, e.g., power and performance demise, decreased mileage, increased toxic emissions, increased maintenance applications, and engine fatality.


Who should use an engine diuretic?

Machinery or vehicles dependent upon fuel to function, should snack on a nutritious engine diuretic.

Is water present in gasoline?

Yes. Like all fuels, gasoline has a fatal attraction to water. Sulfur resides in fuel, and when wedded with water, births sulfuric acid.

Sulfuric acid assaults engines. When not burned off during combustion, its carnage of carbon deposits is left strewn throughout the engine. Carbon babies cling to spark plugs, valves, oil, etc., and impair an engine’s ability to perform. Too many carbon baby deposits, the engine undertaker is knocking on the door.

Is water present in diesel fuel?

Yes. Being less refined than gasoline, diesel fuel will retain larger quantities of water. Water in diesel fuel is a breeding ground for microorganisms, or bacteria, which feed on hydrocarbons in fuel. These microorganisms produce baby spores, which grow up, become active and begin producing their own cohesive families. These families of microorganisms foster slime, which clogs filters.

12 Tips for Buying a New Sport Car

Nothing (well, almost nothing) can compare to the thrill of driving a road-hugging high performance sports car. Instant steering response. Power at the exact nanosecond you ask for it. Then, if you have one of the sexier models, you’ll attract attention on the road, filling up, and in the shopping mall parking lot. Yes, you can pretend you’re driving the Autobahn with the wind blowing your hair. But beware of state troopers just waiting for an “arrest me red” entry on their ticket issuing track record. Before You Fall In Love . . . Before you step into that showroom and fall in love, consider the following practicalities: 1) How much do you want to spend? $20,000? $30,000? Or more? 2) What’s the tradeoff between performance (power) and gas mileage? Higher performance usually equals less gas mileage. Does the vehicle use premium gas? Right now, the difference between premium and regular is 20 cents per gallon. At 20 miles per gallon and 15,000 miles per year, the cost differential is $150. 3) What about reliability? Some upscale models cost considerably more to maintain and have a higher incidence of repair costs. Would you appreciate paying $125 just to diagnose the problem when the check engine light comes on? Or paying $70 for an oil change? 4) In a climate where snow and ice are winter realities, do you want to drive it year round? Or store it over the winter? A rear wheel drive sports car is impractical for winter driving. A front, all-wheel, or 4-wheel drive sport car can be driven in snow and ice, if you use all-season tires. If the little devil comes with performance tires, you will want to buy all-season tires (and possibly rims) for winter driving. Add another $1500 to the price of the car for the right tires and rims. Do Your Homework . . . 5) Once you’ve decided price, performance, gas mileage, reliability, and practicality for all-season driving, get on the Internet. Here you can compare models and pricing and read reviews. Google “buying a new car” or “new car prices” and several sites will pop up. Another source is Consumer Report (the new car issue) where your criteria will be easy to find. Red dots are good. Black dots are not. Most American car dealers consider this issue of Consumer Report a nightmare because it favors foreign car models, especially Asian cars. However, as explained in the newest version of this report, American car manufacturers are catching up. 6) Find out what you should pay before stepping into a showroom. Dealers will offer below invoice prices even on some sports cars because of rebates, dealer incentives, and dealer returns when they make a sale. 7) Remember the incidentals. Yes, you have to pay to transport the vehicle from the manufacturer. Yes, you have to pay for options. And remember the sales (and sometimes luxury) tax. The Driving Experience . . . 8) Unless you have driven the exact model and year you want to purchase, step into the showroom and test drive the car. Driving the previous year’s model is unacceptable. If the dealer lures you into his web and asks you to test drive an earlier model, RUN out of the show room. You’re wasting your time. 9) Pick at least 2 different road types for test driving. The winding, hilly road is one road type. Road hugging capabilities are tested here. If the car is standard, smooth-shifting is another test. A car that cuts back after you release the clutch is NOT smooth shifting. The highway is another road type. Make sure power is sufficient to handle entrance ramps and merging with traffic. If you get an instant response at highway speeds, the car is a possible winner. Closing the Deal . . . 10) If you like the car, get the dealer’s best quote. Then, find at least one other dealer to give you another quote ON THE SAME CAR. If you don’t like the car in the test drive, you probably won’t like the car – ever. Move on to the next model. 11) When you decide on a car, call your insurance company and find out what the vehicle will cost per year. And don’t choke on your coffee when you hear the amount – you can shop around. 12) Estimate how much the real estate taxes will be on the car, especially if it’s a high-priced model. This could be another financial shocker! As you can see, sports car buying is a process. Do you need to do all this stuff? Nope, you don’t. But consider the financial sticker shock when you’re paying an extraordinary amount for maintenance, repairs, gas, insurance, and taxes! Just for that Autobahnesque experience! About the author: Valerie Mills,a copywriter/designer specializing in direct mail and web advertising, has written sales letters, web sites, and brochures for the finance, self-help, and technology areas. She also audits sites for usability, sales appeal, structural integrity, and readability. In addition, using her experience as an educator and corporate trainer, Valerie has written several articles and a parents' guide to coach kids of all ages about money and personal finance. Refer to web sites http://v.mills.home.att.netand http://teachyourkidsaboutmoney.com

Bully Riders ready for Big Bikes

Big bikes have this striking appeal to people. Not only because they are big but also because they have what it takes to be B-I-G. Aside from that, big bikes and riders connote a negative impression. Riders riding big bikes are presumed to be rough, rude and bullies. Nonetheless, a lot of expectators are dreaming of possessing one. Driving big bikes need special attention. This is because newbie riders have to practice the proper parking, stopping and running the bike plus the fact that they must also gain knowledge about its maintenance and emergency repairs. Even if you are accustomed to riding smaller bikes, you will likely find yourself adjusting more to big bikes. Therefore, before you plan on roaming with your big bike, know it first. It means that you have to sit on it, try to make a feel and know where the controls are. Learn the basics. It is better to learn them early on because it is hard to be caught off guarded and terrified. Be familiar with everything in your bike even those you presume of lesser importance like the mute button. Chances are they may be needed in the future. Riding a big bike is also pretty exciting. In fact, the very thought of being fast and mobile while exploring the roads is an overwhelming thought. However, if you are not familiar with the one you are riding and you are not protected, accident is always anticipated. Therefore, every rider must be prepared. He must don motorcycle accessories like reverse gears and guards to be always protected. There are certain instances when newbie riders become hesitant like dropping the bike, braking and turning at low speeds. They can overcome these by practicing on a grassy area. They can drop the bike gently from a standstill several times in order to master standing on the high peg as well as stepping away. In braking, master the manner of controlling your bike through the clutch and foot brake. In cases of making turns at low speed, minimum pressure on the rear brake can help the rider maintain control of the degree of lean. Size is not a substantial basis to conclude on whether it is easy to maneuver it or not. It is the knowledge, expertise and practice that count. Skill plus speed make a good combination in order to exude confidence and security. Confidence makes you feel relaxed and safe! About the author: Maricon Williams Please visit Motorcycle Accessories site at http://www.streetmotorcycleaccessories.comfor comments and inquiries regarding this article.

Summer Travel Story Contest Winner

Well, choosing a winning entry for our Summer Travel Story Contest was difficult, but we're pleased to announce our winner. We hope Martha Webb and her husband enjoy their weekend getaway in the mansion at Grand Haven's Lakeshore Bed and Breakfast.

Thank you to everyone who participated - we appreciate your support! If you placed an entry in our contest, be sure to check your email for a special gift from Cars for Keeps.

Summer in Michigan

by Martha Webb
There is nothing like summer in Michigan, especially, on the west side of the state. From the UP to South Haven there is nothing but the beautiful sights of Lake Michigan. Each port town is unique in itself. I've spent many summers in Muskegon and Grand Haven, lots of fun memories. Then there’s Mackinaw and the Island. As a matter of fact my husband and I were going to Mackinaw over Labor Day Weekend – and unfortunately, we didn’t get to go. You see he had a heart attack on Tues. and Wed had a heart cath and stents. Our weekend get away flew out the window. I’m praising God I still have him and the medical staff were able to save him. That’s really the most important thing. We have only been married 7 years (both 2nd marriages). We were engaged in Grand Haven. So we have many things we are thankful for and our favorite vacation together is now the Labor Day Weekend of 2010 as we got a new lease on life and a greater appreciation for each other.

18 Ways of Saving Money with Cars

The upkeep of your vehicle can be quite an expense - from initial purchase to insurance to maintenance. And sometimes we get the sinking feeling that every time we need a car repair, we’re going to get taken for a ride. (pardon the pun!) Actually there are some ways to make sure you don’t get a raw deal when dealing with a local body shop.


After you get recommendations for honest mechanics, call around to check out the prices for certain jobs. It’s always smart to get a second opinion.

How about some preventative medicine? Keep your gas tank filled. This will help you avoid the gas line freezing up in cold weather. Also, driving on “fumes” allows little pieces of dirt at the bottom of your gas tank to run through the fuel lines with the last drops of gas. This debris clogs up the fuel filter and can cause carburetor damage as well.

Sometimes a problem with your car’s electrical system results from a simple blown fuse. Check to see if you have any blown fuses before investing in a tow truck!

Keep track of how much oil your car uses. A sudden change in oil consumption means you need to see a technician.

Save your brakes by having your brake fluid changed every 30,000 miles.

Check your tire pressure once a month. This simple maintenance check can add up savings at the gas pump!

Stop and go traffic causes excess wear and tear on your vehicle. Go ahead and give your car a nice twenty minute ride at 55 mph on the highway every couple weeks if you “major” in short trips.

There are other ways to save money on car expenses. Let’s look at the insurance payments.

If you’ve budgeted for possible out-of-pocket expenses in case of a car accident, you might want to consider increasing your insurance deductible to $500. This will lower the cost of your insurance.

Talk to your insurance agent. If your car is as old as the hills, you might want to drop collision coverage to save money.

Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. Ask your agent if the company offers reductions for driver training courses, anti-lock brakes, car alarms, air bags, mature drivers, good students or maintaining a good driving record.

Before you purchase from a dealer, ask about the dealer's return policy, get it in writing and read it carefully. Dealers are not required by law to give used car buyers a three-day right to cancel.

Visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov to find cars that are fuel efficient.

Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.10 per gallon for gas.

In most cases, using cruise control on the highway will save gas.

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your car's gas mileage by as much as 10 percent. This isn’t going to cost you an arm or leg either.

Do your homework when buying a car from an auction. Many vehicles that have been damaged by floods and hurricanes are going on the market. These won’t last long – leaving you with a flood of bills. Be a little concerned if the carpet looks too new, and check carefully for signs of rust.

Carfax.com shares info on inspecting a used car to make sure you get the best deal.

If you use your car for business, keep track of miles traveled so that you can use this for a tax deduction. Get more info at irs.gov.

When you consider all the ways you can save money on your current vehicle, you might be persuaded to put away the extra each month for a new car down the road!

About the author: Jeff Slokum This article provided courtesy of http://www.car-alarm-guide.net

Most Popular Garage Door Openers

Genie, Chamberlain, Sears, Wayne-Dalton, Linear, and Universal (SkyLink) make some of the best garage door openers on the market. The following product reviews should be useful for those in the market for a garage door opener.



The Genie® Company is one of the most well-known and trusted companies in the US. Founded in 1923 under the name of the Alliance Manufacturing company, Genie manufactures consumer, industrial as well as military products. The Genie® brand of garage door openers are very popular for their high power remote-controlled garage door opening systems.

Genie produces a wide range of garage door openers and the most popular brands from Genie are: the Excelerator, the Screw Drive and the Chain Glide. Other brands include the Alliance, the Blue Max, the Crusader, Python, Pro-Max, Lift-a-door, OverHead Door, Norelco, Code-Dodger and Intellicode.

Genie uses state-of-the-art technology in its garage door openers. The Intellicode® remote access security system changes the security code to one of billions of combinations each time the transmitter is used, thus making it one of the safest systems in the world. Its Sate-T-Beam™ infrared beam system can sense the presence of objects in the door’s path and can thus prevent damage to equipment. Genie garage door openers can be installed on both single as well as double doors. They use ½ horsepower and can work on doors that are up to 8 feet high. Genie garage door openers open twice as fast as other garage door openers but close at normal speeds. They are very quiet, have a bright, wide-angle lighting and powerful motor design and can work in any weather conditions. Such advanced technologies make the Genie brand of garage door openers most popular in the world.

Chamberlain GmbH based in Saarwellingen, Germany is a principal supplier of residential garage door openers, commercial and residential gate operators, and remote controls in the world. The company has offices in France, England, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovak Republic and Singapore. Chamberlain products are available almost across the whole world.

Chamberlain offers garage door openers in commercial as well as residential varieties. Chamberlain®, Whisper Drive® and Power Drive® Garage Door Openers are the most popular brands from Chamberlain.

LiftMaster® is the most popular brand from Chamberlain. This range also includes the Liftmaster garage door opener remotes, replacement parts, mini transmitters, keychain remotes and other accessories. LiftMaster garage door openers are available in different drive and horsepower modes and are combined with a wide range of accessories and options. The LiftMaster range contains: the Estate Series, the Premium series and the Contractor series. These are available in the belt drive; screw drive as well as in chain drive models.

Chamberlain’s Power Drive® and Whisper Drive® belong to the residential garage door opener category in the do-it-yourself range. The Elite™ range contains premier residential and commercial gate operators and access control systems. The Sentex® range is for secure residential and commercial garages.

Sears Holdings Corporation, parent of Kmart and Sears, Roebuck and Co., is the third largest broad line retailer in the US. Sears Holdings is a leading supplier of tools, lawn and garden, home electronics, and automotive repair and maintenance. It supplies the Craftsman range of garage door openers.

Craftsman supplies power tools, storage chests and cabinets, bench power tools, mechanics tools, power tool accessories, general hand tools, compressor tools, carpentry tools and home security and garage door openers and accessories. The Craftsman range of garage door openers consist of simple ½ hp garage door opener, ¾ hp garage door opener in chain drive models. Other products include the universal remote control conversion kit with 1 remote, the 10ft chain drive extension kit, the 10ft extension kit for garage door opener, the 8ft extension kit for garage door opener, the 8ft rail extension kit, the Remote control, 3-function security, keyless entry pad, plug-in light control for garage door opener, the wireless garage door monitor and the extension kit (screw drive).

Wayne Dalton, established in 1954, is the producer and supplier of the safest residential and commercial garage doors and garage door openers in the US. Wayne Dalton supplies two kinds of garage door openers: wall mount and ceiling mount. The wall mount openers, an exclusive product from Wayne Dalton, can be mounted on the wall beside the door. This helps to eliminate the chains, belts, screw drive and tract that usually clutter the garage ceiling. This model also helps to eliminate noise and vibration to a large extent.

The Linear Corporate is a major producer of security systems like garage door and garage door openers. Linear produces garage door openers accessories like the Linear Act 21 key chain transmitter, Linear DR3A Linear Moore-O-Matic gate or garage opener receiver, Linear DT2A gate or garage door opener replacement transmitter, Linear DTC Moore-O-Matic Delta 3 Remote (same as DTD or DT) gate or garage door opener replacement transmitter, Linear DTKP wireless keypad, Linear MDR Megacode System single channel receiver, Linear MDT-1 and MDT-2 Megacode gate or garage door openers, Linear MDTK wireless keypad model, Linear MT-1B channel visor block coded transmitter, Linear MT-2B channel visor block coded transmitter etc.

Linear also makes the Stanley range of garage door opener parts and accessories like Vemco, Quiet Glide, LightMaker, Home Innovative, Whistler, Popular Mechanics, SecureCode.

About the author: Richard Romando Garage Door Openers Info provides detailed information about best garage door openers, as well as garage door opener parts and repair Garage Door Openers Info is affiliated with Business Plans by Growthink.

Enough with Trite Tips on Fuel Savings

In these days of record high fuel prices affecting already stretched budgets, many of us are looking for tips on fuel savings. Unfortunately, most tips are “no-brainers”. Some suggest staying within posted speed limits because “…the faster you drive, the more fuel you use.” Daah !!! Explain that to a teenager! Oh, here’s one – “combine errands”. Come on, anyone who runs a household figured that one out eons ago, just to maintain sanity. Here’s another I just love – remove excess weight. Hmm… let me think, I can make the kids walk to their sports events or mall, and meet them when they arrive. And, of course, ban any friends from catching a ride. But then again, when the riot occurs, the police will have to use their fuel instead. After much research, here’s a few fuel savings tips I found that actually make sense: 1. Depending on a vehicle’s condition, you can increase fuel savings simply by keeping your engine tuned. 2. Maintaining proper inflation of tires can increase fuel savings by up to 6%. 3. Replace air, oil, and fuel filters regularly. Clogged filters decrease fuel savings. But the best tip to date is this simple fuel savings solution: A small Power Pill, the size of a penny, that can be dropped into the tank at fill up. Here’s what the PowerPill does: · Provides fuel savings averaging 15% on cars and 20% on diesel trucks · Conditions the engine by cleaning it, resulting in eliminating and preventing what is known as “carbon deposits”, the culprit behind decreased fuel savings. · Lowering octane requirements, thus saving an additional 5¢ to 10¢ per gallon. · More savings on maintenance by extending the life of spark plugs, valves, engine, and frequent oil changes. · Environmental benefits by significantly reducing toxic pollutants, which in essence allows us to breathe cleaner air and live longer. N.A.S.A. engineered and SAE tested over a decade ago, global results can be found at http://www.thepowerpill.com/tests including the most recent unsolicited tests performed by Dial-A-Cab taxi drivers in London. For more information, visit http://www.helpwithfuelprices.com About the author: Dee Scrip is a well known and respected published expert author of numerous articles on PowerPill Fe-3, Home Business, Business Opportunities, Fundraising, VoIP, VoIP Security, and other related VoIP issues. http://www.ubpill.com http://www.free-pc-phone.com Fuel Savings Tips

A Women’s Point of View: It’s All In What You Know

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Manager

The other day as I was walking through the garage I stopped to watch one of our mechanics, Leslie, installing a new engine in a car. It was amazing. He had just gotten the engine block bolted in but there were pieces and parts lying around everywhere. Wires and hoses were strewn all over the engine. It looked like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Imagine a plate of cut up cooked spaghetti and then trying to get all the pieces back together again.

I mentioned the puzzle aspect of putting the engine together and he just shrugged nonchalantly and said, “It’s not that difficult.” It hit me then that it’s all in what you know. Our mechanics are going to school all the time to keep their knowledge up to date and to keep pace with all the engineering technologies which are used in new automobiles every year. Just as with any other career, our mechanics have taken a lot of training and expertise to become good at what they do. How many people could step into your job without training and do it as well as you?

It is fortunate that the only thing you and I to know about our cars is where to take them for maintenance and repair. It’s all in what you know - and that knowledge is a wonderful thing.

Kawasaki Ninja 250 street fighter walk around 95% done

This is my 2002 Kawasaki Ninja 250 that is now 95% complete. The only thing left to remove are the stock analog gauges... they look ugly, stick out, and just don't flow with the rest of the bike. The chain around the seat is designed to be fully functional and can quickly be removed from the bike. I did all work myself, including hand painting the gas tank. The Nos bottle is a the coolant expansion tank that works with the natural vacuum of the coolant system. The headlights 50 are basic fog lights fit inside a mask. Cut and reshaped the chain guard. Chopped, reshaped and reupholstered the seat. Sub frame was chopped, exhaust was chopped and gutted, bar end mirror, fitted a pocket bike tail onto the bike, created an under tail using sheet metal, LED brake light, mini stalk turn signals, license plate is mounted so that it is perpendicular to the ground when the bike is on its kickstand, license plate bolt lights, accent lights on the mask near headlights, crankcase breather filter, chopped the stock front fender, used truck bed liner to coat the swing arm and frame. New GP Brake Pads front and rear, new fuel lines and filter, custom made battery and electrical box. Removed 25 pounds worth of weight. Carburetor is tuned with 110 keihin (100 mikuni equivalent) main jets, needles raised 6 settings higher (using washers), and pilot screws set at 1.5 turns out (this method may not and probably won't work for your bike as jetting is bike specific) Left to do on the bike: Remove ...

Maintenance Special Columbus OH Lancaster

germaintoyota.net September 2010 Special Germain Toyota of Columbus OH 5777 Scarborough Blvd Columbus OH, 43232 866-456-8859 Front Brake Special - $25 off! -- Includes: -Replace front brake pads or shoes -Inspect rotors, drums & calipers -Check brake fluid level -Road test vehicle Road-Ready...

Five Automotive Tools That Auto Owner Needs

Automobiles are sizeable investments. As a car becomes older, its maintenance becomes increasingly important. There are many tools that every auto owner should have. Auto shops can sometimes charge exurbanite amounts for a simple fix that could have been done at home for much cheaper. Having the proper tools and knowledge will allow any auto owner to save money, learn more about their automobile, and maintain their car.



1. Every auto owner should have a jack and jack stands. When working on a car, more often than not, the car must be elevated. Simple procedures like rotating tires can be done at home with the help of a Jack. Additionally, all car owners should have a jack in their car with them wherever they go. In the unfortunate event of a flat tire, having a jack and a spare tire can lead to a simple tire replacement. In a garage, having a powerful jack and strong jack stands makes it possible for an auto owner to reach every point underneath the car and thus solve problems more efficiently.

2. One of the most important car maintenance practices is the oil change. To maintain an automobile, the oil should be changed once every 3,000 miles. Quintessential to a successful oil change is having an Oil Wrench that takes the oil filter off and allows the oil to be changed expediently. Without an oil wrench, an auto owner may be forced to take their car to an auto shop and overpay for a simple oil change.

3. Often when dealing with parts of the engine, or the hard-to-reach spots under the hood, proper tools are required. A 3/8-inch Socket Set can allow an automobile owner to loosen and subsequently tighten a wide variety of bolts. Different extensions allow the auto owner to obtain the best angles for torque and therefore make auto jobs quite a bit easier.

4. When changing oil, having a funnel, some rags, and a bucket is very helpful. Once again, the oil change is one of the most important maintenances for a car, and it can be done easily by anyone. However, many people do not have the proper tools or knowledge for a successful oil change. Having a funnel can also be useful when refilling any other fluids in one’s car. The funnel serves to make sure that fluids do not get over filled, which can lead to significant problems.

5. Finally, every auto owner should have a pair of solid vice grips. Some times a part will just not come loose. Other times, a car part may not seem to be tight enough despite one’s best efforts. Vice grips can hold a wide variety of car parts and allow the user to obtain more leverage for either tightening or loosening a part. When encountering a part that will simply not come loose, many auto owners will give up and take their car to a shop. Having vice grips can help one to avoid this problem.

Unfortunately, there is no car in existence that doesn’t require constant maintenance. However, with the right tools, anyone can fix minor problems and maintain his or her automobile without the assistance of an auto mechanic. The right tools can lead to a longer last vehicle, and large cost savings.

About the author: Mike Scurria is very interested in automobiles.

Using the Car Care Guide: Empower Your Auto Repair Choices

by Marjorie S., Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

This month, the Car Care Council and participating auto repair shops across the country (including Cars for Keeps) are celebrating Car Care Month. So what exactly does that mean?

Well, in addition to placing a healthy discount on our bumper to bumper inspections, we're emphasizing customer education. A well informed customer is a great customer - at least we think so. The better you understand your vehicle and its maintenance needs, the longer you'll be able to keep your car running efficiently (which is kind of our thing).

A while back, the Car Care Council published a printed Car Care Guide for vehicle owners to use as a reference for any and every repair service they might encounter. The Car Care Guide is now available in digital format, allowing customers like you to boost your car care knowledge from the comfort of your computer.

Click on the link above, and let's review some of the Guide's most useful features together:

Car Care Checklist - On pages 1-2, the Car Care Guide details every part of your vehicle which requires routine maintenance, exactly how these parts need to be maintained and how often. Handy, huh?

Why Do I Need This Service? Expanding on the list of parts outlined in the checklist, the Guide then provides detailed information about maintenance and service tips for each of these areas. The guide answers that pesky question, "Why Do I Need This Service?" regarding each service area in detail, so you can stop relying on hearsay and subjective opinion.

Typical Service - Wonder what kind of maintenance will be performed on your vehicle when you bring it into the shop? You don't have to. The Car Care Guide outlines common maintenance procedures for each major service area as well as recommendations for service regularity.

Questions to Ask - By far our favorite feature in the Car Care Guide, this section helps car owners know what questions to ask their auto technicians during routine maintenance to ensure you're getting the best service - and that you understand what services are being performed. Your car's maintenance shouldn't be a thing of mystery to you, and we'd be thrilled to answer any of the Guide's questions - or your own.

Why are we so excited that this resource is available to you, the vehicle owner? It provides a trustworthy source of information which isn't from us. In other words, we can be confident that when we say "don't take our word for it", a reliable third party auto repair resource is close at hand.

Press Brakes - Learn How to Work Them and Make Them Work For You

Nothing comes from nothing

To get the most of a tool or piece of equipment, you really need to know how it works. This is true in all lines of work, and for a press brake operator it is no different. Press brakes are wonderful assets to any metal workshop, but only if operated correctly. If they are not, they could end up as expensive pieces of junk. I therefore present to you a few pointers on the proper use of press brakes.

Great drawings = great results

In order for the press brake operator to produce quality parts, she must first have a quality drawing in her hands. A good technical drawing should contain all possible details concerning the part to be manufactured, and the drawing should be made with a specific brake and its tooling in mind, to assure that the part can actually be made on a specific machine. Many specifications of a press brake matter to the work process, and should not be ignored when producing the drawing. For an example, it would not make sense to specify that a part be bent off-center, if this were to exceed the specifications and cause damage to the machine. Drawings must of course contain all necessary measurements, dimensions and tolerances. They should be made by someone who understands the brake, and how a typical work process on it might unfold.

The operator and her press brake

No matter the level of automation a piece of machinery has reached, there will always be a human behind - an operator. That person must have intimate knowledge of the machine; its capabilities and its limits in equal measure. Even bleeding edge press brakes, cnc-controlled and fed by robots - will be worthless if the operator lacks the knowledge to wield the technology. The operator must know, when she sees a drawing for a new part, whether or not the work can be done on her machine. She must know what tooling to use, and in what order. Know whether to use air bending, bottom bending or coining techniques to reach the goal. Knowledge is essential every step of the way, which makes adequate training essential too.

Skimp on the learning, and the quality and productivity will suffer. Knowing the max tons-per-inch limit for instance, could mean the difference between using a press brake to its fullest potential - or exceeding that potential and wrecking the machine by upsetting the ram.

Tooling is another critical subject, and it is up to the operator to choose the right punch and die for the job.

No single combination will do everything, so experience and imagination is required to pick what works best in a given situation. And do remember to check if the tooling is up to its factory specs - unless you want your work to be below par, of course.

Motorcycles for Sale - What You Need To Know

Firstly, you need to look at the bike, and look at what kind of condition the bike is in. Look for scratches, or dents, or if the bike has been abused, or if the seat covers have been ripped or torn. If the bike looks slightly damaged, then it is probably best to look at other bikes. If you are able to, look and see if there are any leaks.

One of the most important parts that you need to know when looking for motorcycles for sales, is what type of bike you want. As there are many different types of bikes, and different brands, knowing what you want will help you narrow down the search and will take you half the time to look for you bike. Also consider, what the bike is going to be used for, and how often you will drive it. As this will help you determine what type of bike you are after.

Next, you will need to look at the tires. The tires need to be in good condition, as you don't want to have to replace the tires anytime soon, because of the damage that has been done to them. There shouldn't be all that much wear and tear to them. They should still be in reasonably good condition.

Next, what you will need to do is look at the brakes. The pad of the breaks, shouldn't be cracked, and there should be a quarter of an inch of the pad left as well. If the bike has breaks that doesn't have good grip, or if it squeals, then you may need to discuss this with a professional.

When you look at motorcycles for sale, you shouldn't just look at the price. You need to look at the overall bike and the condition it is in before purchasing it.

A Woman’s Point of View: The Secret to Keeping What You Have.

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

In the automotive world these days it is becoming trendy to fix up and keep the car you have. It is the “politically correct” thing to do in today’s economy and trend towards sustainability. This is a great trend in theory, but let’s face it girls, we who change our clothes three and four times a day find it goes against our nature to not change our car every year or so. Fess up ladies, who of you have never bought those ‘must have’, hot new shoes only to get them home, taken them out of the box, thought to yourself ‘what was I thinking’, and tossed them in the Goodwill bag. Hmmm?

Oddly enough, I am different about my car. Once I find a car I really like, I will drive it until it falls apart on the road – no matter how much I want all those new gadgets that are in the newer models. My SUV is going on fourteen years old and is still running strong. The secret is to add new features to your old car. GPS devices like Garmin and bluetooth adapter kits are not that expensive, they're easy to install and hey - they work.

I will tell you another secret – regular maintenance. At Cars For Keeps our mechanics give you a strong once over inspection every time you have an oil change. Just like maintaining good health for the body, an early diagnosis to any problem your car may have results in an easier, and cheaper, fix before the first problem causes a second and third problem. So, dust off that old faithful car, give it regular oil changes, keep those fluids fresh, come to us quickly when you hear a noise and maintain those tires with the right air pressure. Your pocketbook will thank you, and who knows, maybe you will find another pair of ‘must have’ shoes.