Automotive

Windshield Replacement – The Difference Between Dot Certified (oem Glass) And Aftermarket Glass

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Consumers looking for a high-quality windshield replacement should understand the major differences between the various types of auto glass available to them. Common options include original equipment manufacturer (OEM) distributor glass, dealer glass, and aftermarket glass. Which is the best for your windshield replacement?

If you purchase a replacement from a manufacturer-authorized dealer, you will get the same brand as your original windshield. But if you purchase your window from an auto glass shop, you will get it from a reliable OEM distributor who manufactures windows to the same exact specifications. These windows are the same shape, size, thickness, durability and color as original specifications. They are practically identical to the dealer versions and are also DOT-certified, meaning they are approved by the Department of Transportation.

Since this windshield was not manufactured by the original company, it is not exactly the same as what the dealer had on the car when it was manufactured, but it is comparable. The similarity is enough that if you were to return a leased automobile with an OEM replacement, the dealer would accept it.

Glass that you buy from a manufacturer-authorized car dealership is sourced from the exact same distributor that originally created your window. In this case, it will oftentimes have the car’s make stamped directly on it. If you absolutely must have the brand logo on your replacement window, you will have to go to a dealer to get it.

It is very common for automobile companies to change the supplier that they purchase their windshields from. It is a highly competitive business, so as contracts expire, the work may go out to bid. The bidding process is very competitive since these contracts are lucrative. This can result in a different company producing windshields from year to year for the same auto manufacturer.

Aftermarket glass is manufactured by businesses that don’t contract with any automobile manufacturers in particular. Because of copyright and licensing laws, these businesses are not allowed to produce windows for vehicles to the same specifications as OEM distributors. While aftermarket windshields are considerably less expensive than dealer or OEM products, having them installed can sometimes cause issues for the car owner, as some aftermarket products do not meet manufacturer and/or dealer requirements.

In addition, aftermarket glass is typically a different thickness than its counterparts. The vast majority of dealers will not allow you to bring back a leased automobile that has undergone aftermarket windshield replacement because the quality varies so much from the initial design; they don’t go through the same processes or meet the same requirements that OEM products do.

Of course, not all windshield damage requires a full replacement; any reputable automotive repair shop that handles glass repair or replacement can tell you if chips or cracks can be repaired. If a replacement is needed, consumers have a variety of windshield companies available to them, each offering services ranging from mobile installations to repair. In order to avoid leaks, outside noise or other potential problems that come with aftermarket products, be sure your window is being replaced only with OEM- or dealer-quality glass.

How to install throw over saddlebags on your motorcycle

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This article specifically for Harley Davidson Sportster motorcycles it also applies other motorcycles

We sell a great line of quality bargain priced motorcycle saddlebags in various styles that fit a huge number bikes. About once a day I get an email asking about fitting the bags on a specific bike.

Before we start let’s make sure they will fit:

Let’s assume you are interested in some of my great leather throw-overs that measure: 14″ WIDE X 7″ THICK X 11″ TALL

This means that each bag is 14 inches long (measured horizontally), seven inches thick and 11 inches tall (measured vertically)

First Measure from the top of your pipes or chain (if the chain is unguarded), whichever is higher, to the bottom of your seat. You need 12 inches, if the dimension is any less don’t buy the bags they are too tall. Don’t worry about the shocks. Throw overs go over the shocks.

INSTALLING YOUR SADDLEBAGS

1. Remove your seat. Most Sportster motorcycle seats are removed by unscrewing the Philips head screw located at the rear of the seat. Slide the seat forward while lifting up slightly to detach the keyhole bracket from the seat post. Then slide the seat to the rear to detach the seat tongue from the rear tank bracket. The process is the same for solo and two-up seats.

2. The yoke is the part of the bags that fits under the seat. Unlace the yoke, position both bags in the location you want them to stay. Overlap one side of the yoke over the other. Using a marker, mark where the yoke lays over any obstructing hardware and the outline of outer edge of the upper yoke where it overlaps the lower wing of the yoke. Note: The saddlebags typically lay over the shocks. Some saddlebags are supplied with an additional yoke extender to be used with extra -wide bikes. This is typically not needed.

3. Lay the bags out flat, place the yoke over a piece of wood, telephone book or something similar. Line the marks up that you made in step 2. The existing holes work for the vast majority of motorcycles.

If the holes don’t line up, use an awl, ice pick or drill and make about six holes through both pieces of the yoke. Use the piece of leather strip to lace them together.

NOTE: On most motorcycles it is not necessary to make new holes. Some combination of the existing holes should fit.

4. Place the saddlebags on your bike. Reinstall the seat. Use the lower tie downs to secure the bottom of the bags.

5. Give your bike a final safety check. Make sure the seat and saddlebags are secure and the bags cannot come in contact with your wheel, spokes, belt or chain.

As always don’t stab, slice, fold, spindle or mutilate yourself while using sharp instruments!

Removing Scuffs and Scratches on Your Cars Plastic Bumpers!

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Your cars plastic bumpers dont always need replacement when minor damage crop up such as scuffs and scratches. Repairing these scuffs and scratches are not as difficult as you imagined or as complicated as fixing up scratches on sheet metal that are likely to form rust.

Save time, money and effort repairing your damaged bumper with these simple and convenient steps:

Materials Needed:
Automotive Clear Coat
Automotive Paint
Automotive Primer
Dish Soap
Grease and Wax Remover
Paper Towels
Sand Paper

Step 1:Clean the scratched area with dish soap to get rid of any wax or dust particles on the surface. Use a piece of cloth enfolded around a finger to get hold of the scratches and scuffs. Wash the soap entirely and pat dry the surface using paper towels before proceeding to the next step.

Step 2:Check the intensity of the scratches and scuffs. Run your fingernail tip across the scratch and if it can hold the rut, this means that the scratch is deep, otherwise, the scratch is shallow.

Step 3:Polish the scratch with 120-grit sandpaper until it becomes smooth, even and free from tough edges. Bear in mind that plastics are softer than metal so ensure not to sand too much in one spot to avoid having a low part on the surface.

Step 4:Spray about two light coats of automotive primer on the polished spot. Wait for about 30 minutes allowing the coat of primer to dry.

Step 5:Polish the automotive primer evenly with 300-grit sandpaper until it becomes soft to touch. Swab the spot with grease and wax remover to take away oil and dust elements.

Step 6: While holding the spray can about eight inches away from the exterior, spray two to three lean coats of automotive paint straight on the scratch. Let each coat dry for 30 minutes prior to applying the next coat.

Step 7:Using the same procedures as with spraying the paint, apply two coats of automotive clear coat. Let the automotive clear coat dry completely which takes up to 24 hours before attempting to drive the car.

Getting rid of the scuffs and scratches from your cars plastic bumper can be costly especially when the job is done at a professional auto care clinic. However, you can save a lot if you do the repair yourself.

Automotive Repairs Tips For Troubleshooting Needed Auto Repairs

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One of the basic cornerstones for receiving the appropriate automotive repairs is to troubleshoot the problem correctly. When a vehicle doesnt start, there can be a number of possibilities about what may be causing the actual problem. When you troubleshoot properly, it eliminates potential issues that aren’t the real auto repair problem and points you in the right direction. After all, there is no more frustrating waste of money or time than repairing or replacing an incorrect automotive part. Here are a few troubleshooting tips that can help you, inform you, and save you time, money, and frustration in getting the correct automotive repairs done as quickly as possible.

When troubleshooting for automotive repairs, starting out simply is the best approach. There are several very common problem areas in auto repairs. Some of them are, as follows: brake repair, no-start problems, suspension issues, rattles, ticks, grind, and crunches, warning lights, and transmission problems. One of the trickiest areas of automotive repairs to troubleshoot involves your electrical system. Your automotive repair shop can start out by examining your fuses and plug wires, or by checking out any starting problems.

While troubleshooting problems can sometimes seem to be daunting, as long as your auto repair center takes the right steps in the right order, youll find out what is really causing your vehicle to malfunction. Once youve analyzed the automotive repairs needed, you can begin moving in the right direction to take care of them. The specific process that the auto repair requires and the ways to get the problem fixed become clear and straightforward.”

Need Auto Repairs? Get expert advice on your Automotive Repairs by contacting our ASE Certified Technicians today at (763) 205-3995 or go to www.discountbrake.net for more information. Our auto repair shop in Blaine, MN proudly serves residents in the areas of Fridley, and Spring Lake Park, Minnesota.

Safe Lighting Through Automotive Led Lights

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One of the best lighting sources that are highly efficient in saving energy is the Led Lights that have gained high popularity worldwide. One of the important categories of these lights are the Automotive LED Lights, which are bright and clear, crisp, sharp, and provide style to a vehicle that proves to be an perfect choice for automotive lighting. The lights are used in the brake lights that prove much effective than the incandescent light bulbs. The immense power and capability of the automotive lights are highly used in large vehicles like trailers and trucks along with other small vehicles like bicycles, motorcycles, and cars.

There are innumerable features of using the LED lights that originated in the electronic industry and used as indication lights on products such as TV’s, telephones, stereos, and calculators. However, their growing popularity made the LED Lighting Products suitable for use in office, commercial and industrial environments and garden. The lights require less replacement costs and lower maintenance and their long globe life contribute to less waste, which in turn saves on vehicle fuel and emissions. These lights are much safer as they are non-toxic and generate less heat than other lamps along with higher vibrations and shock resistant. The LED lights are versatile in nature as they are available in many options like colours, shapes, and sizes.

The LED technology has brought many positive changes in the lighting solutions globally and many LED Manufacturers are switching to this best alternative source of energy. Before purchasing the lights, it is necessary to check on their reliability and the product quality. The top quality manufacturer will provide you with the end solutions, and replacement of parts and components and should provide the catalogue with various product features and their prices. Many products are discounted to wholesale prices and equipment enhancement process is provided along with it.

The superior features of the LED lights prove ideal for use as the home led light bulbs that are used at homes in various places like bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms, study rooms, bathrooms, and in different parts of the house. Automotive LED lights never emit much heat or any other harmful ray and are waterproof that saves these lights from damages during rain or fog. Being small in size, environment friendly, easy to install and exceptionally long lasing, make the lights appropriate for vehicles during worst weather conditions and are suitable for night travels.