How to Change the Oil Filter of a Car

One of the most common forms of preventative maintenance is also one of the simplest to perform yourself. All you need to change your own oil is the right tools for the job, and an afternoon set aside for some quality work. You’ll save at least $20 every time you choose to do it yourself, and it takes little more than an hour to do the job properly.

Tools Needed

You will need a few tools from your mechanics tool set to do the job properly. A wrench will be important to remove the drain plug on the oil pan, and an oil filter wrench to pry the filter loose. It has special settings that let you lock the filter into place for a firm grip. A funnel for the new oil is important, as is a pan for the old oil. You might also want a pair of latex gloves so your hands stay somewhat clean, and a jack stand will give you greater access to the undercarriage of the car.

Determine What You Need

Once you have the tools assembled, you’ll need to consult your car’s manual to see what kind of oil is required. Viscosity is extremely important, as some engines only perform on oil with a certain viscosity. Failure to have the proper oil can damage your engine, so take the time get this step proper. You should also check for any other required maintenance, like an air filter, so you can be sure that you’re within your car’s warranty.

Basic Tips

You can buy the proper oil filter for your car at most auto parts stores, or at your dealership if you can’t find it elsewhere. You will also need a new washer for your drain plug, so be sure to ask whether the filter comes with one. Use your filter wrench on the serrations at the end of your filter to turn it. When the filter is loose, you should be able to pull it free. You will also need your engine to be warm, but not hot. You should let your car run for a bit, but also set it and let it cool before you start the work. If you raise the car for access, a floor creeper will help you easily get underneath the car to work.

Final Touches

Once you’re finished removing the filter, you’ll need to dispose of the used oil. Most auto parts stores will take care of this for a small fee, but you may want to collect oil from a few changes before you take it all in.
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Toolsmith Direct sells automotive tools like socket wrenches and pressure gauges. Find everything you need to stock your home’s garage online at Toolsmith Direct.

Cushion replacement for campers

Written by: The Foam Factory

Campers are usually built to last, but unfortunately cushions do not last so long. Camper owners might start to see some deterioration in their vehicle’s cushions after some years of use. This deterioration might be due to factors such as moth infestations or wear and tear. In order to keep on using your camper, you are probably considering replacing its cushions. People can opt to change their cushions themselves or can have it changed by professionals in auto-body shops. Adopting the DIY approach for cushion replacement can be more cost-effective.

Whether you are doing your cushion replacement yourself or having it done by a professional, choosing the right foam is crucial. Buying good quality and durable materials will ensure that the cushions would not have to be replaced often.

Carlo Badalamenti has been involved in foam manufacturing and selling since 1980. He is currently the VP of his company. Throughout his experience, he has acquired knowledge on the qualities that make a good foam. Those qualities are namely the density, softness or firmness and durability of the product. His company offers a variety of foam cushions to choose from. For campers a long-lasting foam is available. The lifespan of this foam can go up to 16 years. Fast-drying foams can also be used on campers.

The Foam Factory is a company selling different types of foams for diverse uses. One of their products caters for the replacement of camper cushions.

What happens to auto loans when the borrower dies?

If you were to die, is there anyone responsible for your auto loan? Auto loans could create problems for the surviving family members. Non-payment of an auto loan could result in confiscating the vehicle.

We know that if there is a co-signer for the auto loan, he or she will be responsible for paying off the remainder of the loan. If you are the spouse and live in a community property state, you may be responsible for the payment of the remaining loan balance even if you did not co-sign the loan.

Of course, the heirs may return the vehicle and the lender will gladly take the vehicle back. One drawback will be that if the lender sells the vehicle for less than the remaining loan balance, they may try to get the balance from heirs. Auto loans with no co-sign and spouses, heirs may have few options. Children of the person with the loan may be able to pay-off the loan but may be subject to immediate payoff of the balance. In order to get the vehicle ownership, they may have to jump through many more steps too. Some lenders may allow heirs to assume the loan and continue to make monthly payment until the loan is paid off.

Explore the Best Way to Transport

Does your company sell a product to customers or retailers all over the world? If so, you could be missing out on all kinds of savings if you don’t know what you’re doing. Of course, if you’ve been in business for a while, you probably have all kinds of knowhow on your side. But if you’re not using storage containers to transport your products, then you really are dropping the ball in a big way.

Storage containers are huge steel boxes that can hold tons of products. These days, you can even find refrigerated containers that will keep the temperature inside at a specific amount to better accommodate your needs.

No matter what kinds of cargo containers you use, though, you’ll be happy to know that your products are going to arrive safe and sound to wherever they’re being sent. First, these containers don’t need to be unloaded in order to move from ground to sea. Secondly, their steel shells mean snow, sleet, saltwater and rain can’t get in.

Best of all these containers continue to become more affordable over time, meaning just about every company out there can find an option that meets their needs discount quality camping tent reviews.

How to Train F&I Managers Effectively

Derek Spady entered Automotive Dealership Institute’s finance and insurance program in 2011, seeking a way to move ahead in the auto industry. “I’m learning so much about the business, it’s a life changer,” said Spady. The program, which took just four weeks to complete, taught Spady the basics of dealing with customers and helping them close the deal on their new car. He says that his greatest reward is smiling and shaking their hands to congratulate them on their new car, but the path to get there took concentration and focus.

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New demands for compliance and bank standards have changed how F&I managers operate. These new adjustments bring a host of changes to the dealership that make the old methods of training now seem outdated. Training F&I managers effectively is a question of honesty, integrity and professionalism.

Dealing with “No”

When a consumer attempts to purchase a car, the F&I manager is the one responsible for helping the customer reach the final numbers that will close the deal. When a customer says “no” to an offer, it’s important for F&I to weigh what the customer really wants to hear. The customer isn’t saying the deal is bad, they are typically trying to convey that they aren’t ready to say “yes” because they don’t have the information they need. A responsible F&I manager is trained to show the customer the value they stand to gain buying from that dealership.

Complying with the Law

A responsible F&I manager also helps the customer complete the deal. The worst nightmare one can face is a spot delivery for a vehicle on a night or weekend, where the bank requires additional paperwork or a down payment. This is a huge speed bump in the sales process, and one that is easily avoided if the F&I manager is well-acquainted with the needs of the bank. There are also issues related to the Patriot Act. Dealerships can land themselves in legal hot water if they fail to comply with federal law, and the customer won’t stand for a background check that requires too much time or effort.

Balancing all of these needs is a delicate process. Managers are trained in talking with people, understanding the intricacies of finance, and how to assemble a deal that will close. Automotive Dealership Institute, for instance, immerses students in curriculum for nine hours per day in addition to three hours of homework each night. The program also covers the underwriting process, with special attention paid to legal guidelines.

The end result is training that helps managers respond to the needs of customers today, not the methods that worked ten years ago.

The big business of auto loans

Auto financing is big business. Not all loans are bank owned. Many automakers carry their own lending to promote sales as well as to help customers with one stop auto shopping. Auto financing is the third largest consumer lending totaling approximately $900 billion.

Auto loans serve both parties. It promotes car sales for the dealer/manufacturer. On the other hand, it helps the customer who is unable to come up with almost $30,000 price tag for a new car.

There are more to what you see on the surface of an auto loan. It serves more for the dealer. It not only sells their cars but also establish a steady flow of vehicles for servicing in years to come. Servicing autos is big business that generates hefty profits for the dealer. Don’t forget the interest they earn from the loan. This is where car buyers may want to negotiate. Because the interest rate that the dealer will quote for a customer to borrow money to buy the car may be more than what the bank is charging the dealer. Banks do allow this intermediary jacking up of the interest rates charged to customers. This is why it is important to compare financing deals with other outside sources.