Patent Lawyer

11.12.2010 | Published by: Articles Reloaded | Posted in Corporate

Author: BiswajitSarkar

Intellectual Property plays a big role in our modern life and activities.  Everyday there are new inventions related to agriculture, health and medicines, locomotives and telecommunications. These inventions are protected by Patents - an important area of Intellectual Property.

Patent is right of monopoly granted by the Government to the inventor for a certain period of time, for disclosure of the invention. Therefore, it is necessary, for the inventor to disclose the invention before the Government.

.A skilled patent lawyer may guide an inventor as to the patentability of his invention. Consultation with a patent lawyer at this stage is imperative as it would preclude going in for a search in case the invention is obvious and not patentable. A patent lawyer may be entrusted for conducting a patent search. A Comprehensive worldwide search is to be carried out to ensure that the patent is novel.

It is advisable to enlist the services of a patent lawyer for making an application for a patent. A patent lawyer may prepare and file the patent application for registration. At the time of filing the application a patent lawyer must disclose the invention by filing of the patent specification along with the application .If the complete specification cannot be filed at the time of filing the application, a provisional specification may be filed. The invention must be disclosed only broadly in a provisional specification, for which the assistance of a patent lawyer is advisable. However the complete specification must always be filed later within the prescribed time. The drafting of a Patent Specification is very technical as well as complicated. Therefore, the patent specification is required to be prepared by an experienced and skilled Patent Lawyer.

After filing of the application, the Patent Lawyer will also follow the entire procedure such as dealing with the objections raised by the Examiner of the respective Patent Office. A First Examination report is issued stating all the objections. A skilled patent lawyer will be able to deal with the objections by preparing and filing a suitable reply and his expertise is useful for complying with the requirement.

Patent Lawyers also provide their services for dealing with oppositions and litigations  by drafting written arguments and attending hearings.

The services of a patent lawyer may also be enlisted for payment of annuities (renewal fees).

About the Author

Patent Lawyer

Source: ArticlesBase

Brought to you by Lawyer Salinas

Be Happier in 2011: Cosmetic Dentistry Expert Reveals How

RICHMOND, Va., Dec. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- This New Year, we can make the same tired resolutions -- start exercising, eat better, stop smoking -- or we can make a resolution that's actually attainable: Smile more.

If those last two words send a chill up your spine, you're not alone, says Charles Martin DDS, founder of the Richmond Smile Center (http://www.cosmeticdentistryrichmond.com). People with poor oral health or badly damaged teeth are likely to consider smiling a resolution that's impossible to make. Accustomed to hiding their smiles, they know they're not making the best first impressions. Moreover, they typically don't think anything can be done to improve their teeth.

In response, Dr. Martin has resolved to get the word out about recent advances in cosmetic dentistry.

"A beautiful smile is emblematic of so much more than just teeth. It is how you see yourself and how others see you -- and treat you," Dr. Martin explained. "It also has two mega-effects that are often overlooked: how happy you are and how much other people are happy around you. When you smile you are generating physiologic changes within your body that literally make you feel happier. When you smile at the people around you, it is a signal to them that all is well, and you brighten their day."

The reverse is also true: A non-smiling face has a negative effect both on the person and those around him or her. But Dr. Martin reassures, "Fortunately, today, more than ever, we have the technology to make virtually everyone's smile an asset, not a liability."

 

That technology includes a wide range of options. Skilled cosmetic dentists can now perform all-ceramic restorations that reflect light in the same way as natural teeth. In addition, a better understanding of the science of color is helping cosmetic dentists give their patients more natural-looking smiles than ever before.

Today's surgical techniques also allow dentists to rebuild gums and bone, concentrate growth factors from the patient's body to increase comfort and speed healing following dental surgery, and replace missing teeth with dental implants. Some highly trained dentists now even practice speed dentistry, giving patients brand-new smiles in as little as a day instead of over weeks or months.

"As 2011 approaches, I urge anyone who is dissatisfied with their smile to consider making an appointment for a consultation with a reputable, experienced cosmetic dentist," Dr. Martin stated. "Resolve to make your best impression in the new year with a smile that exudes confidence and vitality."

About Richmond Smile Center and Charles Martin DDS

Founded by Charles Martin DDS, the Richmond Smile Center is a technologically advanced dental practice that delivers dental implant surgery, dental sedation, cosmetic dentistry and complex care dentistry. The Center is renowned for its smile makeovers. Dr. Martin, a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, is a Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry and has taught at Georgetown University and the Medical College of Virginia. He is the author of Are Your Teeth Killing You?; Don't Sugar Coat It: The Story of Diabetes and Dentistry; and This Won't Hurt a Bit! The Smart Consumer's Guide to Dentistry. Learn more at http://www.cosmeticdentistryrichmond.com.

 

Brought to you by Dentist Salinas CA.

Car Repair For Newbies

The more research you do on your vehicle, the more prepared you will be for a good repair process. Even if you are mechanically challenged, you will be able to handle car dealings. By using your eyes and your nose, you can identify issues with a troublesome vehicle.

What You See is What You Get

Does your car leave spots behind on the ground when you park it? It could be relatively harmless. Just to make sure, you will want to do some diagnostic work immediately. Ask yourself what color is the stain on the ground? If your color is a glowing green or garish orange color, this indicates a radiator leak. This is not good. Many people have had this problem, only to have their car overheat. Overheating could eventually crack the car’s head or blow a head gasket, both of which are highly undesirable.

A burned looking fluid or black ooze could indicate an oil leak. This also needs fixed soon. A leaky seal could be the ultimate culprit. Many cars have been trashed due to this passing unnoticed. A red, glutinous stain indicates an issue with the car’s power steering or transmission. Both of these are not good. It is hard to steer without power steering fluid and a leaky transmission has many repercussions. Filmy water spots aren’t to be worried about. These could be just be standard air condition condensation pools.

Do You Smell What’s Cooking?

Taking a whiff of your car could help your diagnose its problem. Does it smell like something has been burned? This aroma indicates that an electrical aspect has shorted out. This needs to be looked at by a professional. Avoid driving it until you have had it looked at.

Does your car smell of rotten eggs? This sulfuric scent means something is amiss with the catalytic converter. You need to get to a repair shop. A heavy burning aroma means that oil is being burned. Look on the ground for a spot. If transportation is vital to your life, you need to have this addressed immediately. If you notice a blue-hued smoke emitting from your car, this is also a bad sign.

A strong smell of gas is also cause for concern. You may have a gas leak, which is going to need to fixed to avoid excessive gas costs. You could have a leak in the tank or in the lines. A burned rubber smell could mean a break issue. Let the brakes cool after a period of constant braking. You also need to check the parking brake.

Do you pick up a slightly sweet smell? This could be a coolant leak. Until you get to the mechanic, you should watch your heat gauge. If steam is issuing from the car, you need to pop the hood and let the car cool. If you push a car that is overheating, you will ruin your engine. The rule is that if something doesn’t smell right, get it to the mechanics immediately.

Sam Otoner is an author writing about automotive related topics, and you are invited to visit his website covering number of aspects about car repair & auto parts.

Car Repair: Know The Maintenance Required To Avoid Major Issues

Andrew Stratton

Spending money on car repair is not a pleasant prospect for most people, but the good news is that this can usually be avoided by keeping your vehicle maintained at all times. Keeping up with the maintenance can help prevent it from ever getting bad enough to warrant spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on repairs. Below, you can find out the most common types of services that can help keep your automobile in good shape.

Getting regular oil changes is one of the most basic ways to avoid major car repair costs. Check your auto's manual to find out exactly how many miles you are supposed to go before getting the oil changed, though you will find that it is usually best to get it changed every 3000 miles. Of course, between changes you should check to make sure that there is still oil in the vehicle. Otherwise, you could face major engine issues down the road.

Another important aspect to pay attention to is your tires. You need to make sure that they always have the proper amount of air in them, as driving on them with too little air can destroy them, while putting too much air in them can cause a blowout while driving. You should also check the tread to make sure it is still there, as too little tread can cause tires to slip on the road and not stop as effectively as they should. They also need to be balanced and rotated every once in a while to allow you to have a smooth ride when driving. You can have this done when you get the oil changed to help ensure that it is completed periodically.

One type of maintenance that you may not remember until it rains is to keep your windshield wiper blades in good shape. You actually need to replace these occasionally or else they will not be very effective, making it difficult to see when you drive. You can buy your own, or request that they be replaced during any other service at your local car repair shop.

Many people dread going to the car repair shop because it costs them money, but the sad fact is that the longer you wait to do it, the more you will usually pay. Keeping your vehicle updated on its maintenance can save you a lot of money and worry since you will always know that your vehicle is in good working order. Therefore, keeping it up-to-date is well worth the periodic costs.
Articles Source:http://business.ezinemark.com/car-repair-know-the-maintenance-required-to-avoid-major-issues-31d244810a5.html
           
About the Author:When the time comes for some form of car repair, Raleigh, NC, area drivers should look to a trustworthy local shop to perform what they need done. To find a dependable garage near you, please visit http://www.meineke-raleighdurham.com

Brought to you by Car Repairs Salinas           

Car Repair: Know The Maintenance Required To Avoid Major Issues

Anrew Stratton

Spending money on car repair is not a pleasant prospect for most people, but the good news is that this can usually be avoided by keeping your vehicle maintained at all times. Keeping up with the maintenance can help prevent it from ever getting bad enough to warrant spending hundreds or thousands of dollars on repairs. Below, you can find out the most common types of services that can help keep your automobile in good shape.

Getting regular oil changes is one of the most basic ways to avoid major car repair costs. Check your auto's manual to find out exactly how many miles you are supposed to go before getting the oil changed, though you will find that it is usually best to get it changed every 3000 miles. Of course, between changes you should check to make sure that there is still oil in the vehicle. Otherwise, you could face major engine issues down the road.

Another important aspect to pay attention to is your tires. You need to make sure that they always have the proper amount of air in them, as driving on them with too little air can destroy them, while putting too much air in them can cause a blowout while driving. You should also check the tread to make sure it is still there, as too little tread can cause tires to slip on the road and not stop as effectively as they should. They also need to be balanced and rotated every once in a while to allow you to have a smooth ride when driving. You can have this done when you get the oil changed to help ensure that it is completed periodically.

One type of maintenance that you may not remember until it rains is to keep your windshield wiper blades in good shape. You actually need to replace these occasionally or else they will not be very effective, making it difficult to see when you drive. You can buy your own, or request that they be replaced during any other service at your local car repair shop.

Many people dread going to the car repair shop because it costs them money, but the sad fact is that the longer you wait to do it, the more you will usually pay. Keeping your vehicle updated on its maintenance can save you a lot of money and worry since you will always know that your vehicle is in good working order. Therefore, keeping it up-to-date is well worth the periodic costs.
Articles Source:http://business.ezinemark.com/car-repair-know-the-maintenance-required-to-avoid-major-issues-31d244810a5.html

      About the Author:When the time comes for some form of car repair, Raleigh, NC, area drivers should look to a trustworthy local shop to perform what they need done. To find a dependable garage near you, please visit http://www.meineke-raleighdurham.com

           

No Bone Solution™

Written by Kristi Runyon

Tuesday, 28 December 2010 11:47

Dental implants keep improving. Now even patients who don't have enough bone to anchor them can have them. Denture Wearers According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, more than two-thirds of adults 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth. More than one-fourth of those 74 and older have lost all of their permanent teeth. Common causes of tooth loss include tooth decay, gum disease or trauma. Patients who have lost a significant number of teeth may require dentures, or man-made replacement teeth. Dentures are generally custom made for the patients and designed to be removed for cleaning. There are two main types of dentures. A conventional full denture is placed in the mouth only after the oral tissues have healed from the extractions, usually after 6 to 8 weeks. An immediate complete denture is placed into the mouth as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. The advantage of an immediate complete denture is that the patient has “teeth” right away and isn’t without teeth until the tissues have healed. Dental Implants When a person loses a tooth but the remaining teeth are still healthy, a dental implant may be recommended. A dental implant looks like a natural tooth and is securely attached to the bone. There are three parts to a dental implant. The anchor, or section that sits below the gums, is made of titanium, a strong metal. It screws into and fuses with the underlying bone, providing a secure hold for the artificial tooth. The abutment is the portion of the implant on top of the anchor. It protrudes from the gum line and provides an attachment surface for the tooth. The visible portion of the dental implant is the crown. This part is personally crafted to match the patient’s real teeth. The Problem of Tooth Loss It’s important for people to retain their natural teeth for many reasons. In addition to aesthetics, the roots of the teeth stimulate the bone, keeping the underlying bones strong. When a tooth is lost, the underlying bone is no longer stimulated and the bone may break down. Dental implants help maintain bone stability, but patients with removable dentures don’t have any structures under the gums to stimulate bone development. Over time, removable denture wearers can develop a significant amount of bone loss. That loss changes the structure of the bones and interferes with how the dentures fit. The dentures can be built up to accommodate some bone loss. In fact, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends replacing removable dentures every 7 to 15 years. Eventually, however, the dentures may fit poorly, interfering with chewing, swallowing and speech. Fixed Dentures: The No Bone Solution™ Some denture wearers may opt for a permanent denture, or dentures that are permanently fixed in the mouth, like dental implants. However, patients with a significant amount of bone loss may not be good candidates for permanent dentures because there isn’t enough healthy bone in which to anchor the implants. To make it work, patients may need bone grafting or other extensive procedures to build enough bone to hold the implants. Thomas Balshi, D.D.S., Prosthodontist with Pi Dental Center in Fort Washington, PA, has come up with a surgical solution for patients with significant bone loss. He calls it the No Bone Solution™. A significant amount of planning is done for each patient. First, a thorough oral exam, impressions and cone beam CT scans are performed to assess the health of the patient and obtain images of the oral structures. Next, the information is fed into a computer. Three-dimensional computer models enable the dentist to determine the safest place for the implants. Then, the files are sent to a robotics lab. A model of the skull is built, enabling the dentist to precisely plan the surgery. Finally, using computer-assisted design and manufacturing techniques, a set of temporary teeth is built, using a machine right in the office. The patient is taken into a surgical suite and the surgeon uses the scans and computer planning to surgically place the implant anchors. The big difference in the No Bone Solution anchors and traditional implants is size. Balshi explains that standard dental implants range from 7 to 18 millimeters in length. The implants used for the No Bone Solution are much longer, ranging from 30 millimeters to 52 millimeters. The longer length enables the dentist to place the anchors into deeper (and stronger) bone, like the cheek bone. Another advantage of the procedure is that patients leave the office that day with a full set of teeth. However, these are temporary. Once the oral tissues heal, the same computer-aided design and manufacturing process is used to make the permanent teeth. Balshi says patients may have some discomfort for one to two weeks after the initial surgery. Once the swelling subsides, the new teeth should feel, work and look just like the natural teeth. The No Bone Solution is usually not covered by dental insurance. The procedure is not recommended for patients who have unstable health problems, blood diseases (like hemophilia), head and neck cancer, or for those who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation to the face or neck. AUDIENCE INQUIRY For information on No Bone Solution™, go to http://dentalimplants-usa.com For general information on tooth care, dental implants or dentures: American Academy of Periodontology, http://www.perio.org American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, http://www.aaoms.org American Dental Association, http://www.ada.org   Great info for people needing implants - DentistSalinasCa.com

What Is Dental Bonding?

Tooth bonding, done by a professional aesthetic dentist, can get your teeth in perfect shape within a few sittings. Here is a little more about what dental bonding is and what it can do to your smile.

What is dental bonding?    

Instant veneers or dental laminates are made of a composite tooth-colored material, which can be stuck or bonded directly onto the tooth surface. The entire appearance of the tooth structure can be changed to make them appear more aesthetically appealing. Trained aesthetic dentists can really tweak your smile in a few hours of time. Your dentist will evaluate each case individually and will let you know the dental bonding cost and the time required for the procedure.

What does dental tooth bonding involve?

First, the dentist will evaluate your case with a detailed medical history and an oral checkup. You will then be informed whether you need direct or indirect bonding. The direct bonding procedure may require a local anesthetic, but it’s not always necessary. The dentist may carry out color matching on your tooth surface to ensure that he has the right shade.

Once the correct shade is selected, he will isolate the tooth surface, and then start building the new tooth surface. He will create mechanical retention tags on the surface by etching the surface of the tooth with phosphoric acid. A bonding agent or adhesive is then applied, which will allow the composite material to stick better to the tooth surface. To get the best color, the dentist will build the surface with two or three different layers. Once the layers are complete, the material is then set, buffed, and polished. It may take two to three sittings to get the ideal tooth bonding shape, but the amount of time differs from case to case.

A few dentists may also use custom-made ceramic inlays and veneers, which will look much more natural. These are referred to as indirect bonding techniques. However, these take a longer time to fabricate and are much more expensive. Not every dentist is trained to do ceramic inlays and veneers though; so do check before you start the process.

What is the total dental bonding cost?

The exact dental bonding cost will differ from patient to patient. The composite material that is used is relatively expensive, and the process is technique sensitive. A trained aesthetic dentist can create wonderful results, which will last for a long time. The exact dental bonding cost is calculated depending on the teeth that that are bonded as well as the end result. Direct bonding is cheaper compared to indirect bonding. Bonding can also be useful for those who want to remove older dental amalgam fillings. This is because older silver fillings can look really bad as they get discolored over time. In such patients, dental amalgam is removed and composite material is refilled in same cavities. 

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Read more: What Is Dental Bonding?

Thanks to Newsmax.com for the above article - DentistSalinasCa.com

How Much Auto Insurance Should You Carry?

To answer the question, “How much auto insurance should I carry?” there are a variety of factors that you have to consider. Some are very individual, such as the deductible you choose to carry, while other factors are actually determined by the state you live in, whether or not you own your vehicle outright, and whether or not your vehicle has been customized in anyway (e.g. custom paint, upgraded stereo system, GPS navigation).

 

To make it easy to figure out just how much auto insurance coverage you need, consider your auto insurance as broken up into six elements:

• BODILY INJURY LIABILITY: Bodily Injury Liability is a component of your auto insurance that is a requirement in most states. This coverage is geared toward providing coverage in the event of an accident with another vehicle. It is used to pay for any injuries sustained and lawsuits filed by occupants of the other vehicle involved (driver or passenger), as well as any passengers in your vehicle, in the event of an accident. Bodily Injury Liability Coverage is usually made available in increments per person and a maximum amount of coverage per accident, so for example, you could have $100,000 coverage per person with a maximum coverage of $300,000 per accident.

• PROPERTY DAMAGE LIABILITY: Property Damage Liability is very similar to Bodily Injury Liability Coverage, only instead of covering injuries and lawsuits concerning the people involved in an accident, it covers the repair and replacement of any property damaged in an accident – from the other person’s vehicle to any items he or your passengers may be carrying (e.g. laptop). Most states require that you carry some property damage liability coverage but many states require a super-low minimum of $5,000, far less than it would take to replace most cars let alone the electronics that are commonly carried.

• PERSONAL INJURY PROTECTION: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is an auto insurance policy component that covers medical and funeral costs for you that result from an accident you are in. However, if you have health insurance, life insurance, and disability insurance, you really do not need any more PIP than the total of your insurance deductibles.

• UNINSURED MOTORIST PROTECTION: Uninsured motorist protection covers the same as PIP but is accessed only in the case of an accident with a motorist who is uninsured or underinsured. Given that there is a surprisingly high number of drivers that fit this bill and auto insurance rates for $100,000 worth of coverage is typically less than $50 per year for $100,000, there is no reason to forgo the extra protection provided by PIP.

• COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE: Collision coverage covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle (or replacement) in the event of an accident; comprehensive coverage, on the other hand, covers you against theft, natural disaster (e.g. wind storm, hail damage), vandalism, etc. Comprehensive coverage is normally required anytime that you have a lien on your vehicle but, especially if your car would be expensive to replace, it is well worth it.

• POLICY ADD-ONS, EXTRAS, AND UPGRADES: There are also various policy add-ons, extras, and upgrades that you may want to carry, such as extra rental coverage (so that if you do need a rental car after an accident, you can avoid paying anything out of pocket), glass coverage (provides 100% coverage if a rock chips your windshield, for example), etc.

Posted by: jameszol     Tags: auto insurance, auto insurance coverage, auto insurance policy, auto insurance rates, how much auto insurance should I carry, how much auto insurance should you carry

Brought to you again by Car Repair Salinas

Automobile Computers May Be Target Of Hackers Soon Or Worse

All the sophisticated bells and whistles on automobiles that you like may very well make you and your automobile victims in more ways than one. Automotive manufacturers high tech applications for breaking, suspension, repair, tracking, theft and entry, acceleration, and auto response devices to name a few may come with a high price and I’m not just talking about the price tag.

The computers that control and operate all these gadgets are also becoming very high tech and will now include IP addresses. The ramifications of that fact lend to all kinds of issues, like hacking, privacy invasion and intrusion, transportation safety, terrorist attack to name a few.

The computers that controls all these goodies are susceptible to all forms of attack, intrusion, failure, and monitoring. The more thought I put into capabilities of computers for practicable applications, the ramifications of same became more scary.

I’m sure that the automotive industry would brush aside the notion of the negative aspect of what I’m talking about, but truth is it is already taking place, and with IP addresses attached to the brains of there automobiles, your personnel safety and rights will be in further jeopardy and that is more than a possibility.

One well known fact is if people can, they will and that takes place every day. If someone has purpose it is much more likely to happen. Security of systems are a 24-7 endeavor and I wonder how much attention will be paid to that aspect of your cars computers in that regard. I can make a guess for you, very little.

Business, home, and government computers come under attack endlessly, and new patches, anti virus and security guards are generated and monitored non stop to thwart attack. How safe do you think your car will be?

Along with advancement comes risk and both are now upon us right now. If automobile manufacturer’s brush off the potential of any of the negative aspects of having sophisticated computers in automobiles, chances are they will be just kidding themselves, but don’t you be fooled or naive.

Not one person reading this article has not already experienced the end result of attack or failure of their own computers at home or work. The difference is you are not traveling at 65 when it happens. And that is just one of many of unforeseen possibilities of this new wave of computer advancement in automobiles.

If you own an older vehicle, take real good care of it. In my opinion the new ones will spell out a lot more trouble for you than you could possibly imagine and I am not even being paranoid, just realistic. Happy trails to you!

image courtesy of techeblog.com

automobile technology opinion by Michael Scotty

Do You Need A California Dui Lawyer?

Author: Rudy Silva

California DUI is one of the most difficult crimes for a lawyer to defend, because of the complexities of criminal DUI laws, issues on blood-alcohol, and separate California DMV administrative hearings.

You need to understand that the court or the authorities rely heavily on your breath to determine your innocence and or guilt. Your DUI lawyer needs to be well experienced with the DUI process, and DUI law to defend your California drunk driving charges. This is the first thing to do.

If you were stopped for suspicion of DUI, you need to be as polite and respectful as possible to the officer. However, you need to be firm in declining to take the tests. You are not required by law to take the DUI field sobriety tests. Even if the officer asked you to take the handheld breath test, you should decline it politely by reminding them of the California DUI law.

If you are already arrested, or someone is, it is difficult to locate him in custody. To find him, ensure that the complete name and date of birth are available. Obtaining the driver's booking number will also be helpful.

There are cases in which the arrested driver is released on their own recognizance; there are others who are required to post bail. Locating a bail bond provider is the next step to do. If you want to redeem your driver's license from custody, you need also to pay the bail. Usually, the authorities require 10% of the driver's bail amount to secure his or her release.

California DUI cases are dual-faceted. The driver faces DMV DUI case, and a criminal court case. The driver facing California drunk driving charges has 10 days after the arrest, to request for a DMV DUI hearing otherwise, he will lose his driving privileges. Failure on your part to request a hearing will prompt the DMV to process the suspension on your driver's license.

You will have your arraignment in court before the DMV hearing. It is at this time when you will enter your plea, guilty or not. Despite the fact that facing a jury trial makes many accused drivers nervous, it is important to fight the California drunk driving charge in court. There are California DUI cases that have an absolution verdict.

The nature of the DMV DUI hearing is to determine the status of your driver's license. The DMV will figure out whether there are legal basis to suspend or revoke your license. There are times in which drivers are guilty as charged and yet, retain their license.

There are also cases, in which the drivers are absolved, but there is suspension or revocation of their license. Other cases end up with a conviction and suspension or revocation of license. Even with the first California DUI conviction, the convicted driver is required to serve jail time from 96hours to 6 months, DUI fines from 0 to 00, and license suspension of up to 6 months.

The driver must complete a California DUI program. He is required to present Proof of Financial Responsibility for Reinstatement. Finally, he may be given an order to install an ignition interlock device.

Article Source: http://www.sooperarticles.com/business-articles/licensing-articles/do-you-need-california-dui-lawyer-25351.html

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Learn more about California DUI at http://www.dmv.com . We have few articles that provide more DUI information. Drop by at California dui lawyers, and discover more about fighting your DUI charge.

Get lawyer to help reach settlement

Dear Benny — My wife and I are selling our house and moving to a retirement community, which also has assisted-living facilities. We have an offer coming this next week. This is the only offer we have had in the three months the house has been on the market. We have put a contract on an apartment in the retirement facility. 

 Presuming we can reach agreement with our buyer and sign the contract and get a settlement date, the retirement facility wants us to take out a bridge loan for the buy-in fee (about $300,000). Our concern is whether anything could go wrong before settlement. We feel we would be more comfortable waiting until we have the cash in hand. 

 Are we being overly fearful? We are told it is a normal procedure to take out the bridge loan as the earnest deposit guarantees that the settlement will go through. Is this true? We trust our seller's agent but feel the buyer's agent is dragging her feet. Should we have a real estate lawyer too? If so, how do we find one? 

Dear John — I suggest that you get a real estate attorney to assist you. If you don't know of any, you can call the local bar association in your area. Usually, those associations have referral arrangements.

You asked if anything can go wrong before settlement. The short answer is yes. While most settlements go smoothly, some can be a real disaster. For example: The buyer may have what we call "buyer's remorse" and want to walk away from the deal. That's why when I represent sellers I insist on a large earnest money deposit to put pressure on the buyer not to want to cancel the contract.

Additionally, the buyer may find problems in your house and either want you to pay a lot of money to correct those issues or walk from the contract.

Another possible glitch: In today's economy, the appraisal from the buyer's lender may come in too low, or the buyer may not be able to get the necessary financing.

Yes, a bridge loan is common, but there is a risk that you will end up having to pay two loans: your current mortgage as well as the bridge loan. I would give serious thought about going the bridge loan route.

 

— John
Benny L. Kass is a practicing attorney in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. No legal relationship is created by this column, which appears every Sunday. Send questions to benny@inman.com.

How to Choose a Mesothelioma Lawyer

2010-12-25 20:26:07 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Featured, Justice News Flash, Mesothelioma Asbestos)

12/20/2010 // Chicago, IL, USA // Mesothelioma Lawyers - Cooney & Conway // Cooney & Conway

Mesothelioma is a devastating cancer—incurable, painful, and often financially and emotionally catastrophic. The disease is almost always caused by asbestos exposure, and just as often, it is preventable.

This means there is every chance that responsibility can be assigned and financial compensation obtained, if a victim of mesothelioma brings an asbestos lawsuit against those whose actions or negligent failure to act have led to the deadly cancer. Effective asbestos lawsuits require the aid of an experienced, dedicated mesothelioma lawyer.

How does one find a top-flight mesothelioma lawyer? The first step is to understand a little about how mesothelioma lawsuits work. For one thing, they can be complicated, often involving multiple defendants—suppliers, manufacturers, employers, landlords, contractors; the list goes on. Those liable for damages can include anyone who knew asbestos was present but did not act properly to protect or warn others. The cases themselves can involve much technical, medical, and scientific detail.

A mesothelioma lawsuit can also be costly, often requiring expert witnesses along with long and tireless legal representation.

The complicated nature and the cost of this kind of lawsuit mean that a mesothelioma lawyer must be chosen carefully—and wisely. Here is a checklist of factors to consider in making your selection:

• Does the law firm have a history of bringing, settling, and trying mesothelioma lawsuits? Experience is the most valuable attribute a mesothelioma lawyer can bring—knowing the quirks, strategies, and potential pitfalls of an asbestos lawsuit. Mesothelioma cases have been brought in the courts for decades, and the best asbestos law firms have been actively engaged all through those years, advocating for victims of asbestos exposure.

• What sort of track record does the mesothelioma lawyer or law firm have? Many mesothelioma cases settle; others are tried in court with a jury verdict. Some of these settlements and jury awards have been in the millions of dollars—particularly in the most egregious cases of asbestos exposure. Ask any lawyer and firm you are considering hiring about their track record. Ask for examples of cases they have won or settled, and what kind of results they have obtained. Ask, too, if they have handled cases similar to your own, and how those mesothelioma lawsuits fared.

• Does the firm have the necessary resources? Trying any injury case can be an expensive proposition, but the technical nature of an asbestos lawsuit and the expert testimony often required make these cases particularly expensive. Not every law firm can commit the resources necessary to do the case justice—and obtain justice. You’re committed to the cause, make sure your mesothelioma lawyer is too. Ask if they are prepared to take the case all the way to a jury verdict if need be. Ask how often they have done so, or whether most of their cases settle quickly, perhaps for less-than-optimal sums?

• Don’t be afraid to ask for specifics. Remember, this case is about your life—and your family’s future. You want to make sure you have retained the best possible mesothelioma lawyer, and in making your selection, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask pointed questions. Ask, in particular, if mesothelioma lawsuits are the lawyer’s primary area of focus, or one of many practice areas? Inquire about how many mesothelioma cases the lawyer on your case has handled. Ask how many have resulted in settlements and how many have gone to trial. Make sure you learn the size of the jury awards. Ask what companies he or she has gone up against—a mesothelioma lawyer who has taken on and prevailed against large defendants will inspire more confidence than those who have only challenged smaller defendants with fewer legal and financial resources.

• How selective is the firm? Ask how many cases the firm rejects for every mesothelioma lawsuit it takes on. If a firm takes on everything, that’s a sign that it may not be devoting sufficient resources, or is looking for quick, possibly less-than-ideal settlements? On the other hand, when a firm is choosy about the mesothelioma lawsuits it takes on, that’s a sign it takes the cases it thinks it can win—and the ones it can invest in.

• Do some research. The Internet can be a powerful source of knowledge. The best asbestos and mesothelioma law firms are well known online, with an abundance of Web content depicting their triumphs and experience, along with testimonials. Once you have a list of possible mesothelioma lawyers, search online; see what they have accomplished, and when. A firm that has had a string of recent victories will look better than a firm that won a huge case 20 years ago but hasn’t done much mesothelioma work since then.

• Don’t discount your instinct. One of the most telling signs that you have found the right mesothelioma lawyer is also one of the most difficult to quantify: You simply feel comfortable. Sit down and talk to prospective asbestos lawyers. Note and factor in their experience and background. That, after all, is going to be vital. But also consider how you feel about them, what your gut instinct tells you. Your mesothelioma lawsuit will be complicated, possibly lengthy, and with so much on the line, it is incredibly important to you and your family. You’ll need to feel comfortable with the lawyer bringing the lawsuit on your behalf. Is this someone you feel good about and trust? Would you work with this person for months and even years to come? Is it someone you can think of not just as a mesothelioma lawyer, but as a partner?

You had no choice about your mesothelioma diagnosis. But you do when it comes to selecting a mesothelioma lawyer. Take advantage of that. Help yourself pick the best possible asbestos lawyer—the one who can best help you.

This story was brought to you by the mesothelioma lawyers at Cooney & Conway. For more than half a century, we have been advocates for those injured because of the wrongful actions of others. We have litigated and resolved some of the nation’s most significant asbestos lawsuits, bringing justice—and compensation—to victims of asbestos exposure and the lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other deadly diseases it can cause.

Media Information:

Address: 120 N. Lasalle Street, Chicago, IL
Phone: 888 651 1850 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              888 651 1850      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Url: Mesothelioma Lawyers Chicago

Tags: asbestos exposure, asbestos law, asbestos lawsuit, asbestos lawsuits, mesothelioma cases, mesothelioma lawsuit, Mesothelioma Lawyer

Written by vision · Filed Under Featured, Justice News Flash, Mesothelioma Asbestos 

He wants to lease a car, she wants to buy

 

ANNA-KAISA WALKER & KELLEY KEEHN

Globe and Mail Update

Published Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010 6:27AM EST

Last updated Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010 6:58AM EST

Chris and Jennifer, 40, Aurora, Ont.

When their car got jacked, the couple had to think on their feet – should they buy a new ride, or lease one? He says leasing is the better short-term solution, but she thinks they can score a great deal if they buy. Which idea has wheels?

HE SAYS: LEASE

I’d left my PT Cruiser at a repair centre to get the hatchback fixed, only to learn it had been stolen from the parking lot (the mechanics had left the keys on the front seat). I can’t say it was a tragedy – after seven years, the car was nearing the end of its useful life. We got $5,000 from the insurance company, and we’re wondering what we should do with it. We already have a van that Jennifer uses for her work, but we need a second car for my job and our two kids’ activities. I’m thinking we should just lease a new car as a stopgap measure, and buy in a few years when we’re ready; I don’t want to be stuck with something I’d want to get rid of. I think we’d probably have lower monthly payments if we lease, and I have to admit I’d be drawn to something like a Mercedes or a BMW – there’s a certain cachet, especially at my company.

SHE SAYS: BUY

I think leasing might have made sense a few years ago, but not in this economy. Dealerships are offering some really good incentives to get the cars off the lots – no money down, lower interest rates, even zero per cent financing for up to 84 months. But my main concern about leasing is mileage: We’d definitely have overages. We drive 40,000 to 50,000 kilometres a year, and we’ve made several road trips to Cape Breton to visit family. The gas mileage on the Cruiser wasn’t great, so I’m looking at something like a Hyundai Santa Fe. It’s got better fuel economy, and it’s the right size: Chris is a tall guy, and we schlep a lot of gear around for my son’s hockey practices. If you lease a car, you might spend more on repairs than if you owned it – if you get a ding, you have to fix it, and on something like a Mercedes, it’ll cost you more.

As told to Anna-Kaisa Walker

VITAL STATS

Years married: 5

Kids: A son, 5, and a daughter, 12

Occupations: He’s an executive with an engineering firm, she’s a pediatric physiotherapist

Annual household income: $180,000 (evenly split)

Current car costs: $125 a month for insurance and $250 for gas, one 2005 Honda Odyssey (bought in cash for $46,000).

THE ADVICE: OWN THOSE WHEELS

Financial expert Kelley Keehn

Sorry, Chris, but this is an easy one. I overwhelmingly vote with Jennifer.

There are two main issues here: 1) whether to lease or finance; and 2) what type of vehicle is best for you and your family.

First, on financing: What makes a lease so unattractive for your situation is the number of kilometres you’ll put on the car. As Jennifer mentioned, you risk overages, which add up. You could use her vehicle to save on mileage, but that’s just a headache. You also have much more control if you finance. Depending on the car and trim, there are a number of deals available. Sure, a lower lease payment will get you a more expensive car. However, as a depreciating asset – and I use the term “asset” loosely – a car is always an expense.

The best advice I’ve received from pros in the car industry is to buy cheap and drive it into the ground. And don’t use your home (via a line of credit, for example) to fund your purchase. You don’t want to put your property in possible jeopardy if something should happen – for example, if one of you lost your job and you could no longer pay the line of credit. Stick with financing from the dealership and their ability to shop multiple banks.

Second, on the car you choose, I again agree with Jennifer. Not only is a luxury car going to cost you more up front, but the repair and maintenance fees are nothing to ignore. Many luxury vehicles don’t even have a dipstick for checking your own oil – so a routine task becomes something that now costs you with every visit to the dealer. If you really need to impress your colleagues, consider investing in a nice suit or some designer glasses.

Finally, a little car-buying tip: When you’ve narrowed down your choice, rent that car for a couple of days. Haul the kids around. Make a road trip if you can. “Live” in the car with the bells and whistles you want. Do you really need the sun roof? Is the head and leg room sufficient? The money you’ll dish out for the rental is well worth it.

Kelley Keehn is the host of W Network's Burn My Mortgage.

 

More good advice brought to you by Car Repair Salinas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Car

Show your car some love and skip the new-car payments.

By Jessica L. Anderson, Associate Editor, Kiplinger's Personal Finance

September 23, 2010

Irv Gordon owns a 1966 Volvo P1800 with more than 2.8 million miles on the odometer. He holds the Guinness World Record for the most miles driven by a single owner in a noncommercial vehicle. The car

still has the original engine (although it has been preventatively rebuilt twice), transmission and radio.

The secret to his car’s longevity? Gordon has always changed the oil and fluids -- and performed other maintenance -- according to the recommendations in the owner’s manual.

Think about how much you’ll save by keeping your current car on the road before you surrender to the lure of a new set of wheels. For example, buy a 2011 Ford Fusion SEL ($25,380), and in the first year you’ll lay out $7,450 on the down payment and loan payments (assuming you put down 10% and get Ford’s 2.9% financing for five years) -- plus taxes, tags and registration fees. And those loan payments go on for another four years.

But if you have a paid-off Fusion that’s a few years old, you skip the monthly payments and new-vehicle taxes, and you’ll probably pay less in insurance premiums, too. Maintenance and repairs will cost more -- but they’re likely to average only $1,000 a year, according to numbers from Vincentric, an automotive research firm.

So how do you keep your car in the pink? Whether you’re aiming for a couple more years or a couple hundred thousand miles, the advice is the same.

1. Read the owner’s manual. According to CarMD.com, slightly more than half of people who have owned or leased a car follow a regular maintenance program. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations on oil changes (forget the old 3,000-mile rule and go by your book), as well as other regular maintenance. And getting checkups at regular intervals can help spot problems that could imperil your car’s overall health.

But don’t be swayed by every service notice from your dealer. Dealerships typically recommend more frequent maintenance than the manual does, says Phil Reed, of Edmunds.com. For example, the book may recommend an automatic-transmission flush, which runs about $120, at 80,000 miles, but a dealer could recommend it as early as 20,000 miles.

2. Use online forums. You want to learn about potential problems before they happen so that you can prevent them -- or fix them immediately. Jeff Cuje, of Sag Harbor, N.Y., plans to be buried in his 1986 Mercedes-Benz SL, so he’s taking pains to make it last. His best advice is to find an owners’ forum online and “get on the wavelength of what the problems are as your car gets older,” he says.

Sports cars and classic vehicles have enthusiastic online followings, but you’ll also find lots of sites that cover daily drivers. For example, we searched the Internet for “Nissan Altima owners’ forum” and “Ford Taurus owners’ forum” and got plenty of hits.

3. Become friends with your mechanic. Finding a mechanic you can trust is key to keeping up with repairs you need. But even then, don’t say yes to every fix. Get a second opinion on anything major if you’re unsure about the problem or the cost.

4. Don’t ignore small problems. Cuje pays close attention not only to his vehicle’s noises but also to its warning lights and even cosmetic things, like a piece of rubber trim that’s loose. Ignoring a problem only allows it to get worse, he says, and parts for aging vehicles only get harder to find.

Amazon.com is a good place to look for parts. If you’re handy, you may be able to do a small repair yourself. Reed spent $20 for new brake parts and installed them himself -- a repair that would have cost $350 at the dealership.

5. Give your car some love. Wash it, wax it and vacuum it. Treat leather surfaces with Armor All, and lubricate plastic and rubber parts. Doing these things protects both the paint and the interior from aging prematurely. Also consider having your car detailed, which typically includes steam cleaning the carpet, shampooing the upholstery, buffing out scratches and sometimes even removing small dents. The cost is usually less than $300. The better your car looks, the more you’ll want to take care of it.

Click here for great car repair service!

AAA Offers Ways to Save Money on Gas during Holiday Driving

From shopping trips to trips to Grandma's, easy ways to save money as fuel prices continue to rise

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 14, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the national average price of regular, self-service, gasoline nearing $3.00 per gallon, many drivers are saying 'bah humbug' at the gas pump this holiday season.

"For many, rising gas prices are especially tough this time of year as they are on the road more with extra shopping trips, holiday events and road trips to visit friends and family," said Marshall L. Doney, AAA Automotive vice president. "However, there are several easy things drivers can do to stretch each tank of gas and find the lowest fuel prices when it is time to fill up."

To help ease the burden at the pump, AAA offers these tips for drivers to save money on fuel during the holiday season:

Be gentle on the gas and brake pedals

One of the easiest and most effective ways to conserve fuel is to change driving styles. Instead of making quick starts and sudden stops, go easy on the gas and brake pedals. If there is a red light ahead, ease off the gas and coast up to it rather than waiting until the last second to brake. Once the light turns green, gently accelerate rather than making a quick start. The U.S. Department of Energy reports aggressive driving can lower a car's fuel economy by up to 33 percent.

Drive the speed limit

While the holiday hustle and bustle may have drivers rushing around town, slowing down to observe the speed limit not only can conserve fuel but also avoid a speeding ticket. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that each 5 mph driven over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Leave yourself plenty of time to reach your destination to avoid feeling rushed so you can arrive safely and with a little more fuel in the tank.

Properly inflate tires

Only 17 percent of cars have all four tires properly inflated, yet the U.S. Department of Energy reports that proper tire inflation can improve fuel economy by up to three percent. It's important not only to check tire pressures at least once a month, but also make sure it's done correctly; a survey found 85 percent of motorist don't know how to properly check tire pressures. Check the pressures when the tires are cold and have not been driven on recently. Tires should be inflated to pressure levels recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, NOT the pressure levels stamped on the tire sidewall. The proper pressure levels can be found on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Plan errands in advance

When running holiday errands, try to combine multiple tasks into one trip. Several short trips starting with a cold engine each time can use twice as much gas as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Also, plan the route in advance to drive the fewest miles.

Keep luggage off the roof

Try to avoid using a car's roof rack to transport luggage or other equipment—especially over long distances on the highway. A loaded roof rack affects the vehicle aerodynamics and creates extra drag that reduces fuel economy.

Let AAA find lowest gas prices

Drivers equipped with the AAA TripTik Mobile iPhone application can find the lowest gas prices close to home or on the road. Using AAA TripTik Mobile, the first free app offering frequently updated gas prices, motorists can compare fuel costs at stations near to their location or in a specified area. The AAA app's GPS technology enables users to quickly locate stations on a map and see the price for all available grades of gasoline. AAA also provides gas station location and fuel price information at AAA.com with the online TripTik Travel Planner.

Keep up-to-date on vehicle maintenance

Keeping a car running properly helps achieve maximum fuel economy. Be sure to follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, and do not ignore vehicle warning lights that indicate something is wrong. Warning lights can signal problems that will greatly decrease a car's fuel efficiency. To help motorists find reliable, high-quality vehicle service, AAA has inspected and approved nearly 8,000 auto repair shops across the country. To locate a nearby AAA Approved Auto Repair facility, visit AAA.com/repair.

As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 52 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com.

AAA news releases, high-resolution images, broadcast-quality video, fact sheets and podcasts are available on the AAA NewsRoom at AAA.com/news.

More info for vehicle maintenance.

Car Repair: What’s Leaking Under My Car?

Another tidbit for you. - George

Let’s face it, there are a lot of things that can wrong with your vehicle and often the first tell tale signs of trouble are overlooked. One sign you should be paying attention to however if you want to avoid a costly car repair bill down the road is what is leaking from under your vehicle.

Car leaks can be subtle and unless you park in the same spot consistently, the subtle leak may go undetected by you. Or you simply hope or presume that any leak is okay and if your vehicle is still running, you simply don’t worry a whole lot about it. However a leak is your car’s way of telling you something is wrong and the sooner you address what is wrong, the better your car repair prospects will be.

There are a few basic fluids that go into every vehicle to make it run smoothly and these fluids ideally should not leak out. Oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid and radiant coolant are some of these fluids. You can generally tell what is leaking by the color of the fluid and where it is leaking from if you can determine a location.

If the fluid is a bright green it is likely radiant coolant. If you don’t change your radiant coolant every 3,500 miles however the fluid can be a light or medium brown color which can be a little harder to identify.

Windshield wiper fluid can be just about any color from green, pink, yellow or orange and finding this leaking is usually just a result of over filling the holding tank too much.

Red fluid is usually power steering fluid which will affect your ability to handle the steering in your automobile, or it can be transmission fluid. Either way, if your automobile is leaking red, you need to have a mechanic look at it and diagnose what is leaking and why before your automobile becomes non-operable.

Brake oil can be a clear oily substance or it can be yellow or brown, depending on how old it is. You will usually find this by the wheels of your automobile if it is brake oil. If your brake oil is leaking, it is probably a problem with your master cylinder and your brakes may have trouble working properly if you continue to drive.

Amber colored liquid can be fresh oil, while a brown or black liquid can be used oil. An oil leak is usually the most common fluid leak and can be the result of a wide variety of car repair issues.

The long and the short of it is, unless you know the leak is simply windshield wiper fluid, which is the only leak you can really ignore, the rule of thumb is to have a mechanic diagnose your leak and make sure it’s not an indicator of a bigger problem down the road.

Article Source:http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alfred_Ardis

Go Here if you need help with any of your fluid leaks.

8 Warning Signs That Car Repair Is Imminent

Having your car serviced regularly is vital if you want to keep it in safe and working condition. Even with yearly services, things can go wrong. There are a few things that need to be checked sooner rather than later.

Your Car Pulls

If your car pulls to one side or another while driving, this needs to be looked at. If it is pulling without applying the brakes, this is a sign of the wheels being out of alignment. If the car is pulling when you depress the brake pedal, this could be a sign that your brakes need to be adjusted. Get this fixed before major problems arise.

Backfires

While this was not uncommon in the vehicles of 20 years ago, you should not have to deal with car backfires now. If your car is backfiring you need to have a mechanic check this out. It could be a problem with the fuel mixture. A backfire will sound similar to a gunshot, it is not something you can ignore.

Oil Light Is On

If your oil light comes on, or flickers on and off while driving, you should have the oil checked and changed right away. Driving around like this can cause serious damage to your engine. In the future, check your oil levels regularly to avoid this.

Brakes Feel Spongy or Press All the Way Down

If your brakes take on a spongy feeling, or you have to depress the brake to the floor before you can slow down or stop, it is time to take the car in for brake repair. Spongy brakes may be air in the brake line, which is simple to fix. But pressing it all the way down can be something more serious, and very dangerous.

Knocking Sounds

If you hear knocking sounds in the engine, it is time to pull over and call a mechanic. This can be caused from a number of things, and none of them are good news. The bottom line, it is time to have the car checked out to avoid further damage.

Overheating or No Heat from Heater

Believe it or not, your heater not working could have something to do with the cooling system in the vehicle. If the car is overheating this can create major problems that will be costly to repair if you do not get the car to a shop right away.

Smell Exhaust In the Cars Interior

If you can smell exhaust while you are driving, this could mean a problem with the exhaust pipe or catalytic converter. This is not safe to drive, and you should have the car repaired as soon as possible.

Several Fuses have Blown

While blown fuses would not signal a major problem in most cases, if you are blowing a lot of fuses, or have to replace a fuse several times, it could signal a serious problem with the electrical system. Do not take a chance on this, and have it checked out as soon as you can.

Jeremy Babcock is the owner of Automotive Procare. His shop is a full service auto repair facility in Rochester, MN. Jeremy employs ASE master certified technicians and 100% customer satisfaction is his most important priority.

8 Warning Signs That Car Repair Is Imminent

Having your car serviced regularly is vital if you want to keep it in safe and working condition. Even with yearly services, things can go wrong. There are a few things that need to be checked sooner rather than later.

Your Car Pulls

If your car pulls to one side or another while driving, this needs to be looked at. If it is pulling without applying the brakes, this is a sign of the wheels being out of alignment. If the car is pulling when you depress the brake pedal, this could be a sign that your brakes need to be adjusted. Get this fixed before major problems arise. Also take a look to кърти, it is interesting.

Backfires

While this was not uncommon in the vehicles of 20 years ago, you should not have to deal with car backfires now. If your car is backfiring you need to have a mechanic check this out. It could be a problem with the fuel mixture. A backfire will sound similar to a gunshot, it is not something you can ignore.

Oil Light Is On

If your oil light comes on, or flickers on and off while driving, you should have the oil checked and changed right away. Driving around like this can cause serious damage to your engine. In the future, check your oil levels regularly to avoid this.

Brakes Feel Spongy or Press All the Way Down

If your brakes take on a spongy feeling, or you have to depress the brake to the floor before you can slow down or stop, it is time to take the car in for brake repair. Spongy brakes may be air in the brake line, which is simple to fix. But pressing it all the way down can be something more serious, and very dangerous.

Knocking Sounds

If you hear knocking sounds in the engine, it is time to pull over and call a mechanic. This can be caused from a number of things, and none of them are good news. The bottom line, it is time to have the car checked out to avoid further damage.

Overheating or No Heat from Heater

Believe it or not, your heater not working could have something to do with the cooling system in the vehicle. If the car is overheating this can create major problems that will be costly to repair if you do not get the car to a shop right away.

Smell Exhaust In the Cars Interior

If you can smell exhaust while you are driving, this could mean a problem with the exhaust pipe or catalytic converter. This is not safe to drive, and you should have the car repaired as soon as possible.

Several Fuses have Blown

While blown fuses would not signal a major problem in most cases, if you are blowing a lot of fuses, or have to replace a fuse several times, it could signal a serious problem with the electrical system. Do not take a chance on this, and have it checked out as soon as you can.

Jeremy Babcock is the owner of Automotive Procare. His shop is a full service auto repair facility in Rochester, MN. Jeremy employs ASE master certified technicians and 100% customer satisfaction is his most important priority.

Car Repair That You Don’t Need

Here's Todays piece of advice.

Warm Regards,
George

Car Repair That You Don’t Need
Posted by admin - December 11th, 2010

It happens all too often. You walk into a car repair shop to have a problem addressed, usually something quite obvious and simple such as a cracked side view mirror or maybe just a regular oil change. Once you go to pick up your vehicle, the mechanic meets you with a grave face. He discovered something that needs “urgent” attention and will also inflate your bill by hundreds of dollars. He pretends to be helping you, because after all, he didn’t need to give your car that extra, free inspection. Unless you know a thing or two about the inner workings of cars, you feel a bit weak and at his mercy.

Stop! Before you’re tempted to relinquish your keys for another few days while your auto gets poked and prodded for no good reason, you need to investigate whether you’re being scammed or whether your mechanic actually did help you dodge a bullet. Some shady mechanics make big business by performing unnecessary repairs or simply by claiming they have completed them when in reality your car just sat on the lot. But you might think how could you possibly find out the truth?

The easiest way to avoid unnecessary scams is by choosing a trustworthy mechanic. This is often the trickiest part. If you have a local shop that you frequent, they may use multiple mechanics throughout the life of your auto. Ask friends and family for recommendations and experiences with local mechanics. Look online for consumer reviews if available. Most importantly, visit and chat with the car repair mechanic for a few minutes before even mentioning your car’s problem. Signs of a professional, honest auto shop include fairly clean and organized premises (a bit of grease is to be expected of course), cars being serviced orderly and efficiently, qualifications and certificates displayed, and easily understandable service contracts.

Another way to avoid unnecessary repairs is to keep tabs on your car yourself. If you perform regular maintenance such as oil changes and engine checks, the less likely it is that you will suddenly have an unexpected repair. Ensuring you bring your car in at the first sign of problems can also help ward off unwanted car repair. If your mechanic does bring up some extra work that needs to be attended to, ask him to show you the problem and walk through it with you. Ask for all prices up front as well as time estimates.

One of the worst scams a car repair shop can pull is charging you far over the estimate or performing another job without first getting the approval from you. This is illegal and unacceptable. All car repair shops should contact you the moment they believe the job will cost more or if they think there is another problem that needs to be addressed. Ask for the price of parts up front as well. There is a good chance you can shop around and find a better deal than what is on offer.

By Alfred Ardis

Q&A: No car can 'run away' with its driver.

Hey Out There,

Another good piece of information...

By PAUL BRAND - Star Tribune (Minneapolis)

QUESTION: I drive a 2009 Toyota and have a fear of a runaway vehicle. The dealer has test-driven the vehicle and told me it's OK. What advice do you have?

ANSWER: Check with the dealer to see if your vehicle has been covered in any recalls or technical service bulletins. More importantly - and this applies to every car owner and motorist - please remember that a motor vehicle cannot "run away" or continue to accelerate unintentionally if you simply shift into neutral or turn off the ignition key. Every driver, regardless of what vehicle they drive, should practice these simple procedures so that their response will be automatic.

Modern motor vehicles will not "over-rev" in neutral with the throttle open. The engine limiter will hold the engine at about 4000 rpm by cycling fuel delivery on and off. So shifting into neutral will disengage the vehicle's drive and acceleration while maintaining the power steering and power brakes.

• http://www.startribune.com

But even turning off the ignition while driving will not disable the steering or brakes. You will lose power assist to these systems, meaning you'll need to apply more physical effort to steer/stop the vehicle, but the steering and brakes will continue to operate and allow you to control the vehicle.

And finally, please remember that you cannot turn the key to the "lock" position unless the transmission shift lever is in park - so you cannot unintentionally lock the steering by turning the ignition off.

Identify and practice these simple procedures to prepare yourself - just in case.

Motorists have right to choose oil change shop

Americans throughout the country rely on oil change facilities for convenient local service. In order for these small businesses to be able to serve their customers, they must have access to the safety alerts and repair information necessary to provide service and safety checks on today's modern vehicles.

We have a growing concern that important repair information from vehicle manufacturers is being denied or not released in a timely manner to our members, including simple filter applications and fluid capacities that are fundamental to basic vehicle maintenance.

I think most motorists would agree that they should not be forced back to the dealer for any service, particularly something as simple as an oil change. Passage of the Right to Repair Act would ensure that all automotive repair facilities, including quick lubes, remain competitive so that car owners can conveniently and affordably have their vehicles serviced at the shop of their choice.

The Right to Repair Act has bipartisan support in both chambers of Congress. Please send a letter urging your members of Congress to support the Right to Repair Act by visiting www.righttorepair.org.

Leanne Stump

Executive director

Automotive Oil

Change Association

8 Warning Signs That Car Repair is Imminent

Having your car serviced regularly is vital if you want to keep it in safe and working condition. Even with yearly services, things can go wrong. There are a few things that need to be checked sooner rather than later.

Your Car Pulls

If your car pulls to one side or another while driving, this needs to be looked at. If it is pulling without applying the brakes, this is a sign of the wheels being out of alignment. If the car is pulling when you depress the brake pedal, this could be a sign that your brakes need to be adjusted. Get this fixed before major problems arise. Also take a look to кърти, it is interesting.

Backfires

While this was not uncommon in the vehicles of 20 years ago, you should not have to deal with car backfires now. If your car is backfiring you need to have a mechanic check this out. It could be a problem with the fuel mixture. A backfire will sound similar to a gunshot, it is not something you can ignore.

Oil Light Is On

If your oil light comes on, or flickers on and off while driving, you should have the oil checked and changed right away. Driving around like this can cause serious damage to your engine. In the future, check your oil levels regularly to avoid this.

Brakes Feel Spongy or Press All the Way Down

If your brakes take on a spongy feeling, or you have to depress the brake to the floor before you can slow down or stop, it is time to take the car in for brake repair. Spongy brakes may be air in the brake line, which is simple to fix. But pressing it all the way down can be something more serious, and very dangerous.

Knocking Sounds

If you hear knocking sounds in the engine, it is time to pull over and call a mechanic. This can be caused from a number of things, and none of them are good news. The bottom line, it is time to have the car checked out to avoid further damage.

Overheating or No Heat from Heater

Believe it or not, your heater not working could have something to do with the cooling system in the vehicle. If the car is overheating this can create major problems that will be costly to repair if you do not get the car to a shop right away.

Smell Exhaust In the Cars Interior

If you can smell exhaust while you are driving, this could mean a problem with the exhaust pipe or catalytic converter. This is not safe to drive, and you should have the car repaired as soon as possible.

Several Fuses have Blown

While blown fuses would not signal a major problem in most cases, if you are blowing a lot of fuses, or have to replace a fuse several times, it could signal a serious problem with the electrical system. Do not take a chance on this, and have it checked out as soon as you can.

Jeremy Babcock is the owner of Automotive Procare. His shop is a full service auto repair facility in Rochester, MN. Jeremy employs ASE master certified technicians and 100% customer satisfaction is his most important priority.

Featured Car Repair Salinas Customer Review

Here's a 5 star customer review I found on an old google maps listing.

Honest Service (that walks the walk, and talks the talk) I originally went to this shop for a smog certificate, per the recommendation of the previous owner of the used car I had just bought. When the owner and his sharp employee took the extra time to discover why my car would not pass smog, and this just flawed me, at NO extra charge. They corrected the problem, and the car passed smog. Since then I have brought my car, and my wife's car here for repair.Since my wife is a stickler for going to the car dealer for All repairs, I was very surprised to find out that "All City" had the same, or better prices than the dealer. An HONEST auto repair shop!

I've been to "All City Emissions and Car Repair in Salinas,  and whole heartily agree with the above review.

George

Brake Repair-Common Problems and Solutions

Hi There,

Just came acrross this article on car brakes. It's on a site called CarReapairSalinas.com

The average car owner knows little about brake repair and the interior workings of their braking system. When you start to notice a problem with your brakes, you take the car to the mechanic to have it fixed. While most mechanics are trustworthy and honest, you may wonder if you are paying for unnecessary fixes. Learning a little about common problems and solutions to this crucial part of your car can help you feel confident.

 

If you want to read the rest of the article, click here