Hidden Costs to Consider When Starting a Mobile Oil Change Business in 2013

Not long ago, I was talking to an MBA student about the mobile oil change sector, their little groupthink committee chose this for their class project - write a business plan. Now then, writing a business plan for a service sector is much different than actually doing it, but let's talk shall we?

You see when preparing the proforma part of the plan, I was asked specifically; "What are some of the hidden costs that a startup company may not be forecasting for that could come back to present itself as a problem?" For a little background, they chose Washington DC as a target market, probably due to the high per capita money flows - sure taxpayer's money right?

Tire Size Chart: Find the Right Size

Reading a tire size chart can be confusing, whether you're actually intending to replace your tires soon, or just casually checking prices. The following information will help you read these charts correctly and identify the proper size for your vehicle. 

To find the correct tire size for your vehicle, first look closely on the sidewall of one of the front tires. On the tire sidewall (the part of the tire that you can actually wash), look for a sequence of letters and numbers in the pattern of the following tire size measurements: 185/60R-14, 225/50R-16 or 255/40ZR-18 for example. Don't worry if your tires don't match one of those 3 size examples; just jot down the exact size listed on the sidewall of your front tire. You should also check one of the rear-tire sidewalls, in case the two rear tires need to be a bit larger than the two front tires. Your owner's manual should help you confirm the size(s) that you have written down. 

Wheels and Rims: How to Prevent Tire Rub

Your vehicle's wheels and rims need to be matched so that their combined size does not extend past the wheel well clearances. Both tire rub and bent rims can be caused by not leaving enough clearance in the wheel wells. Without clearance, the wheels will be thrust into the wheel well whenever you hit road bumps.

When you select larger wheels and rims, you have to take into account the sidewall height and width of the tire used. In addition, the larger rim must still be able to handle the weight of the vehicle. Before running out and purchasing the wheels and rims of your dreams, you need to invest some time and gather clearance information about your vehicle. Without this information, you could experience both tire rub and bent rims. Tire rub will destroy your expensive tires, and driving on bent rims is unsafe. Not only that, but once you bend a rim, it is useless and must be replaced.

5 New Gas Engine Technologies

With all the hype about hybrid, electric and alternative fuel cars, it's easy to think that the age of the gasoline engine is over. When you've got cars that run on hydrogen or that plug into the wall, the internal combustion engine can seem downright passé.

But the fact remains that the vast majority of cars sold in the United States are powered by gasoline engines. The dominance of gas engines in the automotive market is going to persist for the foreseeable future. Car makers use gasoline engines for a lot of reasons. People are used to them, there's an infrastructure that supports them, and they fit nicely with how most Americans use their cars.

5 Ways Modern Car Engines Differ from Older Car Engines

Compared to other technologies we use every day, it seems like car engines haven't really changed much. The engine in an old Ford Model T has plenty in common with the engine in a 2011 Ford Fusion, but it's doubtful Alexander Graham Bell would know what to do with an iPhone. While communications technology has changed drastically, car engines use the same basic principle: The combustion of air and fuel to create rotational force and move a car.

But while the same basic principles that drove the first car engines are still used today, modern car engines have evolved to meet the power and efficiency needs of today's drivers. Think of older car engines as wolves and modern car engines as dogs. They're share the same heritage and have similar characteristics, but one does just fine in everyday modern situations, while the other just couldn't adapt to living in a city or suburb.

How Self-regenerating Tire Tread Works

In the 2008 movie "Speed Racer," the title character is engaged in a dangerous race across a futuristic desert. A rival driver shreds one of Speed's tires, but he's ready -- he hits a button on his steering wheel and his car, the Mach 5, sprouts a new tire at once.

In real life, we haven't gotten to the point where our cars can instantaneously regenerate tires. But some tire companies have devised ways for the tread to replenish itself after thousands of miles of travel. But how is it possible for the same, worn tire to create new tread?

Most of us don't realize just how important our tires are. Believe it or not, those ugly rubber donuts can make a huge difference in the way your car or truck drives. The right set of tires can even help deliver sports-car handling or superior gas mileage, depending on what you're looking for.

How the Tweel Airless Tire Works

For more than 100 years, vehicles have been rolling along on cushions of air encased in rubber. The pneumatic tirehas served drivers and passengers well on road and off, but a new design by Michelin could change all that - theTweel Airless Tire.

In this article, we'll look at what the Tweel Airless Tire is, why you would use it in place of traditional tires, some of the problems that may occur with a Tweel Airless Tire and where you might see the Tweel Airless Tire in the future.

Warning Signs You Need New Tires

Start the Countdown

Just as your feet are sore after a long walk, the tires on your car take a beating every time you drive. This isn't a sign of bad driving --well, not usually -- but rather an inevitable fact of life. Tires get old and worn down. And because a tire failure while you're driving can be catastrophic, causing your car to go out of control or leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere without any easy way to get home, you want to know when your tires are in bad shape so you can get new ones before something goes wrong. Of course, if you have a mechanic look at your car periodically, he or she will probably tell you if the tires need to be changed, but there are several things you can do yourself short of a visit to your local auto center to make sure your tires are in good shape.

We've listed five of the warning signs that indicate you need new tires (in no particular order) over the next few pages.

Adjusting Brake Pedal Height and Free Play

Finding Your Proper Pedal Free Play

Most pedals (brake and clutch) should have a small amount of free play. Free play is the distance the pedal can be pressed before it makes contact on the other end. It's very small, usually less than 10mm.

What You'll Need:

- ruler

- open end wrenches

- line wrenches

- pliers

- Wite-Out or another way to mark a metal surface

5 Cheap Ways to Increase Horsepower

Your car is fine. It's got a great stereo, and you've been driving it long enough that the seat has that perfect butt-groove going on. You've been pretty diligent about taking care of it, with regular oil changes and trips through the car wash. But wouldn't it be nice if it were, I don't know, faster? Maybe had a little oomph when you take off from a red light? Maybe, just maybe, your car could even pass another car while going uphill -- with a little tuning. We're not talking about making your car a queen of the drag strip; I mean, that's expensive. Or is it?

There are easily five things you can do to pep up your commute or turn in a respectable time on the quarter-mile, and it doesn't have to cost more than your mortgage payment to do them.

This is the first thing just about anyone will tell you when you say you want to up your horsepower. It's kind of like those minty-fresh gum commercials with the ice swirling around, and the price is only a smidge more than a pack of gum. A kind of big smidge, but still. The idea is that cold air is more dense, so more air gets into the cylinders to mix with the fuel. More air means more combustion, and more combustion means more power, to the tune of a realistic 5- to 7-horsepower in a typical engine. This only works if the air intake is the limiting factor, however. If your engine is already sucking in big breaths of cool, fresh air, then try one of the other tricks on this list.

Survey: Consumers are ready for new tech ideas in cars

A new survey about what vehicle consumers want and don't want suggests that the auto industry is lagging consumers when it comes to technology ideas.

The study, undertaken globally by software supplier Cisco Systems, found a surprisingly high degree of consumer comfort with the idea of vehicles that drive themselves -- a technology that so far exists mainly at r&d centers.

It also found that many consumers from the United States to China don't trust automaker or dealership Web sites when it comes to shopping for new cars.

5 Things Every Driver Should Know About Engine Oil

There are a couple of things an engine absolutely must have in order to work: Gasoline to make the car go, and oil to keep the parts of the engine moving.

Oil may play a supporting role in the combustion engine, but without it, the parts wouldn't be able to move freely, the seals would dry up and crack and little bits of dirt and metal would clog the works. Without engine oil, the whole combustion process would grind to a halt.

Most drivers know their engine needs oil just like it needs gasoline, but how much, what kind and how often to add it can seem like a mystery -- especially with recent advances in modern engine technology. New drivers, as well as experienced drivers who've just upgraded to a brand-new car, can benefit from learning the basics of engine oil. After all, it's one of the few things in an engine that the average driver can learn about and control.

Vehicle Serviceability - A Real Issue

Serviceability is not a top priority for vehicle design teams, but it should be. Vehicle designers will surely read this article and remonstrate that there is no real issue here, and that modern computer-aided design makes vehicle repairs logical, efficient, and affordable. Any first year mechanic’s apprentice knows better.

To prove the point, let’s look a couple of real repairs. Chrysler will take the sharp point of our whoopin' stick in these examples, but the sins of the industry are not bounded by brand. And nowhere is bad service/repair design more evident than in the industry's antiquated approach to heating and air conditioning systems.

Let’s start with a 2000 Chrysler Concorde, a car with, well... issues. Other egregious offenses aside, this particular Concorde’s air conditioner blows more hot air than a freshman congressman, now that the evaporator core has sprung its characteristic leak.

The thoughtful addition of a foam blanket wrapped around the evaporator traps moisture and creates a fertile breeding ground for bacteria large enough to fly in formation through the air vents.

The Sports Car Review

"Do You Have A Favourite Sports Car?"

"Your favourite sports car". What are the things you look for? By following their development across the decades, the features of each, such as body styling and performance, can be compared to find which you think is the best.

In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at the sports car highlights covering the memorable period of the 1940's to the 1980's, which featured the introduction and development of many classic cars, some of which are household names.

How Hard Is It To Find a Job As a Commercial Driver?

With the economy on its way to recovery, a lot of new job opportunities have emerged in various sectors. The truck driving industry is one of the sectors where the most job openings are being posted. This will be among the fastest-growing industries in the next few years, with employment for commercial drivers expected to grow 21 percent from 2010 to 2020. The reason why so many job openings for commercial drivers have been posted and will be posted in following years, is that as the economy grows, there is a greater demand for goods, which results in increased need for truck drivers, who have to transport those goods.

Car Entertainment Systems: Smart, Powerful, Evolving

With the rapid advancements in technology come amazing opportunities to customize your car's sound system and other features. There are many folks out there fascinated and downright obsessed with supplementing their mechanical masterpieces with cutting-edge custom entertainment systems. While the sheer number of options and customizations available allow for an enduring pastime, many milder enthusiasts just want their car to help them stay organized, entertained and "wired in" while on the go.

Beefed-up car audio and smartphone integration are becoming staple features in new model cars, but many find the factory versions of these options to be rigid, impersonal, inconvenient, or they simply don't generate the output they're looking for. This is where customization enters the picture. Many consumers just forego the stock bells and whistles when buying a new car and spring for aftermarket options, which can actually save money due to inflated dealer markups. At the same time, you get superior products for your cash!

Aftermarket Audio And Video

Steps to Consider While Buying Motorized Bicycle Parts

Are you put off by the ever swelling crowd of the public transports? Do you want a private means of transport but are unable to afford a four wheeler? If yes, then maybe it is time to consider having a motorized bicycle to sort out these worries.

Motorized Bicycle - Think Before You Make Your Choice

Do you own a bicycle that you abandoned long ago because it simply does not meet the traffic woes? Well the time has come to get a better look at your bicycle because it could solve a lot of your worries effectively without much hassle. Conversion of your old bicycle into a new and improved motorized bicycle is not much of a hassle provided you keep a few things in mind. All you need are motorized bicycle parts and a bike motor kit and you are ready to go.

The High Technology in Car Audio Systems

Car audio's have gone a long way. Now that cars are getting smarter, their parts-particularly the car audio systems-have gotten more sophisticated as well. In the olden days, we would use car stereos just to kill time listening to the car radio while driving to our destination. But they have more use now. DJ can even place turntables inside their cars and stir parties everywhere.

Of course, technology is always changing, always evolving. The car audio systems in our age might be awesome enough, but geniuses of the future will find and find ways to create more advanced technologies. However, we live in the now. We might as well enjoy and be astonished by the current advancements in our auto universe.

The Early MG Sports Car

A review of The Early MG Sports Car, covering development, important features, and technical data of each model in the range.

In this Article, I offer a nostalgic look at the Early MG Roadster, one of an elite group of classic cars, which was manufactured during the period 1924 to 1936.

Prior to the launch of the MGA in 1955, early MG roadsters could be summarised as follows

6 Essential Questions to Ask Your Auto Body Shop

Besides a home, cars are our most valuable assets, but they sometimes get dinged or damaged. It is important to get your car repaired quickly and properly whenever there are any issues. This will ensure you get the maximum life out of your vehicle and enjoy a smooth ride for as long as possible.

If your car does need repairs, here are six important questions to ask any body shop you are considering.

1. How long have you been in business? Though length of time in business does not guarantee that a shop is reputable and honest, it can give you a good idea about their professionalism and honesty. You can also look online for reviews and get a better picture of how long they have been around and what others think about them

2. Do you specialize in a particular make? Most auto body shops work on all makes and models. However, some shops specialize in certain makes. You may want to take yours to a shop that specializes in your type of vehicle.

Buying Car Parts Online - A Fast and Affordable Solution to Your Needs

Purchasing auto parts from the Internet is not an easy deal. The options are incredible and they can really cause troubles if you don't know what to buy. Picking the proper auto parts from an online store means knowing when you are about to get the right parts at the right price or waste your money on nothing. The following tips and tricks will be of assistance when you are shopping for great auto parts online. Try them and you will see!

In previous years, working with a professional before deciding whether to buy auto parts or not was the only viable way. Trust in the local mechanic was saint. However, in today's world, having access to all types of information can help you more than you think. You just need to know a bit about your car. In case you want to purchase auto parts online, do it with confidence! You just have to know the year, make and model of your car. Purchasing auto parts for replacement on the Internet can be done easier and, of course, faster if you know the part number.

8 Important Tips to Finding An Excellent Auto Body Repair Shop

Finding a good auto body shop is a necessity, because your car will eventually need repairs. Perhaps you aren't worried about this and have decided to take your car to the car dealer for servicing. This may seem like a good idea, but may not be very practical.

Car dealerships are usually very expensive when it comes to auto repairs. This is why it is important to find a shop that is close to your home or business, is affordable, and employs skilled technicians. Of course, finding a shop which is ethical is also very important. You do not want your auto mechanic selling you services you don't need. Even worse, are the shops which will lie to you about the damage present in your vehicle, simply to get more money from you.

Here are some things that are important to consider when looking for an auto repair shop

Tips for Preparing for and Dealing With Car Accidents

Car accidents can be terrifying but being prepared will help take some of the confusion and fear out of this horrible event. Whenever you are traveling by car, particularly if you are going far or nobody is expecting to hear from you for a while, be sure you have a cell phone at hand. Keep it in the glove box so that you can get to it easily if necessary but it will not be a distraction while driving.

Immediately after a car crash, assess injuries and what if any danger you are still in. As soon as possible, report the crash location and any injuries to you, your passengers, or other people involved in the accident. Do what you can for injured persons but do not remove them from the vehicle

Why You Should Own a Car Charger?

The rapid advancements in technology have changed the pace of our lives. Smartphones and tablets are now an indispensable part of our professional and personal domain. These devices make our lives a lot easier, as it provides access to important documents and connectivity to close ones while we are on the move. Similarly, better roads and improved transportation system has broadened our sphere of work. Most people find themselves travelling more often for work-related purposes. Our dependency on technology has reached such a level that it has become necessary that we stay connected to our smartphones even when we are travelling.

The persistent problem that most corporate professionals face is that while on a long journey

Mobile Oil Changing In Tight Spaces Considered

Boy have I learned my lessons over the years on engineering and designing auto service vehicles. You see, when I originated the concept of mobile car washing out in California in the late 1970's, I wanted to have a vehicle to work out of, one that didn't block parking lots while working. As the business grew bigger and bigger, eventually to 23-states and servicing some 450 cities, I realized just what a challenge that really was.

You see, our volumes increased meaning we need to carry more water, more equipment and modify our methods. But as we loaded more and more on our service units stuff started breaking. Consider that water weighs 8 pounds per gallon, and by then there were new environmental laws, meaning we had to reclaim our waste water - more equipment, more tanks, more room and more weight. In walks a multi-state contract with Standard Parking for their amenities program after an article I had written was featured in the parking industries two major publications (trade journals).

Whoops, now we had even more limited ability for space, tight spaces, weight limits, no trailers and height restrictions.

Car Body Repairs and the Modern Day Techniques

Even a fuel-efficient car, which stays in good condition for most of the time, might need some critical repairs as time progress. The paint might fade out and the car may develop minor scratches, dings and dents. Such damages are hard to fix using waxing. This is technicians are constantly seeking for effective ways of an auto body repair.

Completely Matching Auto Paint

No matter the car demands a complete body painting or an area wise painting for fixing dents or dings, the new paint must completely match with the original paint. Bodywork professionals these days, use a photo-spectrometer to find out the exact colour tone. This computerized paint matching system finds out the exact colour tone to that of the auto. Once they find the exact colour, they paint the auto and dry it to give it a uniform look.

Paint-free Dent Restoration Technique

Dents or dings normally show up on the vehicle when it collides with another vehicle (on the road) or with a hard surface. Dents normally develop at the angular or curved car surfaces. Even though such problems are easily noticeable, they are quite hard to fix.

7 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Car

Your car's life expectancy varies a lot whether you treat it well or badly. We summed up 7 tips that, if followed, will extend the life of your car.

Break-in Period: Tolerance

There's a break-in period after your car is bought, and that period lasts about 1000 kilometers. During that period you should maintain the car running at the recommended speed - these recommendations are on the manufacturer's paperwork.

You should also avoid putting your car under stress, such as runs during heavy rain or traffic where the car can sit in the same spot for hours. This will help your car last longer.

How to Keep Your Fuel Costs Down

With the cost of fuel rising, it is becoming harder to keep control of petrol/diesel expenditure - especially if you have rented a hire car, and they charge you for fuel usage. Follow these top tips to keep your car as efficient as possible, and save money at the same time!

1. Slow down 

This seems obvious, but many people still drive too fast and wonder why they are using excessive fuel. Driving at around 50-55 mph rather than 70 mph is much more economical. Be careful though as driving too slowly on motorways and other busy roads is very dangerous - just as unsafe as driving too fast!

2. Change gear properly 

A lot of people drive and rev their cars really high before they change gear. Try to shift gear around the 3000 rpm mark, and get into fifth as soon as possible. Driving at 35 mph in third gear not only uses up a lot of fuel but also bad for your engine.

3. Don't brake excessively