John DeCostanza
John DeCostanza has owned and operated a service station and repair facility for nearly forty years. He is an ASE certified auto parts specialist and service consultant. His writing for print includes work for a Gannett paper and a personal experience piece for Newsweek. Since 2008 he has concentrated on automotive articles for the on-line market and produced numerous pieces for the High Gear Media site Allcaradvice.com. That work was moved to the media company’s flagship site Thecarconnection.com where it can be viewed.
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Displaying Results 1 - 106 (of 106) for All Content
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Knowing when to Get Rid of a CarIt is always hard to know when to sell or trade a car. This article gives some tips on how to spot telltale repairs that are a sign of a failing vehicle.
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Immigration May Have a Limited Shelf Life as a Wedge IssueA new study shows that there as many people from Mexico leaving the U,S. as there are entering. This article discusses these facts in light of a recent Supreme Court hearing and immigration as a presidential race issue.
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High Part Replacement Costs Hide the True Price of a CarThe true cost of a vehicle is sometimes hidden due to exorbitant costs of parts on specially equipped vehicles. This article points out some things to look for to avoid this trap.
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How Tow Truck Drivers Are at RiskTow truck operators are dying on our roads. This article describes the problem and the high cost to individual families and society as a whole, in an attempt to raise awareness of the tragic problem.
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Mother Guides Car Rental Bill Through the SenateCally Houck's two daughters died in a crash while driving a rented car. The rental car company assumed responsibility and paid the girls' parents $15 million. This article describes what the mother has done since then.
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A Really Good Used Car Buy or the Bargain from Hell?Used cars can represent opportunities or exposure to loss. This article points out some of the pitfalls of buying what seems to be used car bargain. It also describes ways to avoid losing money on the purchase of a cheap car.
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Auto Technology: Cutting Edge Today and Ho Hum Next WeekAutomotive advancements are what keep the industry vibrant. Entertainment, safety and vehicle control systems are considered in this article to show how today's gadget can be tomorrow's museum piece.
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Cold Weather Auto Advice from Alaska's InteriorClimate extremes are stressful for vehicles. This article uses winter reports from Fairbanks, Alaska, as a jumping off point to discuss the affects of extreme cold weather on cars.
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Book Review: Steve Jobs by Walter IsaacsonA review of the authorized but quite frank biography of Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson.
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Leaking Automotive Fluids Can Be Dangerous TooThere are a number of fluids that are vital to the proper operation of your vehicle. This article describes some of the problems posed to both your vehicle and your health and safety when these fluids leak.
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The Chevy Volt Fires: Another TheoryChevy Volts have caught fire under test conditions when their lithium-ion batteries have suffered damage. The author offers a theory as to how this problem could have escaped resolution by GM's engineers.
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2012 Philly Auto Show is Good Fit for Expanded Convention CenterThe 2012 Philadelphia Auto Show utilized the space added by the Pennsylvania Convention Center to add new and expanded attractions for the event that runs from January 28th to February 5th.
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Does Wisconsin Law Promote Jobs or Punish Lemon Law Attorney?Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin signed a bill limiting legal fees to 3 times the damages sought. This article details the political genesis of the law.
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The Path Forward for American Car MakersThe economic downturn has changed the automobile industry. The author offers some suggestions on how the car makers can remain a major force in the world market.
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Can a Plain Jane 1969 Chevy Nova Really Be Memorable?The writer takes the reader on a whimsical ride in a 1969 Chevy Nova that was memorable for a variety of reasons.
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Rusting Rear Control Arms on 1997-2002 Ford ExpeditionsThe rear control arms on 1997-2002 Ford Expeditions are subject to rust. When these rear suspension parts fail the driver can lose control of the vehicle, this article encourages the owners of these vehicles to have these parts checked.
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How to Know You Have Chosen the Wrong Auto Repair ShopEver had the sinking feeling that you are being taken advantage of? It can happen when you are having your car repaired and this article tells you how to detect it.
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Ford Auto Start-Stop a No Show in North AmericaFord had indicated that Auto Start-Stop technology would be available in the gas powered 2012 Ford Focus. This article takes the car maker to task for not following up on their press releases.
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Money Saving Car Maintenance TipsThis article tells how to save money by taking action before getting your car serviced. It emphasizes taking charge of your car's repairs as well as preparing for the repair visit and recording what has been done.
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North Carolina Auto Inspection Program is in Need of RepairsThe state of auto safety inspections is in flux. In North Carolina newspapers have found major problems with the state mandated testing process. This article says the entire program needs to be re-worked.
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Where is My Cabin Air Filter and How Do I Replace It?A car's cabin air filter cleans the air the occupants breathe and yet it is often ignored. This article describes the filter's function, when to change it and where it get information about its removal and replacement.
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Is Your Auto Repair Service Writer Asking Enough Questions?Communication is a key to successful auto repair. Your interaction with the service writer is the first step. This article shows how it should work.
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Arizona AG Follows Through with Auto Repair StingPrior to taking office Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne said that he thought consumers were vulnerable to fraud in a number of service industries. A recent auto repair sting is the implementation of a strategy he devised a year ago.
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Not All Dissatisfied Customers Are VocalThis article considers the auto repair customer who doesn't make his disappointment with the shop known to management. It validates the choice but suggests that those consumers may miss out on an opportunity to further evaluate the facility.
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Auto Air Bags: The Good, the Bad and the UglyAuto air bags have been the target of criminal activity. This article considers the crimes associated with the safety devices and efforts to deter it, as well as the effectiveness of the air bags.
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For Some Auto Repairs it is a Matter of TimeNot every auto repair is an emergency while others have to resolved immediately. This article discusses the priority items as well as some conditions that are not so urgent.
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Extreme Car Ownership is HereSome car owners are able to drive their cars for decades and accumulate an unbelievable number of miles. The author calls this Extreme Car Ownership and talks about three cases he has written about.
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2009 Dodge Journey Premature Brake Pad ReplacementA class action complaint alleges that there is design flaw in the brake system of the 2009 Dodge Journey. This article considers the allegations and Chrysler's efforts to maintain customer satisfaction. -
Book Review: The Secrets of the FBI by Ronald KesslerA review of this Washington insider's book about the techniques and strategies of the FBI in both the domestic and international arena.
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Four Auto Repair and Service "Must Know" TipsThis article reveals four auto tips that can save the driver service expense and aggravation. Some of the tips have safety implications as well.
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Aftermarket Parts in the Auto Repair ShopAuto parts are the raw material of an auto repair facility. This article informs the reader of marketing strategies and problems installers face when parts fail. -
Free Auto Repair Assistance is AvailableWhether your funds are limited or you would just like to know what is ailing your car, help is available. This article outlines where you might find free assistance.
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BBB Advice on Avoiding Auto Repair ScamsSome tips are offered by the Better Business Bureau and the author on how to get your car repaired without drama.
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What to Do when Your Auto Repair Shop Can't Get it RightNot every auto repair goes according to plan. This article gives some guidance to the consumer when their preferred shop can't get their car repaired to their satisfaction.
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Warning Signs for Tires, Overheating and BrakesDriving emergencies involving tires, overheating and brakes are common. This article tells you how to avoid these emergencies by heeding the signs that your car needs attention. -
How to Check on an Auto Repair PriceAuto repair prices can vary by shop and repair type. This article tells where to find comparable prices and feel comfortable with the price you are paying for the repair.
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Missouri Strengthens Vehicle Service Contract LawMissouri has strengthened its law governing vehicle service contracts. The industry has flourished around the St. Louis area and some companies have been unscrupulous. This article outlines the changes in the law and offers a suggestion to other states.
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Common Automotive Workarounds in a RecessionAuto repairs don't always fit into household budgets. Here are some ways car owners are avoiding the expense of performing select repairs.
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How to Keep Your Mechanic HappyAutomotive technicians are people too. This article lays out some tips for getting off on the right foot with the person repairing your car.
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The D.I.Y. Garage: It's Time Has Arrived but Are the Customers Ready?This article considers the inherent dangers of auto repair and how much orientation is needed to provide a safe environment.
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How to Store Your Auto Repair History On-LineCar owners waste money when they pay for a repair that has previously been done or forget that a component is still under warranty. This article offers suggestions on how to avoid this and save money in the process.
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Different Approaches to Getting AroundThe author uses two articles as a jumping off point for a provocative look at transportation alternatives and asks if your choice would be style or substance? -
Car Battery Replacement Can Be a GambleThis article lays out the choices that car owners face when deciding if it is time to replace their battery. It even suggests that inaction may be one alternative.
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Getting to the Bottom of an Intake Manifold Gasket LeakA failed intake manifold gasket that is leaking coolant can be difficult to track down. This article tells why, what is at stake and how to avoid major damage to your engine. -
AutoMD Shows DIY Auto Repair Savings GraphicallyThe auto repair resource, AutoMD, demonstrated in an infographic the savings available to DIY repair persons when do their own repairs. The author of this article takes issue with some of the information. -
2009 Hyundai Tucson 28,000 Miles LaterThis article is a whimsical look back to the decision making process used in purchasing this vehicle. The author points out that what makes sense at the time may not hold up over time. -
When and How to Get Your Tire RepairedWhen tires lose air there is a cause, this article tells you what to look for and what to insist upon when a tire needs attention. -
How Many Tires Do You Need?There some instances when car and truck tires must be replaced in pairs or as a four tire set. This article considers when and why you can't always replace just one tire. -
St. Louis Better Business Bureau Studies Vehicle Service Contract IndustryVehicle Service Contracts commonly known as extended warranties are the source of abuse and fraud for car owners. This article discusses findings of a study of the industry and offers suggestions to avoid being scammed. -
Does that Car Next to You Belong on the Road?Criminals are cashing in on cash strapped car owners' inability to keep their cars on the road. This article describes a scam in Maine that has national implications about the recession and its affect on the quality of cars using the highways. -
Used Tires: A Bargain or an Unsafe Purchase?Used tires can be a cheap way to keep your car on the road, but are they worth the risk? The Rubber Manufacturers Association thinks there a number of reasons when it does not make sense to purchase used tires. -
GAO Study Stresses Need for Used Car Dealers to Fix Recalls Before SaleMillions of cars are sold each year in the used car market. If recalls are not resolved, the defects pose a huge safety threat. Used car dealers should be required by law to repair recalls prior to sale, according to a study by the GAO.Also published on: -
Pay as You Drive Insurance Rewards Good DrivingPay as you drive insurance, also known as PAYD is a way to reduce insurance premiums. This article explains what it is how it is accomplished and the programs available.
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Information About Your Car's Water PumpYour car's water pump is where a vehicle's cooling system starts. This article describes how it works, what it's made from and the role it plays in the automotive cooling system.
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Driving and the Democracy of the RoadAmerican roads are very egalitarian. This essay deals with some of the problems this democratic environment creates and offers a remedy.
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ESC System is Likely Cause of Lexus GX 460 Downgrade by Consumer ReportsConsumer Reports has issued a "Don't Buy" advisement on the Lexus GX 460 SUV. This article deals with the ESC system that is the suspected problem.
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To Patch or Plug and Other Tire Repair ConsiderationsTire repair is an often encountered necessity of all drivers. This article discusses the need for tire inspection and describes one effective method of repair.
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Book Review: "Mark Twain's Other Woman" by Laura Skandera TrombleyIsabel Van Kleek Lyon served as Mark Twain's personal assistant for seven years toward the end of his life. Twain scholar,Laura Skandera Trombley tells Lyon's story and sheds light on one of America's greatest literary forces.
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Car Safety and Electronic SystemsIs auto technology advancing so quickly it can't be controlled? In this article a historical context is offered for car safety and compared to the current attitude toward safety and automotive innovation.
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Interior Car Maintenance TipsInterior maintenance of your car benefits you, the owner, the most. Here's some tips that will make the time spent maintaining the inside of your vehicle easy and effective.
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An Auto Repair Shop is an Unlikely Place to Find Green ConcernsAn auto repair shop is motivated by economics to be green. This article discusses some of the ways a facility benefits from being environmentally responsible, which benefits the consumer who has similar priorities.
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A Vehicle with High Mileage Comes with BaggageVehicles are lasting longer both in age and miles driven. This article looks at the benefits and responsibilities inherent in a maturing vehicle fleet.
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Book Review: "Pops, a Life of Louis Armstrong" by Terry Teachout"Louis Armstrong's life and music are considered by Terry Teachout an experienced biographer and trained musician. This review considers some of the content and comments on the writing.
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Mercury Switch Recycling Program in Need of FundingAuto switches are a major source of the mercury that contaminates fish. A program that promotes responsible recycling of the switches has run out of funding just when the Cash for Clunkers program has sent many offending vehicles to be recycled.
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Maintenance Tips for Car TripsWhen you combine commonly overlooked vehicle maintenance tips with a pre-roadtrip check, you have the start of an event free motoring experience. This article tells you what to check prior to shoving off.
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Competitors Go After Toyota Owners with IncentivesToyota's recall woes are being exploited by its competitors with $1000 incentives. This article tells who is offering what to existing Toyota owners.
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Engine Freeze Ups Cause OverheatingCar engine freeze ups that cause overheating may not make sense to some motorists. This article explains why this happens, what to do when it does and how to prevent it from happening.
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Toyota's Recall Not the Biggest and Won't Be the LastAutomobile manufacturing has a history of marketing and engineering failures. This article deals with some of the most notable and offers an explanation why they happen.
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How Your Car's Thermostat WorksA car's thermostat is a integral part of a car's cooling system. This article explains what it is, how it works and what happens when it breaks.
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Book Review: "Blink" by Malcolm GladwellA book review on Malcolm Gladwell's 2005 bestseller. The book is about snap judgments and gut feelings. The author uses psychological studies and anecdotes to explain why we react the way we do.
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The Service Department: The Car Dealer's Answer to Increasing Car SalesIn an economic downturn a car dealer's service department can be an inexpensive source of prospective car buyers. Here are five tips for boosting car sales through the service department.
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Gulf Oil Brand to Go NationalGasoline marketer Gulf Oil L.P. has acquired the rights to offer the Gulf brand nationally in the U.S. and its territories. The subsidiary of Cumberland Farms was previously confined to 11 states in the northeast.
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About Your Car's ESC System - Electronic Control SystemElectronic Stability Control may be the most important safety advance since car seat belts. This article discusses how the system works,the different names that it is known by and what its limits are.
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Book Review: "Googled" by Ken AulettaKen Auletta tells the story of the founding of the search engine Google. This well researched book explores the future of media in the post digital era, while using Google's astounding success as a backdrop.
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Selecting an Auto Repair Facility: Some Questions to AskSelecting the right auto repair shop is the first step in saving money on repairs. Here are some questions to ask that will help you decide which shop is best.
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Book Review: True Compass by Edward M. KennedyA review of Senator Edward M. Kennedy's extensive memoir and auto biography. This consideration deals with the historical and personal ground covered in "True Compass".
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About Your "Low Tire" Light and TPMSAll cars produced after September 1,2007 have the ability to recognize a tire with low air pressure. This article addresses the types of systems used,how they work and their effectiveness. The "Tire Pressure Monitoring System" is referred to as the TPMS.
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Book Review: Parallel Play, Growing Up with Undiagnosed Asperger's by Tim PageTim Page is a Pulitzer Prize winning music critic who learned as an adult that he has Asperger's Syndrome. Parallel Play is his memoir of growing up with undiagnosed Asperger's. This review deals with his story and the tone and content of this memoir.
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Book Review: Satchel, the Life and Times of an American Legend by Larry TyeSatchel Paige was one of baseball's most colorful personalities. Larry Tye has produced a significant book about his professional accomplishments,his personal life and the times within which he lived.
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Car Repair Extended Warranties: What to Think AboutChoosing the appropriate service contract takes some research and goal setting. Once you have located a reliable company, you can decide on the policy that fits your needs.
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Thoughts on Labor DayIn 2006 the U.S. Department of Labor found that of workers in the Americas,Asia and Europe only Koreans and Mexicans work more hours than Americans. This piece says that the American worker gives more than just his time to his job.
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Book Review: Ted Kennedy, the Dream that Never DiedThis extensively researched biography is a look into the public and private life of the long serving senator by an experienced Kennedy chronicler.
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Auto Repair: The College Prep CourseEach fall students take their cars to college. This article discusses what to consider to prepare the vehicle for the trip and stay at college.
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Book Review - Paul Newman: A LifeShawn Levy,a film critic for The Oregonian, has considered Newman's life in film, racing and philanthropy in this well-researched biography. The book spans Newman's career of thirty years and nearly fifty films.
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Brick and Mortar New Car Buying TipsConsumers often dread the process of negotiating for new car. This article offers some advice that will even the playing field.
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Book Review: The Unlikely DiscipleAuthor Kevin Roose spent a semester at the conservative college, Liberty University. This book is his account of assimilating into every phase of campus life at this very Christian school.
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Auto Radiator Replacement Starts with Acquiring the Right PartIdentifying key features and knowing how to measure an auto radiator can eliminate the possibility of purchasing the wrong replacement.
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Selling Used Cars Could Be a Profitable SidelineSelling used cars at a profit is something anyone can do. You have to know the basics evaluating the product, preparing it for sale and selling it.
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What Auto Repair Customers Really WantHonesty and sound auto repair advice are what customers expect from their repair shops.
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Battery Codes: The Way to Select a Car BatteryBattery ratings available on batteries are important when selecting a replacement. Find our what they mean.
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"The Verdict" Stands the Test of TimeThis Newman/Lumet film portrays the redemption of a down and out attorney. The interpretation of the David Mamet screenplay produces a coutroom classic.
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Disc Brake Rotor Wear Shows How the System WorksAn explanation of how a disc brake system works, and how badly a brake system can become through neglect.
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Auto Repair Service Intervals Are the Best Approach to RepairsRecommended service intervals are an effective way to approach car repairs. By being committed to getting your car checked as prescribed you can avoid costly repairs and stay safe.
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Car Care Council Web Site is a KeeperThe Car Care Council's web site www.carcare.org has unbiased,consumer friendly information available to car owners. This knowledge is helpful to auto repair consumers.
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Cabin Air Filter Replacement, Are You Up to it ?Replacement of a cabin air filter may be a diy project that is satisfying and healthy. Directions included to find out if it's something you'd like to try.
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The Auto Repair Call for Approval and How to RespondWhen an auto repair shop calls for a job approval the consumer has an opportunity to gain information and set the ground rules.
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Auto Clubs Have Repair Shops in a QuandaryAuto clubs wield a lot weight in the auto repair industry sometimes to the detriment of auto repair shops. Their influence helps consumers.
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Communication: Auto Repair at Its WorstThe auto repair setting is conducive to misinformation. The use of jargon and acronyms is not helpful.
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Four Auto Repair Conditions That Require Decisive ActionFour auto repair conditions that require the motorist to decide between driving on and being at risk or repairing the problem immediately.
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Tips on Avoiding Roadside Assistance FeesYou don't always need professional assistance when your car won't start for various reasons.
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What to Demand from Your Auto Repair FacilityAny auto repair customer should expect minimum standards. The absence of these might mean that they don't deserve your business.
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The Car Repair Log a Money Saver and a Defense Against Rip-OffsCar repair logs can simplify auto repair,while saving money and organizing record keeping for the car owner.
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How Supply Lines Effect Gas PricesCompeting gas stations purchase gas under different arrangements all of which effect the price of gas.
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A Car's Condition is Often a Clue to the Driver's AbilityA car's dents and dings can say a lot about the driver. If you're concerned about a driver's capabilities learn what to look for on a car.
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Check Engine Light : Not the Problem You Think it IsThe check engine light glowing up on your dashboard doesn't have to be a nuisance.
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Three Mistakes Consumers Make when Getting Their Cars RepairedDid you ever get a sinking feeling in your stomach when you leave your car off for repairs? You might want to avoid three common errors consumers make when they visit the auto repair shop.
