Best Automotive Apps

It is kind of crazy to comprehend the amount of smart phone applications there are out there and how much they really make our lives more convenient and interconnected. Efficiency is key these days and phone applications only help maximize on time sensitive things we need to get done and the errands we need to run. It didn't take much time for the automotive industry to catch on that it could really drive consumer patterns towards a specific product or auto related service if it reach out to them via a phone application. Today there are thousands of automotive applications that can be accessed on your phone. We'll explore some of them in depth further below and give you examples of how you might find them to be useful.

We all have been on the road, with the gas light on, wondering if we'll make it to the nearest gas station. Now, you can ease some of your worries if you download a gas application that tells you where the nearest gas stations are, where you can get the cheapest gas within your area, and even directions to the gas station once you've selected your choice. Instantly, the route and estimated driving time, and other information about the gas station will be made available on your phone. If you're wondering if the gas station will have specific amenities, like car washes, air, ATM and convenience store, that is also an option on some applications. This app makes life so much easier!

Next, we recommend an application that will help you out immensely when it comes to repairs and maintenance on your car. Imagine being able to quickly get a repair estimate without having to drive around town to sketchy car and body shops. Here, you can find a mechanic or body shop close by and get their independent quotes. You can even start searching according to the service that you need to get done - from brakes, to battery replacement, to oil changes and extreme body work. A rating system will even guide you towards a reliable service provider too.

Lastly, an app designed to help you improve your driving skills and techniques are here. It has a lot of tutorials like parallel parking tips and instructions, and also an official driver's handbook so you can look up confusing driving regulations. It's an engaging and user-friendly guide to help you become a safer driver.

Automotive Garage Equipments - Ensure Your Workshop's Productivity

As the owner of a workshop you'll need to ensure that you have the best possible automotive garage equipments at your disposal. Setting up your business can be quite an expensive proposition since you'll have to acquire quite an extensive range of equipments. If you do not have certain vital machinery then you will simply not be able to cater to the needs of your customers. Therefore, you need to identify a company from which you can buy all or at least most of the equipment you need, and that too at the right price.

The most commonly used automotive garage equipments include vehicle lifts, tire changers and MOT testing equipment. In fact, your customers will want to know if you have a high quality MOT testing bay. In addition, you'll also need many small garage tools. If you don't already have a crane then you'll probably need one since it will help you deal with heavy vehicles. You will also need equipment for exhaust extraction as well as for air conditioning and cooling. You should also high quality painting tools for your shop.

As you can see, the list of equipment you'll need can be quite a long one. You'll be able to ensure the productivity of your business only if you get these and other important automotive garage gear at a very good price. Be sure to check whether the company you buy them from also offers you a flexible returns policy. The products should also come with a reasonable replacement or repair warranty. You'll find it very hard to manage your business if you have to deal with a lot of equipment downtime. Therefore, the gear you buy has to be sturdy and well-manufactured. Keep in mind that while price is an important consideration it should never be the sole reason for buying any company's products.

You'll be able to get a lot of work done at your workshop if you have access to high quality spare parts as well. You will lose out on a lot of business if you cannot provide your customers with the service they need and if your services are too expensive. The company that you buy all your automotive garage equipments and spares from should be able to ship you the goods you need with a very short lead time. This will ensure that you never have to miss out on any repair jobs.

3 Key Ways Automotive Careers Have Changed in the Past Few Years

Are you interested in auto technician training or auto sales college? Before you settle on a course of study, take the time to familiarize yourself with some emerging industry trends.

Compact used cars are appreciating

As most graduates of auto sales college will have learned, tradition has it that a used car should decrease in value by an average of 15% per year. But according to some figures from 2011, five-year old small cars like the Honda Civic and Ford Focus actually increased in value between 2010 and 2011.

There are several reasons for this change, which may be of interest to those considering automotive careers. The decline of the North American car industry has affected the used car market, which in the past was partly fed by the surplus of North American-made stock. Also, the Japanese tsunami has led to an increase in prices of Japanese cars, leading some consumers who would have otherwise opted for a new car to seek a used alternative.

Takeaway: You may have gone to auto sales college to learn how to sell SUVs. But more and more of today's car buyers are looking for fuel efficiency. Many consumers are trying to trade in their larger vehicles for more efficient models, and finding that they have to sell at a loss.

Introduction of public charging stations: electrification of transportation

As major car companies bring out electric and hybrid cars, and as power companies install public charging stations to accommodate them, issues arise for graduates of auto technician training, who may not, for instance, have encountered a lithium-ion battery pack as they were pursuing their schooling.

This trend towards electrification may actually present an opportunity for students of auto technician training with the foresight to specialize in electric vehicle repair - a field that is expected to continue growing.

Some graduates of auto technician training are using their skills to convert gas-powered vehicles to electricity.

Some schools that specialize in automotive careers are also treating this new trend as an opportunity, for instance, by specializing in teaching low-carbon vehicle development and maintenance.

Takeaway: If you are interested in this kind of green niche work, look for auto technician training that offers training in electric and hybrid vehicle systems. Although electric vehicles are expected to require less frequent maintenance than conventional vehicles. mechanics can charge more for this kind of work.

Auto careers of the future will require more training

In the past, when one in seven working Americans were employed in some aspect of the automotive industry, people could go straight from high school to a career on the factory or sales floor. But today, automotive careers are beginning to require more training. More and more, industry aspirants will need to seek out auto technician training or auto sales college to increase their chances of finding and keeping a good job.

Good luck choosing from the rapidly evolving choice of automotive careers.

Automotive and Transmission Services

It is hard to find a good trusted automotive service that can service you when you need it most. There are places that have everything you need from transmission repair to towing services. It just takes a little research and reference.

When looking for an automotive service such as for your transmission it is a big deal because it can get pricey. Depending on the car that you have you will have to make sure that they are certified in the field. If you have a BMW then you are going to want someone that specializes in BMW specifically and other German cars too.

If someone is working on your car that doesn't know about how it is built then they can actually do damage to the car or cost a lot more if they take on the job. That is why it is important that they can show you certification that they have been trained and experienced at working on your specific make and model of car.

Transmission repair can be expensive. If you find a shady auto repair shop they could be overcharging you. That is why it is best to find one with a good website and testimonials or hear from a friend that they are good.

If the shop is clean and respectable looking and you can talk to the shop owners honestly and easily then that says a lot too. Make sure you see all their certifications and ask how much experience they have with cars. The more experience they have, the quicker and more professionally they will be able to get it done and that means it will cost you less too.

Other car services such as glass repair can take overnight if it is a windshield but if you make an appointment in advance they can have it done quicker. The reason that it takes overnight is because the glue has to set and dry in place without slipping. If a windshield comes out of place during an accident it can become a bigger safety issue for you and more damage to your car and if it comes loose while driving it can really damage your car or be the cause of a major accident. It is especially dangerous on the highway because any debris or pebbles can cause dings or immediate spider cracks on your windshield and shatter the whole thing also causing an accident.

It is easy to find a good repair shop again, with good knowledge about them and with the right research. You will be in good hands if you take precautions first.

The Automotive Industry and Global Trade

In the United States, one city is typically synonymous with the automotive industry. It's challenging to think of an American made car without thinking of Detroit, Michigan, and in recent years the financial trouble the automobile giant has endured. Though foreign manufacturers in Japan and Korea have gained strength and drivers in the US, it doesn't necessarily mean US automakers are done. MSNBC reported in late 2011 that the Big 3 in Detroit - Chrysler, Ford, and GM - enjoyed a nearly 30 percent increase due to a demand in sports utility vehicles and trucks.

Quick Facts About the Automotive Industry

    Since 2000, an average of 48 million passenger cars alone have been manufactured annually around the world.

    According to Worldometers, China produces one of every four new cars, and more than half of all cars are produced in Asia and Oceania.

    Of the approximated one billion passenger cars on the road around the world, close to 25 percent of them are registered in the United States. (Source: International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers)

    According to Businessweek, the top selling car in the world is the Toyota Corolla, with sales of well over 35 million.

Major Exporters of Automobiles

While China is one of the world's largest producers of passenger vehicles, the country is not necessarily ranked high among top global exporters. The International Trade Centre recently put out a report on top automotive exporters, with the following leading the pack:

    Germany - The roots of the German automotive industry date back to the late nineteenth century and the various patents owned by Karl Benz. Where in that time the country produced barely a thousand cars a year, now over five million are manufactured. Popular German brands include Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, and Porsche.

    Japan - Gasoline-powered vehicles have been built in Japan early as 1907. Despite natural disasters that threatened the nation's economy, Japan has worked to maintain its place among top car producers and exporters. Toyota, one of the top selling brands of all time, is based in Japan, as are Nissan, Honda, Mazda, and Subaru.

    The United States - The US auto industry took a hit in recent years due to the economy. Through a combination of asset liquidation and government funding, the major brands (Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors) have worked to stay afloat. Despite this issues, the US remains a top producer with over seven million cars made on average in the country.

    Republic of Korea - Over the last decade, South Korea has established itself as an automotive power thanks to an association between Daewoo Motors and GM, and Hyundai's presence in the US with a major assembly plant.

    Canada - While the country has no major native brand, Canada is important to the automotive industry by virtue of the many plants established by foreign brands, including Ford, Toyota, Chrysler and Honda.

Major Importers of Automobiles

While many countries produce domestic brands, automobile imports remain strong in economies that seek certain qualities, such as fuel efficiency and safety features. Among the top importers of automobiles:

    The United States - Of the top brands sold in the US in the last year, many names bring to mind manufacturers from other lands: the Toyota Camry and Corolla, the Nissan Altima, and the Honda Civic and Accord.

    Germany - While German brands dominated domestic sales in 2011, there is enough of a demand for foreign models to make Germany an important importer. Ford, Skoda (based in the Czech Republic), and Hyundai are popular names.

    United Kingdom - Luxury is often synonymous with the British automotive industry. Aston Martin, Bentley, and Rolls Royce are three makes manufactured here, though Ford, Volkswagen, and the French Peugeot are seen more often on the roads.

    Italy - Italy is known for the Fiat and Ferrari, but foreign makes like the Ford Fiesta, the French Citroen C3, and the Volkswagen Golf are also in demand.

    France - The French appear greatly committed to domestic brands, particularly Renault and Peugeot, but foreign models from Ford, Volkswagen and the Romanian Dacia are gaining ground in the last year.

The Aftermarket

Equally important to the automotive industry is the manufacture and sale of auto parts and accessories, commonly known as the aftermarket. Sub-industries relevant to automobile sales may include products like tires and paint, stereo and GPS, engines and chemicals needed for operation, leather and vinyl for seating and safety features. According to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), the aftermarket in the US alone totals over $250 billion.

Though faltering economies and natural disasters have given the international automotive industry a number of challenges, one can conclude sales are destined to remain strong so long as the need for personal transportation remains. How and where people will by their cars may change over time as considerations for eco-friendly features grow in demand, but so long as people continue to buy automobiles the global industry will continue to gain speed.

Importance of Automotive Accessories

Everyone definitely wants to own a car and if you own one, it is already a grand investment. You take care of it as much as you take care of your personal belongings. As much as possible, you do not want to let even the bad climate situations, unexpected conditions and stock parts make your travel look and perform at its worst. So, when you increase on the essential automotive accessories that can look after or improve your journey, then your car will have a longer permanence and will uphold higher performance value. And at the end of the day, this will surely be a win-win state for you.

There are many reasons why you need to have automotive accessories for your car. On the other hand, there are a number of people who still wonder why they call for extra auto accessories if they pay money for a new car. Everyone knows that the moment you drive a new car off the road, it starts to lose loads of worth. So, through the proper up keeping and maintenance of your car, you can be assured of having the utmost good condition that you are looking for in a car.

You can buy your car some of the modern and essential automotive accessories for the interior part. Buying those makes more sense than buying a new car each year. Actually, you do not have the instant reduction smack. If you can bear to drive around in a somewhat old-fashioned car make, you can make use of the money that you have to put some auto interior accessories like the latest sound system. Regularly the car stereo is one of the greatest characteristics of a car. It is extremely simple to modify and it is worth your while. Moreover, you can also put in a DVD player in order to give a nicer car interior impact.

You can also invest on having a new window shield for your windscreen. This will aid in reducing the damages from the sun experienced by the dashboard in addition to the fact that it is trouble-free to install.

Moreover, you can also invest in automotive accessories such as custom made seat cover. These accessories most especially those that are made from higher quality materials can give a better impact to your car. You might as well desire to have tinted windows to help maintain the coolness of the car.

No matter what automotive accessories you invest in, make sure that they are available in amazing deals. Check some of them online and see how you can modify your automobile without costing much.

Automotive History

It's almost impossible to imagine what the world would be like without automobiles. Not only do the facilitate travel, vehicles also have an immense effect on trade, our medical and emergency system and society in general.

The first steam powered vehicles were built as long ago as during the 1600's by Ferdinand Verbiest. This vehicle was not used to carry people but rather goods. It wasn't until 1885 that the first fuel powered vehicle was actually developed.

The ability of vehicles to actually transport passengers as well as goods definitely revolutionized travel and trade; the world hasn't been the same since. It was Nikolaus Otto who invented the first gasoline powered engine; this is the engine that is generally available in most cars in the world. The diesel engine was named after its inventor; Rudolf Diesel. Diesel engines have a very high efficiency rate and are available with either two or four strokes.

Many American inventors worked on developing steam powered vehicles during the late nineteenth century. Many competitions were held were inventors presented their designs. Competitions were held where inventors displayed how fast their vehicles could travel.

Panhard et Levassor and Peugot were the first two companies to start automobile production for mass consumption in France. Peugot is still one of Europe's most popular vehicle brands to this day. The Duryea Motor Wagon company was the first company in the U.S to start mass production on a large scale.

The petroleum industry was developed in response to the needs for fuel. Companies had to learn how to manufacture large quantities of gasoline due to the high demand. The automotive industry is still evolving and progressing. The 21st century has brought with it technology such as Bluetooth technology, pedestrian safety sensors and vehicle systems which can be controlled via voice command.

The automotive industry is far from stagnating; it's constantly developing and new technology and discoveries are being made every day. Hybrid cars are also becoming immensely popular due to gas prices and environmental concerns. Auto makers are pushing the envelope when it comes to efficiency; many traditional cars are now averaging over 35 mpg. Ford is currently developing cars that will be able to communicate with one another and possibly avoid car accidents. We have also seen the advent of self-driving cars where the driver can actually sit back and relax while the car is able to maneuver itself in and out of traffic. Looks like the best is still to come when it comes to the automotive world.

Written by Jacqueline Star - Used Cars Los Angeles dealer Galpin has a great selection of used and pre-owned vehicles in stock in L.A at low prices. We are the biggest auto dealership in the area with low prices on some of the top brands.