Car Mechanic in Kissimmee Florida

How many of you have ever tried shopping for new car with your spouse? Not too complicated, you have an idea of what you want, you go to a dealership or if your like us, a used car lot. If you have done your homework, you will have a list of must haves, and list of wants and a list of could totally do with out BUT would like to have, for example a sun roof maybe or a moon roof? Now, try going car shopping with your spouse who is also a mechanic. Now your options have completely been changed. In short, here is an idea of things to keep in mind when you are doing said car shopping.

First of all, do NOT panic! It is not the end of the world when the spouse tells you that a certain car or truck that you find perfectly acceptable is now on the absolutely NOT list. Chances are, your spouse, after spending 10 hours a day, turning wrenches, working on vehicles, has a pretty good idea of what is ok and what vehicles they see a lot of or in other words, stay the H-E double hockey sticks away from. Ask them instead, what kind of vehicles do they not see a lot of? What is easier to work on? Are parts easily accessible? Reasonably priced?

In other words, is this going to cost you a lot to repair when something goes wrong? Those are the things that your spouse is thinking of when they are car or truck shopping and to make the experience easier on you, prepare yourself that the vehicle you may want is not necessarily the vehicle you end up with. That does not mean that you wont get one Better than what you intended. Just be sure you have asked your questions first, you have prepared yourself for the “look” when you suggest a forbidden vehicle and know that in the end, the one you drive away in will make you both very happy.

By: Justin Shogren

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Car Mechanics Kissimmee

Anyone who spends time on the internet will probably notice an increasing number of websites offering all types of do-it-yourself car repair kits aiming at teaching you how to repair your own car.

Of course one has to admit that if this is indeed the case, one stands to benefit a lot out of these kits: no more expensive visits to you corner auto repair shop, no more anxiety on the cause of that funny noise coming out of your bonnet. You know the trick, you fix it, period.
But are things so simple? should you invest money in a car repair kit? Should you learn how to repair your own car?

Of course we all need to know a thing or two about how your battery works or how to replace a flat tyre. But once you decide to learn a bit more than that basic stuff, then things get a little more complex.

I have listed here a few points you will need to remember before you go out and buy yourself a DIY car repair kit.

Safety. Safety that is yours and other road users’ is certainly the most important aspect to consider: your life and others is always at stake every time you get behind the wheel. A car needs to be properly maintained in order not to put anyone’s life in danger.

A matter of time? Let’s face it: we are all already too busy trying to earn a living. Where will you get the extra time to actually sit and learn how to fix your car? Now let’s suppose you do have enough time to learn how to fix you car, will you have the time to actually put your new knowledge into practice?

The technology. Gone are the days when auto mechanics were only fixing the mechanic part of your car. Today’s cars are a very complex combination of mechanic and electronic. A good mechanic needs to have a working knowledge of these two areas. Chances are the more you will read on fixing cars, the more you will realize you need to learn even more.

The tools Most of internet car repair kits don’t come free. Some are being sold as high as a few hundred dollars! But bear in mind too that mechanics professionals requires a very specialized tooling and equipment. So get ready to spend a few more on these!

By: Amene Katanda

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Car Mechanics in Kissimmee

Been in the auto repair business for 25 years and to my amazement there are a lot of shops that plain old overcharge! The key to car repair is by research, especially if you are trying to save a buck. I have been a mechanic in San Diego for 25 years and let me tell you from experience that a little research and perseverance can and will save you money.

Why? Auto parts charge way to much from one auto parts to another you can save up to 100% sounds unbelievable its not though Napa must be the most expensive auto parts yet they are the busiest. The best place to shop for retail shoppers is Autozone the prices are very competitive and not bad parts most of there parts come with a lifetime warranty. The best part of it is you can get any part warranted in almost any state.

My suggestion would be to call 2-4 shops and compare there prices and also ask them if they charge by the the job or the hour. Another thing you can do is ask them where they purchase there parts and check the prices of the parts, because Auto Shops on average charge any where from 25% to 100% more for the parts than what they pay for them. Always make sure the auto shop puts the price in writing also they are known to change the price once the automobile is in there shop.

Just do a little research and you can save your self lots of money.

By: Jeffrey Hayes

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Car Mechanics Kissimmee

Reader Question

I have a question to ask you about my 1994 Mazda B-3000. The engine intermittenly does not start. When you turn the key you never know what you’re going to get. The starter turns but sometimes the engine does not start. If I’m lucky enough to be parked on a hill (it’s a standard) in first gear or reverse, once you get it rolling and pop the clutch it starts without much trouble. It seems to have plenty of power from the battery, (lights, etc. all work). Someone told me it’s a flywheel problem but my mechanic said he didn’t think so, and is unable to diagnose the problem. He said he took the starter out and checked it and found nothing wrong. What do you think? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Very Frusterated, Joe D.

Good question Joe,

If you can start the engine via push starting….it has to be a problem with one or more of the following:

1. Battery does not have enough juice to fully engage and spin starter motor fast enough

2. Starter motor is weak, and does not engage and turn engine

3. Flywheel has a bad spot on it, when you turn the key , you hear the starter motor turning…and usually hear a grinding noise because the starter is trying to grab a piece of the flywheel that is missing

4. There is a starter relay that is bad or some other electrical problem that is not allowing electricity from the battery to flow to the starter

5. Bad connection at the battery and battery cables. You can check this yourself…make sure the cables are clean and tight! You should not be able to move or wiggle the battery cables on the battery with your hands. Make sure you do not have a ring on your finger or a watch on your wrist when working around a battery…I have a few scars on my fingers to prove that batteries can HURT!

I would have the battery “LOAD” tested, and a starter “DRAW” test done by your mechanic with the items on the vehicle….don’t take them off the vehicle to test them.

A quick “Shade Tree Mechanic” test to diagnose a bad starter: when the engine is in “no start” mode. Turn on the headlights (make sure they are good and bright…or you have a bad battery), then turn the ignition key trying to start the engine. If the headlights DIM, but stay lit, then you probably have a bad starter motor, if you turn the ignition key and the headlights go OUT, you probably have a bad battery or loose or dirty battery cables.

ALWAYS check the battery cables first, 9 out of 10 times it is a loose or dirty battery cable…that has been over looked, that causes a no start or intermittent starting problem liek the one you are having.

By: Austin Davis

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Car Mechanic Kissimmee

A mechanic who is honest, fairly priced, professional, and trustworthy in Orlando (Central Florida) requires you do your homework. Customer service is not high on many mechanics priority list when the unsuspecting customer without auto repair knowledge is easy prey for the profit driven mechanic.

I previously owned a Saab, a European made car, which gave me many problems and frankly became a sob story. Not only were the parts expensive to replace, but finding a knowledgeable mechanic was a never ending struggle. I paid one guy who claimed to be a mechanic at the Texaco gas station around the corner from my house a whopping $350 to fix my car, which he never did. In fact he escalated and created new repairs that suddenly also needed to be done. The car never was done and after spending hundreds of dollars, I caught on and decided to be done with the shady mechanic.

I wouldn’t wish this experience upon anyone. I can only imagine how many trusting women and elderly get taken to the cleaners by such crooks who claim to be mechanics. You can hardly get your oil changed these days at Jiffy Lube without the sales staff trying to sell you some unnecessary item to increase the final bill.

My first car was a used Nissan truck, which I owned in high-school. Thankfully it was a perfect first automobile, as the Japanese built vehicle gave me no troubles whatsoever. I even gave it away to a friend when I moved to California, after which he drove it for a few years (never even changing the oil — as it was his first car and he was clueless).

The third car I bought (well my grandfather generously bought it for me), which I still drive today, is a 1997 Special Edition Honda Accord. Besides changing the oil and maintenance which I do every 30,000 miles — the car has given me no problems whatsoever. Another Japanese success? Not entirely.

My friend from church worked for the Honda dealer as a mechanic for a number of years and was kind enough to take care of any miniscule maintenance matters that arose on occasion for me. He always told me about his dream to open his own auto mechanic shop, which I eagerly encouraged.

Today my mechanic buddy does have his own shop and like always he continues to give me great deals with outstanding customer service. Having gone around the block with auto mechanics posing as professionals serving the general public, I have come to appreciate my dear friend whom I trust to work on my car and not soak me dry for everything under the sun.

That being said, I urge you to do your homework and consult your Better Business Bureau before diving in headfirst for auto repairs with a mechanic you know nothing about. Being unable to drive when your car is down is difficult, but being driven crazy by crooked mechanics soaking you dry financially is even worse.

Thankfully I can rest in peace and enjoy the nice waiting room at my buddy Richard’s family auto shop, where they have great reading material, play interesting TV shows and have a clean bathroom. When I get hungry, there is a Latin restaurant next door to the right and a seafood restaurant to the left. Everything I need while my car is being worked on.

Unfortunately, after my loyal mechanic came to my house to do some needed repairs on my car (a rare find indeed, a mechanic who comes to your house to work on your car) ….I was hit by a two-time DUI offender, who was later imprisoned for drunk driving. When I was hit by a drunk driver in July, who totalled my lovely Honda Accord SE, I was made to drive a rental car for months as I could not find a reliable car worth buying. Thankfully my friend who is a mechanic saved me many times by graciously going with me each time before I ever bought a car. Although my wife was often emotionally desirous of buying several cars, my trustworthy mechanic always found the flaws and hidden defects in each vehicle and saved me a lot of heartache. After five months of searching for a used car, I found a 2006 Hyundai Sonata (deluxe edition) which my mechanic approved after a thorough inspection.

The used car dealer was so impressed. He said, “I’ve never in all my years in the auto industry seen a guy inspect a car so thoroughly. He pulled everything apart and even got underneath the car to make sure everything was excellent and flawless.”

That being said, I cannot urge everybody I know to find a reputable and trustworthy mechanic with whom to work before buying a car. My mechanic saved me thousands of dollars and countless hours of aggravation.

By: Paul Davis

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Car Mechanics in Kissimmee

There is a uniform way that auto repair shops use to figure out what to charge you for work done to repair your car. Repair facilities use a standardized table, the Mitchell Standardized Labor Rates Table, for fee calculations. Keep reading to learn how labor charges are calculated whether for your own use as a shop owner or in order to help you budget your own upcoming car repairs.

There is more to it than just figuring out how long a job took to complete. You may think that every specific detail of a vehicle’s repair and maintenance must be taken into account to arrive at a definite time of job completion. That’s not the case here. When mechanics work on your car they don’t look at the clock for each single minute. Auto repair shops utilize a listing matching the type of repair work needed with an estimate of how long it should take to complete the work. So whether your mechanic is extra efficient or new on the job, they will still charge the same number of hours for labor on your car.

The Mitchell table. Know what the Mitchell table means. With Mitchell Standardized Labor Rates Table you discover on average, how long it will take a mechanic to complete any and all repairs on every make and model of vehicle. There is an online directory to arrive at this standardized rate, or they can look at a labor rate chart. As an example, take a brake replacement job on a 2000 Camaro, the flat rate is 2.6 hours of work no matter where the business is located or who works on it.

So how do shops make a profit? The Mitchell table gives average times for job completion but it does not account for all circumstances. If mechanics are fast, a Camaro brake job probably won’t take 2.6 hours. If the job is done quicker, the customer will still get charged for 2.6 hours of labor, but the shop makes the extra money. Think of it this way, a mechanic could woark an 18-hour day in just 8 hours, if efficient. This is where is can be really lucrative.

The other side of the coin. Think about this though – the new kid does the brakes on the Camaro, and it takes him four hours, but it doesn’t matter because the shop can still only charge us 2.6 hours worth of labor, according to the Mitchell table.

Charges will still worked out differently, even with a standard labor chart. Generally customers appreciate this approach to pricing car repairs, but can be surprised at the difference in repair bills for exactly the same labor at different auto shops. This is where the labor rates at each specific shop differ. It may be $85 an hour for labor in one auto shop and $55 an hour at another. For a Camaro brake repair, the cost will be hugely different for the same labor time – $221 versus $143. this makes a big difference in the overall price for vehicle repairs, even when the labor charges are calculated in the same way (using the standard Mitchell table).

By: Tiffany Provost

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Car Mechanic Kissimmee

Finding a great mechanic that is skilled, trustworthy and affordable is not the simplest of tasks but it is entirely possible. You can spend hours online looking or browsing through the Yellow Pages and it may not do you any good. There are other ways that will work much better. Be creative and make sure to get out there and talk to people. When it comes to the vehicle that you worked hard for, then you need to be able to be happy with the person that will be working on it. Investments of any kind need to be protected. Your car is no different.

Start by asking your friends and family how they feel about the mechanic that they take their vehicles to. Word of mouth is the best form of advertising and it will likely stay that way. By asking around, you may obtain information that you would not come across any other way. Whether it is good or bad, it is something that can help you make an educated decision. Ask people that you trust, those that you know will give you their honest opinion. If you are lucky, your mechanic search may end there. Having a family mechanic can be a lot like having a family doctor. It is best to have someone you can count on for the entire lifespan of your car.

Consult with other people that own the same make or model of car that you have. You can often find them via online websites or message forums. Most of these forums have members from all over so it is likely that you will find someone that lives in your area. Ask folks that know your car well because they too deal with the same potential issues or quirks. Some problems can even be fixed at home, which is something you may only discover by attending one of these forums.

If you find a mechanic that you are interested in, look them up on the Better Business Bureau. This is where you can find any reports that indicate the mechanic is not operating in a professional fashion. Plenty of helpful insights can be obtained this way. Customers are invited to share information with the Better Business Bureau in the event that they discover that a business is not being run legally or in a customer friendly manner. A mechanics shop that has complaints filed with the BBB is probably not the one that you want to go to.

Any mechanic that you consider going with has got to be able to show you that they are legally certified as a mechanic. Proper schooling is needed in order to become a mechanic. Be wary of anyone who cannot provide proof that they are legally certified. A good mechanic should be able to clearly explain to you what will happen while they have your car. Get all necessary information up front, such as warranty details on parts. Finding a mechanic that you can rely on does not have to be a chore. It is a task that will be worth it when you are in need of repairs.

By: Levi Quinn

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Car Mechanic Kissimmee

Perhaps the tool that is most required by all workshops that are serious about carrying out repairs on a wide variety of vehicles is the standard transmission jack. These flexible and versatile lifting systems have many uses, and are essential for a wide range of different repair and servicing jobs.

Unlike a conventional jack, which raises a vehicle using either the chassis, or the axles, a transmission jack is positioned centrally, and lifts the transmission. Generally, the procedure for removing a transmission or gear box from a vehicle begins with positioning the transmission jack under the box. It is then raised to take the weight of the transmission, so that it can be safely detached from the engine block. Once this has been achieved, the jack can be raised the rest of the way up in order to allow the complete removal of the transmission ready for servicing.

There are numerous different styles and models of transmission jack available, and although their purpose is the same, the different versions are designed for different kinds of vehicle. Most cars and light weight utility trucks have fairly lightweight transmission systems attached to the engine block. These can generally be handled effectively by a transmission jack rated up to 1000lb capacity. A unit like the OTC 1728 jack is perfectly suited to such tasks. It is small enough to be easily moved around by a single mechanic, and yet hard wearing enough to be used every day without fear of failure. The unit comes with a lifetime guarantee, and thanks to its precision construction is a very reliable tool.

As with all tools, the OTC 1728 Transmission jack is designed with a specific purpose in mind, and features many enhancements to a basic design to make it easy to use. A gas lift piston to raise the transmission block when the jack is in use is combined with a manual release for easy detachment when the job is complete, and in use, the OTC 1728 is intended to be as simple as possible.

For larger jobs, a heavy duty transmission jack is required. If your workshop deals with a lot of trucks and larger vehicles, then you will require a much more powerful jack in order to support the heavier weight of the transmission and gearbox in a bigger vehicle.

In general, transmission jacks for larger vehicles such as trucks are rated to carry up to 2200lb in weight, and do so effortlessly. Heavy duty transmission jacks like the OTC 5019 are intended to be completely stable under even the largest weights, and are easy to manipulate when in use to ensure that transmission removal is as simple as possible, even with a particularly heavy unit to deal with.

Aside from the weight capacity of a transmission jack, the other major consideration is whether you require a high or low profile device. If your workshop is large enough to have hydraulic vehicle lifting platforms, then a high profile jack will be easier for you to use, while in a more restrictive environment, you are better off with a low profile model that can be slipped into place for ease of use.

The actual cost of a transmission jack will vary depending on the level of quality, weight that it can carry, and the manufacturer, and since there are so many different options on the market, finding the one that you want can be bewildering to say the least.

Prices start from around $825 for a low profile trolley style transmission jack rated up to half a ton, but you can easily pay in excess of $1800 for a full ton high profile device designed for trucks and heavier jobs. What is important is buying a tool that will last well, perform reliably, and last for as long as you need it.



By: Cooper Miller

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Car Mechanics in Kissimmee

If you have ever had your mechanic give your car a tune up, you know it is not cheap. Most people who are not mechanics themselves assume they have no choice but to pay somebody else to do it. Not true! A do it yourself car tune up is something every single car owner should know how to do just because it makes you more independent…but it also can save you money.

There are some things you simply can’t do yourself, like check the complex electronic sensors in today’s advanced engines. You’re stuck paying your mechanic to do that. But you can keep your car humming along yourself without paying through the nose. Here are seven easy things every car owner should know how to do (yes, even you ladies who don’t fancy yourselves grease monkeys). Your car owner’s manual will tell you where to find the engine parts you need to touch and tune up.

First, change your fuel filter. This can improve your gas mileage and prolong the life of your engine. You ought to change the filter once per year.

Second, change your oil filter. Oil lubricates your engine. The oil filter keeps your oil clean so it can do its job well. Replace the filter every time you change your oil, which will probably be about every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Third, change your own oil. This is one you should know how to do, but that you won’t always do yourself (disposing of used motor oil is a bit of a pain in the neck, and your mechanic is all set up to do it). You will probably pay $25-50 to have somebody else do it, and you can do it yourself on most cars. That’s a simple way to save money.

Fourth, replenish your fluids. That includes the windshield washer fluid and your motor oil. Learn how to check your own oil with the dipstick. There’s no excuse for not knowing how to do that on your own. Why pay somebody for an hour of labor just to do something you can do yourself in about three minutes while you’re filling up your gas tank?

Fifth, check your belts. You should let your mechanic handle the timing belt, but if others are worn, you can change them yourself.

Sixth, service your own battery. You might need to add distilled water (your owner’s manual should help you know) from time to time. But you can always keep the cables clean and check the terminals for corrosion.

Seventh, change your wiper blades. This one wins the “easy” award. Almost any auto parts store (AutoZone, etc.) will have the right blades for your car, or can get them. Follow the instructions on the package and you will have a clean windshield in all weather, and you’ll improve your road safety.

A do it yourself car tune up is not hard, and it is not expensive. You can not do everything yourself (and it is not worth your time if you could), but doing a few little things can save you a bundle next time you visit your mechanic.

By: Paul Ransom

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Car Mechanics Kissimmee

Kenny Jones asked:




With the price of gas continually on the rise, many people are looking for ways to help improve the miles per gallon that they are able to get out of a tank of gas. Here are seven of the top tips that you can practice that will help you get more bang out of your buck.

Pay attention to the speed limit- Not only is driving at the speed limit the responsible thing to do, but it will also help you to save money on gas as well. The miles per gallon you are able to get from a tank of gas drastically decreases at speeds over 60 mph. Slow down and do the speed limit, and you’ll be able to go further off of a tank of fuel.

Drive less aggressively-Aggressive driving lower the gas mileage your car gets by 33%. Rapid acceleration, speeding, and constant braking all contribute to aggressive driving. There is no reason to stomp on the gas pedal when the light turns green, nor is there any point to racing to a red light and stomping on the brake to stop. Drive sensibly and less aggressively and you will help increase your fuel mileage.

Proper good vehicle maintenance-Keeping your vehicle running at it’s best will greatly help to increase the mileage you get from a tank of fuel. Make routine visits to a certified mechanic to have your car tuned up and checked over to ensure that it stays running at it’s best, and you’ll have to top off the tank a lot less often.

Stop idling away fuel-Contrary to popular belief, your car burns a significant amount of fuel when idling. And as we all know, when our vehicle is sitting, it’s not getting any miles per gallon. Leaving your car idling results in nothing but wasted fuel. If you are going to be sitting for more than a minute or two, turn the car off and save your gas.

Monitor your tires-It has been proven that tires that are not properly maintained will reduce the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Routinely monitor your tires to ensure that they are inflated properly and correctly aligned. This will greatly help to increase the amount of fuel efficiency that your vehicle has.

Loose weight-Your belly isn’t the only thing that needs to beat the battle of the bulge. Excessive weight in your car can decrease the amount of miles per gallon you are able to get. Did you know that 100 extra pounds of weight in your vehicle can cause a 2% decrease in your miles per gallon? Keep your vehicle clear of all unnecessary items and you will increase how far you can go on a tank of gas.

Reduce air drag-If you’re not going on vacation, there is no reason to cart around that bulky cargo carrier on top of your vehicle. Nor is there any reason to have fancy flags or other items hanging from window or antennas. These items cause air drag, which decreases fuel efficiency.



Car Mechanics Kissimmee