1. You are not making money from the repairs
2. You are not a hindrance to other motorists or residents
3. You are not running a business.

Observe the following safety procedures:

• Make sure to have the appropriate personal protection equipment
• Make sure that your jack is suitable for the weight of the vehicle and ensure that it is positioned under the vehicle
• Ensure that the axils are placed safely and do not allow the car to balance
• If you have a high visibility jacket then be sure to wear it
• Wear gloves and eye protection

Your smartphone can come in handy for repairs. There are a number of videos and pages you can download showing you how to tackle common problems. Also, make sure to have the right tools available. You may need tools such as a wrench, socket and ratchet set, pliers and screwdrivers as well as a Jack.As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. Learn to diagnose common car problems quickly so that they don’t cause problems on the road. Knowing when to replace your battery, seat belt or brakepad will come in handy.

Bulbs

Possibly one of the easiest repairs you can do to your car is headlight replacement. Ensure you purchase the correct bulb for the place on car e.g. brake light, headlight or fog light. Your bulb cover should just pull off, allowing you to change the bulb like you would a bulb in your house.

Dangling Exhaust Pipes

Your exhaust is held on commonly by a rubber loop, or hanger. Due to the nature of rubber it can degrade over time, causing your exhaust to rattle or make a dragging sound. Fixing the exhaust is relatively simple and requires looping on the new hanger to the exhaust.

Air Filter Replacement

Your air filter should be replaced, on average every 15,000 miles as a rule of thumb. This is a simple job you can do at home, without the need for a mechanic. It is worth consulting your manual before replacement, as this will advise on the exact location. For most car manufacturers, it is just a case of removing the old filter, giving the compartment a wipe with a lint free cloth and then replacing with the new air filter.

Changing Windshield Wiper Blades

You can buy replacement windscreen wipers from most car dealerships and car service centres. Windscreen wiper blades should be changed every year, or when you are noticing your screen visibility in rain is degrading. Windscreen wiper replacement is relatively simple, and is just a case of ‘snap off, snap on.’ The windscreen wipers are on a hook system so the new wipers should slot into place. Dependent on your car’s make, you may also need to attach the windscreen fluid.

Changing the Battery

Manufacturers recommend that you change your car battery every 2-4 years. Changing your car battery is very simple, if you follow the instructions contained within your car’s user manual. It is very important to take note of which lead goes to which terminal, and wear protective eye wear and gloves at all times.

Training

Training, certification, and accreditation are oft-chosen first steps to success. An associate’s degree in automotive service provides hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced professionals. It’s possible to manage an auto repair shop without this kind of education, but the more shop floor skill an entrepreneur has, the better they can supervise their staff. Those who have the luxury of superfluous time and money will gain the oomph they need to race ahead of their competitors by doing a business management and marketing course.

Business Plan

The more comprehensive a business plan is, the more likely it is that a company will achieve its goals. There are three ways to begin achieving those career dreams:

1) Buy a Franchise

Franchising comes with a pre-packaged business plan and marketing strategy, but it requires owners to adapt their management style to suit their franchisors. If expertise is limited, franchising offers a framework that makes life far simpler than it would otherwise be. Some franchisors help with bookkeeping and fee structures, often negotiating tenancies and securing clients on franchisees’ behalves.

2) Start a Business

Those with unique corporate dreams need the flexibility of start-ups, which offer an unmatched sense of achievement over the long-term. Starting a company will come with plenty of handwringing, but those with a head for business and the marketing know-how to acquire a large enough corner of the market will find the process rewarding.

3) Buy an Existing Business

A profitable business comes with an existing client-base, tenancy, and brand. If books are combed through with due diligence, this option provides a window into the future by sketching out a returns history. The buyer knows up front whether the location, pricing structure, and human resources policies produce profits, which is invaluable for financial security.A business plan is a map of a company’s future. It should include projected revenues three, five, and 10 years into the future. Will it have more than one location? How many staff members and clients will it have? What services will it offer, and how large is the local market?

Competition

It doesn’t pay to open a shop next door to the city’s most profitable competitor. Look at the key strengths and weaknesses of those in the same suburb, along with ways to gain competitive advantage. Once that picture is painted, a marketing plan should be drawn up that defines the kind of customers the shop will target. Carve out a unique demographic that’s different from that of local competitors, and then market purely to it.

Success

In the auto repair sector, high-quality work is integral. A shoddy review travels half way across the country while a compliment is still putting its shoes on, so this kind of business hinges on the knowledge and skill of its staff. Service-oriented mechanics with a penchant for perfectionism will serve not only the human resources division of a company, but also act as fodder for its word-of-mouth advertising.

Technological Wonderland

The auto repair industry is highly competitive, and failing to tap into the technological revolution loses businesses significant competitive advantage. Innovative computer diagnostic equipment and the capacity to service increasingly advanced automobiles are certainly needed, but low-tech sollutions are still often used to get the job done, for example, a car mover is very helpful in many cases and can save both time and money in the long run.Marketing campaigns should also capitalise on high-tech techniques. Social media advertising, a website, and online listings put companies on the virtual map where today’s clients look first when they need repairs done.Today’s cars have coding that’s more complex than that of fighter jets, so toolkits need more than wrenches and spanners. Gone are the days when repairing a car entailed a box of tools that could be carried easily across a shop floor. This only makes the auto repair industry more rewarding, offering entrepreneurs a constantly evolving sector to grow in.

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2015 BMW 3 Series Wagon

Space is one of the main concerns on a road trip as you will want to make sure that you have plenty of room for all your things as well as enough space to spread out. Not only does this vehicle deliver in terms of space, it also offers excellent fuel economy, an impressive 240 horsepower that is more than up to the challenge even off road and plenty of gadgets and gismos to make sure that passengers are entertained.

Mercedes Benz Sprinter Van

This vehicle has been especially adapted for camping to give road trippers the space they need without having to compromise on style. This fully sized European van comes complete with four wheel dive so that it can really do the distance. Motorists have a choice of eleven different layouts, which makes finding the perfect style easy.

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Volkswagen Golf SportWagen TDI

The 2.0 litre diesel engine is very quiet and smooth, even when used for long distance driving. The handling makes this the ideal vehicle to drive on twisting roads and provides plenty of power when it is needed most. The sporty style also looks great and there is plenty of room inside so that several passengers can sit comfortably throughout the entire road trip, while plenty of gadgets are included.

Volkswagen Caravanette

This retro vehicle is the perfect vehicle for families or groups of friends who want to take their time and go camping along the way. This large vehicle features comfortable seats in the back that fold out to make beds in the evening, while the roof also pops up to reveal to small bunk beds. The Volkswagen Caravanette also comes complete with a fold away table, a mini fridge, a fold away oven and much more to provide all the comforts of home when out on the open road.

Checking Fluids

You need to be absolutely certain that the fluids within the vehicle are all “topped up”. The most critical that should be gauged are:

• Oil
• Transmission fluid
• Antifreeze
• Brake fluid
• Windscreen wiper fluid

It is also a good idea to keep a few litres of oil in the boot in the event that you notice a leak has developed.

Tyres

Always check your tyres for leaks before starting off on any journey. Read the number on the side of the tyre wall. This figure indicates the maximum amount of pressure that the particular model can withstand. Should you see that the interior pressure is higher than this number, it is wise to let some air out. Also, winter driving safety tips recommend that you deflate the tyres slightly. This will provide them with more surface area to grip the road; ideal for snowy and icy conditions.

Headlamps and Other Emergency Lights

All lights should be functioning properly. Perform a spot check before heading out. In particular, make certain that your hazards (emergency flashers) are working as they should. These are essential if you find yourself stranded on the side of the motorway. Otherwise, drivers may not be aware of your presence.

Battery

There have been countless drivers who have become stranded in the middle of nowhere due to battery issues. If your battery is more than two years old, it is a good idea to have it changed beforehand. Check the charge and make absolutely certain that it is full. Should you have any doubts, it is a good idea to hook it up to an electrical charger overnight before the trip.

Brakes

Brakes can present a hidden danger due to the fact that you may not be aware of their condition until it is too late. Check the hub caps and determine if there is any dust; this could signal that the pads are worn. Drive for five or ten minutes on surface streets. When you arrive home, feel the tyres. Should they be very hot to the touch, the brakes may likewise need to be replaced. This can be a complicated task, so it is always wise to take your vehicle to a qualified technician.

Contents

Finally, make sure that you have basic essentials within the boot. These can include emergency blankets, a medical kit, road flares and a triangular reflector. These will all come in handy if you are involved in an accident or should a passenger become injured during the journey.These preparatory steps are all very important to keep in mind before any journey. Ultimately, you will be assured that you are ready to handle what the roads may have in store.