2014 Mercedes S550 can drive itself

Yes, you read that correctly. Recently there was an article written

about the new 2014 Mercedes S550, and how it can drive itself. This car has so many luxurious features and technology that is already in existence, but this technology is new. No, I'm not saying that cars which can drive themselves is new. In fact, car manufacturers have done this already. The catch is that it required a whole trunk full of heavy computers and equipment for it to work. Very primitive technology, until now.

Mercedes has really pushed the envelope on this one. Although the

main tools for this technology has already existed for a long time, things like cameras, radar, and ultrasonic technology, the computer that collects all the data is quite impressive and futuristic. Mercedes calls this technology 6-D Vision.

With 6-D Vision, the computer can collect an array of information from these tools and make choices based on that information. It is basically a human brain. I'm not using that term lightly. It has been

programmed to do thousands of things that a human driver normally would do under certain situations. Recognizing stop signs and coming to a complete stop is one example. Parallel parking is another.

These are just some examples out of about 16,000 decisions this car can make on its own when put into auto pilot. A lot of people would be very scared of this technology. Imagine putting your life in the hands of a car. With the way technology has advanced since I've been alive, I would absolutely trust this car. Not to mention the major lawsuits they would get if this car kept killing all its passengers.

I'm not all that much into Mercedes, and it's not because I don't like them. It's mainly because I like other cars more. However, I must say one thing, German engineering is really great when it comes to technology and safety. They are already well known for numerous award winning safety features and reliability.

So, if you are blessed enough to have vast wealth, I say give this car a try. Don't let new technology turn you away. It wouldn't be on the market unless it was thoroughly tested and deemed to be safe. 

Thank you for reading and drive (or don't) safely,

        Cesar

What type of motorcycle should I get?

That is a very common question I used to get when I was working at a motorcycle shop. Some people would actually come into the shop just to ask general questions about motorcycles. They would ask questions about the different types of motorcycles there are. Some would want to know about reliability issues. No matter what questions I would hear, the most common would be about the different types of bikes.

There are really two main factors to consider when deciding the type of bike to buy. Comfort and style. Each bike has it's own unique blend of both. It's up to you, whether you want to lean more towards style, or comfort. 

What I mean by all of this is quite simple. Would you sacrifice style to have a little more comfort? Would you sacrifice comfort to have a little more style? See, there are thousands of bikes that lean towards one or the other. There are fewer more that have the right blend of both. Let's see what types go from one end, to the other, and back in between.

Cruisers:
The cruiser is one of my favorites. Although there are countless other bikes out there that I like, cruisers kind of fit in the middle for me. Cruisers are basically a stylish bike that has some comfortableness to it. They don't usually look sporty, and they're comfortable enough for the rider to go medium or long distances. Cruisers have high bottom-end, which means they have more torque.

Sport bikes:
Sport bikes look cool. They're very modern looking and easy to customize. In addition, they're much lighter than cruisers, and that

is mainly because they're really designed for track use. Although they look cool, they are very uncomfortable. For this reason, it's best to use for short distances. That's not to say that you can't go long distances with them. Sport bikes have higher top-end, which means they're quick off the line.

Touring:
These bikes are not for the little guy. They are very big and that

means they are heavy. Touring bikes are also the most comfortable bikes around. They do have some style hues, but you don't buy them for it's looks. Since they are very comfortable, a rider can go very long distances with it and be totally fine. They have high bottom-end, producing more torque. With the size and weight of these things, bottom-end is what it needs. They're also great for having a very cozy passenger.

Cafe racer:
The cafe racer is my personal favorite. It is really a hybrid between a cruiser, drag bike, and sports bike. They are really cool looking

bikes. Cafe racers are usually custom built out of vintage cruisers. They're usually for sale online by their owners, but dealers have been selling them as well due to their growing popularity. They are somewhat comfortable like a cruiser, but are light weight like a sports bike. Although the engine is usually from a cruiser, the fact that these bikes are bare bone, they have a power band around the middle. It's a balanced-end bike. 

I actually plan on building a cafe racer for myself. I don't know when, but I will be making a video on it and posting it to my YouTube Channel as well as this blog.

Now I just described, in partial, the four main types of bikes that you will see on the road. Each has it's own advantages and disadvantages, which I have described here. This article alone should not be the only consideration in deciding on what type of bike to get. In fact, this should be a mere stepping stool as to which direction to start looking.

One thing to do is go to a dealer. Check out the various different types of bikes they have. Some dealers have several hundreds, to thousands of bikes in stock. Sit on some of them for a few minutes to get a feel of how comfortable they are. Shop around and don't buy the first thing you see. Look online as well to find good deals. Don't be afraid to buy on craigslist.

However, if you do buy from a private owner, make sure you do your research. It might also help to have someone with you who knows what to look for. As part of my business, I offer my skills to people who are looking to buy cars, motorcycles, and ATVs. I charge a flat rate to go with them and inspect the vehicle they're interested in buying. That way they can buy with a little more confidence.

Thank you for reading, be safe, and ride on...,

        Cesar

Types of careers in automotive

07/15/2013

Are you thinking about a career in the automotive industry, but just can't figure out which job is right for you? Well, there are hundreds of different types of careers to choose from. I'll be talking about my top 5 picks. After reading this, maybe it can better help you make a decision or at least guide you toward your new career.

My top picks from top to bottom are as follows:     

1. Auto mechanic: This is the most common choice for someone considering going back to school for automotive. Since it is a very common career, there are always opportunities for mechanics to get jobs. The responsibilities of an auto mechanic vary. There are three main levels of mechanics, and when you graduate from school, you have to work your way up the ladder through these levels.

                                         

       Unless you are extremely talented, all mechanics start out their                      career as a C-tech. Their main job is very simple, and like all jobs                  where you have to start from the bottom, can get boring real quick.              The job duties mainly entail oil changes and lube jobs, topping off                fluids, checking tire pressures, and cleaning up shop. C-techs are the              lowest paid mechanics, starting around $9-$10/hr.

        Next is the B-tech. A lot of mechanics are actually content with                     working their whole career as a B-tech. The reason why is because               they do most aspects of repair work without having to get as technical           as an A-tech. Their duties include tune-ups, brake jobs, steering and             suspension work, parts swapping, and much more. B-techs can start             around $10-$15/hr, but can make up to $20/hr.

        An A-tech is someone who has extensive knowledge about anything               automotive. They can use advance tools for diagnosis, rebuild                       engines and transmissions, perform HVAC repairs, as well as any B-             tech work. A-techs start out at around $20/hr, and can make up to                 around $30/hr. They are highly paid and have multiple certifications.

   2. Auto body repair tech: Jobs in this field are in high demand.

      The skill it takes to                 become an auto body             repair tech is precise. The       main duties include spot         repair, rust repair,                   painting, collision work,         frame straightening, and         estimating. Auto body             repair techs usually start         out at $15/hr, and can             make as much as                   $25-$30/hr. They're the bread and butter of any body or collision shop. 

    3. Automotive specialist: A specialist is someone who specializes in a             certain aspect of automotive repair. Technically, auto body is a specialty,       but that for the most part has to do with body work, not mechanical.

Specialists include engine builders, transmissions, brakes, tires, electrical, parts, HVAC, diagnostic, alignment, and more. Usually specialists either have their own shop, or work for one.       They're usually an A-tech and have certifications in their specialty as well as years       of experience.

   4. Auto dealership: There are plenty of jobs inside a dealership besides           selling cars. If selling cars is your thing, then read no more. However,           dealerships offer more options. You can work in the

      service department as an         auto tech, the parts                 department as a parts             specialist, or you can             become a delivery driver         who delivers parts,                 usually to other repair             shops. Dealerships can be       a hit and miss. They can         pay well from the start, or you might have to work your way up. They         do, however, offer benefits. So you might want to think about that as           well.

   5. Auto parts sales: If you go into AutoZone, Pep Boys, Advance Auto,           etc...you will see a parts sales person. These jobs start out around                 $10/hr, but can increase the longer you're there. Assistant managers      

make around $11-$14/hr, and managers make around $19-$25/hr. These jobs are ideal for someone with customer service backgrounds and for someone who doesn't want to break their back working on cars. They also offer benefits as well for full-time employees.

Whatever it is you decide you want to do in the automotive industry, just make sure you really do your homework before pursuing that path. Almost most jobs in automotive require at least some kind of schooling. That means putting yourself into debt. So search around for more career choices, and really study the ones you're really interested in. See what it takes to get there and how long. Does the path to that career meet your standards, or do you need something less difficult? You know what's best for you.

Thanks again for reading and choose wisely,

     Cesar

Mobile mechanic SCAM?

07/14/2013

There are numerous articles out there on the web, newspapers, and television about mobile mechanic scams. Now this topic has stirred up a lot of debate and discussion on forums and chat rooms. Not to mention amongst the mobile mechanics themselves. However, I don't think these articles are entirely true. Most of the time the news is fabricating the story or looking for that one bad mechanic out of countless good mechanics.

I read some of these articles, and I must say, I'm disappointed. They really make us mechanics who are trying to make an honest living look real bad. In fact, one of the articles I read was written by a mechanic. He was giving insane advice to the readers about not trusting a mechanic that doesn't have specialized test equipment like labscopes, fuel injection testers, gas analyzers, etc... You may be thinking: "well he's right". No, he isn't. That's really not the type of work mobile mechanics do. That is more something that gets done in an auto repair shop.

See, the fact is, most mobile mechanics are genuine mechanics who are unemployed and trying to make ends meet, or are doing it part-time for extra cash each week. Just because a mobile mechanic shows up to your house without those specialized equipment, doesn't mean they are not legitimate. 

That being said, here is a warning from AAA that I partially agree with:

1. Get any mobile mechanic's address, and google them for complaint's.
2. Make sure they have a truck full of professional tools, not just some wrenches and screwdrivers. Legitimate  mechanics carry several thousand dollars worth of tools and equipment.      
3. Ask if they take credit cards: most legitimate mechanics do. Plus you can dispute a bad repair on a credit card. With cash, it's gone.
4. Never pay cash in advance for parts.

The first point is 100% agreeable. I do the same thing when someone calls me. I google their address to see if it's real. There was one time when I went to an address that didn't even exist. How? The person gave me an address and gave me the cross street. The address was fake and the person never picked up my phone calls. That was the last time that ever happened to me because I started looking up everyone that called. Just to verify who they are and if the address really exist.

The second point I almost completely agree. If a mobile mechanic shows up to your house, and all they have is a ratchet set and some wrenches, send them away. Real mechanics do have thousands of dollars worth of tools. I always bring at least my 27" 7 drawer tool box packed full of tools with me whenever I go to a customers house. I also have at least a 3 ton jack with me, as well as 2 jack stands and some power tools. I do bring some specialized equipment, like my power probe 3 and a basic scan tool. Some will show up with much more tools and equipment.

The third point I partially agree with. However, like I said previously, most mobile mechanics are just out of work technicians trying to make ends meet. They don't always have the ability to accept credit cards. The part I don't agree with is the word "most". For me, it should be "some". Part of being a mobile mechanic is there isn't any overhead expenses. When you accept credit cards, that becomes an overhead expense. Accepting credit cards isn't free. So don't turn a mechanic away because they don't accept credit.

The fourth point, I say use your discretion. Like I said previously, mobile mechanics don't have overhead. Which means they don't stock up on parts and supplies. Yes, you might get the occasional mechanic who actually does have your parts, or your oil and oil filter, but that is rare. If they tell you they need parts and supplies, you really only have two options. Go with them to get the stuff, or get it yourself before they get there. A mobile mechanic is not going to fish out his own money to buy your parts and start a repair. 

In fact, there is something that I do and tell people before I make an appointment. I charge for my time. Plain and simple. If you call me to come and look at your car, even if you know what it is, I have to charge a diagnostic fee. Repair shops and dealers charge $125-$200/hr for diagnosis.  I charge $75 just to show up and look at your car. I also have a promotion on craigslist where if you mention my ad, you get $10 off your diagnosis. Then, just like repair shops and dealers, if you have me do the repair, I will deduct the diagnostic fee from the final price. This is an upfront charge that you must pay before the mechanic looks at your car.

Even with all of this talk, there is no surefire way to trust anyone. Lets face it, you met them on the internet. Lets go another step forward. You even have to be careful when you bring your vehicle into an actual repair shop. The mechanic who shows up to your house and doesn't have any credentials might be more trustworthy and a real good mechanic compared to one that does have those credentials. It all comes down to you and your discretion. You're an adult. You had to use your discretion in life when it came to meeting new people. 

Lets hear what you all have to say. Please comment and talk about this.

Thanks for reading, and be safe,

        Cesar

Stop & Fix Mobile Mechanics

The importance of knowing the little things...

07/13/2013

Nuts & bolts, hand tools, measuring, power tools, lifting, etc. These are very important things to learn about. They are some of the most basic things and most essential to working on vehicles and motorcycles. Understanding these commonly overlooked items can save you in the long run. NOT understanding them can spell DOOM for you. You think I'm going overboard, don't you? Well, I'm not. I'm speaking from first hand experience. Things that I learned as an auto technician. Let me explain in detail what I mean.

Bolts

Let's start with bolts. I don't expect you to know every little detail about using bolts, but a little understanding of the different types of bolts and screws go a long way. There are a few basic things you need to know about bolts. The size and type of "head", the amount of "threads", the "thread pitch", the bolt length or "shank", diameter, and the type of bolt. You can't just put any bolt anywhere. Now, I'm not going to get into detail about every single aspect of bolts. I'm going to talk about the basics just to get you by.

Torx head bolts

The "head" it the top of the bolt. The head has many different shapes and sizes. There are round head screw bolts, torx bolts, allen bolts, hex-head bolts, and many more. Knowing what type of bolt is needed will help you figure out how to fasten or remove that bolt. How? Simple, you will know what tool is needed for each type of head. Also, knowing the different types of bolt heads can help you choose the bolts you want to use on a project. Some heads look really cool and nice, which provides a nice appearance. Some are ugly and you wouldn't want to put them where you know they will be seen.

There are different types of threads and thread pitch. To get to the point, the main thing you really need to know is "standard" or "SAE", and "metric". "Standard", to sum things up, is basically anything American made. This is about 95%-99% of the time. In the real world, some American cars and bikes have metric bolts (either by design or someone put them there). "Metric", is basically anything not American made. Examples are European and Asian vehicles and motorcycles. Almost all of the time, you can never fit a standard bolt where a metric bolt is supposed to be, and vice-versa. Putting it simply, know what type of bolt to use.

Knowing the "shank" (length) is also important. You need to know how long of a bolt you need so you can make sure you have fastened the bolt securely. If the threads are deep into a block, and you only use a short bolt, you are not properly securing whatever it is you're bolting down. 

Diameter is simple. This is basically the size of the hole that you are putting the bolt in. If you know that, you know what size diameter bolt to use. Again, you also need to know the shank and type of thread.

Hand Tools

Hand tools are your most trusted ally when working on anything vehicle or motorcycle related. Using the correct tool for a particular task is essential in order to perform that task fast, efficient, and safely. Always make sure you use the correct tool for the job, and never use a tool in a manner that it wasn't made for. That being said, everyone, including myself, uses tools incorrectly. The most common is using a flat head screw driver as a pry bar. Although it works and you might get away with it, that's not what the tool was made for.

So what tool do you need to use? Here are some basic tools in the industry that is a must have:

• Ratchets 

There are 3 main types of ratchets. 1/4" drive, 3/8" drive, and 1/2" drive. A good reliable ratchet is essential.

                                                         Basic 3/8" Ratchet                                           Basic 12 point socket set w/ratchet

• Sockets

Sockets come in standard and metric sizes. A basic set of each is essential. They come in 6 point and 12 point. Most socket sets come with a ratchet, but not always.

• Wrenches

Wrenches also come in standard and metric. Sometimes wrenches are more practical than a ratchet. They can be used to get into tight spaces or to keep a nut from turning. There are different type of wrenches. Box end, open end, and combination are the most basic types just to name a few. Below is a set of combination wrenches. Notice one end is open (open end), and the other end is closed (box end).

Power Tools

Sometimes you simply can't perform a task without enlisting the help of your best friends; power tools. I love power tools. They are real convenient when used in practical applications and are sometimes necessary. There are three ways power tools are powered. Air, electric, and battery. Air tools are most commonly found in shops. Shops have air compressors that provide enough air to the tools to keep running. Electric and battery tools are self explanatory. They either get plugged in or have a charged battery.

No matter which way a power tool is powered, they can be very dangerous. For that reason, I'm not going to be talking much about them here. I'll be doing another segment on them getting into real detail about the types of power tools, safety precautions and hazards, and use of the tools. Just know that the right tool must be used for what it was made for.

All in all, there are a million "little" things that contribute toward the "big" picture. These are just a few things that just scrape the surface. Maybe in time I will cover most of them. However, in order for you to fully understand and learn them, you might want to start thinking about going to school for automotive. Of course, that is if you're interested in becoming an automotive technician. If not, then search online if you ever need to know something about anything you are working on. There are advantages and disadvantages (dangers) to getting information online rather than actually learning it. I really hope this article stirs up some discussion, and I welcome it. 

Thanks for reading, and be safe with whatever you do,

        Cesar.

What is Stop & Fix Mobile Mechanics?

Thank you for visiting Stop & Fix Mobile Mechanics blog. If you stumbled upon this blog by accident or was just browsing, you're probably wondering what purpose does this blog serve? That is a good question, and one that sometimes even I have to think about how to answer that. Let's take a shot at answering this question and see what you all think.

Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Cesar, and I started Stop & Fix Mobile Mechanics. It all started one day back in 2010 (I honestly can't remember the month). I was driving home to Long Island, NY from Brooklyn, NY (my hometown) in my 2005 VW Touareg, when I saw a car on the side of the parkway. I was able to see that the car had a flat tire, and since my vehicle is equipped with its own air compressor, I decided to pull over and help out. I had only a simple set of standard SAE impact sockets, a 1/2" breaker bar that I had used on my vehicle, and the jack that came with my truck. Long story short, I was able to put the guys spare tire on and inflate it within 10 mins. The guy gave me $25 for helping him.

I saw an opportunity. From that day forward, I started helping people stranded and started making money. However, I wasn't really making much money doing this. So I tried to figure out how to continue doing "mechanic" work while being my own boss and without having to cough up money to open a shop. I started posting ads on craigslist and started getting calls. Next thing you know, I'm doing 1-2 cars a week.

I still wasn't considered a "mechanic". Although I've been working on cars my whole life and knew about cars, I never had formal training and real experience. So I started looking up certain repairs and how to do them online. I came across a video by EricTheCarGuy. From there, I kept watching his videos and using what I learned from those videos on my customers cars. That in turn gave me more real world experience.

Since I saw how much of a help Erics videos were to me, I wanted to do the same for people. I knew that starting off with making videos on my own vehicle was the way to go (especially since there were almost, if not any, repair videos on VW Touaregs). I made one video, and I really wasn't impressed with it. However, I keep it on my channel because I still get positive feedback from viewers telling me that it has helped them out. Now I have a few more videos on my channel and am planning on more videos.

I found that, in order to be successful at what I do, I have to be more consistent with it. For example, I have to keep making more videos. I decided to start doing that and even apply that to this blog. I am doing this blog to help my viewers and readers with their vehicle repair questions. More recently, I have added motorcycles to the type of thing I will be discussing on this blog and on my channel. I do have repair experience working on motorcycles and ATVs.

Thanks for reading and be safe out there,

     Cesar

P.S.
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