VinCheckUp Vehicle History

  A vehicle check engine light is that ominous glowing symbol on your dashboard. This warning is an indicator that there is something wrong within the drivetrain of the vehicle and often triggers a wave of concern among car owners. But is it always an indication of a serious problem? Let's delve into this common   automotive   dilemma and shed light on what it might signify. Is a Check Engine Light an Indicator of a Serious Problem?   Let’s start with the basics. Understanding the check engine light may not be very straight forward and often requires the aid of a qualified automotive technician as well as some specialized equipment. However, to give you a bird’s eye view of the possible issues that may be causing the warning to appear on your dashboard display screen/cluster we must first explain how the onboard diagnosis system works.   This vehicle diagnostic system often referred to as OBD2 is prevalent in vehicles made after the year 1995. Vehicles made prior to that year will

  When it comes to   repairing or maintaining a vehicle , owners often have the option to choose between original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and aftermarket or non-OEM parts. Each option has its own set of positives and negatives. We have consulted with a number of technicians with decades of experience to identify the benefits and drawbacks of using Non – OEM parts. The Truth Behind After-Market Auto Parts  But before we get into the details it is important to make note that not all parts are created equal. The quality of the products they produce relies highly on the following factors:   Advanced manufacturing and equipment Quality manufacturing usually involves using advanced manufacturing techniques such as CNC machining, injection molding, and laser cutting to achieve tight tolerances and consistent quality.   High quality standards To ensure consistent and precision built quality manufacturers must conduct rigorous testing and quality control processes to ensure that thei

  When your vehicle is in need of repair, you'll typically take it to your local mechanic shop or dealership. When you receive the estimate or itemized receipt for the work done on the vehicle, you'll notice a variety of charges, but the majority of the bill will consist of just two components: labor costs, which are typically calculated based on hours worked and the cost of parts. auto part   The per hour labor costs for  mechanical repair  will vary greatly depending on the vehicle, the repair shop as well as the location. Typically, a shop will charge anywhere between $50 to $250 per hour. However, especially shops specializing in exotic vehicles or custom fabrication may exceed the $250 per hour rate. Be sure to ask for the shop rate before agreeing to them working on your vehicle including running diagnostics.   While the hourly labor rate is fairly straight forward the replacement car part costs is not. Car parts may be sold at a different price within different markets.

Before we start bashing on various unfortunate collision repair industry practices, we want to make it clear that we are people in the   automotive   industry and we want to make you aware that not all businesses are made the same. Some reputable shops may go above and beyond not only to do a quality job but also to make sure all components that need to be replaced as part of the collision repair are replaced with high quality parts. However, it is important to understand that not all of the shortcomings of the collision repair industry can be blamed on irreputable operators. There are a multitude of factors that may be at play. These factors that may have a great impact on the   vehicle repair   quality, out of pocket cost as well as the total amount of time it takes to restore the vehicle to its prior pre-collision condition. Essential Considerations for Post-Collision Vehicle Repairs Having had personal experience in the auto body industry I have witnessed some of the industries sho

  As with most things, car ownership in the U.S. has become more expensive. Beyond the car prices there are a multitude of factors contributing to rising car ownership costs. Among these are the often-hefty costs associated with registering and insuring a vehicle. For many Americans, these expenses can pose significant financial strain and require careful budgeting to manage effectively. According to data from the   Insurance Information Institute , the average annual cost of car insurance in the US was $1,202 in 2019, while registration fees vary widely by state but can range from under $50 to several hundred dollars per year. 2 factors you must consider before registering and insuring your next car We have compiled the top three factors contributing to increased registration and insurance costs along with strategies for navigating potential pitfalls caused by uninformed decisions.   Factors that influence Car Insurance rates: Car insurance is not only a legal requirement in most stat