Stuffing more horses into your engine used to take countless hours, cost a ridiculous wad of cash in parts, and usually resulted in the busting of several knuckles.

If you’ve seen the TV shows geared at getting every droplet of power out of a classic vehicle, you know they spend the entire show with a load of time-lapsed video of them tearing the engine apart to put in extremely technical and wildly expensive parts. When it’s all done, they crank up the dyno and get giddy over the 3 horsepower gain realized after roughly 4 hours of work.

That’s not exactly how most would want to spend their weekend, and all for a measly 3hp.

Of course, there’s quite a bit to be said for those computer-free classics that you can have full control over. However, when it comes to getting more power in no time and without having to tear up your hands or throwing piles of cash on hard-to-find parts, a computer-controlled vehicle has a distinct advantage.

The good news is, you’re probably driving a computer-controlled vehicle, like most sold over the last quarter century. This makes tuning much easier, because a set of programs determines how your engine performs. Simply replace your engine’s stock programming with some that’s geared toward performance and you’ll discover power gains almost instantly.

Just how can you get these power gains in minutes? The answer is easy – with a power programmer or performance chip, like those made by Hypertech or DiabloSport. These power programmers are designed to hold performance programs created and tested by the pros. It’s so straightforward a caveman could do it. Just plug it into the OBD-II port beneath your steering column, enter a few simple yes or no commands to adjust how you want the engine to perform, upload the new programming, and you’re ready to rock with 25 or more horsepower. For most folks, this will take a maximum of 10 minutes to complete.

There are a few drivers out there who want the extra power, but are apprehensive of using this sort of tuning method. Their concern is that how can so much power be gain so fast, when the guys on tube spend hours and only add a few horsepower. But the skeptics can rest easy. Modern automakers simply down-tune their cars for the general population.

Engines are setup to work the same for performance enthusiasts as they do for octogenarians who believe going over 40 mph is breakneck speed. You don’t fall into the later, nor are you a soccer mom unconcerned about performance, you demand it. Performance programmers aren’t average settings and that makes them a perfect match for you.

And, you don’t have to worry about warranties. The companies that make programmers take safety into account with their settings and further they often give you ways to return to stock settings for service visits at the dealership. What’s more, as with all performance mods, you’ll be protected by federal law – the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. It basically states that your vehicle’s warranty cannot be voided by performance parts unless they can be proven as the source of the breakdown. So, there’s no good reason to wait if you’re look to easily tap into the true potential sitting under your hood.

[from the team at ]

If you’re insured and have received a check after being in an accident, then you know the hassle of finding a reliable mechanic. If you don’t have a trusted body shop, you can be left wondering if the repairs were done right the first time.

Recently, GMAC Insurance launched SmartInspect, a post-repairs inspection service designed to promote consumer confidence by ensuring the quality and value of repairs after an accident.

Nearly six million people report auto accidents each year, and traditionally, drivers are faced with managing the repairs process on their own. However, industry data suggest that some are not fully satisfied with the resulting repairs. The GMAC Insurance SmartInspect service addresses this concern, working with customers throughout the entire repairs process to ensure complete satisfaction.

“Many insurers remove themselves from the claims process once the check has been issued for repairs, leaving drivers on their own to procure quality service,” said George Hall, vice president of claims at GMAC Insurance Personal Lines. “With SmartInspect, we follow through on our guarantee of proper repairs, because we really care about any customer concerns -; we’re not just in the business of processing a check.”

After an accident, customers can choose a repair shop within GMAC Insurance’s premier direct repair network (if available in their area) to ensure the highest-quality repairs with a lifetime guarantee. However, they can specify the body shop of their choice. Once repairs are complete, the SmartInspect service offers customers the opportunity for a qualified GMAC Insurance representative to re-inspect their vehicle. If representatives identify situations where repairs were not completed as estimated on the front end, they will address the situation with the repair facility on behalf of the customer and resolve it accordingly.

While spring is here, it’s time to put the snow boots away and fill up the propane or charcoal, because summer is around the corner. It’s also time to get your car serviced because of the temperate climate.

When it comes to auto care, spring is the best of all seasons. Maintenance and service now will undo winter’s wear and tear and prepare your vehicle for warm-weather driving ahead. The experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offer the following advice:

Read the owner’s manual, and follow the recommended service schedules.

If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, look for an orderly repair shop with modern equipment in the service bays and qualified automotive technicians as evidenced by trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course and ASE certifications.

If you are having engine performance problems such as hard starts, rough idling or stalling, correct them now, before demanding stop-and-go vacation traffic.

For comfort in hot weather, now’s the time to have a marginally working air conditioning system serviced.

Flush and refill the cooling system according to the service manual’s recommendations. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (Make sure the engine has cooled down before removing the radiator cap.)

A qualified auto technician should check the tightness and condition of belts, clamps, and hoses, but you can look for signs of wear, cracking, or fraying.

Replace other filters (e.g., air, fuel and PCV) as recommended in the service manual.

Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Let the tires “cool down” before checking their pressure. Uneven wear, “cupping,” vibrations or “pulling” to one side indicate problems with your tires or suspension system.

Change the oil and oil filter as specified in owner’s manual. Often neglected, this simple service is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your vehicle.

Let’s face it, some folks derive immense pleasure from getting down on their knees and scrubbing away at their wheels with a toothbrush. What’s more, there are people who actually get into changing their own oil, swapping out air filters and even think it’s cool to add fluids to those enigmatic holes positioned all over their engines. And then, there are others who don’t give a rodent’s posterior about car care and can’t even manage to spray a hose on their vehicle once a month.

If you’re part of the former crowd, stop reading, this article isn’t for you. Go on and get back to your pristine machine and have at it with your dental instruments and filter wrenches. However, if you’re in the later group of grimy, clunking vehicle owners, this article is written to scare you clean and tune you up.

To get your motivation running, let’s hit you where you’ll feel it the most. No, not there – get your head out of the gutter. We’re talking about your wallet.

Do you realize that your lack of car care is going to cost cash money? Those Blue Book values that you drool over at trade – in or selling time are based on vehicles that have not been neglected. Not giving your car a bath on a regular basis is neglect. Not changing your oil according to a schedule is neglect. And, “neglect” translates to less money when it time to move on to a new ride.

The good news is, with a few minor tweaks to your regular car care routine, you can whip your vehicle into re-sale shape in no time. Warning: the following outline of suggestions isn’t the best practice, it’s what works for those of us that just can’t seem to find any sort of satisfaction in vehicle maintenance.

First, we’ll start with a little cleaning. Take your vehicle to a car wash. Touchless is best, but considering how you’ve maintained your vehicle in the past, even the scratchy gas station washes will do. You just want to get the bulk of the filth off.

Then, find yourself one of those parking lot detailers. For $10-$40, you get your vehicle looking pretty sharp. Plus, if there is a real problem with your exterior, such as paint oxidation, swirling, or fading, the detailer may have a solution like clay bars, rubbing compounds and even touch-up paint. Keep in mind, those extra services will cost a bit more. And, don’t skip the interior, your friends and family will thank you. By the time the work is done, you’ll be amazed at what your car is capable of looking like.

So far, you haven’t lifted a finger, other than pressing the car wash button and pulling a few bucks out of your wallet.

Next, the big step in the car care conundrum – going under the hood. Of course, you’re not going there, and here’s why – it’s cheaper and easier to pay the guy at the quick change oil place to do your dirty work. If you find a reputable place, they’ll get you fixed up in a jiffy (no pun intended). They can perform many services at a reasonable cost. And, you can bet they’ve seen some pretty ugly stuff, so you don’t have to be embarrassed when they point out that your battery terminals have corroded into nothing more than flaky, white gunk. They’ll probably swap out your air filter, which, depending on how long it’s been, will improve your gas mileage. They may start with the “flush your cooling system” or “change the transmission fluid” routine and, honestly, you may need it. But be careful, because if they recognize you as a sucker, they’ll keep working it until you walk out with a $300 bill, spoken from experience.

Now, thanks to a little car care your vehicle is looking and running better than ever. Your father-in-law isn’t scowling at you like you’re some sort of dirt bag any more. You’re no longer embarrassed about offering rides to co-workers. Heck, you can even take a date in your vehicle. Do you like that? Would you like to keep it that way? It’s really quite simple, just follow the steps mentioned earlier – wash it and get the oil changed every-once-in-a-while.

Once car care becomes a regular practice and then a habit, it’s not so bad. You might even start venturing out by adding custom aftermarket accessories such as an air intake, seat covers or even an exhaust system. Whatever the outcome, just remember that a little car care goes a long way.

[from the team at ]

With so many people hitting the byways and highways this summer for vacation, work, barbeques and family outings, vehicular travel is sure to rise. So, why spend more than you have to on gasoline?

The following tips, from the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), will help save more of your money for fun times at the beach or mountains as you head out on your summer vacation.

Before setting out

Check your tires. Under-inflated tires or poorly aligned wheels waste fuel by forcing the engine to work harder. Out-of-line wheels, as evidenced by uneven tread wear, should be aligned by a professional.

Follow the service schedules listed in your owner’s manual. Replace filters and fluids as recommended, and have engine performance problems (e.g., rough idling, poor acceleration) corrected at a repair facility. Given today’s high-tech engines, it’s wise to have this type of work done by auto technicians who are ASE certified in engine performance.

On your trip

Break the speeding habit. Speeding to your destination can decrease your miles per gallon by 15 percent or more.

Sudden accelerations guzzle gas, too. Anticipate traffic patterns ahead, and adjust your speed gradually. Use cruise control where feasible.

Use windows and air conditioning wisely. Your mileage should improve if you keep the windows closed at highway speeds, since air drag is reduced. This is true even with the air conditioning on -; assuming that the system is in good working order. But try to avoid using your air conditioner in heavy, stop-and-go traffic.

When you get back

Make sure you remove all vacation items and clutter right away to reduce the weight your vehicle’s engine must push.

And take off that rooftop cargo carrier. Like closed windows, this will reduce air drag and increase your mileage.