Highlighted Websites:
Auto Repair
Nobody likes being at the mercy of machines, yet that's exactly the position most of us find ourselves in when the car starts acting funny. This is usually accompanied by the feeling of impending doom associated with a trip to the mechanic. The "service" rendered is often associated with a rattling noise that transmogrifies into a $400 repair bill and a page of encoded hieroglyphics and mechanical jargon as impenetrable to the layman as Multivariate Calculus. Here are just a few of the web sites available to help cut through the confusion and ease the anxiety of auto repair.
ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence)
www.asecert.org link removed
This non-profit organization promotes the certification of auto technicians to help raise the standards of service and repair. Under the heading of "Tips for Motorists" can be found a variety of car care and consumer education information.
Cyberwrench
www.cyberwrench.com link removed
Even if you're not mechanically savvy, this site provides an audio diagnostic so you can use the noises the car is making to determine the problem. For example, the squealing of a worn fan belt and the grinding of a bad starter are clearly represented. There are also pull down menus geared towards diagnosing car problems and providing approximate prices for repairs including parts and labor.
Family Car (The Dream and the Reality)
www.familycar.com link removed
The good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of owning a car are explored. Other topics represented are finding the car that best suits your needs, becoming a safer driver, and finding a repair shop. Under "Car Care" is a listing of the time intervals for everything from oil changes to tire rotation to keep the reader aware of the regular maintenance that may prevent or prolong a costly repair.
Woman Motorist
www.womanmotorist.com link removed
Don't dwell on the name; this site is for everyone. "Maintenance," "Safety," and "Q&A," are just a few of the available headings. Informative articles help the reader to become empowered with clear explanations of automotive function and repair. The "Glossary" helps when unsure of the terminology. For instance, what is the difference between shocks and struts anyway? Not sure. This site will answer the question and spit back change.
-- David Wolff
dwolff@lsuhsc.edu link removed