When it comes to top of the line, chauffeured vehicle rentals, nothing comes with a higher reputation than the Maybach. A car company with a history dating back to 1920s and 1930s in Monte Carlo and Manhattan, Maybachs have a history of being the most elegant, sleek, and individualized vehicles on the road.

Not only that, but thanks to technological advances, Maybach vehicles now come standard with more luxurious amenities than ever before. Standard amenities include four-zone climate controls, a voice-activated rear sunroof, rear seat massagers, heated seats, heated cup holders, iPod adapters, cell phone ports, and wireless internet capabilities. For those who prefer a bit more entertainment on the road, the Maybach offers a rear-seat DVD system, along with a premium sound system featuring 24 speakers.

With enough room to relax comfortably and enough features to get business work done on the road, the Maybach has been the vehicle of choice for business executives looking for a more luxurious mode of transportation. In recent years, many music moguls have gotten in on the action as well. Celebrities who have been known to role in Maybachs include Russell Simmons, Jay-Z, Damon Dash, Irv Gotti, Ja Rule, Jacob the Jeweler, and even Donald Trump.

You don’t need to be a billionaire or a CEO to ride like one, however. Due to customer demand, more and more limousine companies are adding Maybachs to their fleet of vehicles, allowing anyone with demanding tastes and a wallet big enough to afford, it the chance to use a Maybach on their special day—be it a wedding, bachelor party, prom, sporting event, special gathering, or even simply an airport pickup.

What to Expect

Upon reserving a Maybach luxury sedan from a limousine company, customers can expect to be asked to put down a sizeable deposit. In addition, since the cost of purchasing a Maybach can be astronomical, many companies lay out extra guidelines and rules for anyone renting.

Unlike traditional limousines, which can usually carry a few passengers beyond the stated capacity, Maybach sedans cannot carry any more than three passengers. With this requirement, however, customers can be confident that there will be enough space for each passenger to relax comfortably without feeling crowded. In fact, because many newer model Maybachs offer reclining seats and foot rests, passengers can actually lie down and spread out for a nice nap if they wish.

For anyone in a hurry, getting around in a Maybach delivers the extra benefit of speed. Thanks to the vehicle’s top notch engine, the Maybach can go from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 5.2 seconds.

Cost Considerations

Customers can expect to pay dearly for all the luxurious amenities that come standard in a rented Maybach. However, these costs pale in comparison to how much a customer would pay to buy a Maybach outright, with base prices for 2009 editions starting in the mid $300,000 range, according to Maybach USA.

Although rental costs can fluctuate greatly depending on the limousine company, geographical location, and year of the vehicle, customers should expect to pay at least $500 an hour, with wedding packages averaging approximately $600 an hour.

Alternative Options

Not everyone can afford a Maybach, and some people need more space for passengers than the vehicle allows. Luckily, the National Limousine Association offers a number of alternative options for limousine aficionados who may want a vehicle more luxurious than a standard stretch or town car.

For anyone with a large party—such as those going to weddings or proms—a number of vehicles exist that can handle up to 25 passengers.  Some of these mega-vehicles include stretch Hummers, Cadillac Escalades, and Range Rovers, which can typically be rented for $75 to $200 an hour, depending on the area of the country where you live, according to EZ Limo Rentals, a national limousine company directory that allows members to get price quotes and make reservations across the country.

For customers looking for a simple—yet elegant—vehicle for business purposes that will send the same high-class message to clients without as steep of a price tag, additional options exist. Depending on the availability in your local area, it may be possible to rent vehicles such as the Bentley Flying Spur, Cadillac Escalade, Mercedes Benz S550, or even a Rolls Royce Phantom on an hourly basis. Although these vehicles fit fewer passengers than stretch limousines, they usually offer many more business-class amenities, such as iPod porting stations, cell phone chargers, and wireless Internet connections.

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If your boatload is bigger and higher, your perfect Derby weekend will remain happily focused on fish if you engage the services of a professional and fully insured boat transporter, with drivers, loaders, and equipment dedicated to the art of moving boats domestically.

But, say, you’re sitting at a café under the 600-year-old chapel belfry in the ancient waterfront piazza of Palma de Mallorca, contemplating how to move your 163’ Perini Ketch sailing yacht to Phucket, Thailand – without the angst of hiring an entirely new crew or missing work back in New York City – then, you’re definitely going to need a top-tier international boat transportation company.

What Is It?

Good domestic boat transporters who move boats by ground carriers are fastidious in how they pack your skiff, schooner, or powerboat. They remove all the vessel’s equipment – such as electronics, radar, hailers, horns, antennas, and propellers – and pack them securely and separately. These transportation specialists make sure all windshields and cabin windows are fastened, and hatches sealed. If it’s a small sailboat, the mast is tied down after all rigging, winches, and lights have first been removed. Boats are often shrink-wrapped with heavy-duty plastic coverings – almost like storing a giant-sized slab of prime sirloin – so nothing flies off in transit.

When it comes to international boat transporters, the preeminent firms utilize mega- and semi-submersible vessels capable of carrying as many as 18 yachts at a time. If you happen to be hanging out near the harbor in Genoa, Honolulu, or Yokohama, you’ll easily spot one of these floating tractor-trailers miles away. Their beauty is you don’t need stupendous cranes to mount your 163-foot Perini Ketch to the deck of the vessel – you just sail right up and float aboard the ship’s submerged stern. Later, when all the other yachts have been safely herded aboard, and temporarily positioned, the huge container ship rises back up out of the water with its cargo high and dry.

These mega container vessels are not ordinary boats. The most famous, like The Yacht Express, are built in China. Their engine rooms alone take up five decks, and computerized ballasts handle the almost 35,000 tons of sea water allowing the 12-deck vessel to pull off its incredible flooding act.

Who Needs It?

Yachtsman, sailors, and people who love going fishing.

Benefits

The best-known yacht transporters who use these mega container ships build custom cradles for the yachts they carry, and secure them to the deck in advance of their boarding. Draftsmen design the supports based on your boat’s make, model, weight, and any other unique structural characteristics. Then, when it’s time to board, divers gingerly move your yacht across the submerged aft deck, ensuring a sailboat’s keel doesn’t strike anything. Then, one by one, each vessel is carefully fitted into its cradle.
All reputable yacht transporters carry full insurance on every boat. (There’s usually a $1,000 deductible.) Transportation fees often depend on the time of year. In general, yachts are charged by the amount of square footage they occupy. Rates are lower during off-season, which means, for instance, it’s more cost effective to cross from the East Coast of the U.S. to the Mediterranean in the winter months. (Spring is the high season.) In the fall, since most yachts want to escape the chilly Mediterranean weather for the warmer climes of the Caribbean, prices shoot skyward. Still, you can count on saving about $12,000 when you don’t sail your yacht across with your own crew.

What’s more, the ocean transit allows yacht owners to have some “bottom work” done, (that is, sanding and repainting below the waterline), which later translates into less time in the boat yard and more time sailing breezily around the French Antilles to the rhythms of Burning Spear.

Risks

Although your yacht is fully insured during transit, again, consult the “force majeure” clause of your insurance agreement. (I.e., avoid hurricane season.)

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What Is It?

A party bus is often a converted van or mini-bus. It has been redesigned into a luxurious party-style atmosphere. The amenities may include upgraded electrical and sound systems, giving the bus the feel of an actual club. There will probably be remote-control operated windows and mirrors, and there may be a partition between the driver and riders. There are often laser lights or disco lights on the bus, allowing the party to continue as you move from location to location. Many party buses offer onboard restrooms, a great feature for groups that plan to be drinking and eating throughout the evening. A number of buses also come equipped with accommodations for those with disabilities. If a you or a friend uses a wheelchair for mobility, the bus will be able to lift both chair and passenger safely aboard the bus.

Who Needs It?

A party bus is a great idea for a large group of people that are planning a big night on the town. The bus will make it safe for everyone to move from location to location and still be able to enjoy alcoholic beverages. Parties lasting until the late hours of the evening or early hours of the morning often involve people that are exhausted from their fun. A party bus provides them with a way in which to get home safe and sound without worrying about the help of a friend or the inconvenience of a cab.

Events like bachelor and bachellorette parties are a great reason to rent a party bus. No one wants to be stuck with the task of driving the party without enjoying themselves. By planning ahead, partiers can move from restaurant, to club, to bar without fear of drunk driving. The buses are also a great idea for those headed off to a concert. After a night of drinking and dancing, few people have the desire to fight traffic on their way home. Another reason to rent a party bus is so that the party does not end just because the bar has closed. Because the buses are equipped with many of the same features as a club, the party can continue on board for however long you have the bus reserved.

Benefits

The obvious, and most important benefit of renting a party bus is safety. In addition to ensuring the safe transportation of those consuming alcohol, there are a number of other great reasons for renting the bus. For starters, it is convenient. Anyone that has waited for a cab at bar closing knows it is the least enjoyable part of the evening. If you are traveling with a large group, it can also be tough to find cabs for everyone. Not to mention the cost of paying for several cabs to transport everyone back to their home or hotel!

Another benefit of choosing a party bus is the fun that can be had to and from the event. If everyone gets together beforehand and loads onto the bus, the fun can begin right away. By the time you reach the concert or club, everyone will already be having a great time. Traveling together is a great way to loosen everyone up on the way to the event. At the end of the night, the party will not end until everyone decides they have had enough.

Risks

Many risks of renting a party bus can be eliminated with careful planning. Shop around for the bus that will best suit your needs. Price is important, but you should not sacrifice safety and quality for a good financial deal. Ask a lot of questions of the potential rental companies. It is important that they be fully licensed and certified within the state they are operating. The rental company should ask for the number of passengers that will be on the bus and the distance you will be traveling. If they do not require this information, choose a different company. It is vital that they use this information to plan your experience. So if they do not know it, you can probably count on poor service.

When booking a company, ask the rental agent if your cost will be based on distance traveled or time. Before finalizing the arrangement, ask for a quote in writing and be sure to clarify what the quote includes. Also ask if the vehicle has public transportation plates. Be sure to sign a contract once the rental agreement is finalized. This is as much for your protection as it is for theirs. It clarifies who is responsible for any damages or mishaps. Read this agreement and be sure you understand what your rental entails.

Renting a party bus is a great idea for safety and convenience. With some careful planning, you can be the star of the party and allow everyone to relax and enjoy their night on the town without the worries of finding transportation. Consider a party bus rental for your next big event.

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Say, you’re a 19-year-old surfer dude, zooming along the snaky Pacific Coast Highway in dad’s BMW. You’re suddenly overtaken by a stone beach bunny in a topless Mustang, and you shout out your favorite pick-up line – “Hi!” When she smiles back, you’re so smitten, you plow straight through the roadside fence, across the golden Malibu sand, and slam into a stainless steel picnic table anchored in cement.

Or, you’re a wildlife photographer, driving through the wilds of northern Maine. You’re arguing with your boyfriend whether to set up a blind deep in the forest to photograph a Moose, or wander through the bush lugging a bunch of heavy telephoto lenses, when a 980-pound beast with the monster antlers is standing in the middle of the road.

And anyone pulling out of a driveway, hearing a weather forecast calling for snow, knows down at the neighborhood auto-body repair shop, everybody’s grinning sheepishly. Driving through snow might not make you happy – nor for that matter, does driving through rain, sleet, or any other kind of inclement weather. But that’s when business triples at the auto-body shop. Your misery is their gain.

What Is It?

Among the services provided by top-tier auto body repair shops are the restoration of an automobile’s panels, fenders, frame, or drive shafts – whether your car’s been damaged only cosmetically, or, more likely, collided with some heavy-duty inanimate object. Sometimes all that’s involved is a smooth coat of body filler, a Dixie cup of paint, and a good eye. Auto body shops are also masters of dents-’n-dings and nip-’n-tucks. Then, of course, there’s the occasional encounter with a stonewall, Bull Moose, or Mac truck.

Who Needs It?

If you read Dennis Parks’ The Complete Guide to Auto Body Repair, have an awesomely outfitted garage, and a killer set of tools, you can do your own bodywork. You’ll feel sublime and save a fortune. But for most people who’ve just trashed their cherry set of wheels, an excellent alchemist of auto painting and collision repair is the way to go. Remember, too, auto body shops are not populated by mechanics. For concomitant problems relating to engine repair, brakes, radiators, oil leaks, exhaust problems, etc. – consult a talented auto mechanic.

Benefits

Getting your car back to looking and performing as spectacularly as it did before requiring a17′ Galaxy ultra liner frame machine.

Friendly and informed auto body services guide you through the entire repair process. The Man with the Golden Wrench will make sure all repairs follow vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. They make it clear to you what is being repaired, what is being replaced, and what type parts are being used. (For instance, you’ll want “OEM” parts – made by the car’s original manufacturer.) Stay away from auto body shops recommending after-market substitutes, and using terms like “righty, tighty,” or “lefty loosey.”

The best auto body shops guarantee their work. You want your beat-up and broken-down hunk of junk the tow truck hauled in to again look and perform at its prime. And you want things to stay that way.

Risks

Get estimates. For the exact same job, auto body repair prices fluctuate wildly. Also, select a shop with communicative, technologically savvy people, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, (Sunlight downdraft spray booths, Curtis rotary screw compressors, and resistance spot welders), and feels like a doctor’s office. Finally, you want a shop manager who plays the consummate diplomat in dealing with insurance companies often contesting prices.

Your insurance company may refer you to a shop that’s formed a strategic alliance with them. (This is commonly known as a Direct Repair Programs or DRP.) The shop meets the insurance company’s criteria and the shop agrees to do business in that manner. The insurance company’s ostensible purpose is to streamline the claims settlement process, and they work closely with a select repair facility to accomplish that. Whether this alliance serves your own best automotive interests is for you to decide.

There’s also the question of franchise. That is, many car manufacturers imply that only certain franchised dealers can repair your car. The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has recently protested, correctly claiming every auto manufacturer makes the same service and repair information available to independent repair shops as it does to dealers. Moreover, the National Automotive Task Force (NASTF) helps all independent auto body shops to identify and rectify all repair-related problems. The Man with the Golden Wrench may well be found in an independent auto-body shop.

Finally, some cars that have suffered significant crash damage just aren’t worth repairing. Especially, ones with “uni-body” construction where you have to stretch and bend the uni-body back into shape.  Chances are, the vehicle’s structure is not as solid as it was before it was bent and straightened. And who knows how well it’ll hold up if it gets hit again? If you want to play it safe, buy yourself a new car.

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Odor removal services will usually make generalized claims that they can eliminate any odor, though many specialize in eliminating pet odors, particularly dog and cat urine.

Each home has its own smell. And unless you live with Martha Stewart, chances are that smell is not of the Burberry and lilac variety.  If your house begins to smell like a wet dog or a smoking lounge, have no fear. Odor removal services will rid you of your stinky ways for good.  So quit buying all those scented candles at the mall (you know, unless it’s your girlfriend’s birthday or something) and locate your nearest odor removal service pronto.

What is it?

Odor removal is a service that aims to rid clients of any unwanted smell within their home, business, or in some cases, automobile.  Of course, methods and specialties vary from company to company. But generally speaking, most odor removal services will aim their efforts at the carpet, which can easily soak in rotten smells.  A fairly common way for these services to treat an affected area is to saturate specific areas with their preferred deodorizer and then let it set for an hour or until it seeps into the carpet padding.  In extreme cases, the carpet may have to be pulled up so that the backing, padding, subfloor, and the actual carpet can be cleaned and treated.

Odor removal services will usually make generalized claims that they can eliminate any odor, though many specialize in eliminating pet odors, particularly dog and cat urine.  Other common odors that are treated are smoke, food, smells from cooking (such as grease, curry), dead animals (like dead mice within the walls), and septic backup.

One of the more popularized odor removal forms is known as oxidation, in which specialized devices and equipment will release enriched oxygen atoms to the odor substance which will undergo a chemical change that ultimately produces a scentless by-product in the odor substance’s place.  See, turns out chemistry class was relevant after all. Services that specialize in oxidation (Arizona Odor Free Ozone, Enviro Sharp) will usually require that the process be performed in a vacant room so as to not risk any potential harm to pets and humans.

Who needs it?

If there has recently been a fire in your home or if your basement is prone to flood, odor removal services may be the only true way to rid you of the stench.  On top of that, odor removal services will also usually rid you of airborne and surface contaminants (viruses, bacteria, mold spores) as well as allergens (dust-mites, pet dander, pollen).  So if you have bad allergies, or constantly feel under the weather, odor removal services can help.  Either that, or wait long enough until you get a sinus infection, as your stuffy nose will eliminate your sense of smell altogether.

Benefits

The most beneficial form of odor removal appears to be oxidation, as the results tend to be permanent (that is, until your dog pees on the rug again).  This can not be said of older, more traditional forms of odor removal that rely on masking the odor with another fragrance or by using chemicals, such as chlorine or hydrogen peroxide, that bleach anything they come in contact with.  In fact, one of the biggest pulls for oxidation is that it’s free of chemicals and environmentally friendly.

Furthermore, oxidation will not bleach or do harm to mostly all carpets, upholstery, or other fabrics.  Lastly, the process is relatively quick, and depending on the size of the area being treated, will last somewhere 3 to 12 hours (one hour for automobiles).

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If storage is an issue in your home, then a shed is certainly a wise investment.

Storage space is a precious commodity in any home. When searching for a new house, most buyers are willing to pass on that newer roof in favor of a few extra walk-in closets.

These days, many homeowners are taking the “lack of storage” issue into their own hands by installing outdoor sheds in their backyards.

What is a shed?

A shed is a basic, single-story structure that is often used for storage and work space. A shed is typically located in a home’s backyard or side yard. Sheds are available in various sizes and can be made from materials of varying quality. Less expensive sheds are often made out of plastic, while higher quality sheds are usually made of metal or wood. Simpler sheds will usually come equipped with light shelving and open space, while the more customized, complex sheds might include multiple storage compartments, a workbench area, and windows.

Some stores carry “do it yourself” kits that allow you to assemble your own shed. Sheds are also available in prefabricated form at your local home improvement center. However, for a higher-quality shed and a safer installation, you should enlist the help of a contractor.

A contractor who specializes in the building and installation of sheds will make sure that the design in question fully addresses your storage needs. Although some sheds are custom built onto the property, many sheds are prefabricated or designed prior to their installation. Once you have worked together to determine what type of shed you require, the contractor will deliver your shed and prepare your yard for installation. This includes clearing debris from the desired shed area and, where necessary, leveling out the land to ensure that the shed is upheld in an even and stable way. Your contractor will also examine the shed once the installation is complete to ensure that it is standing and opening properly. A good contractor will also clean up any leftover debris.

Many cities and towns require that you obtain a proper permit before having a shed installed. Your contractor should be able to advise you what paperwork is necessary prior to beginning the project.

Your climate can influence the material used for the shed. Your contractor will evaluate the conditions of your particular area or region to construct a shed that will hold up to the climate-based challenges at hand.

Who needs a shed?

Anyone who owns a fair amount of tools and gardening supplies should consider having a shed installed. A shed can provide easy, reliable storage for larger, bulkier items, thereby freeing up much-needed space throughout the rest of the house. Those with space-snatching sports equipment (such as bikes, weight benches, and kayaks) can also benefit from having a shed.

Some people like to have an area of the home that is considered “their own.” For many – usually men – the shed can serve as a place to escape for a couple of hours. Some men use the shed as a work area so that the noise involved in the project at hand does not disturb the rest of the people in the house. Anyone who tends to get involved in hands-on home projects should consider having a shed installed so that it can be used as a dedicated work space.

Benefits of having a shed

A shed can result in a less-cluttered home, as items that would otherwise get stored in the basement or garage can be tucked away in an outdoor shed. A shed can also serve as an escape from the chaos inside a home.

Downside of having a shed

Some people feel that having a shed in the backyard is unsightly, and that sheds can detract from whatever surrounding landscaping is already in place. Depending on the size of the shed relative to the size of one’s yard, the shed can also take up a considerable chunk of the yard, thereby eliminating the available space for outdoor living and recreation. Some sheds also have the potential to rust over time, though your contractor should take the necessary steps to ensure that this does not happen.

The bottom line

If storage space is an issue in your home, then a shed is certainly a wise investment. While you do have the option of constructing and installing a shed on your own, a contractor can work with you to design and properly install a shed that perfectly suits your needs. When it comes to your home, quality counts. So if you’re going to add a shed, then you might as well do it right.

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Have you ever had to call a locksmith to let you into your home? You are not alone. Robert Campbell, owner of Advantage Locksmith in New York City, says the majority of his clients are people locked out of their homes. The most common job is changing a cylinder, or changing a lock to another key. When people have lost their keys and are locked out of their homes, he often has to open the door and change the cylinder and give them new keys. A person getting locked out of his car is another popular job. People get preoccupied while driving: They’re looking for a spot, looking for change for the meter and they realize they have locked themselves out of their cars.

Safety Precautions:

Campbell says he also often changes the locks as a safety measure. Any time someone moves into an apartment or buys a home, he should change the locks. Regardless of how safe you feel or what the realtor told you, if you are moving into a new home, you could be asking for trouble if you keep the old locks.

If someone suspects that his keys are lost or stolen or copied, we change the cylinder. People in residential buildings feel they have a super who has the keys and something strange has happened, we change the cylinder. Similarly, when roommates split up, he changes the cylinder.

Business Security:

If someone is terminated from a business and had keys, you should change the locks. It’s possible the person made copies of the keys. Don’t assume, “He was a good guy. He will never be back,” because then you are just asking for trouble. I’ve heard people say, “I let this guy go a month ago, I never thought he would come back and he showed up this morning and two computers are gone.”

At a business where someone was fired, Campbell says he changes the front, the back, and the side door locks and provides them with new padlocks for the roll-down gate. He will even change the combination for the safe.

Campbell says that you can never be too careful when it comes to other people’s safety and security.

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The term “high security locks” can apply to many types of locks, ranging from digital keys, fingerprint scanners or magnetic locks with auditing auditing systems. Unless you are a Saudi oil sheik or the President’s daughter, your home probably won’t need such advanced systems, says Robert Campbell, a locksmith who owns Advantage Locksmith in New York City.

Most high security locks for residential homes are usually those that sport more advanced double-sided keys such as those made by Mul-T-Lock or Medeco. The lower ends of these locks, which is probably all you will need for your home, use a telescopic pin tumbler mechanism with internal and external pins. They also have steel inserts which prevent drilling and picking. The most useful feature of these locks, however, is that their keys are “restricted” and cannot be easily copied.

Thirty percent of all burglaries are unlawful entry without force, meaning the thief had a key. Chances are, your keys can be duplicated anywhere keys are made, such as hardware stores and discount stores, and it only takes a few minutes.

Remember is that it is all relative. If you live in an apartment building and everyone on your floor has high security locks but you don’t because you decided it was not worth it to spend that money, then you will more likely be the victim of an attempted break in  That’s because it is easier for a burglar to gain access to your apartment [than the others]. The other consideration is that a lot of high security locks nowadays come with restricted keys, meaning nobody can copy the key but you. That is a benefit which many people want to take advantage of even if they do not think a break in is imminent. Restricted keys add a extra sense of security.

If you don’t want somebody who is unethical to make a copy of your key, restricted keys nip that option in the bud. If you are at work and you put your keys down, you don’t need to worry. If you have people who you lend your keys to like your maid, temporary roommate, or friend staying at your place for a week, you will feel comfortable knowing these people cannot make a copy of the key because it is restricted. So it is often not just that these locks are high security, meaning they are virtually unpickable. But they also provide restricted keys, giving people the added security of knowing they are the only ones who can copy their key.

Tags: advanced locking systems, advanced locks, crazy locks, ethical locksmiths, high security locks, licensed locksmith, locks, locksmithing, low voltage locks

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Robert Campbell, a locksmith who owns Advantage Locksmith in New York City, talks about car lockouts.

Yodle’s Q: If you do an auto lockout job, can you start cars once you have gained access?

Robert’s A: While there is usually a way to disassemble the steering column and hotwire the cars to start them, that is not recommended because it can be dangerous for the customer who is driving the car while it’s hotwired. In theory, however, you can hotwire many cars so they are manually put into the “on” position and the owner can drive it.

Yodle’s Q: Do you ever hotwire cars for clients?

Robert’s A: No. Though we have done it a few times in the past, nowadays that is not something we would ever do again. Today, the design mechanics are far more complicated than they have ever been. There are ways to get people’s cars started by knowing a few tricks such as reversing polarity and stuff like that. But we generally try to stay away from that type of thing. It would have to be extremely extenuating circumstances for us to consider hotwiring. But we have the skills to do so most of the time.

Nowadays however, with OnStar and other navigation systems, a lot of people will have roadside contracts and they can simply call their insurance provider, roadside assistance company or even the dealership and have them send out a signal to open the car wherever they are via satellite.

It is pretty amazing technology. Let’s say you left your keys in car in the middle of nowhere. There are no locksmiths for miles around. If you have the OnStar Navigation System, you can call the service provider, whether its AAA or your Audi dealer, and ask for assistance to access your car and they will send satellite signal to your vehicle that will open the locked door. It is all satellite controlled and extremely quick. You may have seen those commercials where they have a navigation system for Toyota: You see the aftermath of car accident, the hood of car is open, smoke pouring out and then you hear the voiceover saying,  “Hi this is Joe from Toyota. I believe you have been in accident. Are you OK? Shall we send out an ambulance?”

So a lot of vehicles now have onboard systems that provide direct communication between the driver and the ownership and dealers. These systems, if in place, can almost guarantee you will never be locked out of your car again.

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After a number of years, once-attractive and plush leather upholstery can fade, crack, or show years of ink, dye, and food or coffee stains.

What is auto upholstery?

The seats in your car and the panels on your doors are made of many components. Padding, springs, webbing, fabric, and leather are all put together to form the comfortable seats and panels that help define a car’s luxuries. Think of higher-end automobiles, like BMW, Audi, Lexus, and Mercedes. Ads featuring these cars often stress their luxurious interiors — the plush leather or cloth seats, the thick leather padding on the door panels’ interiors.

How does auto upholstery cleaning work?

First, the auto upholstery cleaners will deep clean the seats and padding with a gentle cleaning solution or industrial fabric detergents, depending on your upholstery. This wash is tailored to your car because each make and model have different leathers, vinyls, and cloths.

Then, the cleaner works to restore the suppleness to your seats, and eliminate the dryness that may have contributed to cracking. This process prevents conditions that lead to splitting leather and to the rapid aging of upholstery. These cleaners and detergents should contain no animal fats because that could damage the delicate leather upholstery.

Steam cleaning may be used to wipe out longstanding and deeply embedded ink and dye stains on carpets, cloth, and velour seats.

Then the auto upholstery cleaners may deodorize the entire interior of the car through a defogging process. Dander from pets, smoke, and mildew contribute, over time, to a serious problem — an unpleasantly odorous air quality. Defogging destroys odor-causing bacteria and helps restore your car’s interior so that it smells nearly factory-clean.

One way to determine the costs of this service is to consider it in the whole of an interior detailing. Where auto upholstery cleaning is involved in an interior detailing job, the prices run about $120 for a regularly sized vehicle; $140 for a large vehicle; and $150 for an extra-large vehicle (keep in mind that these prices also include the rest of the detailing, like vacuuming and general interior cleaning).

Also, ask the auto upholstery cleaning provider if they’ll travel to your home or office as some upholstery cleaners offer this convenience.

Who should hire upholstery cleaners for their car?

Over time, wear and tear can cause cuts in upholstery and door panels. Many upholstery cleaning services also offer to repair these aberrations.

Additionally, and perhaps more commonly, car upholstery can begin to crack and fade, making your interior unsightly and uninviting. Auto upholstery cleaners specialize in restoring the moisture levels to your leather upholstery, and can restore the look of your seats so that the color is not faded.

Stains on leather are unsightly. But stains on plastic (like vinyl) and cloth upholstery are just as unsightly. These services can wipe out those stains so that your car’s interior has a consistently clean and even brand-new look.

When upholstery looks worn, cracked, faded, and has stains, the resale value of your automobile falls precipitously. Auto upholstery cleaning can maintain your car’s value. And besides, just because you have worn or stained upholstery doesn’t mean you have to re-upholster the entire interior, which can be extremely expensive. You can save time and money restoring your current upholstery, and simultaneously retain your vehicle’s resale value.

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