If you haven’t heard by now, about 1/3 of the United States has deregulated it’s energy policy. Most simply stated, this means local utility companies can now charge what they want for electricity and/or natural gas. This is both bad news as well as good new for customers. Rates will increase, but it also means that customers will now have a choice where they get their energy supply from.So what does that mean for you if you want to become an energy broker? It means that there are potentially millions of customers out there just waiting for you to contact them. They would love to be shown how to save money on their energy bill and you could be the hero who saves the day! But everything in life isn’t peaches and cream. In order to become an energy broker and profit in this deregulated market you must have the right components in place. You must join a company that gives you the best chances of earning what you want. Here’s a list of what you will need:1. Sound Company Management And ExperienceThe worst mistake you can make is to join one of these new energy companies and have to worry about poor management and lack of experience. Experience is everything and you need to ensure that the company founders and upper management have successful and profitable experience in the energy industry. I can guarantee you that over the next five years dozens of new energy companies will pop up, offering broker positions, but die off just as quickly as they were started, simply because they lacked experience.2. Tools And TrainingAs an energy broker you need the right tools and training to acquire customers and increase awareness. Some of the required tools include plenty of promotional and sales aids to help spread the word about your company and what you offer. You also need to have effective training in place for new brokers. The majority of people who become an energy broker, including you, have zero prior experience in this industry. You need to be trained quickly, have resources in place and be knowledge in the marketplace. Only then will you have the confidence to know what you are doing and have the right answers when you are questioned by potential customers and prospects.3. Competitive OfferAs stated earlier, there will be plenty of competition in the marketplace from other energy suppliers. The question you have to ask yourself is, “what makes my company unique and what can we offer customers compared to everyone else?” Your offer needs to be to the point and the rate you offer customers must be competitive. Usually your company will be offering a variable rate to customers that typically will be lower than their local utility company. You have to be sure that rate will stay competitive based upon fluctuations in the marketplace.So now that you know what you must have in place as an energy broker, let’s talk about the pros and cons of this exciting and new type of business venture.ProsNo Overhead – As an energy broker you don’t have to worry about the typical overhead in a traditional business/ franchise. There is no product, no inventory, no selling, and no collections.
Simplicity – With this type of new business you are simply showing people how to pay less for something they already purchase.
Earning Potential – Practically every single person you know uses energy, which makes them a potential customer. Depending on your state, there could be thousands and in some cases, millions of customers, just waiting to switch to a cheaper energy supplier.
No Sales Experience Required – As a broker you are in the business of telling and not selling. None of your customers need an explanation of the need for electricity, unless they live in a cave.
The Timing – When it comes to opportunity in the world of business, timing is everything. Eventually, every state in the U.S. will be deregulated. This gives you as an energy broker, a tremendous opportunity to capitalize on this exciting trend. Even big-time names like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet believe that energy deregulation will create some very rich people in the next two to five years.ConsLack Of Training – Some energy brokerage companies will have very inadequate training. If you aren’t trained correctly, you will lack the required knowledge to acquire residential customers and have a rough time closing larger commercial deals.
Work hours – Many new energy brokers will find it surprisingly difficult to find enough time to commit to this new business venture. Typically you will already be working during the day and the only time you can allot to your broker business is at night when most businesses are closed and most people retire for the day.
Lack Of Awareness – Depending on the area, most customers will have no clue they have an option of which energy supplier they can choose. You may find yourself doing a lot of explaining, encountering skepticism and wishing that the local news station would just help get the word out. But, for the energy brokers willing to take the time to explain and inform their customers, they can expect to be rewarded.So in closing I would like to leave you with this question. If you are considering becoming an energy broker and taking advantage of this new trend, are you willing to commit your time and energy (no pun intended) until you are successful? I truly believe that energy deregulation will create many future success stories and save millions of people money, but the only new energy brokers who can expect to be rewarded will be the ones who are serious and committed. Will you be one of them?

Every manufacturer has a specific recommendation or minimum requirement for the type of oil a given engine will use. You might wonder, what’s the difference between different weights, grades, and viscosity? What is the difference between 5W-30 and 10W-30? What do all of these numbers mean? Can’t you use any oil in your car or does it really matter?

Deciphering the Oil Code

Terms weight, grade, or viscosity are commonly used interchangeably and basically mean the same thing. They refer to the thickness or how easily the oil flows. Using a multi-grade 5W-30 oil as an example, this type is very commonly used in millions of vehicles. The first number followed by the “W” indicates the viscosity (or thickness) for cold weather temperatures. The “W” stands for winter. The lower this first number is, the less viscous, or thinner your oil will be in lower temperatures. Though it may seem trivial, the number is of major importance.

When engines first roar to life after turning the ignition key, the oil pump tries to push the oil from the low-lying oil pan to the top of the engine, to lubricate all of the moving parts (such as pistons, camshaft, etc.) Cold starts are the time of the hardest wear-and-tear imposed on the engine. The heavier (or thicker) the oil is, the harder the oil pump works and the longer it will take for the engine to receive the crucial oil lubrication it needs to prevent metal-on-metal friction upon start-up. So, a 5W- oil will flow faster and more easily than a heavier weight oil which would have a higher number like 10W- or 15W- oil.

The second number found after the “W” specifies the viscosity in hot temperatures. The higher the number means the thicker the oil will be at the optimum temperature. In older cars it was common to switch to different weights of oils depending upon the season. It’s a practice not as common today due to manufacturers building lighter-weight engines and using different engine materials than yesteryear. It is always recommended to follow the manufacturer’s fluid specifications found in your vehicle’s manual. Using a different weight of oil than what is recommended will likely result in decreased fuel economy or greater engine wear.

Are There Exceptions to the Rule?

The occasional exception to the “follow the manufacturer’s recommendation” rule comes into play when an engine has aged, and when the moving parts may have larger clearances between components. Thicker oils can sometimes improve performance and protection in such conditions, but for most vehicle owners, stick with the vehicle manual’s specifications.

What do the Manufacturers Say?

Some manufacturers will list a range of different types of engine oil dependent upon the climate where the vehicle will be used. A heavier-weight oil would likely be recommended for vehicles in southern arid areas such as Scottsdale, Arizona, while a lighter-weight oil may be better in cooler climates as can be found in Rapid City, South Dakota. Oil in South Dakota will obviously be subjected to colder engine start-up conditions during winter months than oil in Arizona during the same timeframe.

What is Straight Oil versus Multi-Viscosity Oil?

You should never use straight oil (SAE30, SAE40, SAE50, etc.) in a system designed for a multi-viscosity oil. Straight oils are used for smaller engines or older car engines manufactured before multi-viscosity oils were created. Even though snowmobiles, ATVs, and motorcycles have smaller engines than most passenger cars and trucks, straight oils are not to be used in such vehicles. Even regular automotive oils may not be appropriate due to specific engine designs, such as two-cycle versus four-cycle motors.

Take Care of the Engine You Depend Upon

All things considered, using the proper oil grade and changing your vehicle’s oil at regular, prescribed intervals are two of the most important preventive maintenance tasks you can do for your vehicle. Failure to do so can result in oil depletion, ultimately causing a seized engine. Most repairs related to improper or negligent oil management are both preventable and expensive. It is better to invest in good automotive service practices now than pay a painful repair bill later. Knowing the correct oil to put in your vehicle (and why) makes a good first step towards taking care of the engine you depend upon.

A gearbox is a mechanical way to transfer energy from one device to another. It is an essential ingredient of car. It has a system of metal gears that enmesh with each other and directly increase torque and reduce or increase speed in a motorcar. Generally these work with a special gear oil, which cuts down the friction between the metal gears for a longer life. Modern boxes last many years, but depending on the type of driving they may last longer or wear out. All have a clutch which is a plate which is synchronised with the gears to facilitate easy shifting of gears.

This plate or clutch can either be operated manually or automatically. In automatic cars the gear changes are synchronized with the speed of the car and change automatically. But a special slot is a requirement for a reverse gear or an uphill climb.

When to Change a Gear Box

Gear boxes last a life time, but depending upon the type of driving they may require repairs. In case one wears out or its gears break, the only option is to either change the item or repair it. Changing a box is a costly proposition; as such it’s always better to get it repaired. In both cases the box will have to be first removed. It can be fitted back after it is repaired. Gear boxes are mostly at the bottom of the car where they are located. Mostly they will be at the rear of the engine. To remove one is not easy and one will have to bend down under the car to remove a gear box.

Tools Required for Change of a Gear Box

Before starting to remove a gear box, it is imperative that the proper set of tools is available. These tools should be so placed that the person removing the gear box has easy access to them. It is preferable to keep them on an oil cloth close to the car within easy reach. The following tools will be required; a hammer, Torx set, sets of spanners, Socket set, Chisel to ping hub nut loose, Pliers and a girl friend to serve you tea.

Steps to Change a Gear Box

The first step is to drain the oil. This can be done by getting under the car and loosening the drain plug of the gear box. This is at the bottom of the car. A metal trough should be placed under the drain plug to collect the gear oil; otherwise the entire oil will spill and spoil the floor.

The next step is to remove the front wheels. This is essential so that the mechanic can have free and unfettered access to the box.

The third step is to try and down the gear box. This is done by unloosening the drive shaft hub nuts. These will require some effort and it is important that the correct size wrench be used. Follow up by removing the wishbone pinch bolt. By using a hammer the wishbone next to the ball joints is removed.

The gear box is normally kept synchronized with the engine with a set of bolts in a housing. These blots will now have to be loosened and removed. Once the drive shaft is disconnected, the mechanic would have finished almost 60% of the job. Ensure that you have a jack for the engine; otherwise it may fall to the floor.

Follow up by removing all linkages and pull the box away from the engine. The task is now complete and the box can be sent for repairs, which is a specialized task.

Fixing Back

Fixing the box is a greater pain than removing it. It will have to be held firmly, to position it in the housing and immediately the bolts must be tightened. Once it is in position the other linkages can be re-connected.