Since mass-produced cars like those of the German automaker Mercedes Benz roll out of the production shop setup for standard drive applications and average driver expectations, it is not very often that one sees a Mercedes Benz perform flat out. Backed by a successful campaign in the Formula Circuit, Mercedes Benz is known for race cars. But, as the technology on marquee Mercedes Benz models are earmarked only for a niche market, for most Mercedes Benz, the technology is under the hood but the specifications are unfortunately, not.

Depending on which side of the fence one stands, mass-produced Mercedes Benz models are best in class, but the thought of available Mercedes Benz technology not included in regular models is almost regrettable. Production cost, one should think, is a major consideration. As the way things are, Mercedes Benz owners just have to take it as a good thing. At the flipside of the standard issue cars is the thriving hot rod industry. The hot rod industry approximates the envelope-pushing technology of major car manufacturers. It deals with car modifications, basically the car technology that should have gone in the car. As it is a car modification facility, parts of engine performance that Mercedes Benz owners are looking to focus on can be kept apart from the other according to importance.

Fitments available in the hot rod industry are often called performance parts, ranging from performance brake pads to performance exhaust system. On the whole, performance parts are specialized car parts that tweak the car setup toward performance, making car modification a lucrative gambit. In most cases, they are replacement parts. Mercedes Benz maintenance items like those in the friction brake system, which are chronically exposed to high-heat operating condition and are prone to wear out, have performance parts equivalents.

In the case of the Mercedes Benz brake system, while the stock fitted Mercedes Benz brake rotor sports a contact disc surface, the performance brake rotor is designed with a heat vent system. Performance parts come in cross-drilled, finned, and slotted brake rotors. These hollowed out portions on the contact surface of the Mercedes-Benz rotors allow an exhaust for heat. When heat does not build up in the Mercedes-Benz brake system, the rotor does not get deformed all too easily and therefore reduce the braking power of the car. Additionally, the hollowed out surface of the PERFORMANCE rotors makes the brake pads cleave to the disc more tightly, resulting in greater speed retardation.

On the engine side, performance parts can be fitted on the cold air intake system, aimed at drawing in greater amount of cold air that goes into the combustion chambers and mixes with the fuel to form the car?s burn material. The Mercedes Benz manifold also has Mercedes performance parts equivalent. Since manifold stockpiles the exhaust for emission, a manifold that is not up to specs can result in backpressure buildup. When the engine burns the air and the fuel mixture, exhaust materials become the byproducts. These fumes are ushered out of the system through the manifolds. The performance manifold, called the header, has bigger passageways compared to stock issue, allowing a freer flow of exhaust. Because fumes do not stay long in the exhaust system and backpressure is prevented to build up, no horsepower from the engine is needed to help the exhaust system push out the gases.

At some point everyone needs a mechanic for their car, and it’s hard to find a trustworthy mechanic. However there are steps you can take to help you choose the lesser of all evils when it comes to who repairs your transportation. In the end you need to be able to trust the guy repairing your brakes, putting on your tires and monitoring your fluids.

Trusting Dealerships
Many of us just throw our hands up and take our car to the dealership when we have problems with them. If you consider that they are the experts when it comes to your specific make and model it’s a smart option, unfortunately it’s also a pricey one. When it comes to rare vehicles and some imports it is probably advisable to stick with dealership expertise. Same if you hold an extended warranty purchased from the dealership, at least be sure to stay within their approved mechanic circle to ensure you do not void any part of your warranty.

In reality most of us don’t drive rare imports and don’t want to pay the extra money the dealership will charge us. This coupled with the less than average customer service that many experience at the hands of any dealership service department make a trip there for repairs nothing short of a horror movie. Never fear, there are other options.

Chain Service Shops
There are many chain shops to choose from, which is confusing if you consider that many times mechanic shopping is done under duress. Give yourself peace of mind and research your mechanics before your car breaks down, so when something goes wrong you already know where to take it. Chain mechanics can be tricky, some franchise locations may employ better mechanics than others under the umbrella of the same name. This is generally a trial and error process, so if you find one you think you like, be sure to always have a plan B. .

Neighborhood Mechanic
Not all of us are lucky enough to be in the car business, or even know anyone with any mechanical skill. However, many times a local neighborhood mechanic can be your best bet. Often they are mom and pop shops and that makes every customer an important one. This can also mean much more personalized service from someone who wants to get your future business. Lacking the impersonality of chain store mechanics just working for their hourly, this option may cost more than the chain stores do, but could just prove to be worth it in the long run.

No Matter Where You Go, Do These 3 Things First

Finding the good stuff is never easy, but if you follow the few simple steps below you can at least start off with the best to choose from

1. Look them up with the Better Business Bureau. Right away you can eliminate mechanics who have had negative reports filed about them. Our lives are busy, if someone took the time to report them, they aren’t worth a second glance.
2. Utilize organizations such as the ASE, start off with options that are well endorsed.
3. Ask your friends. Everyone knows how hard it is to find a trustworthy mechanic, so be sure to ask around. Usually people are happy to share a good mechanic, lets keep the good ones in business folks.