How Much Does XPEL Ultimate Cost?

Constructed from using a combination of advanced elastomeric polymers, XPEL Ultimate’s special clear coating will not only prevent the film from discoloring, but it will heal itself from any swirl marks or light scratches, according to the official manufacturer website.

This special coating, when applied, will leave the surface indistinguishable from the factory paint, and when installed by one of their network-approved contractors, the installers will make sure the alignment around the surfaces meets the exact specifications, creating the perfect invisible barrier, protecting you from all the hazards on the road today.

“Xpel and Gtechniq body protection” (CC BY 2.0) by IainCameron

How much does XPEL Ultimate cost?

The costs of having a professional install the XPEL Ultimate coating will greatly depend on the professional you hire, the vehicle you drive, what you want protected and your geographical location.  From the looks out of it, if you were to hire a professional, you will want to budget anywhere from as little as $500 to apply it on a few parts to as much as $4,000+ to coat the entire car.

With multiple people sharing their costs online, we gathered a few of these quotes and included them in the table below:

On this Tesla.com forum thread, a member said he was quoted anywhere from $5,000 to $9,000 to wrap the entire car, while another member on this same thread said everything, but the windows and sensors, would cost him $4,500.

To budget, use the official XPEL calculator as seen here, and once you find the prices, add another 20 to 30 percent to figure out what an installer would charge.

Facts to know

XPEL recommends asking the installer to wrap the edges where possible.  This means the wrap, when applied, will wrap over the edge of the panel, creating a cleaner look.

Always visit an installer’s shop before paying a deposit.  You will want to check out some previous work and ask about their experience as well to ensure you’re making an educated choice.  To find an XPEL approved installer, you can do so by going here.

The product does come with a 10-year warranty against any yellowing, peeling, cracking, discoloration and/or hazing.  If it fails, the company will replace it, including the labor.

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How Much Does Timeshare Exit Team Cost?

The Timeshare Exit Team, also known as Reed Hein & Associates, has been endorsed by the popular radio host, Dave Ramsey, offering more than 30 locations in the United States.

The company, as per this LA Times article, claims to confront timeshare with legal actions, not by any ineffective scammy methods such as donating or buying it.

“timeshare ownership” (CC BY 2.0) by GGtimeshares

The reported Timeshare Exit Team costs

The costs of working with the Timeshare Exit Team (timeshareexitteam.com), as per the official website, will be dependent upon the timeshare in question, how much interest it garners and the current status of ownership.  With these factors, a professional will be able to assess your situation and determine the exact exit fee.

While the official website doesn’t offer exact pricing information as there are many factors, we were able to find out the costs other people paid online via third-party sources.  From the looks of it, the fees greatly vary anywhere from $4,000 to $12,000, again, depending on your circumstances and the timeshare you own.  Since all resort developers will greatly vary with their rules, in some cases, it could be much harder to work with one, whereas another may be considered a piece of cake.

On their official Yelp page, we found three members who posted the prices they paid.  One member said they worked with them for more than two years and paid $4,000 in fees, which included the fee to the team and the settlement fee.  In the end, the reviewer gave the company a four-star rating, noting they were relieved they were finally out of the timeshare and complimented the company on their detailed, honest process.  Another reviewer on this same review page, however, said he paid $4,000, which was half of his payment and was frustrated because the company said it could take more than nine months and nothing started yet.

The LA Times, in its investigation, called the company, but the representative who picked up the phone said they could not give a ballpark figure as every situation is different.  She did say, however, that a portion of the funds must be paid in advance, which was also declined as to how much it would cost.  After the post was published, the company did contact the newspaper and say the cost of the service averages about $4,000.

On its official BBB review page, multiple people mentioned what they paid for the company’s services.  One customer stated she had to pay $5,995 in the beginning, and the process, from what she read in the documents, could take up to 18 months to complete.  As time went on, the company asked for another $1,500 and the communication was subpar.  On another negative review, another member said he paid $3,000 up front and another $1,874 to successfully exit.  He also noted the company had poor communication.

Facts you should know

Before working with the Timeshare Exit Team, they recommend working directly with your timeshare first to see how you can officially exit the timeshare.  The company highly recommends taking this assessment on their official website to help assess the value you’re receiving.

The company guarantees that they will find you a way out of your timeshare or will refund your money 100%.

The firm is not a law office nor do they claim to be.  The Timeshare Exit Team will not provide any legal advice or representation as per their FAQ page.

The Timeshare Exit Team, being a third-party resource, isn’t your only option.  One member on this RedWeek.com forum thread said you should either try to contact your homeowners’ association to see if they will take your unit back or consider selling it via eBay, Craigslist or even RedWeek.  In most cases, you will have to pay the closing costs and transfer fees, but it could be a lot cheaper than paying another company.

Timeshare exit team reviews

Via its official Yelp page, 40+ reviewers gave it an average of three out of five stars.  The positive reviews talked about upfront information, the experience dealing with them and being free of the timeshare, whereas the negative reviewers talked the lack of communication, the length it took to close the deal and high turnover.

While the official BBB page had 90+ reviews with a “4.7” rating, 73% of these reviews were positive/neutral, while the remaining 22% were negative.

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How Much Does TeamSnap Cost?

TeamSnap, the number one sports team management app, takes every aspect of organizing a sports team or group and simply simplifies it.

Designed for virtually anyone, whether it be a coach or parent, it can be helpful for organizing a sports team, alumni group or church group to name a few.

To date, the company claims to have more than 15 million users in 196 different countries.

“Soccer” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by skpy

How much does TeamSnap cost?

The cost of TeamSnap greatly depends on the plan you sign up for.  As of 2018, the costs can range from as little as $0 with no storage to as much as $17.99 a month for unlimited storage and members per roster.  The company will bill “per team,” not per account.

The apps are free to download and a basic information is available, as indicated in the table below, however, if you want to upgrade to use various features and/or need storage space, then you will need to upgrade your account.

NOTE:  These costs are accurate as of 2018.  Please refer to the official website pricing structure for more information.

Features the company offers

A roster with contact information – In order for the team to access your account, you must provide a password for the entire group.  From there, players and non-players will be able to upgrade any of their contact information, ranging from a phone number to email address, all available beneath the roster tab.

Schedule – Members part of the group are able to view the schedule, including the date, time, location via a map and the game results all in one area.  TheTrophyMom noted you can enter the team information once, saving you a lot of time.  You’re also able to export your calendar from either Google Calendar, Outlook or iCal as well.

Availability – Members, within the app, are able to mark their availability for any of the events, whether it be a practice or game.  This can include not showing up at all, being late or confirming the date.

Tracking tasks and items –  Whether it’s turning in a consent form or another piece of important information, this feature allows you to track each player’s progress, allowing you to know exactly who turned in what and who is still responsible to hand something in.

Payments – Like tracking the tasks, the app also allows you to track payments, seeing who paid certain fees and who still needs to do so.

Statistics – Specific to the sport in your account, the statistics section allows a member to customize wins, losses and track meaningful statistics such as goals, assists, goalie stats to name few.  Again, these statistics will be based on the sport your account is tied to.

Share photos – As mentioned in the chart above, the company allows teams so much in terms of storage space, depending on which account you sign up for.  This storage can be used for files, media or photos to name a few.

Send texts and emails – For last minute announcements, group owners can send out last minute SMS messages and/or email messages to the entire group or specific individuals.

Email reminders – Members can receive email reminders based on their preferences, reminding them of upcoming practices or events.

Facts you should know

The app, either via Google Play or is free to download and offers the same information you store on the desktop version.

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Stone Veneer Siding Cost

The look of stone or brick, as you can imagine, can be quite costly due to the labor and the materials involved.

Thankfully, stone veneer, a popular alternative which mimics brick, can be installed for a fraction of the cost and will look just as good from a distance.

Stone veneer, aside from its low cost, also has other positive features such as lower energy costs due to the insulation which can be used during the install process.

“Stacked stone veneer being installed” (CC BY 2.0) by johnclarkemills

The cost to install stone veneer siding

The costs to have stone veneer siding installed will all depend on the size of your home, the condition of the exterior, the materials/brand you choose, where you live and the contractor you hire.  From our research, the costs other homeowners paid were anywhere from $10 to $20+ per square foot installed, making the average 1,600 square foot home costing anywhere from $16,000 to $27,000.

As all jobs are so different, we highly recommend gathering quotes from locally licensed contractors from HomeAdvisor.com.  Here, you can explain your job and contractors will offer you a free, no-obligation quote, either by email, phone and/or in person.  This is a great way to save time, especially if you do not know how to research your local contractors and/or don’t have the time to do so.

The Quarry Mill noted the costs to install natural stone veneer will depend on the site prep, location, installation style and the contractor you hire.  In the end, standard installation could range from $14 to $28 per square foot without the stone or up to $45+ per square foot on the higher end.

The extra costs to consider

As stone veneer material can often be heavier than related material, additional support may be required to the exterior walls.  If this were the case, something known as a metal lath, which is a material made of metal to offer additional support, would cost an additional $1 to $2 per square foot.

If the veneer is being installed on an existing home, then you will need to factor in the additional destruction costs to remove the existing exterior siding/brick.  depending on the time it takes to prep and destroy the areas in question, this could add an additional $1 to $3 per square foot.

Homes with multiple stories and/or awkward details can increase the costs by more than 20% due to the time it will take contractors to complete the job and scaffolding needs.

Taxes and permits will not be included in the estimates mentioned prior and will greatly depend on your geographical location.  Most permits will cost less than $500 total.

In some cases, a contractor may find additional issues, especially when installing siding on an existing home.  This could include electrical problems, an infestation and/or structural issues.

Upgrading the insulation sheet, which is installed behind the stone veneer siding, can increase the costs by as much as $1 per square foot.

Reasons to install stone veneer siding

Durability

Stone has been used for centuries, dating as far back to the pyramids in Egypt which are still standing to this day.  While stone veneer siding may not last as long as the pyramids in Eygpt, it should last your home’s lifetime.

Great curb appeal

Stone veneer siding, from a distance, looks no different than natural stone, and aside from the beauty of stone, few siding options can compare to the durability and performance stone veneer can offer.  It’s considered to be an excellent protector to fire, water and is an amazing insulator to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter months.

Tons of options

No two homes will look the same if you do decide to purchase a stone veneer siding as many manufacturers offer hundreds of choices in terms of color and texture.

Price

As mentioned countless times already, stone veneer siding will look just like stone and will be a fraction of the cost when compared to the real deal.

Facts to know

Stone veneer is real stone, but the thing that differentiates it from real stone is the thickness as a stone veneer will use slices of the stone, rather than whole rocks.  Since you’re paying less for the materials, the labor, in turn, will be reduced, effectively lessening the costs.

As with anything, there are disadvantages.  For one, there are some varieties which will not look like the real thing, disappointing some homeowners.  Secondly, if you live in an area prone to a lot of moisture, this water can make its way behind the stone, often creating gaps in the mortar.

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How Much Does Stitch Fix Cost?

Stitch Fix, an online styling service, delivers a truly personalized shopping experience — just for you.

All you have to do is simply fill out your style profile, and from there, a personal stylist, not an automated algorithm, will hand pick each and every piece of clothing that fits your tastes, needs, and budget — all delivered to your doorstep.

Each box will contain five items of clothing, shoes and accessories which you’re able to try on at home.  If you don’t like something, the company simply asks you send it back in a prepaid envelope and you won’t be charged.  All shipping, returns and exchanges are free, according to the company.

“New @stitchfix pretties” (CC BY 2.0) by veritatem

How much does Stitch Fix cost per month?

The amount you spend at Stitch Fix is entirely up to you, according to the .  As everyone will have their own styles, users are able to set an amount they want to spend in each category, meaning you could spend much more or less than another user.  The website proclaims items can range anywhere from $20 to $600 per piece, with the average piece retailing for $55, and this cost will greatly depend on the style you prefer and the brand you’re sent.

Seeing the company will send five items, if you were to keep all five in a mailing, then the costs could greatly range from as little as $100 to as much as $3,000, but if you were to commit to all five items at once, then the company will offer you a 25% discount.  With so many factors, it’s hard to pinpoint an exact estimate as to what you could pay, but from what we researched, most boxes will cost a total of $175 to $400.  The company does not require an automatic membership fee or monthly subscription.

As there will be a range you should be prepared to spend, we were able to compile a list of what other people had paid online and included it in the table we created below:

NOTE:  All members will be charged a $20 styling fee, but this fee will be credited toward your final bill if you commit to the clothes they send.

Fashionista.com noted that most of the items the company sends will often be under $100, but some of the more expensive pieces, often coming from top brands such as Alice and Olivia and Kate Spade, could cost $100 to $600 a piece.

How does it work?

As mentioned, Stitch Fix will send you five items per month, all ranging from clothing, bags, jewelry to shoes, based on your styling profile, which, according to TheFederalist, will take about 30 minutes to set up.  After you try these items on at home, you are then able to either commit to the item and keep it for good, or if you do not like what they sent, then you can send it back in a prepaid envelope to get your money back.   When sending items back, the website will ask for feedback as to why you sent it back so they can better suit your future shipments.

Once signed up, you can either have a box come monthly, every three months or “skip” a fix whenever you need to.

The process

First, you will be asked to fill out a Style Profile, which, as mentioned, can take 10 to 30 minutes to fill out.  Here, you will be asked about your size, styles you like, shape, budget and overall lifestyle.

After filling out the profile, the company will then ask for you to pick out a delivery date, and at this time, you will be charged the $20 style fee  This fee, however, will be credited if you choose to keep anything from your shipment.

On the date the box arrives, you will be asked to try out everything that’s in the box to see what you want to keep and what you want to send back.  The company asks you decide what you want to keep within three days of the box arriving as you will only be charged for the items you keep.  You can pick and choose everything you want to keep and return by logging into your dashboard and clicking and choosing.  Items will greatly vary, ranging from pants, shorts, dresses, sweaters, shirts, scarves, jewelry, bags and outerwear to name a few.  The company, as per its , works with more than 250 established brands, such as Joie, Gorjana and Citizens for Humanity, for its women’s line and more than 30 established brands for its men’s line.

For everything you want to return, the company highly advises you let them know why you sent it back so they can alter their style guidelines for future orders.

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How Much Does a Tattoo Touch up Cost?

A tattoo, while it will last forever, it often will not look the same 10, 20 or even 30 years from now.

In some cases, it may not heal as it should, either.

For these reasons, those who did have a tattoo in the past often go back to either the same tattoo artist who performed the tattoo in the first place or someone new to touch up the tattoo, making it look like new again.

“Batman Leg Tattoo (finished)” (CC BY 2.0) by trexlee001@yahoo.com

The reported tattoo touch up cost

The costs of touching up a tattoo will rely on a few factors, including the amount of touching up that needs to be done, the artist you went to (Is it the original artist?) and if it is the original artist, what is their touching up policy?

Keeping these factors in mind, a small touch up could cost as little as nothing, which is the case most of the time as long as it is done within a certain time frame at the same shop you had it done before, to about $50~ for the average sized tattoo at a new studio.

If it has been longer than a year and the touch up is required due to wear and tear, then be prepared to spend $50+, depending on the size and the amount of work that needs to be done.  Essentially, to budget, take the price you paid for the tattoo and divide that in half to get a good estimate.

Keep in mind that even if a shop charges, they will still need the funds to cover the necessary supplies, setup and fill out the necessary paperwork.  Just to setup, use the supplies and take up 45 minutes of the artist’s time, it could cost the studio more than $15 to $25.

Members on this Vinted.com thread talked about what they had paid to have their tattoo touched up, and most reported they had paid anywhere from nothing to about $60 an average sized shoulder tattoo.  While most shops will touch up the existing tattoo, as long as it was performed there initially, many of the members recommended leaving a $10 to $20 tip as a good gesture.

At BabyGaGa.com, a member posted a picture of her tattoo and asked what a touchup would cost at a new studio.  Most of the members stated you should be prepared to pay a shop minimum, which could range anywhere from $40 to $80.

What will I need a touchup?

A tattoo will need a touchup for a variety of reasons.  This could include leaving it out in the sun too long over time or even submerged in water for an excessive amount of time.

After getting inked, some people are often tempted to pick at the scab, which, as you probably know, is a big no-no.  Picking at the scab can disrupt the ink, meaning you will have to get it touched up almost immediately after you had it done in the place.

Lastly, anything, aside from what has been mentioned, that draws ink particles away from your dermis layer could call for a touchup as well.

How long does a touch up take?

The size of your tattoo and the complexity fo the design will greatly affect the time it takes to touch up your tattoo.  Some smaller, simple tattoos can take as little as 10 minutes, whereas a colorful tattoo that takes up your entire back could take hours.

When will it be time to get a touchup?

In most cases, CustomTattooDesign.ca notes clients will wait at least six months before asking for a touchup, but the time you wait will be entirely based upon its size, the level detail and how fast your skin can heal.

Also, you can effectively eyeball your tattoo over time to see if it is in need of a tattoo.  Generally, tattoos that look either weathered, faded or are starting to lack color could be a sign it’s time to go back to the shop.

How to avoid a tattoo touch up

Always use a high SPF sunscreen and be well aware of the sun when outside.  Practicing sun safety can greatly decrease your chances of a touch up in the future.

Immediately after receiving your tattoo, practice the aftercare guidelines.  This means always washing your hands, changing the bandage and using a quality ointment.  Always avoid picking at the scab, regardless of how tempting it may be.

Facts to know

Be sure to ask about the tattoo artist’s touch up policy before going home.  Some artists may have a lifetime guarantee for as long as they are employed by the studio, whereas other studios may have a restricted time limit which may only last up to a year.

Even if you’re meeting the studio’s guidelines, do not be surprised if the studio rejects your claim due to improper aftercare.  For example, BethKennedyTatoo.com states she will not cover the touchups if you neglected to take care of your tattoo.

Even if the touchup is free, it’s common courtesy to offer your artist a tip.

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ABS Module Replacement Cost

The anti-lock braking (ABS) control module, a computer which consistently receives information from the wheel’s speed sensors, will use this data in order to prevent the vehicle from losing either its traction and/or stability.

“https://www.twin-loc.fr Championnat Euro” (CC BY 2.0) by www.twin-loc.fr

The reported ABS control module replacement costs

The costs to repair your ABS control module will greatly depend on the vehicle you drive, the mechanic/dealer you take it to and the geographical location. Based on these factors, the costs, from what we researched, can greatly vary from as little as $325 to more than $950+. This would include both parts and professional labor.

NOTE: All of these ranges were sourced from multiple mechanics and forum threads we found online in regards to that specific brand. Use these as an estimate as your results will vary depending on the professional you choose and your geographical location.

On this MetaFilter.com forum thread, for example, members talked about the costs of replacing an ABS control module. According to the responses, the costs would greatly vary depend on the vehicle model, with members reporting paying anywhere from $350 to $1,000+

Premium brands seem to be on the higher end, with BMW owners reporting a cost of about $1,000+ for the entire repair.

As for parts, the costs, again, will depend on the retailer you choose and the vehicle you drive. From what we researched, the average costs of the entire module can range from $250 to $650+. A rebuild, if you went this option, could be much less, often retailing for less than $250.

What is the ABS control module?

The anti-lock control module, according to RepairPal.com, is meant to prevent the brakes from bolting up while the wheels are in motion by releasing and engaging the brakes in a rapid sequence until the vehicle is able to regain its stability. Being the brain of the ABS, this module is connected to the brake lines, able to regulate the pressure which is applied when the operator releases the brakes.

Signs of a faulty ABS control module

In most cases, if this part were to fail, your car will still continue to run, however, if you were in a situation where the ABS brakes would need to be activated, then, it would not work, leading to unnecessary skidding or improper braking. Most of the time, if your control module failed, the ABS, TCS and/or stability warning lights will brighten your vehicle’s dashboard. Also, trouble codes, when read by a scanner, will relate to the ABS control module.

Another telltale sign is a humming sound, often heard while the car is turned off due to the burnt out coils within the module.

As safety is a high concern, it is highly recommended you get the part fixed as soon as possible to avoid a possible collision which may have been avoided if the control module worked the first place. Again, while the car will not be disabled, it will affect your braking when excessive pressure is applied.

How is the problem diagnosed

In most cases, the module will be diagnosed using either specific manufacturer software and/or a computer scanning device. To confirm the problem, the mechanic will connect the scanner to the ABS control module via the scanner/computer to view the data in real-time. With this information, he or she will be able to determine the exact problem and/or how the system is working in general. If the mechanic suspects the entire module is faulty, then he or she will test the input and output to see how the module reacts.

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Body Control Module Repair Cost

The body control module (BCM) controls a lot of the smaller processes, such as operating the window locks, doors and windshield wipers, to name a few.

Unfortunately, once this part stops working, all of the parts associated with this module, will stop working as well.

In order to gain control of your car once again, you will have no choice but to replace this module.

“Wrench ratchet tool set” (CC BY 2.0) by wuestenigel

The average body control module repair costs

The costs to replace and repair your vehicle’s body control module will all depend on the vehicle you drive, the dealership/mechanic you take it to and where you live.  From what we researched, the costs ranged anywhere from as little as $450 to more than $1,200+.   Most of the costs will greatly depend on your vehicle as the parts and the reprogramming will be the most expensive part of the process.

As there are so many vehicles makes and models out there, we recommend you search auto part retailers .  Once you find your part, add another $200 to $300 for the dealer/mechanic fees and this should offer you a good estimate.

According to one forum member on this ImpalaForums.com thread, he asked what it should cost for the repair, and according to the responses, most people said it should cost about $400 to $500 after the reprogramming fee and swap.

What does a body control module do?

The body control module (BCM) is a computer which is able to control many components in your car not related to the engine, including the headlights and windshield wipers, to name a few.  Instead of wiring multiple circuits around the car, all of the buttons will connect to a central computer, often located in either the glovebox or the central console.  This device will always be programmed according to the car manufacturer and will communicate with the rest of the car’s components, often with a push of a button.

The repair process

Before working on the car, the battery will be disconnected to avoid any electrical shock.

Next, the body control module will be located, which, most of the time, it will be behind either the car’s glove box or the center console.  If it isn’t located here, then the mechanic will have to refer to the car’s manual to locate it.  To gain access, the glove box or center console will need to be removed by unscrewing any screws or bolts which are holding it place.

Once the glove box or center console is free, the body control module will be disconnected from the base by removing the bolts which hold it in place.  Aside from the bolts, there will also be a connector clip that needs to be released in order to free the module 100 percent.

Once the body control module is freed, the new one will be installed in reverse order and will be reprogrammed according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

After the glove box or center console is re-installed, the electronic components will be tested after the battery is re-connected to make sure everything is in working order.

The entire process will not take that long, often up to 90 minutes, all depending on the program time.

Fact to know

All BCMs are not created equally.  If you plan on purchasing the part on your own, always make sure you know what kind of software it uses as this will ensure your car will work according to the specifications.  If you’re unsure, a quick search online or asking your dealer can often yield some results.

Avoid purchasing used or second-market products as this part is considered to be a very sensitive, and you will not know what it has been through in the past, according to AutoPartsWarehouse.com.  The website notes, that while purchasing a refurbished unit is okay, you will want to make sure you’re well aware of the warranty and the reviews online.

Depending on the vehicle, the components the BCM controls will vary.  Glancing at some popular brands, some of the components controlled by this part includes the windshield wipers, the turn signals, hazard signals, headlights, shift interlock solenoid, trunk release, door locks, hood switch, car horn, backup lights, the trunk release and/or the traction control.

Always avoid disconnecting the BCM while the battery is still connected.  Failing to do so can potentially wipe out any of the sensitive data stored on the module or even damage the part.

Signs of a faulty BCM

Failed electronic components – As you probably know by now, the BCM can control quite a few electronic components.  If any of these components fail to work, signs could point to a bad BCM, but this isn’t always the case.

Security function errors –  If your anti-theft system and/or keyless entry fails, this could be a telltale sign as well.

Check engine light – The check engine light, of course, can illuminate for a variety of reasons.  If the BCM is unable to read the sensors correctly, the light may come on.

Battery drain – If your battery is draining for no reason, this could be due to the components continuing to run, even when your car isn’t on.  Known as a parasitic drain, this can often happen when your battery is sending power to components that shouldn’t be receiving it when the car isn’t running.

Not starting – As your BCM will communicate with other components, you may experience a failed startup in terms of flashing warning lights.

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Reprogram Car Computer Cost

As time has progressed in the car world, vehicles have become much more advanced as compared decades ago.

Today, vehicle manufacturers will use small, dedicated computers, referred to as an engine control module (ECM), which are designed to control and monitor any vehicle function.

In almost all vehicles after 1996, you can count on a microprocessor being somewhere inside the vehicle, controlling parts such as the car’s engine and powertrain and as long as it is fully optimized, your car engine will run as efficiently as it should.

“Ford Focus review 5 of 7” (CC BY 2.0) by Robert Couse-Baker

How much does it cost to reprogram a car computer?

The cost to have your vehicle’s car computer reprogrammed will all depend on the dealer/mechanic you use, the vehicle you drive and your geographical location  From what we researched online, the costs to simply reprogram the car’s computer and nothing else would range anywhere from $80 to $180.  Again, this is the price for the reprogram only and will not include any additional repairs if needed.

Since very few dealers/mechanics can perform an off-board reprogram, they are going to charge for the time it takes to bring the car to the bay, hook it up to the scan tool, read the calibration and perform the flash procedure.  Once verified, the entire process can take up to 60 minutes.

A member on this BimmerForums.com forum thread, a member was quoted $200 to have his ABS computer reprogrammed, which he thought was excessive.  According to the responses, the results were mixed, with some stating it will only take a half hour to do, so the cost may be a bit high, while others said the costs were fair once you factor in the equipment costs, training and tech’s time need to reprogram the computer.

On this AllFordMustangs.com forum thread, a member said he paid $150 to have his computer flashed back to stock.  He also mentioned the dealer will need your VIN and ECU number in advance so they can get the correct program from the manufacturer.

Another member on this ToyotaNation.com thread stated he called a few Toyota dealerships in his area, with the prices ranging anywhere from $85 to $125.  He noted the results will vary, so it is best to call a few in your area to see what they charge as most will be able to give you a quote over the phone.

How the programming is done

At the dealership or mechanic, a scanner, which is connected via an Internet connection, is attached to the diagnostic port in the car, which, depending on the make/model, will be located inside the car, usually beneath the steering wheel.  Once the scanner is attached, the old programming is replaced and will then be updated with the latest software update, similar to updating an app on your phone or software package on your computer.   This update will always come directly from the vehicle manufacturer by providing the vehicle’s VIN to ensure maximized efficiency.

When should my ECM be flashed?

Car mechanics recommend flashing your ECM every few years, while some will only do so on an “as-needed” basis.  Unless an issue and/or recall has been issued by the manufacturer, most dealerships/mechanics will not recommend it as a part of your routine maintenance, especially if your car is experiencing no problems.

Why is the reprogramming done?

One of the major issues is due to factory bugs. Just like your operating system or a new phone, for example, there may be holes or bugs which need to be patched.  This always happens with anything software related as engineers continue to find security holes which need to be fixed after the software was already released.

The ECM may need to be reprogrammed if the factory settings turn out to be overly sensitive, especially after years of operation.  The same can be said about driveability as the car can change quite a bit after it hits 50,000+ miles.

In some cases, the check engine light may be on due to a programming issue within the PCM.  For example, the PCM, which controls the EGR valve, telling it when to open, may not be responding as it should, untimely leading to this check engine light illumination.   In this case, the computer may need to be reprogrammed in order to respond the way it should.

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Cost to Plasti Dip® a Car

The term “dipping” refers to a process where car owners coat, paint or wrap their vehicles using a popular product known as Plasti Dip®.

Coming in a sprayable multi-purpose, air dry, specialty rubber coat, this coating is sprayed directly onto the car and will act as a second skin for your vehicle.

When applied, it will help protect the original finish, while offering the car owner a way to change and/or enhance the current color.  If done properly, it can create a very aesthetically pleasing result for a very low price.

“2008 Ford Escape Limited Sport Shoot” (CC BY 2.0) by Brett Levin Photography

How much does it cost to Plasti Dip® a car?

The costs to Plasti Dip® a car will depend on a few factors.  Do you already have the necessary supplies, such as a special paint gun, to perform the job?  Are you planning on doing the job on your own?  If not, if you’re hiring a professional, who do you plan on hiring and where do you live?  Lastly, the size of the car and the colors you choose, regardless of how the job will be done, will be a large factor as well as this will dictate the amount of “dip” needed to complete the job.

At DipYourCar.com, for instance, they include a full kit, along with all of the supplies you will need, for about $300.  However, if you already have the paint gun and all of the necessary supplies needed, then you can buy about three gallons, which is enough to perform the job for a medium-sized car, for about $150.   For a DIY job, be prepared to spend $150 to $325 for all of the supplies.  For a premium color, add about $10 to $15 per gallon to the costs.

As for just the car rims, top selling products on DipYourCar.com and Amazon.com, for example, will retail for about $5 per 11-ounce container.

When hiring a professional, the costs, again, based on the factors mentioned prior, will depend on the geographical location, the vehicle and the professional you hire.  From the quotes we researched on the Internet, the average professional job, including the entire car and the rims, would range anywhere from $750 to $1,300.

One member on this Reddit.com thread, for instance, claimed he was quoted $1,400 for his Honda Accord at a local shop.

On ABC13.com, in one of its interview with a local shop owner, he claimed the average costs could be about $600, which is much less than the average $3,000 car repaint job.  The costs, when compared to a paint job, can be much cheaper due to the lack of the sanding process which must be done before any paint job.

AT Candy Dipped Cars, a professional located in Roanoke, Virigina, listed its official prices on its website, with prices ranging from $600 for a compact car to as much as $750 for a full-sized truck.  Adding a satin finish or a semi-gloss finish could increase the costs by another $150 to $225.

What is Plasti Dip®?

Plasti Dip® is an air-dry, specialty rubber coating, referred to as the original peelable, insulating, non-slip, flexible, durable coating, according to the official website.  The company provides a range of coating solutions, ranging from home items to an automobile and is removable from almost any surface.

Plasti Dip® is able to protect items from any moisture, abrasion, acids, corrosion and skidding, providing a comfortable, controlled grip.

It’s also known to be extremely flexible and is able to stretch over time, proven in just about any temperature ranging from -30°F to 200°F.

How to Plasti Dip®

The company recommends using a well-ventilated area and mixing well before using.  All surfaces, before using the application, must be cleaned of any oils, dirt, wax, loose rust and grease to see the best results.  All Plasti Dip® must be applied by using an approved electric turbine style spray system or an HVLP spray gun with a pressure pot system.

Before filling the spray gun, mix the spray thoroughly before each use to ensure the coats are applied evenly.

Spraying 10 to 12 inches from the surface, coats will overlap each other as being sprayed, allowing 10 to 30 minutes between sessions to dry.  A minimum of five coats are recommended for the best performance and for easy removal and should allow for at least four hours of cure time.  Plasti Dip® states a dry coating thickness of 10 mils, at a minimum, is recommended for optimal results.

The automotive color options

Standard

All colors, including red, black, white, gunmetal grey, flex blue, black/blue, black cherry, blurple, clear and process yellow, come in a one-gallon container, designed especially for automotive purposes.

Additional Automobile Colors

Aside from the standard colors, the company offers orange, pink, hunter green, fluorescent yellow, fluorescent blue, fluorescent orange, fluorescent green, fluorescent purple and fluorescent red.

Camo

A collection of colors designed to match the shades of nature, these colors are often added to outdoor gear.  Colors include camo black, camo green, camo brown and camo tan.

Spray 50 Standard Colors

A type of Plasti Dip® designed for consumers who are unable to buy it in their local area.  Colors include black, white, gunmetal gray and clear.

Rough guideline to the amount required

Sub-Compact — 2 Gallons

Compact — 2-3 Gallons

Mid-Sized — 3-4 Gallons

Full-Sized — 4 Gallons

SUV/Mini-Van — 5 Gallons

Large SUV — 6 Gallons

Rims – About 3-4 11-ounce cans

Facts to know

If used for personal usage, it cannot be sold or used in the following states:  Arizona, California, Rhode Island and Tennesee.

If used for professional usage, it cannot be sold or used in the following states:  Arizona, California, Rhode Island, Tennesee, Deleware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Texas and Utah.

The dip, as long as applied properly, can last about three years.  As it is very durable and will not lose its bond, again, if it is applied properly, the longevity, according to garage.eastwood.com, is based on the number of coats and how far the spray was when being applied.

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