Wednesday, September 30, 2009
by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner
Not only does the array of panels under your vehicle protect the more delicate components from exposure to rocks, sticks and other elements, they also make it much more difficult for critters to get into places that could be fatal...
We often find protection plates missing or damaged. Rarely does the client have any idea they were there or missing. Though usually the result of impact, too many times it is a result of improper installation or ethically worse, failure to reinstall them at all!
I have to admit, they can be a pain to get back on right. My opinion and experience has shown that many minimum wage quickie lube type employees either presume you’ll never know or are discouraged from taking too much time trying to get them back on right. You may not realize that these are NOT mechanics. No state or national certification is required, or even encouraged, as mechanics are.
Cars for Keeps is recognized by:
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) as a Blue Seal Of Excellence Facility.
The American Automobile Association (AAA) as a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility
The Robert Bosch Corporation as a Bosch Authorized Car Service Company.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
A new report issued by the Nikkei English News says Nissan will move production of the fullsize luxury SUV from its facility in Canton, Mississippi, to a plant in Kyushu, Japan. The same plant is also home to the Quest minivan, which was also once built in Japan.
The production shift is largely due to Nissan searching for space to build a new line-up of commercial vehicles. We haven't heard anything finite as of yet, but the automaker was planning a range of commercial vans (the largest like the NV2500 concept) for North America, and wanted to manufacture most of the offerings within the Canton facility.
According to Automotive News, the QX56 is slated for a redesign in 2011, and may possibly be downsized at that time.
Fortunately, Toyota's all-new 2010 4Runner holds true to its roots, and remains an honest, tough midsize SUV. The new 4Runner may look familiar -- it still retains a muscular, boxy shape -- but designers worked a number of cues from recent Toyota trucks, notably the Tundra, into its appearance.
What the new figure may not convey however, is an increase in size. The 2010 4Runner is slightly longer, wider, and taller than the last model, and even has space for an optional third row of seating, giving it room for seven for the first time.
What doesn't carry over into 2010 is the 4.7-liter V-8. Instead, Toyota's increased the power of its 4.0-liter V-6 to 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, besting both the previous 4.0-liter V-6 and the eight-cylinder. Shoppers also have the option of buying a four-cylinder 4Runner (equipped with a new 157-hp 2.7-liter I-4), albeit only in rear-wheel-drive form. Four-cylinder models are mated to a four-speed automatic, while six-cylinder models are bolted to a five-speed auto. All six-cylinder models return an EPA estimated 19 mpg combined, while the four-cylinder, two-wheel-drive model is rated at 18/23 mpg city/highway.
Monday, September 28, 2009
How to Prevent Cold-Weather Stalls: Winterizing your Battery
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 9:36 AM
by Mike, Cars for Keeps Mechanic
Hunting season is fast approaching, and that means it is time to at least start THINKING about winterizing your vehicle. Have you ever jumped inside your car to head to work in the morning to find your car will not start? It's happened to the best of us, but there are a few simple things you can do to help prevent this scenario from happening to you this winter.
Something to keep in mind is that our car's battery loses about a third of its starting power when the temps dip down into the 30's. In addition, our driving habits in the winter make it less likely the alternator will be able to fully recharge our car battery as we drive. For example, we tend to drive less often and we drive shorter distances in the winter, we constantly run the defrost and we are using our headlights more than in the warmer months - all putting a larger load on the alternator.
So what can you do?
1) Take a Peek Under the Hood: Have your battery checked before winter hits to make sure your terminals are tight and your battery is not corroded. (Stop in at Cars For Keeps & We'll do it FREE!)
2) Turn "Stuff" Off: Turn off your blowers and accessories when you turn off your car so there isn't as large of a load on your battery when you go to start your vehicle again. Turn your headlights on after you start your vehicle, NOT before.
3) Park Inside: Park your vehicle in a garage if you have one. This will help keep the battery somewhat warmer.
4) Pay Attention to Your Headlights: Do they dim and brighten on occasion? If so, stop by Cars4Keeps and one of our technicians can test your alternator for you.
5) Listen to Your Vehicle Start: Do you notice your car is having trouble turning over (starting), but once it is running everything seems normal? This may indicate that your battery has a low charge, weak connection or strater getting ready to leave you walking.
The last thing any of us need this winter is to be stranded somewhere with flakes swirling around us and a car that refuses to start. Be proactive and take winterizing your vehicle seriously this year. While there is more to it than batteries and alternators, a quick stop into Cars4Keeps is all you need to get your car in top winter condition.
See you soon,
Mike
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
A Woman’s Point of View: A Tribute to the Customer
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 9:25 AM
by Colette Cooley, Cars For Keeps Office Manager
We have the most wonderful customers in the world. The excitement of waiting for your car to be worked on ranks somewhere between going to the dentist and watching paint dry. You know - the “good news/bad news” syndrome. But mostly, it is just plain boring. Every person who comes into the waiting area adds something quite special to the space they occupy and gives off their own unique charge of energy to the whole room.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager Now that most of us have recovered from celebrating - or attempting to drown out - Thanksgiving, we turn our attention immediately towards the next big landmark: Christmas. I'm sure many of you have taken advantage of what the consumer market has dubbed "Cyber Monday"; most reports from the auto sector reported that auto sales were strong for Black Friday this year, a good sign for the coming fiscal year. It's been a common mantra of ours here at the shop since early November, but it remains true: now is a good time to make sure your vehicles are in good working condition. Before the snow hits the roads, before inevitable holiday travel, before you turn on your windshield wipers to find that they are too old to work. As incentive, we're running several winter specials, including10% off all European model repairs (interpret that however you wish) and 15% off returning customers who have left a positive review on our Merchant Circle or Superpages listings. Piece of cake. Rob will guest post on Monday with some sage advice on seasonal "Pit Stops". For now, let's relax with a few items of car trivia. 1. Industry experts believe one of every 25 air bags that have been deployed have not been properly replaced. They're also the most stolen item from a vehicle (having surpassed radios) 2. Nearly half the used vehicles on the market come with air conditioning. 3. Windshield wipers were invented by a woman (as were all smart things!). 4. The first product Motorola started to develop was a record player for automobiles. At the time, the most known player on the market was the Victrola, so they called themselves Motorola. 5. One seventh of the new auto/truck sales in the US are in Southern California (and half of those are purchased by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger). 6. The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902 (for going 24 miles an hour, 4 miles over the speed limit). 7. In 1923, 173 new inventions by women for cars had been reported. Among these inventions were a carburetor and an electric engine starter. 8. The first car radio was invented in 1929. 9. Most American car horns beep in the key of F. 10. About half the cars that are flood damaged end up back on the road. As far as Hurricane Katrina is concerned, estimates are that about 200,000 vehicles were dried out and resold. Happy Christmas shopping!
by Kevin, Cars for Keeps Mechanic
Monday, September 21, 2009
by Robert, Cars for Keeps Mechanic
Jay Leno video with the new McLaren MP4-12C - he loves it!
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 1:34 AM
Check out this great video from my friends at duPont Registry of Jay Leno touring the McLaren facility and seeing how the new MP4-12C. From the racing side to how the carbon fiber tub is created for left- or right-hand drive.
Jay says he loves the car and gives us a walkaround tour of it, and hints clearly that he wants to have the first one। This car is going to be a superstar। Look for upcoming articles in which I detail different aspects of a product and brand that is sure to be a celebrity must-have. Read about Jay Leno and other celebrities and their cars.
Friday, September 18, 2009
How to Find the Perfect Mechanic - for the Ladies!
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 9:06 AM
by Colette Cooley
Office Manager Cars For Keeps
How does a woman find her “perfect car guy”? Let’s face it, a lot of repair shop service techs and mechanics think we women don’t know anything about cars and we will believe anything they tell us.
Well, this may be true, but we don’t want to be treated that way. We may be ignorant about car repair, but we are not dumb. With a little detective sleuthing, you too, can find your “perfect car guy”. Ask. Women. Girlfriends, co-workers, neighbors, career women, stay-at-home moms, cashiers, bank tellers, etc. Where do they have their cars maintained and repaired? What do they like about that place? What don’t they like about it? Do they have delivery service? Are they treated with respect? Are they kid friendly? Is the waiting room comfortable and inter-active? Are the mechanics ASE Certified? (That last question is very important. The answer should be yes.)
Is the service manager concerned with your schedule, your budget, and your wants and needs concerning your car? How do they handle emergencies? What makes this car repair place stand out from all the rest?
Then there are the all important things we women want to know. Are the guys cute? What color is the building? Is the bathroom clean? Can you bring something to snack on and/or do they have complimentary drinks and snacks? Do the people there have a sense of humor so having your car worked on can – dare I say it – actually be fun!!!
As I was reading Colette's post, I mentally checked off each of her requirements for female-friendly car service, and I have to say that Cars for Keeps meets every single one! As a woman (who obstinately refuses to learn how to change oil), I give Cars for Keeps five stars for being female-friendly! - Marjorie, Social Media Marketing Manager
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Mercedes-Benz's global head of sales and marketing, Klaus Maier, is stepping down for personal reasons, the carmaker said on Thursday. Joachim Schmidt, Maier's predecessor, will take up the post again.
Mercedes CEO Dieter Zetsche said he regretted the departure of Maier. The CEO said Maier "made his mark” in realigning Mercedes to appeal to a younger target group in addition to launching a reorganization of worldwide sales.
Schmidt, 61, was Mercedes' global sales and marketing boss from 1999 to 2005 until Maier replaced him.
Zetsche said it was largely due to Schmidt that the Mercedes brand in 2007 and 2008 grew at double-digit rates and extended its market leadership in the regions for which he was responsible.
Maier, 57, leaves Mercedes as the German premium brand is hard hit by the global economic crisis and collapse in luxury car sales.
Mercedes brand sales fell 17.5 percent to 632,700 cars in the first eight months compared with last year.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Maintaining Proper Air Tire Pressure has Big Benefits
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 7:45 AMby Kevin, Cars for Keeps Mechanic
This is Dr. Auto with a car car care tip for everyone. One the most overlooked types of preventive maintenance for your vehicle is tire pressure (keeping air in your tires).
By maintaining the correct tire pressure you will increase the life of your tires and they will wear evenly and give you the correct traction for wet/snow and dry conditions. Low tire pressure can also lead to a loss of gas mileage!
You can pick up a tire pressure gauge at Cars For Keeps (free if we have your e-mail address), most gas stations or any Napa Parts Store.
Most vehicles will have the correct tire pressure printed in your owners manual ( the untouched book stored in most glove boxes) or along the inside of one of your door frames.
Any vehicle after 2007 has to have a TPM (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) installed in the vehicle according to the Tread Act. So when you see your tire light come on, check the air in your tires or bring your vehicle to Cars For Keeps for assistance.
Safe Driving and Healthy Cars,
Dr. Auto
Monday, September 14, 2009
The Crew at Cars for Keeps Kicks Off A New Automotive Blog
0 comments Posted by car manual and matic at 8:34 AM
