A Woman’s Point of View: One Less Thing To Worry About

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

At Cars For Keeps we will drive you home or to work, and come pick you up when your car is ready, at no charge.

As I was driving a customer to her work place, we were chatting about this and that when she suddenly changed the subject and said, “I can’t tell you what a relief it is to take my car in to Cars For Keeps to have it worked on and to know that it will be done right and at a fair price. It is so good not to have to drag my boyfriend or my father with me to make sure I don’t get cheated or talked into something that I don’t need”.

She went on to say that she knows nothing about cars, does not want to know anything about cars and has made a lifelong commitment to not having to learn about cars. Let’s face it ladies, most of us feel that way too. There are only three things that that are important to us about cars. What color is it, how do we feel when we are driving it, and is it safe.

We understand these concerns at Cars For Keeps and the guys here do not think they are frivolous or silly. They can’t do anything about the color or how you feel, but they have dedicated their working careers and themselves to making your car as safe as possible for you.

Come on in ladies where you are taken seriously and treated with respect.

5 Ways to Prevent Costly Ice-Induced Car Damage

by Robert, Cars for Keeps Technician

The cold weather is upon us. The cold wreaks all kinds of havoc on vehicles. Any problems that you may have had in the warmer months seem to be multiplied by the cold. What are some basic things you can do to protect your vehicle?

1) Marjorie talked earlier about washing away the salt that accumulates from roads. This is great preventative maintenance. It can help minimize any rust from the salt that may form. Not only on the body of the vehicle, but many other parts such as your brake lines or fuel lines.

2) Drive slower. This one should be a no brainer. Driving slower can reduce your chances of being caught in a ditch or worse in an accident.

3) You should also drive slower when your cars engine is cold. This will prevent any premature damage internally to the engine. Many people do not realize the other fluids in your vehicle are also cold, such as transmission fluid, power steering fluid and differential fluids. So avoid high revving your engine and fast cornering until you have at least some drive time to warm those up too.

4) Turn off all accessories when you shut your vehicle off. This includes your lights, blower motor, wiper blades, ect. These extra accessories are not needed when you start your vehicle for the first time and only add an extra draw on your battery when starting your vehicle. Only after your vehicle is started should these be turned on. And don't start the wipers until they are no longer frozen to the windshield!

5) Do not force your windows down. Manual windows are, of course, more resilient to this over power windows. When your windows are frozen shut you should not force them down with the window switch. If they do not go down right away they are frozen shut. You should press up on the switch and wait for them to thaw out. You can speed up the process with a de-icer spray. Many of these motors, just like wiper motors, have plastic gears internally and plastic mounts. They are prone to break especially in the winter, often with costly repairs!

With a few basic steps you can minimize any headaches in the winter and enjoy the holiday season. I hope everyone had a fantastic New Year and a Happy Holiday season.

Drive safe and until next time!

A Women's Point of View: Pieces and Parts

by Colette Cooley Cars For Keeps Office Manager

I work with car parts every day. All these funny-shaped pieces made of metal, plastic, rubber, glass and even material. For a non-mechanic, there is something magical about a tiny piece of plastic or a thin bit of wire that can mean the difference between a great big automobile that runs and one that does not run. Take a gasket for example. How can this thin piece of what looks like paper, be so essential to your car? Yes, I know, it keeps oil from leaking out so you won’t have a geyser under the hood, but wouldn’t Gorilla Glue work just as well? And what is it with all that wiring? We are talking a mile or more of wiring running throughout your car. It’s like a Gordian Knot*.

It seems to me that since we are well into the 21st Century, cars ought to be wireless. Everything else is wireless. We have the technology to make a wireless mouse. Need I say more? Until these little inconveniences are overcome, we have knowledgeable mechanics at Cars For Keeps who will help you keep your car in good running condition.

*Greek legend is of a knot tied by King Gordius of Phrygia which could only be undone by the future master of Asia. Alexander the Great, failing to untie it, cuts the knot with his sword. A bold solution for a perplexing problem.

Nice reference, Colette!

Avoiding Auto Repair Scams: How to Show Mechanics You're Smart Too

by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

Cars are complicated, but it’s not rocket science. We just happen to know cars really well.

One of the best questions you can ask is “why?” If you aren’t working with a salesperson who can make it understandable, perhaps you are working with the wrong one. If the representative acts like they just want to show you how smart they are, watch for other red flags.

Early in my career, I worked under a salesman that was very car smart but had the ethics of an ambulance chaser. The tipping point was when he took advantage of a woman who said she couldn’t afford a procedure that would not cause a reliability problem or danger, especially short term. He advised, in his puffed up “all knowing” manner, that she shouldn’t drive over 35 miles an hour until she got it taken care of.

She came in the next Monday to have it done, exclaiming that “It took so long to drive to Cadillac at 35 & lots of other drivers were rude to me”.

Most consumers are pretty good at listening to their gut feelings. But when people feel put on the spot concerning a car repair, they can be very susceptible to manipulation. So ask the old reporter's questions: Who, What, Where When & Why? If you feel like the salesperson is evading or spinning the answer, push them a bit. Don’t be afraid to insist on having it explained - and, if necessary, to walk away (hopefully drive away, beware when a shop dares to hold your car hostage).

Here are some common questions that you might feel are “dumb” to ask, but they're actually very smart. It IS your money we're talking about, after all.

1) What happens if I don’t do this service? Good answer: “If this part fails, the wheel could separate from the car without warning.” Lousy answer: “The wheel WILL fall off and cause a crash.”

2) Why does it need to have that done? Good answer: “It is worn beyond the safe point”, or “It will help the ____ last longer and save you money in the long run.” Lousy answer: “Because the Mechanic said so”, or “It’ll cost you a lot more if you don’t.”

3) If I go ahead with your recommendation, what are the potential surprises? Is this estimate solid? The answer should avoid scare tactics, yet an honest salesperson will explain any potential pitfalls, their and their mechanics' opinion of the odds. They should also guarantee NOT to exceed the estimate without contacting you to discuss the findings, options and cost of the change.

4) I only plan to keep this car for another year. Is there any way to save some money on this service? Most of the time less expensive/lower quality parts can be had. A good salesperson will work with you to control costs without compromising too much quality or safety.

Happy Motoring!

A Woman’s Point of View: A Tribute to the Customer

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.

There is the businessperson who closes deals on their cell phone. The mother with two young children who got maybe 3 hours of sleep last night, gently reading or singing to her fussy babies. The young entrepreneur who is madly working on his laptop, making all the pieces fit into his new, fledgling endeavor. The author, who is writing the next chapter in his head and mentally is a million miles away. The sportswoman, who has too much energy to sit and wait and finally jumps up and out the door to take a “small” 3 mile run. The retirees, who have all the time in the world and a treasure trove of wisdom to share with anyone wise enough to listen. The woman who quietly sits and knits newborn baby caps she donates to the hospital. She also brings us the best Banana Bread you ever tasted in your life. Every person met in a day has something positive to bring into our lives. Seize the opportunity.

How to Find the Perfect Mechanic - for the Ladies!

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