Protector Plates – Protecting what?

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.

How to Prevent Cold-Weather Stalls: Winterizing your Battery

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

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.

Black Friday, Christmas Prep and Car Trivia

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!

Used Car Fun Facts

by Kevin, Cars for Keeps Mechanic

Hello folks, it's Dr. Auto. I thought I would share some fun used car facts with you. If you have any strange or delightful facts of your own, feel free to share! The Dr. always loves to recieve more knowledge. Enjoy these facts:

1. Three out of four automotive transactions in the U.S. involve previously owned vehicles.

2. The average vehicle will likely have three owners in its lifetime.

3. The most frequently searched price range for a used vehicle is under $5,000.

4. There are more used Silverado pickup trucks for sale than any other model (nearly 120,000 throughout the U.S.)

5. Texas has more used vehicles than any other state (more than 220,000); Houston alone has more than 32,000 on the market at any given time.

6. Silver is the most available color in the used vehicle market -- more than 447,000 vehicles, followed by black (429,000), white (409,000), and red (321,000). Blue (309,000) and gray (277,000) are also aplenty. The color you're least likely to find? Pink, with just 249 used vehicles listed.

7. Age does appear to matter, at least when it comes to a used vehicle. Nearly half those listed at any one time (about 1.5 million) are model years 2007-2008.

8. Automatic transmissions outnumber manual 10 to 1 in the market for used vehicles.

9. Six cylinder vehicles are the most popular on the used car market, accounting for nearly a third of the total available (and roughly the combined total of both four cylinder and eight cylinder powered vehicles).

10. The automobile is the most recycled consumer product in the world today.

As always, when considering purchasing a "new" used car, make sure the vehicle is in sound mechanical condition. If the dealer or seller doesn't have recent diagnostics, you always can ask to have the car inspected by a third party.

Safe Driving and Healthy Cars,

Dr. Auto