Cars for Keeps

My steering wheel isn't straight, Whats wrong?

2011-10-09T19:41:00.000-07:00

The image above shows some of the common tire wear issues and causes along with defining the different angles addressed in wheel alignment.

Your car may feel like it drives fine, steers straight & handles OK, all while the vehicle is out of alignment. Most drivers can’t tell when the alignment is slightly off. As a matter of fact, we see drivers that driving cars that can ruin tires in a matter of 5,000 miles. So, good for you, you’re paying attention!

One of the most common indicators of misalignment is a steering wheel that isn’t straight. Another is that the vehicle drifts or “pulls” to one side or the other.

Research shows that with toe alignment just 0.34 degrees (0.17 inches) out of specifications, the average car has dragged its tires sideways for over 68 miles by the end of the year! That's considering the average car is driven about 12,000 miles per year.

Many manufacturers recommend that you have your vehicle's tires checked every 10,000 miles or at least once a year. Proper wheel alignment can add thousands of miles to the life of your tires.

Other benefits to proper wheel alignment include:

Better gas mileage due to reduced rolling resistance
Improved handling as steering improves and vibration eases as your rides become smoother
Safer driving, especially when suspension problems are detected and repaired.
Less fatigue from the driver fighting (consciously or unconsciously) an ill handling vehicle.

At Cars for Keeps, We offer a simple alignment inspection for less than $25.00 that measures the alignment settings to either confirm that everything is within manufacturers specifications or show issues that need to be addressed.

A Woman's Point of View: Let's Talk Belts!

2011-04-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

For the fashion conscious woman, this is the time of year that our minds turn to our summer wardrobe. Let’s talk belts. There are fashion belts, designer belts, utilitarian belts, chastity belts, cloth belts, leather belts, bejeweled belts, girdle belts, and the list goes on. How about serpentine belts?

No, they are not snakes wrapped around the waist. The serpentine belt is a long, continuous, multi-grooved belt that drives several devices in the engine, such as, the alternator, A/C compressor, air pump and water pump. It increases mechanical efficiency and reduces the load on the engine and increases fuel economy and power. This very important belt must be checked regularly for wear and breakage. If it breaks in two, it can act like a weed whip and do a pretty thorough job of chewing up engine parts.

Other belts include the vee belt, the ribbed belt, and timing belts. The vee belt is the basic belt for power transmission. The ribbed belt is also a transmission belt that has a long life, stability and reduced vibration. The timing belt is used instead of chains and gears, is less noisy and does not need to be lubricated. They are used in the camshaft and are the most efficient at transferring power.

If maintained properly and chanced at proper intervals, these belts help your car remain healthy and reliable. If left without maintenance, many of these belts can become brittle and cause moderate to extensive damage. At Cars For Keeps your belts are checked for wear every time you get your oil changed. You will be advised if you should get a new belt now, or if it just needs to be checked again soon.

Personal note: I wish they came in colors, but basic black does go with everything!

New-Used Cars: Be Smart Before You Buy!

2011-04-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

by Dennis Sweet, Cars for Keeps Customer Service Manager

Have you bought something and regretted it afterwards? I'm sure we all have. While there's nothing we at Cars for Keeps can recommend for shopping sprees, we can help you feel better about your used car purchase, while saving you money down the road.

When you're shopping for a new-to-you vehicle, everything looks good! New used cars are shiny, have less miles than your vehicle, and they're new and different to you. Buying that used car sounds like fun, it's in a price range you can afford, and you really like how it looks. You buy it, you feel good and then you bring it in for its first service visit. The auto garage brings you back a list of items which need to be fixed three pages long! You get the sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, you are angry, disappointed and you begin to realize that your decision to purchase that vehicle may not have been a good one.

I hope you never find yourself in this situation. At Cars for Keeps, we can ensure that this never happens to you by performing a pre-purchase used car inspection on any vehicle you're considering purchasing. This a bumper to bumper inspection, after which we provide you with complete list of items that a vehicle needs or is going to need in the near future. This way, you know what repairs a vehicle needs and what its true working condition is, so you can make the best, most educated decision. We have helped my clients over the past 20 years with this decision making process.

When if you find yourself looking for a different vehicle, happy hunting!

Your Friendly Neighborhood Service Manager,

Dennis

The 5th Wheel: Spare Tire Dos and Don’ts

2011-04-06T09:53:00.000-07:00

by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

The concept of the spare tire seems pretty basic, but it's surprising how often they're used improperly - or not at all. For those car owners out there who are "mechanically challenged", we've put together a few simple suggestions for maintaining and using your spare tire to ensure it's there when you need it most.

Do: Learn how to install the spare on your vehicle - before you have to! Locate where the spare tire, jack, lug wrench and wheel lock key (if equipped) are located and ensure the components needed are actually there. The jack is almost always intended to engage the vehicle in several specific areas to safely lift it without damage. Practice changing a tire. This will make it a lot easier on that cold, dark rainy night when your vehicle has a real flat.

Do: Check the spare tire's air pressure with a tire pressure gauge on a monthly basis, when you check all other tires on the vehicle. There’s nothing more aggravating than a flat spare when you have a flat tire. (This is performed at Cars for keeps whenever we perform our Free Pit Stop or other scheduled maintenance). All temporary (compact) spare tires are designed for short-term use only; they are not designed with the same capabilities as full size spare tires in terms of load capacity, speed capability, or all-weather traction. Refer to your vehicle’s owner's manual and a temporary spare's sidewall for instructions on proper use.

Do: If your vehicle’s spare is located under the vehicle, understand how it is lowered or released. This type of location leaves the assembly exposed to all the debris, salt and moisture you drive through day after day. Cars for Keeps will help you ensure the assembly is lubricated and functional when you need it.

Don’t: Forget the spare when you are preparing for winter, a road trip or sending a loved one off on their own.

Cars for Keeps can help when it comes to keeping the car safe, reliable and ready for life!

Why is Timing Belt Replacement So Important?

2011-04-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

If you've ever worked with us - or any other highly accredited repair shop, for that matter - before, you probably have been asked at your car's first visit when the last time its timing belt was changed. Auto technicians who emphasize preventive car maintenance pay special attention to timing belt maintenance, and for good reason. Imagine the following scenario...

Your six-year-old vehicle is starting to show a bit of wear and tear, but everything mechanical still works fine, so maintenance gets pushed to the back burner. Until it doesn't. Specifically, the engine suddenly goes dead silent one fine day, and you find that your vehicles timing belt failed!

Due to the damage the broken timing belt has caused, not only do you have to pay for the tow and the belt replacement, but also a costly valve job, because there's no compression on two cylinders. You're one of the unfortunate car owners with an "interference engine" -- an engine that can leave one or more valves still propped open far enough to contact a piston when the belt parts. Sadly, car sales brochures don't list whether or not an engine might suffer catastrophic damage if the belt goes.

In most cases, this bit of unpleasantness could have been prevented with timely maintenance. It's best to replace the timing belt according to your vehicle manufacturer's recommended schedule. Some rarer engines -- like those in more expensive models -- still use timing chains, rather than belts, like they did back in the day before the popularity of overhead camshafts. Unlike belts, timing chains usually don't have a routine replacement interval, but for most car owners, regular timing belt replacement is critical.

The timing belt (or chain) is the sole component that keeps the camshaft (make that camshafts on a DOHC or V-type OHC engine) and crankshaft in sync. So replacing this cogged reinforced-rubber belt at regular intervals -- generally every 60,000 miles unless the car manufacturer specifies longer -- is a lot less expensive and aggravating than having it break first. To find out what your car's maintenance schedule is, consult with us here at Cars for Keeps or read the owner's manual.

Buying Used Cars: Quick Ways to Spot a Lemon

2011-03-18T17:56:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Lemon or lovely – that is the question when you consider buying a used vehicle. It may look gorgeous on the outside, but the inner workings determine whether or not the car will be a money pit. Here are a few tips on what to look for when test driving that little beauty:

1) Pull out the oil dipstick while the engine is running – be careful not rev the engine! Watch the dipstick's hole as the engine idles; if you hear or see any air, gas or oil escaping the dipstick holder it means the rings are worn. A slight escape of air from the dipstick is the first stage of ring failure which is not a serious problem but will get worse until gas and oil start escaping the dipstick holder. The result is less power and leaking oil in the sump. Look for white emulsification on the dipstick which would indicate a cracked cylinder head, which is a serious problem.

2) Look at the exhaust pipe while the car is running. White smoke from the exhaust indicates there's engine oil remaining on the bore that the rings haven’t scraped off, which means oil could be leaking. Black smoke means the fuel injectors are dirty on a diesel engine.

3) Remove the radiator cap and check for oil. Oil in the water also means a cracked cylinder head.

4) Have a pre-purchase inspection performed! A compression test should also be done for failing rings on any used vehicle. This test requires a trained mechanic because of the equipment used and the test is complicated. The readings must be done ‘dry’ and ‘wet’, and it even depends on if you are above or below sea level.

At Cars For Keeps, we do a bumper to bumper inspection on used vehicles before you buy it, and we have saved a lot of people from buying a ‘money pit’.

How to Maintain Working Hood & Trunk Latches

2011-03-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

by Dennis Sweet, Cars for Keeps Customer Service Manager

Have you ever heard the old saying “use it or lose it”? Well this applies to working parts on our vehicles! We use the remote to change the channel on our TV, even if we are standing in front of it. We as humans are creatures of habit and convenience.

We use our vehicles' key fobs to unlock doors and trunks, and while this is convenient for us, it's not so great for the locks and latches. When the key fob is used to unlock the trunk, the trunk latch unlocks from inside the trunk, but the key cylinder never turns. Rust and corrosion builds up on the key cylinder, and when the time comes that you don’t have the key fob or it stops working and you need to unlock it with the key, it may not work.

It is important that you have your auto service center lubricate the hood and trunk latches as well as the door and trunk lock cylinder with high quality lubricant at when regular oil changes are performed. Or, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil with extended mileage intervals you, can stop in and have Cars for Keeps do this at one of our free Pit Stops.

Routine latch lubrication and maintenance doesn't only apply to your vehicle’s hood latch; it can be just as important to maintain the rest of the vehicle’s door locks. Proper lubrication and the occasional use of these important vehicle components is the best way to maintain and ensure that they work when you or your service center need them to.

Tips For Managing Auto Repair & Maintenance Records

2011-03-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Let’s face it - we still live in a paper oriented world. Which means for most of us that somewhere in our house sits one of those ugly file cabinets or a big box where we throw everything during the year, and at tax time it's a nightmare to sort through. It becomes a necessity to spend the $10 to get some file folders to separate subjects.

Keeping records of automotive repair and maintenance is a chore few of us relish, but keeping organized files can save us time and grief down the road. Think of these records as your car's medical records; it's important to be able to present these to your auto technician, so we know how to diagnose and "treat" your vehicle! Whether they're oil change records or transmission repair receipts, it's a good idea to keep all these records together. Things like having a record of the last timing belt replacement can save you unnecessary maintenance costs, but they can also save you from breakdowns due to overdue maintenance.

For those who find it easier to have everything at hand on your computer, there are many software programs you can get to keep track of your car's maintenance and repair schedules. Lonewolf Software is one good option. Other popular programs include Tucows and MTCPro.

Let us us not forget the obvious little helpers that are right in front of us. The little sticker Cars For Keeps puts on your windshield telling you when your car is due for its next oil change and, at your request, a paper printout listing needed and recommended repairs with a cost estimate.

Hybrid Car Engine Performance During Cold Weather

2011-03-03T12:24:00.000-08:00

by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

How much does cold weather affect the performance of hybrid cars?

While in manufacturer training at different times over the years, I’ve been amazed at how much effort was put into extreme weather testing by most auto parts manufacturers.

They’ve become more aggressive and technologically adept every year. With the introduction of hybrid vehicles, every bit as much, if not more effort has gone into ensuring this new technology can exceed their customers expectations.

Cold and snow makes EVERYTHING in a vehicle work harder. So, while performance, mileage and even reliability do suffer with a hybrid in the cold, the difference is negligible and for the most part goes unnoticed. The losses are consistent with standard gasoline or diesel powered vehicles which also suffer from frigid temps.

Reliability: Hybrid cars and other hybrid vehicles seem so different that too many owners think there is something miraculous happening. It’s not. They are exposed to the same extremes in temperatures, assault on their systems from bone jarring pot holes and from normal wear.

Just as we recommend for all our clients, having your hybrid car checked out by a professional at least every season and especially before the coldest and hottest seasons is the best way to ensure your ride is safe, reliable and ready to go.

The exclusive Cars for Keeps seasonal Pit Stop is one more way we fix cars. For keeps.

Case Study: A Mess of an Oil Change!

2011-02-22T22:03:00.001-08:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

The other day, a customer brought in a 1997 Lexus ES 300 (that he had just purchased) for an oil change and general checkup. The car was in very good condition - that was, until the mechanic took off the oil valve cover and it full of sludge. Having sludge rather than oil lubricating the engine's working parts can very quickly deteriorate moving parts. Instead of being lubricated by clean oil, sludge contaminates parts, makes them sticky and prone to costly damage.

Mike really gets into auto repair...*groan*

The previous owner followed the manufacturer’s guidelines to change the oil every five or six thousand miles - so then what was the problem? This may look good on paper, but in reality, this frequently is often just not enough. The detergents in the oil break down after a certain amount of time, which is what creates sludge. Unless a special high-grade synthetic oil were being used, regular oil changes and maintenance really should be preformed every three thousand miles for this type of vehicle. This Lexus has 167,000 miles on it, and if properly maintained intervals are kept, it should be good for another 500,000 miles and more.

We like to view our customers' cars as investments; in the long run, they prove a far more valuable investment when they're properly maintained. Each car model is different, so if you'd like to know what your vehicle's specific maintenance intervals should be, it's best to check with your favorite mechanic.

Speaking of favorite mechanics, we've been nominated for the category of "Best Oil Change" by the Grand Haven Tribune's People's Choice Awards 2011, and we would appreciate your votes! Thank you!

BG Products: Better Auto Fluids for Better Vehicle Performance

2011-02-18T14:56:00.000-08:00

by Dennis Sweet, Cars for Keeps Customer Service Manager

At Cars for Keeps, we believe in the the old adage “you get what you pay for”. We feel that not all car parts and fluids are created equal. So with that in mind, let's talk auto fluids...

When we talk about your vehicle's fluid systems, we're talking about transmission, power steering, brake, coolant and engine oil fluids. Each of these fluids services a very important automotive function, and as the fluids break down over time, they can cause damage to these systems if they are not flushed and maintained.

We've researched many automotive fluid products and believe we have found one of the best that is available. I am talking about BG Products. BG Products is a chemical company that makes top of the line automotive fluids and automotive maintenance service products. These include completely synthetic engine oils, power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluids and grease and gear lube.

Most automotive fluid companies make their products with crude oil base. BG Products, on the other hand, are manufactured in a lab as fully synthetic chemicals. For humans, synthetic products are bad news, but for a vehicle, synthetic fluids are the best they come. These fluid are capable of handling the higher temps better and for longer, without breaking down. This means longer periods between fluid changes and more longevity for the life of you vehicle.

BG Fully synthetic motor oil even comes with a friction modifier added to it for even better protection of your vehicle's engine. They also offer cleaning products to flush and improve the performance of drive lines, fuel systems, batteries and climate control systems.

BG is so confident of their products that they put a 150,000 mile warranty on your vehicle's engine if you use BG Products according to the recommended schedule on vehicles before they reach 30,000 miles.

With this kind of value, it was a no brainer for us at Cars for Keeps to offer BG Product to our customers, and for BG Products to be our top selling automotive fluid brand.

If you're curious to learn more about BG, visit them online, or watch their video below:

Why Your Car’s AC System Needs Repair, Even During Winter

2011-02-16T09:10:00.000-08:00

by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

Most drivers don’t give a second thought about air conditioning (AC or HVAC) when the weather is cooler than about 75°f. While once considered a luxury, often an expensive add-on to a new car purchase, air conditioning is now a common factory installed item running in concert with several other systems.

Two of the most frequent questions we receive are:

1. Should I run my AC in the winter?

Many vehicles now incorporate running the air conditioning system when the windshield defroster is selected. Automatic climate control systems in the higher end vehicles use it routinely unless you select the “Economy” mode. There are a few reasons it's a good idea to run your auto's AC in the winter.

First, running the air conditioning year round will help maintain the system. It will help to keep the system well lubricated and leak proof. This is because the refrigerant actually carries the oil and sealers that lubricate the system and most importantly the compressor. It also keeps the seals and hoses moist, thus preventing them from drying out and cracking, which can lead to leaks.

Air conditioning removes moisture. If you’ve driven in heavy rain or high humidity, you needed the humidity removed from the forced air blasting your windows. This is less noticeable in colder weather, however the moisture is still a factor in clearing that fog from your view. If you have a car with a separate A/C switch, try turning it on next time (even if the temp is set on hot). It will clear your windows quicker.
2. If my AC needs repair, why shouldn't I wait until warmer weather?

Because the systems are so integrated, waiting to repair the AC system can increase the costs dramatically. Items from simple hoses, connections, desiccant chambers (driers) to the complex compressor, evaporator and condenser depend on operating in a lubricated, moisture free environment. Electrical switch or sensor failure will leave the system inoperative, but the failure of a seal or hose can cause much more serious damage. Faulty hoses will leak refrigerant, allowing water to enter the internal AC system and cause corrosion and rust.

Cars for Keeps includes testing AC function in its routine inspection process to help you avoid surprises when the weather warms up.

One more way we fix cars. For keeps!

A Woman's Point of View: What Auto Maintenance Tasks Are Most Important?

2011-02-09T14:08:00.000-08:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

The most important maintenance for your car can be summed up in one word: Regular!

For those of you who are very structured in your lives, this is not a problem. For the rest of us who have to put a sticky note on our steering wheels to remind us of our next oil change, this can be a little problem! Here's a few tips for keeping your car's maintenance on track.

Most of us have a calendar that we refer to, either hanging on the wall, on our desk, or on our computers or cell phones. Pick a certain date that is usually convenient for you every three months and jot down ‘LOF’ (which stands for Lube, Oil, Filter) to remind you to check the mileage on your car. Check that with the sticker on your windshield and if they are close, gives us a call and we will take care of everything for you.

At Cars For Keeps, regular maintenance always includes the oil change, a new oil filter, topping off the fluids in your car, a visual inspection under, around and in the engine compartment, a recommendation list that is prioritized of potential problems, and checking your tires for air pressure and wear or damage. The oil in each of your vehicles should be changed every 2,000 miles for regular oil, and every 6,000 miles for cars that use synthetic oil, according to our head mechanic. We recommend that you call ahead to make an appointment so we can hold a specific amount of time to give you and your car the time and attention that you deserve. One or two days ahead of time is usually sufficient.

Annual Auto Maintenance Schedule: What Do to & When to Do It!

2011-02-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

So you understand the importance of routine auto maintenance, you're ready to start treating your vehicle like the potential investment it is, but you don't know where - or when - to start. What exactly IS routine maintenance, and how often does it need to be performed?

Because not all auto components wear down at the same rate, true "routine maintenance" is a little more complicated than it seems. Routine maintenance for a timing belt, for example, is having it changed every 60-70,000 miles, while routine maintenance for your engine oil requires changing it every 4-7,000 miles. That's a big difference!

To make understanding routine auto maintenance a little easier on drivers, we've put together the following schedule.

Monthly Auto Maintenance

Brake, power steering, transmission, antifreeze and windshield washer fluids. While not all of these may need to be changed each month, it's a good idea to have them checked to make sure they're not dirty, sludgy or running low. These fluids - particularly brake, power steering and transmission - are important to your vehicle's safety, and making sure they're clean and topped up can prevent far more serious problems down the road.

Tire air pressure. Did you know that under inflated tires can cause your vehicle to not only run less efficiently, but also have unsafe "splashy" steering? Checking your tires for proper inflation is fast, simple and almost free, so monthly checkups are definitely worth it!

Head & tail lights. Sure, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to check to make sure all your vehicle's lights are working properly - but it still needs to be done! Faulty lights pose safety risks - not to mention the risk of getting ticketed - so it's a good idea to either check or have these checked monthly.

3 Month Maintenance

Oil changes. Three months is a general guideline, and necessary intervals can vary from vehicle to vehicle. Older autos often require oil changes more often - every 3,000 miles or so - while some newer vehicles may be able to go as far as 7,000 miles before an oil change is necessary. Check your vehicle's manual, or ask your auto technician about your vehicle model. Of course, it certainly doesn't hurt to have your oil changed every 3 months - just ask our High Mile Club members!

Chassis lubrication. Again, it may not be necessary to have this performed as often as three months, but it depends on your vehicle's model and age. Many newer autos are "lubed for life", while some older cars still require it. The chassis' steering and suspension components may, however, require periodic replacement to prevent further damage, so it's a good idea to have the chassis inspected every 3 months just in case.
Engine tuning. Faulty spark plugs and gummed up fuel injectors - both engine components - can reduce fuel efficiency as much as thirty percent; the best way to make sure all spark plugs and engine components are working properly is to have them checked every three months.

Battery maintenance and cleaning. Just because your battery isn't dead doesn't mean something isn't wrong. Dirty or corroded batter cable posts can create a poor connection, causing faulty ignition start or inefficient power use.

6 Month Maintenance

Air filters. Air filters essentially help vehicles "breathe" clean air. When these filters become dirty or clogged over time, they make it more difficult for engines to get the oxygen they need, causing inefficient mileage and poor performance. Different air filter brands last for different periods of time, so it's best to have them checked at least twice every year.

Wiper Blades. Do we need to say it?! Wiper blades inevitably become stiff and cracked over time - typically about six months - causing chattering and streaking, which can cause dangerously poor visibility during inclement weather. Have these replaced twice each year.

Yearly Maintenance

Engine belts. While most engine belts don't need to be replaced each year, it's a good idea to have an auto technician take a look at those that are accessible, and to keep tabs on how long less accessible belts have been installed. V-belts typically need to be replaced every four years or 35,000 miles, serpentine belts every four years or 50,000 (or sooner), and timing belts every five years or 60,00 miles - whichever comes first. Over time, these belts become stiff, loose and cracked or worn, and if they break while your vehicle is running, they can cause serious damage.

Shock absorbers and struts. Worn shock absorbers and struts can not only make for a bumpier ride, but they can cause fuel inefficiency, misalignment and a host of other safety problems. For best performance, have these inspected by an auto technician each year.

Of course, the best way to make sure all your vehicle's routine maintenance needs are taken care of is to sit down with your auto technician(s) and create an annual auto maintenance schedule. We can help you by scheduling maintenance at intervals which are customized to your vehicle's age and specific maintenance needs.

8 Facts About Warming Up Your Vehicle in Winter

2011-01-24T19:02:00.000-08:00

by Dennis, Cars for Keeps Customer Service Manager

Well, with the cold weather's return, we've had a lot of questions around the shop about winter maintenance - particularly about how to warm up vehicles during chilly mornings. Since we have a lot to say about this topic, we decided it was time to address it here!

Old habits die hard, and one of the oldest — still rigorously enforced by many drivers — is that "warming up" the car for a few minutes is necessary to avoid electrical damage.

The truth is that the majority of the time, idling is totally unnecessary. You don't really need to idle your car, thanks to the efficiency of modern fuel injection, which eliminates carburetors and chokes.

The only reason drivers have to let the car idle at all is to get the oil circulating, but after 30 seconds that's a done deal. Anything past 30 seconds is just for the driver's comfort to getting into a warm vehicle. Even though the warmth may be nice, excessive idling - such as during cold winter months - poses more problems than solutions.

Let's look at 8 facts about idling that all drivers should know.

1. Driving warms the car faster than idling. If your concern is not the health of the car, but simply your own creature comforts, Bob Aldrich of the California Energy Commission points out that "idling is not actually an effective way to warm up a car — it warms up faster if you just drive it."

Upcoming electric car models, such as the Nissan Leaf, will incorporate a wonderful feature that allows the owner to use a cellphone to tell the car (which is plugged into the grid) to pre-warm or pre-cool the interior. No idling necessary.

2. Ten seconds is all you need. The Environmental Defense Fund, which produced the Idling Gets You Nowhere campaign, advises motorists to turn off their ignition if they're sitting stopped for more than 10 seconds.

"After about 10 seconds, you waste more money running the engine than restarting it, said Andy Darrell, deputy director of the EDF Energy Program. "Switch the car off at the curb, and you'll be leaving money in your wallet and protecting the air in your community."

3. Idling hurts the car. According to the Hinkle Charitable Foundation's Anti-Idling Primer,
idling forces an engine "to operate in a very inefficient and gasoline-rich mode that, over time, can degrade the engine's performance and reduce mileage."

The Campaign for an Idle-Free New York City points out that idling causes carbon residues to build up inside the engine, which reduces its efficiency.

[ Related: Five secrets to make your car last longer and save you money. ]

4. Idling costs money. Over a year of five minutes of daily idling (which causes incomplete
combustion of fuel), the "Anti-Idling Primer" estimates that the operator of a V8-engine car will waste 20 gallons of gasoline, which not only produces 440 pounds of carbon dioxide but costs at least $60.

5. Idling in the garage can kill you. Idling a car in a garage, even with the door open, is dangerous and exposes the driver to carbon monoxide and other noxious gases. If the garage is attached, those fumes can also enter the house.

6. Block heaters beat remote starters. Lori Strothard of the Waterloo Citizens Vehicle Idling Reduction Task Force in Canada says, "Remote starters can too easily cause people to warm up their cars for 5 to 15 minutes, which is generally unnecessary."

A block heater, which is designed to heat the engine and can cost under $30, on a timer set to start one to two hours before driving, does the trick in very cold climates.

7. Quick errands aren't quick enough. Natural Resources Canada points out that leaving your car idling while you're running into a store on an errand or going back into the house to pick up a forgotten item is another way to waste gas and pollute both your town and the planet.

"Leaving your engine running is hard on your pocketbook, produces greenhouse gas emissions, and is an invitation to car thieves," the agency (PDF) says.

8. Idling is bad for your health (and your neighbor's health). According to Minneapolis' anti-idling ordinance, "Exhaust is hazardous to human health, especially children's; studies have linked air pollution to increased rates of cancer, heart and lung disease, asthma and allergies."

Isabelle Silverman, who runs EDF's anti-idling campaign, says that car idling "is the second-hand smoking of the outdoors. One of the problems is that cars idle close to the curb, where pedestrians are walking. And when you have a child in a stroller, they are particularly
close to the tailpipe. Studies show that children's IQ levels are lower when they live near major roads with lots of traffic."

Alex Scaperotta, who created an anti-idling campaign with a classmate when he was in fifth grade in Wilton, Connecticut, came up with a slogan that was used on bumper stickers and websites: "If you're stopped for more than 10, turn it off and on again." Sounds like
good advice.

Have a great day from your friendly neighborhood Service Manager!

A Women’s Point of View: Winter Thoughts

2011-01-18T15:10:00.000-08:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

The excitement of the holidays is over. Other than looking forward to the first signs of spring (which may be three months away), we find ourselves staring at a long winter of going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark. Or, going through last year’s files to gather all the data together to have our income taxes done. Or - and this is always a favorite - losing that ten pounds you put on over the holidays. Have I cheered you up yet?

All of us at Cars For Keeps understand the “mid-winter” mindset, which is the strong urge to just curl up with a good book in front of the fireplace for the winter. All of nature wants to hibernate when it is cold, right? But, as responsible humans we must attend to those things that need our attention. Your car(s) are one of those things and we will make your experience with us as pleasant as we can while your car is being cared for. From hot coffee for you to the play area for the kids to checking your email on the complimentary computer with Wi-Fi to the baby changing area, we always consider your comfort and convenience.

Consider counter measures to lift your spirits. Take an after dark walk, even if it is only around your back yard. Enjoy those great big snowflakes gently falling or how the snow looks on a moonlit night. Get together with friends/neighbors, build a bonfire and roast some hotdogs. Visit someone who can’t get out and laugh over the silly things both of you have done in your lives. Do whatever it takes to make you smile.

A Woman's Point Of View: New Beginnings

2011-01-10T12:37:00.000-08:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

It's a brand new year and we are all filled with hope, optimism and excitement over the possibilities that the new year brings to our hearts and minds. We make New Year's resolutions that, somehow, are soon forgotten or given up on, but not in vain! The process of resolving to change the way we do things stirs our imaginations and helps us to remember dreams and goals we may have forgotten. Why not take those dreams out, dust them off and reconsider them in the light of your current circumstances? You have more of life's experience under your belt now to help make your dream come true. Why not go for it?

We at Cars For Keeps are pursuing some dreams of our own. Yes, we are experts in car repair, but it's people who are the number one concern and priority to us. Our dreams are to benefit our customers - whether you have been using our services for years or you are coming to us for the first time. Watch for some pleasant surprises coming your way from us soon.

The free tip for the week is this: That charming little drawer in your car that used to be called an ashtray is actually an under utilized treasure, especially useful to women and small children. It is a handy place to throw all those little things like change, paperclips, thumb drives, candy, gum, pieces of toys, business cards, ear pieces, SIM cards, etc., etc. This little drawer should be cleaned out once a year. This might be a good time to do that.

Auto Suspension, Shocks & Struts: Why Repair & Maintenance are Key to Safety!

2011-01-05T13:57:00.000-08:00

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

Last time I brought my little Ford Focus in to Cars for Keeps for a check up, Bobby found a problem with the car that had been evident for months prior to my visit. With the car hoisted up on a lift, he lead me around to the rear of the car and lifted up on the rear right wheel.

It easily moved up and down.

"Ok, now see how this wheel moves really easily just by me lifting it?" Bobby said. "That's because the spring is shot. Imagine the whole weight of your car resting on the wheel. The rear springs are hardly providing any shock absorption at all."

Bobby went into further detail, but all I could hear was "repair costs repair costs repair costs".

"So...how important is it, exactly, for me to get this problem fixed?" I asked. Not one to be a pushy sales guy, Bobby shrugged and told me that if left unfixed, it could lead to damage to the rest of the rear suspension. It would also be one uncomfortable ride, what with zero shock absorption and all. Then there was safety.

As it turns out, having well maintained suspension systems are a key factor when it comes driving safety. Let's look at why.

Auto suspension systems are composed of springs, shock absorbers and linkages which connect to the vehicle's wheels. In essence, the suspension system is what connects your vehicle's body to its wheels and manages the weight distribution. The suspension system is responsible for two main tasks:

1) to maintain even traction by keeping the vehicle's wheels in contact with the road, and

2) to dampen vibrations, bumps and road noise for passengers, providing a more comfortable ride.

Struts and shocks aren't only about having a more comfortable ride. They play a key role in keeping your vehicle's tires in consistent contact with the road. They provide the cushion your vehicle needs to maintain much-needed traction. Worn struts and shocks will cause extra bounce and vibration, lowering your vehicle's traction. A car with worn shocks and struts might not notice much of a handling difference under normal circumstances, but in an emergency stop, that wear can cost drivers an extra 30-40 feet in braking distance.

In other words, worn shocks, struts and suspension systems can eliminate a driver's ability to brake quickly when it matters.

Of course, suspension systems are also tied to steering, so faulty suspension systems can also cause potentially dangerous steering or handling problems. Aside from safety issues, worn or misaligned suspension systems can cause uneven tire wearing, and lower gas mileage.

To make sure your vehicle is operating with the best safety and efficiency, keep an eye out for any of the following symptoms of faulty suspension systems:

Vehicle bounces when going down the road
Steering is hard or loose
Vehicle pulls to one side or wanders down the road
Steering wheel vibrates, shimmies or jerks
Clunking or other noises when turning

If your vehicle has any of the following symptoms, it could be as simple as a misalignment or loose spring. The only way to know is to have it checked out!

A Women’s Point of View: We Have Elves!

2010-12-10T14:54:00.000-08:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Tis the season when magic happens. All the elves are extra busy making everyone’s wishes and dreams come true, making children’s (and adult children’s) toys, ordinary trees sparkle, wrapping plain boxes in such a way to make us wonder in awe and mystery of what is inside, and filling our homes with smells that make us remember warm and wondrous moments.

Even in the workplace we cannot escape their magic touches. At Cars For Keeps we have elves too. Our main elf has been helping many people easily get those new tires on their cars, since the snow has started to fly through the air. Yes, we have been forced to let go of summer in our hearts and minds, so we may as well gracefully surrender to the romance of falling snow, fireplaces and warm, soft mittens.

Our other elves have been busy helping to rectify the usual cold weather maladies that affect our cars such as dead batteries, broken window seals, heater malfunctions, windshield wipers that leave streaks, and all the other little things that happen when it turns cold. Then there are the major breakdowns and malfunctions that can and do happen. Our elves can do it all on all makes of cars.

Since this is the season for giving here is the tip for the day: Cars For Keeps is giving free oil changes to all active members and immediate family members (spouses and at home children) of all branches of the armed services. It is our way of saying, ‘Thank you for your service’!

Winter Driving Tips for Bald Tires, Light Cars & Other Bad Winter Vehicles

2010-12-08T16:55:00.000-08:00

by Marjorie S., Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

We've promoted. We've suggested. We've blogged, tweeted and status updated. We've offered coupons. We've done everything we possibly can to impress the importance of proper winter snow tires on our customers, and you've listened - most of you, that is.

Having been in the auto repair industry for as long as we have, we know that some people are just not going to follow our advice, no matter what we do. Maybe you don't believe you actually NEED snow tires, or maybe you just don't have the money for snow tires in your budget right now. Whatever your reasons for not getting those snow tires installed, this post is for you!

Keep in mind the recommendations below are NOT an encouragement to keep your vehicle unprepared for winter weather. Still, we understand that sometimes "life happens". If you're driving on bald tires for one reason or the other, we at least want you to have the driving knowledge to take what Michigan winters will throw at you.

Winter Driving on Bald Tires

So you're driving on summer tires, bald tires, or perhaps all weather tires. If your vehicle is "compact", it's much more susceptible to skidding around on the ice and getting blown off course by semi trucks. What can you do to drive safely in these conditions?

Slow. Down. It's painfully basic, but it's true. The faster your bald-tired little vehicle goes on slippery snow and ice, the less traction it has. If your car is not equipped for winter, leave yourself more time to get places and drive slowly during inclement road conditions. Sure, it's inconvenient, but it could save your life.

Use lower gears. This especially applies to driving up or down inclines on icy roads; using lower gears can help to give you more traction and maintain a slower, steadier speed.

Never forget road conditions. If you're driving on bald tires during an ice storm, you're probably not going to think about anything else until you've taken the key out of the ignition. If you're driving on old all-weather tires in slushy barely freezing weather, however, you might be tempted to become overconfident and forget about your car's treacherous position. The moment you take your vehicle's traction for granted and brake or steer too hard is the moment you might lose control of the vehicle.

Maintain space between your car and other vehicles. Who cares if you're driving like dear old grandma? Maintaining extra space between the cars around you is an easy way to avoid costly fender benders in town. On the freeway, it's an easy way to avoid a fatal crash.

Don't rely on your brakes. When you're driving on bad tires in bad conditions, avoid the temptation to over-brake at all costs. If your vehicle has little or no traction, braking hard is more likely to cause your car to spin out of control than anything else. At high speeds on the freeway, even braking lightly on ice can cause your brakes to lock and your vehicle to lose control. In these situations, the best way to slow down is to remove your foot from the gas, wait for some deceleration (if you can), then pump the brake pedal slowly and firmly. If you don't have ABS, this can also prevent your wheels from locking.

Drive behind salt trucks. Passing heavy equipment during inclement weather is treacherous in a vehicle equipped with great snow tires. If you're driving a poorly equipped car, do yourself a favor and remain behind salt trucks as long as you can. Sure, you'll probably get where you're going late, and your car will definitely need an undercarriage wash, but you'll avoid a potentially bad accident.

If your vehicle is medium to heavy duty truck with rear or four wheel drive, toss heavy items such as bricks or old summer tires in the back. Even if your tires are bald, the extra weight should help to give you a little much-needed traction.

Safe driving! (and remember: it's not too late to get snow tires installed...)

A Women’s Point of View: The Rush Has Begun

2010-12-03T11:09:00.000-08:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

It’s official. The Holidays that we all know and love are in full swing. The cooking, the cleaning for all the company, the shopping, the chauffeuring, the decorating, etc., etc., etc. You are Woman! We hear you roar!

I notice every year at Cars For Keeps that we see fewer women this time of year. We do get to meet their husbands, their teenagers, even their fathers and brothers. Good recruiting and delegating ladies. Our hats are off to you for knowing that your car’s mechanical health is very important this time of year when you are running here and there and everywhere. You think and plan ahead to have that oil change, those brakes checked and fixed and those inspections done to head off any potential trouble. There is nothing worse than getting up at 3AM to get to that store for those great bargains and then finding out your battery is dead. You get ten points for stress reduction.

Winter driving tip for the day: steering wheel covers. Get the kind that have material and bumps on them. The material keeps your steering wheel from getting so cold that your hands ache and the bumps give you a good grip when turning corners. How many times have your hands slipped, especially if you are wearing mittens? Oddly enough, the bumpy parts do not get that cold, so you can take off those bulky mittens with the hand warmers and stay comfortably in control of that steering wheel. The only bad part is getting the cover onto the steering wheel, but it is worth the trouble. Oh, and be sure to color coordinate.!

Winter Snow Tires: Two Tires or Four?

2010-12-01T13:43:00.000-08:00

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

Well, as anyone who was traveling in West Michigan over the Thanksgiving holiday knows, winter weather driving is officially here! We may not all love the snow, but it's here to stay, and our vehicles need to be prepared.

Some drivers may opt to only put snow tires on two wheels - front or back, depending on where the drivetrain is located - in an attempt to save money. While this may seem like a good idea from a non-mechanic's point of view, the truth is that only using two snow tires instead of four may barely improve your vehicle's handling in inclement positions. In rear wheel drive vehicles, using snow tires only on the back end may actually cause less control than no snow tires at all.

But don't take our word for it. Take a look at these two winter tire demonstration videos put out by the Automobile Protection Association:

Rear Wheel Drive Snow Tires

Front Wheel Drive Snow Tires

So which brand of snow tires is best for your vehicle? We carry many brands winter tires which fit a range of budgets. Of course, we prefer the performance of some brands and models more than others, but the important thing is to HAVE snow tires on all four of your vehicle's wheels. To price out snow tires for your car, give us a call at 616-846-1989 or stop by the shop.

Safe driving!

A Women’s Point of View: Fuel Additives Can Be Good

2010-11-23T12:52:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago I talked about how to lessen your visits to the dreaded gas station. Additives were briefly mentioned as one way to keep your car running at its peak performance.

I have been requested to write more about these additives, so I did some research. Speaking to the experts on the subject, I have learned that there is good news and not so good news in regards to fuel additives. The not so good news is that most gasoline additives are pretty much worthless. The good news is that there are a couple of additives that actually do some good for your car’s engine. It's a good thing we have auto experts on hand who can tell us which ones!

The first is called Sea Foam. Yes. I agree, it is a pretty silly name for your big strong car that really doesn’t run in or on the sea. But as a gasoline additive it cleans the car’s fuel system and is very stable when used, especially if you are storing your vehicle. Best used at intervals of two or three times a year. Another good additive to use is Stabil, for storing your vehicle. It helps to keep your gasoline fresh. An additive called 44K is something we use at Cars For Keeps to keep gasoline fresh and cleans the fuel injectors.

All of these are helpful for getting the most for your money at the gas pump. Here is the last, but best, hint of all; nothing is better than a knowledgeable, well-trained mechanic looking after your vehicle at regular maintenance intervals. Almost like having a ‘mechanic in a bottle’.

Save driving!

An Interview with Michael: About Brakes, Part II

2010-11-17T12:45:00.000-08:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars For Keeps Office Manager

Last week Michael told us about all the extra service he performs each time he installs brakes on a car. When asked what each of us can do to get the optimal performance from our brakes and make them last, this is his surprising answer.

“Worn out suspension – struts and shocks in the front play a major role. Most of the braking comes from the front brakes. When you have a hard stop the front of the car does a ‘nose dive’, causing the front brakes to do most of the work. Cars are set up now so that 75% to 80% of the pressure is on the front brakes and 25% on the rear brakes. So the front brakes wear out faster than the rear brakes, and a worn out suspension can cause warpage from heat build-up on the brake rotors.

Also, the way we use our brakes can make a difference in the longevity of our brakes. A ‘hard stop’ is when you press down hard on the brakes for a quick stop. A ‘soft stop’ is when you lightly apply pressure to the brakes for a longer, slower stop. ‘Soft stops’ cause less friction on the suspension and rotors and help the brakes and suspension have a longer life.”

In conclusion: Having a lead foot on the gas is not only bad for us at the gas station, but can also make the investment in new brakes come sooner than we would like.

Thanks to Michael for his expertise and helping us do what we do best at Cars For Keeps!

Independent Auto Repair vs. Dealership Auto Repair: 5 Things to Consider

2010-11-10T07:01:00.000-08:00

by Marjorie Steele, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

"Your dealership alternative" is becoming a familiar slogan among independent auto repair shops. To be sure, independent auto repair shops - like Cars for Keeps - would like to drink some of that warrantied service milkshake, but it's not just a ploy to steal business from auto dealerships. More and more vehicle owners are actively looking for better customer service, better prices and more comprehensive repair service than auto dealerships offer.

There are many factors to weigh when choosing between auto dealership repair service and service provided by independent repair centers. In some cases, the similarities between the two may be very close, making it difficult for vehicle owners to choose. To make matters worse, a lot of misinformation has been spread to consumers about warranties, cost and parts availability.

If you, a friend or family member is struggling to choose between auto dealership service and independent repair service, we encourage you to take the following into consideration:

Vehicle warranty. Contrary to popular belief, vehicle owners have the legal right to choose anyone to be their auto repair service provider to perform services not covered under warranty, without risking losing their warranty. There will always be some services and recall-related repairs which auto dealerships can offer at a lower cost (or for free) under warranty, but these are limited, especially as the vehicle ages.

Additionally, standard dealership warranties usually expire after 12 months or 12,000 miles; highly certified independent auto repair centers (like Cars for Keeps) can often offer extended parts and labor warranties which cover terms as long as 3 years.

OEM parts. Quality independent auto repair shops like Cars for Keeps have access to the same original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts auto dealerships do; independent repair shops are often able to get OEM parts from less expensive suppliers than dealer direct, passing those cost savings down to the customer. Also, OEM parts may not always be the best solution for auto repair, and they are certainly not always the most cost-effective, yet OEM parts are the only parts auto dealerships offer. Independent dealerships offer car owners a range of parts brands, allowing car owners to cut expenses by choosing non-OEM parts, if they need to.

Labor cost. Auto dealerships and independent repair shops track their technician's hours differently; dealerships tend to standardize allotted work time, offering technicians incentive to finish jobs more quickly. Independent repair shops typically track technician work by actual hours, passing along cost savings to the customer. Independent repair shops as a whole generally offer labor at 20% less than dealerships.

Technician experience. Last but not least, auto technician experience is a very important factor when it comes to auto repair. Auto dealership technicians receive highly specialized training specific to the auto brands the dealership sells. This gives dealership technicians firm expertise on a handful of auto brands, but it also means that technicians lack expert knowledge of other brands, hindering their breadth of expertise. Highly qualified independent auto technicians are cross-trained to work on a wide spectrum of vehicles, and for technicians who work at AAA approved, Bosch and NAPA Certified independent repair centers, their level of mechanical training and knowledge is quite extensive. Experienced independent repair technicians often develop better problem solving skills as a result of their diverse experience, allowing them to fix vehicles faster, more permanently and more thoroughly.

Of course, we at Cars for Keeps are biased towards independent auto repair, so if you're still skeptical, we encourage you to try making the comparison yourself. If you do, be sure to drop us a line and tell us about your experience!

An Interview with Michael: All About Brakes, Part I

2010-11-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Michael Chan is our head mechanic at Cars For Keeps. It has been noted and commented on that Michael makes a few extra steps when he's doing a brake job, so I asked him what he does special when replacing the brakes on a car. His first reply was, “I do them fast”.

He also said, “These days when a cars brake pads need replacing, the rotors are usually down to their minimum specifications and the cost of replacing them versus the cost to have them turned is fairly close anyway, and it is good to put new to new together so both surfaces are correct." Michael went on to explain that when he's doing front brake pads and rotors, the hardware really should be changed out for new as well, but if the customer declines, "I will clean them up to get the corrosion off, then put a special lubricant on the slides and hardware to make sure it slides free and clear. "

When Michael takes the rotors off the hub, they are almost coated in corrosion, so he uses another special corrosion hub cleaner on it that gives it "a nice and true surface to mount the rotors, which cuts down on premature wear on the rotors." According to Michael, if the incorrect lubricant is used you may as well not bother cleaning the hub. "You must make sure all the caliper pins are lubricated correctly so as not to get uneven wear on the brake pads. We make sure the tire pressure is at spec on all brake jobs.”

I asked him what people can do to get the optimal performance life out of their brakes, and he came up with a surprising answer which will be covered in next week's blog - so stay tuned!

Car Headlight Cleaning: Improving Nighttime Driving Visibility on the Cheap

2010-11-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

As the days grow shorter and nighttime driving increases, I figured it was the right time to discuss night vision.

Did you know that the headlamps on your car, truck or SUV fade over the years and miles? The sand and other debris they are constantly blasted with create layer upon layer of tiny scratches over the years, causing the headlights to be glazed with a haze that impairs the light output. In other words, your car's headlights inevitably become duller - and less safe - over the years. Dull and hazy headlights are dangerous for nighttime driving, and they're also unattractive on your vehicle.

When the automobile was first invented, early headlamps in the late 1880s were fueled by acetylene or oil, similar to the standard household lamps of the time. The first electric headlamps were introduced in 1898 on the Columbia Electric Car by the Electric Vehicle Company of Hartford, Connecticut, and were optional.

Today's automotive headlights are much more effective. The old, relatively flat glass headlight styles that were introduced in 1940 remained relatively unchanged until about 1983, when the U.S. Government first allowed the use of plastics in headlamp design. Plastic headlights combined with newer electric technology allowed the more powerful light output we're used to today. Not only do our modern plastic headlights improve car headlight durability and light output - they're also much easier to maintain.

Many drivers continue to drive as their ability to see in low light or dark conditions is degraded more and more as the plastic erodes. The loss of vision is so gradual, it is easy to ignore. Car owners who do inquire about replacing the lamps or lenses are shocked to find that they often cost over four hundred dollars EACH!

Maintaining a safe level of nighttime visibility shouldn't be out of the average driver's budget range. That's why Cars for Keeps offers an inexpensive solution. Using a patented four step restoration process, we can restore most dull headlamps to a like new condition in about an hour - at a fraction of the cost of headlight replacement.

If you’re vehicle's headlamps aren’t crystal clear, give Cars for Keeps a call today to see how we can help you keep the car!

Happy & safe driving!

A Women’s Point of View: Gas Pumps and Handi-Wipes

2010-10-29T13:27:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

I was talking to a customer the other day when she made the comment that the worst thing she has to do is pump gas. Most women would agree that pumping gas is not high on our list of fun things to do. It's one of those chores where we have to mentally go to our happy place while doing it. It takes courage to grab that pump handle not knowing who last used it and what they had on their hands, leaving behind residue of…..?

Then we check the direction of the wind so we can stand upwind of those noxious fumes. Then we find out that we have picked the only pump that refuses to shoot out our receipt. And then, the topper is when the pump fails to click off and we get a backwash of gasoline all over our hands making it necessary to drive home with only our wrists on the steering wheel. The fumes from that seem to linger in your car for days.

The best temporary solution is to carry handi-wipes in your car's storage compartment. As any busy professional or soccer mom knows, handi-wipes are a MUST! But what else can we do to take charge over this situation?

The best way to cut down on visits to the gas pump is to make sure your car is running at its best and most fuel efficient. Regular maintenance is the key. Oil changes when they are due, visual inspections, fluid checks and tire air pressure checks. Believe it or not, these services improve your car's fuel efficiency. Sludge in the engine causes the engine to work harder and uses more gas, so get those flushes done to clean out that engine. There are also some wonderful additives that can help your car get even better performance. Stop by or give us a call; we'd be happy to help you find out which additives and maintenance routines are best for your vehicle.

Got Heat? What Your Car's Radiator Output Says About Problems Under the Hood

2010-10-27T09:39:00.000-07:00

by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

If you hold your fingers above the defrost vents with the temperature set on high, as a general rule, you shouldn't be able to leave your fingers there for very long without them getting pretty uncomfortable - if the heating system is working well.

When we perform routine inspections (aka "Pit Stops"), we usually check the heat output at the center vent; a good heater thermostat will put out 150° temps.

We have seen them run as high as 160°f. At 130°f degrees you may start getting a few complaints, though it’s still pretty livable, at 120°f people are getting unhappy, the coats are staying on and below 110°f NO ONE is happy.

More importantly, a malfunctioning heater often points to deeper problems below the hood - problems which, if left unattended, could result in interior coolant leakage, engine inefficiency or an overheated engine.

Is it the radiator, the heater core or the thermostat?

These are the three components which influence your radiator's heating performance the most. Small, easy to fix problems in any of these can result in low heater output, and more serious problems with any of them can lead to mechanical failure or damage to other parts of your vehicle.

Radiator - The radiator is the component which cools engine coolant to keep the engine cool. When vehicles' heaters are on, the heat extracted (by air cooling) from the coolant (heater core) is pushed through the dashboard heater vents. Clogs, cracks or leaks in the radiator impede coolant fluid flow, resulting in low heat out put and, in many cases, engine overheating.

Heater core - The heater core is essentially a heat exchanger which transfers heat from the engine to the radiator. Hot coolant fluid is passed through the core's winding tubes from the engine, which heats the fluid, to the radiator, where fans blow hot air off the heater core tubes and through the vents. Heater cores are made up of small tubes which sometimes get clogged, causing radiator failure. A clogged heater core also means the engine is not being properly cooled, which can lead to engine damage if left unattended. Heater cores may also become leaky, resulting in lower heat output and improper engine cooling.

Thermostat - The thermostat is what activates the flow of coolant fluid through the engine. It controls a small, heat-activated valve in the heater core which blocks or opens coolant flow through the engine. To minimize engine wear and make the most efficient use of engine energy, thermostats ensure that coolant doesn't flow through the engine until it reaches its maximum operating temperature (about 200 degrees F). When thermostats aren't working correctly, they could be stuck open - causing inefficiency - or they could be stuck closed, causing the engine to become hot and blocking hot air from coming out of the car's heating vents.

If you stop by with your car, mini-van, light truck or SUV, we'll test the output for free!
While the symptoms can seem similar, subtle differences in your description or in our testing tell us which component is to blame. Most clients aren't aware that something as simple as low coolant (antifreeze) can cause some pretty weird symptoms.

A Women’s Point Of View: Auto Tips & Tricks for Halloween

2010-10-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Halloween is fast approaching. The time of year when children (and some adults) get to live out their fantasies of who they would like to be for just a few hours. Extraordinary preparations are being made this year it seems. My granddaughter has been growing her bangs since summer to match the character she is going to portray. Teenagers are sporting orange and bright pink hair with spikes, and artistically shaven heads are becoming popular. Strange costumes have been showing up around Cars For Keeps.

Yes, even adults believe in the magic that lies in our imaginations. As part of the preparation for this night let us not forget about our cars. Because of all the little goblins, fairys and air-benders dashing around the streets and neighborhoods, brakes and headlights should be in top working order. When was the last time you had your brakes checked?

How about decorating your car to compliment the character that your children are portraying? Goth seems to be big this year. A spray can of cobwebs in strategic places on the outside of your car can set the mood for all to see, and of course, the standard skull attached to your antennae or dangling from your grill is a must. Get the ones that glows in the dark. Very chic.

It is the little things that are most often forgotten, so just as a reminder, fill the gas tank.

Happy Halloween!

Grand Haven Harvest Traditions: Pumpkin Picking

2010-10-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie Steele, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

Let's take a break from auto repair to talk about fun activities happening around Grand Haven - namely, pumpkin picking! After all, you've already attended to your vehicle's fall maintenance, right?

It's Halloween season again, and for those of us lucky enough to live in West Michigan, harvest season means more than trick or treating. Thanks to an abundance of local farms, Halloween in Michigan offers families many opportunities for outdoor fun. Picking your own pumpkin out of the field is much more fun than picking one from the grocery store - especially for the kids - and most pumpkin patches also offer apple picking, cider making exhibitions, corn mazes and hay rides.

Grand Haven has a number of nearby pumpkin patches which offer plenty of activities for friends, couples and families.

Bethke Farms is the closest, being located just outside of Grand Haven proper. Bethke has a u-pick pumpkin patch, a corn maze and a beautiful 20 minute hayride for the family to enjoy. Open through October 31st, 10-7 Friday through Sunday and 4-7 Monday through Thursday. Click the link to learn more about visiting Bethke.

Kent Harvest Trails is a Grand Rapids-based organization which has put together a comprehensive list of pumpkin patches and farm tours available throughout the Grand Rapids area - most of them are a short 30 minute ride from Grand Haven. Activities range from huge, 15 acre corn mazes to scarecrow building and petting zoos. Visit their list of pumpkin patch farms to learn more about each farm's activities, hours and location.

I think this weekend, I'll be trying out the corn maze at Fruit Ridge Hayrides. What will your family be doing?
needs, right?

A Woman's Point of View: Susan G. Komen & Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2010-10-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. A gentle reminder to get your yearly breast examination and there are many events that you can participate in to help in the fight of this horrible disease. My dearly loved sister-in-law died of breast cancer last year and there are probably many of you out there that know someone who is fighting this battle.

Many women avoid mammograms because it is too painful. I am one of them. I found a better way. You can get a breast exam through Thermography. It is not painful, nothing touches you and it finds anything suspicious sooner than x-ray exams. To find out where to get a thermographic breast exam in your area just Google “thermographic breast exam”. You will find many hits to explain what thermography is and how it works.

There are many cancer walks and races going on around the country and you can find out where by Googling “breast cancer walk”, or go to the Susan G Komen website. The US Postal Service has Susan G Komen stamps for sale this month, and a portion of the price is donated to cancer research. You can pick them up at your local Post Office.

Cars For Keeps is giving away ball caps for Cancer Awareness this month - although I noticed today that there are only four hats left! If you are in the neighborhood, stop by and pick one up. Women unite to comfort, strengthen and encourage each other for our health, welfare and knowledge of how we can be all we are meant to be.

Summer Travel Story Contest Winner

2010-10-11T14:45:00.000-07:00

Well, choosing a winning entry for our Summer Travel Story Contest was difficult, but we're pleased to announce our winner. We hope Martha Webb and her husband enjoy their weekend getaway in the mansion at Grand Haven's Lakeshore Bed and Breakfast.

Thank you to everyone who participated - we appreciate your support! If you placed an entry in our contest, be sure to check your email for a special gift from Cars for Keeps.

Summer in Michigan

by Martha Webb
There is nothing like summer in Michigan, especially, on the west side of the state. From the UP to South Haven there is nothing but the beautiful sights of Lake Michigan. Each port town is unique in itself. I've spent many summers in Muskegon and Grand Haven, lots of fun memories. Then there’s Mackinaw and the Island. As a matter of fact my husband and I were going to Mackinaw over Labor Day Weekend – and unfortunately, we didn’t get to go. You see he had a heart attack on Tues. and Wed had a heart cath and stents. Our weekend get away flew out the window. I’m praising God I still have him and the medical staff were able to save him. That’s really the most important thing. We have only been married 7 years (both 2nd marriages). We were engaged in Grand Haven. So we have many things we are thankful for and our favorite vacation together is now the Labor Day Weekend of 2010 as we got a new lease on life and a greater appreciation for each other.

A Women’s Point of View: It’s All In What You Know

2010-10-08T10:23:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Manager

The other day as I was walking through the garage I stopped to watch one of our mechanics, Leslie, installing a new engine in a car. It was amazing. He had just gotten the engine block bolted in but there were pieces and parts lying around everywhere. Wires and hoses were strewn all over the engine. It looked like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Imagine a plate of cut up cooked spaghetti and then trying to get all the pieces back together again.

I mentioned the puzzle aspect of putting the engine together and he just shrugged nonchalantly and said, “It’s not that difficult.” It hit me then that it’s all in what you know. Our mechanics are going to school all the time to keep their knowledge up to date and to keep pace with all the engineering technologies which are used in new automobiles every year. Just as with any other career, our mechanics have taken a lot of training and expertise to become good at what they do. How many people could step into your job without training and do it as well as you?

It is fortunate that the only thing you and I to know about our cars is where to take them for maintenance and repair. It’s all in what you know - and that knowledge is a wonderful thing.

Using the Car Care Guide: Empower Your Auto Repair Choices

2010-10-05T09:54:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie S., Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

This month, the Car Care Council and participating auto repair shops across the country (including Cars for Keeps) are celebrating Car Care Month. So what exactly does that mean?

Well, in addition to placing a healthy discount on our bumper to bumper inspections, we're emphasizing customer education. A well informed customer is a great customer - at least we think so. The better you understand your vehicle and its maintenance needs, the longer you'll be able to keep your car running efficiently (which is kind of our thing).

A while back, the Car Care Council published a printed Car Care Guide for vehicle owners to use as a reference for any and every repair service they might encounter. The Car Care Guide is now available in digital format, allowing customers like you to boost your car care knowledge from the comfort of your computer.

Click on the link above, and let's review some of the Guide's most useful features together:

Car Care Checklist - On pages 1-2, the Car Care Guide details every part of your vehicle which requires routine maintenance, exactly how these parts need to be maintained and how often. Handy, huh?

Why Do I Need This Service? Expanding on the list of parts outlined in the checklist, the Guide then provides detailed information about maintenance and service tips for each of these areas. The guide answers that pesky question, "Why Do I Need This Service?" regarding each service area in detail, so you can stop relying on hearsay and subjective opinion.

Typical Service - Wonder what kind of maintenance will be performed on your vehicle when you bring it into the shop? You don't have to. The Car Care Guide outlines common maintenance procedures for each major service area as well as recommendations for service regularity.

Questions to Ask - By far our favorite feature in the Car Care Guide, this section helps car owners know what questions to ask their auto technicians during routine maintenance to ensure you're getting the best service - and that you understand what services are being performed. Your car's maintenance shouldn't be a thing of mystery to you, and we'd be thrilled to answer any of the Guide's questions - or your own.

Why are we so excited that this resource is available to you, the vehicle owner? It provides a trustworthy source of information which isn't from us. In other words, we can be confident that when we say "don't take our word for it", a reliable third party auto repair resource is close at hand.

A Woman’s Point of View: The Secret to Keeping What You Have.

2010-10-01T11:10:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

In the automotive world these days it is becoming trendy to fix up and keep the car you have. It is the “politically correct” thing to do in today’s economy and trend towards sustainability. This is a great trend in theory, but let’s face it girls, we who change our clothes three and four times a day find it goes against our nature to not change our car every year or so. Fess up ladies, who of you have never bought those ‘must have’, hot new shoes only to get them home, taken them out of the box, thought to yourself ‘what was I thinking’, and tossed them in the Goodwill bag. Hmmm?

Oddly enough, I am different about my car. Once I find a car I really like, I will drive it until it falls apart on the road – no matter how much I want all those new gadgets that are in the newer models. My SUV is going on fourteen years old and is still running strong. The secret is to add new features to your old car. GPS devices like Garmin and bluetooth adapter kits are not that expensive, they're easy to install and hey - they work.

I will tell you another secret – regular maintenance. At Cars For Keeps our mechanics give you a strong once over inspection every time you have an oil change. Just like maintaining good health for the body, an early diagnosis to any problem your car may have results in an easier, and cheaper, fix before the first problem causes a second and third problem. So, dust off that old faithful car, give it regular oil changes, keep those fluids fresh, come to us quickly when you hear a noise and maintain those tires with the right air pressure. Your pocketbook will thank you, and who knows, maybe you will find another pair of ‘must have’ shoes.

My Summer Travel Story

2010-09-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie S., Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

Since tomorrow is the last day of our Summer Travel Story Contest (hint hint), I thought it would be appropriate to share one of my own stories of travel misadventure. Even thought I'm not eligible to win the sweet weekend getaway we're giving away (HINT HINT!)

When I was going to college in Washington State's Puget Sound, I would often drive out to Anacortes to catch a ferry out to the San Juan Islands, where my uncle lived (with his dog, in a mancave). It was a trip I made so often that I tended to put myself on autopilot. Sometimes I'd wake up two hours after leaving my apartment with absolutely no memory of the drive, parking my car, buying tickets or boarding the ferry.

As soon as summer break let out following my Sophomore year, I threw my clothes in my 1991 Mitsubishi pickup and headed out to the islands to spend some time oyster hunting on my uncle's boat. My (amazingly rust-free) little Mitsubishi had a tendency to use oil, so I took my brain off autopilot halfway there, added two quarts of oil, then put my brain back to sleep and continued on my way.

Just as I was pulling in to Anacortes, something under my hood started smoking. Shortly, smoke was pouring out from under my Mitsubishi's hood, the temperature gauge sank into the red and my gears started making horrible clunking noises as I shifted. Terrified, late for my ferry and on the brink of tears, I pulled into the nearest parking lot. Which just happened to be the parking lot of an AAA auto repair shop (no joke).

A friendly mechanic in dirty overalls came over and asked me what was wrong. Through my "why is this happening to me" breakdown, he discovered the truck used oil. He popped the hood, took one look at the oil spewed over all the components and kindly suggested that I may have left the oil cap off when I refilled.

Sure enough, the cap was off. It was perched neatly a few inches to the left, still waiting to be replaced.

Because no man likes to see a woman in distress, the mechanic cleaned off the components and refilled the tank with oil. He only let me pay him for the oil. Embarrassed and relieved, I headed back out to the ferry dock just in time for the last boarding call.

Only 28 more hours to submit your own story! (hint hint), I thought it would be appropriate to share one of my own stories of travel misadventures. Even though I'm not eligible to win the free weekend getaway (HINT HINT).

A Woman’s Point of View: Car Brakes, Beauty and Functionality

2010-09-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

The other day I had new brakes put on my car. If you are anything like me the only thing you know about brakes is that you step on the little black pedal and the car stops. Also, if when stepping on the little black pedal you hear a teeth rattling squeal, you probably need new brakes. IMHO, that's more or less all you really need to know about the brakes on your car. The rest of it is what we keep our technicians around for!

Working at a car repair facility I get the opportunity to learn the finer points of car repair. When my brake discs came in, much to my surprise, they were gorgeous. They were the prettiest, shiny silver and had these swirly carvings on them. Being very interested in anything remotely, artistic, I asked why they were so pretty. I was told the swirls have a very practical reason for being there.

Over time, the swirls wear down with use of the brakes and when visually inspected lets you know when you may need new brakes in the near future. I also facetiously asked if they came in pink or lavender, only to be told that there are brake discs out there that are red and even blue, but for odd makes of cars only.

Is this the start of a new trend? Are manufacturers beginning to understand that women like pretty things? Even if they can’t be seen, it makes a woman feel good just knowing that her brakes are pretty and color coordinated to her personality.

American Soldiers Train Iraqi Security Forces on Routine Auto Maintenance & Repair

2010-09-21T08:07:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie Steele, Social Media Marketing Manager

It's not very often I come across a story in the auto repair industry that is truly inspiring, but this story fits that bill.

According to the Army News Service, a handful of the 50,000 soldiers who remain in Iraq to assist in rebuilding the country are teaching valuable auto repair and maintenance skills to Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). The article cited Spc. Henry Moss and Spc. Edwin Perez, both mechanics with the 703rd BSB, who expressed the usefulness of this training. Both Moss and Perez have seen encouraging signs of ISF mechanics' improvement, a critical element in the future stability of Iraq.

Perez noted that vehicles in Iraq often need extra attention due to the country's extreme heat. According to Moss, a lack of regular preventative maintenance checks and services have been the number one cause of ISF vehicle breakdowns (sound familiar?) - until now, that is. With the help of auto technician-trained American Soldiers, Iraqi mechanics are quickly developing the skills to maintain their army vehicles and be more efficient with part replacement. Performing regular maintenance and service allows the ISF to maintain more reliable vehicles, making the country's infrastructure stronger and more secure.

According to Moss, Iraqi Army mechanics have improved their skills vastly since he began training with them.

"When we first got here, they would just replace any problematic (vehicle component)...Now, they are troubleshooting the equipment instead of spending thousands of dollars replacing it. Maintaining these skills is very important. If they don't have these skills, then they cannot defend against the people who are trying to attack them."

Thank you, troops!

A Women’s Point of View: Top Priority

2010-09-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

I stopped at a garage sale the other night to look at a desk sitting by the curb. The lady who owned it and I started talking and she began telling me that they were downsizing into their summer cottage here in Grand Haven from their larger home in Lansing. We talked of the risks they were taking by leaving her successful real estate business and starting over in another town while her husband was still commuting to Lansing for his job. The challenges of starting her kids in a new school, of meeting new friends and finding new places for needed services was daunting and a bit overwhelming at times.

I gave her one of my business cards and told her of some of the services we offered at Cars For Keeps. She let out a breath of relief and said that one of the worst things to leave behind was their trusted garage mechanic. She was very grateful to find a maintenance and repair facility to go here in their new town. With her job as a real estate agent and her husband commuting long distances every day, the reliability of their cars have become extremely important. A top priority for her was solved by a chance meeting.

Out top priority at Cars For Keeps is our customers' welfare and confidence in us.

Incidentally, although I did not end up buying the desk, I did buy a beautiful vase from her, and we both met a new friend.

A Woman’s Point of View: What We Do and Why

2010-09-13T19:22:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Our Service Manager, Dennis, is on vacation this week so I am spending more time on the front counter waiting on and talking to our customers. I am enjoying it very much and have missed it since I am usually at my little cubicle talking to the computer, saying things like “No! I didn’t mean to do that” or “Yes! I can’t believe the figures match”. You get the drift.

Anyway, talking to people has gotten me in touch with their questions and feelings about what is needed to better serve our customers. Many of their questions are about what services we offer.

So, for the record, we do all repair and maintenance required on every make of car. We do not do body work, but usually if body work is needed, so is repair. We work closely with two body shops to co-ordinate repairs in the shortest time possible.

Mike, our head mechanic, has the conservationist's philosophy of saving every car, one car at a time. Another goal of ours is to provide our customers with a clean and comfortable environment when they come in. Let’s face it, waiting for your car to be serviced is not real high on anyone’s list of things to do, but we try to make this a little easier on our customers by keeping the shop spotless. Even the garage does not escape routine cleaning and freshening.

As I write this our fearless leader, Rob, is power washing and repainting the garage floor. A clean and organized work area helps to keep our mechanics happy, and when our mechanics are happy, everybody is happy.

So why not bring your happy little self down to look us over and get to know us and discover the quality service that we give to you and your car.

Fall Auto Maintenance Tips: 5 Ways to Prepare Your Car for Winter

2010-09-07T14:47:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie Steele, Social Media Manager

Despite the beautiful 70 degree weather and sunny skies, we all know it's coming: winter. It will come with its ice and below freezing temperatures - and it will come, as all Michigan weather does, quite unexpectedly.

While few of us are likely ready for winter to begin, I think we can all agree that having our vehicles be prepared for winter when it hits is a good idea. The first ice storm of the year is definitely the wrong time to be changing those bald tires, and frustrating my-car-won't-start mornings can be easily avoided with a little preventative maintenance.

To that end, here are 5 relatively easy (and inexpensive) maintenance steps you should take this fall:

1) Fix starter issues. Have any start and/or idling issues examined and resolved. Rough starts, uneven idling and stalling are often easier to fix than you would think; many times a simple filter change, fluid change, new starter or new wire can take care of wintertime failure-to-start problems.

2) Battery and cable check. Have an auto technician take a look at your battery to make sure it's got enough power for another winter - but don't stop there. While he's at it, ask him to scrape away any and all corrosion from posts and cable connections, clean surfaces and connectors and tighten cable connections. Start problems are often caused by simple dirt and corrosion; even your car battery requires a little thorough cleaning from time to time.

3) Comprehensive routine maintenance. At Cars for Keeps, we have a service we call a "pit stop". When performing a pit stop, we check pretty much everything on your vehicle which can possible be checked, including lights, tires, wipers, belts, hoses and fluids. We analyze all your vehicle's fluids - even engine oil - to make sure they're still doing their job. This is a great way to identify fluid leaks, low fluids, faulty connections and any other problems before they snowball into a cold February inconvenience.

4) Check / change tires. If you've lived in Michigan for any amount of time, you're probably aware of how important tires can be when it comes to winter driving safety. Driving on summer tires and even all weather tires can make driving during inclement winter weather extremely dangerous. Snow tires are softer and "stickier", providing you with much better traction on packed snow and ice. So do yourself a favor: keep two sets of tires for your vehicle - one for summer, one for winter. And don't wait until the first snowstorm hits to have your summer tires swapped for winter tires.

5) Prepare yourself. While we certainly hope for the best, it never hurts to prepare for the worst. Take 5 minutes to equip your car with a winter emergency kit, including ice scrapers, spare blankets, kitty litter (for traction), a flashlight, flares, water, rope and a few nonperishable goods. Who knows? These items may help you out of a ditch, or they may help someone else in need.

A Woman’s Point of View: Helping Hands

2010-09-04T12:23:00.001-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

It has suddenly dawned on us at Cars For Keeps that summer is coming to a close rather fast. We are all madly planning our vacations before we lose them to winter’s cold blast. How can normal, intelligent people lose track of time like that?

So, along with our normal, everyday multi-tasking, we are training each other to do the most essential tasks in our jobs. First and foremost is to meet our customer’s needs. And to make it look effortless, like we have been doing the other person’s job forever. Don’t ever let them see you sweat!

The big test will be when Dennis, our Service Manager, takes his vacation this first of September. It's going to be be a loooong week. But never fear; my stalwart and knowledgeable co-worker, Robert, will step into Dennis’ shoes that week as he has done before, and has always preformed his duties well and to our customer’s expectations.

Our accountant, David, is stepping up to cover technical record keeping, payroll and closing the days’ business. He went home today with his head spinning with too much information thrown at him from crash courses. He is a real trooper. There will be ‘cheat sheets’ allowed.

Our head mechanic, Michael, is also taking a well deserved few days off. The newbie mechanic, Leslie, is stepping up to the plate to make sure that each customer receives the same knowledgeable and professional work that is expected at Cars For Keeps.

As you read this blog today, I will be heading home from a leisurely and restful week in Macinaw, knowing that there have been helping hands on the job, and doing it well. Thank you guys.

Win a Weekend Getaway: Cars for Keeps' Summer Travel Story Contest

2010-09-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Back to school season can be tough on everyone. As the summer ends, so do vacations, languid weekends and open schedules. Professionals have to go back to their jobs, moms and dads must swing back into their routines, and we're all left to stare longingly at the vacation photos we've posted on Facebook.

That's why we at Cars for Keeps are offering a free weekend getaway at Grand Haven's Lakeshore Bed & Breakfast. One lucky couple will spend two nights (flexible dates) in the suite of their choice at the Lakeshore mansion, and *gasp* we're even throwing in $100 in cash for spending money - or for babysitter fees.

The Lakeshore Bed & Breakfast sits on one of Lake Michigan's many white sand beaches. Want to see more? Visit the Lakeshore B&B website.

What's the catch? Just tell us a story. Specifically, your favorite summer travel story, either from this year or from years past. Tell us a tale of hilarious misadventure, roadside breakdowns, amazing moose sightings - anything, so long as it's a story about vacation traveling. Write a story as long or short as you'd like (but please keep your epics less than 500 words) - we want to hear it!

How do you enter? Click the image link below, complete the entry form and write your story. (and don't forget to tell your friends!)

Buying a New/Used Car vs. Maintaining the One You Have - Which Costs More?

2010-08-31T16:10:00.000-07:00

by Dennis Sweet, Cars for Keeps Customer Service Manager

Hello again!

I hope all of you are having a great summer. Here at the shop, we've noticed a change in our customers' auto repair trends over the last several months. It seems that more people are putting more of their financial resources into fixing the cars that they already own, rather than buying new (or used) cars.

New/used cars: to buy or not to buy.

Maybe it's just because we're an auto repair shop named "Cars for Keeps", but repairing and maintaining the vehicle you already own makes a lot of sense to us. By maintaining your current vehicle rather than buying a new/used car, you can be assured you know some or all of
the vehicle's service history. You know how it has been driven and where, and you also know what its "quirks" are.

Ideally, buying a brand new car would ensure there's "no service history", but you may also be signing up for system bugs and problems (did someone say Honda brakes?) the manufacturer hasn't yet found. If you by a used vehicle, its history and quirks will be known to you little - if at all.

Most used vehicles need anywhere from $2000 to $4000 worth of work to get them back
in the shape they should be in. Maintaining the vehicle that you already have, on the other hand, keeps the repairs down and no payments or interest. New vehicles often require you service your new car at dealerships, which are famous for being overpriced, to maintain vehicle warranties.

So if you've been thinking of getting rid of your vehicle in exchange for another one, we encourage you to weigh the decision carefully. Is it going to be more cost-effective in the long run to fix up the car you own, or to start all over on new or used car?

If you have any questions about how much it would cost to fix up your current vehicle - or what kind of repairs would be needed on a new-to-you used vehicle - we'd be happy to give you a free quote. Give us a call or stop by.

Your friendly neighbor Service Manager,
Dennis

A Woman’s Point of View: Back to School

2010-08-20T13:03:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

All you parents have probably noticed how your lives revolve around your kids. When they were born, you gave up sleep. When they were toddlers, you gave up any kind of social life. When they started school, you gave up your sporty car for that van. When they reached teen-hood, you gave up your schedule in favor of their schedule. When they started college, you gave up your life’s savings.

Oh but, what you have gotten back is priceless! All the back-talk, all the sass, all the temper tantrums are strangely forgotten when you see them in that cap and gown, or watch them perform in the orchestra, or watch them do what is right instead of what they have a right to do. You parents are truly heroes in this world.

So, once again the circle comes around and it is time to send the kiddies back to school. Whether you are bravely watching them let go of your hand and walk into school all by themselves, or more bravely watching them drive off to college by themselves, you hold panic back by going over the list of everything you have done to prepare them and seeing to their safety and welfare while they are out of your sight. Yes, a lot of it involves your car(s). Picking up, dropping off or sending off, you want that car to be in top condition.

We at Cars For Keeps can help you with that. If you are a Facebook Cars For Keeps Fan, you will see our coupons and specials as they are released, PLUS get Special deals for fans only! Savings on brakes, tires, maintenance, cooling and heating, and more are yours to be had with the touch of a Facebook button.

Welcome Back to School. Is your car ready?

A Woman’s Point of View: Tar a la mode

2010-08-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps office Manager

One day last week I was innocently driving along, thinking everything was right with the world when, suddenly, there came a very loud ‘thunking’ from my rear tire. The sounds coming from the wheel well reminded me of rocks in a rock tumbler. All that racket simply shattered my peaceful afternoon drive. It’s amazing how quickly a person’s mood can go from contentment to irritated.

I arrived home to discover that I had picked up a rather large chunk of patching tar on my rear wheel. It was covering about a quarter of my tire and was firmly ground into all the little valleys and crevasses. Talk about Gunk! That stuff is worse than chewing gum. Which reminds me that I sat on some gum last weekend, but that's another story.

Anyway, I got out a screwdriver and some rags and patiently started to chip away at it. After ten minutes of scraping this incredibly sticky substance, I deduced that this stuff could hold the space shuttle together. After another ten minutes of strenuous scraping my mood plummeted from irritated to downright grumpy. I had cleaned a spot about the size of a quarter. OK, so physical labor is not going to do this job. It was time to use logic mixed with a healthy dose of slyness.

I found a can of something in my craft supplies called Oops. I read the directions with anticipation and, Yes, it says it removes tar. I squirted that whole can onto my tire. It softened that tar to the consistency of ---well, soft tar, which was enough to let me scrape the rest of it off in about an hour. By the time the job was done my mood had hit rock bottom. Only one remedy for that. You guessed it. Ice cream liberally covered with chocolate.

PS: I heard, but did not try, that WD40 works pretty well for tar removal too.

Cars, Kids & College: the Benefits of AAA Approved Auto Repair Shops

2010-08-10T19:42:00.000-07:00

by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

Sending your child off to college hundreds of miles from home is always an emotional experience.

Sending them with a car adds another level of anxiety.

You get that dreaded phone call. Later than you'd like to hear from them. The wipers don't work. The oil light came on & they kept driving till it stopped. The possibilities are endless.

When your kid and their car are hundreds of miles from home, you don’t have nearly the options that you do with your home shop. The distance factor and not being familiar with the repair facilities in the town where your youngster is going to school puts you (and your child) at a big disadvantage. Hopefully having a game plan for a garage you can feel confident in can help put you at ease.

This is one of the reasons we have taken the steps to become a AAA and Bosch approved auto repair shop. The standards required to get AAA approval help make sure our clients get consistently ethical and qualified service. The internet makes it easy to pare down the choices in a given community. Simply search for AAA Approved auto repair or Bosch service with the zip code or city and you'll find only one or a few in any given locale.

The better shops we’ve dealt with over the years don’t play games on the phone. They don’t toss out a lowball quote they know is not realistic as bait so they can set the hook and reel an unsuspecting client in. They give them a precise quote for parts and labor (if what needs to be replaced is known ), or if they don’t know what’s causing a problem, give some ballpark figures as to what it might cost based on best-case and worst-case scenarios. As a consumer, that’s very reassuring because it empowers you to make a more informed and intelligent repair decision.

A Woman’s Point of View: The Dog Days of Summer

2010-08-08T20:16:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Summers fly by and winters drag. Why is that? I have a theory about that from a woman’s point of view. Winters are cold and silent with the exception of howling winter winds and those pesky ice pellets hitting the window. Then summer comes flowing into our lives with warmth, like embracing arms. The silence of winter turns into bird song, water rippling, leaves rustling and rain whispering on rooftops. The days are long and languid, inviting us outside to read, have picnics, ride our bikes, jog, swim, tend our gardens and to just listen to the sounds of life being created all around us. Summer lifts our spirits and renews our minds.

It can also be really, really hot and muggy, leaving us with delicious problems like how to get that watermelon cold in a hurry, or which bathing suit do I feel like wearing today, or should I go to the beach or the air conditioned mall for the afternoon? Hhhmmmm! Whatever you decide to do, you are going to end up in your car. More decisions. Air conditioning? Windows open, or the top down?

In this age of instant gratification you expect your decision to be carried out with the touch of a button. It would surely spoil your day if you hit that A/C button and get a blast of more hot air in your face, or worse, nothing happens at all. Hopefully this horrible fate never happens to you, but if it does there is a support group to see you through this trauma. Cars For Keeps will correct your unfortunate malfunction quickly and efficiently.

Better yet, at your next oil change, ask us to check your A/C, the windows and make sure that convertible top is performing as it should. Yes, the dog days of summer are upon us and we are so relaxed and laid back that any upset in our lazy days will not be tolerated. So just enjoy.

A Women’s Point of View: A Mid-Summer’s Dream

2010-08-04T05:20:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Sitting at my computer and not feeling a bit inspired to write this weeks’ blog, I find my mind wandering further and further from the task at hand. Waiting for inspiration, I admire my new pedicure with a flower painted on each big toenail, I look out the window and watch a harvest moon rising in the east, I listen to the crickets chirping their little hearts out and dream of a big bowl of popcorn washed down with an ice cold glass of pomegranate juice. Aaahhhh!

Summer has a way of slowing us down and forcing us to take a look at what is important in our lives. A time to dream. A time to wish. A time to feel the sun and enjoy ourselves. As my cat turns circles on my lap and sticks her tail in my face, I sometimes envy her the freedom she has by just being a cat.

But, let’s face it, after a day or two of living a cat’s freedom, I would be bored to tears. I would miss the social interaction with my co-workers and our customers. I would miss the satisfaction every day of feeling that I had really helped someone. We are creatures of action and creativity and we need the stimulation of helping someone solve a problem, or accomplish a task, or just doing something nice for someone simply because we can. Something as common as a smile at the right time has a wonderful healing power, so flash that smile today and feel the zap of optimism rise up within you. As I read over this blog, I realize it describes the atmosphere at Cars For Keeps, so stop by for a smile and/or a hug. They are both free!

Summer Auto Maintenance: Preparing for the Back to School Rush

2010-07-31T11:16:00.000-07:00

by Dennis, Cars for Keeps Customer Service Manager

As much as we dread the end of summer, it's just around the corner, and that means kids will be going back to school. Back to school bring sports, field trips, ect. - let the craziness begin!

With all the events going on during the fall season, August is the time to make sure that mom or dad’s vehicle, (or taxi, as I lovingly call it at that time of year) is up to it new task.

Safety and reliability is the key. From fluid checks to standard maintenance, this is the time to get a head start - leaving one less thing for you to worry about once the frantic back to school rush begins.

Whether Cars for Keeps is your auto service garage or not, I encourage you to take advantage this opportunity of getting the family vehicle maintained before the hussel and bussel of school time.

Why does your family vehicle need to be maintained?

In the heat of summer, vehicle systems work very hard. Systems which take the most strain are the electrical system, cooling system, transmission, air conditioning and all of the fluids. The heat of running during how Michigan summers can make any of these systems weak, and a lack of maintenance can cause them to break down.

In Michigan we mostly think of the cold being the biggest factor, but the heat is
just as bad. So take a few hours in the afternoon to pamper your vehicle with a basic tune up and fluid flush. You - and your hectic schedule - will be glad you did!

So long for now,
Your Friendly neighborhood Service Manager,
Dennis

A Woman's Point of View: Telephones & Technology

2010-07-27T11:15:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

I just bought an Evo Android cell phone. Wow! It is a phone, but so much more. It’s a computer that is synchronized to my home computer, a GPS that has made my not-that-old Garmin obsolete, a Kindle reader, a hot-spot device that can hook up my laptop when no Wi-Fi is around, a still camera, a video camera, a voice recorder, an appointment calendar with sound reminders, a weather station, a conference center with live video, an office center, and on, and on. I have only had it for four days and am still finding stuff.

With all that amazing technology in my pocket I sit at my computer station at work and talk on a corded telephone. And guess what? The person I am talking to hears me perfectly and is not bothered with me going through the dreaded “dead zones.” That says a lot about sticking to the basics in some areas of your life.

We live in an exciting technological time in history. We just acquired a new scanner at Cars For Keeps. That sounds kind of mundane but actually it is pretty cool. Every year cars are coming out with more electronics and more sophisticated computers, and car repair facilities have to keep up with the means to diagnose problems. Our mechanics feel more like ‘doctors for cars’ than ever before.

When you think about it, the similarities are close. Diagnose, operate, treat, recover and send on its way all well again. That makes everyone at Cars For Keeps very happy.

Michigan Road Trip Ideas: Traveling the Great Lakes State!

2010-07-23T08:20:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

This time of year, the shop sees plenty of vacationers passing through who are experiencing car troubles of one kind or the other. While we're sorry for these customers' troubles, it's always a pleasure to hear about their destinations and road trip adventures. It reminds us of how many beautiful places there are to visit right here on Michigan's West coast.

It also reminds us that pre-road trip repairs and maintenance can save vacationers unwanted headaches!

Ok, that was our sales pitch for this post.

It's the season of summer road trips, and veteran Michigan residents know that there's plenty interesting pavement to explore right here in our own backyard. Not only is Michigan home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the US, but many of these destinations are unknown to all but a few.

Personally, I prefer to avoid the vacationing crowds, traveling instead to remote, little-known places. Thankfully, I don't have to shell out the cash it would take to hop a plane or drive 1,000's of miles to find beautiful, unpopulated road trip destinations. With Michigan's abundance of natural lakes, state forests, white sand dunes and shorelines, why would you road trip in any other state?

This is a very, very short list of beautiful Michigan road trip destinations that aren't too far from our own backyard.

West Michigan Scenic Drive - My personal favorite, this meandering stretch of road travels along the coast from Muskegon to Silver Lake State Park. There are plenty of beaches and lighthouses along the way, but Silver Lake's white sand dunes take the cake. There's a breathtaking view of the dunes as you crest a hill on B-1 traveling North which never fails to amaze me.

Although the name of the road sometimes changes (Scenic Drive, Route B-15, Lakeside Drive), it's never hard to find - just keep Lake Michigan out your driver's side window! map link

Shrine of the Pines - As beautiful as it is unique, this destination is nestled in the heart of Michigan's Manistee National Forest, near Baldwin. Visiting the world's largest collection of hand-made pine furniture is a fantastic beginning or start to a trip through the dense wilderness of Manistee's many parks and hiking trails. map link

Harrisville, Northern Michigan (East coast) - Home of Iargo Springs, one of the most fascinating and little-known natural wonders in Michigan, this road trip destination lies on Michigan's East coast. A fantastic destination for a week long meandering road trip, the Widow's Watch bed and breakfast provides nearby lodging that is a treat in and of itself. map link

M-22 Highway, Leelanau Penninsula Drive - A popular and beautiful destination for road trips, Leelanau has everything you could want. From fudge shops and unique towns to serene fishing locations, M-22 is one of the most beautiful stretches of road in the Lower Peninsula. map link

If you'd like to see more Michigan road trip destinations, or find tips for lodging, check out this link.

Did we miss a destination? Comment and tell us about your favorite Michigan getaway!

A Womans Point of View: A Typical Day Heats Up

2010-07-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

My alarm clock does not ring, or buzz, or play music. It starts off with birds singing and then my very British butler, who lives in my alarm clock, announces the events of the day so far. This morning he informed me that Opray Winfrey would like to luncheon with me today and he took the liberty of only charging her $100,000 for the privilege.

It is hard enough to wake up in the morning, you might as well do it with some silliness and a smile. I was feeling pretty perky until I got to work and walked into a furnace – the air conditioning konked out over the weekend and it had to be 100 degrees in there. Oh, Joy! I do not do well in muggy heat. It only took me five minutes to discover the computer that I work at was the only dead air space in the whole building. The temperature was already well on its way to over the 90 degree mark outside. It felt cooler outside. We were all in that fragile moment of deciding if we were going to give in to this and be grouchy or are we going to make the best of this bad situation.

Then I began to notice something. The customers sitting in our sweltering lounge sporting the most wonderful sheen, were taking it all in stride. We would apologize for the uncomfortable warmth and they all smiled and assured us that, “Hey, life happens.” Because of these wonderful people and their positive attitudes, we adapted.

We slowed down our usual frantic pace, took the time to hand out cold drinks, made sure we were all drinking plenty of water. In other words, everyone looked after each other. We even treated ourselves to some old-fashioned malted milks.

Good things happen at Cars For Keeps even when it starts out looking bad.

Fuel Efficiency Tips for Cutting Down on Road Trip Gas Bills

2010-07-15T10:56:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

Drivers are always looking for ways to get better gas mileage, especially when it comes to long-distance travel. Not only does gas-efficient driving cut down on the costs of gas, but it also conserves natural resources and helps to keep pollution down. Every little bit counts!

Whether you're commuting across town or are driving across the country, there are many things drivers can do to help their vehicles get more efficient gas mileage.

Driving more efficiently.

That's right, drivers can do many things to get better gas mileage - without the help of a mechanic! Drivers can improve gas mileage by as much as 10% by observing the following rules:

- Drive sensibly and carefully. Fast acceleration, quick breaking and quick cornering can increase your vehicle's gas consumption by 5% in town and 33% on the freeway. So take it easy, and do your best to work with your vehicle's inertia, rather than fighting it.

- Go the speed limit. Research has shown that fuel efficiency over the speed of 60 miles per hour decreases rapidly. In general, you can estimate your vehicle uses an extra 24 cents per gallon for every 5 miles you go over 60mph.
- Clean out the trunk. Do you really need to carry golf clubs, a tool box and other clutter in your trunk? Those boxes of books you've been meaning to drop off at Goodwill are making your vehicle run inefficiently.
- Avoid idling unnecessarily. If your vehicle will be sitting still for more than 60 seconds, it's most efficient to simply turn the engine off. Remember: idling gets you zero miles per gallon.

Good vehicle maintenance.

It's been said before, but it's true. Keeping your vehicle in great working condition will not only cut down on the cost of serious mechanical problems, but also on gas consumption as well.

- Keep the engine tuned. Tuning an engine that is significantly out of tune can raise gas mileage by 4%, and it will help the engine last longer as well. Fixing more serious problems, such as broken oxygen sensors, can boost gas mileage by 40%.
- Proper tire inflation. Good tire inflation can improve gas efficiency as much as 3.3%. Under-inflated tires waste gas and aren't nearly as safe as properly inflated tires. Aren't sure about your vehicle's proper PSI? We know a few good auto technicians who'd be happy to find out for you.
- Consistently use the right motor oil. All car manufacturers recommend a specific grade of motor oil, and using the wrong grade can lower your gas mileage by 1-2%.
- Replace dirty air filters. Cars need to breathe, just like we do. Air filters are very cheap but essential parts; they protect vehicles' engines from becoming contaminated with dirt and dust, and when they become old and clogged, vehicles struggle to get enough oxygen and end up using more fuel than necessary. Dirty air filters can lower gas mileage anywhere from 2-14%.

Save money on commutes or summer vacations by making sure your vehicle isn't wasting gas. Stop by Cars for Keeps for a free pit stop, and see how we can help you save money on gas.

Safe driving!

A Women’s Point of View: It’s Summertime and the Living is Easy

2010-07-09T16:52:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Summertime seems to bring out the ‘anything is possible’ gene in most of us. Slow, easygoing, mind renewing, exciting things that fill our days in the summer. The picnics on the beach or in a meadow; where the ants and flies show up in hordes of happiness. Bike riding to feel the breeze against your warm skin and an occasional bug to swallow. Swimming which soothes the body and the mind in nature’s womb.

Watching those sunsets while holding the hand of someone you love. Meeting someone really interesting over a vegetable stall at the open air market. Giving into temptation to wade in the fountain in the park. Going barefoot through the grass. Watching the local teams practice baseball. Catching fireflies. Enjoying fireworks. Running away from home (which we sometimes refer to as a vacation) to seek relaxation and/or adventure.

Cars For Keeps has had an influx of vacationers with car troubles. Hey - things happen! Just think of it as the adventurous side of the vacation. We know it is irritating to have your car break down when on vacation, and that is why we are experts at turning a negative into a positive.

We have met some new friends from out of town and even ended up having some laughs for everyone. We may never see these wonderful people again, but for a moment, we touched each other’s lives in a positive way. Aaaahhh! Summertime is full of possibilities and the living is easy.

A Women’s Point of View: Let Freedom Ring

2010-07-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

How often do we consciously think about all the freedom we have in this country? Sometimes we focus on things that we are not allowed to do in our lives, like being able to quit our jobs, getting the kids educated for free, and, gee, let’s not pay our taxes this year. Those are pesky problems in our lives that we all have to deal with, but actually do not have anything to do with our freedoms. I would love to pay a million dollars in taxes - do you know what kind of income that would mean for me?

Let’s focus on the freedom to live where and how we want live. The freedom to marry who we want and have as many children as we want. The freedom to choose any profession, from collecting empty bottles to being the President of the United States, and then the freedom to pursue that profession. The freedom to wear the clothes we want, visit any place we want, handle our own money and to drive the car we want. (You knew I would be getting around to cars.)

No patting Cars For Keeps on the back in this blog, just a moment of remembrance and appreciation for the men and women who have strived and won the victories for the freedoms that we celebrate this past 4th of July. In appreciation to the men and women who are actively serving in the military, Cars For Keeps offers free oil changes for them and their spouses.

Let Freedom Ring!

Summer Car Maintence: Declare Independence from Costly Breakdowns!

2010-06-29T10:14:00.000-07:00

by Dennis, Cars for Keeps Customer Service Manager

I hope all of you are having a great kick off to summer. I know that summer time is busy for people, especially for families; there are all the activities, children out of school, camping, trips to the beach & vacations. With hectic schedules to juggle, it can be a challenge to remember everything, and small to-do items - like getting your car maintained - often get pushed to the bottom of the list.

That is why your vehicle would like to send you a little reminder. All it asks that you you give it a little TLC from time to time.

Oil services at regular intervals will help keep the engine running correctly. Having the engine's coolant checked to be sure it is set for the correct anti boil level will prevent overheating. All fluids should be checked and topped off or changed to make sure your vehicle's vital parts are running smoothly. During hot summer months, air conditioning service and repair can be essential!

Summer vehicle maintenance will make sure you're able to vacation, visit family and travel without incident. (Ok may be not to Hawaii) Not only does auto maintenance save you and your family the inconvenience of roadside breakdowns, but it saves money in the long run by preventing costly damages.

With this all being said, let's not forget Independence Day is coming up this weekend. The team at Cars for Keeps hopes you have a great and safe summer and salutes our armed forces and our country.

Have a happy and safe summer & Independence Day.

Your friendly neighborhood Service Manager,

Dennis

A Women’s Point of View: The Latest Trend

2010-06-25T11:01:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Have you noticed, as you drive around in your dream car, how many vehicles have advertising on them? I am not talking about the big, commercial trucks. No, I mean your every day, ordinary pickups and passenger vehicles.

With a difficult economy comes creative ideas for new start-up businesses from average Joes and Joesettes. What heroes! Like cream rising to the top. It is the best of American Ingenuity, and we at Cars For Keep, salute you.

Anyway, back to this new trend of putting advertising on your car so the whole world can see who you are and what you do. It runs the gamut from a discreet company name and phone number on the door, on up to a complete “Wrap” of the car from bumper to bumper. It’s almost as good as watching television. I saw one the other day advertising ‘wings to go’ with a picture of a chicken strapped into a carseat with a look of panic on it’s face, wildly flapping it’s wings. There are some larger companies that will give anyone a car to use for free, that is completely wrapped with advertising. All you have to do is pay for the insurance and prove that you have had regular maintenance done.

Aaahhh yes, regular maintenance. It can mean the difference between a well running car with a long life and a car that always has problems and dies before the last payment is made. All companies that deal with cars, from fleet cars for private companies to professional car rental companies know the critical importance of regular maintenance. Cars For Keeps is always ready to help you with regular car maintenance.

Subaru Mechanics for Quality Subaru Repairs & Maintenance

2010-06-22T11:00:00.000-07:00

At the beginning of 2010, Cars for Keeps welcomed a new auto technician to its team of experienced mechanics (we were so excited that we dedicated a blog post to him). Steve has brought invaluable experience in American and Asian car models to Cars for Keeps, with Subaru repair experience at the top of that list.

During my last visit to Cars for Keeps' shop, Steve was kind enough to give me a tour of some of the shop's most recent projects. During that tour, I asked him which vehicle brand was his favorite to work on, and he answered "Subaru" without hesitation. A big Subaru fan (he proudly showed me his own Subaru, pictured below), Steve understands that Subaru vehicles come equipped with many benefits - benefits which require Subaru expertise to repair and maintain.

As most Subaru owners know, Subarus offer two huge mechanical advantages:

Boxer engines. Boxer engines, unique to Subaru vehicles, are flatter than other engines, allowing them to take up less space and provide a lower center of gravity for improved handling. There's a laundry list of other mechanical benefits of the boxer engine, but the most noteworthy are that Subaru boxer engines are able to achieve a higher power-to-weight ratio and are, in general, easier to maintain.

Symmetrical all-wheel drive. All Subaru vehicles are equipped with built-in all wheel drive, but it's no ordinary AWD. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive works together with Subaru's well-balanced boxer engines to create better stability, better balance and, ultimately, better handling.

These attributes have caused many Subaru owners to become loyalists of the brand. As with any car brand, however, quality maintenance is required for long-term quality performance, and not every mechanic is equipped to work with Subaru's unique design features. Asking an auto mechanic who specializes in Ford repairs to work on a Subaru would, for example, be like asking the Iron Chef to make a tiramisu layered cake. Could he do it? Probably. Would a french pastry chef do a better job? Um...let's hope so. A qualified Subaru mechanic understands how best to maintain Subaru's boxer engine, all-wheel drive and its many other unique features.

Bottom line: if you love your Subaru, hire a mechanic who specializes in Subarus to repair and maintain your vehicle. Here at Cars for Keeps, we just happen to have one on staff.

Safe driving!

A Woman's Point of View: The Odd Things

2010-06-18T15:29:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Some occurrences that help us cope with life with humor and catch our interest momentarily are the odd little things that happen around us. The unexpected that pops up when we least expect it, fills us with wonder, and puts the whole day into perspective.

Take the simple act of opening the hood of a car and finding a pair of sunglasses riding securely on the engine. Can’t you just picture the owner turning his house and car inside-out looking for those sunglasses? Or, the car owner that brought his car in because “something is just not quite right”. As it turned out, our mechanic found a whole mop head in the filter that, somehow, the car sucked up. Speculation was running rampant as to where you could possibly run over a mop head, and how could it get sucked into the car like that?

Then there are the times that a customer stops by to drop off the best banana bread you have ever eaten in your life. Some things happen that just make you feel good to be in a position where you can help complete strangers, like the vacationing couple from Wisconsin whose car broke down and they were stranded, knowing no one and having no place to stay. We were able to direct them to a good B & B where they were welcomed with open arms while our mechanics repaired their car and they were happily and gratefully on their way the next day to finish their long deserved vacation. Cars for Keeps is a business with plenty of knowledge and skill, but most importantly, with heart.

Summer Auto Maintenance Makes for Safe Grand Haven Vacations

2010-06-16T08:37:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

Vacation season is officially here! With the countless vacation spots and activities available in the Grand Haven area, vacationers and Grand Haven locals alike will be hitting the beach, hauling the boat out to the bay for some long-awaited fishing and enjoying the countless rental cottages along the lakeshore.

The Grand Haven Area Convention & Visitors Bureau is a great resource for both Grand Haven locals and passersby to discover the wealth of attractions and events available during the summer.

Summer vacations mean travel, and travel means relying on your vehicle to get you from point A to point B. Whether you're traveling hundreds of miles or are just piddling around town, making sure your vehicle is in good working order is important to the longevity - and reliability - of the vehicle. Routine summer maintenance doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg; routine maintenance is the least expensive type of maintenance.

We've compiled a list of summer maintenance tasks that will help your vehicle run smoothly and safely well into next winter.

Summer Maintenance Checklist

Radiator Flush. As the coolant fluid within the radiator is used over time, it eventually begins to break down, leading to corrosion. Flushing and changing the radiator coolant fluid can save big time and money down the road.

Air Filter Replacement. Also a way to boost the energy efficiency of your vehicle, having air filters replaced twice each year ensures the engine is getting plenty of clean air. Ask us about our specialty reusable K&N Air Filters for even better performance in specialty vehicles.

Check Tires. Still haven't changed those winter tires? Driving on last summer's bald tires? Michigan rainshowers come heavily and often unexpected, and the last thing travelers need is to get caught on the freeway in a downpour with bald tires. Let a mechanic inspect the tread depth of your car's tires to make sure they're still safe for another summer.

Windshield Wiper Replacement. Again, Michigan rainstorms come unexpectedly, and faulty windshield wipers can cause a dangerous lack of visibility. Shell out the $20-30 bucks for a new set of wipers, and you'll be glad you did.

Brakes Inspection. Unless you pay close attention to the materials used to fix your car, your brake pads could be dangerously close to being worn down, even if they're relatively new. We can talk with you about using longer-lasting, quality brake pads, or at the least let you know if the ones you're using are still safe.

Battery Check. Wintertime freezing, snow and salt create prime conditions for corrosion, particularly on your vehicle's battery cables. A quick check of connection and battery level will save a big headache later on. Don't forget about this month's free battery check at Cars for Keeps.

Safe driving, and happy vacationing!

A Women’s Point of View: Need vs. Want = Having

2010-06-11T15:31:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

I was talking with a customer the other day about blogs and I asked her to give me any three words and I would create a blog around them. She gave me ‘need’, ‘want’, and ‘having’. So, watch out, here it comes!

Every person who comes into our car repair facility has a need. Our business is to supply car repair and maintenance needs and we are very good at it. Simple. Right? Let’s go on to what people want.

Sometimes, this is more difficult, and sometimes it is impossible. The impossible only takes a little longer. When the impossible comes through our door, we immediately go into “this-is-a-challenge mode”. It keeps our job from becoming boring and mundane. Diagnoses are made and discussed. Faxes of questions and schematics start flying back and forth. Telephone calls go out to old-timers and young automotive geniuses. Creative heads huddle together. Plans are made. Assignments are carried out. The “can do” attitude is at its peak. High energy and excitement are bouncing off the walls.

Everything comes together and someone rings the cowbell. There are high fives and belly bouncing. Words like “Yes!” and “Sweet!” and “It Works!” are heard. And everyone is smiling. And for the customer this equals Having. Aaaahhh! Just another normal day at Cars For Keeps.

The principles in this blog can be applied to any need vs. want = having situation in life, and are not the exclusive property of Cars For Keeps. They are free to use for everyone.

Save driving!

Why Auto Repair Shops Need to be Friendlier to Women

2010-06-08T15:28:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie Steele, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

According to various consumer surveys done over the past decade, women have gained more purchasing power in some very surprising industries, including - you guessed it - the auto industry.

Surveys have shown that between 65-74% of auto repair shop customers are women! Some studies have shown that woman make up as high as 80% of an average auto repair shop's customer base. While women are taking a much more active role in managing their household vehicle's repair and maintenance needs, many auto repair shops have ignored this trend, providing sub-par customer service and amenities to their female customers. According to a recent article by WomenCorp, 9 out of 10 women surveyed felt they are treated differently by their mechanics and auto technicians because they were female; for the most part, they felt they were being ripped off, scammed, spoken down to and overcharged.

With women taking the reins of their or their families' vehicle repair and maintenance, it seems like a no-brainer that auto repair shops would realize this and begin to cater to their female clientele more. While many auto repair shops across the county are still dragging their feet by offering dirty, bathroom-less waiting areas and inadequate, rude customer service, other repair shops - like Cars for Keeps - are stepping up to the plate.

Of course, women tend to have different priorities than men, and getting auto repair service is no exception. Men will often explain their auto repair needs by describing their diagnosis of the problem, while women tend to describe the symptoms their vehicle is exhibiting. A mechanic or technician needs to be able to address both types of inquiries in a clear, informative manner.

A few of the items which are most important to women when it comes to auto repair service include:

- A clean, welcoming waiting room. Preferably including a child's play area, large screen TV and internet access.

Cars for Keeps' waiting room children's play area

Cars for Keeps' waiting room computer with free high-speed internet access

- Clean, baby-friendly restrooms. Simple amenities like baby changing tables, air fresheners and toilets cleaned weekly may not mean much to men, but it makes a world of difference to women.

Cars for Keeps' restroom baby changing station

Cars for Keeps' clean, sanitary bathroom facility

- Clear, detailed estimates and diagnoses. Women feel better about their car service when they understand what problems their vehicle is having and and how it will be fixed. This also helps to prevent any surprises when she receives the bill.

Cars for Keeps' Auto Technician, Bobby, explaining to me that my Ford Focus' air filter can stand to go another 10,000 miles before needing to be replaced.

Cars for Keeps' Customer Service Manager, Dennis Sweet, giving a detailed explanation of how one one customer's faulty serpentine belt nearly caused its vehicle severe damage.

- Complimentary shuttle service. Auto repair shops that offer free shuttle service for customers whose vehicles will be out of commission demonstrate that they understand their customers are busy, too. Women - especially those with young children in tow - deeply appreciate the convenience of a shop going out of its way to provide this extra service.

Cars for Keeps' complimentary shuttle van

Are there any other features women feel are important for auto repair shops to offer? What negative experiences have you or a female you know had with auto repair shops in the past? Drop us a comment here or on our Facebook page and let us know. We'd also love to hear any ideas for how we can improve our facility and service to make it more female-friendly.

A Women’s Point of View: The Savvy Bargain Hunter

2010-06-04T12:13:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars For Keeps Office Manager

Sometimes, previously owned items are a better buy with better value. For example: that soft, leather handbag with the designer label and an original price tag that could put your child through college versus the house you drool over every time you drive past it which finally has a ‘For Sale’ sign in the front yard. You know the signs: your eyes get big, your heart rate triples and you’re breathing in happy little gasps.

The same thing happens when you go to buy a used car. Let’s face it ladies, we fall in love with a car first before we consider the practical side of the purchase. We are emotional creatures, which occasionally leads us into buying something we regret later. Mine was a used Cadillac that turned into a money pit.

At Cars For Keeps, we can help you keep yourself from making unwise purchases with objective, level-headed mechanical expertise. For $99 you can bring in the car you are considering buying to have a complete bumper to bumper inspection done. It is a small price to pay to know exactly what you are getting into when buying that car.

One customer brought in three cars for inspection. The first car turned out to be such as mess it was a mystery why it was even running. The second car needed a new transmission, which would cost more that the car was worth. After looking at the third car, which the customer actually liked the best, we were happy to announce, “You have a winner”! It cost him $300 but it saved him several thousand dollars in the long run. As a woman, I would call that being emotionally savvy.

Safe - and savvy - driving!

Auto Air Conditioning Repair Basics: Common Symptoms & Problems

2010-06-01T11:52:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

A broken air conditioner in your automobile gets put at the bottom of the "to-do" list all winter long. As we move into another warm, humid Michigan summer, however, suddenly having a car air conditioner that works - and works WELL - is of the utmost importance. Who wants to arrive at a meeting, the mall, or a friend's house sweating and flushed by stale, hot car air?

Having an auto air conditioner that "kind of" works may get YOU by, but faulty air conditioners can cause bigger damage to your car down the road if left unattended. An air conditioner running low on coolant, on dirty coolant on faulty electrical wiring can end up ruining the entire air conditioning compressor. Car air conditioners are connected to the rest of the vehicle's electrical system, meaning a surge or problem with the air conditioner can cause problems with the rest of the car, causing poor idling, fuel inefficiencies or drained batteries.

Generallly, auto air conditioners are fast, easy and inexpensive to fix. Most car air conditioning problems are coolant-related, and may often be as simple as getting a coolant flush, refill or fixed leak.

With that said, your car's air conditioners is not one of those devices most technicians recommend fixing at home, unless you're a qualified mechanic. Most do-it-yourself instructions for fixing broken auto air conditioners contain scary phrases, like "it is illegal to release freon gas into the atmoshere" and "be sure to wear proper hand and eye protection". Plus, there are many different things that could be wrong with the car's air conditioning system.

Here are a few of the problems most commonly found in auto air conditioners:

1) Coolant and/or Refrigerant Leaks. This generally applies to older, less computerized vehicles. Refrigerant can run out on its own over the course of time, or leaks may have developed in the car's AC compressor or one of its hoses. If your vehicle has never had a coolant flush or refill and it's pushing 150,000 miles or more, it's probably time.

2) Noisy AC Compressor. Noises that occur when your car's AC is turned on can come from minor engine noises or hoses, but they could also be symptoms of problems with the compressor. If the problem is the AC compressor, it will likely have to be replaced.

3) Fluctuating Temperatures. When a car's AC blows out air with sporadic temperatures, it's often likely that moisture is building up in one of the hoses or assemblies, causing ice to accumulate and clog. Removing ice from a car's air conditioning assembly is a short and easy procedure.

4) Faulty Car Electrical System. A weak car battery can cause your auto air conditioner to function weakly or not at all. Car batteries need to have enough voltage to trigger the AC compressor, and while it may be strong enough to run the rest of your car, it may still be too weak to run your car's air conditioning.

5) Bacteria Buildup. Funky smells emanating from your car's air conditioning vents are likely caused by a bacteria buildup in the evaporator. Good auto mechanics (like Cars for Keeps!) will have the proper tools to flush the evaporator out quickly and without much cost.

So what are some basic ways to tell if any of these are a problem for your car's air conditioning unit? Here's a basic checklist of symptoms which indicate something is wrong with your auto AC:

- If the AC system doesn't produce cold air (duh)
- If the fan or blower doesn't work
- If the fan, blower or AC is noisy when turned on
- If one of the dashboard controls malfunctions
- If the vent, car heater or defroster are having problems working correctly
- If the air conditioning smells funky
- If the car has a tendency to overhead
- If the air filter or dryer have never been replaced, or if the AC has never been serviced before

If one of these symptoms applies to your car's air conditioning system, it's probably time to have it inspected by a mechanic. Caught early, most auto air conditioning problems are fairly easy and inexpensive to fix.

Stay cool!

A Women’s Point of View: Helping Your Car Go Green

2010-05-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

The politically correct thing to do these days is to go green by buying and using all things that are environmentally friendly and natural. Buzz words such as ‘recycle’, ‘save the forest’, and ‘black mold’ have been around for a long time, but I think we are finally beginning to “get it”. Moving into an era of saving the planet by going back to basics has merit.

Now, most of us can’t afford to rip up our hardwood floors and replace it with Bamboo, but there are quite a few things we can do with what we have to be more “green”. Let’s talk cars.

Fuel economy is on most of our minds, what with the price of gas going up. Again. So let's look at a few easy ways to cut fuel consumption by getting better mileage.

- Rapid acceleration and going over 60 mph can use up to 33% more gas.
- Regular tune-ups can save about 4% in gas usage.
- Keeping tires rotated and at the proper pressure can save about 3.3%.
- Using the recommended grade motor oil can save you 2%.

All in all, that's over 42% saving per tank of gas. Cha-ching!

Changing a dirty air filter can also improve fuel mileage up to 10%. A little maintenance now can save you big bucks later. Cleaning your fuel system by getting rid of those nasty carbon deposits every 15,000 miles will save you costly repairs in the future and help save money at the gas pump now. A transmission flush removes deposits and buildup and lets the shifting process work more efficiently which will add to the longevity of the transmission and better fuel economy.

These fuel economy and car maintenance tips are just a few suggestions that will allow you to not only "go green", but to keep your car longer. Because that's what we're all about: cars for keeps!

Memorial Day Weekend Events in West Michigan

2010-05-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

Summer has finally hit West Michigan, bringing a host of fun summer events for the whole family. Whether you like to grill out on the beach or hike Michigan's beautiful inland woods (before the black flies arrive), there's plenty to do in the lakeshore community.

This coming Memorial Day weekend will kick off the summer season around Lake Michigan, with parades, carnivals and fireworks schedule in every city up the lakeshore, from Grand Haven to Ludington.

In the list below, we've collected a few notable events happening throughout West Michigan this Memorial Day weekend and over the next several weeks. If there are any events we didn't mention which you'd like us to list here, just comment and we'll add it to our Facebook page.

Grand Haven Offshore Challenge

Well-known by Grand Haven locals, the Grand Haven Offshore Challenge runs June 4th-6th and is a favorite lakeshore annual event. The challenge includes events for kids, ladies, amateurs and pros to participate in, and the Grand Haven community offers plenty for non-participants to do while the run is on. This year, the Pro division grand prize has been upped to $10,000!

Fruitport Old Fashioned Days

A complete roster of family events running all week, through the 31st. Fruitport's week-long Memorial Day celebration will feature a host of fairs, parades, car shows, tournaments and concerts. A carnival midway, Lions Ox Roast, riverboat cruises, fireworks, a children's petting zoo and many other activities will be running throughout the week.

For more info, visit the daily event schedule for Fruitport Old Fashioned Days.

Frederik Meijer Gardens

The Frederick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids are host to countless activities, exhibitions and concert events - not to mention their beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens. Their indoor gardens are complete with a large tropical conservatory, and the outdoor grounds are a maze of playgrounds, wildlife and fascinating sculptures, perfect for a romantic getaway or family event.

This summer, the Frederick Meijer Gardens are hosting internationally renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly's latest exhibition: A New Eden. If that's not enough, check out their impressive summer concert lineup.

John Ball Zoo Summer Kick Off

If you're in Grand Rapids enjoying the Frederick Meijer Gardens, you might as well stop by John Ball Zoo as well. This summer, John Ball Zoo is kicking off the season with Guinea baboons and colobus monkeys. As West Michigan's most loved zoo, John Ball is a great place to spend the afternoon with your family. Admission prices are $7.50 for adults and $5.50 for kids.

Mayfaire Renaissance Festival

Marshall, Michigan is a ways to travel for those of us who live on the lakeshore, but if you have a sliver of medieval nerd in you, Mayfaire Renaissance Festival is worth the trip. This medieval festival is family-friendly and has everything for spectator and participant alike. Enjoy jousting tournaments, sword fights, live music, food and more. The Mayfaire festival even features activities for spectators. Dress up in a 15th century Cardinal uniform and whack your family members with a foam sword. What could be better?

Cadillac Memorial Day Weekend

Carl. T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center is hosting a weekend of events in one of Michigan's most delightful getaway towns. Enjoy the Live Michigan Snakes program, a guided wetlands hike, foat fishing, archery and marksmanship challenges throughout the weekend. Or, better yet: leave the men at the Fishing Center while you and the girls enjoy relaxed shopping and dining in Cadillac's beautiful downtown district. Cadillac's one and only Wex Flea Market runs Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer.

A Women’s Point of View: Remember When…..

2010-05-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

I was listening to a song on the radio while driving the other day that started me thinking about how life was when I was growing up. Sometimes it restores the soul to visit our childhood.

Remember when the only lock in your house was a hook and eye on the screen door? Or, when a cup of coffee cost 10 cents? Or, when everyone paid their bills with cash? Remember Roy Rogers, Gene Autrey and Hopalong Cassidy? Do you remember what life was like before television, and then TV came along and a little puppet called Howdy Dowdy had everyone enthralled? How about all those summers we endured without air conditioning? And, living a full life, somehow, without computers.

Little did we know that having to learn how to type would become such a necessity in all our lives. Remember Superman comic books, fresh farm grown food on the table every night and being called home for the night by a yell or a whistle? Or, having only one phone in the house and pulling it into the closet for a private conversation with your friends? Remember having to actually do hard work for that 25 cent a week allowance? A penny from the Tooth Fairy? Swimming in a lake with fish, ducks and an occasional snake? Newspapers without inserts?

Remember being able to change the oil and doing repairs on your car yourself?

For most of us those days are long gone and we have wonderful places like Cars For Keeps to keep our cars running smoothly. Stop in for a Pit Stop Inspection for free, just like service stations used to do for you way back when service was still important.

What is your favorite modern convenience?

Tack-It.com: A Friendlier Craigslist

2010-05-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

by Dennis Sweet, Cars for Keeps Customer Service Manager

I know that many of our readers have been following our blog for a while and I hope you have found it helpful. Today I want to talk about a new local startup website, Tack-It.com.

Tack-It.com is a locally-owned classifieds website aimed at helping local community members connect with one another. Local business owners, service providers and every day folk looking to sell household items can post their products or services, which are listed according to product category and zip code. While Tack-It works somewhat similar to the popular classifieds website, Craigslist.com, it's geared more towards family-friendly use (in other words, without all the spam). Tack-It.com listings are carefully monitored to avoid abuse by its users, creating a clean, friendly environment for locals and community businesses to network.

Additionally, Tack-It.com partners with local business sponsors - like Cars for Keeps. We've teamed up with this local classifieds website ourselves as a local sponsor, and would appreciate your help in supporting this new local venture. After all, supporting local businesses helps to support local economy!

Stop on by Tack-It.com to see who's selling what - or to sell something yourself. Listings are 100% free.

You can visit both Tack-It.com and Cars for Keeps on Facebook as well. Click here to see Tack-It's Facebook page, and here to visit our Facebook page.

Thanks for your help supporting our Grand Haven economy!

Your friendly neighborhood Service Manager,

Dennis

A Women’s Point of View: Tips For Organizing Your Car Part II

2010-05-15T16:23:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

In Part I we looked at the car’s ceiling and seats using adhesive Velcro. Let's venture into the rest of the car to see how Velcro can be useful in other ways.

For owners of vans, you have this delicious space between the two front seats. I've found that it's the perfect place for those plastic, stackable drawers that can face either toward the front or the back seat. Measure carefully, allowing for the seat belts and the armrests. Make sure the bottom is flat so the Velcro will stick well to the floor. For all cars that have trunks; soft-sided suitcases, baskets, car organization carriers and even toolboxes are great.

To keep them from sliding every time you turn a corner, slap on the ole Velcro and they will stay nicely in place and not roll around like bowling pins. Make sure they have flat bottoms without feet or rollers. Stick some Velcro onto you sunglasses case and stick it to the ceiling between the sunvisors.

Need more hooks? Buy those self-sticking hooks that you can remove by pulling down on the tape and attach to the smooth surfaces of the car for grocery bags, purses, the kids backpacks and other assorted things with handles to keep them in place when turning corners. Do not attach these hooks to leather, it will tear with use. For those small items like paper clips, change, stamps, cell phone headset, etc., use the ashtray. For those cupholders that have the rubber lining that keeps the cup in place are great, but the rubber comes out with the cup, a drop or two of Gorilla Glue will keep the rubber in the cupholder. And every car needs one of those pads you set on the dash to hold cell phones, change, pens, etc.

Remember, never, ever stick the sticky side of Velcro onto the car. It will ruin the finish. Always put the sticky side on the storage item.

Stop by Cars For Keeps anytime and we will help brainstorm any car problem you may have, large or small.

Safe driving!

A Woman's Point of View: Tips for Organizing Your Car, Part I

2010-05-07T09:48:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

The magic word here is Velcro. The black Velcro with the sticky side and the grabbing side, and the wide width. This is how to organize your car for yourself and your family. For the driver to have everything within reach. The ceiling of your car is this soft felt material that works like the smooth side of Velcro. It is also an untapped space to use for storage.

Flat CD storage holders can be found at Walmart, Target, etc. They hold 8 to 12 CD’s. Put the sticky side of the Velcro on the CD holder and slap it onto the ceiling of your car. I have mine over the sunvisor. You can put some over the back seat area for the kids, too.

Ceiling Velcro also makes it easy to store a flat document holder in which to keep you car registration, insurance papers, etc. directly over your head. Now you won't have to rummage through the glove compartment, which is free to hold heavy or bulky items such as an umbrella, trouble light/seatbelt cutter and windshield glass breaker. Use another flat document holder for a pen, a pad of Post-A-Notes, letters to be mailed, bank deposit slips or grocery lists.

Get a trash bag with Velcro straps and wrap around the base of the front seat headrest to hold things like kids games, snacks, personal DVD players, MP3 players, books or even trash. It's is easily accessible for anyone sitting in the back seats.

I have many more suggestions on how to organize your car, so this will be a two part blog - look for Tips for Organizing Your Car Part II next Friday.

A word of caution: always put the sticky side of the Velcro onto the storage item. Never, Ever put the sticky side onto the material of the car. It will pull the material away from the cars ceiling and tear it every time you get into the storage item.

To be continued…..

Cars for Keeps Mechanics: Men Can Multitask Too!

2010-05-04T09:22:00.000-07:00

by Colette, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Any woman, whether she works outside the home or not, is an expert at multi-tasking. We wear many hats every day. Wife, mommy, housekeeper, cleaning lady, laundress, chauffer, appointment setter/keeper, gardner, cook, nurse, lover, psychiatrist, teacher, disciplinarian and on and on. Add to that if we work outside the home.

Yes, we are experts at multi-tasking and we take it all in stride. One pat on the back coming up. But, to give the men their due, they are pretty good at it too. As a woman working at Cars For Keeps, I have observed the men I work with multi-tasking every day. For two days a while back, I watched Michael, our head mechanic, work on four cars at the same time. We were short a mechanic and everyone pitched in to keep everything running smoothly and on time. Michael was going from one car to the next car to the next car as the parts came in. We seriously considered putting him in skates. He never complained and kept his humor going, but by the end of those couple of days, he was dragging.

Our service manager, Dennis, multi-tasks 11 hours a day, five days a week. He manages the mechanics' time, helps them solve technical problems, finds and purchases the best parts at the best price for the job, deals with vendors, confers at management and marketing meetings, helps every customer meet their needs, makes technical, financial and time management decisions almost every minute, answers phone calls, makes phone calls, supervises care of the grounds around the building, handles all emergencies with efficiency, keeps up with computer information every company runs on and sometimes he even eats lunch. In the four years that I have worked with Dennis I have never seen him “lose his cool”.

So here are gold stars and fireworks and ‘good job’ kudos for all the men who work faithfully, nobly and steadfastly in their jobs. It is heroic!

Percussive Car Maintenance vs. Preventative Car Maintenance

2010-04-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

All of us have been guilty of performing "percussive maintenance" at one point or another. For those of you who don't know what percussive maintenance is, I'll give you a hint: it usually involves hitting things with a hammer.

Wikipedia describes "percussive maintenance" as "the malediction of an ill-behaved device to make it work, that is to say, swear at it and hit it." (Don't you love Wikipedia?) I've performed this countless times on countless items, such as my door lock, my computer (before I bought a Mac), and of COURSE, my car.

True enough, percussive maintenance may work sometimes - like it did for Marty McFly when he needed to start the DeLorean in Back to the Future I, or as it worked for Apollo 12 astronaut Pete Conrad when trying to remove a piece of equipment from the 1969 space shuttle (true story!). But eventually, hitting things with a hammer only ends in having lots of broken things.

When I think about all the things I've sworn at and hit to make work, I realize that they all could have benefited from some preventative maintenance before percussive maintenance was necessary. My computer could have been de-dusted and de-bugged; my door lock could have been greased, and my car could have been better maintained with regular oil, fluid and filter changes.

Percussive maintenance may be therapeutic, but preventative maintenance is effective. So if you've been having to kick the tires or hit the steering wheel lately, try giving them one more kick, then roll on in to Cars for Keeps. We're a percussive maintenance-free zone!

What Women Really Want

2010-04-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Listen up guys. This is one answer to the mystery every man is confronted with all the married days of his life. Women want perfection. In everything we do and in everything we are. We want the perfect man, (be honest ladies, haven’t you ever wished you could build your own?), we want the perfect house, the perfect kids, the perfect job, the perfect body, hair, skin, teeth, etc. etc. etc. Every time we go shopping we look for the perfect gift, the perfect sweater, the perfect car. It just has to “feel” right.

I am convinced that we women have an extra gene in us that makes us crave perfection. We are always looking for a perfect world while we live in an imperfect world.

Take heart ladies. There are islands of perfection that we find all the time. The biggies are being in love and hugging our kids. Lesser, but by no means inferior, are friends you can count on, waking up without “bed-head”, and compliments from a stranger.

All of us at Cars For Keeps endeavor to create a small island of perfection for women. When you walk in the door you feel welcome as a friend. You will be treated with respect for your intelligence. Kindness, humor and honesty will be applied to meet your needs. We women want our car to be fixed and ready for us when promised, so we can get on with the pursuit of our next “perfection”. Go Girl!

Enter to Win a Car Care Club Card & Get a Free Oil Change!

2010-04-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

Well, we're not exactly giving away free money, but with our Car Care Club Card Sweepstakes, we might as well be.

As part of our effort to get to know our customers better, we're giving away a free oil change to everyone who participates in our Car Care Club Card Sweepstakes. The grand prize winner will receive a Car Care Club Card, a unique product Rob cooked up a few years back to reward dedicated car owners with a bundle of savings. The card contains free & discounted maintenance services worth over $435, and is perfect for the car owner who plans on keeping his or her vehicle for many years to come.

Second and third prize are nothing to sniff at, either. Check out all our auto repair prizes below, and don't forget that everyone who enters our contest gets a FREE oil change. Everyone.

Enter the Car Care Club Card Sweepstakes here.

The Club Card includes:

- 4 FREE Oil Changes + Maintenance Services ($180 value)
- FREE Air Conditioning Performance Test ($49.95 value)
- $35 off Transmission Flush & Fill
- $30 off Mile Service Packages
- $50 off Front or Rear Brake Service
- $20 off Radiator Flush
- $15 off Power Steering Flush Service
- 50% off Computerized Wheel Alignment
- Buy one Wiper Blade get one FREE ($19.95 value)

Even if you don’t use any of the discounts on the card, the 4 FREE oil changes and FREE air conditioning test are alone worth over $225!

2nd Prize: Wheel Alignment – FREE ($60 value)
3rd Prize: New Wiper Blades – FREE ($30 value)
All contestants:: Everyone who enters this contest will be given a FREE oil change!

Antifreeze: Helping Your Car (and You) Stay Cool

2010-04-22T07:58:00.000-07:00

by Dennis, Cars for Keeps Customer Service Manager

Hi everybody,
Since it seems like it could be warming up sometime soon, I thought this would be a good time to talk about "keeping your cool". What I really mean is keeping your car cool. Not air conditioning, but antifreeze. I’m talking about the vehicle’s cooling system.

As most of you may know, not only does antifreeze keep the vehicle cooling system from freezing, but it also keeps it from boiling over - if the system is working correctly, that is.

Antifreeze has a PH level which, without maintenance, can become corrosive and break down the cooling system. This can cause leaks. It can also create electrolosis. This is when the antifreeze actual has a low voltage electrical charge to it. Electrolosis can cause damage to the engine or cooling system.

By having your vehicle’s cooling system checked regularly (at least every six months), you can help keep your vehicle’s engine cool and running better, longer.

Which in the end helps you keep your cool.

That’s all for now, from you friendly neighborhood Service manager.

Dennis

Clean Car Air Filters Make for Better Mileage & Healthier Engines

2010-04-16T16:37:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie, Social Media Manager

As per usual, today's post stems from one of my own (many) misadventures in automotive maintenance. My tiny little Ford Focus often bucks around on the freeway when heavy winds are present, simply because it's a very light vehicle (32 miles to the gallon!!). Lately, however, I've noticed uneven acceleration and bucking even off the freeway. When I noticed weird, asthmatic idling at multiple traffic lights, it occurred to me that something was wrong (duh!).

While it's likely that MANY maintenance issues need to be addressed with my Focus (at my next visit to the shop), these are common symptoms of a particular maintenance problem which is painfully easy - and inexpensive - to fix. As with all car maintenance issues, the cost of not fixing the problem is astronomically higher than the alternative - letting a mechanic pop the hood.

The problem is that the air filter hasn't been changed since...I can't remember when (not good). Air filters are extremely simple yet extremely important components in every vehicle. They filter the air which is taken into the engine's combustion chamber. It's important that this filter stay clean so that the engine can get plenty of clean oxygen with which to power your car - or to "breathe deeply", in other words. A dirty, clogged filter means your car's engine will have trouble breathing. Picture an asthmatic trying to run a marathon. That's my car trying to run on a dirty air filter.

It's a good idea to have your air filter checked routinely. However, if you've left it unchanged too long, here are a few symptoms you can expect:

- Rough or uneven idling
- Engine misses
- Start problems
- Decreased gas mileage

Yes, dirty air filters decrease your car's gas mileage - sometimes quite dramatically. Don't believe me? Have the Cars for Keeps crew swap your filthy air filter for a new one and notice the extra days between fill-ups.

Safe driving!

What Do You Look for In An Auto Repair Shop?

2010-04-13T17:33:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie, Social Media Manager

Here at the shop lately, we've been brainstorming ways to keep our customers happy (and get more of them, of course!). In the process, it's occurred to us that our customers aren't always predictable! What we feel is most important in quality auto repair service isn't always the same as what you - the West Michigan driver - feel is most important.

Educating our customers is an important part of our business, because we want you to feel that you KNOW what your car needs and what work is being done on it. In the spirit of a well-rounded education, we recognize that we could stand to learn more about our customers! This weekend we'll be launching a giveaway (with a juicy prize) that will help us answer some of these questions, but in the meantime we figured it wouldn't hurt to open up the discussion here.

To provide better service, we'd like to get into the heads of car owners and find out what's most important to them when it comes to auto repair. For example:

What do you look for in an auto repair shop?

How do you, your friends or your family choose a new mechanic?

What unpleasant experiences have you had in repair shops that you'd like to avoid?

So if you have any thoughts, go ahead and pitch in! Tell us what makes you keep coming back to your favorite auto repair garage or mechanic - or what makes you run. We appreciate any feedback you have to help us provide you with better service.

Don't forget to stay tuned for our giveaway later this week!

Safe driving...

What's In A Name? The Aesthetics of Auto Repair Terminology

2010-04-09T08:31:00.001-07:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

It is pretty common knowledge that women are very sensitive to words. When you hear certain words do you visualize a color? Do you have an emotional response? Do you forget certain words because they are just too ugly to have roaming around in your brain?

Working at Cars For Keeps has introduced a whole new vocabulary. Some words are just too silly to be connected to a powerful machine like a car. Such as, O-Ring, nipple, universal joint, input shaft, tensioner and oxygen sensor, which all sound like words you would hear in a hospital.

Then there are words that have a lovely sound and just sort of roll gently around in your mouth. Such as, actuator, differential, solenoid, accumulator, evaporator, plenum and resonator. Words that are musical like harmonic balancer.

Then there's (this must be a guy thing) the slave cylinder. What is that! Most women don’t really care what the name of such things are, we just know that if it fixes the car – we’re good. The mechanics here at Cars For Keeps know what is in a name, how it works and what to do with it to make your car safe and running well. Like I said, “We’re good.”

5 Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain

2010-04-06T16:14:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie, Social Media Manager

Over the winter, we covered safety tips for driving on snow and black ice. Thank goodness we don't have to talk about that anymore! Just because winter is over doesn't mean the weather ceases to cause safety hazards on the road, however. Rain can cause just as many problems as snow on the road, especially for commuters and those traveling on the freeway. In honor of our recent, much-needed Easter rains, let's look at a few ways to stay safe in rainy conditions.

Be extra careful of driving in the rain after a dry spell. Fumes and oil leaks that build up on dry pavement rise to the surface of the road when it rains, making the road far slicker than it may seem. If it hasn't rained in a while, this buildup gets extra thick and takes longer to wash away. It's always a good idea to take it extra careful under these conditions.

Beware of hydroplaning. When rain on the pavement is thick enough, it can cause cars to "float" on a layer of water rather than adhering to the pavement surface. The effect of hydroplaning is very similar to that of driving on black ice, only far easier to correct. Hydroplaning usually occurs when your vehicle is going relatively fast, so one way to avoid hydroplaning is to simply take it slow. When the unavoidable happens, however, simply let your foot off the gas and steer your vehicle straight until its tires come back in contact with the pavement. It should only take a few seconds, while braking can quickly cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

Don't rely on your car's brakes. Similar to driving on snow and ice, hard, fast braking is likely to cause more harm than good when driving in rain. Be sure to use slow, light braking only when necessary, using slow acceleration and steering to control your car. Heavy, sudden braking could induce hydroplaning or a spin.

Leave extra space between you and the cars around you. It's always a good idea to leave a good distance between you and the car in front of you, especially in freeway driving. Increasing that distance in rainy conditions allows you more time to react to potential problems. Here's a good rule of thumb: pick a landmark (like a road sign) up ahead beside the car in front of you, and count the number of seconds it takes for you to pass the same landmark. Under average freeway driving conditions, a safe count is five seconds. Under rainy conditions, it should be at least eight.

Keep tires and windshield wipers maintained. Poor visibility is often the most dangerous handicap when driving in the rain. A good set of soft rubber wipers and a windshield treatment (which causes water to bead) will do wonders for visibility, and they're cheap to have installed. Bald summer tires greatly reduce your car's traction in rainy weather, and they should be replaced with good all-weather tires. We keep summer, winter and all weather tires in stock to fit a range of budgets, and we're happy to replace old wipers at the cost of equipment. Just stop by and ask!

Thanks for stopping by. Safe driving!

Spring Cleaning Car Care Tips

2010-04-02T16:03:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie, Social Media Manager

It doesn't seem very long ago that we were posting tips on how to prepare your car for winter. For those of you who hate winter, that may seem like a very long time ago! Spring has reached West Michigan in force this weekend, and at last it's time to talk about something much more pleasant: preparing your car for spring!

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you clean out your car this (beautiful) weekend:

Remove sand, salt and extra weight in the trunk. Last fall, Robert recommended keeping bags of kitty litter or sand in the back of your car to give it more traction or to use in emergencies. Now that we don't have to worry about black ice and snow, this extra weight will only serve to decrease your car mileage. If it's not a spare tire, get it out of the trunk!

Wash off that salt! Especially from the undercarriage. It's best to take your car through a quality drive through car wash for its first post-winter wash. Your car's undercarriage has undoubtedly accumulated untold layers of salt and grit that will eat away at the vehicle's vital organs if not removed. Tell the car wash fundraiser kids (or your husband) they can have the next cleaning.

Organize your car's interior to help keep it clean. There's a reason there's always garbage in my car, and it's not ONLY because I'm usually too lazy to bring it inside and throw it away. My tiny compact car has no trash can! My mom has solved this problem by hanging a small plastic bag from the cigarette lighter, but anything else would work. An old plastic cup from the gas station, a paper bag under the seat - it could be anything, as long as it keeps the trash all in one place.

Do you struggle with having stray CDs or receipts around the inside of your car, too? Treat yourself to a car CD organizer and a few plastic containers and place them in easy-to-reach locations inside your car.

Change those winter tires! Don't waste your super-sticky tire tread on dry pavement. Throw your car's summer tires in the trunk and run them down to the Cars for Keeps shop to make sure your winter tires keep their tread longer.

And finally...

Check for repair needs. Your vehicle's fluids, wiper blades, oil and undercarriage should be inspected to make sure they're keeping your vehicle in good shape. Antifreeze and transmission fluids are often low after a winter season, oil is often dirty and snow clods may have damaged important wiring in the undercarriage. You can have all this taken care of with our free Pit Stop inspection.

Enjoy this weekend's beautiful weather!

Got Heat? Why Thermostats Matter

2010-03-24T16:18:00.000-07:00

by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

In the typical car, mini-van or SUV, proper engine temperature control is critical to performance, gas mileage and - most important to car owners - heat.

If you hold your fingers above the defrost vents with the temperature set on high, as a general rule, you can not leave your fingers there for very long without them getting pretty uncomfortable if the heating system is working well.

We usually check the heat output at the center vent; a good heater will put out 150 degree temps.
We have seen them run as high as 160°f. At 130°f degrees you may start getting a few complaints, though it’s still pretty livable, at 120°f people are getting unhappy, the coats are staying on and below 110°f NO ONE is happy.

Engineers spend a lot of time figuring out what temperature creates conditions for optimal combustion energy and get the cold engine to that temperature as quickly as possible. Optimum combustion squeezes the most btu's out of each squirt of gasoline at the lowest pollution levels. Burn gasoline and get heat. Combustion and the heat it generates must be contained. Metals surrounding the combustion absorb and transfer the heat to the cooling system liquid (antifreeze) which is the same liquid that runs through the little radiator in your dashboard which the fan transfers to your cold tootsies. So, if your vehicle's thermostat is fading or failed, the impact is much broader than just cold toes.

To learn more about how faulty thermostats can be diagnosed by monitoring your heater vent's output, try reading our previous blog post on diagnosing faulty car thermostats.

If you stop by Cars for Keeps with your Car, Mini-Van, Light Truck or SUV, we'll test the output for free!

The 435,000 Mile Lexus: Dedicated Maintenance Goes the Distance

2010-03-23T16:37:00.001-07:00

by Marjorie, Social Media Manager

Rob and I were having a chat about oil changes the other day, and I asked him how frequently his average customer visits the shop for routine maintenance, such as oil changes. Although I asked the question for marketing purposes, I was also personally curious to know how the "average" driver maintains his or her car, as I myself am a notoriously neglectful car owner.

His answer was as you would expect: all drivers are different! Some come in for the recommended 3,000 mile oil change, some for 7,000 miles, and a few (like me) come in for maintenance only when their car is hacking and wheezing from a dry engine.

However, I was shocked when he told me about one customer in particular who visits Cars for Keeps for an oil change every two to four weeks. "Two to four weeks - you mean twice a month??!!" I said, aghast that someone would be that dedicated to their car's maintenance. "Isn't that just...unnecessary?" I asked Rob, who did an equivalent of an over-the-phone shrug. "Well, his Lexus is the best in our High Mile Club," he said.

Like all good business owners, Rob keeps tabs on his best customers, inducting owners of cars that show...shall we say "unusual vitality" into the Cars for Keeps High Mile Club. The Club includes vehicles - many of them older - that are still running smoothly after an impressive number of miles (thanks to dedicated owners and the automotive expertise of the Cars for Keeps crew). But Gale and his 2000 Lexus LS400 tops them all, purring smoothly after a whopping 435,000 miles!

Perhaps Gale's bi-monthly oil change visits are a bit excessive, but if you compare the cost of two oil changes per month to a monthly car payment, he's getting quite a deal. In the end, buying a new car (or a new engine or transmission) is far more expensive than maintaining the one you already have. We're not suggesting you come in every month for an oil change, but coming in every three months for an oil change and routine inspection can save you (and your car) from a lot of grief. Remember, Cars for Keeps' routine "Pit Stop" inspections are always free!

Safe driving!

Where Can I Find A Great Mechanic?

2010-03-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

by Marjorie & Rob Hopp

It's like finding a great dentist; no one likes doing it, but it's too expensive not to have one. Finding a reliable, trustworthy mechanic can be tough, especially when you don't know what to look for. Our AAA Approved shop owner Rob (who's also a master mechanic) put together a list of tips and traits to look for when looking for a great mechanic.

Consumers prefer independent repair shops.
A survey Consumer Reports conducted last year of owners of almost 350,000 vehicles, people who used independent mechanics were generally more satisfied than those who had their car serviced at a dealership.

Make sure the shop knows your car.
Many garages specialize in certain makes. Those that focus on your type are more likely to have the latest training and equipment to fix your vehicle.

Get advice from friends and family.
Ask your family and friends who their favorite mechanic is, and what they like about him or her. If they have a brand that you own it adds some weight to their opinion too. Search to see what people are saying about their mechanics on forums and blogs online.

Check for certification.
Your mechanic and shop should be certified by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE. This certifies that the shop and all its employees are properly trained and their facility and service meets certain quality standards.

Give the shop a tryout.
Before your car needs a big repair, you might want to try out some local shops with smaller repairs or maintenance items, such as oil and filter changes.

Ask about warranties.
What kind of guarantees does the shop give on repair work? Warranties can vary greatly among shops, so ask about them ahead of time. Use a common repair, such as brake work, as your guide.

Make sure the shop is convenient.
Even the best shop might not be worth the effort if its hours conflict with your schedule or you have few transportation options after you drop off the car.

Thanks for stopping by, and safe driving!

When to Have Your Brakes Repaired: 3 Easily Discovered Symptoms of Worn Brakes

2010-03-10T17:00:00.000-08:00

Hi again, It's Dennis you friendly neighborhood Service Manager.

I thought today it would be good to talk about brakes and when it may be time for their repair.

1) One of the most common symptoms of brakes that need repair when you hear hear a high pitched squeal when the brakes are applied. Most vehicles' brake pads contain a thin hard metal tab within the brake pad that acts like a fingernail on a chalkboard when pads are worn down to the minimum thickness. This sound acts as a warning that it's time for the brake pads to be replaced - rather like the "Empty" gas tank warning. Ignore this and the brake job rapidly gets more expensive.

2) Listen and feel your brakes as you apply them. When applying the brake pedal, you shouldn't notice any grinding, squealing thumping or dragging. Any of these four symptoms could mean your brakes are not functioning at 100 percent, and could lead to further damage down the road.

3) On a vehicle with anti lock brakes (ABS), you should notice a slight pulse of the brake pedal in the case of heavy rain, snow, ice or a panic stop. This is how that system works. If the brakes pulsate at any speed and these conditions are not present, it may be time for the brakes to get checked. Normal braking should be a smooth operation.

Safe driving!

A Woman's Point of View: That Suspended State Between Winter & Spring

2010-03-04T16:23:00.000-08:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars For Keeps Office Manager

It's Spring! At least, it feels like it is Spring. Our thoughts are turning to flowers in bloom, getting out the bicycles, walking around without ten pounds of boots on our feet, and putting the top down on the convertible. Oh, Joy! Can you feel you heart getting lighter and carefree?

We have Spring Fever here at Cars For Keeps too. One of the mechanics just came inside and told me I HAD to go out and stand in the sun for a few minutes - it actually feels warm. Ok, there are a few things we need to do to button up winter. Have our heating ducts cleaned, take that winter coat we have been wearing all winter to the cleaners, get the dog/cat you got for Christmas spade before she wanders around the neighborhood and comes back enceinte, and get the tires on your car aligned.

Come on, you know the only thing that blooms in the winter is the dreaded pothole, the snow covered curbs that you were sure were not there last summer, and those nasty ice ridges on the road that simply cannot be avoided. Let's give our bodies a break ladies. That shimmy and shake may feel good in the gym or on the dance floor, but in your car it could mean having to buy new tires if it goes on too long.

Who wants to spend their new summer clothes allowance on tires! Come on in to Cars For Keeps and we will "set your car straight" for you.

Happy spring from Cars for Keeps.

Why Should My Timing Belt Be Replaced?

2010-03-04T16:17:00.000-08:00

by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

Most of today's vehicle use a rubber timing belt to keep the various
rotating shafts in sync (time) with each other. When these parts are not moving in perfect harmony, they can (and often do) hit each other. At the very least you become a pedestrian. We all know that our car won't breakdown right in front of our favorite garage where there is hot coffee waiting. Instead, it conks out at the worst possible moment. Then your car that will need emergency timing belt service along with the cleanup required to keep shreds of rubber out of the new timing belt.

Timing belt service is not inexpensive and trying to save money going for the lowest bidder can be a prelude to disaster. I suggest using top quality parts, done by a mechanic that knows your type of vehicle. They will know if there are common faults that prevent the service from lasting through another full service cycle (typically 100,000 miles or more).

The diagrams below are typical of the complexities of these systems, the first is from a Volvo, second is from a Nissan.

You can't usually just look at the timing belt to see if it's OK.
Many designs require hours of work just to disassemble the front of the engine for access.

The synthetic and cord reinforced belt (much like a tire) has precision teeth that engage the sprockets driving the shafts.

We often have to supress a morbid giggle when a client sees their car this far apart to perform "a simple timing belt".
It is often a reaction of horror... What did you do to my car?
Until we explain that this is the only way to get to the components on most Audi's & VW's and then return their car in tip-top shape.

A Lucky Driver. This Acura engine was still running, but on the edge of catastrophe when the missing teeth were discovered. Typically $1500-$2500 in damage is done when a timing belt fails. Many times the engine is destroyed.

This one was not so lucky. The tensioner spring broke, and took a chunk out of the belt, leading to jumped timing and bent intake valves.

These are just some of the components that are used among the different designs of drive systems. The weakest link is the one that takes the rest with it. That's just one of the reasons we recommend following the manufacturers recommended mileage intervals for timing belt replacement, so an experienced mechanic can inspect the timing components to ensure they ALL will make it through another full life cycle and you can keep on driving with confidence.

How much does Timing belt service cost?
While the cost for timing belt service has a wide range depending on model and components required. The basic timing belt service on most four cylinder vehicles starts at around $200.00
We will gladly quote the service on your specific vehicle if you call Cars for Keep at (616) 846-1989 or by e-mail .

Fixing that Brake Light: the Cost-Effectiveness of Timely Repairs

2010-03-03T05:04:00.000-08:00

In our last post, we reviewed techniques for diagnosing a faulty thermostat, and in that post we watched a how-to video showing how to replace the thermostat yourself. To be honest, my point in showing the video was to demonstrate how complicated and tedious attempting repairs like this yourself can be, unless you're very mechanically inclined.

Changing the brake lights or tail lights in your car is a far smaller task than changing the thermostat, yet it's one of those items that gets shoved to the back of the list. Changing the light yourself requires a trip to the automotive store, a hunt for the proper bulb and a wrestling match with screwdrivers, wires and even broken plastic in the garage that could last a long time. Yet putting that tiny repair off continuously (like I have done for the past month) could result in much greater inconveniences: getting pulled over, getting ticketed and even getting into an accident at night.

The time and cost of having minor repairs like this done by your local auto repair specialists is minimal, and the convenience far greater. Having your tail light or brake light changed at Cars for Keeps while you drink coffee and catch up on work in our pleasant waiting room will cost about 1/3 the cost of the traffic ticket you might otherwise get, not to mention saving the cost of potential accidents. For the majority of us, having Mike or Bobby change burnt out bulbs will take far less time than it would take for us to change it ourselves, and we instead can use that time to be more productive.

If you still think changing your vehicle's tail light or brake light is something that's worth changing yourself, take a look at the how-to video below. Perhaps you'll find it useful. If you're like me, you'll find the "simple" steps much more complicated and time consuming than they're worth.

Save driving!

How to Diagnose a Failed Car Thermostat: Two Easy Symptoms

2010-02-23T10:46:00.000-08:00

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

Your car's thermostat would easily fit in the palm of your hand, yet like many vehicle components, a properly functioning thermostat is critical for engine health and proper vehicle function. It regulates your car's engine temperature, a critical factor for engine health.

Some of you may be inclined to cut repair costs by performing a "simple" thermostat replacement yourself. eHow details how to replace your car's thermostat in 11 not-so-easy steps. I'm sure these instructions look very simple indeed to an auto mechanic, but for the rest of us, it looks like a path down the road to almost certain failure. Unless you're a mechanic yourself, cutting corners by replacing a thermostat on your own will likely end in far greater costs - like an improperly installed thermostat and an overheated engine. Watch the Cars for Keeps Coupon page, Frequently Cars for Keeps offers free thermostats for thermostat replacement jobs - a far cheaper (and easier) option than attempting to do the job yourself.

Diagnosing a failed thermostat, however, isn't difficult at all.

How to diagnose a bad car thermostat:
Most car thermostats fail in one of two ways: they become stuck either in an open position or a closed position. A closed thermostat valve will cause the engine to overheat, harming the engine and potentially destroying the head gasket, while an open thermostat valve will over cool the engine, causing it to work much harder than necessary.

The symptoms for both an open and closed stuck thermostat valve are relatively easy to tell. A closed thermostat valve (overheated engine) will be indicated by your vehicle's temperature gauge plunging into the red. This may happen slowly or quickly, and wintertime driving may make this symptom less severe, but a vehicle that's running hot should always be brought to a mechanic immediately. An open thermostat valve (underheated engine) is indicated by a car not putting out as much heat through the vents as it should, and by automatic transmission vehicles having difficulty shifting to higher gears. The latter may be more difficult to tell in summertime, when heating vents aren't used, which is another good reason to always be attentive to your vehicle's engine and transmission performance.

If any of these symptoms describe your vehicle, bring it in to Cars for Keeps immediately for a quick test, and have a cup of coffee while you wait.

Safe driving!

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

2010-02-20T09:47:00.000-08:00

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.

The High Mile Club: Getting the Mileage Your Vehicle was Designed to Get

2010-02-15T17:18:00.000-08:00

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

My favorite page on the Cars for Keeps website is the "High Mile Club Gallery", a page dedicated to Cars for Keeps customers who take Rob's call to preventative maintenance seriously. It turns out, getting high mileage out of your vehicle is as simple as regular preventative maintenance. Most cars in the gallery are at least 15 years old and are running well past 200,000 miles - in great condition.

We've discussed many of the benefits of regular preventative auto maintenance here on Keep the Car blog. They include getting higher gas mileage from your vehicle and spending less money on large, costly repairs. The biggest benefit of keeping a well-maintained vehicle, by far, however, is that you get to keep the vehicle longer, delaying the far higher costs of purchasing a new vehicle. Vehicles are designed and built to last. Why not let them perform the way they were made to perform?

Take a moment to visit the High Mile Club Gallery, which features some true classics - all in mint condition.

The most impressive is Gale Moser and his 2000 Lexus running on a whopping 435,000 miles. See how good it looks?

Take advantage of Cars for Keeps' free "pit stop" service, and maybe someday your vehicle will become part of the High Mile Club Gallery.

Customer Service: The Difference Is In the Smile

2010-02-14T15:07:00.000-08:00

by Colette Cooley, Cars For Keeps Office Manager

We had a seminar the other day about interacting with people on the telephone. Although it was geared for business conversations, it occured to me that personal telephone techniques could be beneficial too. For example, how to react in a civilized manner to the telemarketer who calls you at dinnertime. Yes, I have grouched at them on occasion, and immidiatly felt guilty about it.

A trick to use that seems to work is the "smile-like-an-idiot" approach. Before picking up the phone, put a great big smile on your face. The first surprise is that you actually feel a lightness inside yourself. It may be fleeting, but we take what we can get at times.

The second surprise is that people on the other end of the line can tell, even subconsciously, that you are smiling, non-aggressive, receptive to their needs and requests and .... dare I say it..... loveable. Right off the bat, both people in that phone conversation benefit. There is power in that smile of the most positive kind.

Which is another one of the great things about stopping by the shop. Genuine friendliness! Thanks, Colette. - Marjorie

How to Prevent Premature Brake Wear

2010-02-08T16:42:00.000-08:00

Automotive braking systems are often overlooked until something goes wrong.

With quality brake services ranging from under $200 to over $500, getting the most out of what you have makes sense. Comparing the same make and model vehicle, some drivers only get 30-40,000 miles from a set of brakes while many drivers can get 100,000 miles. Several factors are keys to longevity.

Quality of friction materials

Heat
Stress
Corrosion and debris

It may help to gain an understanding of how the system was designed to be used.

Treating the brake pedal as if it were an "on-off" button is not an un-common (though incorrect) approach. It is more like a light dimmer. Light foot pressure will slow you, higher foot pressure will slow you more rapidly.If you've ever bumped into anything with you're car, you know the feeling of "mass" that the car has. If you haven't bumped into anything... I am not suggesting you do just to find out. Instead perhaps imagine dropping the car from an airplane. It takes a strong force to slow the mass, (a compact car weighs in around 2-3000 lbs & a large car or SUV often weigh 8,000 lbs or more.) down to a stop. That force is supplied by your brake system to create friction dragging the brake friction material against metal that is spinning with with wheels/tires. This generates an enormous amount of heat in a very short period of time. The amount of force input by you to the brake pedal is multiplied by the system, then distributed to the wheels.

We are often surprised to hear a comment like "I have ABS brakes, so I just step on them hard and let the ABS do its job". This does work, however it will cost you lots of extra money by using up the brakes, tires and other components much faster.

Have your brakes inspected regularly. Cars For Keeps clients have their brakes inspected at least twice a year while we perform other routine preventive maintenance. Regular inspection can prevent damage to critical braking system components. A vehicle driven for several hundred miles with brake pads worn beyond specification can allow the calipers (clamping device) to work past their normal operating range. Now we need to replace brake pads (relatively cheap), rotors (lots more money), calipers (even more cash). The bill could have been 75% less if the repairs were made when they needed to be.

Use quality parts. With all of the areas of our lives that are regulated, it is hard to believe that there are NO regulation of brake friction materials. They could literally be made from Jello (though they'd never make it past the mechanics).

The best brake pads consist of high tech ceramics. These require careful engineering to provide stopping power, longevity and noise reduction. Cheap brake pads typically are made to stop well and be quiet, but not to last or dissipate heat properly.

The Cars for Keeps Seasonal Pit Stop is designed to help ensure your brakes last as long as possible while maintaining the maximum safety for you and your family.

Happy Motoring!

Toyota Recalls Highlight the Importance of Routine Vehicle Inspections

2010-02-06T06:14:00.000-08:00

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

By now I'm sure everyone has heard about Toyota's halted production and mass recall due to sticky gas pedals and floormats that catch. Recent announcements say the Prius may be included in the recall due to faulty brakes.

The last thing anyone expects after purchasing a new car is a failed accelerator pedal or gas line. Nevertheless, I think this incident with Toyota highlights how important it is for car consumers to be aware of their vehicles' condition and to be pro-active in their own safety. Drivers who noticed the stickiness of their gas pedal and brought the car in for inspection immediately had the gas pedal problem identified early. While this doesn't prevent the recall from happening, it prevented a potentially serious accident from happening down the road, and auto repair shops could notify Toyota of the problem rather than a lawyer.

The moral of the story here is that you can never be too careful. Even if your car "should" be in top condition, if you notice something seems amiss, it's always best to have it checked out by a professional. At Cars for Keeps, we offer great deals on inspections and "pit stop" services, making it easy and affordable for you to make sure your car is safe to drive.

How to Diagnose a Dead Car Battery

2010-02-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

It's happened to the best of us - typically when we're in a hurry to get somewhere: the heart-seizing, irritating "click" and dead silence when the ignition key is turned.

A car that refuses to start can have any number of things wrong with it, but by far the most common is a dead battery. Rather than paying a tow truck to bring it in to the shop here at Cars for Keeps, there are a few simple ways to diagnose whether your battery is dead or something more serious is amiss.

Here are a few simple ways to check if it's time to get a new battery or some professional help from a mechanic.

Try turning the headlights on. If you turn the ignition key and hear a "click", but the engine doesn't roll over, this is a good indicator that there's not enough juice to turn the engine. A good way to double-check this is to try the electrical system by turning on your headlights and attempting to honk the horn. If they don't work, it's a likely bet your engine is dead. If your lights work but the engine might roll over, there may be a problem with your carburetor or fuel injector, and it's time to bring it in to Cars for Keeps for some car battery repair.

Check for dirty or faulty battery connections. Put on some non-conductive (latex) gloves, pop the hood and check the cable connections to your battery. If you're not at all mechanically inclined, simply look for the two large lead terminals protruding from a box, with cables leading out from the terminals. Wiggle the clamps to see if their loose, then reaffix them securely to the terminals. Clean excessive dirt from the lead terminals if they're dirty, then try starting the car again. If it still doesn't start, it's probably time to visit Cars for Keeps for some car battery maintenance.

Try jumpstarting the battery. Just like in Princess Bride, car batteries have different levels of "deadness". A car battery that's mostly dead will start when jumpstarted. If the car does jumpstart, you'll want to make sure the engine is turned on long enough for the car to recharge. If it doesn't restart, the car battery is likely all dead - or something more serious is wrong. Rather than looking through its pockets for loose change, give us a call.

Faulty alternators, fuel injectors and carburetors can often mimic a dead car battery, so if your vehicle has reoccuring start problems or none of the above tests work, it's a good idea to have a professional mechanic take a look under the hood. Catching these types of problems before they blossom into a full breakdown can save on hefty repair costs.

What it means to be an AAA Auto Repair Shop

2010-02-01T05:19:00.001-08:00

by Dennis, Cars for Keeps Customer Service Manager

I had a customer call me several weeks ago in a panic. They were in Florida on vacation and their vehicle had developed a leak. They didn’t know what to do. They said “Cars for Keeps had always taken care of them”. They didn’t know who they could trust, down there.

I told them not to worry; all they needed to do, was locate a AAA Approved Auto Repair Shop. Which they did, and all was well. So maybe you are wondering, what’s with the AAA Auto Repair Shop.

AAA Auto Repair Shops have strict rules they have to comply with. Some of these rule are as follows. A clean facility, State Certified mechanic (ours are ASE certified, one step above state), at a minimum a 12/12 warranty ( we have up to 36/36). They have to have a history of honesty and integrity. This is found out by AAA surveying up to 200 of recent customers, at random. That way AAA gets an honest opinion.

The shop needs a 98% Customer Satisfaction Rate and to needs to comply with specific training and qualifications. They also need to have specific tools of the trade over and above the basics. These are just some of the criteria that a shop needs to be AAA Approved. I hope this helps you understand what it means for us at Cars for Keeps and other shops to be AAA Approved, and why I felt confident in sending one of our customers to a shop that has this approval.

Until next time, Happy and safe driving.

A Woman's Point of View: Black Ice, Heating/Cooling and Mufflers

2010-01-30T10:40:00.000-08:00

by Colette, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Going down the list of subjects we should be talking about in our Blog, I find myself thinking about my own past experiences with my cars. For example; Driving On Ice Safely.

Take one teenager driving her father’s car at night on slippery streets. I come to a stop where I either have to turn right or left. Directly ahead is someone’s driveway that leads to the garage. Simple enough except I can’t stop. I am continuing to slide all the way down the driveway where the door to the garage is open, thinking, “I am going to go right through the back of this man’s garage”, “I wonder what is behind the garage? A cliff?”, and “My dad is going to kill me when he gets the bill for this one”. The happy ending was that I stopped inside the garage before reaching the back wall. Whew!

Or the subject of Heating/Cooling System Maintenance. We all know that a lot of heat is generated in a running vehicle. The cooling system is to keep the engine heat down so the engine won’t burn up. Very important. A friend, who was a long distance trucker, once told me that he would wrap a beef roast, potatoes and corn on the cob in tinfoil and cook it on his manifold. He said it would take up to 350 miles in the summer and about 700 miles in the winter to cook it to perfection. I am fairly gullible so I still don’t know if I should believe it or not. I would like some feedback on that one.

And, last but not least, the subject of Cars For Keeps Muffler Shop. I am having this image in my mind of our mechanics, Mike, Robert and Steve, sitting on oil cans out in the garage knitting these long, long scarves (used to be called mufflers) and then wrapping them around the car’s windows and tying them expertly with various knots. To bring out the personality of each car, of course. Color is important. I have to stop my imagination before this turns into a Disney movie.

To finish on a serious note, winter is very hard on mufflers, what with the extreme cold, ice chips flying up under your car and scraping bottom on snow and ice. Tis the season to be a little more aware of what is happening underneath your vehicle.

How to Drive on Black Ice

2010-01-28T05:15:00.000-08:00

by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

If you have ever encountered black ice while driving, you know the pulse pounding, adrenaline pumping, heart dropping "Oh MY" feeling I refer to.

Crying Mommy! might help hold off the panic but won't keep you out of the ditch.

There are several items to be aware of that may help you avoid a near coronary in the first place.

Tuesday morning's drive to Big Rapids gave me a bit more first hand experience. The overpasses & underpasses were extra treacherous. The strong side wind was a significant factor as well. The pavement looked sugary, the right lane was glossy "in the groove", but was just as slick outside the groove.

1. Check the forecast. Conditions for black ice are fairly predictable by the weather services. Identifying it while on the road is difficult at best, unless you are already on it. Pavement with black ice will be a little darker and duller than the rest of the road surface.

2. Be extra aware of the traffic ahead (Uh... NOT by being closer) If you see brake lights, fish tailing cars, sideways cars or emergency flashers, slow down even more. Down shifting gently to a lower gear can help you stay within an engine speed range that will give you more control at lower speeds (if your engine is running at 1,500 rpm's it is much less responsive than at 2,500 or 3,000 rpms).

3. If you don't know how your vehicle responds in a skid, find a parking lot and TRY IT! Try it until your response becomes more natural. Build that "muscle memory". You need to react. Most of the time you won't have time to think about it. Front wheel drive responds differently than rear wheel drive and all wheel drive. All wheel (or four wheel) drive is a wonderful thing, but you can't fight physics. On black ice, we're all about equal. Anti-lock brakes make very little difference on black ice, they rely on at least one wheel having at least partial traction to activate effectively.

4.If your tires are worn, all of the conditions above are multiplied exponentially. I often preach and ALWAYS practice that good tires are cheap insurance.

5. If you hear that black ice is expected, stay where you are if you can.

Black ice can lead to a scary, expensive hard ditch landing or worse. Take the time to know the feel of your ride, look at the forecast and avoid the gottagetthereitis we all suffer from at times.