Wake Up

I saw a horrifying video on the internet today, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IPQlMbAqEg, where a man was impaled through the neck by a fence post and miraculously survives. Andrew Linn reportedly fell asleep while driving. Where I’d like to think this was an isolated incident, I know drowsy driving is all too common.

Feeling sleepy is especially dangerous when you are driving. Sleepiness slows your reaction time, decreases awareness and impairs your judgment, just like drugs or alcohol. People who are very sleepy behave in similar ways to people who are drunk. In fact, police officers report pulling over suspected drunk drivers that turn out to be drowsy drivers on a regular basis.

When you’re tired your judgment can be impaired and your brain can play tricks on you. You may do the wrong thing, or you think you have performed a task you have not really completed. A drowsy driver may not realize that the car is going the wrong way into a divided highway, or that the car ahead is about to stop. Everyone, including doctors, police, engineers, and drivers, becomes less competent when they are sleepy.

Driving alert can save your life. Here are a few warning signals for drowsy drivers and some tips for keeping. If you have even one of these symptoms, you could be sleepier than you think.

Warning signals:
• You have trouble keeping your eyes open and focused
• You can’t keep your head up
• You daydream or have wandering, disconnected thoughts
• You yawn frequently or rub your eyes repeatedly
• You find yourself drifting from your lane or tailgating
• You miss signs or drive past your exit
• You feel irritable and restless
• You drift off the road and hit the rumble strips
• You are unable to remember how far you have traveled or what you have recently

Tips:
• Don’t drive when you are sleepy; try to travel during daylight hours.
• Get enough sleep the night before, especially before a long trip.
• Travel with a passenger
• Take a power nap; when planning your route, identify places where you can nap if the need arises. 20 minutes can make all the difference
• Schedule a break every couple of hours

With increased traffic, heavier and faster vehicles, driving is a serious matter and can change or end a person’s life in an instant. It is each of our responsibilities to do what it takes to remain a safe and proficient driver, not only for ourselves but for the safety of other drivers on the road. Come on everybody, Wake Up!

When it comes to buying gas, know before you go.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) says gasoline pump prices have climbed more than 35 cents a gallon in the first two weeks of March, making the price increase the second largest ever recorded by the government over a two-week period. According to AAA, the average price of gasoline on 3/8 was $3.52 a gallon.

A new survey says the average price of regular gasoline in the United States has jumped to $4.06 per gallon in the final two weeks of March. Colorado had the lowest average price among states surveyed at $3.46 a gallon for regular. Hawaii was the highest among surveyed areas at $4.31.

In Chico where I live, the price varies widely from week to week and station to station. My advice to you is to know before you go. In other words, do your homework before you head out the door. A quick internet search can reveal the best locations to fill your tank. Today alone I found a 37 cent price difference with Ledford Valero at 2233 Esplanade being the cheapest @ $372.9.

Prices are high and will continue to rise ever higher as we head into the summer driving season. A few minutes of effort on your part could save you hundreds of dollars by the end of the year. Find a site that is updated daily and add it to your favorites at home, work and on your I-Phone, you'll be glad you did.

Not in Chico, how much are you paying? Let me know!

Two of the sites I use are: gasprices.mapquest.com or gasbuddy.com/

Meet The Jetson's

Picture this: You're running late for work, the traffic is terrible, you have a huge presentation that could literally make or break your career, and you still need to get a cup of coffee and drop the kids off at kindergarten and middle school. Sound familiar? Just imagine a new way to get to work faster and without a single red light. It could be a reality as early as next year.

Terrafugia, a U.S. company is on track to begin manufacturing flying cars. These hybrid vehicles called Transition Roadable Light Sport Aircraft can transform from a car into an aircraft in under 30 seconds. The vehicle will be able to travel by air at 115 MPH and reach top speed of 65 MPH on the street. In fact, it will be just like any other car according to a report in the Sunday Express; you will be able to fuel up at any gas station, it will fit comfortably in any standard garage and when fully fueled it will have a fuel range between 400-450 miles.

The Terrafugia company hopes to manufacture and sell 200 vehicles a year and so far the have taken orders on 100 Transitions. There are still adjustments needed to meet both federal road and aviation standards, but the company is committed to ensuring the project launches on schedule.

There are downsides however to owning a car/plane hybrid. The basic vehicle starts at $194,000, excluding extras such as a radio, transponder and a parachute. Federal safety regulations require driver to have a pilots license, a certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority and the European Aviation Safety Agency. As the technology improves and demand increases future flying cars will become safer, easier to build and more affordable, but for now it will remain a novelty few can afford.

With a few fight lessons and money in hand, that trip across town to the store or across country to grandma's house will become a whole lot faster. Unfortunately, for those of you with kids, you'll probably still get that age old question, "Are we there yet". Well, nothings perfect.


For more information on this story, check out the links below:

http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/07/06/the-flying-car/
http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/109522/20110207/flying-cars-terrafugia.htm

Car Thefts on the Rise in Chico

Are you an owner of a Honda Civic or Honda Accord? If so, you need to read this! Honda Civics and Accords were the #1 most often stolen vehicle in 2010.

I just read a very interesting article in last week's issue of The Orion, C S U Chico's newspaper describing the increase in number of vehicles stolen in Chico. I empathize with Butte College Student Christine Schneider, whose Gray 2002 Ford Focus was stolen in the middle of the night. Christine was shaken awake by her roommate only to discover that her car was stolen. Christine's car had been broken into and ransacked. The thief got away with her purse, computer, textbooks and keys. Two days later, her car went missing too.

I know what it feels like to have your whole life lost in seconds because I was a victim too. My car was broken into and my personal items were stolen off the front seat.

According to the Chico Police Department, incidences of car theft in Chico have skyrocketed in the last two months. There were 17 thefts reported in December which increased to 32 by mid-January . The shocking part is that the majority of the car's taken were Honda's. Out of the 32 cars taken last month, 14 of them were Honda sedans, mostly because thieves want what's under the hood. Honda parts bring top dollar when sold on the street. A word of warning; just because you don't own a Honda, doesn't mean your out of the woods. Here is a list of the top 10 car models that are likely to go missing:

1994 Honda Accord

1995 Honda Civic

1989 Toyota Camry

1997 Ford F150 Pickup

2004 Dodge Ram Pickup

2000 Dodge Caravan

1996 Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee

1994 Acura Integra

1999 Ford Taurus

2002 Ford Explorer

Here are 3 important ways you can protect yourself and your car from thieves:

1. Always lock your doors whether you will be out of the car for 5 hours, 5 minutes or 5 seconds.

2. BE SMART! Remove all valuables from your car when you're not inside it. Don't just cover up purses, sunglasses, laptops, digital cameras, cell phones or other electronics, put them away in the trunk.

3. Get to know your neighbors. Most stolen cars have been taken from neighborhoods and apartment complexes. If you see any suspicious activity in your community don't hesitate, call the police immediately at 530-898-5555.

For more information, check out the links below.

http://theorion.com/news/article_dc186960-2e9a-11e0-8c43-0017a78c22.html

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/09/honda-accord-civic-top-list-of-most-stolen-cars/1

Parking Etiquette

I spent the last few minutes watching a parking video and it got me thinking about parking lot etiquette. In my business I see almost daily vehicles with parking lot dings and damage that might have been avoided with a little common sense (what strikes me as common sense of course doesn't always ring true universally.)

I drive a small size car normally, but every once and a while I will drive the family truck to Costco or the grocery store. I am terrible when it comes to parking the "Big Rig" , but great at compensating. I've learned to park at the outside lanes of the parking lot where I have extra room to maneuver. I pick up carts that are left near my vehicle and return them to either the collection area or into the store with me and I open my door slowly, never assuming that the car next to me is empty. These small steps, knock on wood, have keeped me and my car safe.

We live in a super fast paced world and unfortunately, in our hurry to get into and out of stores we often forget common courtesy and manners. I believe that there is such a thing as parking lot etiquette and while the are no hard and fast rules, here's a list of the ones I observe while looking for that perfect parking space and wish others would as well.

1. Observe the legal aspects of driving in a parking lot including, stop signs, handicap spaces, pedestrian crosswalks and use of turn signals.
2. Do not block other parking space seekers while you wait for a space to open up near the store entrance.
3. Park only in designated spaces.
4. Center your vehicle in its parking space.
5. Pull your vehicle all the way into the space, but don't pull too far forward If you drive a small car (Honda Fit, Smart Car, Kia Rio, etc.)
6. Never force your car into a space.
7. Remove trailer hitch receivers if they hang out of the parking place.
8. Watch for drivers backing out of blind spots.
9. When backing out of a space, keep an eye out for vehicle's with trailers or boats.
10. When parking in perpendicular spaces, don't pull through to the other side.
11. Keep children under control walking through parking lots and never let small children push the shopping cart for you.
12. Park shopping carts, dollies, and baskets in designated areas.
13. Keep the parking lot clean; shopping carts are not trash cans.
14. Avoid curb hopping it can damage the curb, landscaping and your car's tires and or alignment.
15. Slow down in the rain.
16. Make every effort to exit expeditiously.
17. Etiquette in the parking lot is also for pedestrians. Do not walk in the middle of the lane, do not jay walk so that a car may not turn. If you're going into the store and there is a shopping cart nearby, return it to the store or use it.
18. And finally, resist temptation to blow the horn (or give the finger) to other drivers or pedestrians.

If you do have an accident of find damage on your vehicle it is always a good idea to take photos of the damage on the car or cars, record vehicle placement in the parking lot and to document names, faces and insurance information. Parking lot damages may or may not be covered by the store or your insurance company. Parking lots are private property and as such are not held to the same rules as public roads and highways. Your insurance agent should be able to answer any questions you have.

My advice, when ever entering or exiting a parking lot is to slow down and smile. It might not protect you from an accident, but it will make the whole experience more enjoyable.

Youth Breaking In

In the automotive industry everybody has to start somewhere, whether it's sweeping floors or at a quick service station. To the young minds keen on entering the automotive industry, I would recomend getting your "foot in the door" as soon as possible. Shop owners want fresh workers who are enthusiastic and eager to learn. Starting at the bottom, an entry level position, gives you the opportunity to not only learn from the pros but to understand the industry as a whole. Entry level employees tend to do simple but necessary tasks and a lot of these things are basic, common sense things such as: cleaning, organizing tools, vaccuuming cars, and of course sweeping floors. Learning to do these things first and on a consistant basis will make you a better more efficient technician in the future. And better techs make more money! Speaking of making money, an automotive technician is no longer a blue collared employee. Starting technicians make $35,000 to $40,000 a year and once you've got a few years under your belt senior technicians bring in more than $80,000 annually. But these salaries don't come easy! There is a lot of hard work involved. There are however a few specific things you can do to boost your career.

The automotive industry offers opportunities for people who choose not to go on to a four-year college. I strongly believe that school alone is not the best way to become a technician. It is only a small part of what you need. To become a good automotive technician you need to understand the problems and dilemas that only come from working in a shop environment. However by attending a trade school or an industry specific program you will learn the newest technology and general information and theory on how cars work and the best repair practices. So if getting an automotive degree or certificate is something that you are interested in, you have multiple options. You have probably seen the commercials on TV for automotive trade schools, where in eight months you'll be ready to start your career in the automotive industry. In reality, this type of fast track school can only give you the basic tools you need to begin your career. 8 months is not enough time for students to absorb the information and then to put it into practice. Move over! These schools cost about $20,000, without living expenses to attend.

The other educational option for inspiring technicians is to drive down to your local community college and take a look at the programs they offer. Community colleges are structured and cater to the working-student, so the programs they offer will be half-day classes either mornings or evenings. This schedule allows students to maintain a job, and gain practical experience. The certificated programs take about 2 years to complete, which is 3 times longer than a trade school. This allows students ample time to learn and practice skills in a controlled environment. Community colleges cost $26 per unit bringing the total investment to roughly $2,500. Ideally, you will have been working part-time at an automotive business and you will have paid your expenses by semester end or as you go.

In just 2 years you can gain the confidence and skills you need to succeed in a dynamic industry. And most importantly, 2 years will confirm your desire to enter the industry, and expand your business network which will open doors into the workforce.

If you love cars, are motivated and think you would like to work in the industry there are opportunities everywhere, so get looking!

New Years Resolution

The new year is quickly approaching us and it's that time again for us to set our New Year's Resolution. Each year I try to set goals for the new year. I write down a list of goals that I want to get accomplished during the year, then I go through and number three goals that are pretty big and may need some extra effort put in. Then, I number 5 or so little goals that can be easily accomplished. The top goals that I chose, will be posted on my refrigerator, in my car and/or at my office desk, so I am reminded of them daily.

Here is 5 steps from ehow.com (http://www.ehow.com/how_12077_new-years-resolutions.html) to achieving those goals.

1. Be realistic by setting achievable goals. Winning the lottery, for example, is out of your grasp.

2. Describe your resolutions in specific terms. Instead of "I don't want to be lazy," opt for "I want to exercise regularly" or "I will cut down on my television watching."

3. Break down large goals into smaller ones. For instance, commit to losing weight by resolving to join a gym and improve your eating habits.

4. Find alternatives to a behavior that you want to change, and make this part of your resolution plan. So you want to quit smoking but you smoked to relax yourself? What other forms of relaxation are available to you?

5. Above all, aim for things that are truly important to you, not what you think you ought to do or what others expect of you.

Now on your list every year you should have regular vehicle maintenance on it. Your vehicle, is the number one thing used everyday by people to get to and from the places they are wanting to go. If the vehicle breaks down, you will be out of a vehicle for a awhile and some money. So, before anything major happens to your vehicle, have your tires, windshield washer fluid and lights checked every month or do it yourself. Every three months have your oil, oil filter, and fluids checked. about Every 6-12 months you should replace your windshield wipers (earlier if they have been baking in the hot sun during summer), have the brakes, spark plugs and suspension checked.

If you need any of this done, come on by to Autobody Specialists and we would be more then happy to help you out. 530.893.2222

Good Hiring Decisions

Many business are starting to hire again, sense the economy is slowly making it's way back up. Insight of this, it may be a good time to review your hiring practices and procedures to make sure you are getting good employees and that you are doing the best job you can to select the right person for the job and for your company.

While hiring someone who remotely matches your requirements may seem the wise thing to do, if you don't consider skills and qualifications, it will probably come back to haunt you, costing more money in the long run.

Start with a good job description, you and the applicant need a clear understanding of what the job entails. A good job description will describe the duties and responsibilities specifically. Have a good application, a standard job application from an office supply store may not comply with current employment laws and will not help you get information specific to our industry.

Interview carefully. Standardize your interview questions so that each applicant is asked the same set of questions and keep good notes about the interview. Is the applicant prepared for the interview? Ask questions such as, "what do you know about this company"? If the applicant stumbles with answers, it will be obvious that they are unprepared. Ask about what it is the applicant has to offer for your business and look for specific qualities in their answers. Look for goals, remember that without goals of some kind in place, the applicant probably has no clear direction for success.

Does the applicant appear professional? First impressions really count, so if the applicant doesn't present well, or is unable to dress the part, it's a safe bet that they may not fit in with your team. Check references, by law it is okay to give out information if it is true and related to the job. Ask about the job the former employee is applying for, and only comment on his or her ability to perform those types of duties. Look to see if the applicant insist on bad-mouthing a former employer, listen politely and then gracefully end the interview.

There are many tips, tricks and methods that will aide you in making a good hiring decision and while these steps won't guarantee you hire the right person for the job, they will prevent a lot of hiring mistakes.

Perfect Shop Plan

Most all business' work better as a team, atleast that is what I have come to learn. With great team work, comes great result, with great results comes happy costumers! Don't we all like happy costumers?


Here are ways on how to start improving your shop or grow larger then you already are, to increase revenue and create better communication within the shop.


Creating a detailed plan is the very first step to start your trail to success. A plan that calls for landing more jobs, becoming more efficient and improving communication between the front office and the shop floor. Without a plan, the shop operators tend to get stuck in the day-to-day operations, often overlook key changes in the industry and lag behind competitors.


Creating and having regular meetings with employees can reduce the stress level, in the shop and cut the employee turn over by more than 50%. In the meetings include strategies to get employees on board with the changes that the plan requires and what expectations you have.

With a future of consolidation of the shop, technology, and social media comes challenges and makes repairers start to think of what do next. There is a basic acronym to follow, SWOT; strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of your business. To see how all of these enter twine into your business start by identifying your values, looking at the important aspects to up-hold like honesty, integrity, and teamwork.

Create a vision plan, basically specifically defines and describes the future of your business that employees see and hear on a regular basis. Set goals, and not just in your mind. Write your goals down atleast 3 at a time, make them specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time-bound so you can easily determine your progress toward achievement. Once your goals are set, lay out processes and activities that help you to accomplish them.

It's important that the employees are also involved in the goals that you have for your business. Employees should know what you're doing and understand how they fit into that plan, so everyone is moving to the same beat. Leaders have to direct heir employees into the culture of the business every day. A shop must be transformed into a place that embraces change and moves forward with new processes to help the business grow.

To better help employees, to help you, have an open-door policy. This policy tells employees that they can feel comfortable asking questions and challenge ideas. The employees will take ownership when they feel their voice is heard. Hold regular meetings so employees can give there feedback, recommendations and ideas for improvement. This is your chance to sit back and take notes on what is said. Also, during the meetings let employees know of any new changes to the shop and make sure they have a good understanding.

Effective leadership is impossible without trust. Be open, honest and approachable and follow through with everything you say you're going to do. This is where taking notes is handing, to be able to refresh yourself on the goals and tasks mentioned. Leaders need to understand that everybody communicates differently. There are four main styles, behavior, driving, expressive amiable and analytical-capture how people communicate, and understanding your employees' style will help you build a bridge of open communication.

To wrap it all up, remember there are so many possible improvements, it's sometimes tough to know where to start. Identify three things that would have the most positive impact on your business if they are achieved. those are the things that are most important to achieve first and will have the highest impact on you business.

Baja 1K story from 301

Here is a fantastic story from my brother-in-law who raced in the Baja 1,000. I have added a link to the YouTube site and a few pictures of there vehicle.

Our race began at 12:44, we were first off the line in class 3.

By the end of the concrete the 300 had caught us and passed us before we turned off into the dirt. I had planned to take it easy as I did not want to end up on someones YouTube footage for screwing up in the first few miles after the start.

At around rm 50 near El Alamo we caught and passed the 300 and were about to put a few minutes on them until we had a flat near rm 85 were they passed us back before we could get the tire changed.

We made good time through the dry lake where we put our Dougan's horsepower to use we were about to pass 5 or 6 cars. We again caught and passed the 300 in the rough south of San Felipe. At the BFG pit at rm 242 we discovered that we had broken the end off our sway bar, we took a few minutes to secure the arm that remained up and of the way and the 300 was able to come in, fuel and leave before we were squared away to go.

The next section was really frustrating; despite SCORE posting on the website that no chase teams were to use the race course to cross from Gonzaga over HWY 1 there were dozens of them. It was infuriating to charge through the dust only to find a loaded chase truck be the source of the dust.

We made it to Coco's and into the creek. We were really glad to have 4x4 at this point. When we arrived at the bad spot it looked like the river scene from "Apocalypse Now" with the people shouting and lights shining everywhere. My co-dog pointed to a bank on the right and we blasted up it and through the willows and we drove around the whole mess.

At about rm 330 just before El Crucero we heard a clunking in the front end, we saw some lights up ahead and pulled over at a camp i what appeared to be the middle of nowhere. We lucked out that the camp was occupied by a group of mechanic from Guerrero Negro. The problem turned out to be the axle shaft that comes out of the third member had broken. We took the drive flanges off tied the long axle out of the way and limped it to rm 335 where our chase team met us at the Baja pits. At the pit, we removed the long axle and slip joint and prepared to continue on with 2 wheel drive only.

We made it to our driver change where I got out of the car on the Bay of LA hwy near rm 360. My brother Dan and his co-dog Jeff Saunders took over. Somewhere in that section Dan got by the 300 and arrived at Vizcaino with about a 20 minute lead. The 300 reeled us in and passed Dan on the fast section near San Jaunico and had a 10 minute lead by the time they came out onto the hwy north of Loreto.

The next section was really rough with very steep hill climbs and lots of rocks. On one of these climbs we rolled a rock up under the car and high centered on the drive shaft. At the river change at rm 781 we replaced the drive shaft and the air filter and sent the car on its way driven by "Old School 8" Mike Doherty and my godson Jameson Hall.

While on our way to Insurgentes we learned that the car was stopped with what was reported to be a broken spindle at rm 830. We stopped at an auto parts store and junk yard in Insurgentes, bought some bearings and a few parts off a junker F150 and sent the prerunner Bronco out to the race car. We cobbled it together enough to limp it to the BFG pit where we loaded the prerunner Bronco onto the trailer and robbed the spindle and related parts to put on the race car.

We got out of the there little after 10pm with around 230 miles to go. The fog was horrible and made chasing a challenge. As we headed south we lost radio contact with the race car and for what seemed like an eternity then from our post at rm 950 we heard the car was running and they came by a few minutes later.

After the final BFG pit we got stuck in the silt like nearly everyone else, fortunately an enterprising local was close at hand with a 4x4 pick up and offered to give us a tow for 20 bucks.

I was excited that we were going to finish and decided to take the whole group into town so we could caravan with the racecar to the finish. This turned out to be a big mistake and a case of counting the chickens before they hatch. As while waiting we got a call from my wife at home saying the race car was stopped at rm 1040, damn!

We turned around and blasted back up the road a second bearing on the spindle with the axle removed had failed and we lost a wheel at speed and crashed into a 4 foot deep rain rut. After getting two chase trucks into the car and hooking them up in tandem we were able to pull the car out of the ditch so we could survey the damage. The damage was not too bad and we had another set of bearings with us so we repaired the car a quickly as possible and when we were ready to go we hit the starter and it went "clunk" the angle was so severe that the gas from the fuel bowls drained into the cylinders causing a hydro lock. We removed the spark plugs cranked her over, pushed out the gas, replaced the plugs and it fired right up.

During the stop the 303 came by us in a hurry to get to the finish as they were very close on time, by now we knew that we were not going to make it on time but we were going to drive it in anyway. On the way we passed the 303 sitting dead with lots of oil in the trail. We sent our chase truck back for them and headed to the finish.

So in summary, we made it to the finish 45 minutes late to get an official finish. We should have done more to seal the inner portion of the spindle to protect the bearings from the silt. I am proud of everyone on the team for pushing hard all the way to the end. We learned a lot and proved that we could run well, we will be hard to beat at the 500.

YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVX99Cw13aA&feature=player_embedded

Mobile phones and your vehicle

There has been a lot of talk about cell phone conversations and texting while driving. While phones have become so universal you can count your calories with them, they are causing more accidents than drunk drivers! Did you know that talking or texting on a phone can make you 37% less aware, that is equivalent to driving drunk at the .08% alcohol level. Oprah Winfrey launched a campaign in January of 2000 to have people around the nation to sign a petition not to text and still talk on the, not to text and use only a hands free device, or not text or talk. If you want to be part of this movement you can go here http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/End-Distracted-Driving to sign the pledge and read all about it. Here are some amazing statistics caused by talking and texting while driving, 28% of all accidents have a phone involved, nearly 6,000 deaths and 1/2 million injuries each year, shocking isn't it?

A big issue with accidents has been with teens, that are just receiving there license. Trying to get comfortable with the large metal box, all while being distracted by cell phones, the radio, and there friends! The law is in place, that a person under the age of 18 who receives there license can not drive anyone under the age of 18 with out a parent in the car for a full year. However, we all know that kids are going to be kids. This isn't good, having a brand new driver with there buddies in the vehicle, distracting them with the latest song or gossip update from a text they just received, making the driver take the attention off the road and to the conversation. another law is in place in California and multiple other states, that there will be no texting while driving, and only being able to use hands free mobile devices.

Tire Rack Street Survival is a hands-on program that puts trained instructors in the passenger seat pf the car your teen drives most. They base scenarios on real life happenings to teach the teens what to. The teens learn how to control the vehicle during a lane change, how to avoid accidents and the coarse goes over the dangers of texting while driving. It is a $75 program, go online to www.streetsurvival.org to find a program near you.

The Change in Oil Changes.

For years and years, the car manufactures have drilled into our heads that we need to get our oil changed every 3,000 miles and that was true when the oil wasn't up to par with the synthetic and petroleum oils we have today.

It is no longer necessary to change the would every 3,000 miles, you can wait almost 5,000-7,500 miles based on the way you drive and handle your vehicle. If you drive it hard, towing, accelerating harshly, or in hilly areas, you will need to often change it more often then if you where just driving highway or in town miles. However, during the period between oil changes you do need to regularly check the oil to make sure that it is still in good preforming condition. So for the two different bases of oil, change regular petroleum ever 4-5,000 miles and synthetic ever 5-7,000 miles.

By doing this you can cut your oil changes in half from 4 times a year to 2 times a year, and save between $60-$100 a year. Which adds up if you think about it, not having to take the time to actually go to a shop and have them service your vehicle, and also saving on the gas you would be using to get to said shop.

If you don't know how to check it yourself, come on down and I would be more than happy to check it for you. Autobody Specialists 2910 Hwy 32 ste. 900, Chico, CA 95973 (530) 893.2222

SAVING MONEY THE FIRST TIME

In this day and age, we need to save money where ever possible. One of the biggest things we pay on is auto insurance, once a month we pay anywhere from $50-$300 or more just on one vehicle for insurance, that doesn't included all the other miscellaneous expenses that are needed.

Experts agree that one of the best places to start is with auto insurance.

How to make sure your insurance company is not getting rich off you
1. Auto insurance rates are constantly changing. in fact, in certain states and for certain policies rates have actually dropped significantly in the past 12 months. And if your record has improved you may even be eligible for additional reductions. You can be sure, however that your insurance company isn't going to call you up and let you know their rates have dropped.

2. You are not locked in to your policy. Even if you have pre-paid your current insurance company for an entire year, you have the right cancel the policy at any time and receive a pro-rated refund. In fact there is no cost to switch policies from one company to another.

3. Comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies delivers the most savings. Today there are online services that let consumers quickly shop for the best rates from a nationwide selection of auto insurance companies, all competing for your business. You simply enter your requirements, and instantly receive quotes from a wide range of reputable companies.

Check out InsuranceTree.com. It's an initiative from LendingTree, the company that's synonymous with trying to save consumers money. They operate a free website service that will find you auto insurance quotes from a wide network of premium insurers.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Wintertime is not good towards a vehicle. Cold temperatures make it harder for an engine to work properly, snow and ice limit traction, potholes damage wheels and tires, and salt causes rust and gravel pits the paint. But there are things you can do to help your vehicle when the seasons change. Here are a couple of easy steps to "winterize" your vehicle.
1.Check the tire pressure. Tire pressure is especially important during the winter. Traction is often at a minimum due to wet or snowy conditions. It is critical to have properly inflated tires, as this guarantees the best possible contact between the tire and the road. A properly inflated tire will also help protect against wheel damage that might occur as the vehicle is driven over potholes. Read your owner's manual to find the correct tire pressures. Because of wintertime's lower temperatures, the air pressure in a cold tire will drop.
2.Make sure your vehicle's four-wheel-drive system is working properly. A big selling point for SUVs is that they offer 4WD, which improves traction in slippery conditions. But most people don't use their 4WD systems during the summer. And while a four-wheel-drive system requires minimal maintenance, it's still a good idea to check that it works properly before the onset of winter. Make sure the system engages and disengages smoothly, and that there are no strange noises coming from the drivetrain when the system is in use. Check to make sure that the transmission and gear oil levels are correct. If there are multiple drivers for your SUV, make sure each of them knows how to operate the 4WD system. The owner's manual or online will state at what speeds and environments the 4WD can be activated.
3.Change the engine oil and adjust the viscosity grade. This isn't nearly as hard as it sounds. Viscosity simply refers to how thick or thin the oil is. Tar has a higher viscosity than orange juice, for example. Engine oils are sold with different levels of viscosity. When winter arrives, the outside temperature drops. And just like you, the oil inside your vehicle's engine isn't feeling too perky after sitting in the cold all night. The colder an oil is, the thicker it will be. A thicker oil doesn't circulate as well in an engine during start-up as a thinner oil would. If the oil is too thick, the engine doesn't get the proper lubrication. Also, dirty oil doesn't circulate as well as clean oil. To solve this wintertime problem, you can change your vehicle's engine oil to one that is thinner to begin with. Even when the thinner oil is cold, it is still not too thick for proper engine lubrication. Keep in mind that an engine oil can be too thin. Determining what type of oil your car should have during the winter is easy. Simply read your vehicle's owner's manual. The manual will list the manufacturer's oil recommendations for different climates. If you have a dealership or local garage perform the oil change, you can ask the manager what type and viscosity of oil they are putting into your vehicle. Pretty much all modern cars have recommended oil grades of 5W-30, 10W-30 or 10W-40.
4.Inspect the belts and hoses. The belts and hoses in modern cars lead long lives. But that doesn't mean they don't die. Cold temperatures can accelerate the demise of a belt or hose. Before winter starts, have the belts and hoses inspected on your vehicle.
5.Inspect the wind shield wipers and wiper fluid. Visibility is particularly key in winter, as it is often compromised by precipitation, dirt and road grime buildup on the windshield and reduced daylight. The life expectancy of a wiper blade is one year. If your car's blades are older, replace them. Also check and fill your wiper fluid reservoir. A harsh winter storm is the worst possible time to run out of wiper fluid or to discover your blades aren't performing properly.
6.Check the battery. A battery gives little notice before it kicks off. And it absolutely loves to croak when you can least afford it doing so. Very cold temperatures can reduce a vehicle's battery power by up to 50 percent. If your vehicle battery is older than three years, have it tested at a certified automotive repair facility. Also, make sure the posts and connections are free of corrosion.
7.Check antifreeze mixture. The ideal mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle's radiator is 50:50. If the mixture changes from this norm, then hot- and cold-weather performance can be compromised. If you were to put pure water in your vehicle's radiator, it would freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you combine the water with an equal amount of antifreeze, the new mixture won't freeze until -24 degrees Fahrenheit!
8.Carry an emergency kit inside the car. Wintertime requires you to load more stuff into the back of your vehicle. But hey, better safe than sorry, right? Things you might want to consider carrying: flashlight, flares, first-aid kit, jumper cables, tool kit, tire chains, A blanket, warm clothing, gloves, paper towels, a bag of abrasive material, such as sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter. Use this for added traction when a tire is stuck. A snow brush, ice scraper and snow shovel. Extra washer fluid, food and water.
9. Consider using snow tires if you live in a area where it snows during the winter. If the tires are worn , or they are high performance tires, breaking, acceleration and handling are all negatively impacted while driving on slippery roads. Or consider buying a set of winter tires, if you have the money for it. Winter tires help improve traction on slick surfaces more than all-season tires.

Autobody Specialists Customer Reviews | Chico, CA 95973-8677

Autobody Specialists Customer Reviews Chico, CA 95973-8677

Getting the right parts.

First you have OEM (Orginal Equipment Manufacturer), these are parts made by the vehicle's original manufacturer and are bought at local dealerships. These parts meet factory specifications as to fit, finish and corrosion protection as well as crash worthiness. These are the same parts that were installed on your vehicle when it was built at the factory. They also carry the vehicle's manufacturer's warranty.

Next you have A/M or aftermarket parts. These parts are not made by the vehicle's original manufacturer, meaning they do not go under the same rigorous testing. Non-OEM parts have been shown in many cases to have decreased tolerances for fit and finish, rust faster and offer lower crash resistance than factory approved components. In addition, the use of these parts may void your vehicle's warranty in areas that may be affected by their use.

Then there are Reconditioned parts. These are generally OEM parts that were previously damaged and have been repaired by an outside source. The quality of these parts depends on the quality of the repairs made to them by the recondition company.

Finally you have Used Salvaged or LKQ parts. The term LKQ stands for Like, Kind, Quality. If the LKQ part has no prior damage, and the repair shop de-trims the part for painting, then treats the part with corrosion protection, you may have a part that will restore your vehicle back to its pre-accident condition. This all depends on if the insurance company compensates the repair facility to properly restore the part and if the facility itself thoroughly inspects and restores the parts integrity.

Unfortunately most people will not find out until after they file a claim, that they agreed to the use of alternative parts when they bought their insurance policy. Most insurance companies these days have it written into their policies that you must accept the use of these alternative parts or pay the difference. Of course many insurance policies offer OE riders or added stipulations to the policy, for which you may pay a premium, that allow the use of OEM parts.

So in the end are all parts created equally? Not really. Is it ever hood to use anything but OEM parts? Well that's a maybe. In some cases to save money it may be perfectly acceptable to use certain parts that are properly inspected and restored. In certain cases where safety and long term durability are of concern why risk either at any cost.

Of coarse the final decision is up to you, the consumer and it will be up to the repair facility to inspect the part for quality fit finish and safety and to back the repairs that use installation of alternative parts and receive your authorization.

One last consideration for those of you with leased vehicles, please check your lease agreement. Some leases may require you to make sure you are using only Genuine OEM parts. In the event that dealer finds non-OEM parts installed on a car that technically is still owned by the manufacture you may be charged to replace those parts with original OEM parts.

The Rain is Coming!

Though Chico doesn't get massive blizzards that other parts of the country do during the winter, there are still plenty of hazards to watch out for this winter season: thick fog, heavy thunderstorms, and the like. So whether you're planning a holiday trip or just doing your usual commute, it's important to make sure your car is ready for the upcoming weather. Here's a list of things you should check out:

1. Windshield wipers: It doesn't rain much during most of the year, so wiper blades are often overlooked-until you need them! During the spring and summer with the hot weather the rubber on the blades can dry out and make them less effective from wiping the water spots

2. Tires: With rain comes wet surfaces...and hydroplaning! Without Popper tread depth to channel away water, your tires won't have enough contact with the read for proper grip. You should also ensure that the tires are properly inflated.

3. Brakes: Compared to dry pavement, braking distances can increase by up to 50% during and after a storm! If you haven't had your brakes serviced in a while, now would be a good time.

4. Lights: Not just the headlights, but your turn indicators and tail lights! You might want to get another person to help you activate all the lights as you take a quick trip around the car. In July 2005 a law passed in California; During daylight hours, if the windshield wipers of your vehicle are in use while you're driving the vehicle, the headlamps of the vehicle must be on. So, if it's raining at anytime of the day you need to have your lights on. This is important in all weather conditions though, mainly the turn indicators and making sure the break lights work.

Some other issues brought by rain that may not be a safety problem, but may be a headache:

1. A leaky sunroof: If you find that the front carpets or headliner are damp or dripping, you may want to open up your sunroof and examine the front corners, there is usually a drain hole located in each corner that empty our in the front wheel wells; if they become clogged or otherwise damaged, water can get backed up and seep into the passenger compartment!

2. Being late: When the rain comes everyone who use to walk or ride bikes to commute are now piling up in their vehicles to get to there destinations. Because of this there are a lot more vehicles on the rode, which in turn creates a longer commuting time. When you see that it is raining, add an extra 10-15min onto your commute time. It will get you to your destination without any extra frustration or accidents.

SELECT SERVICE SHOPS

We have just been currently enrolled as a Select Service Shop through the insurance companies. This entitles us to receive a monthly report card on the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) of our shop, which fall under the categories of Labor, Parts, and Materials. To me one of the biggest KPI's, if not #1 is teamwork, if a shop is lacking teamwork then its lacking in every other aspect. Teamwork, to me is a team that doesn't need to be asked to be a team, they look out for one another and support each other to get the job done right the first time.

Part of being in this program I will be receiving a monthly report card to evaluate our performance. This report card isn't really up my alley, I think it is wrong to have someone reporting about how bad your business doing, it's negative re-enforcement, when it should be positive.

I do believe however, that this could help improve a shops performance by making them more accountable for there productivity and services, maybe even make them take a second look on things that they could improve on.

On this note insurance companies will recommend one of the shops they have on there list from this rating system. However, it is customers rights to have a choice on where they would like to have there vehicle repaired or serviced.
If you have any questions or like a free estimate feel free to stop on buy or give me a call at 530.893.2222

Taking the steps

I, like many other people with there vehicles in a shop (or anything else for that matter) being fixed, are thinking whether or not things are being taken care of in a safe, efficient manor. When it comes to having vehicles in my shop that are going to be hoisted in the air by a vehicle lift, I need to make sure that inspection and/or maintenance is done daily to insure that the lift is properly working without any defaults or defects. By going through a list of procedures which include but are not limited to; properly working controls, non leaking hydraulics, and checking the locks and restraints.

Rotary lifts director of marketing John Rylee states in the Parts & People Northern California Edition, "technicians should check their lifts every day, and the shop owner should schedule professional lift inspections annually." On top of this annual inspection the daily routine is crucial for operation. If there are any questions on what or how to inspect the lift, the owner's manual will provide that specific information. There is also a web page to view this material, www.autolift.org, which provides more information than the owner's manual do.

With all of this said, any customer coming into my shop should know that we take every precaution needed to insure that your vehicle is in good hands and will always come out looking its best! If you have any questions, please feel free to come on in to talk anytime.

Let's Start The Year Off Right

January is a great time to make a plan, get organized, set goals and put important dates on the calendar. If you're like me, you are busy with work, family and friends. Too busy to remember all the appointments, seminars, birthdays, anniversaries, parent-teacher conferences and etc. That's why for the past decade or so I have used my calendar to record everything. I'm often teased for using my calendar but, if it's not on the calendar, it doesn't exist.

I sit down each January with a brand new calendar, usually something that inspires me, and transfer all of the important personal dates from the last year. Then I make a list of the appointments that I need to make for the year; doctor, optometrist, dentist, veterinarian, lawyer, insurance agent and etc. I schedule appointments for myself as well as other family members and you guessed it, put them on the calendar.

This year I added a new category to my list, car maintenance. Small services such as tune ups, oil changes, tire inspections, filter and or spark plug replacements when done regularly can save both time and money. I also made notes to audit my own behavior from time to time. Behaviors such as carrying too much weight in the trunk, not using the cruise control and excessive idling, all of which waste fuel and cost me extra money at the pump.

It may be too late to make New Years resolutions, but it is never too late to grab a calendar and get organized. And, if you've waited until today, don't worry, I have fantastic news... all 2010 calendars are now on sale.