National Car Care Month

Whether you recognize car care month in October or April, the important thing is that you pick a season to evaluate your vehicle. October is an ideal time for motorists to get their cars ready before winter strikes.

National Car Care Month is a program which was designed to motivate people to take better care of their vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that mechanical defects and/or worn equipment on vehicles are a causative or aggravating factor in 12.6 percent of vehicle crashes.

In October or April events are sponsored by repair facilities, Automobile Associations, civic groups and local radio stations to sponsor free vehicle inspections focusing on safety and emissions.

Previous statistics compiled from recent events show that 77 percent of all vehicles brought to event check lanes are found in need of repair or maintenance.

27% low/dirty engine oil
23% low tire pressure
26% inadequate cooling protection
21% needed new belt
19% worn windshield wipers
10% low washer fluid

Owners tend to forget that maintenance is less costly than repairs. Small problems get bigger when they are neglected. Fifteen percent or more of an annual family budget is spent on motor vehicle–related expenses.

Here is a 10-point checklist for safety, dependability, fuel economy and investment protection:

Check, top off or replace all fluids, including brake, transmission, coolant, power steering and windshield washer fluid.
Check the air filter and replace it if necessary.
Check battery and charging system. Clean corrosion from the terminals.
Pressure test the cooling system, examining belts and hoses for wear or deterioration. A deteriorating belt will feel soft or “mushy” near clamped ends.
Check and change the engine oil and filter.
Check all lights; brake, fog, signal, reverse and high beams.
Check windshield wipers.
Check air conditioner refrigerant and hoses.
Check tires for pressure and tread and rims for excess brake dust (new brakes every 30,000 miles).
Check paint for proper protection. Painted surfaces that are not 100% smooth are overdue for a wax application.

An often forgotten item on a vehicle maintenance checklist is a periodic review of your auto insurance coverage. “Detail your car, detail your policy” is the slogan of the Insurance.com web site. Experts provide these general guidelines for drivers reviewing their policies.

Review your “declarations” page. This summarizes your address, policy terms, coverage limits and who or what is protected. Even something as small as your primary address can decrease your premiums.
Look for coverage “potholes.” Specific events and circumstances are not covered in some policies. Exclusions can help you identify holes in your coverage.
Learn what minimum coverage is in your state and how your personal assets play a part in your auto insurance. The more assets, the more liability coverage you will need.

Observing National Car Care Month during October, and all year long, will benefit you, your car, your environment, your health and your pocketbook.

Small Business Colleagues: A Win-Win Situation

"Location, location, location!” Deciding on the perfect site for a small business cannot take place without research and planning. Having the right business neighbors can make or break a successful venture. Moving Larry’s Auto Salon to the busy borough of Mechanicsburg has been the most productive change seen in our business history so far. The Mechanicsburg businesses and residential community have welcomed automotive detailing and have been enthusiastic to contribute to the rapid growth seen in the last 9 months.

Foster’s Automotive, owned by Dwight Foster, is located next door to Larry’s Auto Salon. Dwight encountered a similar growth move 14 years ago and relocated from Sporting Hill Road to Strawberry Avenue. For 16 years the mission statement of Foster’s Automotive has been “Provide exceptional quality service and repairs.” From 7:30 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday you will find Dwight and five master automotive technicians carrying out that mission statement and backing it up with credentials such as ASA, ASPA, NFIB and membership in the West Shore Chamber of Commerce.

Employee satisfaction is as important as customer satisfaction. The average automotive professional employed by Dwight Foster has been with Foster’s for eight years. Each mechanic specializes in servicing a particular vehicle manufacturer, which is a unique approach to automotive repair. Previous trends have been to specialize in a particular system (transmission, cooling etc.), but at Foster’s Automotive, you will find Dwight’s expertise in Porsche. Mark is the virtuoso of all VW and Audi vehicles; Steve’s know-how is applied to all Toyota, Mazda and Ford vehicles; Jay is a master technician for Subaru and BMW; and Kevin is the GM, Ford and Chrysler guru.

Good vehicle maintenance will save money in the long run. At Foster’s automotive they see many preventable repairs. The three most common are:

Broken timing belts
Failed transmissions
Engine damage do to lack of oil changes

Dwight states that the average vehicle spends just one day in his care. Getting safe vehicles back on the road in a timely manner is a promise. With auto repair issues ranking among the top five consumer complaints, and Americans spending $20 billion (yes, that’s a B) annually on unnecessary car repairs, the value of a free quality recommendation goes a long way.

Foster’s Automotive follows a professional no-nonsense business path, offering a wide range of automotive repair services. From a simple evaluation of a prospective used-car purchase for buyers piece-of-mind, to major engine restorations, you can depend on the wisdom and integrity of Dwight and his skilled crew to perform state inspections, emission inspections, computer diagnostics, wheel alignment and service your air-conditioning system.

To be a smart consumer, Dwight makes these suggestions:

Word of mouth referrals will lead you to a mechanic you can trust.
Get a (legible) written estimate before repairs begin.
Request all replaced parts be placed in your trunk.
Get a detailed invoice of all work done, including itemized description of parts and labor.
For major repairs, get a second opinion.
Specify up front if you want original manufacturer replacement parts, aftermarket replacement parts or used parts.

To be a resourceful consumer, Dwight suggests coordinating your automotive repairs/maintenance with your automotive detailing. Combining technical appointments will save gas and time. Foster’s Automotive does not offer pick-up and delivery of vehicles, but Larry’s Auto Salon does.

Detail before you retail - it definitely makes a difference!

Detail Before You Retail

Tidy car + tidy ad = $$$

Don’t you wish buying a new car was as fun as driving a new car? The wheeling and dealing involved in getting a competitive price on a new or used vehicle somehow spoils the thrill of that new car infatuation. If you eliminate the trade-in ingredient in the recipe for an automotive purchase, you have one less element to spoil the experience.

Selling your vehicle on your own is very rewarding. With a little planning and creativity, your ready-to-sell vehicle can be gone from your garage, making you and its new owner very fulfilled.

The first step in successfully selling your vehicle is bringing out the best the car has to offer. Just like you would clean, paint and cosmetically correct your home before you put it on the market, you should prepare your vehicle to give it “curb appeal.” Exterior polishing/buffing will remove light scratches and bring out the brilliance in the paint. Interior cleaning will remove stains and eliminate vehicle compartment odors. Remove all personal items and stickers. A professional detail shop will be able to repair or replace any worn or missing accessories in or on the vehicle and repair torn or burned upholstery. Make sure the spare in ready to use. When your vehicle gives off a solid appearance, the potential buyer will feel relaxed that the entire vehicle has been taken care of too.

I once participated in a research and development project where we purchased two similar late model Chevy Impalas. One vehicle was washed and waxed by a neighborhood teenager and the other was professionally detailed by yours truly. The vehicles were taken to auction and sold. The professionally detailed vehicle sold for $800 more than the other. And keep in mind, these vehicles started out with only a $3000 retail sale blue book value. This is about a 26.5% increase.

The second step of a successful sale is authoring an attractive newspaper ad. First, imagine the type of individual you could picture being interested in your car. Is it a vehicle currently popular with young adults? Is your vehicle more suited for a working mother? What have you found most useful or enjoyable about the vehicle in the time you have owned it? Does your vehicle qualify for any warranty programs that are transferable to the new owner? Can you purchase an inexpensive buyer protection plan? This is a major plus for any sale.

An attractive ad should include the make, model and year of the vehicle. Color is important, if it has been maintained and has not faded. Mileage should be brief or generalized, unless it is uniquely low.

Your asking price is a must. Price is a major factor in purchasing a car. Know in your mind what you will accept for the car. If you do not feel comfortable in a bartering role, determine a fair price and be firm. Make that clear in the ad.

Most vehicles today have electric windows, reasonable audio systems, power steering and power brakes. Don’t waste your classified space on those obvious descriptions (or use standard abbreviations). Go directly to the unique features that complement your vehicle: detailed regularly, garage kept, sporty, good safety record, great for new drivers, low maintenance costs, maintenance records available, great for family vacations or original owner.

Don’t be afraid to use larger descriptive words. Classified ads are billed by the word; you might as well make the best of that policy and use creative, catchy phrasing to your advantage. A thesaurus is a great reference tool to find just the right word. Remember to fine-tune the information to eliminate the “fluff” calls and appointments.

The third step is to prepare to accept telephone inquiries about the vehicle. Put some thought into choosing the most accessible phone number. Can you set up a specific recorded message on your answering machine to field vehicle inquiries? You can give additional vehicle information in this message to further fine-tune potential buyers.

Determine a time slot to make the vehicle available for viewing. When potential buyers are gathered at the same time, it limits your interruptions and pressures the interested buyer to make a decision based on the competition. Be welcoming to all potential buyers. Greet them in the driveway and have the vehicle parked outside. If it is a rainy day, offer to meet at a location with a cover such as a gas station, busy mini market or drive-up teller area. Introduce yourself. Make good eye contact with the individual interested in driving the car and the individual paying for the car and be sure to know the difference!

What about test driving? It is customary to allow the potential buyer to drive the car without you; in return they are expected to offer their keys. Offering to go along is fine, but the potential buyer will feel more comfortable scrutinizing the vehicle without you present. Be sure to offer assistance with lights, radio and wipers, as well as how to adjust the driver's seat. Answer all questions honestly.

The last step in a successful sale is being prepared to finalize the transfer. Be organized with owner’s manuals, maintenance records, all sets of keys and the title to the vehicle. Don’t get caught with the title stuck at the bank. A transfer will most likely take place in the evening or on the weekend. Know what you want as a cash deposit and offer a receipt. Have your business card or various ways to contact you available. Know your schedule and when you are available to complete the transaction.

If you do not already belong to AAA, I suggest you join prior to placing your classified ad. AAA puts forward a quick, convenient vehicle transfer. An additional option is the PA Auto License Brokers in Mechanicsburg.

As a professional automotive detailer, I have prepared many vehicles for sale. Most sold to the first person that visited the vehicle. For established clients, I have taken the responsibility of placing classified ads, fielding vehicle inquiries, scheduling appointments and showing the vehicle. A solid vehicle that is properly prepared will sell quickly.

To See or Not To See…...Windshield Care 101

A clear windshield is critical for anticipating and responding to your driving environment. Ensuring good visibility in the responsibility of all drivers. To see clearly and drive safely, regular changes of wiper blades are a must. The National Car Care Council recommends wiper replacement every six months.

To ensure customers at Larry’s Auto Salon don’t get stuck with poor windshield protection, we are now offering wiper replacement service. We stock a wide range of wiper blade sizes to accommodate our customers. Be sure to request that your wipers be inspected and/or replaced when scheduling your next detailing appointment.

There are additional weapons for clear-driving visibility. The American Automobile Association offers these suggestions:

Clear, clean windows unobstructed by decals and dashboard clutter

Good windshield wipers with soft rubber

Clean, working vehicle lights. Dirt limits light brightness. Clean them regularly.

Mirrors that are clean, large enough, correctly angled and unobstructed to provide complete views behind and to the side of the vehicle

A properly functioning air circulation system is necessary to quickly defrost or defog the windshield and other glass surfaces. If the windshield starts to fog on the inside, open a side window slightly and turn the defroster to high speed. If your vehicle has air conditioning, use it to reduce humidity and moisture collecting on windows. Sunglasses for driving in bright-light conditions. Glare can cause blind spots and driving fatigue.

If you prefer to take windshield clarity one step further, an application of Aquapel^®is the technological solution. With an Aquapel^®glass treatment you are guaranteed…

Remarkably improved vision in the rain

Repelling of rain, snow and sleet

Easy removal of bugs and dirt

Durable, long-lasting performance

Innovative technology developed by PPG industries, leaders in glass technology

Once you have driven with Aquapel^® and unworn wiper blades, you won’t want to drive without them.

Do You Have Sphaerobolus Stellatus?

(The scary part is, you probably do and don't even know it!)

If you read George Weigel's article in the Sunday Patriot-News on May 28, 2001, you learned a valuable lesson in tanbark research.

This organism helps to decompose wood, plant debris and animal dung. It's harmless to people, animals and plants, but it has the nasty habit of shooting sticky, black spores up to 8-10 feet wide and high.

Most often, the fungus is found growing in the wood mulch that we most often use in landscaping for week prevention and moisture retention.

The little fungus has been causing big problems locally because of the cool damp spring and the fall season approaching our community. When the temperature is 68 to 70 degrees, the fungus reproduces rapidly. But, when the temperature drops to the 50-60 degree range, the fungus ejects a black spore for a 2 or 3 week period.

The black spore is "phototropic" which means that it actually aims itself towards light objects such as beige siding or white, tan or gray vehicles.

Left to dry on a vehicle paint surface, the black "Super Glue" sticking spores can stain paint finishes and be time consuming and expensive to remove. There is no research that indicates what will help repel the spores. The best defense for your vehicle appears to be a good polymer sealant (wax). Inspecting your vehicle daily during the "high-risk" season is suggested.

Removal of black spore infestation is best left to a detailing professional. Home experimentation can be dangerous to your paint and turn into a more costly body shop repair.

Penn State researchers estimate the fungus is causing at least $1 million in damage a year to homes and vehicles statewide.