Sant Automotive News Vol XI, no.1
Stimulation Now!
While expressing complete confidence in the Obama stimulus package and while eagerly anticipating the utopian results that are sure to inure to all Americans, it is the considered opinion of the Sant Automotive News that perhaps we should hedge our bets. To that end, this issue shall discuss how you can be better prepared for any uncertainty ahead.
Stimulating News
Federal Mogul has offered a pork laced stimulus package the likes of which the fellas at Central Planning can only dream. Now through April 30, 2009, Federal Mogul will is offering rebates of $5 off of any set of Anco 31-Series wiper blades and up to $50 in rebates for brake jobs using Wagner ThermoQuiet or Wagner Edge brake pads or shoes. Call 849-2900 for more details.
Autozone Announces Less Free Service
Major mass automotive parts retailer, Autozone, apparently will no longer be telling people what is wrong with their cars “for free.” Previously, if a motorist had noticed that the “check engine light” was illuminated on his vehicle, he could pull into a local Autozone, and the clerk at the counter would dash out to the car, scan the on board computer, and tell the motorist what was wrong with it. This process was very intriguing and always had us wondering how retail clerks with very little training could use very low cost scan tools to, in so little time and without the benefit of even a test drive, produce such precise results. What ticked us off even more was that we are paying nearly $200 per month to Autozone’s sister company, Alldata, to access technical information such as technical service bulletins and diagnostic procedures when the Autozone counter jockies don’t even need the stuff. Could it be that Autozone had finally developed that fabled tool that “just plugs into your car and tells you everything that is wrong with it?” If they have the magic tool, is it cheaper than the factory scan tools that we use? Sadly, it seems unlikely that the universal, comprehensive Mr. Wizzard of scan tools exist. Autozone has now backed away from their promise to tell you what is wrong with your car and instead offers only to “pull codes for free.” And so it goes.
Wanna Save $10,000?
A transmission chain has advertised that the difference between keeping your old car and buying a new one is $10,000. We haven’t really figured out what this means, but to start saving your $10,000, give us a call today at 849-2900.
Consumer Spending Needed
Due to economic uncertainty and lower consumer confidence, consumer spending is down. In a country that has experienced a negative savings rate in recent years, this may sound like a positive development. Unfortunately, consumer spending represents 2/3rds of the U.S. economy, so a drop in consumer spending makes it less likely, if not impossible, for the economy to recover and grow. A shrinking economy can produce deflation which may sound good; who wouldn’t want the purchasing power of their dollars to increase? The negative result of deflation, however, is unemployment. When prices drop, employers cut wages and lay people off which further reduces prices. This is known as a deflationary spiral. A deflationary spiral contributed to the Great Depression in which unemployment rates hit 25%. Consumers have every reason to be cautious, but they can not allow fear to worsen either their own financial situation or that of the country. The answer to the dilemma of how to remain cautious while not contributing to the poor economy is relatively simple. Consumers can act defensively and help the economy by spending more wisely. To increase spending in the short term without jeopardizing future financial security, consumers should consider accelerating spending on consumer durables like large appliances, upgrade HVAC systems in ways that will reduce future operating costs, and maintain high ticket assets like homes and cars to extend the usefull life of these assets.
Bake Sale on Hold
It is our sad duty to report that the first annual Sant Automotive Bake Sale to benefit General Motors has been placed on indefinite hold. Two factors are behind this painful decision: 1.) It is not feasible to produce and sell baked goods faster than General Motors is losing money; and, 2.) Mom probably doesn’t feel like making the requisite amount of banana bread. If and when these issues can be resolved, the sale will be rescheduled.
Ford Fails to Read Previous Newsletter
ASE certified Master Technician Mike Ford, apparently oblivious to the derision thrown his way in our last issue for his insensitivity to the feelings of other regarding his monopolization of vacation days coinciding with the Missouri deer gun season, is seeking to extend his practice of so doing. Sources report that Mike was seen snooping around the official Sant Automotive vacation schedule and that he has even gone so far as to pencil in five consecutive vacation days from November 16-20, 2009. Undoubtedly, Mr. Ford will also request to leave early on the Friday preceding his vacation. Management of Sant Automotive as well as the Board of Governors for the Sant Automotive Buckmaster Challenge are currently reviewing the Buckmaster Cup deed of gift as well as the Sant Automotive Employee Manual to help in formulating a response.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Finding Cheap Auto Repair in Five Simple Steps
In these trying economic times, many are looking to save money; one of the ways to accomplish this goal is to skimp on auto repair and maintenance. This article will give an insider’s look into how to save the big money.
1.) Stretch Those Oil Change Intervals. This is tougher than it sounds. While your owner’s manual may suggest oil change intervals of 7,500 miles or more, many professional technicians will try to talk you into more frequent intervals like 3,000 to 4,000 miles. When you think about it, this tactic doesn’t make sense to anyone. Most repair shops lose money on oil changes, so do them and yourself a favor by stretching those oil changes. The only reason most places do oil changes at all is to trick you into other stuff, like air filters. Don’t fall for it. A lot of time, oil gets dirty before it gets worn out. Try draining your oil after 7,500 miles and running it through a coffee filter. Throw it back in, and see how it goes. If you feel like changing the filter, do so. Otherwise, just put the old one back on. If your car lasts 50,000 miles, this method will have saved you more than $400.
2.) If You Need a Repair, Find the Best Deal. The best way to get a great deal is to spend a lot of time looking for one. The longer you shop, the better chance that you will have of finding someone who can do your job “on the cheap.” Your best bet is neighborhood kids. Usually, they will work relatively cheaply, and you will not be expected to pay for a bunch of overhead stuff like insurance. Also, if you get a neighborhood kid to change your oil, you can probably talk him into pouring the old oil between cracks in your driveway to cut down on weeds and disposal fees. If this doesn’t work, call your cheapest friend, and find out who he uses. The next step, which should be avoided at all costs, is to find a repair shop. Here’s how you find a cheap one. This first trick works for virtually any service provider. Open the Business pages to “Christian” or “Religious.” “Affordable” and “Fair” are pretty good, but “Christian” and “Religious” are better. I’ve found that people who advertise their faith to make a living tend to be the most dependable. If you’re checking the Yellow Pages or the Internet, look for words like “low price” or “free.” I call these “the Magic Value Words.” Words like “Integrity,” “Honest,” “Dependable,” or “Experienced” are nothing but trouble. The word “Certified” is a different story. If “Certified” is used in conjunction with a professional organization, beware. If, however, the word “Certified” stands alone, you may be in good shape still. Anyone can be certified, but organizations that certify technicians get paid somehow, and you will probably be expected to somehow absorb this cost. Guys who use these words are trying to hide the fact that they expect to get paid. Sure, everyone wants to get paid, but do you really want to pay a guy just because he’s been doing the same thing for a long time?
3.) Get Phone Quotes. This can take a little time, but the rewards can be huge. Call as many shops as possible and ask for “quotes” for as many of the permutations of the possible work needed. Some of the better shops may be reluctant to give prices over the phone, but some will give prices anyway. This step pretty much separates the wheat from the chaff. Quoting work can be time consuming, and the task is much more difficult for someone who hasn’t seen your vehicle. Invariably, someone will omit a part or an operation, or they will quote an obsolete part that is not available. Others will try to “low ball” a price figuring that they can “adjust” their price once your car is disabled. Neither of these is your problem. Make sure to write down the lowest number uttered by the lowest bidder so that you can throw this number in his face later.
4.) Once you’ve established a baseline, try to shave the deal a little thinner. Having identified your target shop, swing by around closing. Dress down so that it looks like you are friends with one of the mechanics, then walk straight into the shop. Avoid the service counter: this is where shops try to sell you stuff. Once in the shop, find the dirtiest, poorest looking guy, and explain your situation. Something like “I don’t have a whole lot of money, but I’ve got a little cash, and I need my car fixed right now” tends to work best. If your prospective mechanic is a little slow on the uptake, it may help to actually wave a few $20s at him. This conveys the impression that you may be willing to pay the technician directly allowing you to avoid needless costs like insurance, tax, training, information systems, utilities, and rent. If your problem isn’t immediately evident, your new “friend” may try to charge you to find out what is wrong with it. Don’t fall for it, say something like, “I’ll buy the beer, and I’ll pay to have the car fixed, but I’m not going to pay you to fiddle around. If your “buddy” objects, come back with, “Do you want me to buy the beer or not? I don’t have all night.” He’ll know what time it is.
5.) Insist on a warranty. Don’t pay for your car until you are sure that it is fixed. This can be a problem because most mechanics doing side work in their employer’s place of business won’t want to give you a receipt. Give it a try, though, what do you have to lose? If this doesn’t work, get a card from the guy with his home phone number. Call the number before you leave. You don’t need some hilljack pulling a fast one on you. Regarding the test drive, trust may be an issue. Make sure that you don’t leave any valuables lying around while you’re testing out your car. You don’t need this guy finding out where you live and showing up for Sunday barbeque. On the flip side, the mechanic may not trust you. Only give him the amount of money that you can afford to lose, and keep your test drive short. If you’re not completely satisfied but there is some improvement, just keep on driving. The guy probably wasn’t smart enough to write down your license plate number anyway. If possible, while you are drinking beer and watching your car get fixed, turn on every light and unlock every door that you can. The mechanic will have to turn off the lights and lock all the doors before he leaves, and this will give you extra time to properly test drive your vehicle and to return if things are actually worse.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll save all sorts of money. In our next installment, I’ll talk about what to do if things go wrong.
In these trying economic times, many are looking to save money; one of the ways to accomplish this goal is to skimp on auto repair and maintenance. This article will give an insider’s look into how to save the big money.
1.) Stretch Those Oil Change Intervals. This is tougher than it sounds. While your owner’s manual may suggest oil change intervals of 7,500 miles or more, many professional technicians will try to talk you into more frequent intervals like 3,000 to 4,000 miles. When you think about it, this tactic doesn’t make sense to anyone. Most repair shops lose money on oil changes, so do them and yourself a favor by stretching those oil changes. The only reason most places do oil changes at all is to trick you into other stuff, like air filters. Don’t fall for it. A lot of time, oil gets dirty before it gets worn out. Try draining your oil after 7,500 miles and running it through a coffee filter. Throw it back in, and see how it goes. If you feel like changing the filter, do so. Otherwise, just put the old one back on. If your car lasts 50,000 miles, this method will have saved you more than $400.
2.) If You Need a Repair, Find the Best Deal. The best way to get a great deal is to spend a lot of time looking for one. The longer you shop, the better chance that you will have of finding someone who can do your job “on the cheap.” Your best bet is neighborhood kids. Usually, they will work relatively cheaply, and you will not be expected to pay for a bunch of overhead stuff like insurance. Also, if you get a neighborhood kid to change your oil, you can probably talk him into pouring the old oil between cracks in your driveway to cut down on weeds and disposal fees. If this doesn’t work, call your cheapest friend, and find out who he uses. The next step, which should be avoided at all costs, is to find a repair shop. Here’s how you find a cheap one. This first trick works for virtually any service provider. Open the Business pages to “Christian” or “Religious.” “Affordable” and “Fair” are pretty good, but “Christian” and “Religious” are better. I’ve found that people who advertise their faith to make a living tend to be the most dependable. If you’re checking the Yellow Pages or the Internet, look for words like “low price” or “free.” I call these “the Magic Value Words.” Words like “Integrity,” “Honest,” “Dependable,” or “Experienced” are nothing but trouble. The word “Certified” is a different story. If “Certified” is used in conjunction with a professional organization, beware. If, however, the word “Certified” stands alone, you may be in good shape still. Anyone can be certified, but organizations that certify technicians get paid somehow, and you will probably be expected to somehow absorb this cost. Guys who use these words are trying to hide the fact that they expect to get paid. Sure, everyone wants to get paid, but do you really want to pay a guy just because he’s been doing the same thing for a long time?
3.) Get Phone Quotes. This can take a little time, but the rewards can be huge. Call as many shops as possible and ask for “quotes” for as many of the permutations of the possible work needed. Some of the better shops may be reluctant to give prices over the phone, but some will give prices anyway. This step pretty much separates the wheat from the chaff. Quoting work can be time consuming, and the task is much more difficult for someone who hasn’t seen your vehicle. Invariably, someone will omit a part or an operation, or they will quote an obsolete part that is not available. Others will try to “low ball” a price figuring that they can “adjust” their price once your car is disabled. Neither of these is your problem. Make sure to write down the lowest number uttered by the lowest bidder so that you can throw this number in his face later.
4.) Once you’ve established a baseline, try to shave the deal a little thinner. Having identified your target shop, swing by around closing. Dress down so that it looks like you are friends with one of the mechanics, then walk straight into the shop. Avoid the service counter: this is where shops try to sell you stuff. Once in the shop, find the dirtiest, poorest looking guy, and explain your situation. Something like “I don’t have a whole lot of money, but I’ve got a little cash, and I need my car fixed right now” tends to work best. If your prospective mechanic is a little slow on the uptake, it may help to actually wave a few $20s at him. This conveys the impression that you may be willing to pay the technician directly allowing you to avoid needless costs like insurance, tax, training, information systems, utilities, and rent. If your problem isn’t immediately evident, your new “friend” may try to charge you to find out what is wrong with it. Don’t fall for it, say something like, “I’ll buy the beer, and I’ll pay to have the car fixed, but I’m not going to pay you to fiddle around. If your “buddy” objects, come back with, “Do you want me to buy the beer or not? I don’t have all night.” He’ll know what time it is.
5.) Insist on a warranty. Don’t pay for your car until you are sure that it is fixed. This can be a problem because most mechanics doing side work in their employer’s place of business won’t want to give you a receipt. Give it a try, though, what do you have to lose? If this doesn’t work, get a card from the guy with his home phone number. Call the number before you leave. You don’t need some hilljack pulling a fast one on you. Regarding the test drive, trust may be an issue. Make sure that you don’t leave any valuables lying around while you’re testing out your car. You don’t need this guy finding out where you live and showing up for Sunday barbeque. On the flip side, the mechanic may not trust you. Only give him the amount of money that you can afford to lose, and keep your test drive short. If you’re not completely satisfied but there is some improvement, just keep on driving. The guy probably wasn’t smart enough to write down your license plate number anyway. If possible, while you are drinking beer and watching your car get fixed, turn on every light and unlock every door that you can. The mechanic will have to turn off the lights and lock all the doors before he leaves, and this will give you extra time to properly test drive your vehicle and to return if things are actually worse.
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll save all sorts of money. In our next installment, I’ll talk about what to do if things go wrong.
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