Sant Automotive News VII.1

Sant Automotive News Vol VII, Issue no. 1

”May the peace and prosperity that we had wished for ourselves during the past year be bestowed upon each and every one of you during the new year.”

 

              Welcome to Volume VII, Issue No. 1, our first and perhaps best newsletter of 2005.  Of course, it will be our best, to date, of the new year.  What we’re concerned about here is the natural degradation of newsletter quality that has been known to happen in previous years, especially after the sad passing of Abe Spangler, “Gator Wrangler”.  In any event, in this exciting edition we will touch on a little news, hit on some automotive news and on what‘s going on here at World Headquarters, discuss the mind numbing world of the Missouri Department of Revenue, and then rap things up with Greg’s most personal hopes and dreams for the new year.  If space permits, we may even blow the cover off of the sordid underbelly of the world of automotive care and maintenance.  Let’s get to it, but first, some news.

 

America’s Railroads and You

 

              Webster Groves area motorists who cross either the Burlington Northern or Union Pacific Railroad tracks on a regular basis should be prepared for delays.   Dates of work have not bee announced; however, Union Pacific will be replacing its rails, and Burlington Northern will be replacing ties later this year.  If both railroads start work at the same time and you live in between the two lines, you may want to lay in some extra groceries.

 

It’s Never Too Late

 

              Many discerning shoppers took advantage of our lifetime oil change offer.  For a mere $167.95, they gave the gift that keeps on giving, a lifetime of automotive lubrication.  Others gave jewelry, gift certificates, and other gifts that made them look cheap and insensitive.  If you fell into the latter category, remember that there is plenty of time to rebound. Give us a call at 849-2900.

 

              Many of our suppliers run specials throughout the year.  For example, Castrol ran a $5 mail in rebate on oil changes between October 1 and December 31, 2004.  Monroe usually offers a promotion or two on shocks and struts throughout the year, and several of our tire suppliers also run promotions.  A problem that we encounter is that suppliers fear that any specials that they run will impact sales of their products prior to the promotion period, so they do not announce promotions in advance.  If the onset of a promotion does not jibe with our newsletter production schedule (quit laughing), often our customers are unaware of the special and can not take advantage of them.  If you would like to receive notification of any upcoming specials, or if you would like to see if you still qualify for rebates on past purchases, send us an e-mail at santauto@aol.com, and we will put you on our e-mail list.  Sant Automotive does not share customer information.

 

             

Black Gold, Texas Tea

 

              One recent development in the automotive industry is the change in lubrication specifications for many vehicles.  Some time ago, more vehicles operated with heavier weight motor oils, 10w40 was the norm. More recently, 10w30 became popular along with 5w30.  Some vehicles, especially newer Fords and some imports, require 5w20 or even 0w20 motor oils.  “Why the change,” you ask?  Well, thanks for asking.  Engines are now being manufactured with a greater degree of precision.  Pointed headed engineers, some smarter than KMOX’s own Greg Damon-host of the KMOX Auto Show (heard most Saturday afternoons at 1120 on your AM dial), decided that it was a good idea.  It’s probably some sort of math or friction coefficient deal, but what the hell do I know?  Anyway, if a specific viscosity of oil is recommended by an entire gaggle of slide rule toting pencil heads, it is probably a good idea to go along with the recommendation.  To facilitate this, Sant Automotive now stocks an even larger slew of motor oils, transmission fluids, and the like. 

 

              Another interesting development has been brought about by the credit card industry.  Effective January 1, 2005, credited card terminals must be capable of truncating account numbers, and pin pads must be “duck putted” to insure security.  At Sant Automotive, we have the truncation thing covered; however, if anyone knows any good duck putting tips or has a friend in the duck putting business, please have them give us a call.  Again, 849-2900.

 

IDOD, the Missouri Department of Revenue and You

 

              An exclusive Sant Automotive News investigation has determined that any vehicle can be gifted once (e.g. title transferred without incurring sales tax.)  If the vehicle is “on year” (i.e. an even modeled year vehicle and you are transferring title in an even year), two year registrations are available provided that both safety and emissions are submitted.  For “off year” vehicles, safety and emissions inspections must be submitted at each of the first two registrations, and two year registrations are available thereafter.  The fee for a two year registration (including the processing fee) is double that of the fee charged for a one year registration.  The paper work involved seems to be about the same either way.  This appears to be some sort of profit deal.  If a vehicle registered out of state is brought into Missouri and it is “on year”, safety and emissions inspections are required.  “Off year” vehicles brought into the state need not be inspected; an IDOD is substituted.  An IDOD entails having a licensed inspector verify the vehicle’s identification number and odometer reading.   The fee for an IDOD is the same as that for a safety inspection, but the inspector does not have to check any safety devices on the vehicle. A benefit to the shop performing the IDOD is that they do not have to provide an inspection sticker.  These cost $1.50 each and are purchased from the Department of Revenue.  Plates can be renewed on line but initial registrations must be made in person; however, emission exempt vehicles (with the possible exception of diesels) must be registered in person unless the applicant is willing to also submit an emissions inspection. Any questions?

 

Greg’s Wishes for the New Year: sorry, out of space.  These will have to wait)

Sant Automotive is the premier source for quality tire brands including Michelin, Uniroyal, Goodyear, BF Goodrich, Toyo and many others.  Visit our website at www.santauto.com.

 

Finding Cheap Auto Repair

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.