Sant Automotive News, Vol 13, no.1

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Sant Automotive News Vol. XIII, no. 1
Happy New Year!

Welcome to another New Year’s edition of the Sant Automotive News. In this edition, we will quickly review the last year and then jump to a discussion of teen drivers.

2010 was a banner year for Sant Automotive. Rick Speth was added late in 2009 as our third ASE certified, Master Technician. So 2010 was the first full year that Greg served as Service Manager. The move allowed Greg to better utilize the communication skills that have made him a successful radio talk show host. Greg takes the information that is reported to him by our ASE certified Master Technicians and uses that information to more accurately research alternative courses of action that can then be presented to our customers who make the final decisions about the services that they would like to have performed. This was not a change in philosophy but an improvement in execution.

In addition to improving performance within the shop, the addition of
Rick and the reassignment of Greg allowed me, Dick, to spend more time in the community. This is something that we think both helps the community and helps us to meet new people and potential customers. 2010 was a great year in that regard, and I enjoyed the opportunity to meet a lot of small business owners, their employees, and area residents.

I joined on the Board of the Webster Groves-Shrewsbury Area Chamber of Commerce in 2010 and very much enjoyed the opportunity to meet business leaders in the community. As a small business owner, I have always wanted to support small business and feel good about doing it, but in 2010, I realized the benefit that customers receive from supporting small business. By dealing with small businesses, customers get a degree of product knowledge and customer service that is rare in larger businesses. Also, when dealing with small businesses, customers can look the business owner in the eye with the knowledge that regardless of the outcome of a certain transaction, they will look him or her in the eye again.

In 2010, Sant Automotive also rejoined the Crestwood-Sunset Hills Area Chamber of Commerce. We had previously been members but had quit because we were not seeing a direct benefit from our membership. In retrospect, we realized that chambers of commerce are venues that provide the opportunity to make acquaintances but that ultimately the benefit that members receive from chamber relationships is related directly to the effort expended. For membership in a chamber to be an effective, you must have the time and energy to attend the events and to make friends.

Also, the shift in personnel allowed me to take a more active role in the Rotary Club of Webster Groves. Thanks to the Rotary Club of Webster Groves, my wife, Katy, and I were able to attend the Rotary International Convention in Montreal. This was a transformative experience. In addition to meeting Rotarians from around the world who converged upon Montreal to celebrate the motto “Service Above Self,” we were given the opportunity to personally meet and talk with people who make huge difference in the lives of thousands of people. Specifically, we met and had dinner with Tom Henderson, a Rotarian from Cornwall, England, who started an international relief organization in 1999. I asked Tom how he could start an organization and in 10 years turn it into one of the most respected disaster relief organizations in the world. Henderson told me that he has a motto which is “Keep it simple. Do it now.” That’s a pretty good motto. He also says, “Don’t do nothing.”

For more information about ShelterBox, go to www.ShelterBox.org, or give me a call at 314-849-2900. I would be happy to tell you more about it.

Also, through Rotary, I was provided the opportunity to meet Ed Johnson from the Webster Rock Hill Ministries and to see the good work that he does in the Webster Groves/Rockhill Area. Meetings with Ed led to the creation of the Rotary Duck Races which funded a water safety program for underprivileged kids in the area. The program was conducted by the Webster Groves Parks and Recreation Department. Due to the success of the Duck Races and the Water Safety Program, we look forward to expanding each in 2011.

In short 2010 was a special year for us, and it was possible only because of the support that we received from our customers.

On New Year’s Eve, my youngest daughter turned 16. This led to a re-examination of what it takes to keep a kid safe when you turn over your keys to them. Aside from the state mandated 40 hours of parental instruction, which provided me the opportunity to impart timeless wisdom that transcends mere drivers safety while simultaneously teaching my daughter to tune out unneeded distractions, we covered the usual topics which ranged from when and where to fill up the tank, what to do in case of an emergency or accident, what to keep in the car, how to change a spare tire, and a few very basic maintenance tips. Also, we purchased a GSP. Specifically, I bought a Garmin 1390T.

I believe that a GPS is a valuable safety tool for teen drivers and a great convenience as well. A risk is that drivers will concentrate on the screen and not pay attention to the road, but I believe that this potential hazard is outweighed by the benefit of having a planned route and of being warned of upcoming turns. I tested the GPS personally, and it never yells, “Turn, turn, turn now, Go!” Anyway, I will keep you all informed and let you know if my position of the device evolves.

Next issue, I will talk about our plans for 2011 and also discuss the safety of “hands free” cell phone technology. Thanks again from all of us at Sant Automotive, and have a happy new year.

Flushing Power Steering

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Flushing a vehicle’s power steering system is something that was virtually unheard of a decade ago, but the practice is common place today. Most well equipped automotive shops have the equipment to flush these systems. Two relatively new developments in power steering systems are four wheel steering and variable assist steering. The former is a system in which all four wheels move laterally either in the same direction at high speeds or in opposite directions at lower speeds. This allows for tighter turning in parking lots and better handing on the highway. Variable assist steering uses valves to change the amount of effort required to move the wheels a set distance. At low speeds, wheels will turn more than they will at greater speeds with the same amount of force applied to the steering wheel. The presence of valves in each of the systems increases the urgency of servicing the systems; however, the primary reason for service remains the same.

Power steering systems work under extremely high pressure. Many systems operate at up to 1500 pounds per square inch, enough to pull a one ton truck out of quick sand. As the high pressure hoses and metal parts wear, small metal filings and pieces of rubber become suspended in the hydraulic power steering fluid and are circulated through the system under extreme pressure. Like thousands of tiny razor blades, this insidious debris will, without mercy or remorse, seek out and destroy expensive power steering components. To get even with these nasty infiltrators, we pump them out of power steering systems, feed them into our blast furnace, and replace the evil villains with fresh fluid that is as clean and pure as the driven snow. Aside from oil changes, transmission service, brake service, timing & drive belt replacement, expert advice, and maybe tire rotation and balance, power steering service is one of the most valuable services that we offer.

Eating While Driving

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Danger Zone

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has determined that that eating while driving is a greater distraction than using a hand held cell phone. This sounds odd as no member of our staff reports having been nearly
t-boned by a distracted taco eater. Nevertheless, Hagerty Classic Insurance of Traverse City, Michigan has compiled a list of the ten most dangerous foods to eat while driving. Interestingly, numbers one and nine, coffee and soft drinks, respectively, are not even foods at all. “Juicy Hamburgers” moved up on the list to #5 from #7 last year, “Jelly and Cream-Filled Donuts” made their first appearance at #8, and in a startling disappointment, “Fried Chicken” dropped from #3 to #7. Other foods making the list include: hot soups, tacos, chili, barbequed foods, and chocolate. Steaming hot pizza, eggs benedict, and spaghetti with meat sauce failed to make the list. Our crack staff (Mike Ford, actually) is investigating.

Finding Cheap Car Repair

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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.

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Is it time to change my oil

Why Can’t I Remember When to Service My Vehicle?
Like almost everyone, I’ve always considered myself to be reasonably intelligent, and I have a great long term memory. Friends marvel about my ability to recall specific details of events long ago, and trivial items seem to stick around in my head forever. Why then is it so difficult to remember deadlines, appointments, and future obligations?
I once saw a Sherlock Holmes movie in which our man Sherlock explained to Watson that most people treat their brains like ever expanding rubber attics with unlimited capacity. Holmes stated that he made a conscience effort to forget things as quickly as possible so as to keep his brain functioning as efficiently as possible. This sounded like a splendid plan, so I tried it but to no avail. I also found it difficult to explain that I forgot an anniversary because I was trying to maximize my brain’s potential.
For people like me, the advent of the smart phone is a god send. It allows users to create lists, make appointments, and receive reminders. Also, smart phones can store a ton of documents. (Did I mention that I’m pretty good at misplacing things, too?) When you couple the convenience and portability of a smart phone with the versatility of Google calendars, you really have something.

The combination still doesn’t let you know when to get your car services, though. In 1979, Jiffy Lube introduced the “window cling oil change reminder sticker.” This was the state of the art system for reminding people when to change their engine oil. The only notable improvement to the static cling window sticker was the introduction of “idiot lights” that let people know when to have their oil changed. (Granted the technology of the various “idiot lights” has improved over time. Many are now base on algorithms.) The problem with the algorithms is that they do not take into account the quality of oil used. For example, if you use synthetic oils in hopes of improving your engine protection and extending your change intervals, you will probably be out of luck. Further, neither stickers nor idiot lights will give you an accurate idea of when you are likely to become due for an oil change.

Fortunately, with our new Vehicle Maintenance Charts, Sant Automotive has revolutionized everything. We create both time and service based maintenance recommendations that tell you when particular services will be due based on your actual driving habits. What’s more, if you want reminders to change your oil every 1,700 miles because that’s what your grandfather suggested, we can do it. All of the recommendations can be customized. Check out an example of our Vehicle Maintenance Chart by clicking the link.

“That is amazing! ...and you mean that I can schedule the date of each of the services into my phone so that I never get behind on my maintenance,” you ask? Thanks for asking. Yes. The best part is these charts are free. Vehicle Maintenance Charts are reason #83 why Sant Automotive is the best repair shop in St. Louis. Check back often, and we’ll tell you the other reasons.

For more information, check our website.