After facing some pretty tough repairs this week and thinking "stupid cars", to ourselves several times, our enthusiasm about what we do each and every day was starting to run low until we stumbled upon this review posted on Car Talk by a customer:

• "Jeff White specializes in Land Rover repair, and he and his shop are incredible. They are honest, they communicate what's needed in writing with binding estimates, they've never tried to sell us on something we didn't need, and their work is flawless and guaranteed. Best of all, you get as good or better service than you would at any Land Rover dealer for a fraction of the price. Jeff White routinely goes above and beyond normal service, and recently coached our son over the phone (several states away in college) through tightening a loose windshield wiper nut on our 10 year old Rover. Prolem-o Solved, no charge. I can't say enough good things about this shop. They're the best."

  Reading these words has lifted our spirits and deeply touched our hearts.  We can start our next work week knowing that what we do, really can and does make a difference to our customers and the quality of their lives.  Thank you for taking the time to write the review and for along us to use our skills, energy and knowledge to serve you with your automotive needs.

 

We shared this article with the local newspapers and thought perhaps somebody might benefit if they happen to stumble upon here.  We wish you a safe summer filled with great destinations and enjoyable journeys.

Summer Road Trip.  Is Your Car Ready?

 

Summer Road Trip.  Is Your Car Ready?

 

Chances are that if you own a car, you will be taking it on a summer road trip. Whether you head out for a day at the beach or for a week long vacation, checking the condition of your vehicle ahead of time can help to ensure a safe and pleasurable trip.  A quick and easy pre-trip checkup can increase reliability and help to make sure the memories of your trip don't include the time that your vehicle broke down. 

 

The list below can be used as a guideline to get your ride road trip ready and allow you to depart with peace of mind.

• Visually check tires for uneven or excessive tread wear.Check the P.S.I. of all tires, including your spare. If you are unsure of how much air should be put into your tire, the correct P.S.I. can be found on the sidewall of the tire or on the sticker usually on the inside of the driver's side door.
• Check your oil level and quality. Top off your levels if needed. Consult a professional if your level seems unusually low. If you are going to be driving in very hot temperatures or towing, you may want to change the weight of the oil you use.
• Look for cracked, damaged and worn belts and hoses. Do this with the engine off. Check for blemishes, cracks and wear that might prompt you to change the belts or hoses that are likely to fail with future wear.
• Check your air conditioning. If you car isn't getting cold when you have it on before you leave, chances are it won't get cold on your road trip.
• Before running your engine, check your coolant level. Top off your levels if needed. If you find it to be extremely low, it might be wise to find out why before hitting the road.
• Check your windshield fluid and top off as needed. Don't leave out your wipers. Give them a test drive before you leave to insure proper visibility for the duration of your trip.
• Getting a ticket for safety violations can ruin the fun! To avoid safety violations, test your headlights, directional lights, brake lights and make sure your license plate lights are working.
• Avoid additional violations by checking to make sure your registration and state inspections are current.

Don't wait until the day before your trip to perform your vehicle checkup, even if you choose to have your Automotive Technician do it for you.  If necessary repairs are found, it could take days to procure and install the parts needed to fix your car.

Aside from checking the condition of your vehicle, keeping a few items readily available can be invaluable in the event that your car breaks down.  Here is a list of items that should come along with you on your road trip:

Roadside Assistance Kit - Tire changing kit (including your spare tire, jack, and a lug nut wrench), jumper cables, electrical tape, flares, hose clamps, fuses, a screwdriver, pliers, a bottle of coolant, engine oil, water and a flashlight.

Essential Documents - Drivers license, registration, roadside assistance membership card, insurance card, blank paper and a pen.

Recommended Items - Extra car key, bottled water, wipes or a towel, snacks that won't melt in the heat, first aid kit, cell phone charger, extra batteries, maps, a positive attitude and a spirit of adventure ready to have some fun.

With proper planning and action, your road trip can be driven with confidence and peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy the journey wherever the destination may be.