Summer Driving Series: Don't Leave Your Kids in the Car!

Summer is here!  You are hopefully enjoying your air conditioner as you drive through town. (If not, make sure you call Jake's Auto to have your vehicle checked to keep from melting this summer!)  However, if you are not driving, make sure that you or your children are not left in the car.

Here's why, on average, 37 children die each year due to heat stroke from being left in unattended vehicles.  A child's body heats up 3-5 times faster than an adult's body, and their temperature only needs to get as high as 107 before death occurs.  Also, even if the temperature is mild outside, (maybe in the low 60s), inside a vehicle the temperature can reach 110 degrees!  Even when rolling the windows down, the temperature can still rise to an unhealthy degree.

You may think that none of this applies to you.  You are a loving parent who deeply cares about your child, and would never think to leave him/her in a hot, stuffy car.  Unfortunately, over 55% of cases where a child has died, due to being left in a vehicle, in which the person responsible did so unknowingly!

You might think how in the world could anyone unknowingly leave their child in a car?  When you are on the top of your game, you definitely wouldn't.  However, many accidents like this occur, when a person is under a great amount of stress, tired, or straying from their normal routine, especially if the child in quiet or asleep.

Rather than focus on the negative, we want to focus on the positive and what you can do to prevent this type of tragic accident from happening.

1. Look Before You Lock.  It will never hurt to always check the backseat of your vehicle before locking it.  
2. Create a Reminder. You could keep a stuffed animal in your child's car seat when they are not in the vehicle.  When your child rides in his/her car seat, move the stuffed animal to the front seat, so you will see it when you get out of the car.  Or, you could put your phone, purse/briefcase, work ID, etc in the back seat, so you are sure to grab it, and check the backseat before walking away from your vehicle.
3. Routine Check. If you have someone else taking your child somewhere, or driving them to daycare, etc. call them and check on your child.  
4. Keep Your Vehicle Locked, and Your Keys in a Secure Place. Sometimes a child isn't left in the car, sometimes they climb in themselves and then can't get out. Keeping your vehicle locked and keys in a secure places, will help eliminating a child from being in the car without your knowledge. 

These few extra checks will take moments to perform, but the habit could save any of us from tragic accidents that we all want to avoid.

Recognizing the Signs of Engine Damage

The last thing you want is to be stranded on the side of the road due to engine damage.  Not only is it inconvenient, it's also expensive!  The best thing to do is watch for signs that a problem is emerging and fix it before you are stranded.

Here are a few things to watch for:

• Illuminated Check Engine Light, or if you've waited too long, a flashing check engine light. Your check engine light could turn on even IF your vehicle SEEMS to be running well.  Even if this light turn out, have your vehicle checked because one or more systems is likely not running correctly.
• Noises.  Listen for rattling or clunking noises.  Listen for RPM noises that do not seem normal.  You drive your vehicle a lot, so you are probably pretty familiar with any noises your vehicle makes.  Especially if you hear a high pitched squeal, grinding, thumping or hissing.  
• Smells.  Every person's car has it's own smell, but you are going to be paying attention to anything that isn't normal for your car.  Note if your vehicle smells like burnt rubber, hot oil or gasoline.  Be aware if you smell burning carpet or rotten eggs.  Any of these smells could indicate engine trouble.

There are also a couple of steps you can take to help prevent engine damage. (This may not prevent all engine damage, but will help.)

• Get regular maintenance.  Have your timing belt replaced based on the manufacturer's recommendations.  Get regular oil changes.
• Inspect your vehicle for visible damage.  In other words, if you accidentally hit something, check underneath your vehicle for leaks or damage.  If there is damage that you can see, don't drive your vehicle any further until you have a certified auto technician inspect it. Regularly check for leaks underneath your vehicle.  This could just be growing puddles underneath the engine, or slight drips.

Often times, if you pay attention to your vehicle, you will be able to recognize when there is a problem as it begins, not when you're left stranded somewhere.  So watch for things, and if you have any questions, always give us a call at Jake's Auto & Truck Repair.

Not Just Your Average Car Wash

Summer is here, and if you haven't already done it, it's time to clean out the dirt and grime from winter.

We don't need to give you a step-by-step guide on how to clean your car.  Everybody has their own way of doing it, but we do want to share some helpful tips.

Be sure to clean out any clutter.  Once your car is clean, you'll want to keep up on the clutter, and this will only take a few minutes if you clean it out regularly.  Before vacating your vehicle, take a quick look around, and pick up anything that has been left behind.

Keep a garbage container in your vehicle.  Line it with a garbage bag, and empty it regularly.

Don't eat in your vehicle.  This way you don't have to worry about stale food, crumbs, or wrappers that are left behind.  Plus there won't be any sticky spills if you're not eating or drinking in your car.

Here are the interesting tips, maybe the ones you wouldn't think about off the top of your head:

• Magic Eraser. A magic eraser works great when it comes to taking scuff marks off of car vinyl.  The dirt and grime comes right off!
• Screw Driver. Wrap a cloth around the head of the screwdriver, and use it to clean out small crevices.  
• Potato.  Did you know that if you cut a potato in half, and rub the potato (aka potato juice) on your windshield it will work like Rain-X?  It works great on those rainy days.
• Foam Brush.  Use a foam brush to clean out your vents.  Gently push it in, and pull it out.  You will be amazed at how dirty the brush comes out.
• Goop.  Do you have issues getting the console, cup holders, etc, wiped clean?  Use goop (find a great recipe here).  This stuff will pull out the dirt and dust that are difficult to wipe out.  Plus it's a great activity for the kids to play with later!
• Laundry Scent Booster. Instead of a using an air freshener, put some laundry scent booster in a mesh bag, and put it under the seat.  Each time you drive your car, you'll get a whiff of that clean laundry scent.

Having a clean car increases the longevity of the life of your vehicle, and helps you properly maintain it.  Besides who doesn't feel calmer in a clean space?

New Brakes

The brakes on your vehicle are some of the most important components on your car.  Properly operating  brakes will ensure your safety on the road.  As such, you should be aware of when they need to be replaced, and factors that will contribute to needing new brakes sooner, rather than later.

As a general rule, you should replace brakes every 20,000-60,000 miles. Being a conservative driver, and not needing to brake as hard will help increase the life of your brakes.  However, you may need to replace your brakes sooner, if any of the following apply to your vehicle:

• You drive a heavy truck, as compared to a light, compact car.
• You drive in the city, where there is a lot of stop-and-go traffic.
• You drive on hills, rather than flat roads.

Does your vehicle need new brakes?  How do you know if your car or truck needs new brakes?  There are a few warning signs that your vehicle may need it's brakes replaced.

• High pitched squealing noises. This noise should be loud enough for you to hear with the windows rolled up.
• Pulsating vibrations when braking
• Grinding noises
• Vehicle pulls to one side when braking
• Brakes are not as responsive

At this point, bring your vehicle in to Jake's Auto & Truck Repair for a comprehensive brake inspection. Once you've had your brakes replaced, it's important to take it easy on them.  Avoid strong and sudden braking for the first 500 miles.  However, in case of emergency, be sure to stop as quickly as possible.

If you have any questions on the state of your brakes, be sure to give us a call.  We'd be happy to look at your brakes and keep you safe on the road.

Motorcycle Safety Awareness

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month and with the warmer weather and more motorcycles on the road, it's a timely subject to discuss both for motorcyclists and other drivers.

Motorcyclists are entitled to their own space on the road, so it's up to you as a driver to watch out for them.  Give them space.  Remember that it will take longer for your vehicle to stop than their motorcycle. Motorcyclists are small, and sometimes hard to see.  Be observant of how a motorcyclist drives so that you might anticipate what they might do, and be able to respond appropriately.

Motorcyclists are also required to obey the same laws that other vehicle drivers are required to obey.  It's important for a motorcyclist to drive responsibly.  Don't take risks.  All states require a motorcycle license endorsement.  Some require a motorcycle driving course.  Remember to never drive when under the influence of alcohol.

Even before you drive, you should ensure that your motorcycle is road ready.  Check for leaks, and make sure that all of the components are working correctly.  Remind any passengers of safety protocols, such as keeping their feet on the foot rests at all times, holding on to the driver, and leaning with the driver.

Wear the proper attire.  This means a helmet.  Yes it might not look super cool, but it can save your life.  Keep your arms and legs covered, ideally with leather or thick denim.

All of us can contribute to the safety of the roads both for motorcyclists, pedestrians, and all other drivers.  We need to share the road.  We need to watch out for each other, slow down, and be considerate of one other.  If we all do this, we will see safer roads, less accidents, and fewer deaths.

Spring Driving Series: Air Conditioning

No one wants to feel like a wilted flower when they drive around town this summer, but that's exactly how you'll feel if your air conditioning isn't working properly!

Generally your a/c will either work, work sometimes (be cool in the morning, but then not in the afternoon), or not work at all.  If it's not working well, you might even see some overheating.

It's always a good idea to check your air conditioning before the hot days are here to stay.  You'll want to make sure that the air coming out of the vents is nice and cold, not just slightly cool.  You should also listen for unusual noises or smells coming from the vents.

If you do find that your air conditioning isn't very cold, or some strange noises, or smells, give Jake's Auto & Truck Repair a call and schedule an appointment.  We want you to be comfortable and cool as you drive around this summer!

Save Lives & Slow Down

You live in a crazy, busy world.  Everyone around you (and probably you too) is always rushing around trying to cram more into the day than possible.

One place you should slow down is the road, and you really don't have the time not to slow down.  Speeding down the road, or racing to the next stop light doesn't save you a lot of time in the long run.

Slowing down as you drive provides quite a few benefits.  As you slow down, you give yourself more time to anticipate other vehicles, pedestrians, and potential hazards.  This makes the roads safer for everyone on them.

The more you exceed the speed limit, the greater risk you take for getting in an accident.  Speed limits are not casual suggestions, but are there to protect the occupants of the vehicle and the pedestrians on the road.

Slowing down, also helps prevent road rage.  It seems like every time you get in the car, someone you are driving next to, does something stupid.  Perhaps they don't use a blinker, or run a red light.  Maybe they cut you off.  As you slow down, you are able to better anticipate what others on the road may do, because you have more time to think about it, and you tend to pay more attention to those around you.  If you are already watching the other vehicles closely, you are more able to expect their next move.  This helps all of us from getting angry or annoyed with those inconsiderate drivers around us. Not only are you better able to anticipate actions of those around you, but others can better anticipate your actions, and take appropriate measures.

May 8-14 is Fourth United Nations Global Road Safety Week.  This is a great time to make a pledge to slow down, be safer, and save lives.

For more information please see unroadsafetyweek.org

Click It or Ticket!

A couple of months ago, I noticed my son buckling up his stuffed giraffe as we headed out on some errands. He wanted his giraffe to be "safe" as we traveled.  This was not the first occurrence of this type of thing happening.  Any time we take one of his furry friends with us, the friend needs a seat belt.

Perhaps my husband and I have set a precedence. Each time we drive somewhere, we ask "Who's buckled?"  If we forget one of our kids usually asks the question for us. If someone in the car doesn't respond, someone (not always one of the adults) asks whoever didn't respond directly if they are buckled and then waits for an affirmative answer.

Maybe you have seen the commercial where instead of people saying "I love you" they were saying "Buckle up." While I doubt you repeat "Buckle up" instead of "I love you," aren't we still conveying the same meaning when asking if someone is buckled up?  We make sure each other are buckled up because we care about each other.

Thankfully, we are becoming a society that is more and more concerned with safety, and seat belts.  Did you know that in 2015, seat belts saved an estimated 13,941 lives of people 5 and older in passenger vehicles?  Those are a lot of lives that have been saved, because of the attention given to seat belts, but even more could be saved in 2017.

The Click It or Ticket campaign falls on May 22-June 7 this year.  Law enforcement will be putting an extra emphasis on buckling up, particularly during these days. Safety education and seat belt laws are also emphasized during this time.

Proper seat belt usage is the most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in an accident.  But you can't wait until, or if that time comes.  You must start buckling up every time you get in your car, and now is a great time to start, if you aren't already in the habit.

Recalls, Are They Necessary?

You've heard about recalls, but have you wondered if they are necessary?

Recalls are created due to significant safety concern your vehicle may have.  Sadly, too many vehicle owners ignore the notices, instead of having the vehicle fixed and keeping it dependable.

You might wonder why recalls are issued.  There are multiple reasons why a recall is issued, and may include:

• software related glitches
• complexity of cars
• using the same parts in many different car lines

By law, manufacturers are requires to notify vehicle owners of recalls.  They do this in a couple of different ways.  First, they are required to send out a notice through the mail.  In the recent past, manufacturers could also send out notices through email, text messages, targets social media campaigns, phone calls, radio, TV messages, etc.  Perhaps you've been notified of a recall through one of these methods.

If you haven't, or if you are looking to ensure the safety of your vehicle, you can look up a list of recalls on your vehicle at safercar.gov.  You will need to know the make, model, and year or the VIN number of your vehicle.

In addition, you can also review recalls for car seats or tires.  There are some great resources out there to keep you safe on the road.  Why not take advantage of them?  This provides safer driving conditions for driver, passengers, and pedestrians.

Spring Driving Series: Earth Day

April 22 is Earth Day.  This is always a good time of year to review what you are all doing to reduce your ecological footprint.

At Jake's Auto & Truck Repair, we do what we can to be environmentally aware.  Some of the steps we take are as follows:

• Recycle all of the used fluid
• Return batteries to factory
• Recycle scrap metal
• Recycle parts (i.e. send cores back to manufacturer)
• Promote vehicle maintenance
• Use environmentally friendly cleaning solvents

If you are looking for some ways that you too can be more environmentally minded when it comes to your vehicle, try the following:

• Reduce weight.  Take out the extra junk.
• Use the recommended fuel.
• Avoid sudden starts and stops.
• Check your tire pressure.
• Park in the shade, and use a/c only when needed.
• Get regular tune-ups

This is a group effort.  If we all work together, we can save our planet for future generations.

April Is National Car Care Month

It's the time of year for spring cleaning.  You are probably de-junking the house, cleaning out the garden, and hopefully maintaining your vehicle(s).

Spring brings its own driving hazards.  Wet roads, pounding rain, later sunsets, and the beginning of road construction which can create some dangerous circumstances.  It's important to make sure that your vehicle is well maintained and dependable.

This is a good time of year to have your 30K, 60K, or 90K services completed.  Tune-ups always help your vehicle run better once they've been done.  Have your alignment checked, and make sure that the winter roads weren't too hard on it.  Replace your windshield if it was cracked over the winter.  Check your tires, both the pressure and treads to ensure reliability and safety.

If you aren't sure what service(s) your vehicle might need, check your owner's manual.  The manufacturer will provide that information. (Your owner's manual is always a great reference for when you have any vehicle questions!)

Be Car Care Aware offers a free Car Care Guide.  This can help provide general information as to what maintenance might be needed and when to get it.

Another option is to sign up for a Service Schedule Reminder.  This will provide service reminders, recalls, and more.

If you get on top of your vehicle's maintenance and other needs now, you are less likely to be in emergency situations for fixing it.

U Drive. U Text. U Pay.

During the week of April 3-10, you may see the included graphics in many places, including social media, TV, and hear about it on the radio.

In 2013, texting and driving took 3,154 lives.  Many of those deaths could have been avoided, if texting was not involved.

Utah has some of the strictest texting and driving laws in the country.  If you are caught texting and driving, you could spend up to three months in jail, and up to a $750 fine.  If an injury or death is caused, you could spend fifteen years in prison, and your fine rises to $10,000!

It's not worth the risk of killing someone because you or someone you know are a distracted driver.  You want to keep you and your family safe, and others who drive on the road.

The best thing to do, is to put your phone away when you drive.  Put it out of reach.  Turn it to silent mode.  Put it in the glove compartment.  Hand it to someone who won't give it back until you are done driving. Create circumstances, so that your phone isn't a distraction.

Another option for you or other drivers in your home is to Take the Pledge.  Sign an agreement promising that you won't text and drive.

For additional information on distracted driving, please review the information at www.distraction.gov.

Spring Driving Series: Allergies & Your Car

Spring is upon us, and with it comes those dreaded allergies!  You may not suffer allergies, but someone you know does.

You can't always control the allergens in the air, but you have some control as to what allergens you allow in your vehicle. Dirt, dust (dust mites), and pollen are some of the major sources of allergies for many of us.

Allergens can be found in many places in your vehicle, from the forgotten french fry under the seat, to the dusty air vents, to the leaking engine, to the dark, damp trunk.  Some of those allergens will enter your vehicle just due to the fact that you drive it, but here are some helpful tips to keep others out:

• Clean out any clutter.  Too often, clutter becomes a part of your vehicle and quickly becomes a breeding ground for dust and mildew.  Clean it out, don't leave papers and trash on the floors.  If you have one, empty your garbage regularly.
• Keep your carpets clean and dry.  Vacuum the interior of your vehicle regularly.  Use floor mats to help protect the carpet. Steaming your carpets is one way to kill any mold or mildew and clean them thoroughly.
• Avoid eating in your vehicle.  Crumbs and even small spills can breed mold and mildew.
• Vacuum upholstery, or wipe down leather seats regularly, just like you would your couch.
• Frequently wipe down all surfaces with a clean damp cloth, and wash your windows regularly.
• If your pet rides with you frequently, consider keeping a crate in the car for it.  This will help minimize flying fur and pet dander and keep it all in one spot.
• Skip the air fresheners. Air fresheners release gases and can contribute to allergies.
• If your air vents are smelling musty, have them checked and cleaned out.
• Keep your engine compartment clean and leak free.  Oil leaks and condensation can lead to mold and mildew.
• Clean out your trunk.  Check the area around your spare tire to ensure that it is dry and does not contain any standing water. 
• Examine weather stripping, and watch for rust spots that could allow water into your vehicle.

Breathe easy this spring by eliminating some of the allergies in your vehicle.

New Drivers....Teenage Drivers

With spring comes many new, teenage drivers.  Many of these new drivers, have spent what may have felt like countless hours (both for you and them), learning the laws of the road, the operation of a vehicle, and enjoying the freedom that comes with it.

Research shows that a new teenage driver's biggest obstacle in driving is lack of experience.  According to the the CDC teens are more likely to "underestimate dangerous situations or not recognize hazardous situations...more likely to speed and allow shorter headways...[and] have the lowest rate of seat belt use."

What can you do to help keep your new driver safe?

• Educate your teen.  Research shows that scare statistics do not work.  Your teenager has already learned about some of those horrifying statistics.  Instead, help them understand what some of the risk factors are.  Include the following: driver inexperience, driving with teen passengers, nighttime driving, not using seat belts, distracted driving (this includes texting, talking on the phone, etc), drowsy driving, reckless driving, and impaired driving (this includes emotional state). CDC
• Enroll your teenager in a Graduated Driver Licensing Program (GDL).  This program will give your new driver additional experience in driving and includes continued parental involvement. It's important to spend time driving with your teen even after he/she has received a driver's license. This give you an opportunity to gauge how your child is doing, and will help him/her become more aware of potential hazardous situations.
• New Driver Deal.  Put together a driving agreement.  This might include family rules regarding vehicle usage, times to be home, who can ride with the new driver.  An example of a New Driver Deal can be found here.
• Example. You've heard "actions speak louder than words."  You've also heard, "Do as I say, not as I do." Don't take chances that your teen will follow driving laws when you don't. Never practice a behavior you wouldn't want your teenager to practice. Nonverbal communication goes a long way!

Learning to drive is a rite of passage in our culture. Help your new teenage driver be safe and enjoy the new opportunity!

Alignments

Winter has a tendency to be hard on vehicles.  Between potholes, extreme cold temperatures, and everything in between, there are a lot of factors that can negatively affect the alignment of your vehicle.

It's always a good idea to have your vehicle checked as the winter months come to a close, especially the alignment.  A misaligned vehicle can cause damage to your tires, which could require you to purchase new tires.

In order to preserve the integrity of your tires and the suspension or alignment of your vehicle, look for these warning signs:

• pulling in one direction
• excessive bouncing
• visible tire damage or uneven tire wear
• loss of control when driving
• low tire pressure

Any of these signs indicate that something isn't quite right with your vehicle.  If your vehicle exhibits any of these signs, please bring your car into Jake's Auto.  The sooner your alignment is checked and fixed, the less damage will be incurred, and the sooner you will be back on the road.

Love Your Car Month

It's that time of year again where love is in the air.  Let that love spill over onto your vehicle.

One way to help keep your vehicle bills down is to bring you car or truck in for regular maintenance.  Regular maintenance can help you avoid more costly repairs.

Some types of maintenance your vehicle will need are:

• Fluid Changes
• Tire Checks
• Filter Changes
• Tune-ups
• Change Spark Plugs
• Replace Belts and Hoses
• Brakes
• Air Condition Service
• Cleaning the Outside 
• "Check Engine"/"Service Engine Soon" Light is on
• 30K/60K/90K Services

Just as you take care of those you love, remember your vehicles(s). Regular maintenance will keep your vehicle reliable and running smooth. Which will save you time and money in the long run.

Have You Hit Any Potholes Lately?

The month of February usually brings various temperatures.  It might be freezing and snowing one week, and the next it will be sunny and 60 degrees.  With fluctuating temperatures come freezing and thawing, freezing and thawing.  The result...potholes!

Nobody likes a pothole, unless you are splashing in rain puddles.  However, your car definitely does not appreciate the sudden jolt it receives as you unknowingly (or sometimes knowingly, but nothing you can do) drive over the huge hole.  Sometimes the pothole seems to appear out of nowhere.

You may or may not be able to avoid hitting a pothole.  If you happen to hit one, the first item of business should be to pull over, just as you would in an accident.  Take a picture of the pothole, and then walk around your vehicle and inspect it. You are going to be looking for visual damage to the vehicle, tires or the rims.  If you can see damage, call a tow truck.  You don't want to add to the damage by driving it, if there's already a problem.

Call the non emergency police number to report and document the pothole. Inform them of any damages to your vehicle.  If you've hit the pot hole, chances are someone else has too.

If you don't see any damage, pay attention to the way your car handles as you drive it after hitting the pothole. The wheel alignment, tire balance, suspension and steering systems are sometimes damaged, and you may not be able to see it.  Here are some helpful warning signs to look for:

• Is your steering off-center?  If so, have your wheel alignment checked.
• Is your steering wheel shaking? If so, have your wheel balance checked.
• Is your car pulling to one side?  You may have an alignment problem or component damage.
• Is the car ride rough? You may have damaged springs, shocks, or struts.

It's always a good idea to have your car checked after hitting a pothole.  It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Love Your Service Advisor

The first person you speak to or see at Jake's Auto will usually be one of our service advisers, and the rest of us couldn't do our jobs without them.  February 17th is Service Adviser Appreciation Day at Jake's Auto.  We want them and you to know how much we appreciate all that they do.

We want to give you a little peek into the day of a service adviser and how much effort goes into their job.

First of all, our service advisers really are the middle man.  They have excellent customer service skills that help each customer feel as if they are part of the family.  They look for solutions and have great problem solving skills whether you've called them on the phone because your car won't start, or if you've brought your vehicle in for regular maintenance.

Our service advisers also have great communication skills. When you bring your vehicle in, they pay close attention to any concerns you have, and then are able to explain it to our technicians. Our technicians then inspect the vehicle, relay their findings back to the service adviser who then puts a quote together and calls you.  They have to understand automotive procedures, and technology to be able to explain what work your vehicle is in need of, and what parts need to be ordered to fix the problem(s).

Not only do our service advisers have the knowledge, they also have to have organizational skills as they schedule and assign work to each of our technicians.  They keep our technicians busy.  They also remember our customers.  They always put the customer first, being sure to follow our motto as the "Friendliest Little Repair Shop in Draper."

Winter Driving Series...Should You Warm Up Your Car?

We've had a wide range of temperatures, and finally winter snow this last month! A few times I've been sure my car was made of icicles as I climbed in first thing in the morning.

Many people will start the car before leaving in the morning to allow it to warm up in their driveway or garage.  Many have grown up warming up their car because it was necessary.

Most vehicles made prior to 1995 were built with carburetors, which needed to run for a bit to ensure proper engine function. Vehicles today are now fuel injected which eliminates the need to warm up for better engine productivity.

No one wants to climb into a freezing cold car, and so most warm up their vehicle for passenger comfort.  On top of that, it's also very important to make sure that you can see through the windows and through the frost and snow. Scrape your windows, and run your defrost before pulling out.

At this time of year we hear a lot of reports of stolen vehicles that were warming up. If you do need to warm up your vehicle, be sure to stay with it.  Never leave valuables or children in an unattended vehicle.

Also emissions increase when your vehicle is idling.  Consider air quality, and try not add to the inversion we usually get this time of year. Your gas mileage also decreases as it sits and warms up.

We hope you are able to stay warm and safe as you drive through town!