Give the Gift of Safety-Don't Drink and Drive

The holiday season starts for most the week of Thanksgiving.  We enjoy being with friends and family and celebrating all of the many things we are grateful for.  We start celebrating Christmas the very next day with sale after sale on Black Friday and continue through New Year's Eve.

During this time of year, we all have more time off and more to celebrate. Sometimes as we celebrate drinking increases, and winter road conditions deteriorate, which could lead to a recipe for disaster. The sad truth is that not only is this the most celebrated time of year, it is also the time of year when the most alcohol-related deaths occur.

During the holiday season, 40% of highway deaths are alcohol related. Between Thanksgiving and New Year's, 2-3 times more people die due to alcohol related accidents.

Also in the state of Utah, if you received a DUI, you will receive criminal penalties and unrelated civil penalties (http://www.dmv.org/ut-utah/automotive-law/dui.php).  Penalties typically include jail time, community service, fines, suspension of your driver license, treatment for alcohol or drug abuse, impounded vehicles and fines, and ignition interlock device and fees.

Avoiding alcohol-related problems at this time of year, can be as simple as planning ahead.  Don't drink if you are planning to drive. One drink for one person can have a drastically different effect on that person than it might on another.  Don't even risk driving if you've had anything to drink.

Another course you could take is to have a designated driver, or call for a cab.  Ask a friend who won't be drinking to give you a ride home. Robert J. Debry has a great "Get a Free Ride Home" program for those who live in the Salt Lake Metro area. In the long run, it could save you, those you love, and those you don't even know by having someone else take you home after you've been drinking.

We definitely encourage everyone to enjoy this holiday season, but do so responsibly. One gift we can all give this year is the gift of safe driving to all those who are driving on the roads with you.

Winter Driving Series: Keep Your Car Running This Winter

We know that the last thing you want to worry about this holiday season is a broken down vehicle.  We don't blame you.  You want to be able to focus on Christmas shopping, parties, and spending time with those you care about.  We've put together a list of a few things you can check out yourself to keep your vehicle up and running.

• Check your wiper blades and consider putting winter wiper blades on your vehicle.  You want a good set of wiper blades that will clear away the rain and snow and keep your windshield clean and improve visibility.
• Check exterior lights.  Be sure that your parking lights, turn signals, reverse lights, and your license plate light are all working.  Check your headlights and fog lights (if your vehicle has them).  A burnt out headlight will significantly cut down your visibility.
• Check the condition of your tires.  Look for uneven tread wear or sidewall fatigue.  Check the tire pressure, and review your owner's manual for the proper tire pressure.
• Clean windows inside and out. This will continue to improve visibility, and could prevent you from seeing obstacles in the road.
• Check fluid levels.  Check oil, windshield wiper fluid, and antifreeze. Use your owner's manual to help you know what type of fluid to refill low reservoirs or overflow bottles.
• Lube door hinges with spray lube.  This will help prevents squeaky doors.
• Check your emergency kit.  Make sure it's been restocked. Keep a blanket, flashlight, snacks, and water, among other things in an emergency kit.
• Get your battery checked. Winters can be rough on a battery, and a battery doesn't always show signs of fatigue before it stops working.

Keep in mind, there are a lot of things you can check on your vehicle yourself, especially if you review your owner's manual.  However, don't get in over your head.  Give us a call and let us look at your vehicle if you have any questions or concerns. or especially if you are unsure of how to check something. This can help prevent costly repairs and keep your vehicle running great through the winter months.

Winterization Special $89

• Lube oil and filter (up to 5 quarts of conventional oil) or upgrade to synthetic
• Windshield washer fluid and check freeze point
• 2 new wiper blades (or upgrade to the Rain-X Latitude for $10 per blade)
• Check engine coolant level, condition, and freeze point
• Check transmission fluid
• Check power steering fluid
• Check transfer case fluid (if applicable)
• Check front and rear differential fluid and condition (where applicable)
• Check air filter
• Check cabin air filter
• Check tire wear
• Check tire pressure and fill to proper psi rating
• Check for proper defroster operation
• Check heater output temperature
• Check battery starting and charging systems
• 4 wheel brake inspection
• Check brake fluid level
• Check all exterior lights and signals
• Check belts and hoses

Expires 12/31/16

Winter Driving Series: Snow Tires

As the weather cools off, you may be asking yourself, "Are snow tires really necessary?" or "What is the big deal with snow tires?"

In the climate we live in, rain and snow can be replaced with sunshine in a matter of 5 minutes. Even though the precipitation may change, the winter months generally have some pretty cold temperatures.  This is where snow tires or winter tires (as they are also called) are helpful.

Winter tires are just that, for the winter.  They are made of softer rubber that is better able to grip the road and be more flexible.  The tread patterns are made to dig down deep into the snow and ice.  They also get better traction on cold, wet roads.

Winter tires provide better traction, stability, and breaking. Tires are one of the most important safety features of your vehicle, so wouldn't you want the safest tire for the conditions out there?

Your next question might be, "Can I just purchase 2 or do I really need 4 winter tires?"  Since winter tires are unique in the type of rubber and design used, they will function differently than an all season or other tire.  Because of this, having 4 winter tires on your vehicle will be safer.

Finally, when do you install winter tires, and when is the time to take them off?  For most average Utah winters, you will want to have your winter tires put on around Thanksgiving.  The time to take them off is usually around tax time, as the roads begin warming up.

Stay safe this winter and ensure your tires are in good condition!

Thanksgiving Driving Tips

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest times of year to travel.  Whether you are flying or driving somewhere, or staying home, you are probably hoping for a safe holiday weekend.  We've put together a few ideas to help you have a happy Thanksgiving, while you are out on the road.

1. Be Safe.  Buckle up and double check that your kids are buckled safely, and riding in the correct car/booster seat.  Follow speed limits.  The roads may be wet, and driving too fast will be more dangerous.  Never drive under the influence, and keep other distractions at a distance.
2. Pack Smart. Don't overload your vehicle and pack everything safely so that you do not have luggage or other items moving around as you drive.  Don't forget to pack snacks and beverages (nonalcoholic, since you'll be driving) for you and the kids.  Bring activities for your kids to work on, so they don't become your distractions.
3. Be Prepared. Bring your car in for a pre-trip check to ensure every system is performing correctly.  Fuel up before you leave and check the weather and traffic routes.  Carry an emergency kit that is stocked with a cell phone charger, a few tools, jumper cables, a space blanket, a flashlight, a glow-stick, extra snacks, and water.

We hope you and your family have a safe holiday weekend!

New Car Maintenance

Is your car under a manufacturer warranty?

Jake's Auto & Truck Repair can help protect your new car or truck warranty. Our technicians can perform all of your repair and service needs while keeping your warranty in effect.

Why service and maintain your new car with us? 

• You can choose where to have your car serviced.The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975 prohibits automakers from specifying the use of a certain brand or parts or forcing a car owner to return to the new-car dealership in order to maintain the factory warranty.
• Our relationships is with you not the automaker.  Talk with us about how to protect and extend the life and performance of your new car in the most cost effective way
• Technician Training. All of our technicians receive ongoing training throughout the year on a variety of automotive subjects to keep pace with technology. Employee training at Jake's Auto & Truck Repair is a requirement and is considered an essential part in maintaining quality service and customer satisfaction.
• Cost. Jake's Auto & Truck Repair does the same work a new-car dealership service center would, for a fraction of the cost. The best part is it does not void your warranty!

Automotive Technician Appreciation Day

We love our technicians and November 15 is Automotive Technician Appreciation Day!  We couldn't do what we do without our amazing technicians.  Just like a doctor, a well trained technician reviews the problem your vehicle may be having, diagnoses the problem, problem solves, and implements a solution so that once again,your vehicle is reliable and running well.

Every great technician should have experience.  It can take up to 5 years for a technician to become fully qualified.  Some of the training needed is math, physics, general chemistry, engine diagnosis, suspension and steering, automotive emissions, and computer knowledge.  Also continuing their education is a must as vehicles are always changing.

Some great qualities that our technicians at Jake's Auto have are:

• Good diagnostic skills
• Problem solving skills
• Training/certification
• Tools and technology
• Good work ethic
• Technical knowledge and understanding.

We are grateful for our technicians.  They work hard to ensure that your vehicle is safe and ready for you each time your bring it in to Jake's Auto.