Merry Christmas!

We want to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas, and say thank you for all of your support over the last year!

We hope this year brings you all you wished for and more!

read more "Merry Christmas!"

UPDATE on Free Women's Auto Care Workshops

BOTH DATES of our next series of Free Women's Auto Care Workshops are now FULL! If you wanted to attend, and have not yet registered yet, you can fill in your information to be on a waiting list if there is a cancellation. If no cancellations come up, then we will notify you when the next set of workshops are scheduled.

At the workshop, we will be collecting items to take to the Kearns Pantry. Anything non-perishable is welcome, but we are specifically collecting women's items, such as sanitary supplies, diapers, baby formula, etc.

If you have any of these items, feel free to bring them with you to the workshop, or drop them off at our shop during normal business hours.

Thanks!

read more "UPDATE on Free Women's Auto Care Workshops"

Winter Safety Tips from AAA

I received this in my inbox this morning from West Valley City. It has some great tips to remember this time of year:

Snow, rain and fog present real challenges to motorists and contribute to a high number of property damage crashes. AAA Utah encourages drivers to hone their winter driving skills and prepare their vehicles to safely navigate the wet and slippery streets.

"Loss of visibility, slick roads, poorly maintained vehicles and driver error combine with the elements to cause thousands of crashes each year," said AAA Utah spokeswoman Rolayne Fairclough. "Many could be avoided by simply adjusting your driving to the weather and doing a quick vehicle check."

AAA suggests motorists can improve their safety if they observe these winter driving tips: 

• Slow down and look ahead: Vehicles need at least three times more distance to stop on slick roads. Always be extremely attentive to your driving and the road conditions so you can anticipate a hazard in time to react safely. 
• Increase your following distance: A vehicle needs a minimum of four to eight seconds between it and the vehicle in front. 
• Steer clear of collisions: Learn to take evasive action by steering around to avoid collisions. Steering is preferred to braking at speeds above 25 mph because less distance is required to steer around an object than to brake to a stop. In winter weather, sudden braking often leads to skids. 
• Recognize hydroplaning hazards: Even small amounts of water on the road can cause a vehicle to hydroplane. One-twelfth of an inch of water between tires and the road means each tire has to displace one gallon of water a second. To reduce the chances of hydroplaning, slow down, avoid hard braking or turning sharply, drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you and increase your following distance. 
• Know how to handle fog: Visibility in fog can deteriorate at a moment's notice. The rapid loss of visibility creates serious driving hazards. The following are specific driving tips for fog: 
• Drive with lights on low beam. 
• Reduce speed. 
• Listen for traffic you cannot see. Open windows if necessary. 
• Use wipers and defroster for maximum vision. 
• Be patient! Don't switch lanes unnecessarily. 
• Unless absolutely necessary, don't stop on freeways or other heavily traveled roads. 
• If possible, postpone your trip until after the fog has lifted. 

AAA Utah encourages motorists to prepare their vehicles for winter driving by checking the following:

• Tires: Good tread allows the water to escape from under the tires and increases traction. Keep tires at proper pressure. Low pressure allows the tread to squeeze together and thus reduces traction and damage the tire. Equip your vehicle with snow tires which have 30 percent deeper tread than standard tires. Choose narrow tires over wide for best traction. Wide tires "float" on top of snow while narrow ones cut through it for better traction. 
• Battery and electrical system: Make sure the battery is in good condition. Cold weather places high demands on electrical systems. 
• Brakes: Have brakes inspected and check that they apply evenly to help prevent wheels from locking when the roads get slippery. 
• Coolant: Make sure the coolant provides adequate anti-freeze protection. A 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water provides protection to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• Wipers: Replace wipers that streak the windshield. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with an antifreeze washer solvent. 
• Gas: Keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to minimize condensation that can lead to gas line freeze. 

Carry an emergency kit: Because walking away from a snowbound vehicle can be deadly, an emergency kit is a must. It should include blankets or sleeping bags, rain gear, extra sets of mittens, socks and wool hats, newspaper for insulation, plastic bags, food, water, a small shovel, knife, tools, sand or kitty litter for traction, a first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries and a brightly colored cloth for the antenna. (Read through our suggestions of what to keep in an emergency kit for winter.)

read more "Winter Safety Tips from AAA"

New Technology: Self-Inflating Tire

Below is an interesting article from Popular Mechanics:

Searching for the air hose in the grimiest corner of a neighborhood service station may soon become a thing of the past. With the help of a $1.5 million Department of Energy grant, Goodyear is developing a tire that regulates its own air pressure. Though the company refused to leak details of how the system works, a 2009 patent application shows that the tire employs a pressurized internal tube with inlet and outlet valves. This differs from the automatic inflation system on military vehicles that use onboard compressors. "The Air Maintenance Technology system is powered by the tire itself as it rolls down the road," says Goodyear chief technical officer Jean-Claude Kihn. Underinflation can lead to tire failure and a possible crash, but in most cases it just wastes fuel. According to Goodyear, underinflation cuts a car's efficiency by 2.5 to 3.3 percent, which, at current fuel prices, effectively adds more than 10 cents per gallon.

1. Intake
Air entering the inlet fills a small, high-pressure tube encircling the rim.

2. Big Push
Air is forced through the inner tube by ground pressure on a low tire.

3. Inflate
Tire pressure returns to normal as air fills it through the outlet valve.

4. Vent
Excess air escapes through the inlet port.


Read more: How It Works: Self-Inflating Tire - Popular Mechanics

read more "New Technology: Self-Inflating Tire"

Recognition By Utah State Senate

Mark Gines, Beva Gines, Chad Gines

read more "Recognition By Utah State Senate"

Willard Bay Christmas Lights

A Holiday activity, recommended by Mark Gines:


The Willard Bay Christmas lights are always spectacular, but even more so this year!

For $9 a car, you get admission to see the most googled Christmas lights display in Utah! Included this year with that $9 admission is a horse drawn wagon ride to see the lights! Instead of just seeing the lights from your car, bundle the family up in a blanket and enjoy the lights the old fashioned way.

Light displays are now through New Years, from 6pm to 10pm. Please note that if the attendance is down that night, the wagon ride may close earlier than 10pm.

Read an article from the Salt Lake Tribune about the people behind the lights and how they got started.

How To Get There:

Fantasy at the Bay is located at Willard Bay State Park. Visitors should take I-15 and use exit #357 to enter the display from the Cottonwood Campground. For more information regarding the display, please call Willard Bay State Park at 435-734-9494 or call the display headquarters at 435-237-9506.

This is one of Mark's favorite holiday activities every year. 


View Larger Map

read more "Willard Bay Christmas Lights"

FREE Women's Auto Care Workshop

Gines Auto Service
4261 W 5415 S
Kearns, UT 84118
(801) 966-6021

Two dates to choose from:
Wednesday January 25th 2012 (6:30pm - 9:00pm) - FULL
Thursday January 26th 2012 (6:30pm - 9:00pm) FULL


6:30pm - dinner
7:00pm to 9:00pm - workshop, including hands-on activities

(If you would like to be on a waiting list if somebody cancels, fill out your contact information and we will let you know when the next workshops are scheduled, or if somebody cancels at the above dates.)

To keep the workshops as relaxed and friendly as possible, each workshop will be limited to 25 participants.


Both dates are now FULL! 

Read more about what participants at our last workshop said about their experience.

If you’re a woman who makes decisions about repairs on your vehicle, you know that knowledge is power. That’s why Gines Auto Service in Kearns, UT  is happy to announce the dates for their semi-annual FREE Women’s Auto Care Workshops, sponsored by ACDelco.

Learn about:

• the importance of regular maintenance
• how to recognize problems with your vehicle
• how to talk to your technician
• a question and answer session (so bring all the questions you may have!)
• any other subjects you would like to learn about
• and much more, all in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere

Get ready for a different kind of “ladies’ night” — the Women’s Auto Care Workshop. Because knowledge really is power. Sponsored by ACDelco automotive parts.

DINNER WILL BE PROVIDED!

DOOR PRIZES will also be given out!

Gines Auto Service is providing a night out and some excellent advice on vehicle maintenance for busy women. As part of the ACDelco "Knowledge Is Power" women's initiative, Gines Auto Service is offering free workshops on Wednesday January 25th 2012 and Thursday January 26th 2012 at 6:30pm both nights. The workshop is designed to better acquaint women with vehicle maintenance needs and instill confidence in their ability to manage vehicle service needs.

read more "FREE Women's Auto Care Workshop"

Getting Ready For Winter: AntiFreeze

Different types of antifreeze

Anti-freeze has many purposes. It protects against corrosion, overheating and freezing. A 50/50 solution of water and anti freeze is the proper mixture for anti-freeze during summer and winter.

Why is it important to check my anti freeze in the winter?

Anti freeze is a liquid that lowers the freezing point and increases the boiling point of fluids. Without anti freeze, the fluids in your vehicle can become too hot and boil, or too cold and freeze. Always make sure that you have the correct anti freeze for your specific vehicle. You can find this in your owners' manual, or just ask us and we can look it up for you.

How do I check my anti freeze levels?

Always check your antifreeze levels in the coolant tank. If you DO need to check your radiator, make sure you have somebody that knows what they are doing when removing the radiator cap, and NEVER when a vehicle is hot! If you are ever in doubt, don't do it! Many people have been severely burned by removing their radiator cap, even when they thought their vehicle had cooled down. 

Read more tips about getting your vehicle ready for Winter.

read more "Getting Ready For Winter: AntiFreeze"

FREE Holiday Scented Candle With Oil Change

FREE Holiday scented candles with each oil change, while supplies last.

Come in and get yours before they are gone!

read more "FREE Holiday Scented Candle With Oil Change"

2012 Calendars Are Here!

Our 2012 calendars have arrived, and are waiting for you at the shop! They are free while supplies last!

Choose between American West, Beautiful America, or Horses.

Come in and get yours today before they are gone!

read more "2012 Calendars Are Here!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here's wishing all of you a happy and safe Thanksgiving! We are thankful for YOU!

read more "Happy Thanksgiving!"

Preventing Fire While Pumping Gas

Don't let this happen to you! Here's what you need to know about preventing fires at the gas pump:
What causes gas pump fires? Static electricity buildup is the number one reason for fires at the gas pump. A good example of static electricity is walking across a carpeted area, and dragging your feet. The next thing you touch will create a spark. This is static electricity. You can also see it in your clothes when they stick together.
How can I prevent static build up?

• The most important thing to do before touching the gas pump is to touch something metal. This will discharge any static electricity you have in your body, and prevent it from getting on the gas pump.
• Do not smoke while pumping gas or around gas pumps. Any type of fire near gas is always a bad idea.
• Do not talk on your cell phone while pumping gas. This can create static electricity.
• Do not re-enter your vehicle while pumping gas. This too will cause a static electricity build up. If you MUST re-enter your vehicle, and then touch the gas pump, make sure to touch something metal before touching the gas pump.

read more "Preventing Fire While Pumping Gas"

Getting Ready For Winter: Emergency Kit

When driving in Winter, even short distances, you have to prepare for the possibility of being stranded long periods of time.

One of the most important things when traveling in Winter, especially if you are traveling in remote areas, is to always let somebody know where you are going and when you will be back! Call that contact person upon safe arrival, and if they do not hear from you they will know you are stranded and can send help. You never know when a Winter storm is going to sneak up on you!

Below are some items we recommend to keep in your vehicle at all times. You never know when there is going to be an accident, a traffic jam, closed roads or even an unexpected overnight stay in an unfamiliar city.

Winter Emergency Car Kit:

• Blanket: In the instance that you get stranded or stuck, being cold will only make it more miserable. Having a warm blanket on hand will make you more comfortable. A blanket is also handy for if there is an accident, and somebody is going into shock. You will also need a blanket if there is an accident, and somebody is laying in the road.
• Snacks: Getting stranded during mealtime, especially if you are a diabetic, can be very inconvenient. Having snacks and drink on hand at all times will help being stranded a little more bearable.
• Walking shoes: Sometimes getting out and walking is a must if you are stuck or need to get to a phone. TIP: If you are stranded in a remote area, sometimes it's best to stay with your vehicle. Use common sense when getting out and walking. 
• Cell phone: Having a cell phone to call for help is always a must! If you do not currently have a cell phone and cell phone plan, you can still call 911 from ANY cell phone, even if it's not activated or on a plan! 
• Cell charger: A cell phone with a dead battery is useless, so make sure to always have a charge on hand. Even if you leave home with a full battery, if you get stranded for a long period of time, your battery may go dead in the meantime. You can purchase inexpensive cell chargers that plug into your cigarette lighter.
• Snow scraper: It's not possible to drive if you can't see out of your windows. You may get stuck somewhere and have to get out and scrape off the snow from your windows. Turning on your wipers to remove the snow is never a good idea! Read why HERE.
• Shovel: Never assume that you are not going to get stuck. You could be traveling along a well-traveled stretch of highway, and slide into a snowbank. Always carry a shovel in case you need to dig yourself out.
• Flashlight with extra batteries: If you get stranded at night, you are going to need a light and a way to see your way around. A flashlight with dead batteries is useless, so always carry extra batteries.
• Jumper cables: Always a good idea to have in your vehicle in the occurrence that your battery runs dead. 
• Change of clothes: You never know when you are going to get soaking wet trying to dig yourself out. A change of clothes will help you stay dry. You also never know when you are going to get stranded overnight, and having a change of clothes will help you stay more comfortable.
• Gloves, Hat, Winter Coat: Not having proper winter gear will only add to the discomfort of being stranded. Even if you are "running a quick errand", make sure you have the proper gear should you have to get out and walk.
• Road Flares: If you get stranded, you are going to need a way to signal for help. Road flares can be seen for miles away, and will tell others that you need help. Road flares are also great for starting a fire if needed.
• A bag of Ice Melt or Kitty Litter: This is good for two things: 1) If you are stuck on a patch of ice, and need to melt the ice in order to dig yourself out; and 2) A great way to get traction is to add weight to your back end or trunk. Read more about that HERE.
• For more Emergency Car Kit items, visit ACDelco.

Read more about Getting Your Vehicle Ready For Winter.

read more "Getting Ready For Winter: Emergency Kit"

GET TO KNOW US: Preston

Preston has been an ASE Certified mechanic for thirty years, and has worked at Gines Auto Service for eleven years. 

Preston learned his knowledge of automobiles in the military. In his free time, he enjoys race cars, computers, and yard work, especially cutting down trees.

Preston is one of the hardest workers we have ever had at Gines Auto Service, and doesn't let anything interfere with his job. He is a dedicated employee, and we are lucky to have him as part of our shop!

Come in and mention you read about Preston, and receive $5 off your total bill this week!

read more "GET TO KNOW US: Preston"

Getting Ready For Winter: Tires Part Two

What are the different types of tires for Winter driving?

• All season tires: Most people can get by with standard all-season tires. As long as the tread is not worn out, you should be okay with all season tires.
• Studded snow tires:  If you are in need of extra traction for severe mandatory have to drive in all storms then we still have Studded Snow tires that are the Greatest! If you find yourself driving in harsh snow conditions frequently, you might want to invest in studded snow tires. 

How does the tread on tires work to help me drive better in the snow?

The traction on your tires is what helps you to stop faster on wet and slick roads. If your tires are worn, and the traction is mostly gone, your stopping distance will be greater, and may cause an unnecessary collision. The channels and grooves in the tire tread is where the water and snow goes in and helps prevent hydroplaning.

Tips:

• Make sure your tires are properly inflated at all times. Watch this video HERE on how to check your tire pressure.
• To tell if your tread is worn, you can use the penny or quarter trick. Put a penny or quarter head first into your tire tread. If you can still see the top of Lincoln's head, you need new tires. 

READ MORE about getting your vehicle ready for Winter!

read more "Getting Ready For Winter: Tires Part Two"

Thank You To Our Veterans!

A big thank you to all of our Veterans and active military service men and women today! Words cannot express our gratitude for all you have sacrificed!

Clyde Gines
U.S. Army
Korean War

J.D.Allison
U.S. Navy
Korean War

read more "Thank You To Our Veterans!"

Getting Ready For Winter: Tires Part One

Good tires are one of the most important things to have on your vehicle when Winter arrives.

Here are a few different things to know about the specific features your vehicle may have:

• Front Wheel Drive and Rear Wheel Drive: Vehicles with front wheel drive seem to do better in the snow. This is because the front tires are the tires that turn, grasping onto the surface and pulling your vehicle. Rear wheel drive works with the tires as the ones that are turning, pushing your vehicle, and in the snow this can cause you to slide more easily. If you have a vehicle with rear wheel drive, you may want to add some weight in the back for traction. Many people will add sandbags to their trunk to get that extra weight.
• Four Wheel Drive: Four wheel drive is when all four wheels are turning to make the car go. 
• All Wheel Drive: All wheel drive is also when all four wheels turn to make the car go. The difference between the two is that with four wheel drive you have to manually lock in the four wheels to make them all turn; all wheel drive is where your vehicle detects that is it needed, and will lock and unlock the tires as needed in and out of four wheel drive.
• Anti-lock Brakes: With ABS (or anti lock brakes), the computer watches the same sensors as Traction Control. When it monitors a wheel skidding then it will release the brake pressure from that wheel and when it starts moving again then it reapplies the brake to the wheel again, over and over again until you come to a stop. (This is the same way you were taught driving on a slick road but a whole lot faster.)
• Traction Control: On Traction control there are many different ways to control the wheel spin. The computer can detect when a wheel slips with the Antilock Brake Sensors on the wheels. The computer then either upshifts the transmission, applies brake to the wheel spinning, or can even retard timing to take power away from engine. We were also taught in the old cars that if you are stuck and one wheel is spinning, then slowly apply the park brake to stop that wheel and both wheels will start spinning and possibly get you unstuck. This is the same principle.
• Stability Control: Another neat feature on cars today is Stability Control. Stability control has a sensor that is called a yaw sensor. It is the same thing that is used in fighter jets. It measures the G force and how much steering. For example, if you are turning left and the rear end is spinning around to the right (too sharp of a turn), the computer will start applying the right front brake to stop the rear from spinning around. This same principle that has been used on tractors and dune buggies. If you are turning left and the front wheels keep pushing straight ahead and not turning, the computer will start pulsing the left rear brake and it will help bring the front end around.

Next week we will discuss more about tires, including:

• How do I properly inflate my tires?
• How do I tell if my tire tread is too worn?
• Why is tire tread important when driving on wet and slick roads?
• Do I need studded snow tires or all season tires?

Read more about Getting Your Vehicle Ready For Winter.

read more "Getting Ready For Winter: Tires Part One"

Odometer Fraud: Warning Signs

Odometer from a 1993 Ford Ranger. This vehicle has 300,000 miles on it, and has rolled over three times.
When this vehicle was purchased in 1999 from a dealership, the odometer said 72,000. After knowing the warning signs,
and having us check it out, the owner questioned the dealership, who then looked into it further and said
"Oh, you're right. It has 172,000 miles, NOT 72,000."

KSL recently ran a story about the rise of  odometer fraud in Utah. Odometer fraud is hard to detect, but besides a carfax report, here are a few other things you can check before buying a vehicle that seems "to good to be true" on the mileage:

• Gas and brake pedals: A vehicle with higher miles will have brake and gas pedals that have been used a lot. If they are overworn on a vehicle with low miles, this is a red flag.
• Tires: Ask about the tires that are on the vehicle. If the vehicle has extremely low miles and the owner has replaced the tires a few times, or if the owner claims they are the original tires and they are extremely worn, this is also a red flag.
• Leaks: As vehicles age, there may be some oil seeping in older engines. 
• "Trust Your Gut": We have all heard this popular phrase. The bottom line is, if it seems to good to be true it usually is.

As we have said before, knowledge is power, and the more informed you are when buying a vehicle, the better chance you have of buying a good reliable vehicle that is going to last. 

If you ever have any questions when buying a new vehicle, or would like us to check it out first, we are always happy to. Just call or come in any time!

read more "Odometer Fraud: Warning Signs"

History Of The Logo: Abarth

Info from Car Logos: 

Abarth is an Italian racing car maker founded by Italian-Austrian Karl (Carlo) Abarth in Turin in 1949. Abarth was sold to Fiat on July 31 1971, and the racing team sold to Enzo Osella. Abarth became the racing department of Fiat, managed by famed engine designer Aurelio Lampredi.

The Abarth logo consists of the following key elements:

• The shape of the logo represents a shield which symbolizes the notion of victory. You can find some of the other racing logos like Porsche also have a shield in their logo.
• The red, white and green represent the colors of the Italian Flag.
• The scorpion is the key part of the logo and represents the astrological sign of Karl Alberto Abarth who was born on November 15th 1908.
• The red and yellow colors apparently represent the racing world. 

read more "History Of The Logo: Abarth"

Getting Your Vehicle Ready For Winter

With winter coming on, a properly maintained vehicle should have no issues with the change of weather. If you have not had your car maintained properly, there are some things you will need to check before Winter is here in full force. Here are some important things you can check to ensure your vehicle is ready for winter, and why they need to be checked before winter sets in:

• Anti Freeze
• Battery 
• Emergency Winter Kit
• Tires Part One
• Tires Part Two 
• Windshield Wipers
• Tips from ACDelco
• Tips from AAA and West Valley City
• Stay tuned next week when we cover another important check!

read more "Getting Your Vehicle Ready For Winter"

GETTING READY FOR WINTER: Batteries

Cold temperatures decrease the power of a battery.

Batteries are rated as CCA cold cranking amps. That is the power the battery will produce at -18 Celsius or -39 degrees Fahrenheit. We have testers that will check the CCA of a Battery in 10-15 seconds. The CCA is different for the car you have. For example, Diesel trucks have 2 batteries because they need a lot more CCA to run them.

The old wives tale is that if you store a battery on cement it will drain a battery. The fact is, cement is always colder and it lowers the temperature of the battery, which lowers the power it will produce.

Everyone thinks that cold is harder on your battery, but the fact is that HOT weather is harder on your battery. More batteries fail in HOT weather than cold, but cold weather also wears on batteries.

If you don’t have your battery tested before the winter, when the extreme cold comes, your battery will not start your car.

Everybody has a tendency to buy batteries in reverse to what they should:

• Example: If your battery fails when the car is pretty new, most people go ahead and put the best battery in it; when the car gets a little older ,most people tend to not put in a good battery because their vehicle is older. Just the opposite should be happening. But when the car is newer you starter and alternator and everything in the car is in better shape; when your car is older, that's when the car will need the better battery because the starter and alternator aren't as good as when the car was newer.

As we have said before, proper maintenance will usually keep you from having those surprises of going out to your car on a chilly morning, and not having it start. Proper maintenance is always the key!

If you would like to have the CCA of your batter tested before winter, or have any battery questions in general, give us a call at (801) 966-6021.

Read more about getting ready for winter.

read more "GETTING READY FOR WINTER: Batteries"

History Of The Logo: BMW

BMW stands for Bayerische Motoren Werke or Bavarian Motor Company. The company was established in 1913 and based in Munich, Germany. It started out as an aero engine manufacturer, hence the company logo. The logo comprised of four quadrants of alternating white and blue color. It is a stylized representation of an airplane propeller spinning against the clear blue sky. The logo represents a white propeller blade against a blue sky. It reflects the origins of BMW as a maker of military aircraft engines during WWI. Also, white and blue are the traditional colors of Bavaria.

Read more HERE.

read more "History Of The Logo: BMW"

GETTING TO KNOW US: Mark

Mark is the owner of Gines Auto Service. He worked at both Clyde's Chevron with his dad and also ran Gines Auto Service, for a total of 38 years.

He is an ASE Certified Mechanic, and has been interested in working on vehicles since he was a young boy. His father, Clyde Gines, owned Clyde's Chevron in Kearns/West Valley for many years, and his mother says that when he was a boy, if he was nowhere to be found, they would call up to his dad's shop and find him there.

Mark grew up in Kearns and graduated from Kearns High School, where he met his wife Marianne. Together they have four children and six grandchildren.

Mark currently lives in Lakepoint and owns four horses. He spends much of his free time in the mountains "getting away from the rat race city" riding his horses. He also enjoys hunting, fishing, mountain drives, travelling, and family parties.

One of his favorite part of owning Gines Auto Service is getting to know the customers. Customers love coming in to visit with Mark and chat while their vehicles are being serviced. He enjoys the shuttle service that Gines Auto Service provides, and being able to get to know customers while taking them to and from the shop.

Stop in and say hi to Mark, and make sure to mention you read his spotlight this week! You will receive $5 off your total bill THIS WEEK ONLY if you mention at the time of service that you read this spotlight!

read more "GETTING TO KNOW US: Mark"

WINNER! Disney On Ice Tickets!

Congratulations toSteve Johnson!
He was randomly selected as the winner for a family four-pack of Disney On Ice Treasure Trove Tickets!
Congratulations, and enjoy the show!
Learn more about Disney On Ice Treasure Trove and how you can buy tickets. There are still tickets available!

read more "WINNER! Disney On Ice Tickets!"

GETTING READY FOR WINTER: Windshield Wipers

With winter coming on, a properly maintained vehicle should have no issues with the change of weather. If you have not had your car maintained properly, there are some things you will need to check before Winter is here in full force. Join us over the next few weeks as we discuss these important vehicle checks.

Get ready for winter by making sure you have good
windshield wipers

Getting Ready For Winter: Check your windshield wipers!

There is nothing worse than driving in a snowstorm and having your windshield wipers leave streaks across your window. It is best to have them checked before you are going to need them, so that when you do need them in a wintery snow storm, they are there for you.

We get asked all the time: Is it worth it to buy the expensive wipers? What is the difference between the cheap wipers and the more expensive ones? This is one of those cases where "you get what you pay for". We used to only carry the cheaper wipers, but after customers coming back frequently to have them replaced, we decided to try out the more expensive ones. Once you buy a good pair of wipers, you will never go back to the old cheap ones. The more expensive ones last longer, are sturdier, and are more reliable when you need them during a snowy winter storm.

A word about your wiper motor, and making it last:

How many of you go outside on a cold winter morning, are running late, and instead of scraping off your windshield, you turn on your windshield wipers? This is one of those things NOT to do if you want to avoid costly repairs. Turning on your wipers instead of scraping off your windshield will ruin your wiper motor. It is such a small task to do to avoid having to pay us a lot of money to repair something that shouldn't have broke in the first place. 

Another tip is to make sure when you turn your car off, make sure your wipers are also turned off. If you leave them on, the first thing that's going to happen when you start your car is that they are going to start wiping. If you have a heavy distribution of snow on your windshield, this can ruin your motor!

If you ever have any questions on wipers, or want us to show you the difference between the quality of wipers, stop by our shop any time! We are always glad to go over it with you. We can also discuss what kind of wipers would be best for your specific vehicle and driving conditions. 

Read HERE about more things you can check on your vehicle before Winter is here.

read more "GETTING READY FOR WINTER: Windshield Wipers"

GETTING TO KNOW US: Scott

Scott has worked at Gines Auto Service for nine years, and is our master technician. He has been an automobile technician for thirty three years, and got his start when he was younger working on his own vehicles and learning from his dad, who owned a repair shop.

In his free time, he enjoys traveling, camping, fishing and shooting. Something you may not know about Scott is that he enjoys experimenting with cooking and trying new recipes, and he owns a fancy new Camaro, which he enjoys taking road trips.

Stop by this week and mention you read about Scott, and/or say hello to him, and you will receive $5 off your total service. This week only!

read more "GETTING TO KNOW US: Scott"

FRIDAY FREEBIE: Outside Vehicle Purchase Checkover

When buying a new-to-you vehicle, you do not want to go into the purchase blindly. Make sure that you know what you are buying, and that you are not getting scammed out of your money.

This is one of the free services we offer: bring the new vehicle over to our shop, and we would be glad to look under the hood, look at the tires, check for water damage, etc. to make sure you are getting a good deal and not buying a vehicle that is more headache than you want. As long as we don't have to pull it into one of our bays, we are always glad to check it over for free.

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HISTORY OF THE LOGO: Mitsubishi

The name "Mitsubishi" refers to the three-diamond emblem. "Mitsubishi" is a combination of the words mitsu and hishi. Mitsu means three. Hishi means water chestnut, and Japanese have used the word for a long time to denote a rhombus or diamond shape. Japanese often bend the "h" sound to a "b" sound when it occurs in the middle of a word. So they pronounce the combination of mitsu and hishi as mitsubishi.


There are also some alternate interpretations of the logo:

The logo for this successful worldwide Japanese automobile manufacturer is made up of three points that symbolise trust, integrity and openness. The logo is based on the merger of two age-old Japanese dynasties who used a coat of arms with three similar diamond patterns.


Mitsubishi built its first car in 1917. The company itself goes back to 1870, when it built its first ships - the three diamonds represent a ship's propellers.

Source: Car Logos

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Fall Leaves In Utah: Our Suggestions

Fall is in full force here in Utah, and we have some of the most beautiful canyons and mountains for viewing the Fall leaves. Below are places that we recommend. The directions on the map are directions from our shop in Kearns.

Butterfield Canyon and Middle Canyon

Mark and Paul highly recommend Butterfield Canyon. Take SR 111 (Bacchus Highway) southbound until you reach where the road turn eastbound. This is where you will turn Right to go up Butterfield Canyon. Zoom out on the map below, and you can also see that this canyon goes over the top of the mountain, into Middle Canyon, and out to Tooele, which is also a favorite spot that Mark recommends.

View Larger Map

Mirror Lake Scenic Byway

Scott recommends the view of the Fall leaves on Mirror Lake Scenic Byway. State Road 150 runs along this beautiful route.

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Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons

Scott and Paul highly recommend these canyons for viewing the Fall leaves. Little Cottonwood Canyon is the home of Alta and Snowbird, while Big Cottonwood Canyon has Brighton and Solitude.

LITTLE COTTONWOOD:

View Larger Map

BIG COTTONWOOD:

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The Alpine Loop

Gary, Preston, and Chad all recommend the Alpine Loop

Alpine Loop is a beautiful spot for viewing the Fall leaves. Make sure to stop at Cascade Springs on the way!

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FRIDAY FREEBIE: Tire Pressure Check

Did you know that you can stop by any time, and we can help you check the air in your tires FOR FREE? This is a free service that we offer to our customers. We can also show you how to check your tires, and how to know how much air your tires need. Just stop in any time, let us do it for you, and also teach you how to know if your tires are low.

Maintaining the proper tire pressure helps with gas mileage, and also helps your tires last longer!

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What Is ASE Certified?

You've seen the emblem on our uniforms and in our shop, but what exactly IS ASE Certified, and what is the difference between a regular automobile technician, and those that are ASE Certified?

ASE Certified means that:

• The automobile technicians has at least two years of experience
• The automobile technician has passed a series of tests to become ASE Certified
• The exams are grouped into specialties such as automobile, medium/heavy truck, truck equipment, school bus, collision repair, and more.The exams stress knowledge of job-related skills. The tests are no cinch to pass; in fact, usually only two out of every three test-takers pass on their first attempt. After passing at least one exam and providing proof of two years of relevant work experience, the test-taker becomes ASE certified.
• To remain certified, ASE-certified professionals must be retested every five years

Because the auto industry is always expanding and new technology is always coming out, we require that our technicians become and stay ASE Certified while employed at Gines Auto Service. This is something that we do not take lightly. Being ASE Certified is important for us to make sure that our customers receive the best service they can get. 

You can read more about ASE Certified on the ASE website. 

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WIN Disney On Ice Treasure Trove Tickets!

Thanks to Lulu Hart with Feld Entertainment and Disney On Ice, Enjoy Utah! has a family four-pack of tickets to see Disney On Ice "Treasure Trove", playing at the Energy Solutions Arena November 9th - 13th.

The winner will be given four vouchers to take to the box office and trade in for the seats and showing of their choice. Vouchers can be redeemed for any Monday through Friday performance, except Friday evening. 

The deadline to enter is Wednesday October 26th at 11:59pm, and the winner will be announced on Thursday October 27th.

You get extra entries for:

• Liking Enjoy Utah! on facebook
• Following Enjoy Utah! on Twitter
• Subscribing to Enjoy Utah! blog (google reader, via email, google homepage, etc)
• Liking Gines Auto Service on facebook
• Following Gines Auto Service on Twitter
• Subscribing to Gines Auto Service blog
• Liking Disney On Ice on facebook
• Following Disney On Ice on Twitter
• You can also go in to Gines Auto Service starting Wednesday October 12th and enter in person. This will count as an extra entry. (Meaning that you can enter on the blog, as well as in person!) They are located at 4261 W 5415 S in Kearns Utah. (801) 966-6021.
• Refer people to this contest! For each person that enters and mentions your name, you will receive an extra entry! 
• Watch for MORE extra entries to come!

Fill out the entry form here:

About Disney On Ice "Treasure Trove":

ENDLESS RICHES ABOUND WHEN

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS TREASURE TROVE

COMES TO THE ENERGY SOLUTIONS ARENA

Feld Entertainment’s new ice spectacular

celebrating the legacy of Disney’s classic animated films

skates into Salt Lake City November 9 – 13, 2011,

featuring the live debut on ice of

Princess Rapunzel from Walt Disney Pictures’ “Tangled”

Audiences will discover endless riches when Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove comes to the Salt Lake City Area.  Disney On Ice sets the gold standard with its newest skating spectacular, coming to the Energy Solutions Arena November 9 – 13, 2011.  Tickets are on sale now and are available at the Energy Solutions Arena box office, via phone by calling (800) 325-SEAT and online at www.disneyonice.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Families can expect to get tangled up in the Walt Disney Studio’s 50^th animated feature with Tangled stars Rapunzel and Flynn, and enter the worlds of other favorite Disney princesses – Tiana, Cinderella, Jasmine, Ariel, Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Mulan, and of course, the one who started it all, Snow White. Youngsters of all ages will enjoy setting sail with Peter Pan, the always sassy Tinker Bell, and the cantankerous Captain Hook & his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Never Land and trekking the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon as they discover the true meaning of the ‘Circle of Life.’ And no one wants to be late to a very important date with Alice & the Mad Hatter as they march with the Queen of Hearts’ Army of Cards.  With Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove, Feld Entertainment has created a show full of memories guaranteed to last a lifetime.

WHERE:        EnergySolutions Arena – 301 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT  84101

PRICES:         Ticket prices range from $13, $16, $23 -  $35 (VIP) and $50 (Front Row)

MEDIA INFO: Lulu Hart, Jack Hart Associates, (435) 467-0833 or lulu@lulubugllc.com    

**All seats reserved; service charges and handling fees may apply

About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 70 countries on six continents and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Feld Motor Sports, Disney On Ice and Disney Live!.

For more information, please visit www.DisneyOnIce.com

or look for us on Facebook and YouTube.

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