Gines Auto Service BLOG: June 2011

Thursday, June 30, 2011

CUSTOMER QUESTION: Can't I Just Add Fluid To My A/C If It's Not Running Cold?

We love answering your questions! A recent question asked by one of our customers was this:

"My air conditioner isn't running very cool. My friend said that a local auto parts store sells fluid that you can just add to your air conditioner and it will run cold again. Is this okay to do? It's definitely quite a bit cheaper than having the entire A/C serviced!"

We are very glad you asked us before just going ahead and doing this! Here's why......

PROBLEM WITH THIS "QUICK FIX": When the fluid levels in your A/C are low, you get air in the A/C system. When air is compressed it brings water vapor back to water liquid, and then it goes throughout the A/C system. This will eventuality ruin the system (a/c compressor, etc.)

HOW TO PROPERLY FIX YOUR A/C: You should "Evacuate, recover, vacuum, then recharge" the system. This removes all moisture from the A/C system. Your air conditioner works much better with no moisture in it. Make sure you take it to a reliable shop that has the proper equipment to complete all of the above steps. If a shop is advertising a $20 A/C recharge compared to another shop charging $70, there is usually a reason. The proper questions to ask when having your A/C serviced is if they "evacuate, recover, vacuum, then recharge the system." If they are NOT doing all of these steps, it can cause you damage later on.

The old saying is "You can pay now or pay later!" Later usually ends up being very expensive and causing a lot of damage. By cutting corners and saving money now on your A/C, it will turn into a bigger problem later on down the road and cost you a lot more than doing it properly the first time!

DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ANSWERED?! Email us at michelle@ginesautoservice.com and we will post an answer to your question. If it's something you are wondering, chances are somebody else is too!

For more tips like this, visit our Auto Care Tips page.

(Image courtesy of computerclipart.com)

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

WHAT IS IT?! Sneak Peek

Here is a sneak peek of the WHAT IS IT?! picture for tomorrow. Stay tuned on our Facebook page for complete details! The first person to correctly identify this vehicle part will receive $10 off their next service; but remember: do not start guessing until it's posted on Facebook tomorrow!

Utah's New Fireworks Laws

Many of our customers have been wondering about Utah's NEW fireworks laws, so we tracked them down for you!

Fire works...there's a new law for Utah.

You may contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal at 801-284-6350. Complete information can be found HERE.

Hello everybody, Fire Marshal Bob here. I want to take just a minute to inform you of a new law that effects they ways we can celebrate our Nation and heritage with fireworks. The legislature has not only increased the types of fireworks we can use but they have allowed us to shoot them from June 26th through July 26th.

First let me remind you that legal fireworks are still very dangerous and the effects of fireworks can cost all of us un-necessary dollars. Did you know that from 2002 and 2006 nearly half a million was the dollar amount in property loss due to fireworks. That doesn't begin to account for the monies from our tax dollars that were spent to combat these fires, or the money spent on medical bills from burns, amputations and other mutilations caused by fireworks. OK enough of the gruesome stuff.

Here are some good tips to remember as we get ready for our celebrations.

Purchase fireworks from reliable, licensed fireworks dealers. Read all instructions to reduce the chances of a destructive fire or debilitating injury. Follow all safety guidelines exactly.
Children should not handle fireworks. You must be at least 16 years of age to handle or light fireworks. Adults are to supervise any activity that includes fireworks.
Never let children handle, play with or light fireworks. Only knowing and clear-headed adults should handle fireworks.
Adults should never use alcohol or drugs or be impaired while engaged in handling, using, placing or lighting fireworks.
New aerial type fireworks are now lawful. Aerial devices, also known as "multiple tube", "repeater", or "cake" fireworks often look like miniature professional displays and can travel high into the air, as much as 150 feet.
These Fireworks need sufficient space from trees, carports, structures, powerlines, or other high or low obstacles. Aerial or "cake" fireworks need at least a 30 foot clearance around on the ground and at least 150 foot clearance in the air.
Things that are still not allowed are fire crackers, M-80's, cherry bombs, bottle rockets, roman candles, single or reloadable mortars, and ground salutes. Remember that all State and Federal laws must be adhered to! Please use commonsense whenever you are around fireworks. Here are a few of Fire Marshal Bobs don'ts! Don't change or alter the fireworks in any way! Don't light them near or under a carport! Don't light them indoors! Don't carry fireworks in your pockets! Don't Shoot fireworks in windy conditions!
Keep a bucket of water or running hose nearby during the time of lighting and disposing of fireworks and in case of an emergency.
Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks. Keep all unused fireworks 30 feet away from the shooting area.
Make sure other people are out of range at a reasonable distance before lighting fireworks. Do not point or throw fireworks at people, animals or where they may not be under proper control. And remember, sparklers burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. They are extremely deceptive in nature and can be an extraordinarily dangerous device in the hands of children and can cause serious burns and injuries if not cared for properly.
Light fireworks one at a time. Do not attempt to light multiple fireworks at any time. Do not relight a firework whose fuse has burned away. Do not attempt to repair broken fireworks. Soak fireworks that did not ignite in a bucket of water. Once the firework is lit, get away quickly to a safe distance.
Keep clear of the firework. Never place a body part above or around a burning firework. Never pickup a burning firework. Never look into the tube or stay close to the burning end of the device. Never hold a lit firework in your hand.
Use caution with animals. Excitement, noise and lights can cause fear and stress.

As always...Be Smart... Be Safe... BE READY!

Fire Marshal Bob

Utah's 4th of July Events 2011 and Road Trip Tips

Make sure your vehicle is ready if you are going on a road trip this holiday weekend! Make sure to check your tire pressure, check your oil, and make sure your windshield washer fluid is filled up. Here are a few articles that will help you prevent disasters on your road trip:

Driving tips to keep your family safe
What to keep in your vehicle
Preparing for a road trip
Road Trip Tips
Warm Weather Tips

Remember, we are always happy to do a "trip check" on your vehicle! Just give us a call! (801) 966-6021

View Utah's NEW firework laws HERE.

LISTEN to 4th of July music HERE.

Below is a list of 4th of July celebrations happening in Utah:

Salt Lake County

Gardner Village Historic Family Scavenger Hunt - throughout the month of July
Salt Lake Bees baseball games
West Jordan Western Stampede and Fun For The Whole Family - June 25th through July 4th
4th of July Make and Take July 1st and 2nd
Teen Independence Party July 1st
Magna 4th of July celebration July 2nd - 4th
Liberty Days at This Is The Place July 2nd and 4th
Freedom Half Marathon July 4th
Gallivan Center Salute The Troops July 4th
Sugarhouse Fireworks - July 4th (previously canceled, but now back on!)
East Millcreek Celebrations - July 4th
Millcreek Parade and Breakfast - July 4th
Snowbird Pancake Breakfast - July 4th
Brighton Breakfast and Parade - July 4th
Sandy City Celebrations - July 4th

Summit County

Oakley Rodeo and Celebrations - June 30th through July 4th
The Canyons celebration - July 3rd
Park City Celebrations - now through July 4th

Utah County

Davis County

Clearfield City 4th of July Celebration
Centerville July 4th Celebrations July 1st through July 3rd
Layton's Liberty Days July 3rd and 4th
Kaysville Celebrations June 30th through July 5th

Tooele County

View all updated Tooele 4th of July activities HERE on page four.
Car Show July 2nd
Bit n Spur Rodeo July 2nd - 4th
Tooele County Chamber Breakfast July 4th
4th of July parade July 4th (Events in the park following the parade)
Ty Herndon and Charley Jenkins concert July 4th

Washington County

Washington County 4th of July events

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

FRIDAY TIDBIT: Fuel Injector Unit

Fuel injection unit on a Chevy or GMC truck

This "spider-looking vehicle part" isn't as creepy and scary as it looks! In fact, once you "get to know it", it can be "quite friendly"!

This specific fuel injector unit goes in a chevrolet V8 engine. The little black tips are the fuel injectors. Chevrolet and GMC are the only ones that use this style, and they are found in their trucks.

Because of growing emissions and fuel efficiency rules and regulations, carburetors are no longer used, and fuel injectors have taken their place.

Take this fuel injection quiz to see how much you know about fuel injectors, and learn all about them in the process!

Friday, June 17, 2011

WIN A Family Four-Pack Of Tickets To A Bee's Game!

The weather is getting warmer (slowly but surely!), and it's time for baseball season! Nothing says summer to me like sitting at the ballpark, watching a game, and eating a hot dog!

CONTEST CLOSED! Congrats to Britt Hatch!

Thanks to Stephen Nord with the Salt Lake Bees, Gines Auto Service is giving away a family four-pack of tickets to any game of your choice, EXCLUDING July 4th, and July 23rd-25th. View the complete Bees schedule HERE.

The deadline to enter will be Thursday June 16th at 11:59pm, and the winner will be announced on Friday June 17th.

One Entry Per Person!

Extra Entries are given for:

"Liking" Gines Auto Service on Facebook
Following Gines Auto Service on Twitter
"Friend" the Discount Salt Lake Bees/Utah Jazz/Energy Solutions Arena Tickets on Facebook or "Like" the Disount Salt Lake Bees/Utah Jazz/Energy Solutions Arena Tickets on Facebook
Following the Salt Lake Bees Discount Tickets on Twitter.
Sharing this contest with others via blog, facebook, twitter, etc. Each person that mentions your name when entering will get you an extra entry.

Other sites giving away tickets:
(Each one of these sites has their own family four-pack to give away, so the more you enter, the better your chances are!)

To purchase tickets to an upcoming Salt Lake Bees game at a discount and without fees, visit the Salt Lake Bees website and enter promotion code SN6928. You can also call Stephen Nord directly at (801) 350-6928.

More about the Salt Lake Bees baseball team:

WINNER! Salt Lake Bees Tickets!

Congratulations to

Britt Hatch!

She is the winner of a family four-pack of tickets to an upcoming Salt Lake Bees game!

Britt said, "I love seeing America's sport, baseball, live!!!" She heard about this contest on our Facebook page.

Congratulations Britt, and enjoy the game!

To purchase tickets to an upcoming Salt Lake Bees game at a discount and without fees, visit the Salt Lake Bees website and enter promotion code SN6928. You can also call Stephen Nord directly at (801) 350-6928.

Get out and enjoy a Salt Lake Bees game!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

WHAT IS IT?! Picture Sneak Peek

Sunday, June 12, 2011

FRIDAY TIDBIT: How To Make Your Car Last 300,000 Miles

Yesterday for our WHAT IS IT?! picture, we posted an odometer from a 1993 Ford Ranger truck that has just turned over to 300,000 miles!

The key to making your vehicle last is maintenance. You've heard us say it a million times, and that's because it really is true. Proper maintenance can eliminate up to 50% of repairs.

How do you know which maintenance to do, and when?
Look in your owners' manual. It will give you a maintenance schedule. If you can't find your owners' manual, or are not sure where to look, we can always look it up for you.

ACDelco is a great resource for maintenance. Read through a list of maintenance tips on their website.

Why is maintenance important?
By following your maintenance schedule, you can eliminate up to 50% of repairs. That is a huge number! By doing the small tasks, you can avoid costly repairs, and increase the life of your vehicle.

Think of your body and going to the doctor. By getting preventive maintenance checkups, you can find problems before they become a huge issue, and start taking better care of yourself. Many diseases like diabetes, cancer, thyroid problems, and other illnesses can be detected early, and when detected early you can start treating them early and increase the years in your life. The same can be said for vehicles and vehicle maintenance.

What if I can't afford to do my regularly scheduled maintenance?
By knowing what your maintenance schedule is, you can factor in $30-$40 a month to your budget to prepare for those maintenance checkups. Here is a breakdown to show you how easy it really is to prepare for maintenance into your budget:

Let's say you want to factor in $40 per month into your budget for maintenance. That breaks down to only $1.33 per day.

I know most of us spend more than that a day in soda, lunch, etc. By bringing a sack lunch to work, or cutting out that stop at the gas station on the corner for treats, you can save up enough money for your vehicle maintenance.
If you make $10 an hour, and work an 8 hour day, you are making $80 a day (without taxes factored in). To make an extra $1.33 per day, you need to work approximately an extra 8.3 minutes. Come in to work 4.2 minutes early, and stay 4.2 minutes longer, and you have earned enough money for your vehicle maintenance.

If you are ever unclear as to what maintenance your vehicle needs, don't hesitate to ask us any time. We are glad to go over it with you.

For more tips like this, visit our Auto Care Tips page.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

WHAT IS IT Picture Sneak Peek

Here is a sneak peek of the WHAT IS IT?! picture for tomorrow. Stay tuned on our Facebook page for complete details!

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

HOW TO: Check Your Windshield Washer Fluid

WHY do I need to check my windshield washer fluid? It's important to always make sure your windshield washer reservoir has fluid in it. If you get splashed with sticky dirt or mud, you need to be able to clean it off right away in order to see out your windshield. Checking and filling up your washer fluid reservoir is such a small, simple task that can prevent a lot of headaches and problems while driving!

Friday, June 3, 2011

FRIDAY TIDBIT: AC Inverter for Hybrid Cars

Alternating Current Inverter for Hybrid Cars

The AC inverter converters high voltage alternating current in the Hybrid systems to direct current high voltage to charge the high voltage battery and also converts high voltage direct current to alternating current to run the electric motor that powers the car.

These systems have their own cooling system separate from the engine cooling system. They are very dangerous to work on because the voltage can be up around 650 volts. Only trained professionals should work on these systems with specialized safety equipment. To put it in perspective, the heavy cable for an electric clothes drier in most peoples homes is 220 volts AC. Some of the hybrid cars on the road are putting out almost three times that amount of power at 650 volts.

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

WHAT IS IT picture for Thursday June 2nd

Here is the picture that will be posted on our Facebook page tomorrow, Thursday June 2nd.

The first person to correctly identify this vehicle part will receive $10 off their next service. Remember, do not start guessing until it's posted on our Facebook page tomorrow, and good luck!