A Few Reminders About Winter Driving

It's always best to be prepared ahead of time
for Winter traffic jams like these ones!

Another big Utah snowstorm hit us last night, and many people out there were unprepared. SR-201 and I-80 were like parking lots, and many people got stuck in traffic for 3+ hours trying to get home!

Here are a few things to keep in mind when driving in Utah:

• Keep your gas tank 1/2 full at all times
  Not only is this important for your fuel pump, but for those that got stuck in traffic last night, they just couldn't pull off and fill up their gas tank. You may think you have enough gas to get from A to B, but if a snowstorm hits, you could get stuck in your vehicle for hours at a time. 
• Keep snacks in your vehicle
  This is especially important if you are diabetic or have blood sugar issues. Even for those that don't, getting stuck in a traffic jam during dinner time makes it harder to stay patient when your stomach is growling. Items like peanut butter crackers are inexpensive, and are high in protein to keep your stomach full until you reach your destination and can get a full meal.
• Carry a blanket
  If by chance you do get stuck in a snow drift, or you have to turn your vehicle off while in a traffic jam,  being cold can get very uncomfortable, very fast! Always have a warm blanket in your vehicle for times like these. It also comes in handy if you witness an accident, and need to keep somebody warm to prevent them from going into shock.
• Do not turn on your wipers until all snow has been cleared from your window.
  Turning your wipers on while there is still snow accumulated can wear on your wiper transmission. This is one of the top auto repairs we see in our shop that is easily prevented. Also, make sure your wipers are always in good working condition. Don't wait until you are in that snowstorm to decide your wipers are worn out. Change them before they get to that point so that they are there when you need them. 
• Have kitty litter or ice melt on hand
  Kitty litter is very inexpensive, and works great for creating traction if you get stuck.
• Do not drive on worn tires!
  This is something we cannot stress enough! Good tires are the key to staying safe while driving in wet and slippery conditions. Read our article on tire tips. Did you know that we sell tires? If you are in need of new tires, come in and we can get you as many as you need. We always do free tire checks if you are unsure if you need new tires. Stop by any time during regular business hours. 
• Slow down!
  Please adjust your speed according to the weather and the condition of the roads. Just because the speed limit says 55 doesn't mean that it's safe to drive that fast if roads are slick or wet. 
• Winter Vehicle Kit
  Read our list of items to keep in a vehicle at all times. A cell phone charger is especially important, because you never know when you are going to get stuck in a winter snowstorm traffic jam. 

read more "A Few Reminders About Winter Driving"

Congratulations To Our Winners!

Every year we purchase a tree from the Festival of Trees. This year, we held a drawing to give away the items that came with the tree, and the tree. Congratulations to all of our winners!

read more "Congratulations To Our Winners!"

Top Six Vehicle Repairs And How To Prevent Them

Below are the top repairs that we see in our shop day after day. By doing a few simple things, you can help prevent these common repairs, and save you a trip to the repair shop:

1. Wiper Transmission or Linkage
   Especially in the Winter time, wiper transmission or linkage is one of the most common vehicle repairs. If you turn on your wipers while heavy snow is on them, it wears on your transmission. To prevent this, turn off your wipers every time you turn off your vehicle. Don't turn them back on until the snow is manually cleared off of your windshield.
2. Charging system
   If the battery is ever ran low, have it charged with a charger. Do not rely on the alternator to do the work. Have your battery tested with the change of seasons, and keep corrosion cleaned off of cables. Know your car and listen to the way it cranks. If there is anything abnormal, have it checked.
3. Fuel pump
   Keep the fuel filter changed at recommended intervals, and always keep your tank above ¼ full.
4. Cooling System
   Cooling system problems can be prevented by checking hoses and testing antifreeze every 3,000 miles. Keep your cooling system flushed at recommended intervals or when the ph changes, or if any signs of contamination is present. Antifreeze needs to be tested for freeze point, PH levels, and on some vehicles the level of nitrites.  Anti-freeze should also be changed at the proper mileage interval.  There are many different types of anti-freeze used according to your specific vehicle, so each vehicle has different mileage intervals.
5. Brakes
   We have many vehicles come in with brake issues.  Brakes are a normal item to wear out, but using them more often or harder than needed will cause them to wear out before they should.  Brake fluid needs to be monitored to make sure it is not wearing down and should be changed at the proper mileage interval.  Brake fluid collects moisture over time and can carry that moisture to the inside of brake parts, allowing them to rust and rupture seals.  When buying brake parts many people do not take into consideration the amount of heat these parts need to withstand.  The engineers of today’s vehicles spend many hours testing and designing every little part they put on cars.  Buying cheap parts that have the correct dimensions, but are built with different materials, is not a very good choice when it comes to brakes.
6. Steering and Suspension
   Steering and Suspension components are another area of vehicles that we commonly repair.  This is also an area that parts, over time, will wear out as a vehicle is driven.  One of the easiest ways to prolong the life of these parts is proper maintenance.  Many vehicle have grease points that need to be lubed every 3,000 miles; some vehicle do not.  All joints that are lubed on a vehicle's steering system do have boots over them to keep dirt and moisture out.  A properly maintained vehicle will have these inspected at every oil change; not many people realize this needs to be done.  Suspension components are designed to handle the weight of a vehicle and everything inside of it.  If a vehicle is carrying more weight than it was designed for, or continually has excess weight inside of it, the suspension will not last as long.  Driving over or through large bumps on a road faster than needed will also cause the suspension to break prematurely.  

If you ever have questions on what your regular intervals of maintenance are, we are happy to look it up for you. Stop by any time during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 6:00pm), or call us at (801) 966-6021.

Do you have an auto repair question for us? We would love to answer it in our blog! Leave a comment on our Facebook page, or email us at contact@ginesautoservice.com. In the subject line, write "question for blog". 

read more "Top Six Vehicle Repairs And How To Prevent Them"

REGISTER NOW! Free Women's Auto Care Workshop

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

Wednesday January 16th 2013
Thursday January 17th 2013 - FULL
6:30pm to 7:00pm - dinner
7:00pm to 9:00pm - workshop, including hands-on activities

(If you are not able to attend these dates, fill out your contact information and we will let you know when the next workshops are scheduled.)

The workshop is free, but you will need to register and reserve your spot in order to attend.

There are many ways to register:
(You only need to do one of these)

• Register online: Click on the date you would like to attend 
• Wednesday January 16th
• Thursday January 17th 
• Print out a flyer HERE, and fax it to (801) 679-4744, or bring it in to our office. We are located at 4261 W 5415 S in Kearns, UT. You can also scan and email it to michelle@ginesautoservice.com. 
• Pick up a flyer in our office and turn it into the service writers at the front desk.
• Call Michelle at (801) 968-1890 to register, or email michelle@ginesautoservice.com. 

To keep the workshops as relaxed and friendly as possible, each workshop will be limited to 35 participants. Our last workshop filled up fast, so register as soon as possible.

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 mechanic
• A question and answer session (so bring all the questions you may have!)
• On-hands vehicle instruction
• Why is maintenance important?
• Why do some people charge $12 for an oil change when others charge $25, and is there a difference?
• How do I know what type of tires I need for my specific vehicle? How do I tell the year tire was made so that I know I am not buying an old tire? How do I know the different quality types for tires?
• How to change a tire
• How to put air in a tire
• What is the most important thing I can do to keep my vehicle running a long time
• 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.

SPECIAL NOTE:
Just to clarify, this is an auto CARE workshop, not an auto REPAIR workshop. For those that want to learn how to do their own repairs, we refer them to community classes such as Granite Peaks, or the Salt Lake Community College. The workshop we are holding is specifically for educating you on taking care of your vehicle, with topics such as those listed above.

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. 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 "REGISTER NOW! Free Women's Auto Care Workshop"

The Story Behind This Year's Christmas Tree

Every year we purchase a tree from the Festival Of Trees to display in our office. This year we are going to give YOU a chance to win the tree and the items that came with it!

The Festival of Trees was inspired 42 years ago by a group of 15 women from along the Wasatch Front.  These women were challenged by Lewis M. Jones, Chairman of the hospital's Men's Endowment Board, to identify a way to raise funds for Primary Childrens' Hospital. Thousands of people join efforts by contributing countless hours and means to give “A Gift of Love" to children.  In 2011, the Festival raised $1,655,931.40 for children at Primary Children's Medical Center.

Most of the trees donated have a story behind the meaning of the tree. Here is the story that came with this year's tree:

By, The Hansen Familiy

This year I lost two great uncles. They both ran ranches, raised beautiful large families, and were true cowboys. Both ranches we would gather peacock feathers, ride horses, and see dragonflies often.

Homer Jones would be 103 years old this December. He was the brother to Lewis Jones (a past Primary Childrens' Hospital board member that originally started the Festival Of The Trees). Homer ran a ranch in southern Utah, and when he was ready to retire, he was kind enough to sell his shares of the ranch to my dad so we could keep the ranch in our family. On his 100th birthday, he told me that "he only golfs 9 holes instead of 18; other than that, it's not hard being 100 years old."

Blane Hickman was 98 when he died this summer. He ran a ranch on the border of Utah and Idaho. He grew up riding horses to school. Once, he hooked up a team of horses for his mom to go to Relief Society. The ladies were all dressed up to go to a church dinner. The horses got spooked and all the ladies ended up in the snow. When my grandma was faced with having to have assisted living, she begged for her brother Blaine because "He would get her out of this place!" He was a great brother too.

God bless the American Cowboy. My great uncles really were great!

Thank you to the Hansen Family for sharing these memories, and donating to the Festival Of Trees. We are honored to continue the memories of these two great men, and remember them this holiday season.  

read more "The Story Behind This Year's Christmas Tree"

ENTER TO WIN Our Christmas Tree and Other Items!

Every year we purchase a tree from the Festival Of Trees to display in our office. This year we are going to give YOU a chance to win the tree and the items that came with it!


The Festival of Trees was inspired 42 years ago by a group of 15 women from along the Wasatch Front.  These women were challenged by Lewis M. Jones, Chairman of the hospital's Men's Endowment Board, to identify a way to raise funds for Primary Childrens' Hospital. Thousands of people join efforts by contributing countless hours and means to give “A Gift of Love" to children.  In 2011, the Festival raised $1,655,931.40 for children at Primary Children's Medical Center.


Stop by our office during regular business hours and enter your name into the drawing. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 19th, and winners will have the 20th and 21st to pick up their items.

We are located at 4261 W 5415 S in Kearns.

Here are the different prize packs that we will be drawing winners for:

"Country Christmas" Tree

Tree skirt included

Cowboy pack:

Cowboy coffee

Horses calendar

George Strait CD

Elvis Presley country CD

Johnny Cash CD

Kitchen Pack:

Decorative bowl

2 bottles of sparkling cider

Horse picture frame

Candle holder

Jar of Hershey's Kisses

Decorative planter

Kitchen towel

Snuggly Pack

Decorative pillow

Soft throw blanket

Happy Holidays plaque

Microwavable cow hot pad pack

Country Christmas Pack:

Large horse plush animal

Country Christmas decorative stacked boxes

Horse shoe bookends

Toy pack:

My Little Pony toy

Cowboy magnets

Pig plush toy

Ornaments

Toy sleigh

Jar filled with snowflake ornaments and more cowboy magnets

Wreath Pack:

Large decorative wreath

Uncle Sam Santa decorative glass figurine

Red horse decorative glass figurine

American flag

Recipe box

3 packs of Christmas cards

2 white cowboy decorative glass figurines

Small decorative wreath

read more "ENTER TO WIN Our Christmas Tree and Other Items!"

Small Business Saturday

Today is Small Business Saturday. Make sure you support small, local businesses.
We are not open today, but will be open on Monday. Come and celebrate Small Business Saturday with us on Monday! 

New Economic Study Shows Local Businesses return 382% more to the SLC Economy than Chain Retailers. Spending just 10% more at local businesses would keep $487 million in the Utah economy each year.

10 Reasons To Shop Local, from Local First Utah:

1. You keep your money in our economy.  Three times more of your money, in fact. Studies show that for every dollar spent in a locally owned business, three times more of that dollar stays in our economy than would be the case with a national retailer.
2. You embrace the character of our community. We wouldn’t want our houses to look like everyone else’s. So why would we want our community to look that way?
3. You create local jobs. 
Local businesses are better than chains at creating more jobs per consumer dollars spent.
4. You help the environment. 
You conserved energy and resources in the form of less fuel for transportation and less packaging.
5. You benefit from our passion and expertise. You are our friends and neighbors and we have a vested interest in knowing how to serve you. We’re passionate and knowledgeable, why not take advantage of it?
6. You keep your tax dollars here. Shopping locally means less corporate infrastructure, and more tax money left available to enhance our community. Also, your spending locally instead of online ensures that your tax dollars are reinvested where they belong- right here in our community!
7. You encourage innovation and product diversity. Whether brick and mortar retail or local online, service providers or manufacturing, local business innovators ensure marketplace diversity. A wider array of choices keeps prices lower over the long term
8. You love your neighbors. 
We know you and you know us. Studies show that local businesses donate to community causes at twice the rate of chains.
9. You keep the American Dream alive. You nurtured entrepreneurship, which is the foundation of our American economy.
10. You make us a destination. 
The more interesting and unique we are as a community, the more we will attract new neighbors and visitors. This benefits everyone!

read more "Small Business Saturday"

2013 Calendars Are Here!

Our 2013 calendars are here, and you can pick them up for FREE at our shop! Stop by during regular business hours, and choose from Beautiful America, Horses, or American West. 

They go fast, so stop by and grab one before they are gone! 

Don't forget that we also have our FREE candle promotion with every oil change!

read more "2013 Calendars Are Here!"

Thanksgiving Road Trip Checklist

♫ "Over the river and through the woods..." ♫

Many of you are leaving on road trips this week. There are a few things you can do before leaving that just take a minute, but will increase your chances of arriving at your destination without any problems.Plan your route and leave a copy of your itinerary with a relative or neighbor.

We are always happy to do a FREE courtesy check of your vehicle for you. Stop by our shop in Kearns at 4261 W 5415 S (84118). You can also call us any time with questions (801) 966-6021.

Remember, if you are in need of roadside assistance, our 2012 customers receive FREE roadside assistance through ACDelco! More details HERE.

Check the following systems on your vehicle:

• Belts, hoses, brakes, lights, engine oil, and coolant. Watch a video about how to check your oil.
• Tire pressure, including the spare. Watch a video about how to check your tire pressure.    Watch a video about importance of properly inflated tires
• Windshield wiper fluid and wiper blade. Watch a video about how to check your windshield washer fluid.
• Have any repairs or vehicle maintenance performed before the trip—see your vehicle's owner's manual for vehicle maintenance schedules.

List of items to have in your vehicle for your road trip:

• Jack, lug wrench, and other tools needed to change a tire.  Watch a video on Quick Tips for changing a tire.
• A working flashlight with extra batteries
• Emergency reflectors
• Sunglasses
• First aid-kit
• Driver's license, vehicle registration and auto and medical insurance cards
• A spare set of vehicle keys. Nothing is worse than locking your keys in your vehicle far from home! Keep the spare set of keys on a designated person at all times!
• A cellular phone or a sign that tells passersby to “Call Police” in case of trouble
• Winter Emergency Kit: View our list of items to keep in your vehicle in case of emergency during the winter months. 

10 Ways You Can Save Gas:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests the following tips to help conserve gas.

1. Go the speed limit. Use cruise control.
   While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph. You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer. NOTE: When driving on wet or icy roads, do NOT use your cruise control! 
2. Drive Sensibly.
   Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.
3. Avoid idling and rush-hour traffic.
   Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.
4. Keep your engine properly tuned.
   Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve your mileage by as much as 40 percent. Find an independent service center near you that sells quality ACDelco parts and can check to see if your engine is properly tuned.
5. Remove junk from the trunk.
   Added weight in your vehicle affects fuel economy, so take unnecessary items out of your trunk. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.
6. Commute to work.
   Stagger your work hours to avoid peak rush hours. Drive your most fuel-efficient vehicle. Consider telecommuting (working from home) if your employer permits it. Take advantage of car pools and ride-share programs. You can cut your weekly fuel costs in half and save wear on your car if you take turns driving with other commuters. Many urban areas allow vehicles with multiple passengers to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, which are typically less congested, further improving your fuel economy.
7. Combine trips.
   Combining errands into one trip saves you time and money. Several short trips taken from a cold start can use twice as much fuel as a longer multipurpose trip covering the same distance when the engine is warm. Trip planning ensures that traveling is done when the engine is warmed up and efficient, and it can reduce the distance you travel.
8. Use the recommended grade of motor oil.
   You can improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1-2 percent. Using 5W-30 in an engine designed for 5W-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1-1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
9. Keep tires properly inflated.
   You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all 4 tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer.
10. Avoid rooftop carriers.
    A roof rack or carrier provides additional cargo space and may allow you to meet your needs with a smaller car. However, a loaded roof rack can decrease your fuel economy by 5 percent. Reduce aerodynamic drag and improve your fuel economy by placing items inside the trunk whenever possible. Avoid carrying unneeded items, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 lbs in the trunk reduces a typical car's fuel economy by 1-2 percent.

FUN FACTS About Thanksgiving:

• Massassoit, friend to the pilgrims, is on display as a statue at the East entrance of the Utah State Capitol.
• The Pilgrim leader, Governor William Bradford, had organized the first Thanksgiving feast in 1621. He invited the neighboring Wampanoag Indians to the feast.
• The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three days.
• Mashed potatoes, pumpkin pies, popcorn, milk, corn on the cob, and cranberries were not foods present on the first Thanksgiving's feast table.
• Lobster, rabbit, chicken, fish, squashes, beans, chestnuts, hickory nuts, onions, leeks, dried fruits, maple syrup and honey, radishes, cabbage, carrots, eggs, and goat cheese are thought to have made up the first Thanksgiving feast.
• The pilgrims didn't use forks; they ate with spoons, knives, and their fingers.
• The annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade tradition began in the 1920's.
• Turkey has more protein than chicken or beef.

read more "Thanksgiving Road Trip Checklist"

2012 Kearns Business Of The Year

Gary accepting the award for
Kearns Business Of The Year 2012

A few weeks ago, Gines Auto Service was awarded the 2012 Kearns Business Of The Year by ChamberWest. 

Thank you so much for this honor!  You can view our award hanging up in our office. We were also mentioned in the Taylorsville/Kearns Journal for receiving this award.

read more "2012 Kearns Business Of The Year"