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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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

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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!

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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. 

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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!

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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.

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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.

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