Protector Plates – Protecting what?

by Rob Hopp, Cars for Keeps Owner

Not only does the array of panels under your vehicle protect the more delicate components from exposure to rocks, sticks and other elements, they also make it much more difficult for critters to get into places that could be fatal...

We often find protection plates missing or damaged. Rarely does the client have any idea they were there or missing. Though usually the result of impact, too many times it is a result of improper installation or ethically worse, failure to reinstall them at all!

I have to admit, they can be a pain to get back on right. My opinion and experience has shown that many minimum wage quickie lube type employees either presume you’ll never know or are discouraged from taking too much time trying to get them back on right. You may not realize that these are NOT mechanics. No state or national certification is required, or even encouraged, as mechanics are.

Cars for Keeps is recognized by:

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) as a Blue Seal Of Excellence Facility.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) as a AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility

The Robert Bosch Corporation as a Bosch Authorized Car Service Company.

How to Prevent Cold-Weather Stalls: Winterizing your Battery

by Mike, Cars for Keeps Mechanic

Hunting season is fast approaching, and that means it is time to at least start THINKING about winterizing your vehicle. Have you ever jumped inside your car to head to work in the morning to find your car will not start? It's happened to the best of us, but there are a few simple things you can do to help prevent this scenario from happening to you this winter.

Something to keep in mind is that our car's battery loses about a third of its starting power when the temps dip down into the 30's. In addition, our driving habits in the winter make it less likely the alternator will be able to fully recharge our car battery as we drive. For example, we tend to drive less often and we drive shorter distances in the winter, we constantly run the defrost and we are using our headlights more than in the warmer months - all putting a larger load on the alternator.

So what can you do?

1) Take a Peek Under the Hood: Have your battery checked before winter hits to make sure your terminals are tight and your battery is not corroded. (Stop in at Cars For Keeps & We'll do it FREE!)

2) Turn "Stuff" Off: Turn off your blowers and accessories when you turn off your car so there isn't as large of a load on your battery when you go to start your vehicle again. Turn your headlights on after you start your vehicle, NOT before.

3) Park Inside: Park your vehicle in a garage if you have one. This will help keep the battery somewhat warmer.

4) Pay Attention to Your Headlights: Do they dim and brighten on occasion? If so, stop by Cars4Keeps and one of our technicians can test your alternator for you.

5) Listen to Your Vehicle Start: Do you notice your car is having trouble turning over (starting), but once it is running everything seems normal? This may indicate that your battery has a low charge, weak connection or strater getting ready to leave you walking.

The last thing any of us need this winter is to be stranded somewhere with flakes swirling around us and a car that refuses to start. Be proactive and take winterizing your vehicle seriously this year. While there is more to it than batteries and alternators, a quick stop into Cars4Keeps is all you need to get your car in top winter condition.

See you soon,
Mike

2010 Saab 9-5 Design Review

The new 9-5 is about to hit the US market and it looks pretty good thanks in part to it's new owner.

Fresh off the sales floor Saab is in the hands of super car maker Koenigsegg and is free from GM. One of the first cars to be redesigned back to Swedish standards is the 2010 9-5. The car has an updated, stylish and sporty look.

Though, how is the new 9-5 design differentiate itself from the old one?

In 2006 Saab redesigned the 9-5 in a bold manner. The front headlights had darker casings installed making the 9-5 look more aggressive and metal trim was installed. The taillights were not only redesigned but were also reshaped. Though, the interior still had the GM dash and it didn't quite match the exterior.

2010 9-5

The new redesign is even more bold than the previous and looks stylishly futuristic without going overdoing it (a lesson learned by the lead designer of the 2002 BMW 7 ) The car sits lower to the ground and is more aerodynamic than the previous model.

The back of the car is where the design really sets itself apart from the old 9-5 design. It really doesn't look like a Saab from the back. Previous models did a good job of gradually changing the design to look updated but still like a 9-5.

The new design takes a leap from the older designs and wipes to board clean. This will be a good thing in a few years but right now it's hard for me to get used to the new rear. It looks like a Lexus LS, but it will grow with time like the front end redesign of the 2006 9-5.




The taillights have an interesting inspiration behind the design. Saab designer, Simon Padian explains the lights "have an ice like character that reflects our Scandinavian heritage." They do look a bit like ice when turned off, imaginative. Plus the wraparound taillight bar is reminiscent of the 96-97 Saab 900.

Plus, they have an nice LED ambient lighting effect that may upstage Audi's lighting effects. The headlight has a single headlight which accentuates the shape of the headlights.

The interior is designed in typical Saab fashion; sporty and simple.

The new look is a good mix of familiar design cues and new inspired design without overdoing it, it may take a little getting used to the back though.

A Woman’s Point of View: A Tribute to the Customer

by Colette Cooley, Cars For Keeps Office Manager

We have the most wonderful customers in the world. The excitement of waiting for your car to be worked on ranks somewhere between going to the dentist and watching paint dry. You know - the “good news/bad news” syndrome. But mostly, it is just plain boring. Every person who comes into the waiting area adds something quite special to the space they occupy and gives off their own unique charge of energy to the whole room.

There is the businessperson who closes deals on their cell phone. The mother with two young children who got maybe 3 hours of sleep last night, gently reading or singing to her fussy babies. The young entrepreneur who is madly working on his laptop, making all the pieces fit into his new, fledgling endeavor. The author, who is writing the next chapter in his head and mentally is a million miles away. The sportswoman, who has too much energy to sit and wait and finally jumps up and out the door to take a “small” 3 mile run. The retirees, who have all the time in the world and a treasure trove of wisdom to share with anyone wise enough to listen. The woman who quietly sits and knits newborn baby caps she donates to the hospital. She also brings us the best Banana Bread you ever tasted in your life. Every person met in a day has something positive to bring into our lives. Seize the opportunity.

Black Friday, Christmas Prep and Car Trivia

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

Now that most of us have recovered from celebrating - or attempting to drown out - Thanksgiving, we turn our attention immediately towards the next big landmark: Christmas. I'm sure many of you have taken advantage of what the consumer market has dubbed "Cyber Monday"; most reports from the auto sector reported that auto sales were strong for Black Friday this year, a good sign for the coming fiscal year.

It's been a common mantra of ours here at the shop since early November, but it remains true: now is a good time to make sure your vehicles are in good working condition. Before the snow hits the roads, before inevitable holiday travel, before you turn on your windshield wipers to find that they are too old to work. As incentive, we're running several winter specials, including10% off all European model repairs (interpret that however you wish) and 15% off returning customers who have left a positive review on our Merchant Circle or Superpages listings. Piece of cake.

Rob will guest post on Monday with some sage advice on seasonal "Pit Stops". For now, let's relax with a few items of car trivia.

1. Industry experts believe one of every 25 air bags that have been deployed have not been properly replaced. They're also the most stolen item from a vehicle (having surpassed radios)

2. Nearly half the used vehicles on the market come with air conditioning.

3. Windshield wipers were invented by a woman (as were all smart things!).

4. The first product Motorola started to develop was a record player for automobiles. At the time, the most known player on the market was the Victrola, so they called themselves Motorola.

5. One seventh of the new auto/truck sales in the US are in Southern California (and half of those are purchased by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger).

6. The first speeding ticket was issued in 1902 (for going 24 miles an hour, 4 miles over the speed limit).

7. In 1923, 173 new inventions by women for cars had been reported. Among these inventions were a carburetor and an electric engine starter.

8. The first car radio was invented in 1929.

9. Most American car horns beep in the key of F.

10. About half the cars that are flood damaged end up back on the road. As far as Hurricane Katrina is concerned, estimates are that about 200,000 vehicles were dried out and resold.

Happy Christmas shopping!

Used Car Fun Facts

by Kevin, Cars for Keeps Mechanic

Hello folks, it's Dr. Auto. I thought I would share some fun used car facts with you. If you have any strange or delightful facts of your own, feel free to share! The Dr. always loves to recieve more knowledge. Enjoy these facts:

1. Three out of four automotive transactions in the U.S. involve previously owned vehicles.

2. The average vehicle will likely have three owners in its lifetime.

3. The most frequently searched price range for a used vehicle is under $5,000.

4. There are more used Silverado pickup trucks for sale than any other model (nearly 120,000 throughout the U.S.)

5. Texas has more used vehicles than any other state (more than 220,000); Houston alone has more than 32,000 on the market at any given time.

6. Silver is the most available color in the used vehicle market -- more than 447,000 vehicles, followed by black (429,000), white (409,000), and red (321,000). Blue (309,000) and gray (277,000) are also aplenty. The color you're least likely to find? Pink, with just 249 used vehicles listed.

7. Age does appear to matter, at least when it comes to a used vehicle. Nearly half those listed at any one time (about 1.5 million) are model years 2007-2008.

8. Automatic transmissions outnumber manual 10 to 1 in the market for used vehicles.

9. Six cylinder vehicles are the most popular on the used car market, accounting for nearly a third of the total available (and roughly the combined total of both four cylinder and eight cylinder powered vehicles).

10. The automobile is the most recycled consumer product in the world today.

As always, when considering purchasing a "new" used car, make sure the vehicle is in sound mechanical condition. If the dealer or seller doesn't have recent diagnostics, you always can ask to have the car inspected by a third party.

Safe Driving and Healthy Cars,

Dr. Auto

Preparing Your Car for Winter

by Robert, Cars for Keeps Mechanic

Like it or not, winter is just around the corner. You may not want to talk about it yet, I know that I sure don't, yet that is one of the more important jobs I have: making sure your vehicle is fully prepared for the next challenge.

Whether you are storing your vehicle over the winter or plan on using it to forge through the snow and ice, there are some key preventative maintenance steps you should take to make sure your vehicle is ready for the colder temperatures.

Your engine coolant is one of the most important things to have checked before the first snowfall. Coolant not only "cools" the engine but it also keeps the water mixture from freezing. When water freezes, it also expands. Fill a glass with ice cubes and let it sit overnight. In the morning when you wake up you can see how far the size was actually reduced. Imagine forming ice inside your engine with those very small passages interweaving through the block and heads. Now imagine that complex system now expanding. WOW, what a sight that is! When this happens, its pretty safe to say that the auto maintenance repair bill is extremely high!

So check your coolant, and if your unsure, bring it to Cars For Keeps and we'll make sure its OK. Oh, and in case you are concerned, we don't charge our clients for checking fluids, tire pressure or other simple (what we call) "no wrench required" type services.

To prepare and prevent is effort well spent. Until next time!

How to Find the Perfect Mechanic - for the Ladies!

by Colette Cooley

Office Manager Cars For Keeps

How does a woman find her “perfect car guy”? Let’s face it, a lot of repair shop service techs and mechanics think we women don’t know anything about cars and we will believe anything they tell us.

Well, this may be true, but we don’t want to be treated that way. We may be ignorant about car repair, but we are not dumb. With a little detective sleuthing, you too, can find your “perfect car guy”. Ask. Women. Girlfriends, co-workers, neighbors, career women, stay-at-home moms, cashiers, bank tellers, etc. Where do they have their cars maintained and repaired? What do they like about that place? What don’t they like about it? Do they have delivery service? Are they treated with respect? Are they kid friendly? Is the waiting room comfortable and inter-active? Are the mechanics ASE Certified? (That last question is very important. The answer should be yes.)

Is the service manager concerned with your schedule, your budget, and your wants and needs concerning your car? How do they handle emergencies? What makes this car repair place stand out from all the rest?

Then there are the all important things we women want to know. Are the guys cute? What color is the building? Is the bathroom clean? Can you bring something to snack on and/or do they have complimentary drinks and snacks? Do the people there have a sense of humor so having your car worked on can – dare I say it – actually be fun!!!

As I was reading Colette's post, I mentally checked off each of her requirements for female-friendly car service, and I have to say that Cars for Keeps meets every single one! As a woman (who obstinately refuses to learn how to change oil), I give Cars for Keeps five stars for being female-friendly! - Marjorie, Social Media Marketing Manager

Maintaining Proper Air Tire Pressure has Big Benefits

by Kevin, Cars for Keeps Mechanic

This is Dr. Auto with a car car care tip for everyone. One the most overlooked types of preventive maintenance for your vehicle is tire pressure (keeping air in your tires).

By maintaining the correct tire pressure you will increase the life of your tires and they will wear evenly and give you the correct traction for wet/snow and dry conditions. Low tire pressure can also lead to a loss of gas mileage!

You can pick up a tire pressure gauge at Cars For Keeps (free if we have your e-mail address), most gas stations or any Napa Parts Store.

Most vehicles will have the correct tire pressure printed in your owners manual ( the untouched book stored in most glove boxes) or along the inside of one of your door frames.

Any vehicle after 2007 has to have a TPM (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) installed in the vehicle according to the Tread Act. So when you see your tire light come on, check the air in your tires or bring your vehicle to Cars For Keeps for assistance.

Safe Driving and Healthy Cars,

Dr. Auto

The Crew at Cars for Keeps Kicks Off A New Automotive Blog

Welcome to KeeptheCar.com!

Some auto shops offer mechanical expertise and some offer quality customer service, but seldom are these combined into the kind of comprehensive service you'll find at Cars for Keeps. As past and present customers of this Grand Haven, Michigan automotive shop will tell you, the crew at Cars for Keeps is not only qualified to service a broad range of European, Asian and American models (Volkswagen and Honda owners, look no further!), but they are also committed to providing the best all-around customer care in the industry.

As proof of their devotion to preventative maintenance and customer education, the entire crew has volunteered to take part in the company's new automotive blog here at KeeptheCar.com. They'll be blogging three times each week on automotive tips, advice, how-tos and stories from around the shop. As you might expect from an automotive garage, the crew is quite a group of characters. Each team member will contribute a unique perspective, from sales and customer service to master mechanic brake drum pet peeves. Let's meet the team:

Customer Service Manager Dennis Sweet

Owner and Manager Rob Hopp

Colette, the office manager (and token female presence in the shop) was camera shy, but will be contributing anecdotes and repair stories regularly.

And the shop mechanics:

Mike

Robert

Robert was kind enough to star in the shop's first YouTube video. "We fix your cars...for keeps!"

So stick around, subscribe, and stay tuned for tips, tricks and zaniness from West Shore Michigan's premiere auto repair shop.

2010 Mercedes E-Class Review

The newly restyled Mercedes E-Class has rolled out onto showroom floors all around America and is turning heads with its new style for 2010.

Mercedes has always been a style leader and technological innovator in the luxury cars market. Free from Chrysler now Mercedes Benz has restyled the E-Class is a modern and artistic way that is sure to set some standards for the S and C-Class' of the future.

Personally, I love the look of the new E-Class and think it does a good job of changing without changing too drastically and looking like a different car.

The new E-Class blends styling from the past with new styling of tomorrow. For example, the rear fender lines mimic the fender lines found on the original E-Class from the 1960's.

Here's a video of the lead designer explaining design philosophy:


"The redesigned midlevel luxury sedan promises blissful comfort and panache. While this might seem like nothing new for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan, the updated 2010 model impresses with slightly larger dimensions, sharper bodylines, more high-tech safety technology and a lower starting price than the 2009 model.



Slightly larger inside and out, the E-Class sedan competes against such premium models as the BMW 5 Series, Infiniti M, and Cadillac CTS. Sitting an inch lower to the ground, Sport sedans have squared-off exhaust tips, "twist" rocker panels and a grille with three horizontal bars, above a massive air intake. Luxury-model grilles contain four bars, with a smaller air intake.

Interiors feature an abundant selection of hand-polished burl walnut wood. The sedan's gearshift lever has moved from the floor console to the steering column, operated electronically. Five-level Ambient Lighting, taken from S-Class sedans, aims to reduce eyestrain. E550 Sport sedans have a three-spoke steering wheel with thumb notches (optional for E350 Sport), versus a plain four-spoke wheel for other models. Seats are 14-way power-adjustable.



Heading the list of safety features is newly standard Attention Assist, a drowsiness monitor that tries to alert a dozing driver. Steering-angle sensors consider more than 70 variables, starting with your profile, over the first 20 minutes of driving. An audible warning is accompanied by display of a coffee-cup icon. Standard enhanced Pre-Safe Braking can provide partial or full-power braking in emergencies. Nine airbags are standard, including driver's knee and pelvic bags.

Additional safety items are optional. Radar-based Distronic Plus maintains a pre-set distance from the car ahead, working like an "invisible rubber band," according to Bernhard Glaser, general manager for product management. Night Vision Assist Plus recognizes pedestrians ahead, using twin infrared beams. Adaptive Highbeam Assist provides the best possible illumination, reaching up to 1000 feet ahead. Lane Keeping Assist uses a camera above the windshield to analyze lines in road, delivering three steering-wheel vibrations when the car begins to leave its path. Blind Spot Assist monitors the area 10 feet back and 10 feet to the side.


Today's Mercedes-Benz sedans are lighter on their feet than those from a few years back, while roomy and comfortable for long-distance treks. On reasonably smooth surfaces, occupants of an E550 Luxury sedan can barely discern bumps and other road imperfections. Even when a jolt occurs, it's stifled virtually instantly, transmitting minimal annoyance to the interior.

Mercedes-Benz offers U.S. buyers a choice of two engines, both available in either Luxury or Sport trim level. In E550 sedans, a 5.5-liter V-8 again develops 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque, driving a seven-speed automatic transmission. E350 sedans contain a 3.5-liter V-6, still rated at 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet.

Estimated fuel economy is 18/25 miles per gallon (city/highway) for V-6 models, and 16/23 mpg for E550 sedans. Mercedes-Benz's transmission can skip as many as three gear ratios when downshifting, depending on the situation. A Hold function prevents "creep" at stoplights. Instead of coil springs, an Airmatic air suspension is installed on all V-8 sedans.

Transmission downshifts with the V-8 engine are not only impressively smooth, they happen promptly. Gear changes are hardly discernible. Expect assertive, refined acceleration at any speed. On certain surfaces, one Luxury sedan experienced slight steering-wheel vibration; other models felt fine.


Luxury-sedan steering feels too light and slow-responding to suit some drivers, so that sedan doesn't feel wholly comfortable on curves, or even some straight-aways. Shoppers who favor the most confident control might prefer a Sport V-8, which sticks to the pavement with greater tenacity. Steering feels a tad tauter, more in accord with directional changes.

As expected, response is more ordinary in a V-6 model: sufficiently strong, but lacking the V-8's finesse. Still, the V-8 commands a hefty extra cost. In any version, seats keep you neatly in place. Front space is ample all around, though headroom could be a tad higher. The center controller knob isn't easy to make out, but must be studied.

On sale since June '09, the rear-wheel-drive 2010 E350 sedan has a Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price of $48,600 (plus $875 destination charge). That's actually $4,600 lower than the equivalent 2009 model. Choosing an E550 raises the tariff to $56,300; plus another $2,500 if you want 4Matic all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive sedans go on sale in September, followed in November by the superstar 518-horsepower E63 AMG sedan. Mercedes-Benz also intends to introduce a BlueTec diesel sedan next spring.

AutoMedia boasts more than 60,000 pages of original articles, including more than 2,100 features researched and written by leading automotive experts, covering car buying, maintenance and technology. For automotive advice you can trust, read more about the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan, including the latest pricing, rebates and incentives, photo galleries and more, along with details on all Mercedes-Benz Models."