A Women’s Point of View: We Have Elves!

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

Tis the season when magic happens. All the elves are extra busy making everyone’s wishes and dreams come true, making children’s (and adult children’s) toys, ordinary trees sparkle, wrapping plain boxes in such a way to make us wonder in awe and mystery of what is inside, and filling our homes with smells that make us remember warm and wondrous moments.

Even in the workplace we cannot escape their magic touches. At Cars For Keeps we have elves too. Our main elf has been helping many people easily get those new tires on their cars, since the snow has started to fly through the air. Yes, we have been forced to let go of summer in our hearts and minds, so we may as well gracefully surrender to the romance of falling snow, fireplaces and warm, soft mittens.

Our other elves have been busy helping to rectify the usual cold weather maladies that affect our cars such as dead batteries, broken window seals, heater malfunctions, windshield wipers that leave streaks, and all the other little things that happen when it turns cold. Then there are the major breakdowns and malfunctions that can and do happen. Our elves can do it all on all makes of cars.

Since this is the season for giving here is the tip for the day: Cars For Keeps is giving free oil changes to all active members and immediate family members (spouses and at home children) of all branches of the armed services. It is our way of saying, ‘Thank you for your service’!

Winter Driving Tips for Bald Tires, Light Cars & Other Bad Winter Vehicles

by Marjorie S., Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

We've promoted. We've suggested. We've blogged, tweeted and status updated. We've offered coupons. We've done everything we possibly can to impress the importance of proper winter snow tires on our customers, and you've listened - most of you, that is.

Having been in the auto repair industry for as long as we have, we know that some people are just not going to follow our advice, no matter what we do. Maybe you don't believe you actually NEED snow tires, or maybe you just don't have the money for snow tires in your budget right now. Whatever your reasons for not getting those snow tires installed, this post is for you!

Keep in mind the recommendations below are NOT an encouragement to keep your vehicle unprepared for winter weather. Still, we understand that sometimes "life happens". If you're driving on bald tires for one reason or the other, we at least want you to have the driving knowledge to take what Michigan winters will throw at you.

Winter Driving on Bald Tires

So you're driving on summer tires, bald tires, or perhaps all weather tires. If your vehicle is "compact", it's much more susceptible to skidding around on the ice and getting blown off course by semi trucks. What can you do to drive safely in these conditions?

Slow. Down. It's painfully basic, but it's true. The faster your bald-tired little vehicle goes on slippery snow and ice, the less traction it has. If your car is not equipped for winter, leave yourself more time to get places and drive slowly during inclement road conditions. Sure, it's inconvenient, but it could save your life.


Use lower gears. This especially applies to driving up or down inclines on icy roads; using lower gears can help to give you more traction and maintain a slower, steadier speed.

Never forget road conditions. If you're driving on bald tires during an ice storm, you're probably not going to think about anything else until you've taken the key out of the ignition. If you're driving on old all-weather tires in slushy barely freezing weather, however, you might be tempted to become overconfident and forget about your car's treacherous position. The moment you take your vehicle's traction for granted and brake or steer too hard is the moment you might lose control of the vehicle.

Maintain space between your car and other vehicles. Who cares if you're driving like dear old grandma? Maintaining extra space between the cars around you is an easy way to avoid costly fender benders in town. On the freeway, it's an easy way to avoid a fatal crash.

Don't rely on your brakes. When you're driving on bad tires in bad conditions, avoid the temptation to over-brake at all costs. If your vehicle has little or no traction, braking hard is more likely to cause your car to spin out of control than anything else. At high speeds on the freeway, even braking lightly on ice can cause your brakes to lock and your vehicle to lose control. In these situations, the best way to slow down is to remove your foot from the gas, wait for some deceleration (if you can), then pump the brake pedal slowly and firmly. If you don't have ABS, this can also prevent your wheels from locking.

Drive behind salt trucks. Passing heavy equipment during inclement weather is treacherous in a vehicle equipped with great snow tires. If you're driving a poorly equipped car, do yourself a favor and remain behind salt trucks as long as you can. Sure, you'll probably get where you're going late, and your car will definitely need an undercarriage wash, but you'll avoid a potentially bad accident.

If your vehicle is medium to heavy duty truck with rear or four wheel drive, toss heavy items such as bricks or old summer tires in the back. Even if your tires are bald, the extra weight should help to give you a little much-needed traction.

Safe driving! (and remember: it's not too late to get snow tires installed...)

new motrsports | car modification design | 2011 Ferrari SA Aperta

Ferrari exhibited during the 2010 Paris International Motor Show their limited SA Aperta (only 80 have been produced). This is in line with the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Pininfarina. SA Aperta enjoys Ferrari’s signature V12 front engine. The aerodynamics of Asperta is outstanding because of the well positioned windscreen. The fact that Aperta stoops lower to the ground adds to its compactness. Aperta has a revamped chassis to assure a standard firmness similar to a Berlinetta. The weight of the chassis has also been reduced to deliver a high, dynamic performance.

The outline of the seats is cunningly emulated by the Aperta’s profile that curves back from the A-post up to the two aerodynamic fins. Ferrari has one of the most innovative technologies when it comes to exceptional driving experience. This has been integrated in the Aperta when it marvelously exemplifies the sporty impression of the Ferrari 599 via the 670 CV engine underneath its bonnet.

new motorsport modification | Audi GT3 Sports Car Race Car

The new The Audi GT3 R8 sports car is a race car that will enter into some of the great races of the world sometime next year.









Power for the Audi GT3 has been boosted to 500hp and the engineers digged deep into the technics to conform with GT3 standards. The four-wheel-drive system had to be replaced with a more conventional GT rear-wheel drive system and it is also equipped with a newly developed six-speed sports sequential gear box.



The Audi GT3 is a super sports car indeed.

motorsports |car modification | new car auto show | New Stratos GT2 preview

The New Stratos project will feature a GT2 racing version, currently being developed by Italian company Danisi. The car has been previewed by a detailed scale model produced by Amalgam.

According to ItaliaSpeed, the racing version was proposed by Michael Stoschek to Turin-based Danisi Engineering, a race engineering firm with a motorsport background.



The first images of the Stratos GT2 version are the photos of a detailed 1-8th scale model produced by model maker Amalgam.

The model, characterized by the iconic “Light Blue” color, shows the main differences with the “conventional” model, including the rear wing, the new air outlets, positioned above the front fenders and at the rear, and a new “grilled” rear window, inspired by one of the trademark styling elements of the original Stratos.

Additional racing-purposed details are the clam shell fasteners, a quick release fuel filler cap and a reduced ride height.

The 1:8 scale model can be purchased online for £3,250.

A Women’s Point of View: The Rush Has Begun

by Colette Cooley, Cars for Keeps Office Manager

It’s official. The Holidays that we all know and love are in full swing. The cooking, the cleaning for all the company, the shopping, the chauffeuring, the decorating, etc., etc., etc. You are Woman! We hear you roar!

I notice every year at Cars For Keeps that we see fewer women this time of year. We do get to meet their husbands, their teenagers, even their fathers and brothers. Good recruiting and delegating ladies. Our hats are off to you for knowing that your car’s mechanical health is very important this time of year when you are running here and there and everywhere. You think and plan ahead to have that oil change, those brakes checked and fixed and those inspections done to head off any potential trouble. There is nothing worse than getting up at 3AM to get to that store for those great bargains and then finding out your battery is dead. You get ten points for stress reduction.

Winter driving tip for the day: steering wheel covers. Get the kind that have material and bumps on them. The material keeps your steering wheel from getting so cold that your hands ache and the bumps give you a good grip when turning corners. How many times have your hands slipped, especially if you are wearing mittens? Oddly enough, the bumpy parts do not get that cold, so you can take off those bulky mittens with the hand warmers and stay comfortably in control of that steering wheel. The only bad part is getting the cover onto the steering wheel, but it is worth the trouble. Oh, and be sure to color coordinate.!

Winter Snow Tires: Two Tires or Four?

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

Well, as anyone who was traveling in West Michigan over the Thanksgiving holiday knows, winter weather driving is officially here! We may not all love the snow, but it's here to stay, and our vehicles need to be prepared.

Some drivers may opt to only put snow tires on two wheels - front or back, depending on where the drivetrain is located - in an attempt to save money. While this may seem like a good idea from a non-mechanic's point of view, the truth is that only using two snow tires instead of four may barely improve your vehicle's handling in inclement positions. In rear wheel drive vehicles, using snow tires only on the back end may actually cause less control than no snow tires at all.


But don't take our word for it. Take a look at these two winter tire demonstration videos put out by the Automobile Protection Association:

Rear Wheel Drive Snow Tires


Front Wheel Drive Snow Tires


So which brand of snow tires is best for your vehicle? We carry many brands winter tires which fit a range of budgets. Of course, we prefer the performance of some brands and models more than others, but the important thing is to HAVE snow tires on all four of your vehicle's wheels. To price out snow tires for your car, give us a call at 616-846-1989 or stop by the shop.

Safe driving!

Honda Helix Adapts and Reacts To Specific Environments And Traffic Patterns

The Honda Helix concept with advanced adaptive polymers can change its shape, color and even material properties when required. The three distinct conformations of Helix are A, B and Z. The car is short and wide when it is in “A” status for lighter and intertwining road system cities where the vehicle can run fast. “B” is low and long Helix for sprawling cities where long distances are allowed for high speed voyage. For congested cities, the tall and thin “Z” model comes in where occupants seat vertically on two levels. The use of flexible and renovating multi-functioning parts, this car can react to particular environments and traffic conditions by changing the orientation for optimal user functionality and environmental operation.

The Honda Helix is a vehicle capable of adapting, evolving, and conforming to user needs anywhere in the world. Using insight gained from the human genome, biotechnology, and environmental forecasting, the Honda Helix will actively and dynamically conform to the user’s needs, in environments ranging from the congested skies of Japan, to the wide open roads of America.

(Click image for bigger view)

Honda Air : A Vision Of The Future Vehicle For Aggresive Lifestyle

Honda Air gives you a vision of the future lightweight and alternative fuel performance vehicle for the aggressive lifestyle. Just like its name, this vehicle is powered by a compressed air and pneumatic regulator system, it was inspired by the modern roller coaster as well as skydiving wing-suits. As you can see Air’s cockpit has been designed to provide the passengers maximum open air experience. In order to reduce weight and increase dynamic performance, a hub-less wheel and drive system eliminates the use of heavy drive train components. Glass reinforced seating panels, urethane tire composition and skeletal sub-frame components combine for drastic weight savings. Using a Honda generator / air compressor at home or tire filler at your local filling station, the main tanks and reserves can be filled quickly and safely.

Designer : Honda

Air utilizes turbo vacuums and external air-flow to regenerate tank pressure for extended range and increased boost for an estimated 100 miles. The chassis doubles as the master tank and all components, including seating, are mounted to the central chassis/tank to eliminate redundant structure and reduce overall weight.

Honda Air is very light, at just under 800 lbs., the powerful anthem of pneumatic propulsion and a character unlike any zero-emission vehicle exemplifies Honda’s concept of fun to drive.

A Women’s Point of View: Fuel Additives Can Be Good

A few weeks ago I talked about how to lessen your visits to the dreaded gas station. Additives were briefly mentioned as one way to keep your car running at its peak performance.

I have been requested to write more about these additives, so I did some research. Speaking to the experts on the subject, I have learned that there is good news and not so good news in regards to fuel additives. The not so good news is that most gasoline additives are pretty much worthless. The good news is that there are a couple of additives that actually do some good for your car’s engine. It's a good thing we have auto experts on hand who can tell us which ones!

The first is called Sea Foam. Yes. I agree, it is a pretty silly name for your big strong car that really doesn’t run in or on the sea. But as a gasoline additive it cleans the car’s fuel system and is very stable when used, especially if you are storing your vehicle. Best used at intervals of two or three times a year. Another good additive to use is Stabil, for storing your vehicle. It helps to keep your gasoline fresh. An additive called 44K is something we use at Cars For Keeps to keep gasoline fresh and cleans the fuel injectors.

All of these are helpful for getting the most for your money at the gas pump. Here is the last, but best, hint of all; nothing is better than a knowledgeable, well-trained mechanic looking after your vehicle at regular maintenance intervals. Almost like having a ‘mechanic in a bottle’.

Save driving!

2011 Cadillac CTS Pictures

2011 Cadillac CTS

2011 Cadillac CTS

2011 Cadillac CTS Interior

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An Interview with Michael: About Brakes, Part II

by Colette Cooley, Cars For Keeps Office Manager

Last week Michael told us about all the extra service he performs each time he installs brakes on a car. When asked what each of us can do to get the optimal performance from our brakes and make them last, this is his surprising answer.

“Worn out suspension – struts and shocks in the front play a major role. Most of the braking comes from the front brakes. When you have a hard stop the front of the car does a ‘nose dive’, causing the front brakes to do most of the work. Cars are set up now so that 75% to 80% of the pressure is on the front brakes and 25% on the rear brakes. So the front brakes wear out faster than the rear brakes, and a worn out suspension can cause warpage from heat build-up on the brake rotors.

Also, the way we use our brakes can make a difference in the longevity of our brakes. A ‘hard stop’ is when you press down hard on the brakes for a quick stop. A ‘soft stop’ is when you lightly apply pressure to the brakes for a longer, slower stop. ‘Soft stops’ cause less friction on the suspension and rotors and help the brakes and suspension have a longer life.”

In conclusion: Having a lead foot on the gas is not only bad for us at the gas station, but can also make the investment in new brakes come sooner than we would like.

Thanks to Michael for his expertise and helping us do what we do best at Cars For Keeps!

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS V8 Pictures

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS V8

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS V8

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS V8 Interior

Independent Auto Repair vs. Dealership Auto Repair: 5 Things to Consider

by Marjorie Steele, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

"Your dealership alternative" is becoming a familiar slogan among independent auto repair shops. To be sure, independent auto repair shops - like Cars for Keeps - would like to drink some of that warrantied service milkshake, but it's not just a ploy to steal business from auto dealerships. More and more vehicle owners are actively looking for better customer service, better prices and more comprehensive repair service than auto dealerships offer.

There are many factors to weigh when choosing between auto dealership repair service and service provided by independent repair centers. In some cases, the similarities between the two may be very close, making it difficult for vehicle owners to choose. To make matters worse, a lot of misinformation has been spread to consumers about warranties, cost and parts availability.

If you, a friend or family member is struggling to choose between auto dealership service and independent repair service, we encourage you to take the following into consideration:

Vehicle warranty. Contrary to popular belief, vehicle owners have the legal right to choose anyone to be their auto repair service provider to perform services not covered under warranty, without risking losing their warranty. There will always be some services and recall-related repairs which auto dealerships can offer at a lower cost (or for free) under warranty, but these are limited, especially as the vehicle ages.

Additionally, standard dealership warranties usually expire after 12 months or 12,000 miles; highly certified independent auto repair centers (like Cars for Keeps) can often offer extended parts and labor warranties which cover terms as long as 3 years.

OEM parts. Quality independent auto repair shops like Cars for Keeps have access to the same original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts auto dealerships do; independent repair shops are often able to get OEM parts from less expensive suppliers than dealer direct, passing those cost savings down to the customer. Also, OEM parts may not always be the best solution for auto repair, and they are certainly not always the most cost-effective, yet OEM parts are the only parts auto dealerships offer. Independent dealerships offer car owners a range of parts brands, allowing car owners to cut expenses by choosing non-OEM parts, if they need to.

Labor cost. Auto dealerships and independent repair shops track their technician's hours differently; dealerships tend to standardize allotted work time, offering technicians incentive to finish jobs more quickly. Independent repair shops typically track technician work by actual hours, passing along cost savings to the customer. Independent repair shops as a whole generally offer labor at 20% less than dealerships.

Technician experience. Last but not least, auto technician experience is a very important factor when it comes to auto repair. Auto dealership technicians receive highly specialized training specific to the auto brands the dealership sells. This gives dealership technicians firm expertise on a handful of auto brands, but it also means that technicians lack expert knowledge of other brands, hindering their breadth of expertise. Highly qualified independent auto technicians are cross-trained to work on a wide spectrum of vehicles, and for technicians who work at AAA approved, Bosch and NAPA Certified independent repair centers, their level of mechanical training and knowledge is quite extensive. Experienced independent repair technicians often develop better problem solving skills as a result of their diverse experience, allowing them to fix vehicles faster, more permanently and more thoroughly.

Of course, we at Cars for Keeps are biased towards independent auto repair, so if you're still skeptical, we encourage you to try making the comparison yourself. If you do, be sure to drop us a line and tell us about your experience!