A mandatory read before you face the next conversation with your mechanic.

Jim Murphy
Automotive Industry Coach

Every owner should become familiar with Mike's list of acronyms and be alert to the
dashboard warning lights.
BRENT TYRRELL
Owner. TLC Daily Rental
Little Rock Arkansas

The information Mike provides should be taught in every school in America.
Bob Cooper
President, Elite Worldwide, Inc.
San Diego, CA.
Thanks to Mike, we are now at 475,119 miles on the original engine & transmission!
Yes, I said 475k!!
Shirley Scott
Little Rock, AR
I trust Mike and his staff completely.
John E. Barnes
Financial Advisor, Customer of
Parkway Automotive

Start%Me%Up%
A%Practical%Guide%
To%Understanding%Your%Vehicle%
Mike%Davidson%
The%Auto%Guy%
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Start%Me%Up%
A%Practical%Guide%
To%Understanding%Your%Vehicle%

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What%Youll%Learn%By%Reading%This%Book:%
%

Car%Care%Basics%
Tips%on%Buying%A%Vehicle%
The%Truth%About%Extended%Warranties%
A%How%To%Section%%
How%The%Auto%Guy%Got%Started%

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Start%Me%Up%
A"Practical"Guide""
To"Understanding"Your"Vehicle"

First%Printing:%July%2013%

Permission1to1reproduce1or1transmit1in1any1form1or1by1
any1means,1electronic1or1mechanical,1including1
photocopying1and1recording,1or1by1an1information1
storage1and1retrieval1system,1must1be1obtained1by1
contacting1the1author1at1501B821B6111.1
ISBN1#1978B0B9883878B4B31
The1Auto1Guy1
Parkway1Automotive1
7081Kirk1Road1
Little1Rock,1AR11111111 111
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722231
(501)1821B61111

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1Copyright120131by1Mike1Davidson11111
All1Rights1Reserved1
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%Endorsements"
%
%
Congratulations,%Mike,%on%writing%a%book%that%
needed%to%be%writtenbut%more%importantly,%that%needs%
to%be%read.%%This%is%a%tough%subject%for%the%majority%of%
vehicle%owners,%but%the%fact%is%you%can't%ignore%your%daily%
ride%(your%vehicle).%%Current%vehicles%are%packed%with%
computers,%electronics%and%warning%lights%that%often%make%
funny%noises,%flash%important%messages%and%may%slow%your%
vehicle%down%or%prevent%you%from%starting%your%engine.%%
%%
%
Current%technology%has%made%servicing%your%own%
vehicle%far%too%complex%for%the%average%guy,%but%not%for%
the%"Auto%Guy".%%I%have%known%Mike,%the%"Auto%Guy",%for%
years%and%his%history%and%passion%revolve%around%customer%
service.%%I%am%the%owner%of%TLC%Daily%Rental,%and%I%have%
owned%in%excess%of%a%thousand%vehicles%in%the%last%twenty%
(20)%years.%%Times%have%changed,%vehicles%have%changed%
and%maintenance%schedules%have%changed;%but%Mike%has%
kept%pace%with%industry%standards,%which%include%
technician%training%and%the%need%for%improved%customer%
service.%%%
%%
%
While%reading%Mike's%book%I%became%aware%of%
vehicle%service%requirements%and%information%about%the%
dashboard%warning%system%that%I%did%not%previously%know.%%
Every%owner%should%become%familiar%with%Mike's%list%of%
acronyms%and%be%alert%to%the%dashboard%warning%lights.%%
%
%
%
Taking%ownership%of%your%vehicle%is%a%must%(and%
means%more%than%simply%having%your%name%on%the%title)%
and%calling%the%"Auto%Guy"%can%provide%your%ride%with%the%
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care%it%deserves.%Proper%scheduled%maintenance%will%
normally%keep%the%warning%light%off.%%Be%responsible__
read%this%book!%
%%
!
!
Brent!Tyrrell!!
!
!
Owner!TLC!Daily!Rental!
!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!Little!Rock!Arkansas!
!
%
%
%
Mike%Davidson;%The%Auto%Guy,%is%a%great%coach%for%
those%who%are%intrigued%about%vehicle%repair%and%
maintenance.%His%insightful%laymans%review%of%vehicle%
components%and%upkeep%can%help%every%vehicle%owner%feel%
more%empowered%to%converse%with%their%transportation%
professional.%This%is%a%mandatory%read%before%you%face%the%
next%conversation%with%your%mechanic.%%
%
%

%
%

Jim%Murphy%
Automotive%Industry%Coach%%

%
%
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%
Over%the%years%I%have%read%hundreds%if%not%
thousands%of%books,%and%I%must%say,%this%is%one%that%is%a%
must_read.%Not%only%is%it%a%great%insight%as%to%how%a%world_
class%auto%repair%shop%owner%thinks%and%lives%his%life,%but%
the%information%Mike%provides%should%be%taught%in%every%
school%in%America.%Learning%how%to%drive%is%one%thing,%but%
learning%how%to%find%the%right%mechanics,%and%how%to%take%
good%care%of%a%vehicle,%is%something%that%we%all%need%to%
know.%Fortunately,%Mike%has%now%provided%us%with%a%guide%
that%every%motorist%should%read,%but%its%a%book%that%
should%be%passed%on%to%our%family%and%friends.%There%is%no%
question,%once%you%start%reading%this%book%two%things%will%
occur.%Youll%find%it%hard%to%stop,%and%when%you%do%finish%it,%
you%will%thrilled%with%what%you%have%discovered.%%%
%
%
Bob%Cooper%
%
%
President,%Elite%Worldwide,%Inc.%%%
%
%
Mike%Davidson%has%found%yet%another%way%to%
serve%others.%Through%these%pages%he%shares%practical%
wisdom%from%his%20+%years%in%this%industry.%You'll%enjoy%
learning%about%his%background,%why%he%operates%his%
business%as%he%does,%and%how%to%properly%care%for%your%
vehicle.%Mike%has%built%Parkway%to%be%one%the%Top%2%%of%
independent%repair%shops%in%the%country,%coaches%other%
shops%across%the%nation%and%excels%at%giving%the%finest%
service%imaginable%to%his%customers.%This%is%a%great%
resource%for%everyone%who%drives%a%vehicle.%It's%Funny,%
Informative%and%Factual.%Read%this%book!%You'll%be%glad%you%
did.%
%
%
Michael%DeLon%%
%
%
Parkway%Automotive%Customer%%
%
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%
Mike%Davidson%has%written%a%simple,%easy_to_
understand%guide%to%better%understanding%your%car%and%
how%to%take%care%of%it.%%It's%a%good%read%for%the%beginning%
driver%and%also%for%those%of%us%who%haven't%kept%up%with%
the%changes%in%automotive%technology%over%the%years.%%
Mike%explains%common%acronyms,%gives%tips%on%
maintenance%and%helps%with%bigger%picture%dilemmas%like%
how%to%buy%a%used%car.%%His%section%on%when%to%buy%a%
newer%vehicle%was%particularly%valuable%for%me.%%It's%a%
worthwhile%read%and%you're%sure%to%be%better%friends%with%
your%car%when%you%finish%the%book.%
%
%
%

%
%

Larry%Mougeot%
Parkway%Automotive%Customer%%

%
This%book%is%based%on%the%foundation%of%Christian%
beliefs%held%by%Mike%Davidson,%his%family%and%his%staff.%He%
understands%and%expects%each%of%them%to%exhibit%true%
personal%care%to%each%customer.%That%is%rare%in%most%
businesses%today.%It%is%a%value%system%that%is%delivered%by%
how%his%staff%treats%customers,%delivers%integrity%in%service%
and%fair%charges.%This%easy_to_read%book%gives%you%inside%
secrets%and%helpful%tips%for%any%of%us%non_mechanical%
people!%
%
%
%
Tim%Orellano,%PHR%
%
%
President%_%The%Human%Resources%Team%
%
%
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Table"of"Contents"
Foreword................................................................................ 11
Why,I,wrote,this,book........................................................ 31
Acknowledgements ............................................................ 51
An,Unexpected,Gift.............................................................. 71
The,Birth,of,The,Auto,Guy............................................. 81
The,Early,Years ......................................................................... 91
The,Auto,Guys,First,Job .......................................................111
More,Than,Repairing,Cars ..................................................131
Owning,the,Call .......................................................................141
Why,Parkway?.........................................................................171
Giving,Back,to,the,Community...........................................191
Car,Care,101 ........................................................................221
Acronyms ..................................................................................221
LOF1=1Lube1Oil1and1Filter1Service.......................................... 221
ABS1=1AntiBLock1Brake1System............................................... 221
DIS1=1Driver1Information1System .......................................... 231
CSS1=1Cooling1System1Service ................................................. 231
ASE1=1Automotive1Service1Excellence ................................. 241
TPMS1=1Tire1Pressure1Monitoring1System ........................ 251
EGR1=1Exhaust1Gas1Recirculation .......................................... 261
TPS1=1Throttle1Position1Sensor .............................................. 261
PCM1=1Powertrain1Control1Module....................................... 271
BCM1=1Body1Control1Module ................................................... 271
AT1=1Automatic1Transmission ................................................ 271
Dashboard,=,Lights,that,pop,up,on,the,dashboard.....281
ABS1LIGHT1=1AntiBlock1Brake1System.................................. 291
Check1Engine1Light ...................................................................... 301
SRS1Light .......................................................................................... 311
Traction1Control1Light................................................................ 321
Reduced1Power1Light.................................................................. 331
Temperature1Light....................................................................... 331
Oil1Light ............................................................................................ 341
Smart1Air1Bag1Light ..................................................................... 351
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Dashboard,Gauges .................................................................371
Temperature1Gauge .................................................................... 371
Tachometer..................................................................................... 391
Battery1Gauge................................................................................. 401
Fuel1Gauge ....................................................................................... 401
Odometer ......................................................................................... 411
Speedometer .................................................................................. 421
Noises .........................................................................................431
Brake1Squeaking ........................................................................... 441
Brake1Grinding .............................................................................. 451
Squeaky1Engine ............................................................................. 451
Thumping1While1Turning ......................................................... 461
Thumping1While1Driving........................................................... 471
Whining1Engine............................................................................. 481
Vehicle1Starting ............................................................................. 491
Engine,Oil ..................................................................................511
Engine1Oil1Background .............................................................. 521
Oil1Change1Frequency................................................................. 531

Car,Care,201 ........................................................................561
Buying,A,New,Car ...................................................................561
Extended,Warranties ............................................................591
Caring,for,your,Car............................................................621
Premium,Fuel ..........................................................................631
Lifetime,Preventative,Maintenance,Plans .....................641
Motor,Club,Memberships ....................................................691
Breakdowns .............................................................................701
Introduction,to,Maintenance.........................................701
Engine,Oil ..................................................................................711
Transmission,Fluid................................................................731
Differential,Fluid ....................................................................741
Power,Steering ........................................................................741
Brake,Fluid ...............................................................................751
Cooling,System ........................................................................761
Air,Conditioning .....................................................................781
Testing,and,Diagnosis...........................................................801
How,to,Change,A,Flat,Tire ...................................................831
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How,to,Jump,Start,a,Car .......................................................861
How,to,Manage,A,Breakdown ............................................881
How,to,Manage,An,Accident ...............................................901
How,to,Manage,Being,Stuck,in,Traffic.............................921
How,to,Drive,on,Snow,and,Ice ...........................................941
How,to,Buy,a,Used,Car ..........................................................951
How,to,Find,a,Good,Repair,Shop.......................................981
Five,Questions,to,Ask,Any,Shop ........................................991

How,I,Became,The,Auto,Guy,(the)rest)of)the)story)
.............................................................................................. 1021
Restoring,the,Corvette,with,John.............................. 1031
FatheraSon,Bonding............................................................ 1051
Final,Thoughts................................................................. 1071
About,The,Auto,Guy....................................................... 1081
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Foreword"
%
%
My%relationship%with%Mike%The%Auto%Guy%started%
as%the%result%of%an%accident%on%black%ice%one%morning%on%
my%way%to%work.%%I%had%only%been%in%Arkansas%for%a%month,%
but%there%I%was%in%the%dark%on%I_530%against%the%cement%
barrier%facing%traffic.%
%
I%can%only%surmise%that%the%guy%driving%the%wrecker%
knew%of%a%shop%off%I_30%that%helped%out%a%lot%of%people.%%
And%so%I%went.%%The%first%experience%with%Mike%was%one%of%
service.%%He%actually%wanted%to%help%and%perhaps%he%
knew%how%important%it%was%for%a%customer%to%feel%that%
repairs/service%would%be%done%honestly%for%a%fair%price.%
%
As%the%years%passed,%the%Pinto%was%traded%for%a%
vehicle%with%air%conditioning%(this%Colorado%girl%didnt%know%
that%air%conditioning%was%standard%equipment%in%some%
parts%of%the%country)%and%I%continued%to%return%to%the%shop%
where%Mike%worked.%
%
When%Mike%decided%to%venture%out%with%his%own%
shop%the%decision%was%a%no%brainerI%would%stick%with%the%
one%I%knew.%%The%years%passed%and%the%Pinto%turned%into%
a%Prelude.%Then%the%Prelude%(over%250,000%miles%and%still%
running%strong)%was%traded%for%a%bigger%vehicle,%a%1995%
Chevy%Silverado%and%the%story%continues.%%WE%now%are%at%
475,119%miles%on%the%original%engine%&%transmission!%%Yes,%I%
said%475k!!%
%
But%with%all%the%repairs%and%service%one%event%that%
happened%still%has%me%shaking%my%head%and%saying%Wow!%
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was%the%time%Mike%personally%left%a%message%on%my%
answering%machine%telling%me%that%I%was%overcharged%
$20%on%a%visit,%and%asking%if%I%would%like%a%check%mailed%or%a%
credit%on%my%next%repair.%%What?!?%It%was%only%twenty%
dollars!!%%Whether%a%clerical%error%or%one%on%the%cost%of%a%
part,%who%calls%to%admit%such%a%thing?%%I%would%have%never%
noticed%nor%missed%the%money,%but%the%standard%practice%
at%his%shop%is%that%they%review%receipts%to%make%sure%all%is%
well.%%He%felt%the%money,%no%matter%how%much%or%little,%
wasnt%his%and%he%was%determined%to%settle%the%books.%
%
So%bottom%line,%Mike%is%genuinely%concerned%about%
people%and%helping.%%Hes%honest%in%business%and%quick%
with%a%smile%and%a%laugh.%%Care%for%my%vehicles%through%the%
years%has%really%been%a%great%collaboration.%%I%know%
Parkway%Automotive%staff%have%my%back.%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

The1Auto1Guy1with1Shirley1Scott1

Shirley%Scott%
Parkway%Automotive%Customer%
July%2013%
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Why"I"wrote"this"book"
%
%
The%car%was%originally%designed%to%replace%the%
horse.%In%fact%it%was%originally%called%the%horseless%
carriage.%Its%sole%purpose%was%to%help%us%get%places%faster,%
and%to%make%our%work%easier.%There%was%a%time%in%history%
where%everyone%knew%about%cars.%And%most%knew%how%to%
care%for%them.%Each%car%seemed%to%take%on%the%owners%
personality.%You%could%see%a%car%coming%toward%you%and%
you%would%know%exactly%the%kind%of%car%it%was.%Today%its%
different.%%Currently%there%are%approximately%44%different%
nameplates%with%211%different%models%to%choose%from%with%
endless%number%of%sub%models.%The%car%is%now%a%means%to%
an%end.%It%literally%touches%all%walks%of%life.%%
%
%
With%the%speed%of%our%culture%and%the%
advancement%of%technology%being%so%fast,%knowing%about%
your%car%is%nearly%impossible%unless%you%live%and%breathe%it%
as%I%do.%%I%constantly%meet%people%who%describe%how%they%
used%to%look%under%the%hood%and%know%the%name%of%every%
part%they%could%see.%Today%those%same%people%will%not%
even%raise%the%hood,%as%they%are%too%scared%to%look.%I%have%
met%mothers,%fathers,%single%moms%and%dads%who%wished%
they%knew%more%about%their%car%so%that%they%could%be%sure%
that%their%children%or%loved%ones%would%feel%more%
comfortable%with%car%ownership.%Thats%why%I%wrote%this%
book.%%
%
My%hearts%desire%is%first%to%serve%people.%To%help%
them%in%any%way%I%can.%There%is%a%biblical%instruction%that%
teaches%me%that%if%someone%in%need%crosses%my%path,%and%
if%I%have%the%resources%to%meet%their%need,%I%dont%just%say,%
go%be%warm%and%be%fed.%Instead%I%am%to%serve,%to%help,%to%
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meet%the%need.%I%see%a%need%for%people%to%know%not%only%
how%to%take%care%of%the%car%they%currently%have%but%to%gain%
wisdom%when%it%comes%to%replacing%it%with%a%new%or%used%
one.%So%here%it%isthe%self_help%book%of%car%ownership.%It%
wont%make%you%a%Master%Certified%Auto%mechanic,%but%it%
will%help%you%know%what%to%do%to%keep%you,%your%family,%
and%your%car%safe.%
%%%
%
Safety%is%a%primary%objective%every%time%you%get%in%a%
car.%We%pray%for%travel%mercies.%We%tell%our%children%to%
drive%safely.%Road%signs%tell%us%to%drive%safely,%to%wear%our%
seat%belts,%and%obey%traffic%laws,%all%so%that%we%will%arrive%
alive%at%our%destination.%Cars%were%never%meant%to%be%
phone%booths,%texting%stations%or%music%halls.%They%were%
meant%to%help%us%arrive%safely.%Most%of%the%technology%
advancements%have%an%underlying%theme%of%safety,%many%
of%which%are%addressed%in%these%pages.%More%
importantly,%in%these%pages%you%will%find%simple%helpful%
information%on%car%ownership.%Armed%with%the%knowledge%
of%car%ownership,%understanding%what%all%the%warning%signs%
are,%and%knowing%what%to%do%when%things%go%wrong%will%
help%all%of%us%stay%safe%in%and%around%our%automobiles.%So%
consider%me%the%dad%you%never%had%who%desires%for%you%to%
know%how%to%care%for%your%car%and%arrive%safely.%If%you%
have%a%specific%question%that%I%can%answer,%simply%go%to%
www.miketheautoguy.com%
%%
%%
Mike%Davidson,%AAM,%ASE%
ASE%Master%Automotive%Technician%
July%2013%
%%
%
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Acknowledgements"
%

%
It%is%to%my%beloved%wife,%Nancy,%of%over%20%years%
that%I%give%my%heartfelt%thanks%for%the%loving%care%and%
support%she%has%given,%allowing%me%to%spend%the%time%
necessary%for%training%and%learning%about%the%automobile%
business.%She%has%cared%for%our%home,%raised%our%children%
well,%and%freed%me%to%be%able%to%excel%in%my%industry.%
%
Each%of%our%four%children,%Jenni,%Jeff,%Jerry,%and%
John,%have%been%instrumental%in%helping%me%to%be%a%better%
father,%husband,%and%business%owner.%Just%knowing%that%
my%children%are%watching%is%reason%enough%to%cause%me%to%
pay%more%attention%to%how%I%run%my%business%
%
I%want%to%acknowledge%Michael%DeLon%for%having%
the%desire%to%go%into%marketing%and%help%small%business%
people%like%me%fully%understand%how%the%focus%of%any%type%
of%marketing%should%always%be%on%our%customers.%Without%
Michael%and%the%team%at%90Day%Author,%you%would%not%be%
reading%this%book.%
%
I%also%want%to%express%my%appreciation%to%Bob%Steel%
who%came%up%with%the%title%for%this%book.%%
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%Jim%Murphy%has%been%a%large%part%of%my%training.%I%
have%been%associated%with%Jim%since%the%fall%of%1999,%and%
he%continues%to%put%in%front%of%me%the%training%needed%to%
excel%in%my%industry.%He%has%played%a%huge%role%in%
challenging%me%to%become%better%at%whatever%I%do.%
%
%
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%
The%editors%B.G.%Viner%of%Beyond%Graphics%and%
Larry%Mougeot,%customer%and%friend,%spent%countless%
hours%making%this%book%grammatically%correct%and%fun%to%
read.%They%are%two%of%my%lifes%cheerleaders.%%
%
My%deepest,%most%heartfelt%acknowledgement%is%to%
my%Lord%and%Savior%Jesus%Christ.%It%is%He%who%has%made%me%
who%I%am%and%continues%to%mold%me%into%His%likeness.%In%all%
that%I%do,%I%pray%that%I%may%do%it%for%His%glory,%and%not%my%
own.%%
%

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An"Unexpected"Gift""""""
%

%
My%youngest%son%
had%just%purchased%his%
dream%car,%a%1976%
Corvette.%Before%he%even%
drove%it%down%the%street,%
he%made%the%decision%
that%it%would%make%a%
perfect%get_away%car%for%
his%sister%and%her%new%
husband%on%their%wedding%day.%%

%
Within%three%days%
of%owning%his%Vette,%
John%and%I%had%cleaned%it%
up%nicely%and%surprised%
the%happy%couple%with%a%
gift%no%one%would%have%
imagined%possible.%You%
should%have%seen%the%
look%on%their%faces%as%
they%drove%away%in%that%
great%American%sports%
car!%%%

%
Thats%how%John%
helped%his%sister%get%her%
start%in%marriage.%Ill%tell%
you%more%about%John%
and%his%Corvette%later%in%the%book,%but%now%let%me%tell%you%
how%I%got%my%start%as%The%Auto%Guy.%
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The"Birth"of"The"Auto"Guy"
%
%
The%year%was%1969%and%I%was%about%five%years%old.%I%
really%loved%my%mom%and%I%wanted%to%help%her%out.%I%
distinctly%remember%sitting%in%the%car%one%day%and%
watching%a%man%take%a%hose%and%put%it%in%a%hole%in%the%side%
of%the%car.%As%I%watched%him%I%thought,%I%can%do%that.%I%can%
help%Mom%with%that!%%
%
A%few%days%later%while%her%car%was%parked%in%our%
driveway,%I%glanced%around%and%wouldnt%you%know%
there%was%a%hose!%I%picked%it%up,%put%it%in%the%hole%in%the%
side%of%moms%car,%just%like%the%man%at%the%service%station%
had%done.%Well,%as%it%turned%out,%it%was%gasoline%he%was%
putting%in%her%car,%not%water!%My%heart%was%there.%I%really%
wanted%to%help,%but%I%had%filled%her%tank%all%the%way%up%
with%water.%Fortunately,%I%lived%to%tell%about%it,%and%the%car%
was%okay%too.%
%
Ive%gained%some%experience%since%then,%and%today%
Im%an%ASE%Master%Technician.%(ASE%stands%for%Automotive%
Service%Excellence%and%is%our%industrys%credentialing%
organization.)%You%should%make%certain%that%anyone%who%
works%on%your%vehicle%is%ASE%certified.%It%will%give%you%
confidence%knowing%that%they%have%received%the%proper%
training%to%service%your%vehicle%and%have%the%education%
necessary%to%work%on%todays%vehicles.%%
%
With%the%technology%behind%todays%vehicles,%my%
staff%and%I%consistently%attend%classes%and%training%events%
that%enable%us%to%stay%on%the%cutting%edge.%Keeping%
ourselves%sharp%allows%us%to%service%our%customers%with%
excellence.%
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The"Early"Years"
%

%
Learning%how%to%treat%customers%began%by%
watching%my%moms%work%ethic%as%I%was%growing%up.%She%
was%a%single%mother%of%three%children%and%my%earliest%
memories%are%those%of%her%being%an%extremely%hard%
worker.%I%not%only%learned%to%work%hard,%but%more%
importantly%I%realized%that%learning%and%education%never%
stop.%%
%
When%I%was%a%
fifth%grader,%I%
remember%coming%
home%from%school%at%
three%oclock%and%
Mom%arriving%home%
shortly%after%five%
from%her%day%job.%
After%we%had%dinner%
together,%she%would%
take%a%nap.%She%
always%woke%up%in%
time%to%tuck%me%into%
bed,%go%to%her%night%
job%at%eleven%
oclock,%and%work%
until%morning.%%%

1
Mikes'mom'is'featured'in'
the'company'brochure.'

%
I%remember%
her%working%as%a%
waitress%at%Dennys%
Restaurant.%She%
learned%that%treating%

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her%customers%well%was%of%utmost%importance.%When%I%
think%about%customer%service,%what%my%mom%taught%me%
was%not%just%hard%work,%but%to%really%own%the%needs%of%
each%customer.%The%word%empathy%also%needs%to%be%in%
your%vocabulary%and%in%your%actions.%When%we%have%
empathy%in%our%mind%and%in%our%actions,%we%can%put%
ourselves%in%the%customers%shoes%and%ask%ourselves,%
What%is%their%greatest%need?%Only%then%are%we%able%to%
consider%what%resources%we%have%to%meet%that%need%and%
begin%pulling%them%out.%
%
As%we%grow%in%our%business,%we%must%continue%to%
grow%in%our%resources%so%that%we%can%continue%to%meet%the%
personal%needs%of%every%customer%each%time%he%or%she%
comes%in.%They%are%going%to%have%different%needs.%Their%
state%of%mind%is%going%to%be%different.%What%theyve%
experienced%in%the%last%week%is%going%to%be%different.%I%
need%to%make%sure%that%I%take%time%to%see%where%their%
needs%are%on%that%day%and%look%for%ways%to%meet%those%
needs,%whether%they%relate%to%my%business%or%not.%
%
Lets%say%we%receive%a%call%from%a%customer%whose%
car%has%broken%down%on%
the%side%of%the%road.%They%
need%two%things.%They%
need%their%car%taken%care%
of%%thats%why%they%called%
in%the%first%place%%but%
they%have%other%needs,%
since%they%hadnt%planned%on% The1Parkway1Courtesy1Shuttle11111
this%happening.%There%is%
with1driver,1Jim1Viner1
undoubtedly%someplace%they%
were%going%besides%the%side%of%the%road.%The%first%thing%
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well%handle%is%getting%the%tow%truck%expedited.%Next,%and%
more%importantly,%we%will%help%them%get%to%where%they%
were%going.%The%best%way%to%do%that%is%to%send%someone%
after%them%and%take%them%wherever%they%need%to%go.%(We!
have!a!FREE!customer!shuttle!to!do!this!very!thing.)%%%
%
Here%is%another%example%of%meeting%the%customers%
needs.%When%a%customer%has%left%their%vehicle%with%us%to%
be%serviced%or%repaired%while%they%are%out%of%town%and%are%
returning%over%the%weekend,%wouldnt%it%be%nice%if%they%
found%their%car%waiting%for%them%in%their%driveway,%ready%to%
go,%rather%than%at%Parkway%Automotive?%%
%
We%work%diligently%to%know%our%customers%and%
understand%their%needs%so%that%we%can%provide%them%with%
amazing%customer%service.%Weve%found%that%when%we%do%
this,%our%customers%not%only%appreciate%our%efforts,%their%
level%of%trust%in%us%goes%up%significantly%and%they%refer%their%
friends%and%family%to%us.%Thats%how%our%business%has%
continued%to%grow%for%many%years.%And%it%all%started%with%
my%mom.%
%
%

The"Auto"Guys"First"Job"
%

%
I%began%my%career%working%for%a%GMC%Truck%
dealership.%My%job%was%to%be%on%the%Detail%Team.%In%fact,%I%
was%the%team!%I%distinctly%remember%that%the%wash%bay%
was%outside,%and%my%job%was%to%make%every%new%vehicle%
look%presentable%to%the%customer.%%To%make%sure%I%did%it%
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correctly,%the%owner,%Brent%Tyrrell,%came%out%to%the%wash%
bay%himself%to%show%me%how%he%wanted%this%done.%%
%
It%was%a%cold%November%day%in%Arkansas%and%we%
were%standing%outside%when%Mr.%Tyrrell%said,%I%want%you%
to%stand%right%here.%I%stood%where%he%told%me%and%
watched%as%he%washed%a%truck.%When%he%finished,%he%came%
over%to%me,%pointed%to%the%newly%washed%truck,%and%said,%
Mike,%thats%what%I%want%my%trucks%to%look%like%when%you%
get%done%with%them.%Do%you%have%any%questions?%
%

No%sir,%I%said%emphatically!%

%
That%was%1983,%and%I%learned%a%very%important%
principle%from%that%experience.%%
!

Make!sure!the!people!who!work!for!you!!
know!what!you!expect!of!them.!

%
That%was%a%profound%learning%experience%for%me,%
and%Ive%retained%it%throughout%my%career.%When%my%
employees%are%not%doing%what%I%expect%of%them,%instead%of%
getting%frustrated,%my%first%thought%is,%I%probably%havent%
washed%the%truck%for%them.%Ill%go%back%and%wash%the%
truck.%%Then%well%sit%down%and%talk%about%what%I%expect%
from%them%and%look%for%ways%to%move%forward.%This"
process%resolves%a%lot%more%issues%than%letting%everything%
pile%up,%becoming%frustrated,%then%having%a%discussion%
thats%not%so%cordial.%It%follows%the%axiom:%
!

Inspect!what!you!expect.!!

%
While%exceeding%my%customers%expectations%and%
providing%Service!That!Will!Amaze!You!as%our%slogan%
says,%Ive%learned%that%I%need%to%wash%the%truck%for%each%
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and%every%position%and%employee.%When%I%do%this,%my%
employees%can%fully%understand%WHAT%to%do%and%WHY%it%
needs%to%be%done%that%way.%Consistency%is%important%in%
satisfying%our%customers,%and%the%best%way%to%be%
consistent%is%to%make%sure%you%are%communicating%clearly.%
Washing%the%truck%is%a%phrase%I%use%that%reminds%me%to%
communicate%clearly%to%my%team%so%we%can%provide%
consistently%excellent%customer%service%every%day.%
%
%

More"Than"Repairing"Cars"
%

%
Theres%a%word%that%many%people%dont%like,%but%is%a%
part%of%every%business.%That%word%is%sales.%Sales%are%a%
part%of%every%job%of%every%business%for%anybody%that%does%
anything.%I%cant%think%of%a%single%industry%where%everyone%
involved%is%not%part%of%sales%at%some%level.%But%when%
communicating%with%the%customer%one%on%one,%be%it%
eyeball%to%eyeball%or%on%the%phone,%the%job%of%the%sales%
person%is%really%a%transfer%of%beliefs%or%ideas%from%one%
person%to%another.%Selling%is%not%trying%to%make%a%person%
buy%something%they%dont%want;%its%a%transfer%of%beliefs.%It%
involves%trust.%"
%
By%having%the%technical%background%that%I%possess,%
Im%able%to%communicate%to%the%customer%not%just%that%
they%need%a%certain%widget%(meaning%any%component%or%
service),%but%why%they%need%a%widget,%and%how%it%will%
benefit%them%to%have%the%widget.%For%me,%I%must%believe%in%
that%widget,%own%that%widget,%and%use%that%widget%for%my%
own%vehicles,%not%just%have%the%knowledge%to%talk%about%it.%%
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%
For%example,%I%would%not%want%to%talk%with%a%
consumer%about%having%their%transmission%flushed%every%
sixty%thousand%miles%if%I%were%not%doing%that%on%my%own%
vehicle,%my%wifes%vehicle,%and%my%childrens%vehicles.%
Thats%a%belief%system%I%have%because%I%know%the%
transmission%will%last%longer%by%having%the%fluid%changed%on%
a%regular%basis.%Thats%my%belief%system,%so%Im%able%to%
communicate%with%my%customer%with%empathy%because%I%
know%why%their%transmission%ought%to%be%flushed%and%how%
it%will%benefit%them.%
%
Its%really%a%matter%of%trust%and%integrity%with%me.%
Im%not%going%to%recommend%that%you%do%something%that%
Im%not%doing%myself."Trust"occurs"when"people"are"so"
convinced"you"will"do"everything"in"your"power"for"their"
good"and"nothing"for"their"harm.%
%
%

Owning"the"Call"
%

%
If%theres%one%thing%that%drives%me%crazy,%or%at%least%
gives%me%great%concern,%its%when%I%call%a%business%and%the%
person%answers%the%phone%and%says,%Thank%you%for%
calling.%To%whom%may%I%direct%your%call?%This%
communicates%to%me%that%they%either%cant%or%dont%want%
to%help%me.%Its%as%if%somehow%Im%supposed%to%know%
where%it%is%I%want%them%to%send%me%and%who%it%is%at%their%
company%(whom%I%dont%yet%know)%that%is%supposed%to%be%
able%to%answer%my%question%or%solve%my%problem.%Thats%
an%all_too_often%scenario%that%I%encounter.%%
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%
Another%scenario%is%when%I%call%a%business,%
someone%answers%the%phone,%and%I%say%the%name%of%a%
person%who%works%there.%They%reply,%Hold%on%please.%%I%
hear%a%click%and%they%put%me%on%hold.%I%may%have%been%able%
to%get%the%information%I%needed%from%the%person%
answering%the%phone,%but%I%thought%I%was%talking%to%John%
when%it%was%really%Joe%that%picked%up%the%phone.%I%say,%
John%and%he%says,%No,%and%presses%the%hold%button,%
never%asking%if%there%is%something%he%can%answer%for%me%or%
help%me%with.%%
%
So%in%both%scenarios%I%just%described,%if%we%own%
the%phone%call,%what%we%would%say%to%the%customer%is,%
Thank%you%for%calling%Parkway%Automotive.%This%is%Mike.%
How%may%I%help%you?%Then%there%should%be%a%pause%to%
listen%and%understand%what%the%callers%need%is%(back!to!
meeting!the!needs!of!our!customer).%Many%times%you%can%
assist%the%caller%if%you%sincerely%listen%to%their%need.%Often%
you%can%do%this%without%having%to%be%transferred%to%
another%person.%Sometimes%it%can%be%as%simple%as%taking%a%
message.%When%a%message%is%taken%from%a%customer,%you%
should%then%say%to%that%customer,%My%name%is%Mike.%I%will%
be%sure%John%gets%your%message.%
%
THAT%is%what%I%call%owning%the%call.%And%it%adds%
great%value%to%the%person%on%the%other%end%of%the%phone%
because%you%are%treating%them%with%respect%and%doing%
everything%you%can%to%meet%their%need.%
%
How%many%times%have%you%called%a%business,%only%
to%hang%up%lacking%confidence%that%the%person%taking%your%
information%is%going%to%deliver%your%message%to%the%person%
who%needs%it?%At%Parkway%Automotive,%before%we%end%the%
phone%call,%we%tell%the%customer%who%we%are%and%that%
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were%going%to%make%sure%that%the%person%they%were%calling%
for%gets%the%message.%%
%
Sometimes%it%is%necessary%to%put%the%customer%on%
hold.%When%that%must%happen,%we%should%ask%for%
permission%to%put%you%on%hold!and%reassure%you%that%if%the%
person%youre%asking%for%isnt%able%to%get%to%the%phone%in%a%
reasonable%amount%of%time,%well%pick%up%the%line%again.%
We%wont%just%leave%you%on%the%phone%in%an%eternal%hold%
mode.%
%
Most%phone%systems%have%some%type%of%an%alarm%
when%someones%been%on%hold%for%a%long%period%of%time.%
That%is%still%your%phone%call%and%until%the%other%person%picks%
it%up,%YOU%own%it.%So%you%should%do%everything%you%can%
to%own%that%call%and%try%to%meet%the%needs%of%that%
customer%who%is%on%the%phone%every%time%without%a%
transfer.%That%is%owning%the%phone%call.%It%is%your%phone%
call%until%it%has%been%given%to%another%person.%Its%your%
responsibility.%Thats%how%you%own%the%phone%call.%
%
At%the%end%of%the%day,%that%caller%really%is%your%
customer%because%they%are%all%customers%of%your%business.%
Thats%what%I%mean%when%I%say%that%everybody%is%in%sales.%
Without%sales,%there%would%be%no%business,%and%a%big%part%
of%sales%is%meeting%the%customers%needs%and%treating%
them%with%respect.%
%
In%our%business,%and%I%believe%in%every%business,%the%
single%thing%that%every%consumer%looks%for%is%trust.%
Everything%you%can%do%to%communicate%trust%will%benefit%
your%company.%So%we%tell%the%customer%that%we%care%about%
them%by:%
asking%permission%to%put%them%on%hold,%
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assuring%them%I%will%deliver%their%message,%%
"

or%%

returning%to%the%phone%call%after%putting%them%on%hold%
for%a%reasonable%amount%of%time.%
%
All%three%of%these%things,%including%taking%the%car%
back%to%their%home%when%theyre%out%of%town%or%going%to%
pick%them%up%on%the%side%of%the%road%when%their%car%is%
broken%down,%illustrate%that%we!care.%When%you%
communicate%that%you%care,%you%have%also%communicated%
that%you!can!trust!me!%%And%thats%how%we%have%tried%to%
build%our%business%at%Parkway%Automotive.%%
%
%

Why"Parkway?"
%

%
With%so%many%options%available%to%you%for%vehicle%
repair,%why%should%you%choose%Parkway%Automotive?%%Let%
me%begin%by%saying%that%the%one%reason%you%would%want%to%
do%business%with%Parkway%Automotive%is%the%people%who%
work%here.%Thats%Number%One.%%
%
Youre%going%to%find%people%you%can%trust.%Youre%
going%to%find%people%who%know%what%it%means%to%own%
the%phone%call%and%to%give%not%just%good%customer%service,%
but%great%customer%serviceService!that!will!amaze!you.%
My%team%does%this%by%truly%caring%and%having%empathy%for%
your%situation.%They%are%genuinely%trying%to%help%you%solve%
whatever%issue%you%may%be%having,%whether%its%general%
maintenance%on%your%vehicle,%a%major%repair,%or%an%
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electronic%problem.%At%Parkway%Automotive,%youll%meet%
people%with%the%technology%and%the%empathy%to%get%
answers%for%you.%%%
%
After%that,%youll%discover%that%our%philosophy%on%
auto%service%is%proactive.%As%we%continue%to%monitor%your%
vehicles%condition%by%having%regular%check_ups%by%an%ASE%
Certified%technician,%we%are%going%to%know%ahead%of%time%
the%things%that%need%attention%immediately,%and%notify%you%
of%the%things%coming%up%to%keep%you%and%your%family%safe%
on%the%road.%We%provide%this%service%through%our%VIP"Club%
where%you%can%purchase%a%club%membership%which%entitles%
you%to%free%oil%changes,%free%tire%rotations,%and%an%
inspection%of%your%vehicle%every%5,000%miles.%Its%fully%
transferrable%from%one%car%to%the%next%without%a%transfer%
fee.%You%can%find%out%more%about%our%VIP%Club%at%
ParkwayAutomotive.net.%%
%
We%also%offer%a%TwoNYear"Unlimited"Mileage"
Warranty%on%the%work%that%we%do.%Were%going%to%stand%
behind%our%work%for%that%period%of%time,%no%questions%
asked.%%
%
Finally,%we%have%a%100%"RiskNFree,"MoneyNBack"
Guarantee.%What%were%telling%you%is%that%after%weve%
made%three%attempts%to%repair%your%vehicle,%if%we%have%not%
repaired%it%to%your%satisfaction,%we%will%give%you%100%%of%
your%money%back.%Theres%absolutely%no%risk%involved%in%
having%your%car%serviced%at%Parkway%Automotive.%%
%
Let%me%assure%you%that%when%you%bring%your%vehicle%
to%Parkway,%youll%experience%the%best%of%the%best%in%Little%
Rock.%In%fact,%we%were%voted%The%Best%of%The%Best%in%Little%
Rock%in%2012.%We%also%received%the%Ethics%Award%from%
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the%Better%Business%Bureau,%and%in%April%2012,%I%was%
featured%on%the%cover%of%a%national%industry%magazine,%
Ratchet!&!Wrench,%and%was%recognized%for%being%in%the%
Top%2%%of%independent%repair%shops%in%the%nation.%Being%
chosen%to%receive%these%types%of%awards%is%a%real%honor%for%
my%team%and%me,%and%I%hope%gives%you%more%confidence%in%
choosing%Parkway%Automotive.%%
%
%

Giving"Back"to"the"Community"
%

%
Please%allow%me%to%add%some%other%thoughts%that%I%
think%are%important%for%you%to%know.%Its%so%important%for%
businesses%to%give!back,%and%what%were%really%talking%
about%is!people!giving!back!to!people.%Some%of%the%ways%
that%our%company%is%involved%and%our%people%are%giving%
back%is%through%our%support%of%the%Arkansas%Crisis%
Pregnancy%Center.%We%support%them%by%taking%
automobiles%that%people%either%cant%or%dont%want%to%
repair,%and%repairing%them.%We%make%them%safe%and%then%
give%them%to%the%Crisis%Pregnancy%Center%of%Arkansas%so%
that%they%can%give%them%to%their%clients.%This%allows%the%
Center%to%help%moms%who%decide%not%to%abort%their%
children.%These%moms%need%help%getting%to%the%doctor,%to%
work,%and%transporting%their%children%to%school.%We%cant%
do%a%lot,%but%this%is%one%way%were%able%to%contribute.%
%
We%also%support%a%few%elementary%schools%by%
giving%back%to%the%schools%through%the%PTA.%When%a%parent%
or%grandparent%has%their%vehicle%serviced%at%Parkway%
Automotive,%we%give%a%portion%back%to%their%school%PTA.%
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This%assists%the%teachers%with%school%supplies%and%other%
needs%that%benefit%their%students.%Additionally,%we%
recognize%a%Teacher%of%the%Month%at%a%local%elementary%
school.%%
%
I%also%serve%with%Pulaski%Technical%College%and%on%
the%Board%of%Directors%for%the%Better%Business%Bureau%of%
Arkansas.%I%believe%its%important%to%be%involved%in%the%
community%and%make%sure%people%are%having%their%needs%
met.%A%great%community%is%not%just%about%good%business.%
Its%about%strong%education%in%our%schools%as%well.%Thats%
why%I%enjoy%being%involved%and%giving%back%in%so%many%
ways.%%
%
Something%else%I%enjoy%is%being%Little"Rocks"only"
AAA"Approved"repair"shop.%Everyone%knows%that%AAA%is%
an%organization%that%can%be%trusted,%and%when%they%place%
their%stamp%of%approval%on%something,%you%know%its%
been%put%through%some%tests.%
%
Currently,%Parkway%Automotive%is%the%only%repair%
shop%in%Little%Rock,%including%all%of%the%local%dealerships,%
that%is%approved%by%AAA%Motor%Club%of%North%America.%
That%says%we%meet%their%standards.%And%those%standards%
are%re_inspected%every%12%months,%both%for%our%training%
and%the%certification%of%all%our%technicians,%as%well%as%for%
our%service%advisors%and%even%the%amount%of%insurance%
that%we%have.%The%lounge%area%must%meet%standards%on%
how%well%it%looks%and%how%comfortable%it%is%for%our%
customers.%All%the%services%that%an%AAA%member%might%
expect,%they%will%find%when%they%come%to%Parkway%
Automotive.%%

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%
There%you%have%it%%some%of%the%background%on%
Parkway%Automotive%and%my%philosophy%of%doing%business.%
We%really%do%want%to%provide%outstanding%customer%
service%and%help%you%solve%any%current%issues,%as%well%as%
assist%you%in%maintaining%your%vehicle%as%long%as%you%own%
it.%%
%
I%know%that%our%industry%can%be%a%bit%confusing%and%
very%complex.%Yet,%at%the%same%time,%we%all%drive%vehicles.%I%
believe%its%important%for%you%to%have%at%least%a%working%
knowledge%of%our%industry%and%the%terms%we%use%so%that%
you%wont%be%taken%advantage%of%unknowingly.%In%the%
following%pages,%Ill%provide%you%with%some%helpful%how_
tos%that%can%assist%you%in%understanding%the%industry%and%
your%vehicle.%%
%
The%rest%of%this%book%is%less%about%me%and%more%
about%you.%I%trust%that%youll%find%it%helpful!%
%
%
%
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Car"Care"101"
%

Acronyms"
%

Communication%can%easily%break%down%in%my%industry%due%
to%the%many%acronyms%that%we%use.%Listed%here%are%some%
of%the%most%common%acronyms%that%you%may%hear%and%
what%they%mean.%I%share%them%to%give%you%a%more%
thorough%understanding%which,%I%hope,%will%help%you%make%
more%informed%decisions%in%keeping%your%vehicle%serviced%
properly.%
%
LOF"="Lube"Oil"and"Filter"Service"
%
LOF%is%pronounced%loaf.%Whats%a%loaf?%In%our%industry%
LOF%means%Lube,%Oil%and%Filter.%Interestingly%enough,%not%
a%lot%of%cars%receive%lubrication%anymore,%but%the%acronym%
has%carried%over%for%many,%many%years.%So,%if%you%see%the%
term%LOF,%that%is%basically%talking%about%an%oil%change%on%
a%vehicle.%%
%
ABS"="AntiNLock"Brake"System"
%
If%you%read%that%as%a%word,%it%says%abs.%So,%if%we%were%a%
gym,%you%would%think%something%totally%differentone%
part%of%your%body.%But%in%the%car%industry,%ABS%is%an%
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acronym%for%Anti_lock%Brake%System.%So,%if%your%ABS%light%
comes%on,%that%means%theres%a%fault%in%the%Anti_lock%Brake%
System.%(As!far!as!your!body!is!concerned,!check!with!the!
gym!on!that!)%
%
DIS"="Driver"Information"System"
%
This%is%the%vehicles%system%that%gives%the%driver%
informationin%an%LED%type%style,%or%scrolling%across%the%
dash%or%touch%screen,%or%visible%in%a%small%window%
somewhere%on%the%dash.%This%is%a%very%important%system%
on%your%vehicle%that%you%need%to%be%aware%of.%Pay%
attention%to%any%message%and%look%for%specific%responses%in%
the%index%of%your%owners%manual.%
%
CSS"="Cooling"System"Service"
%
CSS%is%our%acronym%for%Cooling%System%Service.%Thats%the%
process%where%we%typically%drain%your%cooling%system%and%
reinstall%coolant.%Its%not%a%chemical%flush;%its%just%a%simple%
service%of%your%cooling%system%fluid.%%%%
%
%
%
%
%
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ASE"="Automotive"Service"Excellence"
%
Youll%see%this%one%a%lot.%ASE%is%an%independent%
organization%that%tests%the%competency%of%those%in%our%
industry.%ASE%does%not%do%training;%they%only%do%testing%for%
competency.%The%training%takes%place%in%another%location%
or%through%other%venues,%much%like%a%student%taking%the%
SAT%exam.%Its%administered%at%a%testing%location%with%a%
proctor%and%the%results%are%provided%by%the%certifying%
organization.%%
%
ASE%says,%Were%going%to%see%if%you%learned%
anything%through%what%you%have%studied.%And%if%you%can%
pass%our%test,%then%we%will%certify%that%you%know%what%you%
are%talking%about%and%are%qualified%to%repair%these%specific%
systems.%When%someone%passes%their%exam%they%become%
ASE%Certified,%and%for%the%automotive%repair%side%of%our%
industry,%there%are%eight%different%areas%of%ASE%
certification.%If%you%are%certified%in%all%eight,%you%are%an%ASE%
Master%Technician.%%I%became%Master%certified%(finally)%in%
2011.%
%
ASE%also%has%specific%certifications%for%diesel%trucks,%
like%your%light%duty%diesel.%Additionally,%they%have%
certifications%for%heavy_duty%diesel,%certifications%for%
people%working%in%a%parts%department,%and%certifications%
for%service%advisors.%
%
ASE%is%the%gold%standard%in%our%industry,%and%in%
my%opinion%it%is%critical%that%anyone%who%works%on%your%
vehicle%should%be%an%ASE%Certified%technician.%At%Parkway,%
all%of%our%technicians%are%ASE%certified.%In%fact,%we%currently%
have%three%employees%on%staff%who%are%ASE%Master%
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Technicians.%Additionally,%our%Service%Advisors%have%ASE%
Certifications,%which%means%that%they%understand%your%
vehicle%as%well%as%the%technician%performing%the%work.%Our%
Service%Advisors%can%communicate%this%depth%of%
knowledge%to%you%in%language%that%makes%sense.%This%is%an%
important%distinction%that%you%shouldnt%overlook.%Before%
you%have%any%work%done%on%your%vehicle,%ask%if%the%person%
who%will%actually%be%doing%the%work%is%ASE%Certified.%If%they%
arent,%you%may%want%to%look%for%a%repair%shop%with%fully%
trained%and%certified%technicians%and%service%advisors.%
%
An%interesting%fact%is%that%an%ASE%Certification%has%
to%be%renewed%every%five%(5)%years.%This%is%important%
because%cars%change%and%technology%changes.%So,%ASE%
Certified%Technicians%are%staying%up%to%date%on%cutting%
edge%technology%so%they%can%service%your%vehicles%
properly.%Every%year%there%are%over%a%million%pages%of%new%
information%hitting%our%industry,%so%my%technicians%and%I%
must%always%be%reading%and%staying%on%top.%%
%
My%great_grandfather%said%all%he%needed%to%fix%his%
car%was%a%piece%of%bailing%wire,%a%pair%of%pliers%and%some%
duct%tape.%Today,%we%need%a%little%more%than%that.%That%is%
why%being%ASE%Certified%is%so%important.%%
%

TPMS"="Tire"Pressure"Monitoring"System"
%
TPMS%stands%for%Tire%Pressure%Monitoring%System.%This%
system%monitors%the%tire%pressure%of%your%car.%After%Ford%
had%an%escapade%with%low%air%pressure%on%their%vehicles%
tires%causing%numerous%accidents,%the%federal%government%
mandated%that%all%vehicles,%beginning%in%2008/2009,%must%
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contain%a%Tire%Pressure%Monitoring%System.%Today,%the%
technology%actually%notifies%the%driver%when%a%tire%has%low%
pressure.%Some%systems%will%tell%you%a%specific%tirefor%
instance;%your%left%front%tire%is%low.%Some%will%simply%
indicate%that%you%have%a%low%tire%somewhere%on%the%
vehicle.%Spare%tires%also%have%these%sensorsso%the%four%
tires%on%the%ground%may%be%fine,%but%you%should%still%check%
the%spare%tire.%%
%
EGR"="Exhaust"Gas"Recirculation"
%
EGR%is%one%youll%hear%often.%It%stands%for%Exhaust%Gas%
Recirculation.%It%is%an%emission%control%item%and%a%system%
that%recirculates%exhaust%gases%back%into%the%engine%for%re_
burning.%Also,%fumes%from%your%gas%tank%make%it%back%into%
the%engine%for%re_burning%through%this%system.%All%this%has%
to%do%with%fuel%economy%and%your%engine%operating%
properly.%%
%
TPS"="Throttle"Position"Sensor"
%
In%the%recent%past,%your%car%had%a%physical%cable%that%
connected%the%gas%pedal%with%the%throttle%control%
mechanism%on%the%engine.%Today,%instead%of%a%cable,%your%
vehicle%uses%a%throttle%position%sensor,%which%means%that%
your%actual%gas%pedal%is%now%a%sensor%itself.%So,%when%you%
are%pushing%down%on%the%gas%pedal,%you%are%moving%a%
sensor.%The%gas%pedal%sensor%information%is%sent%to%the%
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throttle%position%sensors,%which%tell%the%onboard%computer%
how%much%gas%and%air%to%allow%into%the%engine.%%
%
PCM"="Powertrain"Control"Module"
1
The%PCM%is%the%grandfather%of%the%computer%systems%on%
the%vehicle.%It%is%the%head%honcho,%the%king,%the%
presidentit%is%what%everything%else%goes%through.%
Typically,%there%are%many%computers%within%a%single%car;%
they%all%must%communicate%with%the%PCM.%%
%
BCM"="Body"Control"Module"
%
The%Body%Control%Module%basically%pays%attention%to%
everything%internal%(inside%the%vehicle).%Things%that%you%
touch%is%a%simple%way%to%define%what%goes%through%the%
BCM.%For%example,%your%turn%signals,%your%headlights,%your%
heating%and%air%controls,%and%others%like%these%are%all%items%
that%you%touch.%They%all%send%information%through%the%
Body%Control%Module.%
%
AT"="Automatic"Transmission"
%
This%is%what%most%passenger%vehicles%have.%If%you%move%the%
gearshift%from%Park%to%Reverse%or%Drive,%then%you%
have%an%Automatic%Transmission.%This%type%of%transmission%
is%designed%to%shift%automatically%when%certain%conditions%
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exist.%The%invention%of%the%automatic%transmission%
revolutionized%the%driving%of%vehicles.%Before%this%time%they%
all%had%to%be%shifted%into%their%different%gears%by%the%driver,%
using%what%we%call%a%manual%transmission.%%
%
Dashboard"="Lights"that"pop"up"on"the"dashboard"
%
As%you%sit%in%the%drivers%seat%and%turn%on%the%key,%you%see%
all%these%lights%that%pop%up%on%the%dashboard.%But%what%do%
they%mean?%First,%theres%a%reason%for%the%color%of%lights%on%
your%car%dashboard.%They%can%be%associated%with%the%red%
lights%that%you%see%when%you%are%driving%down%the%road.%%
%

If%you%see%a%
RED%light,%what%
does%that%
usually%mean%
to%you?%Stop.%
And%when%you%
see%YELLOW?%
Caution.%
GREEN?%Green%
means%go.%%
%
So%lets%apply%this%to%the%dashboard%lights.%If,%for%example,%
you%have%the%cruise%control%on,%the%button%is%normally%
some%sort%of%orange%color.%Once%you%set%the%cruise%control,%
the%button%turns%green.%
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%
Your%dashboard%lights%are%very%important%and%
should%never%be%ignored.%If%one%of%your%dashboard%lights%
comes%on,%you%need%to%have%your%vehicle%serviced%by%a%
qualified%technician.%
%
ABS"LIGHT"="AntiNlock"Brake"System"
%
The%ABS%light%has%to%do%with%the%brakes.%If%the%ABS%light%is%
on,%the%Anti_lock%Brake%System%computer%has%found%a%fault%
somewhere%in%the%system.%It%could%be%anything%from%low%
brake%fluid%to%a%problem%with%a%particular%wheel%sensor%or%
another%component%within%the%system.%When%the%ABS%light%
is%on,%your%normal%braking%will%still%work.%However,%if%you%
get%into%a%panic%stop,%the%anti_lock%brake%system%will%not%
take%over%your%brakingthat%is,%your%wheels%will%lock%up%
like%a%normal%vehicle%not%equipped%with%anti_lock%brakes.%
So,%you%will%lose%the%ability%to%maneuver%around%objects%in%
your%path.%Instead,%your%momentum%is%going%to%carry%you%
forward%and%you're%probably%going%to%hit%the%object%ahead%
of%you.%You%may%remember%your%parents%telling%you%that%if%
youre%on%ice%you%should%pump%your%brakes%and%not%apply%
them%hard.%That%principle%is%manifested%in%the%ABS%System.%
The%ABS%system%pumps%your%brakes%ten%times%per%second,%
which%is%something%no%human%is%able%to%do.%%
%
The%ABS%light%typically%comes%on%as%a%red%light.%It%
doesnt%mean%that%you%have%to%immediately%stop%the%car,%
but%it%does%indicate%to%you%that%the%system%is%not%going%to%
work%until%you%get%it%resolved.%So,%you%want%to%get%it%into%a%
shop.%It%does%not%mean%that%your%car%wont%stop;%it%does%
not%mean%that%your%brakes%have%failed%completely;%it%only%
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means%that%the%anti_lock%side%of%your%brake%system%is%not%
going%to%operate%if%you%get%into%a%panic%stop%situation.%
Drive%cautiouslyas%you%always%shouldand%quickly%get%
your%vehicle%to%a%shop%for%testing.%%
%
Check"Engine"Light"
%
The%check%engine%light%has%been%around%for%many%years.%
Since%about%1990,%it%has%evolved%from%its%original%purpose%
of%simply%giving%information%about%the%emission%control%
status%of%the%vehicle.%Check%engine%lights%are%typically%
orange%in%color%because%they%still%primarily%deal%with%
emission%controls.%However,%there%are%many%more%factors%
on%todays%vehicles%which%impact%emissions%that%the%
government%has%determined%are%a%part%of%emission%
controls.%%
%
Emissions%concerns%polluting%the%airso,%if%there%is%
a%spark%plug%that%is%not%firing%the%way%it%should,%is%not%
carrying%electricity%the%way%it%should,%is%not%burning%fuel%
the%way%it%is%supposed%to,%and%therefore%is%causing%the%car%
to%pollute%more%than%it%should,%the%check%engine%light%will%
come%on.%Thats%because%of%a%government%mandate%that%
made%the%check%engine%light%more%comprehensive%than%it%
was%originally.%%
%
Formerly,%if%you%had%a%failed%spark%plug%you%
wouldnt%see%the%check%engine%light%come%on.%The%check%
engine%light%would%come%on%if%you%had%a%fuel%canister%that%
was%full%of%gasoline%or%if%the%EGR%(Exhaust%Gas%
Recirculation,%remember)%system%failed.%But%now,%the%
check%engine%light%encompasses%so%many%things;%there%are%
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somewhere%between%six%hundred%and%nine%hundred%
different%reasons%why%the%check%engine%light%might%come%
on.%Thats%why%just%having%a%code%read%doesnt%do%you%
much%goodthat%only%tells%you%which%system%may%be%at%
fault.%At%that%point,%a%technician%needs%to%run%tests%on%the%
specific%system%to%determine%the%actual%cause%so%they%can%
correct%this%problem.%%
%
SRS"Light"
%
Air%bags%are%very%important.%The%air%bag%system%is%similar%
to%the%ABS%system%in%that%if%the%light%is%on,%the%air%bag%is%not%
going%to%work%properly%if%youre%in%an%accident.%In%a%car%
equipped%with%air%bags%you%will%see%an%SRS%light%(or%Air%Bag%
light)%on%the%dashboard.%SRS!is!an!acronym!for!
Supplementary!Restraint!Systemthe%key%word%being%
supplementary.%That%means%that%it%is%a%supplementing%
part%of%a%safety%system,%and%that%safety%system%is%your%seat%
belt.%If%you%are%not%wearing%your%seat%belt%and%you%are%in%
an%accident%that%deploys%the%airbags,%then%a%greater%
amount%of%bodily%injury%will%occur.%So,%for%that%reason,%you"
should"always"wear"your"seatbelt.%If%the%airbag%light%is%on,%
that%means%that%the%airbags%will%not%deploy%if%an%accident%
occursthere%is%a%problem%in%the%system.%In%order%to%
prevent%your%airbags%from%deploying%on%their%own,%there%
are%many%safety%features%in%place%to%ensure%they%dont%
come%out%unless%there%is%an%accident.%However,%if%the%SRS%
light%is%on,%you%definitely%want%to%get%that%tested%to%find%
out%what%is%at%fault.%If!the!SRS!light!is!on,!your!airbags!will!
not!deploy!in!an!accident.!
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Traction"Control"Light"
%
The%vehicle%computer%not%only%monitors%the%brake%system,%
it%also%helps%move%power%from%one%tire%to%another%in%all_
wheel_drive%vehicles.%For%example,%say%you%are%in%an%all_
wheel%drive%vehicle.%You%are%stuck%on%ice%or%in%snow%and%
you%are%trying%to%get%out.%One%of%your%wheels%is%usually%
stuck%worse%than%the%othersits%spinning%but%not%getting%
any%traction.%The%traction%control%system%will%move%the%
power%from%the%wheel%that%is%spinning%to%a%wheel%that%is%
not%merely%spinning,%since%the%non%spinning%wheel%has%
greater%traction.%The%traction%control%system%allows%power%
to%be%transferred%so%that%you%can%gain%traction%and%have%
greater%control%and%get%out%of%a%situation%where%you%may%
normally%be%stuck.%
%
Traction%control%is%also%working%during%
acceleration.%An%example%of%acceleration%mode%is%when%
you%are%turning%a%corner%and%the%weight%of%the%car%gets%
distributed%from%one%side%to%the%other.%The%traction%
control%system%is%going%to%move%the%power%to%the%wheel%
that%has%the%best%traction.%
%
The%traction%control%light%comes%on%momentarily%
whenever%the%traction%control%system%activates.%If%theres%a%
failure%in%the%system%then%the%light%will%come%on%and%stay%
on.%Typically,%traction%control%lights%are%yellow,%not%red.%So%
if%the%traction%light%comes%on%for%a%moment%as%you%are%
accelerating%or%as%a%wheel%is%spinning%and%then%turns%off%
again,%you%dont%need%to%take%your%vehicle%in.%However,%if%
the%light%comes%on%and%stays%on,%thats%indicative%of%an%
issue%within%that%system.%That%is%when%you%need%to%take%
your%vehicle%for%inspection.%
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Reduced"Power"Light"
%
Reduced%power%is%something%that%is%primarily%seen%on%GM%
vehicles.%The%reduced%power%light%is%usually%red%and%
indicates%that%something%has%gone%wrong,%that%the%vehicle%
has%gone%into%limp%modeas%in%we%are%limping%or%we%
only%have%one%leg%and%cannot%run.%There%is%some%fault%
that%the%system%has%found%that%could%potentially%be%
problematic.%A%lot%of%times%this%fault%deals%with%either%
transmission%functions%or%accelerating%functions.%So,%the%
vehicle%goes%into%limp%mode,%the%reduced%power%light%
comes%on,%and%you%have%to%get%it%in%for%service.%You%can%
drive%to%get%yourself%to%a%safe%place;%however,%some%limp%
modes%would%limit%you%to%driving%no%more%than%25%miles%an%
hourwhere%of%course%you%would%want%to%have%it%towed%
from%that%point%if%you%have%a%long%way%to%go.%Other%limp%
modes%may%allow%you%to%go%40%miles%per%hour,%enough%that%
you%can%get%to%a%repair%facility%on%your%own.%The%reduced%
power%light%will%most%always%be%red.%It%indicates%a%problem%
that%needs%to%receive%immediate%attention.%%
%
Temperature"Light"
%
Most%cars%today%have%an%engine%temperature%gauge%as%well%
as%a%temperature%light.%The%engine%temperature%light%will%
always%be%redindicating%that%you%need%to%shut%the%car%
down%as%soon%as%possible.%The%longer%you%continue%to%
drive,%the%more%damage%will%occur.%Eventually,%you%will%
damage%the%engine%internally.%By%continuing%to%drive%the%
vehicle,%you%will%create%more%problemsvery%costly%
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problems.%When"the"temperature"light"comes"on,"you"
should"pull"over"and"turn"the"engine"off"as"quickly"as"you"
safely"can.%When%the%temperature%light%comes%on,%you%
should%immediately%look%at%the%temperature%gauge.%If%the%
gauge%is%too%hot,%you%need%to%shut%your%car%off%as%soon%as%
possible.%The%first%step%in%the%troubleshooting%process%is%to%
make%sure%that%your%coolant%level%is%full.%But!be!careful!%
You%have%to%use%extreme%caution%when%adding%coolant%to%a%
car%that%is%hot%because%you%can%get%burned.%It%is%best%to%let%
the%car%sit%for%several%hours%and%cool%down%before%adding%
coolant.%%
%
Whenever%you%have%to%add%coolant%to%your%car,%
that%means%you%have%a%leak%that%needs%serviced.%If%the%
coolant%is%full%and%the%vehicle%is%running%hot,%then%that%
means%that%a%component%within%the%system%has%failed.%
%
Oil"Light"
%
The%oil%light%can%indicate%an%issue%with%the%oil%level%or%oil%
pressuresometimes%both.%If%the%engine%loses%oil%
pressure,%the%oil%light%is%going%to%come%on.%That%light%will%be%
red%because%you%have%to%shut%the%engine%down%quickly.%If%
the%oil%pressure%is%too%low,%there%will%be%internal%damage%
to%the%engine.%The%damage%would%be%similar%to%driving%
without%oil%in%the%engine.%%
%
To%clarify,%you%can%be%low%on%oil%and%still%have%oil%
pressure.%The%oil%light%may%not%let%you%know%that%you%are%
low%on%oilin%some%cars%only%checking%the%dipstick%can%tell%
you%that%you%are%low%on%oil.%There%is%some%new%technology%
in%some%of%the%higher%end%cars,%the%BMWs%and%Mercedes%
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models,%where%there%is%no%dipstick.%Instead,%there%is%a%
sensor%inside%the%engine%that%reads%the%oil%level%and%
indicates%whether%the%oil%is%low%or%if%the%oil%is%at%the%proper%
level.%However,%that%is%a%very%small%percentage%of%the%cars%
that%are%on%the%market%today.%Most%cars%still%have%a%
dipstick.%You%can%actually%be%a%quart%or%even%two%quarts%
low%on%oil%but%still%have%enough%oil%in%the%engine%to%
produce%oil%pressure.%In%that%case,%the%oil%light%might%not%
come%on%because%the%oil%pressure%is%thereso,%that%part%of%
the%system%might%never%give%you%an%indication%that%youre%
low%on%oil.%Obviously,%if%you%have%no%oil,%you%will%not%have%
any%oil%pressure%at%all.%At%that%point,%youve%probably%
damaged%the%engine.%That%is%why%it%is%important%to%inspect%
a%vehicles%oil%level%periodically.%%
%
Having%a%sufficient%oil%level%provides%several%
benefits.%Lubricating%the%engine%is%the%oils%primary%job,%but%
outside%of%that%the%biggest%impact%that%oil%has%is%on%fuel%
mileage.%Thats%why%the%weights%of%oil%have%changed%over%
the%yearscar%manufacturers%have%learned%that%if%they%use%
just%the%right%oil%then%they%can%improve%fuel%mileage,%
perhaps%by%1/10th%of%1%.%In%some%cases,%that%small%
amount%is%enough%to%help%the%manufacturer%meet%the%
federal%guidelines%for%fuel%economy.%
%
Smart"Air"Bag"Light"
%
Almost%all%cars%are%equipped%with%smart%air%bags.%Basically,%
these%sensors%measure%the%weight%of%the%passenger%in%the%
front%passenger%seat.%Fortunately,!there!is!not!an!electronic!
display!on!the!dash!of!your!weight!!Depending%on%the%
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weight%of%the%person%or%object%that%is%in%the%passenger%
front%seat,%the%air%bag%may%or%may%not%deploy.%With%this%
light,%there%is%not%necessarily%anything%that%you%need%to%do.%
If%there%is%a%small%child%in%the%front%seat%the%smart%bag%
knows%it.%If%the%weight%in%the%front%seat%does%not%meet%a%
certain%criterion%that%has%been%established%by%the%
manufacturer,%then%the%smart%air%bag%light%will%come%on%to%
let%you%know%that%the%airbag%is%off%on%the%passenger%side.%
%
Through%some%unfortunate%deaths%and%injuries%
over%the%years,%the%car%industry%has%learned%that%some%
small%childrens%bodies%cannot%withstand%the%explosion%of%
an%airbag.%On%the%inside%of%an%airbag%is%a%substance%that%is%
basically%gunpowder.%When%triggered,%the%gunpowder%
explodes%the%bag%out%of%the%dash%at%an%extremely%high%rate%
of%speed.%The%air%that%is%in%that%bag%immediately%deflates,%
but%is%present%for%just%long%enough%to%provide%a%cushion.%
Typically,%the%occupant%of%the%seat%is%moving%forward%while%
the%bag%is%deploying%rearward,%so%there%is%a%collision%that%
takes%place%between%the%bag%and%the%occupant.%Because%
the%airbag%deploys%at%such%a%high%rate%of%speed,%if%the%body%
of%the%person%in%the%front%seat%is%not%big%enough%to%handle%
the%rearward%movement%of%the%airbag%or%the%explosion%
that%deploys%the%airbag%then%the%airbag%will%cause%bodily%
injury.%Most%people%who%have%experienced%an%airbag%
deployment%will%have%some%facial%scratches%or%contusions%
somewhere%on%their%face%from%that%airbag%deploying.%
However,%these%are%superficial%and%not%major.%But%with%a%
small%child,%the%airbags%rapid%deployment%could%break%the%
childs%neck%or%back%or%cause%a%head%injury.%After%learning%
this,%car%manufacturers%introduced%smart%bags.%Which!was!
smart!%
%
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Dashboard"Gauges"
%

Many%cars%have%not%only%dashboard%lights%but%also%
dashboard%gauges.%They%are%there%to%help%us%know%how%
the%vehicle%is%operating.%
%
Temperature"Gauge"
"""
%
One%very%common%
gauge%is%the%cold/hot%
gauge,%also%called%the%
coolant%temperature%
gauge.%Typically,%you%will%
find%the%coolant%
temperature%gauge%on%the%
left%side%of%the%dash.%This%
gauge%was%mentioned%earlier,%but%to%summarize,%it%is%
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basically%monitoring%the%temperature%of%the%engine.%
Transmissions%usually%will%not%shift%into%the%final%drive%gear%
until%the%engine%temperature%has%reached%at%least%a%
quarter%of%the%way%of%its%full%gauge%range.%Most%gauges%are%
set%to%runin%normal%operationabout%midway%up%the%
gauge.%So,%youll%usually%see%a%C%on%the%bottom%and%an%
H%on%the%top%(or%Blue%for%cold%and%Red%for%hot).%The%
gauge%could%also%be%horizontally%installedin%that%case%the%
C%would%be%on%the%left%and%the%H%would%be%on%the%right.%
The%needle%is%typically%going%to%be%in%the%middle%of%the%
gauge,%indicating%what%is%called%Operating%Temperature.%%
%
Interestingly,%if%the%indicator%needle%stays%over%on%
the%cold%side,%then%that%impacts%your%fuel%mileage.%Thats%
because%the%vehicles%computer%is%designed%to%put%fuel%in%
the%engine%based%on%a%certain%engine%temperature.%When%
the%engine%is%cold,%it%puts%in%more%fuel%because%a%cold%
engine%needs%more%fuel.%If%the%thermostat%is%not%working
the%typical%failurethen%the%computer%perceives%that%the%
engine%is%running%at%a%colder%temperature%and%will%
continue%putting%more%fuel%into%the%engine.%Thus,%you%will%
use%more%gasoline.%So,%because%the%thermostat%can%impact%
fuel%mileage,%it%is%important%that%you%are%familiar%with%the%
temperature%gauge%to%know%what%is%normal.%It%is%all%about%
checking%that%gauge%on%a%consistent%basis.%Remember!that!
continuing!to!run!the!vehicle!when!the!gauge!shows!the!
engine!is!hot!will!cause!expensive!internal!engine!damage.!
!
!
!
!
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Tachometer"""
%
Most%tachometer%
gauges%(also%called%RPM%
gauges)%are%circular%and%
have%a%series%of%
numbers%going%around%
themoften%0_7.%%
%
%
%
As%you%depress%the%gas%pedal,%even%if%you%are%sitting%
still,%you%will%see%the%tachometer%needle%move%around%the%
gauge%as%you%accelerate.%The%tachometer%indicates%how%
many%times%the%engine%is%rotating%each%minute.%You%
multiply%the%number%on%the%gauge%by%one%thousandfor%
example,%if%the%needle%is%sitting%at%1,%the%engine%is%rotating%
one%thousand%times%per%minute.%If%the%numbers%on%the%
tachometer%are%multiples%of%10numbers%like%20,%30,%40,%
and%so%onthen%you%multiply%that%number%by%one%
hundred%instead%of%one%thousand.%That%number%is%how%
many%times%the%engine%is%making%one%full%revolution%each%
minutecalled%revolutions%per%minute%or%RPM%for%short.%%
%
It%can%be%helpful%to%keep%an%eye%on%the%RPM%gauge.%
The%RPM%number%will%drop%each%time%the%transmission%
shifts%into%a%higher%gear%to%increase%fuel%economy.%If%you%
see%that%the%engine%appears%to%be%running%at%a%higher%RPM%
than%normal,%that%is%an%indication%that%something%is%not%
right%because%the%engine%is%working%harder%than%it%usually%
does.%Fundamentally,%the%tachometer%measures%the%speed%
of%the%engine%in%revolutions%per%minute.%
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%
Another%place%the%tachometer%is%helpful%is%when%
you%are%idling.%If%you%have%a%vacuum%leak%or%a%similar%
problem,%your%idling%RPM%will%be%higher%than%usual.%Most%
engines%should%run%just%below%the%1%markor%possibly%the%
10,%depending%on%what%kind%of%gauge%you%have.%If%the%
idling%RPM%is%significantly%higher,%thats%a%problem.%You%
should%expect%to%see%the%idling%RPM%a%little%bit%higher%when%
the%engine%is%cold.%Once%the%engine%reaches%operating%
temperature%you%will%see%the%gauge%go%back%down%to%the%
650_750%RPM%range.%Isnt!it!cool!that!you!already!
understand!acronyms?!
%
Battery"Gauge""
%
The%battery%gauge%simply%measures%battery%
voltage.%You%will%usually%see%a%small%picture%of%what%looks%
like%a%battery.%It%can%make%you%aware%when%there%is%a%
problem%with%the%battery.%Some%gauges%will%have%a%
number%12,%which%concerns%the%voltage,%but%most%of%the%
time%the%normal%position%for%the%needle,%when%everything%
is%fine%with%the%battery,%is%in%the%middle%of%the%gauge.%%
%
Fuel"Gauge"
%
%
Most%people%know%
that%E%does%not%stand%for%
enoughit%stands%for%
empty.%And%F%of%course%
stands%for%full.%%
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
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%
In%todays%cars,%the%fuel%pump%is%located%inside%the%
gas%tank.%Having%enough%fuel%in%the%tank%helps%keep%that%
little%electric%motorcalled%your%fuel%pumpcool,%and%will%
typically%make%it%last%longer.%So,%just%as%a%general%rule,%you%
should%keep%at%least%a%quarter%tank%of%fuel%in%your%car%at%all%
times.%This%will%add%life%to%the%fuel%pump%because,%since%it%
is%an%electric%motor,%it%does%create%heat,%and%excessive%
heat%causes%the%pump%to%have%a%shorter%life.%So%keeping%
enough%fuel%in%the%tank%will%keep%the%fuel%pump%cool%and%
will%simply%help%it%last%longer.%%
%
If%you%get%down%to%a%quarter%tank,%you%can%let%it%go%
down%to%emptyit%is%OK%to%do%thatbut%when%you%fill%up%
you%should%fill%up%all%the%way.%You%shouldnt%put%just%a%
couple%of%dollars%worth%of%gas%in%where%the%fuel%level%just%
reaches%a%quarter.%If%you're%always%running%in%that%quarter%
to%empty%range,%then%youre%going%to%shorten%the%life%of%
the%pump.%Not%only%that,%but%also%if%theres%an%emergency%
and%you%need%to%get%somewhere%right%away,%you%will%want%
more%than%a%quarter%tank%of%gas%in%the%car.%So%using%a%
quarter%tank%as%your%empty%gauge%would%be%a%good%rule%of%
thumb%so%that%you%can%lengthen%the%life%of%the%fuel%pump%
and%get%you%where%you%need%to%go%in%an%emergency.%
%
Odometer"
%
%
The%odometer%gauge%tells%you%how%many%miles%are%
on%your%vehicle.%The%accuracy%of%an%odometer%gauge%has%
changed%over%the%years.%Today%its%electronicwhereas%
years%ago%there%used%to%be%a%cable%that%ran%from%the%
speedometer%head%down%to%the%transmission.%As%the%
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transmission%rotated,%this%cable%would%rotate.%You%would%
be%able%to%take%that%cable%out,%put%a%drill%on%it,%run%the%drill%
backwards,%and%reduce%the%miles%on%the%car.%That%was%an%
unethical%trick%from%the%50s%and%the%60s,%but%nowadays%
thats%impossible.%You%cannot%run%mileage%back%on%a%car;%it%
is%completely%electronic.%Almost%all%odometers%are%LED%
displayed%at%some%level,%and%so%theres%not%any%type%of%
manipulation%that%can%occur%for%someone%to%show%fewer%
miles%on%the%car%than%it%actually%has.%The%odometer%gauge%
is%an%accurate%way%for%you%to%know%how%many%miles%are%on%
a%car.%%
%
Speedometer"
%
%
The%speedometer%gauge%is,%of%course,%useful%for%
knowing%how%fast%you%are%going.%It%has%speed%sensors%that%
are%very%accurate.%That%information%is%used%for%the%
transmission,%to%let%it%know%when%to%shift.%Of!course,!it!is!
also!hopefully!there!to!keep!you!from!getting!a!speeding!
ticket.%
%
These%are%the%primary%gauges%youll%find%on%the%
dashboard%of%vehicles%today.%Not%all%vehicles%will%have%all%
of%these%gauges,%but%you%should%be%familiar%with%each%of%
them%so%that%youll%know%how%to%properly%read%the%gauge%
when%you%see%it.%%
%
%

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Noises"
%
%
One%of%the%greatest%things%about%car%ownership%is%
really%getting%to%know%your%car.%That%means%using%your%five%
senseshearing,%sight,%smell,%taste,%and%touch.%You%can%
use%your%senses%to%know%what%is%normal%on%the%car%so%
youll%recognize%when%something%has%changed.%%
%
When%it%comes%to%hearing%noises%that%you%know%are%
not%normal,%not%what%you%are%used%to%hearing,%one%of%the%
best%things%to%do%is%show%the%noise.%%
%
When%you%take%the%car%into%a%service%facility,%dont%
try%to%explain%the%noise,%show%them%the%noise.%One%of%the%
greatest%helps%to%any%service%facility%is%when%the%vehicle%
owner%pays%attention%so%they%can%duplicate%the%noise.%
%

%How%fast%was%I%going?%%

%Was%I%turning?%%

%Was%I%braking?%%

%Was%I%accelerating?%%

%What%were%the%scenarios?%%

%Was%I%going%uphill%or%downhill?%%

%
%
Pay%attention%to%the%environment%and%the%activity%
that%is%taking%place%when%the%noise%occurs.%Then%you%can%
take%that%information,%go%to%the%repair%facility,%get%
someone%in%the%car%with%you%and%duplicate%the%sound.%
Highly%trained%automotive%technicians%can%typically%hear%
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many%noises%that%you%may%not%hear.%This%small%step%will%
assist%the%technician%in%locating%and%correcting%the%same%
noise%that%concerned%you.%When%you%pay%attention%to%how%
the%car%normally%sounds,%when%something%changes%youll%
know%it.%%%
%
Brake"Squeaking"
%
%
One%very%common%noise%that%often%scares%people%is%
a%squeaky%noise%that%happens%when%you%push%on%your%
brake%pedal.%If%you%hear%a%high_pitched%noise,%that%is%
certainly%indicative%of%brakes%needing%repair,%especially%if%it%
is%something%that%you%have%not%normally%heard.%
Sometimes%what%well%call%inferior%brake%pads%or%
inferior%parts%can%be%used%on%a%brake%job.%In%those%cases,%
you%should%expect%some%squeaking.%What%is%happening%is%
not%necessarily%metal%contacting%metal,%but%actually%a%
vibration%of%the%brake%pad%against%the%rotor,%which%comes%
out%as%an%audible%squeak.%The%vibration%is%at%a%decibel%level%
that%sounds%like%a%squeak,%so%this%can%occur%due%to%the%type%
of%brake%pad%being%used%or%the%surface%of%the%rotor.%
However,%if%you%have%good%brake%systems%and%high%quality%
parts%being%used%in%the%brakes,%you%should%not%expect%to%
hear%any%noise.%If%noise%does%occur%at%some%point%in%the%
future,%you%should%recognize%it%as%a%problem%and%have%the%
brake%system%inspected%for%any%wear,%tear,%or%other%issue.%%
%
%

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Brake"Grinding"
%
%
Grinding%usually%happens%after%squeaking,%but%I%
have%also%seen%some%brakes%that%did%not%squeak%and%went%
right%to%grinding.%That%is%typically%metal%grinding%on%metal,%
and%you%definitely%need%to%get%your%vehicle%into%a%shop.%
Some%of%the%higher%end%manufacturers,%such%as%Mercedes,%
BMW%and%Lexus,%will%have%what%are%called%brake%pad%
wear%indicators.%These%are%just%a%small%wire%that%is%built%
into%the%brake%pad.%Once%that%wire%makes%contact%with%the%
rotor,%a%dash%light%comes%on%that%says%brake%wear%
indicator.%At%that%point,%you%can%bet%that%it%is%time%to%
replace%your%pads.%Once%the%sensor%makes%contact%with%
the%rotor,%the%sensor%is%ruined%and%will%have%to%be%replaced%
along%with%the%brake%pads.%%
%
Squeaky"Engine"
%
%
Many%times%youll%find%a%plastic%splash%shield%that%is%
installed%underneath%the%front%of%the%car%for%multiple%
purposes.%They%are%there%not%only%to%prevent%foreign%
objects%like%rocks%from%getting%into%the%engine%
compartment%and%causing%damage,%but%also%to%protect%
against%water%getting%into%the%drive%belt%area.%If%water%has%
entered%that%area,%many%times%the%drive%belt%is%actually%
slipping%on%the%pulleys.%You%are%hearing%the%squeaking%
noise%because%water%intrusion%has%occurred.%This%is%not%
really%harmful%but%it%probably%does%mean%that%the%shield%
that%is%normally%present%is%either%disfigured%in%some%way%or%
not%there%at%all.%%
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%
Those%shields%get%damaged%frequently%when%you%
pull%up%close%to%parking%spots%and%hit%the%sidewalk%curb%
slightly,%or%when%you%hit%one%of%those%parking%stops%
because%your%car%sits%a%little%bit%lower.%If%you%hit%that%shield%
enough%times,%eventually%it%is%not%going%to%stay%attached%
and%will%come%off.%Thats%a%bad%situation%because%your%
lower%engine%area%is%now%exposed%and%could%sustain%
damage%from%a%rock%or%other%debris.%You%should%look%to%
see%if%this%plastic%shield%is%in%good%condition%when%you%
wash%your%car%or%get%fuel.%It%only%takes%a%moment%and%
could%save%you%thousands%of%dollars%in%repairs.%%
"
Thumping"While"Turning"
%
%
Sometimes%when%you%turn,%you%will%get%a%thumping%
noise%and%possibly%a%jerking%action%through%the%steering%
wheel.%A%thumping%noise%can%be%caused%by%several%
problems.%It%could%be%caused%by%what%are%called%your%
constant%velocity%joints%or%CV%joints.%Your%axle%has%a%
constant%velocity%joint%built%into%it%that%maintains%
quickness%of%motion%to%the%wheels%when%you%turn%your%
steering%wheel.%When%CV%joints%wear%out,%they%will%cause%a%
thumping%or%knocking%noise%when%you%turn.%The%only%
repair%option%is%to%replace%the%axle%itself.%
%
Another%thumping%that%can%occur%involves%the%
brakes.%Usually%occurring%at%highway%speeds,%you%will%apply%
the%brakes%and%get%a%thumping%noise.%It%may%be%something%
you%hear%or%something%you%feel.%Many%times%you%will%see%
the%steering%wheel%shake.%That%usually%means%that%the%
rotors,%which%are%a%brake%component,%are%out%of%round.%
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Those%rotors%turn%with%the%wheel%as%you%are%driving.%When%
you%apply%the%brakes,%the%brake%pads%rub%against%the%rotor%
to%create%the%friction%that%causes%your%vehicle%to%slow%
down.%If%the%surface%of%the%rotor%is%not%smooth%or%straight,%
it%produces%a%thumping%or%a%vibration.%Another%term%used%
is%pulsation"of"the"brakes%when%you%apply%them.%
Typically,%you%will%hear%or%feel%that%pulsation%when%you%
brake%at%speeds%above%45%miles%per%hour.%You%may%not%
necessarily%feel%the%pulsations%if%you%are%braking%at%20%
miles%per%hour,%but%once%you%get%up%to%highway%speeds%
and%apply%the%brakes,%you%are%more%likely%to%feel%or%hear%
the%vibrations.%This%is%not%necessarily%a%dangerous%situation%
but%can%be%quite%a%nuisance.%It%also%has%a%negative%impact%
on%brake%pad%and%suspension%life.%%
%
Thumping"While"Driving"
%
%
If%you%are%driving%down%the%road%and%getting%a%
regular%thumping%or%vibration%that%varies%with%your%speed,%
the%tires%are%definitely%the%place%to%check.%Many%times,%
what%well%see%is%the%tread%in%the%tire%separating%internally.%
To%be%accurate,%see%is%not%the%best%word%because%it%is%not%
something%you%can%see%because%separation%of%the%tread%
occurs%on%the%inside%of%the%tire.%The%tread%will%move%or%
separate%slightly.%The%symptom%that%alerts%you%that%this%
has%occurred%more%times%than%not%is%this:%%
%
If%you%are%driving%across%a%parking%lot%at%2_3%miles%
per%houra%really%slow%speedand%let%go%of%the%steering%
wheel,%your%steering%wheel%will%shake%back%and%forth,%
slightly%left%to%right.%That%is%a%good%indication%that%the%tread%
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has%moved%inside%the%tire,%and%you%will%definitely%want%to%
have%the%tires%replaced.%%
%
The%age%at%which%you%should%replace%a%tire%has%
become%an%issue%over%the%years.%All%tires%have%a%number%on%
them%that%indicates%the%age%of%the%tire.%You%can%find%one%of%
those%numbers%on%every%tire.%The%number%will%start%with%
the%letters%DOT%(an%abbreviation%for%Department%of%
Transportation)%and%followed%by%a%series%of%letters%and%
numbers.%At%the%end%of%that%series%will%be%four%digits.%
Those%digits%represent%the%week%and%year%that%the%tire%was%
made.%If%one%of%your%tires%has%the%digits%4512,%the%tire%was%
made%in%the%45th%week%of%2012.%The%numerical%significance%
is%that%the%recommendation%for%replacing%tires%is%between%
five%and%seven%years%old.%If%the%tires%are%10%years%old,%it%is%
absolutely%required%that%you%replace%the%tires.%I%say%it%is%
required%because%you%are%at%a%great%risk%of%a%blow%out%or%
tire%separation%when%a%tire%is%that%old.%
%
Whining"Engine"
%
%
Whining%usually%occurs%either%from%the%children%in%
the%back%seat%or%from%the%cars%steering%pump%under%the%
hood.%So%you%want%to%check%both%of%those.%You%may%need%a%
cracker%for%one%and%power%steering%fluid%for%the%other.%%
%
The%power%steering%fluid%is%a%sealed%system%for%the%
most%part.%The%fluid%does%not%wear%out%or%go%away.%If%you%
need%to%add%power%steering%fluid,%you%most%likely%have%a%
leak%somewhere%in%the%system.%Typically,%if%you%add%power%
steering%fluid%you%should%expect%the%whine%to%come%back%
because%of%a%leak%somewhere.%It%may%not%even%go%away%
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after%you%add%the%fluid%because%you%have%to%make%some%
turning%maneuvers%to%help%work%the%new%fluid%through%the%
system.%The%whine%may%stop%for%a%while,%but%once%the%fluid%
leaks%out%again,%the%whining%noise%will%begin%again.%
%
Interestingly%enough,%as%Ford%power%steering%
pumps%get%older,%whining%is%normal%for%them.%The%whining%
is%not%loud,%but%it%will%be%present%and%it%is%likely%to%be%
something%you%hear.%If%everything%is%sealed,%there%is%no%loss%
of%fluid.%If%the%fluid%has%been%flushed%out%and%changed%
regularly,%then%it%is%not%abnormal%to%hear%those%older%
pumps%whine.%To%be%safe,%if%you%hear%a%whining%noise,%after%
checking%the%kids%in%the%back%seat,%consider%having%your%
power%steering%system%checked%by%a%certified%technician.%
%
Vehicle"Starting"
%
%
When%you%start%your%car,%there%are%several%noises%
that%you%could%hear.%One%is%a%tapping%noise%that%can%
indicate%that%your%oil%is%not%getting%where%it%needs%to%be.%
That%noise%occurs%because%some%areas%of%the%car%need%to%
have%oil%immediately%upon%starting.%One%reason%that%some%
of%the%manufacturers%have%gone%to%a%lighter%weight%oil%is%
because%that%oil%can%get%to%those%areas%that%need%
lubrication%quicker%on%start_up%more%rapidly.%
%
Another%noise%you%might%hear%is%a%rattling.%Any%time%
you%hear%a%rattle%in%your%engine%when%you%start%your%car,%it%
is%metal_to_metal%contact.%While%it%will%not%cause%
immediate%failure,%it%is%something%that%will%eventually%
happen.%That%is%going%to%take%its%toll%on%the%engine%over%
time.%Usually,%this%is%an%indication%that%you%are%low%on%oil.%
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Alternatively,%it%could%also%be%an%indication%that%you%do%not%
have%the%oil%pressure%that%you%need,%or%even%that%internal%
wear%has%occurred.%

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Engine"Oil"

%
Here%are%some%common%questions%about%engine%oil:%
%
"

!Does!the!type!of!engine!oil!I!put!in!really!matter?!!

!
!

!Can!I!change!the!brand!of!oil!that!I!use?!!

!
!

!!What!do!the!numbers!mean?!

%
%
%
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Engine"Oil"Background"
%

"

%
All%oil%today%is%what%is%called%paraffin_based%oil.%
That%means%the%oil%has%the%ability%to%capture%dirtthis%is%its%
job.%When%the%time%for%service%comes,%the%oil%is%drained%
out%of%the%vehicle%and%dirt%goes%with%it.%No%matter%what%oil%
you%are%using,%it%is%all%paraffin_based%and%it%is%used%to%
remove%dirt%from%the%engine%at%each%service%interval.%%
%
That%being%said,%the%manufacturers%have%made%
different%changes%within%the%oil%for%their%specific%engine%to%
bring%about%the%kind%of%lubrication%that%is%needed.%This%
goes%back%to%the%tolerances%that%are%built%within%the%
engine,%and%affects%fuel%mileage.%It%used%to%be%that%the%car%
industry%would%recommend%oil%based%on%geographic%
conditions.%If%you%lived%in%Alaska%where%it%is%really%cold,%
thinner%winter%oil%would%be%recommended.%If%you%lived%in%
the%warmer%southern%states,%something%else%would%be%
recommended.%That%has%all%changed%because%of%the%
tolerances%that%have%been%built%into%cars%by%the%
manufacturers.%Today%it%is%more%important%than%ever%that%
you%pay%attention%to%what%type%of%oil%the%manufacturer%is%
recommending.%Some%European%car%manufacturers%are%
advising%that%you%have%to%use%full%synthetic%oil.%In%some%
cases%they%will%tell%you%to%use%Mobile%1%oil%in%your%car,%
which%is%the%worlds%leading%synthetic%motor%oil.%%
%
In%2011,%General%Motors%put%out%a%standard%called%
dexos.%Dexos%oil%was%actually%General%Motors%attempt%
to%brand%their%own%oil%and%require%it%to%be%used%in%their%
cars.%There%has%been%a%lot%of%controversy%over%that%
because%it%is%actually%a%type%of%monopoly,%but%there%are%
other%people%a%lot%smarter%than%me%involved%in%that%
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conversation.%General%Motors%has%said%that%for%some%
engines,%not%using%dexos%approved%oil%or%dexos%equivalent%
could%hurt%performance%and%even%cause%engine%damage.%If%
you%use%fully%synthetic%oil,%then%it%is%dexos%equivalent,%
because%thats%basically%what%dexos%oil%is.%%
%
If%you%look%at%an%oil%bottle%you%will%see%all%kinds%of%
information%on%it.%Probably,%the%one%thing%that%most%
people%see%more%than%anything%is%the%5W30%or%10W30.%
What%does%that%mean?%Well,%the%W%stands%for%winter.%If%
we%used%5W30%for%example,%the%5%and%30%actually%
measure%the%thickness%of%the%oil%at%different%temperatures.%
If%an%oil%bottle%has%5W30%on%it,%in%winter%climates%the%oil%
has%a%viscosity%of%30.%Once%the%oil%heats%up,%it%has%a%
viscosity%of%5.%Most%cars%today%use%either%5W20%or%5W30,%
and%you%want%to%use%the%specified%oil%regardless%of%
geographic%location.%The%brand%you%choose%is%up%to%you.%
Contrary%to%what%your%grandfather%told%you%its%ok%to%switch%
brands.%%
%
Oil"Change"Frequency""
1
%
How%often%you%should%change%your%oil%is%becoming%
an%issue%in%our%industry%because%of%changes%in%service%
intervals.%Whenever%the%oil%needs%changed%has%always%
been%the%standard%for%people%to%know%to%bring%their%car%in%
for%service.%Years%ago%it%was%three%months%or%three%
thousand%miles.%Our%fathers,%grandfathers,%and%great_
grandfathers%all%taught%us%that.%The%reason%the%oil%needed%
changed%so%often%is%because%the%engines%were%exposed%to%
the%elements,%and%the%filtering%system%of%air%and%fuel%was%
just%not%what%it%is%today.%Your%oil%could%be%contaminated%
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very%easily%and%cause%internal%engine%damage.%That%is%also%
why%car%engines%used%to%last%only%about%fifty%thousand%
miles.%Several%things%have%changed%since%then.%First,%as%I%
mentioned%earlier,%the%oil%has%gotten%better%at%suspending%
dirt.%With%the%advent%of%electronic%fuel%injection,%we%do%not%
have%as%much%of%a%problem%with%the%outside%elements%
making%it%to%the%crankcase%because%the%fuel%systems%are%
sealed.%Fuel%is%also%being%managed%better,%so%the%oil%is%not%
getting%contaminated%with%fuel%the%way%it%used%to.%%
%
We%are%getting%better%control%of%the%outside%
elements%of%dirt%and%dust%coming%into%the%engine;%we%have%
better%control%through%better%filtering.%We%have%better%
control%of%the%amount%of%fuel%that%gets%dumped%into%an%
engine%for%burningalmost%all%of%it%is%getting%burned%these%
days.%And%finally,%the%oil%has%gotten%better%at%suspending%
the%dirt%in%the%engine.%When%you%put%these%three%factors%
into%the%equation,%your%service%interval%can%now%be%a%lot%
longer%than%it%used%to%be.%Some%manufacturers%will%tell%you%
7,500%miles,%some%10,000%miles,%and%some%15,000%miles.%
To%help%simplify%things,%a%lot%of%cars%today%have%oil%life%
monitors%on%them%that%tell%you%when%it%is%time%to%change%
your%oil.%
%%%%%%A%general%rule%of%thumb%that%I%have%adopted%is:%
%%%%%%%Your!oil!should!be!serviced!every!5,000!miles.!!
%
The%reason%I%landed%on%five%thousand%miles%is%
primarily%because%that%is%the%interval%at%which%several%
other%aspects%of%the%car%need%to%be%inspected.%For%
example,%the%tires%should%be%rotated%then.%The%car%ought%
to%be%inspected%by%an%ASE%Certified%Technician%at%that%
interval%to%make%sure%everything%else%is%working%safely%and%
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properly.%%That%is%also%a%good%time%to%change%the%oil.%This!is!
the!interval!at!which!you!receive!free!oil!changes!as!a!VIP!
Member!at!Parkway!Automotive.%
%
Some%manufacturers%have%made%these%long%
recommendations%for%oil%changes,%only%to%find%out%that%the%
extended%duration%caused%internal%engine%damage%or%
failure%for%the%consumer%after%seventy,%eighty,%or%ninety%
thousand%miles.%Too%late,%they%realized%that%they%should%
have%had%that%interval%a%little%closer.%Changing%the%oil%every%
five%thousand%miles%is%a%good%rule%of%thumb.%
%
Oil%suspends%dust%particles%in%a%manner%like%a%dust%
rag%that%you%would%use%in%your%home.%The%oil%will%collect%
the%dust%and%debris%that%is%in%your%engine,%but%that%same%
oil%is%still%going%through%the%system.%If%you%dont%change%the%
oil%on%a%regular%basis,%all%of%those%particles%are%still%going%
through%your%engine.%Thats%one%of%the%reasons%that%you%
need%to%get%it%out%of%your%engine%on%a%regular%basisso%
you%have%a%fresh%dust%cloth,%per%se.%
%
%%

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Car"Care"201"
%
In%this%section%lets%go%over%some%of%the%more%advanced%
areas%of%your%vehicle,%including%when%to%buy%a%new%one.%
This%could%become%a%reference%manual%for%you%and%a%great%
training%manual%for%new%drivers%you%may%have%in%your%
family.%Ive%structured%this%section%in%the%form%of%a%
Question%and%Answer%series,%much%like%an%FAQ%section%of%a%
website%or%resource%book.%
%
Buying"A"New"Car"
%
%
Lets%discuss%a%few%of%the%most%frequently%
questions%related%to%purchasing%a%new%vehicle.%Having%this%
information%could%save%you%thousands%of%dollars.%
%

When%to%Buy%a%Newer%Vehicle%

%
Q.!When!do!I!need!to!buy!a!new!car!versus!
investing!in!the!one!I!have?!
%
A.%Every%car%has%a%point%of%diminishing%return.%What%
you%do%from%the%day%you%drive%your%car%off%the%showroom%
floor%and%whether%you%think%of%your%vehicle%as%an%
investment%or%expense%will%impact%the%decisions%you%make%
when%it%comes%time%for%you%to%consider%replacing%it.%%%%
%
You%should%not%say,%Well,%I%dont%want%to%put%that%
much%money%in%my%car.%If%youve%maintained%the%car%well,%
if%youve%been%a%part%of%our%VIP%club%membership%and%
weve%serviced%your%car%every%5,000%miles,%if%youve%taken%
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care%of%things%properly,%then%you%should%expect%to%get%
300,000%to%400,000%miles%from%it.%The%car%will%last%you%that%
long%if%you%are%caring%for%it%correctly.%That%is%one%of%the%
reasons%you%see%Hondas%and%Toyotas%last%so%long.%Its%not%
necessarily%because%of%the%car,%but%rather%because%the%
people%who%buy%them%take%care%of%them.%If%youll%do%the%
same%with%your%Ford,%Chevy,%Chrysler,%or%other%vehicle,%you%
can%expect%to%get%a%lot%of%miles%out%of%them%as%well:%they%
are%all%quality%vehicles.%When%you%buy%a%vehicle,%you%have%
to%understand%that%how%you%maintain%it%today%is%going%to%
impact%its%condition%tomorrow.%With%proper%servicing,%your%
point%of%diminishing%returns%is%going%to%be%a%lot%farther%
down%the%road%than%if%you%allow%it%to%be%neglected.%%
%
I%have%seen%vehicles%with%as%few%as%75,000%miles%on%
them%that%need%an%engine%because%the%oil%was%not%changed%
properly.%Today,%that%is%a%$7,000%to%$10,000%venture,%and%
depending%on%the%vehicle,%that%car%may%not%be%worth%it.%If,%
however,%you%have%it%financed%and%you%owe%money%on%it%
and%you're%upside%down%(meaning%you%owe%more%than%
the%vehicle%is%worth),%then%sometimes%you%dont%have%a%
choice.%%
%
It!is!always!better!to!maintain!a!car!correctly!from!
the!beginning!so!that!the!point!of!diminishing!returns!is!
much!farther!out!than!it!otherwise!would!be.!
%
Say%you%have%a%six%or%seven_year_old%vehicle.%
Maybe%it%needs%a%timing%belt%or%has%blown%a%head%gasket.%It%
is%going%to%be%a%$1,500%to%$2,500%repair%on%a%vehicle%that%
you%have%been%driving%for%six%to%seven%years.%You%know%the%
vehicle,%but%you%are%just%not%sure%you%want%to%pay%that%
much%to%get%it%fixed.%You%think%you%might%just%want%to%buy%
a%newer%vehicle.%I%have%done%a%calculation%that%can%help%
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you%decide.%It%explains%that%it%is%not%always%in%your%best%
interests%not%to%repair%it%but%to%buy%a%different%vehicle.%
%
Larry%Burkett%was%a%well_known%financial%advisor%
who%started%Crown%Financial%Ministries.%He%would%tell%you%
that%the%cheapest%car%you%will%ever%own%is%the%one%in%your%
driveway.%What%he%means%is%that%by%having%the%car%
maintained%and%having%everything%in%order,%you%will%still%
spend%less%money%having%the%repair%made%than%purchasing%
a%newer%vehicle.%
%%
%
When%we%talk%about%making%a%major%repair%on%a%
car,%a%way%that%you%can%try%to%crunch%the%numbers%is%to%ask%
yourself,%Whats%it%going%to%cost%me%over%the%next%year?%%
%
Lets%say%there%is%$3,000%worth%of%work%that%needs%
to%be%done%on%your%vehicle%and%you%have%decided%you%are%
not%going%to%repair%it.%Instead,%you%are%going%to%go%buy%a%
used%vehicle.%Even%if%you%bought%a%rather%cheap%car,%say%it%
was%$10,000.%First%you%would%have%the%sales%tax.%Currently,%
in%Arkansas,%thats%9%%or%$900.%You're%still%going%to%have%
some%depreciation%off%the%vehicle%of%somewhere%between%
$500%and%$1,000%in%a%very%short%period%of%time%after%buying%
it.%Your%personal%property%taxes%will%go%up.%Your%insurance%
will%increase%because%if%you%finance%the%car,%youll%have%to%
have%full%coverage%insurance.%Look%at%whats%going%to%be%
your%total%outgo%over%the%next%12%months%for%the%car%thats%
sitting%in%front%of%you%versus%purchasing%a%used%car.%%
%
The%monthly%payments%on%a%$10,000%car%would%be%
around%$200%over%a%period%of%12%months%or%%$2,400.%Add%
$900%for%the%sales%tax%and%you%are%now%at%$3,250%for%the%
first%year,%plus%depreciation%and%we%havent%done%anything%
to%maintain%the%car%yet.%So,%if%you%apply%that%same%principle%
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to%a%brand%new%car,%these%dollar%figures%are%going%to%go%up%
exponentially.%%Almost%always,%it%makes%sense%to%fix%your%
existing%older%car%rather%than%to%buy%a%new%one.%
%
If%you%just%repair%your%existing%car,%youll%probably%
have%enough%money%to%make%your%old%car%look%like%new%
with%wax%jobs,%full%details,%or%improvements.%I%know%a%lot%
of%people%who%drive%old%cars%that%look%really,%really%good%
(Refer%to%the%front%cover%of%this%book).%
%
Extended"Warranties"
%
%
Q:!If!I!buy!a!new!vehicle,!should!I!buy!an!extended!
warranty?!
%
A:%First,%extended%warranties%are%all%over%the%board.%
When%you%go%into%the%dealership%to%buy%an%extended%
warranty,%they%typically%offer%two%types.%One%is%the%type%
that%the%manufacturer%offers,%so%if%I%bought%a%Ford,%it%
would%be%a%Ford%extended%warranty.%If%I%bought%a%GM,%it%
would%be%a%GM%extended%warranty.%The%dealership%will%
typically%sell%a%manufacturers%extended%warranty%and%they%
will%also%have%available%what%is%called%an%after_market%
extended%warranty.%That%is%usually%from%a%company%
whose%sole%product%is%extended%warranties.%
%
For%whatever%reason,%most%after_market%extended%
warranty%companies%have%been%located%or%were%started%in%
the%St.%Louis%area.%Ill%just%tell%you%that%the%St.%Louis%Better%
Business%Bureau%and%the%St.%Louis%Attorney%General%spend%
a%lot%of%time%dealing%with%these%companies%because%of%
complaints%from%consumers%who%have%purchased%these%
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warranties.%Probably%the%biggest%complaint%of%all%
concerning%extended%warranties%is%believing%that%
something%is%covered,%and%when%it%comes%time%for%that%to%
be%replaced,%you%find%out%it%is%not%covered.%%
%

ConsumerAffairs.com%says,%%
From%what%weve%heard,%we%suspect%that%most%
extended%warranties%are%a%waste%of%money%that%
could%be%better%spent%on%performing%exquisite%
maintenance,%still%the%best%insurance%of%trouble_free%
motoring.%%

%
They%also%said,%Sixty_five%percent%(or%more%than%
8,000)%Consumer!Reports%readers%surveyed%by%the%
Consumer%Reports%National%Research%Center%earlier%in%the%
winter%of%2011%said%they%spent%significantly%more%for%a%new%
car%warranty%than%they%got%back%in%repair%cost%savings.%
That%is%very%common.%
(http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/extended_warranty.html)%
%
There%are%even%conventions%to%determine%how%to%
sell%you%an%extended%warranty.%The%information%that%Im%
about%to%give%you%is%from%the%website,%
WarrantyInnovations.com.%%
%
The"whole"purpose"of"the"convention,"throughout"
all"their"breakout"sessions"and"their"main"course,"was"
thisand"this"is"in"the"notes"of"the"meeting!""
The!discussion!will!also!include!ways!to!leverage!
systems!and!data!to!drive!extended!warranty!sales,!
how!to!build!a!recurring!revenue!stream!with!
extended!warranties!in!maintenance,!lower!costs,!

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and!claims!against!your!program!and!how!to!better!
work!with!your!insurance!and!our!administrator.!
%
That%information%clearly%states%that%their%intent%is%
to%sell%more%warranties%and%reduce%the%number%of%claims.%
Extended%warranties%are%a%contract,%and%I%learned%a%long%
time%ago%that%contracts%are%written%in%favor%of%those%who%
write%them.%%
%
Without%question,%extended%warranty%contracts%are%
not%good%for%the%consumer.%Can%you%find%people%who%have%
been%able%to%save%money%in%buying%an%extended%warranty?%
Yes,%you%can.%The%response%rate%according%to%Consumer!
Reports%is%about%one%in%fiveso%about%20%%said%they%had%a%
net%savings.%
%
The%Consumer!Reports%study%basically%said%that%
when%you're%buying,%it%is%better%not%to%buy%an%extended%
warranty,%but%instead%use%those%dollars%to%maintain%your%
vehicle.%In%the%survey,%respondents%cited%warranty%costs%of%
$1,000%on%average%that%provided%benefits%of%$700a%$300%
loss.%Forty_two%percent%of%extended%warranties%were%never%
used,%and%only%about%a%third%of%all%respondents%used%their%
plan%to%cover%a%serious%problem.%%
%
There%are%also%some%things%that%are%not%covered%by%
an%extended%warranty.%So,%even%though%you%purchased%the%
warranty,%you're%still%going%to%have%to%pay%for%some%repairs%
that%are%not%covered%by%the%warranty%because%there%is%a%lot%
of%fine%print%in%them.%There%will%be%things%like%fluids%(e.g.,%
transmission%fluid)%that%they%wont%pay%for.%%
%
Most%extended%warranties%give%the%warranty%
company%the%option%of%putting%a%used%part%on%your%car.%So%
if%your%transmission%goes%out,%instead%of%getting%a%new%
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transmission,%you%could%get%a%used%oneone%out%of%a%
salvage%yard%or%from%a%recycler.%That%is%the%option%
extended%warranty%companies%have.%Its%their%choice,%not%
yours.%Thats%scary,%but%it%saves%them%money,%and%many%
times%that%is%what%they%choose%to%do.%As%I%have%mentioned,%
contracts%are%written%in%favor%of%those%who%write%them.%%
%
Caring"for"your"Car"
%
%

Q.!When%should%I%jump%start%my%car?!!

%
A.%The%purpose%of%a%battery%is%to%turn%the%engine%
over%to%start%the%car.%It%will%not%be%the%cause%of%the%engine%
failing%while%driving%or%even%shutting%off%while%driving.%The%
typical%time%that%you%expect%to%jump%start%a%car%is%when%
something%happens%when%youre%initially%trying%to%start%the%
engine.%There%is%no%noise,%or%maybe%there%are%repetitive%
clicks,%but%the%engine%does%not%turn%overit%does%not%
crank%or%turn%over,%as%we%say.%The%job%of%the%starter%is%to%
turn%the%engine%over,%and%the%starter%gets%its%power%to%do%
that%from%the%battery.%That%is%the%only%job%for%the%battery.%%
%
If%you're%driving%down%the%road%and%your%car%dies,%
the%battery%is%not%the%cause%of%your%car%dying.%That%is%not%
the%time%to%jump%start%your%car.%It%will%not%fix%it.%Ive%seen%
people%in%the%middle%of%intersections%trying%to%jump%start%
their%car,%and%they%would%not%be%in%that%intersection%if%the%
battery%was%the%problem,%simply%because%that%would%not%
be%the%reason%it%died%or%quit%running.%So%the%only%time%you%
need%to%jump%start%your%vehicle%is%when%it%will%not%crank%
over.%%
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Note:%See!the!HowZTo!Section!to!learn!the!proper!way!to!
jump!start!your!car!should!you!have!the!need.!
"
Premium"Fuel"
%
%
Q.!Do!I!need!to!buy!premium!fuel?!What!is!it,!and!
what!does!it!do?!What!is!the!return!on!investment!for!
buying!premium!fuel?!!
!
A.%The%best%way%to%determine%if%premium%fuel%is%
right%for%you%is%to%actually%check%your%gas%mileage.%When%it%
comes%down%to%the%question,%Do%I%have%to%buy%premium%
fuel?%you%would%want%to%take%a%look%at%the%owners%
manual%of%your%automobile%to%see%if%it%actually%has%that%
requirement.%Typically%what%you%will%see%is%that%the%
requirement%will%be%on%your%high_end%vehicles%%BMWs,%
Mercedes,%and%some%Lexus%vehicles.%The%owners%manual%
will%tell%you%to%put%in%only%the%premium%fuel.%The%reason%
for%that%requirement%is%that%the%vehicle%has%been%designed%
in%such%a%way%to%burn%fuel%at%the%optimum%levels.%Both%the%
way%the%engine%is%timed%and%tuned%and%the%type%of%spark%
plugs%used,%mean%that%if%you%burn%a%higher_grade%fuel%or%a%
higher%octane%rating%then%you%will%get%the%optimum%
performance%out%of%your%vehicle.%
%
So%there%is%nothing%wrong%with%using%87%%octane.%
The%engine%will%automatically%change%the%timing%on%that%
vehicle%for%that%gas%so%that%it%will%burn%that%fuel%without%
the%engine%pinging%or%whats%called%labor%knocking.%%A%
component%put%in%vehicles%a%few%years%ago%was%called%
knock%sensors.%Knock%sensors%adjust%the%timing%if%the%
engine%begins%to%ping%or%knock%as%a%result%of%low%
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octane%or%other%factors%in%the%fuel.%So"do"you"have"to"use"
premium"fuel?"The"answer"is"absolutely"notyou%do%not%
have%to%use%it.%But%if%you%want%the%best%performance%and%
the%best%fuel%mileage%for%the%way%that%car%was%built,%then%it%
would%be%recommended%to%use%the%higher_grade%gasoline.%
%
The%return%on%investment%is%simply%a%crunching%of%
the%numbers.%You%should%go%through%three%to%five%gas%
tanks%full%of%fuel,%measuring%your%fuel%mileage,%and%then%
make%a%decision%if%premium%fuel%is%right%for%you.%We%all%
know%that%fuel%mileage%depends%on%how%heavy%your%right%
foot%is,%the%driving%conditions,%environmental%conditions,%
and%more.%You%would%just%have%to%crunch%some%numbers.%
Usually%I%would%run%three%to%five%tanks%of%regular%fuel%and%
then%three%to%five%tanks%on%the%higher%octane,%and%then%
make%an%informed%decision:%Is%it%really%helping%me?%
%
Lifetime"Preventative"Maintenance"Plans"
%
%
Q.!How!much!does!car!maintenance!cost?!Is!it!
better!to!proactively!keep!cars!maintained!or!wait!until!
they!break!down?!What!will!save!me!the!most!money!longZ
term?!
!
A.%Consumer!Reports%did%a%report%that%came%out%in%
2012%concerning%the%percent%of%cost%of%owning%a%vehicle%in%
a%one_year,%a%three_year,%a%five_year,%and%an%eight_year%
time%frame,%and%they%determined%how%a%percentage%of%
total%dollars%is%spent.%%There%are%six%areas%in%which%you%
spend%money%on%a%car:%
%
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%

1.%Depreciation%

2.%Fuel%

%
%

%
3.%Interest%rate%(e.g.%having%the%car%%%%%%
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%financed)%

4.%Insurance%

5.%Taxes%

6.%Maintenance%and%repair%%

%
%
When%we%talk%about%maintenance%and%repair,%what%
is%interesting%is%that%only%1%%of%the%total%cost%of%your%
vehicle%the%first%year%of%ownership%is%attributed%to%
maintenance%and%repair.%Most%cars%are,%of%course,%under%
warranty,%so%there%would%not%be%any%type%of%repair,%simply%
primary%maintenance.%Looking%at%the%three_year%number,%it%
goes%to%2%,%on%the%five_year%it%goes%to%4%%of%total%cost,%and%
an%eight_year_old%vehicle,%you%can%expect%the%total%cost%of%
maintenance%and%repair%to%be%about%6%%of%your%total%cost%
of%owning%that%vehicle%per%year.%%
%
So,%as%you%can%see,%we%would%expect%that%to%grow%
as%a%car%gets%older,%so%what%you%want%to%look%for%is%a%
maintenance%plan.%Some%manufacturers%sell%what%is%called%
a%PPM,%or%a%Prepaid%Maintenance%Plan.%A%lot%of%times%they%
will%sell%those%to%you%when%you%buy%the%car,%and%they%roll%it%
into%the%cost%of%the%vehicle.%That%may%be%convenient,%but%it%
is%also%the%most%costly%way%that%you%could%ever%pay%for%
maintenance%to%prepay%it%when%you%are%financing%the%
automobile.%Imagine%paying%interest%on%car%maintenance!%
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Thats%exactly%what%you%are%doing%when%you%finance%a%
maintenance%plan.%
%
Other%dealers%and%manufacturers%are%actually%
selling%a%maintenance%plan%that%you%can%buy%within%the%
service%lane%of%the%dealershiptypically%a%one_year,%a%
three_year,%or%a%five_year%plan.%With%it,%you%get%a%package%
of%services%inside%a%specific%amount%of%time.%So%typically,%if%I%
bought%the%one_year%plan,%I%would%have%three%oil%changes%
within%that%one_year%plan,%and%no%matter%what,%I%can%get%all%
three%oil%changes%within%that%one%year%regardless%of%the%
mileage.%It%is%based%solely%on%time%frame.%That%is%pretty%
typical%with%dealers.%%
%
What%weve%created%at%Parkway%Automotivewhat%
we%believe%with%respect%to%prepaid%maintenanceis%that%
we%have%a%Lifetime"VIP"Program.%As%a%Parkway%VIP,%you%
pay%one%price%for%the%plan%and%its%good%for%as%long%as%you%
are%living%and%we%are%in%business.%%A"major"difference"from"
the"PPMs"is"that"ours"will"transfer"to"a"replacement"
vehicle"at"no"additional"cost.%So,%you%can%actually%transfer%
the%membership%to%the%next%vehicle%and%never%pay%a%
renewal%or%transfer%fee.%As%a%Parkway%VIP%youll%receive%
FREE%Oil%Changes%for%Life,%a%vehicle%inspection,%tire%
rotations%and%a%discount%on%labor%service.%
%
We%believe%that%a%car%should%have%the%oil%changed%
about%every%5,000%miles,%have%the%tires%rotated%every%
5,000%miles,%as%well%as%a%good%inspection%completed%by%an%
ASE%Certified%technician.%We%have%a%light%inspection%done%
at%5,000%miles,%and%then%a%major%inspection%done%at%
10,000,%and%then%another%light%one%at%15,000,%and%then%a%
major%one%at%20,000so,%every%10,000%miles%an%ASE%
technician%is%doing%a%major%inspection%of%your%car,%
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including%a%test%drive%for%his%expertise%to%determine%if%
everything%is%okay.%Then%you%get%a%full%report.%We%believe%
that%if%we%can%do%a%good%inspection%on%your%carwith%the%
major%inspection%every%10,000%milesand%the%technician%is%
making%a%good%report%on%the%car,%then%you%are%going%to%be%
able%to%avoid%most%breakdowns%and%a%whole%lot%of%repair%
costs.%The%fluids%in%your%car%are%cheaper%than%the%parts%that%
they%protect,%so%by%having%those%fluids%replaced%at%regular%
intervals,%you%are%going%to%save%money%on%repairs.%
%
This%philosophy%helped%us%to%develop%our%VIP%club%
membership%where%we%inspect%your%vehicle,%keep%you%
informed%of%any%repair%issues,%inspect%how%your%brakes%are%
wearing,%and%any%safety%or%maintenance%items%on%your%car.%
You%are%going%to%get%a%full%written%report%every%10,000%
miles%so%that%you%can%make%decisions%and%make%plans%to%
have%the%car%serviced%and%cared%for,%even%if%its%over%a%
period%of%time%in%the%future.%Thats%how%we%approach%your%
lifetime%maintenance!%
%
The%last%thing%you%want%to%say%is,%Hey,%Im%just%
going%to%go%buy%another%car.%If%you%had%a%$10,000%car
and%only%6%%of%the%money%is%being%spent%per%year%on%the%
care%of%that%vehicle%at%eight%yearssomewhere%in%the%
neighborhood%of%$600%is%what%it%will%cost%you%to%have%it%
cared%for%in%maintenance%and%repairs.%A%lot%of%times%people%
will%see%a%large%repair%cost%and%say,%Well,%thats%more%than%
the%car%is%worth.%Thats%not%always%the%case.%On%average%
right%now,%according%to%a%report%by%Experian!(published%in%
the%4th%quarter%of%2012),%most%used%cars%are%financed%at%
130%"of"their"value.%Realizing%that%youll%lose%a%large%
amount%of%the%value%of%your%vehicle%in%the%first%few%months%
due%to%depreciation,%many%times%it%still%makes%sense%to%
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keep%an%older%vehicle%and%maintain%it.%Even%if%a%few%parts%
do%break,%it%is%better%to%repair%it%than%to%replace%the%car.%%
%
In%the%Parkway"Lifetime"VIP"Program,%we%change%
the%oil,%the%filter,%and%do%the%labor%every%5,000%miles%at%no%
cost%to%you.%You%buy%the%club%membership,%and%that%
entitles%you%to%the%free%service.%It%also%entitles%you%to%the%
tires%being%rotated%at%no%cost,%as%well%as%two%types%of%
inspections.%One%of%these%inspections%is%$20%and%the%other%
one%is%absolutely%free.%So%a%lot%of%value%is%built_in%to%the%VIP%
membership%because%we%get%to%see%your%car%on%a%regular,%
consistent%basis.%You're%going%to%make%sure%that%its%being%
well%cared%for,%and%you're%going%to%minimize%your%expense%
by%paying%for%the%club%membership%up%front,%and%your%
membership%is%fully%transferable%to%your%next%vehicle.%%
%
As%a%VIP%club%member,%you%will%also%receive%a%used_
car%inspection%at%no%cost%as%long%as%the%car%that%you%are%
looking%at%buying%is%replacing%the%car%thats%in%the%club.%It%
doesnt%apply%for%reasons%other%than%that.%You%also%get%a%
discount%on%the%labor%cost%for%repairs%that%you%have%done%
on%your%car.%Currently,%we%have%that%discount%set%at%10%,%
and%that%is%another%great%benefit%for%being%a%club%member.%%
%
And%all%of%our%Lifetime%VIP%members%(as%well%as%
every%customer)%can%enjoy%our%Free,%Round_Trip%Courtesy%
Shuttle%to%get%you%where%you%are%going%and%back%again.%%
%
Youll%also%be%enrolled%in%our%Royalty!Rewards%
program%where%you%will%earn%points%for%every%dollar%you%
spend%with%us.%These%points%convert%to%cash%rewards%that%
you%can%redeem%on%a%later%visit.%Its%all%part%of%doing%
everything%we%can%to%provide%exceptional%customer%
service.%
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"Motor"Club"Memberships""
%
%

Q.!Are!motor!club!memberships!worth!it?!!

!
A.%I%think%motor%clubs%are%usually%a%great%benefit%for%
the%consumer.%They%can%also%give%great%peace%of%mind%for%
the%consumer%who%travels%a%lot.%Undoubtedly,%their%
primary%focus%is%the%consumer.%I%am%thinking%of%clubs%like%
AAA%Motor%Club%or%Cross%Country%Motor%Club,%the%two%big%
wheels%in%the%industry.%%%
%
When%you%travel,%you%can%feel%extremely%vulnerable%
in%a%part%of%the%country%where%you%dont%know%anyone.%
These%clubs%will%help%find%a%repair%facility,%a%tow%facility,%a%
hotel,%and%other%things%of%that%nature%that%meet%a%certain%
standard.%So,%you%can%have%some%level%of%expectation%
about%what%type%of%service%you%are%going%to%receivethis%
is%what%Im%going%to%get%when%I%go%here.%For%Parkway%
Automotive,%being%AAA_approved%is%important.%They%make%
sure%we%have%the%insurance%and%the%warranty%to%cover%our%
customers,%and%they%know%that%well%stand%behind%our%
product.%They%certify%that%we%will%not%overcharge%a%
customer%because%they're%traveling.%The%customer%can%also%
have%some%level%of%trust%in%what%that%facility%might%be%
doing%for%them%or%whatever%service%they%may%be%providing.%
I%think%a%good%way%to%get%that%level%of%trust%is%through%car%
clubs%such%as%AAA%or%Cross%Country.%
%
%
%
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%
Breakdowns"
%
%
Q.!If!Im!a!Parkway!customer!but!not!a!member!of!
AAA!and!I!have!a!breakdown!on!the!road,!what!should!I!
do?!
!
A.%%Simply%call%our%office%and%well%be%there%to%help.%
At%Parkway%Automotive,%one%of%our%staff%is%always%on_call%
and%wearing%a%pager.%Our%customers%can%reach%us%24_hours%
a%day,%seven%days%a%week.%%%
%
If"you"have"a"breakdown"or"need"help,"
call"(501)"821N6111."We"will"assist"you"24/7.%
%

%
We%have%that%number%printed%on%each%repair%order.%
Our%customers%know%our%number%and%know%how%to%get%in%
touch%with%us%after%hours%when%there%is%an%emergency.%We%
have%assisted%customers%who%were%many%states%away.%
When%they%have%had%a%problem,%we%have%been%there%to%
take%care%of%them!%%
%

%
Introduction"to"Maintenance"
%
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%
We%need%to%begin%here%with%a%definition%of%
maintenance,%because%the%term%maintenance%is%thrown%
around%all%over%the%placefrom%the%HVAC%industry%to%auto%
repair%to%your%VCRs%or%DVD%players%or%television%sets.%They%
all%have%maintenance.%So%lets%just%start%by%defining%
maintenance.%It%really%means%care!or%up!keep.%Lets%first%
discuss%fluids.%
%
Engine"Oil""
%
"
(Some!of!the!information!on!pages!60Z64!
concerning!engine!oil!is!duplicated!here!for!your!
convenience)!
%
There%is%one%fluid%that%everyone%knows%should%be%
maintained%and%that%is%engine%oil.%Here%is%whats%
happening%and%why%you%must%change%your%oil.%Almost%
everyone%in%the%world%knows%to%change%their%oil,%but%many%
people%dont%know%why.%Years%ago,%our%fathers%and%
grandfathers%taught%us%to%change%the%oil%in%a%vehicle%every%
3,000%miles.%They%were%right,%because%all%the%contaminants%
from%unpaved%roads%got%into%their%engines.%The%fuel%that%
was%pumped%from%the%gas%pumps%was%not%filtered%very%
well.%It%would%go%into%the%gasoline%tank%of%your%car%and%
make%its%way%into%the%engine.%So%the%combination%of%
unfiltered%dirty%air,%as%well%as%fuel%coming%in%that%was%dirty,%
would%make%it%to%the%inside%of%your%engine.%The%job%of%the%
oil%was%to%grab%the%dirt%and%suspend%it%so%that%whenever%
you%changed%the%oil,%the%dirt%would%drain%out%with%the%oil.%
If%you%waited%too%long,%the%oil%could%not%suspend%and%hold%
the%dirt%any%longer.%It%would%sink%to%the%bottom%of%your%
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engine.%That%usually%happened%because%you%waited%too%
long%between%oil%changes,%driving%more%than%3,000%miles.%
By%changing%the%oil%regularly,%you%flushed%the%dirt%and%
contaminants%out%of%the%engine,%and%everything%was%fine.%%
%
Now,%lets%fast%forward%to%today.%What%we%find%now%
is%that%we%still%have%the%same%exposure,%both%with%gasoline%
and%dirty%air.%No%matter%where%we%go,%were%going%to%run%
into%that.%What%has%changed%is%that%we%have%increased%
technology%in%air%AND%fuel%filtering,%and%we%have%also%
sealed%the%engines%tighter%as%a%result%of%fuel%injection.%We%
have%seen%technology%improvements%in%the%ability%of%oil%to%
suspend%the%dirt.%When%you%bring%all%of%these%factors%into%
the%equation,%you%have%a%situation%where%the%oil%drain%
intervals%can%be%much%longer%than%they%were%in%the%past.%
Two%reasons%for%this%are:%%
%
1.%There%arent%as%many%contaminants%getting%into%
the%engine%as%before,%%%
%

%%%%%and%%

%
2.%The%oil%has%a%better%ability%to%suspend%or%hold%
dirt,%so%when%the%oil%is%drained,%all%the%dirt%is%going%to%drain%
out%with%the%oil.%%
%
These%are%the%reasons%that%we%can%do%a%5,000_mile%
oil%change%intervalswhich%is%pretty%common%these%
days%instead%of%3,000_mile%oil%changes.%There%are%some%
cars%that%can%go%much%longer%than%that,%and%Ive%seen%some%
of%them,%but%I%would%still%recommend%5,000_mile%intervals%
mainly%because%there%are%other%things%on%the%car%that%need%
to%be%inspected%and%looked%at%by%the%technician.%The%tires%
should%be%rotated%so%that%you%get%even%wear%and%longer%
life%out%of%them.%There%are%other%safety%and%maintenance%
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items%on%the%vehicle%that%need%to%be%inspected%on%a%regular%
basis.%Currently,%in%2013,%5,000%miles%is%where%I%land%my%
plane%on%servicing%your%car.%%
%
Transmission"Fluid"
%
%
Lets%take%this%principle:!The!oil!suspends!the!dirt!
and!the!dirt!drains!out!with!the!oil!at!each!oil!change!
interval.%Now%apply%that%principle%and%apply%it%to%
transmissions.%Transmissions%dont%pull%in%air,%but%
transmissions%(and%this%is%actually%true%with%every%
component%on%your%car%and%everywhere%fluids%are%
involved)%do%have%metal_to_metal%contact,%or%the%potential%
for%metal_to_metal%contact.%They%are%also%exposed%to%heat.%
ALL%of%that%will%break%down%fluid%over%time.%However,%we%
fortunately%do%not%have%to%service%the%transmission%every%
5,000%miles.%Most%experts%in%the%industry,%when%it%comes%
to%those%who%are%in%the%field%working%on%vehicles%%
transmission%builders%and%those%who%are%ASE_certified%in%
transmissions%%have%advised%servicing%the%transmission%
every%30,000%miles.%Typically,%the%manufacturer%will%have%
some%recommendation%on%that%as%well.%Some%
manufacturers%have%gone%to%a%completely%sealed%unit%and%
offer%a%lifetime%fluid%when%they%build%the%vehicle.%That%
approach%has%not%gained%a%lot%of%popularity%at%this%time,%
but%that%could%change%in%the%future.%Its%important%for%you%
to%know%about%this,%and%its%even%more%important%that%you%
take%your%vehicle%to%a%repair%service%facility%where%they%are%
continually%educating%their%technicians%on%these%matters.%%
Cars%change%rapidly,%and%you%certainly%dont%want%an%out_
of_date%technician%working%on%your%vehicle.%%
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%
So%the%transmission%needs%serviced%about%every%
30,000%miles,%especially%if%you're%towing%trailers%of%any%kind%
(boat,%utility,%RV,%etc.).%If%you're%not%towing%and%you%dont%
do%a%lot%of%driving,%then%you%could%probably%go%as%long%as%
50,000%miles.%Regardless%of%the%interval,%most%vehicles%
today%will%at%some%point%in%time%need%the%transmission%
fluid%removed%and%new%fluid%put%in.%%
%
Differential"Fluid"
%
%
We%can%also%apply%that%same%principle%to%what%is%
called%the%differential.%On%most%front_wheel_drive%vehicles%
the%differential%is%a%part%of%the%transmission,%while%all%rear_
wheel_drive%vehicles,%the%differential%is%a%separate%part%of%
the%transmission,%but%it%too%should%be%serviced.%You%can%
follow%the%same%interval%for%it%that%you%do%the%
transmission.%In%a%four_wheel_drive%vehicle,%there%would%be%
two%of%those%differentials%as%well%as%a%transfer%case.%In%a%
two_wheel_drive%vehicle%there%is%just%one%differential.%%
%
Power"Steering"
%
%
These%same%principles%and%guidelines%can%also%be%
applied%to%the%power%steering%system.%This%system%is%
predominantly%a%closed%or%sealed%system,%but%over%
time%this%fluid%needs%to%be%changed%to%protect%the%
components%from%wearing%out%from%the%inside.%Remember%
that%it%is%always%less%expensive%to%change%the%fluid%that%
protects%the%part%than%to%replace%the%part%itself.%
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%
Brake"Fluid"
%
%
Unlike%the%previous%aspects%of%maintenance,%with%
brake%fluid%and%coolant%there%is%a%measurement%that%can%
be%made%on%these%fluids%to%determine%if%it%is%actually%time%
for%them%to%be%changed.%Whenever%a%measurement%is%
available,%that%is%what%you%should%use.%The%measurement%
for%brake%fluid%being%flushed%out%is%200%copper%parts%per%
million.%Once%it%reaches%that%level,%the%fluid%needs%to%be%
replaced.%%
%
Heres%actually%what%has%happened%at%that%point%
and%why%this%measurement%is%important.%Brake%fluid%is%
hydroscopic,%which%means%that%if%you%left%the%can%open%
overnight,%the%contents%would%be%ruined.%It%would%expire%
because%it%would%absorb%enough%moisture%to%make%it%
unusable%inside%your%vehicle.%It%is%imperative%that%you%
always%keep%the%brake%fluid%cap%tightly%sealed.%
%
Inside%the%brake%system,%the%brake%fluid%is%designed%
to%absorb%moisture%because%moisture%deteriorates%all%the%
metal%components%that%the%brake%fluid%comes%in%contact%
with.%Brake%fluid%is%a%hydraulic%fluid%that%causes%the%brakes%
to%be%applied%so%the%car%will%stop%properly.%But%if%you%have%
ever%boiled%brake%fluidwhich%hopefully%you%havent
then%you%would%know%that%when%brake%fluid%boils%it%creates%
air%in%your%system.%If%youve%ever%had%air%in%your%system,%
you%know%that%your%brake%pedal%goes%to%the%floor%and%
doesnt%stop%the%car.%So,%when%we%talk%about%copper%parts%
per%million%in%the%brake%fluid,%anything%higher%than%200%
copper%parts%per%million%is%the%indicator%that%the%brake%
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fluid%should%be%removed%from%the%car%and%new%fluid%put%in.%
Once%it%reaches%200%copper%parts%per%million,%its%reducing%
the%boiling%point%of%the%brake%fluid%and%that%could%
potentially%cause%you%problems.%These%problems%would%
not%be%seen%or%felt%during%breaking,%but%more%importantly,%
over%time%you%will%see%the%deterioration%of%brake%parts,%
which%can%be%very%expensive.%
%
Since%we%have%started%doing%brake%flushes%on%
vehicles,%we%seldom%have%to%replace%brake%calipers.%A%lot%of%
the%chain%stores%will%want%to%put%new%calipers%on%your%car%
as%part%of%a%brake%job,%but%they%typically%are%not%needed.%
We%have%reduced%the%number%of%brake%calipers%that%we%
have%put%on%vehicles%over%the%years%by%a%considerable%
amount.%That%is%a%really%good%example%of%how%the%fluids%in%
your%car%are%cheaper%than%the%parts%that%they%protect.%
Really,%you%are%saving%money%long_term%by%maintaining%
your%vehicle%at%regular%intervals.%Most%brake%flushes%
currently%cost%less%than%$100,%usually%in%the%$60%to%$70%
range.%You%have%to%do%them%every%two%to%three,%maybe%
four,%yearsdepending%on%the%fluid%measurement%and%the%
environment.%In%contrast,%brake%calipers%cost%upwards%of%
$500%or%$600.%
%
%
%
%
Cooling"System"
%
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%
The%cooling%systems%primary%component%is%
antifreeze/coolant.%It%helps%keep%the%engine%from%freezing%
in%the%winter%and%helps%keep%it%cool%in%the%summer.%%Some%
manufacturers%have%attempted%to%come%out%with%their%
own%long_life%antifreeze.%GM%tried%with%a%product%called%
Dex_Cool,%a%five_year%antifreeze,%but%it%just%didnt%make%
it.%It%ended%up%causing%a%lot%of%problems%in%the%vehicles%
cooling%systems.%
%
As%with%brake%fluid,%there%is%a%measurement%that%
can%be%made%to%determine%when%your%coolant%needs%to%be%
replaced.%It%is%a%measurement%of%the%pH%level,%which%is%an%
indicator%of%the%acidic%protection%that%the%fluid%is%capable%
of%providing,%and%the%freeze%point.%A%pH%level%of%7.0%is%
neutral%and%indicates%that%the%coolant%is%no%longer%
protecting%the%soft%metals%inside%your%engine.%Its%like%
having%straight%water%in%your%cooling%system.%%So,%we%can%
have%a%reading%that%might%indicate%good%protection%of%_20%
or%so,%but%a%pH%level%that%is%too%low%or%too%high%is%not%
protecting%the%soft%metals.%Once%these%pH%properties%break%
down,%the%fluid%no%longer%protects%or%lubricates%parts%like%
your%water%pump,%nor%does%it%keep%the%cooling%system%
healthy.%%This%combination%isnt%good%because%it%can%
deteriorate%the%metal%inside%your%cooling%system,%which%
shortens%the%life%of%your%heater%core,%radiator,%and%cylinder%
heads.%
%
As%a%side%note,%antifreeze/coolant%is%typically%mixed%
at%a%1%to%1%ratio.%When%we%mix%antifreeze%with%water,%a%
synergy%takes%place%whereby%the%coolant%protection%level%
goes%into%the%negative%degrees%%negative%10,%negative%
15,%negative%20%degrees%of%protection.%

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%
The%cooling%system%should%be%measured%at%10,000_
mile%intervals.%Usually%a%cooling%system%repair%will%cost%
$500%to%$1,000.%In%contrast,%having%the%coolant%flushed%
costs%less%than%$100.%You%are%saving%long_term%dollars%by%
maintaining%your%vehicle%on%a%regular%basis.%%
%
We%can%look%at%the%full%spectrum%of%maintenance%
on%a%vehicle%and%know%for%a%fact%that%fewer%mistakes%occur%
when%maintenance%is%regularly%performed%than%when%a%
repair%is%done.%When%a%technician%is%not%taking%bolts%off%
and%putting%bolts%back%on,%the%chance%of%a%mistake%
occurring%decreases%dramatically.%Theres%also%less%down%
time%for%you%as%the%customer.%Most%facilities%keep%the%
fluids%necessary%to%maintain%your%car%properly%in%stock%at%
all%times.%Parts%that%are%broken%have%to%be%ordered;%they%
may%be%right%down%the%streetor%they%could%be%a%day%or%
two%away.%Think%about%how%long%you%might%be%without%
your%vehicle%for%maintenance%versus%a%breakdown%due%to%
lack%of%maintenance.%It%becomes%very%costly%when%we%you%
dont%maintain%your%car.%%
%
Air"Conditioning"
%
%
In%Arkansas%we%have%very%hot%summers.%Few%things%
are%more%frustrating%than%having%your%air%conditioning%
blow%hot%air%when%it%is%over%100%outside.%%
%
Your%air%conditioning%system%is%a%sealed%system.%If%
you%are%low%on%refrigerant,%then%that%means%you%have%a%
leak%somewhere.%Having%the%air%conditioning%evacuated%
and%recharged%about%every%three%to%five%years%is%a%good%
maintenance%guideline.%%
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%
Heres%how%youre%A/C%system%functions:%%The%oil%
used%to%lubricate%the%expensive%air%conditioning%
components%is%actually%carried%by%the%air%conditioning%
refrigerant.%Over%time,%there%is%usually%a%small%amount%of%
refrigerant%that%is%leaked%out,%and%with%that%will%be%some%
oil%loss.%%When%you%lose%oil%from%your%A/C%system%its%like%
losing%oil%from%your%engine.%Most%people%know%that%if%you%
run%your%engine%out%of%oil,%youll%damage%the%engine;%
likewise,%when%you%lose%oil%from%your%A/C%system%you%can%
do%damage%to%your%A/C%engine%(also%known%as%the%
compressor).%%
%
The%inside%of%some%compressors%looks%like%a%very%
small%engine.%It%has%some%of%the%very%same%components%as%
your%engine.%It%has%pistons%and%rings%and%rods%and%a%crank%
shaftall%the%things%that%make%your%engine%run%are%on%a%
much%smaller%scale%inside%the%A/C%compressor,%and%so%
keeping%that%compressor%lubricated%is%crucial%to%its%
longevity.%%

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%
The%air%conditioning%system%is%not%something%that%
you%are%necessarily%going%to%see%a%regular%maintenance%
interval%for%in%your%handbook,%or%even%from%a%lot%of%
professionals.%But%Ill%tell%you,%in%my%professional%opinion,%
having%the%system%simply%evacuated%and%recharged%to%the%
proper%amount%puts%fresh%oil%in%the%system,%allows%better%
lubricity%(ability%to%lubricate)%to%take%place%for%the%
compressor,%and%will%make%the%compressor%last%longer.%
Unfortunately,%there%is%not%a%dipstick%to%check%your%
refrigerant%oil%level%like%there%is%in%your%car%engine.%And%
due%to%the%high%pressures%in%the%A/C%system%and%the%very%
NEVER%attempt%to%recharge%your%air%conditioning%
system%by%yourself!%
1
low%amount%of%refrigerant%that%should%be%used%%
%
%
%

You%should%ALWAYS%have%your%a/c%system%%
serviced%by%an%ASE%Certified%Technician.%%Its%just%
too%dangerous%to%do%yourself.%

%
Keeping%your%air%conditioning%system%serviced%
every%couple%of%years%is%a%great%way%to%save%money%and%
stay%cool%in%the%heat%of%summer.%
%
%
%
Testing"and"Diagnosis""
%
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%
Years%ago%a%technician%would%spend%five%minutes%
diagnosing%a%car%and%five%hours%making%the%repair.%For%
example,%he%would%raise%the%hood,%see%that%the%water%
pump%or%intake%manifold%was%leaking,%then%decide%it%was%
time%to%go%to%work.%%Today,%however,%we%might%spend%five%
hours%running%tests%and%diagnosing%the%vehicle%and%five%
minutes%repairing%or%putting%a%component%on%the%vehicle.%
The%cost%of%electronics%is%really%whats%driving%this.%%
%
There%are%a%lot%more%electronics%on%vehicles%today.%
It%is%not%unusualif%we%look%at%a%Cadillac%Escalade%or%some%
of%the%hybrid%cars%or%German%vehicles,%or%even%something%
as%simple%as%a%Ford%Taurusto%find%somewhere%between%
five%and%fifteen%computers%on%the%car.%Within%that%system%
of%computers,%they%must%all%communicate%with%each%other,%
and%theres%usually%a%main%computer.%That%is%called%the%
Power%Train%Control%Module,%and%all%the%other%computers%
must%communicate%with%that%computer%through%whats%
called%a%CANControlled%Area%Network.%That%is%where%all%
the%other%computers%are%communicating%with%this%primary%
computer,%and%so%as%that%takes%place,%the%technician%is%
tasked%with%the%responsibility%of%not%just%reading%a%code%
(because%any%of%us%can%buy%equipment%to%read%a%code),%but%
also%for%understanding%all%of%the%possible%causes%for%that%
code%and%making%an%accurate%diagnosis.%It%can%become%
extremely%complex%very%quickly.%%
%
An%example%for%a%very%common%code%would%be%
P301.%%
%
A%P301%means%that%the%vehicle%engine%cylinder%
number%1%has%a%misfire.%You%can%find%people%at%parts%stores%
that%can%read%that%code%and%say,%Oh,%you%have%a%P301.
but%that%doesnt%tell%you%what%component%you%need%to%
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repair%that%misfire.%A%misfireand%this%would%apply%to%any%
cylindercan%be%caused%by%compression,%a%spark%plug,%a%
spark%plug%wire,%an%ignition%coil,%or%an%intake%manifold%
gasket%leaking.%You%have%all%of%these%possible%areas,%and%I%
have%yet%to%mention%a%fuel%injector%or%an%injector%driver%
inside%the%computeranything%that%has%to%do%with%getting%
fuel%in%and%air%management%to%that%cylinder.%Fuel,%air%or%
electricitya%failure%in%any%of%those%areas%is%enough%to%
cause%a%misfire.%Because%there%is%not%a%single%component%
that%would%replace%and%repair%a%P301%on%every%vehicle,%
what%you%need%is%a%skilled%technician%who%can%take%that%
P301%and%begin%the%process%of%testing%to%determine%what%
component%has%actually%failed.%He%can%then%give%you%an%
estimate%to%replace%the%component%and%repair%the%
problem.%
%

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Car1Care13011(or'How'To!)1
%
No%book%like%this%would%be%complete%without%a%How%To%
section.%There%are%many%things%on%a%car%that%you%can%do%
yourself,%and%in%this%section%I%want%to%explain%the%proper%
way%to%do%these.%
%
How"to"Change"A"Flat"Tire"
%
%
Most%vehicles%
today%have%a%tire%pressure%
monitoring%system%that%
will%indicate%that%you%have%
a%low%tire.%Technology%has%
increased%to%the%point%
that%it%will%actually%tell%you%
which%tire%is%low,%so%be%
sure%to%pay%attention%to%
your%dash%lights.%If%that%
light%comes%on,%you%need%
to%get%to%a%safe%place%
pretty%quickly%and%see%
which%tire%is%low.%Tires%will%typically%lose%air%and%then%go%
flat%and%they%can%do%that%over%a%short%or%a%long%period%of%
timedepending%on%the%size%of%the%hole.%Pay!attention!to!
that.%%
%
When%you%are%in%a%situation%where%you%need%to%
change%a%tire,%the%most%dangerous%place%in%the%world%for%
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you%to%change%it%is%on%the%edge%of%the%interstate.%If%at%all%
possible,%get%off%of%the%interstate,%even%if%that%means%
driving%on%the%shoulder%at%a%very%slow%speed%until%you%can%
exitor%at%least%to%an%area%of%the%road%where%you%are%
safely%off%the%road.%Safely%off%the%road%to%me%is%at%least%
15%to%20%feet%from%the%edge%of%the%freeway%where%people%
are%driving%65%to%70%mph.%Ideally,%you%would%be%able%to%
take%an%exit%and%get%completely%out%of%sight%of%the%freeway%
to%a%safe%location%where%you%can%raise%the%car%up%using%the%
tools%provided.%A%lighted%area%is%preferable%if%this%happens%
at%night.%%
%
What%I%have%done%with%each%of%my%children%is%allow%
them%to%change%a%tire%on%their%car%at%home%in%the%garage,%
on%a%level%surface%so%that%I%could%at%least%show%them%the%
techniques.%They%should%know%how%to%use%the%tools.%The%
best%way%to%do%that%is%to%simply%get%your%owners%manual%
out.%Look%what%it%says%about%changing%a%tire,%be%familiar%
with%where%the%tools%are,%and%actually%go%through%the%
process.%%
%
The%owners%manual%will%tell%you%the%exact%location%
that%you%must%place%the%jack%in%order%to%raise%the%vehicle%
up%safely.%You%can%cause%damage%to%the%car%or%get%injured%if%
you%place%it%in%the%wrong%place.%Its%also%best%if,%using%their%
tools,%you%loosen%the%lug%nuts%that%hold%the%wheel%in%place%
before%you%jack%up%the%car.%Do%not%take%them%off!%Just%
break%them%loose.%Give%them%about%one%turn%to%the%left%to%
break%each%one%loose,%then%go%ahead%and%jack%up%the%car.%
That%way,%they%are%all%loose%and%you%can%take%them%all%off%
easily.%%
%
When%you're%going%to%put%the%tire(s)%back%on,%be%
sure%to%start%each%of%the%lug%nuts%by%hand.%Turn%them%to%
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the%right%and%start%each%one,%then%run%them%down%as%far%as%
you%can%with%each%hand.%After%that,%you%should%tighten%
them%in%a%star%pattern.%To%do%this%you%would%tighten%one%
then%skip%one,%tighten%one%then%skip%one.%This%will%
eventually%have%you%tightening%all%five%lug%nuts%until%they%
are%all%tight.%Be%sure%to%pay%attention%and%put%the%beveled%
edge%of%the%lug%nut%toward%the%wheel.%%
%
A%lot%of%the%cars%come%with%the%wrench%that%you%
would%use%to%tighten%the%lug%nut.%One%thing%you%can%do%to%
make%changing%the%tire%easier%is%to%position%the%wrench%in%
such%a%way%that%you%can%stand%on%it%and%use%your%leg%and%
body%weight%to%loosen%each%lug%nut.%However,%you%do%not%
want%to%do%that%while%tightening%the%lug%nuts%(because%you%
can%over_tighten%them).%Tighten%all%of%the%lug%nuts,%then%
after%driving%50%to%100%miles,%check%them%again%and%make%
sure%they%are%still%tight.%%
%

The!best!recommendations!I!can!give?!

1.!!Practice!changing!a!tire!on!the!car!you!drive,!!

2.!!in!your!driveway,!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!3.!!on!a!flat!surface,!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!4.!!where!you're!familiar!with!everything.!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!5.!!You!do!not!want!to!change!a!tire!for!the!first!! !!!!!!
!
!!!!!!time!on!the!side!of!a!busy!highway!!
%
%
%
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How"to"Jump"Start"a"Car""""""
"""""""
%
When%we%jump%start%a%car,%what%we%are%trying%to%do%
is%control%a%spark.%The%
reason%you%want%to%control%
a%spark%is%that%one%of%the%
batteries%might%be%venting%
acid%gaseither%the%
battery%that%has%failed%or%
the%battery%that%youre%
using%to%jump%the%car.%%
%
What%we%mean%by%venting%is%that%the%battery%fumes%from%
the%acid%inside%the%battery%are%slowly%leaking%out%of%the%top%
of%the%battery.%That%is%a%fairly%common%thing%to%see.%Acid%is%
explosive,%so%if%you%cause%a%spark,%you%could%potentially%
blow%up%the%battery.%You%would%most%likely%have%your%face%
over%it%when%that%happens,%and%that%could%cause%a%
different%type%of%problem,%to%say%the%least.%If%you%have%
safety%glasses,%it%would%be%a%very%good%idea%to%wear%them.%
Safety%glasses%are%about%$1.50%at%most%places.%I%have%a%pair%
of%these%in%my%vehicle%so%that%if%I%need%to%jump%start%a%car,%I%
would%definitely%put%them%on%to%protect%my%eyes.%
%

Heres%how%to%properly%jump%start%a%car:"

""

%
First"we"connect"the"jumper"cable"to"the"ground"
(negative"terminal)"of"the"good"battery."Next,"connect"
the"other"end"of"that"cable"to"the"ground"(negative"
terminal)"of"the"bad"battery."

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"
Then"connect"the"other"cable"to"the"positive"
terminal"of"the"bad"battery,"and"finally"connect"the"
final"cable"to"the"positive"terminal"of"the"good"battery.""
%
Youre%basically%making%an%electrical%circuit%because%
the%battery%that%is%hot%(the%good%one)%is%producing%the%
electricity%that%is%going%to%come%from%the%positive%side%of%
the%good%battery.%Making%the%last%connection%to%the%
positive%terminal%of%your%good%battery%will%minimize%the%
possibility%of%spark,%thus%keeping%you%safe.%
%

%%%%%%%%

%
%
%
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When%Jump%Starting%a%Car,%Just%Remember:%%
%

%%%%Good,"Bad,"Bad,"Good%

1)%Negative"Good">"2)"Negative"Bad""

"

"

3)"Positive"Bad">"4)"Positive"Good"

%
To%remove%the%jumper%cables,%simply%reverse%the%order.%
%
How"to"Manage"A"Breakdown""
%
%
You%should%be%familiar%with%your%gauges%and%know%
what%normal%is%so%that%when%the%gauges%are%not%within%
normal%range,%you%will%know%that%something%is%wrong.%If%
you%never%look%at%the%gauges,%you%wont%recognize%a%
normal%reading.%(See"Gauges!section!of!this!book,!pg.!46)%
%
If%you%are%driving%and%begin%to%feel%something%in%
the%function%of%your%car%that%you%are%unsure%about,%
cautiously%begin%to%move%over%into%the%right%lane.%You!do!
not!want!your!vehicle!to!be!disabled!in!the!left!lane!or!in!
the!median!of!a!freeway.%
%
Always"try"to"get"to"a"safe"location"to"manage"a"
breakdown,"not"only"for"the"sake"of"your"passengers"and"
yourself,"but"for"your"vehicle"too!"
%
If%your%vehicle%is%beginning%to%overheat,%certainly%
keep%an%eye%on%the%gauges.%They%will%indicate%any%
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overheating.%If%your%vehicle%is%overheating,%turn%the%engine%
off%as%soon%as%possible.%You%dont%want%to%wait%for%more%
symptoms.%%
%
The%second%thing%you%should%do%during%a%
breakdown%process%is%to%make%a%call.%These%days%most%
people%carry%cell%phones.%Unfortunately,%most%people%do%
not%have%a%towing%service,%a%motor%club%they%could%call,%or%
a%working%relationship%with%a%repair%shop%that%has%after_
hours%contact.%If%you%find%yourself%needing%help,%you%can%
always%call%our%Parkway"Automotive"office"at"(501)"821N
6111.%Well%be%happy%to%assist%you.%%
%
Make%sure%that%you're%in%a%safe%spot%and%that%any%
passengers%are%a%safe%distance%from%the%highway.%You%
dont%need%anyone%walking%around%the%car%with%the%risk%of%
an%accident%occurring.%%
%
Managing%a%breakdown%is%really%pretty%simple,%
though%many%times%nerve_racking.%Always%try%to%remember%
the%following:%
%

1.%Dont%panic!%

2.%Think%safety.%

3.%Call%for%assistance.%%

If"you"find"yourself"needing"help,"call"our"office"24/7"at"
(501)"821N6111."Well"be"happy"to"assist"you."
"
1
1
1
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How"to"Manage"An"Accident""
%
%
Because%you%would%naturally%be%nervous%managing%
a%car%accident,%it%will%be%in%everyones%best%interest%if%you%
practice.%You%will%naturally%be%frightened%and,%depending%
on%the%severity%of%the%accident,%you%could%be%crying%and%
emotional.%Even%something%as%small%as%a%minor%fender_
bender%or%a%slow_speed%parking%lot%accident%can%be%enough%
to%create%emotion.%
%
When%
you%are%in%an%
accident,%the%
first%thing%you%
need%to%realize%is%
that%insurance%
companies%are%
the%ones%who%
typically%
determine%who%
is%at%faultso%you%dont%want%to%readily%admit%that%you%are%
at%fault.%First,%you%should%have%your%insurance%information%
in%the%glove%compartment%to%give%the%other%party.%Second,%
you%want%to%get%proof%of%insurance%from%the%other%driver.%
You%need%to%make%a%call%to%the%other%drivers%insurance%
company%as%soon%as%possible.%If%they%have%the%necessary%
information%available%at%the%scene,%call%immediately%to%
verify%that%they%do%have%coverage.%Just%because%the%paper%
says%they%are%covered%doesnt%mean%they%are.%If%they%have%
let%their%premiums%lapse,%then%they%will%not%have%coverage%
and%you%need%that%information%as%soon%as%possible.%You%
certainly%want%to%call%the%police%as%well.%%
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%
You%should%also%know%that%in%the%state%of%
Arkansasand%this%is%true%in%most%statesif%theres%no%
bodily%injury,%you%are%to%remove%the%vehicle%from%the%road.%
You%can%get%a%ticket%for%obstruction%of%traffic%if%you%keep%
your%car%on%the%road%and%theres%no%personal%injury.%
Remove%your%car%to%a%safe%place%and%proceed%to%work%out%
the%details%with%the%other%party.%%
%
A%great%reason%to%have%a%relationship%with%a%repair%
facility%is%that%if%your%car%is%not%drivable%as%a%result%of%the%
accident,%you%want%to%have%it%towed%to%the%repair%facility,%
even%if%they%dont%do%body%work!%The%repair%facility%is%a%
safe%place%to%store%the%vehicle%until%the%other%details%of%the%
accident%can%be%worked%out%with%the%insurance%companies.%%
%
The"tow"trucks"that"are"dispatched"by"the"police"
are"under"contract"with"the"police.%They%will%tow%your%
vehicle%to%their%impound%lot%and%charge%you%a%considerable%
amount%of%money%to%keep%it%there.%In%fact,%thats%how%most%
tow%companies%make%their%moneythrough%storage%from%
accidents.%They"make"more"money"from"storage"of"your"
vehicle"than"from"the"act"of"towing"it.%A%good%reason%to%
have%a%relationship%with%a%repair%facility%that%you%can%reach%
during%and%after%hours%is%so%that%you%can%have%them%
dispatch%a%tow%truck%to%your%location%and%have%your%
vehicle%towed%back%to%their%lot.%Most"repair"facilities"will"
allow"the"car"to"remain"there,"free"of"charge,"while"the"
insurance"company"details"are"completed."This"will"save"
you"hundreds"of"dollars"in"storage"fees.""
%
If%you%have%an%accident,%you%can%choose%your%own%
tow%company.%If%the%towing%company%that%comes%to%the%
scene%is%under%contract%with%the%police%department,%then%
they%will%try%to%tell%you%that%they%have%to%take%your%car%to%
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their%lot.%Do"not"allow"them"to"do"that.%You,%as%the%owner%
of%the%car,%can%direct%them%to%tow%your%car%to%your%home%
or%a%repair%facility%of%your%choice;%but"do"not"allow"them"
take"it"to"their"lot"because"that"will"cost"you"a"lot"more"
money.%%
%
Anyone%reading%this%may%call%Parkway%24/7%at%%%%
501_821_6111%and%store%your%car%with%us%at%NO%CHARGE.%
"
How"to"Manage"Being"Stuck"in"Traffic"
%
%
There%is%one%thing%that%I%have%learned%to%do,%one%
thing%that%has%even%become%a%habitand%I%can%even%give%
you%a%story%of%how%I%avoided%an%accident%simply%because%of%
this%habit!%The%habit%is%this:%%
%
When!I!am!coming!up!behind!a!vehicle,!about!to!
come!to!a!complete!stop,!I!will!stop!far!enough!back!from!
the!car!in!front!so!that!I!can!see!the!back!tires!of!that!car!
touching!the!ground.!If!Im!back!that!far,!then!I!have!
enough!room!to!maneuver!around!that!vehicle!if!I!need!to!
for!whatever!reason.!!
%
The"story"I"promised"you:%I%was%on%my%way%home%
and%had%just%topped%a%hill.%Some%construction%workers%had%
traffic%stopped%and,%as%is%my%habit,%I%stopped%so%that%I%could%
see%the%tires%of%the%car%in%front%of%me%touching%the%ground.%
The%construction%workers%had%the%traffic%on%our%side%of%the%
road%stopped,%and%had%just%finished%clearing%the%traffic%in%
the%left_hand%side%of%the%road%and%were%about%to%let%us%go%
past.%Suddenly,%I%heard%brakes%squealing,%and%in%my%
rearview%mirror%I%saw%a%car%coming%at%me%at%a%high%rate%of%
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speed%with%all%four%wheels%locked.%Because%I%knew%that%I%
had%stopped%soon%enough%in%front%of%the%other%carback%
far%enough%to%see%their%tiresI%turned%to%the%left%and%
accelerated,%quickly%putting%myself%in%the%left%lane%where%
there%was%no%other%traffic.%The%car%that%had%been%coming%
at%me%skidded%to%a%stop%about%two%feet%from%the%car%that%
had%been%in%front%of%me.%%
%
My"habit"of"stopping"far"enough"back"saved"me"
from"being"hit"from"behind.%If%the%car%had%hit%me,%it%
obviously%would%have%forced%me%into%the%other%car%that%
was%in%front%of%me.%Everyone%moved%along,%and%when%we%
got%to%a%stop%sign%down%the%road,%the%lady%in%the%car%that%
was%in%front%of%me%got%out,%came%back%to%me%and%said,%
Thank%you.%You%probably%saved%my%children%from%injury.%
%
She%had%seen%it%all%happening%and%could%do%nothing,%
but%I%was%able%to%move%my%car%out%of%the%way.%It%was%just%
one%of%those%quick%responses%that%was%possible%without%
thinking%because%I%had%made%stopping%a%car_distance%back%
a%habit.%You%could%even%apply%this%in%a%carjacking.%If%
someone%were%to%decide%to%carjack%you,%you%could%easily%
accelerate%around%the%car%in%front%of%you.%Regardless%of%the%
situation,%this%is%a%good%habit%to%develop.%%
%
That%is%my%first%recommendation%for%managing%
traffic.%Just%having%a%way%out%can%be%extremely%helpful%and%
beneficial.%%
%
Sometimes%traffic%jams%simply%cannot%be%avoided.%
Certainly,%it%would%be%good%to%always%keep%more%than%a%
quarter%tank%of%gas%in%your%car.%You%never%know%when%
you're%going%to%get%stuck%in%traffic.%

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%
Always%watch%your%temperature%gauge.%Most%cars%
are%designed%to%be%able%to%stand%in%traffic%for%a%long%period%
of%time%with%the%air%conditioning%on,%but%you%should%
definitely%keep%an%eye%on%your%temperature%gauge.%You%
may%have%to%roll%your%windows%down%and%turn%your%air%
conditioner%off%so%that%the%car%engine%doesnt%get%too%hot.%%
%
Another%aspect%to%consider%is%that%traffic%jams%also%
occur%during%winter.%In%the%northern%parts%of%the%United%
States,%the%law%requires%that%you%have%a%safety%kit%inside%
your%vehicle.%Usually,%it%contains%some%water,%a%blanket,%a%
flashlight,%and%some%other%indicators%to%let%other%drivers%
see%that%you%have%broken%down.%And%even%in%southern%
states%like%Arkansas,%its%a%good%idea%to%carry%a%safety%kit%
with%you%because%you%never%know%when%youll%be%stuck%in%
traffic.%%
%
How"to"Drive"on"Snow"and"Ice"
%
%
Snow%and%ice%certainly%provide%different%challenges%
for%us%who%live%in%the%southern%states.%When%you%are%
driving%on%snow%you%need%to%have%more%traction.%Thats%
why%youll%typically%see%four_wheel_drive%vehicles%or%front_
wheel_drive%vehicles%getting%around%bettersimply%
because%their%traction%is%much%better.%That%does%not%mean%
that%you%should%drive%faster.%It%just%means%that%you%have%
better%traction%and%should%be%able%to%get%around%a%bit%
better.%
%
When%there%is%a%lot%of%snow,%one%tip%you%can%follow%
is%to%lower"the"air"pressure"in"your"tires%to%about%25%
pounds%of%pressure.%You%are%not%going%to%be%going%very%
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fast,%but%you%are%going%to%see%that%youll%have%better%
traction%when%your%tires%have%less%pressure%in%them%since%
you%have%more%rubber%on%the%road.%%
%
We%learned%years%ago%to%pump%the%brakes%in%the%
snow,%but%the%best%advice%I%can%give%for%driving%in%snow%is%
to%drive%as%though%you%had%an%egg%under%the%gas%and%brake%
pedals.%Drive%so%that%you%are%accelerating%slowly%and%
braking%slowly.%Dont%push%on%the%pedals%too%strongly.%
Youll%break%the%eggs!%
%
How"to"Buy"a"Used"Car"
%
%
Say%youve%decided%that%you%are%going%to%replace%
your%car.%Or%maybe%youre%buying%a%car%for%the%first%time%
and%you%want%to%begin%with%a%used%vehicle.%You%make%the%
decision%to%buy%a%Ford%F_150,%four_wheel_drive%truck.%You%
are%going%to%spend%some%time%looking%around.%You%might%
shop%online%and%see%some%of%the%options%available%for%a%
Ford%F_150.%There%are%four_door%trucks,%some%with%extra%
cab%space,%others%with%short%beds%and%some%with%long%
beds.%There%are%many%options%available,%so%you%begin%to%
narrow%your%search%to%match%your%criteria%deciding,%I%
want%a%Ford%four_wheel_drive,%F_150%Lariat%because%it%has%
the%leather,%and%I%want%the%four%doors,%and%I%want%a%CD%
player,%and%I%want%the%five_and_a_half_foot%bed,%not%the%six_
foot%bed.%%
%
Once%youve%narrowed%your%search,%its%time%to%
actually%begin%looking%for%those%that%may%be%for%sale.%You%
can%look%on%Craigslist.%You%can%look%on%eBay.%You%can%look%
in%the%newspaper%or%drive%around%town%shopping.%After%
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looking%around,%you%will%find%your%vehicle.%You%are%going%to%
go%view%it,%walk%around%it,%look%at%it%from%a%cosmetic%
standpoint,%sit%in%it,%and%touch%everything%that%you%can%
touch.%Youre%going%to%make%sure%everything%works.%The%
turn%signals,%the%radio,%the%air%conditioner,%the%heater,%the%
power%windows,%the%power%locks,%the%power%seats,%the%
rear%wipers,%the%front%wipers,%the%headlights,%the%tail%lights,%
and%on%and%on.%%
%
If%everything%checks%out,%you%tell%the%person%whos%
selling%the%truck,%Look,%Im%going%to%go%spend%about%45%
minutes%to%an%hour%driving%this.%Most%people%spend%about%
10%minutes,%and%they%go,%Oh,%I%like%it.%One%of%the%reasons%
that%you%like%it%is%because%its%different%from%the%vehicle%
that%you%just%got%out%of,%and%all%your%senses%are%going,%Oh,%
this%is%really%neat,%and%so%you%think,%Oh,%this%is%the%truck!%
Give%yourself%45%minutes%to%an%hour.%During%this%time%
you're%going%to%be%listening%to%and%feeling%things%about%
that%truckand%you%dont%have%to%be%an%automotive%
mechanic%to%know%if%something%is%not%right.%Youll%know%if%a%
noise%that%you%heard%is%not%right%or%if%theres%something%
that%doesnt%feel%right%in%the%steering%or%a%vibration%in%the%
brakes.%And%so,%that%45%minutes%to%an%hour%should%be%
spent%driving%both%on%the%freeway%at%highway%speeds%and%
in%town%at%normal%speeds.%You%should%spend%time%driving%
around,%going%around%corners,%stopping,%acceleratingjust%
as%you%would%drive%the%vehicle%normally%on%any%given%day.%
Use%your%senses.%Dont%play%the%radio.%Make%sure%the%radio%
plays,%but%after%that%turn%it%off%and%listen.%Use%your%five%
senses%to%see%if%anything%seems%abnormal.%%
%
If%everything%seems%good%in%this%F_150%Lariat%four_
wheel_drive,%everything%sounds%fine,%and%you%really%think%
youve%found%your%truck,%then%take%the%truck%to%an%ASE_
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certified%technician%for%a%used_car%inspection.%A%used_car%
inspection%is%where%a%trained%individual%drives%the%truck%
around%to%check%it%out.%Not%only%that,%but%also%the%
technician%will%bring%the%truck%back%into%the%bay%and%raise%it%
up.%Theyre%going%to%see%things%you%cant%see.%They're%going%
to%look%for%things%you%cant%know%to%look%for,%and%they're%
going%to%know%about%things%that%you%have%no%idea%about.%
Through%this%process,%the%ASE_certified%technician%can%help%
you%make%a%decision%about%repairs%that%may%need%to%be%
done%now%or%in%the%near%future%and%can%tell%you%the%costs%
of%those%repairs.%%
Now%you%can%say,%%I%love%this%truck.%Its%got%everything%I%
want.%Ive%spent%a%lot%of%time%looking%and%driving%around%
and%this%is%the%one.%So%what%will%it%cost%to%get%these%items%
up_to_date?%%
Typically,%the%technician%will%provide%an%estimate%for%you.%
Then%you%can%go%back%and%negotiate%your%price%for%that%
vehicle.%You%should%not%talk%about%price,%make%an%offer%or%
say%anything%about%price%until%you%have%taken%all%these%
steps.%%
Now,%youre%able%to%go%back%to%the%seller%and%say,%%
Ive%had%it%inspected.%Ive%test_driven%it.%I%
want%the%vehicle.%This%is%the%one%I%want,%but%
here%is%a%list%of%things%that%are%going%to%need%
fixed%to%make%the%truck%the%way%that%I%want%it%
to%be.%So,%this%is%what%Im%willing%to%pay%for%
the%truck%so%I%can%afford%to%get%these%other%
things%doneand%I%will%pay%for%it%now.%

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THAT%is%the%right%way%to%buy%a%vehicle.%Constrain%your%
emotions,%have%a%certified%technician%inspect%it%and%know%
what%you%are%getting%into%before%you%make%an%offer.%By%
following%this%process%you%will%save%yourself%from%some%
unpleasant%surprises%that%could%cost%you%a%lot%of%money.%%
%
How"to"Find"a"Good"Repair"Shop"
%
%
If%you%are%trying%to%locate%a%shop,%the%first%thing%to%
do%is%actually%ask%the%shop%that%you're%currently%doing%
business%with.%Im%thinking%of%a%scenario%where%you%have%
moved%out%of%town%or%to%another%statefirst,%ask%the%shop%
that%you%already%know%and%trust%if%they%can%help%you%locate%
a%shop%in%the%area%that%you%are%moving%to.%Most%of%them%
have%some%type%of%associations%that%can%help%you%locate%
one.%So,%thats%a%quick%and%easy%way.%%
%
But%lets%say%youve%moved%to%another%town%and%
want%to%find%a%shop%you%can%trust.%What%I%recommend%is%
that%you%schedule%an%appointment%to%go%into%that%shop%to%
have%your%car%servicedusually%something%simple%like%a%
tire%rotation%or%an%oil%change.%When%you%schedule%your%
appointment,%I%recommend%that%you%tell%them%that%you're%
going%to%wait%while%that%service%is%done.%While%that%service%
is%being%performed,%just%listen%to%the%interactions%of%the%
employees%and%other%things%that%are%going%on.%I%know%that%
you're%not%going%to%see%everything,%but%that%can%tell%you%a%
lot%about%how%they%answer%the%phone,%how%they%interact%
with%the%other%employees,%and%how%they%interact%with%
their%vendors.%Things%of%that%nature%that%can%help%you%
answer%the%question,%Is%this%a%professionally%run%shop%or%is%
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this%not%quite%the%shop%I%want?%That%can%go%a%long%way%in%
helping%you%make%your%decision.%
%
You%certainly%want%to%look%at%whether%their%
technicians%are%certified.%You%want%to%figure%out%whether%
they%do%ongoing%training,%and%determine%to%what%extent%
they%can%service%your%particular%car.%Do%they%have%the%
software%to%be%able%to%communicate%with%the%computer%
systems%on%your%vehicle?%You%want%a%place%that%can%send%
you%reminders%whenever%its%time%for%service,%a%place%that%
has%some%type%of%schedule%to%keep%your%car%well%
maintained,%a%place%that%has%an%inspection%process%
established%where%you%can%have%your%vehicle%inspected%for%
safety%and%maintenance%items%on%a%regular%basis.%Thats%an%
easy%way%of%finding%a%good%repair%shopjust%going%into%it,%
observing,%and%asking%questions.%
%
Five"Questions"to"Ask"Any"Shop"
%
If%you%are%not%able%
to%go%to%the%repair%
shop,%but%just%want%
to%call,%then%there%
are%five%simple%
questions%that%you%
can%ask%any%shop%as%
you%make%those%
phone%calls.%Ill%say%this:%one%of%the%most%dangerous%things%
that%you%can%do%is%determine%which%repair%shop%you%will%go%
to%based%upon%price.%Oftentimes,%shops%have%strategies%in%
place%to%give%you%part%of%the%information%or%very%little%
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information%about%a%particular%repair,%making%their%
estimate%not%quite%accurate.%%
%
When%it%is%time%to%pick%up%the%phone%and%give%some%
shops%a%call%to%answer%the%question%Which%shop%am%I%
going%to%choose?,%here%are%five%questions%you%need%to%
ask:%
1.%What%is%your%warranty?%
At%Parkway%Automotive,%our%current%warranty%is%two%years%
unlimited%mileage%on%parts%and%labor.%%
%
2.%Do%you%have%a%guarantee?%
Most%shops%dont%even%think%about%a%guarantee.%At%
Parkway%we%offer%a%100%%risk_free,%money_back%
guaranteeif%we%cant%repair%an%item%within%three%visits,%
we%will%give%you%100%%of%your%money%back.%Thats%our%
guarantee.%%
%
3.%Are%all%of%your%technicians%ASE_Certified?%%
Every%technician%at%Parkway%is%ASE_Certified.%Myself%and%
two%other%team%members%are%ASE%Master%Technicians.%%
ASE%Master%Technicians%are%incredibly%well_trained.%So,%no%
matter%who%works%on%your%car%at%Parkway%Automotive,%
they%have%ASE%Certification%in%the%area%that%they%are%
working%in.%Even%our%service%advisors%are%ASE_Certified!%
Basically,%the%question%is%this:%Can%you%guarantee%me%that%
whoever%works%on%my%car%will%be%ASE_Certified?%And%
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unless%every%single%person%in%their%facility%is%ASE_Certified,%
they%cannot%guarantee%that.%
4.%Do%you%provide%a%free%round_trip%shuttle?%
Parkway%Automotive%provides%a%free%round_trip%shuttle%
wherever%you%want%to%go%in%the%Central%Arkansas%area.%We%
know%you%need%help%whenever%your%car%is%down.%A%good%
repair%shop%should%be%able%to%provide%a%shuttle%ride%for%
you.%
%
5.%What%happens%if%I%have%trouble%when%you're%closed?%
At%Parkway%Automotive,%you%can%call%us%24%hours%a%day,%7%
days%a%week.%You%will%be%able%to%reach%one%of%our%people%
either%by%calling%us%directly%during%business%hours%or,%after%
hours,%you%will%receive%an%after_hours%number%to%talk%to%an%
actual%live%human!%Additionally,%one%bonus%that%we%have%is%
that%you%also%earn%rewards%back%on%your%repair%as%a%
Royalty%Rewards%member.%
%
Those%are%five%simple%questions%to%ask%any%shop%that%works%
on%your%car.%If%the%shop%can%answer%all%five%questions%
satisfactorily,%you%have%found%a%good%repair%shop.%
%
"
1
1
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How"I"Became"The"Auto"Guy"(the!rest!of!the!story)"
%
In%1999%I%started%advertising%on%a%local%Christian%radio%
station.%One%day,%Jason%Harper%from%a%local%television%
station,%KATV%Channel%7,%heard%one%of%my%ads.%He%
contacted%me%about%doing%a%segment%for%Channel%7%on%
winterizing%a%car.%I%completed%that%segment%and%the%
producers%liked%what%they%saw,%so%they%invited%me%back%a%
couple%of%times.%Soon%after,%they%asked%me%to%be%on%every%
week,%and%that%was%the%birth%of%The%Auto%Guy.%%
%
I%was%on%Channel%7%for%over%ten%years.%Viewers%
would%call%in%and%ask%questions%about%their%car%and%I%would%
answer%them%live%on_air.%It%was%a%fun%time%for%me%and%
really%kept%me%on%my%toes.%I%had%to%use%everything%I%had%
learned%up%to%that%point%to%ensure%I%was%giving%these%
people%the%right%information%that%they%could%trust.%%
%
This%was%a%great%experience%for%me%that%I%may%do%
again%sometime.%I%think%people%liked%the%idea%of%having%
someone%they%could%ask%questions%of%and%build%a%
relationship%witheven%if%it%was%through%a%TV%show.%
People%like%to%do%business%with%people%they%know,%like%and%
trust.%Becoming%The%Auto%Guy%
has%helped%me%to%build%those%types%
of%relationships%with%many%in%our%
community.%Go%to%YouTube%and%
search%"The%Auto%Guy%Parkway%
Automotive"%and%you%will%see%my%
smiling%face,%or%scan%this%QR%code%
1
with%your%Smartphone.%
%
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Restoring"the"Corvette"with"John"
%
It%all%started%with%my%son%John.%Hes%my%youngest%of%four%
children.%When%he%was%12%years%old,%he%came%to%me%and%
said,%Dad,%for%my%first%car,%I%would%like%for%you%and%me%to%
build%one.%Of%course,%that%went%directly%to%my%
heartstrings,%being%The%Auto%Guy.%%
%
So%I%said,%Sure,%we%can%do%that.%What%do%you%think%
youd%like%to%do?%What%particular%kind%of%car?%And%he%said,%
Well,%I%dont%know.%Ill%look%and%let%you%know.%%
%
Some%time%went%by,%and%he%came%back%to%me%and%
said,%Dad,%I%think%I%want%to%build%something%in%the%70s.%I%
said,%Really?%Well,%thats%goodbecause%I%can%do%those%in%
my%sleep%and%with%my%eyes%closed%and%everything%else.%Do%
you%have%a%particular%one%in%mind?%He%said,%I%think%I%want%
a%Corvette%from%the%70s.%I%said,%Okay,%why%dont%you%
start%looking?%%
%
So%he%started%looking%at%the%cars,%and%he%found%
some%options%on%eBay.%I%made%a%promise%to%my%wife%that%
we%would%see,%touch,%and%drive%the%car%before%we%bought%
it.%%After%some%months%had%passed,%in%which%he%had%been%
looking%around,%it%was%early%one%Saturday%morning%when%I%
received%a%text%message.%John%had%spent%the%night%with%a%
friend,%and%I%received%a%text%message%that%the%bidding%was%
almost%up%on%a%car%that%was%on%his%watch%list.%So%I%went%
upstairs,%got%on%the%computer,%and%looked%at%the%car.%It%
looked%real%good.%I%put%a%bid%on%it,%and%wouldnt%you%
know%I%won%it!%
%
Then,%I%sheepishly%went%back%downstairs%and%
climbed%into%bed%beside%my%wife.%She%said,%What%have%
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you%been%doing%up%there?%I%replied,%Uh,%I%found%John%a%
car,%and%I%think%I%bought%it.%%But%I%said%Ive%only%committed%
to%it,%and%as%I%promised,%we%want%to%go%look%at%it%before%we%
buy%it.%Thats%what%I%told%the%seller.%%She%said,%Thats%
good.%Where%is%it?%I%said,%Kentucky.%
%
Later%that%day,%I%had%to%pick%up%John%at%his%friends%
house.%As%I%was%driving%back%home,%I%called%the%bank%to%see%
what%time%they%closed.%They%told%me%the%time%they%closed,%
and%thats%all%I%said.%I%hung%up%the%phone,%and%John%looked%
over%at%me%and%said,%You%bought%a%Vette,%didnt%you,%
Dad?%I%replied,%Well,%no,%Ive%committed%to%oneand%its%
in%Kentucky.%And%were%leaving%tonight%to%go%look%at%it.%So,%
on%Saturday%night%at%nine%oclock,%my%three%boys%and%I%got%
in%the%truck,%hooked%up%the%trailer,%and%drove%as%far%as%we%
could%drive%that%night.%After%staying%in%a%hotel%room,%we%
got%up%early%the%next%morning,%had%breakfast%together,%and%
then%finished%our%drive%to%this%guys%house%in%northern%
Kentucky.%It%was%a%real%nice%road%trip%for%us.%%
%
When%we%got%there,%we%looked%at%the%car,%we%drove%
the%car,%and%we%put%the%car%up%on%the%trailer%and%crawled%
underneath%it%to%look%for%any%signs%of%rust%or%deterioration.%
The%car%looked%pretty%good.%%
%
I%pulled%John%aside%and%said,%John,%its%going%to%be%
a%lot%of%work.%Youve%got%to%be%committed,%and%youre%
going%to%pay%for%it.%Are%you%sure%this%is%what%you%want%to%
do?%He%said,%Yes,%Dad,%its%what%I%want%to%do.%I%said,%
Okay.%
%
So%we%bought%the%car,%loaded%her%on%the%trailer,%
drove%back%home,%and%got%home%at%ten%oclock%that%Sunday%
night%with%the%car.%Before%we%started%disassembling%the%car%
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(it%was%in%really%good%condition,%ran%and%drove%well%and%
was%just%a%really%good%old%car)%we%cleaned%the%car%up%
externally%for%three%days,%and%his%sister%used%it%in%her%
wedding%for%her%and%her%new%husband%to%drive%away%in.%
This%is%before%we%did%a%single%thing%to%it,%so%it%was%pretty%
cool.%
%
After%the%wedding,%we%decided%to%begin%the%
disassembly.%Currently%(Spring%2013),%the%car%is%in%a%
thousand%different%pieces%in%our%garage.%But%we%are%
working%to%put%it%all%back%together%with%a%new%engine,%new%
transmission,%new%wiring%harness%and%a%new%interior.%We%
are%not%going%to%do%anything%to%the%body%because%it%is%in%
really%good%shapewe%are%going%to%leave%that%alone.%We%
are%going%to%install%air%conditioning%and%get%all%that%
working.%Hopefully,%we%will%have%it%done%by%the%end%of%
2013.%John%turns%16%in%January%of%2014,%so%he%may%very%
well%be%driving%his%Corvette%then.%That%is%what%we%are%
hoping%for.%
%

FatherNSon"Bonding"""
1

The%most%important%thing%in%the%world%to%me%is%the%gospel%
of%Jesus%Christ.%As%John%and%I%have%worked%on%the%Vette,%
there%have%been%many%extraordinarily%easy%parallels%to%
make:%we%had%an%opportunity%to%talk%about%restoration%
because%we%were%restoring%a%car!%Of%course,%a%car%is%not%
nearly%as%impactful%or%important%as%our%relationship%to%the%
Lord%and%being%restored%through%regeneration.%%
%
John%has%made%it%clear%in%the%past%that%he%wasnt%
sure%about%the%gospel.%He%was%pretty%sure%he%didnt%believe%
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what%we%believed,%and%it%was%a%good%conversation.%
Recently,%he%has%had%a%paradigm%shift%in%his%mind%and%
heart.%He%has%been%studying%Gods%Word,%reading%in%
Colossians%on%his%own,%and%doing%some%things%that%indicate%
to%me%that%the%Lord%has%been%working%in%his%heart.%%%
%
Thats%the%biggest%thing%about%spending%time%with%
himjust%getting%to%know%him%more.%We%are%working%
together%to%clean%and%restore,%and%Im%praying%that%as%we%
do%that,%the%Lord%is%cleaning%and%restoring%his%heart%and%
mine.%%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

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Final"Thoughts"
%
Im%one%of%the%most%blessed%people%I%know.%I%am%living%my%
dream%by%running%my%own%company%and%serving%my%
customers.%I%am%loved%by%a%beautiful%woman%who%stands%
by%me%through%good%times%and%bad,%have%four%terrific%
children,%and%am%still%in%good%health.%%
%
Not%everything%in%life%is%rosy,%but%Ive%learned%to%
find%the%good%in%almost%every%situation.%My%attitude%and%
work%ethic%came%from%Mom,%washing%the%truck%from%
Brent%Tyrrell,%and%the%joy%of%being%the%boss%comes%from%
my%excellent%Team%members%at%Parkway%Automotive.%%
%
All%of%this%is%possible%because%of%the%grace%of%my%
Lord%and%Savior%Jesus%Christ.%All%that%I%have%and%all%that%I%
am%is%due%to%Him.%At%the%end%of%each%day,%I%am%grateful%
that%I%am%His%son.%%
%
I%hope%you%will%choose%to%entrust%Parkway%
Automotive%with%your%vehicle%needs.%I%can%promise%you%
that%we%will%do%everything%in%our%power%to%ensure%your%
satisfaction%and%the%safety%of%your%family.%%
%
Thanks%for%reading%this%book.%I%hope%it%has%been%
helpful%and%has%given%you%a%better%perspective%on%who%I%
am%and%Whose%I%am.%%
%
%

Yours%gratefully,%

%
%

%
%

Mike%Davidson%
The%Auto%Guy%
www.MikeTheAutoGuy.com11

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About"The"Auto"Guy"
1
Mike1Davidson1
opened1Parkway1
Automotive1in1
January11997.1Hes1
an1ASE1Master1
Certified1
Technician1and1
was1the1Napa1ASE1
Technician1of1the1
Year1in1Arkansas161
years1in1a1row.1He1
serves1on1the1
Board1of1Directors1
for1the1Arkansas1
Better1Business1
Bureau1and1was1
recently1featured1
on1the1cover1of1
Ratchet1and1
Wrench1Magazine.11
1
Mike1and1Nancy,1his1wife1of1231years,1have1four1children.1
They1attend1The1Bible1Church1of1Little1Rock1and1are1
passionate1followers1of1Jesus1Christ.1111
How1to1reach1The1Auto1Guy:111111111111111(501)%821_6111%
www.ParkwayAutomotive.net%%%www.miketheautoguy.com%
%1
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