ThE mineR
May 16, 2018 |
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Car care questions answered By Paul Smith Pro Automotive, Priest River
I had some questions come to me the other day that I’d like to address as a professional auto repair facility. I already bought my parts but can’t do the work, will you do it with my parts? No and a professional shop wouldn’t. First is warranty. There is no warranty if you bring in your part. You may have warranty on your part but you would have to pay me to remove it so you can return it and then pay us again to reinstall it again. It’s not the shops fault the parts defective and we didn’t supply it. Where as if we supply the part we have the parts supplier taking care of the part for us and we can do a labor claim as well so we can take care of you, warranty, parts and labor, and you don’t have to mess with it. Second, the shop has to make a profit on parts or they couldn’t keep there doors
open. A professional shop has so much overhead that the consumer just doesn’t know or maybe understand. We have three information systems, monthly subscriptions at about $175 apiece, $1300 scanners with $110 monthly update cost, just so we can work on your vehicle. Wages, taxes etc. and all the rest. Quite frankly were offended when asked to install owners parts. We’re providing a service, parts and labor, just like a restaurant, and you don’t bring your steak in and ask them to cook it up to save a buck. I’ve had issues in the past with being charged for work not done, what kind of guarantee do you offer? And, how do I know if the shop I’m taking my car to is trustworthy? The best answer for these two questions is are they communicating with you. First they shouldn’t spend your money without you authorizing it and that shouldn’t happen until they have thoroughly explained why, what for, willing to show you what’s wrong and
the ramifications if you don’t repair it. They should give you at least a 1 year or 12k warranty except on used parts or if your asking them to patch something up because of lack of finances. They should call you right away if they find more problems not anticipated. Communication builds trust and trust relationships, and relationships friends. Remember your part is to be a good customer. My good customers are my friends as well and I want to take care of them and give great service. When someone is communicating with you, that builds understanding and trust and honesty. They should make sure your getting what your paying for. Another thing I would like to touch on is extended warranties. Something goes wrong, you bring it in, it’s covered, we fix it, all good right? So a vehicle came into our shop, catatlic converter failure. They had the gold plan but the cats weren’t covered, about $1900 worth. See care, 6B
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May 2
Community Shuttle SPOKANE / NEWPORT
SPECIAL MOBILITY SERVICES Monday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday A.M. ARRIVE 6:30 AM 8:15 AM 10:15 AM
DEPART Spokane: Bank of America Howard & Riverside 6:35 AM Newport: Safeway 8:30 AM Spokane Bank of America Howard & Riverside
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DEPART
2:00 PM
Spokane: Bank of America Howard & Riverside 2:05 PM
4:15 PM
Newport: Safeway
5:45 PM
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4:30 PM
In the City of Spokane, we pick up or drop off at the Bank of America on Riverside and Howard. Upon request, we can also pick up at the following locations: Spokane International Airport, any of the major Hospitals including VA hospital, NorthTown Mall, Northpoint Wal-Mart, 29th and Regal, Fancher and Sprague or Trent and Fancher.
If you have a disability that prevents you from reaching one of our stops, please call our office to see if we can arrange a pickup at your home. One-way fares $5.00 Newport/Spokane Reserve seating has priority. Open seating is available without reservations as capacity allows. To reserve a seat, please call 24-hours in advance or during office hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm
1-877-264-RIDE (7433) • 509-534-7171 Service is open to the general public. Service is available to all regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin or disability. This service meets the requirements of the American’s With Disabilities Act. This service is funded through grants from Washington DOT.
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Car Care
| May 16, 2018
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Prepare Priest River your car for Glass Photos courtesy of Getty Images
“We have all your glass needs covered.”
Auto Residential Commercial
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FAMILY FEATURES
ummer is a time for sunshine and road trips. No matter the length of the trip, you’ll want your car safe and functional, especially with your family and friends in the passenger seats. With summer weather approaching, it can be a great time to inspect your vehicle and make sure everything is up to par. No matter if you’re worried about safety or showing off your ride in style, there are specific steps you can take to prep your car for warmer temperatures:
Inspect your brakes and tires
208-448-2511 Wa. Contr. No PRIESRG132NZ / ID Reg # RCE-3360
CAREY’S INC AUTO BODY
Hi-Tech Collision Repair We work with your insurance company to repair your vehicle to “before-accident” condition
Prepare Your Ca summer Tires and brakes can suffer a lot of damage through normal driving. You should check your tires and brakes for wear at least once a month and before and after long trips. Look for debris embedded in tires and for excessive wear, scuffs or bubbles. Also try removing your brake pads to look for wear or cracking, and make sure the edges aren’t discolored. If you see any signs of damage, consider consulting a professional.
Check your oil level 311 W. Walnut Newport, N WA (509) 447-3933
ally Locally d Owned & Operated
If your oil level is low or the oil is discolored, it might be time to replace it. There should be a line on your oil dipstick to show how much oil should be in your car. For the most accurate reading, clean your dipstick with a rag or paper towel then reinsert it into the reservoir before removing again to check the level.
Wash your ride
There is hardly anything better than rolling down the road with the windows down and a freshly washed car. Try to rinse off and scrub the outside windows, sides and lower parts of the car to remove seasonal residue. Vacuum out the inside including the seats, floors and trunk. Wax can also be helpful to make your car shine in the summer sun.
Check your fluids • Computer Estimates • Color Matched Electronically OnSite
GET READY FOR SUMMER!
• Semi-Down Draft Bake Spray Booth
Oil • Coolant • AC • Alignment
• Six Tower Frame Rack
Brakes • Shocks
• Unibody Universal Measuring System with Upper Body Measuring • The Area’s Finest Technicians • Built by Satisfied Customers
509-684-2587 Fax: 509-684-3549
1101 S. Main. St., Colville
www.careysautobody.com
Riverside Automotive Service and Repair
Foreign & Domestic Repair • Tune-ups • Diagnostic Service • Brakes • Clutches • Electrical • Engine •Air Conditioning • Drive Train • Alignments
34612 N. Newport Hwy 2 Chattaroy, WA
Time to let us check your
Certified Master Tech on duty to serve you!
Emerald Automotive “We Stand in Front of our Brake Jobs”
Add safety essentials
Long trips to explore new places are a hallmark of summer fun. However, you need to be prepared for anything, even worst-case situations. You can buy a premade emergency kit or simply create your own. Some necessary safety measures include jumper cables, a small tool set, a portable floor jack and a spare tire that’s in good condition.
Install new windshield wipers
Your windshield wipers work hard throughout the year. They can easily become dull and worn out. Before a summer rain shower strikes, it might be time to replace your windshield wipers with a fresh set.
Look at the coolant
Computer Diagnostics
For more tips to prepare for summer fun, visit eLivingToday.com.
Diesel Repair
900 Bonner Mall Way
208-263-3483 ly Local & ed Own ted a Oper
3 Locations to Serve You
WEAVER’S
Winter is on the way... Let us get you ready!
GARAGE & EXHAUST
(509) 684-6524 281 W. 3rd Ave. Colville, WA 99114
Summer can be hot and no one likes a sticky, overheated car that’s been sitting in the sun. You and your passengers can be set and ready to roll with a working air conditioner. Try to test it out before the summer heats up and make sure it is working properly.
Tune-ups
(509) 292-8979
Mark Weaver Owner
Test the air conditioning
Summer can be a prime time for cars to overheat with rising temperatures. Check your coolant and flush and refill it, if necessary, to help ensure your car doesn’t get too hot during hours of travel.
300 S. Union Ave., Newport WA • 509-447-4515 5398 Hwy 2, Priest River ID • 208-448-1412 514 Larch, Sandpoint ID • 208-263-2171
“Major & Minor Vehicle Repairs”
There are several fluids under the hood to check, including brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid. Check to ensure you have the appropriate amount of each fluid and if not, fill them appropriately.
Steve’s
Import Auto Service, Inc. Maintenance & Repair Import & Domestic
1111 Michigan Street • Sandpoint, oint ID
208 -263-4911
Pay attention to ‘Check Engine Light’ BETHESDA, Md. – The top 10 check engine light repairs from the annual CarMD Vehicle Health Index reinforces what the Car Care Council has been saying for years. Motorists who ignore the check engine light get less miles per gallon and could face costly repairs down the road. “Many people fear that when the check engine light comes on, it is going to mean several hundred or more dollars in repairs, so they ignore the light and hope the problem goes away,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Data from CarMD makes it clear that not addressing the cause of an illuminated check
engine light can cost you in terms of wasted fuel and more expensive repairs in the future.” When the check engine light is illuminated, it usually means that the vehicle system, such as the ignition, fuel injection or emission control, is not operating properly, even if the vehicle appears to be running normally. The top 10 most common check engine light repairs as reported by the recently released CarMD Vehicle Health Index are as follows. Replace O2 sensor(s) Replace ignition coil(s) and spark plug(s) Replace catalytic converter Inspect fuel cap and
tighten or replace as necessary Replace evaporative emissions (EVAP) purge control valve Replace mass airflow (MAF) sensor Replace ignition coil(s) Replace evaporative emissions (EVAP) purge solenoid Replace fuel injector(s) Replace thermostat “Following a recommended maintenance schedule and addressing small problems before they become bigger ones will help extend the life of your car and minimize check engine related repairs,” continued White. “It’s important to note that most of the common check engine problems negatively impact a car’s fuel economy and become more costly to repair if service is delayed.” The Car Care Council’s popular Car Care Guide features helpful information about the check engine light. A printed copy of the 80-page Car Care Guide can be ordered free-of-charge by visiting www.carcare.org/carcare-guide.
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Car Care
May 16, 2018 |
We’ll treat you like family.
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• 15% off Parts and Labor Now thru May 31, 2018
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5B
5 Tips for Summer Road Trips
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or many people, summer means setting out on a road trip in search of bucket-list-worthy excitement or a relaxing vacation. Whether you’re going down the road to visit family or across the country to see a national monument, it is important to prepare your vehicle – and its tires – before you pull out of the driveway. These five safety tips can help get your family ready to hit the road this summer: 1. Check Your Tread – A tire’s tread depth can determine a vehicle’s safe stopping distance. You can check your tread depth by sticking a penny upside-down in a tread groove. If you can see President Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires. 2. Ensure Proper Tire Pressure – Low tire pressure can lead to poor handling and gas mileage, excessive wear and overloading. Drivers should check their tire pressure at least once a month, and especially before any long trip. Use a dependable air gauge or stop by an automotive store like Discount Tire or America’s Tire to take advantage of complimentary air checks. 3. Rotate Often – Tires should be rotated at least every 6,000 miles or earlier if irregular or uneven wear develops.
4. Inspect Your Trunk – Some new vehicles no longer come equipped with a spare tire, opting instead for tire inflation kits that feature puncture coating sealants and air compressors, or even run-flat tires. Check your trunk to see what your vehicle contains and make sure you have a roadside assistance plan should the need arise.
Your Hometown Automotive Repair and Maintenance Shop fac facebook.com/geraldsgarageII www.geraldsgarage2.com ww
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STILL ACCEPTING AUTO BATTERIES!
5. Don’t Overload – The combination of heat and overloading a vehicle, which can be common during summer travel, is one of the most dangerous conditions for a vehicle’s tires as overloaded tires can overheat and possibly fail. When it comes to summer driving safety, it can be imperative to check your tires early and often. Knowing the condition of your tires can keep your family safe and your vehicle in quality condition. “It is important that drivers know how to check and maintain their tires and recognize the warning signs of when to replace them, especially during the hotter months,” said Tom Williams, senior vice president at Discount Tire. “Keeping customers and their families safe is our No. 1 priority each summer.” To learn more about tire safety before a summer road trip, or to schedule an appointment for a tire safety check, visit tires.com.
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Pend Oreille County Solid Waste www.pendoreilleco.org www.jcautodetail.com •
/ JC-Auto-Detailing
Late-night TV celebrities ranked by most trusted to work on cars If you could pick a latenight television celebrity to work on your car, there is a good chance his first name would be Jimmy. In a survey of more than 20,000 vehicle owners across the country, the results show that Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon top the list, says the non-profit Car Care Council. “April was National Car Care Month and with trust being a strong determining factor in choosing care maintenance and repair professionals, we thought it would be fun to ask vehicle owners which late-night TV host they would trust most work on their cars,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “As the results poured in, the two Jimmys were polling neck and neck, but in the end, Kimmel edged out Fallon for the ‘most trusted to work on my car’ title.” The survey, conducted by IMR Inc., an automotive market research company, polled more than 22,000 vehicle owners throughout the country who were asked to choose which late-night celebrity host they would trust most to work on their car. The final results were as follows: Jimmy Kimmel 27.6% Jimmy Fallon 27.4% Stephen Colbert 19.6% Trevor Noah 14.3% James Corden 11.2% “We appreciate IMR Inc. donating valuable space on their quarterly consumer auto maintenance study to help the Car Care Council draw
Gopher’s Diesel Repair
Serving the Tri-County for Over 15 Years attention to National Car Care Month and the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair,” said White. Bill Thompson, president of IMR, commented, “We had a blast working with the council on this project. This was a really fun question to add for our respondents. Judging by the number who responded, they were eager to voice their opinion on their favorite late-night host. We watched the results as they came in nearly every day.” Celebrity preferences aside, the Car Care Council recommends asking six simple questions to help identify the right auto repair shop to properly care for one of your most valuable assets, your car. Does the business employ ASE-certified technicians? Credentials and affiliations are indicators of professionalism and the management’s commitment to training and education. Is the shop and cus-
tomer waiting area clean and organized? Cleanliness and organization are signs of a well-run business. Are customers greeted and treated in a friendly and respectful manner? Many auto repair businesses excel in the area of customer service and satisfaction. A simple phone call to the shop to inquire about their services can give you a glimpse of how they treat customers. Does the business provide a written estimate? The business should complete a written estimate and request your signature prior to starting any repairs on your car.
Does the business offer a warranty? Most auto repair businesses offer a warranty on parts and labor and the warranty is usually in writing or posted in the waiting area. Does the business have a list of satisfied customers or references that it is willing to give you? Satisfied customers and recommendations from family, friends and neighbors are helpful in finding a good shop. Many auto repair facilities also have company websites that are worth checking out as they often include testimonials and additional information about the business.
Inland Iron Works
Welding & Fabrication CNC Plasma-Press Brake-Ornamental Iron
509-671-3544
330931 Hwy 2 NEWPORT, WA
883 Williams Lake Rd. • Colville • 509-684-6637
Foreign & Domestic
509.481.0602
Jeremy
LLocated t d on H Hwy 2 2, A Across ffrom Miller’s Mill ’ O One St Stop
509-928-4000
11125 N. Market St. • Mead www.pullandsave.com
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Place your classified or display ad with The Miner and it will appear in both newspapers The Newport Miner (Pend Oreille County) and The Gem State Miner (West Bonner County). All for one good price. Call (509) 447-2433 for details.
6B
Car Care
| May 16, 2018
Planning is your best protection against the unexpected. Call for a quote today.
Are old headlights safe? By Jake Spencer Courtesy Car Care Council
Bruce A. Hunt, Agent Auto • Home • Boat
Recreational Vehicles • Life • Commercial 309 South Washington Ave. • Newport bhunt@farmersagent.com
509-447-3428
We’ll Get You Ready Read for Winter Driving! • ALL AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS • BRAKES/ ALIGNMENTS • TRANSMISSIONS • COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS • TUNE-UPS/ EXHAUST
(509) 684-3581 We Employ Technicians Certified By The National Institute For Automotive Service Excellence Mon-Fri: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. • 505 S. Main • Colville
ThE mineR
It’s a known fact that headlight bulbs wear out with age and use just like tires, shocks, and brakes. As the bulbs get older, they start to dim, putting less light on the road. This can create serious safety issues at night for all drivers. In spite of the fact that there is five times more traffic during the daytime, statistics show that approximately 65 percent of accidents occur at night or in poor lighting conditions. The primary reason is usually attributed to poor driver vision caused by reduced light, which at night can be up to 70 percent. Because the human eye is not adapted for nocturnal vision, colors tend to disappear, contrast fades away, and drivers are often blinded by the oncoming light from other vehicles. In essence, nighttime drivers can experience the feeling of shortsightedness and can also lose some depth perception. According to Ann-Marie Hines, senior marketing manager at Lumileds, a global lighting solutions company and the exclusive supplier of Philips automotive lighting products, the answer is simple. Hines notes, “The
filament in a headlight bulb ages with use, time, and exposure to the elements. As a result, it becomes fragile and starts to deteriorate and this causes the light output to diminish. At the end of a typical service life, perhaps two-three years, headlight bulbs will likely be projecting a much shorter and less powerful beam light, than when they were new. From a driver’s point of view this is a critical safety concern.” This problem becomes even more critical with older drivers. The amount of light that the human eye needs to see properly increases exponentially with age. That means the older drivers get, the more light they need. This is because the lens of the human eye tends to become more opaque with age and reduces the amount of light the eye can receive. At age 40, the average driver may already need twice as much light as a 20 year old. At age 65, that need is dramatically higher. So as the population of licensed drivers 65 years and older increases, the safety issues increase with it. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 36.8 million licensed drivers
aged 65 and older on the road in 2013. By 2030, the NHTSA estimates that there will be more than 57 million drivers on the road in this age group. The easy solution to this dilemma is to just put more light on the road. The best way to do that is to replace your old headlight bulbs with new bulbs and make sure your headlight lenses are clear of any clouding and hazing. Lumileds engineers recommend replacing headlight bulbs after two to three years as a good maintenance practice. They also suggest replacing both headlight bulbs at the same time to ensure a properly lit road ahead and the full benefit of the vehicle’s headlights as originally intended by the carmaker. You can replace your old bulbs with new standard OE quality replacements and restore your vehicle’s lighting performance to original condition or you can upgrade to newer more advanced technology and get even better light output from your headlights. Better lighting will improve your vision and visibility at night, and in turn increase your safety and confidence as a driver. Whenever possible, you should consider upgraded headlight bulbs
Automotive NOW Repair OPEN ALL MAKES & MODELS
509.842.6200 • 208.304.3966 330931 Hwy 2 • Newport, WA
Care: From Page 3B
As we usually do, we inspected the whole vehicle and found more problems that were covered under there plan. So we repaired everything under warranty and because we had to pull the motor out for
Since 1966
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• Home • Business • Auto Glass • Rock Chip Repair • BBB A+ Rating
111 S. Oak St. Colville 509-684-6501 888-254-9973
“We do more than
D 3 2 transmissions” R N 1 P NORMAN MERKEL 509-684-9200 “Trust the Specialist!” 1046 N. Hwy 395 Colville, WA
Driving Safely
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over standard bulbs because they are designed to do a better job of lighting up the road ahead. This not only helps to compensate for having old headlights and older drivers, but can also help improve headlight performance in general. According to a recent study from the AAA automotive club, the halogen headlights found in more than 80 percent of vehicles on the road today failed to safely illuminate unlit roadways, even when vehicles are moving at speeds as low as 40 miles per hour. A new set of upgrade halogen bulbs might just make a difference in seeing better and being seen. Hines adds, “Our Philips automotive lighting line features a full range of OE quality replacement and advanced technology upgrade bulbs to meet the needs of practically every registered U.S. vehicle and driver. We have developed an innovative online Bulb Look Up that helps users identify the right headlight, exterior, or interior bulb for a particular vehicle application and tells them where to buy.
one of the repairs, it cut the catalytic converter repair in half. They ended up with $3000 worth of repairs for $900. So it came to our attention that if you have extended warranty should be routinely having your vehicle inspected, you may have
things going on that should be repaired while you have the warranty to cover it. It’s spring, do your maintenance! You have an investment in your car, take care of it, it will last. And remember you get what you pay for.
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SERVICE FOR ALL MAKES AND MODELS Diagnostic Specialists Mon-Fri 8-5 • 40 High St., Priest River, ID • 208-448-0112
ost families spend an ample part of every day in their vehicles, between transport to school, activities, work and various errands. Keeping everyone safe is easier than ever with a slew of safety features that are increasingly available, either straight from the factory or as add-ons to your in-car experience. Advanced Navigation: While built-in navigation systems in cars may just seem like an added convenience, they are also a key safety feature. Navigation systems offer easy access to directions and points of interest on the road, which can help eliminate distractions and reduce the possibility of accidents. Features like voice control can make navigation handsfree and allow you to concentrate on the road. Smartphone Crash Detection: Today, the technology in your pocket is often more advanced than the cars you drive or ride in. Apps like Sfara Guardian can detect a car crash or incident and dispatch help. Because the technology is on the phone, it works whether you are the driver or passenger and in your car or someone else’s. Roadside assistance has a modern twist, too. If you need help with a flat or a tow, you can request service on your app and map the driver in real-time as he or she heads your way. Lock Controls: In some vehicles, an adjustable setting allows you to control which car doors unlock depending on which door you open first or how many times you press the unlock button. This feature can allow a driver to safely enter the car on the driver’s side without unlocking other doors and potentially giving access to an intruder. Similar controls can keep mischievous kids from pushing buttons in the back and unlocking or opening rear doors or windows without your knowledge.