NEWSLETTER
________________________________________________________________1-715-262-3556________________________August 2009_______________________________
We have revamped this whole web-site, and we hope that you enjoy it. If there is anything that you would like to see on our site, or any question you would like answers to, please feel free to contact us by phone: 715-262-3556, or by email: rashel000@centurytel.net.
Well folks, its the middle/end of July, supposed to be the hottest two weeks of the year, and we can only hit 80 degrees! I don' know about you, but I am just fine with that! This has almost been a perfect summer so far, at least we can get outside to go motorcycling, biking, camping, boating (sometimes still a little chilly for this one), etc. without the heat.
It is also the time of year for many cities festivities. St. Paul, Minnesota is having their Aquatennial Celebration, River Falls had their days a couple of weeks ago, last week was Spooner's (WI) Rodeo (this was a good time), over the 4th of July was Siren WI days, the Pierce County Fair is right around the corner starting August 13th, the Minnesota State Fair starts in August, and their are many car shows are under way - go to our Events Page for car show web sites, and our local Prescott Daze is coming up in September, 11th - 13th. Everyone is busy getting all of the events ready for everyone that comes to have a good time - and yes, there will be a car show on the 12th!
We have noticed that there are still a lot of people out and about for having such a downed economy. Granted, not much may be sold, but it is not keeping us at home either. I think for the most part that the Midwest is more frugal than the rest of the country. We are more apt to save our money, do projects ourselves if we can, and in general make the most of what we have. We are more likely to grow our own gardens, can or bake our own foods, clean our own homes, raise our own kids, do our own yard work, and yes, try to fix our own automobiles. Well... for some minor things there is nothing wrong with that. However, it is not like fixing Grandpa or Grandma's 1975 GM, Ford, or Chrysler. The technology the Engineers have included in vehicles these days is kind of like putting a puzzle back together. All it takes is one wrong piece in the wrong spot when the lights start flashing, the car starts talking to you, or worse yet, it won't start!
No matter how many times we say it, or someone else puts it in a commercial - Look for an ASE Certified (Automotive Service Excellence) technician to help you understand and maintain your vehicle! Our River Road Auto technicians are ASE Certified to get you on a maintenance plan that works for you and your vehicles. Finding a competent auto technician should not be a matter of chance. The ASE program certifies technicians, not repair facilities, so prior to taking tests, technicians attend classes, or study on their own to brush up on the latest automotive information. All ASE credentials have expiration dates, so to better insure these guys (and gals) know what they are talking about they need to re-test every 5 years. Why should you care about this? Because we think it should matter who works on your vehicles! Unfortunately, anyone can set up shop and claim they are a "mechanic," but if you want your vehicle fixed properly the first time, instead of "in the shop" more often than not, you as a consumer need o find someone trustworthy to handle your automotive needs.
Here are some tips from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) on finding a good repair establishment:
*Start shopping for a repair facility before you need one
*Ask friends and associates for recommendations; consult local consumer organizations
*Arrange for alternate transportation in advance so you will not feel forced to choose a shop based solely on location
*Look for neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays
*Look for courteous staff, with a service person willing to answer all of you questions
*Look for policies regarding labor rates, diagnostic fees, and guarantees acceptable methods of payment, etc.
*Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work
*Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area such as civic, community, or customer service awards
*Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE
*REWARD GOOD SERVICE WITH REPEAT BUSINESS AND CUSTOMER LOYALTY
Give us a call today so we can help get you started on a maintenance plan that works for you!
Only have one vehicle and can't get a ride? We offer pick up and delivery service FREE to the local Prescott area!
715-262-3556
