Motorists Urged to Prepare Cars for Winter 11 Tune-Up Tips for Fall, Winter Driving Strong Batteries Boost Winter Car Starts Bernies Automotive is Recognized as an Envirostar Did You Know
	Motorists Urged to Prepare Cars for Winter Most people do not like to think about winter weather when temperatures are still in the 70s. However, while winter weather denial might be fine for people, motorists should not deny their cars the simple preparation needed to help keep them running properly this winter. "Vehicle stress and strain increases greatly during the winter months," said Steve Nolan, spokesman for AAA Chicago. "Minor deficiencies have the potential to turn into major problems. So, it's extremely important for motorists to take precautions before the weather gets too cold." Last year 70 percent of vehicles tested in a AAA winter preparedness program had a deficiency of some sort, an increase over previous years. The most common problems were dirty air filters; dirty or low motor oil; worn belts, hoses and wiper blades; and insufficient anti-freeze strength. Here are the items that should be checked before winter. Check the: 1. Battery for loose cables and corroded terminals. 2. Anti-freeze for strength in the radiator overflow reservoir. 3. Oil level with the vehicle's dipstick. 4. Brake fluid level. 5. Power steering fluid level. 6. Automatic transmission fluid level. 7. All belts and hoses for pliability and to make sure they are crack and defect free. 8. Air filter. 9. Windshield washer fluid level. 10. Windshield wipers to make sure they clean the windshield completely. 11. Lights and turn signals. 12. Tire tread wear and inflate if necessary. 13. Spare for proper inflation. Consider putting on a pair of all-weather tires if you live in an area that will receive a lot of rain. Alternatively, consider a pair of snow tires if your climate demands it. And, last but not least, make sure that your in-car emergency kit has all the necessities including (but not limited to): flares, blanket, water, piers, shovel, phone, radio, chains, gloves, rags and food. (back to top)
	11 Tune-Up Tips for Fall, Winter Driving Keep your Automobile in Top Shape for Changing Seasons As you shift into gear for fall and winter driving, here are 10 car-care tips to keep your engine humming and vehicle performance high, as the temperatures drop. It's important to prepare for the upcoming fall and winter driving season, and there is a simple, comprehensive checklist to keep you -- and your automobile -- on the road in the cold. Here are the top tips for fall and winter driving: 1. Use the Three P's For Safe Fall & Winter Driving: The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration advises to prepare (maintenance checks) for the trip, Protect yourself (buckle up and use child safety seats) and Prevent (be alert, drive slower and avoid fatigue) crashes on the road. 2. Achieve Anti-Freeze: Check your anti-freeze for proper strength - it should be good to -35 degrees Celsius. Buy only ethylene glycol-based fluid with low freezing and high boiling points. The recommended anti-freeze lifetime is two years or 30,000 miles. 3. Fluid Mechanics: Oil change...check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended winter rating. A 10W-30 weight oil works for everything short of arctic or alpine winter conditions. 4. Wiper-washer fluids: keep your reservoir full with winter washer fluid -- a solvent that is good to 10 degrees below zero. Be sure your transmission fluid is clean. 5. Wipers, Belts and Hoses: Replace your wipers, especially for night driving and encounters with rain, sleet and snow. Check all belts and hoses ... cracked, frayed or worn rubber may not make it through the winter. 6. Check your tires: Take a long look at your tread. Driving in colder conditions, and on icy, snowy roads requires as much traction as your tires can deliver. Replace them if you see worn tread or sidewall damage. If you are unsure, place a penny -- Lincoln's head first -- in the tire tread. Consider buying new tires if the tread does not go past Lincoln's forehead. 7. Get A Charge From Battery, Electrical System: Check your battery and charging system. Fall and winter driving requires more power from your battery, so consider buying a stronger, heftier battery. Batteries lose power as the temperatures drop - so not only do you need more power to start the car, but you also get less power from your battery. 8. Winter emergency kit: Keep these must-have winter items in your trunk... heavy duty jumper cables, flashlight, emergency flares, ice scraper, snow brush, small shovel, abrasive material (sand, kitty litter), blanket, gloves, heavy socks, winter boots, and tire chains for snowy areas. 9. Keep your gas tank full: Always maintain a full gas tank ... if you get stranded or stuck in gridlock, your engine is your only source of heat.Windshield washer fluid level. 10. Double-check rear window defroster: If some of the lines don't work, they can be repaired. 11. Plan your route: Allow plenty of time (check the weather and leave early), be familiar with map/directions, and let others know your route and arrival time. (back to top)
	Strong Batteries Boost Winter Car Starts Courtesy of the American Automobile Association One of the best ways to protect against winter car trouble is to be certain your battery is fully charged and in proper working condition. "When the temperature drops to near zero, the number of calls AAA receives from stranded motorists soars," said George Giek, Director of AAA Automotive Engineering. "The most common cause of these cold-weather breakdowns is weak or dead batteries." Some clubs experienced up to four times the normal emergency road service call volume during last winter's most severe cold snaps. Motorists should closely monitor the condition of the vehicle's battery, especially batteries more than two years old. "Although batteries can carry warranties of four years or more, a warranty is no guarantee an older battery will continue to work in severe weather," Giek said. The most common sign of a weak battery is an unusual sound coming from the starter motor when the ignition key is turned, indicating difficulty in turning over the engine. If the vehicle is difficult to start, check that battery connections are tight and no corrosion is present on the battery terminal. To remove corrosion, use an old tooth brush to clean the cable connectors and terminals with a solution of baking soda and water. Next, inspect the tension of all drive belts. They should flex no more than one-half inch. Also, If the battery's fluid level can be checked, make certain the fluid covers the battery plates. If no problems are found and the vehicle is still difficult to start, drive to a service station or auto parts store to have the battery and charging system tested and, if necessary, replaced. In addition to weak or dead batteries, starting problems can be caused by malfunctioning alternators or starter motors. A qualified repair facility can make an accurate diagnosis and repair. If the vehicle will not start, use caution and follow instructions in the owner's manual when attempting a jump-start. If unsure about the proper procedure, call your auto club or another qualified professional for assistance. To help avoid winter breakdowns motorists should have their cars and trucks thoroughly inspected before cold weather arrives. In addition to the battery, fluids, belts, hoses, filters and tires should all be checked. Because of the difficult driving conditions often encountered in the winter, motorists should also be sure their lighting systems, brakes and windshield wipers are functioning properly. (back to top)
	Bernies Automotive is Recognized as an Envirostar Bernie’s Automotive is proud to announce it has been recognized as an EnviroStar by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Hazardous Waste Management Program. What is an EnviroStar? It is an award certified to companies that are committed to protecting the environment by properly managing and reducing hazardous waste. Bernie’s Automotive was reviewed and awarded 3 stars in July of 2006 and now we are one of only 57 automotive repair facilities with an EnviroStar rating. Bernie’s Automotive will continue to be proactive in waste management and a leader in reducing hazardous waste making our neighbor hood a cleaner and safer place to live. For more information visit www.envirostars.com (back to top)
	Did You Know: Bernie’s Automotive supports local schools, programs, and events. Bernie’s Automotive supports local schools, programs, and events. We believe it is very important that we continue to invest in our future and there is no better way than investing in our local community, its schools, and their children. Over the past year, Bernie’s has played a major role in raising funds for the Ballard High School Girls Basketball Team, Boys Soccer Team, and the Student Body at Large.  Bernie’s offered up its location for the Girls Basketball Team so they could hold a summer car wash fund raiser where they collected over $1500 in one day. We have also made monetary contributions for sporting activities and continue to sponsor their seasonal activities poster.  Bernie’s Automotive is currently sponsoring their Ballard Beaver Car Care Package Fund Raiser in which we hope to raise over $20,000 for the students. Other Beneficiaries of Bernie’s Automotive Ballard High School Las Senioritas Pacific Crest Elementary Homeward Bound Pet Shelter Ballard Senior Citizens Center Greenwood Senior Citizens Center Northwest Fisheries Association Scholarship Dick Harvey’s Memorial Fund Raiser Ballard Toastmasters Windermere Oak Tree Fund Raiser Ballard Boys & Girls Club If you know of or are participating in an event, auction, or raffle that is trying to raise funds for our community centers, schools, or improvement programs please don’t hesitate to contact Troy at 206.957.2236. Bernie’s Automotive is also proud to announce its sponsorship of several youths sporting teams. Sponsorships (# of years in parentheses ) Bernie’s Automotive Soccer Outdoor (9) North Central Little League (6) Bernie’s Automotive Soccer Indoor (3) (back to top)