Welcome to our expanded “News & Views”.  As you will see, we have added some subjects, including a recipe and featured coupon in addition to automotive industry trends, safety issues, maintenance tips, collision repair topics and employee profiles.  Also, I will continue my editorials as the former “Car Doctor” from TV8.

-Rich Sacha

IN THIS ISSUE

SERVICE DEPARTMENT SNIPPETS
Intermittent Problems…in a Nutshell

When a vehicle has a problem that occurs unpredictably it is called an intermittent problem. This presents a problem difficult in nature for us even though we are equipped with diagnostic scan tools, the latest information, technical service bulletins and recall information from the car manufacturer.

We need the problem to occur twice.  The first observation provides the technician some insight to plan a testing strategy.  A specific testing strategy saves diagnostic time and money.  The problem must then occur a second time while the technician is monitoring the systems and/or components that may be involved.  Attempts to re-create the operating conditions are employed, some times to no avail.  Many times this results in testing all the systems with the ability to cause the symptom until a defect is found.  This all-inclusive strategy can become expensive and does not guarantee resolution of the initial problem. Last but not least is the educated guess.  This is risky and never the method of choice, but becomes an option when the symptom cannot be observed or the defect disclosed.

Diagnosing intermittent problems can be very time consuming, requiring your patience and cooperation for us to be successful.  There are times when our estimate of diagnostics cannot guarantee a discovery of the cause of the intermittent problem in the time frame quoted.  Nor does it include the actual repair once diagnosed.

What we can promise is the most current equipment and information, coupled with the skills and experience of our ASE master certified service department personal:  Gary, Ken, Kirt and Mike.

BODY SHOP TALK
What to Do if You Are in an Automobile Accident

Before Reading, make sure each of your vehicles have
a current proof of insurance card in the glove box.

According to the National Safety Council, 1 in 8 drivers will be involved in an accident this year. Here are some guidelines to share with your family members in the event they are involved in an accident:

• At the accident scene:

  • Stop as close and AS SAFELY as you can to the collision site, turn on your 4 way flashers and turn off the ignition.

  • Check drivers and passengers for injuries.

  • Call 911. Report the accident, location and injuries if any. Wait for police and/or medical personnel to arrive.

  • Tell the police officer how the accident happened. DO NOT speculate about the facts.
    

• Record Information:

  • Write down the date, time and location. Note the weather and road conditions. If the police are present, record the department, officer’s name and incident or report number.

  • Record the names, addresses and phone numbers of all drivers, passengers and witnesses.

  • Copy the other driver’s information directly from their driver’s license.
    

• Make sure to exchange:

  • Name, address and all phone numbers. Year, make, model and color of cars involved.

  • Registered owner’s names. Insurance company name, agent name and policy number.

  • Any notes pertaining to the circumstances of the accident, including street names and direction of travel will be helpful.
    

• After leaving the scene:

  • Seek medical attention if needed.

  • Report the accident to your insurance company and the other driver’s.

  • If your vehicle has been towed by police order (impounded) act as quickly as possible to have it moved to the repair shop of YOUR CHOICE. This requires a signed release, usually obtained at the police station in the community where the accident occurred.

OUR OFFICE STAFF CAN BE MOST HELPFUL WITH THIS STEP. CALL US IMMEDIATELY FOR ASSISTANCE.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE YOUR VEHICLE REPAIRED AT THE SHOP OF YOUR CHOICE.

You are not obligated to use a shop chosen or referred by your or any other insurance company.

THE SIDE VIEW
Editorial by Rich Sacha

Rich, as many of you recall, had a weekly TV show on Channel 8. You’ll still see him and other staff members interviewed for FOX 8 News on a regular basis for consumer related Automotive issues.

Changes…

2002 has brought some profound and exciting events to my family and our business.  My wife, Jeannette, and I have celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary.  Our oldest son, Rick is engaged to be married.  Automotive Excellence is celebrating 18 years in business.  Our youngest, Jennifer, is a senior at Holy Name HS.  Wow, it seems like only yesterday my wife would have her in a crib next to her while she tended to bookwork, answering the phone and greeting customers here at the shop.  And Ryan is already a Junior at Bowling Green State University.

Which brings me to my original thought:  If your family or a member of your family is moving out of the area or out of state, we can help you find a reputable repair shop in your new area.  In most cases we can provide names ands contacts at reputable mechanical and/or body shops.  Through our year of active membership in the Automotive Service Association and AAA, we can usually help out in this respect.

Employee Profile
Rick Sacha

In each issue of the News and Views, we feature one of our most valuable assets, our employees.  Their commitment and pride in their career is one of the reasons for our success.  In this issue we feature Rick Sacha.

Rick began here at the shop 10 years ago, working after school washing cars, cleaning the office, mowing lawn and pulling weeds.  As his detail skills were refined, we were able to offer vehicle appearance services.  Currently his responsibilities include the detail department and outside sales and marketing.  Rick will be returning to college this Fall to complete his major in business, while still tending his duties here at Automotive Excellence.

Rick recently became engaged to Diane Barilaro, planning a June 2004 wedding.  Diane is the daughter of Carmen and Rosita Barilaro. Diane recently graduated from CSU, where she majored in Human Resources and Labor Relations.

Rick is a 1996 graduate of Holy Name, where he was a 3- year varsity football starter and standout running back and linebacker.  As a senior, he was instrumental in Holy Name winning the NCL championship while personally earning numerous recognitions including Conference MVP, All-Ohio, The Cleveland Browns Touchdown Club Award and a spot on the NE Ohio All Star Team.  He attended Mount Union for 2 years, where he earned a Division III collegiate national championship ring.

Rick’s interests include golf and weight lifting.

MILLION DOLLAR COOKIE RECIPE
Jeannette Sacha

Measure oatmeal and blend in blender to a fine powder.  Cream together with electric mixer:  butter, both sugars, eggs and vanilla.  Mix in flour, oatmeal, salt and baking powder.  Add chocolate chips, Hershey bar and nuts.  Roll into balls, place two inches apart on cookie sheet.  Bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees.  Makes 112 cookies.

Recipe can be cut in half.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
What's New

5th Annual Car Wash/Hot Dog Roast
Join us Saturday, September 7 from Noon to 3 pm for our annual Holy Name High School Senior Varsity Football car wash.  Join us for lunch as your car is professionally washed and dried, knowing your donation benefits all student athletes at HNHS, the oldest co-ed private high school in in Greater Cleveland.

We’ll be serving barbequed hot dogs, condiments, chips and soft drinks.

AutoCare Club Card
Our AutoCare Club Card Program has been extremely popular with the many value added services offered at huge savings.  Please ask about it the next time you call or stop in.

Our website, www.autoexinc.com
Is a great source of information for collision repairs, mechanical service/repair and detailing.  We also offer coupons and specials found only at the website.  We have frequently asked questions (FAQs) covering body shop repairs, painting, insurance companies/policies, mechanical service and preventive maintenance, vehicle appearance and current issues.  You can take a tour of the shop and even “meet us”, viewing our credentials.

Wedding Bells
Automotive Excellence Inc. owners Rich and Jeannette Sacha are pleased to announce the engagement of their eldest son, Rick to Diane Barilaro of Parma.  Diane recently graduated from CSU.  Rick and Diane are planning a June, 2004 wedding.  Rick is currently featured in this issue’s “Employee Profile”.

Interested in knowing what a used car is worth?
Whether buying or selling, you can find out right from our website.  Simply click on the “RESOURCES” section for Edmunds, which provides new and used car prices and reviews, vehicle comparisons and future vehicle sneak preview as well as Kelly Blue Book.  Kelly Blue Book provides new and used car values, tools, tips and advise as well as new car previews, financing, insurance and warranty information.

COUPON $AVINGS
Exclusive Coupon

In celebrating our 18th year in business take advantage of the following “News & Views” Exclusive Coupon:

$18.00 off any or all of the following:

• Transmission power flush & fluid exchange $91.95 regular $109.95
  Restores performance, extends transmission life. Includes up to 16 qts. ATF. 
  

• Computer spin balance & tire rotation $34.00 regular $52.00
  Includes free brake inspection ONLY UPON YOUR REQUEST.
  Add $5.00 for locking wheel covers. Non standard weights extra.
  

• Wheel alignment special. Thrust angle alignment $47.00 regular $65.00
  Four Wheel Alignment $66.50 regular $84.50.
  Modifications & shim kits, if needed, are extra.

All specials include most cars, vans and light trucks. Expires October 30, 2002.