Catalina Automotive

Dash Warning light series #1 - Oil Pressure Light

2011-08-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

Whether you are driving across town or on a family road trip the dreaded dash warning light is the most important thing you should know about to avoid potentially dangerous or costly consequences. We have blogged about how to respond when these lights come on and will continue to do so. We are indebted to Katie LaBarre from US News and World reports for some important additional info on Critical Warning Lights that may come on in your vehicle. Don’t ignore them – better to read about what to do if you see one. We have added some important information to her article further help you make an intelligent decision when you see one of these critical indicators.

Warning light #1 - Oil Pressure Warning Light

Imagine the sound of two pieces of steel grinding together without a lubricant. That’s the sound your car could make without enough oil. The oil pressure light doesn’t tell you when it’s time for an oil change (although some cars can do that using their on-board messaging), but this light will tell you if your car’s computer has thinks the oil pressure is dangerously low. Some cars do not have a light but a guage instead. Take note of what ‘normal’ is for your car so if it drops abnormally low, you can respond properly. Regardless of how your car indicates low oil pressure it’s time to respond quickly…

A false indication sometimes occurs if the actual oil pressure sensor or associated wiring is malfunctioning. However, you have to assume it is correct because the consequences of no or low oil pressure can be swift and devastating. Low oil pressure can come from several things. Here are the possibilities:

1. No oil – a punctured oil pan or sudden leak is usually the culprit

2. Low oil level – How long has it been since you checked or changed the oil. All normal cars use small amounts of oil and normal oil changes will keep you in the safe zone.

3. Engine problem – Engines with lots of miles may have low oil pressure from wear. Sometimes, sludge in the oil pan can slowly or suddenly clog the oil pump intake and block oil flow.

Regardless of the reason, if your oil pressure warning light turns on, pull over safely, turn off your car immediately and check your oil. If you run the engine without oil, it will seize because the metal parts won’t be able to move against each other. That kills your engine and possibly your bank account. Unless you are sure you can run the engine safely with the light on DO NOT restart it until the cause of the light being on is found and fixed. Time is of the essence here. You can go from low or no oil to a seized engine in about 20 seconds.

Just as an example, the cost of diagnosing and fixing an oil leak on a 2007 Honda Accord with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine can cost between $396 and $534, according to RepairPal. That’s a lot to dish out at once, but it’s less than replacing a seized engine. We recently replaced a faulty sensor on a 2000 Dodge Ram pickup for about $95. But we also recently replaced an engine in a 2003 Ford Explorer that locked up after an oil pan puncture and that was $4800.

Drive Safely!

The five Critical Warnings from your car asking for help

2011-08-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

We are starting a series about ways your vehicle reports problems to you as a cry for help - or at least attention. Ignoring them can be dangerous and possibly expensive so we want to help you get your problem fixed as quickly, conveniently, and inexpensively as possible. We are starting today with the Oil Pressure Light (or guage) so watch our blog over the next few weeks for this important information and Drive Safely!

Proven Tips to Save Gas

2011-05-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

A customer recently told me that high gas prices are destroying her family budget. What can she do to reduce fuel cost or boost mileage?

We get this question several times a week. Saving gas means driving smart. It can be done with thinking, planning, and discipline. The strategies listed here are tried and true - and they work.

1. Regular oil changes are a key maintenance item that will reduce friction and help you save gas. For even more savings, ask your mechanic about the extra gas mileage from full synthetic oil at your next oil change.

2. Driving smart means smooth starts, watching your speed (cruise control helps), and smooth braking. It can save up to 10% in city driving and 5% on the highway.

3. A clean air filter, a well-tuned engine, and properly inflated tires will save gas and improve safety and handling.

4. Avoid idling for long periods while parked and excessive warm up times.

5. More extreme measures like special air cleaners and hi-flow exhaust systems are proven fuel savers but payback times can be lengthy.

6. Many drivers are even switching to a higher mileage smaller vehicle, like a hybrid, that can make a big difference. With any increased investment, you should always compare the benefit to the cost.

7. Common sense tells us that anything that reduces trips like the bus or carpooling will help.

8. Note that things like fuel “booster” additives, magnets, fuel swirl plates, and using premium gas are NOT proven fuel savers. Save your money. You can help yourself right now using these tips. The results may not be dramatic but every little bit helps.

Here's a final note - Resist the temptation to buy gas regularly at your grocery store or warehouse club. An occasional fillup is OK but the price discount comes from leaving out important additives. It is rare to have to do a valve job on today's cars but when a car has a burned valve, a steady diet of this type of discount gas has almost has usually been a major factor. Stop by your vehicle service facility to see which of these items may be best for you.

AZ Daily Star reports record USED car prices

2011-05-14T00:47:00.000-07:00

From the May 13 AZ Daily Star...

Time for a trade-in? Used cars' prices soar to new high

It's one of the Newtonian laws of the auto industry, a fact as seemingly inescapable as gravity: The value of a new car starts to depreciate the day it's purchased. But a used-vehicle shortage caused by a topsy-turvy economy has, at least for the moment, turned that principle upside down.

Industry analysts and Tucson auto dealers say the price of used cars is at an all-time high as dealers vie with each other over limited supplies to keep inventories full. As a result, many used vehicles have actually appreciated in value over the last year, meaning the car in your driveway might be worth more than you think it is.

"We're looking at the highest prices ever for used cars," said Joe Spina, a senior analyst with the automotive site Edmunds.com. "The price for late models is extremely high. A 1-year-old Civic costs about as much as a new one right now."

Fewer new-car sales during the economic downturn have led to fewer trade-ins. Manufacturers also leased significantly fewer cars during the past several years and sold to fewer rental companies, a reliable source of used cars, Spina said. This has created a real shortage for dealers, he said.

Auto dealer Jim Click said the Tucson market is no exception. Recession-era cutbacks, combined with supply shortages caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, have led new-car dealers to try buying up used cars to fill out their lots, driving prices upward.

"I've never seen this happen in my career," Click said. "Traditionally, as you know, used cars have always been a depreciating asset. There have been very few times in my career that I've seen prices go up the way they have the past four months."

For consumers, this means that auto dealers may be offering higher prices for certain trade-ins, mainly fairly new, fuel-efficient cars, Spina said. Click agrees that it's the case at Jim Click Automotive, which has 11 locations in Southern Arizona.

"You're going to get more for your trade-in, but you'll also have to pay more for a used car on a retail basis," he said. It's one of the Newtonian laws of the auto industry, a fact as seemingly inescapable as gravity: The value of a new car starts to depreciate the day it's purchased.

But a used-vehicle shortage caused by a topsy-turvy economy has, at least for the moment, turned that principle upside down.

Industry analysts and Tucson auto dealers say the price of used cars is at an all-time high as dealers vie with each other over limited supplies to keep inventories full.

As a result, many used vehicles have actually appreciated in value over the last year, meaning the car in your driveway might be worth more than you think it is.

Fewer new-car sales during the economic downturn have led to fewer trade-ins. Manufacturers also leased significantly fewer cars during the past several years and sold to fewer rental companies, a reliable source of used cars, Spina said. "This has created a real shortage for dealers," he added

For consumers, this means that auto dealers may be offering higher prices for certain trade-ins, mainly fairly new, fuel-efficient cars, Spina said.Click agrees that's the case at Jim Click Automotive, which has 11 locations in Southern Arizona. "You're going to get more for your trade-in, but you'll also have to pay more for a used car on a retail basis," he said.

The best value on a trade-in right now would be for a new car, Click said, because, while the price of your car may have increased, so has the price of a used car. Click said his company is paying the most for fuel-efficient cars.

"Any car that gets good gas mileage, the value has gone up," he said. Quebedeaux Buick GMC has also been advertising "top-dollar trade-ins.""It's just making us work a little bit harder," director of sales Christian Quebedeaux said of the used-car shortage. "We're paying quite a bit more for trade-ins, absolutely."

But while consumers may be able to turn the used-car market to their favor with some smart shopping, soaring prices can pose a challenge for Tucson's smaller used-car dealers.

"It's affecting us in a big way," said John Clark, general manager of Clyde Wanslee Auto Sales.

Clark said he's seen more used cars than ever at or near their retail price at auction, and the demand for those cars is intense. "It's a struggle. We used to be able to attend one to two auctions a week. Now we're attending four auctions a week, plus online auctions in other states," Clark said. "We're having to work harder and longer hours to do the same thing."

Clark said his dealership is paying more for sellable cars, but that he mostly gets cars that have 100,000 to 150,000 miles on them, in which case the price hasn't changed at all.

"If somebody were to sell a car that was only three or four years old, I'd pay more so I wouldn't have to spend the time at auction," he said.

Spina said he expects the market to stay where it's at for the time being, until the market for new cars picks up, which Edmunds.com expects to start happening toward the end of the year.

"I don't think we'll see anything too dramatic for maybe a year or so as far as prices going down," Spina said.

"You're going to get more for your trade-in, but you'll also have to pay more for a used car on a retail basis."

Contact reporter Alex Dalenberg at adalenberg@azstarnet.com

The 3,000-mile oil change : Fact or Myth?

2011-05-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

I get asked about this long-held idea frequently and the answer is not a simple ‘Yes or No’. In a recent survey conducted by Valvoline, 69% of ASE certified Master Automobile technicians questioned said that a vehicle's oil should be changed every 3,000 miles while 29% said between 3,000-5,000 miles is acceptable and 2% said between 5,000-10,000 miles is okay.

This has to be one of the longest running debates in the world of car care. The arrival of better motor oils and systems that monitor oil life have weakened the 3,000-mile argument. It's true that the oil in your car is its lifeblood. But take a survey like this with a grain of salt about oil change intervals because it’s conducted by a company who benefits from frequent oil changes. It may surprise you to know that at Catalina Automotive we agree that 3000 miles between oil changes is more frequent than necessary based on today’s oil quality alone. But there is more to the decision than just replacing dirty or ‘worn out oil’. Sure, it benefits us the more you have your oil changed. But at today’s prices for oil, filters, and labor our $29 oil change is not a money maker for us. Consider the plus and minus of the 3000 mile oil change.

I think we agree that it is the rare driver today who EVER opens the hood of their car or even knows how to open it. A survey by CarQuest auto parts showed that over 82% of consumers checked ‘rarely or never’ as an answer to when they check under their hood. Under-hood temperatures are extreme today like never before. Everything from belts, hoses, wiring, fluids, and filters are in a constant state of deterioration.

What about you? If you are the typical 12,000 mile/year driver, then you will get about 4 oil changes per year totaling about $116.00. If you go to a facility that includes inspections (like we do), that means that every 3 months, someone knowledgeable can see problems in their early stages and bring them to your attention to watch or take action. Switch to a 5000 mile interval and it will be 5 months or more before someone looks at your tires, brakes, fluids, filters, and leaks. At 5000 miles, you will save about $46 per year and go almost twice as long between inspections. If you go to a facility that you trust (like we are) you don’t have to worry about getting oversold on work because nobody is on commission. Now it’s your turn to decide of the extra peace of mind is worth less than $4 a month.

It’s always been true that auto maintenance is done at your convenience but repairs are done at your inconvenience. It’s also true on many repairs that fixing them sooner can be cheaper than fixing a bigger problem later.

So in the strictest sense, a 5000 mile oil change interval is OK. But we use the philosophy at Catalina Auto of “Your Car…Your Safety…Our Passion” and our goal is to keep you driving safely with minimum disruption. The extra $4 a month buys a lot of peace of mind. And that's why a 3000 mile interval makes sense to us…let us know what you think.

Catalina Automotive article in Copper News Nugget

2011-05-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

See what others are saying about Catalina Auto... This article appeared April 30 in the Pinal County Copper News Nugget about us.

Catalina Automotive offers ‘service with integrity’

04/30/11
John Hernandez
Email this to a friend

The Catalina Auto team of Joe Conti, Sales Mgr(l), Randy Ford, and Rob Magness,Service Mgr(r)

Randy Ford and his team does his best to treat people honestly.
He worked as an engineer for General Motors in Flint and Saginaw, Michigan from 1972 to 1983. Arizona became his home in 1983.
After retiring, Randy had a few bad experiences with car repair places. Having been a lifelong car guy, he had always wanted to provide a place where people could get their car serviced competently and honestly. He wanted to take the fear out of auto repair.
Catalina Automotive has been around since the mid 1980s. In 2003 Randy Ford and his partner reopened it. Randy’s partner Dan Gill moved to Willcox in 2004 and opened his own automotive facility. In 2007 the facility was moved to its present location at 16400 North Oracle Road in Catalina. Randy has seen business sales grow every year even in the poor economy.
Randy attributes the success of Catalina Automotive to their philosophy of providing a place where people are treated honestly. They do not try to oversell work and keep the customer involved in the decisions about their vehicle.
“We try to be the place we would like to come to, a place where a single mother or senior citizen can come in and be treated with respect, a place that takes care of people like they are part of your family,” he said. “We provide quick fixes and good customer service.”
The result has been a lot of repeat customers because they like the service. “We have a huge following in SaddleBrooke,” Randy said.
The motto of Catalina Automotive is “service with integrity.”
Catalina Automotive is three businesses in one. They have a drive-through fast Lube Shop, a full service maintenance shop for repairs, and a used car sales area. The Lube Shop provides basic oil changes and other lube services. No appointment is necessary and if you are in a hurry, they can get you done quickly. The maintenance and repair area has six bays and their ASE-certified technicians provide top service at reasonable prices. They sell tires and carry all major brands. If they do not have the tire you want in stock they can have it for you within 24 hours.
The small used auto sales dealership sells cars SUVs and trucks.
“My market has always been good used vehicles,” Randy said. “We are more like mechanics that sell cars.”
The vehicles at Catalina Automotive receive more conditioning and service than your average dealership. They sell all makes and models focusing on domestic and Asian models that are reliable, well known and cost effective. These are reliable cars at affordable prices. They are also good at financing people with 'damaged' credit. “We sell a lot of Chevys, a lot of Fords ” said Randy.
There are 25 to 30 quality used vehicles available at any given
time and we usually sell about 15 to 20 vehicles each month.
Local financing and extended service contracts are available.
For more information or to schedule an appointment call Catalina Automotive Center at (520) 825-8887.

Is your car worth repairing?

2011-03-07T07:10:00.000-08:00

It's happened again...you've been told your car needs another repair. So should you repair it or trade it? Let's examine some issues that need to be considered...

The fact is, some people keep their car too long, and some trade too often.

A JD Power study revealed that a person would save over $450,000 during their lifetime if they kept their cars an average of 10 years.

Maintaining the car during the 10 year period would cost between $800 to $1200 per year.
But this investment would save nearly a half a million dollars in new car buying costs, interest, insurance, registration, taxes, and depreciation over a lifetime.

Another study showed that consumers loose over $20 billion per year in fraudulent auto repairs.

Get help to make the right decision: If you are near a trusted auto technician, car dealer and financial analyst, you have a pretty good chance of making good decisions about repairing your car. We would like to give you a list of how to scientifically determine what to do about this issue, but we can't. This is an important issue and one of the biggest financial decisions most people face on an ongoing basis. Keeping track of the repair costs on your car or having your shop do it for you is an important first step. An old mechanic friend once joked "Sure it's gonna need fixing if you keep driving it around." Sometimes a big expense may not be out of line based upon your totals over time.

It's all about relationships... Do you have a repair shop you trust? Do you personally know the service advisor or technician? Have you tested the relationship enough to know they will tell you when it's time to repair and when it's time to trade that old car? It's not beneficial to a long-term customer relationship, or to building a good reputation to recommend repairs on a car that isn't worth it. A good service advisor and technician should be there to solve your problems, not create them by being selfish and dishonest.

Our Goal at Catalina Automotive is to partner with you to help you get the most mileage out of every dollar you spend. We always welcome your feedback about how we can help.

Catalina Auto featured in national AC Service article

2011-02-07T06:15:00.000-08:00

Here is the article from the 2011 Special Car Care section from Creator's Syndicate written by Chandra Orr.
NO SWEAT

Chandra Orr

Keep your cool this summer by keeping an eye on your vehicle's air

conditioning, because even a small decrease in performance could indicate a larger problem on the horizon -- and a costly repair bill. "The biggest benefit from regular AC service is to find a small problem and fix it before it becomes a large, expensive problem," says Randy Ford, owner of Catalina Automotive, an auto service multiplex. For example, strange sounds that start and stop with the use of the AC may point to problems with the compressor or clutch, problems that quickly can affect other areas of the engine.
      "The compressor is the source of more than half of AC system problems," Ford explains. "Major compressor failures are impossible to predict, but often the system shows you pending seal leaks or other problems before failure occurs. Replacing a compressor with leaking seals before failure can cost you up to $700, but that's a bargain compared with an internal compressor failure that sends small bits of metallic shrapnel through the sealed system. That can exceed $2,000."

Test It Out
      "There's a simple test for any AC system," says Paul DeGuiseppi, manager of service training for the Mobile Air Conditioning Society Worldwide, a nonprofit trade association. "Set all the controls for maximum cooling; close all the doors and windows; start the engine, and run it for about five minutes. If the temperature from the panel outlets lowers, there is a good chance the system is operating properly."
      If you have a thermometer handy, place it in the center air outlet. On a warm day, a healthy air conditioner should lower the temperature to 50 F, DeGuiseppi says, and if the system is functioning properly, it shouldn't need additional maintenance.
      However, if your car isn't cooling off as it once did, it's time to schedule a checkup. You may have a refrigerant leak, and a little attention now can prevent a lot of stress later.
      "In some instances of a small leak, the system can be temporarily recharged with refrigerant to restore cooling, but this is only temporary, and a repair is in your future," Ford says.
      Most auto supply stores sell do-it-yourself refrigerant refill kits for about $50, but beware. Overfilling the refrigerant decreases performance and can damage the cooling unit, so follow the enclosed instructions carefully -- or leave it to the pros.
      At the service station, a typical AC system inspection with a refill costs about $150, Ford says. During servicing, the mechanic will perform a thorough external inspection, test the unit's performance and measure the refrigerant pressure. The mechanic also will check for refrigerant leaks, faulty seals, deteriorating hoses, malfunctioning pressure switches and worn-out drive belts.

Check the Filter
      Even if your vehicle's AC is in top working condition, it may need a little TLC. If it smells musty, check the filter.
      "If your vehicle is a model year 2000 or newer, there's a good chance it is equipped with a cabin air filter. However, many motorists have never heard of a cabin air filter," says Rich White, executive director for the Car Care Council, a consumer education initiative spearheaded by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association.
      The filter prevents bugs and debris from entering the AC unit and removes pollen, bacteria, pollutants and allergens from the air entering the cabin, but if it's been a while since you've had it replaced, the air inside the car may be dirtier than the air outside.
      The Car Care Council recommends replacing the filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles. In areas with heavy smog or other contaminants, it should be replaced more frequently. Used filters should not be cleaned and reinstalled.

Cool Off Quickly
      Don't let gas prices scare you away from using the air conditioning. Running the AC has a minimal impact on fuel efficiency, Ford says, and it's actually more efficient than driving with the windows open, which causes drag. However, even the best AC needs a little help on hot summer days.
      The cooler the interior is to start with the faster the AC will do its job, so crack a window when you park your car to help reduce heat buildup. When you return, vent the hot air quickly by opening all the windows or opening the doors.
      When you first turn on the air conditioning, set it to "max" and "rec" to recirculate and move the greatest volume of air. Once the cabin reaches a comfortable temperature, switch the system back to normal to pull in air from the outside, which will help prevent that musty smell from building up. Be sure to turn down the fan, as well. The lower blower speed produces colder air from the system.
      Automatic Temperature Control systems operate differently than manual systems, but in general, drivers can get the same quick cool-down by setting the temperature as low as possible at first and then adjusting it for comfort once the heat dissipates.
COPYRIGHT 2011 CREATORS.COM

Catalina Resident Wins Lincoln Town Car!

2011-01-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

Catalina, AZ 1/3/11 When Catalina resident Doug Towne answered his phone on January 3 the call started out like any other. Except this time he listened in disbelief as Randy Ford of Catalina Automotive told him he had just won a Lincoln Town Car. The “2010 Win the Lincoln” was a free promotion held by Catalina Automotive to celebrate their 7^th consecutive year of sales growth. His entry was drawn from one of the more than 300 received during the 6-week long contest. The 1993 Lincoln Town Car was a modest prize by some standards but had been well maintained and documents received when purchased indicated 60,000 original miles. Doug and his wife, Linda were especially pleased since one of their cars was experiencing some difficulty. Winning the contest was a timely if unexpected solution.

Shown in the photo is Used Car sales manager Joe Conti (L) presenting the keys and title to Doug at the Catalina Auto shop office on Jan. 3, 2011. Owner Randy Ford said “We were inspired by the Catalina businesses that have a strong tradition of supporting the needs of those close to home. This Lincoln giveaway is our most ambitious project ever. Our team was proud that the Lincoln found a good home.”

Catalina Auto is just one of many businesses that donate regularly to local organizations and fund-raisers. Many go above and beyond the call of duty like the free Thanksgiving dinner put on by Claire’s Café, the Toy Drive organized by Player’s Pub, and the amazing work of the Golden Goose staff. In addition, there are many civic clubs and organizations in Catalina and Saddlebrooke which raise funds for worthy causes each year. Ruth Dormanen of Player’s Pub agrees. “We have the world’s best customers. Without them we obviously wouldn’t be here so it’s only natural to try to help where we can. I just wish we could do more.”

Catalina Automotive is located at 16400 N Oracle Road in Catalina. In addition to used car sales, a full range of automotive repair services is available in their new 8-bay facility. They also sell name brand tires of all sizes and offer in-house wheel alignment. Call them at 520-825-8887 for more info or visit them on the web at www.catalinaauto.com.

Why is my Check Light on?

2011-01-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

Almost every day we talk to someone who has this problem. Your car’s light might say Check Engine, Service Engine Soon, or show the outline of an engine but it all means the same thing. The light comes on when the car’s engine control computer can’t keep your car operating properly or may have a bad sensor so it is asking for help for further diagnosis. It can be as simple as a loose gas cap or it may be a symptom of a more involved problem. A computerized scanner should be used to read the light’s code and help find the root problem. Here are some guidelines for what to do when it happens to you:

-Light on, car drives OK:

Check it at your convenience.

-Light on, car driving in abnormal way:

Check it as soon as possible.

Damage may result from prolonged malfunction.

-Light on and flashing:

Check it ASAP. Indicates unburned gas in the exhaust which means either a misfire or some type of fuel injector problem. Whatever the reason, it can damage your expensive catalytic convertor in a few miles.

The trouble code for the Check Engine Light is not just a shopping list for what to go to AutoZone and buy. It just points to a subsystem on the car that is the problem. For example, a code for an oxygen sensor problem may be a loose connector or a short in the wiring and the sensor may be fine. Have it checked before you wind up spending money needlessly. Drive safely :)

If it walks like a duck...

2011-01-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the launch of our Catalina Automotive blog. To understand why I am so passionate about getting things right, let's return to July 2002. I just had my oil changed at one of the faceless OilChangeLubeShops where they tried to sell me another air filter and wipers that I just bought them from them 3 months previously. Oops. "Please. Just an oil change!" I said and that was that.
Or so I thought.
I got home (2 miles) and my engine was making a bad racket. My oil drain plug was finger loose and dripping madly. So I tightened it up and topped it up with 4 quarts in a 5 quart motor. I was seconds from losing ALL my oil and my engine. I drove right back and explained what happened. The response of the 40-something shop manager left me stunned.
"Really? Huh. Well we've had some problems with staff and that's why the owner brought me over here to get things straightened out." That was his total response. No apology, no offer to replace the oil I just paid about $7.00 to add. Nothing.
"That's it? I asked.
"I guess." he said.

In 2003, my old employer had been bought out and a small shop in Catalina became available. So I took my savings and decided it was time to prove it could be done better. Now 7 years, a new 8 bay shop, and 25,000 repair/ lube tickets later it seems like the right decision. We've grown every year and try to learn from our mistakes instead of repeating them. And when we screw up (not often but we do) we man up and do whatever it takes to set things right. So welcome aboard to the crazy world of auto repair and used car sales as practiced by Catalina Automotive and a glimpse into the unconventional mind the owner Randy Ford.