by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on May 20, 2013
In the month of May we take a break away from automotive writing and focus on what’s more important at this time of the year. That is BBQ’ing, or to some people, “Grilling!”
We have attached a simple but great Rib Recipe and I hope you all have some family time over the summer weekends to sit around the back yard with a drink and some great food.
Cheers, Mark
- – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – -
Recipe – RIBS
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon onion power
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
Lightly salt and pepper to taste
3 pounds baby back pork ribs
1 cup barbeque sauce / or like we do – Slobber it on…Mmmmm
(Our Favourite is BULLS EYE – Honey Garlic for Ribs and Original for Wings)
Directions:
- Preheat a gas grill for high heat, or arrange charcoal briquettes on one side of the barbeque. Lightly oil the grate.
- In a small jar, combine cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Close the lid, and shake to mix.
- Trim the membrane sheath from the back of each rack. Run a small, sharp knife between the membrane and each rib, and snip off the membrane as much as possible. Sometimes small needle nose pliers will help grab the membrane to remove it. Sprinkle as much of the rub onto both sides of the ribs as desired. To prevent the ribs from becoming too dark and spicy, do not thoroughly rub the spices into the ribs. Store the unused portion of the spice mix for future use.
- Place aluminum foil on lower rack to capture drippings and prevent flare-ups. Lay the ribs on the top rack of the grill (away from the coals, if you’re using briquettes). Reduce gas heat to low, close lid, and leave undisturbed for 1 hour. Do not lift the lid at all. (REMEMBER! Slow & Low)
- Brush ribs with barbecue sauce, and grill an additional 5 minutes. Serve ribs as whole rack, or cut between each rib bone and pile individually on a platter.
Enjoy!
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on May 15, 2013
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on January 24, 2013
Drive Clean Modernization
Drive Clean plays an important role in safeguarding Ontario’s air quality by identifying excessively polluting cars and trucks with emissions problems and requiring them to be repaired. While today’s vehicles are cleaner through advances in emissions technology, all vehicles require regular maintenance to keep them operating properly. Learn more>>
Over the past decade, Drive Clean has tightened emissions standards and focused the program on the vehicles that are most likely to pollute. On January 1, 2013, Ontario introduced changes to the emissions test to make the Drive Clean program even better. The new test takes advantage of the computerized monitoring equipment in today’s technologically advanced vehicles
The modernized Drive Clean program will provide significant benefits by:
- Providing a faster, more accurate emissions test;
- Identifying vehicles with emissions systems failures before they become gross polluters
- Identifying emissions systems problems for more effective repairs;
- Reducing more smog-causing pollutants from vehicle emissions; and
- Minimizing fraud.
>>Learn more about the New Drive Clean Program
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on January 24, 2013
What happens when your kids grow out of the backseat and into the driver’s seat?
Who’s looking after their vehicles? Results from consumer research recently conducted clearly shows today’s youth are neglecting their vehicles. This poses a safety threat to themselves, as well as others on the road. We are facing a generation gap when it comes to vehicle maintenance.
Today’s driving youth (18 to 24 years) don’t know what their cars need and are not taking care of their vehicles. Youth are less likely to change their oil every 5,000 km than more experienced drivers. Many young people (22%) had no idea when to change it at all or wait until the oil light comes on.
Only 45% of youth bring their vehicle in for maintenance at least once a year versus 76% of people over 50. 22% never bring it in or only when it breaks down and 34% wait for a warning light or a strange noise. 10% of young drivers reported that they never put air in their tires and an additional 9% admitted they do not know how to determine the correct tire pressure.
These results identify an urgent need to educate today’s young drivers about the need for regular vehicle maintenance. “Automotive preventive maintenance and repair knowledge is like algebra”, explains Kelly Williams, spokesperson for Car Care Canada. “We’re not born knowing it, it has to be learned. It is important that we teach young drivers the basics about their cars before they get the keys.” If you don’t know much about automotive maintenance and repair, do yourself a favour and learn it along with your kids.
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on December 24, 2012
We will be closed for Christmas – December 24th, 25th & 26th
and for New Years – December 31st & January 1st.
We will reopen on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013.
We have donated the funds normally spent on paper cards and postage
to our featured charity: Toys For Tots.
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on August 23, 2012
September Means Back to School Driving
7 Car Maintenance Signs Your Teen Needs to Know for a Better, Safer Car
SIGN #1 – Car Alignment
Potholes.
There are many things that can cause car misalignment. One of these causes is constantly hitting potholes. We all hit them, but if your teen just got access to a car and the car was perfect beforehand, then he/she might need to be told about avoiding potholes.
Hitting Curbs.
There are also alignment issues from hitting curbs. There aren’t many reasons why your teen should be hitting the curb. Perhaps your teen is in need of some more parking lessons.
Speed bumps/Railroad Tracks.
Another cause of misalignment is going over speed bumps and railroad tracks too fast. Even after many years of being on the road, adults also tend to forget there’s a speed bump until it’s too late to slow down. You might let that one slip a little except driving too fast is dangerous. Your teen can lose complete control of the car. This car maintenance sign might save your teen’s car, but most importantly, your teen’s life.
SIGN #2 – Tires
Wear and Tear.
Another sign often seen in teen cars due to lack of car maintenance is over worn tires. Going too fast on the road and then having to brake will cause a lot of damage to the front tires.
Air Pressure.
Tires should have enough air pressure. If you teen isn’t checking his/her tires’ air, then it’s likely he/she isn’t checking other less obvious areas that need car maintenance. An overinflated tire can pop on the road if the temperature is too high. One way to check for an overinflated tire is by checking if the wear is across the center of the tread. An under-inflated tire will wear on both outer edges of the tire.
SIGN #3 – Fluids
Engine Oil.
Check the engine oil. Black oil tends to indicate bad maintenance.
Coolant Levels.
Yet another sign is the coolant levels. If they are below the necessary level, then your teen may need to learn this car maintenance tip. The car can easily overheat without enough antifreeze and/or water.
(FYI #1: Brake fluid is one of the most important fluids in the car. You need it for safe driving. Therefore, it’s better to have a professional car center change it for you. Of course, we can do this for you at Mark’s Auto Service).
SIGN #4 – Air Filter
Staining.
Staining on the air filter can be an indication of engine wear.
(FYI #2: Changing the air filter will improve gas mileage.)
SIGN #5 – Brakes
Squeaking.
Squeaking brakes can also indicate bad car maintenance. Brake pads are made with a warning tab, which measures how much surface you have left on your brake pad. When it produces a squeal it means it’s become worn. Ask your teen how long the squeaking has been going on. If it’s been a while and he/she hasn’t mentioned it, then he/she most likely hasn’t mentioned other car maintenance issues, or may not know about them.
Pedal Pulsing or Thumping.
A pulsating brake pedal, which may be accompanied by a shuddering or jerky stop during normal braking, usually means a warped rotor or an out-of-round drum — although it can sometimes be caused by loose wheel bearings, a bent axle shaft or loose brake parts. If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, however, some pedal feedback and noise is normal during panic stops or when braking on wet or slick surfaces. But you should not experience any ABS pedal feedback when braking normally on dry pavement.
SIGN #6 – Battery
Battery Light.
Check if the battery light is on. Always an indication of a problem
Voltage Meter.
You can also check the voltage meter. This should be located near the temperature dial. The volt reading should be on or around 14 volts when the car is on. When the car is off, the volt reading should be on or around 12. Anything significantly off indicates a battery problem. A bad battery might be caused by leaving the car lights or radio on too long without restarting the car. A common issue among teens.
SIGN #7 – Engine Noises
Ticks/Tapping.
Any noise is a bad noise when it comes from a car. It can indicate many bad car maintenance issues, especially if it’s coming from the engine. If your teen’s car engine is making a noise it could be caused by revving the engine too hard.
Pings/Knocks.
If you hear noises when accelerating, it could be due to engine overheating from not refilling the coolant fluids.
Rapping/Knocking.
Deep rapping or knocking sounds coming from the engine could mean a neglected oil change.
As parents, we know teen car maintenance is a serious matter. It can be lifesaving to our kids and everyone else on the road. Make sure you student drivers are prepared for Back to School Driving.
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on May 22, 2012
We are looking for Online Reviews!
In today’s online world it has become REALLY important that any small business gets feedback from current clients. Please click on a link below and post a review about your experience with our business:
Write a Review
on Google
- Click on the Google link
- Once on Mark’s Google page, click on the red Write a Review button
- Log in or Create your Google Account
- Write and publish your Review for Mark’s Auto Service!Thank You!
|
Write a Review
on Yelp
- Click on the Yelp link
- Once on Mark’s Yelp page, click on the Write a Review button
- Write your Review
- Click on Sign up and Post
- Create your free Yelp account Thank you!
|
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on December 21, 2011
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on December 9, 2011
Don’t forget to bring in your Toys for Tots toy donations into our shop by Monday, December 12th! We are especially looking for gifts for children ages 12-16, who are often forgotten this time of year.
How Can You Help?
- Drop off your Toy Donations at Mark’s Auto Service now through Monday, December 12th!
- Donate your existing Mark’s Auto Service Rewards Card Dollars towards purchasing toys.
We will use your Rewards Card Dollars to purchase toys for underprivileged children this Christmas through Toys For Tots. Call or come into our shop for details. 905-844-1111
Learn more online at the Toys For Tots website.
by Mark Bergasse, President & Founder on November 18, 2011
Some insurance companies are offering discounts for using Winter Tires – Ask Yours!
Mark’s Auto Service offers these great services:
The facts about winter tires and why all-season tires just won’t do.
Ever since the introduction of the all-season tire, Canadian drivers have slid and spun their tires through the coldest months of the year. Here’s the kicker: it doesn’t seem to matter whether there’s snow on the ground or not.
Unlike all-season tires, winter tires (identified by mountain and snowflake symbols on their sides) have tread patterns and softer rubber compounds that are tailored for colder conditions. And that helps them perform better once temperatures plummet, whether or not they have to dig through the white stuff.
All-season tires can turn into four round black rocks when the cold hits. Even on dry pavement, this starts at about 7c. So have them installed at Mark’s anytime after Labour Day. Don’t wait until November, it may be to late for black ice. And a study conducted by the Quebec Ministry of Transport showed that a proper winter tire can improve braking by up to 25 percent over an all-season radial and CAN IMPROVE COLLISION AVOIDANCE BY ABOUT 38 PERCENT!
Just add 2? No, it’s not your grand dad’s old Buick any more, where 2 snow tires were on the back to get moving . Today’s cars are lighter and use low profile all-season tires and in Winter you need 4 Winter tires. To maintain control in turns and to Stop. Have you ever tried to walk in snow with 1 running shoe and 1 winter boot? Well you car wouldn’t like it either.
One last note, the temperature can easily slide from 5 degrees to -15 degrees overnight, dropping tire pressure as much as 4 p.s.i. If you have an under-inflated tire, that could put you into the danger zone. Tires should be checked monthly. This is why we check the tires with every service.
Cheers Mark
