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Tag Archives: fall maintenance

Independent Service Beats the Dealers

Independent Service Is More SatisfyingMore customers are satisfied with the work of independent mechanics than with that of dealership mechanics. People who took their car to an independent mechanic for maintenance were generally more satisfied than those who went to a dealership, according to a Consumer Reports survey involving 349,000 vehicles. Eighty-four percent of owners reported being very satisfied with maintenance performed at independent shops compared with 77 percent at dealerships. Most customers agreed that their independent shop was "very thorough and thoughtful, and always gives a good sense of how important something is to fix." Among owners whose cars needed repairs and maintenance, the difference in satisfaction with dealers and independent shops was even more pronounced: 75 percent were very satisfied with independents vs. just 57 percent with dealerships. Bring your vehicle into Mark's Auto Service next time ... read more

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BIG SAVINGS!

BIG SAVINGS!

$50 Off Any Service Over $300! OR SAVE 10% off any deferred work! When you were last in for service we recommended some maintenance and repair items coming due. NOW is the time to take care of them and save an extra 10% plus still get your rewards dollars! EXPIRES ON JANUARY 31, 2011. Book now, don't be disappointed!

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Maintenance

The Time To Buy Your Winter Tires Is Now

Toronto Star Wheels Saturday, October 30, 2010. Now is the time to buy winter tires. Not tomorrow, not next week and certainly not next month. The reason for this is that by mid-November, there will be nary a winter tire in the manufacturers’ warehouses. All of the 2010 winter tires will be at dealers and tire distributors. The racks will be empty waiting for next spring’s tires to start trickling in. For the consumer, that means choices in brands and haggling ability over price diminish as the clock ticks. This is especially true if you have a size that is not common. By mid-November, the tire dealer will be telling you what brand you can have and what price you will pay. When you start shopping for winter tires, arm yourself with some basic information. Start by knowing what your tire size, speed rating and load index numbers are. READ MORE

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News

Winter Tires are key to save driving

It’s time for winter tires and with forecasts of a cold and snowy fall and winter season, don’t delay in getting prepared! While most new vehicles are equipped with all-season tires from auto manufacturers, there is a definite difference between all-season and winter tires. In light snow road conditions, all-season tires provide enough traction, but in heavy snow, slush, and ice conditions, winter tires are the proven answer to better road grip, cornering, braking and overall handling. In one recent independent tire test, a BMW equipped with ani-lock brakes and winter tires stopped in 17.28 meters (59 feet) on a snow-packed road, while the same vehicle with all-season tires did not stop for another 9.17 meters. Testing of acceleration and cornering determined that vehicles equipped with tires designed specifically for winter driving out-performed all-season tires in every test. Even vehicles equipped with traction control and stability systems achieved safer and mor ... read more

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News

DID YOU KNOW? We Sell Winter Tires!

With the winter season fast approaching, it's that time of year to get your car geared up with Winter Tires. Winter tires' treads have more biting edges for better grip on snow and ice, while their softer compound remains flexible even in extremely low temperatures. Learn more by watching Winter Tire Demonstration videos here!

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The Real Cost of Car Ownership

The sticker price is only the starting point. Do you know what you really pay for your vehicle?Your biggest vehicle expense? Your No. 1 cost of ownership? Depreciation, of course. “For the consumer, selecting a vehicle with a lower depreciation rate will reduce their overall cost-of-ownership,” says Canadian Black Book executive vice-president Larry Shred, whose company has long been a reliable source for used-car values. The CBB is used by dealers as a pricing guide to help them determine trade-in values. But savvy car shoppers can use the CBB’s “Trade-in Value” estimator (canadianblackbook.com) to calculate depreciation. By doing so, you can determine how much value your car loses over time – and get moving down the road to a complete understanding of what you’re paying for your daily driver. Figures in chart are dollars per kilometre. Source: Canadian Automobile Association and Glob ... read more

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What is the Purpose of Shocks & Struts?

Shocks and struts are important to maintain as they affect your vehicle's stopping distance, tire wear, and steering control. The main purpose of shocks, struts, and even coil springs is to absorb the pressure when driving so you encounter a comfortable ride. Shocks dampen or eliminate spring oscillation (up and down movement) by using a plunger, a cylinder, and non-compressible liquid. When you drive over rough roadways or encounter a pot hole, shocks and struts go to work to help maintain an even ride so your vehicle's steering system is more in control and tires remain on the road surface. Longterm spring oscillation or bouncing can cause shock and strut components to wear allowing for added bouncing and poor tire wear. It also takes longer to stop your car or truck when these parts are worn. If you are encountering a bumpy ride, nose dives when stopping, or unusual tire wear, make sure to have your shocks or struts checked for worn parts. It re ... read more

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Maintenance

DID YOU KNOW? We Service Your Vehicle's Shocks and Struts!

We perform expert service on shocks, struts, and coil springs for your car or truck. Make sure your vehicle is both safe and handles properly by allowing us to service your suspension system

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It's the Season for Air Conditioning!

What’s the Condition of Your Air Conditioner? Summer weather is fast approaching and soon you will be switching on the air conditioning. Make sure that your A/C system is ready to go when you need it most. There is nothing worse than a hot car and no A/C to cool it down. When is the last time you had your air conditioner tested? If it’s been more than a year, your air conditioning system may not be performing at its peak or, even worse, it may not be functioning at all. Don’t risk it! Let us examine your air conditioner before you find yourself stuck in a hot car in a traffic jam. Preventative maintenance is as important for your car’s air conditioner as it is for your home’s air conditioner. They both require regular service to avoid problems and consistently work properly. Your home’s air conditioner filter needs to be replaced every three months. Your car’s air conditioner needs to be tested on an annual basis to detect and repai ... read more

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Maintenance

DID YOU KNOW? Marks Services Air Conditioning Systems!

As summer approaches, it’s time to have your A/C system checked so you stay comfortable during those hot drive times. With our professional A/C service equipment, we can review your system quickly and efficiently to determine if your system needs flushing, a new cabin air filter, or perhaps just extra refrigerant. Marks Auto Service offers complete Air Conditioning & Climate Control System service. Our professional Licensed Technicians utilize state-of-the-art A/C service equipment to properly service or repair your car. Call today or Schedule your A/C Appointment Online!

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