If you’re here as a result of our Feature article on “Shop Talk”, then Welcome! We promised you a buffet of information that matters to you (including that $100 Automotive Amnesty offer) so let’s get started… Summer is our busiest season, so 
with the beginning of Fall we have time to catch up on a few very important things:
Email Reminder Notices
You’ve heard for a long time that we’re planning to switch to an email format for our interval reminder notices, hopefully saving a few trees over the postcard format we have now. We’ve been trying out our new system in September, and a few clients have gotten reminder notices just after they came in for service. We apologize for any inconvenience, and we think most of the bugs have been ironed out now. One thing we’ll need to be successful going forward is an accurate email address for you… please make sure we have your correct email so we can stay in touch. We promise not to sell your info to ANYONE, and we won’t abuse the privilege of your email with spam. Please call us at 503-230-2300 or email charles@tomdwyer.com to confirm.
Nominate a group for our 2014 calendar
Our annual Charitable Giving Calendar is coming out in November, so we need your nominations now. Our calendar recognizes and publicizes the contributions of small, local, groups that do so much to help our community. National groups do tons of work worthy of recognition, but we want the groups that labor unnoticed, that work in the margins, and that could use a few more people to consider their cause. Is there a non-profit group you work with, contribute to, or benefit from that you’d like to see included? Call us at 503-230-2300 or email charles@tomdwyer.com to get your group on the list!
Automotive Amnesty means 15% off labor charges
It doesn’t happen often, but it’s happening now… Automotive Amnesty. We don’t have coupons for several reasons although we do have several moneysaving programs to save you money throughout the year, but every once in a while we like to go even farther. If you’ve had recommendations on file that you need to take care of, then you can take care of them during Automotive Amnesty. Save 15% off labor charges on those stale recommendations if you have them fixed NOW!
And here’s the fine print…
- Discount applies to labor charges only, not parts
- Discount is capped at $100 maximum
- Recommendations must have been in your file before September 11, 2013
- You must tell us you want this offer WHEN YOU SCHEDULE YOUR SERVICE! Offer is VOID AFTER SERVICE IS COMPLETE!
- Service must be scheduled before October 11, 2013
It’s just that simple. Don’t put off the repairs critical to your convenience and safety… come in now!
Free Carwash Season is ending
If you hurry on the Automotive Amnesty you can also take advantage of another deal that’s about to wrap up… September 15 marks the end of this year’s Free Carwash Season. Every year from May 15 to September 15 we offer free coupons to WashMan Carwash to make up for our dusty parking lot ($100 minimum service), but that September 15 deadline is coming like a freight train. Don’t let these last few days go by without you- you deserve a clean ride!
Your reviews and referrals matter
We are constantly grateful for the supportive and loyal clients we have developed over the years. Your comments and appreciation keep us on the right road to providing the superior automotive service you deserve. Your reviews and referrals are not only the highest compliments we can receive, but they’re the lifeblood of our new business. If you like what you’ve found at Tom Dwyer Automotive Services, please tell a friend or take a minute to write a review on Yelp, Angieslist, Google, or the review site of your choice. Thank you!
Latest Automotive Recalls
Automobiles are just like any other product; occasional flaws in manufacture or design can cause problems once they leave the factory. When an issue is identified the manufacturers and government work hard to bring the vehicles back in for refit or repair, but not all recalls make the front pages. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration maintains a constantly updated list of recalls from every manufacturer. The last month’s recalls are below, but clicking the button at right will take you to the full list at the NHTSA website
Breaking Recall News (sort of)-
Before we move on to this month’s recall list, we found a short story that can affect your used car shopping. From the Tom Krisher AP article-
“Starting next summer (2014), U.S. consumers will be able to search a giant database to find out if their cars or motorcycles have been recalled and if the vehicles have been fixed. Only about 70 percent of recalled vehicles are taken to dealers for repairs, leaving thousands of cars on the road with potentially critical safety flaws. The database will let car owners search for free to see if they missed a recall notice, and used car shoppers will be able to see if all recall work has been done on cars they want to buy.“
Some car makers (like Ford) already do this, and while CarFax offers a recall list it only covers vehicles where the manufacturers are currently making repairs. However, August 14 is the deadline for everyone else to get on board.
And now, back to this month’s recall list…
- September 9: 780,584 Toyota vehicles from 2006-2011, including RAV4 and Lexus HS250h models, Recalled for possible failure of the rear tie rod, which could cause a loss of vehicle control.
- September 9: 133,081 Toyota hybrid vehicles from 2006-2010, including Highlander and Lexus RX400h models, Recalled for potential shutting down of the hybrid system, causing the vehicle to stall.
- September 9: 101,584 Toyota Lexus vehicles from 2006-2011, including GS350 and IS350 models, Recalled for loose bolts on the Variable-Valve Timing system gear assembly, potentially causing the engine to stop while driving.
- September 6: 270 Honda Pilots and Odysseys from 2013, Recalled for premature wear of engine pistons, which could cause the engine to stall.
- September 6: 5,042 Bombardier Can-Am Spyder RT and ST series motorcycles from 2013, Recalled for brake fluid which may leak onto a heat source and possibly cause a fire.
- September 5: 7,767 various Volvo vehicles from 2014, including S60 and XC70 models, Recalled for malfunctioning wipers and headlights.
- September 3: 355,000 various Ford vehicles from 2005-2011, including Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis models, Recalled for potential loss of steering due to corrosion.
- August 29: 1,931 Crossroads RV Redwood recreational vehicles from 2012-2014, Recalled for uncovered switch that may cause awning to unfurl while in transit.
- August 28: 44 Kawasaki Concours police motorcycles from 2012-2013, Recalled for a faulty electrical system that could lead to engine stalling.
- August 28: 129 DRV recreational vehicles and travel trailers, including Tradition and Elite Suite models, Recalled for awning motor assembly screws that may shear, causing the awning to unfurl while in transit.
- August 28: 125 Navistar recreational trailers from 2013, including Trail Express and Traveler models, Recalled for awning motor assembly screws that may shear, causing the awning to unfurl while in transit.
- August 26: 292,879 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles from 2011-2012, Recalled for faulty electric vacuum brake-assist pumps. When the pump fails, there is a loss of braking assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
- August 26: 488,144 Continental Aftermarket ATE Super Blue Racing DOT 4 Brake Fluids, Recalled for failing to comply with federal safety standards for brake fluids, leading to potential brake failure.
- August 26: 419 Chrysler Fiat 500e electric vehicles from 2013, Recalled for half shaft joins that may loosen and separate, potentially causing a loss of driving capability.
- August 23: 159 Spartan ERV Star Series emergency vehicles from 2005-2012, Recalled for a hydraulic ladder rack which may collapse.
- August 22: 141 Airtex fuel pumps for certain GM vehicles from 2004-2008, Recalled for potential fuel leaks that increase the risk of a fire.
- August 21: 9,345 Kia Sorentos equipped with 2.4 liter engines from 2014, Recalled for a manufacturing issue that may cause the right front axle shaft to shatter.
- August 16: 239,000 Hyundai Azera and Sonata vehicles from 2006-2011, Recalled for potential damage to the rear control arms that may cause a change in alignment of the rear wheels, increasing the risk of a crash.
- August 16: 20,300 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles from 2013, Recalled for a manufacturing error that may cause the right front axle to shatter.
- August 16: 1,540 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles with a diesel engine from 2009-2010, Recalled for potential loss of battery power and vehicle fire.
- August 16 269 Kaufman trailers from 2012-2013, Recalled for possible cracking of the kingpin, causing the trailer to detach while in transit.
- August 16: Certain Chalet truck campers and travel trailers from 2013-2014, Recalled for awning motor assembly screws that may shear, causing the awning to unfurl while in transit.
- August 15: 940 Jaguar XF 2.0L GTDi vehicles from 2013, Recalled for possible engine stalling and loss of brake and steering.
- August 15: Chrysler Dodge Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 trucks from 2012, Recalled for potential loss of power transfer from the transmission to the wheels.
- August 14: 1,989 Jaguar XK convertible vehicles from 2011-2014, Recalled for failing to comply with federal standards for power operated windows, increasing the risk of injury.
- August 14: 139 Morgan 3 Wheeler motorcycles from 2012-2013, Recalled for potential reduction of brake performance.
- August 12: 6,308 Ford Focus vehicles from 2012-2013, Recalled for side maker lamps that may not function, resulting in less visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- August 12: 2,336 Keystone RV Bullet and Passport trailers from 2013, Recalled for mounting fasteners that may fail and cause the jack to detach from the trailer.
- August 12: 549 Cequent Performance electric trailer brake controllers for Dodge Ram 1500 trucks, Rrecalled for incorrect wiring, increasing the risk of a crash.
- August 12: 202 Subaru vehicles from 2013-2014, Recalled for potential transmission problems which could result in rollaway.
- August 12: 66 Columbia Somerset Niagara trailers with 14” wheels from 2013-2014, Recalled for wheels that may fall off during transit.
- August 12: Various GM vehicles from 2014, including the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Sierra, Recalled for loose brake caliper bolts that may reduce braking.
- August 9: 342,451 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab vehicles from 2005-2011, Recalled for faulty seat belt pre-tensioners.
- August 9: 11,097 Kawasaki Ninja 300 and 300 ABS motorcycles from 2013, Recalled for potential stalling during deceleration.
- August 9: 268 Zero motorcycles from 2011-2012, Recalled for front caliper mounting bolts that may corrode and cause the front wheel to stop.
- August 8: 680 various Piaggio motorcycles from 2012-2013, Recalled for a manufacturing fault that could cause the rear suspension to suddenly collapse.
- August 7: 2,864,670 Fastec door handles for recreational vehicles from 2006-2013, Recalled for deadbolts that jam, making it impossible to exit the vehicle.
