Latest News From Bumper Radio

(PHOENIX, Arizona) April 3, 2014— Last week a Gilbert man lost his whole family when the tire blew out on the vehicle they were driving, causing it to collide with an ongoing semi on I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix. While it’s not known at this point what was wrong with the tire, accidents like this are too common and many can be avoided by just taking some simple preventative measures.

It’s easy to understand why there’s so many vehicles with potentially dangerous issues.  According to the US Department of Transportation, there are 253 million registered vehicles on the roads in the United States. According to the Chicago Tribune, with the latest 4.8 million vehicle recall by General Motors, “in 2014 the automotive industry is on pace to surpass the historic high of 30 million vehicles recalled in 2004.”  That’s a shocking 11.8 percent of all vehicles in the US being under some sort of recall for potentially dangerous if not fatal, issues. And the problem is, according to Edmunds.com, millions of recalled cars with potentially dangerous issues are being driven on the roads today simply because the owners have no idea their vehicle has been part of a recall.

(Phoenix, Arizona)  With high gas prices and a sluggish economy, many people are putting off car repairs. In some cases, a $100 fix that’s ignored can put your safety at risk and end up costing thousands. According to a December 2011 Consumer Reports survey, 40 percent of people say they’re postponing car maintenance or repairs.

Automotive Expert Matt Allen sees it a lot, “When we have to fix catastrophic damage because the car’s been neglected, it’s even more expensive because now we’re replacing several parts, not just the one that originally needed maintenance.”

Allen has at least one customer who practices what Matt preaches. His car boasts 279,000 miles and it’s never broken down because he stays current on maintenance.  A trusted mechanic will explain what issues you should address right away and what can be delayed without compromising safety.

August 2014 is Brake Safety Month, and in honor of that, Phoenix Auto Repair Shop Virginia Auto Service is providing free brake inspections for all passenger cars, light trucks and SUV’s up to ½ ton. (Value $64).

Brakes are one of the most important safety components on your vehicle and a top cause of accidents for trucks and larger vehicles.

Virginia Auto Service provides complete brake repair and service in downtown, Phoenix, Arizona. Click here to schedule an appointment.

Bumper to Bumper Radio Shop I17 Collision is featured in the August issue of FenderBender Magazine in the article "Thriving as an Independent". Kevin Rowe, who didn't start in the auto industry, has owned the auto body shop for the past fifteen years. Rather than being just a "car guy, Rowe professes that his strengths are his people skills and attributes much of their success to their customer focused approach. The article goes on to say:

"At I-17, a value-added service can mean mobile estimating, providing one of the two loaner cars the shop has, coordinating rentals with insurance companies, vehicle pickup and delivery, and anything in between. Thanks to those services, Rowe has had customers who have never set foot in his shop, which he sees as a major strength for his business."

Thank you Bumper to Bumper Radio Preferred Auto Care Network Members!

The participating Bumper to Bumper Radio preferred Shop members teamed up again in a record breaking effort by raising over $10,300 for Phoenix Children’s Hospital this year. Last week, the team was invited by PCH to a special thank you breakfast and tour of the hospital.

We'd like to invite all our listeners to join us in this effort by signing up to become a Phoenix Children’s Hospital Miracle Maker.

I-17 Collision Repair, one of Bumper to Bumper Radio's preferred shops recently helped sponsor a golf tournament benefiting The Real Gift Foundation. This local charity helps homeless moms and their kids.

The Real Gift Foundation creates volunteer projects and coordinates efforts to raise awareness and resolution of the issues relating to children of homeless families. Activities include organizing programs to provide health maintenance and health care services, food and clothing, holiday assistance, educational programs and similar services. They are committed to as many people as possible participating in the opportunity and privilege it is to make a difference in the life of a child.

Find out more at http://www.therealgift.org .

Photo: Daryl Hayes and Kevin Rowe of I-17 Collision Repair

As a follow up to ABC News "20/20" going undercover at mechanic shops, Frank Leutz of Desert Car Care, a Bumper to Bumper Radio preferred shop, gives you a few pointers to empower you before you go in for your next auto repair job.

Would your car be ready if you had to leave at a moment’s notice? If you were stranded in your car, would you be prepared? During National Preparedness Month in September, the non-profit Car Care Council is reminding drivers of the importance of regular maintenance and do-it-yourself checks, as well as a stocked emergency kit.

“Emergencies and natural disasters come in a variety of forms, and you don’t always have time to prepare,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “It is important and gives you peace of mind to know that your vehicle is always ready for the task.”

During Brake Safety Awareness Month in August, the Car Care Council reminds motorists that routine brake inspections are essential to safe driving and maintaining your vehicle.

“When it comes to vehicle safety, the brake system is at the top of the list, so have your brakes checked by an auto service professional at least once a year,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Knowing the key warning signs that your brakes may need maintenance will go a long way toward keeping you and others safe on the road.”

CHICAGO, April 17, 2014 -- In a growing vehicle service market, auto dealerships are at risk of losing a substantial portion of their fixed operations revenue to national chains and local repair shops, according to an independent study commissioned by Cars.com. In the 2014 Service and Repair Report, leading market research firm GfK found that consumer perceptions about cost of repairs, lack of price transparency and underutilization of effective digital marketing strategies has called dealership profitability, specific to service, into question.