Greetings!
 
I have exciting news to share with you.  Alan Cox Automotive has been AAA Approved. 

After a complete investigation into our practices and procedures, we have received the distinction as an AAA Approved Auto Repair facility. What does that mean to you? You should have even more confidence that you are receiving the best service and repair for your vehicle. Our Customer Service Index was 98%. Thank you to the customers who were contacted by AAA and gave us such high marks. Also, when you show us your current AAA card you will receive 10% off labor. 

Alan Cox Automotive is 29 years old this year. As a thank you to our valued customers we are offering at 29% discount when you purchase a Mini Service Package. See details below in the Special Coupon Section.

Drive Safely,

 

Sherry Richardson
 

 

P.S. Remember to schedule a mini service prior to your next road trip.

P.P.S. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

On a dreary day when there is a chill in the air, turning on your car's seat heater will probably make you feel nice and toasty.  But did you know that it may be toasting your skin - literally?

The heat from the seat heaters can cause a rash which doctors are calling toasted skin syndrome (TSS).  Dr. Eliot Mostow, MD, head of dermatology at Northeast Ohio University College of Medicine says there has not been much research on the topic. When asked how long or how frequently you have to sit on a heated car seat for TSS to occur, Dr. Mostow stated it depends a a few factors.

• How hot the seat gets?
• Does the seat stay continually hot or does it automatically cycle on and off?
• Where does the hottest part of the seat contact your back, legs and buttocks?
• How much do you weigh? Your weight affects how hard your skin presses against the heat.
• Does your clothing insulate you from some of the heat?

If several of these factors conspire against you, Dr. Mostow says it is possible to develop TSS after several weeks or months of use.

One major problem with TSS is that you do not feel it at first and since it usually occurs on the backs of your legs, buttocks and/or back, you are not likely to spot it in the mirror.  It looks like a red netlike discoloration and then it turns brownish.  Sometimes the skin itches. While some people with severe cases feel burning pain often there are no symptoms at all.  There is no one-size-fits-all description because genetics and your skin thickness play a role in how your skin reacts to heat. If you have dark skin, it is harder to notice the rash. How long TSS lasts also varies. In extreme cases, it may never completely fade away.

If you notice TSS:

• Stop using your seat heater altogether or at least turn it off after it warms up or minimize how long you use it.
• Use skin moisturizer because dry skin is more easily irritated.
• Take a picture to document your condition and then see a doctor or dermatologist.
• To prevent the problem in the future, turn off the seat heater whenever your skin feels uncomfortably hot and check the backs of your legs, back and buttocks every few days.

One great use for the seat heater is keeping pizza hot on the ride home.

Soon the streets will be filled with witches, cartoon characters, ghouls and a variety of other characters.  It's Halloween time.

The following safety tips are provided by the Cherokee County Emergency Services.

1. If you are not accompanying your child, discuss their trick or treat route with them. If your child is going with a group that includes adult supervision, discuss the route with the adult accompanying your child.
2. Slip a paper with your name, address and phone number inside your child's costume in case they get separated from the group.
3. Have an adult or an older responsible youth supervise the outing.
4. Travel only in familiar areas along an established route.
5. Stop only at houses or apartment buildings that are well lit and never enter a stranger's home.
6. Review all appropriate trick-or-treat safety precautions, including pedestrian/traffic safety rules.
7. Walk, do not run, from house to house.
8. If possible, walk on sidewalks, not in the street.
9. Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, if there are no sidewalks.
10. Do not eat any treat until you return home.
11. Establish a return home time. If possible, provide your child with a walkie-talkie or cell phone.
12. Drivers: Be extra cautious when driving, even on non-residential streets.

Manufacturer Recalls

Toyota is recalling 7.43 million vehicles worldwide. Vehicles in USA, Japan, Europe and elsewhere around the world are being recalled for a faulty power-window switch.  It appears the massive quality woes for Toyota continue. The recall affects more than a dozen models produced from 2005 through 2010.  The power-window switch on the driver's side did not have grease applied evenly during production, causing friction in the switch and sometimes smoke. No crashes or injuries have been reported related to the problem. 

2012 Toyota Camry

Recalled in North America are the Yaris, Corolla, Matrix, Camry, RAV4, Highlander, Tundra, Sequoia and Scion models xB and xD.  Toyota executives have acknowledged the escalating recalls were partly caused by the company's overly ambitious growth goals.