February 2013
Greetings!

I hope you enjoy our informative articles. Please take advantage of our Valentine's Day Savings Coupon at the bottom of this page.
  
You know I love to hear from you, so send me your thoughts ron@cattautocare.com 
Sincerely,
 
Ron Catt
Ron Catt Auto Care
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Ask Ron
 
Ruth from HB writes...
My son told me I should switch to synthetic oil in my 1997 Corolla but when I went in for my last oil change I was advised against it. I really don't understand why, can you explain?
  
Hello Ruth,
  
I'm happy to explain this for you. 
  
When a vehicle manufacturer calls for synthetic oil, you need to use synthetic oil to protect the engine and your warranty.  Synthetic oils hold up better and longer in high performance, hotter running engines.  Many of today's vehicles use Synthetic with oil changes pushed out to 5000 miles and longer.
  
When a car's manufacturer specifies traditional oil and you change to using synthetic oil it simply costs you more money with almost zero benefit.
  
Your Toyota Corolla calls for regular engine oil and that is what I recommend.  The oil change frequency on your car  depends on a few factors including your driving style, how many months it takes you to achieve the miles and whether it's summer or winter.
  
When you are in for your next maintenance visit ask for me and we'll design the perfect plan for you.
    
You know I love to hear from you so if you have a question or comment, you can reach me at ron@cattautocare.com 
  
Safe Driving
  
  
Higher Speed Lowers MPG
Many states are pushing for higher speed limits. The state of Texas currently has a toll road where you can travel a 41 mile stretch at 85 miles an hour!  So what do these higher speed limits mean for your fuel economy?
  
While each vehicle reaches its optimum fuel economy at different speeds, it's been proven that fuel economy usually decreases above 55 MPH. In fact for each 5 miles you drive above 55 MPH you lose about $.23 per gallon or 6% efficiency.
  
Regardless of if you drive a large SUV or hybrid, increasing your speed from 50 to 60 MPH will lower fuel economy by about 12%, 60 - 70 MPH will reduce it by about 15%, and above 80 MPH reduces it by 18%
  
Many hybrids in fact had lower scores. Hybrids designed for stop and go city driving performed lower because while driving on the highway there is no opportunity for their system to regenerate energy to offset gasoline consumption.
  
This definitely gives us something to think about before we put the pedal to the metal. Do we want to get there 10 minutes faster or save money and the environment? 
Quick Links
 
 

5 Ways to show your car some love this Valentine's Day
  
 Give it a bath - keep it looking like the first day you met.
  
 Wax it - a good wax will make your love shine
  
 Lube and Oil  Service - keep that engine purring.
  
 Inflate it's tires properly - to reduce wear and tear on the relationship.
 Take it on a road trip - get away, just the two of you.

Meet our Staff

    
From Right Bill Goodwin, Brent Summers, Tyler Vasquez.
 
Bill is an ASE Master Technician with over 15 years experience in the automotive industry. Bill served 7 years in the US Army as a diesel technician before becoming a civilian mechanic.
 
Brent began an apprenticeship in the automotive industry while still in high school. Brent is an ASE certified technician who has also worked as a service advisor and quality assurance manager.
 
Tyler studied automotive technology at the Universal Technical Institute. He is ASE certified and is continually obtaining new certifications.
   
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Offer Expires: March 15, 2013
Cannot be applied toward prior invoices. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Cannot be used on insurance deductibles, smogs or oil changes.