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Viewing 1 - 23 out of 23 Blogs.
Don't Get Burned By An Extended Vehicle Warranty
Have you purchased an extended vehicle warranty? Did you feel scammed? Are you about to buy a used vehicle? Considering purchasing their extended warranty? Think again...
Vehicle Warranty-To Buy or not to Buy When a vehicle is purchased there are two opportunities to make decisions about extended warranties, at the point of purchase and then later via mail or phone solicitation.
These purchase decisions need to be evaluated carefully regarding cost and actual benefit.
Often, these warranties only cover specific repair expenses and in many cases only up to defined capped limits. In addition, they often require co-pays or deductibles.
As a Shop Owner for many years, I have witnessed firsthand the disappointment on the part of the consumer when repairs were not covered in full.
These extended warranties are highly profitable for the marketers, financing institution and warranty companies themselves. These warranties are designed to be profitable and rates are formulated to maintain this profitability.
Consumers should be particularly wary of after the sale solicitations and are advised to not agree to any purchase until they have had a chance to carefully review the coverage and the terms of payment.
Read the full article before you buy Don't Get Burned By An Extended Vehicle Warranty
Tags: Auto Repair Warranty Extended Warranty Aftermarket Warranty
An industry insiders perspective. How the automotive repair industry manipulates what you pay. The single most asked question by my potential customers when they call me on the phone or stop in for the first time is “What is your hourly labor rate?”
Sadly many people allow the answer to their question to be the only deciding factor in choosing where they have their vehicle repaired.
What they are not aware of is how our industry is able to manipulate the hourly labor rate we charge to repair your vehicle.
In this article I will uncover the mystery surrounding how and why we charge what we charge to repair your vehicle so you will have a better understanding of our industry.
Listed below are topics we will discuss in greater detail.
- Flat rate labor system-done
- Cost of tools and equipment, training, updating- done
- Rust corrosion age wear and tear-done
- Experience number of years in business and expertise on specific make and model or repair, possibility of going out of business or going bankrupt
- Shop overhead determines price not shop down the street
- You get what you pay for-done
- Would you choose the cheapest least experienced doctor, surgeon, teacher, builder, etc
- Warranty, reliability, peace of mind, done right the first time,
- Bait and switch coupons and mailers that do not apply to your vehicle
- Price we quote is the price you pay
- Menu pricing or group pricing
- Part quality
Tags: How The Automotive Repair Industry Manipulates What You Pay
How To Find A Good Repair Shop I am often asked by my previous customers or local individuals from my community how they should go about finding a good repair shop that they can trust to perform quality repair work on their vehicles.
My repair shop is located in a college town near East Lansing so many of my customers are college students. Many of which are from out of the Lansing area and many even live out of state.
I often receive phone calls from their parents who have found me through searching on the internet. They read my 50 plus Google reviews and feel inclined to call and check us out.
Read the 6 Steps to Locating a quality auto repair shop
Tags: How To Find A Good Repair Shop
Ever wondered why you could not get your a/c filled with that can of freon you bought at the store? Ever wondered why , if after you did manage to get it filled up it still didn't blow cold air?
In this video as in my other series of videos we will go into detail and show how we correctly fill up the air conditioning system of a vehicle.
In this video http://www.professionalfleet.com will show you how to refill, recharge or repair your air conditioning system in your vehicle. Discuss what to look out for at other repair shops. How to charge with an a/c can and hose set up.
Tags: Air Conditioning Lansing Auto Repair Ac System Recharge Repair Michigan D
3 Year Parts and Labor Warranty Lansing Professional Fleet Services Auto Repair as of May 1st 2011 will now be offering an unprecedented industry leading 3 year parts and labor warrantyon most repairs performed at our repair facility! Brake Service
1 year warranty parts and labor on standard brake service
3 year warranty parts and labor on premium brake service Nationwide Warranty
Due to the high number of out of area customers (college students, government workers, health care employees, exchange students) vehicles we service, Professional Fleet has partnered with Napa Auto Care for the past 10 years to provide our customers with a minimun 1 year nationwide parts and labor warranty including road side service! This allows us to compete with all the big box stores and dealerships nationwide. Free Lifetime Extended Vehicle Warranty* In addition we will also be offering a FREE Lifetime BG Warranty on all vehicles that have 75k miles or less when maintenance services have been 1st performed. All services must be done every 30k miles to maintain lifetime warranty contract. This warranty is similar to your original factory warranty in that it covers the complete drivetrain or moving parts that are protected by the fluids in your vehicle. More information and pricing for services will be provided in detail below. Note the (*) means the price is for most vehicles on the road today, some vehicles require additional parts or labor to perform the service. Prices on website are subject to change without notice. We will advise you of this prior to the repairs being performed. 5000 Mile Oil Change Package w/ MOA $59.95* Extened Lifetime Warranty on internal engine components.
Must be done every 5,000 miles.
If service is performed prior to 36,000 miles coverage is up to $4000
If service is performed between 36,000 and 75,000 miles coverage is up to $2000 Automatic Transmission Flush Complete w/ BG $125.95-$174.95* Extened Lifetime Warranty on internal transmission components.
Must be done every 30,000 miles or sooner.
If service is performed prior to 36,000 miles coverage is up to $4000
If service is performed between 36,000 and 75,000 miles coverage is up to $2000 Front or Rear Differential Service w/ BG $103.95* Extened Lifetime Warranty on internal differential components.
Must be done every 30,000 miles or sooner.
If service is performed prior to 36,000 miles coverage is up to $4000
If service is performed between 36,000 and 75,000 miles coverage is up to $2000 Transfercase 4×4 Service w/ BG $89.95* Extened Lifetime Warranty on internal transfercase components.
Must be done every 30,000 miles or sooner.
If service is performed prior to 36,000 miles coverage is up to $4000
If service is performed between 36,000 and 75,000 miles coverage is up to $2000 Manual Transmission Service w/ BG $89.95* Extened Lifetime Warranty on internal transmission components.
Must be done every 30,000 miles or sooner.
If service is performed prior to 36,000 miles coverage is up to $4000
If service is performed between 36,000 and 75,000 miles coverage is up to $2000 Power Steering Flush w/ BG $93.95* Extened Lifetime Warranty on Steering Gear Box, Rack and P/S Pump.
Must be done every 30,000 miles or sooner.
If service is performed prior to 36,000 miles coverage is up to $4000
If service is performed between 36,000 and 75,000 miles coverage is up to $2000 Cooling System Flush w/ BG $139.95* Extened Lifetime Warranty on Heater Core, Water Pump, Freeze Plugs and Radiator.
Must be done every 30,000 miles or sooner.
If service is performed prior to 36,000 miles coverage is up to $4000
If service is performed between 36,000 and 75,000 miles coverage is up to $2000 Brake System Flush w/ BG $99.95* Extened Lifetime Warranty on ABS Pump, Valves, Metal Lines, Master Cylinder and Calipers.
Must be done every 30,000 miles or sooner.
If service is performed prior to 36,000 miles coverage is up to $4000
If service is performed between 36,000 and 75,000 miles coverage is up to $2000 Fuel System Flush w/ BG $124.95* Extened Lifetime Warranty on Oxygen Sensors and Fuel Injectors*.
Must be done every 30,000 miles or sooner.
If service is performed prior to 36,000 miles coverage is up to $4000
If service is performed between 36,000 and 75,000 miles coverage is up to $2000 *Note all repairs and warranty work must be performed at our shop without exceptions.
If a suspected warranty situation should occur please contact our repair
shop 1st prior to any towing or repairs being performed somewhere else!
*Nationwide Napa Auto Care Warranty applies to Napa installed parts only.
http://www.professionalfleet.com/lansing_auto_repair_company/lansing_auto_repair_3_year_parts_&_labo r_warranty_and_lifetime_extended_warranty_information
Tags: Auto Repair Lansing Warranty Life Time Extended Warranty
Breathe Deep With Your Cabin Air Filter
Bad air quality while you're driving around Lansing is nothing to sneeze at. But seriously, more and more vehicles these days come equipped with a cabin air filter. Since they're fairly new on the scene, a lot of folks don't know about them yet. Many vehicles starting in 1998 added a cabin air filter to the heating system of the vehicle. As of 2005 almost all vehicles have a cabin air filter a few even have two.
These filters clean the air in the passenger compartment, or cabin, of your car or truck. They do the same job as the furnace filter you have at home. They can filter out particles as small as thee microns. By contrast, a grain of sand is about 200 microns.
So your cabin air filer can clean out dust, pollution, pollen and spores, to keep the air in your car nice and clean. And just like your furnace filter, they need to be replaced when they get dirty. Check your owner's manual, but they typically need to be replaced at around twelve to fifteen thousand miles or once a year.
The filter is usually either under the hood or under the dashboard. Some are a little tricky to get to, so you'll want to have your Lansing auto service center, Professional Fleet Services, take care of replacing them.
As we said, many people don't realize they have a cabin air filter and will go to their shop complaining about a funky smell in the ventilation system. It turns out to be a cabin air filter that was long overdue for replacement – really dirty and starting to smell. We have also had complaints of lack of heat into the vehcile because of weak air flow going through the vents.
A quick replacement and they were on their way and smelling fine.
People who are allergy sensitive can really benefit from a cabin air filter, as it keeps allergens to a minimum. If you're one of them, you'll want to stay on top of your filter replacement schedule.
Of course if you do a lot of driving in dusty or polluted conditions, you'll need to change your cabin air filter more often. If you are one of our customers we check your filters every time you visit our shop for any repairs. We also check the air pressure in your tires and make sure all fluids are correctly filled.
Lansing Professional Fleet Services offers a free 30 point winter evaluation of your vehicle to ensure a safe and trouble free winter.
By the way when was the last time you checked your battery? How about tires?
Give us a call and we can get you scheduled in the same day and back on the road as quickly as possible.
Tags: Cabin Air Filter Auto Repair Winter Maintenance Free Inspection
Deuces Remix was posted on October 1, 2010 entertainment event from Chris Brown
Chris Brown Deuces remix is now available for download online.
His excited fans are pleased to know how hard he worked on this album. Some of the artists contributing to the songwriting in the Chris Brown Deuces Remix are names notable among the greats, TI, Fabulous, Drake, Andre 3000, and Kanye West.
Chris Brown Deuces remix is described as a simple and informal album.
Basically the artists performs each in the poetry of his own work, and many early reviews indicate TI knocked out the park and takes home the trophy.
Chris Brown's film debut was in Stomp The Yard, of where he played a leading role.
He has many life experiences, Chris Brown for a 21 year old. He was in charge of Stomp the yard, which included many famous movie stars. Chris Brown Deuces remix will go down as one of perhaps his more popular songs, after all he was signed by Jive Records in 2004. What's interesting to note is how fast he has developed throughout his youth career it has been amazing.
After he was signed by Jive Records he did not waste any time, in just one year he already had recorded 50 different songs.
If you are looking for Chris Brown Deuces remix download iTunes, it should be available. Deuces remix may also be found on some of the Internet Web site streams.
Tags: Chris Brown Deuces Remix Rap TI Kanye West Music
How The Check Engine Light Works
The computer knows what readings are in a normal range for various conditions. Get out of range, and it logs a trouble code and lights up the check engine warning.
The computer will then try to make adjustments if it can. If the computer can't compensate for the problem, the check engine light stays on.
The computer logs a trouble code. Some people think the code will tell the technician exactly what's wrong?
Actually, the code will tell the technician what sensor reading is out of parameters. It can't really tell you why, because there could be any number of causes.
Here is an example:
Let's say you're feeling hot. You get your heat sensor out - a thermometer - put it under our tongue and in a minute or two you learn that you have a fever of 104 degrees. You know your symptom - a fever - but you don't know what's causing it. Is it the flu, a sinus infection or appendicitis? You need more information than just that one sensor reading. But it does give you a place to start and narrows down the possible problems.
There are reports on the internet telling you that you can just go down to an auto parts store and get them to read your trouble code or buy a cheap scan tool to do it yourself. There are two problems with that. First, the computer stores some trouble codes in short term memory, and some in permanent memory. Each manufacturer's computer stores generic trouble codes, but they also store codes that are specific to their brand. A cheap, generic scan tool, like you can buy or that the auto parts store uses, doesn't have the ability to retrieve long-term storage or manufacturer specific codes. Our service center has spent over $80,000 on high-end scan tools and software to do a deep retrieval of information from your engine control computer.
The second problem is that once you've got the information, do you know what to do with it? For example, a very common trouble code comes up when the reading on the oxygen sensor is out of whack. So the common solution is for the auto parts(Autozone) store to sell you a new oxygen sensor, which are not cheap, and send you off on your way. Now your oxygen sensor may indeed have been bad and needed replacing. But the error code could have come from any of a dozen of other problems and the service engine light comes right back on in a few days! How do you know the right solution? Back to the fever analogy, do you need surgery or an aspirin? Leave it to the pros.
In closing anyone can scan a vehicle for codes and tell you the code and the possible part the code is referring to, but only a certified, experienced auto repair technician who lives and breathes auto repair can correctly diagnose the problem the first time and have you on your way.
At Professional Fleet Services we will diagnose your check engine light problems right the first time. You will never be told "start with a tune up and fuel injector cleaning then go from there" like many other shops will do. they never took the time to confirm which cylinders or injectors are not working.
Check out this video on service engine light repair
Check out other videos by Professional Fleet Services
Tags: Check Engine Light Ses Service Engine Light Auto Repair Codes
Lansing has some new rules for medical marijuana growers. Licensed caregivers can now only grow pot at home if they actually see patients there. They won't be allowed to have any advertising on their property and can't be within a 1,000 feet of schools, playgrounds, churches and substance abuse clinics. The city council passed the ordinance Monday night but will have to vote again next week for it to take immediate effect
After being shot three times in the line of duty as a federal agent, Dennis Betts says he discovered the healing power of medical marijuana. He believes in it so much, he's now opened what he calls a "community compassion center" called The Kushion. It opened September 1. "I find it's morally right to do this because you're helping people," Bett says. But Betts' business isn't the first of its kind-- quite the opposite, in fact. We counted at least four medical marijuana-related businesses in a mile-and-a-half span on Michigan Avenue, including Betts'. Another opened less than three weeks ago. They outnumber gas stations four-to-one on that corridor. "They are popping up all over," notes Lansing City Councilwoman Carol Wood, and she's not happy about it. She points out these are all high-visibility areas the businesses are coming to (Old Town, MLK, Saginaw, etc.) Complete with flashing "open" signs, she says they're meant to draw in more business. And while these non-profits have long maintained they're just in it to help those in pain, Wood is skeptical. "It's easy for people to get to, easy to find," she says. "It's a good marketing tool." "They're in it for the money," says Ingham County Prosecutor Stuart Dunnings, who even questions the legality of these store-front businesses. "I know some people that are really trying to do it to assist a person with a real need, and their business model is nothing like that," he says. Betts takes issue with that. "We're not doing it for the money," he says. "As far as someone getting rich off this, it's not going to happen." In the meantime, Lansing police say they don't have any data that shows crime growing around these new businesses. "We're doing everything legal, everything by the order and letter of the law," Betts says. "Our doors are open. No secrets." According to Wood, the city has no way to monitor where or how many of these businesses are popping up.
http://www.wilx.com/news/headlines/103480864.html
Tags: Medical Marijuana Lansing News Business Michigan Ave
Is Air conditioning season over?
The need for extreme cold air inside our vehicles may not be needed for the next few months but our air conditioning system still needs to function properly.
The A/C system is responsible for drying the air that flows out of your heating vents. If the system does not work the windows will fog up and possibly freeze on the windshield.
Working up a sweat is a great thing to do in a gym, but not in your car. When your car's AC System has a problem, you'll often feel it right away. The question is, how long do you put up with it? You know, the old comfort versus cost dilemma. But a more comfortable drive has a lot of benefits, and keeping the AC System well maintained can help prevent expensive repairs.
A common cause for AC failure is water and air in the system. The system does not work as well with air in it. And water can cause rust that leads to damage of the A/C components. Also refrigerant, the stuff that makes the air cold, can leak out, reducing the efficiency of the system, making it work harder to try to cool the air. That is why periodically evacuating the air conditioning system and recharging it keeps the proper amount of clean refrigerant in the system so it cools better and lasts longer.
You should also run the air conditioner regularly, even in the winter, so that it lubricates itself and keeps the seals from drying out. The seals can crack and that leads to leaks. Your owner's manual will have recommendations for how often to service your air conditioner. Some Lansing automotive service centers also have this information as part of their computer databases. A service advisor at Professional Fleet Services can give you more information. Call 517-316-7999 to schedule an AC check.
Of course, if your AC currently isn't working right, then now is the time to get it checked. Many service centers can inspect and test your air conditioning and offer evacuation and recharge services. This goes a long way to avoiding having to bring your air conditioner in for major repairs.
Recent environmental laws have stopped the manufacture of Freon, a refrigerant that was common in cars made before 1993. There is a very limited supply of Freon so the price is very steep. It may not be worth its weight in gold, but it probably is worth its weight in silver. If you have an older Michigan vehicle that uses Freon, you may want to consider having it retrofitted to use the new EPA-approved R134a refrigerant. It will pay for itself in the long run.
Tags: Auto Repair Lansing Air Conditioning Ac Ac
By Dr. Russ
Monday is Dr. Russ Busster Day. It is the day I offer-up some TIPS to help you BUSST-UP any pessimism standing in your way. Today's BUSSTERS are designed to help you move ahead with a new idea or plan that you have been contemplating, but have been putting off starting-up. It is time to find or learn your "innovative mindset." Is it time to start something new? Do you have a new idea about a new way to do something at home or work, or some new product or service that might form the basis of a new, small business? Are you holding back – fearful that the idea might fail or make you the “laughing stock” of family, friends, or co-workers? A key feature of an optimist is an “enterprising mind” which is defined as a mindset for problem solving in a novel way. Such a mind set requires innovation, creativity, and risk taking. Risk taking means a willingness to acknowledge that failure and mistakes are not only possible, but are necessary for learning and advancement. Yes, we can think of an entrepreneur like Steve Jobs who started building and selling Macintosh computers out of his garage. Jobs is an example of a large scale implementation of the innovative mindset. But, really, I am talking about a mindset that is with us throughout every moment or the day as we try to solve life's daily problems. I try to follow in the footsteps of Norman Vincent Peale, famous preacher and author of many books on the “Power of Positive Thinking,” who said that the day we stop having problems to solve is the day that we are “six feet under.” He advised that we embrace life's daily problems as opportunities to exercise creativity and innovation providing a path for continuous growth and self-improvement. Everyday problems are encountered as we get stuck in traffic, have to be up for several hours at night with a sick kid, misplace our cell phone, find out the plane is delayed by three hours, misplace our wallet or purse, run out of gas or have a flat tire. Other problems may involve getting the dishes done, cleaning the house, or managing the family budget after a spouse is laid off from work. Dr. Russ Bussters to Help You Start Something New or Find an Innovative Solution to an Everyday Problem. {Today's Bussters are adapted from an article by Peter Drucker entitled, “The Discipline of Innovation” which appeared in Harvard Business Review, 1985} 1. Continuously look for sources of opportunity. - Recently, I was about to get on an airplane at 8:30 am when the flight attendants came out and said the plane had mechanical problems and would not be taking off. We were told go get in line and rebook the flight. My rebooking was set for 1:30 PM. Now, how to kill 5 hours? I asked myself – "What opportunity did I have to get something done that I otherwise would not have gotten to for a few days?" I had my computer and a writing project to work on. By 1:30, I was well ahead of schedule on my writing project and arrived at my destination in time for dinner with a friend at 6pm.
- On a much larger scale is a story about the early years of IBM. In the 1930's, IBM was ready to produce the first modern accounting machine designed for banks. But, in 1933, it was the depression and banks had no money for such a purchase. Libraries, however, had money from FDR's New Deal. Thomas Watson, famed longtime CEO of IBM, saw and opportunity and sold the first machine to the New York Library system and eventually sold over 100 to libraries across the country.
2. Start small. - What kinds of things have you thought about starting? A garden? An exercise program? A weight loss program? A scrapbook? Or a blog of your own? Whatever it is pick one thing and start small. For example, start with a small patch of wild flowers. Start by going to several gyms and evaluating which one to join, or by exercising for 15 minutes for a week and then increasing to twenty and so on. Eliminate one unhealthy or fattening item from your daily ingestion such as sugar. Check the labels on the can for yourself, but drink two diet cokes a day instead of regular coke and you can eliminate at least 240 calories daily. In thirteen days you will have consumed over 3000 less calories, and that equals one pound of weight.
- Instead of spending $50 or $100 on the latest scrapbooking paraphernalia, take a few hours to go through some stacks of pictures and make a plan for your first scrapbook. Thinking about blogging? Start by spending a few hours or more per week for several weeks reading different blogs to get some ideas for your approach and content.
3. Hard work always tops genius and talent. - According to Drucker, “When all is said and done, what innovation requires is hard, focused, purposeful work. If diligence, persistence, and commitment are lacking, talent, ingenuity, and knowledge are of no avail.”
For more words of Optimism click here to be directed to "The daily optimism blog"
Tags: Optimism Opportunity
By Dr. Russ and Jackie Monroe
Jackie Monroe and Dr. Russ are pleased to announce the start of their new radio show entitled MI Optimism (pronounced "My" Optimism): A Positive Place on the Radio. The radio show offers us another venue to teach optimistic living to a growing audience. The show will be part of the “New Wave" of Radio: Internet Radio. In February 2009 a weekday, internet radio network began in Lansing, MI called "Talk Lansing.Net," along with its weekend companion "MIEntertainment.biz." Welcome to the world of “streaming media.” These two media streams can be accessed anywhere in the world at WWW.TalkLansing.net and WWW.MIEntertainment.biz. The purpose of our show is to remind people they have the ability to CHOOSE to be POSITIVE and to enhance their potential to become skilled masters of optimistic thinking. “MI Optimism” is committed to highlighting people and events in Michigan that are making a difference in the lives of others as they struggle with economic tough times, raising a difficult child, improving health and wellness, or seeking entrepreneurial opportunities to reinvent themselves, their futures, their families and careers. Despite highlighting Michigan related news and people, the concept is still applicable to people all over the country! The show will be one hour in length and will have some familiar features for those of you who are regular blog readers: including a segment of “Dr. Russ Bussters” and the “Glad About that Game.” Myths of Optimism and Optimism in the News will be common topics. We will be introducing a brand new regular feature never before seen on the blog called: “Google the Day.” Each of these features is designed as “a tool” to help the listener get into and stay with their optimism for more moments of every day. Each show will have a theme such as health and wellness, unemployment, youth sports, parenting a difficult child, surviving cancer, relationships and marriage, spirituality and religion, politics, etc. The first show will focus on the “General Optimistic Attitude” or keeping the glass "half full.” A little bit of “BUZZ” about the show has already begun and here is what is being said: - “Tune in to get a new perspective and embrace your life.”
- “Michigan's most optimistic duo helps listeners to be inspired, grab all that life has to offer, and shift perspectives that are preventing them from living their fullest, most fulfilling lives.”
- “Listen in to change your perspective, change your world.”
The show will air on www.mientertainment.biz every Saturday from 8 to 9am and on Sunday from 3-4 pm. Later each week the show will also be posted as a podcast on the Moment-to-Moment Optimism site. The first show will air on Saturday, September 18, 2010. Other than “sleep-in,” what else do you have to do on Saturday morning at 8 am? Find out if trading an hour of sleep for an hour of optimism will make a difference your perspective, energy and personal productivity. Tune in to learn and re-learn the Dr. Russ Buss life view: - “Life is one continuous learning curve filled with multiple 'do over' opportunities so each and every moment of life can be seen and developed as a chance for personal growth and positive self-improvement."
Tags: Optimism Radio Show
We live in such a disposable society here in Lansing. It's amazing all the stuff we throw away.
New stuff comes out so fast, we just toss the old and move on. It seems like when we were kids, our parents were real sticklers about taking care of our stuff. You know, hang up your clothes, polish your shoes, put away your toys. If something got lost or ruined by neglect, tough – we had to do without.
We couldn't afford new cars very often, so we tried to make them last as long as we could. It's a good thing that cars are more reliable these days.
They just don't break down as often. And the good news for us penny pinchers is that a modern car can easily go 200,000 miles with proper care. The engineering's there and so is the manufacturing quality. The missing ingredient is us making sure we follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedules.
Is it really that bad to get off schedule? Well, it all adds up. Every time you go a couple thousand extra miles between oil changes, you've created an opportunity for sludge to form and clog passages. Then some parts don't get oiled and they start to wear out faster.
Skip a cooling system service, and the corrosion inhibitors become depleted, and the radiator starts being damaged – one step closer to a failure. The same thing is true for transmission service, power brakes, fuel system cleaning – really everything on your schedule.
It's also even more important for older vehicles. Those engines and other systems have had more time to get dirty, so they're a bit more stressed anyway. But it's never too late to get back on track with your maintenance and to hold off further damage.
It's just another example of our parents being right. (Surprising how often that happens.) And it really does start with the oil change, just like Dad said. When you get a full service oil change they top off all your fluids and check for other items that are on your maintenance schedule. That's like your safety net – go in for oil changes on time, and let your service advisor at Professional Fleet Services help you keep track of the rest.
Of course, some things are going to wear out along the way, stuff like alternators, water pumps and such. But that stuff is cheaper than a new car payment. And taking care of problems early means they have less time to cause other problems. It's like having high cholesterol – you don't want to wait for a heart attack before you address it.
Tags: Lansing Auto Repair Auto Repair Car Repair Car Maintenance
Thursday, September 9, 2010 at 2:35PM By Dr. Russ The theme for this week has been 'PERSEVERANCE.' We have learned about a 69 year old, South Korean grandmother who failed her written driver's license test 959 times before passing on the 960th re-take; all the while maintaining a cheerful demeanor. Cha Sa-soon never had the opportunity of a formal education, and thus never learned the reading 'R' of the three 'R's.' She did however, through the “hard knocks” of life, learn the “P” of Perseverance - a core component of optimism. While the three 'R's' are taught in school, I do not believe I have ever seen a course in any elementary, secondary or college curriculum entitled “Perseverance.” So, where do we learn the big “P?” How do our children learn it? How do we teach perseverance to our children? Perhaps the children learn it by reading or listening to the Big “P” stories of famous people as exemplified in the following vignettes excerpted from one of my favorite “little books” entitled: Try Again, Fail Again, Fail Better (Herter Studio, Running Press): - Thomas Edison experimented with over 6000 materials to use as his filament in a light bulb before he found the one that worked.(p.6)
- In his sophomore year, Michael Jordan failed to make his high school varsity basketball team. He has said, “I was very disappointed and I thought the coach had made a mistake. But my mother said the best thing for me to do was to prove to the coach that he was wrong. And I started working on my game the day after I was cut.” (p.40)
- Alfred Butts invented the game of SCRABBLE after he lost his job as an architect during the Depression. Butts fastidiously studied the front page of the New York Times to calculate how often each of the twenty-six letters of the English language was used. (p.44)
- Charles Goodyear was convinced of the commercial value of rubber – if he could only find a way to keep it from sticking and melting in the heat. He began experimenting with the materials while in debtors prison, and continued to test the material for years, failing many times and eventually driving his family into poverty. The story goes that in 1839, Goodyear was in town showing off his latest gum-and-sulphur formula. As had happened in the past, snickers rose from the watching crowd. It is said that Goodyear became agitated and while waving his arms in the air, the gum flew from his hand and landed on a sizzling hot stove. When he went to scrape it off, he found that he had finally discovered weatherproof, or vulcanized, rubber. (p.54)
- Winston Chrurchill failed sixth grade. He was subsequently defeated in every election for public office until he became prime minister at the age of sixty-two. He later wrote, “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never – in nothing, great or small, large or petty – never give in except to convictions of honor and good sense. Never, Never, Never, Never give up.”(p.24)
Or perhaps the children learn the Big “P” from the “over-and-over” again pronouncements of their parents, coaches, teachers or mentors such as: - One of my mother's favorite expressions was: “You may not be smarter or as smart as the ‘next guy,' but you can always work harder.”
- Tom Izzo, coach of the National Champion Michigan State University Men's Basketball Team says over and over to his players: “You may not be able to out-skill your opponent, but you sure can out-work him.”
Children can also learn The Big “P” from the kinds of tasks the parents assign them: - I was once on a judging panel of an essay writing contest for Junior High students. The topic was motivation. One of the top rated essays came from a girl who wrote about how her father had encouraged her to untangle a ball of string until she had every last knot undone. The task took her hours, and her essay not only captured her internal mental struggle to stay with it but her joy and satisfaction of accomplishment of such a dull and mundane task.
Five Parenting Tips to Teach Perseverance - Do recount stories of perseverance from within family tree. Most families have an uncle, grandparent, or great grandparent who persevered and overcame some significant difficulties. Any family descended from an ancestor who came thru Ellis Island surely has some stories to tell. Need more family tree information: Google “Ellis Island” and explore the “family tree” data base. Do tell about and have your children read about famous people past and present, like the one's above, who have persevered.
- Like my mother and Tom Izzo - Do talk about the importance of hard work and staying with the task. Begin verbalizing these maxims at an early age. Do discount the adage, “I'd rather be lucky than good.” Replace it with, “I'd rather be a hard worker than good.” Then remind the child that ‘good' = ‘ability' = ‘skill,' and ‘skill' is acquired through hard work. Teach the child that some will “catch-on” and learn something more quickly than others. Then explain that the disadvantage of “catching-on-quickly” is that one may “give-up-quickly” as well in the face of the inevitable difficulties of life.
- Be a “role-model-of persistence” for your children. My dad was a “do-it-your-selfer.” When I was age 7, he began putting in a “finished basement” with knotty pine paneling and tiled floor. For two years, he came home from work and tackled the project for several hours every evening; weekends as well. He just kept up the routine and it turned out to be a gem of a family room. In my teenage years he decided to fiberglass our 16 foot mahogany planked sailboat so that it would float. He had never fiberglassed anything. Out in the garage every weekend for three months, he kept working...with me as his primary gopher. When the job was completed, it wasn't the smooth finished texture of a factory molded fiber glass boat, but with a red paint job, we were proud of the rough edges; and the boat did float!!
- When a child makes a commitment to join a team or activity make sure he/she stays with it for the season – OK to try something else next season, but finish out the current one.
- Teaching PERSEVERANCE takes a long time; perhaps an entire childhood of storytelling, lecturing, role modeling and demanding effort. Winston Churchill graduated from high school as “D” student, but showed in his adulthood that he had finally learned the BIG “P.” Michael Jordan figured out the importance of “P” the summer between his sophomore and junior year of high school. I too spent that sophomore to junior summer reflecting upon my future and realized how much effort I could and should be putting into my studies and sports. Finally, for the first time, as junior in high school, I made the academic honor role and received a varsity letter in soccer.
Tags: Parenting Optimism Kidschildren Perserverance
How about your tow vehicle? It has plenty of gas and you've even vacuumed it out, but is your auto maintenance up to date?
Stop and think. You'll have some heavy traffic on your way out of town. Hilly terrain as you get to the lake. Some dirt roads – and it may be hot weather. And all the time you're going to be towing around several thousand extra pounds.
That all adds up a lot of severe strain on your engine, brakes and transmission. Your transmission's going to be working overtime, spending more time in lower gears. The internal transmission temperature is going to be much higher than normal. What's a fun little blast to the lake for you is really severe duty for your transmission.
It's important that you have enough transmission fluid. If you're running low, the transmission will run to hot and won't have the protection it needs to cope with the added stress of towing.
And if it's time for a transmission service, you really should have it done at Professional Fleet Services before your trip. Transmission fluid breaks down and gets dirty over time. Whether you have an automatic or manual transmission, you need to have it serviced on schedule to make sure it runs efficiently.
Automatic transmissions contain a maze of passages that the fluid has to pass through to keep it shifting smoothly. If you neglect transmission service, the passages can get clogged up and you start to have problems. Neglect your transmission for too long, and it can fail. Believe us – you don't want to pay for a major transmission repair.
You know, most of us in Lansing Michigan do a lot of our driving under severe conditions. Towing or hauling a big load is obvious, but there are lots of other things that constitute severe driving conditions. Things like short trips or driving in very hot or very cold weather. Also, dusty roads, city driving around Lansing, and basically any driving that's not at highway speeds or under ideal conditions is severe driving. We all need to think about whether or not we need to follow the severe service schedule.
So, consider going in for a full service oil change before you leave for the lake to make sure everything has been looked at. Ask for a trip inspection while you're at it. Your Lansing Michigan service technician at Professional Fleet Services can check your belts and hoses and let you know if your brakes are in good shape.
Don't forget the sunscreen. And to thank your Lansing service technician, how about bringing him back a nice trout?
Tags: Lansing Auto Repair Transmission Repair Car Repair Car Maintenance
Today's report from Professional Fleet Services is on car batteries, why they die and what we can do to lengthen their life. Most of us have had a dead battery at one time or another. In fact, it would be very unusual if you hadn't. You may be surprised to learn that only 30 percent of Lansing vehicle batteries last for 48 months.
Now that's an average. How long a battery lasts depends on many factors. You may not know that one of the biggest factors is the temperature where you live and drive around Lansing. You might suppose that cold weather was harder on batteries because it takes more power to crank a cold engine, but the opposite is actually true.
For more information on your battery, please visit us: Professional Fleet Services 615 E Kalamazoo St Lansing, Michigan 48912 517-316-7999
Batteries in very cold climates have a life expectancy of 51 months as opposed to 30 months in very warm climates. The reason is simple: batteries are chemically more active when they're hot than when they're cold.
A car battery will actually start to discharge on its own within 24 hours in hot weather. It takes several days in cold weather. When batteries are left too long in a state of partial discharge, the discharged portion of the battery plates actually, for the lack of a better word, 'die'. Recharging the battery will not restore the dead part of the battery plate.
One of the big problems for the way most of us drive in the Lansing area, is that our batteries are often partially discharged. The biggest job the battery does is to start the car. It takes some time for the alternator to recharge the battery after starting. If you're driving short distances, especially if there are several starts and stops, your battery may not fully recharge.
Another issue is that vehicles are coming equipped with more and more electricity hungry accessories like navigation systems, DVD players, CD and MP3 players, heated seats, heated steering wheels and so on. And we often plug in cell phones, computers and other gadgets. Combine that with short trips and it's no wonder that our batteries are partially discharged.
Experts say we can extend our battery life by topping off the charge periodically using a good quality battery charger. You may've heard these chargers referred to as 'trickle chargers'. They're attached to the battery and plugged into a wall outlet to slowly bring the battery up to full charge.
Now there's some science involved with how fast a battery should be recharged. If you buy a cheap manual charger, you'll have to tend it. Frankly a learning curve on how to do it right and requires much attention. A computer controlled charger – or smart charger – monitors the process and determines the appropriate rate of charge. And it even stops charging when it's fully charged. It costs more than the manual charger, but the automatic model is worth it.
The suggestion is to charge once a month in warm weather and once every three months in cold weather.
Another thing to avoid is deeply discharging your battery. Something like running the headlights and stereo with the engine turned off. That'll take months off the battery life every time you do it.
Now, as we discussed, heat is hard on a battery. A dirty, greasy battery holds more heat. You can wipe off excess dirt with a paper towel or ask your service advisor at Professional Fleet Services to clean it for you. Professional Fleet Services can even test your battery and tell you if it's time to replace it.
Batteries are fairly expensive, so taking a few steps to make them last longer is well worth it. Of course, the battery will eventually need to be replaced. Always make sure you get a new battery that meets the factory specifications for your vehicle. If you feel you need more battery capacity than what came with your vehicle, talk with your service advisor at Professional Fleet Services about appropriate upgrades.
If you have a dead battery, be careful to inspect it before you jump start it. If the case is bulging, cracked or leaking, do not jump start it. Damaged batteries can explode or catch fire. And deeply discharged batteries can freeze. Do not jump start a frozen battery.
Tags: Car Batteries Auto Repair Automotive Maintenance Lansing Auto Repair
Reprinted from www.drrussbuss.com William Henry Nurmi II has a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a MBA from the University of Phoenix. Bill has a background in operations management, logistics, and sales. Bill is an avid bicyclist and is a volunteer on the board of directors at the Mission of Hope Cancer Fund. He lives in Lansing, MI and is currently seeking new employment while serving as a Post-Graduate and Career Transition Fellow of Optimism with Moment-to-Moment Enterprises. Bill's Fellowship project entails writing about optimism and providing advice and consultation on marketing, sales, and new program development. Today marks the thirty-seventh post in a series that Bill has been writing under the title: “The Diary of a Struggling Optimist.” Another week has gone by and another opportunity has presented itself. I have been feeling a little better this past week as I have not felt the pangs of frustration and rejection quite as sharply as in the past weeks. I attribute this to the fact that last week's rejection was easier to handle, as I then described, and this week I have another opportunity on my doorstep. I have to keep telling myself that eventually one of these opportunities will pan out, so to speak. With the help of Dr. Russ I have been able to become more of an optimist than ever before in my life. HOWEVER, I still easily fall victim to pessimism here and there as you could tell in the past weeks. The benefits of networking As I just said, I have had a new opportunity come up. This is another reason why networking pays off. I have obviously not gained a new job yet from all my networking efforts, however every opportunity that has been afforded to me thus far has come from a networking connection, and this time there is not an exception. I of course have my profile on Linked In, which I have mentioned in the past. This week I received an email from a recruiter at a job placement firm here in town. The young lady, it turns out, who sent me the email knows a few of the same people that I do, and so the story goes. Because of her knowing the same people she was able to find me! Wouldn't that be something, if after all this time, I actually received an offer for employment from someone who found me? I know that in the world of recruiters this happens all the time where they find employees for their clients; however it has never happened to me. The job is not in the exact field of operations and distribution that I have done and sought in the past, but it is kind of close and certainly something I could do, based on the job description, that is. I do not know a lot of details as of yet, but I don't need to yet. I just need to "stay-in-today" and take it as it comes. I have submitted a resume and look forward to meeting the recruiter. Keeping the bigger picture—which includes fun!—in mind No word yet on the resume I submitted last week for the “real estate” related job. I mentioned last week that I went ahead and did apply for a job that would satisfy the cash flow situation that I have spoke of before. This job, in my opinion, was a little more than just cash flow as it did look a little interesting as well. It would of course be ideal if I took a job out of my chosen field just to get by and I actually had fun doing it as well. Having fun at a job and enjoying it is a must for me. I don't mean to sound like every day needs to be a party by any means, but I cannot go to a job everyday that I do not like. When I was a kid my dad had a job that he hated. I recall him stressing to me the importance of a good education on many, many occasions. I was always told that if I wanted a job that I enjoyed going to everyday that I needed an education. It was from these early conversations that I decided I just couldn't have a job that I hated, so if/when I do need that emergency cash flow job it will have to be one that I like. New technologies, new opportunities Technology has been a big part of my job search thus far, which is no surprise in today's world, but I have a new spin on that this week. Due to some “technical difficulties” to put it politely, I have been forced to get a new phone. My new phone has a different software platform, thus having some different functions. So, as a result, I have a new phone application with job search capabilities! “Indeed,” which is a pretty nice job search engine, has an application that allows me to job search while I am driving down the road! Well, I don't really job search while driving (too much) as that would be illegal, but you get the point. Perhaps this will keep me in the loop a little more and make sure I don't miss potential opportunities. Only time will tell, if nothing else it will be fun. This week spirits are high and opportunity knocks, so let's ride this wave into next week shall we........ Your daily dose of optimism
Tags: Optimism Blog
Here's a page out of our free packet: - During the 1830's, Lansing was known as Biddle City.
- Jacob Frederick Cooley, Lansing Township's first permanent resident, settled here in 1837.
- Joseph North challenged Jacob Cooley's claim as the first resident.
- Lansing was named after New York patriot John Lansing.
- The township was offically created in February, 1847.
- Lansing became the second state capital of Michigan because the first capital, Detroit, was too close to the border and vulnerable to an invasion by British forces of Canada.
- There were eight registered voters when Lansing became the state capital.
- A sawmill was the one industry present in Lansing when it became the state capital.
- The top three employers in the Lansing area are General Motors Corporation, the State of Michigan and Michigan State University.
- The Grand River runs through downtown Lansing and is Michigan's longest river.
- Ransom Eli Olds (R.E. Olds) founded the Oldsmobile, later a division of General Motors, in 1897.
- Lansing is located in Ingham County and is the only capital in the United States not located in the county seat.
- The county seat of Ingham County is Mason, Michigan.
- Ingham County was named after Samuel D. Ingham, the Secretary of Treasury under President Andrew Jackson.
- Michigan State University is the only university in the nation to have three medical colleges. They are Human Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine and Veterinary Medicine.
- Michigan State University was established in 1855, dedicated in 1857, and is the oldest center for the teaching of scientific agriculture in the nation.
- Michigan State University Museum was organized in the 1860's and is one of the earliest museums on a university campus in the Midwest. This is the oldest museum located in the Lansing area.
- Lansing's first school opened in 1847.
- The Michigan State Capitol Building was modeled after the nation's capitol building in Washington D.C.
- Elijah Myers designed the Michigan State Capitol Building and it was dedicated on January 1, 1879.
- Reprinted from http://www.lansing.org/explore-greater-lansing/school-report-help/
Tags: Lansing Facts
Once or twice I confess, I have laid back and wondered what would I do if I won the lottery? What would I buy? How much money would I invest? How would my life change? What kind of life could I provide for my daughter? Would I start another business or just retire never to be heard from again?
Then I always snap back to reality and realize I have never played the lottery!
How about you, what is your lottery story?
Tags: Lottery Money State Lottery
You may know that most automotive breakdowns in Lansing are tire related, but did you know the second most common cause for vehicle breakdowns? Nope, it's not teenagers. It is the coolant system. But, if you take good care of your coolant system, it will take good care of you.
A car's engine creates a lot of heat - so much heat, that if it is not properly cooled, the engine can lock up, resulting in massive damage and repair bills. But when everything is working right, your engine operates at the proper temperature and all is well. Without antifreeze in your cooling system, the water could freeze and cause engine damage. This could be very expensive, not to mention inconvenient.
The right mix of water and antifreeze protects the engine against damage from freezing and overheating. Antifreeze also protects the coolant system against corrosion that could cause the system to fail. The thing to remember is this: coolant system failure is very common, but it is also very easy to prevent. Our service technicians at Professional Fleet Services in Lansing can check the manufacturers' recommendations, and tell you when the coolant needs to be changed. See Lansing Auto Repair. They can also perform a coolant system service.
Even the best antifreeze cannot completely protect the coolant system from harmful deposits forever. The anti-corrosion additives are used up over time, so the coolant must be replaced. A coolant service cleans out the system and replaces the old fluid with fresh coolant. A coolant system service is a low-cost way to protect against major engine repairs down the road. Prevention is the key. Be sure to watch out for the two main warning signs: if your temperature gauge is in the "hot" zone or if you get a message warning you to check your coolant. If you take a look under the hood, you will see the coolant overflow bottle. You can see there are lines that indicate the proper level of coolant ... if your engine is cold - or if it is hot.
Just because it may read full does not mean the engine or radiator is full!
You can add water or antifreeze to that bottle yourself, but be careful.
First, you never want to open the radiator pressure cap. The steam could severely burn you. Second, try to get to your Downtown auto service center immediately if your coolant is low. If that is not possible, follow the directions in your owner's manual. Third, remember that you need a proper mixture of water and antifreeze, or you will damage your engine. If you make an emergency addition to your cooling system, follow-up with your service center where they can make necessary corrections. Fourth, not all cars use the same type of antifreeze. You will need to check your owner's manual to make sure you use the right kind. Mixing antifreeze types or using the wrong kind of antifreeze may void the manufacturers warranty on your cooling system. If you're not sure, ask our East Lansing area service technician for guidance.
Watch a quick video I filmed to caution you against the quick lube oil change places for fluid flushes!
Tags: Lansing Auto Repair Maintenance Coolant Antifreeze Coolant Flush Car R
If you've ever been driving around Lansing and had a headlamp go out, you've probably just wanted to replace the bad bulb. If your car uses halogen headlamps, they dim over time. So if you just put in one, they won't have the same brightness which can be distracting and will affect your field of vision.
To have your headlights inspected, visit us at Professional Fleet Services. We're at 615 E Kalamazoo St in Lansing, Michigan 48912. Or give us a call at 517-316-7999
Experts in Lansing recommend replacing your halogen headlamps every year. It's easy to remember if you do it when daylight savings time changes in the fall. That way you'll have bright headlamps for those long Lansing winter nights.
There are other types of headlamps in addition to halogen. There are the old standard bulbs that have been around for decades. These are OK, but you can usually upgrade to halogen. They cost a little more but you can't believe the difference. If you do a lot of night driving you might want to use a premium halogen bulb that filters out the yellow hues and give a very white light that's a lot like daylight.
You may have noticed those bluish headlights on luxury cars. They are high intensity discharge or, HID lamps. They really light up the road. You can upgrade to HID on some vehicles. These cost quite a bit, but they'll last for the life of your car. If you want your Lansing friends to think you have HIDs, you can get halogens with a bluish tint - no one needs to know.
Seriously, though, night driving is all about reaction time – time to stop – time to get out of the way. You can't react to what you can't see. You need headlamps that'll give you a good view down the road and good peripheral vision as well. And your headlights need to be aimed correctly so you can see and also, to keep your lights from shining off into on-coming traffic.
You may have seen older vehicles with headlights that are awfully dim and maybe even yellow. That's because the plastic headlight lenses have gotten cloudy and yellowed with age. They can be replaced, but many Lansing service centers offer a service to restore the lens that's a lot cheaper.
You can't drive if you can't see. AAA reports that nine out of ten vehicles have dirty or yellowed headlamps. So run the window squeegee over your headlights when you gas up to clear the dirt and bugs. Get your lenses restored if they need it and don't forget to replace your standard or halogen bulbs every fall.
Tags: Auto Repair Car Repair Lansing Mi Headlights Headlamp Bulb
Jaguar S-Type Shifter Failure - How to Save Hundreds of Dollars Alright this is going to be a two part blog outlining the most common repairs I see at Lansing Professional Fleet Auto Repair that fail on the Jaguar S-Types and Lincoln LS. I will be able to save you thousands of dollars, headaches and miss diagnosis of these problems. I personally think these vehicles are absolute junk and I feel sorry for anyone who has purchased one and hope to sway any future buyers from ever buying one. If you are one of the lucky ones who have not had any of these repairs go wrong with your S-Type or Lincoln LS you are very fortunate. In case you did not know these vehicles are sisters, meaning they are identical in many ways, they share many similar parts and design flaws. The 3 most common problems are as follows. Shift linkage breaks and vehicle will not go into or come out of park, front lower ball joints or front struts rattle and clunk, and rear of vehicle clunks and rattles badly from bad lower strut bushings. There are many other ones but these repairs I can save you thousands of dollars. Shifter failure is the most common and expensive repair on the Jaguar S-Type. Unfortunately doing it once does not guarantee it will not happen again. Many owners find that a few days or months later the shifter breaks again. Average cost of this repair is $500-1000.00 
Currently Jaguar has no supplier for the failed shifter assembly and to my knowledge I bought the last new one back in December of 2009! I have purchased used ones on EBay for around 100.00. Why does this part fail you might ask? Well in Fords genius design and engineering skills they decided that a small plastic block the size of half your hand would be strong enough to handle the force of the entire weight of your vehicle, the shifter itself, the transmission, the shift cable and normal wear and tear of these parts. To this date no recall has been issued as they do not feel this is a safety issue or not enough people have been injured (only your wallet) from this part failing. I found an aftermarket company who is now selling an alternative design ($129-$229) that will once and for all take care of shifter block failure. The piece that originally failed was formed from hard plastic. The new design is made from aluminum and will never fail again. The repair will take you around 1-2 hrs to do if you are good seasoned mechanic. If you are not you may want to let someone else try this one. You will need to remove the center console and part of the dash and then remove the shifter assembly to install this part. We can replace the shifter block in the Jaguar S-Types in around 30 minutes due to the large number of replacements we have done. If you are interested in obtaining any of these aluminum shifter blocks I can be reached through Lansing Auto Repair 
Once the shifter repair has been made on your Jaguar S-Type you will have years of trouble free shifting. Now you can move on to the next list of common part failures. 
Tags: Auto Repair Jaguar Shifter Parts Jaguar S Type Jaguar Parts Lansing Aut
Alright this is going to be a two part blog outlining the most common repairs I see at Lansing Professional Fleet Auto Repair that fail on the Jaguar S-Types and Lincoln LS. I will be able to save you thousands of dollars, headaches and miss diagnosis of these problems. I personally think these vehicles are absolute junk and I feel sorry for anyone who has purchased one and hope to sway any future buyers from ever buying one. If you are one of the lucky ones who have not had any of these repairs go wrong with your S-Type or Lincoln LS you are very fortunate. In case you did not know these vehicles are sisters, meaning they are identical, they share many similar parts and design flaws. The 3 most common problems are as follows. Shift linkage breaks and vehicle will not go into or come out of park, front lower ball joints or front struts rattle and clunk, and rear of vehicle clunks and rattles badly from bad lower strut bushings. There are many other ones but these repairs I can save you thousands of dollars. Shifter failure is the most common and expensive repair on the Jaguar S-Type. Unfortunately doing it once does not guarantee it will not happen again. Many owners find that a few days or months later the shifter breaks again. Average cost of this repair is $500-1000.00 Currently Jaguar has no supplier for the failed shifter assembly and to my knowledge I bought the last new one back in December of 2009! I have purchased used ones on EBay for around 100.00. Why does this part fail you might ask? Well in Fords genius design and engineering skills they decided that a small plastic block the size of half your hand would be strong enough to handle the force of the entire weight of your vehicle, the shifter itself, the transmission, the shift cable and normal wear and tear of these parts. To this date no recall has been issued as they do not feel this is a safety issue or not enough people have been injured (only your wallet) from this part failing. I found an aftermarket company who is now selling an alternative design ($129-$229) that will once and for all take care of shifter block failure. The piece that originally failed was formed from hard plastic. The new design is made from aluminum and will never fail again. The repair will take you around 1-2 hrs to do if you are good seasoned mechanic. If you are not you may want to let someone else try this one. You will need to remove the center console and part of the dash and then remove the shifter assembly to install this part. We can replace the shifter block in the Jaguar S-Types in around 30 minutes due to the large number of replacements we have done. If you are interested in obtaining any of these I can be reached through Lansing Auto Repair
Tags: Jaguar S Type Shifter Repair Shifter Parts
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