WELCOME TO OUR BLOG!

This blog gives us the opportunity to communicate important articles about ensuring your safety on the road. We will provide informative tips that help you understand automotive repair and how good maintenance can extend the life of your vehicle. FAMILY and FAITH are important to us so we will also tell you more about our family-owned business, its history since opening in 1979, and how our family has grown over the years. RELATIONSHIP, TRUST and LOYALTY are important to us. If you are a long-time customer, we thank you for your continued business and referrals. If you found us online while looking for an auto repair shop, we hope you'll trust us with the care and repair of your family's vehicles. Remember, whatever your needs, we can fix it!

Understanding your Car’s Warning System

Growing up the oldest daughter of a mechanic, I learned early on how important it is to do regular maintenance on your car.  I learned to be aware at all times of the indicator lights on the instrument panel that illuminate to let you know when a problem occurs.  I didn’t learn how to maintain the car myself or even exactly what the different indicators meant specifically.  I did learn to see the light!  I  knew that if the light went on, it was a warning that something was wrong or about to be wrong!  I needed to call my Dad!  He was always quick to provide the answers or to check it out himself and to do the necessary repairs so that I was quickly back on the road with peace of mind ! What a great Dad! He took care of me and taught me a lot (more than car details)  along the way as well.

I found a great article from the AAA that urges motorists to heed their car’s cry for attention and be aware of these indicators lights that are alerting you when a problem is occurring. The following are helpful and important thoughts regarding the care of  your car! We want to help you protect your investment and be safe on the road!  Here are excerpts from their article.  Read on and hopefully this knowledge will help you see the light!
Every time you start your car they glow to greet you, but after few seconds of engine operation they fade away – hopefully not to be seen again until the next engine start.

“Motorists need to be aware of the critical — ‘big three’ — warning lights. They include those that monitor engine oil pressure, engine coolant temperature, and the vehicle charging system,” says John Nielsen, Director of AAA Automotive. To help motorists better understand the important role of these three warning lights, AAA provides a brief explanation of each.

When the ignition key is first turned to the ON position, all of the vehicle’s warning lights should illuminate. The “big three” lights typically remain on until the engine is started and running. Once the engine is running, all the warning lights should go out within a few seconds. If any light remains illuminated, consult the sections below for further information.

  • Engine Oil Pressure

The engine oil pressure warning light commonly displays an oil can symbol or the word “OIL”. When the light illuminates, the engine has lost its supply of pressurized lubricating oil and severe engine damage or catastrophic failure can occur within seconds. Of all the warning lights, the oil pressure light indicates the greatest potential for serious mechanical damage, and also allows you the shortest time in which to take appropriate action.

If the oil pressure warning light comes on and stays on: pull off the road immediately and shut off the engine. Driving any further can significantly increase the extent of any engine damage — turning a possibly minor repair into a complete engine replacement.

  • Engine Coolant Temperature

The engine coolant temperature warning light commonly displays a thermometer symbol or the logo “TEMP”. When the light illuminates, the engine temperature has exceeded the safe maximum. If the increase in temperature continues, major engine damage or catastrophic failure will result.

If the coolant temperature warning light comes on, quickly assess the situation. Steam or liquid coolant coming from under the hood are clear indications of overheating and/or a leak. Pull off the road at the first safe opportunity; continuing to operate an engine with an illuminated temperature warning light will result in a major damage and a significant repair bill.

  • Charging System

The charging system warning light commonly displays a battery symbol or the logo “ALT” or “GEN”. When the warning light illuminates, the vehicle electrical system is no longer being supplied with power by the alternator.

A charging system failure rarely results in serious mechanical damage, and gives you the greatest amount of time to take appropriate action. If the charging system warning light comes on, turn off all unnecessary electrical accessories and drive to the nearest repair facility to have the vehicle checked.

(source:AAA.com)

Tarrant County’s First Ask Patty Certified Female Friendly Service Center

We are thrilled to be the first Auto Service Center to become Certified Female Friendly in Tarrant County!

This certification illustrates Jeffrey’s on-going willingness to address the needs of women consumers.  Jeffrey’s is proud to be part of the growing network of AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly® Service Centers in North America.  Team members at Jeffrey’s Automotive Repair have completed a training and certification process to provide a Certified Female Friendly® experience that exceeds women’s expectations.

“Since we opened in 1978, our customers have always complimented us on the cleanliness of our facility, our friendly service writers, and the respect we show them when they come into our shop,” said Morton Jeffrey, owner.  Kelly Jeffrey Vaughn, Customer Relations, explains the significance of this certification. “We treat all of our customers well, but I think that women have a tendency to fear that mechanics will talk condescendingly to them or that they will have an unpleasant experience when they have to visit an auto repair shop.  We hope this AskPatty certification simply assures women that we are committed to giving all of our customers the most positive experience possible.”

To become AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly®, Jeffrey’s Automotive Repair personnel completed an extensive training program on how to best serve women. Jeffrey’s Automotive Repair employees will participate in year-round instruction to enhance their awareness, appreciation, and commitment to a female-friendly service experience.  Jeffrey’s Automotive Repair will also benefit from a unique marketing support program designed to reach out and build lasting relationships with women customers.

“Women influence 85 percent of the buying decisions in North American households, effectively becoming the family’s chief purchasing officer,” says Jody DeVere, CEO of AskPatty.com, Inc.”  AskPatty trains and certifies automotive businesses to communicate more effectively with women and ensure they feel safe, respected and empowered, which creates tremendous customer loyalty. Jeffrey’s unique certification shows this family-owned repair facility’s commitment to women and that they are serious about earning their business.

In conjunction with AskPatty.com, Jeffrey’s Automotive Repair has launched a female-focused micro-site that provides the tools and resources most requested by women. The micro-site gives women the ability to schedule service appointments, access coupons and discounts, and learn more about car buying and maintenance online from the comfort of their home or office. The micro-site is easily accessed by searching on AskPatty.com, or by going directly to their site.

Honoring our Military

HONORING OUR MILITARY

We thank you for your service to our country!

At Jeffrey’s Automotive, we are so thankful for our troops!  We honor the service of military, active and reserve.  We express our appreciation for the sacrifice you and your families make each and every day.  Our country is indebted to you for your service.

If you are an active or reserve member of any branch of the armed forces come see  us and receive a 10% discount on any labor charge. This is our way of saying “Thank You!” during the month of May!

In May, we  celebrate Memorial Day, remembering those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom and liberty.  Also, marking the beginning of summer, you need to think about your vehicle:

Does your vehicle need A/C service to battle this summer’s HOT temperatures?

Does your car need an alignment to make your tires last longer?

Are your brakes going to keep you and your family safe on the road?

We recognize that you have a choice in automotive repair and we want to help you continue choosing Jeffrey’s for all of your maintenance needs and repair.  WE CAN FIX IT!

When you come in for any repairs or maintenance, every car receives a 25-point courtesy inspection. Our job is to keep you safe on the road.  If you have need of repair or maintenance, we can fix it!

April’s Activity

This month at Jeffrey’s Automotive we have enjoyed a lot of activity.  It has been our pleasure to offer a 10% discount throughout the month for the teachers in our community.  All of us here on the JA team have children or grandchildren in our local schools. We appreciate and thank God daily for the teachers of our children who are investing in their lives.  We know that they do much more than just teach them the basic subjects …. they encourage, motivate and inspire our children through time and sacrifice.

This month we also were a proud sponsor of Jenny’s Run for Hope! Several of us participated with our families in this run that brought together support for a beloved family in our community and helped to raise funds for overwhelming medical expenses.

Proud Sponsor of Jenny’s Run for Hope!

Jeffrey’s Automotive is thankful for the opportunity to join with others to sponsor Jenny’s Run for Hope !

Jenny Bizaillion, 31, lost her life after a sudden illness and infection. She fought courageously but was overcome by the infections in her body on February 23, 2010.

Jenny was a mighty warrior for Christ as well as a loving wife, awesome mom, precious daughter, incredible friend!  She is greatly missed and survived by husband David, their 10 year old daughter Malaya, and the extended Bizaillion and Ross families.

Over 12,000 individuals throughout the world followed Jenny’s battle and prayed for her healing through https://www.carepages.com/carepages/JennyBizaillionUpdates . The website continues to be a support to the family and includes updates on the benefits being organized in her name.

Jenny’s family had no medical insurance and is currently overwhelmed by mounting medical bills.  Now it is our turn to do what we can to help!

VIEW OUR FLYER


Thank You Teachers!

During this month of April at Jeffrey’s Automotive we want to recognize the hard work of our teachers! We want to say thank you for investing in future generations.  You help develop skills in our children, prepare them for year-end exams, and sacrifice so that our kids can learn every day in your classroom!

In recognition for your efforts, we have a special just for you!  If you are  a teacher in any public or private school, bring in your teacher ID and receive a 10% discount on any labor charge!

Come see us or call and make your appointment today!

Get your car ready for spring

We just recently joined the Ask Patty Automotive Advice for Women group!  They were published in this month’s issue of Women’s Day magazine! Here is the article…We are excited about partnering with this great group and learning from them even more ways that we can serve and bless our female customers!

Get Your Car Ready for Spring  

“As the temperature increases, so does our desire to hit the road,” says Jody DeVere, president and CEO of the automotive advice site AskPatty.com. Get your car ready for warmer weather with these simple steps.

 1. Get a car wash. Spring for the undercarriage wash to remove salt and road debris, like chunks of asphalt, to prevent rust and make your car more aerodynamic (which improves its fuel efficiency).

 2. Replace worn wipers. Winter can be brutal on your wipers—make sure they’re ready for spring showers. Check that the rubber isn’t dry or cracked, then turn them on and make sure they’re properly cleaning the windshield. If you see a problem, install a new set. DeVere recommends Rain-X Latitude Wipers because the graphite-coated rubber blades deliver a smooth, clean, chatter-free wipe.

 3. Check your coolant. The coolant system works overtime in warmer weather so your engine won’t overheat. Have an ASE-certified (master) mechanic flush and refill the coolant system every other year. An engine that runs too hot or too cold won’t get good gas mileage.

 4. Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Properly inflating your tires can improve fuel efficiency and is a very important safety step. Check the owner’s manual or look inside the driver’s side doorframe for your vehicle’s tire pressure rating, then use a pressure gauge to make sure they’re at the right level. In warmer weather, tires that are not properly inflated are also more likely to have a blowout.

 5. Change the oil. Regular oil changes help prevent engine wear and can even save you gas money. Synthetic motor oil also offers great engine protection in extreme temperatures. Check your owner’s manual to see how often this should be done on your car.

 6. Get a tuneup. A poorly tuned engine can reduce fuel efficiency. To ensure your vehicle’s peak performance, get a tuneup once a year. A basic tuneup can involve the replacement of spark plugs, inspection of spark plug wires, distributor cap, distributor rotor and air filter as well as inspection of the distributor’s dwell and timing. It also provides an opportunity to check out your vehicle’s systems, such as brakes and fluid levels.

 7. Check your air filter. A dirty air filter makes it harder for your engine to breathe and hurts gas mileage. The good news: Air filters are fairly inexpensive to replace. If you’re not comfortable or don’t have the right tools to do it yourself, a quick-lube shop can do it for somewhere between $18 and $28.

 8. Create an emergency kit. Pack up an emergency kit of items including a blanket, first aid supplies, snacks, bottled water, flares, jumper cables or a battery charger pack and an old pair of sneakers—changing a tire in high heels is not fun!

Car Care Tips

Today I found an article from the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) that encourages  drivers to take action and properly care for their vehicles.  I find it insightful, helpful and certainly relevant to our work and service here at Jeffrey’s Automotive!

Follow these tips from the ASA to help keep your vehicle running its smoothest all year long.

Top 10 Car Care Tips

1. Keep it clean. Aside from car wash operators, no one likes dirty cars. By keeping your car clean, not only will you feel better about the car, but you will likely reap the rewards at trade in time or when you sell it. Have your car professionally detailed before you attempt to sell it.

2. Maintain your car according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Find the specifications in the owner’s guide. The quickie oil change shop might try to beat the “change your oil every three thousand miles” mantra into your head, but most manufacturers don’t require oil changes until 7,500 miles or more. Don’t spend money where it’s not needed.

3. Go synthetic. When you do get that oil change, consider one of the well-known synthetic oils on the market. They are more expensive, but they also have a longer service life. Synthetic oil is made from regular oil, but it is made so that all the molecules are the same size, increasing flow and decreasing wear. Your engine could last longer and operate at cooler temperatures.

4. Fix what breaks. Today’s cars are much more complicated than cars from 10 years ago. A little problem can become a big problem if ignored. Turning up the radio to avoid hearing a noise is not a good plan — get it fixed.

5. Fix those paint chips.  Little paint chips have a way of growing into big paint chips. Fix them before they grow. Your local auto parts store will likely have paint touch-up products in various colors to match your paint. If they don’t, your dealer will.

6. Wax on, wax off. Find a high quality paste wax and spend the afternoon getting to know the nooks and crannies of you car. Wax your car once a year at a minimum and repeat often.

7. Get an annual physical.  It’s good advice for both you and your car. Most states require an annual inspection for all vehicles. Any dealer would be happy to do a 25,000 mile or more point check-up. This is the time to look at tires, belts, hoses, brakes and every other system subject to wear.

8.  Park and walk. Don’t grab the first space closest to the door of the mall. Instead, park in a less used area and walk the short distance. What’s the benefit? You get a little more exercise, and your car avoids the chance for a few dings and being a target for the “park-by-touch” crowd.

9. Don’t be cheap. Use parts that are approved by the manufacturer or come from a source you trust. Aftermarket parts can be as good, or better, than original equipment, but unless you get them from a trusted source, be wary.  Develop a relationship with the shop that repairs your car. Don’t cut corners on safety.

10. Keep your records. You can toss the old candy wrappers in the backseat, but don’t toss the paperwork that a potential buyer wants to see. Instead, keep a simple file of all of your bills, receipts, recall notices, e-mails and letters about your vehicle. Future buyers will thank you.

Jeffrey Kids

This business has been a part of our lives for as long as we can remember! I know that I (Kelly) was in fourth grade at Fort Worth Christian when this business began…we have been blessed to grow up with a great God,  faithful parents and a growing business that has blessed our family and this community for over 31 years. We are all grown now and have families of our own .  All of us have served in the business for extended times at different times in our lives.  My Dad, Morton Jeffrey is the Owner and still a very active part of this business.  My brother in-law Tony Brooks is the General Manager. I am excited to be serving here at this time in my life in the role of Customer Relations.  I have the privilege of following up with our customers and thanking them for choosing Jeffrey’s Automotive! We have customers that have been coming here for over 20 years.  I also am always looking for ways that we can make more people aware of the quality service that we provide.  It is our desire for more families to have peace of mind when it comes to their safety on the road! We are here to service your vehicle and help you protect your investment!

(From L to R) Kelly Vaughn, Sam Jeffrey, Andy Jeffrey and Becky Brooks

Our Family at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo

Our family makes an annual visit to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. We love watching the opening parade, singing the national anthem, and then watching the dirt fly as we witness bull riders,  barrel racing, and calf roping! This year seemed to be especially exciting!  These kids couldn’t wait to put on their cowboy boots and find their cowboy hats!  The bulls were mean and the horses were fast! The cowboys riding both the bulls and the horses demonstrate courage and a sense of adventure that even these moms and dads love to see! It was a great day and we are already looking forward to next year!

Below is the entire Jeffrey clan that lives in Texas! (Minus a few that live outside of this great state!)