It’s the most wonderful time of the year because Jesus is the reason for the season! Christmas has a tendency of making me reflective and thankful. I reflect on Christmases past; Grandparents I miss, friends I don’t see anymore, and children that used to be shorter than me! Another year has flown by…

I’m thankful because God has blessed me with a wonderful and healthy family, a good place to work, lots of friends, and all of you. I’m thankful for a wonderful year, that our customers are the best, and I love talking to you, working with you, praying for some of you and with others. I love to hear about your children in college, in various sports, and I’ve learned a lot from you.

So I thought I would share some of what I’ve learned with all of you.

1.You are never done as a parent! As countless numbers of you come across my office, I am amazed how gracious you are about this. I really thought that I would be done some day, but you have set me straight.
2.A nickel fits perfect in a 12v outlet…and…given enough time, a toddler will find this out.
3.Estimates should always include tax…[I’m still working on this.]
4.You don’t know if there is oil on your garage floor; your car is parked there [a perspective I’ve never thought of!]
5.The oil change stickers need to be filled out with indelible ink.
6.The old driveway really did scare lots of people!
7.My wife is always right! I won’t elaborate on this because she will read this letter…
8.The old van couch in the office is very popular, but not for sale.
9.No matter what the internet says… when your wife locks your keys in the car, you cannot unlock it with your key FOB and a smart phone!
10.“Can you hear that car sound…?” over the phone does not work.

I really enjoy people and our customers. I want to wish all of you a Happy Christmas and New Year. I look forward to all that lies ahead in the year. We here at Rogers Garage think that fixing cars is a group effort. It takes you and us to “Get-er done!”

Thanks and God Bless,

Todd Rogers, family, and staff

In the words of one of my favorite performers, “It’s not easy being green!” Yes, that is correct…I’m talking about that star of the stage, that musician, [who looks as good today as he did 35 years ago] Kermit the Frog!

Nowadays, “green” is a newly coined [and politically correct term] referencing the whole ‘God put us in charge of this planet so take care of it!’ covenant. Now, what you might find less strange than the fact that Kermit the Frog is a fave of mine is…here at Rogers Garage, we actually buy into this! We believe it is our job to leave the Earth as good as we found it. My parents, my wife, my brothers, my boys, my nieces and my nephews [all of us!] have always loved being outdoors; camping, biking, snowmobiling, boating, and more!

So how does this translate to Rogers Garage? We continuously walk through the shop cleaning up, washing the floors, and gathering waste for proper disposal. Our used oil gets recycled as heat. We recycle used parts, antifreeze, and our scrap metal too. We believe in being responsible for our mess. It is all of our jobs!

So even though I like Kermit the Frog, I will have to disagree with him…it IS EASY being green! It’s just as simple as getting up and going to work; you just do it! The water wells here are hand dug and only 15 feet deep. We don’t want waste flowing out of the drive and into the creek that is played in by countless children! It is safe, and I drink right from the springs that flow into it even though it still grosses out my wife.

Next time you stop out, take a walk, and enjoy the view my mom and dad worked hard to create—a view worth looking at, an area worth living near, and a shop worth bringing your car to! The same care we show towards the environment is the same care we show towards your cars and trucks. It just does not take anymore time to care! [Maybe you just have to want to?]

Todd Rogers

So why do these sensors matter to you? Unless you enjoy bathing by the beautiful amber glow of the T.P.M.S. light, there are some reasons that it should matter to you. Beginning in 2012, our government has mandated that all vehicles have some form of tire pressure monitoring system. So what is all the fuss about? How did we live for a hundred years without them?

Well, the fuss is mainly centered on three important reasons:

1) Fuel Mileage
2) Tire Life
3) Safety

Let’s consider reason number 1; fuel mileage. Some estimates suggest that low tire psi is the number one way to increase fuel mileage [up to 4%.] According to the U.S. Department of Energy, having a tire that is only 1 lb. low on psi can cost you that 4%. At $3.50 cents a gallon, 4% a year can equal an average of $2,600 a year!

Secondly, we need to consider tire life. Driving on low tire pressure can change the shape of the tire and cause cupping [small indentations on your tires.] Likewise, improper tire inflation can cause a breakdown in the side walls of your tire, which in turn can lead to premature failure of a tire.

Lastly, and most importantly, we need to regard the safety aspect! Aside from the potential blow-out factor, under inflated tires will cause your vehicle to drive differently. You might experience a “loose feel” to your steering. It is possible that under-inflated tires will also add to your braking distance. Consequently, on many SUVs, it can be the number one reason for a loss of control of the vehicle! Driving with low tires is just unsafe!

Currently, T.P.M.S. are the #1 reason for vehicles out of warranty to return to the dealership. However, this need not happen! Rogers Garage has the latest in T.P.S.M. tools. We can reset, relearn, and repair any system. So don’t pay the dealer cost…let us help you save time and money! We are committed to keeping current on all of our training and technology. So, for all your repair needs, please see us 1st!

Todd Rogers

Below is an interesting link with more interesting information regarding your tires, and vehicle safety.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [NHTSA]

Tire Safety Brochure
http://www.nhtsa.gov/DOT/NHTSA/Vehicle%20Safety/Articles/Associated%20Files/brochure.pdf

“A long, long time ago…when I can still remember how that music used to make me smile.”  So the song goes…[“American Pie” by Don McLean.]  I learned that song as a young boy.  14yrs old to be more exact.  I can remember the songs of the 70’s; the late nights working till 10 at night; a thick cloud of bug buzzing around the florescent lights.  I remember learning to set points and rebuild a carburetor, [terms not often used these days].

Growing up during that era, and working in this industry for over 40 years has provided me with quite a unique perspective.  I have learned a lot about cars and people.  And believe it or not, I have developed a little theory about our success at Rogers Garage!

I believe our success has little to do with being able to repair cars.  Yes…it is important to repair a car in a timely fashion, at a fair price, and correct the first time!  Likewise, there are a lot of people and businesses that repair cars [but NONE BETTER!]

However, I believe our success did not arise from the latter.  I believe what has made us fruitful in our endeavor is, God first and foremost!  Secondly, I believe it is great customers and friends like You [the people whom daily trust us with your rides as well as those who work for us!] 

And that is why I am writing this.  I wanted to sincerely say thanks to the Hillocks, and scores of others who have showed me grace and watched me grow up… To the Schmautz’s who came later, but are great people…  To Tim Jenkins, who probably taught me more in the early years than anyone else… To Jimmy Eubanks, no longer with us, but never forgotten!  To John, who taught me my children and family are more important than the job… To all of the people who have worked here and added to our success… To my dad, who through his actions taught me that people want to see you succeed, and that good character and honesty will get you through a lot of mistakes and   Dad taught me that a belief in God and tithing is a part of our spiritual walk, and having faith that God will provide when you can’t see the end of the job.

To all of you, I wanted to say thanks!  We, I, Rogers Garage would be nothing without YOU!  You are the reason for our success!  I am looking forward to the years ahead, to my old friends, and to making many more new ones!

Todd

Top off your engine oil, antifreeze, and windshield wiper fluid

Keeping all your fluids full is one of the most important steps you can take for your vehicle. Keeping the antifreeze levels full is vital for your car as it works to overcome the cold weather.

Have your brakes inspected

The last thing you want is for your brakes to go out with 6” of Ohio snow, sleet and ice on the roads. Make sure your brake pads are ready for the wear and tear of winter.

Check the tread and wear on all 4 tires

Maneuvering through slushy and poorly plowed roads is difficult enough when your tires are brand new. It is much more difficult, not to mention dangerous, when your tires are going bald. If you don’t know what to look for, stop in and have one of our experts check to see if new tires are a smart step towards getting ready for the coming snow.

Some additional steps you can take:

• Make sure your windshield wipers are in top condition
• Clean your battery posts
• Check your spark plug wires

Noise! Listen to It!

Did you know that a small piece of metal is built into your brake pads? Once the pads wear thin enough, that metal piece comes in contact with the rotor, causing a loud squeal when you apply the brakes. If your car squeals when you apply the brakes, don’t ignore it! Have your brakes checked out as soon as possible.

Brakes are not something that can safely be ignored. While you are having your brakes inspected, make sure to also check:

• Brake lines
• Fittings
• Rotors