Fall 2011 Newsletter
In This Issue
- Owners Letter
- Did You Know…?
- Service Expose’
- Just For Fun
- A.T.I. Update
- Employee Bio
- Recently Seen Bumper Stickers
- Seasonal Service Special
Dear BRYANT Family,
Can you believe the summer is over already? It seems to go by faster every year. We hope you have all enjoyed some wonderful family time and are prepared to get back to school and your normal schedules.
We, at Sonrise, had a busy summer and then a very restful vacation. We are keenly aware it would not have been possible without your continued trust and support. We are very grateful to all of you! To say thank you, we have included a “Good as Cash” certificate at the end of this e-mail that you can use for any of the services we offer at Sonrise, except for NYS Inspections.
The change of season also brings some new challenges to your vehicle. Instead of warding off the potential damages caused by excessive summer heat, your vehicle has to contend with the damper, colder temperatures the fall season can bring. Although most vehicle manufacturers have changed their ignition systems to a “coil-over” design, there are still many cars out there with conventional ignition wires and these are particularly vulnerable to wear and break down during the damp fall months. We recommend bringing your vehicle in and having the ignition system tested so you can enjoy trouble free driving throughout the fall and into the winter.
You may also consider, before the harsher winter months arrive, having the fluids checked for flushing or top-off as needed. The tires are also a particular concern, as the days grow colder, because the pressure decreases as the air molecules condense. So bring it on in for a check-up and we will be happy to serve you!
Again thank for allowing us to service all of your automotive needs!
Sincerely,
John & Mary Ann, and the Sonrise Automotive Team
(631)224-7353
Please be a part of our newsletter by submitting jokes, comments, complaints or questions to: gabrielle@sonriseauto.com. We look forward to hearing what you have to say and may include it in upcoming issues with your permission.
DID YOU KNOW…?
- In 1924, a Ford automobile cost $265.00
- The widest car ever built was the 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago at 81in.
- The first auto insurance policy was purchased in Westfeild, MA in 1897
SERVICE EXPOSE’
The Ignition System
The ignition system is a vital component in the smooth, efficient running of your vehicle. It is a complex system that supplies a high voltage charge to the spark plugs at just the right time in just the right amount to ensure proper, efficient burning of the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber.
This illustration will help you understand how the ignition system works.
The ignition process begins with a primary signal that is generated by the pick-up sensor (G) as the spinning distributor rotor/cam high spot (F) passes by. The low voltage signal created is converted to a 12 volt primary signal in the ignition module (H) and sent from the module to the ignition coil (I) where it is converted to a high voltage 20,000 to 40,000 volts, depending on demand. Although the voltage is very high there is very low amperage so the spark which is produced is not deadly, but it will sure make you jump! The voltage has now been converted to the ignition system secondary system. It leaves the coil (I) through the coil wire (D) and goes to the center of the distributor cap (B). Then the voltage travels through the ignition rotor (C) to the correct electrode for the corresponding cylinder, in the picture it is passing the electrode for cylinder #2. It then travels through the #2 ignition wire (A) to the #2 spark plug (J) where it ignites the compressed fuel and air mixture driving the piston down with great force and that is what turns the crankshaft and gives your engine it’s power.
Although, the ignition system in your vehicle is more complicated because the engine control computer (ECM) works with the ignition system to correctly set the ignition timing and sequence, at least you now have a basic knowledge of how the ignition system functions!
We hope you found this informative and helpful.
Just for Fun
A police officer pulls a guy over for speeding and has the following exchange:
Officer: May I see your license and registration?
Driver: I don’t have one. I had it suspended when I got my 5th DUI. I stole the vehicle, but I think I saw the registration when I was putting my gun in the glove compartment earlier.
Officer: There’s a gun in the glove compartment!?!
Driver: Yes sir. That’s where I put it after shot the owner and stuffed him in the trunk.
Officer: There’s a BODY in the TRUNK?!?!?
Driver: Yes, sir.
Hearing this, the officer immediately called his captain. The car was quickly surrounded by police, and the captain approached the driver to handle the tense situation:
Captain: Sir, may I see your license?
Driver: Sure. Here it is.
It was valid.
Captain: Whose car is this?
Driver: It’s mine, officer. Here’s the registration.
The driver owned the car. The captain being confused at this, checked both the glove compartment and trunk for a gun and a body. He found neither.
Captain: I don’t understand it. The officer who stopped you said you told him you didn’t have a license, stole the car, had a gun in the glovebox, and that there was a body in the trunk.
Driver: Really? Ain’t that something? And I’ll bet the lying sucker told you I was speeding, too …
Automotive Training Institute (ATI) UPDATE
As many of you know, we received a scholarship for 2 1/2 yrs of training with ATI back in Jan, 2011. It has been a huge blessing. As of Sept, 2011, John and Mary Ann have completed 6 of the 9 Owner’s courses covering such topics as: extraordinary customer service; motivation and goal setting; phone skills, making sure your customers are getting the services they really need; how to accurately markup parts and labor; as well as many other beneficial skills and/or tools enabling us to offer you the very best value added service. Gabrielle and Mary Ann, Richard and David have been gaining a great deal of insights in the Service Advisors classes as well. We will keep you posted on our progress in the next newsletter.
Sonrise Automotive Employee Bio
David Macholz
David began working with us as a gas attendant way back in 1997 while still in highschool. He came into the shop soon after do oil changes and minor repairs. He took to the repair aspect of the business like a duck to water. After a little hiatis from Sonrise when he opened his own specialty repair facility restoring Ford Mustangs, he began teaching High School Auto Mechanics at BOCES. We were thrilled when he was able to come back to Sonrise as a part timer! He currently works some afternoons and every Saturday.
We are grateful David is back with us for several reasons. He has a contagious smile and has always had a calm demeanor along with a good sense of humor. It helps to keep things a little lighter on those busy Saturdays when it can get a little hectic around here! He also has a great service ethic which fits right in at Sonrise. He keeps himself up to date with current technology so he brings a wealth of knowledge to the team whenever he is here. Feel free to stop by and say hello to David and any of our other mechanics/technicians. You will be pleasantly surprised by their congeniality and overall understanding of your automobile.
Recently Seen Bumper Stickers
“No radio; already stolen.”"Cover me: I’m changing lanes!”
Seasonal Service Special
This fall optimize your fuel mileage and get your vehicle prepared for the harsh winter months with:
- 20% off a major tune-up and a BG Carbon Clean Service Special
Just mention this ad when you call and schedule!
If you have an interesting story about your car, comment or complaint, a good joke regarding driving, an interesting vanity plate or bumper sticker sighting, please email us at gabrielle@sonriseauto.com and we may publish it in an upcoming issue with your permission.
