John and Mary Ann are the owners of Sonrise Automotive. John is the chief cook and bottle washer here at Sonrise. He has a positive attitude and professional manner. His intuitive diagnostic skills, overall business integrity and customer service insight have collectively made Sonrise Automotive a reputable and thriving auto repair facility in the Islip area. John has 46 years of experience in the automotive industry which aids him in simplifying and explaining the operation of complicated systems, making it easier for our customers to understand the problems they are having with their vehicle.

John and Mary Ann have been married 17 years. In the early days of the business, Mary Ann’s life was full, supporting John at home, raising children and working part time as a Speech Pathologist. As our children grew and the season changed, Mary Ann began working at Sonrise more regularly, coming alongside John, Gabrielle and the guys at the shop, taking over the bill paying and enjoying our customers. Mary Ann has been to all of the Automotive Training Institute training courses with John and Gabrielle. She has a real gift for administration and organization and keeps things ship shape around her. Everyone loves her gracious, caring manner and excellent customer service skills. We are so glad God has opened up her schedule so she can spend more time here at Sonrise.

During the time spent after classes and between semesters, Rich held down three jobs. He was a manager at the Sayville movie theatre, worked as a Field Technician/Network administrator, and worked for us here at Sonrise. When he graduated, he found that his new interest and aptitude was in the automotive field and decided to come on as a full time technician, for which we are very grateful! He brings the electrical expertise from his IT experience and proven methodology and applies it to every job he encounters. He is an invaluable asset to our team, with exceptional customer service a top priority for him. Since coming on board full time, he has attended many trade clinics on advance diagnosis and has achieved ASE certification on the A1, A4, A5 and A8 exams. Although he only has 4 more exams to achieve Master Technician status, he plans on taking the L1 Advanced Engine Performance Specialist exam, hoping to help bolster his diagnostic capabilities.

Rich just married Elise this past July in a beautiful ceremony in West Sayville. We pray God blesses their marriage with many wonderful, happy years.

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.

Not only are we happy to have Mike as part of the Sonrise Team because of his specialty training and diesel knowledge, but because of his joyful attitude and contagious work ethic. He is a great motivator and always seems to have a story or joke to share with the team. He and his wife, Gabby have been married for eight years and have two beautiful boys. We enjoy getting to see them occasionally at our company picnics/get togethers.

• Did You Know…?
• Toys For Tots
• A.T.I. Update
• Fun Quotes From Our Customers
• Winterizing Savings Spectacular

Dear BRYANT Family,

Can you believe the Christmas/Chanukah season is upon us already?! Where did 2011 go? We hope you have a wonderful Christmas / Chanukah with homes full of love, joy and peace. Just for your planning, we will close for the week, Sunday, Dec 25th and will reopen Tuesday, Jan 3rd at 8am.

In the giving spirit of the season, we have come up with a couple of great values we hope you will take advantage of. We are beginning a Referral Reward Program that we hope will be a blessing to you for your trust in us. Our Seasonal Service Special is an exceptional value (see below). Finally, we are supplying a $20 Good as Cash Certificate at the very bottom of the newsletter.

In these tough economic times, we are all concerned about getting high quality service and the “best bang for our buck”. As a local business, we strive to deliver that for you every day. Because we too are feeling the economic pressure of our times, we are asking you to take a few minutes to put a review on Google for us. (Many of you have done Repair Pal reviews and we are so appreciative.) We have made it as easy as possible for those of you with a smart phone. Just copy this QR code into the browser on your Phone or click on the link below it if you do not have a smart phone and it will bring you to a page where you can type in a review for us. We really appreciate you taking the time to do this!

Sonrise Automotive Review

May the true message of Christmas bless you with God’s hope and peace.

Sincerely, John & Mary Ann, and the Sonrise Automotive Team

DID YOU KNOW…?

• The first car race in the U.S. was in Chicago on Nov. 28, 1895. The winner was J. Frank Duryea, whose average speed was 71.5 mph.
• The first cars used a lever instead of a steering wheel.
• The first toll roads in the U.S. were opened in Pennsylvania and Connecticut in 1792.

Toys For Tots

We will be collecting toy donations until Tues. Dec. 13th during our regular business hours, Tues-Sat, 8am-6pm. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Following is the mission, goal and objective of this organization taken directly from their website:

MISSION: The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.

GOAL: The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

SERVICE EXPOSE’

Oil Change Service

Daily we are asked what is the difference between conventional & synthetic motor oil. We are asked what are the benefits of each & in what situation do we recommend them. Why is synthetic oil almost twice the price? What is included in an oil change service? This expose’ will hopefully provide you with all the information you are seeking & help you make the best decisions possible for the maintenance of your vehicle. As it says on p. 1 on our website, “maintenance is the key to longevity”. (Our long time customers, Bob & Jo-Ann, have maintained their cars so well, one of them has over 414K miles on it! Theirs are along with many others who have over 300K miles.)

The function of motor oil is to lubricate all the moving parts, provide protection from wear & corrosion, keep the engine free of sludge & pieces of debris that can harm your engine. Conventional motor oil is made from crude oil which is processed in a refinery. Additives are mixed in to change the viscosity (thickness or internal friction), protection properties & temperature related degradation.

Synthetic oil is treated in a very similar manner except the oil itself is synthesized so the molecules are all a consistent size & weight for an improved viscosity level . It also receives many more additives making it more costly to produce. One such additive is a friction inhibitor for improved engine protection from the moment of start up. Synthetic oil reaches the valve lifters over 300% faster than conventional oil below 32 degrees. This alone is a tremendous benefit for the overall longevity of your vehicle’s engine.

We generally recommend synthetic oil for customers who own, as opposed to those who lease their vehicles, or those vehicles in which the manufacturer requires synthetic oil. When deciding which type of motor oil is best for your vehicle, bear in mind the age of the vehicle. If you have been using conventional oil in your older vehicle, the build-up of waxes & sludge may actually be preventing leaks from the seals. The introduction of synthetic oil, which has more detergents in it, will breakdown this buildup & may create leaks from the seals.

Conventional oil changes are done every 3,000 miles. Synthetic oil changes are done every 5-6,000 miles & cost almost double that of a conventional oil change.

Included in every oil change here at Sonrise Automotive is the replacement of your oil with high quality oil, (we use Alldata, a state of the art repair info resource, as a guide for correct viscosity & quantity your vehicle requires). We change the oil filter, lubricate all grease fittings (as required) & door hinges. We check all fluids & add as needed. We also check brakes, belts, hoses, wipers & other maintenance that may be needed. We also check tire pressure & condition, adding air as needed. And we may recommend tire rotation as required.

We hope you found this informative & helpful.

Just for Fun

A police officer pulled over a teenager for speeding.
As he approached the teenager he said,
“I’ve been waiting for you all day.”
The witty teenager replied,
“Well, I got here as fast as I could.”
When the officer finally stopped laughing,
he sent the kid on his way without a ticket.

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 Dec, 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. Mary Ann and Gabrielle, Richard and David have been gaining a great deal of insights in the Service Advisor’s classes as well. Mary Ann and Gabrielle will be going down to Maryland in the new year to continue their Service Advisor’s class. We will keep you posted on our progress in the next newsletter.

ATI Program

Sonrise Automotive Employee Bio

Michael Roell began working with us part time in 2003 & came on full time in January of 2004. We were sad to see he & his family move to Tennessee in the spring of 2005. Michael recently moved back to NY & works full time at a Ford dealership. We were delighted to bring him back on Saturdays. Mike began his automotive career at Wilson Tech. He then moved on to Denver Diesel & is now GM trained & certified, Ford trained & certified & an ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) trained Master Technician.

Not only are we happy to have Michael as part of the Sonrise Team because of his specialty training & diesel knowledge, but because of his joyful attitude & contagious work ethic. He is a great motivator & always seems to have a story or joke to share with the team. He & his wife, Gabby have been married for 8yrs & have 2 beautiful boys. We enjoy getting to see them occasionally at our company picnics/get togethers. Feel free to stop by & say hello to Michael & any of our other mechanics/technicians. You will be pleasantly surprised by their congeniality & overall understanding of your automobile.

Fun Quotes From Our Customers (thank you!)

From Dawn
-Famous last words, “The three guys at the (used) car dealership all told me this was a really good car.”

From Diane
-I apologize for traveling too close in front of you.

-Due to budget cuts, the light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off.

Winterizing Savings Spectacular

We are keenly aware of the many financial difficulties many of our customers are experiencing, as we also are experiencing the rising costs of doing business. Even if you are personally ok, you know someone or several others who are struggling. The last thing we plan to spend money on is maintaining our vehicles. However, as our motto says, “maintenance is the key to longevity”. This saying is truer now then ever before. We would like to offer you a winterizing service, at a tremendous discount, that would adequately prepare your vehicle for the rough winter months ahead.

Included in this winterizing service is:

• a 30 pt courtesy vehicle inspection (a thorough going over of your entire vehicle)
• a conventional oil change (using quality Purolator oil filter & synthetic blend premium AGIP engine oil)
• an antifreeze flush in which we add BG cooling system cleaner, run the vehicle for 15 minutes, then flush out all the antifreeze, refilling it with a 50-50 solution of your manufacturer’s recommended antifreeze, water & a can of BG cooling system conditioner
• a tire rotation & balance service
• a Rainx Windshield Service in which we clean your windshield inside & out and apply a liberal amount of Rainx rain repellant solution to the outside. In addition, we will replace your wipers with a new set of either Rainx Latitude, beam type wiper blades or Bosch conventional wiper blades, depending on what your vehicle requires.

It is our hope that many of you will take advantage of this service at only $169.95 (regular cost is approximately $350)(may be slightly higher for vehicles that require fully synthetic oil, more than 5 qts of oil &/or european vehicles). This is a great value that will go a long way to help insure trouble free driving throughout the following winter months. Call for an appointment 631-224-7353

Not to be combined with any other coupons or specials. Offer good to 2/27/12.

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.

It is our hope that many of you will take advantage of this service at only $169.95 (regular cost is approximately $350), (may be slightly higher for vehicles that require fully synthetic oil, more than 5 qtrs. of oil &/or European vehicles). This is a great value that will go a long way to help insure trouble free driving throughout the following winter months.

Call for an appointment 631-224-7353

Not to be combined with any other coupons or specials. Offer good to 2/27/12.

Normally $350.00

Special $169.95

Just print this page and bring it in to receive your discount.

• 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.

ATI Program
 

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.