Stadium Automotive

One of my passions is working at make this a better community to live in. One of my recent boards a have joined is the Police commission. 35 vehicles have been stolen this year in Eugene already. Hondas and Toyotas of the 1990s vintage are a favorite for the thieves. A “shaved” key easily work with both of these brands. The solution is to use a steering wheel lock. In Eugene, no vehicle have ever been stolen with one installed. Yes, one has been stolen with the lock in the back seat. The steering wheel lock takes about 10 seconds to install or remove. My recommendation is to use these on pre 2004 vehicles. Newer vehicles have much greater security such as chips in the key that are linked with the electronics of the vehicle so even with a key, they will not start. The Eugene police crime prevention unit sells these for $12.50 for The Club. They can be purchased at the main police head quarters at 300 Country Club Road at any hour or at 791 East 13th from 8:00am till 4:00 pm. They ar ... read more

Drivers are the weakest link when it comes to driving safely, according to Jason Forcier, Bosch’s regional president of electronics. “So what can today’s vehicles do to help prevent crashes?” In avoidance, the first equipment was anti-locking brakes (ABS). No matter how hard you push the brake pedal, the wheels will not lock up. When wheels do lock up in hard braking, it increases stopping distance and takes away your ability to steer your vehicle. ABS was introduced in high-end cars and now is on all vehicles sold in this country. The next wonderful avoidance device to be widely installed was stability control. This system has the ability to sense, through electronics, when your vehicle enters into a slide. Using the brake system, it will apply the brake on one wheel to help bring the car out of the slide. I have driven a vehicle with stability control disabled and then working; it really works well. Some vehicles have a “heads-up” display super-imposed on the windshield so the driv ... read more

Reminder of winter tips. Be sure wipers are in good shape, they need to be replaced yearly. Make sure all lights are working properly and headlights are aimed correctly. Cold weather inhibits your car’s battery ability to produce power. A cold engine needs more power to crank over. Have your battery checked during all services to insure trouble free winter starting. Tires are your first defense between you and the road. Makes sure tread life is satisfactory, the pressure is set and the alignment is correct. Giving the shape of roads these days, yearly alignments are suggested

As a long-term automotive shop owner- since 1975- I work at giving my customers the proper guidance to extend the longevity of their vehicle without over spending. I have worked diligently on that balance. As part of walking that line, I often need to clarify misconceptions customers have about vehicle maintenance. Here are some of the common myths I encounter and what I tell my customers: Myth: Modern vehicles require routine tune-ups. In fact, the phrase “Tune Up” does not apply to newer vehicles. The last time most cars could truly be “tuned up” was in the 1970’s. Tuning a car was like conducting an orchestra, making sure all the cylinders are firing correctly, at the correct time, with the proper air fuel mixture, to maximize power, drivability and fuel economy. On vehicles built after the 1990′s, none of this is adjustable. The closest thing to tuning up today is getting a check engine light to turn off by troubleshooting and replacing of components. Myth: You nee ... read more

We will be holding an auto clinic on Saturday, February 9th, 10am – 3:00 pm here at the shop. Cost will be $10 including lunch. 15 spots available.Please contact us to reserve your place. George Rode will be teaching the class, he will give you a hands on tour of a vehicle. You will have a chance to get those questions about how things work on your car answered. We are expecting a great time to be had by all. Don’t miss out! (It probably won’t be as hands on as this picture. )

Vehicle buying tips. As a time after floods just happened on the east coast, some totaled vehicles will slip through the system and become available for sale. A vehicle that has been in a flood is not a good choice to own. Water and electronics don’t mix well together. What we have found is over time, corrosion set in and wiring harness and control units need to be replaced. Lots of dollars. Have your favorite shop check it out. Things you can do it look under the dash, under carpets and in the corners of the trunk looking for water damage and mud. If it too low of price, be careful. Buy from reputable dealers. Be careful, your vehicle is one of the biggest expenses you own. Tips by George Rode