In This Issue:

Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later
Do you have a question about car repair or maintenance?
Lowell Wants to Buy Your Car!
Don't Lose Your Key...Or Else
Courtesy Shuttle Service
Thrifty Tips to Stretch Your Fuel Dollar
Were you pleased with your recent visit to Lowell's?
Share a Recipe
Advertisements & Self-Promotions


Pay Me Now or Pay Me Later

Several times a week, vehicles are towed into Lowell’s for major repairs.  Quite often these vehicles have been very poorly maintained.  Many times customers ask us what it was that caused the problem.  When we sometimes have to explain to them that it was due to lack of maintenance, they are usually quite surprised.  They tell us that their vehicle has been serviced somewhere on a regular basis.

Even though these people have had their vehicle “serviced”, many critical components have been neglected.  The problem, in our opinion, is the difference in what is considered service from one place to another.  Vehicle manufacturers, in order to make vehicles appear more attractive, have deleted many previous service intervals and greatly extended others. After all, they are in the business of selling NEW vehicles.

Like the old commercial, “Pay me now, or pay me later,” a lack of maintenance is a very poor gamble.  At Lowell’s we begin with the factory-recommended schedule for your vehicle, and from there we check other items which our experience has taught us should be watched.

A good example of a neglected service is your vehicle’s fuel filter.  It protects your fuel injectors and fuel pump.  Regular replacement of this filter - which is done with a maintenance tune up here at Lowell’s - costs a fraction of the price of replacing these expensive components, which can run into the hundreds of dollars.

Rear differential fluid for rear wheel drive vehicles is another overlooked service.  There are a multitude of trucks and SUV’s driving around with rear axle lubricant that is depleted.  Differential service is especially important if regular towing is done.   Engine coolant, automatic transmission fluid, and even spark plugs are other critical items often overlooked until it is too late.

Proper maintenance is an investment in the life of your vehicle.  Be sure it is properly performed – give us a call today or click here to make appointment.

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 Do you have a question about car repair or maintenance?  We love to hear from all our good friends and customers who enjoy reading Lowell’s Toyota Times.  If you have a question about anything related to your Toyota, Lexus, or Scion, feel free to give us a call at (859) 233-1173, or drop us a line at lowells@iglou.com.



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Lowell Wants to Buy Your Car!

We are in search of a good quality Toyota or Lexus vehicle to use as a loaner for our customers.  If you have such a car, or know of someone who does, call us at (859) 233-1173, or drop us a line at lowells@iglou.com.  We might just buy it!

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Don't Lose Your Key...Or Else

It’s never a good idea to have only one key to your car. With many of the newer cars, however, it is an especially bad idea.

Many new Toyota and Lexus vehicles are equipped with a transponder built into the master key. This transponder acts as a security device designed to prevent the car from starting unless the transponder is in close proximity to the ignition switch. Unless the key is in the ignition or right next to it, your car’s computer shuts down any attempt at starting. In this way, it is much more difficult for a thief to make off with your car without this master key.

By the same token, if you happen to lose this key, there is no way to start your car and no way to make another key for it. The only solution is to replace the car’s onboard computer, complete with a new key. This can cost upwards of $1000 - not a desirable option for most people.

Therefore, it makes sense if you are down to one key for your car that you have another one made, especially if yours has a transponder in it. Transponder keys usually have an oversized head made of black plastic. If you’re not sure about yours, give us a call at (859) 233-1173, email us, or drop by. We’ll be happy look at it to see which kind you have.    


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Courtesy Shuttle Service   
Lowell's offers shuttle service to your home or work.  When you make your appointment, just let us know that you need a ride, and we'll be glad to give you one.  Our "fleet" is waiting at your service.

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Thrifty Tips to Stretch Your Fuel Dollar

With vehicle fuel prices near $3.00 per gallon, it is wise to consider how to stretch a few more miles from each gallon.  Many consumers are considering newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles.  While that is an immediate way to increase your miles per gallon, there are other, less expensive methods as well.

  1. Be certain that your engine is running at top efficiency.  Driving with the “check engine” light on has always been a bad idea, but considering current fuel prices, it is equivalent to burning money.  Misfiring spark plugs, a faulty oxygen sensor, or other emissions components can significantly lessen your fuel mileage.
     
  2. Keep tires fully inflated to reduce friction.  You can check your tire manufacturer’s recommended pressure on the sidewall of the tire.  A good rule of thumb in the event you’re still not sure is 32-35 psi.  When your car is in for its regular 3500 mile service, our technicians here at Lowell’s always check and adjust your tire pressure as needed.

  3. One of the biggest fuel wasters is also one of the easiest to correct. Driving habits will vary fuel mileage perhaps more than anything else. 

    Quick acceleration and speeding can waste more fuel than anything else.  The old adage, “Drive like there is an egg under the accelerator,” is good advice.  Just as it takes more energy for you to run across a room than to walk, the same is true for your vehicle.  Driving 68 mph instead of 72 mph can reduce fuel consumption up to three miles per gallon.  Coasting when possible can add eight mpg or more on some vehicles.  By driving slower and allowing ample time to reach your destination, you will not only save a good deal of fuel, but also wear and tear on your vehicle. 

    Another bad habit to avoid is taking unneeded trips, especially short ones.  This can save a great deal of fuel and vehicle wear and tear. Keeping a list of needed items, stocking up on commonly used items, and planning ahead to combine trips can make a huge difference at the pump, as well as reduce your overall vehicle maintenance costs.

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Were you pleased with your recent visit to Lowell's?

 If so, then tell a friend, relative, or co-worker who drives a Toyota, Lexus, or Scion.  If you weren't happy with your experience at Lowell's, then let us know.  Call (859) 233-1173, email us, or stop by - we want to know how we can improve. 


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Share a Recipe
A new regular feature in Lowell's Toyota Times

This edition's recipe comes to us from Evan Drysdale, our newsletter editor's teenage son.  He's quite a cook; the whole family loves it whenever he bakes this pie for dessert.  One time he made one of these pies and brought it into the shop - it was almost completely gone before lunch! 

If you have a recipe you'd like to share, send it to us at lowells@iglou.com.  Also, feel free to drop us a line if you've tried one of our recipes and would like to comment on it.



Evan's Chocolate Fudge Pie

1/2 stick unsalted butter
1 Tbsp flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs, beaten
2 1/2 Tbsp cocoa
1 small can (5 oz.) evaporated milk
1  unbaked pie crust


Melt butter; add other ingredients.  Stir, mixing well.  Pour into unbaked crust.  Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.

As a variation, you can sprinkle walnuts or pecans on top; however you may want to use a deep dish pie crust if you do.


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Lowell's Awards & Honors
::Better Business Bureau Integrity Award in 1991.
::Voted "Best in the Bluegrass" in ACE Weekly poll in 1997, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2005.
::Featured on a television special for employing women in a traditionally male environment.
::Featured on Hometown Heroes for work done in the community.


   Don't miss our "MONTHLY SPECIAL" at www.chooselowells.com.

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______________________________________________________________________________________________
 Lowell's Toyota Times is published by Lowell's Bluegrass Automotive.  Opened in 1979, Lowell's is the the only independent repair shop in the Bluegrass specializing in the maintenance and repair of Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicles.

          

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