First Friday Milwaukie Celebration – April 1, 2011
No April Fools Joke! Mark Your Calendar – It is time to Party in Milwaukie, Oregon
April 1st in Downtown Milwaukie brings back our First Friday celebration, Art a la Carte. Bernard’s Garage is very happy to present a big part of the celebration with a band playing at our front door and the exceptionally inspiring artwork of Jennifer and Stephen Willis. These two artist show their work worldwide and have been successful with a growing following. To preview their work, see www.williworks.com or ….
JOIN US for music, art, prizes and car talk from 4pm to 8pm Friday, April 1st here at Bernard’s Garage.
Always Put New Tires On The Rear
Tire rotation or rotating tires is the practice of moving automobile wheels and tires from one position on the car, to another, to ensure even tire wear. Tire wear is uneven for any number of reasons. Even tire wear is desirable to maintain consistent performance in the vehicle and to extend the overall life of a set of tires.
In the case of excessive tire wear, two new tires might be required. The rule for replacing two worn tires is to always put new tires in the rear and rotate (if necessary) the partially worn tires to the front. The video below shows examples of why:
Don’t Ignore Your Car’s Warning Lights
Most drivers have had a warning light come on while they are behind the wheel, but many do not know how to react.
- What does it mean?
- Should I pull over?
- Will my car quit running?
- Is it really that important?
- Can’t I just ignore it?
“Warning lights are there for a reason – to let us know something is wrong with our car,” says Earl Baker, Approved Auto Repair Coordinator for AAA Oregon/Idaho. “In some cases, ignoring a warning light can quickly result in catastrophic damage to your car’s engine, so it’s important to know what each light means and what you should do if it comes on while driving.”
Don’t let a warning light leave you guessing, or worse, leave you stranded. AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities are regularly inspected for adherence to AAA standards of customer service, technical capabilities and equitable business practices. AAA stands behind the services these shops perform for AAA members.
Bernard’s Garage is one of over 80,000 AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities in North America, but if you are no in the Portland Metro area and need a AAA Approved Auto Repair Shop, then visit AAA.com/repair.
Healthy Start / Healthy Families of Clackamas County Book Drive
Healthy Start / Healthy Families of Clackamas County is hosting a Book Drive during the month of MARCH 2011.
Help us raise 1,000 books for babies ages 0-3 years old!
Please bring NEW BOARD BOOKS to any of the locations listed. Your donation will provide a small baby with a new book, and a great start to early literacy!
For some babies, the book you donate may be the only book they have! Help us reach our goal of 1,000 books and we can provide a new board book each month, for one year, for 83 babies!!
Why Healthy Start?
Raising a family and having a child in today’s world is a big responsibility. It’s not always easy to know the “right” thing to do as a parent-who to turn to with a question or who to talk to when things seem overwhelming. We understand that you are your child’s first and best teacher, and we want to help you be the best parent you can be. Every child deserves a healthy start!
What is Healthy Start?
We are a collaborative group of social services agencies, early childhood educators, family support workers and volunteers who offer support and services to parents of children ages 0-5 in Clackamas County. We offer a variety of services that give information about parenting, bonding with your baby, healthy infant growth and development as well as resources in your community.
Book Drive Drop Locations
- Gladstone Center for Children & Families
18905 Portland Ave., Gladstone, OR 97027 - Gladstone High School
1880 Portland Ave., Gladstone, OR 97027 - Gladstone Christian Church
305 E. Dartmouth St., Gladstone, OR 97027 - Willamette Christian Church
3153 South Brandywine Dr., West Linn 97068 - Public Services Building
2051 Kaen Rd (Lobby), Oregon City, OR 97045 - West Linn Public Library
1595 Burns St., West Linn, OR 97068 - Wilsonville Public Library
8200 SW Wilsonville Rd., Wilsonville, OR 97070
Preparing for Ice and Snow – The Bernard’s Snow Tire Guide
During the snow storm, Snow Tires can make the difference between making it home or getting stuck
Winter driving can be a challenge, so ensuring a car’s tires are up to the task can give drivers extra piece of mind. In colder and snowier climes, using snow (or winter) tires may be a good idea for safety reasons.
Snow tires are different from the standard radials placed on cars, which are commonly referred to as “all season” tires. The tread plays a big part of this: the edges “bite” into the snow and ice better to give increased traction, and the rubber composition of the tire is softer.
This softer rubber allows the tire to be more flexible, which in turn prevents snow buildup between the tread. It also grips on ice better and provides more traction.
If your winter driving conditions are icy, then a studded tire may be the better option. A studded tire is is essentially a tire with a metal stud added to the tread. Studded tires provide excellent traction on icy, but at the expense of greater tire noise and road / driveway damage.
From a cost standpoint, studded tires will cost a bit more than snow tires and studded tires take longer to order.
Please call for pricing information or to schedule time for Bernard’s to measure you cars tires a recommend the best snow tire solution for your vehicle and driving conditions.
Preparing for Ice and Snow – The Bernard’s Snow Tire Chain Guide
Saturn Snow Traction Device
This year is predicted to be a COLD winter with lots of snow and ice! Planning a head will save you lots of time and money. Bernard’s Garage has cold weather tire solutions for just about any vehicle and driving circumstance. Now is the time to decide if you will use:
- Studded Snow Tires
- Studless Snow Tires
- Tire Chains / Traction Device
Correct sizing is critical to prevent damage to the vehicle. Tire size and wheel well spacing varies from one car to another. In the State of Oregon, if your vehicle does not have studded tires, then you are required to carry snow chains or a traction device. For example, Saturns have a plastic traction device that bolts to the outside of the wheel.
Tire Chains
Diamond tire chains pattern insures a comfortable ride with less vibration and noise. Maximum traction with minimal brake distance and skidding. Alloy D-Links for extended life and traction. Recommended for ABS and traction control systems. Very easy, simple installation without the need to jack up, or move the car.
A good set of diamond chains run about $130 and are not returnable.
For some cars, the extra diameter of the chains is too great for the allowed space in the wheel well. For that reason, diamond chains may not fit your vehicle. You may need to use a cable chain or special made traction device (like the Saturn Device above.
Cable tire chains – The two primary materials used for winter traction devices are steel links and steel aircraft cable surrounded by steel rollers. Cable chains represent the latest evolution in winter traction devices. Lower-profile than link chains, cables fit more applications and offer a smoother ride. Because they’re lighter than links, cables are often easier to install, remove and store. Some even come packaged with rubber tighteners that eliminate having to stop and retighten the chains.
Cable tire chains are less expensive that Diamond chains, in the $60 price range. While they are not as durable as the other snow chain options, they do meet the Oregon State snow chain requirement. Installation of cable chains is critical! Incorrect installation can cause serious damage to your fenders or drivetrain.
Bernard’s Garage Snow Tire University
OK, so it isn’t really a school, but if you buy snow chains from Bernard’s, we’ll teach you how to install them correctly. We also have a snow tire installation kit available for $15. The kit includes a piece of heavy carpet (to kneel on), a flashlight and a pair of waterproof gloves.
LearnStrong Progam
Bernard’s Garage is proud to be a part of Milwaukie High Schools LearnStrong program. A program designed to help encourage struggling students to maintain their grades at a level that the school and community would deem adequate. Bernard’s garage is offering a voucher worth 5% off parts and labor for any service or repair preformed at Bernard’s Garage. Teachers click here for a printable voucher you can sign and date for your students.
Belts and Hoses Needs and Maintenance
What are they?
You car’s belts and hoses are essential to the cooling, air conditioning and charging systems, and the engine. Don’t take these routine replacement intervals for granted because they can break down and leave you stranded.
What do they do?
The timing belt keeps the crankshaft and camshaft mechanically synchronized to maintain engine timing. Whether serpentine, V-belt or fan belt (the belts on the outside of the engine), they all transmit power from the front of the engine to accessories that need to be driven, such as the air conditioning, the charging system and fans. Radiator and heat hoses carry coolant to and from the engine, radiator and heater core.
Typical Wear and Tear
Key items that affect the replacement interval for belts and hoses:
• Vehicle age
• Electrolytic corrosion
• Mileage
• Oil contamination
• Belt tension
• Failed hose clamps
Symptoms
• Squeaking noise from under the hood during start-up or operation
• Coolant leaks
• Dashboard light will illuminate
The belts and hoses most frequently used are:
A. Serpentine belt
B. Heater hoses
C. Lower radiator hose
D. Drive belt (V-belt)
E. Fan belt
F. Upper radiator belt
G. Timing belt
Not all cars use timing belts. Also, some cars may use one serpentine belt for all accessories, others may use a combination of serpentine and V-belts, while others may use only V-belts.
Healthy Start & Family Stepping Stones
Invitation
Marylhuerst University
Benefit Auction
Dessert and Wine
Friday evening, November 5th, 2010
“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” Nelson Mandela. As cliché as it may be, our children are the future and it is important that we treat them accordingly, handling them with our devout attention and care. Unfortunately, this way of life is not always reality, as child abuse statistics are on the rise daily. While eliminating abuse entirely is unrealistic, we can work together to prevent it. My name is Marissa Huddleston and I work with the Healthy Start/Healthy Families Program of Clackamas County. In our program, parents learn the importance of their role in their child’s life; we emphasize that parents are their child’s first and most important teacher. The purpose of our program is to provide first time parents with the information they need to nurture and care for their child in the best way possible. Through this, we help reduce parental stress, which in turn reduces the potential for abuse or neglect in the home later. Healthy Start/Healthy Families offers weekly home visiting services for first time parents. We share information on child development, milestones and answer many of the questions new parents have. We build relationships with families, getting to know their individual goals and struggles, so we can provide support specific to their needs. When financially possible, we make it a priority to provide “at-risk,” families with: clothes, books, diapers,formula, developmentally appropriate toys, car seats, and parenting resources in order to prevent potentially threatening,abusive, or neglectful situations.
Serving a similar purpose as Healthy Start/Healthy Families is our new Gladstone community relief nursery,Family Stepping Stones. Family Stepping Stones Relief Nursery serves families in Clackamas County who have children ages six weeks to three years old who face challenges that may affect the health/safety of the child or the family’s ability tostay together. Family Stepping Stones provides support for families through child development classes, educational home visits, training for parenting skills, community resources and supplemental child clothing and supplies.
Both programs are funded by the state of Oregon, and our local Commission on Children and Families. We also welcome any assistance the community may offer. We realize that no effort can totally eliminate abuse and its implications, but we do know that working together as a community can help. For this reason, Healthy Start/Healthy Families and Family Stepping Stones Relief Nursery are partnering together to put on a dessert auction on November 5th,2010. For this task, we would like you to become part of our team.In order to achieve success, we need your help! If there is anything you may be able to contribute to either a silent or live auction, donations are tax deductible and would be greatly appreciated! We will also have a special section of our auction dedicated to service items. You can donate a skill or trade that costs you nothing but your time and can raise funds for our programs. For example, your donation could be 4 hours of gift wrapping (perfect for the holiday season!) or a trip to the grocery store for someone. Feel free to be creative! With your help in preparing, and the partnership of our local community, we know this can be a successful event!
No parent imagines they will abuse or neglect their child. These things happen due to a weak or non-existent support system. Our program recognizes the significance that knowledge and a good support system has in someone’s life and we make it a priority to help build both of these for our families. In the midst of hard economic times, we have a vision to grow and improve our programs, and are focused on becoming unshakable in our pursuit to support families. Please consider partnering with us, and know that your help will empower us to do bigger and better things on a day to day basis in the lives of families across Clackamas County! Thank you for your time and consideration.
Tire Service Guide
You car’s tires affect its ride, handling, traction and safety. Tires are the critical connection between your car and the road in all sorts of driving conditions.
To maximize tire life and safety, check tire condition and inflation pressure regularly and have the tires rotated and balanced. Tire replacement may be necessary if the tread depth is below the minimum legal requirement, or the sidewalls are severely cracked or punctured. In some cases, tread punctures cannot be repaired.
Tire Service Checklist
- Check inflation pressure at least once a month (including the spare).
- Have the tires rotated every 6,000 miles.
- Rotation time also serves as a good opportunity to have the tires balanced.
- Uneven or accelerated tire wear may indicate an alignment problem. Have you car’s alignment checked at least once a year.
Tire Inflation
What is it?
Proper tire inflation pressure is the specified air pressure given by a carmaker for a certain tire on a specific vehicle. This pressure specification should not be confused with a tire’s maximum pressure, which is usually listed on the tire’s sidewall. Some vehicles may specify different pressures for the front tires and the rear tires.
Purpose
Correct inflation pressure is critical for good fuel economy, safety, maximum tire life, and proper vehicle handling performance.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions
For the small amount of time it takes, checking tire inflation at least once a month is one of the best investments you can make to get the maximum life out of your tires. Proper inflation can also improve gas mileage by more than 3%, when maintained regularly. Keep this in mind: Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi (pounds per square inch) drop in pressure of all four tires. You may want to check your tires more often during the winter months. Tires will lose about 1 psi of pressure for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit of temperature drop.
Keep an accurate tire pressure gauge in your car’s glove box (many gauges at “air stations” give false pressure readings) and check the tire pressure when the tires are cold. Never trust the appearance of a tire as a gauge for inflation. A tire could be 10 psi low on pressure and not appear to be low on air. Use the recommended inflation pressure listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the inflation sticker found on the driver’s door jamb. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check the spare. There’s nothing more annoying than a flat spare when you have a flat tire.
Tread Depth
What is it?
There are several simple ways to check tire tread depth. The first way is to measure tread depth with a tread depth gauge. The second method involves the use of a penny inserted into the grooves of the tread. Tire wear bars are also used on today’s tires as a hands-off visual indication that a tire needs replacement.
What does it do?
Regular tread depth checks are important to ensure that your car’s tires are safe. Excessive wear can result in a loss of traction, especially on wet and slippery roads. Tires are regular wear items and staying on top of their condition not only ensures your safety, but also gives you the opportunity to plan ahead and budget for inevitable tire replacement.
Maintenance Tips/Suggestions
When using a tread depth gauge, tires need to have at least 1/16-in. of tread or more (this is the minimum amount of tread allowed by law). By using a penny as a quick reference, insert the penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s face showing, but with his head upside-down. If you are able to see all of Lincoln’s head, the tire needs replacement. If you see a wear bar across the width of the tread while facing it, it’s time to replace the tire. Generally, it’s best to replace tires in sets of four. If your car’s tires show signs of abnormal or unequal wear, have this looked into by a professional technician. Excessive wear on both outer edges generally indicates under-inflation. Excessive wear in the center of the tread generally indicates over-inflation. Cupping or dipping of certain tread sections may indicate worn suspension parts or a wheel balance problem. Saw-toothed or feathered tread edges may indicate wheel misalignment. If your car needs alignment or suspension work, have it done before you drive off with a new set of tires. Taking a “big picture” approach to protecting your tire investment will reap many rewards for miles to come.
Wheel Balance
Unbalanced wheels can cause rapid wear of shock absorbers and struts, and wheel balance can change as a result of normal tire wear. On full-time four-wheel drive vehicles, a difference of only 1/4 inch between the outside circumference of the front and rear tires can cause expensive damage to the transfer case or center differential. Rotating the tires to keep their sizes equal is critical on these vehicles, and replacing all four tires at the same time, rather than just the front or rear tires, is highly recommended.
