Fix Auto Portland East » Our Blog

Driving with Your Dog

Camille Eber — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:15:42 +0000

According to a AAA/Kurgo survey, one in five respondents admit to driving with dog in their lap. This new survey examines the habits of folks driving with canine companions and the possible distractions.

Millions of Americans know that dogs are great companions and bring their fabulous friend along on road trips and even day-to-day errands. Unfortunately, in a vehicle this can mean added distractions for the driver. The survey, conducted by AAA and Kurgo, asked dog owners how often they drive with their dog and about their habits behind the wheel. The survey found that drivers not only love to bring Fiona along, but they may also engage in risky business when man’s best friend is along for the ride.

Visit the AAA News Room for the complete press release.

Recommended: Check out the AAA “Traveling with Your Pet” guide.

Happy and Safe Motoring,

Camille

Easy Way to Report Vehicle Defects

Camille Eber — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:26:07 +0000

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) regularly encourages consumers and auto repair professionals to report potential vehicle safety defects. At their site is a vehicle defects reporting form – the Vehicle Owner Questionnaire (VOQ) – that you can use to notify ODI of potential safety concerns. You can submit your online complaint using the form at the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration’s website.

What information should be included when filling out the complaint form?

A clear, detailed description of how the vehicle failed to perform.
Mileage and major maintenance history.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
If available, information about what the motorist was doing at the time of the incident and how the vehicle responded.
What steps have been taken to isolate the problem, and any corroborating evidence they have (backed by an automotive technician’s technical assessment) about the vehicle’s malfunction.

What should NOT be included when filling out the complaint form?

More than one problem on the same form.
Multiple reports from different individuals about the same problem.

Avoid expressing personal feelings or anger about the incident.

Enjoy your motoring,

Camille

National Day of Remembrance

Camille Eber — Sat, 29 May 2010 20:01:44 +0000

I’d like to encourage you to honor our fallen service women and men, who gave for our freedom, on this Memorial Day.

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Safe Motoring,

Camille

Customer Testimonials, Reviews – Wow!

Camille Eber — Sat, 29 May 2010 19:25:18 +0000

I’m so proud of our team for taking care of our customers!

Here’s the latest round of our surveys. View more real-time customer testimonials.

Customer	Survey Completed	Shop Representative	Year	Make	Total Amount
Karen “They did a very good job.”	May 28 2010 12:23PM	William Bray	1999	Volvo	$1,968.50
SARAH “They did a really great job my car was very clean and very communicative.”	May 27 2010 3:51PM	David Hanson	2005	Chrysler	$1,742.00
James “It was smooth as smooth could be.”	May 26 2010 9:37AM	David Hanson	2003	Toyota	$1,599.20
DAVID & Marlene “The quality of the work. The communication.”	May 26 2010 8:20AM	David Hanson	2001	Volkswagen	$2,888.59
KENNETH “They were very courteous. The did a good job.”	May 25 2010 9:42AM	David Hanson	2009	Chevrolet	$3,308.37
Randall from BRIGHTWOOD, OR “They did excellent work!”	May 24 2010 4:30PM	William Bray	2002	Toyota	$4,556.13
Ronda “They have great communication and service.”	May 24 2010 2:12PM	William Bray	2003	GMC	$561.59
DEBORAH “The shop’s customer service was great.”	May 24 2010 8:32AM	David Hanson	2005	Mazda	$2,965.57
Melissa & Seth “We really liked them they were very friendly.”	May 22 2010 10:44AM	David Hanson	2003	Honda	$633.66
Terry “Fair Quick and friendly.”	May 21 2010 2:15PM	David Hanson	2007	Subaru	$1,969.03

Thanks to all of our wonderful customers!

Happy Motoring,

Camille

Staged Accident – Swoop & Squat

Camille Eber — Mon, 17 May 2010 23:42:04 +0000

We are running a short series of staged accident scenarios posted by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Watch the second one here and reduce your chances of being a victim of an accident and insurance fraud scheme.

Happy Motoring,

Camille

Staged Accident – Scenario 1

Camille Eber — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:33:34 +0000

Staged accidents can come in many forms.

We always encourage being an informed driver and promote motorist safety.

Avoid being a victim of a staged accident. Take a look at how a staged accident might be played out by the instigators.

Safe Motoring,

Camille

National Car Care Month Winding Down

Camille Eber — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 22:12:39 +0000

To wind down National Car Care Month, we are providing a link to the electronic version of the Car Care Council’s “Car Care Guide” for motorists.

We encourage you to leaf through it and take advantage of the interactive table of contents to quickly get to a section of interest.

Remember, we provide many auto body safety services for your convenience.

Check it out and let us know what you think.

Happy Motoring,

Camille

Can Pets be Safe in Car Collisions?

Camille Eber — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 22:19:28 +0000

As a pet owner, I am concerned about the safety of my pet if I’m in a collision while they are in the car with me.

I did some looking around for crash testing involving pets. Here is a video I found that should provide some tips for transporting our beloved furry friends.

I apologize it is not in English, but you’ll see the message loud and clear.

WARNING: Even though this video is using crash-test pet dummies, some viewers may find it to be disturbing.

Pets rely on you for their safety. I encourage you to leave your pet at home when taking that Sunday drive. If you do travel with your pet, do everything you can to ensure their safety.

Happy Motoring,

Camille

“Car and Driver” Road Trip in a Soviet-Era Škoda

Camille Eber — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 22:19:57 +0000

“Car and Driver” celebrates the collapse of Soviet Communism 20 years ago with a drive through Eastern Europe in a Soviet-era Škoda and posts this video April 12, 2010. Mike Duff is the narrator and driver.

Watching this video makes me appreciate the roads and vehicles we drive. This red Škoda looks as if it could use a few of our auto body repair and cosmetic and appearance services. Keep us in mind for any car-related question you have, William Bray, our operations manager, is our resident go-to guy.

Happy Motoring,

Camille

Life is Precious – Restrain Your Loved Ones

Camille — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:16:02 +0000

As an auto body and collision repair shop owner, I see a lot of wrecked cars and I hear many stories from our customers about how a seat belt saved their life, or that of a loved one. I believe my seat belt saved me when as a teenager I was in a car accident.

Life is precious, and in my opinion, a gift worth protecting.

From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: New Study: Higher Seat Belt Use Could Save Many Lives

Safety First and Happy Motoring,

Camille