Free Alignment Inspection at Any Butler Service Center

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Is it starting to feel like your car or truck is out of alignment?  (Signs include uneven tire wear, vibration, and a vehicle that pulls or drifts to one side while you’re driving on a straight-away.) Don’t wonder any longer!  Print and redeem the coupon above for a FREE alignment check any of our four Butler Service Center locations.  If your vehicle’s fine, you’ll be on your way with no cost.  If an alignment is needed, and you decide to let us do the work, you’ll be entitled to $20.00 off the regular price.  It’s a win-win!  Call us to set up an appointment or just drop by.  We’ll be ready for you!

Butler Makes/Models Make Earn IIHS ‘Top Safety Pick+’ Award

If you’re in the market for a safe vehicle, chances are Butler Auto Group has one to meet your needs. Our confidence stems from the fact that four of the 13 vehicles on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s 2013 Top Safety Pick+ List are makes and models we sell. They are the Acura TL, the Ford Fusion, The Kia Optima, and the Suzuki Kizashi. “Models that earn Top Safety Pick also offer outstanding protection in many crashes, ” says IIHS President Adrian Lund. “These vehicles are much safer choices than most vehicles on the market just five years ago.” For more on the list and the stringent testing standards visit: http://www.iihs.org/news/rss/pr122012_TSP.html.

Suzuki Forenza/Reno Recall

Photo courtesy: http://www.autoevolution.com

Possible headlight issues have Suzuki recalling more than 100,000 Forenza and Reno models.  The company says a faulty wiring connection could result in the headlamps’ failure to operate which could plunge a driver into darkness.  The recall, which starts September 2012, affects certain 2004-2006 Forenza models and 2005-2006 Reno models.  Owners will be notified and directed to a Suzuki dealer to have the affected wired reconnected, free of charge.

For more information or to find out whether your vehicle is affected, contact Suzuki at 1-714-996-7040 and reference recall campaign “NU”.

(Source: www.autoblog.com,  NHTSA)

Suzuki S-Cross Crossover Concept to Debut Fall 2012

Suzuki S-Cross Crossover Concept

Suzuki’s generating buzz around the debut of a concept car that could find its way into production. The S-Cross crossover concept will be unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show this fall. Suzuki’s apparently being purposely vague in its description otherwise the official press release wouldn’t characterize the S-Cross design as “Emotion x Quality x Aerodynamics”. The company’s released a handful of sketches but, for a clear look at the S-Cross you’ll have to wait until the press conference scheduled for September 27^th.

(Source: Suzuki)

More Men Than Women Rely on Their GPS

A new study by the Australian Association for Motor Insurers (AAMI) finds that a significantly higher percentage of men than women rely on their GPS to get them where they need to go. The results show 64% of men leave the navigating up to their devices, as compared to only 50% of women.

The numbers don’t surprise us, and not because we believe the stereotype that says men won’t ask for directions (…even though we’ve never witnessed it. Even Reuben Aitchison, the Corporate Affairs Manager for AAMI, admits the male desire to find one’s way by one’s self is “a point of honour, sometimes known as stubborness.”) Our opinion is that men just find the technology cool. So we conducted an informal survey that confirmed our suspicions. The guys who love their GPS say they don’t need it to get around so much as they think it’s a kick to play with. And even though they were quick to point out that GPS directions are not always dependable (which may be why women are less likely to use them), we have to give guys props for attempting to make the trip as fun as possible.

How important is your GPS? Is it your primary means of navigation? Or do you have a map handy, just in case?

(Source: www.autoblog.com and http://www.aami.com.au/sites/default/files/fm/news/AAMI%20Women%20and%20GPS%20250712%20FINAL.pdf)

www.butlerman.com

Butler Auto Group Makes Oregon Business Magazine’s List of ‘Top 150 Private Companies’

Butler Auto Group is proud to be one of five Jackson County businesses named to Oregon Business Magazine’s annual list of the ‘Top 150 Private Companies’. The list published in the July 2012 edition ranks Butler as 114^th among companies that claim less than $50-million dollars a year in revenue. That’s ten spots higher than last year. Butler has been a regular on the ‘Top 150’ list since 2000. Thank you to everyone who helped us get – and stay – there!

Congratulations go out to the handful of other Jackson County firms that made the rankings. They include Harry and David Holdings (#20), Sherm’s Thunderbird Market (#41), Combined Transport (#68), and Cascade Wood Products (#104). Klamath County window and door manufacturer Jeld-Wen hangs on to the top spot.

Before You Travel: Know the Cell Phone Rules of the Road

Courtesy: http://www.autoblog.com

Because we in the Rogue Valley live so close to California news that the Golden State had banned the use of all hand-held cell phones by drivers a few years back made local headlines. Not long after, Oregon followed suit with a similar ban. But what about cell phone laws in other states? Washington and Nevada also ban the use of hand-held devices on the road. But the rules radically change the further east you go. Before traveling by car this summer, take some time to check the legalities of using your cell behind the wheel at all locations between home and your destination as some city regulations differ from those of the state. And then, even if the laws do allow you to use your phone, consider imposing a ban of your own. After all, the ultimate measure of any good road trip is that you return safely home.

Cell phone laws by state: http://www.iihs.org/laws/cellphonelaws.aspx

Warm Weather Driving Prep: Get Your Vehicle Set for Summer

Summer’s a’comin’! So, it’s time again to treat your vehicle to a little TLC. Last November, we posted a list of everything you might need to tackle winter driving conditions. Now that the studded and snow tires have (hopefully) been removed, here’s how to travel worry free into the warmer months:

 

1. Check tires. Remove and store your winter tires, and rotate all-season radials.

2. Check tire pressure. And check again. Because air pressure increases with temperature you’ll want to check your tire pressure more frequently during the summer months.

3. Check brakes for noise. You’re looking for grinding, squealing, screeching or chatter. Excessive amounts of any or all mean it’s time to invest in new ones.

4. Replace windshield wiper blades. They took a beating over the winter.

5. Wash it! And not just the parts you can see. Spray the underbody and undersides of both bumpers to get rid of build-up. As for the body, wash it in the shade. Then wax it. But wait until it’s completely dry before doing so.

6. Apply “sunscreen”. Hours in the sun can result in the cracking of any vinyl surface or the fading of cloth. Apply a protectant… reapply when needed.

7. Clean – and clean OUT – the interior. You don’t want your old trash blowing around when it’s finally warm enough to drive with the windows down.

8. Change the oil. Consider synthetics… they’re specifically designed for warm weather engine protection.

9. Check all fluids. That means brake, transmission, coolant, power steering and windshield washer fluid. Replace, or refill, to proper levels.

10. Test the AC.

11. Examine belts and hoses for wear or deterioration.

12. Consider assembling a car care kit, if you don’t already have one. Include a couple large bottles of water, non-perishable food items, jumper cables, a flashlight with extra batteries, road flares or an emergency beacon, basic hand tools, and a first aid kit. Maybe throw in a blanket, just in case.

Finally, be aware that heat often makes people uncomfortable and thus, irritated. Irritated drivers tend to be impatient and less apt to pay attention. Give drivers their space and stay alert.

Now all that’s left to do is plan a road trip! Happy travels!

(To read up on Winter Driving Preparations, visit: http://butlerautogroup.wordpress.com/2011/11/18/oh-no-snow-everything-you-and-your-vehicle-need-for-winter-driving/)

The 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara: Tow It!

We have something of a situation on our hands. It seems demand for quality “tow behind” cars, like Suzukis, is high while supply is, shall we say, out of sync with demand. The good news is Butler Suzuki’s coming to the rescue by offering an inventory that includes the new 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitara!

The Grand Vitara, which is available in 4-wheel drive, is popular among RVers because it can be flat-towed, that is, towed with all four wheels on the ground, without racking up odometer miles. The fact that it gets an estimated 26 mpg on the highway once unhooked from the RV doesn’t hurt, either. Suzuki calls the Vitara an “all access pass to planet Earth.” Basically, it goes everywhere your RV can’t.

So, while, the good news is we can now offer 2012 Suzuki Grand Vitaras, the bad news is we only have *two* of them. But that’s two more than yesterday. And two more RVs that’ll soon be sporting the must-have tow-behind car of the season.

What’s Covered Under a “Bumper to Bumper” Warranty?

Butler Sales Manager Joel Nickerson has the answer.