Sometimes, the “facts” that we carry around in our heads are actually “myths”. (Although I will admit that yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus – bigfoot, not so much.)

That’s why it’s good to revisit the “truth” now and again through the eyes of an unbiased resource, like the analysis released recently by AutoMD.com.

According to this report “car owners can save an estimated $300+ a year on average by opting for their local independent repair shop versus the car dealership.” Well, we knew that, but it’s good to have it confirmed from an outside source.
The report goes on to discuss the

Top Five Dealership versus Independent Repair Shop Myths, including:

• THE WARRANTY MYTH
• THE OEM PARTS ARE BETTER MYTH
• THE “CHEAPEST OPTION IS THE BEST OPTION” MYTH
• THE SERVICE RECORDS MYTH
• THE RELATIONSHIP MYTH

- read more -

O.K., I know it’s not the mystery of the pyramids, but if you “can save an estimated 25% on your total repair bill” (again, their words), you may want to check it out.

Drive carefully and I’ll see you next time at Gatto’s.

Pam

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April 22 is Earth Day and since used tires have no place in the environment, we thought we would tell you what happens to the tires that have reached the end of the road.  Of course Gatto’s doesn’t toss them into landfills.  Experts estimate that it could take tens of thousands of years for a tire to completely decompose in a landfill. Some people think they never will.  Since very few of us have lived tens of thousands of years to test the theory, it’s tough to know.  But for the sake of argument, we’ll say it’s a loooong time.

At Gatto’s your worn tires take a trip to the recycling plant, where they end up as recovered rubber, steel and fiber. These materials are then recycled and reused, reducing the carbon footprint for all of us.

So roll on into Gatto’s and roll out with some new tires.  We’ll take care of the old ones. We promise.

Pam

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It’s a new decade! Remember when we were all worried about the “Y2K Bug” back in the good old days of 1999? It just shows you that it’s tough to know what you should really be worried about. But it’s easy to know what we should be grateful about. We’re grateful (REALLY) that our customers continue to trust us to give them the best service and products available.

You may be worried that your vehicle is coming up on some milestones—either something simple like an oil change, or something major like the odometer clicking over 100,000 miles—and that, because of the economy, you have been waiting a little longer than you used to for service. We understand. But don’t ignore that little voice in the back of your mind that may be saying, “We’ve been lucky so far, but an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Or perhaps your little voice doesn’t speak in clichés, but I’ll bet it still gives good advice.

So now that milestones are at the top of your mind, I’ll remind you about our service, MilestoneMaintenance. We can run a report on your vehicle that tells you the manufacturer’s recommendations for any point in the life of your ride. Then our ASE Certified mechanics will explain what steps you should take, if any, and let you know what you need to do to keep your vehicle running smooth and hitting milestones for years to come.

So just remember, if you listen to Gatto’s and your little voice, you’ll have a lot less to worry about as you go through the year. (Just be careful if that voice starts mentioning
anything … not strictly legal … Then you’ll have some BIG things to worry about.)

Pam

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Another year is wrapping up and what a year it has been. Lots of people felt the effects of the rough economy and I suppose we all felt a little battered by events.
That’s why I want to offer my wish to you, that this season finds you with family or friends—someplace you can relax and take a deep breath. A new decade is around the corner. Let’s all wish for the best, for everyone.

Happy holidays, my friends. See you next decade.

-Pam

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It’s the time of year to head over the Indian River and through the Woods at Crooked Mile—to Grandmother’s house you go. You say grandma doesn’t live on Merritt Island? Well, think of it as a metaphor. You gotta go to grandma’s for Thanksgiving and Gatto’s wants to help you get there.

The ROAD TRIP SPECIAL is tailor-made for getting to grandma’s because it’s designed to get your ride into the kind of shape it takes to get over any river (please use the bridge or causeway) or through any woods (within reason). Don’t get stranded on the highway with a pumpkin pie cooling in your lap.

Make sure you’re ready to hit the road with a ROAD TRIP SPECIAL for only $19.95.

Here’s a special coupon to help you save. We don’t usually put coupons in my “On the Road” messages, but think of this one as a Thanksgiving Day (and part of December) present. How traditional!

I can almost smell the turkey. You say you’re a vegetarian? I can almost smell the metaphor.
Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving and be careful on the roads. Turkey or tofu, enjoy!

Pam

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