Maybe it’s just me, but there seems to be more holiday spirit around this year than I’ve felt in a while. I think the last few years have been pretty tough for all of us. But I think that this adversity has helped us appreciate our friends and family more than we may have in the “old days” (three or four years ago).

Kiwi, Mike, Mr. Gatto (Dad), Me, Scott

I’m pretty lucky.  I work with my family every day.  My sons, Mike and Scott are here, along with my son-in-law, Kiwi.  And my dad, Mike Gatto, the company founder, stops by all the time to see how things are going.  My grandkids even visit after school.  What could be better than that?

My Grandkids

This is a family-owned and operated business.  We’ve been here for 40 years and we plan to be here for a few more generations.

I hope you and your family have a great holiday season and everyone has a happy new year.  Happy holidays, my friends.

Pam

And for those of you looking for a last minute present – to yourselves, don’t forget about this great deal from Goodyear:

Get a $25 Mail-In Rebate with a purchase of $250 or more on the Goodyear® Credit Card. Get a $50 Mail-In Rebate if the $250 purchase includes any four Goodyear or Dunlop® tires. Offers valid 12/04/11 — 01/14/12. See store for details.

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It’s “over the river and through the woods” time again and for a lot of families that also means “road trip”. So here’s something to think about (although it’s pretty obvious once you do): your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road. Ultimately, your tires are responsible for making your vehicle go, for making it stop and for keeping you safe when you have to avoid trouble with fast actions.

So if you think your tires are ready to be replaced (and if you aren’t sure, just stop by one of our stores and we’ll take a look for you), then now is the time. If you hurry there are several deals that you can use to save some money that can be used to buy yams and stuffing.

The Gatto’s Anniversary Deal – It’s our 40th Anniversary (you knew that) and you can

Take $40 OFF any set of in-stock tires.

Goodyear Deal – From now until Dec 3 Save up to $40/$80 or Double Your Rebate up to $80/$160 with a Goodyear credit card – on both Goodyear and Dunlop Tires. Come on in and select the Goodyear or Dunlop Tires you desire. Depending on your choice you will be eligible for either a $40 or $80 rebate. Purchase on a Goodyear Credit Card and Double Your Rebate. (see store for details)

Michelin Deal (you better hurry for this one) – Buy any set of four new MICHELIN brand passenger or light truck tires from October 31 through November 28, 2011 and receive a $70 prepaid card after mail-in rebate (see store for details).

So stay safe and have a Happy Thanksgiving.

Pam

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For some people, turning 40 can be a traumatic experience, but not for Gatto’s. That’s right, Gatto’s Tires & Auto Service is moving into our fifth decade of serving Brevard County. Remember the ‘70s? Yeah, me neither, I was just a child! Ha! But throughout the coming year we’ll be taking a look back at the way things were. What hasn’t changed in 40 years is that we work every day to earn your trust.

To our long-term customers, thanks for sticking with us. To those of you who haven’t yet made our acquaintance, come on in and see what keeps us going and going and going—and what keeps our customers coming back, again and again.

Gas prices are about a dollar a gallon higher than they were a year ago and although the pain at the pump has eased a little, the wisdom of getting full value from every tank full of gas has never been clearer. If you commute then you need to get smart about saving fuel – and proper tire inflation can save you money.

At Gatto’s, we have always tried to look out for you and that means we’ll check your tires for free and make sure they are properly inflated. But you also owe it to yourself to learn about your tires so you can keep the right amount of pressure even when a Gatto’s location is not handy (sometimes people travel outside of Brevard County – don’t ask me why, they just do!)

Below is an excerpt from a column by Editor Jim Smith of Tire Review magazine:

Complete article

And speaking of wasting fuel, as we close out the 10th annual National Tire Safety Week, the RMA offers these facts from its annual survey of drivers and tire care:

• 60% of drivers wash their car at least once a month, but only 14% check their tire inflation pressure once a month

• 62% of drivers do not know where to find the correct inflation pressure for their vehicle…53% say it’s the tire sidewall while 14% do not know at all.

• 43% of drivers do not know that tires should be checked “cold” – before driving.

• 52% of drivers do not know how to tell if their tires are bald.

• Nearly 70% do not check the tire pressure in their spare tire.

• 75% cite checking tire pressure as a top fuel saving tip.

• 20% of male motorists and 9% of female motorists properly check tire pressure.

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Did you see the editorial in Florida Today on April 21? It was talking about new legislation that will eliminate regulations in some industries, including motor-vehicle repair. Read more here.

Now, I’m not a big fan of regulation. I think that most people can do just fine without the government getting involved. And, of course, at Gatto’s you don’t have to worry, because we will continue to give you a fair shake on every deal. We want you coming back, time and again, for years to come.

But read this summary from the editorial:

“Mechanics will no longer be required to register or be inspected by the state or give you a written estimate for repairs costing more than $100, so the onus is on you to insist on one. Smart consumers obviously should, but another loosened rule could smack them in the wallet.

“Mechanics also no longer will have to notify you before fixing something else they find wrong under the hood that jacks up what you owe 10 percent or more.”

Now if you didn’t know these rules had changed, an unscrupulous business could take advantage of you and you might not even know it. After all, if you assume that there are rules that force shady people to play fair, but someone changes those rules without telling you… That’s not what I call a level playing field.

Anyway, as long as you keep coming to Gatto’s you won’t have to worry about these changes. Because we don’t plan to change.

You have my word on it.

See you at Gatto’s.

Pam

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