Tooting Our Horn on a White Horse

By Dave Trux

One of the greatest challenges of promoting your own business is getting people to believe that you’re sincerely committed to putting your customer’s needs first and foremost. Why, because the average person is inundated by sales people hyping their products as being the latest and greatest or new and improved. If that’s really the case, have we been settling old and crummy products all these years?

For those reasons, I was thrilled when I discovered the glowing five star review we received recently from one of our customers, Michelle Lowe, who was told by another shop that the repair bill on her 2007 Audi A6 could wind up being in the neighborhood of $4,000. She was wise enough to not cave into the pressure of accepting their diagnosis and came to us for a second opinion and we’re all glad that she did. Here’s Michelle’s experience in her own words, slightly edited to fit this space.

Valley Motorwerks stepped up to be my 'Prince Charming' in this matter, but true to form, I had to kiss a frog first, which was another shop who'd misdiagnosed my car's issue. I won't name the 'frog' here, but the owner estimated that my check engine light had come on as a result of a 'drive chain' issue. He advised the cost would be somewhere around $3,900-$4,300. Yeah, dollars. I realized that this is an Audi and therefore repairs would be expensive, but really?
Enter Valley Motorwerks on their white horse. I knew of them because they'd successfully completed a previous unrelated repair on my car. The following Monday afternoon, Justin advised that after consulting the issue with another master mechanic in his shop, they deduced that because the car was drivable and I had not experienced any mechanical noises nor engine hesitation, his good news was this was definitely NOT a drive chain issue.

He advised me that my car didn't have enough miles to have this part malfunction or deteriorate. Justin then gave me even better news when he told me his shop felt the issue was related to a faulty cam position sensor, which would cost approximately (wait for it...) only $300! Bottom line, the diagnosis cost, two cam sensor parts replaced, labor and an oil change cost me a total of $650!

I'd prayed to be led to an Audi mechanic with integrity, kindness and empathy, and this has been answered at Valley Motorwerks. If you have an issue with your BMW, Mini, VW or Audi, please give Valley Motorwerks a chance to treat you right. They are fast too, as they only took three days to repair my ride and have it back to me.
I was treated very respectfully (historically, sometimes a chore for male mechanics when dealing with female customers) throughout this diagnosis and repair process, and I was kept apprised of my car's status at every turn.

It’s true, sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you can find your Prince Charming, but personally I prefer my frog (legs) fried crispy, served hot and that's the end of that!

-Michelle Lowe

Deep Thoughts from your Neighborhood Pothole

By Dave Trux

Wikipedia defines me in rather negative terms. They say I’m a structural failure on a road surface, caused by failure primarily in asphalt pavement due to the presence of water in the underlying soil structure and the presence of traffic passing over the affected area. Water in the underlying soil structure first weakens the supporting soil and then traffic eventually breaks the poorly supported asphalt surface until further traffic ejects both asphalt and the underlying soil material to create a hole in the pavement. I refuse to see myself in such negative and undignified terms, preferring to bask in the glory of successfully destroying the suspension systems, tires and rims of unsuspecting vehicles and the drivers they serve!

Oh, my joints are finally loosening. All this rain really helps with that. At first, it’s a joint here or there but eventually the rain helps manifest all of my joints to loosen to the point that my bones begin to crumble. It’s delightful for me to have the cars drive over me.

This simply speeds up the entire process. These cars are clueless as to the impending doom I am soon to reap upon them.

More rain. This makes me happy. The more the better I say. My transformation is nearly complete. More cars please; speed up the progression. Finally I am at least a square foot in size and growing. Let the battle ensue! I am ready.

Night and darkness are my favorite hours. I lay and wait for my first victim of the night. Here comes one. Hit me, please hit me. Darn. They missed. Wait, here’s another. Man, its dark out here and raining. Here they come. Closer, closer, and WHAM! A direct hit! That had to do some damage. Perhaps a hit to the wheel to the point they bent it. I can only hope I was successful. I didn’t feel a thing; only personal satisfaction. My lifeless soul awaits another and another. Ah, the satisfaction of being a pothole belongs to me and only me! 

How Clean is Your Repair Shop?

By Dave Trux

Years ago, I read an article in an industry magazine asking this very question. The author was challenging repair shop owners to take a look around their respective shops and ask themselves, “Do I run a clean operation?” Personally, I took that article to heart and have always strived to maintain a clean, well presented shop.

One of the key points the author emphasized was that if a shop was clean up front in the office, then chances were high that the shop, its employees and it practices were clean in the back of the shop as well. Our shop is unique to most as we maintain complete transparency between the front and the back of our operation. We have five large windows looking on to the shop floor. We can’t hide anything. As a result, we strive to keep things as clean as possible. I hear weekly from our clients what a nice, clean facility we have. Those statements merely reinforce what I read years ago.

Now, I challenge you, the reader, to take inventory of the repair shop where you currently take your car. Is the front office clean and organized or is there paperwork strewn about and grease on the countertops? If there is a waiting area, is it clean and comfortable? Is the restroom clean? Do the employees you encounter have dirty, oil stained clothes, or are they relatively clean looking? I’m writing in metaphors, yet these are just a few examples of things you may look for.

To be fair, all shops get busy and no busy shop is going to be 100% spotless. But, from my perspective, a shop that makes the effort to present itself in a clean, organized fashion in the front of the shop most likely has processes and policies to properly maintain and repair you vehicle once it’s inside the shop.

Food for thought and happy motoring!

Does that make Sense?

By Dave Trux

It’s a question I often ask at the service desk. Why? Because today’s cars are complex pieces of machinery that have hundreds of sensors, computer systems and are engineered beyond belief. For example, you may visit your repair facility because you have a check engine light. Your shop performs a diagnosis on the vehicle and informs you that you need to replace the fuel tank vent valve as that is the root of your check engine light.

I challenge you. Do you actually know what a fuel tank vent valve is? Do you know what function it performs? Chances are high that you answered no to both of those questions.

So, at this point, you know what caused the check engine light. Most likely, you also know how much it will cost for the check engine light to go away and how long the repair will take. But you still have no earthly clue as to what this valve is and what it does.

At our shop, we feel it’s important to explain to our customers what is wrong with their vehicle. If even on an elementary level, it’s important that you have an understanding what is wrong with your car. In this instance, we would explain to you that the fuel tank vent valve is part of the vehicle emission system, that its function is to capture gasoline vapors and to contain them in the fuel system. Otherwise, those fuel vapors could escape into the environment, which would cause you to lose engine performance and on some level, increase emissions output. Lastly, we would simply ask you, “Does that make sense?”

Hopefully, your repair facility takes the time to explain things to you in a way you understand. If not, perhaps it’s time to look for a new service provider. There’s no worse feeling than leaving a shop and asking yourself what you just paid for.

Does that make sense?

When the rubber meets the road

By Dave Trux

Now that you’ve just read the title, you may have already correcting me by thinking “Dave, you got the old idiom all wrong. It’s not “When the rubber meets the road, it’s “Where the rubber meets the road”! This old saying of course defines the most crucial point of any event, the real moment of truth. For example, let’s say you have the most beautiful vintage car in the world but kept it in the garage all summer and then finally decide to take it up to Lake Tahoe during the holiday season for a joyful weekend adventure. That event would refer to where the rubber meets the road.

At the same time, especially in this example, it’s also important to note when the event actually happens, because there’s also another important old saying to pay attention to: Timing is everything! As we fall back into autumn, the leaves on the trees aren’t the only things that are changing. The weather overall can change in an instant in the higher elevations of the Sierra Nevada’s. It can go from sunny and pleasant one minute to wet and wild the next.

With that being said, whether you’re taking your classic vintage vehicle or the family sedan up into the mountains for a well deserved weekend retreat, be sure that you’re ready for anything and everything that old man winter throws at you. We encourage you to check the condition of your wiper blades, belts, hoses and all fluids, especially your coolant.

Coolant condition is critical, which is why we strongly recommend regular coolant flushes. Under freezing conditions, expansion occurs and that expansion creates pressure, which can blow any number of coolant pipes or hoses. The engine block also has freeze plugs and under expansion, those plugs are designed to pop off to prevent catastrophic engine damage. If this happens, then all the fluid will drain out, along with your dreams of the perfect getaway as you wait along the side of the highway in a freezing blizzard for AAA to come save the day!

Of course, this article wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the actual rubber that separates your family from the wet, icy or snow covered asphalt that’s also known as Highway 50. With that said, be sure to carefully inspect the condition of your tires and don’t forget to pack your tire chains. While you’re at it, you might want to test fit them in your driveway at home before you go up. If you wait until the highway signs read “Snow chains required” and the men in the ski coats wave you to side of the road, you may end up getting soaked in more ways than you could imagine!   

Consumer Rights

By Dave Trux

We’ve all heard the horror stories about dishonest mechanics in the auto repair industry and how they’ve taken advantage of inexperienced and unsuspecting car owners. Fortunately, the vast majority of shops out there don’t work that way. Hopefully, you’ve selected a repair facility that you’re confident does business the right way, with complete honesty and transparency, which should greatly quiet those fears. On the other hand, having blind faith is never advisable when your hard earned cash is about to exchange hands, which is why it’s so important to understand your rights as a consumer.

Before you take your car in for its next service or repair, take a moment to review the following rights, which are your rights as a consumer.

1. Your right to a written estimate: When you first drop off your vehicle, you have the right to a written estimate, which should give you a general breakdown of the repairs that are expected to be performed as well as a cost of those repairs.
2. Your right to authorize or decline any or all repairs. No repair can be made without your authorization. The repair facility must get your verbal or written approval before making any repairs on your vehicle. If the repair facility fails to get your permission, you can contest all the unauthorized repairs done to your vehicle.
3. Your right to authorize or decline additional repairs. In our business, it’s fairly common to find additional damages beyond what is initially diagnosed. You have a right to know exactly what those damages are as well as the estimated costs to fix those damages.
4. Your right to your old parts. You have the right to request and receive your old parts, but you need to do it when you first authorize the repair and not when you come in to pick up your vehicle. Most smooth running shops will dispose of old parts immediately to stay clean and uncluttered.
5. Your right to understand the shop’s warranty. The industry standard is a 12 month or 12,000 mile warranty on repairs, but don’t make the mistake of assuming that your shop offers this because many do not. Be sure to have a conversation about the shop warranty with the person in charge, especially if you’re not adequately covered by the company that sold you your vehicle. My bottom line advice is simple: cover your assets and drive away smiling! 

The Golden Rule Behind The Ultimate Service Team

By Bob Cox

Of all the advice Dave Trux, the owner of Valley Motorwerks has received during his lifetime, the one he credits much of his success to is following the Golden Rule, “Do onto others as you would have them do onto you”. He doesn’t just practice this rule in the comforts of his home but everywhere he goes, especially at work.

Over the years as an outside sales rep, I’ve been in hundreds of auto repair shops and not all of them have given me a warm and fuzzy feeling. On more than one unpleasant occasion, I’ve experienced the wrath of a greasy and hostile mechanic. Fortunately, you won’t have to endure that kind of treatment at Valley Motorwerks. You can expect an experience that’s as far from that as possible.

“We created some core values here at the shop and we pretty well stick to those. One of our core values is that we treat everyone that walks through the door like a member of our family. And that treatment doesn't just extend to our customers. That treatment extends to everyone, from the guy who picks up our waste oil to the guy who delivers our parts. They are as important to the success of our business as the people who walk through our front door and spend money with us”, explained Dave.

I caught up with Dave the other day to learn more about his compelling core principals and how he’s applied them to other aspects of his business.

Q: What did you do before you became the owner of Valley Motorwerks?

A: I've been involved in automotive as a vocation the good majority of my adult life. I started in the dealership level for a brief time then moved to the factory level with Audi. After that, I worked in automotive aftermarket marketing.

Q: How did you get involved with Valley Motorwerks?

A: Through my former business partner, Walter Ford. I came back to Sacramento from Houston, Texas in 2004 and Walter and I met through racing. He opened Valley Motorwerks in 2006 and then we formed a partnership in 2014. He's been out of the business now for just over a year and here we are.

Q: What was it about Valley Motorwerks that was so appealing to you?

A: Well it's my affinity for the German cars that we work on. Also, the fact that we're still involved in motor sports as well. This is a natural fit for me.

Q: What makes Valley Motorwerks unique?

A: When it comes to servicing and repairing German automobiles, we truly are Sacramento's original dealership alternative. You would get the same high level of service that you would at the dealership without the expense of a dealership. We have factory trained technicians, a 12 month/12,000 mile warranty and install OEM parts. It's just like going to the dealership but you get to keep a little more money in your pocket.

Q: Do you have the freedom to install aftermarket parts that are superior in either design, durability or performance?

A: Yes, and that’s because dealers have to meet strict franchise agreements, so the dealerships have their hands tied in many instances. We have the ability to install a variety of superior aftermarket items, including exhaust systems, suspension and brakes. For example, we offer a brand of brake pads that gives you the stopping power of a factory pad without the excessive brake dust.

Q: What makes of vehicles do you specialize in?

A: We began strictly with BMW's and then began servicing Mini Cooper, which is a BMW product that's very similar to BMW in engineering and design. After that, we slowly branched out into servicing Volkswagen and Audi because those two brands are cousins as well.

Q: What qualities do you look for when you hire a technician?

A: Well, I certainly want somebody who's enthusiastic about the brand’s we work on and that's exactly what we have. Secondly, we look for somebody that has some experience at both the dealership level as well as the independent level. We've been fortunate in that area as well. Training is ongoing and continual here. I’ve invested in sending my guys to classes as far away as Dallas, at my expense. So, that really benefits the shop, our technicians and ultimately the customer.

Q: With highly trained technicians, you should have fewer customers coming back to fix the same problem. Is that correct?

A: Yes and everything we do is backed by a 12 month, 12,000 mile warranty. We've even stretched those limits from time to time, depending upon the situation. In the rare event of a comeback, the customer comes first. We spare no expense in making sure that customer is satisfied.

Q: Your shop has several large windows with a direct view of everything that's happening in your shop. Can you tell us your thinking behind these windows?

A: Yes, we wanted a seamless look, from the front of our shop to the back of our shop that is totally transparent. Customers absolutely love the fact that they can watch their car while it's being worked on. That transparency also keeps us on our game and encourages us to keep the shop clean and orderly. If I had a dollar for every time somebody said they loved being able to look out into the shop, we probably would have closed the doors a long time ago (laughing).

Q: What have been the biggest surprises you've experienced while owning Valley Motorwerks?

A: Well, the county of Sacramento and the state of California can be challenging to the small business owner, but I think they’re making strides to improve their relationships with small business owners. On the positive side, the guys I'm surrounded with are great. Everybody here is pretty tight knit. We all respect and support each other.

Q: Are you able to help people that have extended warranties who want to give your shop a try?

A: Yes absolutely. If you have an extended warranty you can choose an independent repair shop that can handle that extended warranty. You don't have to go back to the dealership. If you’re planning to buy a new or used vehicle, I strongly recommend purchasing an extended warranty. I don't know of a customer with an extended warranty that hasn't at least broken even with their extended warranty.

Editor’s notes: Valley Motorwerks is located at 11403 White Rock Road in Rancho Cordova, CA. For more information about Valley Motorwerks, contact Dave Trux at (916) 636-9526 or visit their website www.vmwerks.com.

The Choice is Yours

By Dave Trux

Something that is very important to us at Valley Motorwerks is to provide clear and concise information to the customer. At the end of the day, it’s their hard earned money that is being spent. We recently had a situation where a 75oil was showing signs of transmission trouble. Based on the BMW fault codes, there was an SIB (Service Information Bulletin) put out by BMW with a possible fix. The fix is approximately $1000; a replacement transmission is considerably more.

However, the issue at hand is this: What is the possibility that the $1,000 is going to solve the problem? BMW says it is the first step, but that first step is expensive. What do you do? Personally I am not comfortable picking the pocket of the customer for $1,000 on an off chance something will work. I feel it is the customer’s money, so it’s their choice. This is where being clear and concise is very important. What we did was lay out both options and their chance of success to the best of our knowledge. Obviously, changing the entire transmission is going to resolve the issue, but what if it is a little seal inside the pan?

Inevitably the customer will ask...“What would you do?” In this case, I would swap the transmission and keep the car another few years. This particular car was in perfect condition otherwise and was worth keeping. If it were in poor condition or had other problems, my answer would be different.

It’s important to remember that it’s the customer’s money that is being spent. In these difficult financial times it’s even doubly important to do our best in counseling customers accurately. We need to give the customer a reason to pass by other shops to come to us. One very good reason is that we do honestly care about our customers well being. Mistakes are sometimes made and this is what separates a good company from a great one. Valley Motorwerks strives to be a GREAT company.

Summer Trip - Dream or Nightmare?

By Dave Trux

Nothing can ruin a summer vacation faster than being on the road and having your vacation cut short or interrupted because of a car repair. This is where preventative maintenance can make the difference between having a dream vacation or a nightmare.

Be sure that your car is ready for an extended road trip by having it thoroughly checked over before you take off. Are all your fluids in good condition or do they need to be flushed or replaced? Are your belts and hoses up to snuff? Do your tires have enough tread left to get back home safely? Are they inflated properly and do they have even wear? These are some of the most basics things to be aware of.

You will want to be proactive as you prepare and look forward to that summer adventure. Again, you don’t want to ruin it with unexpected surprises. Be sure to pay attention to all the things that are affected by heat, like belts, hoses, air conditioning and basic engine fluids. Those are your most common points of failure that can lead to bigger problems. You will want to stay away from having to rent a car to continue the trip while your vehicle is in an unfamiliar shop in the middle of nowhere. Not every shop is reputable, especially when a customer is in a vulnerable position and needs their car back in one piece.

At Valley Motorwerks, we offer a free pre-trip inspection check. We’ll be happy to look at your BMW, Mini, Volkswagen or Audi vehicle to give you greater peace of mind before you leave. We’d prefer to point things out to you before you leave rather than having your car break down and ruin your trip. 

Is Your Car Ready for Summer?

By Dave Trux

Summer is here and so is the heat. You may be able to withstand the heat but can your car? If you haven’t done so yet, take your car to your trusted auto service center and make sure they thoroughly inspect your entire AC system.

An AC service starts out with a function test to make sure that the fan operates at each speed setting and the temperatures of the air vent is also measured. In cases where we don’t get adequate temperature, we perform a vacuum test and draw all the freon out of the system. The vacuum test is our way of making sure that the system is not leaking. It is against EPA regulations to put refrigerant into a system. Basically you are just pumping it back out into the environment.

It’s more important nowadays with new refrigerants because they are not as efficient, they have to operate at much higher pressures. We find that because of the higher operating pressures, it’s even more important to make sure the system is sealed and working. Refrigerant is not the only thing in the system; there is also oil. Oil is used to lubricate the pump. If you just keep adding refrigerant and not drawing it down, making sure it’s not leaking and doing a proper service, you could burn up your pump because you don’t have adequate oil in your refrigerant system.

Make sure your mechanic does a comprehensive function test. If the system doesn't function properly, the next step is to go back and perform a vacuum test. If they don’t do that test and merely add more refrigerant without adding additional oil, then you will likely end up with a system that will fail because the pump could burn up.

We offer a free basic function test and inspection. Based on the results, we’ll determine whether we will move forward with a vacuum test. If we do see a leak, then we will add dye to the system and use an infrared light to see where the leak is located.  

Preventative Maintenance

By Dave Trux

Preventative maintenance. Two simple words. Now think of your teeth. Most of us practice preventative maintenance every day by brushing our teeth at least twice a day. Some of us carry it a step further by flossing. Why? Because our parents, spouses, partners, and dentists have espoused the virtues of practicing good oral hygiene for as long as we can remember. That’s right, preventative maintenance.

It’s equally important to think preventative maintenance toward the car you drive, yet few people ever do. Instead, the majority of car owners wait until a component fails which, in most cases, leads to expensive vehicle repairs.

Daily, our shop recommends preventative maintenance services to customers. Belts, hoses, fluid flushes, and suspension alignments are all common examples of what we suggest. Most of our customers are receptive to our suggestions because we take the time to explain the hows and whys of preventative maintenance. Additionally, we explain what can happen should specific recommendations be neglected. In most instances, vehicle repairs of poorly maintained vehicles prove to be quite costly.

Please take my advice. The next time your automotive service provider suggests that your vehicle is due for a maintenance item, chances are high that they are looking out for the welfare of your vehicle. Ask questions! It’s your right to know the benefit of investing in a suggested repair.

Lastly, keep in mind that investing in preventative maintenance now will ultimately save you money down the road. Happy motoring!

Making Informed Choices

By Dave Trux

Something that is very important to us at Valley Motorwerks is to provide clear and concise information to the customer. At the end of the day, it’s their hard earned money that is being spent. We recently had a situation where a vehicle was showing signs of transmission trouble. Based on the BMW fault codes, there was an SIB (Service Information Bulletin) put out by BMW with a possible fix. The fix is approximately $1000; a replacement transmission is considerably more.

However, the issue at hand is this: What is the possibility that the $1,000 is going to solve the problem? BMW says it is the first step, but that first step is expensive. What do you do? Personally I am not comfortable picking the pocket of the customer for $1,000 on an off chance something will work. I feel it is the customer’s money, so it’s their choice. This is where being clear and concise is very important. What we did was lay out both options and their chance of success to the best of our knowledge. Obviously, changing the entire transmission is going to resolve the issue, but what if it is a little seal inside the pan?

Inevitably the customer will ask...“What would you do?” In this case, I would swap the transmission and keep the car another few years. This particular car was in perfect condition otherwise and was worth keeping. If it were in poor condition or had other problems, my answer would be different.

It’s important for us to remember that it’s the customer’s money that is being spent. In these difficult financial times it’s even doubly important to do our best in counseling customers accurately. We need to give the customer a reason to pass by other shops to come to us. One very good reason is that we do honestly care about our customers well being. Mistakes are sometimes made and this is what separates a good company from a great one. Valley Motorwerks strives to be a GREAT company.

"Movin" on up . . . to the North Side!

By Dave Trux

So now that we’re settled into the larger facility that’s right next door to the old shop, people have been asking how things have been going since we moved last December. The answer is simple: AMAZING! Not only did we expand the shop, we expanded our personnel with the addition of a master technician with 16 years of dealership experience.

The feedback we've been getting from a large number of our customers after they first walk through the front door is “Wow, I really love the glass window”! The entire wall between the reception area and the shop is all glass, so now everyone can see directly into the shop. We chose to go with a glass wall because we want you to see what’s going on with your vehicle at all times. If I had a nickel for every time a customer said “I really love the glass windows”, I’d be a rich man.

Our customers have also been pleased with the large and comfortable waiting area, which makes the time go by a little faster. We now have beverages, free Wi-Fi and a nice big flat screen TV to enjoy. We consider the shop an extension of our homes and wanted it to be as clean, warm and comfortable as you would feel if you were in our house, which this place really is to us.

Our service technicians are much more comfortable and working even more efficiently in our new shop. Our entire facility in completely insulated and the lighting is substantially better, with light reflecting from the coated floors in the shop. We believe that happy technicians lead to happy customers.

Mainly, our customers are really impressed and pleased with the grand scope of the entire facility. In a sense, the dust has cleared and its full power ahead with providing the excellent level of customer service that our customers have grown to enjoy and that we expect to provide.

It's January so turn on your A/C and Roll Your Windows Down

By Dave Trux

Okay, now that I have your attention, this headline actually makes a lot of sense. Air conditioning systems are sealed systems with lots of rubber seals. Rubber seals need to be lubricated to extend their life. By running your air conditioning in January and other winter months, times when you normally wouldn't run it, you’re actually lubricating those seals.

While most people know that freon is the refrigerant in you're a/c system, not everyone realizes that there is oil in freon. It's that oil that is lubricating those seals; therefore, it's important that you periodically run your air conditioning, even in the cold winter months. Just 5-10 minutes at a time and twice a month will help keep your seals lubricated.

The same principals apply to your windows. Windows have rubber seals around them. Those seals help keep the wind, weather and road noise out. If you don’t use your windows in the winter months, the seals may start to stick to the glass, which is going to put extra stress on the window regulator and motor, increasing the likelihood of a power window failure. So, it’s important to roll your windows up and down periodically.

If you hear a clicking noise from inside the door panel while operating the window, that's the tell-tale sign of a failing window regulator. If this happens, I strongly advise you to take your car in to your trusted service center immediately. That would be preferable to using it on a rainy day and then having it stuck in the down position while you drive to the shop with a trash bag in your door!

Editor’s notes: Dave Trux is the owner of Valley Motorwerks in Rancho Cordova, CA. Their address is 11401 White Rock Road, their phone number is (916) 636-9526 and their website is www.vmwerks.com.

Moving on UP . . . Next Door.

By Dave Trux & Walter Ford

In the course of a life of a business, it grows and needs change. The first shop we had was 6,500 feet and had a nice waiting room but had its limitations and shortcomings. We didn't have a dedicated bathroom for our customers, which is extremely important to us. Our techs did a good job keeping the bathroom clean but not customer clean. We consider the shop an extension of our homes and wanted it to be as clean, nice, well lit, warm and comfortable as you would feel if you were in our house, which this place really is to us.

Our new building, which is right next door, has a dedicated waiting room that’s completely separate from the sales area and the offices. We have a couple of couches now, so when there is more than one customer waiting, they don’t feel so crowded. We have a huge flat screen TV to watch, a coffee maker and it’s now like a really nice living room.

The techs out in the shop work more efficiently and are much happier when they’re not working in temperatures of 110 degrees that feels like a hot box. In our new 9,100 square foot facility, we have a dedicated clean room for building engines and a dedicated lounge area for the techs with their own closets and bathroom. The work space itself has coated floors, which was a great cost that helps keep the shop clean. The coated floor reflects the lights back up underneath the cars, so our techs can see better while they’re working. Most importantly, the building is fully insulated. When the weather outside was in the triple digits, the temperate in the shop was 25 degrees cooler! In a concrete building, when the walls get heated up, it will hold the heat for quite some time. The old building actually shields the new building from the sun, so we don’t have that problem anymore. The work area, even on triple digit days will stay around 78-82 degrees, so it’s really nice.

So, this move will be better for our customers and better for our employees. Better employees’ equals’ better quality work, which again benefits our customers! Our new facility is very nice and clean and looks more like a showroom now. Finally, we are also dedicated to keeping our environment clean by making our business as green as possible. We've always printed our invoices on two sides and this building is much more efficient with respect to heating and cooling, so we’re much happier as well!

Fall and Winter Before it's too late

Preventative Maintenance  Car Maintenance Tips

By Dave Trux

With autumn upon us and winter just around the corner, now is the time to bring your vehicle in to your trusted mechanic to check over all the basics before you embark on your next great adventure. The last thing you need is to get stranded on a desolate mountain road, where the weather can change faster than an Indy 500 pit crew changes tires.

A good place to start is your windshield. Wiper blades will often become warn and brittle from months of exposure during the long and sunny days of summer. For that reason, we stock wiper blades all year long for all the cars we service.

Be sure to have all your fluids, belts and hoses examined as well. Along with the standard coolant flush, we urge you to have your brake fluid flushed every other year. Most manufacturers recommend brake fluid flushes every two years. Why? Because, in technical terms, brake fluid is hydroscopic and it’s water loving. As brake fluid takes on water, it’s efficiency decreases exponentially, which is why a flush is strongly recommended.

Last but not least, make sure your mechanic checks your battery, tests the air pressure while also rotating your tires before you take your next road trip. Batteries will lose cranking power in extreme cold weather and your tires pressure will also drop under those conditions. Wherever the road takes you, we at Valley Motorwerks wish you a safe trip and a Happy Thanksgiving!  

Enjoy Your Summer Road Trip

By Dave Trux

Nothing can ruin a summer vacation faster than being on the road and having your vacation cut short or interrupted because of a car repair. This is where preventative maintenance can make the difference between having a dream vacation or a nightmare.

Be sure that your car is ready for an extended road trip by having it thoroughly checked over before you take off. Are all your fluids in good condition or do they need to be flushed or replaced? Are your belts and hoses up to snuff? Do your tires have enough tread left to get back home safely? Are they inflated properly and do they have even wear? These are some of the most basics things to be aware of.

You will want to be proactive as you prepare and look forward to that summer adventure. Again, you don’t want to ruin it with unexpected surprises. Be sure to pay attention to all the things that are affected by heat, like belts, hoses, air conditioning and basic engine fluids. Those are your most common points of failure that can lead to bigger problems. You will want to stay away from having to rent a car to continue the trip while your vehicle is in an unfamiliar shop in the middle of nowhere. Not every shop is reputable, especially when a customer is in a vulnerable position and needs their car back in one piece.

At Valley Motorwerks, we offer a free pre-trip inspection check. We’ll be happy to look at your BMW, Mini, Volkswagen or Audi vehicle to give you greater peace of mind before you leave. We’d prefer to point things out to you before you leave rather than having your car break down and ruin your trip. 

Meet the New Owner of Valley Motorwerks

By Dave Trux

Hi, my name is Dave Trux. I recently purchased Valley Motorwerks from Walter Ford and I could not be more excited! I've had a good professional relationship with Walter for many years and that effectively morphed into me buying the business. If you’re a Valley Motorwerks customer, I’m sure you will have some questions, which I will be happy to answer. Here’s a few that publisher Bob Cox had for me.

Q: When did you meet Walter?

A: I've known Walter since 2004 during our years in BMW racing.

Q: Will Walter be around for awhile to help you get off to a good start?

A: Yes. During the transitional period, Walter will still be around and visible. Walter has other business interests in Sacramento, specifically a race car preparation and fabrication shop that he will now have more time to invest in.

Q: Do you have a background in automotive?

A: Yes, I've been in automotive industry for over 20 years; I'm 56 years old and still play with cars!

Q: Why did you choose to buy Valley Motorwerks?

A: The level of service to the customer and the professionalism that I received as a customer at Valley Motorwerks told me that this would be a good fit for me. Truly, Walter’s vision and my vision are one and the same. Going forward, I want to maintain our high level of customer satisfaction, high level of communication and the high level of quality that people have come to know. That is Valley Motorwerks.

The Inflated Value of Run Flat Tires

By Walter Ford

Several manufacturers are now supplying new cars with run flat tires. The appeal of a run flat tire is that it can be driven on after it goes flat and can maintain its structural integrity for up to 50 miles per hour and travel up to 50 miles. In other words, if a run flat tire goes flat, it will travel a reasonable distance at a reasonable speed.

How are they able to do this? The manufacturer builds up the sidewalls of the tire with extra rubber. The problem with that is it causes the tire to ride very poorly as it transmits shock through the car. This shock can be so extreme that in some cases we have seen broken wheels. Why does this happen? Because the tire is so stiff, if it hits a pothole or other obstacle in the road, it will actually take that shock and transmit it right into the wheel, causing the wheel to break inside. We have seen this happen in our shop many times and it’s always on run flat tires.

We advocate getting rid of these tires because they cost about 1/3 more than a regular tire and they don’t have any real benefit. Furthermore, a run flat tire will still need to be replaced after you have driven on it after it has gone flat. So, if you’re thinking that a run flat tire will save you money, they don’t. They actually cost more money number one and number two, when you drive on them after they’re flat, they will be completely ruined.

The only advantage of a run flat tire is getting the short term convenience of not having to change your tire after it has gone flat. The trade off of temporary convenience versus much higher cost and poorer ride in my opinion is not worth it. Another disadvantage of run flat tires is they don’t last as long as most conventional tires. We have seen them go up to 30,000 miles but you can get a conventional tire that’s got a guarantee of 60,000 miles. At the end of the day, I believe you’ll be miles ahead by investing all the money you will save and getting a superior standard tire. 

Treating Your Family Like Our Family

By Walter Ford

When I hire somebody, one of the things that I do is tell them about our basic business philosophy. The first time anybody walks through our front door, they’re a friend. It doesn't matter if they’re a customer, an inspector from the state of California, somebody that runs parts or a process server serving papers. It doesn't matter.

The second time they walk through that front door, they’re family. You treat them as such and if a delivery person comes in and we have pizza or other food we’re sharing, if they were a family member, wouldn't you invite them to sit down and have a soda and something to eat?

I do this because it sets the tone and ultimately determines the personality of our business. If you visit a family that doesn't really help or look out for each other, you’re not going to get a warm and fuzzy feeling from those people. If I have a customer in the waiting room and they see me run to the door because the delivery guy has his hands full and then welcome him in, it makes everybody feel better.

I feel my personal philosophy on running any kind of business, especially when it’s service oriented, is that you want to exude that feeling of contentment and happiness. People don’t come to us because they want to. They come to us because it’s a necessity. When a customer first walks in, they’re likely going to be in a negative space. I think it’s our duty to do our best to put them at ease and make them feel comfortable.

Treating a person like family is probably the fastest way to get there. If there’s any question about how I should handle something, all I have to do is ask myself, “If they were a family member, what would I do?”

We had an incident where we had a problem with a car on Friday, and I came in the following Monday at 10:30 am and it hadn't even been on the rack yet. I looked at my manager and said, "Not only is this a good customer, he’s a personal friend. He’s been here more than once. Is this how you would treat your family?" When you set the goal of treating everyone like family, if you do fall a little bit short, you’ll probably be okay.

The goal is to show my employees how I expect to be treated. My hope is that this attitude will eventually come as naturally to them as it does to me. I truly like my customers and enjoy speaking to each and every one when I'm in the office.