The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is causing a global health emergency, and a global economic slowdown. Trade, investment, growth, and employment are all affected and the crisis has had an impact on businesses all throughout Riverside County.

Sure, by now we’ve all seen the warnings of the “to-dos” and “not to dos” from various news sources as well as the numerous messages, videos and pictorials from the World Health Organization and CDC. Richard Perry who is the owner of VIP Autos in Hemet and chairman of the Hemet San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce had some thoughts on the pandemic that is all real to us now.

HSJC: How has the global pandemic affected you? Richard Perry: “I and the other community businesses “have never seen anything like this”. As a small-business owner, I have seen the impact on my floor traffic that I depend on and that know other businesses that have made painful adjustments by not paying themselves and putting their employees first, or even cutting them down too. We will get through this, just as we have undergone other crises in the past. Local coffee shops, bars, restaurants and some other retailers may find it harder to bounce back, but there will be a pent-up demand for those goods and services that may bring a full recovery in a short time.”

HSJC: What advice do you suggest for the local business owners during this time period? Richard Perry: “The chamber and I suggest the business owners to get to know their vendors a little more and even ask them for help. Business owners should engage “with their cellphones” to keep in touch with each other to trade ideas and other things that might improve or prolong their business during the crisis more than ever.

Take the time to review your website if you have one and update or improve them until the business can reopen. You might find mistakes in them. Contact previous owners and customers to learn what helped them or what they are looking for and wish them well. Don’t forget to use the chamber and all their resources to help your businesses grow. Just do not fade in the background and stop your messaging.”

HSJC: Is there anything else that you’d like to add? Richard Perry: “Although the president signed the CARE bill, merchants and businessmen won’t know when that help will come. Many of the chamber golf tournaments, ribbon cuttings, reverse drawing and other chamber events have had to be canceled or rescheduled due to the coronavirus. It’s been the toughest”, even for my own business…still, we are not giving up.” Also, use your resources.

The Hemet San Jacinto Valley Chamber webpage, https://www.hemetsanjacintochamber.com, available with the latest business information for members and the general public. Cindy Lemke the Chamber CEO recorded a number of videos designed to try to help small businesses in the Valley survive through the crisis and a list of what are considered “essential services.”

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Greetings from the Hemet Car Guy, Last Sunday my wife Bambi and I set out to do battle; armed with masks, gloves disinfectant and hand sanitizer; actually, we went grocery shopping for our home and her mother who lives alone. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything and now personal hygiene is more important than ever. Ok, let’s relate this to our cars since I’m the Hemet Car Guy It is now more than ever more important keeping our vehicles clean and helping prevent the spread of disease.

VIP Autos is taking every precaution while we keep our business running, and we want you to be safe, too. In past articles and on our web page hemetcarguy.info, we showed how to clean your car and even change the cabin filter, however, now we have taken it to the next level because we know it’s not just cleaning our cars but also protecting ourselves from infection, and protecting others.

The general guidelines for preventing the spread of any disease are the same around cars as anywhere else. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds after touching any unknown surface that someone else might touch, whether you’re picking up a car from a repair shop or doing some socially-distant car shopping. You can get the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). If you don’t have access to soap and water, hand sanitizer works as a backup. Also, keep your distance. Don’t get in a car with someone from outside your household; at VIP Autos, we have made it a new policy to have our clients test-drive vehicles alone.

We are told Coronavirus isn’t classified as airborne, which is confusing because it definitely can be spread through sneezing and coughing, so wear that mask!! We know Coronavirus can spread through people who aren’t showing any symptoms, and we don’t want to risk exposure in the confined space of an automobile interior. With that said, we have taken additional safety measures in our Detail Department. VIP Auto’s detailer Kevin always wears a mask, eye protection, because as a professional detailer, he comes into contact with car-related germs on a daily basis.

Kevin had always focused on the six areas in the car most likely to host viruses, bacteria, and other infectious material: the steering wheel, cup holders, and seat belt, inside the door, handles, gearshift knob, and radio buttons, but now he needs to do more before because he knows there is a difference between cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Cleaning is the act of physically removing dirt and other substances from a surface, usually with a detergent. Sanitizing lowers the number of germs on a surface while disinfecting uses chemicals to kill germs actively.

(car awareness)

This is very important to do without using bleach products inside the vehicle. Because of the additional steps with disinfectants, it takes twice as long to get a vehicle ready. Kevin deep cleans the whole interior with high-pH products that need to sit on the soft material for some time to work, and besides disinfecting the whole interior in addition to those six high touch areas, and sanitizing Kevin changes the cabin filter and then finishes off with an ozone generator. Ozone is a gas that has proven to be a powerful sterilant and weapon against bad smells and bacteria.

Because it is gas, it can permeate just about every crevice of your car, reaching those hard to locate and hard to reach odors. If there’s a foul smell in your car, chances are there is also bacteria floating around. Ozone will kill both, leaving your car smelling good and the interior climate healthy. The ozone generator uses UV light to generate ozone. And, once ozone comes into contact with other molecules, it will destroy them instantly through the process of oxidation. Yes, it’s all terribly scientific, but all you need to know is that ozone will destroy bacteria and odors on contact, removing them permanently from your car. Ok, we are not making claims, of ozone sterilization being used to kill the current strain of Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (technical name of the Coronavirus which causes the COVID-19 disease).

However, there are reasons to believe it would be effective: For example, during the SARS epidemic of 2003, ozone sterilization was successfully used to purify environments infected with the deadly Coronavirus, SARS-CoV-1, the virus, which causes the SARS disease. As SARS-Cov-1 is also a member of the Coronavirus family, it is highly likely that ozone sterilization would be effective at killing SARS-CoV-2, the Coronavirus, which causes the COVID-19 disease. Kevin does use cleaning, sanitizing and disinfectant products. Still, Kevin and I don’t pretend to be a disinfecting disease expert – we are doing our best to figuring this out as we go. And don’t forget to clean your keys.

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You may be surprised to learn that, when asked to consider the items they can’t live without, Americans rank toothpaste and their toothbrush almost as important as the internet and cell phones, according to a recent study.

A new survey on reliability from Cooper Tires is based on data from a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults. The survey drills down into what Americans rely on most in their daily lives, with some interesting findings. In order to smoothly navigate your day-to-day, it’s likely there are a few key items, whether you really think about them or not, that we all count on to work in order to get things done.

The reliability of these items – the fact that they consistently perform well – is critical to our day-to-day and impactful on our emotions (both positive and negative) and yet we don’t stop and think about, much less celebrate, the value these items bring to our everyday lives. Cooper is built on providing quality, reliable tires for drivers since 1914, and understands the value of being a reliable partner for everyday life, whether celebrated or not. And many of the items that Americans named as their top 10 aren’t lauded on a daily basis – but maybe they should be.

Items in the study were ranked according to rational and emotional responses, with these subscores combined to determine the overall reliability scores.

The survey found that Wi-Fi/the internet earned the top ranking for reliability followed by cell phones, but somewhat surprisingly, a toothbrush and toothpaste were third overall. Wi-Fi/the internet scored highest not only on regularity of use and quality, but also contributed highly to both happiness and anxiety – implying that this technological marvel causes a range of emotions, from giving users joy, while at times plummeting them into stress. This ranking also showcases how ubiquitous Wi-Fi/the internet and cell phones have become for people of all ages and backgrounds. The humble toothbrush actually scored higher on the happiness subscale than laptops, sunglasses or even makeup.

Also ranking high for rational responses are cars and their tires. Cars scored fourth overall, with tires sixth, but on the emotional subscore, personal vehicles were second highest, showing that Americans still love their cars, and value reliable tires to get where they need to go, as well as to keep them safe.

Even when the survey findings were divided into subgroups by age (Gen Z, millennials, Gen X, baby boomers and the Greatest Generation), personal vehicles beat out ridesharing.

“While high-tech products and advancements are exciting and buzzworthy, it’s much more routine items that we look to and rely on to get through our day,” notes Jessica Egerton, director of brand development at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company. “This shows a clear distinction between the things that are nice to have – such as fitness trackers and tablets – and things that are a critical necessity for most Americans in navigating their everyday – such as a personal vehicle.”

The remaining top 10 items are: shampoo, credit/debit cards, glasses or contacts, microwaves, and live TV.

While no food items made the top 10, coffee was the top consumable item, in 12th place, followed closely by chocolate in 14th place (laptops took the 13th spot). Interestingly, although both coffee and chocolate scored higher on the rational subscale than the emotional, chocolate not only scored significantly higher among women and Gen X, but chocolate had the largest gap of any item between anxiety and happiness on the emotional subscale. It would appear that chocolate brings consumers joy, but does not cause them stress. Enough said.

Visit cooperreliabilitystudy.com for the full survey results.

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If you’re like many Americans, your car is your lifeline. When it’s in need of repair, being able to cough up the cash to keep it running is critical.

A new survey finds that U.S. consumers spent an average of nearly $2,000 on vehicle repairs and maintenance in the last five years, with millennials and generation Z being hardest hit by the costs. The 2019 Ally Financial survey, conducted online by The Harris Poll, found that while adults 55 and older spent $1,654 on average for vehicle maintenance and repairs in the past five years, millennials and generation Z paid an average of $2,334 during the same timeframe.

Ally’s survey results come on the heels of research from the Federal Reserve, which found that nearly four in 10 adults would not be able to cover unexpected expenses of $400 without selling something or going into debt.

If you’re concerned about the cost of a surprise car repair leaving you running on empty, consider these tips from Ally Financial.

Save

An emergency savings fund can prepare you for unexpected car repair bills. Another recent Ally survey found that two-thirds of 18- to 24-year-olds haven’t established any type of emergency savings fund, compared to approximately half of all other adults. Over time, setting aside even $10 each month can potentially protect you against having to borrow or incur debt.

Stay Protected

A vehicle service contract (VSC), similar to an extended warranty, is a protection plan that covers vehicle repairs costs outside of the manufacturer’s warranty, and may be easier to budget for than a large unexpected bill from the mechanic’s shop. Unfortunately, many people aren’t taking advantage of VSCs. The Ally survey found that only 21 percent of Americans have purchased one in the last five years.

Before committing to a particular service contract, shop around to ensure that you’re working with a reputable company that offers services at locations convenient for you. Also look into additional benefits. For example, Ally’s FlexCoverage includes 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, trip interruption protection, (e.g. reimbursement for room and board if your car troubles require an overnight stay) or rental car reimbursement. While these reimbursements are usually capped at a certain dollar amount, they can alleviate some of the burden

Be Proactive

Maintenance issues that go unattended can lead to heftier repair bills down the road. Schedule timely oil changes, brake pad replacements and tire rotation, and mark your calendar to check fluid levels like coolant and windshield washer fluid. If flashing lights appear on your dashboard, check your owner’s manual and contact your dealer or mechanic to see what the problem could be.

“Unfortunately, too many Americans are just one repair bill away from being forced to make tough financial decisions,” says Mark Manzo, president of Insurance at Ally Financial. “But proactive strategies can offer peace of mind and protect your wallet.”

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Premium vs Regular gas…does it matter?

Greetings from the Hemet Car Guy.

As I watch my 401k, I’ve noticed that gasoline stocks continue to decline. Even as stocks tighten, the demand will continue to increase as we head into the holidays.

Lately low crude prices have helped to push down pump prices. As of a week ago, the national average for unleaded regular gasoline had decreased by two cents to $2.67/gallon.   Unfortunately, in California the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is still a hefty $4.13, according to fuel pricing website GasBuddy.com.

These prices are the highest they’ve been since July 11, 2014. It’s also by far the most expensive in the U.S., with the current average almost $1.50 above the national average.

Even though gas prices are top-most in the minds of U.S. drivers, most realize that, unfortunately, due  to many factors, pricing is not in control of the consumer, except, that is, when they make smart decisions at the pump.

Do vehicles designed to run on regular gas benefit from premium?

If you’re one of the 16.5 million U.S. drivers who has used premium fuel despite the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation, press that 87 octane button and save yourself some money. In past articles we discussed the non-benefit of using premium fuel in vehicles designed to run on regular gas or that which is recommend.

AAA tested regular and premium gasoline in vehicles designed to operate on regular-grade fuel. The laboratory testing found no significant improvement in horsepower, fuel economy or emissions, suggesting the practice of using premium gasoline when it’s not required for the vehicle offers no advantage.

The costs add up quickly: drivers unnecessarily used premium gasoline in their vehicles more than 270 million times in the past year, at a cost of $2.1 billion. A better option, according to AAA’s studies, would be to use a fuel that meets TOP TIER™ standards, which results in 19 times fewer engine deposits. Such deposits decrease vehicle performance and reduce fuel economy.

Do vehicles that recommend, but do not require, premium benefit from the higher-octane fuel?

Since 2010, the price gap between premium and regular-grade gasolines has risen steadily. Drivers of vehicles that recommend, but do not require premium gasoline should look at their driving habits and weigh the potential benefits against the increased costs of choosing premium-grade gasoline.

Vehicles tested by AAA in partnership with the Automobile Club of Southern California found modest improvements in both fuel economy and performance when simulating extreme driving scenarios such as towing, hauling and rapid acceleration. However, there was less of a benefit in typical city or highway driving situations.

Some high-performance engines are specifically designed to operate on premium fuel and need the higher octane. Vehicles designed to run on regular gasoline cannot take advantage of the higher octane rating, nor can they produce more horsepower using premium fuel.

The safest strategy is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations found in your owner’s manual.

Hope this helps

The Hemet Car Guy

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YOU CAN EXTEND YOUR CAR’S LIFESPAN?

Greetings from The Hemet Car Guy,

Quite often I get asked how long a particular car will last. And I get it because a car is one of the biggest investments many people will make for years. That begs the obvious question, especially when money is tight and cost of living is ever increasing so then, you ask, “how long will this potential car I’m interested in buying will last?”

This depends on many factors; there are some tried-and-true tactics to figure out the average lifespan of your vehicle.

Here’s what you need to know.

According to Consumer Reports, the average lifespan of today’s cars is about eight years or 150,000 miles. however I’ve seen vehicles last over 200,000 miles that are properly maintained.

While there’s no real way to tell how long a car will stay trouble-free, as you don’t know how the vehicle was maintained before you got it. We don’t knowingly hand off a foreseen problem at the dealership we start off with a good inspection to determine what needs to be done, we fix them, service, smog, and safety the vehicle ready for sale. Though we can’t predict the future we do our best to give you a good start of trouble-free driving.

You’ve made an investment in that car that’s why we recommend a routine of ongoing maintenance to prevent major parts from failing.

No car can last forever; generally, cars that have exceeded 200,000 miles on the odometer are running on borrowed time and may begin requiring additional maintenance in the coming year.

I believe cars are better built than in the past with better build quality

Cars are lasting longer and longer these days. This is especially true when you compare the average lifespan of a car today to the average lifespan of a car built 20 or 30 years ago, as I remember our American cars have come a long way since the early 80’s I should know I sold them back then. (Remember Mike Reade Chevrolet/ Oldsmobile on the corner of Florida and Kirby that is now Applebee’s?)

Auto manufacturers are better designed and their mechanical parts have gotten more reliable, the lifespan of cars has increased, as a result. Today, major wear parts run longer and perform more efficiently than they have in the past. This, in turn, means fewer large repairs and less maintenance for car owners.

YOU CAN EXTEND YOUR CAR’S LIFESPAN?

Want to improve your car’s lifespan and enjoy more functionality for your vehicle?

Here are a few tips to do just that:

Develop and adhere to a service schedule. When it comes to your car’s lifespan, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. While nobody likes spending time at an auto repair shop, arranging to be there on a scheduled and pre-set basis is the best way to avoid surprise visits. In addition to keeping you away from major repairs, regular maintenance also boosts your car’s resale value and extends its engine life.

Fix small problems quickly. Instead of driving around for a few thousand miles with your “check engine” light on, fix small engine issues promptly. Even tiny engine problems can become major ones if you don’t address them in a timely fashion. With this in mind, contact your mechanic as soon as you notice a funny noise, strange light, or odd symptom during your driving experience.

Clean your engine annually. You should clean your car’s engine at least once a year. Because dirt and grime can cause your engine to run hot, this layer of yuck puts extra strain on your car’s system and can contribute to things like overheating and a shorter-than-average engine lifespan. Adding a fuel injector cleaner is a great way to beat dirt and grime buildup.

And while you are at it wash and wax your car, clean it inside and out. Although it doesn’t actually help it run better you will enjoy it more since its lasting longer.

Hope this helps

Good Driving

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Greetings from the Hemet Car Guy,

Ok, Football season is here, and my favorite team won their season opener Monday night by a field goal in the last seconds of the game. 

Who Dat You say?

Whether your team is winning tail gaiting is fun. No not when you are driving but when you are parked. If you haven’t ever tailgated here is what you need. The Car Guy is going to help you out and show you how to combine your passion for cars, football, and fun. Just add food, drinks, and good friends, and pre-game just may become the best part of game day. Many football fans are experts at this and Jeff, Rolando and I have seen evidence of this when we took the Cops4Kids and Communities kids to the Chargers vs. Saints preseason game last month (yep Saints won that game too).

Here are things you need for a great pre-game tailgate party:

Folding Chairs

You’re likely going to set up shop three or four hours before game time, so you’ll need plenty of comfortable places to sit. Why not choose a folding chair with your favorite car logo–Mopar, Camaro, Mustang, or of course your team! 

Folding Table

The best part of tailgating is eating. You need to have a place to set your food and drink, so we recommend a fold-up table with the car logo of your choice. 

Power Inverter

Want music in your tailgating area? Hoping to catch some of the pre-game coverage on TV? There are lots of reasons to have electricity available in your tailgating spot, and a power inverter can make it happen. 

Outdoor Grill

Part of the fun of tailgating is clogging your arteries with brats and red meat. And the only thing more manly than grilling out in a parking lot is doing it with a grill that looks cool like a toolbox.

Vintage or Team Cooler

Bring a little old school to the party with a vintage automotive, Coca-Cola cooler or a Tommy Bahama cooler. You can also keep your choice of drinks cold and tailgate with style.

Can Koozie – Assorted colors, of course, that way you don’t drink someone else’s drink. There are manlier options to keep your beverages cold. They’ve also got car-themed tumblers and mugs for all your beverage-consumption needs.

Toolbox  – I’ve seen fishermen use toolboxes for tackle boxes why not use a toolbox to organize your tailgating essentials–bottle openers, trash bags, spatulas, wood skewers, hand sanitizer, or whatever.

Part cart or wagon

Our detailer uses them on the lot; heck bring one to the game.

You can use your part totes to transport your tailgating gear to and from the stadium and then store it in between events.

Bean Bag toss Games

Some people throw the pigskin around. Others play corn hole. Nothing wrong with that if that’s your thing, but look for fun skill games to toss around.

The key is to have fun enjoy the moment; in fact, practice in your driveway; let me know how it goes even if the neighbors think you are weird.

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