Twas The Night Before Christmas (A&P Style)

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the town

Everyone was home…

But your car was broken down.

 

You wondered and wondered what would you do,

You wanted to be with your family too.

 

You looked around and saw a great light.

Who could that be on this Christmas Eve Night?

 

It was A&P Transmissions, they tow and repair.

They were kind and dependable, and they were there.

 

Paul looked at the car and began to think.

I’ll have you out of here in a wink.

Your problems are not as bad as you think.

 

A&P was dependable, honest, and very fair.

Leaving the customer with money to spare.

 

A happy customer drove off that Christmas Eve Night,

And we heard him exclaim as he drove out of sight,

“Merry Christmas to All and to All a good night!”

You know you have a good Auto Mechanic when….

Many people have difficulty finding a good mechanic in their local area even if they have resided in that area for their entire life.  Automotive businesses come and go, and many mechanics aren’t dedicated to their profession by being honest or by providing quality service and prices.  These factors leave many people in a constant search for their “good mechanic.”

Let’s begin by exploring what the average person thinks a good mechanic equates to.  A good mechanic can figure out what’s wrong with the car, can explain the problem to the customer, can fix the car in a timely manner, should charge affordable and fair prices for the parts and labor, and should offer a warranty.  All of these tips are further explained below:

Diagnostics and Documentation

A “Good Mechanic” will take the customer step by step through the entire procedure of what the problem is, what is going to be done, and how the problem will be fixed.  Good mechanics also provide an itemized list of parts and work completed.  Remember, a “Good Mechanic” just doesn’t want to sell the job; the mechanic wants to get the job done right.

Customer Satisfaction

A “Good Mechanic” will try hard to please the customer by completing the job in a timely manner and within the time frame that was given to him by the customer.  Good mechanics also show respect to the customer’s vehicle by making sure that the car is clean when the work is done.  The bottom line is that good mechanics will go out of their way to satisfy the customer!

Quality & Price

A “Good Mechanic” will offer a good service for a reasonable rate.  The reasonable rate is the combination of the price for the parts and the comparable price for the labor.  Quality and price do not always go hand in hand.  While some people think a job is not worthwhile unless it is “expensive,” that is not always the case; Likewise, a poor job often relates to shoddy service.   A “Good Mechanic” offers good service for a reasonable and fair price!

Warranty

Warranties are often sold to the customer via the shop’s service writer or owner so make sure to ask if the parts have a service warranty.  Also, inquire about any extended warranties.  Keep in mind this rule of thumb:  “The longer the warranty is, the better the quality of work usually is.”

Now that you have these tips for finding a good mechanic, you will need to begin the daunting process of finding that “good mechanic” in your area.  Ask friends and neighbors whom you trust for recommendations.  Once you find a trusting mechanic, research the reputation of the shop in which that mechanic works.  Check internet sites such as, “The Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org; Yellow Pages, www.yellowpages.com; and Angies List, www.Angieslist.com.  The sites should list complaints and authenticity for the shop.  Using these tips and guides for finding a good mechanic should help to alleviate any feelings of being taken advantage of in an industry about which you have little or no knowledge. Help yourself by taking control of your automotive decisions!

Helpful Links

Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org

Yellow Pages,  www.yellowpages.com

Auto repair questions, bring them to JustAnswer where a verified auto mechanic can help you troubleshoot online.  Car.JustAnswer.com

American Automobile Association- will tell you about the authenticity of the shop.

National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence- checks the current certification of the shop.

Memorial Day 2011

Memorial Day is now celebrated in almost every state on the last Monday in May.  This Holiday is to recognize and respect all service members.  The recognition or respect is often done in many different ways varying from placing a US flag or candle on soldiers’ grave sites, to special offers or discounts from businesses.  As a business owner and a veteran, I proudly take a moment to reflect on the selfless acts that all service members have given by servicing their country.

A&P Transmissions and Auto Service LLC ask everyone to take a moment of reflection to thank all service members.  A&P Transmissions wants to appreciate all service members, their dependents, and military employees by offering a special discount of $200 on all major transmissions repairs or rebuilds on 30 May 2011, and during the month of June 2011.   Just bring your ID, or show a copy of your DD214 for this special appreciation discount.  A&P Transmissions thanks all service members and their families for their dedication, and service!

A&P Transmissions and Auto Service LLC-500 N. Magnolia St Summerville SC 29485- 843.261.2678

Car Show Calender-2011

April

Sat, April 30, 2011

Trident Technical College – “19th Spring Spin-off” Car Show

10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the main campus, 7000 Rivers Ave.

Registration, beginning at 8 a.m. $20

The show is limited to the first 250 cars

May  

Wed, 4 May, 2011

Bessinger’s Bar-B-Q – “Open” Car, Truck and Motorcycle Show

6-9 p.m. at the restaurant at 1602 Savannah Highway

Registration is $5

Categories are cars 1900-42, 1943-59, 1960-71 and 1972-2011; street rods; trucks; and motorcycles

Music will be performed by The Cruise-O-Matics.

Sat, May 7, 2011

West Ashley Shoppes – “Open” Car, Bike & Truck show

West Ashley Shoppes on Orleans Road across from Citadel Mall in Charleston

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Registration begins at 10 a.m.

Registration fee is $10 per vehicle

Classes are Corvettes; motorcycles; sport compacts; Mustangs; street rods; trucks; and years 1900-39, 1940-62, 1963-71, 1972-89, 1990-2005 and 2006-present.

www.4cccc.org

Sun, May 8, 2011

Dorchester Dragway-Car Show

213 Delee Circle

To get there, take Interstate 26 to exit 187 at Ridgeville. Turn left on S.C. Highway 27, then after about a mile, take a right on U.S. Highway 78. In four miles, turn left on Delee Circle.

www.dorchesterdrag.com/schedule

Sat, May 21, 2011

Hooters restaurant – “Monthly” Car Show

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hooters restaurant by Northwoods Mall in North Charleston

Registration is $10 a car

Shows are scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of the month through September

www.smafclub.com

Wed, May 25, 2011

Joe Bessingers Bar B Que – “Monthly” Car Show

6-8:30 p.m.

College Park Road in Summerville

Registration is $10

Classes include years 1900-55, 1956-65, 1966-75 and 1976-present; Corvettes; imports; motorcycles; Mustangs; street rods; and trucks.

 

June  

Wed, June 1, 2011

Bessinger’s Bar-B-Q – “Open” Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show

6-9 p.m.

1602 Savannah Highway

Registration is $5

Categories are cars for years 1900-42, 1943-59, 1960-71 and 1972-2011; street rods; trucks; and motorcycles.

Music will be provided by The Cruise-O-Matics

Sat, June 18, 2011

Car Pros Plaza -“Cruise-in”and Car Show

10 a.m.-3 p.m

Car Pros Plaza, 103 Trolley Road in Summerville (at the corner of Trolley and Miles roads).

Lunch will be provided for all “cruisers” and car show owners.   Please, register before June 18th. for the provided lunch.

Register by calling 843-795-7944

http://carprosplaza.com/

Sat, June 18, 2011

Hooters restaurant – “Monthly” Car Show

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hooters restaurant by Northwoods Mall in North Charleston

Registration is $10 a car

Shows are scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of the month through September

www.smafclub.com

Wed, June 22, 2011

Joe Bessingers Bar B Que – “Monthly” Car Show

6-8:30 p.m.

College Park Road in Summerville

Registration is $10

Classes include years 1900-55, 1956-65, 1966-75 and 1976-present; Corvettes; imports; motorcycles; Mustangs; street rods; and trucks.

Fri,  June 24, 2011

Citadel Mall-“Dillion Frisbie Memorial Cruise-In” – 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Meet at King Street Grille at the Citadel Mall -2070 Sam Rittenburg Boulevard, Charleston SC 29407

Cruise to Northwoods Mall

Party following cruise at 7p.m.

www.FrisbieRodRun.com

Sat, June 25, 2011

Citadel Mall-“Dillion Frisbie Memorial Car Show” – 8a.m – 2 p.m

2070 Sam Rittenburg Boulevard, Charleston SC 29407

Registration- 8am-11am

Judging 11am-2pm

Food, Entertainment, and a Designated kids area with jump castles.

www.FrisbieRodRun.com

Sat, June 25, 2011

McAlister’s Deli – Open Cruise-In 5-7 p.m.

4950 Centre Pointe Drive in North Charleston near Tanger Outlet Center

No registration fee.

Sat, June 25, 2011

Market Street Saloon – Open Car, Truck, and Bike Show – Registration starts at 3:30 p.m.  Show starts at 4:30 p.m.

7690 Northwoods Blvd, North Charleston.  843-576-4116

Registration is $5.

8 Categories for trophies. 3 Trophies for Best Of Show.   Live DJ.  Door Prizes.

Proceeds benefit Camp Puff’nStuff

www.marketstreetsaloon.com

 

July            

Wed, July 6, 2011

Bessinger’s Bar-B-Q – “Open” Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show

6-9 p.m.

1602 Savannah Highway

Registration is $5

Categories are cars for years 1900-42, 1943-59, 1960-71 and 1972-2011; street rods; trucks; and motorcycles.

Music will be provided by The Cruise-O-Matics

Sat, July 9, 2011

Brittlebank Park – 9am – 1pm.

National Collector Car Appreciation Day Event

Free event.

Includes a Downtown Touring Activity.

Sat, July 15, 2011

Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island – “The 3^rd Annual VW Drag Night” Cruise In

Cruise In to Freshfields Village on Kiawah Island SC

Plane Jane concert from 6pm-9pm

www.vwdragnight.com

www.freshfieldsvillage.com

www.facebook.com/FreshfieldsVillage

Sat, July 16, 2011

Orangeburg Drag Strip – “The 3^rd Annual VW Drag Night” Car Show and Race

2 p.m. Racing Start

This is a SEVWA Points race.  There will be 3 Bracket Classes, Pro Outlaw, Pro Mod, Pro Street, Unlimited Street, and a 6.90 Index Class.

www.vwdragnight.com

www.facebook.com/pages/VW-Drag-Night/307405616059?ref=mf

www.obdragstrip.com

Sat, July 16, 2011

Hooters restaurant – “Monthly” Car Show

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hooters restaurant by Northwoods Mall in North Charleston

Registration is $10 a car

Shows are scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of the month through September

www.smafclub.com

Wed, July 27, 2011

Joe Bessingers Bar B Que – “Monthly” Car Show

6-8:30 p.m.

College Park Road in Summerville

Registration is $10

Classes include years 1900-55, 1956-65, 1966-75 and 1976-present; Corvettes; imports; motorcycles; Mustangs; street rods; and trucks.

 

August         

Wed, August 3, 2011

Bessinger’s Bar-B-Q – “Open” Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show

6-9 p.m.

1602 Savannah Highway

Registration is $5

Categories are cars for years 1900-42, 1943-59, 1960-71 and 1972-2011; street rods; trucks; and motorcycles.

Music will be provided by The Cruise-O-Matics

Sat, August 20, 2011

Hooters restaurant – “Monthly” Car Show

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hooters restaurant by Northwoods Mall in North Charleston

Registration is $10 a car

Shows are scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of the month through September

www.smafclub.com

Sun, August 21, 2011

Charleston Tea Plantation – Open Car and Bike Show – 11am – 4pm.

6617 Maybank Hwy, Wadmalaw Island, SC 29487

843-559-0383

All proceeds to benefit L.E.A.R.N. Horse Rescue

Registration is $15.

All Classes Welcome.

Kids activities: Mr. Koolie, 514-Jump, Face Painting, Live Music, Jack’s Cosmic Dogs

www.learnhorserescue.com

Wed, August 24, 2011

Joe Bessingers Bar B Que – “Monthly” Car Show

6-8:30 p.m.

College Park Road in Summerville

Registration is $10

Classes include years 1900-55, 1956-65, 1966-75 and 1976-present; Corvettes; imports; motorcycles; Mustangs; street rods; and trucks.

 

September             

Wed, September 7,2011

Bessinger’s Bar-B-Q – “Open” Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show

6-9 p.m.

1602 Savannah Highway

Registration is $5

Categories are cars for years 1900-42, 1943-59, 1960-71 and 1972-2011; street rods; trucks; and motorcycles.

Music will be provided by The Cruise-O-Matics

Sat, September 17, 2011

Hooters restaurant – “Monthly” Car Show

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hooters restaurant by Northwoods Mall in North Charleston

Registration is $10 a car

Shows are scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of the month through September

www.smafclub.com

Sat, September 24,2011

The Low Country Volkswagen Club – “19th Annual OKTOBERFEST VW” Car Show

9-1:00 p.m.

3497 Ashley Phosphate Road, North Charleston

Entry Fee is $10

Event T-shirts are $10

Trophies for top 10 and best of show.

All proceeds will be donated to Camp Happy Days.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/155155534583

Sun, September 25,2011

The Charleston Auto Expo – “A Car Show Feel Auto Expo”

12-5:00 p.m.

Omar Shrine Temple, Mt Pleasant SC

Admission is $5

Event T-shirts are $10

FREE Clinics, Workshops, and Demonstrations by vendors and sponsors highlighting services and products!

http://www.charlestonautoexpo.com/

Wed, September28,2011

Joe Bessingers Bar B Que – “Monthly” Car Show

6-8:30 p.m.

College Park Road in Summerville

Registration is $10

Classes include years 1900-55, 1956-65, 1966-75 and 1976-present; Corvettes; imports; motorcycles; Mustangs; street rods; and trucks.

 

October                           

Wed, October 5, 2011

Bessinger’s Bar-B-Q – “Open” Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show

6-9 p.m.

1602 Savannah Highway

Registration is $5

Categories are cars for years 1900-42, 1943-59, 1960-71 and 1972-2011; street rods; trucks; and motorcycles.

Music will be provided by The Cruise-O-Matics

Sat, October 15, 2011

Hooters restaurant – “Monthly” Car Show

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hooters restaurant by Northwoods Mall in North Charleston

Registration is $10 a car

Shows are scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of the month through September

www.smafclub.com

Wed, October 26, 2011

Joe Bessingers Bar B Que – “Monthly” Car Show

6-8:30 p.m.

College Park Road in Summerville

Registration is $10

Classes include years 1900-55, 1956-65, 1966-75 and 1976-present; Corvettes; imports; motorcycles; Mustangs; street rods; and trucks.

 

November    

Sat, November 5, 2011

Low Country Mustang Club – “17th Annual Mustang and All Ford Show” Car Show

Carolina Ice Palace, 7665 Northwoods Blvd.  North Charleston SC 29406

Proceeds to benefit “Camp Puff N Stuff”

http://www.lowcountrymustangs.com/

Sat, November 19, 2011

North Charleston and American LaFrance Fire Museum and Educational Center– 9am–5pm.

4975 Center Pointe Dr.  North Charleston SC 29418

1-803-320-3193

http://www.kossmotorsports.com

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