AUTOMATIC UNDERGROUND LAWN SPRINKLERS September 18, 2012 • Page 12 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Advice from the Pros: Do Did you know? Not Neglect Auto Service (MS) — The average age of a personal vehicle on the road today is more than 11 years, according to recent news reports. In tough economic times, it’s natural to rein in spending. But the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) warn that putting off routine auto maintenance or ignoring service intervals is false economy. Small issues can morph into more expensive repairs. For example, failure to replace worn brake pads or a faulty oxygen sensor — both relatively easy services for qualified auto technicians — can result in expensive brake rotor service or costly replacement of the vehicle’s catalytic converter. Frequently neglected items include oil changes, tire and brake service, wheel alignment, air and fuel filters, and transmission service, according to ASE-certified auto technicians. Besides, a well-maintained vehicle gets better gasoline mileage, pollutes less, is safer to operate, and lasts longer than one that’s neglected, notes ASE. To help consumers choose a repair shop that fits their needs, ASE offers the following checklist: * Look for a neat, wellorganized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays. * Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant willing to answer all of your questions. * Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment. * Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work. * Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area, such as civic, community, or customer service awards. * Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE. * Look for the ASE sign or logo; it means the shop employs nationally certified technicians. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a non-profit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign. Visit www.ase.com for seasonal car care advice and more. n Metro Creative Services According to TGB Enterprises in Burlington, Ontario, kitchen renovations are the most popular home improvement projects. Renovating a kitchen is a great way to increase the value and also the functionality of a home. The National Kitchen & Bath Association’s latest market report says that, in the first three months of 2012, the number of homeowners who started a kitchen renovation was up more than 50 percent from the previous quarter. A kitchen is a central gathering place and is one of the most popular family gathering spots in the house. With traditional dining rooms being eliminated in favor of open, eat-in kitchens and entertaining spaces, more attention than ever is now placed on a well-designed kitchen. The average remodeling budget for a kitchen renovation exceeds $30,000. But there are ways to keep budgets in check. * Do some of the work yourself to reduce money spent on labor costs. * Consider laminate flooring and counters, which will look like real stone but at a fraction of the cost. * Skip custom cabinetry in lieu of stock units. They’re more attractive than ever before and don’t require the wait time of custom-ordered cabinets. * Choose less expensive, mid-range appliances that may function better than or equal to high-end models. * Plan layout accurately and spend time reviewing your designs. Late changes in a remodel can quickly eat up a budget. n Metro Creative Services AUTO?PARTS 1509 E Hwy. 50 • Yankton, SD www.sturdevants.com 605-665-3693 • 800-658-3388 Your Safety is our highest priority! 1908 Broadway • Yankton, SD 57078 Phone: 605-665-2710 Authorized Dealer SNOW PLOWS Midwest Radiator & Exhaust 1817 Broadway (Next to Mexico Viejo) 605-665-0801 www.abesdetailing.com Yankton, SD Johnson Electric, 1211 E ast H w y.50 • Yank ton,SD ( 605)6652410 Gary R. Johnson Rick Merkel • Ben Merkel It’s not just a body shop, its... Justra’s • Rural • Residential • Commercial Body Shop • Insurance Work • Frame Straightening • Paintless Dent Repair • Restoration Work • Glass Installation • Lifetime Paint Warranty • Loaner Car Available • Down Draft Bake Booth We guarantee that everything we do is done in a professional and hassle-free manner. We don’t see our customers as customers. We see them as our friends. Natural Granite Engineered Quartz Counter Tops Vanity Tops Shower Bases Tub/Shower Surrounds Window Sills 605-668-0765 Stop by and see John at Justra’s Body Shop for all your body and paint needs. 215 Mulberry St. Yankton, SD www.midwestcustommarble.com 2806 Fox Run Pkwy • Yankton, SD 57078 • (605) 665-3929 Backhoes Drain Cleaning Equipment Construction Drains Repairs Repairs & Maintenance Irrigation Maintenance Plumbing Remodeling New Construction Parts ?3???3???????3?????????3????3????3???3 3 ???????3?3?????????3???3????????3????3 3 ????3?????3??3????????3???3?????? 3 Complete Sales & Service 605-665-9269 Sprinklers Sprinklers & Irrigation Fejfar Plumbing and Heating, Inc. 1209 W. 9th • Yankton, SD Residential • Athletic Fields • Commercial • Electrical • Telephone • We Trench H20 Lines, Footing & Electric Lines • Our Bucket Truck Reaches 50’ PLUS • We Set Poles FAST COURTEOUS SERVICE 214 CAPITAL ST., YANKTON 665-5686 “Don’t Gamble” – Insure With M.T. & R.C. SMITH INSURANCE Serving the Yankton Area Since 1949 ... With Excellent Insurance Companies That We Represent! HOME, AUTO, BUSINESS, LIFE, BONDS 204 W. 4th St. • Downtown Yankton, SD 605-665-3611