For Barry Dickey, owner of PRO TOY, devastating personal loss didn’t mean a collapse in spirit but instead led to a greater devotion and unique perspective in business. Barry and his wife Kim lost a newborn son just after Christmas of 2000. Through this intense devastation, the Dickeys found hope and decided to open their own business, PRO TOY, on September 4, 2001. In honor of their child and as a reminder of what they had lost, they had the street where the business is located named Braden Dickey Lane. They dedicate their success to a strong spiritual connection and seek God’s guidance for matters of their business as well as their personal life. PRO TOY started primarily as a Toyota & Lexus Service Center, but many customers requested they work on vehicles that weren’t a Toyota or Lexus. Those requests couldn’t be ignored, so they hired specialists in almost all vehicle brands and now they service almost all brands.
With summer’s rising temperatures here, PRO TOY would like to help you prepare for summer travel or everyday driving we face in our community. Summer heat can be harsh and can damage tires, cooling systems, batteries, belts and hoses. General maintenance programs have changed in recent years but owners still need to be concerned about summer conditions that could cause unexpected damage. Here are some points:
* First and foremost, consult your vehicle’s maintenance schedule to see what your particular manufacturer suggests at particular intervals. (Just because some service center tells you that you need to have certain fluids changed or “flushed,” it doesn’t always mean it needs happen.) Know what your vehicle actually needs.
* Obviously, oil changes are essential to the life of your vehicle. Again, know what your manufacturer suggests.
* Filters should be inspected or changed every 20,000 – 30,000 miles. Cabin air filters will keep pollen and other airborne debris from your air conditioning system and cabin while air filters keep debris from entering you engine intake system.
*Belts and hoses should be inspected for frays or cracks. Remember these components are made out of rubber and can dry rot and crack.
* Tires should be checked for proper inflation. Tire air pressure is important in summer; the hotter it gets the more tires expand and can cause tires to wear abnormally. It’s best to check air pressure when tires are cool. Tires should be rotated every 5,000 – 7,500 miles. Potholes are unfriendly to East TN drivers so alignments, shocks and struts should be inspected at least annually.
* Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition to prepare for “pop-up” storms.
* Your “Just in Case Emergency Kit” should be kept in the vehicle and should contain: jumper cables, flashlight, emergency flat tire repair, wrenches, screwdrivers, first aid kit, distilled water for the radiator and drinking water for occupants.
PRO TOY has been voted Knoxville’s “Best Auto Repair Shop by Cityview Magazine 3 years in a row!
Want your very own chance to use PRO TOY’s services? Today we’re giving away a $50 gift certificate! Just enter the Rafflecopter below!
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Thanks for the great article!! I always love the service at ProToy, they take great care of your car!! A great place for refreshment of the soul and what truly matters!
Dina b
Orange beach!