Free Car Clinic Planned

At Berkshire Motors

By Kaaren Valenta

What should you do if your car’s check-engine light comes on as you are driving on I-84? When is it appropriate to pull over and look under the hood?

The owners of Berkshire Motors in Sandy Hook are sponsoring a free car care clinic at 7:30 pm on Thursday, October 26, at their service center across from Newtown High School to provide basic information about cars and answer drivers’ questions.

Aimed at new drivers, and those who want to know more about vehicle operation, maintenance, and safety, the clinic is appropriate for drivers of domestic and foreign cars.

“I’ve had customers say to me, ‘my son just got his license and he really doesn’t know the first thing about cars,’” Berkshire Motors owner Jim Marcucilli said. “But there are also many people who are experienced drivers who would like to know more. I thought it would be a good idea to put together about a 90-minute program to explain such things as how to check the oil, what are the warning signs a car can give you that there may be trouble, when is it time to pull over and look under the hood?”

 “How often do you get stuck when your car breaks down? Not very often,” Mr Marcucilli said. “But when it happens, it really can be a problem.”

The car clinic will focus on customer awareness, he said.

 “These are basic things you should know if you are driving. What do you do if a light comes on on the dashboard? How do you get your vehicle ready for winter? And what routine maintenance is all about.”

The clinic will be held in the shop of the facility at 25 Berkshire Road. A question and answer period will be included. Refreshments will be served and there will be free pamphlets and other information for participants to take home.

The program is free but space is limited so pre-registration is required by calling 270-0660 between 8 am and 5 pm.