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Here's where you'll find the latest news, Merlin's Training Calendar, and other information about what's happening at Merlin.
Training Calendar ▪ Snug Hugs for Kids ▪ Upcoming Events
Our Latest Press Releases
- June 1, 2009 - Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in Woodstock
- January 22, 2009 - Automotive Services Company 'Tunes Up' Franchising Interest
- January 21, 2009 - Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in Downers Grove
- January 2, 2009 - Merlin Snug Hugs For Kids 2008 Winter Clothing Drive Collects 16,000 Pounds of Warm Winter Gear For Local Children & Families
- November 25, 2008 - Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in Harvey
- October 24, 2008 - Young People Encouraged to Lend a Hand in Snug Hugs For Kids Collection
- October 23, 2008 - Merlin Snug Hugs For Kids Winter Clothing Drive to Benefit Local Children
- August 21, 2008 - Help Warm a Child's Hands, Head, and Heart with Winter Apparel
- May 29, 2008 - Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in Naperville
- April 15, 2008 - Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in McHenry
- March 31, 2008 - Merlin Sets New Industry Standard With a 200,000 Mile Transferable Warranty
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in Woodstock
Woodstock, IL (Grassroots Newswire) June 1, 2009 -- Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops recently announced that Paul Berenger has opened the new Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Woodstock, located at 1216 Davis Road (on Rt. 47, 1/2 block S. of the intersection of Rt. 47 and Rt. 14), phone number, 815-337-1200.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the Woodstock community and offer customers professional vehicle repair and maintenance that can help their automobiles reach their full life potential,” said Paul Berenger, franchisee of Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Woodstock. “I hope to help the Woodstock community understand the true mileage potential of today’s passenger vehicles by introducing them to Merlin’s DRIVE FOR 200,000 during the course of every business day.”
Paul Berenger started his automotive service career in 1988 as a mechanic with the Firestone organization. While there he rapidly advanced to Service Writer and then Assistant Store Manager. In 1996, he joined Midas as Manager of the Crystal Lake shop significantly increasing sales. In 1998, Mr. Berenger left Midas to pursue a career in the telecommunications field. For the next seven years he served as a Journeyman Communications Technician for Time Business Systems in Addison, Illinois. In 2005 Paul reentered the automotive service industry with an eye toward shop ownership. From there he never looked back, and joined his long-time friend Jeff Strauss as partner and General Manager of the Merlin shop in Crystal Lake. While with the organization, Paul ran the day-to-day operations of the Crystal Lake shop and assisted with the operations of the Merlin shop in Cary.
As a participant in Merlin's FASTRAK Equity Assistance Program, Paul earned $15,000 of Equity Assistance toward his acquistion. Additionally, Paul has earned several certifications including membership in the Illinois Brotherhood of Electical Workers (IBEW) Local 134 and a Telecommunication Technician Journeyman Certification from IBEW-NECA Technical Institute in Alsip, Illinois.
A Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop provides both repair and maintenance services as well as tires - almost anything a consumer would need during the first 200,000 miles of their car’s life (except car washes, major engine, transmission, and collision repair).
Special offers for the Merlin shop in Woodstock can be located on the Merlin website at www.merlins.com. Click on the link under the Woodstock address to locate the special offers for this shop.
“Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops have a commitment to long-term customer relationships, and I look forward to meeting and serving the people of the Woodstock area,” said Paul.
For more information on the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Woodstock, please contact Paul Berenger at 815-337-1200.
Automotive Services Company 'Tunes Up' Franchising Interest
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops announces enlistment programs, spotlights franchise opportunities with automotive services as an option during economic crunch
ST. CHARLES, IL - January 22, 2009 – Employment opportunities may seem to slim-to-none in today’s economic crunch, but one company, Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops, says that despite all the doom and gloom we are hearing, now is very good time to begin a career in the auto service and maintenance industry. As such, Merlin is in a growth mode and is offering special financial and development incentives in order to attract new employees and franchise shop owners.
“Several factors make today the right time to get into the auto service and maintenance business,” says Frank Smola, Merlin President. “Many people don’t want another round of car payments and are maintaining their current vehicles in an effort to keep them on the road longer. Plus, the complexities of consumer lifestyles and scarcity of personal time continues. Most car owners just don’t have the interest, ability, or time to repair their own vehicles themselves. Therefore, our services, as vehicle longevity specialists, are in demand more than ever.”
The special incentives Merlin is offering to help attract and keep quality people include both shop ownership and personal achievement programs. Smola added, “These programs have been instrumental to our growth, and in today’s environment they are especially beneficial to those looking for a more secure future.”
The Merlin Shop Ownership Programs are designed for individuals who have a deep desire to manage their own business, and the Merlin Personal Achievement Programs enable employees to purchase their home or pursue further formal education of their choice.
The following Merlin Incentive Programs are currently available.
Merlin Shop Ownership Programs
Entrepreneur Development Program (EDP) - Highly motivated employees who are serious about someday owning a business can earn up to $10,000 toward the purchase of their own Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop while they work for a Merlin shop during the two year minimum vestment period. EDP helps Merlin shop management keep the candidate focused on personal performance and also helps catapult that shop to a much higher level of sales performance.
FASTRAK Program – This program offers candidates with prior industry experience a fast way to shop ownership. Senior technicians, seasoned installers, shop foremen, and assistant, service or shop managers who are or have worked within the automotive service industry for a Merlin competitor are eligible. Based on length of service, the candidate can qualify for up to $15,000 toward the acquisition of a Merlin shop, and, when combined with the EDP Program, it has proven to be a beneficial enlistment tool by which some of the best automotive service veterans are recruited.
Two Language Program (TLP) - Bilingual employees can be instrumental to high volume shops. TLP equips Merlin shops to attract and retain highly motivated employees who desire to someday acquire their own Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop and who possess substantial proficiency in at least one language in addition to English. This program awards qualifying candidates $10,000 and may be combined with EDP and FASTRAK (maximum combined benefit $25,000).
Merlin Personal Achievement Programs
Real Estate Assistance Program (REAP) - This program empowers Merlin shops to attract and retain highly motivated employees who desire to someday purchase their own home. Through REAP, candidates can earn $7,000 toward the purchase of a primary residence.
Career Development Program (CDP) - For many Merlin shops, it makes sense to recruit a high energy employee who has not yet decided his “end destination” career and is looking for an opportunity to be a valuable team member, become independent, and learn a trade. He or she may have a desire to later go to a college or trade school and, with CDP, can earn $8,000 toward tuition.
"These programs are designed to help potential franchisees get into the business with less cash. Some advantages of joining the Merlin team include our ability to work with individuals who have limited funds and unfulfilled potential, and the reality that we offer many of the best locations with the newest and best-designed buildings in the industry," said Tim Williams, Merlin’s Director of Market Development. “We are proud of our tradition of assisting employee and franchisee candidates achieve their dreams through the power of these great programs. These initiatives have helped us build a system to recruit highly qualified professionals to our chain and prepare our highest potential employees for their next step in providing superior undercar and customer service as Merlin franchise owners.”
For more information about the Merlin Enlistment Programs, please contact Tim Williams, Director of Market Development at 630-208-9907 ext. 107.
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in Downers Grove
Downers Grove, Illinois - January 21, 2009 -- Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops recently announced that Jeffrey McClearn has purchased the business assets and franchise rights for the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Downers Grove, located at 7205 Lemont Road.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the Downers Grove community and offer customers professional vehicle repair and maintenance that can help their automobiles reach their full life potential,” said Jeffrey McClearn, franchisee of Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Downers Grove. “I hope to help the Downers Grove community understand the true mileage potential of today’s passenger vehicles by introducing them to Merlin’s DRIVE FOR 200,000 during the course of every business day.”
Jeffrey McClearn has an extensive automotive background which began in 1991 when he joined the Goodyear organization in Aurora, Illinois. While there he served as Store Manager for several Just Tires shops in the Chicagoland and earned several prestigious sales and profit awards including one "Goodyear TOP 10 National Profit Achiever” awards and five "Goodyear Annual TOP 100 National Profit Achiever" awards.
With an eye toward shop ownership, Mr. McClearn joined the team of Merlin Franchisee Christopher Libby in March 2006 as the General Manager of the Darien, Illinois Shop. In 2007, he transferred to the Downers Grove (south) Merlin shop and, while there, developed a strong shop team and posted significant sales increases.
A Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop provides both repair and maintenance services as well as tires - almost anything a consumer would need during the first 200,000 miles of their car’s life (except car washes, major engine, transmission, and collision repair).
Special offers for the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Downers Grove can be found by visiting Merlin's website, www.merlins.com.
“Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops have a commitment to long-term customer relationships, and I look forward to meeting and serving the people of the Downers Grove area,” said Jeff McClearn.
For more information on the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Downers Grove, please contact Jeffrey McClearn at 630-960-0510.
MERLIN SNUG HUGS FOR KIDS™ 2008 WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE COLLECTS 16,000 POUNDS OF WARM WINTER GEAR FOR LOCAL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
ST. CHARLES, IL (January 2, 2009) – The 17th annual Snug Hugs for Kids™ winter clothing drive sponsored by Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops provided more than 8 tons of winter gear just in time to keep kids and families warm during this cold winter season.
The clothing donated by area residents and customers benefited thousands of children served by Children’s Home + Aid, Merlin’s charity partner.
On Wednesday, December 10th, more than 30 Merlin courtesy vans and a large delivery truck, stuffed with clothing, formed a caravan and traveled to the Children Home + Aid Mitzi Freidheim Englewood Child and Family Center in Chicago to deliver the clothes. In all, more than fifty Merlin franchisees, employees, and corporate staff participated in the delivery.
Subsequently, clothing was delivered to additional Children’s Home + Aid Centers as follows:
Tom Thumb Child Care Center in Carpentersville, Illinois
Rice Child + Family Center in Evanston, Illinois
Child + Family Center in Schaumburg, Illinois
Community Child Care Center in Palatine, Illinois
Children’s Home + Aid Regional Office in Rockford, Illinois
35th Street Center in Chicago, Illinois
Mid-Central Center in Granite City, Illinois
Children’s Center/Children’s Foundation in Bloomington, Illinois
Wisconsin Children’s Service Society in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
More than 4,000 hand-crafted items were received from the Snug Hugs for Kids Crochet & Knit-A-Thon™ (CKAT) which reaches out to knitters and crocheters across the country. Additionally, the number of Girl and Boy Scouts that participated in the Kids Helping Kids program who gathered coats, hats, gloves, scarves and other warm items for the drive is still being tallied.
To learn more about Merlin or Children’s Home + Aid, please visit www.merlins.com or www.childrenshomeandaid.org.
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in Harvey
Harvey, IL - November 25, 2008 - Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops recently announced that Mr. Alfonso Salazar has purchased the business assets and franchise rights for the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Harvey, located at 16142 S. Halsted Street.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the Harvey community and offer customers professional vehicle repair and maintenance that can help their automobiles reach their full life potential,” said Mr. Alfonso Salazar, franchisee of Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Harvey. “I hope to help the Harvey community understand the true mileage potential of today’s passenger vehicles by introducing them to Merlin’s DRIVE FOR 200,000 during the course of every business day.”
Mr. Alfonso Salazar joined Merlin in January 1999 as General Manager of the Dolton shop and, as a participant in Merlin's FASTRAK Equity Assistance Program, he acquired the franchise rights of that shop on November 1999. Under his leadership, the Dolton shop has posted consistent sales increases (a 40% annual sales volume statistic increase over the past nine years), and he has earned several Merlin "We Care" customer service awards.
Prior to joining Merlin, Mr. Salazar had over ten years experience with the Midas organization, managing both franchise and corporate stores. Mr. Salazar attended Indiana University where his studies included course work in both history and chemistry.
A Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop provides both repair and maintenance services as well as tires - almost anything a consumer would need during the first 200,000 miles of their car’s life (except car washes, major engine, transmission, and collision repair).
Special offers for the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Harvey can be found online at www.merlins.com, and in the Penny Saver newspaper.
“Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops have a commitment to long-term customer relationships, and I look forward to meeting and serving the people of the Harvey area,” said Mr. Salazar.
For more information on the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Harvey, please contact Mr. Alfonso Salazar at 708-596-1410.
Young People Encouraged to Lend a Hand in Automotive Service Chain Collection of Children’s Winter Clothing
Merlin Snug Hugs for Kids™ Winter Clothing Drive seeks young volunteers for “KIDS HELPING KIDS”
St. Charles, Illinois - October 24, 2008 –Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups, youth groups, sports teams, and clubs can help less fortunate children and families this winter by participating in the Merlin Kids Helping Kids™ program. Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops in Illinois and Wisconsin are encouraging young people in their area to assist in the collection of new and like-new children’s winter clothing and receive an embroidered patch for their efforts.
Kids Helping Kids™ is part of the much larger Snug Hugs for Kids™ Winter Clothing Drive. Now in its 17th year, Snug Hugs for Kids™ collects new and like-new winter clothing for children ages newborn to eighteen to benefit Merlin’s charity partner, Children’s Home + Aid.
The new and like-new winter clothing, such as coats, hats, mittens, scarves, sweaters, slippers, afghans, and baby items, can be collected by the groups and donated at all Illinois and Wisconsin Merlin shops from November 1 through December 9, 2008. Participants who register for the Kids Helping Kids™ program will receive an embroidered patch for their assistance. For more information, a Kids Helping Kids™ registration form, and a list of Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop locations, please visit www.merlins.com.
"In these tough economic times, there are even more children and families that need assistance. Kids Helping Kids™ is a program designed for young people to assist their less fortunate peers. This initiative is very near and dear to us at Merlin. Each year we are impressed by the collection efforts from the Girl Scouts and other organized groups in the area," said Frank Smola, President of the Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops chain.
On December 10, 2008, Merlin franchisees, employees, and corporate staff will deliver the donations to strategically located Children’s Home + Aid Family Centers. Since 1883, Children’s Home + Aid has been a leader in responding to the changing needs of disadvantaged children and families in Illinois, and they are recognized as a leading provider of quality programs and services to children and families in need. (ADOPTION, CHILD & FAMILY COUNSELING, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & CARE, FOSTER CARE, INTACT FAMILY SERVICES, PARENT SUPPORT, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES, AND YOUTH SERVICES). More information about Children's Home + Aid can be found at www.childrenshomeandaid.org.
Winter Clothing Drive to Benefit Local Children Kicked Off by Automotive Repair and Maintenance Shop Chain
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops request donations for their annual Snug Hugs for Kids™
Winter Clothing Drive
Geneva, IL (Grassroots Newswire) October 23, 2008 -- Last winter may seem like just a bad memory to many, however it’s a frightening reality for kids that lack the warm winter gear they need to make it through the season. Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops announced the official kickoff of their annual Snug Hugs for Kids™ winter clothing drive in an effort to fulfill some of those needs.
Clothing donations can be dropped off between November 1st and December 11th at any Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop located in Illinois or Wisconsin. Winter outerwear items that are most needed include new and like-new coats, boots, hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, sweaters, pants, and socks to fit children ages newborn to 18 years old. Like-new clothing should have little visible wear and tear, be clean and free of stains, have no holes, frays or missing buttons, and have working zippers.
This year marks the17th annual Snug Hugs for Kids™ drive when Merlin shops throughout Illinois and Wisconsin collect donations of winter clothing and outerwear for children and, in turn, deliver the proceeds to their charity partner, Children’s Home + Aid.
The program initially began as a way for Merlin franchisees and employees to give back to the local communities
“As we continue to be challenged by the state of the economy, let’s not forget about many children who will be in need of warm clothing for the cold months ahead. We ask you to help us collect new and like-new warm winter attire,” said Frank Smola, Merlin’s President. “Every child deserves warm winter clothing. Let’s work together to insure that every child is prepared to attend school and play outdoors in the coldest of weather.”
On December 10, 2008, Merlin franchisees, employees, and corporate staff will deliver the donations to strategically located Children’s Home + Aid Family Centers. Since 1883, Children’s Home + Aid has been a leader in responding to the changing needs of disadvantaged children and families in Illinois. For 125 years, they have paved the way in child welfare by establishing best practices. Throughout the decades, its continuous pursuit of higher standards helped to shape child welfare laws. Today, Children’s Home + Aid is recognized as a leading provider of quality programs and services to children and families in need. (ADOPTION, CHILD & FAMILY COUNSELING, EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION & CARE, FOSTER CARE, INTACT FAMILY SERVICES, PARENT SUPPORT, RESIDENTIAL SERVICES, AND YOUTH SERVICES). More information about Children's Home + Aid can be found at www.childrenshomeandaid.org.
Additionally, as part of the Snug Hugs for Kids™ program, scout troops, church and youth groups will help with collecting children’s clothing as part of a subsidiary program called Kids Helping Kids™. Talented knitters and crocheters can also lend a helping hand through a program called the Crochet & Knit-A-Thon™.
“We are thrilled to be able to assist thousands of young people in not only warming their hands and bodies but also their hearts. We hope that others will follow in our efforts to make a difference, not only here, but throughout the entire country,” Frank Smola, Merlin’s President said. “We are committed to continuing the American tradition of caring, giving, and donating, which we hope will spread and live on through others as well.”
“Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops provide repair and maintenance services as well as tires – almost anything a consumer would need during the first 200,000 miles of their car’s life - and offer a neighborhood approach to automotive repair and preventive maintenance.
For more information on the Snug Hugs for Kids™ drive or Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops, please visit www.merlins.com.
Help Warm a Child’s Hands, Head, and Heart by Hand-Knitting or Crocheting Winter Apparel
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Seek Volunteers to Participate in their 12th Annual Crochet & Knit-A-Thon
St. Charles, IL (Grassroots Newswire) August 21, 2008 – Handmade items are truly cherished by the people who receive them and make the recipients feel special and loved as well as warm and cozy. There are many children in need of both the attention and warmth these items give. That’s why Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops are asking for volunteers to participate in their 12th Annual Crochet & Knit-A-Thon (CKAT) to help provide the handmade winter items these children deserve.
Items needed most include mittens, hats, scarves (as single pieces or in sets), sweaters, slippers, afghans, and baby items (such as blankets, sweaters, caps, and layette sets) for children aged newborn to 18 years. Persons interested in participating in the CKAT can print a registration form by visiting www.merlins.com and clicking on "Latest News." Registration forms are also available at Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops and yarn shops located throughout Chicagoland.
All handcrafted items will be donated to Merlin’s much larger clothing drive, Snug Hugs for Kids™ and will be combined with the other winter outerwear that’s collected during Snug Hugs. All items will be donated to Merlin’s charity partner Children’s Home + Aid, a leading social service agency who, since 1883, has been a leader in responding to the changing needs of disadvantaged children and families in Illinois (www.childrenshomeandaid.org).
On Saturday, November 15, a celebratory one-day Crochet & Knit-A-Thon event will take place from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Charles, Illinois (located just west of Chicago). During the event, volunteers can deliver their items, spend some time with fellow crafters knitting and crocheting, and also tag and box the donated items they have created.
Participants who cannot attend the CKAT November event can drop off finished items at any of the Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops in Illinois or Wisconsin between November 1 and December 9, 2008. For shop locations, log onto www.merlins.com. Clothing can also be shipped to Merlin’s corporate office at 525 Tyler Road, Suite S, St. Charles, IL 60174. We are hoping to surpass last year’s total of 4,000 items.
Merlin is also seeking the donation of materials such as yarn and patterns that can be used for the event. Items may be sent to the Merlin corporate office at the above mentioned address.
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in Naperville
Naperville, Illinois (Grassroots Newswire) May 29, 2008 -- Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops recently announced that Ron Thomas has taken ownership of the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Naperville, located at 920 E. Ogden Ave.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the Naperville community and offer customers professional vehicle repair and maintenance that can help their automobiles reach their full life potential,”said Ron Thomas, franchisee of Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Naperville. “I hope to help the Naperville community understand the true mileage potential of today’s passenger vehicles by introducing them to Merlin’s DRIVE FOR 200,000 during the course of every business day.”
Ron Thomas joins Merlin with extensive management, marketing, and sales experience in the automotive, banking, and transportation industries.
Mr. Thomas began his career with Oakbrook Bank in Oakbrook, Illinois. In 1993, he purchased Elegant Touch Limousine and successfully directed this business for more than six years. Most recently Mr. Thomas held several key positions with Open Mortgage, LLC in Naperville, Illinois.
A Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop provides both repair and maintenance services as well as tires - almost anything a consumer would need during the first 200,000 miles of their cars life (except car washes, major engine, transmission, and collision repair).
Special offers for the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Naperville can be found by visiting www.merlins.com.
”Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops have a commitment to long-term customer relationships, and I look forward to meeting and serving the people of the Naperville area,” said Thomas.
For more information on the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in Naperville, please contact Ron Thomas at 630-357-6300.
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Announces Newest Franchisee in McHenry
McHenry, IL (Grassroots Newswire) April 15, 2008 -- Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops recently announced that Brad Miller has taken ownership of Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in McHenry, located at 3926 W. Elm Street.
“I’m very excited to be a part of the McHenry community and offer customers professional vehicle repair and maintenance that can help their automobiles reach their full life potential,” said Brad Miller, franchisee of Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in McHenry. “I hope to help the McHenry community understand the true mileage potential of today’s passenger vehicles by introducing them to Merlin’s DRIVE FOR 200,000 during the course of every business day.”
Brad Miller began his automotive service career in 1988 at the Merlin Muffler & Brake Shop in Waukegan, Illinois. While there, he rapidly advanced to the position of Assistant Manager and played a key management role in the Waukegan shop's achievement as National Sales Leader for each of the fourteen years of his tenure. In 2002, he joined the Merlin Corporate Staff as Group Manager and was responsible for the shop-level support and implementation of Merln's operational systems and procedures at selected franchise shops. In 2007, Mr. Miller was appointed to the position of Manager, Market Development, and his primary responsibilities included the training, pre-opening, transitional, and first year support of all new Merlin franchisees.
Mr. Miller was a participant in Merlin's Entrepreneur Development Program (EDP) and earned $10,000 of Equity Assistance towards his franchise acquisition.
A Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop provides both repair and maintenance services as well as tires - almost anything a consumer would need during the first 200,000 miles of their car’s life (except car washes, major engine, transmission, and collision repair).
Special offers for the McHenry shop can be found at www.merlins.com and in The Advertiser Newspaper.
“Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops have a commitment to long-term customer relationships, and I look forward to meeting and serving the people of the McHenry area,” said Brad Miller.
For more information on the Merlin 200,000 Miles Shop in McHenry, please contact Brad Milller at 815-344-1118.
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops Set New Industry Standard With a 200,000 Mile Transferable Warranty
Auto repair and maintenance chain celebrates National Car Care Month with new warranty and maintenance tips to help vehicles last 200,000 miles and beyond.
Geneva, IL (Grassroots Newswire) March 31, 2008 -- In recognition of April as National Car Care Month, Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops have announced the new DRIVE FOR 200,000 Transferable Warranty which offers motorists 24,000 mile coverage on most everyday repairs and as much as 200,000 mile coverage on brakes and mufflers. The warranty protection is completely transferable to the next vehicle owner – no matter what service was performed.
“With proper driving habits and regular maintenance – plus a great warranty – drivers can get a full life from their vehicles. Life is better without car payments.” said Frank Smola, Merlin's President. "We are proud to offer this unique warranty; it’s the logical step in our role as Vehicle Longevity Specialists and the 200,000 mile proposition."
All vehicle owners deserve to know what the insider knows, and Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops share the following easy automobile maintenance tips in celebration of National Car Care Month:
• Regular oil changes are key to engine longevity and fuel economy. Dirty oil accelerates the wear of engine components and can clog oil passages and prevent lubrication from reaching bearings, pistons, and valve guides. Motor oil is designed to act as a cleaning agent. When it’s dirty, it may not lubricate, clean, or cool the engine properly.
• Check tire pressure (including the spare) at least once a month; both underinflated and overinflated tires can be safety hazards. Overinflated tires can adversely affect vehicle maneuverability and make the ride harsher. Underinflation – a potentially more serious problem - can result in tire stress due to overheating and irregular wear of tread and, ultimately tire failure.
• Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. If they are not, substantial differences in tread wear between the front and rear tires may result which can eventually lead to poor handling and shortened tire life.
• Wheel alignment should be performed once per year. Misaligned tires can cause a car to drag, which lowers mileage and causes unnecessary tire wear.
• Antifreeze (coolant) should be replaced every two years. Even though antifreeze may look OK, the additives could be worn out, which causes a radiator to deteriorate or clog up.
• Brake fluid should be replaced every two years and with every pad or shoe replacement. Brake fluid absorbs moisture or microscopic metallic contaminants which can then work their way through the hydraulic system. Moisture in the fluid can vaporize and reduce braking efficiency.
• Shocks or struts should be replaced every 50,000 miles. They not only improve the ride but also affect vehicle steering, stability, and stopping power.
Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops provide both repair and maintenance services, as well as tires – almost anything a consumer would need during the first 200,000 miles of their car’s life (exclusive of car washes, major engine, transmission, and collision repair).
Merlin Snug Hugs For Kids
Snug Hugs For Kids is an annual clothing drive conducted by Merlin 200,000 Mile Shops located in Illinois and Wisconsin. The drive starts on November 1st of each year and continues for a six week period.
2008 Photos
Kids Helping Kids
Kids Helping Kids is a program designed for young people to assist with the Snug Hugs collection. Groups including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups, youth groups, sports teams and clubs can participate by gathering items and delivering them to their local Merlin Shop. Groups can earn a collectible badge by completing the Kids Helping Kids Registration and Badge Order Form below.
2008 Kids Helping Kids Badge Order Form
Crochet & Knit-A-Thon
The Crochet and Knit-A-Thon (CKAT) is a program designed for crafters nationwide to assist with the Snug Hugs collection. Persons interested in participating can print a registration form below. Donations are accepted at Merlin's Corporate Office, all Illinois and Wisconsin Merlin Shops, and at the one-day celebratory CKAT event.
Crochet & Knit-A-Thon form:
2008 Crochet & Knit-A-Thon Registration Form
Event Photos:
Crochet & Knit-a-Thon 2008
Snug Hugs For Kids 2008
Training Calendar
Here's the latest schedule of Merlin Training Programs. Mark your calendar and contact your Merlin Group Manager to make your class reservations.
Click Here For The 2009 Training Calendar
Upcoming Events
- Merlin Annual Business Conference - Thursday, February 12, 2009
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