Featured In Ratchet And Wrench
May 25, 2016
“To say that Team Ryan Automotive in Buford, Ga., feels like home is not a stretch. The office portion of the shop is run out of an actual house built in the 1940s. To add to the feeling, the shop was named after the family team of Dan Ryan and his wife, who run the business. The previous tenant, a commercial plumbing company, built the 4,500-square-foot shop space off the back of the house 10 years ago. When owner Dan Ryan saw the building, he knew that it was just what he had been looking for: a space where he could create a more positive outlook for the auto repair industry.”
- The office of Team Ryan Automotive is run out of the living and dining room of the house. “It’s very welcoming, it’s gotten a lot of positive response,” Ryan says. The lobby is home to a pair of big red handled pliers, which Ryan won at a raffle. A green wrench is also on display, which was a gift from a friend.
- Ryan and mechanic Joel Neely did a large portion of the work when they moved into the building themselves. Neely, affectionately referred to as a Jack-of-all-trades by Ryan, created the custom reception desk made of wormy maple wood.
- The lobby houses an old, coal-burning fireplace. It doesn’t work, but it adds a homey touch. On the mantle, among other things, is a pewter statue that was given to Ryan by GM when he achieved the title of World Class Technician.
- One of the biggest perks of being based out of a house? A full kitchen. Bottled water, coffee, and hot chocolate are available for customers. The employees are able to use the stove and microwave to heat up their meals.
- Taking suggestions from his wife, Ryan recognized the importance of making sure the shop is female friendly. This is why they made sure to emphasize the bathrooms. There are two, one for men and one for women. In the women’s room, hooks for purses and a nice mirror create an inviting atmosphere.
- Creating a pleasant environment spreads all the way to the shop floor. The floors of the shop were painted to reflect light and keep them looking clean. High efficiency T5 fluorescent lighting was added, keeping the work space bright.
- The shop walls are plywood, leftover from the previous owner. When they moved into the building, the plywood did not go up to the ceiling and open studs were visible. Ryan decided to finish the job by installing insulation plywood throughout the whole shop.
- Recycling is very important to Team Ryan Automotive. The shop uses a separate dumpster for all of the materials that are able to be recycled. The lobby also has recycling cans. “All of these things are geared at getting away from the negative impact the industry can have on the environment,” Ryan says.
http://www.ratchetandwrench.com/RatchetWrench/May-2016/Team-Ryan-Automotive/
How Essential Is a Summer Emergency Kit?
Summer heat affects every part of your car, but your tires are especially vulnerable. The hot pavement, rising internal pressure, and long drives can all contribute to tire failure. At Team Ryan Automotive, we want to make sure your tires stay safe and road-ready all season. Here is how summer heat impacts your tires and what you can do to protect them. 1. Increased Air Pressure As temperatures rise, so does the air pressure inside your tires. For every 10-degree increase in temperature, tire pressure can rise by one to two pounds per square inch (PSI). Overinflation can cause tires to wear unevenly and increase the risk of a blowout. Check your tire pressure regularly and adjust it according to your vehicle’s recommended levels. 2. Faster Tread Wear Heat softens rubber, making it wear down more quickly. This is especially true if you are driving at high speeds on hot asphalt. Inspect your tires weekly during the summer for signs of excessive or uneven tread wear. If you notice balding or sidewall damage, it is time for a replacement. 3. Risk of Blowouts Blowouts are more common in summer because the combination of high speed, high pressure, and worn tires creates the perfect storm. To reduce your risk, avoid overloading your vehicle, maintain proper tire pressure, and replace old or worn tires as soon as needed. 4. Importance of Tire Rotation Rotating your tires helps them wear evenly, improving traction and extending their lifespan. Team Ryan Automotive recommends rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. This simple step can save you money and help keep your vehicle safe. 5. Alignment and Balancing Improper wheel alignment or unbalanced tires can cause uneven wear and strain on your suspension. If your vehicle pulls to one side or your steering wheel vibrates at high speeds, schedule a wheel alignment and tire balancing service. This can enhance tire performance and improve ride comfort. Visit Team Ryan Automotive for Tire Safety Tire safety is essential for your comfort, performance, and protection. If you are not sure about the condition of your tires, let our experts take a look. We offer tire inspections, pressure adjustments, rotations, alignments, and tire replacements. Whether you are commuting around town or planning a summer getaway, we will make sure your tires are ready for the heat. Keep your summer rolling smoothly with tire care you can trust. Schedule your tire service today at Team Ryan Automotive.
Summer road trips are a classic American tradition. Whether you are headed to the beach, the mountains, or your favorite theme park, the journey should be just as enjoyable as the destination. To help you avoid unexpected delays and make the most of your trip, here are five key vehicle preparation tips from Team Ryan Automotive. 1. Start with an Oil Change Fresh oil helps your engine stay cool, reduces friction, and supports fuel efficiency. If your oil is dirty or your last change was more than 3,000 miles ago, schedule an oil change before your trip. Remember, all TRA oil changes come with our complimentary Standard Vehicle Inspection. 2. Inspect Tires for Wear and Pressure Proper tire maintenance is essential for road safety. Check the tread depth to ensure there is enough grip, especially if you expect rain. Look for cracks, bulges, or signs of dry rot that could lead to blowouts. Finally, make sure all four tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Do not forget to check the spare tire too. 3. Test Your Battery and Charging System No one wants to deal with a dead battery in the middle of a road trip. Summer heat can weaken your battery and stress your alternator. Visit Team Ryan Automotive for a battery test and charging system inspection. If your battery is nearing the end of its life, we will recommend a replacement to keep you powered up. 4. Check Brakes and Brake Fluid Reliable brakes are vital for a safe trip. Listen for squeaking or grinding when braking and watch for a spongy pedal feel. These could be signs that your brake pads or fluid need attention. Let us perform a full brake inspection to make sure your vehicle is ready for any driving condition. 5. Prepare Your Emergency Kit Every road trip should include an emergency kit. Stock it with jumper cables, a flashlight, basic tools, bottled water, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable snacks. Having these items on hand can help you handle unexpected delays or mechanical issues more comfortably. Bonus Tip: Schedule a Pre-Trip Inspection Before hitting the road, bring your vehicle to Team Ryan Automotive for a pre-trip inspection . Our certified technicians will check your fluids, belts, hoses, tires, and more. We will catch small issues before they become trip-ending problems. Enjoy Peace of Mind on the Road A little preparation goes a long way when it comes to summer travel. Our team is here to help you enjoy your road trip with fewer surprises and more smiles. Schedule your service visit today and travel with peace of mind.
