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Last 7 Days

Top Blogs

• News arrives late for some in Lodi

• A second home

• 'A slap on the hand for killing'

• Homicide suspect caught in Canada

• City's rail seat bid gets steam-rolled

• Regional Roundup

• Lodi gun shop owner still critical 4 days after being shot in his store

• KRC Aggregate seeks permit extension to continue mining rock in Clements

November 20th, 2009

• Acampo woman killed

• Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff

• Advocacy groups sue East Bay Municipal Utility District over Pardee expansion

• Regional Roundup

• Galt plans to help residents with energy-efficient projects

• Stable southeast of Lodi approved

• One year after a heart attack, Lodi's Judy Mims thanks rescuers

• National Guard troops return home in time for the holidays

• Real estate market gets on more solid ground

November 19th, 2009

• Lodi Unified School District board votes to cancel summer school for 2010

• Water surges in Mokelumne River yield more salmon

• Lodi City Council will consider redevelopment next June

• Lodi City Council plans to cap number of taco trucks at 22

• Corrections

• Chase ends in crash

• Operation: Christmas

• Logbook

• Suspect arrested after hiding in fridge

• Galt Joint Union High School Distric hires new superintendent

• Sales tax hike yields dividends: 5 new officers join Galt Police

November 18th, 2009

• Regional Roundup

• Paranormal group conducts second investigation of building

• Congress allocates money for local water projects

• Lodi man finds wife's ashes during police display of stolen property

• Galt City Council rejects study on rent stabilization

• Sarah Palin's book hits the shelves: Locals react

November 17th, 2009

• Clarification

• Lodi Budget and Finance Committee to look into ways to save money on employee benefits

• Regional Roundup

• Decision on summer school expected at tonight's Lodi Unified School District meeting

• Clements gets free water rescue boat

• Redevelopment to be discussed by Lodi City Council again

• Court reinstates death penalty for killer of Lodi grad

• Paying tribute to a Lodian

November 16th, 2009

• Correction

• Public Meetings

• Regional Roundup

• Three members of Lodi-area family fall ill after eating poisonous mushrooms they reportedly found at Lodi Lake

• Sierra Adventure store to close after four years in Downtown Lodi

• Lodi's First Sip event showcases area wineries' latest vintages

• City Council 'triple-dog dared' to ditch cars, use Lodi buses

November 14th, 2009

• Galt school district narrows superintendent search to one

• Regional Roundup

• A first look at 2009 vintages at Lodi's First Sip wine-tasting event

• Watchful neighbor in Lodi helped bust suspected burglars

• Despite budget cuts, some Lodi Unified School District salaries continue to rise

• Despite an increase in homeless students, school districts look to bolster enrollment, raise revenue

• New Galt city manager juggles job, family

November 13th, 2009

• What to expect with new homebuyer tax credit

• Lodi Muslim: Local mosque not involved

• Regional Roundup

• Mayor Larry Hansen points out Lodi's economic progress

• First phase of Lockeford park by 2011?

• Lodi veteran recounts close calls in Vietnam

• Burglary suspects are under arrest

The following stories have received the most reader comments during the last 7 days.

• The country's mess is our fault (149)
• Obama is not a moderate (130)
• Sarah Palin's book hits the shelves: Locals react (66)
• Despite budget cuts, some Lodi Unified School District salaries continue to rise (55)
• Lodi City Council plans to cap number of taco trucks at 22 (46)
• The haves should help the have-nots (30)
• Lodi Flames slim playoff chances vanish in setback to Tracy Bulldogs (25)
• Tokay in, traveling to unbeaten No. 3 Grant for football playoffs (25)
• Nightmares about America's future (22)
• Tokay Tigers blow late 27-point lead in loss to Wolf Pack (22)

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What we can learn from Bret DeBerry

Mechanic gives tips on keeping your car running

Bret DeBerry, owner of B&B Tires and Service, got into car repair more than 30 years ago when he was working as a gas station attendant in Lodi.

Ten years ago, he opened up B&B Tires and Service. Recently, he's expanded his shop from two to six service bays to better accommodate his customers.

He recently answered a few questions from News-Sentinel staff writer Amanda Dyer via e-mail.

What's the most unusual thing that someone has brought their car in for?

A customer came in complaining of lack of power. You would think (it was) a fuel problem or tired engine. Turns out, a rat had made a home in the air box filter (and) was starving the engine for air.

Not that you ever would, but how can you tell when a mechanic is lying to you?

If you think a mechanic is not being truthful with you, you should take your car somewhere else for a second opinion.

What can you do for your car to get better gas mileage?

To get better gas mileage, it's important that your car is properly aligned, tire pressure is correct, (you have) clean engine oil and a tune up with the right parts.

Now that winter is here, what should people be doing for their cars?

People should make sure their cooling system, heater, window defroster, wiper blades, tires and brakes are in proper working condition.

What's the one thing people neglect to do that would add years of life to their car?

People neglect to change fluids — meaning anything that requires fluid, such as coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, etc.

How often should people have their cars serviced?

People should have their car serviced every six months or when recommended by the manufacturer.

What's the most expensive job you've done?

The most expensive job I've done is a complete drive train replacement.

What's your advice for making your car last longer?

The key to making your car last longer is to have a periodic inspection and services performed that the auto manufacturer recommends.

Contact reporter Amanda Dyer at amandad@lodinews.com.