Hello Roy!
Happy October from GIC Car Clinic!
With crisp air, pumpkin patch, and spooky fun all around, the last thing you want is a car problem to frighten you. Don’t let unexpected repairs turn your autumn adventures into a horror story!
Four Frightful Car Issues to Avoid This Season
Ghostly Noises?
Hearing squealing, grinding, or rattling? Don’t ignore those phantom sounds! They’re often the first sign of worn-out brakes or other ghoulish issues lurking under the hood. Ignoring them can lead to some truly scary repair bills.
The Headlight Monster!
With shorter days and longer nights, you need maximum visibility. Foggy, yellowed, or dim headlights can drastically reduce your ability to see and be seen. We can restore them to their original brightness — no garlic required! 
Vampire Voltage Drain!
Cool weather can suck the life out of a weak battery. Don’t wait for the scare — get your battery tested and keep your car’s “heartbeat” strong.
Fall Driving Safety Tip
“Leaf Piles Aren’t Just for Jumping!”
Did you know? Children often hide in leaf piles near the road. Always slow down in residential areas during fall, and watch for:
Wet leaves are slick and can hide curbs, rocks, or debris. Foggy mornings can make it harder to see and stop in time.
Meet Bumper – Our New Shop Cat!
This month, a friendly stray cat wandered up to our shop — calm, sweet, and curious about everything (especially toolboxes).He instantly captured everyone’s hearts, so we made it official and adopted him!
Now “Bumper” is part of the GIC Car Clinic family — you might spot him napping near the counter or greeting customers when you stop by. 
Helen’s Garden Corner
Our very own Helen is an avid gardener, and she wanted to share a timely tip for your fall garden!
“October is my favorite planting month,” says Helen, “It’s the perfect time to tuck tulip and daffodil bulbs into the soil so they pop with color come spring! While you’re at it, plant garlic, kale, and cool-season herbs like cilantro and parsley. Add a layer of mulch to keep the moisture in and weeds out — your garden will thank you next year!” 
GIC Team’s Fall Favorite: Warm Apple Crisp
For a classic and cozy dessert, this simple apple crisp recipe features a spiced apple filling and a buttery, crumbly oat topping. For the best results, use a mix of apples for a balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
- About 8 cups pared and sliced apples
- 1 cup sugar, divided
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (plus some to sprinkle on top)
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/3 cup butter, melted
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Combine 1/2 cup sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
- toss sugar mixture with pared and sliced apples until apples are well coated.
- Spread apples in an 8×12 baking dish.
- Combine flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder and salt in mixing bowl.
- Add egg and mix until crumbly.
- Sprinkle flour mixture over apples
- Pour butter over all.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon
- Bake until the apples are tender and top is golden brown.
- Allow the apple crisp to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. For the best experience, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Local Fall Fun Around San Jose
There’s so much happening around the South Bay this month, and October is one of my favorite times to get out with family. Here are a few fall events worth checking out — all fun, local, and full of Halloween spirit!
Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch – Corner of Laguna Ave & Santa Teresa Blvd in Morgan Hill (September 18 – November 3, 2025) One of my favorite local traditions — we used to take our daughters there every year when they were young. It’s a popular, dinosaur-themed pumpkin patch with rides, photo ops, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Winchester Mystery House – Trick-or-Treat Trail (Sun, Oct 26) – A fun, family-friendly Halloween adventure through the Front Gardens with candy stations and plenty of spooky décor. Great for younger kids and parents alike. 30th Annual Campbell Oktoberfest – October 18–19, 2025 — Downtown Campbell does a fantastic job with this every fall. Live music, artisan vendors, food, drinks, and a fun, family-friendly vibe.
Saturday 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Admission: Free.
Roosevelt Skate or Treat – Friday, October 17 at 6:30 p.m., Roosevelt Community Center, 901 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose. This one’s a hidden gem — a free community event with skating, games, crafts, a pumpkin patch, and even classic lowriders handing out candy.
Halloween Pop-Up Market – Sunday, October 26 from 12 pm to 5 pm Rumble City Boxing, 866 Park Ave., San Jose. A great mix of local makers, food, and trick-or-treating. It’s dog-friendly, too — perfect if you want to bring your pup along for the fun.
Halloween Event at Evergreen Branch Library – Thursday, October 30 at 4 p.m. 2635 Aborn Rd., San Jose. A relaxed, family-oriented Halloween afternoon with crafts, face painting, a costume parade, and story time for the kids.
Family First Trick-or-Treat Pop-Up – Friday, October 31 at 4 p.m. Emma Prusch Farm Park, 647 S. King Rd., San Jose. A festive trick-or-treating event at the farm park with activities for all ages — the perfect way to wrap up October!
Friendly Reminder: 
Event details can change—please double-check the date, time, and admission with the host before you go. I verified these to the best of my ability. — Alan
From our family to yours, we hope your October is filled with safe drives, cozy moments, and fun fall memories.
Thanks for being part of our GIC family — we truly appreciate your continued trust and support!
Helen Liao & Alan Yu
Owners, GIC Car Clinic
Family Owned Since 2005
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