Spring Car Care

Addison Independent, Thursday, April 4, 2013 — Spring Car Care Special Section — PAGE 5B

Spring

Keep your car on the highways

Car Care

Prevent future costs with maintenance now (MS) — Many motorists bemoan the myriad costs associated with owning a vehicle. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average price for a new car in the United States is slightly more than $28,000. But as any vehicle owner knows, that sticker price is only the beginning. The cost of maintaining a vehicle and keeping it on the road is not exactly insignificant.

As the economy begins to rebound, a good percentage of motorists have resolved to keep their vehicles on the road longer in an effort to stretch their automobile dollars. That’s a sound resolution, and one that is not necessarily difficult to accomplish. Contrary to popular belief, cars are built to last, and it’s often a driver’s poor habits that reduce a car’s life expectancy as opposed (See Maintenance, Page 7B)

An Addison Independent Special Section

Bourdeau Motors

Keep your car on the highways......................5B Tips to extend your car’s longevity...............7B County Tire helps stock local food shelves.....8B Car care wisdom has changed.......................8B Get the best deal on a used car.....................9B Extend your vehicle’s life.................................9B Quit texting while driving.................................9B Maintain your car’s interior..........................10B Ask ‘My Plug-in Hybrid Calculator’..............10B

ERIC JAMES CHECKS underneath a car in the Deneker Chevrolet service garage in Vergennes last week.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

2003 Chevy Tracker ZR2

2004 Hyundai Santa Fe

1991 Chevy Silverado

2000 Toyota Tundra SR5

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse

2002 Honda Civic LX

2005 GMC Sierra

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Front-end Alignment

Includes up to 5 Quarts of engine oil and new oil filter.

Spring is here!

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PAGE 6B — Spring Car Care Special Section — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 4, 2013

Shocks, Struts, Brakes, Tune Ups: Regularly Scheduled Maintenence Will Save $ In The Long Haul!

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BRAKE SPECIALS

MANUFACTURERS MAIL-IN REBATE Receive up to $75 in manufacturers rebates toward the cost of qualifying brake service specials.

* When you have brake pads, brake shoes, wheel bearings and/or wheel seals installed at a participating Parts Plus Car Care Center.

∆ Ecopia tires save fuel based on lab tests versus conventional tires. Specific performance may vary. **Offer good in the U.S. Mail-in claim form required. Terms and Conditions apply to Reward Cards, including a monthly $3.00 service fee beginning 7 months after Card issuance. See Cardholder Agreement.

American Express Reward Cards can be used at US merchants that accept American Express® Cards except cruise lines, ATMs, and recurring billing. Visit americanexpress.com/Reward for complete terms.

This Card is issued pursuant to a loyalty, reward or other promotional program. Card issued by American Express Prepaid Card Management Corporation. American Express is not a sponsor of this promotion. † Eligible tires: Ecopia EP422, Dueler H/L 422 Ecopia, Turanza Serenity Plus, Dueler A/T REVO 2, Dueler H/P Sport AS, or Potenza RE97 AS. Eligible tires must be purchased from a participating Bridgestone retailer’s inventory between April 1 and April 30, 2013. Certain restrictions and limitations apply. Offer excludes Costco and GM dealership purchases. See your participating Bridgestone retailer, bridgestonetire. com or call 1-877-TIRE USA for complete details. ^To receive the Double your American Express Reward Card, customers must purchase a set of 4 eligible tires on their new CFNA credit card account to qualify. The tire purchase requirement must be made within 7 days of opening the new account. The account cannot be closed within the first 7 days of opening the new account. The American Express Reward Card cannot be used to pay any credit card balance.

CFNA reserves the right to alter, change or terminate the program at any time.

Nissan and CFNA are not sponsors of this sweepstakes.

Offer expires April 30, 2013

Addison County’s Oldest Family Owned Tire Shop Addison County’s Oldest Family Owned Tire Shop

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Addison Independent, Thursday, April 4, 2013 — Spring Car Care Special Section — PAGE 7B

Maintenance (Continued from Page 5B) to the vehicle manufacturer’s product.

Drivers can lengthen a vehicle’s lifespan by employing preventive maintenance that should keep a car running strong for years to come.

Air Filter — When examining the vehicle’s air filter (check the vehicle manual for location), look for dirt or dust buildup. If the filter is filthy, simply replace it. Auto parts stores sell air filters, and most drivers shouldn’t have trouble replacing a filter by themselves. A dirty air filter can negatively affect fuel economy and make it seem as though a vehicle is constantly going uphill in a stiff wind. When a dirty air filter is replaced, drivers will notice an instant impact in how the car drives and are likely to save a few dollars at the filling station as well.

Belts and Hoses — Issues with belts or hoses are often recognizable to the naked eye, regardless of a driver’s automotive skill. A hose in poor condition can appear bulging or brittle, and should not feel too soft or too hard. If a hose exhibits any of these symptoms, replace it. A belt that’s worn or frayed should also be replaced.

Brake Fluid — One of the more expensive repair jobs on a vehicle is to replace the brakes. Brakes will need to be replaced over the course of a vehicle’s

lifespan, but drivers should routinely check the vehicle’s brake fluid. Without sufficient brake fluid, the brakes’ lifespan decreases dramatically. Checking the brake fluid is easy; simply look in the owner’s manual to find the brake fluid reservoir and remove the lid (some vehicles might require the lid be unscrewed). The reservoir will likely have instructions on the inside advising how much brake fluid should be added.

If the fluid is below the line of demarcation, add fluid up to that line. But be careful not to overfill. Check the brake fluid levels on a monthly basis.

Motor Oil — Oil change guidelines have changed dramatically thanks to better cars and more reliable motor oils. But it still helps to check motor oil levels after every fill up. If motor oil levels are low, add more oil. If oil is significantly low after each fill up, consult a mechanic just to be safe.

Exhaust — Once a year, be it at a routine tune-up or should repair work be necessary, ask your mechanic to check the vehicle’s emissions. Failing an emissions test might be against the law, and a failed test could be indicative of a larger problem.

In addition, inspect the muffler and exhaust pipe for holes, particularly after winter, when debris from snow trucks may do significant damage. Re-

place any damaged or rusted parts.

Power Steering — Power steering fluid should also be inspected on a monthly basis. When checking power steering fluid, also inspect the pump for any leaks.

Tires — Keeping tires properly inflated pays numerous dividends. Properly inflated tires make it easier for the engine to operate, lowering fuel costs while also decreasing wear and tear on the engine. The owner’s manual should list a recommended tire pressure, and the local filling station likely has an air pump.

Maintaining tires also involves checking for wear and tear. Uneven wear could indicate the tires are misaligned. Discuss this with your mechanic.

Transmission Fluid — When checking transmission fluid, do so while the car is running and after the engine has warmed up. Always be certain to put the parking brake on when checking transmission fluid. If the vehicle needs transmission fluid, add the recommended fluid but be careful not to overfill.

Prolonging a vehicle’s lifespan is not as difficult as it sounds. Often all it takes is minor, yet routine, maintenance to keep a car on the road for years and years.

Tips to extend your car’s longevity (BPT) — The open road lies in front of millions of drivers who are ready to lower the windows and feel the warm breeze. Nothing curbs the excitement of a spring drive more than car issues that could have been avoided by simple maintenance to combat the lasting effects of driving through winter.

Many people consider spring the perfect time to clean their homes, but it is also important not to forget the vehicle. The average vehicle stays on the road nearly 11 years, according to a study by Polk Research. This trend of consumers holding onto their vehicles longer than usual continues to grow.

To help protect what is typically the second largest investment for any consumer — your vehicle — here are simple tips to make sure you are ready for a successful spring travel season.

• Seasons change, so does tire

pressure: As temperatures change, so can tire pressure. Proper tire inflation is essential for increased automotive safety, optimum driving performance and significant cost savings, including better fuel mileage. Tires should be inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in the glove box, and should be checked at least monthly. Over-inflation can lead to premature or irregular tire wear and under-inflation reduces a vehicle’s fuel efficiency by an average of 3.3 percent, according to fueleconomy.gov.

• Keep hydrated: Many fluids require attention, including the engine oil, transmission fluid and power steering fluid. Spring is the perfect time to make sure they are all clean and at the proper levels.

Additionally, to help ensure maximum engine life, change the oil and

oil filter every 3,000 miles, or as directed by your owner’s manual.

• Breathe free: Replacing a dirty air filter can increase a vehicle’s life expectancy and fuel efficiency by reducing the strain on the engine, especially during warmer months. Over the winter months, salt, sand and other impurities may build up in a vehicle’s air filtration system, and replacing this air filter can improve acceleration time by around 6 to 11 percent, according to fueleconomy.gov.

• April showers bring May flowers, and wet roads: Many times, consumers postpone tire purchases, but after enduring a harsh winter and looking ahead to the wet spring weather, it is not the time to have low tread on your tires. The lower the tread depth, the less traction you will have on wet roads, and the greater the distance you will need to stop.

Nothing under the hood A CAR AWAITS the return of its engine after Deneker Chevrolet mechanic Shaun Fiske removed it to do some head gasket work in Vergennes last Thursday morning.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

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PAGE 8B — Spring Car Care Special Section — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 4, 2013

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In the Marble Works (next to Round Robin)

STEVE AND LISA DUPOISE unload some of the 700 pounds of food they raised for the HOPE food shelf through a promotion at their business, County Tire. The repair shop donated a free brake inspection and money off a repair job for those who donated 10 non-perishable food items for the food shelf.

County Tire helps to stock food shelves with ‘brakes’ promotion

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By CHRISTY LYNN perishable grocery items, a customer County Tire Center’s first annual received a free brake inspection. If the “Free brakes for food” campaign last brakes needed repair or replacement, month resulted in the donation of the customer got a set of high-quality hundreds of pounds of food to the lo- brake pads free of cost and a half an cal emergency food shelf at Helping hour off of the labor costs. Dupoise Overcome Poverty’s Effects, a Mid- estimated that the average savings for dlebury nonprofit known as HOPE. the customer who got a brake job was Steve and Lisa Dupoise, owners between $110 and $130. of the Middlebury car repair busiWhile they did not tally the total ness, said they were number of cusintroduced to the idea tomers that came through a radio comin with food domercial that promoted “If I can get more nations and for a similar campaign by people aware of the free inspecAuto Craftsman, a sertion, County vice and repair shop in this and willing to Tire calculated it Montpelier. “We can participate, that completed 40 sets do that!” they thought, of new brakes and looked for a parts would be phenom- during this prosupplier to partner enal. I’d like to motion between with them for the camFeb. 1 and March paign. Burlington For- see 1,400 pounds 8. This nearly eign Car Parts signed of food next year doubled the on and donated the number of brake brake pads and ship- — let’s double it!” jobs completed ping costs to the food — Steve Dupoise, in February of drive.

County Tire Center 2012.

The Dupoises “This was a worked with Kate win-win program McGowan, executive for everybody,” director at United Way of Addison Steve Dupoise said. “We did see County, to find an appropriate orga- some new faces come through the nization to receive the food donation. door, and it made up for a season that HOPE was an obvious choice. is usually pretty slow around here.”

Here’s the deal on which they It also helps make up for a typicalsettled: For a contribution of 10 non- ly slow giving period at food shelves,

so the donation of over 700 pounds of food from County Tire was received gratefully from HOPE, which provides food assistance to more than 600 people each month.

“The shelves get pretty low this time of year and the food goes out as quickly as it comes in,” said HOPE Executive Director Jeanne Montross.

County Tire’s donation “came in with a smile” Montross noted, recalling the day Steve and Lisa Dupoise showed up with their van jam-packed with food.

The Dupoises say they have always enjoyed donating to local organizations, but this is the first year they have run a campaign through their business. While they learned some lessons and would change a few things going forward, overall it was a success.

“My goal is to do this annually,” Steve Dupoise said. “Next year we will start the campaign earlier, getting the word out to a broader advertising base and begin planning it several months before the campaign begins.

“If I can get more people aware of this and willing to participate, that would be phenomenal,” he added.

“I’d like to see 1,400 pounds of food next year — let’s double it!

“And with the way the economy’s going, we may need even more food next year,” Dupoise said.

Car care wisdom has changed (MS) — Though we’re only one full decade into the 21st century, the amount of change that has taken place in those 10 years is phenomenal. Whereas the Internet was largely seen as something to play with a decade ago, it now serves to pay our bills, stay in touch with friends and even order our movie tickets or meals.

leum motor oils’ well-earned reputation for forming sludge, gums and varnishes as they break down has led industry insiders and even weekend car enthusiasts to embrace synthetic motor oils. Because of their ability to resist the stresses of high temperature oxidation and evaporation loss, synthetic motor oils are far more resistant to sludge and deposit formation, enabling veBut how we live our lives isn’t hicle engines to run more smoothly the only way things have changed and offer greater fuel efficiency. in the last 10 years. How we treat our vehicles has also changed dra* Cars can crack the 100,000 mile matically. Much of the convention- barrier and still be reliable. During al wisdom preached by our fathers the recession of 2009, many vehicle and grandfathers with respect to owners began looking at their cars vehicle maintenance has fallen by and trucks as more long-term inthe wayside in the 21st century, as vestments. Whereas the years leadmanufacturers of both vehicles and ing up to the recession saw many vehicle maintenance products have vehicle owners trading their cars in changed the way they do business. after three or four years, the postAMSOIL INC., the industry leader recession vehicle owner now in synthetic motor oil, notes that wants more bang for his buck. many of these changes cannot only improve how our vehicles run, but Fortunately, it’s now ensave us some cash as well. tirely possible to keep a car running strong * Petroleum motor oils are no for 100,000 miles longer the gold standard. Many or more. And vehicle owners practice the same many of the credo with respect to vehicle main- keys to doing tenance. That is, “If it has worked so don’t rein the past, stick with it.” Advance- quire a trip to ments in automotive technology, the mechanic. however, have led many to abandon With the adthat credo, or at least to modify it. vancements in engine design, Perhaps no technological ad- breakthroughs vancement has done more to change in engine methow we view vehicle maintenance allurgy and the than the emergence of synthetic use of synthetmotor oil as a superior alternative ic lubricants, to traditional petroleum motor oil. motorists are Once the industry standard, petro- now keeping

their vehicles 24 percent longer than they were in 2002. Money not spent on new vehicles is money in the pocket. * The vehicle maintenance industry wants to keep your car on the road. In the past year or so, much of America got its first real glimpse into the American auto industry, and many did not like what they saw. Popular auto lines Pontiac and Saturn were discontinued, and consumer confidence in American auto makers continued to wane.

One overlooked element, however, was the positive advancements made in the vehicle maintenance industry.

Synthetic motor oils, for example, greatly enhance a vehicle’s performance. The uniform molecular structure of synthetic oil helps engines operate more efficiently by reducing friction and wear, improving performance in extreme temperatures and, best of all, by improving fuel economy. So while conventional wisdom might infer the auto industry has regressed during the 21st century, the advancements made in automotive maintenance technology have enabled vehicles to perform better and last much longer, helping drivers save money while restoring their peace of mind.

tic e h t Syn

Addison Independent, Thursday, April 4, 2013 — Spring Car Care Special Section — PAGE 9B

Extend your vehicle’s life (MS) — With the economy on the rebound after the country’s worst financial times in decades, many a smart vehicle owner is looking to get more bang for their vehicle buck. In lieu of quick trade-ins, more and more vehicle owners are applying the lessons they learned from the recession to their vehicles and trying to make their purchases last longer.

Head case DENEKER CHEVROLET MECHANIC Shaun Fiske checks on the head gaskets on an engine he pulled out of a car in the Vergennes dealership’s garage last week.

It’s also a good idea to check what vehicles the mechanics are currently working on. If the vehicles in the parking lot are equal in value to your own, that’s a good sign. * Do the small things to save fuel.

The cost of fuel is among the highest costs associated with owning a vehicle. But small things like ensuring tires are properly inflated, replacing misfiring spark plugs and even clearing the trunk of clutter can all increase fuel efficiency and help your bottom line in the process.

According to the automotive experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), today’s vehicles are designed with long-lasting reliability in mind, making it easier for vehicle owners to * Give your engine a break. Cars get more and more out of their vehicle aren’t all that different from the hupurchase. To do just that, consider the man body in that everything is directly following tips courtesy of ASE. or indirectly connected as a system.

Just like a body can overcompensate * Find a repair shop that suits your in one area when another area is inneeds. Motorists often cite the dif- jured, a car’s engine will be forced to ficulty in finding a reliable mechanic overcompensate when there are defithey feel they can trust. A courteous ciencies in other areas. For example, staff that’s willing to answer your a clogged air filter or fouled spark questions is a good starting point, as plug makes combustion less efficient, is a shop that’s displaying the ASE which reduces power -- and wastes sign or logo, which indicates the shop fuel as well. Motorists can give their employs certified technicians. Also, engine a break by replacing clogged check the shop walls for any past com- filters, sticking to their vehicle mainmendations, including civic, commu- tenance schedule and routinely checknity or customer service awards. ing fluid levels.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

Quit texting while driving It might be easier than you think Checkup BENJAMIN DAVIES CHECKS a car’s air filter while performing an oil change at Deneker Chevrolet in Vergennes.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

Get the best deal on a used car (BPT) — When it comes to value purchases, there are few that compare to buying a used car over a new one, since new cars begin to depreciate the minute they are driven off the lot. If you are able to find a used car that still has plenty of life, you can save thousands from what you would pay for a new car.

While buying used can net you the best deal on a car purchase, it also requires you to do your homework to make sure you truly are getting good value from your purchase. Here are six steps to help you rest assured that your used car purchase is a good one: • Start by identifying the type of car you want to buy. Consider expanding your search to similar car models that offer the same types of benefits.

For example, though the Chevy Equinox and GMC Terrain are different in name, they are nearly identical mechanically.

• Use online resources and car enthusiast forums to identify any red flags around given models or years.

Focus less on reported reliability when the car was new and more on the car’s reliability today. Minor problems in the first year are much less important

than major problems that might show up a few years down the road.

• If you discover that a particular model might contain features that don’t age well, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should avoid the car. If it’s a widely known issue that has damaged the reputation of that type of car, but can be easily fixed, you may be able to find a bargain. Aftermarket part manufacturers often create good solutions for original problems. Again, it pays to do your research.

• Once you have identified a specific car, use the car’s VIN number to buy a vehicle history report. A simple online search for the vehicle’s VIN number can also pull up free auction records and sales histories that may be helpful. If the history report is different than what the owner has told you, there’s plenty of reason to proceed with caution.

• Next, develop an inspection checklist to go over yourself as you test drive and examine the car. Check to make sure the license plates are current and verify the vehicle recently passed an emissions test if they are required in your area. Check brakes, hoses, belts, the body and underbody

for signs of wear or damage — a dealer should be more than willing to put the car on a lift for your inspection if you are serious about buying the car.

Make sure the heat and air conditioning work.

• Do not worry if you are not a car expert and have no idea how to evaluate some systems on the car. Even if the car passes your personal inspection, you’re not done yet. Take the car to a trusted professional mechanic for an inspection.

“I have been a car nut since I was a pre-teen and I only buy used cars, but I would still take any car I was considering spending a lot of money on to a professional mechanic for an inspection,” says Tom Taylor, engineer and vice president of RockAuto. The mechanic will almost always find something you overlooked. His inspection may tell you to avoid a car or help you negotiate a fairer price.

If you’ve done your research and followed these precautionary steps, you’ll feel informed as you negotiate a selling price and can rest assured that you’re getting a quality vehicle.

All that’s left is enjoying your new purchase.

(BPT) — Most Americans know texting and driving is dangerous but it continues to be a problem, especially for young drivers. While 97 percent of teens agree that texting and driving is dangerous, 43 percent still admitted to continuing to do it, according to a recent survey.

The 2012 AT&T survey of teen drivers also found 75 percent of teens say texting while driving is common among their friends and the majority of respondents said they have texted when stopped at a red light and often glance at their phones while driving. While teens might be the worst offenders when it comes to texting and driving, plenty of adults are guilty too. As the evidence continues to mount concerning the dangers of texting while driving, 39 states have made it illegal. Whether it’s legal or not in your

state, here are three good reasons to quit once and for all: • Texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be in an accident, according to Virginia Tech Transportation Institute research.

• Texting while driving is distracted driving. Distracted driving is a factor in 15 to 25 percent of all crashes, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

• Each day, an average of more than 15 people are killed in crashes that result from distracted driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

While messages from your friends and family are important, nothing should take precedence over safely getting yourself and your passengers to your destination. To help make your driving experience safer, switch to hands-free programs or built-in talking and texting programs now available from many mobile and car companies.

Are You a Car Care Do-It Yourselfer?

If you’re the family mechanic, taking pride in personally twisting on that new oil filter, the Solid Waste District can help you deal with the wastes associated with car maintenance. District residents may bring these items to the Transfer Station for recycling:

Motor Oil sure recycle it at no charge. Make ’ll we and oil tor mo d use in Bring inated recycling must not be contam it’s in secure containers. Oil for tamicon ng Bri .

Bs ts, gasoline, or PC with water, anti-freeze, solven ). ow nter * (see hours bel nated oil to the HazWaste Ce Oil Filters ween r draining, may still contain bet Your spent oil filter, even afte Don’t ds! hol lly 40% of what it norma we’ll 4 - 8 fluid ounces of oil. That’s and tion them to the Transfer Sta throw those in the trash - take nts.* recycle them. Free for reside Antifreeze mine glycol, which is a toxic che Used antifreeze contains ethyle We recycle it at the HazWaste lead. cal, and also usually contains nts.* ide res for rge Center at no cha p-off prices for these wastes. * Businesses please call for dro Tires r. The 290 million scrap tires every yea care y ghl rou te era gen ans eric Am oming a waste is to take proper s best way to keep tires from bec your tire nance may extend the life of of them. Some simple mainte Drive rly. ula reg m the re and rotate by 50%! Check your tire pressu all ing ner cor rp d stops, and sha smoothly. Jackrabbit starts, har shorten the life of your tires. civil Station are recycled for use in Tires collected at the Transfer or h wit , ing ycl are accepted for rec engineering projects. All tires ck, tru e larg for regular car tires, $6 without rims. Prices are $2 for 06/lb. $0. are ds ving equip.). Large loa and $20 for oversize (earthmo The District Transfer Station is at 1223 Rte 7 South in Middlebury, and Sat, 9 am to 1 pm. and is open Mon-Fri, 7 am - 3 pm, n, and Sat, 9 am - noon. noo am HazWaste hours are Mon-Fri, 8 Call 388-2333 with questions, cles.org. or visit www.AddisonCountyRecy

Plugged in DENEKER MECHANIC ERIC James runs a diagnostic test on a car in the dealership’s service garage in Vergennes last week.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

PAGE 10B — Spring Car Care Special Section — Addison Independent, Thursday, April 4, 2013

Ask ‘My Plug-in Hybrid Calculator,’ to see if a hybrid saves you money Fueleconomy.gov has developed a new tool to help consumers who are thinking about purchasing a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The new tool, called “My Plug-in Hybrid Calculator” can help estimate personalized fuel use and costs for a plug-in based on a consumer’s driving habits, gasoline and electricity prices, and charging schedule.

Most consumers are aware that their “mileage may vary” from the EPA fuel economy rating when purchasing a new vehicle. This applies to fuel costs, too. However, fuel costs for a plug-in hybrid can vary dramatically depending on how far the vehicle is driven between charges.

Fuel costs for a plug-in hybrid are difficult to project since they cost much less to operate when they run on electricity rather than gasoline — less than half as much in many situations. So, the more electricity you use instead of gasoline, the more money you save. However, the amount of electricity you can use depends on the length of your daily commute, how often you can charge your vehicle, and other factors that vary significantly from person to person.

My Plug-in Hybrid Calcu-

Going up ERIC JAMES GIVES an SUV a lift in the Deneker Chevrolet Vergennes garage recently.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

Maintain your car’s interior and extend its life (MS) — Recent studies have estimated that many Americans spend as much as three hours a day in their cars. Over the course of a typical week, that’s almost one entire day behind the wheel. That not only translates to lots of face time with your vehicle’s interior, but it also provides ample opportunities for the buildup of dirt, grime, coffee, and food stains that can leave a car’s interior appearing haggard and worn.

In addition to robbing a car’s interior of its aesthetic appeal, the buildup of dirt and grease can also cause the vehicle to degrade over time. Though it’s common to associate vehicle maintenance with what’s under the hood, drivers should also make maintenance a priority for the vehicle’s interior.

When cleaning a car’s interior, address each and every nook and cranny.

Consoles & Cup Holders — Perhaps no part of a vehicle’s interior is more susceptible to dirt and grease buildup than the center console, which is typically home to a vehicle’s cup holders.

Spilled coffee or soda is something every driver can relate to, and cleaning such spills is harder than it sounds.

Specialized products are formulated to remove not only stubborn stains, but also older ones, making it ideal for taking care of that long-ignored yet unsightly residue at the bottom of your cup holder.

Clean Under the Carpets — Particularly after a long winter, a vehicle’s carpets can be a major eyesore. Remove the floor mats and thoroughly vacuum any dirt buildup that might have multiplied with each winter snowstorm or spring shower. Your carpets will look better and last longer.

Dashboards & Door Panels — In order to drive a vehicle, motorists must look out over the dashboard. Despite that, dashboards are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning a car’s interior. Detailing products are formulated to remove unsightly dirt or grease buildup from all interior surfaces, including plastic, rubber, vinyl, and leather, while drying to a satin sheen to minimize dashboard reflection on the windshield.

Address the Upholstery — When buying a new car, many auto buyers are concerned about the car’s potential resale value. That’s a genuine concern, as resale value is often influenced by more than just the number of miles on the odometer. Dirty upholstery is an instant turnoff for most used car buyers, so drivers should be diligent and clean their upholstery regularly,

including immediately after any spills.

Be careful when using water to clean the upholstery, as you don’t want any water getting into places that can damage electrical components or create a moldy smell.

Practice Preventive Care — Much like humans, a car is susceptible to UV rays. Whereas a human would apply sunscreen to his or her skin to protect against sunburn, drivers can apply a UV-protectant product to their vehicle’s interior to guard against problems that often result from overexposure to the sun.

Overcome the Odor — Masking odors is another concern for many vehicle owners. While some spring days are ideal for rolling down the windows, spring showers are often a force to be reckoned with during the spring season.

lator estimates the fuel cost, fuel used, and mileage for both electricity- and gasolinepowered driving and allows the user to view estimates for a week, a month, or a year. It even estimates the number of times they’ll have to visit a filling station for gasoline.

The calculator is easy to use, and users can choose from two estimation models: one with a simple form that requires minimal driving information and another that allows them to enter more information about their driving habits. Both allow the user to customize fuel cost and charging information.

My Plug-in Hybrid Calculator makes it easy to see how personal driving characteristics can affect fuel cost savings.

My Plug-in Hybrid Calculator is part of fueleconomy. gov’s commitment to provide the most current and accurate fuel economy information on all light-duty vehicles available for sale in the United States since 1985, including plug-in hybrids. Look to fueleconomy. gov for more new information on plug-in hybrids in the near future, including fuel-saving driving tips and a cool animation showing how plug-in hybrids work.

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