Spring Car Care

Car Care • Addison Independent, Monday, April 11, 2016 — PAGE 19

CAR CARE

APRIL IS

MONTH

Photo illustration of Angelo and Tesla as the new muscle car.

‘Muscle Cars’ of tomorrow?

We’ve come a long way, ‘Little Deuce Coupe’

By ANGELO LYNN For most Americans raised in the age of Detroit’s heyday, the purr and powerful rumble of a gasoline-powered 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge, a 1968 Ford Mustang Boss 429, Chevy’s Camaro, Pontiac’s Firebird or the

Dodge Charger, till resonate deep in our souls.

The Beach Boys captured America’s love affair with their cars in the 1950s and ’60s with top 40 songs like “Mustang Sally,” “409” and “Little Deuce Coupe.” It was a time for cruising the strip, revving up engines and

gassing up on 30 cent a gallon gas (yep, the average price per gallon in 1968 was 34 cents.)

Nowhere in that American psyche of the day were we imagining a quiet riding, sleek vehicle powered by (See Muscle cars?, Page 23)

PAGE 20 — Car Care • Addison Independent, Monday, April 11, 2016

Car Care • Addison Independent, Monday, April 11, 2016 — PAGE 21

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PAGE 22 — Car Care • Addison Independent, Monday, April 11, 2016

Explaining charging stations for EVs, debunking myths

By ANGELO LYNN So, you’re thinking of buying a new Chevy Volt, or a GM Bolt, a Nissan Leaf or even, if you can find a dealer around these parts, a Tesla Model 3. But how do you charge it? Where do you find the charging stations, and how much does it cost?

Good questions.

The answers aren’t as easy as just going around the corner and gassing up at one of any dozens of places located throughout your community, but it’s getting easier and easier to charge-up as electric vehicles become more plentiful.

Here’s the lowdown: • There are 127 charging stations in Vermont as of early April, 2016. More will inevitably be coming online each month. To find a charging

station near you, go to http://bit.ly/1SFcWU2 or visit Drive Electric Vermont.

• Vermont’s major utility, Green Mountain Power, has 38 charging stations throughout the state under their Plug’n Go program. With that program, GMP customers with electric hybrids (like Toyota’s Prius) or electric vehicles can take advantage of the utilities lower “off peak” rates by charging their vehicles at night.

• GMP is also partnering with NRG’s eVgo division to develop an expanded, interconnected network of electric vehicle charging stations throughout the state, including several charging package options. Both “Level 2” and DC Fast Chargers will be installed in commercial and workplace locations.

• Because today’s commercially available electric vehicles require multiple hours to

fully charge, most of the charging stations are located in public and easily accessible parking spaces where people are likely to spend time.

• At the GMP stations, most are equipped with Levels 1, 2 and 3 charging capability. There are many options depending on your driving habits to provide flexibility with pay as you go or charging memberships starting at $1 an hour to operate.

• Some of the public charging stations are currently free to use, but many require payment. Before taking a longer trip, EV (electric vehicle) drivers are encouraged to check the ChargePoint or EVgo networks for location and type of service.

And here are a couple of myths about electric cars as debunked by the Sierra Club: Myth: Switching to an electric vehicle will just mean that the same amount of pollution comes from the electricity generation rather than from the tailpipe — I›ll just be switching from oil to coal.

Reality: According to a range of studies doing a ‘well to wheels’ analysis, an electric car leads to significantly less carbon dioxide pollution from electricity than the CO2 pollution from the oil of a conventional car with an internal combustion engine. In some areas, like many on the West Coast that rely largely on wind or hydro power, the emissions are significantly lower for EVs. And that’s today. As we retire more coal plants and bring cleaner sources of power online, the emissions from electric vehicle charging drop even further. Additionally, in some areas, night-time charging will increase the opportunity to take advantage of wind power — another way to reduce emissions.

A caveat to consider is that when coal plants

supply the majority of the power in a given area, electric vehicles may emit more CO2 and SO2 pollution than hybrid electric vehicles.

Learn where your electricity comes from, what plans your state or community has for shifting to renewables, and whether you have options for switching to greener power.

Myth: My electricity bill will go way up.

Reality: While you’ll spend more on electricity, the savings on gas will more than cover it. If you drive a pure battery electric vehicle 15,000 miles a year at current electricity rates (assuming $.12 per kilowatt hour though rates vary throughout the country), you’ll pay about $500 per year for the electricity to charge your battery, but you’ll save about $1,900 in gas, (assuming $3.54 per gallon, a 28 miles per gallon vehicle, and 15,000 miles driven). So $1,900 minus $500 equals $1,400 in savings — a 74% reduction in fueling costs. Some utilities are offering EV owners lower off-peak/ nighttime rates. The more we successfully advocate for these off-peak incentives, the lower your electricity payments will go.

Myth: My battery will run out of juice.

Reality: It is true that fueling an electric vehicle takes a different type of planning than for longer range conventional cars. However, using a 220-volt outlet and charging station, a plug-in hybrid recharges in about 100 minutes, an extended range plug-in electric in about four hours, and a pure electric in six to eight hours.

(Newer charging stations can top off a EV battery at 80 percent in about 25 minutes for a range of over 200 miles on the Tesla Model 3A or the new Chevy Volt. A regular 110-volt outlet will mean significantly longer charging times (usually used when charging all night from home).

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Car Care • Addison Independent, Monday, April 11, 2016 — PAGE 23

Green Mountain Power EV charging stations Town of Barre Station 1 36-44 Granite St. Barre Town of Barre Station 2 36-44 Granite St. Barre Brattleboro 77 Flat St. Brattleboro Castleton College 178 Alumni Drive Castleton St. Michael’s College 1 Winooski Park Colchester Marty’s First Stop 421 Route 2 East Danville Essex Outlets 21 Essex Way Essex Fair Haven North Park Place Fair Haven CVUHS 369 CVU Road Hinesburg

Red Hen Bakery Station 1 961 US-2 Middlesex

Killington Ski Resort 4763 Killington Road Killington

Red Hen Bakery Station 2 961 US-2 Middlesex

Northshire Bookstore 4869 Main St. Manchester Center

City of Montpelier 39 Main St. Montpelier

Zoey’s Double Hex Restaurant 1568 Depot St. Manchester

King Arthur Flour 135 US Route 5 Norwich

Town of Middlebury 12 Mill St. Middlebury

Green Mountain College 1 Brennan Circle Poultney

Middlebury College 531 Hillcrest Road Middlebury

Quechee Antique Mall 5573 East Woodstock Road Quechee

Porter Medical Center Collins Drive Middlebury

(See Power stations, Page 26)

Muscle cars?

(Continued from Page 19) Green Mountain Power has expanded batteries charged by electricity via a standard its network of charging stations to 38, and outlet at home. there are now more than 122 charging staFifty-five years later, we are — though the tions throughout the state — including four idea of the Chevy Volt replacing the muscle in Middlebury, making the drive up and down cars of the 1960s stretches the imagination. the state’s Western Corridor easily accessible.

Nonetheless, it is a new era and Tesla’s And the charging stations themselves can now Model 3, unveiled just last week, has caused complete an 80-percent charge on the battery a buzz in the automotive world. More than in 25 minutes, meaning that in a new Tesla 200,000 Americans lined up at Tesla dealer- Model 3, a driver can go another 200 miles afships in just four days to put down $1,000 de- ter a 25-minute charge — just time enough to posits for the arrival of the new car — due to complete a business meeting, do some shophit the retail market in 2017. ping downtown or grab a quick cup of coffee What’s the big deal? Mainly the price has and hit the road again. dropped from what had been out of (See accompanying story on Page 24 about reach at $100,000-plus, charging stations, charging your electo a more modest tric vehicle at home, and how $35,000. much it costs to fill-er-up As imporon electricity.) tantly, Tesla’s But before Model 3, and we get ahead Chevrolet’s of ourselves, new Volt, electric car have dramatisales aren’t cally upped the exactly distance the cars get on a singlebooming. charge — from 70-115 miles to 250-plus Last year miles. For commuters, getautomakers sold fewer ting above the 200-mile mark And then there is than 400,000 electric and appears to spell the relief this: The new Tes- hybrid vehicles in the U.S., they needed to feel comforteven as the overall market able out on their hour-long la can knock you soared to record sales of 17.5 commutes in bumper-to- back in your seat million vehicles. Sales of bumper traffic. trucks and SUVs attributed The trend is exciting, and when you stomp to most of the gains (spurred other automakers are getting on the, errr, foot on by lower gasoline prices in on the action. Ford has an of late), which means Amerelectric car in development, pedal. The car will ica hasn’t yet given up on its General Motors has the Bolt, hit 0-60 mph in love affair with a big, powerToyota’s new plug-in Prius ful engine tucked under the Prime has excited plenty of under four sechood. interest, and Nissan has its Low gas prices have onds, not as fast popular Leaf. With all the worked against sales of new development, the elec- as a Daytona 500 electric cars, as has the abilitric car market is getting ty of automakers to improve large enough to move beyond racecar, but quick fuel efficiency in their gasthe fringe. powered vehicles, but there enough.

And then there is this: The is still plenty of pressure to new Tesla can knock you keep the electric car moveback in your seat when you stomp on the, errr, ment pressing forward. Automakers must foot pedal. The car will hit 0-60 mph in un- reach federal mandates that require overall der four seconds, not as fast as a Daytona 500 fleet fuel efficiency to be at 54.5 miles per racecar, but quick enough. gallon by 2025, and many automakers are Oh, and there’s the part about saving the counting on their electric cars or hybrids to world from climate change. It emits no carbon help meet that goal. dioxide or other pollutants from burning fossil With lower prices now in the mid-$30,000 fuels. That’s no small deal in a world increas- range and batteries that power cars past 250 ingly confronted by climate-related disasters. miles per charge, the industry seems poised But that’s not all. Charging stations around for steady gains in the year ahead — even if the nation are sprouting up everywhere. Rural the purr and roar of the classic 409 is a distant Vermont is a case in point. memory.

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Car Care • Addison Independent, Monday, April 11, 2016 — PAGE 25

Here comes the rain: Expert tips for wet weather driving (BPT) — When it comes to driving in the rain, windshield wipers, headlights and brakes will only get you so far. More than 1 million car crashes occur each year as a result of weather conditions, according to the Federal Highway Administration. Most of them have to do with wet roadways, and many of them could likely be prevented by the right set of tires.

As El Niño looms in the West, and the inevitable April showers approach elsewhere, drivers across the United States should turn their attention to the rubber that meets the proverbial — and also very literal — wet road.

Nearly a quarter of all car crashes are caused by weather, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Of those, nearly three quarters can be attributed to wet pavement. When roadways are slick, dangers such as skidding and hydroplaning quickly become concerns. Tires can be the best defense “By the against such hazards, time you as a healthy, reliable set of tires will give your reach 2/32 the traction it of an inch, vehicle needs to safely stop and corner on slick your tires Before the won’t have roadways. tires can do their job, enough drivers will need to take a few steps of their tread to own. avoid hyBefore you hit the road, know what to droplanlook for on your tires. ing.”

Tire tread helps to channel rainwater — Woody Rogers safely between your tires and the road — but only if there’s enough tread available to do so. When new, tire tread runs 9/32 of an inch deep. Tires are legally worn out with just 2/32 of an inch of tread remaining, but this doesn’t leave enough depth in wet conditions.

“When rain is a concern, as it will be for much of the U.S. throughout the spring, drivers should replace their tires when they reach 4/32 of an inch of remaining tread depth,” says Woody Rogers, product information specialist at Tire Rack. “By the time you reach 2/32 of an inch, your tires won’t have enough tread to avoid hydroplaning.”

To make sure that your tread is deep enough to keep your tires firmly rooted on the surface of the road, tire experts recommend a simple

quarter test: Place a quarter upside down into the grooves on your tires. If some part of George Washington’s head is covered by tread, then you have at least 4/32 of an inch left. “The difference between 2/32 of an inch and 4/32 is admittedly very small,” Rogers says, “but the impact on safety is quite large.”

If hydroplaning occurs, coast carefully.

Hydroplaning happens when water on a roadway and vehicle speed combine to cause one or more of your tires to lift from the surface of the road. When this happens, the vehicle’s steering wheel will likely jerk, and the vehicle could pull abruptly toward the puddle.

“Slowing down in rainy conditions is always a good idea, but it may not be enough for the surprise waiting up ahead. Having the appropriate tread depth is a must for preventing hydroplaning,” Rogers says. “If you do hydroplane, grasp the steering wheel firmly and avoid slamming on the brakes. Braking could end up worsening the skid, causing you to lose even more control of the vehicle.”

Driving in the rain is never fun, but with the right tires, it can at least be safer. When the rubber meets the road, make sure it’s up for the job.

Keeping your car clean in this season can save the finish (MS) — Keeping vehicles looking pristine requires care and diligent cleaning.

So many day-to-day activities and environmental materials have the potential to damage the finish on cars and trucks.

While winter weather and chemicals used to keep roadways passable are often blamed for affecting the appearance of cars and trucks, winter is not the only time of year when substances can cause damage to vehicles.

Spring and summer are prime seasons for sap, birds and insects. These times of year tend to see an uptick in road work as well, and such projects can contribute to damage caused by loose asphalt, gravel and tar.

Addressing problems resulting from tree sap, insect and bird droppings and tar may not be something to look forward to, but it is necessary to keep cars looking pristine.

TREE SAP According to Cars.com, an automotive

information resource and vehicle sales website, although tree sap won’t cause immediate damage to vehicle paint, it should not be ignored. Over time, sap can become more difficult to remove, etch through the clear coat on the vehicle and cause discoloration.

When the temperature is hot, damage from sap can accelerate.

On windows and windshields, drivers may be able to gently remove dried sap with a razor blade. However, use cleaning products on more delicate paint. Automotive stores sell specialty sap and tar cleaners. Otherwise, you can try rubbing alcohol. It may take a few attempts to remove sap entirely.

INSECTS AND BIRD DROPPINGS Splattered bugs and avian surprises dropped from above can be a messy, unsightly nuisance. Their acidic composition also may cause them to damage paint over time. Bugs and droppings can be sticky, so you will need to work with something that will remove the splatter without removing the paint in the process. A product like WD40 may help. This oily product is normally used on rust and hinges. When applied with a cloth and allowed to penetrate the stain, it can loosen difficult-to-remove sticky

substances. Always test any product you use in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it doesn’t damage or discolor your the paint.

Insects or droppings that are fresh may come off relatively easily with a good washing or hosing off of the car. Retailers also sell specialty insect sponges to remove bugs and other debris.

TAR Soap and water will do little to remove tar and other petroleum-based products from vehicles. Commercial tar removal products use a strong solvent or detergent to loosen the tar. This may include kerosene, mineral spirits or another item mixed with lubricants. Go slowly and use caution so that you remove the tar and not the paint.

Drivers who are hesitant to clean their vehicles of common residue can have their cars or trucks professionally detailed, leaving the work in the hands of experts.

PAGE 26 — Car Care • Addison Independent, Monday, April 11, 2016

Power stations University Mall 155 Dorset St. South Burlington

(Continued from Page 23) Vermont Law School 164 Chelsea St. Royalton

Town of Springfield 96 Main St. Springfield

Hampton Inn 47 Farrell St. Rutland

Waitsfield Village Grocery 4348 Main St. Waitsfield

Unitarian Church 107 West St. Rutland

Ben & Jerry’s 1381 Waterbury-Stowe Road Waterbury

Maplefields Exit 19 555 Fairfax Road St. Albans

Green Mountain Coffee 1 Rotarian Place Waterbury

Town of St. Johnsbury 410 Pearl St. St Johnsbury

Town of Waterbury 28 North Main St. Waterbury

Vermont Teddy Bear South Park Road Shelburne

Hampton Inn 104 Ballardvale Drive White River Junction

Healthy Living 222 Dorset St. South Burlington

Hannaford Supermarket 78 Marshall Ave. Williston

Homewood Suites 5 Dorset St. South Burlington

VSECU Williston 1755 Essex Road Williston

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What’s the deal with the check engine light?

(MS) — Vehicles rely on many components working harmoniously to function at optimal capacity. Any number of systems can go wrong, and oftentimes the first indication that something has gone awry is an illuminated dashboard signal.

One such signal is the “check engine” light.

Many drivers have little idea what to do when this indicator lights up, and this light can cause some anxiety. According to Consumer Reports, a check engine light turning on does not usually require immediate action.

However, it does mean that you should make an appointment to have the vehicle inspected for potential problems.

Check engine lights are part of a car’s onboard diagnostics. The light turning on may indicate something minor, such as a loose fuel cap, or something more serious like a misfiring engine. When the light turns on, drivers wondering why may want to see if the answer is related to one of the following issues.

1. Loose gas cap: Fuel vapors can leak out and air can get in when the fuel cap isn’t secured correctly. This can compromise the fuel system and make the check engine light come on. Take off the cap and then reseal it to see if that alleviates the problem. Cracked caps will need to be replaced.

2. Dirty oxygen sensor: A faulty or clogged sensor may not provide the right information about unburned oxygen from the vehicle’s exhaust. This sensor monitors how much fuel is burned. Compromised data can cause a decrease in fuel efficiency. Some do-ityourselfers can replace an oxygen sensor on their own, but those who can’t should have the

issue addressed immediately by a professional.

3. Too much speed or load: Towing a trailer or another heavy item may put strain on the vehicle and cause the light to come on because of loss of power. Lightening the load and reducing speed can help fix the problem.

Always consult with the owner’s manual to determine the towing capacity of your vehicle.

4. Short or faulty code: Computers aren’t always fool-proof, and sometimes an electrical short or another similar problem can cause a light to come on. Bring the vehicle to an automotive supply store. Such stores typically have diagnostics tools that can be hooked into the car’s computer and provide a more detailed understanding of what is triggering the check engine indicator.

In many cases, a steady check engine light is not a serious concern. However, when such a light comes on, drivers should try to find out why as soon as possible.

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