1
5/31/2012 7:39:58 PM
1
5/31/2012 7:39:21 PM
DRIVE / drive.lubbockonline.com – 3 1
5/31/2012 7:39:33 PM
Download drive on the Avalanche-Journal iPad app Lubbock Avalanche-Journal 710 Ave. J, PO BOX 491 Lubbock, TX 79408 806-762-8844 drive.lubbockonline.com Steve Beasley
publisher (806) 766-8610
Cody Hutchison
Jaime Engler
Drive Coordinator (806) 766-8687
6
Advertising Sales Manager (806) 766-2194
2 Brink Suzuki
Randi Mitchell
Advertising Sales Consultant (806) 766-8657
Vol 3 Issue10
3 Camper Coaches 5 Mears Mazda Volvo 7 Damron Motorcycle Co. 10 Mears Mazda Volvo
12
13 Pharr RVs 15 Mears Mazda Volvo 16 Pioneer
8
Photography by Misty Setzler Photo taken in Shadow Hills Vehicle by Mears Mazda-Volvo
To advertise in Drive Lubbock, call Randi Mitchell at 806.766.8657
Articles: Tools for the Home Mechanic Tips to Keep Your Vehicle Safe and Looking Good This Summer Texing while driving is Not a Good Idea
Cover Design by Cody Hutchison
6
8 12
Drive Lubbock is published twice monthly and is available free at over 300 locations. For a full list visit drive.lubbockonline.com Follow “drive Lubbock” on Facebook & Twitter for releases, automotive news, an e-edition, and more. Visit drive.lubbockonline.com for thousands of new & used local vehicles
4 – DRIVE / drive.lubbockonline.com 1
5/31/2012 7:39:38 PM
DRIVE / drive.lubbockonline.com – 5 1
5/31/2012 7:37:55 PM
Tools for the
home mechanic half the size of traditional ones may have more maneuverability. * Socket set: Again, a socket set can prove invaluable with the various nuts and bolts on a car. An ergonomic socket set makes loosening and tightening even easier.
A socket, ratchet and screwdriver set are essential tools for do-it-yourself automotive repairs. The right tools can make any job easier. Knowing how to use the tools also helps. Those delving into some do-ityourself automotive work will soon find that there are certain tools that can make the work go more smoothly. You do not need to have every automotive tool available to be successful with repairs. Once you know how tools function, which ones are essential and which ones are likely unnecessary, it might save you time and money to work on your car yourself. * Jack stands: Oftentimes working on a car means getting underneath the body of the vehicle. Propping the car up on a jack alone is dangerous, therefore you should rely on jack stands instead. These are strong steel supports that reduce the chance of the car slipping or moving while elevated. Even better than one jack
stand is two, which will offer more stability. * Torque wrench: There are a variety of lugs and nuts on a vehicle that will need tightening at some point. Precision is the name of the game with tightening, as something that is too loose can fall off and something tightened too much can break or become stripped. There are electronic torque wrenches that can offer a specific digital readout on the amount of torque being applied. * Oil filter wrench: This device is used to remove the spin-off canister top of oil filters. For those who plan on saving some money doing their own oil changes, this is an essential tool. * Small-scale wrench set: Working inside of a car engine usually means fitting into tight spots. Full-sized tools may not be able to maneuver in all those tight crevices. Wrenches that are
Tire Tread Test It used to be that to check tire tread wear, a driver inserted a penny into the tread gap. If you couldn't see the top of Lincoln's head, the tire tread was adequate -- or more than 1/16 of an inch. However, today it is recommended that a quarter be used for the test, and Lincoln has been swapped out for Washington. This is to allow for less time between tire changes and a safer amount of tire tread. If the top of Washington's head can be seen, that means there is 1/8 of an inch of tread left and ample time to get those tires replaced.
6 – DRIVE / drive.lubbockonline.com 1
* Spare tire: Invest in a full-sized spare tire in the event you have a blow-out or need to change a tire that has a puncture in it. * Funnel: A funnel helps direct liquids with minimal spillage when filling up the fluid reservoirs of the car, be it motor oil, windshield washer fluid, etc. * Goggles and gloves: Protecting the eyes and hands while working in the engine or under the body of the car is a priority. Hot engine parts and kicked-up debris can make work dangerous. DIYers should always don gloves and goggles to protect themselves. * Lighting: Flashlights, tool lights and even a high-powered work lamp can illuminate the caverns of the engine, making the project safer and easier. Whether you’re a professional or a do-ityourselfer, having the right tools makes a difference when making automotive repairs.
Did you know? A balloon car loan is one in which a car is not paid in full when the length of the loan expires. For the terms of a balloon loan to be completed, borrowers must make one final, large balloon payment. Until that balloon payment is made, borrowers do not own the vehicle. A balloon car loan does come with monthly payments, but these payments are lower and borrowers’ monthly payments are typically only going toward the loan’s interest. When a borrower makes a balloon payment, that payment is typically paying off the loan’s principal. Arranging for a balloon car loan
is good for those who cannot currently afford a high monthly payment but know their situation will change shortly. Still, the risk of a balloon loan scares many borrowers, who might not be so certain they will be able to afford the balloon payment when the loan’s term ends. When agreeing a balloon car loan, borrowers should save monthly in preparation for the balloon payment at the end of the loan. Failure to do so could force borrowers to refinance or it could require the bank to repossess the vehicle, even after borrowers spent all those years paying interest.
5/31/2012 7:37:26 PM
DRIVE / drive.lubbockonline.com – 7 1
5/31/2012 7:37:38 PM
Tips to keep your vehicle safe and looking
great this summer Do your brakes squeal when you push on the pedal to stop? Have you been ignoring that unsightly puddle of liquid that keeps appearing under your car? Small inconveniences can become much larger problems if not taken care of early, and unfortunately, many drivers fail to address vehicle problem signs until it’s too late. Frequent checks and proper maintenance can make all the difference between a safe, attractive vehicle and an unreliable eyesore.
8 – DRIVE / drive.lubbockonline.com 8
5/31/2012 7:43:12 PM
With a few tips, you can get your vehicle into top shape for easy cruising this summer and beyond.
Don’t wait, fix it fast
With the sun shining a little brighter this time of year, those vehicle nicks, scratches and dents suddenly become much more noticeable. And more importantly, they can begin to rust in as little as 30 days. This visible exterior problem can quickly reduce your vehicle’s resale value, not to mention its cosmetic appeal. Fortunately, you can avoid these ugly and potentially costly problems by using a touch up paint. Available in hundreds of exact-match colors, the paint offers a seamless fix to nearly any vehicle damage. With a roller ball tip for precision, taper brush for full coverage and available clear coat to ensure an exact manufacturer-approved match, touch up paint is extremely easy for anyone to use and costs only a fraction of a professional repair.
Rolling on out
Tires are one of the most important aspects of vehicle safety, and proper maintenance can prolong tread life and save money on replacements. Rotating tires every 7,000 miles can help keep treads from wearing irregularly. A simple tire rotation not only makes for a dependable vehicle, but also saves money in the long run because your tires will last longer.
Internal workings
Despite the warnings, many people put off changing their vehicle oil far longer than recommended. Whether the excuse is lack of time, money or some other factor, regular oil changes are vital to proper car maintenance. No matter what time of year or how often you drive, you need to check oil every three months or 3,000 miles whichever occurs first. Changing oil will prevent residue buildup, allowing your vehicle to function more efficiently and safely. Forgoing this routine check could lead to an unexpected engine seize, causing costly and potentially dangerous damage.
Lights out
A burnt-out light bulb in your living room can be a nuisance, but a burnt-out light on your car can be extremely dangerous, and may even earn you a traffic ticket. Perform regular inspections of your car lights by turning all lights on - including turn signals - then walking around the car to determine if any need to be replaced. Car lights are typically inexpensive and are usually easy to install. The risks of ignoring a burnt-out car light far outweigh the cost of the bulb, so perform a quick check before your next night drive. By taking these car care maintenance steps you will have your vehicle running and looking great this summer and beyond.
Another tire must is to regularly check for uneven wear, bulges or holes. These small issues may not seem like much, but they have a very real possibility of causing larger problems such as a tire blow out or skidding on the road. If a defect is spotted, make sure to have that tire replaced immediately.
9
5/31/2012 7:43:16 PM
10 – DRIVE / drive.lubbockonline.com 1
5/31/2012 7:43:25 PM
Magazine Locations 1
289
Indiana Ave
4th St
114
LubbockOnline.com
Lubbock Magazine
Homes
Drive
Indiana Ave
50th St
34th St
27
University Ave
34th St
87
31
50th St
Guava
Avenue Q
Y
ar
Sh
FrenshipToday.com
19th St
W pF
Quaker Ave
ha
rs Ma Slide Rd
Milwaukee Ave
Upland Ave
34th St
289
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal Yahoo.com
Martin Luther King Blvd
19th St
114
kw Par
Mackenzie Park
4th St Broadway
Levelland (30 Mi)
82 62
ay
Avenue A
Frankford Ave
4th St
l Dr
ipa
nic
Mu
Erskine
ou
84
87
al
y
Erskine
Reese Technology Center
To Airport
27
Hw
Id
vis
University Ave
Clo
Alcove Ave
289
Buffalo Springs Lake
82
66th St
331
289
82nd St
98th St
114th St
7-11 Store Airport Avalanche-Journal AS Dent Shop Barnes & Noble Big Lots Bigham Automotive Bodyworks Fitness Bolton’s Gas Bolton’s Oil Change Breakfast House Brown’s Barber Shop Buddy Holly Center Buddy’s Buffalo Wild Wings Burger King Caboose Liquor Cast Iron Skillet Chamber Of Commerce Chicken Express Chilito’s Mex. Restaurant Chisum Travel Ctr Conference Café Covenant Family Medical Covenant Hospital Cracker Barrel Restaurant Crickets
66th St
Dairy Queen Dereksons Diamond Shamrock Dickie’s BBQ Discount Tire Dixie Dog Dollar Tree Double T Bookstore Drug Emporium Durango’s East Point Market Einstein Bros Bagels Extras EZ Mart Fast Stop Fat Tony’s Firehouse Grill & Bar Flying J Furr’s Family Dining Fuzzy’s Taco George’s #2 Giorgios Pizza Hastings Hayes Motor Co Holiday Inn Home Café Home Plate Diner Hong Kong Buffet
Hooters IHOP J & K Laundry Jack & Jill Donuts Jalisco’s Josie’s Kitchen Kingspark Urgent Care K-Mart Krispy Kreme Kwik Kar Lube Kwik Lube Kwik Mart LCU Lin’s Buffet Lone Star Oyster Bar Lone Wolf Café Lowe’s Lubbock Heart Hospital Mahon Library Mcbee Dentist McDonalds McWhorter’s Mesa Verde RV Park Nothin Butt Smokes Orlandos Pancake House
S 84 laton H w
82nd St Tahoka Hwy
82nd St
66th St
Slide Rd
62
Frankford Ave
Abernathy Amherst Anton Brownfield Buffalo Lake Crosbyton Denver City Earth Floydada Hale Center Idalou Lamesa Levelland Littlefield Lockney Lorenzo Meadow Morton Muleshoe O’Donnell Olton Petersburg Plains Plainview Post Ralls Seagraves Seminole Shallowater Slaton Smyer Sudan Sundown Tahoka Wolfforth
Plainview
Look For Your Copy of Drive in these towns...
y
87
*Map does not include A-J Coin Operated Rack Locations
People’s Bank Pete’s Drive-In Post Office Precision Body Works Premier Health Pro Cuts Pronto Mart Quality Inn Rain Café Ralphs Records Ranch House Red & Black Book Store Red Roof Inn Red Zone Café Rick’s Tire Wrhse Rip Griffin Rise-N-Shine Donuts Riversmiths Rosa’s Café Scott’s Car Care Sonik Mart South Zone Southwest Laundrymat SPC Reese Center SPC Byron Martin Ctr Speednet
Spin Way Laundry Sportclips Starbucks Stripes Subway Sugar Brown’s Coffee Sunset Station Post Office Sutherlands Taylors Tech Café Tiger Drive-In Triple J Chophouse TTU HSC UMC Lobby Underwood Center United VA Outpatient Clinic Valero Wash-N-Dry Laundrymat Wayland Baptist Wendy’s Whataburger Woody’s Store *Anywhere the 180 A-J Coin Operated Racks are Located
5/31/2012 7:43:27 PM
Texting while driving
is not a smart idea It’s a common visual: A driver glances to the car that’s pulled up alongside it at a stoplight to find that driver with cell phone in hand typing a message on the keypad. Many drivers do not even wait until coming to a stop before texting -- they simply do so while keeping up with traffic, a danger that’s causing accidents on the country’s roadways. Texting is distracting drivers all across North America and beyond. Thirty states in the U.S. have made texting while driving illegal, but many people still continue to do it. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that nearly 6,000 people were killed on American roads in 2008 in accidents caused by distracted drivers. Many of these drivers were teenagers, who may have been talking or texting on a phone. When a person devotes attention to a cell phone -- even for a few seconds -- he or she can travel the distance of a football field without eyes on the road. What’s more, talking or texting diverts a part of the brain that is needed
to focus on driving. While individuals are able to multitask, they should limit the amount of distractions while driving because there is already an overload of stimuli commandi n g driv-
ers’ attention. Sixty percent of teens admit to texting while driving according to a 2009 survey. Overall, 26 percent of respondents admitted to doing it despite knowing it was dangerous. More than 80 percent of people believe DWT, or driving while texting, should be banned. Studies conducted in virtual driving simulators have shown DWT to be deadly. People doing it change speeds rapidly for no reason, and they weave in and out of lanes. Additional research has indicated that using a cell phone in any matter while driving is on par with driving drunk. What these studies boil down to is that when behind the wheel of a car, drivers should simply stick to driving. Even searching for music files or eating a snack can reduce concentration on the road -something that may end in accidents.
12 – DRIVE / drive.lubbockonline. 1
5/31/2012 7:43:30 PM
DRIVE / drive.lubbockonline.com – 13 1
5/31/2012 7:36:19 PM
SCAN ME!
Good just got better.
introducing our mobile site
View thousands of local new, used, and certified vehicles
Search by make, model, year, price, mileage, and style
View vehicles from local dealerships or for sale by owners
Email or call the dealership and share on your favorite social media site
m.drive.lubbockonline.com 1
5/31/2012 7:43:39 PM
DRIVE / drive.lubbockonline.com – 15 1
5/31/2012 7:36:38 PM
1
5/31/2012 7:36:37 PM