Carcare2015

MARCH 8, 2015 – A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

CAR CARE GUIDE 2015

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Give your car or truck the makeover it and you deserve (NAPS)—Longing for the days when you felt good about driving your car, truck or SUV? With the average new-car price over $30,000, there are many reasons to hang on to the one you have. But maybe the one you have seems a bit too tired to keep.

What your car needs is a makeover.

A little nip-tuck, new shoes and a few shiny accessories can make your vehicle exciting again without breaking the bank.

Consumers spend more than $33 billion annually to personalize their vehicles, according to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), the trade organization representing the automotive aftermarket industry.

“The possibilities are tremendous. You’d be amazed how just a few hundred dollars of accessories can completely change and enhance a vehicle’s looks or performance,” said Chris Kersting, SEMA president and CEO. Here are a few things for a great vehicle makeover: 1) Wheels and Tires: One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to freshen up the look and improve the safety, comfort and performance of any vehicle is to get new “shoes”— a set of custom wheels and specialty/performance tires.

There are literally thousands of combinations to choose from. Start at a local tire shop or specialty wheel store where they can tell you what fits your vehicle and budget, present some options and do the installation.

2) Mobile Electronics: Another way to make your vehicle cool and more fun to drive is to install some modern mobile electronics.

Today’s selection of car audio equipment, navigation systems, backup cameras and more is broad and can fit a range of budgets. Plus, they can be installed on just about any vehicle and instantly make the drive more convenient.

3) LED Lighting: Once the domain of clunky and inefficient incandescent bulbs, accessory lighting has moved to LED technology with nearly limitless applications. Fog lights, driving lights, work lights and even interior lights are now available in compact LED format, which uses less energy, emits less heat and can be many times brighter.

4) Running Boards: If you’re feeling like your truck or SUV has gotten taller since you’ve owned it, it probably means you’re just a little less excited about climbing in and out of it. A set of running boards under the doors can make

Your old vehicle can look better than new with just a few touch-ups and accessories. ingress and egress more comfortable and elegant. Don’t like the look? There are running boards that can automatically extend and retract for a clean look and great functionality when needed.

5) Bed Organizers: There’s a lot of space in a pickup truck bed and not all of it is needed all the time. Bed organizers have roll-out drawers and load-carrying tops to keep cargo safe and organized.

6) Suspension Parts: Like anything that happens gradually, springs and shocks often wear out almost imperceptibly, allowing for less control. A fresh set will get your ride feeling like new and help you drive safer. If you choose, you can even install upgraded models for better-thannew ride and handling.

7) Engine Performance: There are several ways to make improvements to your engine.

“Bolt-on” parts let your engine breathe easier for increased power and efficiency. If you’re really serious, you may want to consider having a supercharger installed to increase horsepower

significantly. There are kits for many popular cars and trucks, especially V-8s.

8) Restyling: Improving your vehicle’s looks goes beyond custom wheels. There are plenty of companies that make cosmetic body kits that, when properly installed, can make your vehicle look sportier or more aggressive.

9) Wraps: If the paint on your car is worn out, consider getting it wrapped. Several companies offer hundreds of color and pattern options that are a good alternative to having your car resprayed. The best thing is, they’re durable, removable and affordable, so you can change them as often as you like.

10) Car Care: You’d be amazed at how much you can improve and protect the appearance of your vehicle with a good, old-fashioned deep cleaning and polishing. Automotive cleaners, soaps and waxes are available for all surfaces and materials and can be purchased at auto parts stores nationwide.

“It never ceases to amaze me how innovative this industry is,” said Kersting. “If you can think

of a product you’d like to have, it’s likely available. Visit your local auto custom retailer or go online to find the products you want. And it it’s not available now, it soon will be.”

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Things to look for on a auto history report (MS) — A vehicle history report can be a used car buyer's best friend. Whereas in the past buyers bought used cars and hoped for the best, today's used car buyers can rely on a vehicle history report to tell them all about the vehicle while helping buyers make more informed decisions.

When shopping for a preowned vehicle, you should always ask for a vehicle history report, regardless of whether you're buying from a dealership or a private citizen.

If the seller refuses, it's time to look elsewhere. When a seller eagerly provides a vehicle history report, buyers should examine a few things on the report so they can be more comfortable should they ultimately purchase the vehicle. n Number of previous owners: All vehicle history reports list how many owners a vehicle has had in the past. In general, the more owners a vehicle has had, the more risk you're assuming as the buyer. Vehicles that tend to change hands often are less likely to have been well maintained.

In addition to how many owners a car has had, look at who those owners were. Vehicles that were once owned by a rental car company, for instance, were likely not treated very well, as few people care how much abuse their rental car endures. However, a car once owned by a rental agency likely has lots of highway miles on it, and such driving is less taxing on a vehicle than city driving where the vehicle's engine is stopping and starting more frequently. n Specifics: Just because a seller provides you with a vehicle history report does not necessarily mean that report matches up with the vehicle you might be buying. A dishonest seller might try to pass off the history report of another vehicle of the same make and model as his own. This is done to hide a suspect vehicle history or even when thieves are selling a stolen car to an unsuspecting buyer.

Check the vehicle identification number, or VIN, on the vehicle to ensure the car you're looking at matches the car on the history

report.

In addition, each vehicle history report describes the car, so if the description does not match you might be holding an inaccurate report. n Location: The vehicle history report will show where the car has lived over the years.

Vehicles that have spent ample time in harsh weather, such as Alaska or another region with a prolonged winter, have likely had their share of weather-related wear and tear, more so than a car driven in warmer climates.

While this does not mean past owners didn't properly maintain the car, some buyers might be wary of purchasing a vehicle that has endured too many harsh winters. n Physical appearance: Does the physical appearance of the car match up with its history report? Sometimes a vehicle owner does not report when a car has been in an accident.

Owners might do this to avoid higher insurance premiums or to mask the vehicle's history because they intend to sell the car down the road.

If a car exhibits any signs of body work that aren't on its history report or if the car drives awkwardly but has supposedly not been in an accident, buyers should consider this a major red flag and strongly consider walking away from the vehicle and continuing their search elsewhere.

A vehicle history report can calm the fears of a buyer shopping for a preowned vehicle.

But even when a report is made available, buyers should still examine the report closely to ensure the vehicle is all it's cracked up to be.

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When do you need to replace your seat belt?

(MS) — Seat belts and air bags are safety devices that serve to limit or prevent injury in the event of an automobile accident.

Drivers and passengers tend to take these devices for granted, but these safety measures can greatly reduce a person’s risk of injury or even death.

Although seat belts do not degrade as quickly as parts of a vehicle that need frequent servicing, there are some instances when seat belts should be replaced.

Seat belts, like car seats and air bags, are considered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to be single-use items.

Seat belts are designed to work just once — protecting and immobilizing a passenger in the event of a crash.

Seat belts are more advanced than they were when first introduced in vehicles. Early seat belts were options on cars. It wasn’t until Saab first introduced seat belts fitted as standard in 1958 that the practice became commonplace. Since then, seat belts have been redesigned many times to make them even more effective. They have a pretensioner, which reels back slack on the seat belt. Pretensioners preemptively tighten the belt to prevent the occupant from jerking forward in a crash. They can be activated in a bad crash or any crash severe enough to deploy an air bag.

Seat beltS can help save lives, but only if they are working effectively.

Seat belts also are equipped with locking retractors, which afford the seated occupant some movement while still providing a means to limit movement in the event of a crash.

Retractors equipped with inertial locking mechanisms stop the belt from extending off the reel during severe deceleration.

Both of these safety belt components may effectively work only once. After an accident, the ability of pretensioners and retractors may be compromised. The fabric seat belt itself also may have been marginally stretched out in the crash.

It’s adviseable to replace any seat belts that

were in use during a crash to ensure the belts will offer the same measure of protection should a collision occur in the future. Some manufacturers also recommend changing all of the safety belts in the vehicle, even if they weren’t in use at the time of the crash. The vehicle owner’s manual should include recommendations regarding when to change seat belts. If it does not, drivers can speak with a dealership mechanic.

Seat belts that are frayed or do not operate properly, regardless of whether or not they were involved in a crash, also should be replaced. Some safety experts advise having

A crash course in accident advice (NAPSI) — If you’re like the average driver, you’ll be involved in an auto accident once every seven to 10 years — and now you can get help dealing with it.

Many people don’t know what to do when it comes to collision repair. To help, a group of car parts manufacturers known as the OEM Roundtable launched a useful website.

It provides information that can help people

make informed decisions about collision repair, regardless of what vehicle they own, including Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Jeep, Ram, SRT, Ford, Lincoln, Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, GMC, Honda, Acura, Hyundai, Mazda, Nissan, Infiniti, Toyota, Lexus, Scion, Volkswagen and Volvo.

Having your vehicle damaged and dealing with a body shop, insurance companies and a

car rental company can be a confusing and stressful time.

The site, www.crashrepairinfo.com, offers tips on choosing the right body shop, common collision and insurance terms and other helpful information.

Many people who have used it are telling friends and family about the site on social media.

seat belts inspected and possibly replaced after 10 to 15 years of use. One can never tell how older seat belts will stand up in the event of an accident. If the seat belts have a built-in indicator, verify that they have not been stretched during regular wear to warrant replacement.

Seat belts can protect passengers only if they are in good working form. They likely need replacement after a collision.

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Teens and tires: What they don’t know can hurt them (NAPS)—Nearly 300,000 car crashes involving inexperienced drivers can be prevented each year with better driver’s education, recent research shows. Teenagers often lack the essential knowledge and skills that can help keep them safe on the roads.

The Problem Of the 2.2 million vehicle accidents per year, 12 percent are among inexperienced drivers and involve tire-related issues such as insufficient tire tread or improperly inflated tires, a number that is nearly three times higher than with experienced drivers. That’s an accident every two minutes.

According to the survey commissioned by Michelin and the nonprofit FIA, the governing body for world motor sport, less than half of teens and their parents believe their driver’s education program completely prepared the teens to drive. Only 16 states require tire safety information as part of driver’s education, while only seven include tire safety information and require classroom time devoted to vehicle maintenance and tire safety.

Perhaps as a result, 27 percent of teens never check the condition of their tires; less than half check their tires monthly (the recommended frequency); and nearly threequarters said their parents taught them about tire maintenance, although only around a third of parents consider themselves to be extremely knowledgeable about tire maintenance.

A Solution Young drivers can take two easy, quick steps to help them avoid an accident. Tires are the only parts of a car that touch the road, so it makes sense that driving safety begins with tire maintenance.

That’s why you should check the tread by putting a penny in it upside down. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, the tires are too worn. Next, check the tire pressure with a gauge when they’re cold and be sure they’re inflated to the number posted inside the car door.

To address the safety gap, the FIA and Michelin North America launched Beyond the Driving Test, to raise awareness of tire maintenance and safety. They’re mobilizing parental involvement, encouraging peer edu-

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New drivers should remember to check their tires for wear at least once a month. cation and working to update Department of Motor Vehicles’ education curricula. To those ends, they created a downloadable glove box guide with important tips and a new series featuring popular teen YouTube stars sharing tire safety tutorials. They’re also calling for all 50 states to include tire safety information in their official driver’s education materials by the year 2020.

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Six vehicle warning signs your nose can notice (NAPS)—While most motorists are fond of what’s known as that “new car smell,” there are some other specific odors that motorists should also be aware of.

Identifying these suspect smells early on can help car owners be car care aware and avoid the hassle and expense of an unexpected breakdown.

The Car Care Council recommends a sniff test of your vehicle to identify any unusual smells, including the following six warning signs: 1. The smell of burnt rubber could be slipping drive belts or misplaced loose hoses that might be rubbing against rotating accessory drive pulleys. Do not reach in if the engine compartment is hot.

2. The smell of hot oil could mean that oil is leaking onto the exhaust system. To verify the leak, look for oil on the pavement or smoke coming from the engine area.

3. The smell of gasoline is likely the sign of a gas leak in some area of the vehicle such as a fuel injector line or the fuel tank. Any smell of fuel can result in a possible fire hazard, so immediate attention should be given.

4. The sweet smell of syrup may be a sign that your car is leaking engine coolant from a leaky component related to the car’s cooling system. Do not open the radiator cap when it is hot.

5. The smell of burning carpet could be a sign of brake trouble and a safety hazard.

Have your brakes checked right away, especially if this smell is happening during normal driving conditions.

6. If the smell of rotten eggs is coming

from your vehicle, it could mean a problem with your catalytic converter or a poorly running engine causing the catalytic converter to become overloaded and fail due to meltdown.

“When you smell any peculiar odor, you should not ignore it. Instead, bring your vehicle to a professional service technician that you trust to get an informed opinion on the nature of the odor,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care.

For a copy of the council’s “Car Care Guide” or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Any smell of fuel can indicate a possible fire hazard, so immediate attention should be given.

When the check engine light is on, don’t ignore it (NAPSI)—Don’t take this lightly: One of the most vital signals of an improperly functioning vehicle is the check engine light and, when illuminated, it alerts the driver to a variety of existing potential problems. Nevertheless, vehicle checkups during car care events throughout the country reveal that the check engine light is on in nearly one out of 10 vehicles.

Some common malfunctions that can cause the check engine light to illuminate include a faulty oxygen sensor, mass airflow sensor, or spark plugs and wires. If the light flashes, the condition is more critical and must be checked immediately to prevent severe damage, which may include catalytic converter damage.

“When the check engine light comes on, it means that a vehicle system such as the ignition, fuel injection or emission control is not operating properly, even if the vehicle appears to be running normally,” explained Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council, the source for the “Be Car Care Aware” campaign promoting regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair.

“A glowing check engine light doesn’t mean you have to immediately pull the car to the side of the road, but it does mean

you should get the car checked out as soon as possible. Ignoring the warning light could result in costly repairs. At the very least, the light could alert you to an engine problem that is negatively impacting fuel economy,” he added.

When scheduling service, make sure the automotive shop that examines your vehicle has professional technicians who are trained and certified in OBDII diagnosis and repair. The technician will connect your vehicle’s computer system to a diagnostic scan tool, which will indicate why the light was activated.

At the same time, the technician can analyze idle speed, throttle response, engine temperature, fuel system pressure, manifold vacuum, exhaust emission levels and many other key indicators. Once the problem is fixed, the car’s computer is reset to initiate its release process. The technician should then be able to tell you what needs to be done and discuss potential warranty coverage and further testing, if necessary.

Learn More For a free “Car Care Guide” or for further information, visit www.carcare.org.

Ethanol proven to lower gas prices (NAPS) — Recently, the price of gasoline reached a six-year high. Fortunately, there’s a way to handle that cost. You can use less gas—without reducing your driving. Making that possible is one of the more promising alternative energy sources, ethanol, which is blended with regular gas—a little in most cars and a lot in flex-fuel vehicles.

Ethanol comes from corn, wood chips and grasses. Increasing America’s ethanol production could drive down demand for oil and help wean the country off the volatility and sudden price swings it can bring.

The Oil Issue Oil is what’s known as a “global commodity,” meaning it costs the same no matter where it’s produced. So while the U.S. produces more oil than at any time in nearly three decades, oil prices still rise. That’s because so much oil comes from the Middle East. Producers there can artificially restrict supply and drive up prices.

An Answer Ethanol producers, on the other hand, are See ETHANOL, Page 7

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Top 10 family travel battery care tips NAPS)—To help you avoid getting stranded with a dead car battery on your next family road trip, Gale Kimbrough, also known as “Mr. Battery,” offers these suggestions: Helpful Hints 1. Take a few minutes to read about your battery in your car’s manual and become familiar with the type of battery it is, where it is and how it can be cleaned safely.

2. At the start of each new season, check the battery to make sure it is still fully charged for the excursions ahead.

3. When working with your car battery, wear protective eyewear, remove all jewelry and wear long sleeves to protect your arms from battery acid discharge.

4. Perform a visual inspection to see if the battery case is showing signs of extreme bulging, cracking or leaking. Replace your battery if you see any of these signs.

5. If your battery has removable filler caps, open them and check the water level in each cell. If the level is low, add distilled water (not tap water) until the plates are covered, preferably to one-half inch above the plates.

This prevents the buildup of sulfate crystals, which can reduce the overall battery charge and performance.

6. Avoid overfilling, because heat can cause the electrolyte solution inside to expand and overflow.

7. Clean up the connections by removing any corrosion and lead oxidation and make sure to brush the dirt and grime off the case.

8. To remove the battery cables, first disconnect the negative cables and then the positive. To reinstall the cables, first connect the positive cables and then the negative.

9. Be sure the battery is mounted securely in place to minimize vibration. Excessive vibration is harmful to the battery plates and

based in the United States and increased ethanol use is reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil. In 2013, ethanol production displaced the amount of oil America imports from Iraq and Venezuela — 462 million barrels of crude oil.

consumers an average of $1.00 a gallon at the pump.

Ethanol production is also a major job creator. A typical U.S. ethanol plant supports nearly 3,000 jobs.

“The need for American energy independence has never been so important and the solution has never been so clear — renewable fuels,” Dinneen added.

Expert advice “Ethanol saves Americans money at the pump and stretches the fuel supply. Now is not the time for the Environmental Protection Agency to be scaling back our nation’s renewable energy policy. Now is the time to be expanding the use of biofuels and striking a blow for American energy independence,” noted Bob Dinneen, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).

Government action Nevertheless, some people are trying to get Congress to repeal the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires refiners to blend increasing amounts of renewable fuels.

However, many Americans are writing their legislators at www.house.gov and www.senate.gov, asking them to support the Renewable Fuel Standard.

The benefits Ethanol is currently blended in more than 96 percent of America’s fuel supply, saving

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Avoid a breakdown with a engine belt check CAR CARE COUNCIL — You may not see them, or know much about them, but engine belts are always working to keep your vehicle moving. Losing a belt can mean immediate trouble for the engine and a breakdown for you.

The Car Car Council recommends motorists “be car care aware” and review the owner’s manual to ensure that belts are inspected and replaced at the proper intervals.

A vehicle’s belts are essential to the cooling, air conditioning and charging systems of the engine.

Serpentine belts are used to turn the water pump, alternator, power steering and air-conditioning compressor. Older

cars use V-belts for various accessories and failure of this belt could strand a driver.

“You don’t want to be stranded because of a bad belt that could have been diagnosed with simple preventative maintenance,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

“If the serpentine belt fails or breaks, the engine will fail to run and you may be stuck. The Car Care Council recommends replacing belts at specified intervals to save you from the hassle of a breakdown.”

Results of vehicle inspection events conducted around the country during National Car Care Month in April and Fall Car Care Month in October revealed that

A little knowledge can make big difference (NAPS)—When it comes to pinpointing potentially serious issues with your vehicle, your nose may know more than you realize.

For example, the smell of burnt toast might be a sign of an electrical short. The smell of rotten eggs may signal trouble with the emissions system, which includes the catalytic converter.

These and other tips are included in “Knowledge Is Power,” a booklet that’s part of a car-care and maintenance clinic developed

by ACDelco. It gives vehicle owners easy-tounderstand information about their vehicles so they can be informed and make the right choices when they visit an independent auto service center.

Here are some things you may not know about your vehicle: n Reddish stains on the driveway can be a sign of a transmission oil leak. n If your technician asks if your vehicle’s brakes are “grabbing,” he wants to know if the brakes engage suddenly when you apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. n You should pull over immediately if your temperature light reads in the hot zone. That probably means your vehicle’s coolant is too hot to cool your engine. n Many brake pads have wear indicators. If your vehicle has them, they will emit loud squeals when they detect wear. n It’s a good idea to write down your vehi-

cle’s symptoms before visiting a repair shop, including noises—and whether these occur when the engine is hot or cold. n Air bags work with your safety belts, not as a replacement for them. n Children under 13 should ride properly secured in the rear seat. n Always keep at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle to avoid potential damage to your fuel filter or fuel line. n Check your tire pressure frequently for safety and fuel economy. Hot and cold outside temperatures affect the pressure in your tires. n Avoid oil and fuel additives unless recommended by your service consultant. n Don’t use dish detergent to wash your car; it can hurt clearcoat finishes.

The “Knowledge Is Power” booklet is part of a presentation kit available to shops at no charge.

Consumers can download the free booklet at www. acdelco.com/pdf/Car-MaintenanceCar-Care-Knowledge-Is-Power-ACDelco.pdf.

For more than 100 years, ACDelco has been supplying parts, technical training and business expertise to independent auto service centers.

To find out if a service center in your neighborhood is sponsoring a Knowledge Is Power clinic, visit ACDelco.com and click on “Find a Service Center.”

12 percent of vehicles had belts in need of replacement.

Always check serpentine and V-belts for looseness and their overall condition.

Replace V-belts when cracked, frayed, glazed or showing signs of excessive wear.

Noise in the belt system is a sign of wear and the smell of burnt rubber can indicate a slipping belt.

When changing a serpentine belt, it is important to check all the components in the serpentine system as tensioners and pulleys wear at the same rate as the belt and should be inspected.

Typical serpentine belt replacement is

60,000 to 90,000 miles. Typical V-belt replacement is 40,000 to 50,000 miles.

Replace timing belt per interval specified in the owner’s manual.

The nonprofit Car Care Council has a free 80-page Car Care Guide for motorists that features several pages of information on the functionality of belts and when to replace them.

Available in English and Spanish, the popular guide uses easy-to-understand everyday language rather than technical automotive jargon, fits easily in a glove box and can be ordered by visiting www.carcare.org/car-care-guide.

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