FALL
CAR CARE GUIDE OCTOBER 2014
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT FROM
Cutting Costs Simple solutions to reduce your auto insurance costs
GPS 101 GPS tricks of the trade to make driving safer
How to improve winter fuel economy
Many motorists notice that their vehicles seem to get less miles per gallon in cold weather than in warm weather. That’s not a trick of the brain, as studies have shown that cars do, in fact, have poorer fuel in economy in cold weather. According to the United States Department of Energy, fuel economy tests have indicated that, when driving in short-trip city driving, a conventional gasoline car’s gas mileage is about 12 percent lower at 20 F than it would be at 77 F. The disparity is even greater in hybrid vehicles, which can see their fuel economy decline by roughly 34 percent when driven at 20 F. Before drivers can understand how to improve their winter fuel economy, it’s beneficial to learn why cold weather has such an adverse effect on a car’s fuel economy. A host of factors combine to reduce fuel economy in the winter. When temperatures dip, engine oil and other drive-line fluids also get colder, and this increases engine and transmission friction. That forces the vehicle to work harder and use more fuel. An engine also takes longer to reach its most fuel-efficient temperature when the weather outside is cold. This won’t have too great an impact on fuel efficiency when taking long trips, but the shorter the trip the less economical the vehicle’s use of fuel will be, as a shorter trip means the vehicle is spending a larger percentage of the overall drive at a less fuel efficient temperature. Another reason fuel economy suffers in the winter is the necessities and certain creature comforts drivers need when driving in the cold weather. Windshield defrosters and vehicle heating systems use a substantial amount of power, and that usage forces the vehicle to expend more energy and use more fuel. And while many drivers consider heated seats one of the greatest automotive inventions known to man, those seats also use up a lot of power that negatively impacts fuel economy. But factors outside the vehicle also impact its fuel economy in the winter. For example, colder temperatures decrease tire pressure, and that increases roll resistance, which means the car must work harder and use more fuel to get down the street than it would if it were riding on fully inflated tires in the summertime. Cold air also
is more dense than warm air, and that increases aerodynamic drag on the vehicle, which then needs to use more fuel to counter the increased drag. So what can be done to improve fuel economy in the winter? Fortunately, drivers can take several steps to do just that.
· Park the vehicle in a garage.
Leaving your car in the driveway in the winter means you might have to dig the vehicle out come winter snowstorms. But that’s not the only inconvenience of parking your vehicle outside in the winter, as doing so can adversely affect its fuel economy. When possible, park the car in the garage, as this increases the initial temperature of the engine, engine oil, drive-line fluids, and the vehicle’s cabin. This can shorten the time it takes for the engine to reach its most fuel-efficient temperature while decreasing the engine and transmission friction that negatively impacts fuel efficiency.
· Disregard conventional wisdom.
Conventional wisdom has long suggested that idling a vehicle for several minutes will warm up the engine more quickly than simply driving. But many vehicle manufacturers now recommend that drivers idle their vehicles for no more than 30 seconds, noting that idling the car unnecessarily wastes fuel and that driving the vehicle is the fastest way to warm up its engine. If you must warm up the vehicle, stick to the now widely accepted guideline that recommends idling for no more than half a minute. Another nugget of conventional wisdom motorists may want to ignore concerns the motor oil they use in the winter. Many vehicle manufacturers now recommend a specific type of oil to use when driving in cold weather, so follow that advice instead of adhering to past practices that may not have been as fuel efficient.
· Monitor tire pressure.
As noted, colder temperatures decrease tire pressure, so drivers should monitor their tire pressure regularly throughout winter to keep their vehicle safe and to ensure they are not wasting fuel.
· Remove the roof rack.
Summer adventurists who love tying their mountain bike or kayak to their vehicles’ roof rack before heading off to explore parts unknown should remove those roof racks when the temperatures dip. Roof racks increase wind resistance and decrease fuel economy, so remove them during the offseasons. Fuel economy will almost certainly decrease when the mercury drops. But drivers can employ a number of strategies to make their vehicles more fuel efficient in cold weather.
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October 2014
Fall Car Care
Navigate vehicles safely with GPS
Upon their arrival on the automotive marketplace, global positioning systems, or GPS, quickly became a phenomenon. Even today, years after that introduction, GPS devices are still relied on by millions of people to help them navigate the country’s roadways. Many others rely on the GPS of their mobile phones, employing such capabilities in concert with digital maps while driving. Although they can help a person with directions or make it easier to find the nearest fuel station or rest stop, GPS systems are not foolproof. Plus, when used improperly, they may increase the risk for accidents by drawing drivers’ attention away from the road. According to Corvallis Micromorphologic, Inc., GPS work with a group of satellites that communicate with GPS devices to pinpoint a car’s location. They can do so up to 164 to 328 feet of your location. Afterwards, your position on the planet is overlaid with a digital map and navigation information stored within the GPS receiver. The GPS can then provide directions and suggest routes based on certain parameters. GPS has virtually eliminated the need for paper maps to get from point A to point B. Many people argue that GPS has made it safer to drive because drivers and passengers no longer need to fiddle with maps should they get lost. What’s more, GPS devices decrease the chances of
getting lost and becoming distracted by surroundings when looking to get back on course. For those unfamiliar with the roadways or surroundings, navigation systems can alert drivers to which lane to be in and upcoming turns or obstacles. However, GPS devices are fallible. Trusting in them too completely can lead to consequences. The following are safe ways to use navigating devices.
· Pre-program the device.
Don’t program the GPS while moving. Enter the destination prior to departing. For those drivers who need to make changes or more fully examine the directions, pull over to a safe area to do so.
· Select a hands-free device
When buying a device, select a GPS navigation system that is handsfree. This can be a unit that mounts on the windshield or is built into a
Winter prep checklist Fall is a time to prepare homes, vehicles and even our psyches for the arrival of winter. To get your car cold-weather ready, check and repair these items now. · Tire pressure can drop in cold weather. When tires are underinflated, you lose fuel efficiency, so monitor and maintain tire pressure throughout the winter. · Those who live in particularly cold climates should switch from all-season to winter tires. Much as you wear winter boots to provide more traction and protection than sneakers, so should you equip your vehicle with tires that will stand up to winter terrain. · Check on the status of your battery and its starting power. Cold weather can put more strain on a car battery. A battery that is already weak may not turn over when you need it most. · Replace worn wiper blades and upgrade to a windshield fluid that is rated for subzero temperatures. Each of these items will improve visibility when winter precipitation is making its presence felt.
· Schedule an oil change at the beginning of winter. Dirty oil can hinder cold-weather starts and, if coupled with low coolant levels, can make it difficult for the engine to turn over. · Keep jumper cables, a battery booster pack and warning cones in your vehicle. These can come to the rescue if your battery dies and you’re stranded on the side of the road. · While you’re stocking the trunk or cargo bed, include a shovel, sand or cat litter, a flashlight, an ice scraper, water, and a blanket. These are good emergency items to have in the event your car breaks down in the winter. You can dig your tires out of a snow drift with the shovel and apply litter to increase traction. The blanket will come in handy if you have to sit in a cold car for a while awaiting roadside service. · Consider taking a winter driving course. Icy, snowy conditions completely change the defensive tactics needed to navigate the roads. A prepared driver is one who is more likely to avoid accidents and make it home safely.
car’s dashboard. Avoid holding a mobile phone to look down at a map. Drivers who do so can take their eyes off the road long enough to cause an accident.
· Learn the terminology
Each GPS unit is different and may have different lingo for particular instructions. Very often a device may instruct drivers to “keep left” when it simply means to stay straight on course. This can confuse motorists who may think they need to get into a left lane. Take the GPS for a trial run in a familiar area to learn its particular quirks.
· Avoid distractions.
The Network of Employers for Traffic Safety found GPS use can, in certain instances, increase distractions while driving. NETS found when GPS users muted their devices instead of listening to voice commands, they spent more time looking at the screen than at the road. The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration estimates driver distraction plays a role in up to 30 percent of car crashes in the United States each year. GPS systems can be yet another distraction. Avoid staring at the screen by looking ahead at the directions mapped out by the device to have an idea of what’s coming next. This should be done before embarking. Drivers should limit looking at the GPS screen to passing glances, just as they would any component of the car. Have a passenger assist as the navigator.
· Use common sense.
Not all directions are accurate and they may change based on road conditions or new traffic patterns. Drivers should not follow GPS directions at the cost of ignoring common sense and road signage. Also, the rules of the road should always take precedence over what the GPS is telling the driver to do. GPS devices have made getting around easier. Using them in a safe manner can reduce distractions and help drivers reach their destinations.
Did you know? Many major auto manufacturers provide bumper-to-bumper factory warranties that expire once a car is three years old or exceeds 36,000 miles, and such milestones are important figures for preowned vehicle shoppers to consider before buying their next preowned vehicle. When buying a car that’s more than three years old or one that has close to or more than 36,000 miles on its odometer, prospective buyers should ask for the vehicle’s maintenance
records before making a purchase. Since many vehicles need their first significant servicing somewhere around 40,000 miles, it’s important for preowned vehicle buyers to know what they’re buying and just how soon they might be on the hook for repairs after buying a vehicle. Buyers should avoid purchasing any vehicles with suspect maintenance histories and may even be able to cite anticipated maintenance when negotiating the price of the vehicle.
October 2014
Fall Car Care
Properly maintained headlights vastly improve driver safety
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The importance of maintaining a vehicle cannot be understated. In addition to protecting their financial investments, drivers who properly maintain their vehicles are also protecting themselves and their passengers.
Standard headlamps with reduced light output (left) and Philips X-treme Vision bulbs with increased brightness and distance (right). Many elements of vehicle maintenance become second nature to drivers once they have a few months of driving under their belts. Oil changes, routine checkups and periodic vehicle inspections can keep cars running smoothly and safely on the road. But few drivers remember to maintain their headlights, a potentially dangerous oversight that can compromise the safety of drivers and their fellow motorists. Old or poorly maintained headlights can be hazardous for a variety of reasons. When coupled with inclement weather, outdated or dirty headlights can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians and other vehicles. In addition, drivers who struggle to see at night may find their visibility further compromised by older headlights that don’t provide the light they need to navigate their vehicles safely once the sun has gone down. Because headlights can have such a dramatic impact on driver safety, it’s important that motorists take the following steps to maintain their headlamps.
· Recognize when bulbs start to dim. As headlight bulbs age, their light output is reduced by the effects of humidity, electrical resistance, filament fatigue, and general usage.
The result is dim bulbs that make it improving driver vision and safety. difficult for motorists young and old to see when driving at twilight and at night, when a driver’s visual acuity is naturally reduced by 70 percent. Drivers should pay attention to how their headlights are performing, replacing any bulbs that are no longer providing adequate light.
depending on their frequency of use, can wear out, especially on older vehicles with pitting on the windshield. When inspecting the wiper blades, remember to inspect your windshield washer as well, making sure that the washers are operating effectively and that the washer fluid basin has been refilled.
· Don’t just replace but upgrade your headlight bulbs.
· Avoid hanging items that compromise visibility.
Bulbs that have started to dim need to be replaced, but auto enthusiasts or maintenance-savvy drivers know they can upgrade their bulbs when replacing them. Industry experts recommend replacing headlamp bulbs every two years, and replacing them in pairs to make sure the vehicle’s lighting is equally balanced. But rather than sticking with the bulbs provided by the car maker, look for a bulb that makes it easier to see at night and during hazardous conditions. The Philips Upgrade Headlights put more light on the road, helping to make up for poor weather, dimly lit roads, aging headlights, and even the loss of night vision many drivers experience as they age. Capable of providing up to 100 percent more light than the standard halogen bulbs found on the majority of vehicles today, Upgrade Headlights create a better beam pattern that is dramatically longer than the standard bulbs, vastly
· Buy the bulbs that match your driving habits.
Some drivers spend a significant amount of time behind the wheel while others use their cars or trucks only to run errands or make short trips. When replacing bulbs that have dimmed, be sure to choose a bulb that fits your driving habits. Philips makes a headlight bulb for every type of driver, be it the daily commuter, the soccer mom or those drivers who only rarely take to the highway. Philips even makes a special headlamp for motorcycles that creates a unique orange reflection that helps distinguish the motorcycle from other vehicles on the road. Numerous studies have shown that roughly one-third of auto accidents occur at night, when driver visibility is most compromised. So in addition to maintaining their headlights, drivers should take the following steps to improve their visibility.
· Keep wiper blades fresh. Wiper blades should be changed every three months, as they can become brittle over time and,
Many drivers like to hang trinkets, fuzzy dice or personal photos from their vehicles’ rearview mirrors. Avoid hanging such items, which can prove distracting and restrict your view of the road.
· Clean the interior glass and mirrors. Dirty interior glass and mirrors make it difficult for drivers to see fellow motorists, so make removing any film buildup on such surfaces part of your routine vehicle maintenance. More information is available at www.philips.com/automotive.
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October 2014
Fall Car Care
Don’t miss out on these auto insurance discounts
There is seemingly no end in sight with regard to the rising costs of owning an automobile. From the cost of the car or truck itself to the high prices of fuel, drivers increasingly are on the hunt for ways to curtail the costs of owning an automobile. One way to save some cash is to take advantage of auto insurance discounts you may be eligible for. Auto insurance company fulfillment is at record high. However, many discounts may still be available, even if drivers or their agents may overlook them. Fierce competition among insurance providers continually adds to the bevy of new discounts many are willing to offer to woo new customers.
· Low mileage:
According to Bankrate.com, which looked at the discounts offered by auto insurance companies, many companies now offer new discounts to remain competitive. If you haven’t shopped around for auto insurance recently or have not revisited your current policy, you may be missing out on substantial savings.
· Grades:
· Daytime running lights:
Four out of the 10 largest auto insurance companies now offer discounts if your vehicle has daytime running lights.
Don’t take the car out often? Such habits may earn you a reward. Around 80 percent of the major insurance companies offer discounts for low mileage. The insurance company may provide a mileage tracking device that will report back the actual miles driven to the company. Check with your insurance company if you have a student on the policy. His or her good grades may qualify you for a discount.
· Occupation:
Your occupation also may entitle you to a discount on insurance. Insurance companies believe that people in certain occupations or those who spend a lot of time on the road may be less likely to take risks. Find out if your occupation qualifies.
· Alumni associations and clubs:
Certain organizations have teamed with insurance providers to offer discounts to members. Therefore,
if you are in a fraternal group, a credit union, an alumni association, or some other organization, you may eligible for certain discounts. Check with your insurance company for their affiliate groups, or contact the organization to which you belong for more information.
· Multiple policies:
Many insurance companies will offer a discount if you group your policies together into a bundle. Having homeowner insurance, auto insurance and life insurance through one company, for example, can earn you a substantial discount. Insurance companies have many other discounts available if you ask. For example, if your vehicle has an antitheft system or environmentally friendly components, you may be eligible for a discount. Customer loyalty, paperless billing, paying all your bill at once, being a current or former member of the military or if your vehicle is a new model year also may make you eligible for discounts that can drastically reduce the cost of your policy.
Technology an integral part of defensive driving
(MS) - Safety is foremost on the minds of many drivers. Automobile accidents can be detrimental to a driver’s health as well as his or her wallet, causing potentially costly damage to vehicles and resulting in higher insurance premiums.
Driving defensively is a great way for drivers to reduce their risk of accident, but even the most cautious drivers are not entirely immune to collisions or fender benders. Thankfully, drivers can do more than exercise caution to improve their overall safety on the road. · Minimize distractions. Cautious drivers are always on the lookout for more careless motorists with whom they share the highways, but those same drivers may not realize they’re creating distractions within their
own vehicles. Loud music blaring on car stereos, fuzzy dice or trinkets hanging from rearview mirrors and cluttered vehicle interiors can take a driver’s attention away from the road, decrease his or her visibility or make it more difficult to effectively operate a car or truck, each of which can increase a driver’s risk of accident. Limit such distractions inside your vehicle and ask any passengers to keep their voices low when coming along for a ride. · Utilize automotive technology. Advancements in automotive technology have done much to make driving safer, but such advancements are not limited to rearview camera systems or other increasingly popular vehicle accessories. Philips Vision LED Lights employ new technology that is designed to replace the
standard incandescent bulbs that most vehicles use for brake lights, taillights and backup lights. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs that may take a little time to light up, Vision LED lights turn on instantly, helping to increase driver visibility. In addition, having brake lights that illuminate instantly makes it easier for other drivers to react to any sudden stops your vehicle may need to make. · Make your car a smartphone-free zone. Smartphones have become so prevalent that many people may feel as though their smartphones are an extension of themselves. While smartphones can make life easier, they also can make driving more dangerous. When driving, store your smartphone in the glove compartment so you can avoid the temptation to read incoming emails or text
messages when stuck in traffic or traversing busy highways.
· Choose lasting safety upgrades. Drivers concerned about the safety of their vehicles often choose to upgrade their lights to protect themselves and their passengers. Capable of handling extreme heat and high vibrations, Philips Vision LED Lights include a 12-year limited warranty, whereas traditional incandescent bulbs typically last just a few years before they need to be replaced. When making safety upgrades to your vehicle, make sure such upgrades are not just temporary adjustments but long-lasting changes that contribute to you and your passengers’ longterm safety. More information is available at www.philips.com/visionled.
Fall Car Care
October 2014
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Visibility starts with your windshield Visibility is an essential component of automotive safety. According to the United States Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, inability to clearly see the road, other motorists and potential obstacles is a leading contributor to automotive accidents and injury. Approximately half of all fatalities due to motor vehicle crashes occur at night, even though the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that traffic volume is substantially less at night. Lack of visibility, which may result from a dirty windshield or inclement weather, can render pavement markings nearly invisible or throw off drivers’ senses of direction.
frost and light accumulations of ice. Drivers also may be able to supplement their washer fluids with common items to increase durability during extreme cold snaps. Mix 99 percent isopropyl rubbing alcohol into the washer fluid to prevent it from freezing. Otherwise, the washer fluid brand may have specific instructions for mixing for use in areas where the temperature regularly dips below freezing.
Poor visibility can be hazardous, and drivers must take steps to ensure they have maximum visibility at all times, whether it’s day or night or if the weather is poor or fair.
In addition to maintaining an obstruction-free washer fluid system, drivers can reduce accidents from poor visibility by heeding these tips from The National Weather Service:
One of the best ways to ensure maximum visibility is to keep your windshield clean. Not all windshield washer fluids and wipers are created equally. For example, some washer fluids are ineffective in freezing temperatures. Frozen washer fluid can cause a complete blockage of the system and greatly impair visibility.
· Clear your windshield and mirrors before getting on the road. · Drive slow to maintain a safe stopping distance. · Be aware that, when driving in conditions where visibility is impaired, drivers tend to follow the tail lights of the vehicles in front of them. Keep your headlights on to improve your own visibility and help others see your car.
As anyone who has driven on snowy and/or salty roads can attest, such substances can quickly gather on windshields, where they crust up and impede visibility. A windshield cleaning system that is not working effectively is a recipe for an accident. Always read the product label before purchasing washer fluid. Summer blends are only effective when temperatures remain above 32 F. When the mercury dips below freezing, these fluids freeze up. Winter formulas should contain an
· Don’t slow down so much that you become a hazard to other drivers. Maintain a clean windshield to ensure your visibility is not compromised while driving.
antifreeze solution that will lower the freezing point of the liquid. Many
Did you know?
Milka Duno was signed by RAB Racing this year to participate in select NASCAR races. Duno, who is a successful driver with multiple race wins, including the highest finish ever by a female driver in the 24 Hours at Daytona, is also the first Hispanic female race driver. Duno is a new member of the 2014 Fèdéracion Internationale de l’Automobile Women & Motor Sport Commission. More than a racing phenomenon, Duno also is a certified Naval Engineer with four master’s degrees.
such fluids employ methanol to not only prevent freezing but also to melt
· If necessary, pull off the road and wait for conditions to improve. When pulling off, park as far off the road as possible, then turn off your headlights and put on your hazard lights.
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October 2014
Fall Car Care
Cold weather riding tips for bikers The arrival of cooler temperatures means motorcycle enthusiasts should have a plan in place for their vehicles. Although fall sees many riders pack their bikes into the garage to wait out the winter, many others see no reason to quit the great outdoors just because colder weather is on the way. No matter which path riders take and when they take it, preparation is essential when riding motorcycles. Here are a few pointers for riders to consider once the leaves have started to change color.
Layer up Layering clothing is a key component of riding a motorcycle in colder temperatures. Many people are not very active on the back of a bike, so they will not generate enough heat on their own. Layering clothing will take the bite out of frosty winds and any precipitation that happens to be falling. Layer clothing so that you will feel comfortable, maybe even a bit warm when you are just standing around outdoors. A first layer of thermal or fleece is a good idea. Then layer other materials as needed for comfort. Just do not wear so many layers that your mobility is compromised. If layers are not keeping you warm enough, invest in heated clothing. The outermost layer you wear should be weather- and wind-resistant. Wind chill can quickly sap your energy and cut your ride considerably. Leather clothing will fit the bill in most cases, but a rain suit or some other waterproof material also may be necessary at times.
Leaves Leaves can be a significant hazard to riders in the fall. Damp leaves can
make a slippery mess of roads, particularly on turns and curves.
Avoid all piles of leaves, as you do not know what may be hiding beneath them. Consider wet leaves as dangerous as black ice, as soggy leaves can be just as slippery.
Salt and sand Road maintenance crews will use sand and salt to keep roads clear when snow and ice forms. Avoid riding on salty roads because the salt can corrode chrome and paint. If you choose Riders should exercise caution when riding motorcycles in late autumn and winter. to do any winter for displacing water, they still can a motorcycle. Always use caution in riding, apply a coat of hydroplane. Stay focused when rural areas, particularly at dawn and wax to all parts of the motorcycle riding on wet surfaces. dusk. before going for a ride. This will help protect it and enable any salt to be easily wiped off after riding.
Foraging Standing water animals If it rains or snows lightly after an extended period of dryness, oils in the road can come to the surface, making roads quite slick. In addition, stay on the lookout for puddles and other standing water. While motorcycle tires are good
One potential hazard riders may not consider is wildlife. Harvested crops reduce easy food sources, and animals may be on the move looking for food. Deer can be pushed out of fields by hunters. A collision with a deer can damage a car, never mind
Winterizing
If you choose to store your bike when the weather starts to get cold, remember to put a fuel stabilizer in the tank, fill the tank with gas and hook the battery up to a battery tender. This will ensure the bike is ready to hit the road when the temperatures warm up.