SPRING
CAR CARE
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SPRING CAR CARE | DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Prepare Your Emergency Kit
A
s the weather warms, so too does the chance for flooding, hurricanes and other tropical storms. In the occurrence of any natural disaster, hopefully you are evacuated in time to avoid driving in any inclement conditions. But it never hurts to be prepared. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends the items below for your car emergency kit. Besides your kit, there are other things you can do to stay safe in the face of an emergency, including keeping a full tank of gas in your car, putting on your flashers if you are ever stranded and call for help immediately. Visit www.ready.gov for more information and helpful tips from FEMA.
FEMA EMERGENCY CAR KIT
• Jumper cables • Flashlights and extra batteries • First aid kit and necessary medications in case you are away from home for a prolonged time • Food items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars; canned fruit and a portable can opener • Water for each person and pet in your car • AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages • Cat litter or sand for better tire traction • Shovel • Ice scraper • Warm clothes, gloves, hat, sturdy boots, jacket and an extra change of clothes • Blankets or sleeping bags • A fully-charged cell phone and phone charger • Flares or reflective triangle • Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child © FOTOLIA / AP
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SPRING CAR CARE | ENVIRONMENT
A
Greener, Cleaner Car
s science and research continue to advance, we find out more and more ways we can be lightening the load on our environment. How we drive and care for our vehicles is no exception.
Safer products are on the market for cleaning. There are maintenance tips that every driver should follow to cut down on harmful emissions. The information is out there. It is up to us to put it into practice.
AIR FILTERS
A dirty air filter has a direct impact on your car’s performance and efficiency. The dirtier the filter, the more gas burned during driving. Your air filter can become clogged with dirt, dust and bugs and should be regularly inspected. Changing it will not only improve your engine’s functioning, but will cut down on the amount of gas that is being emitted into the atmosphere.
TIRE CHECKS
According to the Car Care Council, about two billion gallons of gas each year could be saved if the tires on every American’s car were properly inflated. Improperly inflated tires add resistance and balance issues that make your car’s system to work harder to move down the highway. Tire issues can increase fuel costs as much as three to five cents per gallon. Check your owner’s manual for your the environment draw extra vapors car’s optimal tire pressure. back into the pump, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. This means you could be paying for even more gas than you are getting. You may think that you’re doing Remember to stop pumping when your car a service by topping off the the nozzle shuts off and check your tank while filling up. But doing so can car’s gas cap. A loose or damaged cap actually cost you in the long run. Some pumps engineered to protect can lead to evaporated gas that can
GAS FILL-UPS
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harm the environment and waste your money.
PROPER DISPOSAL
If you change your own oil and perform your own car repairs, it is vital that you dispose of all engine fluids and batteries in the proper manner.
Some repair facilities accept these items from customers and can dispose of them free of charge. You can also contact your local government’s safety office for information on hazardous material drop-off and recycling stations. Doing so can help keep harmful fluids from damaging animals and the environment.
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SPRING CAR CARE | MAINTENANCE
Changing Headlight Bulbs
Y
es, the days are seemingly getting longer again. But you still need your headlights to be in proper working order.
If one of your headlight bulbs goes out, you can be putting yourself and others at risk for a serious accident or a citation for a non-moving violation. Luckily, changing out a headlight bulb is a quick and painless process – at least in new model cars. If you drive an older model, you may need to consult your manual, as many require you to remove the entire lamp to change your bulb. Streamlined and simplified, recent models require a one- or two-step bulb replacement process. Here are the steps:
STEP 1: LOCATE YOUR BULB AND IDENTIFY ITS TYPE
Cars and trucks come with headlight bulbs that plug into the back of the headlight lens housing. You can find out what type of bulb you need by checking your manual, asking the service clerk at your local car care center or by simply opening the hood and locating the back of your headlight. The bulb holder will typically have a small wire harness protruding into the engine bay.
STEP 2: REMOVING YOUR OLD BULB
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STEP 3: INSTALLING YOUR NEW BULB
Using caution to avoid breaking the affixing metal or plastic clip, remove Carefully rotate your new bulb into the wire harness from the bulb holder. place within the headlight assembly. Rotate the bulb to release it from the Handle the bulb with a clean tissue or headlamp assembly. rag while replacing to avoid leaving
behind oils from your skin that can cause premature failure. Reattach the wire harness to the back of your new headlight bulb, and you should be all set.
CHANGE THE PAIR
Remember, if you are using a dif-
ferent type bulb for a burned-out headlight, you must place that same type bulb in the working headlight. In fact, DMV.org recommends that you replace both bulbs at all times to avoid differences in brightness, even if only one bulb is burned out.
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SPRING CAR CARE | SAFETY
Dead Battery? Jump it Safely
K
nowledge of how a car battery works and how to safely change one can be invaluable information to any driver. Car batteries can die at inopportune times, leaving you stranded with no way of starting your vehicle.
Without jumper cables and another vehicle to provide a jump, you could actually be stranded for a long period time. And while that can be dangerous in its own regard, working to repair or jumpstart your battery can also be hazardous. According to the Sight and Hearing Association, about 6,000 people suffer serious eye injuries, including blindness, each year from working around car batteries. These
damages can be avoided with an understanding of how batteries work.
common caused by a battery explosion because of the flying fragments and acid. Whenever cleaning, changing or checking your battery, it is important to wear eye safety So why are batteries so dan- protection. gerous? They contain sulfuric acid and produce hydrogen and oxygen gases that can The month of October has cause a battery to explode when they come into contact been designated as Auto with a spark, according to the Battery Safety Month to raise awareness of battery dangers, National Safety Council. promote battery safety, and Eye injuries are the most
BATTERY DANGERS
SAFETY MONTH
educate motorists on how to properly and safely jumpstart and change a battery. But don’t wait until October to practice safe battery care.
long, color coded, and tested and approved by the Society of Automotive Engineers • Equip your vehicle with proper safety goggles, a flashlight, and a step-by-step guide for jump-starting a car battery • Turn off lights, heater, and Follow these tips from the all other electronic loads Sight and Hearing Association before jump-starting at all times: • Never jump-start a frozen • Regularly check your car’s battery, allow the two vehicles battery for wear and damage or jumper cables to touch each • Purchase a pair of jumper other, or lean over the battery cables that are at least 12 feet when making connections
SAFETY TIPS
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What to do when faced with an auto recall
New cars are purchased or leased to provide a reliable mode of transportation. But some vehicles malfunction even when they are fresh off of the dealership lot. Other times manufacturers or safety watchdog groups determine that certain cars and trucks have an issue that requires a recall to keep roadways safe. Vehicle recall statistics are difficult to pin down. That's because there is no standard rate of recalls per year, as recalls depend on safety statistics for particular makes and models. For example, in 2009 more than 40 million Toyota vehicles were recalled due to a faulty gas pedal.
An automotive recall is how manufacturers inform drivers that there could be something about their cars or trucks that presents a risk of injury
or property damage. The recall may be independently conducted by the manufacturer or ordered by a safety group, such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall involves the manufacturer providing a free, safe and effective remedy for the faulty component.
When a recall is announced, drivers may not have to immediately visit a dealership to have the problem corrected. Owners should wait for an official letter. The letter will narrow down which vehicles are affected. There should be a specific window of time presented in which the vehicle can be repaired. Vehicle owners are urged to pay attention to the performance of their cars or trucks to see if they are exhibiting any problems. If so, schedule an appointment for
repair according to the recall instructions provided.
The notification letter should include the risk of hazard posed by the problem as well as the free remedy and how long the repair should take. There also should be a description of what an owner can do if he or she is unable to have the problem remedied within a reasonable amount of time and without charge. If repair work has been done on a vehicle prior to knowledge of the recall, owners may be eligible for reimbursement for their expenses, provided they kept their receipts. While reimbursement for damages that the defect may have caused are not covered by recalls, owners may be able to solicit reimbursement
privately.
The following are steps to take when informed of a recall:
1. Contact the dealer service man-
ager and explain that you are inquiring about work required as part of a recall.
2. If the manager has not remedied the situation and provided the next steps, contact the manufacturer, which should be able to handle the situation.
3. If all else fails, Americans can
contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at www. recalls.gov.
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SPRING CAR CARE | DIAGNOSTICS
Passing the Smell Test
M
echanics use all sorts of specialized tools to repair your car, but the most powerful diagnostic device for detecting vehicle issues may be on your face.
That’s right. Your nose can hold the key to identifying specific odors that you should never ignore. Paying attention to these indicators can help you remain aware of your car’s engine health and reduce your chances of breaking down. They key is acting fast and getting your car into the mechanic as quickly as possible.
THE SIX SMELLS
The Car Care Council identifies the following six smelly signs and what they could mean for your car. For a more detailed list, visit CarCare. org. • Burned Rubber: This could mean slipping drive belts or misplaced loose hoses. These loose parts could be rubbing against pulleys, causing a burnt rubber scent. • Hot Oil: Oil that is leaking onto the exhaust system can emit a very noticeable smell. To verify the leak, look for oil on the pavement or smoke coming from the engine area. • Gasoline: This could mean a gas leak in some area of the vehicle such as a fuel injector line or the fuel tank. Any smell of fuel is no laughing matter. Gasoline is obviously considered a possible fire hazard, requiring your full attention and care. • Sweet Syrup: This sweet scent is a telltale sign that you have engine coolant leaking from a component related your car’s cooling system. • Burning Carpet: This unique smell can mostly be linked to brake trouble. Have your brakes checked right away, especially if this smell is happening during normal driving conditions. • Rotten Eggs: You may be facing an issue with catalytic converter not converting the hydrogen sulfide in the exhaust to sulfur dioxide properly. This smell can also be associated with a poor-running engine.
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Topics to discuss before hiring your next mechanic
Few decisions weigh as heavily on automobile owners as their choice of mechanic. A good mechanic goes a long way toward ensuring drivers and their passengers stay safe on the road and that those drivers' vehicles perform at their peak for years to come. That's an important role to play, and it's why many drivers acknowledge that choosing a mechanic is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Rest assured you don't need to be a car guy or gal to find a trustworthy and talented mechanic. You might just need to open a dialogue with a prospective mechanic, discussing a handful of topics that can help you feel more comfortable and know you have made the right choice in automotive service provider once a final decision has been made.
Certification
certification. When shopping for a new mechanic, make sure that he or she is ASE-certified. In addition, discuss with the mechanic his or her work history, including any additional areas of expertise.
Pricing policies Many mechanics offer free estimates, but that should not be taken for granted. When bringing a car in for an estimate, drivers should confirm with the mechanic who will conduct the examination if the estimate is free or if they will be charged an inspection fee. In addition to any fees regarding estimates, drivers should also inquire about labor costs and the payment policies at the facility. Labor can be quite expensive, so it's best that you know these rates in advance of any repairs being conducted on your vehicle. It's also important to get a rundown of the company payment policies, especially if your vehicle is in need of potentially costly repairs. You don't want the bill to shock you once the work has been completed, so don't hesitate to be inquisitive before leaving a car at the garage.
Certification can go a long way toward helping drivers find mechanics they can trust. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence was founded in 1972 and continues to work to improve the quality of automotive service and repair by testing automotive technicians and certifying those who live up to or exceed ASE standards. An ASE-certified technician should have his or her credentials readily available to prospective Replacing parts on a vehicle is a customers, and these credentials cause for concern for many drivlist each professional's area of
Parts
ers, and rightfully so. Consumer advocacy groups have exposed many mechanics who pass off used auto parts as new parts, charging their customers new part prices along the way. While there's no way drivers can guarantee they won't fall victim to such criminal behavior, they can inquire about company policies regarding vehicle parts. Does the garage even install used parts? If so, do they let drivers choose either new or used parts before any work is done? If the garage only uses new parts, ask for parts with solid warranties, so if the part must be replaced, you won't have to pay for it again.
Documentation The preowned vehicle market is thriving, and drivers who take care of their vehicles have earned the right to reap their rewards for being good owners when it comes time to sell the car. When interviewing prospective mechanics, ask if they are willing to provide detailed documentation of any work they do on your vehicle. Such documentation can then be shared with prospective buyers when you want to sell the car, and it also serves as a way to keep the garage accountable for all the work they have done on the car throughout your relationship.
Did you know? In the future, cars may not be built and assembled at automotive warehouses and factories full of automated robots. They may be the product of more efficient manufacturing thanks to 3D printing, which can produce relatively inexpensive, light and efficient automobiles. One pioneer, Jim Kor, founder of the Urbee 2, a 3D-printed vehicle, made a three-wheel, two-passenger vehicle with plastic through Fused Deposition Modeling, or FDM. This involves spraying molten polymer layer by layer to build the car chassis. The entire car, which is roughly 10 feet long, took about 2,500 hours to build. What would normally be several pieces of metal and other components in a traditional car is now made from fewer and larger pieces that result in a lighter vehicle. And a car with less weight can use fuel more efficiently. Vehicles that are made through 3D printing may be the wave of the future, potentially revolutionizing automobile construction.
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SPRING CAR CARE | WEATHER
Dealing With Spring Showers
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pring showers can bring more than May flowers. They can also bring dangerous, slippery conditions to the roadways, too.
Of the more than six million vehicle crashes each year, 24 percent are weather related, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Seventyfive percent of weather-related crashes occur on wet pavement and 47 percent during rainfall, the DOT states. Poor visibility, lane obstructions and pavement friction are all key issues to keep in mind while driving through rainy spring conditions.
THE FIRST BIG RAIN
Be careful driving after your area’s first big rain of the spring season. Heavy rain after a long dry period can release oil, grease and dirt from the pavement, creating extra slippery conditions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The grime builds up on the roadway and can make it difficult for your tires to gain proper traction. Use extra caution after the first rain and give yourself some extra travel time.
WINDSHIELD WIPERS
There is no worse time to realize your windshield wipers are worn out than during a rain storm. Neglected blades put drivers and passengers at serious risk by impairing vision and causing streaking. Inexpensive and easy to replace yourself, changing out your windshield wiper blades is paramount to your safety at all times, especially during the rainy season. Many car care centers and retailers will even install them free of charge for you.
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TIRE ISSUES
Thin tire treads create hazardous driving conditions when water builds up on the roadway, according to the Car Care Council. Deep tread can easily accommodate extra water from a rain storm. Thin tread causes your tire to hydroplane, which is essentially losing contact with the pavement and riding up on a film of water.
The Car Care Council recommends checking your tire tread by inserting a penny into the grooves of the tread. If you are able to see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire is in need of a replacement.
DRIVE SAFELY
With proper driving techniques and common sense, smart driving is possible even in less-than-ideal condi-
tions. Slow down and give yourself extra space on the highway. Following fellow drivers too closely during rainy conditions can lead to the need to brake quickly, which can lead to skidding and loss of control. Avoid distractions such as phone calls, eating, drinking and texting while driving. Those actions can wait until you safely reach your destination.
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SPRING CAR CARE | STATISTICS
Maintenance: By the Numbers
T
hink Your Car is 100 percent ready for the road? Sorry, but statistics show that you’re probably incorrect. If you own a vehicle, chances are it needs some work, according to the Car Care Council.
With April considered National Car Care Month, spring is the perfect time to give your car some TLC. Most issues require some due diligence, a few parts and some elbow grease to remedy. Doing so can help keep up on regular maintenance, which is crucial to extending the life of your vehicle while also improving its resale value.
STATISTICS
The council last year conducted vehicle inspections at car care events across the country. Here’s what it found: • 77 percent of all vehicles inspected needed service or parts • The analysis of vehicle inspection forms found the top three problem areas contributing to vehicle failure rates to be engine oil (22 percent), engine cooling systems (20 percent) and brake service (18 percent) • 18 percent of checked vehicles had the check-engine light burning • New air filters were needed in 19 percent of vehicles • 10 percent of batteries were not properly affixed • 22 percent of vehicles had low or dirty motor oil • 20 percent had low, leaky or dirty coolant • 18 percent had inadequate brake fluid levels
EASY FIXES
Before you drive wildly to your local technician to give your vehicle a complete overhaul, consider the fact that many of these fixes are easy ones to perform yourself. Checking fluids for leaks, optimum levels and cleanliness can be completed in a matter of minutes. Fresh oil and a new air filter can be knocked out easily with a DIY oil change at home or at your local service center. And many car part retailers will offer you a free diagnostic check of your engine light. In many cases, they can tell you exactly what is causing the issue and what parts you will need to fix it. © FOTOLIA / AP
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Things to consider before buying your next car Buyers often find the process of finding a new car fun. Test driving vehicles and playing with all of the gadgets that today's increasingly tech-heavy vehicles have to offer can be akin to kids visiting a candy store and being given carte blanche to fill up their baskets. But as enjoyable as finding a new car can be, the financial commitment that such a purchase requires can make the process somewhat nerve-wracking as well. Buyers often assign the most risk to preowned vehicles, and rightfully so. But some buyers even regret their purchases after buying a new car, whether the car does not suit their lifestyle as much as they had hoped or the vehicle simply isn't living up to the expectations drivers had for it at the time of purchase. Savvy buyers will consider the following factors before taking the keys to their next new cars.
much a vehicle will cost to fuel up before making a final decision. Many a driver has grinned when driving a brand new SUV off a dealership lot, only to frown on that first trip to the filling station. Insurance companies typically provide free estimates to prospective customers, so do your homework on the different makes and models you're considering, getting an
insurance quote for each vehicle. In addition, consider the expected fuel costs of each vehicle before making a decision.
* Reputation:
Thanks to the Internet, today's vehicle buyers have a valuable tool at their disposal that those of yesteryear rarely had: their fellow
* Resale value:
While selling a car you don't even own yet is probably not foremost on your mind, it is important to consider a car's potential resale value before buying it. The high costs of new vehicles has pushed many buyers out of the new car market, making preowned vehicles a more affordable and attractive option. So considering a car's potential resale value before buying it new is a smart move that can pay dividends down the road when you're back on the market for a new vehicle. Kelley Blue Book (kbb.com) is a valuable resource to gauge the resale value of vehicles, and buyers can even calculate the resale value of a car over its first five years. This can help consumers determine which options to get on their new cars and even help to govern their driving habits in an effort to keep the vehicle's resale value as high as possible.
* Additional costs:
Many new car shoppers plan to finance or lease their vehicles, but the down payment and monthly payment is not the only number buyers must confirm before buying a vehicle. After the purchase price and monthly payments have been figured out, the two most significant costs buyers must consider are insurance and gas. Some vehicles cost more to insure than others, and the cost of a policy will depend on more than just a buyer's personal driving history. The vehicle's safety features, where a driver lives and the type of vehicle, both its make and model and the category it fits into (i.e., sports car, luxury vehicle, etc.), are all going to be used to determine the cost of an insurance policy. Buyers also must consider how
Prospective buyers should consider a host of factors before purchasing a new vehicle.
Did you know? There are different times in a driver's life when he or she may have to pull over on the side of the road. Whether a flat tire has derailed the trip, the driver or a passenger is experiencing motion sickness or you find the car isn't performing correctly and it warrants a look under the hood, pulling over on the shoulder may be necessary. It can be difficult to pull over smoothly and safely on a busy highway, especially when you are in a stressful situation, such as a mechanical emergency. But it is in your best interest to remain calm and follow a few procedures. First, slow down and put on your right-turn signal to indicate you will need to move into the right lane. Some people prefer to put their four-way-flashers on after they have successfully cleared the lanes and are ready to navigate onto the shoulder. Try to select a spot where you are not on a bend or where
drivers. When considering certain makes and models, go online to see what fellow drivers and professional reviewers have to say about a given vehicle. Sites like Edmunds.com and Safecar.gov offer professional assessments of various makes and models, while various message boards exist to allow drivers to review the performance of their vehicles. Such resources are invaluable and can paint a realistic picture of what it might be like to own and drive a particular automobile.
there is poor visibility or your vehicle cannot be seen by other drivers on the highway. You do not want to be injured while exiting or attempting to work on the pulled-over vehicle. Drivers should keep an emergency roadside assistance preparedness kit containing flares, emergency triangles or cones, a flashlight, batteries, a poncho, booster cables, duct tape, a utility knife, cord, a blanket, and first aid supplies in the car as a precaution.Each item serves its own unique purpose.
The Canadian Automobile Association recommends staying inside the vehicle, especially on a busy road. Tow trucks and police vehicles typically cruise busy stretches of road and help may arrive in a matter of minutes. Those who have a roadside assistance plan membership can use a cell phone to make a call for help. It is best to wait in the car until a tow truck or police arrive.
When buying a new vehicle, it can be tempting to buy the most visually stunning or gadget-heavy vehicle on the dealership lot. But buyers should consider more than just appearance and accessories before buying their next new car.
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