Cmcj20170427d00

2017

Spring

CAR CARE Guide with bonus Motorcycle Care pages

SPRING CAR CARE | EVENTS

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Car Care Month A

pril is National Car Care Month. The Car Care Council has chosen April to spread awareness about the need for drivers to cure problems caused by winter weather and prepare for summer’s high temperatures.

Severe temperatures, both hot and cold, can create havoc in your vehicle. This makes April the perfect month to take your vehicle’s maintenance seriously. Learn how you can take advantage of National Care Car month programs to ensure your car or truck is in peak condition.

CAR CARE PROGRAMS The Car Care Council sponsors events to help you understand how your vehicle operates and its maintenance needs. You can use a tool on the council’s website to search for locations where these events are held. Simply go to carcare.org and

enter your ZIP code into the “Find a Car Care Event Calendar.” You can search a wide radius to find the event closest to you.

The Car Care Council reports that every vehicle that entered a community car care event in 2015 failed in at least one aspect of the thorough inspection process. The areas which held the highest fail rates are as follows: • Low fluid levels: This includes washer fluid, engine oil and coolant.

• Dirty air filters: Nineteen percent of vehicle air filters were clogged and required replacement.

• Check engine light: An illumi-

nated engine light can warn you of vehicle repairs that need attention.

• Worn belts: Thirteen percent of vehicles required a belt replacement.

SPREAD THE WORD According to the Car Care Council, 80 percent of vehicles on the road need some sort of service.

Make your community aware of National Car Care Month by reaching out to local auto shops in your area to ask if they would consider hosting an event.

Remember, if vehicles in your community are running properly, it

means safer roads for you and your loved ones.

BENEFITS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS If you are the owner of an auto-related business in your community, April can prove to be a very beneficial month. Letting your customers know about the importance of spring vehicle maintenance can boost your revenue for the month.

A few ways you can promote National Car Care Month are to hang a banner in your showroom and include flyers with your repair invoices.

Page 2D • Thursday, April 27, 2017

SPRING CAR CARE | ELECTRICAL

Spring Car Care Guide

THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS

Charging System Y

our vehicle welcomes warmer spring weather after battling winter’s tough conditions.

The cold weather can wear down important components of your vehicle’s charging system. This spring, take the time to test the major components of your battery and alternator.

An alternator uses a belt-powered pulley that supplies electrical currents which keep your battery healthy and charged. A battery without a properly working alternator may start your vehicle but will run down and leave you stranded once its levels drain.

SIGNS OF A BAD BATTERY While it may be possible for a battery to fail without any warning, chances are you will be granted warning signs before it completely fails. The American Automobile Association has listed some great warning signs to watch for this spring, including: • Slow cranking when attempting to start the engine; • Clicking or grinding noises from under the hood; and • Dim headlights at idle but brighter lights once you rev your engine.

If you are experiencing any of these warning signs, be sure to get your vehicle to a qualified auto shop before you are left stranded and forced to pay a tow bill on top of the repair.

IMPORTANCE OF A STRONG ALTERNATOR Consider your alternator as the heart of your vehicle’s charging system. It generates

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the power your battery needs to be in its peak condition. As springs comes rolling in, it’s a good idea to have your alternator tested. Most auto shops can run simple diagnostic tests to determine the strength of your alternator.

The alternator uses a volt-

SPRING CAR CARE | GLASS

age regulator to control the amount of energy it produces.

A healthy alternator should operate on 13 to 14 volts to charge a 12-volt battery.

Some signs that may indicate a bad alternator include a battery not holding a charge, dim or flickering headlights or

a warning light on your dashboard.

CHARGING SYSTEM MAINTENANCE While you will be unable to make your battery or alternator last forever, there are a few things you can do to get the

most out of each. Be sure to keep a good eye on your battery terminals. Look for corrosion or frayed or broken battery cables.

Your alternator can benefit from ensuring the belt that powers it is free of damage and is adjusted for proper tension.

Windshield Care Y

our vehicle’s windshield is just as important a safety device as your seat belts and air bags. A stable, clear windshield will make oncoming dangers easier to see and can give you extra time to avoid them.

Your windshield protects you from weather and road debris and can play a big role in protection during an accident. A windshield can prevent you from being ejected from your vehicle and will offer support to a vehicle’s roof in case of a rollover. This spring, take the time to give your windshield the attention it deserves.

FLUIDS You can keep your windshield clear by filling your windshield-fluid reservoir with proper fluid. During the spring, you can use an any-weather fluid. Some of these fluids offer additives such as water repellent or bug cleaner. Depending on your location, these water-repellent fluids can be a huge help during a spring filled with rain.

No matter which fluid you choose, never use plain water.

Water will likely grow contaminants while in the reservoir, which can clog your spray nozzles.

REPLACING YOUR WINDSHIELD WIPERS The American Automobile Association recommends replacing wiper blades at least once a year. Not all blades will work for all cars. You will need to pay attention to how your wiper arms connect to the wipers. Some new vehicles

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require special connectors rather than the traditional J-hook connectors that older vehicles used.

The blade style determines how the blade hugs the slope of your windshield. The two most common types of wiper blade are a frame-style or

beam blade. Ask your local auto shop to provide you with the exact-fit blade during your regular spring maintenance.

WINDSHIELD MAINTENANCE This spring, take the time to inspect your windshield for

cracks or dings. Damage to your windshield will not only depreciate the overall value of your vehicle but, in certain states, a significantly damaged windshield may be considered illegal.

If you do notice damage on the surface of your windshield

it is wise to have a professional examine the severity of the damage. Repair facilities can normally repair a ding that is the size of a quarter or a crack up to 3 inches long. Repairing this damage immediately hinders the risk of these cracks spreading.

THE EASTERN MEXICO NEWS SPRING CARNEW CARE | KEEPING

IT CLEAN Spring Car Care Guide

Thursday, April 27, 2017 • Page 3D

Exterior Cleaning M

ost Americans are familiar with the term “spring cleaning” when it comes to their homes. You also should spring clean the exterior of your vehicle.

If you live in an area that has snowy winters, your vehicle is likely exposed to different elements that are dangerous to the health and value of your exterior The underbody of your vehicle is where you should focus most of your attention. Roads that experience winter weather are often exposed to high levels of salt used to make roads safer.

Once spring arrives, take the time to give your underbody a deep cleanse and remove any salt buildup.

CLEANING YOUR UNDERBODY While there is no certain solution that will immediately dissolve salt buildup, a high-pressure sprayer is the best tool to use. If you don’t have access to a pressure washer, you can typically find these sprayers at do-it-yourself car washes in your area.

Whether you decide to tackle this project yourself or choose to hire a local detailer, releasing salt buildup on your car’s underbody is a necessary part of spring cleaning.

cle for any rust spots. The AAA suggests your vehicle’s bumpers and wheel wells are the most susceptible to rust because of the amount of salt-infused snow that is likely to build up there.

Salt from the roads can contribute to the rusting process on your vehicle. Even a small rust spot will grow if left untreated.

You can lose the integrity of your vehicle’s chassis, body and even components such as exhaust systems and brake lines. A local body shop will be able to give you options to choose from if your vehicle has already started rusting.

SEALING THE UNDERBODY

Take advantage of spring’s warm weather by applying a protective sealant to your vehicle’s underbody. By doing this you can have peace of mind that your vehicle is protected when the cold weather rolls around again.

Before applying sealant, make sure the underbody is completely clean and free of rust.

While it is possible to complete this task at home, you may benefit from having a professional seal your vehicle’s underbody.

They will have professional EXAMINE FOR RUST Once you have alleviated your tools to get the job done right vehicle of all buildups caused by without damaging important winter’s rough road conditions, components underneath your vehicle. you should examine your vehi-

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Page 4D • Thursday, April 27, SPRING CAR CARE | 2017 ROUTINE

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MAINTENANCE Spring Car Care Guide

THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS

Coolant Flush

epending on the time of year, the fluid that controls your coolant systems tends to change names. During the colder months of the years, you may hear it referred to as antifreeze.

In spring, it becomes “coolant.” Your vehicle’s cooling system relies on coolant to run properly.

PROTECT WITH PROPER FLUID Today’s vehicle manufacturers use different types of antifreeze for their new machines. While the choices may seem overwhelming when you’re preparing to flush your system, it is crucial to use the correct fluid meant for your vehicle.

Manufacturers are creating antifreeze that will better protect the materials they are using to build their automobiles. For example, a type of antifreeze known as HOAT (Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) is known to be safe to flow through components made from aluminum but will be less effective in protecting brass or copper components.

FLUSHING THE SYSTEM Your radiator will feature a drain valve at the bottom of the unit. Be sure you have an adequately sized bucket to catch the fluid before opening this valve. Once your vehicle has cooled down, drain your radiator, close the valve and pour water and a flushing agent directly into your radiator. You may choose a flush that contains a leak repair additive if you have noticed pools of antifreeze beneath your vehicle.

Once the fluid is completely

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drained and you have allowed the flush to clean up, it is time to close the valve and add the proper amount of antifreeze/ water as noted in your owner’s manual. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, you can easily find this capacity level from a local auto parts store.

SPRING CAR CARE | SAFETY

CHOOSING THE CORRECT FLUID

a few of the most common types of fluid and their Most vehicle manufacturers matching vehicle brands. indicate exactly which fluid • General Motors: Dexyou need by noting it on your Cool. This orange fluid is easireservoir cap. If you are buyly recognizable. It has been ing a used car, it may have an used in GM vehicles since after-market cap or be filled 1996. with the wrong fluid. Here are • Asian vehicles: Toyota,

Mazda, Honda and Nissan began using a red coolant in 1996.

• Ford: Trucks began using HOAT antifreeze in 2002. Ford cars began featuring it in models in 2003. Aftermarket HOAT antifreeze is typically gold in color.

Focus on Tires

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inter weather can be extremely rough on road conditions, and your tires are taking the brunt of the abuse. Be proactive this spring and correct issues that can lead to bigger problems later.

Roads are more susceptible to developing potholes or other dangerous hazards during the colder months.

Driving over these hazards puts your vehicle’s tires at risk by causing misalignments or premature failure. Let an expert at your local tire shop analyze the amount of damage done and how they can correct it.

SCHEDULE AN ALIGNMENT A vehicle that is not aligned properly can create an unsafe driving experience. It can become harder to handle because it will usually attempt to pull itself to one side of the road rather than traveling straight. A good way to tell if your vehicle is misaligned is to let go of your steering wheel while driving at highway speeds. A vehicle that pulls one way or the other needs immediate attention.

Another safety issue is severely uneven wear on your tires. An over-worked tire can put you at risk for a blowout, which can potentially create expensive damage to other components of your vehicle.

If you feel any struggle in handling your vehicle, schedule an alignment before the problems become larger.

CHECK YOUR TREAD You want your tires to pro-

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vide proper gripping action in case you are required to slam on the brakes to avoid an accident. Having enough tread will help gain the traction your vehicle needs to stop.

There’s a simple way to

gauge your tires’ tread by using a penny. To administer this test, simply place a penny upright in the grooves between your tire’s tread. If you are unable to see any of Abraham Lincoln’s head, your tires are lower than 2/32 inch

and should be replaced.

MAINTENANCE This spring, schedule a tire rotation. A rotation allows your front and rear tires to take turns distributing the different requirements of per-

forming steering and braking functions.

A tire balance also may be in order if you are noticing vibrations during turns. Proper balance can lengthen the life of your tires and leave you feeling secure on the road.

SPRING CARNEW CARE | ENGINE THE EASTERN MEXICO NEWS COMPONENTS pring

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Car Care Guide

Thursday, April 27, 2017 • Page 5D

Belts and Hoses

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our vehicle relies on belts and hoses to maintain proper function. The hoses provide crucial fluids to be transported to an engine’s components.

Belts are used to keep pulley-driven components running smoothly.

These pieces are key parts of your vehicle that require a thorough inspection as spring arrives and temperatures begin rising. Drastic weather changes can cause your hoses to expand and contract, eventually leading to cracks or small holes. Belts also are prone to developing cracks during drastic weather changes.

SERPENTINE BELTS Most modern vehicles use a serpentine belt to operate pulley-driven components. Some of these components include the alternator, water pump, air conditioner compressor and power steering pump. Proper function of these components is crucial to keeping you safe behind the wheel.

In the past, a good indicator of a failing belt was squeaking under the hood. Most of today’s belts are made of ethylene propylene diene monomer rather than its predecessor, chloroprene, and are less likely to cause noises. Instead, they begin to fail by losing material, much like a tire.

Inspect your serpentine belt this spring by taking your vehicle to your local auto shop or by purchasing a belt wear gauge from a local auto parts store. necessary fluids to their desired components. The AAA reports a few warnDUTIES OF HOSES ing signs you shouldn’t ignore this AND WARNING SIGNS You have probably lifted your hood spring: and noticed a maze of hoses. Some of • A sweet burning smell may indithese are easy to follow, while others cate a coolant leak; seem to travel throughout your engine • A smoky, burning smell could compartment with no destination. mean you have a leak in engine or Each of these hoses plays a signifitransmission oil; and cant and important role in dispensing • The smell of gasoline when your

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engine is running. (This should never they experience and the proper funcbe ignored. Turn the vehicle off imme- tion of the components they control.

Under perfect conditions a belt diately.) replacement is recommended every 36,000 miles, while a radiator hose BELT AND HOSE LIFE can last from 50,000 to 100,000 miles.

EXPECTANCY The life expectancy of your belts Of course, if you notice any of the and hoses can differ. This lifetime aforementioned warning signs depends on the quality of material impacting your belts or hoses, they you purchase, the number of miles should be replaced immediately.

A GUIDE TO MOTORCYCLES | BIKE BASICS Spring Car Care Guide

Page 6D • Thursday, April 27, 2017

THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS

Types of Motorcycles A

merican highways are full of motorcycles, especially during warmer months. Watching a large group of motorcyclists enjoying the roads together has become part of our nation’s summertime fabric. Deciding whether to make a motorcycle purchase? Learn to tell the difference between these bikes and their intended uses to make the best choice for you and your family. If you’re considering a motorcycle, determine which bike provides you the most comfort in position, speed and price.

STANDARD MOTORCYCLE This basic design is sometimes called the “naked motorcycle.” Typically offering moderate-size engines and an easy-to-use framework, this standard model is the easiest for a new rider to learn. The bike commonly comes with an upright seating position, as well as handlebars and foot pegs that are designed so riders do not have to reach too far forward.

For a beginner in motorcycle riding, the standard might be the easiest model on which to learn.

DUAL-SPORT MOTORCYCLE Dual-sport bikes are basically street-legal dirt bikes.

Built to better handle rough terrain, dual-sports still offer a smooth ride on highways.

These options feature a small engine and lightweight frame, making them great beginner bikes. Make sure you can comfortably reach the ground with both feet while you are on this bike as the seats are typically higher than other models.

TOURING MOTORCYCLE

CRUISER MOTORCYCLE

SPORT MOTORCYCLE

These bikes are great for long-distance cruises due to their large engines and ability to hold greater capacities of fuel. This option might not be the best for new riders because of its size and high cost. Touring motorcycles offer an upright, comfortable ride while providing ample storage space, which comes in handy on long trips.

A cruiser is a larger bike sporting a V-twin engine to offer low-end torque. The riding position is lower than most other models and features high handlebars and forward-facing foot pegs. This unique setup causes drivers to lean back — a risky option for a beginner as the seating style takes time to get used to.

Some of the risks include high winds and hazardous road conditions.

Sport bikes are meant for extreme acceleration and high overall speeds. They are fixed with high-performance engines and a light frame. The riding position for these models is quite unique as the foot pegs rest higher and the handlebars require a longer reach than traditional motorcycles.

This position makes the bike and rider more aerodynamic when traveling into the wind at high speeds.

Maintaining Your Bike

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otorcycles are just like any other vehicle with an engine: Maintenance is crucial for proper performance. Following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule is a good way to ensure your bike will run efficiently and safely for years to come.

Some may consider motorcycle maintenance even more important than a passenger vehicle because a bike offers no cabin for protection during a breakdown in unfavorable conditions. You can also find comfort in checking fluid levels before hitting the road. Some bikes don’t offer the storage space for extra bottles of important fluids.

Oil Changes The frequency you should have

your oil and filter changed is determined by your motorcycle’s manufacturer. It is important to refer to your manual to find this important information. If you happened to buy a used bike that didn’t come with a manual, you should inquire with a local dealer about obtaining one.

Generally, oil changes are performed around the 3,000-mile mark while filters are sometimes recommended to be changed every other oil change or 6,000 miles.

If you determine you are low on oil during a regular fluid inspection, never top it off with regular automobile motor oil. Motorcycle oil is specially formulated to protect an engine, gear box and lubricate the wet clutch which transfers engine power to the drivetrain.

Most motorcycle tires are developed with built-in tread wear bars.

These bars are difficult to find at first but manufacturers note them by molded arrows on the sidewall pointing to their location. Once tread is worn down to these bars, it is important to replace them.

Tire Safety

Fluids

Making sure your motorcycle’s tires are filled with the proper amount of air and the tread is at a safe depth can ultimately save your life. The recommended PSI levels will also be listed in your owner’s manual as well as pressure for traveling with heavy loads.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends checking your tire pressure before every ride. This is because motorcycle tires can wear down more quickly than a car’s tires.

There are several important fluids that should be routinely checked to avoid major damage to your motorcycle.

• Coolant: Proper levels are crucial to protecting your engine from the high heat that motorcycles operate on.

• Brake fluid: You don’t want to have a delayed stop in an emergency.

• Transmission oil: If your bike operates with a separate gear box than the engine, it will require proper levels of transmission fluid.

A GUIDE TO MOTORCYCLES | STAYINGSSAFE pring Car Care Guide

THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS

Thursday, April 27, 2017 • Page 7D

Motorcyclist Safety

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otorcycles are great machines for taking joyrides and enjoying the warm outdoor air. They do pose greater risks to their operators than passenger vehicles, so safety is something you should never skimp on while riding.

The Insurance Institute for Highways Safety states that motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a car crash than people in a car. This startling fact should be enough to convince motorcycle riders to follow all safety precautions.

ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET According to the IIHS, only 19 states currently have a universal helmet law in place. A universal helmet law states that every motorcyclist is required to wear a helmet.

Even if it isn’t against the law to skip the helmet in your state, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges you to wear it anyway. Here’s why: • Helmets reduce the risk of death due to an accident by 37 percent; • Helmets reduce the risk of head injury in accidents by 69 percent; • In 2013, helmets saved nearly 1,630 lives and $2.8 bil-

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lion in economic costs; and • If all motorcyclists wore helmets in 2013, America could have saved an additional $1.1 billion.

In 2015, 4,868 motorcyclists lost their lives on American roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also reports in states without universal helmet laws, one in seven of those who perished

your own driving while paying attention to everyone else on the road.

FOLLOWING ALL The NHTSA offers the folTRAFFIC LAWS Traffic laws are put in place lowing eye-opening statistics to protect every person on the from 2013 that should conroad. Motorcyclists are at a vince motorcyclists to follow greater risk as they are not pro- all traffic laws. tected by the sturdy frames of • Not licensed: Twenty-five passenger vehicles. Even if you percent of motorcyclists who are an experienced rider, you lost their lives in crashes were are urged to be cautious of riding without being licensed.

did not wear helmets.

• Drinking and driving: Nearly 4,400 riders were killed in traffic accidents; 28 percent of those had more than the legal limit of alcohol in their system at the time of the incident.

• Speed limits: Thirty-four percent of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time of the accident.

A GUIDE TO MOTORCYCLES | SAFETY Spring Car Care Guide

Page 8D • Thursday, April 27, 2017

THE EASTERN NEW MEXICO NEWS

Sharing the Road

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ccording to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly half of all motorcycle crashes involve another motor vehicle. Almost 40 percent of those incidents were due to the other vehicle turning left in front of a motorcyclist.

It is important for passenger vehicles and motorcycles to share the road and create a safe traveling experience for everyone. Motorcycles are vehicles that are given the same rights as any other vehicle on American highways.

However, there are extra safety measures that should be taken by motorcyclists and the passenger vehicle driving among them.

PASSENGER VEHICLE RESPONSIBILITIES Motorcycles feature a much smaller profile than other vehicles on the road. This may make it more difficult to see them in blind spots, or judge the distance and speed when they are approaching. This means taking extra care when a motorcycle is approaching.

As a passenger vehicle driver, you cannot always trust a motorcycle’s turn signal. These typically don’t self-cancel like a car, and the cyclist may have forgotten to manually stop the signal.

Always analyze the motorcycle’s actions before proceeding.

A bike also requires a greater following distance than a passenger vehicle. Small potholes can be incredibly dangerous to a motorcycle. Give them plenty of room to adjust to road hazards or emergency

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ble to other drivers on the road. This means keeping your headlights on at all times and using reflective strips so you’re easily seen at night.

It is also important to stay in your lane like other vehicle MOTORCYCLIST types are required to do.

RESPONSIBILITIES As a motorcyclist, it is your Never weave in and out of job to ensure that you are visi- lanes. This can create great

stops. A motorcycle can usually brake much faster than cars, which can result in a fatal rear-end accident if following too closely.

levels of damage to yourself and other drivers.

Always keep an eye out for turning vehicles. You should give other vehicles a three- or four-second lead time to give you sufficient time to react to emergency situations.

Groups of motorcyclists should ride in a staggered

position. This increases visibility to other motorists and sets the pace for safe following distance.

American highways are spacious enough for motorcycles and traditional vehicles.

Do your part to allow your fellow driver to arrive at their destination safely.