Spring car care 2015 done

Spring Car Care Guide

Finding the Right Ride

Factors to consider when buying a new car

Leasing 101

Things you may not know about leasing

Protecting Your Investment

How to preserve your car’s resale value

Factors to consider when looking for a new car

Spring is a season of rebirth, and this rejuvenating time of year can be a great time for motorists to reexamine their vehicles and start looking for new rides. With spring road trips and summer vacations on the not-toodistant horizon, drivers who have been eyeing a new vehicle may feel the time has never been more right to sell or trade-in their current vehicles for ones more suited to their current needs.

Once drivers have made the decision to get a new car, they must then decide which car is right for them.

Such a decision not only requires a careful consideration of budget, but also a thorough examination of what you want out of your next vehicle.

The following are some factors prospective car buyers may want to consider as they begin to look for new cars.

Passengers Parents who drive have different needs than drivers who don't have children. When shopping around for your next vehicle, consider how many passengers you typically have in the car. Parents who drive the kids to and from a full slate of extracurricular activities may not only want a car with enough room to accommodate their brood, but also one that's fuel-efficient so all those trips to the soccer fields and dance recitals won't break the bank. Singles who don't often have passengers and don't have a driveway or assigned parking space may benefit from a small vehicle that's fuel-efficient and easy to park.

Whatever your needs, try to avoid buying more or less car than you really need.

Driving habits Your personal driving habits are another factor to consider before

Buyers should consider a host of factors before purchasing their next vehicle. buying your next car. When driving, are you traversing the nation's highways or sticking mainly to city streets? Stop-and-go city driving can be taxing on vehicles, and drivers may find manual transmissions are less enjoyable in city traffic.

Drivers whose daily commutes are mainly done on highways may be able to live with a car deemed less fuel-efficient, as highway driving tends to consume less fuel than city driving.

Local climate Drivers should consider their local climate as they try to decide what their next vehicle will be. If you live in a region where ice and snow is common, then four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive is a fea-

ture that will likely prove worth the investment if not a necessity, while drivers who live in warm areas where the temperatures remain mild year-round can likely skip the four-wheel drive option.

When buying a new car, envision the weather that car will eventually encounter. A flashy sports car may be fun to drive and surely looks great in the garage, but if safety concerns force you to leave it in the garage for several months a year, then it might not be the best car for you.

What else is in the driveway?

Parents or couples buying a new car together should consider what

their significant other has sitting in the driveway. If one parent already has an SUV or minivan, then a second such vehicle may not be necessary, and buying a new car may be an opportunity to purchase a smaller vehicle that still fits the whole family but won't need to carry athletic equipment or chauffeur the middle school basketball team. The same principle can be applied to couples without children. Such couples may want to keep one sports car in the driveway and have a more practical vehicle that can better handle road trips or weekend getaways.

Buying a new car is a fun process that's made even more fun when drivers consider their needs and target vehicles that best meet those needs.

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What to look for in a teen's first car

Many parents contribute money toward the purchase of their teenagers' first car. But even those who don't help kids finance the purchase of their first vehicle may still want to offer some advice as their teens start to look for the car they will no doubt remember for the rest of their lives.

Different drivers need different things out of their vehicles, so a car that might be perfect for adults will not necessarily be the best fit for teen drivers without much experience traversing the nation's roadways. The following are a few factors to consider when helping teens find their first car.

Size Teenagers have little to no experience behind the wheel, so it's best that they not drive cars that are especially small or large right away.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, young drivers between the ages of 16 and 17 are significantly overrepresented in fatal crashes. The NHTSA suggests such drivers' immaturity and inexperience plays a significant role in that overrepresentation. So parents likely do not want their children in the smallest car possible, as such vehicles may not protect teens as adequately as slightly larger vehicles

in the case of an accident.

In addition, very large cars, such as pickup trucks or SUVs, can be difficult to control and are best suited to older drivers who already have years of driving experience under their belts. A mid-size sedan is big enough to protect teens and their passengers in the case of an accident, and such vehicles are small enough to handle easily.

Passenger capacity Another factor to consider when shopping for cars for teenagers is passenger capacity. The more seats

there are in a car, the more friends teens can pack into their vehicles. Numerous teenagers in a car at once can prove distracting to the driver, and that distraction can pave the way for an auto accident. Steer clear of minivans, SUVs or other vehicles that feature a third row of seats, as teens may be unable to stay focused on the road with so many passengers in tow.

horsepower and highperformance engines may tempt teens to speed or spark the development of poor driving habits. Look for a vehicle with modest acceleration instead of an imported sports car that teens may be too immature and inexperienced to handle.

Under the hood

Teens' first cars are often preowned vehicles, and such cars may have significant wear and tear on some important safety features. Wear and tear may not be a reason to avoid purchasing a preowned vehicle, but parents may

Few teens would not light up at the sight of a muscle car awaiting them in the driveway. But cars that accelerate quickly and those with substantial

Wear and tear

want to replace the brake pads and tires on recently purchased preowned vehicles. Brake pads in strong condition may prove the difference between avoiding an accident or getting into one. In addition, poorly inflated or worn down tires pose a safety risk to teens and their passengers. If such features seem to be worn down, replace them before letting teens hit the open road on their own.

Teens will remember their first cars for the rest of their lives. Parents can ensure those memories are positive by finding a car that teens can handle comfortably and operate safely.

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Warning signs a tire is about to go flat

Few drivers will be fortunate enough to go their entire driving lives without encountering at least one flat tire. Flat tires range from the inconvenient flats, which may interrupt a road trip or make drivers late for work or an appointment, to more dangerous blowouts, which can compromise the safety of drivers, their passengers and anyone else on the road when the tire gives out.

· Varying wear: Tires

But as inconvenient or dangerous as flats or blowouts can be, they also can be prevented more often than not. Tires often produce warning signs that a flat or blowout is about to emerge, so drivers who want to avoid such unfortunate developments can inspect their tires for the following signs.

drivers who know little about cars can typically recognize when tire tread has worn down to the point where the tire is a safety risk. But drivers who are unsure can employ the quarter test. Insert a quarter into the tread of the tire, with George Washington's head upright. If you can see the hairline of the United States' first president, then you need to replace the tire. Perform this test

should exhibit the same type of wear.

The wear on front tires and back tires may differ, but one front tire should have the same amount of wear as the other and the same goes for the back tires. Uneven tread on tires indicates that the tire with more wear could be about to go out.

· Worn tread: Even

on each of your vehicle's four tires.

· Low pressure: Drivers who do not routinely check their tire pressure are more likely to endure a flat or blowout than those who regularly make sure their tires are at the manufacturer-recommended pressure, which can be found in a vehicle owner's manual or by calling the tire manufacturer or visiting their website. An underinflated tire is under stress that can cause the tire to blowout. In addition, poorly inflated tires force engines to work harder, which negatively affects a car's fuel efficiency.

· Vibration: A car that vibrates excessively may do so because tires are damaged. Poor suspension is another cause of

excessive vibration. Whatever is behind a car that is vibrating, drivers should immediately take the car to their mechanic for an inspection.

· Physical damage to the tire: Sometimes tires

exhibit physical damage like bulges or cuts, and such signs could mean a flat tire or blowout is just around the corner. Tires that exhibit such physical damage need to be replaced immediately.

Flat tires and blowouts can prove both scary and inconvenient. Drivers who want to avoid such problems should routinely inspect their tires for indicators that a flat or blowout is likely to occur.

Why a clean air filter is important in your vehicle

Motorists routinely check their tires for proper inflation, top off engine fluid levels and maintain oil change schedules. But some drivers do not understand the importance of keeping engine air filters clean.

Engine air filters are a relatively inexpensive vehicle part, but they perform a very important job. For every gallon of gas a car burns, it uses the equivalent of 12,000 gallons of air, and that air must be filtered to help keep an engine clean.

Air filters catch all of the dust, grime, insects, sap, leaves, and any other debris that may get sucked up past the air intake of the vehicle's grill and into the engine itself. Without the air filter, those contaminants may compromise the engine, causing corrosion and abrasion. If the air filter in the engine becomes too dirty and is not changed regularly, the

engine is starved of air.

Clean air filters allow just the right ratio of air to fuel to enable the engine to function properly. Engines need adequate air for the combustion process to take place. Without the proper combustion levels, vehicles cannot perform properly or efficiently and the engine may burn more gas or get fewer miles to the gallon. A dirty filter also can rob an engine of power. Drivers may notice sluggish acceleration.

Air filters also can get so dirty that the engine stalls completely. But such a problem only develops after considerable neglect.

Air filters may not need to be replaced at each and every oil change service call. Many technicians advise replacing the filter every 8,000 miles. However, drivers who live in

Air filters need to be changed regularly to maintain the right flow of air into the engine and to protect the engine from debris.

particularly dry and dusty regions may need to replace filters more frequently.

Mechanics can often detect when an air filter needs to be replaced.

If he or she notices the air filter is particularly dirty, then it's probably time to replace it. Replacing the filter is a relatively inexpensive repair for the amount of performance and peace of mind a new filter provides.

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How to protect your car's resale value

Few drivers start thinking about resale value when driving a new car off of the dealership lot for the first time. Still enamored with that new car smell, drivers can be excused for not thinking of resale value as they put the pedal to the metal and speed off in their brand new ride.

But it's never too early to start protecting a vehicle's resale value, especially if you hope to recoup as much of your vehicle investment as possible when the time comes to sell your car or trade it in for a newer model. The following are some ways motorists can protect the resale value of their vehicles from the moment the dealer tosses them the keys.

· Keep all maintenance records.

New cars typically do not require much maintenance. But drivers should keep records of all work and maintenance done on their vehicles, even if that work does not extend beyond routine tuneups or oil changes. Keeping maintenance

records shows prospective buyers you prioritized taking care of the vehicle over the years, and that makes the car or truck more attractive to preowned vehicle buyers who want to avoid buying a lemon or a car that has not been taken care of.

· Don't overlook looks.

Looks can be deceiving, but new car buyers who eventually plan to sell their vehicles should do all they can to keep the car looking as new as it did the day it was first driven off the dealership lot. Much like homeowners benefit when selling a home with curb appeal, a car that looks good gives buyers the impression that it was well taken care of. But a dirty car or one with lots of dings and dents is a red flag to preowned car buyers. · Keep a clean interior. New car owners typically maintain some strict rules with regard to food and beverages in their vehicles. After all, no one wants their brand new car to

succumb to stains or spills. But the longer drivers have a car the more lax they tend to become with regard to allowing food and drinks into their cars, and that can ultimately hurt the resale value of the vehicle. Maintain a clean interior whether you just bought the car or have driven it for a few years. Much like an impressive exterior leaves a lasting impression, a clean interior that has not succumb to coffee stains or muddy boots is more likely to impress buyers than a car with an interior that has seen better, cleaner days.

· Drive defensively.

It's not just what you do to a car but how you drive the car that can affect its resale value. Driving defensively reduces your risk of accident, and an accident-free preowned vehicle is a top priority for potential buyers.

But driving defensively also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle, as over time constant stop-andgo, aggressive driving takes its toll on vehicle engines and other components.

· Periodically examine the vehicle history report.

Today's preowned car buyers know to ask for a vehicle history report before buying a car. If your vehicle history report contains any suspicious or inaccurate information, you may be forced to sell the car for less than it's worth or delay selling until you can have any issues corrected. That won't necessarily happen overnight, but you can avoid dealing with a host of issues all at once by periodically examining the vehicle history report. Any discrepancies on the report can be brought to the attention of your insurance company, who can then work with you to correct the issues and restore your vehicle's reputation.

Resale value may not be foremost on the minds of new car owners, but the earlier buyers begin to factor resale value into their car-care routines, the more they will benefit down the road.

Small engines may have big futures

The move is on to produce more fuel-efficient automobiles. Although alternative fuels have garnered significant publicity in recent years, some automakers are simply shrinking the standard car engine.

Automakers have been producing three-cylinder engines for some time, but are just now starting to reveal such engines to the public. While these types of engines have traditionally been associated with lawn mowers, mopeds and snowmobiles, a handful of cars are now being equipped with three-cylinder engines

to increase fuel efficiency.

While three-cylinder engines have had the unfortunate stereotype of being puny next to vehicles touting more under the hood, experts say that advances in engine technology have made it possible for three-cylinder engines to produce more power with less. Ford, Nissan and BMW are just some of the automakers experimenting with three-cylinder engines while also promoting other innovations to boost efficiency. Streamlined aerodynamics, carbon fiber and improved horsepower can change public

perceptions of cars with engines that have fewer cylinders.

In addition to requiring less fuel, three-cylinder engines take up less space in engine compartments, freeing up more room for interior passenger space. This can create more space in traditionally compact vehicles. Smaller engines can improve safety because there is less risk that the engine will penetrate the interior in a front-end collision.

celeration and road performance, others offer comparable horsepower to some larger engines. According to the automotive website Jalopnik, many modern three-cylinder engines offer power comparable to that offered by V8 engines in the 1970s.

The three-cylinder offerings may be concentrated to a few brands right now, but the advantages of these smaller engines may make them more prevalent in the years to come.

While some three-cylinder vehicles have lackluster responses with ac-

hudsonsautosupply@yahoo.com

April 2015 Clovis Media Inc

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Paint versus car wrap options Car wrap

Over time a car's exterior can fade or suffer some dings and dents. Before owners sell or trade in their rides for something new, investing in a new color may be all that's necessary to revitalize the look of the vehicle.

Car wraps are typically made of high-quality vinyls that come in a bevy of different colors and styles.

Wraps also can be used for custom graphics or to advertise businesses.

Changing the color of a car is not something every driver should try on their own. Such a task can be timeconsuming, and it requires a good deal of skill to turn out looking good.

Furthermore, painting a car involves a variety of different tools and equipment, from a spray gun, sander and buffer to specific types of enamel or acrylic paints.

After considering the work involved and the expense of investing in the equipment to get the job done right, many vehicle owners opt to hire a professional to change the color of their vehicles. Many service centers offer two options to change the look of a car or truck: painting and car wraps.

Paint job A professional paint job will yield an impressive result. A skilled auto painter can recommend the right type

The vinyl wrap completely covers the paint of the vehicle. But because car wraps can be removed, they do not permanently change the vehicle and are therefore unlikely to affect its resale value.

of automotive paint for your make and model and guide you in color selections. While there are hundreds of different color choices available, professionals also may be able to mix colors to create the custom look you desire.

Paint work may be done to match the existing color of the vehicle after accident repairs have been made. Or you may be tired with the color of your car and simply desire a change.

Experienced service shops can offer these services and more. Other shops may specialize in custom paint jobs

that may entail graphics, detail work or the blending of multiple colors to give the vehicle an airbrushed effect.

Custom painters are artists, and their work may be very detailed.

Painting may demand your vehicle be off the road for a week or more, so it's best to have an alternative travel plan. Also, be sure to investigate how painting will affect the value of the vehicle. A paint job may end up depreciating the value of a resale because it's changing the original vehicle permanently.

Car wrapping can take less time than a labor-intensive paint job. Some jobs can be completed in only two or three days. Car wraps also may be the less expensive option if you're not selecting a complicated, custom design. Many car wraps will last between five to seven years, which is on par with the life span of a professional paint job, which lasts five to 10 years.

Changing the look of a vehicle may be as simple as choosing a new exterior color. Professional paint services and vinyl car wraps make it easy to switch up the style of a car or truck.

Simple ways to save at the pump

The cost of fuel dipped in 2014, but drivers are still looking for ways to spend less at the pump. For many drivers, that means driving less.

Driving less will save money, and doing so also reduces fuel consumption and contributes to fewer emissions entering the air, both of which can benefit the environment.

But many drivers are unable to drive less, as commitments to work and family require them to get behind the wheel more often than they might prefer. Such drivers may be looking for ways to reduce their fuel costs, and fortunately there are several ways to do just that.

路 Reconsider your choice of fuel.

Many of today's auto manufactur ers now design their vehicles so they can run smoothly on regular unleaded gas, which is typically listed as "87 octane" at filling stations. That's important to know, as regular gas is often considerably less expensive than alternatives that are higher octanes. Many drivers may even choose regular unleaded, but opt for premium gas every third or fourth trip, feeling that the higher octane fuel every so often will increase performance of older engines. But many engines

are designed to run smoothly and efficient on low-octane fuel, meaning it's unnecessary to choose premium gas, even if you only do so once in a blue moon. Read your vehicle's owner's manual to determine the best fuel for your car.

路 Buy when the time is right.

Prices at filling stations fluctuate on a daily basis, so unless your car is running on empty, avoid filling up when the prices seem especially high. Some patience may pay off with several dollars in savings, and those savings can add up to a significant amount of money over time.

路 Become a less aggressive driver.

Drivers with hectic schedules tend to be more aggressive when behind the wheel. But driving aggressively is unsafe and potentially costly. When driven at speeds that exceed 55 miles per hour, vehicles lose fuel economy.

According to the California Energy Commission's Consumer Energy Center, driving 55 miles per hour instead of 75 miles per hour can reduce fuel costs by as much as 75 percent.

路 Remove unnecessary weight.

A car trunk might seem like a great place to keep your golf clubs, and it may be tempting to leave that roof rack on top of your car after a recent camping trip, but such unnecessary cargo in or on your car makes it harder for the car to get from point A to point B. That forces the car to consume more fuel. Unless your

immediate plans include hitting the links or hunkering down at a nearby campsite, remove unnecessary weight from the car so your next trip to the gas station is less expensive.

The cost of fuel can make trips to the filling station into costly excursions.

But drivers willing to reconsider conventional wisdom and change their driving habits can save substantial amounts of money over time.

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Don't forget headlights

when performing routine maintenance

Standard headlight bulbs (left) vs. Philips X-tremeVision bulbs (right) that provide up to 100 percent more light on the road.

(MS) - Veteran and even novice drivers understand the importance of visibility when they get behind the wheel of their vehicles. When visibility is not an issue, drivers can more easily see their fellow motorists and better anticipate potentially dangerous situations. But when visibility is compromised, drivers and their passengers are vulnerable to a host of dangers, including inclement weather and aggressive motorists.

Many things can affect drivers' visibility on the road, but those who take a proactive approach to improving their visibility can put themselves in a better position to handle any negative situations that may arise. One of the ways to do just that is to pay more attention to your headlights. Often overlooked when performing routine vehicle maintenance, headlights must be maintained to ensure optimal visibility for drivers.

The following are a few ways drivers can improve the performance of their headlights to make their vehicles safer for themselves and their passengers.

路 Pay attention to the headlights' output. Perhaps the most noticeable indicator of an aging headlight is its light output. As bulbs start to dim, drivers may find themselves struggling to see during twilight and at night. That difficulty is not necessarily because drivers' own vision is failing, but may be a result of aging bulbs whose light output is gradually reduced by the effects of humidity, electrical resistance and filament fatigue. Drivers who notice their headlights are not producing as much light as they once did should know that reduced output is a telltale sign of aging bulbs that need to be replaced.

路 Say "so long" to the status quo.

Recognizing dimming bulbs is just the first step toward improving the performance of your headlights. The next step is for drivers to recognize that all headlight bulbs are not created equal. Instead of replacing existing bulbs with the same type of bulbs provided by their vehicle's manufacturer, drivers can vastly improve their visibility by upgrading to a bulb designed to provide more light than the standard halogen bulbs found in many of today's vehicles.

Leading automotive lighting

manufacturer Philips produces a range of Upgrade Headlight Bulbs that offer up to 100 percent more light on the road than standard halogen bulbs. That's a significant benefit to drivers, as motorists' visual acuity is reduced by 70 percent at night, when statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicate 49 percent of all fatal accidents occur. The NHTSA also notes that the fatality rate per mile driven at night is roughly three timesas high as it is during daylight hours. 路 Find the right fit. The right headlight bulb can dramatically improve visibility when driving at night, but what's good for the goose is not always good for the gander. That's because motorists drive for various reasons and on various roads, so the right bulb for seniors who don't often take to the highways will not necessarily be the best fit for commuters who routinely drive long distances. Philips makes a headlight bulb for every type of driver, and each Upgrade Headlight Bulb creates a better beam pattern that is dramatically longer than that provided by standard halogen lights, ensuring drivers can safely see no

matter how accustomed they are to driving at night. 路 Let there be light. Regardless of how effective a bulb has the potential to be, drivers who don't routinely clean their headlights will continue to have their visibility compromised.

Certain preventative measures can help drivers address headlight issues before they appear, ensuring their visibility is not compromised. When checking your oil in the driveway or even when you're filling up at the gas station, take a few moments to inspect your headlights and address any issues that arise as soon as possible. The Philips Headlight Restoration Kit includes a posttreatment that provides long-lasting UV protection for headlight lenses.

The kit also includes a cleaner/polish and restorer/protector so drivers can restore their headlight lenses to "like new" quality while increasing visibility and reducing glare in as little as 30 minutes. Such quick and simple maintenance can ensure your headlights are performing optimally.

More information is available at www.philips.com/automotive.

The right car seat makes for a safer ride for children

No matter what is stored in the trunk, a driver's most precious cargo is his or her passengers. Never is that more apparent than when children are on board.

Finding the right car seat can be challenging. When used correctly, such seats can reduce the risk of death by as much as 71 percent, according the Safe Kids Worldwide organization. Whether you are buying a car seat for the first time or upgrading an existing seat as your child grows, being informed can help with the decision-making process.

Access professional reviews A number of organizations rate available car seats on the market.

Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety are just two of the groups that provide ratings that can take the guesswork out of selecting the best car seats.

Regulations change frequently, and car seat engineers continually modify designs to keep kids as safe as possible. Frequently revisit car seat reviews to check whether your seat is still receiving high marks or if it's time to invest in a new car seat.

Rear-facing, longer Many experts now advise keeping children in rear-facing car seats as long as possible - even up to age two. These seats are being manufacturered to meet higher weight limits in the rear-facing position. However, always verify the exact height and weight limit for the seat by reading the information booklet or the safety data that is printed directly on the seat.

In addition, know how to safely use the seat, including which tethers should be used in which seating positions.

Children should sit in the back of the vehicle away from airbags.

Learn proper installation Consumer Reports notes that about

80 percent of parents and caregivers misuse car seats in one way or another. Follow the directions for safe seat placement and positioning of tethers and safety belts. You can watch videos online on how to install safety seats properly, and many seat brands may direct you to an informational video. Some First Aid and police squads offer complimentary seat checks to reassure parents that seats are installed correctly.

Older children in booster seats, which are designed to position passengers correctly to make use of the vehicle's seat belts, should have a proper fit. The lap belt should lie flat and on top of the thighs. The shoulder belt should rest directly in the middle of the shoulder and not too close to the neck.

Know the types of

seats

Children may go through three or more safety seats before they're allowed to safely ride using the vehicle's own passenger restraint system.

In addition to infant car seats, manufacturers offer convertible seats, harnessed seats, belt-positioning booster seats, and built-in safety seats. Many children are ready to bid farewell to car seats when they reach about 4-feet-9-inches tall.

Avoid used seats Unless you can verify the full crash history of a car seat, it is best to buy it new rather than from a thrift store or on the Internet from a third party.

Although car seats do not "expire" in the traditional sense, they are stamped with a use-by date. Materials in car seats can degrade over time, and harnesses may stretch. It's wise to replace car seats after several years and treat a new baby in the family to his or her own car seat instead of using a hand-me-down.

Car seats can prevent injuries and death. They're one of the best safety investments parents can make, as long as they're researched and used properly.

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How to detect odometer fraud the following are a handful of ways buyers can determine if a car's odometer has been tampered with.

路 Examine the vehicle's service history.

Preowned car buyers looking to buy from private sellers rather than dealerships typically understand that such an approach can be risky.

When buying from a private seller, such purchases are typically as-is, and rarely are buyers protected with extended warranties that may be offered by dealers who specialize in preowned vehicles.

Buying from private sellers may also leave buyers more susceptible to fraud. Odometer fraud is one type of fraud that buyers must be especially wary of when buying a preowned vehicle from a private seller, and

Before buying a preowned vehicle, buyers should always request to see documentation of the vehicle's service history. This can shed light on how well (or how poorly) the vehicle was taken care of, and it also can serve as a clue as to the authenticity of the number on the vehicle's odometer. Vehicle mileage is often included on repair orders or receipts provided by auto repair shops, so such reports should give you a picture of how many miles the car was driven at given times throughout its history. If the numbers on the reports don't match up with the figure on the odometer, then the odometer has likely been tampered with.

路 Inspect the dashboard.

A damaged dashboard is not always

Did you know?

Insuring multiple vehicles and/or drivers on an auto insurance policy may prove cheaper than having each

indicative of odometer fraud, but it should be enough to arouse your suspicions. Loose or missing screws on a dashboard or scrapes or scarring along the dashboard often occur when sellers attempt to reset their vehicles' odometers. Again, such damage is not necessarily indicative of odometer fraud, but if you were already suspicious of the seller, then these additional signs should be enough to compel you to walk away and continue your vehicle search elsewhere.

路 Ask to take the car to your own mechanic for an inspection.

When buying a preowned car, prospective buyers should insist that they be allowed to take the car to their own mechanic to determine if it is worth buying. This protects sellers from buying a lemon and can help them determine if odometer fraud has occurred. An experienced mechanic can examine a car and determine how much wear and tear it has. If that wear and tear is more than the odometer suggests it should have, then the odometer has likely

of those drivers and vehicles insured separately on multiple policies. That's because insurers typically offer bulk rates to policy holders willing to insure several vehicles and/or drivers on a single policy. But such discounts typically adhere to guidelines that dictate eligibility. For example, if the head of a family wants to insure his or her children on the same auto insurance policy he or she has, then

been tampered with.

路 Insist on a vehicle history report.

Whether buying from a dealership or private seller, buyers of preowned vehicles should always insist on seeing a vehicle history report.

Mileage is always documented whenever a vehicle is registered with the state and whenever it undergoes state-mandated safety or emissions inspections. A vehicle history report from an agency like CarFax can provide buyers with a record of these registrations and inspections, and buyers can use that information to determine if the odometer on a given vehicle has been tampered with. If a seller refuses to provide a vehicle history report, walk away and continue your search until you find a buyer willing to provide the report.

Odometer fraud is employed by sellers who want to make their cars seem more attractive to prospective buyers. But buyers of preowned vehicles can employ several strategies to detect if a given vehicle's odometer has been tampered with.

those children typically must list their parents' home as their legal residence.

Blood relations also may influence eligibility for multiple driver policy discounts. In general, only blood relatives or relatives by marriage can benefit from multiple driver discounts.

However, non-related motorists who jointly own a vehicle may be eligible for discounts.

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Things you may not know about leasing a car Many people prefer leasing an automobile to buying one, and leasing can be more advantageous than buying in various ways. For example, leasing allows drivers who cannot afford to purchase a new and more reliable vehicle the opportunity to drive such a car or truck, at a cost that is considerably less over the long haul than buying the vehicle outright. Leasing also makes it possible for drivers who prefer newer cars to exchange their automobiles every few years, saving them the expense of maintaining a car as it ages.

When leasing an automobile for the first time, motorists may not be aware of certain things about leasing that could benefit them over the course of their leases. The following are a few such things that drivers may want to consider when negotiating an automobile lease at the dealership.

exceed 12,000 miles per year can tailor their leases to allow for additional miles. Extra miles will cost more money, but that extra expense will likely pale in comparison to excess mileage charges, making it well worth the investment for drivers to negotiate extra miles into their lease at the time of signing.

路 Mile restrictions are not set in stone. 路 You may need to pay Standard leases typically a substantial limit drivers to 12,000 miles per year over the life of the initial down lease. In such an agreement, payment. a three-year lease would allow lessees to drive 36,000 miles in the vehicle. Any additional miles on the vehicle when it is turned in at the end of the lease would incur a penalty. But mileage limits are negotiable, and drivers who think they will

Monthly lease terms are favorable to men and women who cannot afford to finance a car or those who want to avoid long-term financing with hefty monthly

payments. But many leases require lessees to pay substantial down payments upon agreeing to the lease.

If such a down payment proves a hurdle you cannot clear, then it's important to know that some leases do not require a down payment at all, while others require only a minimal payment upfront.

However, such leases may be exclusive to drivers with exceptional credit.

路 You can comparison shop with a lease.

Much like you would comparison shop when buying a car, you can do the same when leasing. After a dealer runs your credit and/ or estimates your down

payment, you may feel as though you cannot afford to lease a new car. But you have many options to choose from when looking for an auto lease, and each one is likely to make a different offer. If you persevere and do your research, you ultimately may end up with a lease that puts you in a new car at an affordable price.

路 Gap insurance protects you in case of a theft or wreck.

Gap insurance (which stands for guaranteed asset protection) is available but not standard for an automobile lease. Gap insurance protects lessees and covers their remaining lease payments if a car is

stolen or wrecked while the lease is ongoing. Some lessees choose to accept gap insurance, while others do not. The latter group is taking a risk that the car will not be stolen or wrecked during the life of the lease. If it is, the driver will then be responsible for the monthly payments even if he or she no longer has the vehicle.

Drivers in the former group will not be on the hook for such payments. Some lessees never use their gap insurance, but the peace of mind it provides is worth the investment for many drivers.

Leasing is a great way for drivers to drive new automobiles they otherwise might not be able to afford. But drivers should familiarize themselves with the ins and outs of leasing before signing on the dotted line.

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How to safely navigate wet roadways Spring showers certainly may bring flower laters on, but they also contribute to challenging driving conditions. Early spring weather can be fickle, vacillating between dry, wet and even icy conditions.

Drivers need to remain on their toes to safely traverse roadways near and far.

Wet roadways and poor driving conditions contribute to thousands of road accidents each and every year. As roads get wet, oil and other substances rise to the surface of the pavement, which can quickly become slippery and compromise the traction offered by tires. According to the United States Department of Transportation, there are

around 707,000 automobile crashes each year due to rain.

Heavy rains also may lead to puddles, which can obscure hazards on the roadway. Cars may stall out in puddles or hydroplane, which occurs when cars coast along the surface of the water. Puddles also can be splashed by oncoming cars, leading to visibility issues.

It is in every driver's best interest to use caution when driving on wet roads. The following tips can help prevent accidents, injuries and even fatalities during the rainy season. · Slow down. Drivers should drive slower when roads are wet and when rain

compromises visibility. It can take up to three times longer to stop on a wet road than a dry one. By slowing down you will be able to stop or veer out of the way of danger. · Leave room. When driving on wet roads, leave more room between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Again, this plays into stopping distance. Tailgating increases your risk of rearending a vehicle if you cannot stop in time on a wet roadway. · Stay alert. It can be easy to be lulled into complacency while driving. But staying alert and conscious of every detail going on around you can reduce your risk of

accident when driving in less than ideal conditions. · Skip cruise control. As a driver, you want to remain in control of acceleration and speed, rather than leaving it up to the cruise control system. If you begin to hydroplane on cruise control, the car may actually speed up. · Use your headlights.

Headlights can light up the road in front of you, helping illuminate potential hazards.

Lights on a car also make your vehicle more visible to others on the road. Always turn on the headlights in inclement weather. · Avoid jerky movements.

Keep a steady pace and the

vehicle in control. Jerking the wheel or accelerating and braking in a erratic fashion can cause the vehicle to spin out or skid on wet roads. · Check your tires. Inspect your tires for tread wear and air pressure. Tires should be rotated as part of routine maintenance.

Poorly performing tires are a significant safety risk. If you live in an area known for a lot of rain, invest in tires designed for wet road conditions.

Don't let wet weather get the best of you. Slow down, stay visible and be on the alert.

Page 10 Clovis Media Inc April 2015