Spring On The Road 2017

Talking Tire The need for tire inspection after a long winter

Trading In(surance) How to successfully switch auto insurance providers

Friday, March 24, 2017

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SPRING ON THE ROAD

Friday, March 24, 2017

How to prevent car theft

Deter thieves by keeping valuables out of sight.

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ew motorists think much about preventing vehicle theft … until their cars are stolen. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a vehicle is stolen every 44 seconds in the United States.

Many of those are recovered, but being victimized by car thieves can be a nervewracking and unsettling experience for car owners.

While car thefts are unpredictable, they can be prevented. While even the most proactive anti-theft car owner can be victimized by car thieves, there are ways to reduce that risk.

Avoid the most stolen vehicle makes.

The 2016 “Hot Wheels” report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau lists the most frequently stolen vehicles from 2015, the most recent year for reporting.

These include: the 1997, 1996 & 1997 Honda Accord; 1998 & 2000 Honda Civic; 2005 & 2006 Ford F-Series pickup truck; 2004 & 2005 Chevrolet full-size pickup; and the 2014 Toyota

Camry.

Lock your car. Keep your vehicle locked at all times, even when driving.

Many cars are stolen while left unlocked, even though power locks now require just the push of a button to lock the entire vehicle. Similarly, close all windows and the sunroof when the car is parked.

Keep the vehicle registration in your wallet. Geico notes that car thieves can escape arrest if they can produce the vehicle’s registration upon being pulled over. Keep your registration out of the car and on your person.

Keep track of your keys. Do not hide a car key outside of the vehicle in the event you get locked out of your car.

Thieves are aware of this trick and can steal your car.

Keep valuables out of sight. Do not leave money, jewelry, electronics, or any other valuable items in plain sight in the car. Remove them promptly, or keep them in a trunk or under a cargo bed so they’re not visible to potential thieves.

Park in well-lit, heavily trafficked areas. Parking in a well-lit area can deter criminals, but parking close to building entrances and near parking lot security cameras adds extra layers of protection. If you must park in a parking garage, try to park close to the attendant.

Employ an anti-theft device. Anti-theft devices include vehicle immobilizer systems and car alarms. Insurance companies may discount premiums for vehicles that are equipped with antitheft devices.

Use technological recovery tools.

GPS technology can pinpoint your car if it is stolen and send that information to law enforcement officials. Some of these devices also can slow down vehicles or remotely block the car’s ignition switch.

Use VIN window etching. Have each window etched with the vehicle identification number. This will make the car less attractive to thieves looking to sell car parts or the entire vehicle.

Motorists can take an active role in preventing car theft and safeguarding their automotive investments.

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Exploring the classic/ historical car hobby

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ar enthusiasts appeared as soon as the automobile was introduced to the general public in the 18th and 19th centuries. Through the years, certain vehicles have proven more desireable to customers than others based on their looks and other attributes.

Auto hobbyists devote substantial time and effort to purchasing, restoring and displaying classic cars. While the hobby of restoring classic cars is not necessarily for everyone, its popularity suggests it’s an activity that’s here to stay.

According to an article in The Economist, in the wake of the recent recession, investors were increasingly pulling their money out of stocks and converting assets into tangible items, such as classic cars. As late as 2013, collector cars were outperforming other tangible investments like art, wine, stamps, and coins by large margins.

Those ready to dip their toes in the classic car waters should understand a few key factors that can affect how much they enjoy this potentially rewarding hobby.

Environmental regulations. Some collectors face challenges when attempting to restore classic vehicles because the cars do not meet today’s stringent clean air

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initiatives that govern automobiles. With the increasing number of new, clean cars on the road, vehicles that fail to meet modern emissions standards may pose a costly problem to classic car collectors.

Introduction of alternative fuels. As governments increasingly emphasize the importance of clean fuel options, classic car owners may find it challenging to find more traditional fuels or face the added expense of adapting their vehicles to run on alternative fuels.

Lack of mechanical expertise. Workers in the automotive trade are trained to manufacture and repair new vehicles. As a result, classic car owners without much mechanical ability of their own may find it difficult to find mechanics with the skills necessary to repair and restore classic cars.

Historic requirements should be heeded. Each state has its own requirements governing classic cars. To qualify for historic vehicle registration, vehicles may need to be 25 years or older, owned solely as a collector’s item and used exclusively for exhibition and educational purposes. When driven for personal use, such vehicles may not be allowed to exceed 1,000 miles per year.

Classic cars continue to attract hobbyists from all over the globe. Restoring classic cars can be a rewarding pastime, but one that involves dedication and an investment of both time and money.

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Strategies to improve teen driver safety

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earning to drive and receiving a driver’s license makes for some exciting times for young drivers. Those first moments of freedom on the road open up many new possibilities for teenagers accustomed to relying on their parents to get them around town.

Although being a new driver is exciting, it also carries with it very real risk. Car

crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, taking the lives of six teens a day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Harvard Health Publications states that lack of experience behind the wheel is one factor behind high crash rates among teens, but other factors also may be in play.

The prefrontal cortex, which contains the

Friday, March 24, 2017

neural mechanisms of self-control, is one of the last parts of the brain to mature. As a result, teenagers are prone to taking risks, behaving impulsively and seeking sensation.

These traits can be dangerous behind the wheel of a car.

Preventing teenage driving accidents requires some measure of dedication, awareness and education.

Improve driving skills. A driver’s license does not mean drivers have learned all there is to know about driving. In fact, newly licensed drivers still have a lot to learn. Experience only comes with time and practice, and every day presents teen drivers with a new opportunity to expand their skills.

Watch the speed limit. Speeding makes it more difficult to control a vehicle. Obey the speed limit, and recognize speed limits are suggestions during ideal driving conditions.

When driving in inclement weather, reduce speed, even if that means driving below the speed limit.

Reduce distractions. When driving, reduce distractions inside of the car. This includes eating or talking on the phone while driving.

It also means fiddling with the radio or checking social media. The CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance —United States,

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2015 states that 42 percent of high school students who drive report texting or emailing while driving. Texting while driving creates conditions similar to drinking or using drugs while behind the wheel.

Avoid peer passengers. Teens should avoid having other teens or younger children as passengers in their first year as licensed drivers. Other kids can be an added source of distraction inside of the vehicle and may goad drivers into behaviors they would otherwise avoid. Wait until you gain more experience behind the wheel before you start to hone your chauffeur skills.

Stick to daytime driving. Driving at night can make it much more difficult for drivers to see their surroundings and recognize potential hazards. Within the first few months of earning their licenses, teenagers should drive only during the daytime and log plenty of practice hours driving at night accompanied by an adult until they feel more confident.

Teen drivers are at a higher risk of accidents than more experienced motorists. But certain strategies can help reduce that risk.

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8 factors that can affect auto insurance premiums

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uto insurance is a necessity for drivers in many localities. But while local laws may mandate drivers have insurance, no such laws mandate how much drivers must pay to insure their vehicles. Certain factors can influence just how much drivers will pay for their auto insurance policies.

1. Complacency: Doing nothing at all may find you spending too much on auto insurance. Many drivers fail to routinely shop around for coverage, and that can be costing them money. In its

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2013 Insurance Shopping Study, the research firm J.D. Power found that only 23 percent of auto insurance customers shopped their policies in the past 12 months. Shopping around for a better rate can save drivers considerable amounts of money, and the Internet has made comparison shopping easier than ever before.

2. Coverage and deductibles: The type of coverage you choose, as well as the amount of your deductible, will affect the cost of your policy. Choosing a higher deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance will start to pay) usually leads to a lower monthly payment. Full coverage may not be necessary if you own your car or the car is old and not worth that much.

3. Location: Where you live can affect the cost of your insurance premiums.

Since most traffic accidents occur close to home, the area where you live factors heavily in the cost of your policy.

Densely populated neighborhoods with more cars mean you could be at a higher risk of accident, theft and injury.

Plus, costs for repairs may be higher in these areas. Moving to a less populated

area can reduce insurance costs.

4. Age/gender: A person cannot change his or her age, but it’s wise to realize that age and gender can affect costs.

Young men typically incur higher rates than young women. Understanding your potential insurance costs can help you when choosinga vehicle.

5. Vehicle type: According to State Farm, some insurance companies increase premiums for cars deemed more likely to be damaged or stolen.

A vehicle that scores high in independent safety ratings may be cheaper to insure than vehicles that scored low on safety tests.

6. Credit score: Raise your credit score and you may be able to lower your car insurance costs. According to the research firm Conning & Co., roughly 92 percent of insurers use your credit information as a factor to determine

rates. Studies show that people with bad credit tend to file more and higher claims.

7. Marital status: Statistics show that people who have tied the knot are involved in fewer accidents and given fewer tickets than people who are single.

Getting married can reduce insurance premiums, as can combining or bundling policies with your spouse.

8. Driving history: A driving history full of accidents and tickets can affect your insurance rates. However, many tickets and accidents that do not involve injuries stop affecting insurance rates after three years. Driving safely and biding your time until your tickets and accidents no longer influence your rates can save you money.

Drivers have control over how much they spend on auto insurance. Safe driving habits, the right choice of vehicle and where drivers choose to live can

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windshield distracted driving damage promptly Doing away with

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he evidence is clear: Distracted driving can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Removing one’s eyes from the road for mere seconds can have dangerous repercussions, contributing to accidents, injury or even death.

Distraction.gov, the United States government’s official website for Distracted Driving, states that, in 2014, 3,179 people were killed and 431,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers that 10 percent of all drivers between the ages of 15 and 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted at the time of the crashes. A 2013 Allstate Canada marketing survey conducted with more than 1,500 Canadian adults found that, although the vast majority of Canadians think distracted driving is dangerous, nearly three out of four Canadian drivers engage in behavior that is considered distracting.

The term “distracted driving” is an umbrella term that refers to various behaviors drivers engage in when behind the wheel. The situations below are some of the biggest distractions today’s drivers must deal with.

Talking or texting on a mobile phone Mobile phone usage is one of the leading causes of distracted driving. Five seconds is

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the average time a person’s eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55 mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded. And people are not only texting when behind the wheel. They’re posting to social media, taking photos and video, as well as reading emails and more.

The National Occupant Protection Use Survey points out that, at any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010.

Passenger distractions People, pets and objects inside of a vehicle can be quite a distraction as well. Removing focus from the road for a few seconds to address rowdy children in the back seat or to pass food to the backseat can cause vehicles to veer. Drivers who allow pets to ride unrestrained in their cars may find their animals in their laps or roaming around, which can be distracting as well. Drivers should remain in control of their passengers at all times. This includes ensuring people and pets are properly fastened in seat belts and the volume of music and voices is kept to a minimum.

Reading behind the wheel Looking at a map, glancing at an incoming email or even trying to locate street signs or billboards on the side of the road can be distracting. When drivers are unsure of where to go, they can bring along another passenger, who can keep his or her eyes peeled for landmarks. Passengers also can look at the map or GPS so drivers can stay focused on the road.

It is paramount that drivers keep their eyes on the road at all times. Limiting distractions, however innocuous they may seem, can keep drivers, their passengers and their fellow motorists safe.

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Windshield replacement or repair is a necessity when windshields chip or crack.

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indshields are designed to protect drivers and their vehicles from wind and other natural elements while the cars are in motion.

Windshields are made from tempered glass, which is processed by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its strength compared to normal glass.

While relatively strong for a pieces of glass, windshields are not impervious to damage.

All it takes is a single rock or piece of road debris to be kicked up from the roadway and hit the windshield to cause a problem.

Every day motorists encounter pebbles or other small missiles that bounce up from the road and come in contact with their windshields. Many deflect with no problem, but under high speeds, debris can cause chips, dings, and even cracks in the windshield.

Cracks easily spread from road vibration and heat and can compromise the integrity of the windshield. If your car’s windshield is cracked and it shatters during a collision, you and your passengers are at great risk of injury. In addition, police officers can

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write tickets t if windshields i d hi ld appear to t be b unsafe. So it’s in drivers’ best interests to repair damaged windshields promptly.

Drivers may be able to repair small dings themselves with a do-it-yourself windshield kit available at automotive retailers. If a crack is less than six to 12 inches long, it can probably be repaired as well. However, more significant damage will require that the entire windshield be replaced.

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Harrisonburg, Va.

cyclists were killed and there were an estimated 494,000 emergency room visits due to bicycle-related injuries in the United States in 2013.

Safely

share the road M

otorists, motorcycle riders, cyclists, and pedestrians converge on roadways across the globe every day. While many travelers respect their fellow road warriors, the potential for highway accidents is great. Taking measures to share the road safely can greatly reduce all travelers’ risk of being involved in a traffic accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration says that, despite historical declines in automobile fatalities, motorcycle deaths have increased nearly every year for the past 14 years. The lone exception was 2009. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 900

While not all of these accidents are directly related to unsafe conditions or collisions with motorists, individuals can take various precautionary measures to make roadways safer for all travelers.

Improve visibility. Everyone on the road should make themselves as visible as possible to others. Pedestrians and cyclists can wear bright colors and use reflective tape.

Cars should keep their daytime running lights on and use headlights in inclement weather. Rain, fog and snow can impair visual conditions for all travelers, so exercise extreme caution when traveling in adverse conditions.

Never ride impaired or distracted. This rule applies to everyone on the road, no matter the mode of travel. Alcohol, drugs and distractions like mobile phones can impair judgement and reduce reaction times.

Use safety equipment. Bicycle helmets, motorcycle helmets and other protective gear can save lives. Everyone should wear a properly fitted helmet. Motorists and their passengers should always wear their safety belts.

Do not wear headphones. Drivers and cyclists should never wear headphones, which can make it hard to hear approaching travelers and any horns, sirens or indicators of unsafe conditions.

Obey the rules of the road. Whether on foot, on a bicycle, on a motorcycle, or in a car, the rules of the road remain the same. Heed traffic signals, yield to others when applicable and maintain proper speeds. Also, remember to use turn signals when turning and/or changing lanes.

Check the curb lane. Drivers should always check their mirrors and pay special attention to the right of their vehicles so they can determine if any cyclists are approaching. And always be on the lookout for pedestrians, particularly at crosswalks.

Bikers and cyclists must anticipate hazards. Motorcycles and bicycles can be more difficult to see, especially when positioned in blind spots of vehicles. Motorcycle riders and cyclists should position themselves in traffic accordingly and try to anticipate what drivers might do if motorcycles and bicycles are in their blind spots.

Be aware of road conditions. The NHTSA says that road conditions that are minor annoyances to motorists can pose major hazards to motorcycle riders and cyclists. Riders may change speed or adjust position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions, such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement. Drivers should anticipate such adjustments.

Working in concert, everyone can improve safety for those sharing the road.

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Dealers typically use rebates in order to clear out a particular model year. Rebates may also be offered through the manufacturer. Dealerships may sell a vehicle for less when certain incentives are applied. Shoppers can rely on Edmunds.com to search for rebates and incentives by vehicle make and geographic location.

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Tire maintenance How waxing benefits a vehicle a key component of spring check-up

and braking distances.

Check tires when they are cold for the most accurate reading. Properly inflated tires also will improve fuel economy, so drivers may even save a little money by inflating their tires.

Tire rotation/realignment

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hen warm weather arrives, many people enjoy a collective sigh of relief. Just as people welcome the end of the cold, snow and ice, cars and trucks also can benefit from more moderate temperatures.

Salt, grime and pot holes can take a toll on tires over the course of a typical winter.

Drivers will not get far this spring and summer without tires in good repair, which is why tire maintenance should be part of any seasonal repair checklist.

Inflation levels Now is the time to use a tire pressure gauge to see if tires are at the ideal inflation levels.

Many tires indicate the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) on their sidewalls.

Cold temperatures may cause tires to deflate a little. Esurance states that winter weather can cause tire pressure reduction at about one PSI for every 10 degrees the temperature drops. Driving on improperly inflated tires can be dangerous, potentially affecting handling

Examine the tires for tread wear. Any uneven or abnormal tread wear could indicate that the tires need to be rotated and the wheels realigned at the very least.

Take the vehicle to a qualified mechanic to get their opinion on how to remedy the situation. Mechanics may recommend rotating tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, or about every six months for the average driver.

Wheel realignment may be necessary after a season of driving over potholes and other irregularities in the road. Misaligned wheels can cause handling problems, like the car “pulling” to one side.

Tire replacement Drivers may discover extreme tread wear, bulges or even cracks in the sidewall during a tire inspection. These signs indicate that it’s time to replace the tires.

Failing to replace old, worn down tires can increase the risk of automobile accidents.

Thorough cleaning Once tires are inspected and possibly serviced or replaced, treat the car or truck to a washing and thorough detailing. This will help tires shine and get the vehicle road-ready for spring trips.

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ar and truck owners recognize that a certain measure of upkeep is necessary to maintain safe, efficient and goodlooking vehicles. Making sure what’s under the hood — and under the chassis — is in excellent condition is important. So, too, is safeguarding against damage to the exterior of a car or truck.

One of the ways to protect against environmental damage is to wax the vehicle.

Bird droppings, rain, salt, and sun can take their toll on a vehicle, and waxing can help combat these often inevitable environmental factors.

The experts at Popular Mechanics say that, even though modern paint jobs have improved considerably in recent years, wax formulations have improved as well. Both can work wonders with regard to defending against color erosion, scratches and dullness. Furthermore, waxing increases resale value at trade-in time and can make it easier to clean vehicles.

The consumer advocates at Angie’s List recommend that vehicles be waxed not less than twice a year. However, many detailers advise drivers to have their vehicles waxed once every three months, or one time per season.

In addition to protecting a vehicle from the elements, waxing provides the following benefits.

Deep shine: Wax is the easiest way to make a vehicle look brand new again. While a carnauba-based wax may be recommended, many synthetic waxes are now available, and such products provide excellent shine capabilities as well.

Fills in scratches: While wax will not remove scratches, it can fill in shallow scratches to make them less visible.

Reduces friction: Car wax smooths the surface of the paint and will reduce the friction between debris and the car’s exterior. This means debris will be more likely to slide right off than cause paint to chip.

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contaminants will be trapped in the wax rather than settle into paint and etch the car or truck.

A number of tests can indicate when a car needs a new coat of wax. The water-beading test is one such test. If the water beads up nicely while washing or during a light rain, the wax is still performing. If the water runs in large “sheets,” it’s time for a new coat of wax.

Drivers can conduct the towel test as well after the car is washed and completely dried. The resource How To Auto offers guidance on how to perform this test: Fold a 100-percent cotton terry cloth towel until it’s hand-sized and thick.

Apply firm pressure to the car’s surface and twist the cloth back and forth in a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. If you hear a squealing noise, then it’s time for a wax job.

Before waxing, the vehicle should be clean, dry and free of contaminants. Afterward, work in a shady area. Work carefully, but do not go so slowly that the wax dries too quickly. Do not apply the wax too heavily; a little goes a long way. Try to keep it even during application.

Buff the wax with a microfiber towel when done.

Waxing remains an important part of vehicle maintenance, safeguarding a vehicle from the elements while also keeping the car or truck looking new.

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Successfully switch auto insurance providers Drivers who want to save money can explore their auto insurance options before renewing their policies.

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nce drivers purchase an auto insurance policy, many simply let the policy renew each year. But with a little digging, drivers may be able to reduce their insurance costs considerably. According to the Insurance Information Institute in New York, consumers should ask themselves if they’re happy with the cost, service and coverage of their existing policies whenever it’s time to renew. If they are, they should stick with their existing policies. However, if customers feel things can be better, then it’s a perfect time to see what’s available. Many driver advocates advise shopping for a new policy every two or three years. When it comes time to switch car insurance companies, follow these steps and remember to avoid gaps in the coverage.

Compare apples to apples. When shopping for new policies, consumers should compare the same features offered by various providers, including coverage types, deductibles and any limits. Keep a copy of your existing policy’s declarations page so that all quotes can be accurately compared to the existing policy.

Research any cancellation fees. Before switching over, find out if there are any cancellation fees associated with an existing policy.

Eliminate coverage gaps. Eliminate gaps in coverage by ensuring a new policy begins the moment the existing one ends. This prevents potential financial ruin should a driver get into an accident without any insurance during a gap period.

Take note of any lifestyle changes. Be sure to list anything that can affect the cost of coverage, such as anti-theft devices on the vehicle, window etching or updated driving habits.

Explore union or group affiliations. Drivers who are members of particular clubs, professional organizations or something similar may be eligible for special policies with certain providers. Make a list of any affiliations and contact the organizers to see if they have relationships with auto insurance providers. Law enforcement personnel or veterans may be eligible for certain discounts as well. Some insurance carriers only cover police officers or former military. It pays to look into these discounts.

Consider small companies. Just because they don’t advertise as much as some of the more wellknown providers does not mean small insurance companies are not capable of providing sufficient, affordable coverage. There are plenty of reputable small companies that offer excellent rates to drivers willing to exercise their due diligence.

Check with the existing provider, too. Drivers can discuss their current rates and coverage with their existing insurance company, who may offer suggestions on reducing coverage or even offer lower prices in an effort to hang on to customers.

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