YOUR FALL/WINTER AUTOMOTIVE NEWSPAPER
Car Care
STAY FOCUSED
A SPECIAL AUTOMOTIVE SUPPLEMENT
Be cautious of driver distractions. See page 2 for some tips.
Fall/Winter 2014
Advice from the Pros Don’t neglect auto service
T
he average age of a personal vehicle on the road today is more than 11 years, according to recent news reports. In tough economic times, itÕ s natural to rein in spending. But the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) warn that putting off routine auto maintenance or ignoring service intervals is false economy. Small issues can morph into more expensive repairs. For example, failure to replace worn brake pads or a faulty oxygen sensor -- both relatively easy services for qualified auto technicians -- can result in expensive brake rotor service or costly replacement of the vehicleÕ s catalytic converter. Frequently neglected items include oil changes, tire and brake service, wheel alignment, air and fuel filters, and transmission service, according to ASE-certified auto technicians. To help consumers choose a repair shop that fits their needs, ASE offers the following checklist: * Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays. * Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant willing to answer all of your questions. * Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment. * Ask if the repair facility specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work. * Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area, such as civic, community, or customer service awards. * Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE.
TABLE OF CONTENTS p2 Driving can be dangerous p3 Extend the life of your car p4 Hiring a great mechanic p5 Things that mar paint p6 Protect your visibility p7 Car battery care
As you head out on your next journey, take five and check your tires.
TIRE TIPS: Tire maintenance is key to safe travel T ires are the only thing between you and the road, so itÕ s imperative motorists stay on top of tire maintenance. Proper tire maintenance is important all year, but especially in the summer months as the temperature starts heating up and the frequency of tire blowouts increases. Improper tire care contributes to 195 fatalities and 6,300 injuries each year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency also estimates that about 11,000 tire-related crashes occur annually. Simply checking your tire pressure can help you and your passengers stay safe during your next summer journey. To get the most from your tires this summer, here are five maintenance tips from the worldÕ s largest independent tire and wheel retailerÑ Discount Tire: 1. Get Pressure RightÑ Low tire pressure can decrease fuel economy. Tires may lose up to one pound PSI (per square inch) of air pressure per month. The specific inflation pressure number may be found on the vehicle placard located inside the driverÕ s door. DonÕ t forget those trailer tires. Checking the tire pressure for boat, travel and utility trailers is as important as your car or truck. 2 DonÕ t OverloadÑ Overloading your vehicle or trailer decreases fuel economy due to increased cargo weight. Handling, control and braking are also negatively impacted. 3. Rotate Before You GoÑ Regular rotation helps achieve uniform tire wear and improves road performance. Tires rotated every 5,000 miles have longer life and will help maximize your tire investment. 4. Straighten UpÑ Proper wheel alignment provides safe, predictable vehicle control and helps tires wear evenly and last longer. If your tires
squeal when you turn or if you notice your steering wheel veers to one side while driving straight, itÕ s time to get your wheels re-aligned. 5. Bald IsnÕ t BeautifulÑ Lack of tread affects the tireÕ s ability to grip the road, especially in wet conditions. Make sure tires donÕ t have uneven wear, which indicates something is wrong with the tire. High or low spots or unusually smooth areas may decrease traction and increase the risk of road accidents. Ò Maintaining tire pressure is one of the most critical things motorists can do to improve road safety while getting the most from their tires,Ó said Mark Marrufo of Discount Tire. “Improperly inflated tires lead to decreased steering and braking control as well as excessive tire wear and fuel consumption. Taking five minutes each month to inspect your tires will go a long way in keeping you and your passengers safe.Ó A Five-Minute Fix Checking tire pressure and tread is easy and can pay dividends when it comes to fuel economy and handling. DonÕ t go by appearances. Use a tire gauge to check the pressure since a tire can be 50 percent underinflated but still not appear flat. Make it a habit to check tire pressure every month and always before a long journey. Use the vehicle manufacturerÕ s recommended tire pressure and donÕ t forget to check the spare and trailer tires. Ò Most people forget to check the pressure in the spare tire and come to find that when they need it, the spare is flat,” said Marrufo. “This simple check could keep you from a costly tow if you get stuck with a flat.” Road trippers should also check tire tread depth by using the Ò penny test.” Insert a penny upside down into the tread. If you see Abe Lincoln’s entire head, itÕ s time to replace the tire.
2 - Fall Car Care
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October 25, 2014
Be cautious of these driver distractions D
istracted driving can be very dangerous. Diverting oneÕ s attention from the road for mere seconds can have serious, and potentially fatal, consequences. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found distracted driving kills more than 15 people each day while injuring more than 1,200. Any activity that takes attention away from driving is considered a distraction. These include taking your hands off the wheel, daydreaming or engaging in any behavior that takes your eyes off of the road. Certain activities are known distractions, and understanding which habits can be dangerous and making strides to correct behaviors can help save lives, prevent injuries and reduce accident-related expenses. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute indicates 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes in the United States involve some form of driver distraction. This distraction took place a mere three seconds before the vehicle crash. An Allstate Canada marketing survey of 1,605 Canadian adults conducted between July 26 and July 28 found that, although the vast majority of Canadians thinks driving while distracted is unacceptable, nearly three out of four Canadian drivers admits to engaging in a behavior that is considered a distraction. That is perhaps in part because drivers are not aware just how distracting some the following behaviors truly are.
Using mobile phones
Leading the list of the top distractions behind the wheel are mobile phones. Phones now do more than just place calls, and drivers often cannot pull away from their phones, even when driving. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, studies have shown that driving performance is lowered and the level of distraction is higher for drivers who are heavily engaged in cell phone conversations. The use of a hands-free device does not lower distraction levels. The percentage of vehicle crashes and near-crashes attributed to dialing is nearly identical to the number associated with talking or listening. Accident rates have increased thanks to texting, which involves a person taking his or her hands and eyes off of the road. A 2009 study by Car and Driver magazine compared the dangers of texting while driving to the effects of driving drunk to see which would be more dangerous under the same conditions. Measuring the time it takes to brake after being alerted by a red light to stop, the reaction time was recorded when the driver was legally drunk, reading an e-mail and sending a text. Texting easily elicited the slowest response time. Ironically, in January 2011, Texas man Chance Bothe drove off of a cliff after texting that he had to stop texting or risk dying in
a car accident. Bothe survived but sustained significant injuries and had to be revived from death three times.
Moving Objects
Whether thereÕ s a pet bouncing in the front seat or children being boisterous in the back, passengers and items moving around the car are significant distractions. Turning around to look at the kids or to reach for a ball that may be rolling around on the floor of the car can take a personÕ s eyes off the road. If something really is important and needs to be addressed, it is much safer to pull over and take care of it before getting back on the road.
Daydreaming
Many people will admit to daydreaming behind the wheel or looking at a person or object outside of the car for too long. Perhaps theyÕ re checking out a house in a new neighborhood or thought they saw someone they knew on the street corner. It can be easy to veer into the direction your eyes are focused, causing an accident. In addition to trying to stay focused on the road, some drivers prefer the help of lane departure warning systems.
Eating
Those who havenÕ t quite mastered walking and chewing gum at the same time may want to avoid eating while driving. The majority of foods require a personÕ s hands to be taken off of the wheel and their eyes to be diverted from the road. Reaching in the back seat to share some French fries with the kids is also distracting. Try to eat meals before getting in the car. For those who must snack while en route, take a moment to pull over at a rest area and spend 10 minutes snacking there before resuming the trip.
Reading
Glancing at an advertisement, updating a Facebook status or reading a book are all activities that should be avoided when driving. Even pouring over a traffic map or consulting the digital display of a GPS system can be distracting. When driving, attention should be placed on the task of safely getting from point A to point B. All other activities taking place in the vehicle are distractions that can end up risking a personÕ s life.
October 25, 2014
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Fall Car Care - 3
Simple ways to extend the life of y0ur vehicle A
ccording to data from TrueCar.com, in 2012 the average new car cost $30,500. ThatÕ s a considerable expense, especially at a time when fuel costs remain high and cost of living continues to rise. Because new cars have become so expensive, more and more vehicle owners are looking for ways to extend the life of their vehicles. The longer a car can stay on the road, the better an investment that vehicle becomes. Fortunately, there are several steps vehicle owners can take that should ensure their vehicles stay on the road for years to come. * Scale back on short trips. The toll cold starts take on a vehicle can add up over time. When a car is started, condensation builds up in the vehicleÕ s exhaust system. On longer trips, that condensation will gradually evaporate. However, on short trips, that condensation often does not have enough time to evaporate, and over time too many short trips will lead to an accumulation of water in the muffler that can lead to rust and rust holes on the muffler. Short trips also can negatively affect gas mileage. When possible, leave your car at home on trips into town when you can just as easily walk or ride a bicycle. Over time, reducing the amount of short trips you take in your car will greatly reduce wear and tear on your vehicle and improve your fuel efficiency as well. * Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Adhering to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule serves many purposes, including improving the its durability and protecting various components, including its cooling system and drivetrain. While many manufacturers used to recommend changing a vehicleÕ s oil every 3,000 miles, many of todayÕ s newer automobiles need their oil changed less frequently. Check your ownerÕ s manual for manufacturer recommendations regarding oil changes, and don’t forget to replace the oil filter when changing your vehicle’s oil. * Pay attention to brake pads. Brake pads that are allowed to wear down can cause damage to the brakesÕ rotors and calipers. That damage can prove costly and make things harder on your vehicle. Keep an eye on your vehicleÕ s brake pads, which are far less expensive to replace than rotors and calipers, and do not allow them to wear down to metal. * Keep your tires properly inflated. Tires that are under-inflated will negatively impact your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. In addition, the tires’ life expectancy is reduced considerably when tires are not properly inflated. Routinely check your tire pressure, especially if you drive a lot, and keep tires inflated at the pressure recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. * Be mindful when filling up your tank. Many people do not pay much attention to their surroundings when pulling into the filling station. But when you fill up can impact your car’s life expectancy. Perhaps the worst time to fill your tank is when the fuel tanker is in the gas station refilling the underground tanks. That’s because the process of filling the underground tanks can stir up sediment that had settled at the bottom of those tanks. If that sediment finds its way into your vehicle’s gas tank, it can clog filters and fuel injectors and negatively affect the vehicle’s performance. So unless your car is running on empty, avoid refilling its gas tank when the tanker is still in the station. * Take care of your vehicleÕ s interior, too. Caring for a car is not just about being good to whatÕ s under the hood. Caring for the carÕ s interior will not necessarily impact its performance, but a wellkept interior will improve how you look at your vehicle and how much you enjoy driving it. The longer you enjoy driving your vehicle, the longer you are likely to keep it. Preserve the vehicleÕ s door and window seals; clean the dashboard, including the gauges, vacuum the floor mats; and wipe down the vehicleÕ s interior, whether itÕ s cloth or leather. Keeping up the appearance of the carÕ s interior will make the vehicle more enjoyable to drive and increase its value at resale.
Keeping a vehicle’s interior clean can make it more enjoyable to drive while encouraging owners to keep their cars for longer periods of time.
Things to look for on a vehicle history report A
vehicle history report can be a used car buyerÕ s best friend. Whereas in the past buyers bought used cars and hoped for the best, todayÕ s used car buyers can rely on a vehicle history report to tell them all about the vehicle while helping buyers make more informed decisions. When shopping for a preowned vehicle, you should always ask for a vehicle history report, regardless of whether youÕ re buying from a dealership or a private citizen. If the seller refuses, itÕ s time to look elsewhere. When a seller eagerly provides a vehicle history report, buyers should examine a few things on the report so they can be more comfortable should they ultimately purchase the vehicle. * Number of previous owners: All vehicle history reports list how many owners a vehicle has had in the past. In general, the more owners a vehicle has had, the more risk youÕ re assuming as the buyer. Vehicles that tend to change hands often are less likely to have been well maintained. In addition to how many owners a car has had, look at who those owners were. Vehicles that were once owned by a rental car company, for instance, were likely not treated very well, as few people care how much abuse their rental car endures. However, a car once owned by a rental agency likely has lots of highway miles on it, and such driving is less taxing on a vehicle than city driving where the vehicleÕ s engine is stopping and starting more frequently. * Specifics: Just because a seller provides you with a vehicle history report does not necessarily mean that report matches up
with the vehicle you might be buying. A dishonest seller might try to pass off the history report of another vehicle of the same make and model as his own. This is done to hide a suspect vehicle history or even when thieves are selling a stolen car to an unsuspecting buyer. Check the vehicle identification number, or VIN, on the vehicle to ensure the car you’re looking at matches the car on the history report. In addition, each vehicle history report describes the car, so if the description does not match you might be holding an inaccurate report. * Location: The vehicle history report will show where the car has lived over the years. Vehicles that have spent ample time in harsh weather, such as Alaska or another region with a prolonged winter, have likely had their share of weather-related wear and tear, more so than a car driven in warmer climates. While this does not mean past owners didnÕ t properly maintain the car, some buyers might be wary of purchasing a vehicle that has endured too many harsh winters. * Physical appearance: Does the physical appearance of the car match up with its history report? Sometimes a vehicle owner does not report when a car has been in an accident. Owners might do this to avoid higher insurance premiums or to mask the vehicleÕ s history because they intend to sell the car down the road. If a car exhibits any signs of body work that arenÕ t on its history report or if the car drives awkwardly but has supposedly not been in an accident, buyers should consider this a major red flag and strongly consider walking away from the vehicle and continuing their search elsewhere.
A vehicle history report can calm the fears of a buyer shopping for a preowned vehicle. But even when a report is made available, buyers should still examine the report closely to ensure the vehicle is all itÕ s cracked up to be.
4 - Fall Car Care
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October 25, 2014
Topics to discuss before hiring your next mechanic F
ew decisions weigh as heavily on automobile owners as their choice of mechanic. A good mechanic goes a long way toward ensuring drivers and their passengers stay safe on the road and that those driversÕ vehicles perform at their peak for years to come. ThatÕ s an important role to play, and itÕ s why many drivers acknowledge that choosing a mechanic is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Rest assured you don’t need to be a car guy or gal to find a trustworthy and talented mechanic. You might just need to open a dialogue with a prospective mechanic, discussing a handful of topics that can help you feel more comfortable and know you have made the right choice in automotive service provider once a final decision has been made.
Certification
Certification can go a long way toward helping drivers find mechanics they can trust. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence was founded in 1972 and continues to work to improve the quality of automotive service and repair by testing automotive technicians and certifying those who live up to or exceed ASE standards. An ASE-certified technician should have his or her credentials readily available to prospective customers, and these credentials list each professional’s area of certification. When shopping for a new mechanic, make sure that he or she is ASE-certified. In addition, discuss with the mechanic his or her work history, including any additional areas of expertise.
Pricing policies
Many mechanics offer free estimates, but that should not be taken for granted. When bringing a car in for an estimate, drivers should confirm with the mechanic who will conduct the examination if the estimate is free or if they will be charged an inspection fee. In addition to any fees regarding estimates, drivers should also inquire about labor costs and the payment policies at the facility. Labor can be quite expensive, so itÕ s best that you know these rates in advance of any repairs being conducted on your vehicle. ItÕ s also important to get a rundown of the company payment policies, especially if your vehicle is in need of potentially costly repairs. You donÕ t want the bill to shock you once the work has been completed, so donÕ t hesitate to be inquisitive before leaving a car at the garage.
Parts
Replacing parts on a vehicle is a cause for concern for many drivers, and rightfully so. Consumer advocacy groups have exposed many mechanics who pass off used auto parts as new parts, charging their customers new part prices along the way. While thereÕ s no way drivers can guarantee they wonÕ t fall victim to such criminal behavior, they can inquire about company policies regarding vehicle parts. Does the garage even install used parts? If so, do they let drivers choose either new or used parts before any work is done? If the garage only uses new parts, ask for parts with solid warranties, so if the part must be replaced, you wonÕ t have to pay for it again.
Documentation
The preowned vehicle market is thriving, and drivers who take care of their vehicles have earned the right to reap their rewards for being good owners when it comes time to sell the car. When interviewing prospective mechanics, ask if they are willing to provide detailed documentation of any work they do on your vehicle. Such documentation can then be shared with prospective buyers when you want to sell the car, and it also serves as a way to keep the garage accountable for all the work they have done on the car throughout your relationship.
October 25, 2014
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Fall Car Care - 5
Things that mar an automotive paint job
M
ost people purchase a car for its looks and performance. However, unless the auto is kept in a garage and never driven, it is impossible to keep it in pristine condition. In many cases, damage to the clear coat or enamel paint on the car is something vehicle owners expect. A car owner who decides he or she wants the car to remain in the best shape possible will have to take an active role in maintenence and damage prevention. One of the key things to remember is to never allow any substance to remain on the paint for too long; otherwise the risk for damage increases. Also, it may be very difficult to clean if the offender is allowed to sit on the paint. Here are some other factors to consider. * UV light: Just as UV light can affect skin, hair and other parts of the body, it also can affect the paint on a car. UV rays oxidize the paint and cause a white, powdery film to form on the car. Washing the car frequently enough and applying the best quality wax will help keep UV rays from penetrating through the paint. * Over sprays: Life does not stop to allow cars to drive through, particularly when it comes to construction zones. ItÕ s possible for a car to be doused in paint spray, tar, concrete, and other chemicals that are routinely used in construction. Do not allow these substances to harden on the car. Rinse promptly with automotive soap. Try to avoid construction zones whenever possible. * Rain: Both acid rain and regular rainwater (and other sources of water) can dissolve paint over time. The U.S. Geological Survey has said that water is a universal solvent because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid. Whenever the car becomes wet, it should be dried with a towel or chamois and not allowed to air dry. * Natural substances: Tree sap, bird droppings and splattered insects contain compounds that can erode the paint on a car. Avoid parking under large trees where sap and bird droppings may be prevalent. In terms of bug splatter, try to wash it off as soon as possible to alleviate damage. * Eggs: Oftentimes, rambunctious children think it is funny to egg a car. However, the enzymes and sulfur content in eggs can cause paint and clear coat to dissolve, leaving white spots in the wake of the egg. Because egg can be sticky and very hard to remove once dried, it is helpful to wash it off as soon as possible. It takes only a few hours for the damage to be permanent. * Bleach: Although a bleach-and-water solution is often heralded for its ability to clean many things, it should not be used on a car. Bleach is an oxidizer and it will pit metal and discolor paint. Be careful with pool chemicals as well, as chlorinator is usually regular household bleach. There are many things that can damage a car paint job. Although itÕ s impossible to shield the car from everything, there are precautions that can be taken.
Washing off harmful substances promptly can reduce the chances of damage to a car’s paint job.
6 - Fall Car Care
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October 25, 2014
Protecting visibility is essential when driving D
riving defensively is the best way for motorists to avoid accidents and protect themselves and their passengers from the risks of the road. But the importance of defensive driving is magnified when driving in hazardous conditions, especially when driversÕ vision is potentially compromised. Driving when visibility is poor can test the skills of even the most seasoned and careful motorists. Though even novice drivers know to be especially cautious when driving in snow or heavy rain, extreme weather is not the only thing that can make roadways hazardous for motorists and their passengers. Highway construction that produces debris, poorly lit roadways and driving during certain times of the day when everyone seems to be in a rush can all compromise drivers’ vision. As a result, it’s imperative that motorists take steps to protect their vision when driving in hazardous or even potentially hazardous conditions. * Replace old or ineffective wiper blades. Maintaining wiper blades is an easy preventative measure drivers can employ to protect their vision, yet many motorists are unaware of just how frequently their vehicle wiper blades need to be replaced. Wiper blades should be changed every 90-120 days, as the blades can easily grow brittle and ineffective over time. Depending on how frequently they are used, wiper blades can wear out rather quickly, especially on older vehicles with pitting on the windshield. Wiper blades are relatively inexpensive to replace, and can make a world of difference when driving in hazardous conditions. * DonÕ t forget to maintain your windshield. A windshield can be a motorist’s best friend or his worst enemy when driving in hazardous conditions, but savvy drivers know there is no excuse for the latter. Windshield clarity is especially important when driving in hazardous conditions, and windshields that have been treated with a repellant are significantly safer than those that have not. Ò Driving in wet weather is inherently dangerous, and driving risks increase considerably with the inability to see clearly through the windshield,” said Dennis Samfilippo, General Manager of Philips Automotive.
A one-time treatment just a few times per year keeps windshields clean and visibility at a maximum. The Philips Windshield Treatment Kit is a do-it-yourself kit that can make windshield glass easier to clean for up to six months after application and can be used by anyone, from veteran auto enthusiasts to novice do-ityourselfers. In just a few minutes, drivers can dramatically improve their vision thanks to the kitÕ s unique, long-lasting hydrophobic technology designed specifically to coat windshield glass and make it easier to remove items that may obstruct a driverÕ s vision, including ice, dirt and even bugs. Drivers can even take advantage of a new instructional YouTube video
titled Ò Windshield Treatment Kit Video,Ó which shows users the exact steps they need to take to help improve their field of vision in difficult driving conditions. The video can be found at www.philipsautolighting.com/windshieldkit. * Check windshield washer fluid. Windshield washer fluid is one of those things drivers typically only notice when it isnÕ t there. Routinely inspect windshield washers to ensure theyÕ re working properly, and top off windshield washer fluid so you know it will be there when you need it. * Clean interior glass and mirrors. ItÕ s easy to overlook interior glass and mirrors when cleaning a car, but a dirty vehicle interior can be as
dangerous as it can be unsightly. While coffeestained cup holders or spilled snacks under vehicle seats are largely cosmetic concerns, dirty interior glass and mirrors can significantly compromise a driverÕ s vision. When cleaning the interior of their vehicle, drivers should remove any film that has built up on interior glass and mirrors. Such buildup, which is often thicker in smokersÕ vehicles, can reduce vision and create a hazy reflection from the sun, putting drivers and their passengers at risk. More information is available at www.philips.com/automotive.
Things to know about motor oil
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hen it comes to taking care of their vehicles, many motorists prefer to be overly cautious. While thatÕ s not necessarily a bad thing, there are times when being too cautious can unnecessarily cost you money. Motor oil, and when to change that oil, has long been a point of contention. Many drivers grew up being told that motor oil should be changed every 3,000 miles. However, that myth has been debunked for many of todayÕ s vehicles, which should come with suggested intervals between oil changes. According to Edmunds.com, in 2010 the average interval for oil changes was 7,800 miles. In addition to changing a carÕ s motor oil less frequently, there are other things drivers should know about motor oil. * Oil does not necessarily need to be changed before a long trip. Taking a trip? While itÕ s good to have your car examined before embarking, if the recommended oil change interval is not up, then you do not need to preemptively change your oil. Such a change is likely unnecessary and will not improve the performance of your vehicle during the trip. * Black oil does not necessitate a change. Conventional wisdom once suggested if the oil on the dipstick is black then it needs to be changed. But nowadays automotive professionals are noting that black oil is doing its job and different additives might be changing the oilÕ s color, which means the oil doesnÕ t need to be changed. * You can use petroleum-based oil after using synthetic. Another longstanding myth regarding motor oil was that once you use a synthetic motor oil instead of a petroleum-based oil you have to continue using synthetic oil, which is often more expensive than more traditional motor oil, in order to avoid harming the vehicle. However, automotive professionals have noted that these two types of oils are now often blended, meaning switching back and forth from one to the other is not likely to cause any damage to your vehicle. Just be sure to use motor oil that meets the standards set forth in your vehicleÕ s ownerÕ s manual. * Consider an earlier oil change after buying a new vehicle. Sometimes a new vehicle will need an oil change after its first 3,000 miles. However, this does not mean your vehicle will need one every 3,000 miles. According to Blackstone Laboratories, who study motor oil, oil samples taken from engines during their initial 3,000 miles of driving had elevated metal levels from the camshafts and pistons. These elevated levels will not necessarily be harmful, but some auto manufacturers recommend a shorter initial interval just to be safe. Honda, however, includes an anti-wear additive in their break-in oil and advises against changing their oil early. Consult your ownerÕ s manual to determine if itÕ s best to change your oil after the initial 3,000 miles or to let it go until the recommended interval.
October 25, 2014
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Fall Car Care - 7
Car battery care in extreme weather F
ew things can be more frustrating than jumping into the driverÕ s seat on a frosty morning, turning the key in the ignition and failing to hear the engine roar to life. Frigid weather can cause trouble with a carÕ s battery. Some drivers do not understand why, but getting the facts can help people avoid having to deal with dead batteries on cold winter days. Cold temperatures wreak havoc on batteries because they slow the chemical reaction inside of the battery. Batteries work by combining lead plates with lead dioxide and sulfuric acid to create electrons. While batteries can function under myriad conditions, the cold weather tends to degrade high-quality batteries and may render subpar batteries useless. The cold weather can cause the fluid in the battery to freeze and lose function. A battery that is frozen will not hold a charge, and, as a result, the car wonÕ t start. There are various ways to protect a battery from failure in the cold, and some of them involve taking precautionary measures even before the arrival of cold weather. * Assess the age of your battery. If your battery is old, now may be the time to replace it. Batteries differ in how long they last, but many last anywhere from five to 10 years. If your car is still running on its original battery and your card is several years old, it may be a good idea to get a new battery before the arrival of winter. Battery size will not necessarily provide better starting. ItÕ s important to buy the correct battery for the make of your car, which can usually be found inside of the ownerÕ s manual. * Verify that there is no corrosion. Corrosion can prevent a car from starting just as much as a worn-out battery. Corrosion is caused by a faulty connection that allows battery acid to escape and corrode surrounding areas. Regularly inspect the battery to keep abreast of issues that may cause corrosion. Carefully clean away any corrosive residue that has formed and make sure the battery is correctly seated. * Install a battery blanket. A battery blanket is used to wrap around the battery and fit inside of the battery cover. A cord with a plug runs from the blanket to a wall outlet. The blanket can produce enough heat to keep the battery fluid from freezing. A trickle charger can also be mounted on the battery. It will deliver enough power to the battery while the car is off to keep it from freezing. * Minimize the use of automotive accessories. Do not start the car with the heater and the radio on. They can use up the power coming from the carÕ s alternator and prevent the battery from charging. Do not leave the heat and the radio on while the car is idling. Otherwise the car will not be putting out enough power for the alternator to charge the battery and power the electrical
systems. * Disconnect the battery. If your car will be stored in a garage for the winter, disconnect the battery. Certain devices, such as clocks and alarm systems, continue to drain battery power when the vehicle is off. If your car will not be driven enough to re-
charge the battery, keep it disconnected when the automobile is being stored. Cold weather can sometimes wreak havoc on vehicles. Knowing how to skirt trouble with your carÕ s battery can keep your car on the road throughout the winter.
Drivers should replace old car batteries before the arrival of winter weather.
Falling leaves present a beautiful safety hazard W
atching leaves turn brilliant shades of color and fall from the trees is a favorite activity each fall. Drivers travel near and far to witness spectacular and colorful displays of fall foliage, hoping to catch the peak hues in their respective areas of the country. While falling leaves can be a sight to behold, those leaves can become a nuisance to drivers in various ways. Understanding certain inconveniences and safety risks posed by falling leaves can help motorists protect their vehicle and themselves.
Staining
Leaves can do more than just stain driveways; they also can damage a vehicleÕ s paint job. Should wet leaves, sap and other chemicals that leach out of the leaves stay on a car for an extended period of time, they can cause an outline stain and damage to the paint. ItÕ s important to manually pick leaves off of the carÕ s surface right after they fall. Do not sweep them away; otherwise the leaves can scratch the paint surface. When all the leaves have been removed, thoroughly wash and dry the vehicle. Should stains be present already, use a commercial leaf-stain remover or automotive paint cleaner. Tackle one stain at a time.
Clogging
Leaves that fall can become trapped in air intake vents, eventually impeding flow and causing odors. Leaves that fall in the groove of the windshield by the windshield wipers should be removed. Use a high-powered shop vacuum to remove any leaves that are imbedded in the venting. Check other areas of the car where leaves can become problematic, such as under the vehicle or in the rear exhaust pipe.
Slippery surfaces
The Car Care Council notes that wet leaves on the surface of roadways can be hazardous. Wet leaves can make roadways quite slippery, even as slippery as roadways when snow is falling. Drivers should slow down when roads are covered with wet leaves and take turns and off-ramps more carefully. Dry leaves also can pose problems, as they tend to accumulate at the edges of roads, where they easily can obscure curbs or street markings. Leaves may fill potholes, giving the false impression that a road is smooth and causing damage to tires and suspension systems when drivers drive over them. Autumn leaves may be beautiful to see, but they can complicate driving and fall car care. Motorists should keep their cars clear of leaves and use caution on roadways.
Autumn and driving seem to be tailor-made for one another, and they can be if motorists exercise caution when driving near fallen leaves.
8 - Fall Car Care
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October 25, 2014