Car Care Guide 2015 by Ballantine Communications

CAR CARE GUIDE a publication of the durango herald

JUNE 2015

HIT THE

ROAD Prepare your car for summer travel

Find the best

MECHANIC with good questions

HOT TOPIC Temps can fry your vehicle

Flat Chance Tips to protect your tires

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June 2015

Car Care Guide

CAR CARE GUIDE 4

On the road again

Travel tips

Prepare your vehicle for summer travel Make road trips safe and fun

10 Tread carefully Tire care is an important safety precaution

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Beat the heat

Choose a mechanic

Protect your vehicle in hot conditions Some topics to discuss before hiring a pro

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The Durango Herald uses reasonable effort to include accurate and up-to-date information for its special magazine publications. However, all information comes from a variety of sources and may change at any time for any reason. To verify specific information, refer to the organization or business noted. To view the online version of this guide, visit: www.durangoherald.com

Car Care Guide

June 2015

ON THE ROAD AGAIN Prepare your car for summer travel

he return of warm weather marks the return of road trips for millions of motorists across the country. Whether going to the beach or heading off to parts unknown, hitting the open road with the windows down is a time-honored tradition for drivers of all ages. But such road trips can prove disastrous if drivers don’t take the right steps to prepare their vehicles for spring and summer travel. The following are a few ways motorists can ensure their car is ready to tackle the open road.

Tighten things up Loose parts, such as exhaust clamps, license plates, and interior trim panels, can create rattles and cause parts to get damaged or fall off. What’s more, rattling sounds can be a noisy nuisance for drivers and passengers alike. Permatex Threadlockers can be used to keep the nuts and bolts from coming loose and save parts replacement costs. They also have a threadlocker for plastic fasteners, which vehicle manufacturers have grown to rely on more and more.

Wash your car A newly washed car not only looks good, but it’s often much safer as well. Take your car to a car wash a few days before the trip and have the vehicle thoroughly cleaned. A thorough cleaning will remove dirt and grime from the vehicle’s undercarriage, not to mention unsightly bird droppings and water spots or salt stains left over from winter.

Check the battery

Fix foggy headlight lenses

Over time, battery terminals and cables will start to corrode. Such corrosion will eventually eat away at the battery’s parts, creating a bad connection that sooner or later will require the battery be replaced. Check the battery before your trip, and remember to clean the battery periodically as part of routine vehicle maintenance.

Many spring and summer road trippers travel at night so their days can be spent soaking up some sun at the beach or lake. Before heading off for parts unknown, motorists should inspect their headlight lenses to reduce risk of accidents. If the lenses are yellowed and foggy, that’s likely because salt, ozone and road debris has dulled them to a point where vision can be impaired, placing drivers and their passengers at risk. But foggy lenses don’t mandate an expensive headlight replacement.

Nicks and chips in the windshields are a common problem, regardless of the season. But such damage is most prevalent in the winter because of the extra debris that’s on the road. These nicks and cracks need to get fixed as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading and resulting in the need for a windshield replacement. Motorists can often address nicks and bullseyes in their own driveways in a matter of minutes.

June 2015

Car Care Guide

Address windshield nicks

Did you know? Aggressive driving can dramatically reduce fuel efficiency. According to U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving that includes rapid acceleration and braking wastes gas, lowering gas mileage by 33 percent on highways and 5 percent when driving around town. Driving at higher speeds can also negatively affect gas mileage, which begins to decrease rapidly at speeds above 50 miles per hour, with each five miles per hour more than 50 mph akin to paying an extra $0.25 per gallon for gas.

TRAVEL TIPS Make road trips safe and fun

good road trip can be the ultimate spring or summer experience. With the open road ahead, life’s troubles seem to melt and there’s just the oneness of the driver and the road. For a road trip to be successful, it’s not just a matter of taking to the road and putting the pedal to the metal. There are a host of considerations to make, which can ensure safety and peace of mind when beginning your excursion. The hot sun that can bake the roadway – and your body – can also take its toll on your car, contributing to breakdowns. And there are other factors to be aware of. Maintenance should never be overlooked when it comes to prepping for a road trip. At the least, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that drivers have their tires, battery, belts, fluids and air conditioner checked by a qualified mechanic prior to starting any long trip. But the list does not stop there. There are other precautions to heed before taking to the road.

Have documents on hand Nothing can stall a road trip faster than getting pulled over by a police officer and being without your license, registration and proof of insurance. These are required documents to operate a vehicle, and it’s definitely worth a second check in your wallet and glove compartment to be sure they are where they should be.

Get an oil change Driving long intervals can be taxing on a car engine, as can the starts-and-stops associated with getting stuck in road trip traffic. Do yourself and

your car a favor by getting an oil change to ensure there will be lubrication of the engine, and that old motor oil won’t contribute to a breakdown.

Update your GPS If you will be using a GPS device as your primary tool for navigation, update the device’s maps before departure. Roadways are always being changed, and without downloading the proper updates, you could end up driving in circles instead of moving on to your destination. In addition, many GPS models come equipped with pinpointing points of interest, or POI, such as restaurants, tourist areas, hotels, and rest stops, which should be updated before beginning the trip. Follow the guidelines spelled out in the owner’s manual that comes with your GPS unit.

Plan who will drive A long road trip – one that will be done primarily in one day – could necessitate splitting up the trip between two or more drivers. Not only does this banish boredom, it also reduces the risk of driver fatigue. NHTSA estimates that approximately 100,000 police-reported crashes in the United States each year involve drowsiness and/or fatigue.

Protect your eyes The weather and the position of the sun could change depending on where you are driving. If you wear glasses or contacts for driving, be

sure you have them with you. Keep a few pairs of sunglasses in your car to shield your eyes from sun glare. If the sun proves problematic, pull over for a little while or try an alternate route that prevents oncoming sun on the windshield. While you are packing sunglasses, also be sure to bring along – and wear – sunscreen, as the sun’s rays can be magnified through the window glass.

Bring refreshments Frequent stops for bathroom breaks and simply to stretch your legs are advisable, but limit reststop fare whenever possible. Not only do these foods tend to be unhealthy, they are often expensive. Keep your road trip budget down by packing healthy food and drinks that you can enjoy on the go.

Keep on top of the fuel level Play it safe when gassing up the car. On rural roads or stretches of country with which you are unfamiliar, you never know how far away filling stations might be. That means you should take the opportunity to top off the gas tank whenever you get the chance. This way, you always will be confident you have enough gas to get to the next station. Don’t risk coasting into your destination on fumes – unless you want to arrive at your destination hitched to a tow truck.

Use the bathroom at every stop You never know how few and far between restrooms will be. Unless the idea of a roadside pit stop is high on your list of road trip excitement, play it safe and use the restroom whenever you stop. Few things can make a stretch of road seem more interminable than the pressure of a full bladder. Car Care Guide

June 2015

BEAT THE HEAT Protect your vehicle in hot conditions

Did you know? Useful driving apps: n Waze: This app allows drivers to share real-time traffic and road information with their fellow motorists. Drivers can use Waze to save time and gas money and make their commutes less stressful. n GasBuddy: Users can share gas prices in their community, which fellow drivers can then peruse to find the most affordable stations along their routes. Drivers can enter their city, ZIP code or postal code to find the cheapest gas in their vicinity. n AAA Mobile: AAA members can use this app to access services on their smartphones. Such services include trip planning, member discounts and roadside assistance. The app also includes a mobile version of the motor club’s popular TripTik® Travel Planner, which makes it easy to find club-approved hotels, restaurants and attractions.

June 2015

Car Care Guide

ramatic fluctuations in temperature can wreak havoc on automobiles. While cars and trucks are designed to be reliable under various conditions, sometimes the weather can get the best of even the most reliable vehicle. Many people associate car troubles with cold weather. However, cars are susceptible to breakdowns when it is hot outside. Extreme heat adds to an already high temperature under the hood, requiring ventilation and cooling systems to work that much harder. Batteries, alternators, starters, fan motors and cooling systems are particularly vulnerable to high heat. It’s easy for a car to overheat and break down. Proper maintenance and some hot-weather guidelines can keep drivers safe and on the road when temperatures soar, whether drivers are going on a quick ride or an extended road trip. n Be sure the radiator is working properly and is filled with fluid at all times. This helps prevent overheating, which can strand a vehicle on the side of the road. n Hot temperatures cause items to expand, such as the air molecules inside of the tires. Make sure the tires are properly inflated so blowouts do not occur. n Keep up-to-date with oil changes and other routine maintenance. Vehicles that are well maintained are less likely to be susceptible to heat strain. n Proper air flow is essential to cool an engine

and keep a vehicle air conditioning system operating efficiently. If the cooling system has not recently been serviced, have it done before the hot weather arrives. n Replace an old battery, and top off a functioning battery with distilled water when necessary, particularly if evaporation has occurred. n Clean the vehicle so that it will better reflect the sun’s rays, cutting down on radiant heat. n When the vehicle is parked, use a car cover or a reflective shade in the windshield to protect the interior from sun damage and excessive heat. n Tinted windows can help block out more of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Make sure that tint is legal and applied properly. n Plan road trips for early in the morning or late at night to cut down on the amount of time spent driving during the peak heat and sunshine. n Passengers should wear appropriate clothing and apply sunscreen. Car windows do not block UV light, and passengers may be susceptible to sunburn when they’re in the car. n Park in the shade whenever possible. n Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle – even for short moments. n If the temperature gauge inside of the car reads hot, pull over, open the hood and turn the heat on inside the car to expel some of the pent-up heat. n Keep water on hand in the event of a breakdown to prevent dehydration until help arrives.

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Car Care Guide

June 2015

CHOOSING A MECHANIC

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 drivers’ vehicles perform at their peak for years to come. That’s an important role to play, and it’s why many drivers acknowledge that choosing a mechanic is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Rest assured, you don’t need to be a car guy or gal to find a trustworthy and talented mechanic. You might just need to open a dialogue with a prospective mechanic, discussing a handful of topics that can help you feel more comfortable and know you have made the right choice in automotive service provider once a final decision has been made.

Topics to discuss before hiring a pro

Pricing policies

Certification

Many mechanics offer free estimates, but that should not be taken for granted. When bringing a car in for an estimate, drivers should confirm with the mechanic who will conduct the examination if the estimate is free, or if they will be charged an inspection fee. In addition to any fees regarding estimates, drivers should also inquire about labor costs and the payment policies at the facility. Labor can be quite expensive, so it’s best that you know these rates in advance of any repairs being conducted on your vehicle. It’s also important to get a rundown of the company payment policies, especially if your vehicle is in need of potentially costly repairs. You don’t want the bill to shock you once the work has been completed, so don’t hesitate to be inquisitive before leaving a car at the garage.

Certification can go a long way toward helping drivers find mechanics they can trust. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence was founded in 1972 and continues to work to improve the quality of automotive service and repair by testing automotive technicians and certifying those who live up to or exceed ASE standards. An ASE-certified technician should have his or her credentials readily available to prospective 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.

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 there’s no way drivers can guarantee they won’t fall victim to such criminal behavior, they can inquire about company policies regarding vehicle parts. Does the garage even install used parts? If so, do they let drivers choose either new or used parts before any work is done? If the garage only uses new parts, ask for parts with solid warranties, so if the part must be replaced, you won’t have to pay for it again.

June 2015

Car Care Guide

Parts

Documentation The preowned vehicle market is thriving, and drivers who take care of their vehicles have earned the right to reap their rewards for being good owners when it comes time to sell the car. When interviewing prospective mechanics, ask if they are willing to

provide detailed documentation of any work they do on your vehicle. Such documentation can then be shared with prospective buyers when you want to sell the car, and it also serves as a way to keep the garage accountable for all the work they have done on the car throughout your relationship.

Did you know?

Simple ways to extend the life of your vehicle According to data from TrueCar.com, in 2012 the average new car costs $30,500. That’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. n 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 vehicle’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. n Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. Adhering to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule serves many purposes, including improving its durability and protecting various components, including its cooling system and drivetrain. While many manufacturers used to recommend changing a vehicle’s oil every 3,000 miles, many of today’s newer automobiles need their oil changed less frequently. Check your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations regarding oil changes, and don’t forget to replace the oil filter when changing your vehicle’s oil. n Pay attention to brake pads. Brake pads that are allowed to wear down can cause damage to the brakes’ rotors and calipers. That damage can prove costly and make things harder on your vehicle. Keep an eye on your vehicle’s brake pads, which are far less expensive to replace than rotors and calipers, and do not allow them to wear down to metal. n 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.

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Car Care Guide

June 2015

THE WHEEL DEAL

Tire maintenance is an important safety precaution

ires are the link between a vehicle and the roadway, and tire quality has a direct impact on the performance and safety of an automobile. But tire maintenance is easy to overlook. However, ignoring tire maintenance can threaten driver and passenger safety and make a vehicle operate inefficiently. Steering, breaking ability and traction are all governed by good tires. Worn tread can result in longer stopping times and make it difficult to brake immediately in an emergency situation. Although driving tends to be the primary culprit behind worn down tires, sometimes bald or unevenly worn out tread is indicative of a larger problem, such as a misaligned wheelbase, improperly aligned tires or tires that are underinflated. The following are some common problems associated with tires and how to address these issues should they arise.

road with a tire blowout can be a hassle, so routinely check tire treads and replace tires accordingly.

Blowouts

According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, improper alignment causes rapid or uneven treadwear. Tires should be aligned and balanced periodically to avoid irregular wear and having to replace tires prematurely.

Worn tire treads increase the risk of punctures, which can lead to blowouts. Bald tires also may blow out as a result of friction on roadways that is met with minimal rubber. Getting caught on the side of the

June 2015

Car Care Guide

Tread depth Average new tires on cars usually start with 10/32 inch to 11/32 inch of original tread depth. When tread reaches a depth of 2/32 inch, they are considered worn out. There are different ways to gauge tread depth. Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it is time to replace the tires. Another coin test is to insert a quarter into the groove. If the tread touches Washington’s head, you have at least 4/32 inch of tread left. No coins? Look at the treadwear indicator bar molded into the tires. When these bars become flush with the adjacent ribs of the tire, the tires should be replaced.

Alignment

Tread pattern Tires feature different tread patterns depending on the brand of tire. They may be directional, asymmetrical, nondirectional, and directional/ asymmetrical. When purchasing replacement tires, it is advisable to match the tread pattern to the existing tires. This helps enhance the performance of the car. In fact, some newer cars require tread to match. Mismatched treads may cause problems with transmission shifting or impact control and steadiness.

Tire pressure Underinflation of tires can cause failure, stress and irregular wear. Underinflated tires also may contribute to loss of control that leads to accidents. Always maintain the manufacturer’s recommendations for the correct pressure, which should be adjusted based on the temperature. Tires should undergo the same inspection and maintenance as other parts of the vehicle. Tires are a vital component to safe driving, and routine maintenance can prevent accidents and other problems.

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June 2015

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