Car Care Guide 2016

2016 CAR CARE GUIDE Supplement to

The Durango Herald

ial June 2016 | A Spec

ess Traves led Roads Lsc enic road Must-see for your next road trip

s r u o Y s t’ a h W g n ti c te o Pr ce tips to Simple maintenan strong keep your ride running

Safe Soaked But fe when How to stay sa driving in wet weather

View this section online: issuu.com/durangoherald/docs /car_care_guide/ SpringOnTheRoad

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JUNE 17, 2016 • A PUBLICATION OF BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS

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A PUBLICATION OF BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS • JUNE 17, 2016

When you live in Colorado, why drive anything else?

10 Great times of year to buy a new car 10 Did you know driving rules vary 12

4 reasons for a check engine light

12 4 ways to make your vehicle more eco-friendly

4 Enjoy some scenic roads 5 Tips for a fun and frugal road trip 6 Find the best deal on your next car 6 Did you know new car smell

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Stay safe when driving in wet weather

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Wash your car like a pro to protect its value

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Simple maintenance tips to keep your ride running strong

7 The many benefits of automotive roof racks 8 Safe driving techniques have changed 8 How to respond when encountering animals on the road

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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

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JUNE 17, 2016 • A PUBLICATION OF BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS

Enjoy some scenic roads

R

oad trips have been part of popular culture for decades. Featured prominently in movies and books such as “On the Road,” “Rain Man” and “Easy Rider,” road trips with friends or family tend to leave indelible marks.

Remarkable road trips are made more so by the company shared along the way and the scenic and historical roadways traversed to reach a destination.

Travelers embarking on road trips in Canada or the United States should consider including some of the following roadways in their travel plans.

Haines Highway: If your adventures take you through Alaska, there is plenty of legendary scenery to take in. The backdrop along the Haines Highway is sensational, but this stretch of roadway also offers views of the largest congregations of bald eagles in the world. It has been dubbed “The Valley of the Eagles.”

Route 66: Now known as “Historic Route 66,” this famed road stretches from Los Angeles to Chicago, cutting a path through a vast portion of America’s heartland. Some say driving along 66 is an adventure

in American history and that the road embodies the best of the United States.

Pacific Coast Highway: While not the fastest way to travel, this winding road that hugs the California coast owes its popularity to stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s difficult to avoid being swept up by the breathtaking views of rock formations, waves and cliffs.

Highway 99: Referred to as the Sea to the Sky Highway, this roadway in British Columbia begins outside of Vancouver and rises up into the mountains.

This road trip is full of various climate zones, mountains, lakes and rivers. The 700-meter rock face of “The Chief” also is a popular draw.

Columbia River Highway: The first paved road in the northwestern United States, Columbia River Highway also is the first scenic highway in America.

It is renowned for being a portion of the original Oregon Trail, and its 70 miles offers spectacular views year-round.

Overseas Highway: This impressive roadway extends more than 100 miles from Key Largo to Key West,

Florida, linking all of the islands that comprise the Florida Keys. The Overseas Highway includes a seven-mile bridge across the water.

Highway 12: This route in Utah offers impressive views of natural features. Attractions include the Bryce Canyon, Red Canyon and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument.

Loess Hills Trail: Loesses, which are hills formed from silt, give land alongside this trail in Iowa interesting topography and varied flora. Fall foliage here has been formally qualified as a National Natural Landmark.

Highways 44 and 240: These routes in South Dakota take travelers through the area known as the Badlands, giving adventurers a glimpse of the American West. Badlands National Park, Mount Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial are other attractions to take in while in the area.

North America is filled with many scenic roadways perfect for road trips, which remain one of the best ways to explore and experience the United States and Canada. 

Tips for a fun and frugal road trip

D

riving vacations are popular for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is flexibility. Such excursions are not restricted by flight schedules, and travelers often feel as though they have more control over their trips when traveling by car rather than traveling by air.

Road trips also can save travelers money, especially when traveling in groups of three or more and expenses such as fuel and tolls are shared. In addition to sharing the road with a few friends and family members, road trip enthusiasts can employ several other strategies to enjoy a vacation that’s both frugal and fun.

Downsize your vehicle. While prices at the pump have been more driver-friendly in recent months, road trippers who drive large sedans, trucks or SUVs might be able to save money by driving smaller vehicles during their trips. Especially small vehicles may be impractical and uncomfortable

A PUBLICATION OF BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS • JUNE 17, 2016

depending on the number of people who are making the trip, but mid-size vehicles with ample storage space tend to be more fuel-efficient than large trucks or SUVs. If someone in your traveling party drives such a vehicle and it’s in good shape, take that car instead of a larger alternative.

Get a tune-up. Another way to save money on your road trip is to get a vehicle tune-up in the days before your trip is set to begin. Let your mechanic know you are planning a road trip and ask that a full diagnostic test be conducted to make sure everything is running efficiently. An air filter nearing its expiration date may be worth replacing, as a new filter will help to save money on fuel. In addition, replace tires with worn tread, as old or inadequately inflated tires will force the engine to work harder, wasting fuel and costing you and your fellow travelers money along the way.

Consider various types of lodging.

Road trippers who plan well in advance may be able to find great deals on lodging, but too much planning may cost travelers some of the flexibility and freedom they were hoping to enjoy during their vacations.

Weather permitting, campsites can be unique and affordable places to stay. When planning your routes, choose roadways that are close to popular campsites, avoiding campsites that are too remote, as such sites may cost you in time and fuel what you’re saving on lodging. If campsites are unavailable, download hotel website apps on your phone and use these apps to find affordable rooms as you go. Simply showing up to hotels without reservations

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is unlikely to yield great rates, but apps may offer discounted rates on rooms hotels are simply looking to fill at the last minute.

Bring your own food. Fuel, lodging and food tend to be the three biggest expenses on driving vacations. Travelers who bring their own food can save a substantial amount of money and maintain some control over what they eat. That’s a big benefit for men and women who like to eat healthy and prefer to avoid the fast food fare that tends to be the only options available at rest stops.

Road trips make for great vacations, and travelers can take many steps to make such excursions more affordable without sacrificing fun. 

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Find the

JUNE 17, 2016 • A PUBLICATION OF BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS

best deal on your next car

Several things factor into the decision of when to buy a car.

F

all selling season was long considered the best time to buy a new vehicle. Fall was when new inventory was moved in and dealerships were gearing up to liquidate last year’s models, making this a very buyer-friendly time of year.

But nowadays finding a deal on a car or truck is more fluid. Year-round marketing gives shoppers even more opportunity to save money or get the vehicle they want. So when is the best time to buy a car? That depends on a variety factors.

Financing: Most people do not buy a car with cash and must apply for financing or a leasing program. Take inventory of your finances and check your current credit score to see if now is a practical time to buy a car. Use the various online payment calculators to determine a rough estimate of financing costs. This way you’ll be informed of the payment range that is affordable to you.

Rebates: Call the auto manufacturer for up-to-date information on rebates and look through the newspaper to see if any deals are being advertised. After you have negotiated a deal with the dealer, then you can have the rebate deducted, rather than getting a check in the mail later on. This way you do not pay sales tax on the rebate.

Did you know?

The excitement of driving a new car off of the lot extends beyond the thrill of having a new set of wheels to show off. Some people just love the smell of a new car. But while that aroma may be pleasant to the olfactory senses, it may be wise to eliminate the smell as soon as possible.

According to a 2012 study from the nonprofit Ecology Center and HealthyStuff.org, that “new car smell” may include toxic fumes from chemicals used to create the car’s interior. There are some indications that the smell is generated from more than 50 volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that are off-gassing in a relatively confined space.

While the potential dangers of breathing in all of these compounds continues to be studied, the flame retardants and plastics used in cars have been linked to illnesses when they have been used in other applications. To speed up the process of removing VOCs from a car, open all of the windows and let it sit in the hot sun. Also, purchasing a vehicle that has been sitting on the lot for a while may mean some of the chemicals have dissipated.

Sales quotas: Many salespeople have quotas to meet and will be more eager to cut a deal if they are quickly approaching that quota.

Quotas may be at the end of the week, end of the month or end of the year. Therefore, sales personnel may be more motivated to give you a discount on Friday or Saturday, after the 25th of the month, or at the end of the year.

Buyer loyalty: Explain to the dealership that you’re willing to use its service department and refer friends. A positive survey report or increased potential to buy from the same dealership in the future are other things to mention.

Patience: If you are thinking about buying but not ready to bite the bullet, visit the dealer– ship on a weekday when you are more likely to get a salesperson’s undivided attention. On busy weekends you may be competing for attention or ignored if you’re not a serious buyer. Take a test drive and get all of the facts on the vehicle.

The big picture: According to Edmunds.com, pay attention to everything that’s being offered to you, including trade-in value, interest rates and additional costs, focusing on more than just the selling price.

Buying a car is a big decision and one that requires weighing numerous variables, including the best time to buy. 

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A PUBLICATION OF BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS • JUNE 17, 2016

Your trusted team of automotive professionals

The many benefits

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oday’s auto manufacturers understand that maximized cargo space is a feature many buyers want in their new vehicles. But even the most spacious car or SUV may not always provide the right amount of space drivers need to haul large items. In such instances, roof racks are an asset, especially to avid travelers or outdoor enthusiasts.

Roof racks benefit travelers and everyday motorists in myriad ways.

Racks make it easy to transport cargo that does not fit the shape or size of a trunk or cargo area of an SUV. Also, roof racks enable drivers to free up interior space and keep sight lines open, contributing to driver safety.

By boosting a vehicle’s storage space, roof racks essentially transform the top of a car or truck into a second trunk. Moving items up and outside of the car can free up additional legroom and give passengers greater comfort on longer trips. Plus, roof racks provide a sturdy surface on which to store kayaks, mountain bikes, furniture, surfboards, and more — without damaging the paint and finish of the vehicle.

Roof racks are sold in a variety of styles and applications. Roof boxes and bags also can be purchased, if you have items that need to be protected from the elements. Many auto manufacturers offer roof racks as an option on new vehicles, or they can be installed after-market by a qualified professional.

When purchasing roof racks, drivers should consider their needs and the size of items they’re most likely to store. 

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JUNE 17, 2016 • A PUBLICATION OF BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS

Safe driving techniques have changed

D

riving today is different than it might have been when many motorists first earned their drivers’ licenses. As a result, safe driving techniques have changed.

Learning these changes and adjusting driving habits can keep motorists and their passengers safe.

Watch the clock. Older guidelines indicated keeping hands on the steering wheel at the positions of 10 and 2 if you were imagining it as a clock. New information indicates this can be dangerous to the arms and

hands should the air bag deploy in a crash. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and AAA now say you should grip the wheel at the 9 and 3 positions, which safely allows drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

Change your turns. Air bag safety also comes into play when making turns. Rather than the formerly taught way of hand-over-hand turning, drivers should push with one hand and pull with the other to steer the wheel — safely keeping their hands away from

How to respond

I

the plastic casing and the possible release of heat and pressure from an exploding air bag.

Use hazard lights only when real hazards are encountered. Some people are very generous in their use of hazard lights, turning them on when double-parking, in bad weather or when they are carrying a heavy load.

Various states and areas have specific laws governing the use of hazard lights, including when and when not to use them. Hazard lights may inadvertently put drivers in danger because they can override turning signals. Some other drivers have become so accustomed to seeing hazard lights that they may not take them seriously. Esurance suggests checking local laws to determine which situations warrant using hazard lights.

Don’t block the “fast lane.” The far-left lane has long been considered the passing lane. Although some police departments have become more lenient in allowing drivers to actually stay in the left lane, it’s still courteous to use it as infrequently as possible. When you do find yourself in the left lane, recognize that you should maintain highway speed or accelerate slightly to get around the car you need

to pass. Driving slowly in the left lane can compromise your own safety and that of your passengers and fellow drivers.

Anticipate road conditions.

There are differences between driving on rural roads, paved roads and heavily trafficked highways, especially during inclement weather or when encountering adverse conditions. There’s no magic speed or technique that is ideal all of the time.

Drivers need to learn to adapt to the conditions to facilitate safe passage.

Keep in mind that it can be difficult to stop on gravel, wet roadways or those covered with leaves.

Avoid the big rush. Always try to leave extra time to reach a destination.

This way you will not have to speed or make tricky maneuvers to get to an appointment on time. Rushing around can lead to distractions or unsafe practices. Reduce your accident risk by building extra time into your trip.

Driving rules are not static, and drivers should stay current on practices that are safe and those that are no longer correct to use on the roadways. 

when encountering animals on the road

n the summer of 2015, a video of dozens of cars swerving to avoid a family of ducks crossing a busy Minnesota freeway went viral.

While no people or ducks were injured in that incident, impromptu animal crossings are a potential hazard on roadways where drivers are unaccustomed to sharing the road with four-legged counterparts.

In the wake of the video, state officials urged drivers not to stop for animals because of the hazards posed by sudden stopping.

Drivers may have mixed feelings on whether or not to put their lives in jeopardy to save an errant animal, but sometimes there is little time to make a decision. As more neighborhoods and roadways infringe on natural habitats, incidents of animals on the roadways figure to increase. Deer, moose, elk, and smaller animals can wander out onto busy roads, and there’s no foolproof way to prevent it.

According to State Farm Insurance, roughly 1.5 million animal-car accidents occur each year, resulting in 10,000 injuries, 150 deaths and $2,500 in property damage on average. Knowing what to do when encountering animals on the road can help drivers avoid accidents and injuries.

Experts advise drivers to remain in their lanes and to attempt to slow down as quickly as possible when encountering animals on the road. Move slowly in the direction the animal was coming from if it’s safe, as animal instinct is to dart out in the direction it was going.

Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Scan the edges of the road to see if animals are present. Dawn and dusk are key times for animals to be on the move looking for food. Autumn is both hunting and mating season for deer, and they tend to travel a lot during this time of year.

Obey speed limits and take signs warning of animal crossing hotspots seriously.

Should you hit an animal, do not exit the car and approach it. Injured animals can be dangerous, with pain driving them to flail, kick or bite.

Sharing roadways with animals is tricky. Remaining alert, slowing down in highly populated wildlife areas and avoiding swerving can reduce risk of accident or injury. 

A PUBLICATION OF BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS • JUNE 17, 2016

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JUNE 17, 2016 • A PUBLICATION OF BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS

Great times N

of year to buy a new car

ew automobiles are one of the biggest investments many consumers will ever make. Buyers typically look to get the best price on new vehicles, and when buyers begin their search for new vehicles can influence just how great a deal they get.

Timing your new car purchase correctly can save you hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars. Automotive information experts, such as JD Power and Associates and Edmunds.com, note that certain times of the year may be best for cutting a deal.

End of year: One of the best and most consistent times to get a great deal on a new car is the end of the year. This is when car dealerships are trying to move the greatest number of vehicles to increase unit sales and annual revenue numbers. In addition, many dealers have annual quotas and offer bonuses to salespeople who meet certain annual sales figures. If you can wait until the end of December to make your purchase, you very well may drive off the lot with a great deal.

End of model year: New model year vehicles begin to arrive at dealerships sometime between the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. That means the current year models still on the lot become a lot less desirable to customers eagerly awaiting next year’s vehicles. Dealerships are willing to negotiate on the older models and may offer customers cash rebates to make room for the new inventory.

End of design cycle: From time to time, auto manufacturers roll out a newly designed car under the same name. The older body type then becomes less desirable, and that is when drivers can get bargains on cars that may have become outdated seemingly overnight. If you’re more interested in saving money

than setting trends, wait until the end of a car’s design cycle to buy. You can save even more if a particular model is being phased out entirely.

End of the month: Similar to end of year deals, come the end of the month, salespeople and dealers are trying to sell as many vehicles as possible in an effort to qualify for bonuses from auto manufacturers. If you can’t wait until the end of the year to buy, consider the end of the month.

Save money on your next vehicle by shopping at the right times. 

Did you know?

Drivers who travel between the United States and Canada or plan on renting a car for an international business trip or vacation should understand that driving rules vary from country to country. One noticeable difference is the side of the road vehicles travel on, as well as the measurement system used for calculating speed and distance. Although speedometers will often feature both mph (miles per hour) and kmh (kilometers per hour), it helps to have a rough idea of the conversion between the two speed measurements. Every mile per hour in speed translates to roughly 1.7 kilometers per hour. Therefore, if the posted speed limit is 55 mph in the United States, expect to travel at 88.5 kph in Canada. Always heed speed limit postings.

A PUBLICATION OF BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS • JUNE 17, 2016

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JUNE 17, 2016 • A PUBLICATION OF BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS

4forreasons a check engine light

V

ehicles rely on many components working harmoniously to function at optimal capacity. Any number of systems can go wrong, and oftentimes the first indication that something has gone awry is an illuminated dashboard signal.

One such signal is the “check engine” light. Many drivers have little idea what to do when this indicator lights up, and this light can cause some anxiety.

4 ways

According to Consumer Reports, a check engine light turning on does not usually require immediate action. However, it does mean that you should make an appointment to have the vehicle inspected for potential problems.

Check engine lights are part of a car’s onboard diagnostics. The light turning on may indicate something minor, such as a loose fuel cap, or something more serious like a misfiring engine. When the light turns on, drivers wondering why may want to see if the answer is related to one of the following issues.

1. Loose gas cap: Fuel vapors can leak out and air can get in when the fuel cap isn’t secured correctly. This can compromise the fuel system and make the check engine light come on. Take off the cap and then reseal it to see if that alleviates the problem. Cracked caps will need to be replaced.

2. Dirty oxygen sensor: A faulty or clogged sensor may not provide the right information about unburned oxygen from the vehicle’s exhaust. This sensor monitors how much fuel is burned. Compromised data can cause a decrease in fuel efficiency. Some do-it-yourselfers can replace an oxygen sensor on their own, but those who can’t should have the issue addressed immediately by a professional.

3. Too much speed or load: Towing a trailer or another heavy item may put strain on the vehicle and cause the light to come on because of loss of power.

Lightening the load and reducing speed can help fix the problem. Always consult with the owner’s manual to determine the towing capacity of your vehicle.

4. Short or faulty code: Computers aren’t always fool-proof, and sometimes an electrical short or another similar problem can cause a light to come on. Bring the vehicle to an automotive supply store. Such stores typically have diagnostics tools that can be hooked into the car’s computer and provide a more detailed understanding of what is triggering the check engine indicator.

In many cases, a steady check engine light is not a serious concern.

However, when such a light comes on, drivers should try to find out why as soon as possible. 

to make your vehicle more eco-friendly

M

any new vehicles are made with the environment in mind, as more and more drivers are embracing eco-friendly features that reduce the carbon footprints of their vehicles. But motorists need not purchase new cars to make their driving habits more environmentally friendly. The following are a handful of steps drivers can take to protect the environment regardless of how new or old their vehicles are.

1. Maintain your vehicle: Even if your car or truck has no eco-friendly features designed to reduce fuel consumption and cut down on emissions, that does not mean the vehicle cannot be more fuel-efficient or produce fewer emissions. Adhering to the maintenance schedule recommended in your vehicle owner’s manual can conserve fuel and cut back on potentially harmful emissions.

Well-maintained vehicles burn less fuel, as they don’t force engines and other components to work as hard during operation as vehicles that have not been taken care of.

2. Slow down: Driving above the speed limit is not just dangerous but potentially harmful to the environment as well. According the United States Department of Energy, each five miles per hour drivers drive over 50 miles per hour is akin to adding an additional $0.14 per gallon for gas. That’s because driving above 50 miles per hour is far less fuel-efficient than driving below that figure.

So slowing down when posted speed limits mandate driving 50 miles per hour or slower is not just safer and more eco-friendly, it’s better for your wallet as well.

Replacing cracked or damaged gas caps is one way to make a vehicle more eco-friendly.

3. Keep cargo off the roof: When you must haul cargo, keep that cargo in rear-mount cargo boxes or the backseat or trunk of your car rather than the roof.

Rooftop cargo boxes make vehicles less aerodynamic, reducing highway fuel economy by as much as 17 percent according to the U.S. DOE. By comparison, rear-mount cargo boxes reduce highway fuel economy by just 2 to 5 percent. If you haul cargo in your trunk, remove items when your trip is complete, as excess, unnecessary weight in the car will reduce its fuel efficiency.

4. Inspect the gas cap: Few drivers may think to examine their gas caps while filling up at the pump, but such an inspection may reveal cracks or other damage that are wasting fuel. When gas caps are cracked, loose or damaged, fuel can escape gas tanks as a vapor, wasting fuel and contributing to emissions. If the cap is in need of replacement, consult your mechanic. 

A PUBLICATION OF BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS • JUNE 17, 2016

Stay safe D

when driving in wet weather

rivers must modify their driving habits when weather compromises their visibility and makes road conditions unsafe. Rain can fall any time of year, but tends to be most problematic in spring.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, wet roadways, and rain in particular, are the main cause of weather-related vehicle crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that, between 2004 and 2013, rain caused 573,784 crashes.

755 Goddard Ave. , Ignacio, CO 81137

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To drive safely in the rain and avoid accidents, drivers should follow certain precautions: Maintain windshield wipers. Inspect and, if necessary change windshield wipers regularly to ensure they are working optimally. Always test wipers before driving in rainy weather.

Turn on lights with wipers. Reduced visibility is a major contributor to wetweather accidents. Drivers’ views may be hampered by falling precipitation and glare from wet roadways. Cloudy conditions and fog also compromise visibility.

Recognize changing road conditions. Roadways accumulate oil and engine fluids that can float in rainwater, creating slippery road surfaces. This is usually a problem during the first few hours of a rainstorm or in areas that receive little precipitation and then are subjected to downpours. These fluids make rainsoaked roads even more slippery. Slow down, leave more room between vehicles and try driving in the tracks left by vehicles ahead.

Reduce speed. The automotive group AAA says hydroplaning, when the tires rise up on a film of water, can occur with as little as 1⁄12 inch of water on the road. improve visibility. Turn it on early and keep it on until the rain has stopped and visibility has improved.

Recover from a skid. Skids can be frightening, but when skidding, resist any temptation to slam on the breaks. Instead, continue to look and drive in the direction you want to go and slowly ease up on the accelerator.

Maintain tires. Proper inflation and tire tread levels can improve traction. AAA recommends checking tread depth by inserting a quarter upside down into the tire groove. If you can see above Washington’s head, start shopping for new tires.

Check tire pressure on all tires at least once a month. Get an accurate reading when tires are cold and adjust air pressure accordingly.

Avoid other distractions. Distracted driving can be hazardous during good road conditions and even more dangerous when visibility and other factors are compromised.

Rainy weather can contribute to poor driving conditions. Drivers should make changes to speed and other factors to make wet weather driving as safe as possible. 

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JUNE 17, 2016 • A PUBLICATION OF BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS

Wash your car like a pro to protect its value

Use a clean sponge and proper cleaning solution when washing your vehicle. Move the sponge lengthwise along the body panels.

V

ehicle owners know maintaining a vehicle can be a lot of work.

Taking the time to properly care for a vehicle can prolong its life expectancy and help owners avoid breakdowns and other issues along the way.

Regular washing is an aspect of vehicle maintenance that some may classify as a purely cosmetic benefit.

Certainly a car wash can keep the vehicle looking its best, but there are other advantages to washing as well. Washing offers preventative maintenance for the car’s paint and can help prevent rust and corrosion

resulting from dirt, acid rain and road salt. Rust can compromise hydraulic brake and fuel lines, as well as many moving parts in the chassis and frame.

Corrosion of electrical connectors and other parts under the hood can lead to leaks, electrical shorts and a host of additional problems. It’s easy to see how washing the car is more essential than one might have suspected.

If you live in an area with a high amount of dust or industry, you may need to wash your car as frequently as once a week. Drivers who live along or near coastal areas may need to wash their vehicles frequently to combat sea salt buildup. Garage-kept vehicles may be able to go longer between washes, but in general washing a vehicle every two to three weeks is a good rule of thumb. In addition, a good sealant will protect the paint and other trims throughout the year.

The following are some other carwash tips to follow: Always use a proper washing soap solution. This will preserve the car’s finish better than other homemade soaps. Avoid using dishwashing liquid, which can strip protective wax coatings.

Be prompt when cleaning off bugs, sap and bird droppings that may stick to the paint and become difficult to remove over time.

Wait until a car has cooled down before washing. Heat speeds up the drying of soap and water and can make it more difficult to clean.

Always use a clean, non-abrasive sponge. Resist the urge to move the sponge in circles as you clean. Doing so can create noticeable swirl scratch marks. Instead, move the sponge length– wise across the body panels and hood.

Keep a separate rinsing bucket to clean the sponge or washing mitt so

that dirt is not mixed into the clean, sudsy water.

Consumer Reports suggests using a soft squeegee to remove most of the water on the body of the car after washing and rinsing. Blot up any extra water with a chamois.

Wax the car every season to ensure it has maximum protection. In between, apply a liquid spray wax to touch up spots. Water beading is not an ideal indicator of whether or not the car needs a coat of wax.

Don’t forget to pay attention to the interior. Vacuum the carpets regularly to prevent ground-in dirt and routinely clean the upholstery with a product specific to your vehicle’s interior, whether that interior is leather or fabric.

Protecting a vehicle investment involves keeping the car clean. Know the right ways to help a car or truck look and perform like new. 

Got Mud? Bring it on!

573 Wolverine Drive • Bayfield CO 81122 • 970-903-0329 • www.mudshaver.com

15

A PUBLICATION OF BALLANTINE COMMUNICATIONS • JUNE 17, 2016

Simple maintenance tips

M

otor vehicles are sizable investments that, for many people, trail only homes and educations in terms of the biggest expenses they will ever have. So it’s in drivers’ best interests to take every step possible to protect their investments and keep their vehicles running smoothly as long as possible. While knowledgeable

to keep your ride running strong

mechanics can be invaluable resources, drivers can take several minor, simple steps to keep their cars running smoothly for years to come.

Perform weekly visual inspections.

Few drivers take the time to look at their vehicles once those vehicles lose their new car luster. But visual inspections can help drivers find problems that, though minor, may impact their vehicles’ performance. For example, a routine examination of vehicle tires can indicate if those tires are properly inflated. Poorly inflated tires can decrease fuel efficiency and affect the overall safety of a vehicle.

If tires appear flat, check their pressure and inflate them to the levels listed in your owner’s manual.

Look for fluid leaks. Another telltale and easily identifiable sign that a vehicle needs some maintenance is the sight of fluids beneath the car. If you notice puddles or stains beneath where you

normally park your car, your vehicle may be leaking fluids. Note the color and consistency of the fluid and then call your mechanic to determine which fluid is leaking and how to fix the problem.

Stick to manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules. Whether your vehicle is brand new or has some tread on its tire, consult the owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations with regard to changing fluids and replacing filters. Many recent models can now be driven roughly 5,000 miles before they need an oil change, but check your owner’s manual for the guidelines established by your vehicle’s manufacturer, and adhere to that schedule religiously. If you drive an older car, recognize that the vehicle may benefit from more frequent oil changes and tune-ups.

In addition, read the manual for additional guidelines, such as how often

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to replace the air filter, headlight, turn signal and brake lamps, windshield wipers, and other vehicle parts that can wear down over time.

Look under the hood as well. While many drivers feel that the area beneath their vehicles’ hoods is best left to the professionals, you can still lift up the hood every so often to see if there are any glaring problems that demand attention.

Inspect rubber belts for signs of wear and tear, and know that such belts may need to be replaced every 50,000 miles or even more frequently depending on your driving habits. Lifting the hood is also necessary when checking fluid levels, which you should check periodically and before and after any long trips.

Drivers who notice or suspect damage when performing simple vehicle maintenance should bring these concerns to the attention of their mechanics as soon as possible. 

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SILVER WASH

Hand wash high-pressure exterior  Interior vacuum (floors, seats, under seats, dash)  Crystal clear interior/exterior glass cleaning  Removal of all dirt, grime, grease, bugs, and brake dust 

DIAMOND WASH

Hand wash high-pressure exterior  Interior vacuum (floors, seats, under seats, dash)  Crystal clear interior/exterior glass cleaning  Carpet and seat cleaning  Interior detail of vehicle gauge cluster, knobs, 

dash, vents, and door jambs

PLATINUM WASH

Hand wash high-pressure exterior  Interior vacuum (floors, seats, under seats, dash)  Crystal clear interior/exterior glass cleaning  Interior detail of vehicle gauge cluster, 

knobs, dash, vents, and door jambs  Carpet and seat stain removal with steam cleaning and shampoo treatment

High-pressure wash on tires and wheel wells



with protective gloss  Interior wipe down with protectant shine  Hand dry

High-pressure wash on tires and wheel wells



with protective gloss  Interior leather/vinyl upholster care and detail with protectant shine  Removal of all dirt, grime, grease, bugs, and brake dust  Exterior wax

High-pressure wash on tires and wheel wells



with protective gloss  Interior leather/vinyl upholstery care and detail with protectant shine  Custom engine wash/degrease  Hand waxed/buffed and shined  Removal of all dirt, grime, grease, bugs, and brake dust with undercarriage wash

WINDSHIELD REPAIR

HEADLIGHT REPAIR

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Lifetime Warranty (guaranteed not to crack)  DiamondClear™ Resin for optically clear results  The Durango Detail Doctor is a manufacturer certified service provider

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LIGHT DAMAGE

$65 $75 $85 $130 $140 $150

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