Fall Car Care

2012

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CAR CARE Don't let routine maintenance intimidate you (ARA) - Everyone knows car maintenance is important, but if you're not a gear head - someone who loves working on vehicles - the idea of doing routine car maintenance can be very intimidating.

"Whether on the set of Top Gear, at NASCAR races or just in my garage at home, I'm fortunate enough to be around cars a lot," says Rutledge Wood, SpeedTV correspondent and host of Top Gear USA. "I love driving them, repairing them and tinkering with them. However, for a lot of people, cars can be a confusing and even intimidating piece of machinery to work on."

To help people feel more comfortable in maintaining their vehicles, Wood offers some simple tips that can make anyone feel like a gear head.

• Change your oil.

While many don't find the prospect of being under a car messing with greasy filters their idea of a fun Sunday afternoon, changing a car's oil isn't as daunting a task as it seems. Here are a few easy tips: 1. Make sure your engine is cool before you start, then safely jack up your car and support it with jack stands. Lay a piece of cardboard under the engine, just in case you spill any oil.

2. Position a recycling container under the oil pan that's on the bottom of your engine, then undo the drain plug and let the old oil pour into

Simple steps for those who aren't gear heads it. When the old oil's out, put the drain plug back on and tighten it to your car's torque specification.

3. Next, remove your old oil filter using an oil filter wrench; turn the filter counterclockwise until it's free, but watch out you don't spill the old oil that's still in it. Make sure the rubber gasket comes out with the old filter.

4. Then, taking your new oil filter, lubricate the rubber gasket with some new oil and fill the new oil filter with oil to about two-thirds full.

5. Carefully screw the new oil filter clockwise into place (holding it upright); tighten only as much as you can with one hand, don't overdo it or else it can cause a leak.

6. Now it's time to fill the engine with oil, so unscrew the oil fill cap on the topside of the engine and insert your funnel. It's smart to check your owner's manual to find out how much oil your engine holds if you're unsure, then pour a little more than three-fourths that amount into the engine.

7. Finally, start your vehicle and let it run for about a minute. During that minute, take a peek underneath to make sure you don't have any leaks. After a minute, turn off your vehicle and

check the oil level on the dipstick, adding more if necessary.

"I use and recommend Valvoline NextGen Oil. It works great and since it's made with 50 percent recycled oil, it's good for the environment as well," says Wood. "To sweeten the deal, they've even come out with a 'Close the Loop' program where they'll give you a $20 mail-in offer if you return your used oil at participating auto parts stores and buy five quarts of NextGen for your next oil change."

• Clean up cloudy headlights It may seem obvious that your headlights are one of the most critical safety features on your car, but what's not always top of mind is how quickly they can become yellowed, hazed or dull from rough road conditions and exposure to the sun.

This can lead to severely diminished visibility for yourself and other drivers, especially when driving at night or in poor weather.

Replacing or professionally restoring headlight lenses can cost hundreds of dollars. Options like the 3M Headlight Restoration Kit - No Tools Required allow you to use basic DIY skills and a little elbow grease to sand, smooth, and polish

your way to clearer lenses from the comfort of your own garage. This easy-to-use kit includes a series of hand-held abrasives and rubbing compound that's used to remove yellowing and surface blemishes, and then refine and polish the lenses to reduce and remove scratches.

• Check your tires Worn treads are a major safety issue while on the road, leading to hydroplaning, poor traction as well as reduced fuel efficiency. Luckily, checking your tread wear is simple. Look at the tread pattern. You'll probably see something called "tread wear bars." These are small bridges between your treads. Look at the tread pattern and you'll see the beginnings of these bars start to form between the treads, or running across the tires. As the tires wear, these bars will become flush with the tire's tread. If they are, then it's time to change your tires.

Another simple trick is to head for the change jar. Just grab a penny and place it upside down with Lincoln facing you in the center of the tread (at the thickest part of the tire). If you can see the top of his head it's time to get new tires.

"By following these tips, you might not quite be ready to join a NASCAR pit crew just yet, but you'll be well on your way to becoming a true gear head," says Wood.

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Fall Car Care

Don't wait to winterize your vehicle (ARA) - Winter is on the way and it could shape up to be extra frigid in many parts of the country. AccuWeather.com has predicted the winter months at the end of 2012 and beginning of 2013 could be comparable to the extreme cold much of the country experienced in the late 1970s.

Humans aren't the only ones who suffer in extreme cold. Your vehicle could struggle, too, unless you take steps to winterize it before cold weather arrives.

"Today's cars and trucks are overall more reliable than ever before," says Dan Woods, host and producer of Speed's "Chop Cut Rebuild" series. "Still, certain systems in all vehicles are more susceptible to cold, snow and ice. It's important to prepare those systems to handle colder weather."

Woods, who grew up in Canada having spent many a day on treacherous roadways, recommends owners give these areas special attention when prepping their vehicles for winter driving: • Tires - Rubber is a naturally durable material, but extreme cold can cause cracks that could lead to a blowout. What's more, even the best quality tire can lose traction on ice or snow. Before cold weather arrives, inspect your tires to ensure they're in good condition. Replace tires that are approaching the end of their usable life and consider purchasing "All Weather" or snow tires for colder climates. Throughout the winter, check the air pressure in all four tires. Cold weather causes the pressure to drop (a pound per square inch for every 10 degrees of temperature). Keep tires inflated to the pressure recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual.

• Visibility - Headlights, windshield and windows, wipers and wiper fluid all need to function correctly to ensure you have

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Snow and ice put extra demands on your vehicle. Make sure you winterize before it's too late the best vision while driving. Check headlights to be sure they're working properly and adjusted for optimum visual acuity.

Keep headlights, windshields and windows clean of the dirty buildup that can occur when driving over salted or sanded roads.

Likewise, check windshield wipers to ensure they're in top condition and replace them

if they're worn. Check the wiper fluid level regularly and keep the tank full with winter fluid - not water. If your car becomes covered with snow and ice, always clear all windows completely before you begin driving.

"Nothing's worse than seeing a car zipping down the road with nothing but a little view hole in the ice on the windshield," Woods

says. "Not only is it dangerous for you in the car because it limits your ability to see, it's dangerous for other cars on the road if a chunk of snow or ice flies off your vehicle and blinds another driver."

• Battery - Cold weather can be hard on your battery. Before temperatures dip, check the battery posts and connections

to ensure they're free of corrosion. Check the water level in the battery (most batteries are closed systems and fluid cannot be checked), and if it's an older battery, consider having a mechanic test its ability to retain a charge. "It's also a good idea to carry jumper cables, even if your battery is fairly new," Woods says. "You never know when cold weather will drain a battery, and those cables in your trunk could help someone else out of a jam."

• Belts and hoses - Many of the belts and hoses in your vehicle's engine are made of rubber, and extreme cold could lead to cracking, breaking and ruptures. Inspect all belts and hoses that you can - some may only be accessible to a professional with a lift - and replace any that are worn.

• Coolant system - The temperature outside may be cold, but your engine is still a hot spot that requires coolant in order to function. If your coolant is frozen in the radiator, however, it's not going to do your engine much good. Add antifreeze to your system before the weather gets cold. Strive for a mix of half antifreeze and half water.

You can check the mixture with an antifreeze tester. If the mix is off, have the cooling system drained and refilled.

Finally, says Woods, it's important to winterize your driving habits to adjust for bad weather.

"Slow down in snow and ice," he advises.

"Don't drive while distracted or impaired.

Pay attention to the road, traffic conditions and your vehicle. Leave extra stopping room even if there is no visible snow or ice on the road. 'Black ice' cannot be seen and is common on bridges and exit ramps. Winterizing your vehicle and driving appropriately for weather conditions are the best ways to ensure you drive safely this winter."

Pluses and pointers: How to buy car parts (ARA) - With the average age of vehicles on the road nudging 11 years, more car owners will be looking for the most cost-effective ways to maintain and repair their used vehicles.

In January, automotive market research firm R.L. Polk & Co., placed the average age of cars and light trucks on America's highways at 10.8 years, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. Parts suppliers were among the auto industry segments that Polk's global aftermarket practice leader, Mark Seng, predicted would see increased business, the Times reported.

Auto parts expert Joe Ferrer, star of the national cable television network, SPEED's new "Hard Parts: South Bronx" series, agrees. Hard Parts airs at 10 p.m. EST every Thursday.

"The parts industry has grown a lot in the last five years," Ferrer says. "Box stores have moved into urban areas and the Internet has driven a tremendous explosion in business within the automotive industry. My retail business is probably the fastest growing part of my

business because people are buying their own parts."

Once, only do-it-yourselfers would have purchased their own parts. Today, many vehicle owners are finding value in buying parts themselves and bringing them to the mechanic along with the vehicle. Buying car parts can be tricky, however, especially given that car manufacturers seem to change part specifications every year these days.

"Many new parts come to market every day," Ferrer says. "Vehicle technology is changing so fast that the parts you used before are often not the same anymore.

For instance, with hybrid or electric cars, a part that you would use five years ago for a combustion engine would not be the same part that you use today."

If you're interested in buying your own parts - whether you're an amateur mechanic or just want the best possible price and will have a professional do the work - Ferrer offers some advice for navigating the complex parts market: • Be cautious when buying parts online. "If you buy

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parts online, you may not know where the product is coming from or if it's a name brand or not," Ferrer says.

You will also have to wait to have the part shipped, so if you urgently need a part to complete a repair, online buying may be too slow. You'll also need to be very sure you know exactly what part you need, because if the seller ships the wrong one, you may not know it until the car is up on the lift and ready to be repaired.

• Check out resources like the parts manufacturer's website. Most will offer information and training about their products right on their website, often complete with video.

• Build a relationship with your local auto parts seller.

While the number of traditional auto parts stores may be dwindling in your area, they still have value for consumers seeking knowledgeable service and vast inventory.

"Sales people at a big box store may not have the level of expertise you would find at your local mom and pop parts store," Ferrer says. Consumers may find better prices, warranties, exchange policies and customer service at

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• Be aware of car part warranties. Chain stores may charge you for a warranty on a part. Before you make a purchase - either in person or online - make sure you understand the warranty on the part, and what the seller's policy is on exchanges and returns.

• Buy new. Unless you are restoring a classic car or need a highly specialized, difficult-to-find part, it pays to spend a bit more and buy new, Ferrer advises. "With used parts, you never know what you're going to get," he says. "You never know how long a car has been sitting or in circulation. It's just never good to buy parts used."

Finally, Ferrer says, it's almost always a good investment to maintain and repair a quality used car than to replace it with a new vehicle. "As long as the car is safe and it's able to pass inspection, the investment is always better to keep the vehicle," he says. "There is no reason to buy a new car unless you are doing it as a social standard and you want to have a new car every year. Then, all the rules get thrown out the window."

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Fall Car Care

Getting the best deal at the pump (ARA) - Whether it's shopping for groceries or clothes at the mall, we're always on the lookout for the best deal. Though it may be through more subtle means, you can apply the same money-saving principals toward other everyday expenses. The money you spend on gas is a perfect example.

By making a few adjustments like changing driving habits and shopping smart, you can make the most out of each gallon you pump into your tank. Here are five tips for getting real and consistent savings at the pump.

• Follow simple maintenance procedures. The most practical way to improve your fuel economy is making sure your tires are inflated properly. You can find the correct tire pressure for your vehicle on the placard inside of your door, or in your car's owner's manual.

Using the recommended grade of motor oil can also increase your fuel economy by 1 to 2 percent, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

• Use rewards programs to your advantage. As an example the new ExxonMobil Smart Card, a credit card issued by Citibank, N.A., saves users 6 cents/gallon on Exxon- or Mobil-branded gasoline and diesel fuel when they use the card to purchase at least 45 gallons in a billing cycle. Savings apply from the first gallon up to 100 gallons each qualifying billing cycle, and are reflected as a monthly statement credit. While a few cents

may not seem like a lot, the dollars add up quickly over the course of time when you consistently use rewards programs. The ExxonMobil Smart Card can save you up to $72 in one year. You can apply for the ExxonMobil Smart Card at www.exxonmobilcard.com.

• Reduce weight and drag. You might not notice your carrying rack affecting the quality of your ride, but racks and other add-ons to your vehicle cause a lot of drag, taking a big bite out of your fuel efficiency. It pays to take them off when you aren't using them. Removing extra weight, by cleaning out everything you don't need that's stashed in your trunk or car, can also help.

• Watch the way you drive. Most cars travel with highest fuel efficiency in the 50 mph range which begins to drop significantly the faster you go. Keeping your highway speed to the posted speed limit not only keeps you safer, but can greatly improve gas mileage.

Aggressive starting and stopping also puts more stress on your engine, and uses more gasoline.

• Technology is your friend. Your mobile GPS unit can help you get where you need to go in the most efficient way possible.

Shopping smart at the pump may be easier than you thought. By putting a few of these simple fuel-saving tips into practice, you can get real and consistent savings.

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Make sure you get the most for your money at the gas pump.

How older drivers can cut vehicle costs (ARA) - For most of us, driving is a necessity, and so is doing it as cost-effectively as possible - even in retirement when most of us stay in our suburban homes.

Saving money on automobilerelated expenses like gas and insurance can help free up cash for other important things.

Fortunately, many tactics can help you minimize vehicle costs, from doing basic maintenance tasks yourself to taking a driver safety course that could qualify you for insurance discounts. The driving experts at AARP recommend drivers 50 and older focus on three key areas of opportunity for cost-reduction: Insurance Older drivers have lower rates of police-reported crashes per capita, limit their driving to familiar routes and better weather, and drive fewer miles than other age groups, but accident rates per mile start increasing when drivers reach 70, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Even if your personal driving record is clean,

your age may put you in a demographic that insurance companies view as higher risk - and you'll pay higher auto insurance premiums because of it.

Shopping around for auto insurance may help you secure a better rate, but if you're facing very high premiums, it may make sense to take an extra step. Many insurers offer discounts to drivers who complete driver safety courses. Check with your insurance company to see if such a discount is available to you, then look for a program, like AARP Driver Safety's course, that is specifically designed to help people 50 and older refresh their driving skills and adapt to age-related changes. There are no tests to take for the course. To find an in-person course near you, visit www. aarp.org/findacourse, or sign up for an online course.

Fuel efficiency After insurance, fuel can be one of the highest costs of operating a vehicle, especially for those who travel far, such as older drivers commuting from winter to sum-

mer residences. Car makers have improved overall fuel efficiency for many newer vehicles, but you can take steps to cut your gas costs more - even if you have an older car.

AARP offers these tips for improving fuel efficiency: * Lighten the load. The heavier your vehicle and contents, the more gas it will consume moving down the road. Remove excess weight from the trunk and avoid traveling with luggage or bike racks that create drag, add weight and decrease fuel economy. * Watch your speed. While it's

important to safely keep pace with the flow of traffic around you, keep in mind most cars are at the optimum fuel efficiency around 50 mph. * Drive smoothly. Abrupt stops and starts, and fast, erratic movements in traffic all decrease fuel economy. * Try to consolidate trips.

Rather than making one trip to the grocery store today, then the doctor's office tomorrow and your book club the next day, try to group errands together. Starting a cold engine consumes more gas than keeping it running longer.

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Maintenance With the average age of cars on the road approaching 11 years, according to R.L. Polk & Co., an automotive market research firm, routine maintenance is more important than ever. Doing simple tasks like oil changes, windshield wiper replacement and air filter changes yourself can help save you money.

Tasks that you can easily perform yourself include: * Changing the oil and oil filter. * Changing the air filter. * Monitoring tire inflation and adding air if needed.

* Checking and cleaning battery connections. * Replacing worn windshield wipers. * Replacing headlight or brake light bulbs.

Other DIY tasks, like replacing brake pads or sparkplugs, or flushing the radiator, require a bit more know-how. Fortunately, plenty of online resources offer step-by-step guides for doing more complex vehicle maintenance tasks. And, you can always check with your local community college to see if they offer a basic auto maintenance course.

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Fall Car Care

Look for big stock for the best car deal DETROIT (AP) — The new car deals are still out there.

As U.S. auto sales continue to recover from the Great Recession, automakers aren’t discounting like they used to, and that’s made deals hard to come by. Plus, the Detroit Three got rid of excess factories during the downturn and in most cases they don’t make more cars than they can sell any more. That used to drive big price cuts.

Yet there are still some simple ways to get a great car at a relatively low price, with a little work. It’s all supply and demand.

First, figure out what size and type of car you want and check what all the automakers offer. There are tons of websites that have this information, including kbb.com, Edmunds.com and TrueCar.com.

Then, find the cars in that segment that aren’t selling. The trade publication Automotive News and some websites, such as cars.com, list inventory levels and count the days’ supply of each car — the number of days it would take at the current sales rate to sell everything on dealer lots. The latest numbers come out a week or so after automakers announce sales figures at the start of each month.

Look for cars that you like with high days’ supply. About 60 days is optimal to have the right selection of models, but many cars are way above that. Those are the ones that likely will have big discounts, either from the automaker or the dealership or both.

Dealers borrow money to finance their inventories, so they are anxious to move them to unload the interest payments.

Especially those that have been sitting for a long time. “As a vehicle sits there for 30, 60, 90, 100 days plus, every additional day that vehicle sits on their lot, they have to pay for it,� says Alec Gutierrez, a senior market analyst at Kelley Blue Book.

Auto companies also don’t want vehicles piling up, and will offer low-interest financing, rebates and other goodies to help control inventory.

Associated Press

This undated publicity photo provided by Ford/Lincoln shows a 2012 Lincoln MKZ mid-size luxury car.

The average discount in the United States today is around 5 percent, excluding incentives, Gutierrez says. Generally, the smaller the car, the lower the discount. Sticker prices are lower and there’s not as much markup on them.

But you can beat that by looking around.

And sometimes there are really great cars that sell for less than what competitors are

charging. Here’s some examples for 2012 models, based on inventory figures from Aug. 1: MAZDA 3: The compact car has won rave reviews for its handling, styling, equipment and gas mileage, and its engines and transmissions have proved reliable. It’s been among Consumer Reports’ top-rated small cars for years. But since Honda and Toyota

have recovered from inventory problems caused by last year’s earthquake in Japan, the Mazda 3 hasn’t been selling very well.

Automotive News says dealers have 36,500 in stock for a 97-day supply. Because of that, there’s an average 8.6 percent discount at dealers, about $1,500 on the 3i sedans, which start around $17,640 including shipping, according to Kelley Blue Book. There’s also

zero percent financing and good lease deals.

Kelley Blue Book says you should be able to get a base model for $16,123. “It’s a fantastic car. Great fuel economy, handles well,� says Gutierrez.

FIAT 500: The stylish Italian subcompact also isn’t selling well, even though it looks cool and is fun to drive. Dealers have 14,300 on hand for a 93-day supply of the hatchbacks. Kelley Blue Book says there’s an average 5.2 percent discount on the 500 of about $849. There’s also a $500 cash incentive, no-interest financing and nice lease prices, too. KBB says a 2-door hatch starts around $16,200, but you should be able to get one for as low as $14,851. “It’s a fun little car,� says Gutierrez. “Almost handles like a little go-cart.�

ACURA RL: The flagship big sedan from Honda’s luxury brand isn’t selling that well, either. Automotive News says dealers have a 120-day supply on hand. Gutierrez says it’s always been a phenomenal car with decent gas mileage for its size, but it’s pricey compared to the competition, namely the BMW 5 series. With discounts, you could get a nice, reliable luxury car for less. The RL starts at just over $49,000, but there’s a 7.6 percent average discount of $3,751. Acura is offering 1.9 percent financing. Kelley Blue Book says you should be able to get one for $45,344.

LINCOLN MKZ: Based on the underpinnings of Ford’s acclaimed Fusion, Lincoln’s midsize luxury car isn’t selling well, yet it comes with a lot of goodies for the price.

Compared with the competition (BMW 3Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Audi A4) it’s cheaper after the discounts. Its design also is getting old and it doesn’t have the luxury panache of the other brands, but it’s a good car, says Gutierrez. Lincoln dealers have 11,300 in stock for an 89-day supply.

A four-door sedan starts around $35,630, but Kelley Blue Book says dealer discounts average around $2,200, or 6.2 percent. Then there’s zero-percent financing or cash of up to $4,500. With the cash, the price drops to around $28,900.

Easy tips to curb car care costs (ARA) - Did you know it's possible to save hundreds of dollars a year when it comes to automotive expenses? You can save money and keep your car running longer by doing a little research and by upgrading some of the car care products you already buy.

Here are some easy tips for you to keep your car running great while keeping more money in your pocket: Worth the upgrade Improve your car's fuel economy and engine life by upgrading to high per-

formance synthetic motor oil like Royal Purple. Studies have shown that Royal Purple motor oil may improve fuel economy by as much as 5 percent and can significantly reduce engine wear. When compared to conventional motor oils, premium synthetic oils will allow you to go more miles between oil changes, reducing maintenance costs and time spent in the shop.

Keep your tires inflated Improve your gas mileage by keeping your tires properly inflated. The U.S. Energy Department reports that 50 to 80

percent of the tires traveling on U.S. roads are underinflated which can increase fuel consumption by up to 3 percent. Make sure you inflate the tires to the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure and not by the number on the sidewall of the tire. Tires are produced to fit a broad range of vehicles, but manufacturers spec tire pressures that are specific to the car's components. For more fuel savings tips visit www.fueleconomy.gov.

Tune it up Check your manufacturer's manual for

the recommended tune up interval, but the general recommendation is two years or 30,000 miles depending on conditions such as extreme temperatures, weather and use of the vehicle. A tune up can include replacement of the fuel filter if applicable, changing the spark plugs, and replacing worn belts. Scheduling recommended tune ups is an important step in preventative vehicle maintenance that will make sure the vehicle gets the best gas mileage possible and will uncover problems before they become expensive to repair.

Get a quote Take advantage of insurance companies that offer free quotes for your auto insurance. Prices can vary from company to company, so it pays to do a little research.

Obtain at least three price quotes by using the Internet or calling an insurance agent directly. Have your current policy and coverage in front of you so you can compare the quotes you receive for the best value. For more ways to reduce insurance costs visit the U.S. Insurance Information Institute's website at www.iii.org.

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Wednesday, September 19, 2012 — www.theintelligencer.com

Page 5

Fall Car Care

Regulations, cost keep cars looking the same Automakers can spend up to $1 billion researching and designing a new model DETROIT (AP) — When Jim Mattison was growing up in the early 1950s, he remembers visiting Detroit car dealerships with his family each fall to check out the new models. By the time he was in kindergarten, he could name any car ’s make and model just by looking at the hubcaps.

“At 60 miles an hour and 60 feet away, you could identify a Chrysler from a Ford from a DeSoto,” said Mattison, who spent his career in the auto industry and now runs a Pontiac archive.

These days, even Mattison has trouble telling one brand from another. Government regulations, increased competition and profit-squeezed carmakers have filled the streets with bland lookalikes. With the cost of developing a new car easily climbing to $1 billion, automakers are loath to take risks.

Having trouble distinguishing a Civic from a Sentra, or even a Kia from a Mercedes? Here are some of the reasons why: • Government regulations.

Seat belts, air bags and crash-test standards have all left their mark on vehicle design. And as automakers sell more cars globally, they also have to consider European and Asian regulations. Pedestrian protection standards in Europe, for example, require that cars be made to hit the upper and lower body at the same time, so a victim is more likely to bounce onto the hood. That forces designers to include tall, chunky bumpers, like those on the new Volkswagen Jetta and Ford Focus.

“You can have different tail lights and head lights, but you don’t have the level of flexibility that somebody might really like to have on a pure design standpoint, and you certainly have less of it than you had in the past,” said David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich.

• Fuel economy.

Government fuel economy standards are rising, and so are consumers’ expectations for fuel efficiency. Thirty miles per gallon was impressive a decade ago; now automakers are routinely making small cars that get 40 mpg or higher.

As the emphasis on fuel economy grows, so does the focus on aerodynamics. The 2013 versions of the Ford Escape and Nissan Pathfinder both ditched their boxy, wind-resistant rooflines for ones that sweep back and flow with the air.

Car companies are also building vehicles closer to the ground, changing grilles and tweaking side mirrors to save a few tenths of a gallon.

“There’s only one good way through the wind.

You can’t have a wide variety of shapes and have them be aerodynamically correct,” said Jack Nerad, editorial director of Kelley Blue Book.

• Insular design world.

Designers go to the same auto shows, read the same design magazines and, for the most part, attend a handful of schools. Popular designs are

quickly copied. Chrysler ’s retro PT Cruiser was followed a few years later by the Chevrolet HHR. The boxy Nissan Cube and Kia Soul channel the Scion xB. “It’s really a very conservative profession,” said Imre Molnar, dean of Detroit’s Center for Creative Studies, a design school.

• Cost.

Automakers have to sell enough vehicles to offset the costs of developing and producing them.

After a string of tough years — from General Motors’ and Chrysler ’s government bailouts during the recession to Toyota’s and Honda’s troubles after last year ’s earthquake in Japan — car companies don’t want to invest in something that might be a flop.

Still, distinctive design — even if it’s polarizing — can pay dividends. Ed Welburn, vice president for global design at GM, says the angular styling of Cadillac’s new sedans got a sharply divided reaction in consumer focus groups a decade ago.

But GM embraced it anyway, knowing it would stand out. Sales took off.

Risky design also put Hyundai on the map with the 2011 Sonata, a four-door sedan that looks more like a two-door coupe and has an instantly recognizable crease swooping along its side.

Phillip Zak, Hyundai’s chief U.S. designer at the time, who has since gone to GM, says unique designs benefit car companies since customers are more emotionally attached to distinctive cars and will spend more on options like leather seats.

But risky designs can backfire, too. GM killed the Chevrolet SSR, a retro-styled convertible pickup, after only three years because of poor sales.

Sales of the Nissan Juke, an odd little two-door crossover with a bulbous nose, have been anemic so far this year.

So are we condemned to a future of cookie-cutter cars? Probably not. There are changes afoot that point to more differentiated design in the future.

Design studio advances, such as computerized modeling, have cut the cost and time it takes to develop new cars. At the same time, the market is fragmenting into more categories — small, midsize and large SUVs, for example — which gives automakers room to experiment because they’re not depending on one model for blockbuster sales.

New technology under the hood, such as electrification, could radically change designs, since designers won’t have to make room for cumbersome gas engines.

But the biggest change, experts say, is that the quality of cars has gotten so good that design is one of the only ways a car company can distinguish itself.

“Car companies are being challenged to do interesting designs, and more of them,” Molnar said.

Associated Press

This undated file publicity photo released by Nissan Motor Company shows the all-new small crossover Nissan Juke. Sales of the Nissan Juke have been anemic so far this year.

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Page 6

Wednesday, September 19, 2012 — www.theintelligencer.com

Fall Car Care

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ALL PRE-OWNED VEHICLES COME WITH FREE 24 MO/24,000 MILE SCHEDULED OIL AND FILTER CHANGE.

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Contact us at: www.schmittcadillac.com 915 WEST HWY. 50 • O’FALLON, IL 618.632.1000