Seasonal
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Hood County News
Things that mar an automotive paint job
Gas Saving Tips
■Natural substances: Tree Most people purchase a car for sap, bird droppings and splatits looks and performance. Howevtered insects contain comer, unless the auto is kept in a gapounds that can erode the rage and never driven, it is impossipaint on a car. Avoid parking ble to keep it in pristine condition. under large trees where sap In many cases, damage to the clear and bird droppings may be coat or enamel paint on the car is prevalent. In terms of bug splatsomething vehicle owners expect. ter, try to wash it off as soon as A car owner who decides he or possible to alleviate damage. she wants the car to remain in the ■Eggs: Oftentimes, rambest shape possible will have to bunctious children think it is take an active role in maintenence funny to egg a car. However, and damage prevention. One of the enzymes and sulfur content the key things to remember is to in eggs can cause paint and never allow any substance to reclear coat to dissolve, leaving main on the paint for too long; othwhite spots in the wake of the erwise the risk for damage increasegg. Because egg can be sticky es. Also, it may be very difficult to and very hard to remove once clean if the offender is allowed to sit on the paint. Here are some oth- Washing off harmful substances promptly can reduce the chances of damage dried, it is helpful to wash it off to a car’s paint job. as soon as possible. It takes only er factors to consider. a few hours for the damage to ■UV light: Just as UV light can be permanent. tion. Do not allow these substances to harden affect skin, hair and other parts of the body, it ■Bleach: Although a bleach-and-water solualso can affect the paint on a car. UV rays oxidize on the car. Rinse promptly with automotive tion is often heralded for its ability to clean soap. Try to avoid construction zones whenever the paint and cause a white, powdery film to many things, it should not be used on a car. possible. form on the car. Washing the car frequently Bleach is an oxidizer and it will pit metal and ■Rain: Both acid rain and regular rainwater enough and applying the best quality wax will discolor paint. Be careful with pool chemicals as (and other sources of water) can dissolve paint help keep UV rays from penetrating through well, as chlorinator is usually regular household over time. The U.S. Geological Survey has said the paint. bleach. ■Over sprays: Life does not stop to allow cars that water is a universal solvent because it can There are many things that can damage a car dissolve more substances than any other liquid. to drive through, particularly when it comes to paint job. Although it’s impossible to shield the Whenever the car becomes wet, it should be construction zones. It’s possible for a car to be car from everything, there are precautions that dried with a towel or chamois and not allowed doused in paint spray, tar, concrete, and other can be taken. SC123863 to air dry. chemicals that are routinely used in construc-
1. Avoid High Speeds As your speed increases, your aerodynamic drag increases in an exponential fashion. Driving 62 mph vs 75 mph will reduce fuel consumption by about 15%. 2. Do Not Accelerate or Brake Hard By anticipating the traffic and applying slow steady acceleration and braking, fuel economy may increase by as much as 20%. 3. Keep Tires Properly Inflated Keep tire air pressure at the level recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. A single tire under inflated by 2 PSI, increases fuel consumption by 1%. 4. Use A/C Sparingly When the air conditioner is on it puts extra load on the engine forcing more fuel to be used (by about 20%). The defrost position on most vehicles also uses the air conditioner. 5. Keep Windows Closed Windows open, especially at highway speeds, increase drag and result in decreased fuel economy of up to 10%. 6 Service Vehicle Regularly Proper maintenance avoids poor fuel economy related to dirty air filters, old spark plugs or low fluid levels. 7. Use Cruise Control Maintaining a constant speed over long distances often saves gas. 8. Avoid Heavy Loads Remove the sand bags from your trunk in the spring and pack lightly for long trips. 9. Avoid Long Idles If you anticipate being stopped for more than 1 minute, shut off the car. Restarting the car uses less fuel than letting it idle for this time.. Source: GasBuddy.com
B10020
Hood County News
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Saturday, April 6, 2013, Page 3
Still texting while driving? Quitting Q itti might i ht be b easier i than th you think thi k
(BPT) - Most Americans know texting and driving is dangerous but it continues to be a problem, especially for young drivers. While 97 percent of teens agree that texting and driving is dangerous, 43 percent still admitted to continuing to do it, according to a recent survey. The 2012 AT&T survey of teen drivers also found 75 percent of teens say texting while driving is common among their friends and the majority of respondents said they have texted when stopped at a red light and often glance at their phones while driving. While teens might be the worst offenders when it comes to texting and driving, plenty of adults are guilty too. As the evidence continues to mount concerning the dangers of texting while driving, 39 states have made it illegal. Whether it’s legal or not in your state, here are three good reasons to quit once and for all: * Texting drivers are 23 times more likely to be in an accident, according to Virginia Tech Transportation Institute research. * Texting while driving is distracted driving. Distracted driving is a factor in 15 to 25 percent of all crashes, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. * Each day, an average of more than 15 people are killed in crashes that result from distract-
ed driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
How to stop texting while driving To help people break the perilous habit of texting and driving, technology companies are coming up with unique and practical solutions for drivers. For instance, Xperia SmartTags by Sony give you the ability to turn off all distractions from your smartphone with just a simple touch. These small tags can be put on a dashboard or a set of car keys and allow you to change your phone’s settings for driving by simply touching your NFC-enabled smartphone to the tag. Smartphone applications can make this process even easier. When paired with AT&T’s free Drive Mode app, you can automatically disable your phone’s texting and calling capability. The app can also be programmed to include an automatic message that’s sent to anyone who texts you while you’re behind the wheel, letting that person know that you’ll respond when you are finished driving. You can program this app to run when you tap your phone to your SmartTag, while also setting your phone up to automatically run GPS programs and engage your car’s Bluetooth system for both safety and con-
venience. While messages from your friends and family are important, nothing should take precedence over safely getting yourself and your passengers to your destination. To help make your
driving experience safer, outfit your car with tools such as SmartTags, which you can learn more about at www.sonymobile.com, and don’t forget to take the pledge to never text and drive again at www.itcanwait.com.
DO YOU SEE THE 18 WHEELER?
Your hand may be on the wheel, but your mind is definitely not on the OF COURSE YOU DON’T
road. In fact, using your cell phone while driving quadruples your chances of being involved in a crash. Hang up and drive. It’s the right call.
Page 4, Saturday, April 6, 2013
Car Care
Hood County News
A L L Y L O C
O W N E D
&
O P E R A T E D
Myers Auttomotive has a long-standing repu utation in Hoo od County since 1973. Owners Thomas and Reb becca Myers appreciate your continu ued sup pport of their business. They also want you to o know that when you support Myers Automotive, you are keepiing you ur money and our workforce at hom me in n Ho ood County.
Complete Motor Home Service & Repair
Now Offering Complete Tire Sales & Service
Shuttle Service Available (Within the Granbury City limits.)
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Gasoline and Die esel
Brakes Br
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Engine Diagnost tics
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Let Thomas Myers Automotive take your passenger car or work truck and give you the peace of mind that you will have a better than new car warranty on your remanufactured Jasper Engine and/or Transmission. Most all engines and transmissions come with Rental Car and Towing. Reimbursement included during warranty period. Thomas Myers Automotive will pay your towing charge within a 50 mile range with the purchase and installation of any Jasper Remanufactured Engine or Transmisssion.
Jay’s
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125 Corporate Drive, Granbur ry, Texas s 76049 (Off Hwy. 377 E., Across from m Grumps Burgers)
125 Corporat te Dr Driv ve, Gra ranb nbury nb y, Tex y, e as 76049 (Off Hwy. 377 E.,, Ac Acro ross ro s fro ss rom m Gr rum mps Burgers)
Hood County News
O
Car Care
Saturday, April 6, 2013, Page 5
You may be dreaming about escaping on a vacation, but the sky-high costs of flights and cruises can quickly turn into a nightmare. If you’re looking to take a break without breaking the bank, a good, old-fashioned road trip could be the way to escape. Aside from packing snacks and preparing the perfect playlist, there are a few things you should consider before venturing out on the open road. A few updates and precautions can help you avoid the wear and potential safety hazards a long trip can have on your vehicle.
Fast fixes Winter can be hard on a vehicle’s exterior, and even seemingly insignificant cosmetic damage can become a large issue if left unattended. Many owners are aware of some scratch or dent in their vehicles but are wary of the cost to have it professionally repaired. But allowing ex-
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Take advantage of the preventative tips above and you will have your vehicle ready to hit the open road with no hiccups just in time for vacation season.
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Page 6, Saturday, April 6, 2013
Whether your trip is 100 miles or 1,000, checking your vehicle mechanics is important before heading out on the open road. This includes checking and changing your oil, coolant, brake and transmission fluids as needed. In addition to its inner workings, make sure all outside components of your vehicle are in top shape. Ensure headlights and blinkers work properly, inspect windshield wipers and review mirrors, and check windows for any cracks before setting out.
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Routine maintenance
Good tires are an integral aspect of vehicle safety, and it is extremely important to check your tires before heading on an extended road trip. According to the Car Care Council, thin tire treads create hazardous driving conditions, particularly on wet roadways. Thin or worn treads can cause tires to hydroplane and potentially lead to loss of control of the vehicle. To ensure tires wear evenly and avoid dangerous situations, it is commonly recommended to have tires rotated every 7,000 miles. This simple routine not only makes for a more dependable vehicle, but also saves money by extending the life of your tires. Replac-
Services We Offer
(Drawing held May 20, 2013. $50 minimum purchase. Entries valid April 8, 2013 - May 17, 2013.)
Checking your brakes is an extremely important aspect of routine vehicle maintenance, and you should be sure your brakes are in prime condition before a long journey. New brake pads and fluid may not be the most appealing travel expense, but will certainly save you the hassle and cost failed brakes can incur.-
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ing worn tires before a trip is also a good idea to ensure you will have no problems while far from home - plus, you may even see better gas mileage.
posed metal to rust can create an even bigger problem. Fortunately, you can avoid ugly and potentially costly issues using Dupli-Color Scratch Fix touch-up paint. This innovative solution is available in hundreds of exactmatch colors for a seamless fix to nearly any vehicle paint damage. With a roller ball tip for precision and a taper brush for full coverage, Scratch Fix is the ultimate tool for any vehicle owner. Make sure to apply Dupli-Color Scratch Fix Clear Coat over the touch up paint, to ensure a manufacturerapproved color match. For a fraction of the cost, this do-it-yourself solution will help protect and beautify your vehicle before and after a long road trip.
SERVIICE DEPA PARTMENT
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Grill Guards Hood County News
Insurance fraud: A $40 billion battle
(BPT) - The last thing anyone wants is for his or her insurance rates to increase. Most policyholders would be surprised to know it’s the last thing their insurance company wants to happen, too. That’s why most major carriers have a department of investigators dedicated to stopping one of the primary causes of rate hikes: insurance fraud. In fact, fraudulent insurance claims are the second most costly white-collar crime in America - to the tune of $40 billion annually. “Each year the average U.S. family is hit with $400 to $700 in increased premiums due to phony insurance payouts,� says Dan Bales, national director of special investigations for Mercury Insurance, which established a Special Investigations Unit in 1978 to help fight insurance fraud. “The goal of the SIU is to limit these payments and catch the criminals responsible.“Think of us as the CSI of the insurance industry. We square off against mobsters, organized crime, dirty lawyers and doctors, white-collar con artists and even the occasional celebrity to help keep down costs for our policyholders.� Insurance fraud is a game of numbers. Insurance rates are calculated using statistics and mathematics to project risk. So, by lowering the probability for costly insurance scams, insurance companies have financial flexibility to offer customers low rates. Making the SIU’s job tougher is the fact that the culprits behind these scams aren’t run-ofthe-mill criminals. “Today’s scammers are tech-
nologically savvy and have access to sophisticated equipment,� says Bales, who’s been involved in more than 35,000 claims investigations during his 27-year career at Mercury. “They routinely produce, among other things, fake medical records, duplicate checks, and false identifications and business licenses. To maintain an advantage, our SIU is constantly work-
ing to stay ahead of the technological curve. “I don’t want to give away any industry secrets, but on any given day, the average person is caught on camera 12 to 16 times. This allows us to pull footage or images from ATMs, intersection cams, private businesses, homes, cell phones and even social media to catch criminals in the act.�
One question Bales hears quite often is, how can consumers help fight fraud? “We have a saying: If you’re not looking for insurance fraud, you won’t find it. So, I always tell people to document suspicious activity and incidents. When it comes to cracking these cases, the devil is in the details.� There are several common schemes of which consumers should be aware. Staged auto accidents, adding damage to vehicles after a loss and switching drivers on accident reports are a few of the most prevalent scams. Bales says regardless of the insurance provider, when suspicious activity is observed, the witness should alert the SIU and law enforcement by calling 1-800-TEL-NICB or by texting the keyword “fraud� to TIP411. Here are some of his other tips: * If you’re involved in an auto accident, always call the police and document unusual circumstances or activities. * Obtain detailed bills for collision repairs, home/property repairs and medical services. * Never sign blank insurance claims forms. * Watch for double-billing or unexplained charges for any service received as part of an insurance claim. * Be aware that there are crime rings that specialize in “slip and fall� schemes, which involve fake injuries and false claims. * Always gather as much information as possible at the scene of an accident.
*
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Hood County News
All prices plus T.T.&L., picture for illustration only. All rebates to dealer. See dealer for details. MSRP $19,180, Mike Brown Discount $1,284.
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Saturday, April 6, 2013, Page 9
Reduce fuel consumption
to save money and help the planet
Reducing fuel costs is foremost on the minds of many drivers. Myriad costs are associated with owning an automobile, many of which are within a driver’s control. For instance, safe drivers are likely to spend less on auto insurance than drivers with a history of traffic violations or accidents, while drivers who purchase a vehicle with a high safety rating will likely spend less to insure that vehicle than they would a sports car. One of the costs associated with driving that some drivers may mistakenly feel is beyond their control is the cost of fuel. Drivers might not be able to control the price at the pump, but there are many ways drivers can spend less on fuel, helping them save money and helping the environment along the way.
Emphasizing efficiency
Making a vehicle more efficient is a great way to save money at the pump. But drivers don’t need to get under the hood or have a mechanic’s understanding of automobiles to make their cars more efficient. In fact, a few minor adjustments is all it takes to make a car more efficient and save drivers, regardless of their mechanical inclinations, money at the filling station. * Adequately inflate tires. Tires that are not properly inflated increase drag on a vehicle, which then consumes more fuel to operate at full capacity. Check the driver’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure, and check the tire pressure frequently to ensure your car isn’t working harder than it needs to be. Page 10, Saturday, April 6, 2013
* Clear out the trunk. A car filled with clutter is carrying unnecessary weight, making it harder for the car to accelerate and consuming more fuel than it should be. Clear out the trunk and anything inside the vehicle that you don’t need. * Open the windows at lower speeds. Air conditioning consumes lots of fuel, and many auto experts suggest rolling down the windows when driving at lower speeds. When you begin driving a little faster, roll the windows up and turn on the air conditioning to reduce drag.
cy. Estimates suggest a car traveling at 60 miles per hour uses 20 percent less fuel than a vehicle traveling at 75 miles per hour. Toxic emissions, including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides, also increase when vehicles travel more than 60 miles per hour.
Reducing fuel consumption is a goal for environmentalists and drivers alike. There are several ways drivers can help their vehicle consume less fuel and benefit the planet at the same time. SC133961
Spend wisely How you’re spending at the pump can also help you reduce fuel consumption and save you money. * Fill ‘er up! Many drivers avoid filling up their tank when visiting the gas station for fear that filling up the tank makes the car heavier, decreasing the vehicle’s fuel efficiency as a result. While that may be true, drivers who don’t fill up make more trips to the filling station, and those trips can waste fuel. In addition, when the gas cap is removed from your vehicle, vaporized gas escapes from the tank, so opening the cap more frequently allows more vaporized gas to escape. * Pay for gas with a card that rewards you with cash for making purchases. While using a cash-back credit card won’t reduce your fuel consumption, it will earn you some money back on your fuel purchases. * Don’t pay more for fuel your car won’t utilize. Some drivers might feel as though putting a high-octane fuel in their vehicles will improve the vehicle’s performance. But that’s not the case. A high-octane fuel in a car that’s built for a low-octane fuel won’t improve the car’s performance or its gas mileage. Only purchase the fuel the owner’s manual recommends. For many new vehicles, that means 87-octane, or “regular,” fuel, which is typically the most affordable.
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Drive wisely Driving habits can also impact how much fuel you’re consuming. Driving habits can be hard to change, but drivers who start driving with a mind toward safety and reducing fuel consumption can take steps to do just that. * Don’t accelerate too quickly. Rapid acceleration consumes more fuel. When accelerating, do so gradually. You’ll still get to the same place, but you’ll get there with a lot more fuel. * Don’t speed. Highway speeds more than 60 miles per hour significantly reduce fuel efficienCar Care
Slow down & watch for detours in work zones. On highways, know the posted speed & drive to road conditions. And always watch for cyclists & pedestrians. Thanks, you’re a lifesaver.
Hood County News
Operate garage doors safely
A garage door is an oft-overlooked part of a home. Some are rarely opened, while others are used on a daily basis. Though they might be overlooked, garage doors play a role in thousands of injuries every year. Roughly 20,000 people each year are treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to garage doors, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canadian hospitals report that roughly 60 percent of all garage door injuries are cut fingers or hands. The majority of injuries happen at a person’s own home. Although children are more susceptible to garage door injuries, these injuries can happen to people of all ages. That is why it is wise for all members of the family to familiarize themselves with how to prevent garage door injuries.
Crushing concerns
Safety experts from many organizations, including CPSC, estimate the average garage door weighs more than 400 pounds. A door of that weight can break bones and crush adults and children alike. There are many reasons a door can fall, including lost tension, improper installation or a faulty track or springs. A garage door may become faulty if it was hit by an automobile and not mended correctly. Many different manufacturers have created safety features that can be installed on garage doors to control the speed of descent and also automatically stop a garage door should it be involved in a free fall. There also are features that retract the door should it meet with an obstacle on the ground when the door is closing.
Unsafe ride-along
Some children and teenagers think it is entertaining to ride on the garage door when it is automatically being opened. The kids let go before the door reaches the header of the garage. Unfortunately, many children are not as lucky and can become trapped between the garage door and the small space at the ceiling of the garage. Others may have hands or feet become stuck between the folding panel joints of the door, resulting in breaks or amputations. Children should be advised never to ride on an opening garage door. Some automatic garage door opener manufacturers have begun
developing safety systems that shut down the operation of the door if a sensor measures extra weight on the garage door.
Sharp edges Tracks on standard garage doors are frequently made of sharp-edged metal and have numerous open holes in the construction that are tempting for little fingers. Cuts have occurred to both children and adults in and around tracks. Look for garage doors that have rounded-out edges on the track and a closed design that does not enable fingers to be trapped between rolling mechanisms and the garage door track.
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Open joints in door Most standard garage doors are made by fitting several panels together to create a solid door. This allows for the bending motion of the door when it is retracted. Gaps between these panels, called joints, can trap fingers or toes, resulting in anything from pinching to amputations. Shoppers may want to consider a door that guards against open joints with protective features that do not allow finger entry between joints.
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* Do not leave the garage door partially open. When it is reactivated, it first may travel downward before retracting back upward. * Test the auto-reversing feature of the garage door monthly by placing a roll of paper towels beneath the door. If the door does not reverse upon contact with the towels, have the door repaired or replaced. * Make sure that no snow or ice is blocking the door during cold weather. In addition, check for other obstructions that could make the door work incorrectly. * Do not let young children play in the garage unattended. Not only can a garage door be a hazard, but also carbon monoxide poisoning in the garage is another serious concern. * Regularly clean the working parts of the garage door to ensure safe operation. * Do not try to fix garage door problems on your own. Serious injuries can ensue when the torque on springs and other mechanisms are adjusted improperly on high-tension parts. Hire a professional to get the job done right.
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