Drive into Spring 2019

April 2019

A Special Supplement to

Manistee News Advocate

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Financing

101

A buyers’ guide to financing a vehicle

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April 2019 • MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE

2

Smarter driving for foggy weather

6

How to reduce vehicle maintenance costs

3

Buyer’s guide to financing a vehicle

7

Child passenger protocols to follow

4

Tips for staying safe with keyless systems

8

Develop a vehicle maintenance schedule

4

Did you know? Self-driving cars

8

Keep tires road-worthy for safer driving

4

Did you know? Sedans

9

See the sights with motorcycle tours

5

Explaining your used car warranty options

10

3 ways to cut the costs of owning a vehicle

11

6

4 reasons to skip topping off at the filling station Unique ways to conserve fuel

Did you know?

The automotive resource Kelley Blue Book says that, through the first half of 2018 (the most recent data at the time of press), the best-selling vehicles in the United States were as follows: 1. Chevrolet Equinox 2. Toyota Corolla 3. Honda Civic

4. Toyota Camry 5. Honda CR-V 6. Toyota RAV4

Smarter driving for foggy weather

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eather patterns can be fickle.

One moment it may be chilly and sunny, while the next warm and wet. As a new season arrives, fog may roll in along with it.

Fog occurs during extremely humid conditions. For fog to be present, some type of dust or air pollution also needs to be present in the air so that microscopic water particles can surround it. According to the National

Foggy conditions require drivers to use even more caution and attention to the roads.

Geographic Society, fog occurs when water vapor, or water in its gaseous form, condenses. During condensation, molecules of water vapor combine to make tiny liquid water droplets that hang in the air. You can see fog because of these tiny water droplets.

While fog can be a marvel to behold — completely obscuring landmarks or mountains in some instances — it can make driving challenging. Even seasoned drivers find fog is dangerous and difficult to drive in. The Federal Highway Administration says fog may contribute to more than 500 fatalities each year.

When driving in foggy conditions, drivers’ full attention needs to be directed to the road. These tips also

can help keep drivers safe when navigating foggy conditions.

Reduce speed. Slowing down affords you more reaction time if traffic stops or if other hazards seemingly appear out of nowhere. Leave considerable space between cars.

Engage the wipers. Improve visibility as much as possible by turning on the windshield wipers and the defroster to help.

Use low beams. Make sure your vehicle is as visible as possible to others. Turn on the low-beam headlights so your car is noticeable to other motorists. High beams can cause glare, so avoid them, however tempting it may be to use them.

Drive in the right lane. Use the lines and reflectors on the right side of the road to help guide your direction, suggests AccuWeather.

Remain engaged. Do not use cruise control or allow any distractions in the car when driving in fog. Turn off the radio, put your phone away and focus on driving.

Take a break. If the fog is greatly compromising your visibility, pull over in a safe spot or parking lot until it dissipates. Make sure to put on your hazard lights. The California DMV says the best advice for driving in fog is not to do so.

Driving in fog can be tricky and unsafe. Always exercise caution when fog rolls in.

Buyer’s guide to financing a vehicle

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he price of the average car continues to rise. Analysts at Edmunds estimate the average transaction price of a new vehicle now hovers at roughly $36,000. Few people can walk into a car dealership and pay such a price in cash, which means that savvy shoppers need to familiarize themselves with the financing process in order to get their dream rides.

In addition to finding the perfect car or truck, buyers must spend time researching the ideal way to pay for it. Car loans are key to the car-buying process. Too often shoppers wait until they’re in the negotiating seat at the

dealership before they even know what they can spend, and this can be a mistake.

A poor financing deal hurts buyers over the long run and may lead to defaulting on the loan and dealing with the credit fallout that defaulting produces.

Vehicle financing is a step-by-step process that should begin long before consumers even pick out a car.

Examine your spending and saving.

Start by looking at your finances and establish a budget. How much cash do you have on hand for a down payment? Also, how much can you comfortably devote to a new car payment and requisite auto insurance?

You can use automotive loan calculators to get a rough idea of what a particular car will cost you in terms of monthly payments.

Know your credit

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standing. Great

credit will give you financing leverage.

Understand your credit score and which factors may be bringing it down.

Resolve any issues well before you apply for financing so a bad score will not hurt you.

Visit lenders. The financing deal

offered by the dealership might not be the best price possible. You can get preapproved/prequalified for an auto loan the same way you do for a home mortgage at banks and credit unions. This helps you secure the best interest rate possible. It also provides negotiating power. A preapproval letter puts you in the position as a stronger “cash buyer,” states the financial resource NerdWallet.

Set a firm buying price.

Preapprovals and working with a third-party lender gives you a specific amount of money you know you can borrow. Use this as a tool to keep the negotiated price low because you cannot exceed your preapproved amount. It also may be a way to push dealership finance mangers to contact their own captive lenders to try to beat the rate offered by your existing lender.

Work is needed to secure the best price on a new car, and that work begins long before visiting a dealership.

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Tips for staying safe with keyless systems

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uto manufacturers have long or purse and still send the signal, which embraced technology that makes it convenient for drivers. Drivers can streamline the automotive with arthritis or hand injuries also may experience for drivers. For example, find keyless systems an asset. several years ago keyless entry and Because fobs work on wireless systems, ignition systems were introduced, hackers potentially can intercept the initially on high-end vehicles before fob-to-car signal. That enables a thief to they became standard on many other not only open the vehicle’s doors, but models. also to potentially drive away as Keyless entry systems require well. Even though the fob/ a fob, which sends a car security pairing is Keyless entry signal to the receiver unique and can create and ignition inside the vehicle. billions of codes, systems might The fob transmits a researchers at be convenient, low-frequency code Radboud University but they require to the car’s internal in the Netherlands caution and computer system, and the University common which engages the of Birmingham found sense. locks and will allow the that, by intercepting driver to push a button on the wireless signal the dashboard or console just twice, they could to start the vehicles. The fob narrow down the possible can be stashed away in a pocket combinations from billions to

just 200,000. After that, a computer can figure out the code in just half an hour and unlock the car. Potentially, a thief can gather car codes as drivers enter their vehicles during the day, then return later to steal a number of cars.

Thieves who purchase signal amplifiers also pose a threat. These amplifiers magnify the reach of the fob signal so that a vehicle owner can be in his or her house with the fob, but the thief can walk up to the car and open it — even if the fob is far enough away that it should not engage. One way to circumvent this is to buy a signal-blocking pouch that can

hold the key fob. Also, an old-school steering wheel or gear shift lock is an effective way to provide another layer of protection.

Drivers also should be aware of their surroundings as they approach their vehicles. Thieves may count on keyless entry systems to be able to hop into a vehicle once the owner gets within range and drive away.

Vehicle technology thrives to make driving as convenient as possible, but some features also may make things more convenient for prospective thieves.

Did you know?

Did you know?

Self-driving cars might once have seemed like a futuristic concept that may never come to fruition, but the future is now. In 2018, Waymo, once known as the Google self-driving car project, launched its commercial self-driving car service in Phoenix.

While it’s not widely available and safety protocols, including the presence of human safety operators behind the wheel, are in place, Waymo has made it possible for people to pay for self-driving car rides. Tech industry insiders note that Google’s fellow tech giants, including Apple and IBM, also are working on self-driving car services. And much like many things in the tech industry, the self-driving car market figures to evolve rapidly, making it seem as though the availability of self-driving cars became widespread overnight. However, today’s self-driving vehicles are the byproduct of years of research and sizable financial investments. For example, a little more than a decade ago, Darpa, the experimental laboratory of the Pentagon, hosted the Urban Challenge at an Air Force base in Southern California. At that event, which was one of a handful sponsored by the United States military, several driverless vehicles traversed real traffic conditions. That showcase was an integral component of the foundation of the modern self-driving car industry.

Sedan owners who suspect they might be part of a dying breed are not wrong to harbor such suspicions, as auto industry insiders note that the production of sedans has been in decline for about a decade. According to LMC Automotive, which tracks the auto industry, many auto manufacturers are responding to consumer demand for taller vehicles by producing more trucks, SUVs and crossovers at the expense of sedans. In fact, LMC Automotive estimates that, by 2022, 84 percent of the vehicles sold by General Motors in the United States will be SUVs or trucks. And GM won’t even be leading the pack in that regard, as LMC estimates Ford (90 percent) and Fiat Chrysler (97 percent) will be almost exclusively manufacturing some type of truck or SUV. While trucks and SUVs might first have taken hold of the U.S. automotive market, other countries are now following suit. According to the automotive research firm JATO Dynamics, SUVs, including crossovers, accounted for more than one in three cars sold across the globe in 2017.

Explaining

your used car warranty options

5

MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE • April 2019

P

urchasing a previously owned vehicle requires a leap of faith. Even after relying on a test drive and a thorough inspection by a mechanic, it’s impossible to know how the previous owner drove and maintained the vehicle and the wear and tear it may have endured. Drivers also cannot predict any issues that may crop up after signing a purchase contract. A certified pre-owned warranty from the dealership, an extended warranty or a different type of aftermarket warranty product can offer some peace of mind.

Navigating these warranties can take some savviness. Certified pre-owned warranties tend to be the smartest bet in the realm of used car warranties. This is because factory warranties are backing the product, and the vehicles that are given the CPO stamp have been properly vetted and are in great shape to be insurable, according to IntelliChoice, a company that develops and distributes consumer automobile ownership data, ratings of vehicles based on their consumer value, leasing cost data, and Certified Pre-Owned Program analysis. Many car companies conduct small repairs to prepare a vehicle for CPO status, and cars are inspected thoroughly to ensure they are worthy of being backed by the factory warranty. This is a boon to buyers because they know they are likely getting a quality vehicle.

There are mixed reviews by automotive experts on other aftermarket warranties, often billed as “vehicle

protection plans” and “service contracts.” Some people believe they can save a lot of money. Others feel that they aren’t redeemed enough to warrant the out-of-pocket cost, and that paying for repairs alone is more cost-effective.

Autotrader, a vehicle value estimator and buying/ selling tool, says that an extended warranty is rarely a good buy on a used car, but there are a few exceptions. If the car is notoriously unreliable (check J.D. Power reliability ratings), purchasing a warranty can be a smarter buy. Drivers should look for an exclusionary (bumper to bumper) warranty, which covers all items except for ones specifically excluded on a list. This type of warranty is more comprehensive, and there’s less of a risk that a claim will be denied. Other warranties include powertrain warranties, which only cover the vehicle’s most important and expensive components. A WRAP warranty also may be attractive, as it will extend coverage to the few items that may no longer be covered by the original manufacturer’s warranty.

Buyers also can try to negotiate a warranty, if the car is not CPO, into the purchase price as an incentive for buying the vehicle. Individuals can speak with the salesperson to find a deal — and coverage — that works for them.

Warranties are an option that may help buyers feel a little more secure in their purchases.

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How to

reduce vehicle maintenance costs

3

ways to cut the costs M of owning a vehicle

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hen buying a new vehicle, many consumers are fixated on sticker prices. And that’s understandable, as the automotive resource Kelley Blue Book noted that, in March 2018, the average transaction price for light vehicles purchased in the United States was more than $35,000.

But as any veteran vehicle owner knows, the costs of owning a car or truck go beyond sticker price.

Maintenance, insurance and fuel are some of the additional expenses that are part of owning a vehicle. And while it can be hard to get dealers to lower a sticker price, drivers can take other steps to reduce the cost of owning a vehicle.

1. Make a long-term commitment.

2. Downsize your vehicle.

3. Skip the bells and whistles.

Parents cart kids around town in minivans or SUVs that have the capacity to hold sports gear, musical instruments, etc. But if the kids are out of the house or still under your roof but now behind the wheels of their own car, consider downsizing to a small vehicle. Small vehicles are typically less expensive to purchase, and they won’t cost as much to insure or fill up at the gas station.

Today’s drivers may want their cars to be mobile offices and entertainment centers outfitted with all the latest gadgets and accessories. Though such accessories might be nice, they aren’t necessary to get you from point A to point B. When buying a new car, buy the base model or one step up from the base model, which could save you thousands of dollars right off the bat.

Driving is a necessity that does not come cheap. But there are many ways for motorists to reduce the costs of vehicle ownership.

Many drivers finance their auto purchases with loans from the bank. When loans reach maturity, or if drivers pay the loans off early, only then are they free from monthly payments. But over the years many drivers have equated the maturity dates on their auto loans with a time to buy a new car, essentially starting the process all over again. By resolving to keep their cars once their loans are paid off, drivers are making a long-term commitment to their vehicles and saving some money along the way. Even keeping a car that required a $400 monthly loan payment for one year after paying the loan off can save drivers nearly $5,000 in loan payments, and even more if drivers reduce their insurance coverage once the vehicle is officially theirs.

ajor repairs to a vehicle can be expensive. When unanticipated repairs are necessary, drivers’ budgets can be thrown out of whack, potentially causing a domino effect that compromises their ability to pay their bills on time.

Whether your vehicle is brand new, a few years old or reaching milestones on its odometer with every mile driven, there are ways to care for the vehicle so you aren’t caught off guard by costly repairs down the road.

Read your owner’s manual. A vehicle owner’s manual is a great resource that can help drivers keep their cars and trucks running strong for years.

Every vehicle, whether it’s purchased brand new from a dealership or preowned from a preowned dealer or private citizen, should come with an owner’s manual. Don’t worry if you purchased a preowned vehicle from a private citizen who lost the manual, as many manufacturers have manuals available for free on their websites.

Print manuals may cost some money.

Drivers may be able to find their manuals elsewhere online on a site such as Justgivemethedamnmanual. com, which has thousands of manuals from various automakers available.

Once you have the manual in hand or on your computer, visit the maintenance section to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance guidelines.

Adhering to those guidelines is a great way to keep your car running strong for years on end, and it might just save you from the hassle of sudden expensive repairs.

Protect the engine. The engine is arguably the most expensive part of your vehicle to replace, so protecting it should be a priority. Routine oil changes and oil filter replacements is a great way to protect the engine.

Manufacturer guidelines vary in regard to oil change and oil filter replacement intervals, but such recommendations can be found in your manual.

Hone your DIY skills. Drivers also can save money on maintenance by doing some of their own minor vehicle repairs. YouTube is home to many DIY tutorials that can teach drivers how to change their own oil and replace the filters on their vehicles. Routine repairs are relatively easy, and many tutorials can walk you through them step-bystep. Depending on how much you drive, learning to do your own minor vehicle repairs may save you hundreds of dollars per year.

Perform routine inspections. Older vehicles may or may not alert drivers via noises or leaks that they’re in need of repair. Routine inspections of hoses, brakes and tires, which should always be properly inflated, can let drivers know if their vehicles are experiencing problems before those problems grow and become something costly.

Vehicle maintenance costs tend to be most expensive when drivers ignore routine maintenance or miss signs that their cars and trucks might be struggling. By adhering to manufacturer maintenance guidelines and paying attention to their vehicles, drivers can reduce the cost of keeping their cars on the road.

MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE • April 2019

7

Booster: This is a seat that elevates and positions the child so that the vehicle’s seat belt fits properly over the child’s body.

Seat belts are used when children outgrow boosters.

They should lie across the upper thighs and be snug across the shoulder and chest.

Each type of safety seat has subsets that further customize the fit and positioning for the child.

When to use a car seat

Child passenger protocols

that car crashes are a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13. The NHTSA’s General Estimates System states that, in 2016, 394 children age 5 or younger died in car crashes. However, in that same year, 328 were saved by using car seats.

The right car seat can save lives, but parents, especially those expecting their first child, can easily become overwhelmed by the various types of seats on the market. Understanding the different seats, and when and how to use them, can help parents navigate their options.

to follow

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arents and caregivers take various measures to safeguard their children around their homes. The same attention to safety also extends to when families leave the house. Rules in place concerning vehicular safety are designed to keep kids safe on the road.

Car seats, boosters and seat belts provide protection for infants and children when used correctly. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states

Choosing a car seat

There are various types of car seats, and each may be appropriate depending on a child’s age and size.

Rear-facing: This is the best seat for young children, as it cradles the child to reduce stress to the neck and spinal cord.

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First and foremost, visit a governing agency website to determine the laws where you live in regard to car seats. Transport Canada indicates each province and territory may have its own age, height and weight restrictions. Consult the website for your province or territory for more information.

The automotive agency AAA provides a state-by-state and territory/province rundown of rules governing car seat use at https://drivinglaws.aaa.com/tag/childpassenger-safety/. This can help residents learn which type of car seat is needed and how long to use it. For example, residents of New Jersey must keep children under age two who weigh less than 30 pounds in a rear-facing seat. Children under four who weigh less than 40 pounds must be in either a rear- or forwardfacing child passenger restraint system. Children younger than eight and under 57 inches must be in a forward-facing child passenger restraint system or rear-seat booster seat. Booster seats are required until the child is age eight or weighs more than 80 pounds.

Installing the seat

Read the car seat instructions and refer to the vehicle’s owner’s manual for proper installation. Seats for young children utilize low anchors that max out at certain weights for installation. Most forward-facing and booster seats rely on tethers to install.

Child car seats save lives and help keep little ones protected on the road.

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Develop a

April 2019 • MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE

vehicle maintenance schedule T he oft-sudden expense of vehicle repairs can throw monthly budgets into disarray. Maintaining a routine service schedule is one way for drivers to keep repair costs down.

The online automotive resources Edmunds.com says many car owners do not adequately prepare for scheduled maintenance, and may not give maintenance a thought until it’s too late. The first step drivers take upon purchasing a new or preowned vehicle should be to familiarize themselves with the vehicle’s owner’s manual, which is filled with valuable information and likely includes maintenance interval recommendations.

Next, drivers should learn about their vehicle, which is particularly relevant when buying a preowned vehicle.

Getting to know how the car or truck rides, as well as any sounds it may make, can provide drivers with a solid foundation they can then use to keep their cars running strong.

Routine service typically includes tire rotation, oil changes and topping off of fluids. So just how long between service appointments can a car go? Here are some generalized estimates.

Oil change: Oil chemistry and engine technology have improved so much that most cars can go well beyond the once-recommended 3,000 mile interval between oil changes. Now many vehicle manufacturers recommend between 5,000 and 10,000 miles between changes, advises Edmunds. Drivers should err on the side of caution if they do a lot of stop-and-go driving and short trips. Other drivers may want to invest in vehicles that have oil change maintenance minders built in. A light or countdown will come on the dashboard, indicating when the oil has reached the end of its usefulness.

Tire rotation: Rotating tires helps prolong the life of the tires and alleviates uneven tread and wear.

During the rotation, each tire is

removed and relocated to a different position to ensure that all the tires will wear evenly.

Michelin Tires states that tires should be rotated around every six months, or between 6,000 and 8,000 miles.

Vehicle fluids: Your best bet is to see what the manufacturer recommends in regard to fluids such as transmission fluid, differential oil, brake fluids, coolant, etc. Some transmissions need regular maintenance, while others can go 150,000 miles between changes, according to the vehicle information site The Drive. Coolant typically can last 100,000 miles. For these types

of changes, it may be best to go to a mechanic or service center familiar with your make and model rather than a quick-lube center, as knowing when to drain and refill can be more complicated.

Service schedules can be designed to adhere to manufacturers’ recommendations and drivers’ personal preferences.

Keep tires road-worthy

for safer driving

Maintain the right pressure

M

aking driving more safe can come down to ensuring that the vehicle is in good working order — starting from the ground up.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warns that an average of 200 people die each year in tirerelated crashes. In 2016, 733 people across the United States lost their lives in accidents in which tire malfunction was a contributing factor. Roughly 70 percent of single vehicle accidents are tire-related. Taking tire maintenance seriously can greatly reduce the chances of blowouts, accidents and fatalities.

Caring for tires not only improves safety, but also it extends the life of the tires, saving drivers money as a result. Michelin Tires says that simply checking the tires’ inflation pressure can make a significant difference in how long tires last. For example, a tire that is consistently 20 percent under-inflated may see its life expectancy reduced by 20 percent.

Tires that are not properly inflated also can have a high rolling resistance. In such instance, the engine must expend more effort to move the vehicle — thus eating up fuel.

Pressure should be checked at ambient temperature before driving, states AAA. The recommended inflation pressure can be found in the drivers manual or on the tire.

Check tire tread

Tires rely on good tread depth to maintain traction and shed water during wet conditions. AAA recommends checking tread with a visual inspection and with the “quarter test.” Insert a quarter into a tread groove with the top of Washington’s head facing down. If the top of his head is not visible, the tires have at least 4⁄32” of

tread and are acceptable for continued use. If the top of Washington’s head shows, tires need to be replaced.

Learn about tire aging

Check the owner’s manual for specific recommendations concerning replacing the spare tire for the vehicle. Some manufacturers state after six years, while others say 10 years is the maximum service life for tires. While most tire centers will use newly manufactured tires when replacing tires, you can double check the age of any tire by looking at the sidewall for the tire identification number (TIN), offers NHTSA. The last four digits are the week and year of manufacture.

Keep up on maintenance

Wheel alignment, tire rotation and tire balancing are all key to minimizing wear and extending the life and safety of tires. Each vehicle has specific recommendations, and drivers should consult their manuals to find those specifics.

Tire function is an important part of maintaining vehicle safety and performance.

MANISTEE NEWS ADVOCATE • April 2019

See the sights with motorcycle tours

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otorcycles are a great way to travel. Motorcycles provide a multisensory experience that many riders feel cannot be rivaled.

Motorcycles have a come a long way in comfort and features since creators Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach debuted the first motorcycle in Germany in 1885.

The popularity of motorcycles has fluctuated over the years, and the people who ride them have changed as well. In 2014, for example, women represented 14 percent of all motorcycle owners, states the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Generally speaking, motorcycle ownership has become a pursuit of the financially solvent, married and well educated. According to the finance and investment resource The Motley Fool, most new motorcycles sold in the United States are on-highway bikes, rather than off-roading styles. These bikes are ideal for motorcycle tours.

Speaking of motorcycle tours, they can be an ideal way to see the country or the world. Motorcycle tour companies are popping up on just about every continent and can help make for extraordinary road trips. Pairing a motorcycle ride with a touch of history can treat riders to hidden details of the places they visit and offer an up close and personal look at many sights and attractions.

Motorcycle tours provide an ideal way for riders to witness history or experience adventure on the open road.

With motorcycle tours, there’s often something for everyone. Riders can take in sumptuous landscapes, zigzag on mountain roads, ride along coastal vistas, and even explore areas featuring medieval architecture or other historical locales. Motorcycle tourists can ride as a group or strike out on their own.

Many tours put together an impressive package that includes elegant accommodations, breakfasts and dinners, support vehicles to carry luggage and other necessities, custom maps and route sheets as well as admission to special attractions at stops along the tours. Certain tours also may be personally guided.

Motorcycle tours can be well worth the effort of research and booking for those who prefer to travel around North America, Europe or Asia on two wheels. A quick search online will yield motorcycle tours close to home or at many popular destinations.

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4 1. Topping off costs you money.

T

e

2. Topping off may damage your car.

Topping off won’t just hurt your pocketbook; it can potentially damage your vehicle as well.

topping off at a filling station

Fuel tanks need extra room inside them so gas can expand while the car is being operated.

Without room to expand, gas may evaporate into the vehicle’s vapor collection system, which can damage the system and produce greater gas emissions, thereby harming the planet.

3. Topping off can affect the air you breathe.

If you had a choice, would you pay extra for more air pollution?

Likely not. But the EPA notes that this is precisely what many people are doing when they top off their gas tanks. When vehicles’ fuel tanks are overfilled, gas vapors can escape into the air and produce toxic air pollutants. That adversely affects air quality, which ultimately affects your health as well.

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Many drivers may wonder why gas stations, who would seemingly benefit financially from topping off, post signs that forbid topping off. But the EPA notes that gas stations are likely to lose money due to drivers squeezing an extra few cents’ worth of gas into their vehicles. That’s because topping off can damage the station’s vapor recovery systems, causing them to operate improperly and requiring potentially costly maintenance.

Topping off at the filling station may seem like a savvy move.

But drivers, their vehicles and the planet are best served by taking the pump handle out of the tanks at the familiar sound of the nozzle’s click.

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4. Topping off can cost the gas station money.

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he familiar click of the nozzle when filling up at the gas station is recognizable to anyone with a few miles of driving under their belt. Once that nozzle clicks, just about every driver faces the decision of whether or not to squeeze a few extra cents’ worth of gas into their vehicles or remove the nozzle from their vehicles, place it back where it belongs and head off on their way.

Such scenes play out every day across the globe, and it’s likely that the majority of drivers try to squeeze a few extra drops into their tank. While topping off can seem like a financially savvy way to delay your next trip to the filling station, doing so may only cost drivers and the planet they call home. The following are four great reasons to skip topping off the next time you pull into a filling station.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, drivers who top off at the pump are likely paying for gas they’re not getting. That’s because gas station pumps have vapor recovery systems that feed gas vapors back into their tanks in an effort to decrease air pollution. So any gas that drivers try to pump into their tanks after the nozzle has clicked may only be drawn into the vapor line and fed back into the gas station’s tanks and not your vehicle’s fuel tank.

reasons to skip

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Unique ways to conserve fuel

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efensive driving has long been touted not only as a safe way to operate a motor vehicle, but also a cost-effective one. When driving defensively, drivers are less likely to make sudden stops or accelerate quickly, each of which can waste fuel.

But even the most conservative motorists might want to do even more to conserve fuel. Fortunately, there are many unique and simple ways to conserve fuel and save money.

Park in the shade.

According to Natural Resources Canada, using a vehicle’s air conditioning system increases its fuel consumption more than any other auxiliary feature. In fact, NRC notes that air conditioning systems can increase fuel consumption by as much as 20 percent. That’s because vehicle AC systems require engines to work extra hard, which in turn requires them to consume more fuel. By parking in the shade on hot days, drivers won’t need to crank their AC systems in order to overcome the summer heat.

Listen to traffic reports. It’s well known that idling greatly decreases fuel economy. Before leaving for work or to run errands around town, tune in to local traffic reports in the hopes

Making sure a gas cap is as tight as possible is a simple and effective way to conserve fuel. that you can avoid potential traffic jams that contribute to the needless consumption of fuel. If there’s no way to avoid traffic during your daily commute, consider investing in a vehicle with stop-start technology, which shuts the engine off when your vehicle comes to a halt before restarting it once you take your foot off the brake. The Union of Concerned Scientists notes that this technology can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 5 percent.

Make sure your gas cap is tight. A loose gas cap can adversely affect fuel economy. According to Napa®, a loose gas cap is a common contributor

to poor fuel economy. Loose gas caps allow fuel vapors to leak and that decreases your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.

After filling up at the pump, be sure to close the gas cap tightly. Many caps will indicate how many clicks it takes to make sure the cap is closed as tightly as possible. In addition, periodically inspect the cap for cracks or leaks, replacing it if necessary.

Drive distraction-free. Today’s cars are technological marvels. But all those bells and whistles can be distracting, and distracted drivers are less likely to pay attention to how they’re driving.

That can make for unsafe and fuelinefficient driving. When driving, do your best to minimize distractions, turning off your smartphone and directing all of your focus to the road and how you’re navigating it.

Conserving fuel is a goal for many drivers, and that goal can be achieved in a wide variety of ways.

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Did you know?

It’s easy to underestimate the level of know-how required to be an automotive mechanic, and just how essential the job is. There are an estimated 30,000 parts on the average car, and data from the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers indicates around 74,705,000 cars were produced in 2018. Auto mechanics are in high demand. Although many high schools offer adequate training to prepare individuals for a job in automotive mechanics, most mechanics are now expected to have completed an associate degree or certificate program in automotive training to keep up with ever-evolving vehicle technology. Students can enroll in a vocational education program, receive a certificate and then go on to employee training. Upon completion of that training, students can become master mechanics. Training and schooling typically takes two years.

Salary.com reports that the average automotive mechanic salary in the United States was $38,551 as of December 2018.

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