April 2021 A Special Supplement to
Pioneer, River Valley and Herald Review
Buying In
What to look for when test driving preowned vehicles
Selling Safely
Tips to safely sell a car on your own
Talking Tires
Why tire rotation is so important
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April 2021 • A Supplement to the Pioneer, River Valley and Herald Review
Why is tire rotation so important?
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Why is tire rotation so important?
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The 5 most expensive vehicles to insure
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How to protect your car from sun damage The very real benefits of wearing seat belts What to do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident The importance of enrolling teens in driving school Vehicle maintenance tasks drivers don’t want to overlook The top distractions behind the wheel Did you know? - Teen car accidents What are certified preowned vehicles? Tips to safely sell a car on your own How to sell a car quickly DIY vehicle maintenance tasks When should you replace rotors and brake pads? What to look for when test driving preowned vehicles
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ehicle owners need to keep maintenance on the mind to ensure their cars and trucks are operating at peak capacity. Various components should be checked and serviced at key intervals. Oil changes and fluid top-offs are part of routine maintenance, but it can be easy to forget about other important parts of the vehicle, including tires. Rotating tires is vital to their upkeep. Bridgestone Tires advises that tire rotation involves routinely repositioning a vehicle’s tires in specific patterns from front to back and side to side. According to Big O Tires, the front tires tend to wear on the outside edges because the tire leans over when a driver turns a corner. The rear tires just follow the front ones, so they usually wear more evenly. By leaving tires in place, the outside edges on the front tires will wear down much faster than the rest and those tires will need to be replaced sooner. Rotation may be required by tire warranties. Rotation also keeps the tires working properly. Experts generally advise tire rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, even if they do not show any signs of wear. It is challenging to determine if weather treads are uneven or how much wear has been sustained just by looking at them. Rotating tires can prolong the life of tires and decrease how frequently they need to be replaced.
Experts generally advise tire rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles Rotating tires keeps the tread depth uniform and helps maintain traction and consistent handling across all four tires. Bridgestone says the tire rotation pattern that is best for a particular vehicle depends on the type of tire being used. Patterns are recommended by the standardizing body of the tire industry, called The Tire and Rim Association, Inc. Individuals can consult with professional mechanics about the proper way to rotate tires. Many tire manufacturers or automotive stores that have sold customers tires also will do tire rotations — some free of charge. In addition to proper traction, minimizing uneven tire treads causes the vehicle to be more balanced, advises Wrench, a mobile auto repair and maintenance company. This enables the driver to have more control even when roads are slippery. Many auto service centers will then align and balance tires after they have been rotated. At this time the mechanic will likely check brakes as well, since it is easy to see and reach them when the tires are off. Tire rotation is an important component of vehicle maintenance. Check with a qualified automotive professional to see if it’s time to have your vehicle’s tires rotated.
A Supplement to the Pioneer, River Valley and Herald Review • April 2021
How to protect your car from sun damage P The 5 most expensive vehicles to insure
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uyers must consider a host of factors before purchasing a new vehicle. While the make, model and color of the vehicle may garner the bulk of buyers’ attention, the cost of the vehicle bears consideration as well. The sticker price is important, but the cost of insuring a vehicle also can determine just how much a vehicle will cost buyers each month.
Insurance premiums are determined after providers consider various factors, including the age of the driver, his or her accident history and how much he or she drives. The make and model of the vehicle also goes a long way toward determining just how much drivers will have to pay to insure their cars and trucks. The insurance comparison site The Zebra (www.thezebra.com) notes that the following were the five most expensive vehicles to insure in 2020.
1. BMW i8
Getting behind the wheel of this high-performance sports car cost drivers an average of $4,303 in insurance premiums. That’s a relatively small price to pay for a vehicle with a manufacturersuggested retail price (MSRP) of $147,500.
2. Maserati Quattroporte
A luxury sports sedan with an MSRP just under $100,000, the sleek Maserati Quattroporte cost drivers an average of $4,062 in annual insurance premiums.
3. Nissan GT-R
As a manufacturer, Nissan might not be associated with the world’s most expensive automakers. But
its GT-R, a high-performance sports luxury vehicle with an MSRP of $113,540, will cost drivers a luxury-like $3,864 in annual insurance premiums.
4. Maserati GranTurismo
With the highest MSRP ($150,380) of any car in the top five, the Maserati GranTurismo might be seen as a relative bargain to insure, costing drivers an annual average of $3,735.
5. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The S-Class is a classic Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan with an MSRP of $94,250. Drivers can expect to pay an annual premium of $3,684 to insure this sleek and stylish example of classic luxury.
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eople know to protect their skin and eyes from the sun. Sun exposure can be dangerous for the body, but the sun’s rays also can damage automobiles.
To prevent potential sun-related damage, take these precautions.
Leaving a vehicle exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time increases the risk of damage to its interior and exterior. It’s important that car and truck owners recognize this so they can mitigate the potential problems sun and heat may cause. Testing conducted at the State Farm® Vehicle Research Facility found interior vehicle air temperatures have been recorded well in excess of 145 F. Interior surfaces exposed to direct sunlight have been recorded at temperatures in excess of 195 F.
• Crack a window. If it is safe to do so, lower interior air temperature and equalize air pressure by opening up car windows a little.
The automotive repair service Fix Auto says the sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause the vehicle’s paint to peel and fade over time. UV rays break down the molecules in the paint and make it appear dull. The company says red paint is particularly susceptible because red paint molecules deteriorate faster in the sun than other paint colors.
Here’s what Ed
• Avoid direct sunlight. Park in the shade as much as possible.
• Use a windshield protector. Reflect sunlight away and keep the vehicle cool with a windshield sun protector that unfolds and slides into place. • Use a protectant wax. A layer of wax can offer another layer of protection against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. • Wash the car frequently. Washing and hand-drying the vehicle helps to remove dirt and other debris which can cause micro-scratches in the paint. • Install seat covers. Seat covers can protect leather and fabric upholstery. A leather conditioner can help prevent cracks and tears from sunlight and heat. These easy steps are simple preventative measures that protect vehicles against sun damage.
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April 2021 • A Supplement to the Pioneer, River Valley and Herald Review
The very real benefits of wearing seat belts Seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017 alone
What to do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident 1.35 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes
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he importance of wearing seat belts in vehicles has resonated with drivers and passengers across the globe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the national seat belt use rate in passenger vehicles in 2019 was 90.7 percent. And despite their simplicity, particularly when compared to the various other technologies available in modern vehicles, seat belts remain an incredibly effective device against injury and even death, though only when drivers
and their passengers remember to engage them. For example, the NHTSA notes that seat belts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in 2017 alone. Unfortunately, the NHTSA also reports that 47 percent of the 37,133 people killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2017 were not wearing seat belts. Studies have indicated that front seat riders in cars who wear their seat belts can reduce their risk of fatal injury by 45 percent, while front seat riders in trucks can reduce their risk for fatal injury by 60 percent.
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ar accidents happen every day. Though the World Health Organization reports that approximately 1.35 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes, many more people walk away from such accidents relatively unscathed. In such instances, knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of an accident can help drivers and passengers stay safe and start on their road to physical and financial recovery.
No two car accidents are the same, but the Insurance Information Institute recommends anyone involved in a car accident take the following steps to make the most informed decisions in what is often a difficult situation. • Assess your physical condition. The III recommends people involved in accidents check themselves for injuries in the immediate aftermath of an accident. Call 911 if you are hurt. If you’re seriously injured, try to remain still and only move with the assistance of emergency response personnel.
• Assess passengers’ physical condition. Drivers who are not too hurt to move can check on their passengers after assessing their own condition. Before moving a passenger who is injured, speak with an emergency response professional. This person can assess the situation and determine if it’s safe to move
an injured passenger or if it’s best to wait for first responders to arrive on the scene.
• Get to a safe place. If possible, move to the side of the road or a sidewalk. If it’s safe to move a vehicle and the vehicle is in a hazardous position, such as in the middle of the road, pull it to the side of the road. If the vehicle won’t start of you suspect it could be dangerous to move it, leave the car where it is and get yourself and any passengers who can move to the side of the road or a sidewalk. • Call 911. If you have not already done so, call 911 once you have gotten to a safe place. The III notes that no accident is too minor to involve the police, and some local laws even mandate that all traffic accidents be immediately reported. Be sure to fill out an accident report, which can be vital for drivers who intend to file claims with their insurance providers.
• Turn the vehicle off. If the vehicle is still running, turn it off. Turn on the vehicle’s hazard lights and, if you can physically do so and it’s safe to do so, place road flares around the car to warn fellow motorists. • Exchange information. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver once everyone has determined that they are not injured. The III recommends exchanging full
names and contact information. Specific information like insurance companies and policy numbers, driver’s license numbers and license plate numbers, the exact location of the accident, and the type, color and model of the other driver’s vehicle also should be exchanged and noted. • Avoid discussing fault with the other driver. Drivers will not determine who’s at fault. Such decisions are made by insurance adjusters. Discussing fault with the other driver in the immediate aftermath of an accident can lead to difficult, potentially heated exchanges. • Document the accident. The III recommends motorists involved in accidents identify the responding police officers and ask them how to obtain copies of the official accident report. Take pictures and speak with any witnesses, jotting down their names and contact information if possible.
• Notify your insurance provider. Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. You can even do so from the scene of the accident if you’re capable of doing so. This can jump-start the claims process. Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath of a car accident can calm drivers’ nerves and get them on the road to recovery that much sooner.
The importance of enrolling teens in driving school
A Supplement to the Pioneer, River Valley and Herald Review • April 2021
Vehicle maintenance tasks drivers don’t want to overlook
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avvy drivers recognize that maintenance is essential to keeping their vehicles running strong for years on end. Such maintenance ensures vehicles are safe to take out on the road, and basic upkeep also protects drivers’ financial investments in their cars and trucks. Drivers who are not mechanically inclined tend to put their vehicles in the hands of a trusted mechanic to perform routine maintenance like oil changes. But there’s a host of simpler vehicle maintenance tasks that drivers don’t want to overlook, some of which can be performed without visiting the auto body shop.
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s teenagers eagerly await the arrival of the birthday that makes them eligible to get their drivers’ licenses, they may be anticipating the freedom that being able to drive alone provides. But that excitement can overshadow the immense responsibility of operating a motor vehicle. According to Geico, 25 percent of 16-year-old drivers are involved in a car accident during their first year of driving. Expertise behind the wheel comes with practice, and starting teen driving journeys with a good foundation of information and instruction is key. Enrolling in a driver’s education program can be a wise investment, and one that reduces the number of collisions on the road. The following are some ways driving school can benefit young drivers.
• Pass your test the first time: Though requirements are different depending on where drivers live, they typically must pass both a written and a road test to earn their licenses. Driver’s education courses go over the rules of the road and the laws governing safe driving. A road instructor will go over driving basics and help you put them into practice while behind the wheel. • Access to an expert: While Mom, Dad or another trusted adult may have the best intentions when teaching teens how to drive, they may be rusty with some of the rules. Furthermore, they may have adopted habits or shortcuts that,
while they work for them, may not be the proper way to instruct new drivers. A driving school helps teens learn how to drive well and safely. • Specially equipped vehicles: The vehicles that driving schools have in their fleets have been modified to be especially safe. Most feature a rearview mirror and an additional brake pedal on the passenger side. This enables the driving instructor to have a clear view and also to act, if necessary, to avoid a collision while the student is still learning.
• Meet requirements: Most states in the United States require driver training courses in some shape or form before a teen is able to get his or her license. In New Jersey, for example, obtaining a license is a multistage process. At age 16, teens may apply for a learner’s permit with proof of enrollment in a behind-the-wheel driver training course and a passing grade on the written test. At age 17, the student must then pass the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission road test. A probationary license will then be issued. If rules are followed during the probationary one-year period, a basic license is issued at age 18. Driving schools also may facilitate contact between teen drivers and a local motor vehicle department, such as setting up road and written test appointments and enabling teens to use their vehicles for the road test. Such factors only underscore the ways families can benefit from enrolling young drivers in driving school.
• Brake inspections: Brake inspections are best left to the professionals, who can check the thickness of brake pads and look for other indicators of excessive wear. The automotive resource Cars.com recommends having brakes inspected during routine tire rotations, which many automotive professionals suggest should be done every six months. • Car wash: Car washes might not be the first task drivers associate with vehicle maintenance, but they can prevent long-term damage to cars and trucks. Damage from bird droppings and road salt and ice melt products in the winter can damage a vehicle’s paint job and its undercarriage. Wash the car on your own at home or visit a professional car wash to perform this simple yet
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vital maintenance at regular intervals and whenever you notice significant buildup of dirt and grime on the car’s exterior. • Air filter: The air filter on a car or truck prevents debris, dirt and other contaminants from getting into the engine. The auto insurance experts at Allstate® advise drivers to inspect their vehicle air filters once a year. Air filters in need of replacement may appear dirty, and reduced fuel economy, unusual engine sounds and reduced horsepower are some other potential indicators that an air filters needs to be replaced. • Windshield wipers: Windshield wiper blades are easily overlooked, but various automotive experts recommend replacing wiper blades every six to 12 months. Old wiper blades won’t perform at peak capacity, dramatically reducing visibility during heavy rain and snowstorms. Anyone can replace their own windshield wiper blades in a matter of minutes, and new blades won’t break the bank. Vehicle maintenance is not exclusive to tending to what’s under the hood. Keeping a car running smoothly for years involves routine tasks that many drivers can perform without professional assistance.
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April 2021 • A Supplement to the Pioneer, River Valley and Herald Review
Pets & Children
Mobile phone use
The top distractions behind the wheel
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id you know that a vehicle driven at 55 miles per hour or faster can traverse the length of an entire football field in a matter of seconds?
Driving requires not only knowledge of the rules of the road and skill behind the wheel, but also concentration on the task at hand. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates distracted driving has been a significant factor in fatal car crashes. NHTSA says as many as one in 10 deaths are now attributed to driver distraction. Distractions can come in many forms but fall into one of three categories: manual, visual and cognitive. Any distraction has the potential for serious consequences, including deadly accidents. Here’s a look at some of the common distractions and how to avoid them. • Mobile phone use: Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving. Texting combines cognitive, manual and visual distractions. Turn off phones while behind the wheel to help reduce the temptation to grab Hours: M-F 8-5 Closed Sat/Sun
Did you know?
According to the World Health Organization, males are more likely to be involved in road traffic crashes than females.
Eating or drinking the phone.
• Daydreaming: Being lost in one’s thoughts can be a big distraction. Driving with something heavy on one’s mind can cause a person to lose track of the road. This may occur when experiencing intense emotions, particularly anger or stress. There’s also a condition called “highway hypnosis” that causes drivers to “zone out” while driving. It often occurs while driving on open highways for extended periods of time. Taking breaks and pulling over if you notice your mind wandering can help. • Pets and children: Young children or unsecured pets can be very distracting in the car. As a child calls out, begins to cry or wants his or her needs met, drivers may turn to address those needs and take their eyes off the road. Pets that are moving around the vehicle also may distract a driver. All pets and children should be secure in the vehicle at all times. • Adjusting the GPS: Recalibrating the GPS or entering an address while driving can be a distraction. It’s best not to touch the GPS unless the car is in park and at a complete stop.
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• Eating or drinking: Taking hands off the wheel to enjoy that drive-thru meal can be a mistake. Looking down at food and removing hands from the wheel reduces one’s ability to steer and react immediately to sudden traffic hazards. If drivers become knowledgeable of the significant hazards of distracted driving, they can make changes to improve overall safety. Completing certain tasks before leaving home or while the vehicle is parked can reduce the need to multitask while driving.
The WHO notes that 73 percent of all road traffic deaths occur among young males under the age of 25. In addition, male drivers under the age of 25 are nearly three times as likely to be killed in road traffic crashes as female drivers under 25. The WHO acknowledges that various factors can increase drivers’ risk of being involved in road traffic crashes, and distracted driving may be one of the biggest threats facing today’s young drivers. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute notes that, in 2017, 40 percent of high school students reported texting or emailing while driving in the 30 days prior to being surveyed. Parents also may unknowingly contribute to teens’ distracted driving, as the CHPRI notes that teen drivers receive more calls from their parents while driving than any other group of motorists.
What are certified preowned vehicles?
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he days when buying a used car was akin to a game of chance are largely a relic of the past. Though it’s still possible that used car buyers could end up with a lemon, the preowned vehicle market has changed dramatically and for the better over the last couple of decades. One of the more notable changes surrounding used vehicles over the last 20 years is the rise of certified preowned cars and trucks, or CPOs. The COVID19 pandemic affected sales of CPOs in 2020, but the vehicle transaction experts at Cox AutomotiveTM report that more than a quarter million CPOs were sold in May of 2019. First-time car buyers or those accustomed to purchasing new vehicles can learn more about CPOs before buying their next cars or trucks. Such knowledge may help them make the most informed decision possible before they sign on the dotted line and drive their next vehicle off the lot.
What sets CPOs apart from other used cars? The auto industry data aggregator Black Book notes that CPOs tend to have low mileage and clean accident histories. It’s possible, though unlikely, that vehicles that don’t meet such criteria could be designated as CPOs.
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A Supplement to the Pioneer, River Valley and Herald Review • April 2021
Another significant difference between CPOs and more traditional used cars is that the former tend to be sold with extended manufacturers’ warranties. Certified preowned vehicle buyers also may be offered perks similar to those offered to new car buyers, such as free roadside assistance or complementary satellite radio service, for a predetermined period of time. While it may seem like a no brainer for used car buyers to purchase CPOs, the consumer advocacy experts at Consumer Reports suggest that the decision is more complicated. Analysts at CR have suggested that the biggest advantage to CPOs is their extended warranties, which can be expensive. Having a vehicle inspected by a private mechanic consumers trust prior to purchase may be a better way for budget-conscious car buyers to allocate their funds than purchasing a CPO simply because of its extended warranty. If the mechanic gives the vehicle a clean bill of health, consumers can then rest easy knowing they exercised their due diligence and did so without having to pay for a potentially costly extended warranty. Ultimately, the decision is up to buyers, who can conduct a cost analysis to determine just how much they might save (or not save) when purchasing a CPO or a noncertified used vehicle. Certified preowned vehicles are an option car buyers can consider prior to purchasing their next car or truck.
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April 2021 • A Supplement to the Pioneer, River Valley and Herald Review
Tips to safely sell a car on your own
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ore and more auto buyers are considering and ultimately purchasing preowned vehicles. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, used vehicle sales in the United States have risen every year since 2013.
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The increase in used car sales over the last decade reflects a growing confidence among consumers that preowned vehicles are reliable and worth buyers’ investment. Though many dealerships now offer sizable inventories of preowned vehicles, private citizens can still sell vehicles on their own. Car owners hoping to do so can consider the following tips to ensure the process is safe and smooth.
• Fix any issues with the vehicle. The competition to attract buyers’ attention will be steep. Private sellers will have to contend with the hesitation buyers naturally have about preowned vehicles as well as dealerships that specialize in used car sales. Dealerships typically offer preowned vehicle warranties that guarantee the life of certain components. To compete against such offerings, private sellers must make
every effort to fix issues with their vehicles prior to putting them up for sale. Mechanical issues must be addressed, but cosmetic issues like cracks in the windshield, dents or scratches on the vehicle exterior and even aging tires should be fixed/replaced as well. • Prepare a maintenance portfolio. A portfolio of maintenance receipts can impress buyers and reassure them that the car has been well-maintained. Receipts for oil changes, annual tune-ups, repairs that were made, and even receipts for new tires can be included in the portfolio.
• Screen prospective buyers. The automotive experts at Kelley Blue Book recommend that sellers insist on speaking with serious buyers over the phone prior to scheduling a test drive. Such conversations give sellers a chance to vet buyers about what they’re looking for and whether or not they’ve arranged financing. KBB advises sellers to be wary of buyers who offer to purchase vehicles sight unseen. • Contact your insurance provider. Prospective buyers will want to test drive the
vehicle, so contact your insurance provider to confirm that your coverage extends to other drivers. Some companies may request that you get a copy of prospective buyers’ drivers licenses. If such a request is made by your provider, mention that to buyers when speaking with them on the phone. • Meet at a public location. When scheduling a test drive, insist on meeting at a public location away from your home, such as a grocery store parking lot. The test drive can begin and end at this location. This measure is designed to keep sellers safe. • Insist buyers make financial arrangements on their own. When a buyer agrees to purchase the vehicle, KBB recommends that sellers insist they make financial arrangements on their own. In addition, KBB suggests asking buyers to put down a deposit and get back in touch when they’re ready to conclude the sale. Private sellers can take various measures to ensure the process of selling their vehicles goes safely and smoothly.
A Supplement to the Pioneer, River Valley and Herald Review • April 2021
How to sell a car quickly
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sed cars have become much more popular thanks to the affordability and reliability of certified-preowned vehicles. According to the financial resource Dave Ramsey, a brand-new car loses somewhere between 9 and 11 percent of its value the moment it is driven off of the lot. That’s like throwing away $3,000 on a $30,000 vehicle in an instant. The car research resource The Car Connection says there are more than 250 million used cars on the road in the United States, and every year roughly 40 million people sell and buy used cars compared to the 14 million new vehicles. People who are considering selling a vehicle to capitalize on the used-car boom can follow these guidelines to sell quickly.
Prepare the vehicle
It’s hard not to judge a book by its cover. The same can be said for the way prospective buyers will view a car or truck, particularly if it is dirty. Cleaning the interior and exterior and removing any items from the trunk, cargo bed, glove compartment, and any other storage areas will give a positive impression. The level of cleanliness will give buyers the impression that the vehicle has been well-maintained.
Price it correctly
Use trusted resources to appraise the value of the vehicle being sold. Kelley Blue Book is an industry standard for determining the value of a vehicle for sale. A vehicle that is priced at or
slightly below other similar cars or trucks will sell more quickly.
Gather your documents
Put together a folder of receipts, maintenance schedules and any other paperwork that has been gathered through the years. Paperwork also should include the vehicle title and original sales paperwork. This will indicate to potential buyers that the car has been diligently maintained and that the previous owner was organized.
Make repairs
Depending on how much a person is willing to spend or concede in price negotiations, repair the vehicle accordingly. Types of repairs can include replacing burned out lights, fixing chips and cracks, replacing or repairing tires, repairing dings and scratches, and checking and replacing brakes.
Advertise in the right places
Major automobile listing sites are a good place to start, as are newspaper classifieds and local social media sales marketplaces. Include plenty of well-lit pictures of the interior and exterior, and include detailed information on the vehicle, including any special features. This will generate interest from serious buyers. Taking certain steps to sell a used vehicle can make the process go quickly and smoothly.
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April 2021 • A Supplement to the Pioneer, River Valley and Herald Review
DIY vehicle maintenance tasks
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uring the global COVID-19 pandemic, many people looked for ways to save money. One way to live a frugal life is to take on more projects. In addition to lawn and garden upkeep and minor home improvements, a number of people may be able to tackle some auto repair and maintenance jobs themselves. Performing routine vehicle maintenance tasks on one’s own is an ideal way to reduce automotive expenditures. The following are several vehicle maintenance jobs skilled DIYers may be able to handle on their own.
• Replace the air filter. An air filter should be changed annually or more frequently if you reside in a dry, dusty climate. A clogged filter can stress the vehicle’s air conditioning system and reduce heat capacity in the winter. Check the location
of the air filter in the owner’s manual; pay attention to how it is placed before removing. Then replace it with a clean filter that can be purchased for around $15.
• Replace the wiper blades. When wiper blades are worn out, visibility in rainy or snowy weather is reduced. Choose a quality wiper blade, as they usually are made with high-quality rubber, clean better and have more UV protection than manufacturer-provided blades. Follow the installation instructions on the package, and be sure to refer to the particular manufacturer’s buying guide to get the right size for your make and model of vehicle.
estimated cost of $20 versus nearly double or more what you’ll spend elsewhere, it can save money to do it yourself. Never change the oil while the engine is hot. And remember to lubricate the rubber gasket on the new oil filter and allocate enough oil to fill the filter with about 2⁄3 of new oil in addition to what is put in the engine.
• Replace spark plugs. The money management site Money Crashers says spark plugs need to be replaced after around 30,000 miles or as indicated by y
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our owner’s manual. Vehicles will have four, six or eight plugs, depending on how many cylinders the car has. The plugs need to be changed in a certain order, so only remove the first wire and spark plug. Remove and replace plugs one by one with a spark plug socket, wrench or ratchet. • Change the oil and oil filter. Because changing the oil in a vehicle requires jacking up the car or truck and getting a little dirty, some people prefer to leave it to an oil change center. However, at an
• Replace headlight bulbs. Replacing headlight bulbs is a fairly easy project and will only take around 10 minutes to do after you purchase the right bulbs for your vehicle. Each vehicle is different, but many bulbs are housed inside of a bulb holder, which is shaped like a trapezoid with three wires coming out of it, advises U.S. News & World Report. Remove the old bulb and put in the new. Plug the wires back in and test to see if the headlight works. The above automotive tasks are just some that people can try themselves to save time and money.
When should you replace rotors and brake pads?
A Supplement to the Pioneer, River Valley and Herald Review • April 2021
What to look for when test driving preowned vehicles
P
reowned vehicles have become hot commodities in recent years, reflecting a change in what drivers are looking for when it’s time to get a new ride.
According to the market and consumer data experts at Statista, preowned vehicle sales increased every year between 2014 and 2019 and more than doubled the number of new cars sold each year during that period. For example, in 2019 United States car buyers purchased 40.8 million preowned vehicles and right around 17 million new vehicles. There are many reasons why more car buyers are increasingly looking to the preowned vehicle market when replacing their existing vehicles. Certified preowned vehicles have increased consumer confidence in used cars and trucks and extended warranties have helped ease concerns buyers may have about such vehicles. As reliable as preowned vehicles can be, prospective buyers must remain diligent when considering a used car and truck. Potential mechanical issues can be discussed with a mechanic of buyers’ choosing, but it’s up to drivers to gauge other factors that can affect how enjoyable it may or may not be to drive a given vehicle. Test drives remain a great way to get a feel for preowned vehicles and prospective buyers can consider various factors to determine if a given car or truck is for them.
T
he ability to accelerate and steer freely is vital to vehicle performance. Equally crucial is being able to stop the car to avoid collisions and obstacles. Brake pads and rotors are vital components of braking mechanisms that need to be maintained and serviced.
Drivers may wonder how frequently they have to replace brake parts. Car and Driver magazine states brake pads are among the most crucial braking components. Brake pads create the friction that helps stop a car when they are pressed against the brake rotor, also known as the brake disc. It’s in drivers’ best interests to ensure that brake pads, as well as rotors, always function properly and are replaced before their effectiveness is compromised.
Replacing brake pads
Brake pads are made from different materials, but all will wear down over time, losing a portion of material every time the brakes are used. Eventually brake pads will not be able to generate enough friction to stop the vehicle quickly. Industry experts generally recommend brakes be replaced every 20,000 to 60,000 miles. Since that is a wide mileage range, drivers can listen for squealing noises or grinding sounds or feel for vibrations when deploying the brakes. Each of those signs may indicate brakes need to be replaced.
• Comfort: Comfort is a big consideration when Replacing rotors
Like brake pads, rotors also will wear out over time. Brake rotors must meet a certain thickness to be considered safe. If they are below that thickness, then they must be fully replaced. Some drivers opt to have their rotors resurfaced. This means removing any grooves, hotspots or anomalies on the rotors that can cause uneven wear of the brake pads. However, if the rotors are too thin, they cannot be resurfaced, as this removes some additional rotor material. Rotors can only be resurfaced once before replacement. Some vehicles have rotors that cannot be resurfaced at all. Rotors can go thousands of miles before they need to be replaced, but vibrations while braking and squeaking noises are usually indicative that rotors need to be checked and/or replaced. Even though brake pads and rotors may wear out at different intervals, many automotive professionals advise replacing rotors when brake pads are changed for optimal performance and safety.
Brakes are an essential safety component. Work with a qualified mechanic to have brake pads and rotors serviced before wear and tear adversely affects driver safety and vehicle performance.
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purchasing new vehicles, and there’s no reason to downplay the importance of comfort when shopping for
preowned vehicles. Consider the available headroom and legroom when test driving a vehicle, but also take note of comfort-based accessories that the vehicle may or may not have. For example, if you’ve grown accustomed to heated seats on your existing vehicle, then a preowned vehicle without such seats, or one without functioning heated seats, will likely bother you in the years to come.
• Visibility: Sight lines vary from vehicle to vehicle,
so make sure your test drive is long enough to give you an accurate idea of a vehicle’s visibility. Blind spots may not differ much in new versus older models or even in vehicles made by the same manufacturer, but they can differ considerably between manufacturers (i.e., Toyota versus Nissan). Get a feel for blind spots during the test drive to determine if the you’ll be comfortable driving a given vehicle.
• Connectivity: Modern vehicles are designed to
connect with our devices, and drivers have quickly grown to prioritize connectivity. Compatibility with devices can make it easier to use GPS and stream music while driving, so don’t hesitate to connect your phone when test driving a vehicle. If the car and phone are incompatible, that can affect how much you enjoy driving the car. Preowned vehicles are incredibly popular. Buyers considering used cars or trucks can look for certain things during a test drive to determine if a given vehicle is the right fit for them.
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