Thursday April 29, 2010
2 SPRING 2010 AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE
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April 29, 2010
Custom Rides There’s an accessory out there for you A Publication of The Herald & Review 601 E. William St. Decatur, Illinois 62523
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By COURTNEY WESTLAKE for the Herald & Review
DECATUR – If you buy a car straight from the lot, the chances are that it is pretty standard…and a lot like the cars that everyone else are driving. Adding accessories or upgrading features of the vehicle, on the other hand, will help tailor it to your own personality. “Your vehicle is as much a part of you as the clothes have on; you try to look nice anywhere you go, and you also want to look nice when you’re in your vehicle by customizing it,” said Mike Rodden, owner of Alpha Omega Auto Sound, which has locations in both and Taylorville. “A lot of people spend a lot of time in their car, so it’s nice to have something like that. Without having a customized vehicle, it feels like something is missing.” Changing from cloth to leather interior, upgrading radio systems and adding navigation systems are all popular options for enhancing your car, truck or SUV. And because of changes in state law which allow for window tinting,
drivers are clamoring for the darkened windows. “Window tinting is the most popular thing we do now,” said Ron Miller, owner of Truck Stop in Decatur. “Most people think cars look better like that; some people do it to keep glare out. It also gives UV protection on all leather interior.” Leather interiors have also become all the rage, Rodden said. “(It’s because of) the ease of cleaning; you can clean spills like soda on leather much easier, but it will stain cloth,” he said. “People also choose to put in heated seats with leather. Leather gets really hot in the summer and cold in the winter, and at least you can combat the cold in the winter.” Change in everyday technology has made for some changing trends in cars as well, Rodden said. In recent years, there has been a decline in subwoofer systems, but an increase in iPod integration. “When iPods came out, we saw the stereo market turn and focus toward that particular accessory,” he said.
“Everyone has an iPod or mp3 player of some kind. A lot more people are downloading music, so that became a very large item for us.” Not only do individuals desire a change to their car, but car dealers themselves often look to companies like Alpha Omega and the Truck Stop for vehicle upgrades. “The (car) sales person will call, get a price from us, and we bend over backwards for them; sometimes we are even able to get the job done within the day,” Miller said. Truck Stop will attempt to work with most kinds of requests from customers, Miller said. “We’re not afraid to try anything,” he said. “The most unique thing we’ve done recently is put semi-tires and wheels on a pick-up truck. We’ve had a couple of people ask about it since. We’re starting to work on Harley-Davidsons now too.” The quality of accessories or vehicle enhancements done at a specialty shop as compared to a
manufacturer is noticeably better, Rodden said. Heated seats get “twice as warm, twice as fast” as factory seats, and factory speakers are not very high-quality, he said. “If you buy what’s in the car from the factory, they put a lot of work into making cheap speakers sound as good as they can,” he said. “So the longevity of those speakers is six months to a year. We have radios put in nine years ago, and they’re still going. It’s a night-and-day difference. You’re not necessarily getting more volume, but better clarity. The quality is 10 times better in an aftermarket piece, and you don’t have to worry about it breaking.” hrprojects@herald-review.com
April 29, 2010
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SPRING 2010 AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE 3
4 SPRING 2010 AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE
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Crown Toyota Scion A sleeker, more aero-dynamic body style makes up the newly redesigned 2011 Toyota Sienna minivan, which has been out for a couple of months. On the limited model, the vehicle has new interior configurations where the second row of seats slides back and can recline like a reclining chair. The limited model also features a top-of-the-line voice-activated navigation system, a panoramic camera for the rear and a DVD player with two screens. “So you could make the DVD you’re watching into a widescreen or you could play two different DVDs at once,” said Steve Walden of Crown. The 2011 Toyota Avalon is also an exciting brand-new vehicle on Crown’s lot, which has been named best in class for backseat comfort and is the first in its class to have a back-up camera as standard equipment, Walden said. The Avalon gets 20 miles per gallon in the city and 29 on the highway. On the Scion lot, the Scion xB is a roomy four-door car that has 40 different options available for customizing. “Scion lets customers personalize it to their taste,” Walden said. “Some want more basic, some want options and it gives you the flexibility to do that.” Some popular added options are spoilers, navigation systems, upgraded radios like XM satellite, exhaust tips and rear bumper appliqués, Walden said. Scion vehicles have been a big hit with all age groups, he noted. The Scion tC model has also been very popular, and the Scion xD is smaller than the xB with a different body style, while still boasting a lot of room in the vehicle.
2011 Toyota Sienna
2010 Scion Xb
Crown Toyota Scion 255 W. Pershing Rd., Decatur 872-5000
2010 Scion Xd
2010 Scion Tc
April 29, 2010
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Protect Yourself Buying the proper insurance is an important part of car ownership By COURTNEY WESTLAKE for the Herald & Review
Automobile insurance is so necessary in protecting those who are out on the road that it is required by law from the state. But purchasing insurance should be done with much more consideration than simply following state laws, according to Karin Betzer-Grady, account executive with J.L. Hubbard Insurance and Bonds. “It behooves you to get
adequate coverage,” Betzer-Grady said. “If you’re in an accident and you only have coverage up to $20,000, and the person you hit has a vehicle worth $23,000, all expenses incurred – both to the vehicle and medical expenses for the person – past your insurance limit come from your pocket. It doesn’t take much to run up expenses over a low limit, and then you’re responsible for those outof-pocket. You want to make sure you are covered adequately, which
is different for each person.” The purpose of insurance is to protect yourself and your family members in the event that you suffer a loss to your property or personal harm and to protect yourself from losses suffered by others. The state minimum required in Illinois doesn’t actually cover much if you are involved in a bad accident, said Don Whitacre, of Whitacre-McNamara Insurance. “No matter how good
of a driver you think you are, people always make mistakes,” Whitacre said. “Most are fortunate, but sometime people get involved in that accident
where people are injured and you’re at fault. Adequate auto insurance can protect you from lawsuits.” Insurance continued on page 7
6 SPRING 2010 AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE
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Jackson Ford The 2010 Ford Fusion is a five-passenger, four-door sedan that is available with a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine, or as a hybrid. The vehicle offers Ford’s exclusive sync program, which allows the ability to have hands-free telephone and voice texting with both outgoing and incoming texts. “It’s really a safety thing because you can keep your eyes on the road at all times,” said Dave Freundt, sales manager at Jackson. In addition to the sync program, the Fusion also is available with builtin navigation and other modern options, he added. “And it’s very economical with mileage ranges from 34 miles per gallon with the 4-cylinder engine to 41 miles per gallon with the hybrid,” Freundt said. Jackson Ford will also be introducing a brand-new 2011 Mustang, which will be available in August. Another new model is an old brand name that is being re-introduced: the Ford Fiesta will also be for sale in the late summer and is a compact car with mileages in the 40s, Freundt said. Jackson Ford 455 E. Pershing Rd., Decatur 877-5441
2010 Ford Fusion
2011 Ford Mustang
April 29, 2010
Insurance continued from page 5
In general, there are two kinds of auto insurance: full coverage and liability only. The two most important types of liability coverage are called bodily injury liability, which covers injury to other people, and property damage liability, which covers damage to someone else’s property, Whitacre said. “I’ve had people drive into houses and all kinds of crazy things,” he said. “People should carry at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident in bodily injury liability.” You can also purchase
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plans that cover medical payments to the policy owner and other passengers in the policy owner’s car, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and physical damage. Coverage that includes physical damage to your car is classified as “collision” and “comprehensive.” “You can write comprehensive without collision,” Betzer-Grady said. “Sometimes people might park their vehicles outside, and they want comprehensive coverage, so we provide that so they are protected from vandalism, limbs falling
on their cars, sleet damage and that sort of thing.” In evaluating your auto insurance or shopping around for a new policy, Betzer-Grady encouraged policy owners to know how much you need to protect yourself against potential lawsuits and know the value of your vehicle. Shopping around between different companies and policies will enable you to find the best coverage at the best price, she said. “One big reason that people don’t switch to a different carrier is that you have to get together a lot of information that
SPRING 2010 AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE 7
you don’t normally have (right in front of you),” she said. “But you should definitely shop around and get quotes. If it saves you a little bit of money, it’s worth it.” Calling a local insurance agency is the best thing you can do, Whitacre said. He said he has seen firsthand the kind of mistakes people can make if they buy auto coverage over the Internet. “Most people don’t know what kind of coverage to buy, and that’s what an agent is for,” he said. “Get a good agent and take that agent’s advice. Insurance
is very complicated, and it can ruin people if you don’t have the right coverage.” Betzer-Grady agreed that personal attention from an agent can save people a lot of trouble. “To me, it’s the personal service and attention that you don’t get if you buy online,” she said. “You don’t have that agent explaining to you about your coverage and the different aspects of your policy, and you don’t have someone you can go to if you have questions or have an immediate problem.” hrprojects@herald-review.com
8 SPRING 2010 AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE
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April 29, 2010
Miles Chevrolet Nissan With a rear DVD system, power rear-lift gates, back seats that fold flat and seating for seven to eight passengers, the Chevrolet Traverse has become the center of attention in the land of automobiles. The sport utility vehicle has picked up first place awards from Consumer Reports, Consumers Digest and the Kelley Blue Book in the family SUV category, said Rob Evans, Chevrolet sales manager at Miles. “It has fuel mileage of 25 miles per gallon on the highway, which is very good for that SUV segment with that much seating,” Evans said. The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is also taking home sport utility vehicle awards this year, with gas mileage up to 32 miles per gallon, and the 2010 Chevy Malibu is an award-winner in the mid-sized sedan market, Evans said. In the Nissan line, the 2010 Nissan Altima is a 2.5 S four-door sedan with 175 horsepower engine and 10-year, 125,000 mile warranty. The Altima boasts 32 miles to the gallon, said Maurice Brown, Nissan sales manager at Miles. “It has been ranked the number one mid-sized car from J.D. Power and Associates,” he said. The Altima also has a state-of-the-art intelligence key with pushbutton ignition. “You can keep your keys in your pocket permanently because you’re albe to control and start the car within a foot-and-a-half radius, so there’s no more locking your keys in your car,” Brown said. Also worth checking out on the Nissan lot are the Nissan Cube with an all-new design and the Maxima, which is a luxury vehicle.
2010 Chevy Equinox
2010 Nissan Altima
Miles Chevrolet Nissan 150 W. Pershing Rd., Decatur 877-4440
2010 Nissan Cube
2010 Nissan Maxima
2010 Chevy Traverse
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10 SPRING 2010 AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE
Poage Auto Mall The GMC Terrain has a four-cylinder engine, getting 22 miles per gallon in the city and 32 on the highway. New features of the Terrain include remote keyless entry, rearvision camera and dual stage front driver and passenger air bags with a passenger sensing system. The vehicle also has available touch screen navigation system and available remote start, as well as a DVD entertainment system that is also available. Be sure to also check out the GMC Acadia and the Yukon, which are both larger sports utility vehicles, and the GMC Sierra pick-up truck. The Buick La Crosse is a luxury sport sedan that comes standard with heated driver and front passenger seats and StabiliTrak, a stability control system with break assist and traction control. The vehicle also has an
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April 29, 2010
available touch screen and voice-activated navigation system, and a feature called XM NavTraffic incorporates real-time road conditions like construction or an accident to help you find the best route. Other notable vehicles from Buick include the Lucerne, a sedan, and the Enclave sport utility vehicle. Poage Auto Mall 1500 Koester Dr., Forsyth 875-2110
2010 GMC Terrain
2010 GMC Acadia
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SPRING 2010 AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE 11
Bob Ridings (Decatur) The Lincoln Mercury Mariner is a sleek sports utility vehicle that comes in hybrid and standard, said Larry Grischow, general manager at Bob Ridings in Decatur. The hybrid gets an impressive 34 miles per gallon in the city. The Mariner is available with voice-activated navigation and can be synced with 911 Assist. It also has available Active Park Assist, which means that it can almost parallel-park itself. The cargo space is 31.3 cubic feet, and the seats fold down in back to give the vehicle even more cargo space. “So it not only has a great ride and gas mileage, but you can haul a lot of stuff,” Grischow said. Other noteworthy vehicles in the Lincoln line include the MKT, which was voted best in class for fuel economy and has a refrigerated console and DVD screens in the headrest, as well as the Mercury Milan. The Suzuki’s 2010 Kizashi comes standard with keyless push button ignition and eight standard air bags. It is available in all-wheel drive, Grischow said. “It’s a sporty and elegant sedan,” he said. “It’s the winner of 17 international Car of the Year awards.” The Suzuki 2010 Equator pick-up truck and Suzuki SX4, which gets 30-plus miles per gallon, are also exciting vehicles currently on the Bob Ridings lot.
2010 Lincoln Mercury Mariner
2010 Lincoln MKT
Bob Ridings 3103 N. 22nd St., Decatur 877-3102
7 Green Interior Car Care Tips Making green changes to the way you care for your vehicle extends beyond the type of fuel you use or keeping your tires properly inflated. Modifications to the way you care for the interior can mean the difference between eco-friendly and not. Many times detailing the interior of a vehicle requires a lot of strong chemicals. But it doesn't have to.
2010 Suzuki Kizashi
1. Keep up with mess. If you clean as items become soiled, you won't have to rely on harsh chemicals to remove set-in stains. 2. Replace carpeted mats for rubberized ones. Choose recycled rubber mats, which will require a hose-down instead of shampooing with strong carpet cleaners. 3. Invest in a quality shop vacuum or high-powered vacuum. Routinely vacuum the interior of the vehicle to prevent ground-in dirt. Care Care Tips Continued on page 16
2010 Suzuki SX4
12 SPRING 2010 AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE
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14 SPRING 2010 AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE
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Rick Ridings (Monticello) The Mercury Mariner sports utility vehicle has four-wheel drive, heated seats, reverse-sensing navigation and is now available from Rick Ridings at zero percent interest for 60 months. “It’s a great time to buy a car,” said sales manager Rodney Thompson. “The Mariner is also available in hybrid; we have a few of those on the lot as well. If you go hybrid, it gets 34 miles to the gallon in the city, which is pretty good.” The Mercury Grand Marquis is also exciting for those who are interested in a large car. The Grand Marquis is a full-sized luxury vehicle, Thompson said. The Mountaineer is available at zero percent interest for 60 months as well, in addition to the Milan, which is a four-door sedan available with a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine.
2010 Lincoln Mercury Mariner
Rick Ridings 1817 Old Route 47, Monticello 762-2521
2010 Mercury Milan
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Sullivan-Parkhill Safety is the number one focus at Volvo as evidenced by exciting features on recent models. The Volvo XC60 crossover vehicle has an available system called SIPS, or side impact protection system, as well as a feature called City Safety. “If the car in front of you stop abruptly, then your car – whether you hit the break or not – will stop for you, when you’re going under 20 miles an hour in the city,” said Ken Moerdyk, of Sullivan-Parkhill. The XC60 also has a whiplash protection system (WIPS) and dynamic stability traction control, or DSTC. “DSTC measures whether the car is sliding or you are oversteering or under-steering and corrects it. It can apply one-corner breaking to force the vehicle to take the path you are steering for,” Moerdyk said. Other impressive vehicles from Volvo include the XC90 SUV crossover, which has rollover protection, and the 2011 S60, which is coming out this fall.
2010 Volvo XC60
Sullivan-Parkhill Automotive 440 W. Anthony Dr., Champaign 352-4275
2010 Volvo XC90
Care Care Tips Continued from page 11
4. Buy seat covers. Instead of using harsh chemicals to clean upholstery, removable seat covers may be able to be washed in a washing machine and cleaned with eco-friendly detergents. 5. Stock up on dusting cloths. Static-charged dusting cloths can be used to collect dust and debris from the dashboard and instrument panel. This reduces the need for spray dusting products. 6. Replace interior air filters. Most new vehicles have an air filtration system for the interior of the vehicle. Clogged filters can proliferate contaminants inside the cabin of the car. Frequently change the filters to ensure cleaner interior air quality. 7. Leather interior fixer. You don't need expensive or harsh products to condition leather interior. To clean leather seats, for example, use a small drop of eco-friendly dish liquid worked into a damp rag. Clean the stain or seats. Use a damp, clean rag to collect any remaining moisture and soap residue. Buff with a dry cloth. Apply a miniscule amount of olive oil to a cloth and work it into the leather to condition it. Don't use too much or you'll be left with oily seats and a mess. • 2010 Volvo S60
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SPRING 2010 AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE 17
In The Money Check out your financing options before buying By COURTNEY WESTLAKE for the Herald & Review
DECATUR – When warmer weather arrives, the general public seems to get the itch to get out on the road to cruise in style in a new vehicle. “Spring always brings new sales,” said Diane Ellis, loan operations manager at Land of Lincoln Credit Union. A consumer has several options when looking to finance a vehicle, Ellis said. The lending bank or credit union can hold the title of the vehicle, you could get a signature loan (which is unsecured) or you could put the vehicle on a home equity loan (which is secured by your house). With a high credit score, these options will enable you to get a lower interest rate than financing through a dealership. Ellis recommended that buyers get pre-approved for a vehicle loan before purchasing the vehicle. The information you need for pre-approval includes your social security number, address, place of employment and length of employment. And if you’re not yet a member of the credit union, Ellis said the process is simple and quick. A driver’s license and two other forms of identification are needed. “Getting pre-approved (for vehicle financing) is beneficial because you want to know what your options are at your bank or credit union before you go into the dealership. A five-minute preapproval saves a lot of time and money,” Ellis said. “Dealerships can do financing, but in some cases, they add percentage points to your rate. We can do all the
paperwork right here in the office once you purchase a vehicle if you are pre-approved, and the buyer’s order can be faxed to the bank.” Earthmover Credit Union works in partnership with several dealerships’ lenders in the area, such as Bob Brady, Miles and Crown, said Letha Peete, vice president of lending at Earthmover. “You can go in and speak with a lender; they’ll work your deal, send us the paperwork and we’ll approve or send a counter offer,” she said. Additionally, to assist consumers with their vehicle shopping, Earthmover offers a tool on their Web site (www.decu.com) called AutoSmart, where you can find a wealth of information, including interest rates and NADA vehicle values. While several options are available for financing a vehicle, most consumers choose a basic auto loan, Peete said. “Mostly people are looking to try to get that 72-month loan. They’re stretching that payment out just to get the payment down,” she said. “So we also have to look at the vehicle’s value too because in two to three years, people are looking to get something new and still have half of their loan left.” Though the interest in purchasing a new vehicle is speeding up this season, consumers today seem to be more attracted to cars that are only new to them, which is a different attitude than even a couple of years ago.
“More people are purchasing used vehicles versus new,” Ellis said. “That is showing because of depreciation. People don’t want to take big hit in beginning because of the vehicle depreciating.” Ellis recommended having all your financial “ducks in a row” before making a purchase. “You need to know who you’re financing with,” she said. “Know what the vehicle is worth, have someone help provide that service for you, which we can do. Know what rate you should be looking for with your credit score and how much your monthly payment will be, and if you can handle that. If you’re not knowledgeable, then find the
vehicle you want and leave; don’t get stuck with financing you aren’t comfortable with.” Peete strongly encouraged individuals to speak in person with a bank or credit union and knowing available options when car shopping. “That’s what we’re here for, to help with that process,” she said. “Check the value of vehicle and mileage and those things. If it’s a used vehicle, take it somewhere and have it checked out to see what you could possibly be getting into. We like for people to do their research. Just be careful, and don’t let your emotions flood your pocketbook.” hrprojects@herald-review.com
18 SPRING 2010 AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE
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April 29, 2010
Isringhausen Imports The elegant and comfortable BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo now comes standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission previously to be found only in the BMW 760i twelve-cylinder luxury saloon. Other standard features of the Gran Turismo also include rear axle air suspension as well as hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering. Integral Active Steering is available as an option, which allows the driver to actively steer the front wheels with rear-wheel steering varying according to driving conditions and current requirements. Options in the Gran Turismo are exciting, with a complete range of features from BMW ConnectedDrive, such as Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, BMW Night Vision with detection of individuals and a back-up camera. BMW ConnectedDrive also offers an Enhanced Emergency Call function that automatically determines the current location of the car so you won’t be searching parking lots anymore. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo also boasts telecommunication and navigation systems, a DVD entertainment system at the rear and an 80 GB hard disc for navigation data and the owner’s music collection. Isringhausen Imports 229 E. Jefferson, Springfield 1-800-332-6142
Did You Know? One of America's most famous roadways technically no longer exists. 2010 marks the 25th anniversary that Route 66, which has been mentioned numerous times in pop culture, was officially removed from the United States Highway System. The reasoning behind the famed route's decertification was its practical irrelevance, as the road had long since been bypassed by travelers for more convenient routes. However, the route's decertification has not done much to decrease its historical notoriety. In fact, several portions of the road have been designated a National Scenic Byway, including stretches in Missouri, New Mexico and Arizona. What's more, a handful of Route 66 associations sprouted up shortly after the route's decertification. These associations were established to preserve and restore the route, while also promoting its rich history. Each state along the route, which
spans Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, ha its own Route66 association. Travelers with a love of history can even find "Historic Route 6 signs along the old route, and those traveling through Flagstaff,Arizona, can even travel alon Route 66 by driving down Santa Fe Avenue, all but a few blocks of which was renamed Route 66. Perhaps due to its presence in pop culture lore, Route 66 might never be forgotten, as there is even a movement afoot to have the famed roadway returned to road atlases.
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Now or Later Be sure and follow the recommended service schedule By COURTNEY WESTLAKE for the Herald & Review
When the U.S. economy took a turn for the worst, people began to try to cut back on spending, including postponing regular maintenance on their cars. “I’ve seen people spending less money on their car; it’s the economy more than anything,” said Dan Benson, owner of Rainbow Automotive, which has been open in
Decatur since 1981. “But they’ll find out they’re spending more money in the long run because without maintenance, the car won’t last.” Today’s high-tech vehicles can amass a lot of mileage without showing the wear and tear, so it can be easy to ignore the car’s maintenance schedule. But stopping the problems before they start will save big money on repair bills down the road, Benson said. Service continued on page 20
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20 SPRING 2010 AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE
Service continued from page 19
“Auto maintenance is very important; it increases the longevity of the engine and of the car,” he said. “There’s a reason manufacturers put the maintenance schedules in there.” Vehicle maintenance schedules come with every car, Benson said, and if you can’t find yours, most schedules can be found online. Some of the most common maintenance measures that people neglect include oil
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changes, brakes, air filters and tire pressure, Benson said. “It all impacts the mileage of the car,” he said. The lifespan of the car depends mostly on what kind of attention the owner gives to the car, Benson said. Vehicles today can be driven for many years if they’re given the proper care and attention. “We see a lot of cars with over 200,000 miles now,” Benson said. “People are keeping them
around. They’re not buying new cars as much, so they’re fixing up their cars more and taking it to end of the road.” Keeping a pen and pad of paper handy in your car is an easy way to keep track of your car’s maintenance. Simply jot down when maintenance procedures were performed, when you fill up with gas and the mileage you attained and when you added fluids like coolant and power steering fluid. This information will also be
Easy Tricks to Conserve Fuel Whether due to the struggling economy or an increased desire to live a more environmentally-conscious life, many of the nation's drivers are exploring ways in which they can conserve fuel. While riding a bicycle to work or taking public transportation are both reliable means to conserving fuel, there are many other ways to do so as well. • Don't accelerate too quickly. Accelerating too quickly from a dead stop taxes the engine and requires more fuel as a result. • Don't overfill the gas tank. When filling your tank, stop once you hear the first click at the pump. Overfilling will simply lead to spillover. • Empty the trunk. It might be convenient to keep your golf clubs in the trunk, but that excess weight could be forcing your engine to work harder and use more fuel as a result. • Close the windows when driving at higher speeds. When the windows are open at high speeds, that added air drag is reducing your vehicle's fuel efficiency substantially. • Don't idle too long in the mornings to "warm up" the vehicle. In general, a vehicle does not need more than 60 seconds of warming up to be able to operate efficiently. • Don't rev the engine like you're driving a race car. Revving the engine needlessly wastes fuel and can even lead to engine damage.
beneficial when you’re interested in selling your vehicle. Checking under the hood will also keep you aware of the state your car is in. Cracks or leaks can be found through regular inspection of belts and hoses. Benson encouraged car owners to learn how to monitor the fluid levels of the oil, radiator, battery, power steering, brake and automatic transmission fluids in their vehicles. Also, be sure the air is
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filled up in your tires and make sure all lights are working properly, in addition to keeping up-todate on tire rotations and oil changes, Benson said. “You should rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles – usually about every other oil change,” he said. “And follow your mileage to know when to change your oil.” hrprojects@herald-review.com
• Maintain your vehicle. Older filters make it harder for an engine to run at maximum efficiency, so stick to the recommended maintenance schedule.
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April 29, 2010
HPR Automotive Superstore The all-new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee has reached a new level of comfort, refinement and capability. The newly redesigned Grand Cherokee offers real wood accents and soft leather throughout the large interior, along with heated steering wheel and premium navigation with voice recognition. New for 2011, the Grand Cherokee will also offer the Selec-Terrain traction control on some 4x4 models, said HPR’s James Hutmacher. The system allows for complete on and off-road capability for the vehicle. With all of the changes, Jeep still ranks safety high on the priority list, Hutmacher said. The Grand Cherokee comes standard with
2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
45 key safety features, such as side curtain air bags for all passengers and anti-lock brakes. One of the biggest safety improvements for 2011 is the Uconnect Guardian, which affords customers with five of the most requested security features: automatic crash notification, emergency call, roadside assistance, remote door unlock and stolen vehicle location assistance. HPR Automotive Superstore 1320 W. Jackson, Sullivan 1-866-644-5330
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SPRING 2010 AUTOMOTIVE GUIDE 23