Spring on the Road 4102010

Ready Your Car

for the first road trip of spring

Little Things

to lengthen your car’s life

Saturday, April 10, 2010 ■ Section E An Advertorial Supplement To The

SPRING ON THE ROAD

PAGE 2E ■ SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010

Bookmark your favorite road (ARA) - Planes and trains may have their place in our society, but for the dedicated traveler there’s still nothing like getting in your car and taking a trip along America’s highways.

Half the fun of road trips, in the minds of many, is getting home and telling friends and family about the adventure - and the roads they traveled.

In the past, drivers’ road stories were largely told by word of mouth to a few people at a time. Now drivers can tell their tales to millions via the Internet.

FavoriteRoad.com is a new Web site that features America’s favorite highways and byways.

The site encourages you to post your favorite roads and explain why you like them. Simply log on to submit a photo and story of your favorite road. Use links posted on the site to share your road via popular social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. Your submission may even win a prize in contest giveaways.

The past year’s economic downturn has reintroduced the word “infrastructure” to our vocabulary. As a result of stimulus legislation passed in 2009, the federal government has allocated millions of dollars to specifically improve state roads and highways. And, with more affordable gasoline prices, people

are increasingly using America’s roads for leisure travel.

By posting on FavoriteRoad.com, you’re doing more than just “telling a good story.” Your testimonials may help encourage lawmakers to push for increased infrastructure spending to keep America driving smoothly and safely for years to come.

What’s your favorite road? Log on and tell the world at FavoriteRoad.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI DAILY JOURNAL

A brief history of paved roads 625 B.C.

The Babylonians are credited with the first recorded use of asphalt as a road building material. The ancient Greeks were also familiar with asphalt (the word comes from the Greek “asphaltos,” meaning “secure”).

1500s

1940s-1950s

The modern American turnpike is born.

After World War II, full scale automobile production resumed along with major levels of road maintenance and new highway construction. By 1950, vehicle registration exceeded 40 million cars and 8 million trucks. In 1956, President Eisenhower signed the Federal-Aid Highway Act and launched the Interstate System to create an infrastructure highway program unmatched anywhere in the world.

Christopher Columbus landed off the shores of Trinidad in 1498 and discovered the famous Asphalt Lake, which would later be used on the Pennsylvania Avenue project in Washington, D.C. covering 54,000 square yards.

1970s A national move to conserve energy and 1800s materials initiated a widespread interMacadam roads became popular in the est in recycling of pavement materials; U.S. for rural road construction during asphalt is now America’s most recycled the 1830s and 40s. Belgian chemist Ed- product. mund J. DeSmedt laid the first true asphalt pavement in the U.S. in Newark, 1990s N.J. The Cummer Company opened the A traffic study by the World Road Assofirst central hot mix production facili- ciation indicates that asphalt paveties in the U.S. The first asphalt patent ments are at least 4 decibels quieter was filed by Nathan B. Abbott of Brook- than concrete pavements. lyn, N.Y. in 1871.

2000s

1920s

World War I ended and the use of the automobile was steadily rising, but roads outside the city limits were frequently too muddy or dusty for travel.

To fix this problem, road engineers used oils and asphalt.

The U.S. population has increased 23 percent since 1990 and the number of miles driven has risen by 41 percent.

Only half of the nation’s major roads are in good condition, based on an analysis of recent Federal Highway Administration data.

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SPRING ON THE ROAD SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010 ■ PAGE 3E Price vs. value: Are premium automotive products worth the extra cost?

NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI DAILY JOURNAL

(ARA) - When does it make sense to upgrade to a premium automotive product? That’s a question that stumps a lot of people when confronted with the wide ranges of prices for seemingly comparable products.

“Small steps that motorists take today can go a long way toward improving the safety and reliability of their vehicles,” the Car Care Council says. Here are a few tips on common automotive product categories to help you make informed decisions.

Gasoline: Engines are designed to use a particular grade/octane of gasoline. Some consumers purchase a higher octane gasoline thinking that it’s better for the car. However, there is no substantial benefit in using a higher octane than recommended by the manufacturer. In fact, if you paid 40 cents a gallon extra to purchase super premium gas as opposed to regular, that would cost you and additional $320 a year (assuming 12,000 miles driven and 15 mpg).

The bottom line: Don’t use a higher octane rating than recommended by the car’s manufacturer.

Motor oil: There have been sub-

stantial improvements in lubrication technology over the past few years.

The longer oil life of high performance synthetic motor oil allows for extended oil drains which save time and money, and reduce the impact on the environment.

Additionally, some high performance synthetic oils such as Royal Purple have been reported to improve mileage as much as 3 percent or more. Three percent may not seem significant, but it can result in hundreds of dollars in savings throughout the year.

The bottom line: Upgrade to a high performance synthetic motor oil for extended oil drains and improved fuel economy.

Wiper blades: The climate where you live is the critical factor in determining the value of upgrading to a premium wiper. There is a noticeable performance difference in low cost wiper blades versus those specifically designed for rainy and snowy climates. Premium wiper blades are significantly sturdier and more durable than low-priced blades.

The bottom line: Rainy and snowy climates justify spending a few dol-

Body Shop Supply

lars more for a premium wiper blades.

Oil filters: Inexpensive filters are typically made with the 3,000 mile interval in mind. These filters often use low-quality paper media for filtration and they deteriorate rapidly after 3,000 miles. The new generation of high performance premium oil filters from manufacturers such as K&N, Royal Purple and others allow for extended oil drain intervals. For example, Royal Purple uses a proprietary long-life, micro-glass media that pro-

vides protection for 12,000 miles. It also provides an increased level of protection due to the density of the filtration. You can find out more at www.royalpurple.com.

The bottom line: Upgrade to a premium oil filter if you plan to extend oil drain intervals or if you operate your vehicle in extreme conditions such as dusty environments or cold weather climates.

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Courtesy of ARAcontent

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SPRING ON THE ROAD

PAGE 4E ■ SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010

NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI DAILY JOURNAL

Weather April Showers by Properly Preparing Your Vehicle (NewsUSA) - While it may be true that April showers bring May flowers, rain also creates wet roads and low driving visibility. To better weather the spring storms, Tires Plus recommends the following: Keep the pressure on. Now is the time to pay close attention to your tires. Regularly check your tires for proper inflation, rotation, repair and replacement. Checking tire pressure is important; both under- and over-inflation lessens a tire’s gripping action.

Further, rotating your tires can help

correct irregular tire wear. Enlist the help of your local automotive technician in order to select a tire made for wet-weather driving and enhanced traction.

Wipe away the problem. Take a few moments to check your windshield wipers; they don’t last forever. If the rubber feels rough or is cracked, replace the wiper blades — in most climates about every six months.

Take tread seriously. Familiarize yourself with the “penny test” as a way to check your tire tread. Insert a penny

in the tread with Lincoln’s head down.

If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is worn, and the tire probably needs to be replaced. Your passenger tires should have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth; anything less is hazardous on the wet roads.

Avoid potholes. Hitting a pothole can damage your tire and/or the wheel of your vehicle. The sharp impact can cause immediate tire/wheel failure or internal damage that can lead to tire failure weeks later. Keeping your tires properly inflated will help reduce pot-

hole damage and other road hazards.

Whether you are preparing for a long-awaited spring vacation or just everyday driving, don’t forget to properly prepare your vehicle to weather any storm. Take every precaution while on the road, and when experiencing wet road conditions remember to keep in mind that stopping distances will be longer than usual. And, finally, do not forget that proper vehicle maintenance can help your car stay newer longer this spring season.

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NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI DAILY JOURNAL

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SPRING ON THE ROAD

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SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010 ■ PAGE 5E

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SPRING ON THE ROAD

PAGE 6E ■ SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010

NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI DAILY JOURNAL

Tips for increasing your truck’s gas mileage (ARA) - With the high cost of fuel, many pickup owners are feeling the burn at the pump. While some consumers may be able to purchase a new truck that gets better gas mileage, many of us are financially stuck with the truck we currently have. To cope, there are several things you can do to save gas money now.

Oil it up: As most auto body technicians will tell you, checking and changing your oil is one of the most overlooked items. Clean oil reduces wear caused by friction between moving parts and removes harmful substances from the engine, ensuring your engine will run at peak performance. And don’t forget to keep it clean. You can increase your gas mileage up to 10 percent by ensuring your oil, air and fuel filters are clean.

Fill it up: Fill up with the lowest octane gasoline possible for your vehicle.

That pricey premium fuel won’t boost your truck’s fuel economy or performance. Passing on pricey premium gasoline could save you hundreds of dollars a year, according to the Car Care Council. The council also suggests tightening your gas cap because fuel will evaporate from your tank if it has an escape.

Loose, missing or damaged gas caps cause 147 million gallons of gas to

evaporate each year, according to the Car Care Council. So be sure to tighten up that gas cap each time you fill up.

Pump it up: Check your tires to make sure they’re properly inflated and aligned. Proper inflation can improve gas mileage up to 3 percent. If you don’t know what the right pressure is for your tires and truck, consult your owner’s manual or stop in at your local tire shop.

Ease on up: It’s hard to make changes, but if you really want to see increased gas mileage, it’s suggested you avoid unnecessary idling, revving your engine and slamming on the brakes. It is recommended that you stop and start gently, use cruise control when possible and reduce the amount of trips you make each day.

Roll on down the road: The easiest and most rewarding step you can take to see immediate gas mileage improvement is to install a truck bed cover on your pickup. A truck bed cover, also known as a tonneau cover, will reduce drag, making your vehicle more aerodynamic at high speeds. There are several different tonneau cover options available on the market today.

The Access Roll-Up Cover, manufactured by Agri-Cover, Inc., a North Dakota truck accessory company, is an

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Made of heavy-duty, double coated vinyl, the roll-up cover installs quickly and easily with a clamp-on installation and is designed specifically to fit your truck. Since the roll-up cover is lockable, it’s also great for protecting your gear, all while improving the overall look of your vehicle. When not in use, the cover can be rolled up behind the cab and never has to be removed when hauling larger items. The company estimates that you can save over $200 within the first year of installing an Access Roll-Up Cover on your truck bed.

Richard F. of Bismarck, N.D, knows

firsthand the benefits of having a rollup tonneau cover on his truck.

“I put on many highway miles during the year and in talking to other owners with a similar truck without a box cover, I am amazed at the savings in gas mileage I’m getting with my cover. The Access Roll-Up Cover is such an attractive addition to my truck. It really finishes the look I want.”

For more information on the Access Roll-Up Cover and to find out how much gas money you could save, visit www.accesscover.com or call (888) 281-7098.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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SPRING ON THE ROAD

NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI DAILY JOURNAL

SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010 ■ PAGE 7E

Spring Is the Season for

Auto Care

(NewsUSA) - After a season of winter • A qualified auto technician should driving, a springtime check-up for your check the tightness and condition of car might be in order. Most anyone can belts, clamps and hoses, but you can do routine automotive housekeeping look for signs of wear, cracking, or chores: fraying.

Remove unneeded winter gear from your trunk, clean out trash and clutter, • Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, and wash and wax your car to remove etc.) as recommended in the service accumulated grime and salt deposits. manual.

The experts at the non-profit National Institute for Automotive Service Excel- • Check the condition of tires, includlence (ASE) offer the following advice ing the spare. Let the tires “cool for more ambitious automotive projdown” before checking their presects: sure. Uneven wear, “cupping,” vibrations, or “pulling” to one side indi• Read the owner’s manual and follow cates problems with your tires or susthe recommended service schedules. pension system. If applicable, have snow tires pulled and replaced with • If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, look seasonal tires. for an orderly repair shop with modern equipment in the service bays • Change the oil and oil filter as speciand qualified automotive technified in owner’s manual. Often negcians as evidenced by trade school lected, this simple service is one of diplomas, certificates of advanced the easiest ways to extend the life of courses and ASE certifications. your vehicle.

• Have engine performance problems — hard starts, rough idling, stalling — corrected now, before summer’s demanding stop-and-go vacation traffic.

ASE was founded to improve the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians. ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white shoulder insignia and • For comfort in hot weather now’s the carry credentials listing their exact time, too, to have a marginally work- area(s) of certification. ing air conditioning system serviced.

Their employers often display the blue and white ASE sign. Visit • Flush and refill the cooling system www.ase.com for more car care tips. according to the service manual’s recommendations. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. (Make sure the engine has cooled down before removing the radiator cap.)

spring

...On the Road

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PAGE 8E ■ SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010

SPRING ON THE ROAD

NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI DAILY JOURNAL

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