The Journal's Spring Car Care

SPRING

Car Care Guide THE JOURNAL PRESS, INC.

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2 March 2015 • Spring Car Care Guide

Spring Car Care Guide • march 2015

3

King George couple has a life-long love affair with cars George Whitehurst

Harry and Mary Jean Inscoe have lived America’s love affair with the automobile.

Their story conjures memories of roaring V-8 engines, polished chrome and the tailfins that once graced America’s automobiles.

For more than five decades, the King George couple have collected, restored and even raced Chevy automobiles.

Harry Inscoe developed a fascination for cars early in life.

“I’ve just loved old cars since I was a kid,” he said. “I was working on ’em at 15.”

At age 16, he bought his first car, a 1938 Chevrolet.

Three years and two tradeups later, he purchased a new ride - a 1956 Chevy.

He also developed an enthusiasm for drag racing, which took him to tracks in Colonial Beach, Manassas, Summer Duck, Md. and beyond.

For Inscoe, nothing quite equals the feeling of jamming the pedal to the metal at a drag strip. “I loved speed, and still love it,” he said with a grin.

As he immersed himself in the racing culture, Inscoe found a new passion while hitchhiking home from a shift at the old FMC plant.

Mary Jean spotted the hitchhiker on Route 3 and, on impulse, gave him a lift.

While many might hesitate to pick up a stranger, Mary Jean never worried about her safety.

“I was well chaperoned.

I had my mother, father and brother with me,” she recalled.

The drive back to King George was uneventful but began the ride of a lifetime

for the two young people. “I put him out at his house and thought that was it,” Mary Jean said. “I had no idea that I’d be with him for 55 years.”

The couple wed in May 1960. Two children and a dozen or more cars later, Harry and Mary Jean are

“I put him out at his house and thought that was it. I had no idea that I’d be with him for 55 years.”

—Mary Jean Inscoe

still very much in love and still enthusiastic car buffs.

A large garage behind their home, houses a collection of vehicles in various stages of restoration, including a ’55 Chevy, a ’57 Chevy and the 1964 Chevy Impala in which they brought their first child home from the hospital.

Though she shares her husband’s love of cars, Mary Jean decided after one trip down the drag strip that she wasn’t cut out for a racing career.

“I did race his car one time at Summer Duck,” she recalled with a laugh.

“They were having what they called a Powder Puff race. He told me what to do, but he didn’t tell me how fast I was going to be going when I shifted into fourth.

When I looked down at the speedometer and said I was going 100, I put my foot on the brake. He said, ‘Why’d you do that?’ I said, ‘You didn’t tell me how fast I would be going!’ ” Harry, on the other hand, never lost a taste for speed,

George Whitehurst

Top: Harry and Mary Jean Inscoe posed proudly with their 1964 Chevy Impala, one of many vintage cars they have collected during their nearly 55-year marriage.

Above: The Inscoes’ 1964 Chevy Impala is a reminder of the days when chrome ruled America’s highways and byways.

even after a late-1960s wreck at the Colonial Beach track that left him with a broken foot.

“I thought lightening

had hit the car,” he said, recounting the crackup that sent his car spinning into a guardrail. “All I could see was fire. I couldn’t do

anything but ride.”

For the Inscoes, that ride had been one of a lifetime they wouldn’t trade for anything.

4

March 2015 • Spring Car Care Guide

Baby Boomers and their sports cars People born between 1946 and 1954, collectively known as Baby Boomers, are trading in their family vehicles for something with a little more power -- sports cars. When the nest is empty (and sometimes before), the vehicle of choice becomes a sporty, fast little ride that may be the envy of all who see it.

Baby Boomers tend to have a higher income and/or a surplus in savings after retirement and choose to expend some funds on a car that will make waves. Convertibles are a popular choice among this demographic, as are other roadsters that turn heads. Here are some of the more popular models you’ll see cruising the roadways with Boomers behind the wheel, according to statistics from TrueCar.com.

• Chevrolet Corvette: The quintessential American sports car, Corvettes are especially popular among Baby Boomers. Boomers flock to Corvettes more than any other age group, with nearly 64 percent of buyers belonging to the Boomer generation.

• Volvo C70: A turbo-charged, 5-cylinder engine provides enough power to give a thrill to many Boomers. And with a convertible top option, it’s possible to have a breeze running through their receding hairlines, too.

• Mercedes Benz SL: If it’s status and substance that

Boomers desire, then there’s no looking beyond a Mercedes. Affluent Baby Boomers can enjoy a V8 engine and plenty of electrical gadgets to make their rides fun.

• BMW 6 Series Convertible: Another premier car for the elite Boomer, the BMW sees 80 percent of its sales going toward Boomers. The 6 series is quick and has understated good looks, which also helps the vehicle serve as a status symbol for those behind the wheel.

• Porsche Boxter: For those who have always aspired to be behind the wheel of a Porsche, the Boxter is small and sporty, perfect for handling the turns on the way to a country winery or maneuvering around traffic in an urban setting.

According to industry experts, Baby Boomers have long driven the direction of the automotive industry. Many desire to stay away from the brands and styles their parents drove, preferring something with more pep and style.

In addition to the makes and models mentioned, CNW Marketing Research, a firm that looks at the reasons behind car purchases, says Boomers make purchases not only for the style of the car but also for the image the brand offers.

The firm lists these vehicles as other popular purchases among Baby Boomers.

• Dodge Viper • Toyota Avalon • Cadillac DTS • Chrysler 300 • Jaguar XK • Lexus LS 600h • Lexus SC 430 • Audi A8/S8 • Infiniti FX • Lincoln MKZ Form and fashion drives the purchase of many Baby Boomers looking for a new vehicle. With more disposable income, many can afford to splurge on a car that is sporty and will garner “oohs” and “ahhs” from others.

Know your octane: Premium or regular gas?

Filling up at the gas station is an expensive way to spend a few minutes. As the cost of gasoline continues to fluctuate, drivers want to get the most bang for their buck at the pump. Understanding octane and which one is appropriate for certain cars can save drivers substantial amounts of money.

When vacillating between whether to choose premium or regular, it pays to read your owner’s

9288 Kings Hwy., King George, VA 22485

manual and it can’t hurt to learn a little about the chemistry of gasoline.

Gasoline is the fuel for your car. It is available in 87 octane (regular), 89 octane (plus) and 91 octane (premium) in most areas.

Regardless of fuel grade, the three major octane levels at the pump offer the same amount of heat energy, say automotive experts.

What determines the differences in gas is the propensity for the gasoline to cause a ping or knock.

This occurs when an uncontrolled burn or an explosion of the fuel takes place in the engine. Typically, this happens when part of the fuel-air mixture in one or more of the car’s cylinders ignites spontaneously due to compression.

Hig her p erformance cars require more engine compression to generate more horsepower.

Therefore, putting regular gasoline in these types of vehicles may exacerbate knocking and pinging issues. Premium, high-octane fuel is specially designed to burn more slowly than regular, reducing the chances for those small explosions in the engine.

Some people are under the impression that premium fuel offers other benefits, such as it contains more detergents to help clean the engine during use. This is inaccurate, and the U.S. government requires a certain level of detergent in all grades of gasoline. Despite these untruths, some people are

insistent upon paying $.20 to $.30 more a gallon to fuel up with a higher grade of gas.

Typically the higher the price of the car, the greater propensity it will “require” premium gas. Automakers use premium fuel to distinguish their higher-market models. For example, most Toyota models can run on regular, while the Lexus line suggests premium. The same can be said for Honda/Acura models.

Premium gasoline garners a higher profit margin for gasoline retailers and refiners, so there is a definite advantage for them working in cahoots with automakers to push premium gas.

While premium gas may reduce some knock and ping in highperformance engines when they are pushed, in most cases vehicle owners will be hard-pressed to tell the difference in performance when filling up with regular or premium. According to fuel specialists at General Motors, the only modern engines that should really need premium are those

with superchargers, which forcefeed fuel into the cylinders. In fact, drivers of cars that require regular who routinely fill up with premium gas could be doing their engine a disservice. The higher density of premium gasolines could lead to a buildup of waste products inside the engine over time.

The Federal Trade Commission has even issued a consumer notice in the past, stating: “In most cases, using a higher-octane gasoline than your owner’s manual recommends offers absolutely no benefit. It won’t make your car perform better, go faster, get better mileage, or run cleaner.”

The bottom line: Vehicle owners should read the car manual that comes with the auto. Stick to the recommended octane level, and the car should perform as indicated.

If a car requires premium fuel, experiment with mid-grade to see if knocking occurs or if there is any apparent decrease in performance.

If not, enjoy the extra savings at the pump.

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Spring Car Care Guide • march 2015

F&A Corvettes supplies classic cars around the world Richard Leggitt

I

n late February, when famed jazz guitarist Brandy Herbert wanted to buy a classic Corvette -- she called F&A Corvettes in Colonial Beach.

Then she left her home in Colorado in the snow, flew to Washington D.C. in the snow and drove to Colonial Beach in the snow to purchase a blue 1989 Corvette convertible that she then drove home to Conifer, Colo. in the snow.

“We recommend to our customers that they let us ship

Corvettes built by Chevrolet.

They also have the powerful 427-cubic-inch, big block Corvettes of the 1960s on hand.

“We have three buildings and they are all filled with Corvettes,” said Frank III. “I like selling these cars. They all have a story to tell. We buy and sell and we handle shipping all over the country and all over the world.”

In the past year, F&A has shipped Corvettes to Washington state, North Dakota and to Sweden.

“We have customers everywhere,” said Frank III.

“I like selling these cars.

They all have a story to tell.”

—Frank III

the cars to them,” said Frank Coates IV, who along with his father, Frank Coates III, operates F&A Corvettes. “But sometimes they are determined to drive them home.

Herbert, who lives in the mountains west of Denver, is a renown guitarist who performed for years with the Houston Pops Orchestra and has played with Chuck Berry, Lionel Hampton and Jimmy Reed. She is also a Corvette aficionado.

F&A Corvettes, which supplies the classic American sports cars to customers around the world, is at 621 McKinney Blvd. in Colonial Beach and is renown for its ability to provide Corvette lovers options ranging from the little white 19531954 Corvettes of the 19 50s to today’s 460-plus horsepower 2015 Z series.

“Business is fantastic,” said Frank IV. “We have 40 Corvettes here right now. Corvettes are back to where they used to be.

They are more popular than ever and people are driving them more than ever.”

The Coates pride themselves on being able to offer every generation of the fast and famed sports cars. Currently, they are reconstructing a classic 1953 two-seater convertible that was number 263 of the first 300

“People contact us online. We have dealerships we work with and we get a lot of people off the street.”

“I like the saying, ‘the Corvette you are looking at today and thinking about buying tomorrow is the same Corvette someone else looked at yesterday and is buying today,’” said Frank IV. “That’s the thing about Corvettes. People want to look at them, sit in them, drive them and then hopefully, buy them. And, we shock them sometimes with the prices. Anybody can own a Corvette. A lot of Corvettes are not that expensive.”

F&A Corvettes is one of the oldest businesses in Colonial Beach.

“I have been driving Corvettes since I was 15,” said Frank III. “And I started this business 35 years ago.”

In addition to Frank III and his son, Frank’s daughter, Ashley, his wife, Candy, Frank IV’s wife, Michelle, and Ashley’s son, Hunter, all participate in the family-owned business.

“It is a dream come true,” said Frank IV. “I love to come to work every day. We get people calling or coming by all the time. We like meeting people and we like talking Corvettes.

It’s fun.”

Frank Coates, III, left. and Frank Coates, IV, show a 1963 vintage Vette to a prospective customer.

Frank Coates, III, and Frank Coates, IV, have turned their Corvette store in Colonial Beach into the go-to place for Corvette lovers from around the country and the world.

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5

6

March 2015 • Spring Car Care Guide

Buying a new car? What you need to know Many people take advantage of year-end automotive incentives to trade in their cars for something shiny and new. There’s a good chance that incentives will be even more enticing this season thanks to events that occurred in early 2011.

The earthquake and subsequent tsunami that ravaged Japan in March 2011 impacted the production and supply of many vehicles.

Furthermore, many “domestic” cars are built or are comprised from parts that are made outside of their native countries. Therefore, it’s not just Japanese brands that have been affected by extreme weather this past year.

What this spells out in dollars and cents to the average consumer is the ability to save some money on a new car simply because automotive retailers are looking to move merchandise and recoup some of the losses from earlier in the year. Many automakers are extending incentives until the first few months of 2012 to capitalize on post-holiday spending. Some industry experts predict low interest rates, competitive rebates and other wheeling and dealing to attract customers. Although the sales prices may be available, customer interest might still be tepid because of the ongoing recession. However, there just may be ample opportunity for those with spending cash to save on a new vehicle.

When heading to the dealership, keep these tips in mind.

• Know the invoice price on the car by doing your research. It will help you negotiate the lowest price available.

• Don’t appear too anxious to buy a car at a particular dealership. Tell the salesperson you’re shopping around.

• It’s best to negotiate for the lowest total price of the car, NOT the lowest payment. Sales strategies often enable salespeople to work the numbers to get you your payment.

But that could mean a longer loan term, which would raise the overall cost of the car due to interest.

• Check out the safety reports and crash test ratings of the vehicle you’re considering. Also, research the resale value if you’re not planning on keeping this car for a long time. It could make a difference in the make you select.

• While some dealerships may not be open to negotiating price, they may be offering a low interest rate, which can save you money. Also, certain extras could be included for no cost.

Your credit score can affect your insurance

Now could be the time to see record-low prices on vehicles as dealerships try to move leftover

inventory and recover from the slump in production caused by last year’s tragic earthquake in Japan.

“The right parts for all your automotive needs.

COMMONWEALTH DRIVING SCHOOL Classes Approved for DMV Point Reduction Program (+5 Safe Driving Points)

Certified Instructors: Dwight C. Storke, D.I.P. • John B. Storke, D.I.P. 13279 Kings Hwy., Suite 2 • King George, VA

Drivers hoping to lower the cost of their auto insurance know that there are several tactics they can take to do just that. But many might not know that a better credit score can help reduce costs, as many insurance companies are increasingly turning to credit scores to determine rates and eligibility.

For years insurance companies have been looking at credit scores to calculate a payment rate for prospective subscribers and also to determine whether they will offer insurance in the first place.

According to a recent survey by Conning & Co., a Connecticut-based insurance research firm, 92 percent of all insurance companies use credit information when underwriting new policies. Individuals who have missed two or more bills or who have a poor score could find they’re asked to pay more for car insurance.

It used to be that car insurance rates were based on a few factors Chances are that a -- namely the age of the applicant, person who manages the make and model of the his or her finances vehicle, the city or town in which the insurance would be issued (to responsibly may also determine likelihood of theft) be responsible in and whether the vehicle had an other aspects of life -alarm system and if it would be including behind the parked in a driveway. wheel of a car.

Some drivers might wonder what their credit score has to do with their auto insurance premiums. According to statements by the National Association of Independent Insurers, credit score says a lot about a prospective client. Chances are that a person who manages his or her finances responsibly may also be responsible in other aspects of life -- including behind the wheel of a car. To an insurance company, a good credit score translates to good behavior and less risk.

Some feel that using credit scores to help determine premiums helps applicants, especially those with strong credit histories. But critics argue that this policy is unfair, especially in today’s poor economy. Even the most responsible people could miss a payment or two because of layoffs or other factors beyond their control.

In 2005 in Ontario, Canada, the province prohibited the use of credit scores as a risk classification factor for auto insurance.

Automobile insurance is the most regulated insurance product in each province and territory and is the only product in Canada for which the policy forms (including applications) need to be approved by the insurance regulators. Others living in Canada may want to check the legality and procedures in their particular provinces or territories to determine if underwriters are using credit scores as part of the process.

With all this information in mind, there may be some people who are looking for ways to improve their credit scores. Here are tips to do just that.

• Routinely check your credit report and address any errors.

• Reduce the amount of debt owed. That means avoiding large balances on credit cards or having too many outstanding loans.

• Pay bills on time. Set up payment reminders if you are forgetful, or take advantage of automatic bill paying.

• Don’t allow any accounts to go into collections. Even after the bill is paid it can remain on your credit report for up to seven years in the U.S. • Close out inactive credit accounts. Sometimes the more credit cards you have, the worse it looks for you.

• Consider that every credit inquiry goes on your credit report. If your credit standing is relatively new, realize that rapid account buildup can look risky if you are a new credit user.

Credit scores are just one factor in insurance underwriting, and it also helps to be a responsible driver as well. Accident history, age (teens are considered more risky drivers) and other factors will be used to determine an insurance quote. And as always, it pays to shop around.

Spring Car Care Guide • march 2015

7

Buying online Over the years, the Internet has grown from a relative novelty into something households steadfastly rely on in nearly every aspect of life. Bills are now paid online, professional and personal communication is conducted through the Internet, and couples even begin relationships thanks to online dating Web sites.

The Internet has also changed the way consumers make their purchases. Nowadays, even big-ticket purchases like automobiles are made online. However, some consumers still fear using the Internet to find their next vehicle, preferring to buy vehicles at a local dealership because it calms some of their concerns about the security of buying online. While there’s no guarantee everything will go swimmingly when buying a car online, there are ways consumers can lessen their risk of being victimized. * Investigate the seller. Consumers can be victimized by a disreputable dealer in person, but the general consensus among consumers is such sellers are now more common online. That may or may not be true, but consumers can get peace of mind by investigating the seller before any money exchanges hands. Once you find a car you like, e-mail the seller and ask for additional photos and attempt to set up an appointment to come see the vehicle. The seller’s initial response will likely speak volumes. If the seller responds with additional images and provides times to come see the vehicle, that’s a good start. That likely means there is a vehicle, and this isn’t just a con artist trying to pull a fast one. Any resistance from the seller should be a major red flag, and consumers should simply look elsewhere.

One great way to investigate sellers is to look for a vehicle through a Web site like eBay Motors. This site has thousands of vehicle listings, and buyers can click on the seller’s name and read the reviews of past customers. This might not provide a wealth of information when buying from private sellers who don’t often sell vehicles, but it can be a great source of information if buying from a dealership or auto shop who routinely sells vehicles via the Internet. * Investigate the vehicle. The seller isn’t the only thing that might be a fraud. The vehicle itself might not be what it’s cracked up to be. When shopping for a car online, always get the vehicle identification number. This will appear as the VIN in an ad for the car, and the VIN can be used to obtain a vehicle history report from a company like CARFAX. Trustworthy sellers might provide the vehicle history report, but if a seller doesn’t, that’s not necessarily a red flag. Vehicle history reports typically cost between $30-40, but sellers can often buy up to five such reports for less than $50. If a seller has already purchased five and they weren’t returned by prospective buyers, it’s hard to blame the seller for not buying more and wanting the buyer to purchase the report themselves. To get the report, you simply need the VIN. Once you get the vehicle history report, it will reveal if the car has been in an accident; if it’s been victimized by flooding; if the airbag has been deployed; odometer readings; number of previous owners; and if the car has been resalvaged. Altogether, this should paint an accurate picture of what the car has been through. If the car appears on the up and up, then ask the seller to take the vehicle to your own mechanic for inspection. If the seller balks at this request, walk away, no matter how good the vehicle looks on its history report. * Pay the safe way. A personal check, a wire transfer or a plain old bundle of cash is not the way to purchase a car online. Such payments are not traceable once the checks have been cashed, or the money has been wired or the cash has exchanged hands. When making payments, do so using a secured browser, which will be noted with a URL that starts with “https:” and not just the “http:” of standard Web sites.

But safe buying online goes beyond secure Web sites. Buyers should always pay with a credit card when shopping online. Doing so protects consumers against fraud. If the car you “buy” isn’t delivered or it’s been sold to someone else, then the credit card company whose card you used can be used to get your money back. Notify the company immediately. Some Web sites even offer their own purchase protection programs to safeguard buyers in the case of fraudulent purchases.

Buying a car online makes some consumers understandably nervous. However, when exercising caution, buyers can find great deals online. FC11A348

Myths about cars

Certain myths about automobiles have been around as long as there have been cars on the road. Many drivers adhere to driving and repair theories out of sheer force of habit, without ever knowing if these strategies are legitimate. Here are some common myths revealed and debunked.

• High-octane gas improves performance in all vehicles. Most cars will not get any added benefits from the use of high octane fuel, which is designed for higher-performance engines that burn hotter than those of most vehicles. Drivers will only waste their money putting in more expensive gas. Always use the fuel recommended in the owner’s manual.

• Longer cars are more stable.Many believe the longer the wheelbase the more stable the car will be.

But wheelbase is only one of the factors that determines a vehicle’s stability and reaction time.

• Four-wheel-drive vehicles are invincible in poor weather. Four-wheel-drive capabilities may improve traction and handling when driving off-road or when the road conditions are not ideal. But no car is invincible when it comes to driving on snow and ice.

• Side mirrors are properly adjusted when you can see the side of the car in them. Actually, the mirrors should be adjusted so you can’t see the sides of the car. The mirrors work in concert to allow a panoramic view around the car. This eliminates the need to turn your head to check blind spots, which takes your eyes off the road.

• Automatic braking system (ABS) was designed to shorten stopping distances. ABS was created to Continued on page 8

Some tips about selling your car Selling a car is often more lucrative than trading the vehicle in at a nearby dealership. While a trade-in might be easier, selling is likely to bring back more money.

But before a seller puts a vehicle on the market, he or she should know pre-owned vehicles typically don’t sell overnight. However, there are steps sellers can take to increase the chances their vehicles will be sold sooner rather than later.

• Honestly evaluate the vehicle. The first thing a seller must do is make an honest assessment of his or her vehicle. Especially in the current economy, consumers are going to exercise due diligence before spending any money.

That said, sellers must recognize this and evaluate their vehicle honestly.

Does it have any lingering mechanical issues? How popular is the make and model of the car? Mechanical issues must be addressed, or owners should make such issues known when speaking with prospective buyers.

If the make and model of the vehicle is currently en vogue, it should be easy to sell but sellers might not get the most money for the vehicle if the market is currently flooded with similar models.

• Be fair when determining the asking price. Asking for too much won’t get the car sold. When determining a fair asking price, among the things to consider are the mileage, the vehicle’s condition, any special features, the type of driving the vehicle typically gets and gas mileage. A car that gets great gas mileage might be more valuable to prospective buyers, while one with considerable mileage might push buyers away. Take all of these things into consideration when determining the asking price. And don’t forget to consider any upgrades you made to the vehicle. For example, if you just purchased new tires, that should be worth something in the asking price. In addition, Kelley Blue Book or a Web site such as Edmunds.com can provide a good measuring stick for a vehicle’s value.

• Perform a little cosmetic maintenance. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and in this case the beholder is the prospective buyer. Buyers will almost certainly want to look under the hood, but they will also want a car that looks nice in the driveway. Get the car detailed, including a wash and wax, before putting it up for sale. Clean the vehicle’s interior as well.

When all of the cosmetic maintenance is done, take the car in for a tuneup, including an oil change and even some new filters.

• Be patient. The current market is difficult to predict. When selling a vehicle, patience is imperative. If the market is slow at first and offers are lower than you expected, wait it out and keep the vehicle in good shape until the right buyer comes along.

8

March 2015 • Spring Car Care Guide

Find the right gift for the auto aficionado in your life

Few passions are as strong as the passion a car lover has for automobiles.

Auto afficionados are often walking encyclopedias about all things automotive. When it comes to the holiday season, buying a gift for the car guy or gal in your family might seem easy. After all, any gift related to cars is sure to leave your loved one head over heels.

However, for those holiday shoppers who don’t know the difference between an air filter and an air conditioner, perhaps the following suggestions might fare better under the tree this holiday season.

Driving lessons Auto racing is one of North America’s most popular sports, and many car guys and gals would love to know what it feels like to get behind the wheel of a race car and put the pedal to the metal. That dream can become a reality, and holiday shoppers can help make that happen for a loved one.

Racing schools exist for all sorts of racing, be it stock car racing, Formula 1 racing, Indy Cars, and even Kart racing. (Note: Kart racing does not refer to amusement park style go-karts.) Be it novice car afficionados or veterans who spend weekends at work in their garages, racing lessons can make an ideal gift for auto lovers.

Gift certificate for a wash and a detailing As much as car guys and gals care about what’s under the hood, they also care about how their cars’ exteriors looks. Winter weather can wreak havoc on a vehicle’s exterior, so help your favorite auto lover take care of his or her baby this winter with a gift certificate to a nearby car wash and/ or auto detailing center. This will ensure the car remains a sight for sore eyes through the winter. Just be sure to include multiple trips to the car wash and detailing center, as a car often needs a few trips each winter to keep up appearances.

Magazine subscription Like most industries, the auto industry is constantly changing. What’s popular today might be obsolete tomorrow. Help your favorite auto enthusiast stay abreast of the auto industry’s many innovations and updates with a subscription to a favorite auto magazine. Such magazines inspire car lovers to improve their own vehicles while letting them know the latest trends in the auto industry.

Accessories No car lover can do without his or her accessories, which can range from practical gifts like a new GPS unit to more specialized items like a paint gun accessory kit. Shoppers who aren’t very familiar with cars might not know which accessories to buy. In such instances, a gift certificate to a nearby auto parts store should suffice. This guarantees your loved one will get something for his or her car and eliminate the need to return the gift if he or she already has it.

Tools Auto afficionados love working on their vehicles, and that work can’t be done without the right tools. If possible, visit his or her garage or shop and peruse the tool collection. If anything looks especially aged or ragged, replace it with a newer version. Auto lovers are often particular about their tools, so if you’re reticent about buying new ones, take your gift recipient to the store and let him or her choose a gift or buy a gift certificate that covers the cost of the tools that look like they need replacing.

Myths about cars Continued from page 8 give drivers the ability to steer around obstacles while braking instead of spinning out of control.

• Engine oil should be changed every 3,000 miles.

There’s no need to change engine oil that frequently, as motor oils today are much more durable and protect engines for longer distances. Unleaded fuels and clean-burning engines typically require oil changes every 7,000 to 10,000 miles, but consult your owner’s

manual.

• There is a 72-hour “cooling off period” offered on automotive sales in the U.S. There is no such provision for auto purchases, as there is for many consumer products and even home sale contracts. Once you buy a car, you’re stuck with it, no matter how quickly you begin to experience buyer’s remorse.

Myths prevail in daily life and in the automotive realm as well. Know the facts to avoid losing money or being unsafe on the road.

Spring Car Care Guide • march 2015

9

It’s time to get your car ready for Spring/Summer driving MS) -- The return of warm weather marks the return of road trips for millions of motorists across the country. Whether going to the beach or heading off to parts unknown, hitting the open road with the windows down is a time-honored tradition for drivers of all ages.

But such road trips can prove disastrous if drivers don’t take the right steps to prepare their vehicles for spring and summer travel. The following are a few ways motorists can ensure their car is ready to tackle the open road.

• Tighten things up.

Loose parts, such as exhaust clamps, license plates, and interior trim panels, can create rattles and cause parts to get damaged or fall off. What’s more, rattling sounds can be a noisy nuisance for drivers and passengers alike. Permatex Threadlockers can be used to keep the nuts and bolts from coming loose and save parts replacement costs. They also have a threadlocker for plastic fasteners, which vehicle manufacturers have grown to rely on more and more.

• Wash your car.

A newly washed car not only looks good, but it’s often much safer as well. Take your car to a car wash a few days before the trip and have the vehicle thoroughly cleaned.

A thorough cleaning will remove dirt and grime from the vehicle’s undercarriage, not to mention unsightly bird droppings and water

spots or salt stains leftover from winter.

• Fix foggy headlight lenses.

Many spring and summer road trippers travel at night so their days can be spent soaking up some sun at the beach or lake. Before heading off for parts unknown, motorists should inspect their headlight lenses to reduce risk of accident. If the lenses are yellowed and foggy, that’s likely because salt, ozone and road debris has dulled them to a point where vision can be impaired, placing drivers and their passengers at risk. But foggy lenses don’t mandate an expensive headlight replacement. In fact, The Permatex Lens Renew Kit makes it easy to clean up and polish dull headlight lenses and restore them to like new condition, improving your car’s lighting and driver visibility.

• Check the battery.

Over time, battery terminals and cables will start to corrode. Such corrosion will eventually eat away at the battery’s parts, creating a bad connection that sooner or later will require the battery be replaced.

Check the battery before your trip and remember to clean the battery periodically as part of routine vehicle maintenance.

• Address windshield nicks and bullseyes.

Nicks and chips in the windshields are a common problem regardless of the season. But such damage is most prevalent in the winter because of

the extra debris that’s on the road.

These nicks and cracks need to get fixed as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading and resulting in the need for a windshield replacement. Oftentimes, motorists can address nicks and bullseyes in their own driveways in a matter of minutes. For example, the Permatex Bullseye Windshield Repair kit is tailor made for do-it-yourselfers, requiring no heating or mixing while ensuring each repair is virtually undetectable.

More information on easy repairs that you can do yourself can be found at www.permatex.com.

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March 2015 • Spring Car Care Guide

Thinking about an extended warranty?

Tips to make the daily drive easier for commuters

(BPT) - It’s a tough job driving to work - just ask the millions of Americans who commute every day. The average commute takes 25.5 minutes one way, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. However, 10.8 million people drive an hour or more to work each way. Some have it worse: approximately 1.7 million Americans commute 90 minutes or more each way.

The key to driving to work is getting there on time and that means having a trustworthy vehicle that’s in tip-top shape. “Tires are often overlooked but they should be a priority,” says Bob Abram, product planning manager for Yokohama Tire Corporation, maker of a variety of truck and car tires.

“They have an enormous effect on braking, steering, comfort, handling and fuel efficiency because tires are the only parts of a car or truck that actually touch the road.”

Commuters would be surprised at how today’s high-tech tires can help drive down the costs of driving, says Abram. “There are so many new, innovative technologies, such as the use of orange oil in our tires, which saves drivers money either by having tires that last longer or tires with increased fuel efficiency. We now incorporate orange oil in everything from light truck/SUV tires - like the GEOLANDAR H/T G056 - to the ADVAN Sport V105 for luxury and high-performance vehicles.”

However, no matter how much technology tires pack these days, nothing can take the place of proper maintenance in getting the most out of them.

No matter what your daily commute is, the more driving you do, the more you should check your tires regularly, especially the air pressure. “By keeping the right tire pressure, you can begin cutting down on your annual fuel costs, which will pay dividends,” he says. “Tires that are under-inflated by 8 pounds per square inch can reduce vehicle fuel economy by as much as 2 percent. For the best gas-saving results, take five minutes each month and check your tire pressure.”

Abram recommends checking tires when they are cold (at least four hours after the vehicle has been driven). Check tire pressure with a reliable tire gauge and make sure the valve stems have a plastic or metal cap to keep out dirt, water and foreign objects. You can find the tires’ proper inflation level (as recommended by the car maker) on a placard in the glove box, on the car door or in the owner’s manual.

Abram offers commuters more tips that will keep tires road-ready and wallet-friendly. For additional tire care and safety tips, visit www. yokohamatire.com or www.rma.org • Tires that are balanced correctly will provide a smoother ride and help prevent improper wear. You can get your tires balanced at the same time as your regularly-scheduled rotation.

• Rotating your tires will also prevent uneven wear and promote a better ride. Because the weight distribution on your car or truck can vary, it’s best to rotate your tires a few times a year, such as every time you get your oil changed.

• Check tire alignment once a year. Misaligned tires create unnecessary tire wear and higher fuel consumption.

• Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch (the lowest legal limit) to prevent skidding and hydroplaning. Best to replace before 2/32 depending on your drive (geographically and type of streets). Winter traction and wet traction start getting compromised well before 2/32. For example, rural streets that aren’t regularly plowed would be different than city streets that are regularly plowed.

• Checking tread depth: place a penny upside down into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, you’re driving with the proper amount of tread. If you can see all of his head, you should buy a new tire.

Purchasing a car is no small undertaking. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association, the average price of a new car sold in the United States is $28,400. At that cost, a vehicle is one of the more expensive purchases a person will make in his or her lifetime. With this in mind, many drivers want to be sure the vehicle will last for years to come.

Purchasing an extended warranty may offer some peace of mind.

An extended warranty on a car or truck is similar to insurance bought for a home or vehicle or personal health. There is a chance it will be needed and a chance it won’t. It takes over when the warranty issued through the manufacturer on a new car expires. Extended warranties are sold both through the dealership as factory-backed products and through third-party warranty retailers. The prices and items covered may vary, so it is best to do adequate research on extended warranties, including reading the fine print, before signing on the dotted line. Concerned consumers should put in the same amount of work when researching the extended warranty as they did when choosing the vehicle.

Are warranties worth it?

Car buyers should keep in mind that not all warranties are the same and some are better deals for the dealership than the consumer. According to Edmunds.com, a Web site tailored to automotive consumers, extended warranties are often a large profit center for the dealership, where salespeople are urged to push warranties. Sometimes these warranties are very expensive, but largely unnecessary.

Vehicles are built more consistently and reliably than ever before. That means drivers are less likely to encounter the big-ticket repairs that a warranty may cover. Wear and tear during the normal course of driving actually may not be covered by an extended warranty. By the time the vehicle has reached expiration benchmarks for major systems of the car, such as a transmission or engine failing after 100,000 to 200,000 miles, most extended warranties have expired and the car will likely already have been sold.

Hidden costs Some warranties are very comprehensive and spell out all that they cover. Others feature hidden costs,

such as deductibles, that may still require a car owner to reach into his or her wallet for what’s essentially a copayment for certain repairs. While statistics regarding warranty fraud are hard to find, there is evidence that some warranties do not always deliver what they promise. Some third-party warranty companies are infamous for denying coverage to offset the rock bottom prices on their warranty packages.

Shopping around After weighing all of the options, many people still like the sense of security an extended warranty provides. Others buying a new model without a proven track record prefer a warranty as a precaution.

When purchasing a warranty, consumers don’t simply have to go with what’s offered by the dealership, nor do they have to purchase the warranty the moment they purchase the vehicle. Many experts advise pushing off the decision until the manufacturer warranty is set to expire. This way you already know the vehicle’s highs and lows and whether you plan to own the car for the long haul.

Warranties often come as factory-backed warranties largely sold through dealerships and those offered by independent companies. Many dealerships prefer factory-backed warranties simply because they have a proven track record and they’re familiar with the terms of coverage. However, these factory-backed warranties are often more expensive than those issued through independent companies. Therefore, if price is the only consideration, third-party companies are the way to go. But keep in mind that it could take longer to get a car repaired through an independent warranty company, as each warranty source has its own auditing process that determines whether repairs and coverage are valid.

Even if you choose a factory-backed warranty, you are able to shop around through different dealers.

That’s because there is a high mark-up on warranties.

Depending on the dealership, they may be willing to deal. After all, just about everything at a dealership is negotiable.

Remember that shopping for a warranty should be viewed as just as important as the car purchase.

Don’t feel pressured to make decisions right away, and keep in mind that oftentimes there is no need for an extended warranty in the first place. FC11A346

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Spring Car Care Guide • march 2015

Benefits of leasing a vehicle Leasing instead of buying a vehicle has its benefits. Drivers who lease often cite the fun of getting a new car every few years and the peace of mind of knowing they won’t have to deal with costly repairs associated with older vehicles as two of the best reasons to lease a vehicle.

While leases make practical sense for many drivers, the leasing process can be tricky to navigate. The following are a few things drivers should know about leasing before signing a new agreement.

• Av o i d h i g h d o w n payments. Though many drivers are attracted to leasing because the monthly payments are typically much less expensive than they would if drivers financed a vehicle, such drivers should know that those low monthly payments are often accompanied by hefty down payments, sometimes as much as several thousand dollars at the time the lease is signed.

But such hefty down payments can prove problematic if the car is damaged or stolen. In such instances, the insurance company is likely to reimburse the leasing agency for the value of the car, but not the driver. So the driver might be out his or her down payment and be left without a car. That’s why it’s beneficial for men and women leasing a vehicle to keep their down

payments to a minimum, and ideally make no down payment at all. This will increase your monthly payment, but you will have the peace of mind of knowing you won’t be out several thousand dollars should the car be wrecked or stolen during the lease.

• Purchase gap insurance. Another financial concern for lessees is what happens if the car is totaled or stolen. In such instances, the insurance company will reimburse the leasing agent for the value of the car at the time of the accident or theft, but drivers might still be on the hook for the total obligation of the lease. That means the value reimbursed to the leasing company will be subtracted from the remaining balance on the lease, and drivers will still be responsible for paying the difference.

The only way drivers can protect themselves in such instances is to purchase gap insurance, which will cover the difference should the car be wrecked or stolen. Some leasing contracts already include gap insurance, but drivers should confirm this before signing the agreement.

• Buy extra miles in advance. Leases come with mileage restrictions, and an agreement that comes with an especially low monthly payment will often

stipulate that drivers cannot exceed 12,000 miles per year over the life of the lease. If you exceed that limit, the agreement might charge you as much as 25 cents per mile over the limit, which can add up to a considerable amount of money depending on how many miles over that limit you go.

If you know you are likely to exceed 12,000 miles per year, buy extra miles before signing the agreement. This won’t cost you money up front, but rather will lead to a slightly higher monthly payment.

• Don’t sign an agreement that’s too long. The benefit of leasing is that you aren’t still driving the car when it starts to exhibit the wear and tear that is inevitable with older vehicles. So drivers should limit the terms of their lease to two or three years, a period during which the vehicle will still be under warranty.

Once the warranty has expired, it’s time for lessees to move on to another vehicle. If your lease terms are more than three years, consider purchasing an extended warranty to cover the remaining years of the lease. But in general it’s best to limit leases to three years or less, when the car is unlikely to need repairs and, even if it does, such repairs are likely to be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.

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A healthy car environment

(MS) -- Over the last several years, homeowners have increasingly emphasized clean air in their homes. The growing popularity of home air purifiers suggests today’s homeowners want to make certain the environment inside their home is as healthy as possible.

While protecting the environment in a home is important, it’s equally as important for motorists to maintain a healthy environment in their vehicles. The average American spends roughly 10 to 15 hours per week inside a car, where dust, odors, smoke and other potentially sour smells can make riding in a car rather unpleasant. In addition, air pollution and allergens inside a vehicle can pose a significant health risk to drivers and their passengers. Fortunately, there are several steps drivers can take to maintain a healthy environment inside their vehicle.

Improve air quality.

Perhaps the best way drivers can ensure their passengers have a healthy environment while traveling in a car is to improve the air quality within the vehicle.

Clean the vehicle’s interior.

Many automobile owners pay particular attention to the appearance of their vehicle’s exterior. However, those same drivers don’t spend nearly as much time, if any, tending to the vehicle’s interior. But a neglected interior doesn’t just fall victim to spills and dirt or other particles brought in from the outside. Over time, a neglected interior might begin to grow mildew, which is both unhealthy and unpleasant.

In general, clean the vehicle’s interior once a month to prevent mildew growth and the buildup of dirt and grime.

Don’t fall in love with the “new car smell.”

Few consumers can resist the famed “new car smell.” Though enticing, the new car smell is actually an outgassing of toxic chemicals from newly formed plastics, and the chemicals in these gases have been linked to birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, premature births, and early puberty in laboratory animals. Though this doesn’t mean consumers should avoid buying new cars, it should inspire consumers to address the new car smell immediately. GoPure’s HESA filter can easily and effectively remove the harmful gases that stem from the new car smell, while continuously removing additional odors as the car ages.

Vacuum carpets, floor mats and between seats.

Carpets and seating are another collection point for dirt and pollutants and need to be vacuumed thoroughly. Make sure to get the floor mats, the floor under the floor mats and all the way under the seats. Pound your seats with something large like a baseball bat to loosen and knock out all the dirt and soil that has settled into the creases and stitching.

Protect newer vehicles on hot days.

Hot weather can take its toll on drivers, and it can also wreak havoc on their vehicle’s interior. Heat from the sun can cause the vehicle’s plastics, vinyl or leather parts to emit volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, which, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, can produce both short-term and long-term adverse health effects.

Whenever possible, park in the shade or use a sun shade on the windshield. In addition, slightly opening the windows in spring and summer promotes air flow through the cabin, helping reduce the risk of VOC buildup inside the vehicle.

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March 2015 • Spring Car Care Guide

Advice from the Pros: Do Not Neglect Auto Service (MS) -- The average age of a personal vehicle on the road today is more than 11 years, according to recent news reports. In tough economic times, it’s natural to rein in spending. But the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) warn that putting off routine auto maintenance or ignoring service intervals is false economy.

Small issues can morph into more expensive repairs. For example, failure to replace worn brake pads or a faulty oxygen sensor -- both relatively easy services for qualified auto technicians -- can result in expensive brake rotor service or costly replacement of the vehicle’s catalytic converter.

Frequently neglected items include oil changes, tire and brake service, wheel alignment, air and fuel filters, and transmission service, according to ASE-certified auto technicians.

Besides, a well-maintained vehicle gets better gasoline mileage, pollutes less, is safer to operate, and lasts longer than one that’s neglected, notes ASE. To help consumers choose a repair shop that fits their needs,

ASE offers the following checklist: • Look for a neat, well-organized facility, with vehicles in the parking lot equal in value to your own and modern equipment in the service bays.

• Look for a courteous staff, with a service consultant willing to answer all of your questions.

• Look for policies regarding estimated repair costs, diagnostic fees, guarantees, and acceptable methods of payment.

• Ask if the repair facility

specializes or if it usually handles your type of repair work.

• Look for signs of professionalism in the customer service area, such as civic, community, or customer service awards.

• Look for evidence of qualified technicians: trade school diplomas, certificates of advanced course work, and certification by ASE. • Look for the ASE sign or logo; it means the shop employs nationally certified

technicians.

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) was founded in 1972 as a nonprofit, independent organization dedicated to improving the quality of automotive service and repair through the voluntary testing and certification of automotive technicians.

ASE-certified technicians wear blue and white ASE shoulder insignia and carry credentials listing their exact areas of certification. Their employers

often display the blue and white ASE sign. Visit www.ase.com for seasonal car care advice and more.

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