Journal's Fall/Winter, 2015 Car Care

FALL/WINTER

Automobile Guide THE JOURNAL PRESS, INC.

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November 2015 • Fall Car Care Guide

How to get the most bang for your automotive buck Metro Creative Automobiles are more expensive than ever before.

According to auto researcher Kelley Blue Book, the average transaction price of a new car or truck sold in the United States in April 2015 was $33,560. That figure, which represents a nearly 3 percent increase from the average transaction price a year earlier, highlights just how expensive new cars have become.

Because cars and trucks are such significant investments, many drivers want to get the most bang for their automotive buck.

While that desire compels some drivers to purchase the most fuelefficient vehicle they can afford, motorists should know that fuel efficiency is not the only way they can secure the best returns on their automotive investments.

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Maintenance Adhering to manufacturer maintenance guidelines is perhaps the most effective way for drivers to ensure a great return on their automotive investments.

Routine maintenance, whether it’s changing oil at the recommended mileage intervals or keeping tires properly inflated so engines aren’t overtaxed, can add years to a vehicle’s life expectancy, stretching drivers’ dollars along the way.

Technology Many drivers purchase a car or truck and never give a second thought to the vehicle’s lights.

There’s a great disparity between standard manufacturer-installed lights and aftermarket lights that employ the latest technology, such as Philips Vision LEDs. With LEDs, vehicle owners are less likely to lose a light to burnout or failure, which can effect visibility and potentially result in a police citation. Unlike incandescent bulbs that will eventually fade and go dim, LEDs stay bright at the same intensity, so drivers can be confident and rely on their consistent performance.

Vision LEDs are new, innovative bulbs that are available for direct replacement on interior and exterior lights and feature an advanced design capable of handling extreme heat and high vibrations.

Because of their robust design and durability, Vision LEDs are backed by a 12-year limited warranty, providing drivers with more than a decades’ worth of return on their initial investments.

And, unlike standard incandescent lights in brake light applications,

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Vision LEDs turn on instantly, helping drivers react faster.

A faster light response can help reduce overall braking distance.

For example, at a speed of 75 miles per hour, a driver can reduce braking distance by up to 20 feet because of a quicker reaction to the brake lights.

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Safety Features in Your Car That You May Not Know About StatePoint Today’s vehicles come with an abundance of new features and technologies that can aid drivers, make passengers more comfortable and provide realtime information about a vehicle’s health. Most importantly, many vehicle technologies today are designed with safety in mind.

The trouble is, too many drivers do not realize these features exist, or know how to use them to their full potential.

A recent University of Iowa study found 40 percent of drivers have been startled or surprised by something their vehicle has done -- a troubling finding given that car crashes are a leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

“Technology can be a gamechanger when it comes to safety,” said Deborah A.P. Hersman, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. “In order to fully recognize the benefits of these new systems, drivers need to be aware of them and also understand their

limitations.”

With this need in mind, NSC partnered with the University

of Iowa to launch “My Car Does What” -- a virtual owner’s manual that demystifies the latest, most

cutting-edge vehicle features.

The campaign’s website, www.

MyCarDoesWhat.org, highlights

technologies such as: • Back-up cameras that provide a view of the blind zone behind the car when the vehicle is in reverse.

• Blind spot monitors that alert drivers when something is in their blind spot.

• Forward collision warnings that warn drivers when they are closing in on the vehicle ahead too quickly.

• Automatic emergency braking systems that apply the brakes if the system detects an imminent collision.

• Anti-lock braking systems that prevent wheels from locking up, helping to avoid uncontrolled skidding and providing some steering control in slippery conditions.

• Rear cross traffic alerts that warn drivers if traffic is approaching from the left or right when the vehicle is in reverse.

• Adaptive cruise control that maintains the speed set by the driver and a pre-set following distance.

• Lane departure warnings that alert drivers if they drift into another lane when the turn signal is not activated.

Consumers can find simple ways to trim auto insurance costs Metro Creative The cost of owning an automobile extends beyond maintenance and fueling costs.

One of the biggest expenses motorists must plan for is auto insurance, the cost of which can vary greatly depending on geography and driver history.

No matter where drivers live or what their histories are, there are some simple ways for drivers to save money on their monthly insurance premiums. ¥ Reassess your driving habits.

Auto insurance companies consider how many miles drivers drive per year when determining the cost of an insurance policy.

Many drivers provide this information when opening a policy, but then never update it when renewing or extending their policies. If you drive less now than you did when you opened your policy, notify your insurance company and you might end up paying less each month, especially if your daily commute is considerably shorter than it used to be. ¥ Check your credit rating.

Another way to save money on your auto insurance is to check your credit rating and, if necessary, take steps to improve your credit score. Credit rating is another variable insurance companies use to determine

drivers’ premiums, and a good credit rating can save drivers a substantial amount of money on their policies. If your credit rating has improved since you opened your policy, contact your insurance company and you might see the cost of your insurance reduced dramatically.

It’s also good to periodically view your credit report to determine if there are any errors that are negatively affecting your rating. Such errors may be inflating your auto insurance premiums. ¥ Hit the books. No matter how many years you have behind the wheel, your auto insurance company may offer

you discounts if you periodically take defensive driving courses.

Such classes are inexpensive, but they may save you as much as 10 percent on the cost of your auto insurance policy.

Young, inexperienced drivers and seniors tend to benefit from defensive driving courses more than other drivers. ¥ Change your policy. Drivers also can save money by making changes to their policies. Raising your deductible is perhaps the easiest way to save money without affecting your coverage, and such a decision can save you as much as 15 percent

depending on how high a deductible you’re willing to pay.

Drivers whose cars are older and completely paid off might want to drop their collision insurance, which pays you if your car is damaged or destroyed in an accident. Such insurance won’t yield much in return if your car is not worth much money, and dropping it from your policy can save you between 10 and 15 percent.

Auto insurance is a necessity for drivers of all ages, but there are several ways to cut the costs of insurance premiums without affecting coverage.

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November 2015 • Fall Car Care Guide

Car buyers should understand window-sticker terms Metro Creative Buying a new car can be both exciting and confusing.

The automotive industry, including manufacturers, dealerships and salespeople, have their own unique lingo, and buyers may not always understand some of the terms they hear as they shop for a new car.

Anyone who has ever visited a new car dealership has probably glanced at a new car sticker and felt like something has been lost in translation.

Such stickers hang prominently in the windows of all new cars on the lot, but reading them can be akin to reading a complicated legal document.

Drivers about to begin their searches for new vehicles may benefit from learning the following terms they might see when reading window stickers at their local auto dealerships.

• Vehicle description: This is typically at the top left or right of the sticker, and it includes information about the vehicle you are looking at. This includes the type of engine and transmission, the interior and exterior colors, the make and model of the vehicle, and its passenger capacity.

• Destination charge: Drivers who have passed auto transport trucks hauling new automobiles on the highway might not know it, but if they ever bought a new vehicle, chances are they helped to pay for

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the trip those cars made from the manufacturing plant to the dealership lot. That’s because window stickers typically list a destination charge, which is the fee buyers pay to get the vehicle from the plant to the dealership. This might be listed as “Destination & Delivery” on the sticker.

• Fuel economy: Many buyers understand this term when they see it, but they might not know that the figure listed next to fuel economy, which is an estimate of how many much miles per gallon a given vehicle gets in the city and on the highway, is determined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

• MSRP: The MSRP, or manufacturer suggested retail price, is the price of the vehicle before any additional charges, including destination charges, are added in.

• Standard equipment: On a window sticker, the basic items the vehicle is equipped with are listed as the standard equipment. This can include a number of items, such as AM/FM radio and heating and cooling systems. The standard equipment listed on the sticker is often broken down into categories, including exterior, interior, safety/security and warranty information.

• Optional equipment: The special features available, such as leather interior and heated seats, will be listed separately in this category. These features may only be available as part of bundled packages, though some manufacturers allow buyers to add them a la carte.

• Total retail price: The total retail price includes the MSRP and the standard and optional equipment, but it does not include taxes or registration and title fees.

• Safety ratings: Safety ratings also are included on vehicle stickers, and these can shed light on how the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has rated a given vehicle if it has tested that car or truck. If you are unsure of what those terms mean or if the safety ratings are not listed (the NHTSA does not test every new model every year), visit the Insurance Institute for High Safety website at www. iihs.org.

Prospective car buyers may not give new vehicle window stickers more than a passing glance, but these stickers are invaluable sources of information that can shed a great deal of light on a given vehicle and its costs and features.

Fall Car Care Guide • November 2015

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Car buyers should scope out right times of year to make a purchsae desirable to customers eagerly awaiting next year’s vehicles.

Dealerships are willing to negotiate on the older models and may offer customers cash rebates to make room for the new inventory.

Metro Creative New automobiles are one of the biggest investments many consumers will ever make.

Buyers typically look to get the best price on new vehicles, and when buyers begin their search for new vehicles can influence just how great a deal they get.

Timing your new car purchase correctly can save you hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars. Automotive information experts, such as JD Power and Associates and Edmunds.com, note that certain times of the year may be best for cutting a deal.

End of design cycle From time to time, auto manufacturers roll out a newly designed car under the same name.

The older body type then becomes less desirable, and that is when drivers can get bargains on cars that may have become outdated seemingly overnight.

If you’re more interested in saving money than setting trends, wait until the end of a car’s design cycle to buy.

You can save even more if a particular model is being phased out entirely.

End of year One of the best and most consistent times to get a great deal on a new car is the end of the year. This is when car dealerships are trying to move the greatest number of vehicles to increase unit sales and annual revenue numbers.

In addition, many dealers have annual quotas and offer bonuses to salespeople who meet certain annual sales figures.

If you can wait until the end of December to make your purchase, you very well may drive off the lot with a great deal.

End of the month Similar to end of year deals, come the end of the month, salespeople and dealers are trying to sell as many vehicles as possible in an effort to qualify for bonuses from auto manufacturers. If you can’t wait until the end of the year to buy, consider the end of the month.

Save money on your next vehicle by shopping at the right times.

End of model year New model year vehicles begin to arrive at dealerships sometime between the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. That means the current year models still on the lot become a lot less

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November 2015 • Fall Car Care Guide

Great Holiday Gifts for the Handy DIY-ers in Your Life StatePoint The holiday season is the perfect time to ensure the handy guys and gals in your life are well-equipped for all their planned projects in the coming year -- whether that is building shelves, making home improvements or fixing up the car.

Every DIY-er needs an up-todate, comprehensive toolbox, as damaged or dull gear can pose a safety hazard, and the wrong implement for the job can slow down work and even be dangerous to the user and anyone nearby.

When doing your gift shopping, consider opting for a few highquality tools. It can be tempting to try to save a few dollars when holiday budgets are tight, as well as add heft to a gift basket with more items, but you will be doing your gift recipient a bigger favor by investing in fewer tools that will out-perform and out-last their flimsier alternatives.

With this top of mind, here are a few gift ideas to consider: • A durable, strong set of screwdrivers will be designed to handle the rigors of everyday use. Consider a 10-piece set from CHANNELLOCK, which recently introduced their American-made professional screwdrivers. Round out the gift with the brand’s sixin-one multi-bit screwdriver.

Each is designed with a four-sided acetate handle that delivers great torque and is impact-resistant, and its blasted tips can be used in electronic applications.

• Give the gift of versatility with an adjustable wrench. Look for one with slim jaws for extra reach and maximum accessibility, but great jaw capacity to support larger nuts and bolts.

• Every home and garage needs a high-quality straight jaw tongue and groove plier. For one that will last long enough to pass down to the kids, consider CHANNELLOCK’s, which can be purchased solo or as part of a two-piece gift set that also

A variety of tools make dream gifts for do-it-yourself auto mechanics as the holidays approach. Consider tools such as diagonal cutting pliers to help with adjusting the length of engine hoses. Other gifts include a durable set of screwdrivers or a high-quality straight jaw tongue-andgroove plier. If you’re feeling generous, consider a transportable tool box. It’s the perfect gift for your shade-tree mechanic. includes a diagonal cutting plier.

Treated to grip better, last longer and prevent rust, these tools will prove useful for years to come.

• For those whose handy projects take them places or if they spend a lot of time on different home projects indoors and outside, consider a transportable toolbox that is lightweight in structure but durable, waterproof, and lockable.

Don’t know what’s needed? Get a gift card to a hardware retailer so your gift recipient can make the right purchase.

Practical and useful tools make excellent gifts that keep on giving.

With extra attention paid to making quality purchases, you can ensure they last for many years.

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Fall Car Care Guide • November 2015

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Things you may not know about leasing a car Metro Creative Many people prefer leasing an automobile to buying one, and leasing can be more advantageous than buying in various ways.

For example, leasing allows drivers who cannot afford to purchase a new and more reliable vehicle the opportunity to drive such a car or truck, at a cost that is considerably less over the long haul than buying the vehicle outright.

Leasing also makes it possible for drivers who prefer newer cars to exchange their automobiles every few years, saving them the expense of maintaining a car as it ages.

When leasing an automobile for the first time, motorists may not be aware of certain things about leasing that could benefit them over the course of their leases.

The following are a few such things that drivers may want to consider when negotiating an automobile lease at the dealership.

• Mile restrictions are not set in stone. Standard leases typically limit drivers to 12,000 miles per year over the life of the lease. In such an agreement, a three-year lease would allow lessees to drive 36,000 miles in the vehicle.

Any additional miles on the vehicle when it is turned in at the end of the lease would incur a penalty. But mileage limits are negotiable, and drivers who think they will exceed 12,000 miles per year can tailor their leases to

allow for additional miles. Extra miles will cost more money, but that extra expense will likely pale in comparison to excess mileage charges, making it well worth the investment for drivers to negotiate extra miles into their lease at the time of signing.

• You may need to pay a substantial initial down payment.

Monthly lease terms are favorable to men and women who cannot

afford to finance a car or those who want to avoid long-term financing with hefty monthly payments. But many leases require lessees to pay substantial down payments upon agreeing to the lease.

If such a down payment proves a hurdle you cannot clear, then itÕs important to know that some leases do not require a down payment at all, while others require only a minimal payment

upfront. However, such leases may be exclusive to drivers with exceptional credit.

• You can comparison shop with a lease. Much like you would comparison shop when buying a car, you can do the same when leasing. After a dealer runs your credit and/or estimates your down payment, you may feel as though you cannot afford to lease a new car.

But you have many options to choose from when looking for an auto lease, and each one is likely to make a different offer. If you persevere and do your research, you ultimately may end up with a lease that puts you in a new car at an affordable price.

• Gap insurance protects you in case of a theft or wreck. Gap insurance (which stands for guaranteed asset protection) is available but not standard for an automobile lease.

Gap insurance protects lessees and covers their remaining lease payments if a car is stolen or wrecked while the lease is ongoing.

Some lessees choose to accept gap insurance, while others do not. The latter group is taking a risk that the car will not be stolen or wrecked during the life of the lease.

If it is, the driver will then be responsible for the monthly payments even if he or she no longer has the vehicle. Drivers in the former group will not be on the hook for such payments.

Some lessees never use their gap insurance, but the peace of mind it provides is worth the investment for many drivers.

Leasing is a great way for drivers to drive new automobiles they otherwise might not be able to afford.

Drivers should familiarize themselves with the ins and outs of leasing before signing on the dotted line.

Snow tires a sound investment to battle winter weather Metro Creative Automotive experts say that snow tires are a worthy investment that improve maneuverability and stopping power on winter roads.

Many people leave all-season tires on their vehicles throughout the year, but snow tires may help decrease snow-related accidents and may even help drivers save money on their auto insurance.

Consumer Reports says now is the best time to buy snow tires.

As drivers prepare their vehicles

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for winter, the following snow tire tutorial can shed some light on why driving in winter is safer with snow tires.

• Snow tires are particularly helpful for people who cannot wait for roads to be cleared before they begin their days.

Snow tires provide greater traction in wet, snowy or slushy conditions. Snow tires provide ample grip and make it easier for cars to turn corners and stop on slick roads.

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rubber used to make traditional tires can become hard and less pliable, compromising its ability to grip the road.

However, many snow tires are made with a specialized rubber that remains supple even in very cold temperatures, making it easier for the tire to hug the roadways even when those roads are in poor condition.

• People who live in very cold climates and areas where snow and ice dominate the landscape for several months per year often find all-season tires are inadequate and likely to slip. Snow tires make for safer alternatives in such regions.

• Snow tires are typically manufacturered the previous summer, meaning inventory is finite, according to Consumer Reports.

Drivers who wait until the first snowstorm to purchase their snow tires may encounter limited inventory and find it difficult to locate the right size tire for their vehicles. That’s why it’s important

to shop early.

• Retire snow tires earlier than you would all-season tires.

Snow tires lose almost all of their effectiveness once they reach 6/32inch deep tread.

Snow tires can make roads safer for drivers who live in locales with

long, snowy winters.

They also are ideal for drivers who desire more traction, cornering and stopping capacity on winter roads.

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November 2015 • Fall Car Care Guide

Choose carefully when seeking the right auto body shop Metro Creative

For many vehicle owners, finding the right auto body shop is nearly as important as finding the right physician.

The average price of a new automobile continues to rise, and protecting that investment is of paramount importance to motorists hoping to extend the lives of their vehicles and maximize their investments.

Part of protecting your automobile investment is finding an auto body shop you can trust.

A trustworthy mechanic whom you’re comfortable with can ease any concerns you have when taking the car in for maintenance, whether that maintenance is a routine tune up or more extensive repairs.

Though mechanics differ greatly, the road to finding one you can trust is largely the same no matter where you live. * Get a recommendation. Aside from his skill set, a trustworthy mechanic’s best friend might just be his reputation. Word-ofmouth recommendations from satisfied customers are invaluable assets for mechanics, and such recommendations should be equally valued by vehicle owners.

When looking for a new auto body shop, drivers should ask friends, neighbors, coworkers, and family members if they can recommend any local shops. If anyone offers an especially glowing recommendation, take it to heart and consider that shop the next time your vehicle needs work. * Don’t be afraid to get estimates.

Drivers who tend to agonize the

Your vehicle is the second-largest investment you make after your home. It’s important to care for your vehicle. Consumers should take many factors into account when selecting a body shop. to make repairs to your auto. most over finding a new auto body shop tend to be those with little history taking vehicles in for repairs. This group is likely growing thanks to the escalating costs of new vehicles.

Those costs are encouraging drivers to keep their vehicles longer, which means drivers are now keeping their vehicles even after the manufacturer warranty has expired and the dealership where the car had been serviced will no longer do so under the warranty agreement. In such instances, it might be less expensive to take the vehicle to an auto body shop that’s

not affiliated with a dealership.

But that can be a frightening prospect for those who have not done so in the past. To ease those concerns, drivers should obtain several estimates.

The cheapest estimate won’t necessarily be the best fit for you and your vehicle, but multiple estimates should give you an idea of how much certain repairs should cost and who may or may not be overcharging you. * Consider the shop’s location.

Recent transplants to an area who might have relocated for a new job often want to familiarize

themselves with their new home base as much as possible, and this can pay dividends when a vehicle needs repairs.

The lay of the land also should be considered by those people who have lived in the same town their whole lives. Auto body shops located in affluent neighborhoods may charge their customers more for labor than shops in middleincome locales.

And those escalated labor costs might not be sinister. Instead, higher labor costs may be a reflection of the shop having higher operation costs, such as rent, than

its competitors on the other side of town. So when shopping for an affordable auto body shop, motorists should consider the location of the shop and how that location might ultimately impact their bottom line. * Ask as many questions as you need to. Some drivers, especially those who admit to having limited knowledge of cars, feel as if they must simply accept a mechanic’s assessment and estimates at face value.

Though a good mechanic won’t try to mislead you, it’s still good to ask as many questions as possible before agreeing to let an auto body shop work on your vehicle.

When the mechanic diagnoses the problem, don’t be afraid to ask him to explain the problem, including what might have caused it. In addition, don’t be afraid to ask about service warranties, and be as specific as possible, asking what a warranty covers, how long work and/or parts are covered and if the warranty can be delivered in writing.

These questions and their subsequent answers can provide you some peace of mind, and a reputable auto body shop should have no problem answering as many questions as you can ask them.

Initially, finding a new auto body shop can seem like a daunting task. But seeking the help of others and taking some additional steps can make the process go more smoothly and increase your chances of finding a mechanic you can trust.

Consumers should shop carefully when choosing a body shop to make repairs on their vehicles.

Take steps to lower the cost of owning your vehicle Metro Creative According to a recent Automobile Association of America study, the cost of owning a vehicle is somewhere between $7,000 and $11,000 annually depending on the type of vehicle.

That’s a substantial amount of money and may leave many motorists looking for ways to reduce the cost of automobile ownership.

Driving is a way of life for many people left with little choice but to keep a vehicle. There are ways for those who need their own automobiles to reduce the financial burden of vehicle ownership.

Downsize your vehicle In its study, AAA found that the

average cost of owning a vehicle varied considerably depending on the size of that vehicle. That should come as no surprise, as larger vehicles tend to consume more fuel and, as a result, cost more money.

But drivers might be surprised to learn just how much less it costs to own a small sedan than it does a four-wheel-drive SUV. Small sedans cost the least amount of money to own at $6,967 annually, while four-wheeldrive SUVs cost nearly twice that amount, setting their owners back $11,599 per year.

But the most surprising thing from the AAA study might be its findings as to the costs of owing a large sedan. Such vehicles are nearly as expensive as larger SUVs, costing drivers more than $11,000 per year.

So drivers who downsize their vehicles to a small sedan will likely save themselves a substantial amount of money over the life of the vehicle.

Drive safe Though numerous factors, including individuals’ driving histories, influence the cost of auto insurance, drivers with clean track records might be able to buck the industry trend and pay less for their auto insurance policy next year. Drivers who can avoid accidents and citations are likely to see their rates decrease from year to year.

Buy a used car Buying a used car may not give buyers the initial excitement of driving off a car lot behind the

wheel of a brand new vehicle, but it might prove quite exciting for your bank account.

In 2013, experts at the automotive Web site Edmunds.com examined three different financing methods and the cost of each over a six-year period, which the global market intelligence firm Polk estimates is the average car ownership period.

The study examined the costs, including interest rates and fees, of leasing or buying a 2013 Honda Accord EX and buying a used 2010 Accord EX. The total cost of buying used after six years was $20,960, while the cost of leasing was $24,768 and the cost of buying new was $28,330.

Buying used even saves buyers money when factoring in equity.

And an older used car won’t cost

as much to insure as a vehicle that is being leased or financed.

Drive less Of course, the easiest way for automobile owners to trim the costs of owning their vehicles is to drive less. Though vehicle manufacturers have improved fuel economy in recent years, driving less will save money on fuel.

Such factors may cause a dip in fuel prices one day, but a sharp increase in price the next day.

Regardless of fluctuating fuel prices, drivers who can cut back on their driving are certain to save money.

The cost of vehicle ownership is on the rise. But motorists who rely on their vehicles can still find ways to save money.