An Education and Technology Guide
Auto Care and Safety
Mario Andretti The racing legend offers tips on how to stay safe behind the wheel
How to know if you’re taking proper care of your tires Why every car needs a good set of wiper blades
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Eliminating Distractions Makes Driving Safer Today’s cars are safer than ever, with lots of features that warn the driver of potentially dangerous situations. Proper maintenance will keep your car running safely and hassle-free, however, driver error causes more than 93 percent of fatal crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That means drivers are the weakest link in safety on our roads and highways. Most crashes that cause death and major injuries are preventable. Of the estimated 38,800 traffic fatalities on American roads last year, more than 75 percent were caused by drunk and impaired drivers, distraction, and speeding. For drunk driving, there’s a simple solution — don’t drink and drive. However, medications, including many over-thecounter drugs, can cause serious impairment as well. Distraction is also a leading factor in crashes. We all know the dangers of texting while driving, and most states now have laws banning texting or talking on a cellphone while driving. Tuning the radio, adjusting the GPS system, eating or drinking, or fixing your makeup can cause you to take your eyes off the road for precious seconds. Smart decisions when you get behind the wheel can help assure you arrive safely. David Reich, Public Relations Director, The National Road Safety Foundation
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This Teen Program Is Saving Lives and Making Our Roads Safer The B.R.A.K.E.S. Pro-Active Teen Defensive Driving Program is making a measurable impact on the young drivers involved, but more needs to be done to keep our nation’s youth safe on the roads.
In 2008, my life changed forever when my two sons lost their lives in a car crash. The impact of that day is as profound now as it was a dozen years ago. Right after that life-changing incident, I learned that car crashes were the No. 1 cause of death among teens. Twelve years later, that hasn’t changed. In fact, the CDC has determined that teen driver deaths can be categorized as an epidemic. In 2008, more teens died because of car crashes than the next four causes of death combined. It wasn’t acceptable then and it’s unacceptable now. It’s also avoidable.
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Making a difference When I learned this, I knew I had to do something to effect change. I had to use my motorsports platform in the NHRA Top Fuel drag-racing world to save lives and honor my boys Jon and James. Unnecessary tragedy and hardship can be avoided through the exercises that are not included in driving school curriculums. That’s why proactive training is so effective — it offers actual, behind-thewheel experience in controlled environments that simulate what happens too often on today’s highways and surface streets. These are the situations that most often lead to on-road tragedy. Having taught approximately 45,000 teens across the country over the past 12 years, it’s especially rewarding to know our program is truly making a difference. An independent study reported that our graduates are 64 percent less likely
to be in a crash in their first three years of driving. Do your part But we’re still at the starting line. There is so much work to be done to reach our country’s newest and most inexperienced drivers, as well as their parents. While B.R.A.K.E.S. and other great programs are having a measurable impact, the rate of fatalities and injuries caused by car crashes remains high. Simply stated, one is too many. I ask parents, grandparents, uncles, and aunts to help fight this national epidemic. At a time when preoccupation and distraction is unprecedented, we must do something and we must do it immediately. As I can tell you personally, too much is at risk. n Doug Herbert, Founder, B.R.A.K.E.S.
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Publisher Arianna DiBella Business Developer Joelle Hernandez Managing Director Luciana Olson Lead Designer Tiffany Pryor Designer Celia Hazard Lead Editor Mina Fanous Copy Editor Dustin Brennan Director of Sales Stephanie King Director of Product Faye Godfrey Cover Photo Jaime Cody Photography All photos are credited to Getty Images unless otherwise specified. This section was created by Mediaplanet and did not involve USA Today.
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How the Right Set of Wiper Blades Can Keep You Seeing Clearly We all know how important it is to see while driving, which makes wiper blades one of the most critical parts of your car. Wiper blades are often overlooked, but being able to see in poor weather conditions is vital to the safety of you and others. Wiper blades degrade for a variety of reasons and should be replaced when you start to see the performance of the
wiper declining. Some of the symptoms of poor performing wiper blades include squeaking, streaking, or even visibly falling apart. If you notice any of these things happening to your wipers, it’s time to get them replaced. We often get questions about how long windshield wipers last or how often should they be replaced. This really depends on the climate in your area, the quality of
your blades, and the use of the vehicle. We believe it is more important to look at the symptoms rather than time but many suggest replacing your wiper blades on an annual basis. On the market Wiper blades come in a variety of qualities and prices. We recommend replacing your windshield wiper blades with ones that are of good quality
and are going to withstand the harsh environments. If you live in an environment that sees a lot of ice and snow, you may want to consider a winter blade that remains more flexible in the cold weather and has a rubber cover over the arms to prevent ice and slush from freezing to it. Installing wiper blades is a fairly simple job but if you feel you don’t have the right skills, many parts stores will install
them for free. Your local repair facility can also handle the task for you. Lastly, don’t forget about your windshield washer fluid as it also plays an important role in maintaining the clarity of your windshield. If you live in a colder environment, make sure the fluid’s point is below your coldest temperature. n Automotive Maintenance & Repair Association (AMRA) MEDIAPLANET
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Even if you don’t realize it, checking your phone or the GPS while in the car takes your eyes — and mind — off the road. Under the wrong circumstances, that distraction could be fatal. In 2018, nearly 3,000 people died in distraction-related crashes in the United States. A contributing factor in all of these crashes is called “inattention blindness” — the failure to notice a visible hazard because one’s attention is focused elsewhere, even if the hazard is in plain sight. By doing your part to understand and prevent this cognitive form of distraction, you can keep yourself and others safe on the road. Drivers today are contending with more potential distractions than ever before, including cell phones, GPS devices, and in-vehicle infotainment systems. Many succumb to the draw of these electronics while driving, which can distract the mind, and lead to death and injury on the road. Studies indicate drivers can be distracted even after programming a GPS device or sending a text via a voice command system. Long enough to miss a stop sign or pedestrian? You bet. Here’s an example: Say a driver is using voice commands to order takeout food. The driver’s brain becomes lost on that order — thin- or thick-crust pizza? What kind of toppings? Instead of focusing on the road, the driver can miss up to half of what is in his or her driving environment, including traffic signals, stopped vehicles, and pedestrians. This behavior can have deadly consequences. Research shows just listening to a cell phone conversation decreases brain activity associated with driving by more than one-third, leading to safety performance issues, such as the inability to react quickly in congested driving zones. Think of this distraction as driving blindfolded. Who drives like that? To learn more about inattention blindness and distracted driving, visit nsc.org. Alex Epstein, Director of Transportation Safety, National Safety Council
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Racing Legend Mario Andretti Says a Good Driver Knows How to Adapt
PHOTO: JAIME CODY PHOTOGRAPHY
Why Driving Distracted Blinds You Behind the Wheel
Racing champion Mario Andretti explains why vehicle maintenance is so important and why a good driver knows how to adapt to different types of cars.
The most important part of car maintenance is the driver, according to Mario Andretti, and he would know. The racing legend is the only driver in history to have won the Daytona 500, the Indianapolis 500, and the Formula One World Championship. What Michael Jordan is to basketball, Andretti is to racing. So, who better to explain the importance of proper vehicle maintenance? When it comes to caring for your car, Andretti explained the
importance of following your vehicle’s suggested maintenance schedule, not only to maintain peak performance but also to avoid costly repairs down the road. However, the most important factor in vehicle performance, Andretti said, is the driver. Adapting skills Consider Andretti’s own experience driving NASCAR, Formula One, and Indy cars at the highest level. “The skillset of the driver is basically the same but the car is different,” Andretti says. “Each racing car has its own characteristics. So it’s all about adapting.” He explained that different vehicles need to be handled differently and that a skilled driver will know how to drive to
get the biggest advantage out of their car. “Most F1 drivers would have a tendency to overdrive a NASCAR vehicle because stock cars are slower,” he said. “It’s the job of the driver to understand the characteristics and adapt. “A driver has to be skilled enough to be able to get the most out of each car. While it takes the same skill, it’s the handling that’s different. It’s like flying a fighter aircraft (F1) versus a bomber (NASCAR). The IndyCar is driven like a laser. The stock car is heavier and a totally different beast.” Keeping it pristine When it comes to maintaining your car, Andretti says it’s essential to read the vehicle’s manual and follow the recommended maintenance schedule. Just as different racing cars have different characteristics, so do the vehicles you see on the road. “The vehicle is supposed to be operated as it was designed, which is why you have an owner’s manual,” he said. As a bona fide racing legend, Andretti knows how cars should be treated, and he’s excited to see how vehicle systems are becoming more sophisticated as new technology emerges. To anyone who loves cars as much as he does, and is interested in a professional auto care career, Andretti has one last piece of advice. “Go to a good trade school,” he said. “Today’s vehicle systems are more complex than ever. As a result, cars are even more exciting to work on and they’re only getting more and more interesting each year. The proper training can get you familiar with all the newest features, and if that’s what you love, if you thrive on technology, you will enjoy being on top of all the interesting changes and new developments.” n Lynne Daggett
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You May Need an Extended Auto Warranty Car ownership comes with many expenses, like insurance, maintenance, and fuel. But what most modern auto owners don’t consider is the risk of unexpected auto repairs that can cost thousands of dollars in parts and labor.
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utside of breakd ow n s , w h i c h plague many of today’s top-selling automobile manufacturers, there are also several trends which make it even more important to have vehicle service protection.
Vehicle protection Americans are holding onto automobiles longer. A combination of rising car prices and auto loan interest rates has made purchasing a new car more expensive than ever. With new car prices up as much as 4 percent in 2019 vs. prior periods, combined with loan interest rates which have been as high as 6 percent, auto owners have chosen to forego purchasing new cars or extended their terms to 60 months or more. Fewer new car purchases mean older cars are on the road longer, and auto owners face more frequent breakdowns at higher mileage. An extended car warranty provides
vehicle protection after the manufacturer’s warranty expires and can be customized to deliver an affordable level of protection. Covering breakdowns Cars are becoming increasingly complex. Modern automobiles are complicated to service because most include on-board sensors and computers to monitor performance and keep drivers safe. More sophisticated technology has led to thousands of component parts that are subject to failure, many of which are costly to replace and require specially trained technicians to perform the repair. Today, most mechanical issues trigger a check engine light error which requires a trip to the repair shop just for diagnostics. Auto repairs are not as simple as they once were, so an extended auto warranty can provide peace of mind and cover expensive repairs that can total thousands in parts and labor. Endurance, the leading direct administrator of vehicle protection, has relationships
with licensed mechanics nationwide to get you back on the road in the case of a breakdown. We’re more reliant upon our cars than ever. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, we’re driving a record-setting number of highway miles — traveling as many as 3 trillion miles per year. As communities expand and we travel across the country for leisure and work, our reliance on our automobiles has never been greater. Being prepared for an unexpected breakdown is essential for drivers whose livelihood depends heavily on their vehicle, or for those who are making long trips. Leading vehicle protection, including coverage from Endurance, offers 24/7 roadside assistance, towing, and rental car coverage with every plan. Plus, if you’re on a long trip, Endurance includes trip interruption with reimbursement for hotel and food while your car is repaired. Protect yourself from unexpected and costly repairs. With the cost to own an automobile on the rise, combined with our daily dependence on personal transportation, now is the time to gain peace of mind. n Endurance Auto Protection
Invest in vehicle protection now to save thousands in expenses later. Call 1-866-918-1438 to learn about coverage options, or visit http://www.endurancewarranty.com today for a free quote. Mention USA Today when you call to receive a special discount and save hundreds off your protection plan.
The Right Tires Can Keep Your Car Running Smoothly As the only part of your car that touches the road, tires are critically important for both vehicle performance and safety. We talked to Jenny Chu of Federal Tire about what drivers can do to make sure their tires are in tip-top shape. How often should drivers rotate their tires? We strongly recommend tire rotation every 6,000-8,000 miles. Typically, when you go in to get your oil changed, you should also have your tires rotated. How can worn down or low-pressure tires affect overall vehicle function? Old or improperly inflated tires can be extremely dangerous to drive on. They could lead to tread separation, which is one of the most common causes of rollover accidents. Drivers can check their tires for the date they were manufactured — the DOT code on every tire indicates the week of the year the tire was made. It is important to pay attention to your tires. Tread pattern is one indicator of tire wear but it’s not everything. Rubber compound has its shelf life, which means tires can deteriorate over time. In other words, just because the tread depth on your tires is still there doesn’t mean they are safe to use. Roughly, the recommended lifespan for tires is five years, however, warm weather can speed up wear and tear. MEDIAPLANET
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Why Professional Detailing Is the Best Way to Care for Your Car Professional auto detailing is the process in which a detailer combines skill, knowledge, chemicals, equipment, industry standards, technology, and efficient processes to produce high-quality results for the consumer and their car.
How to Make Your Vehicle Last 300,000 Miles
The average person spends countless hours inside their vehicle in a given year. Spilling food and drinks, transporting sick people, collecting airborne illness and allergens, and more can all occur inside of your vehicle. That’s why having the interior of your vehicle professionally detailed on a regular basis is a crucial part of eliminating germs and killing bacteria lingering on surfaces and circulating through air vents. Headlight restoration and windshield protection can keep you and your passengers safe. Headlights that are foggy and cloudy tremendously reduce visibility, which can pose a major threat for nighttime driving. A professional detailer has the skillset to restore cloudy headlights or protect new headlights, increasing visibility for nighttime driving.
A shiny finish There is nothing like a clean and shiny exterior finish on a vehicle. It’s the first thing you see when looking to buy a new car. Without routine maintenance, the exterior of your vehicle can lose that new-car luster, becoming dull, faded, and heavily contaminated over time, which is a costly fix. Whether you love the appearance of a freshly detailed vehicle, the peace of mind of reduced health and safety risks, or simply want to maintain the highest resale value, professional detailing is a sure way to check every box for all things car care. DJ Patterson, CD-SV, Founder, EcoGreen Mobile Detailing, LLC; President, International Detailing Association
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Even as vehicles become more sophisticated, they still need regular maintenance. By keeping up with your car’s suggested maintenance schedule, you can greatly extend its life.
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t’s not at all unusual to see cars, trucks, and SUVs with over 100,000 miles on their odometers in service shops these days. Modern vehicles are built better, last longer, and offer reliable transportation more than ever before, as long
as their owners do one simple thing: read the owner’s manual. The key to making your vehicle last 300,000 miles or more is regular maintenance. That means changing your oil at the recommended intervals and following the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. It’s all there in that extremely
valuable but underutilized piece of literature in your glove box. On schedule Cars are machines and machines need maintenance, no matter how sophisticated they become. While the growth of onboard computer control systems has improved fuel economy, performance, and efficiency, these computers ultimately control moving parts. Moving parts eventually wear out and have to be replaced. The trick is to do this before a minor repair turns into a major one, which is where the maintenance schedule can offer assistance. Typical maintenance schedules are laid out in a grid and are generally mileage-based. The ranges vary based on the type of driving you do but, believe it or not, most of us drive under what are considered severe driving conditions. The most important thing you can do is change your car’s oil and filter. If your vehicle uses conventional motor oil, you should do this every 4,000-7,500 miles. If your vehicle uses synthetic motor oil, those intervals can be 10,000 miles or more. How do you know what your vehicle uses? It’s in the owner’s manual. At the very least, you should have your vehicle serviced and inspected by a professional service shop at least twice a year. Spring and fall are good times for this to get ready for summer and winter driving. If you live in a state that doesn’t require periodic safety checks, have your technician look over the brakes, suspension, steering, and exhaust systems to check for obvious wear or damage. That way, you’ll catch worn items like brakes before they turn into a major expense. Remember, if you follow the vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance schedule, it’s entirely likely you’ll be driving that vehicle for 300,000 miles or more! n Tony Molla, Vice President, Automotive Service Association (ASA)
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The Tire Makes All the Difference
PHOTO: BRIAN MCGEE
The easiest way to improve your car’s performance, fuel economy, and safety is to choose the right tires.
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ire choice has a powerful impact on every aspect of a vehicle’s performance. Proper tire maintenance can improve fuel economy, safety, and overall performance — but car owners need to think beyond the seasons and pressure gauge. “We have served this industry for over 65 years with strong technical capabilities,” says Jenny Chu, marketing section head, at Federal Tire North America, an award-winning tire manufacturer headquartered in Torrance, California. “We use stateof-the-art technology, strict quality control, and highly-regulated safety standards to develop innovative, quality tires in categories like Ultra High Performance Tires (UHP), Pas-
senger Car Radial Tires (PCR), Light Truck Radial Tires (LTR), as well as winter tires.” The right tire for the job Chu says that car owners should choose tires suited for their needs. “Our UHP tires are designed for hardcore speed chasers with outstanding control, responsiveness, and wet/dry traction,” she says. UHP tires like Federal’s flagship product, the Evoluzion F60 (which won the Red Dot Award in 2019), offer improved handling, cornering capabilities, and warm-up for high horsepower vehicles. Vanderhall Motor Works, which manufactures high-performance three-wheeled roadsters, uses another Federal UHP tire on its vehicles. “The 595 RS-RR is superb in its
performance and you can’t beat its presentation,” says Daniel Boyer, Vanderhall’s marketing director. When it comes to PCR tires, also known as passenger tires, Chu says car owners should be looking for excellent all-season driving comfort, safety, and durability. “Federal’s award-winning Formoza AZ01 has a strong casing for better treadwear, for example,” Chu says. “That allows it to provide great handling in both wet and dry conditions while offering low road noise and enhanced comfort on highways.” For trucks, Chu advises that owners consider whether they need mud terrain (M/T) tires, rugged terrain (RT), or all-terrain (AT) tires. “Federal’s Xplora line also includes the MTS, a mud and high-performance tire,”
Chu points out. “These tires feature V-shape grooves for tire rigidity and protection against chips and cuts and armor-like appearance with massive blocks for stable and safe steering and traction control.” Federal Tire also has a full range of winter and commercial tires. “Federal Tire has been an integral part of American life for generations,” she says. “With our heritage and spirit of innovation, we thrive on serving our communities with quality products.” n Jeff Somers
For more information on choosing the right tires, please visit federaltireusa.com.
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